HALAL FORUM

I came across this link while browsng. Hope InshÁllah it proves beneficial to all of us muslims.

WORLD HALAL FORUM

Spread the word and create awareness.

Ten different phrases that are short, easy, and light, but will give you what no eye has seen, no hear has heard, and what no mind has imagined.

Enjoy (and implement):


1 - "Whoever says: 'Glorified is Allah, the Most Great, and praised is He' [Subhan Allah al-'Adhim wa bi-Hamdih] will have a date palm planted for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #5531]

2 - "Whoever is stricken with sadness, grief, sickness or hardship and says: 'Allah is my Lord, without any partners' [Allahu Rabbi, la sharika lah], then it will be removed from him." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6040]

3 - "Whoever ate something, then said: ‘Praise be to Allah who has fed me this food and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part’ [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi at'amani hadha wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins. And whoever wears a garment and says: ‘Praise be to Allah who has clothed me with this garment and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part' [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi kasani hadha at-thawb wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins.” ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6086]

4 - "Whoever enters the marketplace and says: 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah who has no partners, for Him is the Dominion, and for Him is all Praise, He brings life and He causes death, and He is Alive and does not die, in His Hand is all good, and He is able to do all things,' [La ilaha ill-Allah, Wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-Mulk, wa lahul-Hamd, yuhyiyy wa yumit, wa Huwa Hayyun la yamut, bi Yadihil-Khayr wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadir] then Allah will write one million good deeds for him, and will wipe away one million of his bad deeds, and will raise him one million levels and will build a home for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6231]

5 - "Whoever controls his anger when he is able to act upon it, then Allah will call him to come in front of all of the Creation so that he would let him choose from the Hur al-'Ayn and marry from them whomever he pleases." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6518]

6 - "Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times [Allahumma inni as'aluk al-Jannah], then Paradise will say: "O Allah! Enter him into Paradise!" And whoever seeks protection with Allah from the Fire three times [Allahumma najjini min an-Nar], the Fire will say: "O Allah! Protect him from the Fire!"" [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, and it is authentic]

7 - "Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and the believing women, Allah writes for him - for every believing man and woman - a good deed." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad, and it is authentic]

8 - ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: "Whoever reads 'al-Mulk' (chapter 67 of the Qur'an) every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, it is a chapter which - whoever recites it every night - has done very well." ['Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib' #1475]

9 - “Whoever asks Allah sincerely for martyrdom [Allahumma inni as'aluk ash-shahadah], Allah will cause him to reach the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed.” ['Sahih al-Bukhari' #1909]

10 - "No one witnesses that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am Allah's Messenger - truthfully, from his heart - except that Allah makes the Fire of Hell forbidden to touch him." [Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, and al-Bayhaqi]

Translated by Abu Sabaayaa


taken from http://www.kalamullah.com/

sadaqah

How often do we see people stop and help others for the sake of humanity? Little gestures like helping a mother maneuver a stroller onto the pavement? Help someone with a heavy object - just for the sake of it? Smile at someone or compliment them on their effort - knowing they have put in hard work and a smile or kind word will cheer them up?

If we were paid to do these deeds - I'm sure there would be dearth of such kindness everywhere. No one would have to be asked.Simply because you were getting something in return.

Allah has created man. He Knows our weaknesses and strengths. The same way - if we do such kind deeds for His sake - we are indeed given something in return. A helping hand nor the kind word will be in vain. You will be rewarded. Such kindness falls under sadaqah.

sadaqah. It is something that we constatly need to remind ourselves of - because we often forget – I had only remembered one type of sadaqah – that was giving from your wealth. But there are other types of sadaqah. The general definition is that all good deeds are sadaqah.

The Messenger of Allah pbuh said ' every Muslim has to give sadaqah" the people asked : " O, Prophet what about the one who has nothing? " He replied: " he should work with his hands to give sadaqah" they asked " what if he cant find work?'. He replied ; " he should help the needy who asks for help." They asked ;" if he cannot do that? " He replied;" He should do good deeds and shun evil, for this will be taken as sadaqah"

[Related by Bukhari and others]

Abu Dhar Al-Ghifary said : The Messenger of Allah PBUH said : 'Sadqah is for every person every day the sun rises.' I said ' O Prophet from what do we give sadaqah if we do not possess property?'

He said : The doors of sadaqah are Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah; Alhamdullilah[ all praise is for Allah]; La ilaha illal-lah; Astaghfirullah [ I seek forgiveness from Allah]; enjoining good; forbidding evil removing thorns,bones, and stones form the paths of people; guiding the blind; listening to the deaf and dumb until you understand them; guiding a person to his object of need if you know where it is; hurrying with the strength of your legs to one in sorrow who is appealing for help; and supporting the weak with the strength of your arms. These are all the doors of sadaqah.

[The sadaqah] from you is prescribed for you, and there is a reward for you [even] in sex with your wife.' [Ahmad]

in another narration [Muslim] it is that the people asked the Prophet 'O Messenger is there reward if one satisfies his passion?' He replied " Do you now that is he satisfies it unlawfully he has taken a sin upon himself? Likewise, if he satisfies is lawfully, he is rewarded."

The messenger of Allah pbuh said : 'every good deed is sadaqah. To meet your brother with a smiling face and to pour out from your bucket into his container are sadaqah." [ I would interpret this is giving someone water, or spooning out food for someone or similar acts ]

A few examples of small gestures that we would never think to be rewarded for;

Eating halal food. Every time you put halal food in your mouth it is sadaqah - you are refraining from eating haram. That is why you will be compensated for it.

Doing something for your parents. Even it is something casual like dropping them somewhere , getting something that they asked for, or simply serving them food. Since a refusal to do something for them will be noted as a sin - simply by doing something - it is written down as a good deed.

Taking care of your employees. They are working for you. Make sure they are not over burdened. Do not be rude to them - race/age/ money - is no excuse for treating someone rudely. Be careful with you manners. Surely we all will be brought to account. As for the employees who work in your homes. Feed them the food that you eat. Be not harsh nor abusive to them. Treat them the way you would want to be treated.

Listen to Islamic lectures and gaining knowledge of and about Islam. Our knowledge will lead to us becoming better Muslims insh'Allah. Keep reminding yourself of your duties as Muslims - to children, parents- siblings - the people around you.

May Allah guide us all.

Start by doing a small good deed now. Maybe the article that you weren't getting time to read. The friend who needed you but you never got around to asking. The relative that you haven't met in a long time because of some dispute you had. Cleanse your heart against someone you had an argument with. Be careful the next time you put something in your mouth.Make sure its halal. If not.Forgo it for the sake of Allah - He will reward you with something ten times better insh'Allah.

Zill hajj.How to make the most of it!

I was going to write a post on the benefits of doing ibadah and how to make the most of these precious days of Zill hajj when every single good deed weighs so much more. Alhamdullilah, a sister fowarded me this article which i have copy/pasted. May Allah guide our ummah to the right path and prevent us from going astray.


The BEST days are here once again alhumdulillaah! We already know the significance of the 10 day of Dhul Hijjah… We know that good deeds during these days are the MOST beloved to Allaah. BUUUTTT… we sit back and watch these 10 Exceptional days fly by every year without making the most out of it. WHY? Most of the time its vecause we don't know what good deeds to do in the first place! (It could also be coz we are lazy, not interested, too busy, in the 'New Years' spirit …but lets not get into that ;))

Here's a list of easy good deeds to spice up these days and earn UNBELIEVABLE rewards on our scales. Most of the list is taken from Muhammad Al-Shareef's article- '50 things to do in Hajj' (with slight modifications applicable to those of us staying back) Use this list, and enjoy the pleasure of crossing out each deed as the days fly by. 1 day is already over… 9 more to go. Enjoy!51 things to do during the 10 days of Dhul -Hijjah


[1] Smile in another Muslims face

[2] Say Salam to strangers

[2.5] Say salaam to your family and those who you meet everyday - not Good morning or good evening.

[3] Shake someone's hand and ask about their health

[4] Shun vain talk

[5] Recite Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") everywhere you go and encourage others

[6] Lower your gaze

[7] Read Qur'an with the Tafseer

[8] Do the authentic Dhikr of the morning and evening

[9] Visit/ Phone relatives on Eid day

[10] Make dua for forgotten friends (and the author of this list)

[11] Say the dua of entering the market place when you go there

[12] Forgive people that wrong you

[13] Compliment someone sincerely

[14] Visit the hospital and thank Allah for all that He has given you

[15] (For men) On the days of Eid, offer perfume to those around you

[16] Remember specific blessings Allah has bestowed upon you and say Alhamdulillah

[17] Pray to Allah using His most beautiful names (al Asmaa' al Husna)

[18] Use a Miswak

[19] Memorize two ayahs of the Qur'an daily

[20] Visit your Non-Muslim neighbors and gift them Eid baskets (With a special note about the significance of this special occasion)

[21] Don't forget to visit your Muslim neighbors as well

[22] Make small/attractive cards about the importance of the 10 days of Dhul Hijja and hand it out at jumuah prayers (or any prayer!) Sisters- Give the cards out to the Muslims you meet during these days

[23] (For men) Pray in the masjid

[24] Buy gifts for Mom, Dad and family

[25] Call up someone who haven't spoken for AGES (But no gossiping!)

[26] Give charity every day - even 1 buck at the mall or supermarket or anywhere is good.

[27] Invite you non Muslim friend for lunch/dinner and tell her/him about Islam

[28] Switch OFF the TV (Turn ON your life!)

[29] Take out your long list of duas and beg Allaah to have ALL your desires fulfilled If you don't have a Dua list, MAKE ONE! (Advice of a sweet sister)

[30] Fast (Especially on 9th Dhul Hijjah) - for those in dxb, 9th dhul hijjah is on Friday, 3oth Dec

[31] Set your alarm ring earlier then Fajr and do qiyam! Trust me, you'll love it!

[32] Pray for our Ummah, Pray for the families sufferreing in iraq, afghanistan,chechnya. the prisoners that are being held without trial.

[33] Always intend reward from Allah for everything you do

[34] Forward this list to EVERY Muslim you know!

35. For those in dxb, try listening to 88.2 in your car, thats the Quran channel 36. Say dua for our Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasalam

37. Every thing that you do, do it for Allah's pleasure. For instance, sit and drink water, simply because it is sunnah that way.

38. Before going to bed say Ayatul kursi and the three Quls (qul hua allahu ahd, qul aauzu bi rabbi naas, qul aauzu bi rabbi'l falaq)

39. Teach a child a simple dua to say during his prayers. Whenever the child says the dua, you also will get the benefit.

40.Visit the sick or those who are lonely or don't have much company (eg. granparents or single granparent)

41.Offer two rakahs Salat ud-Duha…this is equal to offering charity for the 360 joints of the body.

42.Say loads of 'Astagfaar' (asking forgiveness)

43.Can even perform two rakahs for astagfaar.

44.Controlling the tongue ...and also avoiding fights

45.Good treatment towards parents (mostly taken for granted), relatives, neighbours, siblings (especially the younger ones who are mostly bossed)

46.Peace making – between 2 friends or relatives who may not be on good terms with each other

47.Remove harmful things from the way

48.Condolence and consoling…Making someone's day....some friend or relative maybe going through a diffcult time and many times we dont realize it.

.Meet for Allah...attend religious gatherings. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s. said: "When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them." The companions asked what are the gardens of Paradise, O Messenger of Allah? He replied: "The circles of zikr. There are roaming angels of Allah who go about looking for the circles of zikr and when they find them, they surround them closely."

49.Help an orphan/widow - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever strokes the head of an orphan, not stroking it for any other reason except to seek the pleasure of God, will be rewarded for every hair that his hand touches." He also said:"Whoever treats an orphan girl or boy well, I will be with him on the Day of Resurrection like these,' and he pointed to his two fingers, the index finger and the middle finger."

50.Kushoo in salaah -

51.Get rid of a bad habit (eg. being on time, more organized...and im sure there are many other habits we can fix )

[More suggestions are welcome]

note: salutul duha : The time for duha begins when the sun is about a spear's length above the horizon [so about 15 minutes or so after sunrise time on the timetable] and it continues until the sun reaches its meridian. It is preferred to delay it until the sun has risen high and the day has become hot.It can be prayed as two or more rakah.

power anybody?

The current political situation in Pakistan has made me realize [ well i realised it a while back - but anyways] – basically the stupidity of Pakistani leaders – who's first identity is being a Muslim. They are vying for power. Constant blood shed – flinging mud at each other and committing atrocities in the name of the Pakistani citizen's welfare. Promises being made – that we all know will never come true. Do these individuals ever pause and reflect? We know not. If they did – am sure their actions would have been quite different.

Do they realize the power they are vying for – what it really means?
To be responsible for each and every individual under their rule? On the day of qiyamah – will they be able to answer for each and every individual who was slighted against in the least bit?. If he/ she robbed? Why? What did the leader do? Why didn’t the poor people have enough to eat? To feed their kids? these so called leaders do not realize the magnitude of their responsibility – if they did – im sure they wouldn’t resort to murders to get what they want. A single anwar al awlaki lecture on omer ibn khattabs life or abu bakrs would’ve painted a clearer picture maybe. But do they really care? a quick look at pakistan - four major regions - Sindh - Balochistan - NWFP and Punjab. Population :roughly 150 million. hmmm- dear leaders hows that for questioning? do you have the morality and righteousness in you to stand up to such a tough questioning by the Almighty? i think not.

Omar ibn khattab did not want his son to become a khalifah after him – he simply stated –'it is enough that I will be questioned about everyone's welfare under my rule.' The fear of standing in front of Allah and being answerable was so great that he did not want his son to be a ruler after him. when he found out that a woman did not have enough flour in her house to cook - he took the sack on his back and hurriedly carried it to her house - when his servant asked him to take the load from him - Omar replied ' on the day of judgement will you carry the load of my sins for me?'

Sometimes when I read the news – about nawaz sharif fighting with musharraf – etc etc..i just find it funny in a sad way. These people have no idea what awaits them. Look at it in this extremely simplistic way – they spend their lives fighting behind this power- that’s nearly 20 – 30 years of their life gone – sometimes they rule some times they don’t – deduct another 5 years or so – then theyre out of power but they have their own little pawn games and power struggles. They at most have another 10- 20 years left of their lives. So basically they live in sin – by bribing – looting – murdering – eating , living and earning haram. Then, they die.

They leave people behind – who curse them . the ones they have made happy – well I don’t know how much it really counts because the reason usually is to gain popularity and media attention –mostly to divert the media and public from some other atrocity that they have committed. the way I see it – its hard enough to try and not wrong others living a simple life, and then you have these people – who want to rule. Nothing wrong in wanting to rule either. But why cant they follow the guidelines set by the Prophet Muhammed PBUH , Abu bakr siddiuq R.A or Omar ibn Khattab? Why do they have to commit atrocities to rule? If prior to rule they cant set a good example – can you just imagine the guide lines they follow during the rule?

well musharraf benazir and the rest. all the best - you ahve no idea what youre getting into. not by along shot.

May Allah guide us all on he right path. Ameen

Death. part one

A recent death in my extended family made me realize that a lot of Muslims feel helpless on someones death, since they don't know what dua - prayer- to make or how to go about it. plus, i was prompted by my family to write something on death - what to read and matters relating to it. i am no expert and am myself trying to learn. what ever i can find i will try and post on this subject. suggestions and information are also welcome. i hope this post is helpful inshÁllah.

Islam is a way of life. The Prophet PBUH used to guide the Muslims to visit the ill. firstly the person who is ill feels that there is support for him. people who care about him/her. secondly the family who is suffering also feels the support which others may not realize is much needed. thirdly and importantly the visiting people make dua [ prayer] for the ill and for themselves. it is a reminder to pray to Allah constantly to make ease for them in this world and the hereafter. to ease the suffering of their brethren and be grateful that Allah is not testing them in this manner. it is also a time for humility and generosity - if the healthy can help the ill in any manner they should do so. by supporting financially or any other way. sometimes only a smile and few kind words are enough. helping your Muslim brothers and sisters is like giving a loan to Allah. And only He repays in the best way of all.

It is Islamic etiquette to visit a sick Muslim, to provide him moral support, and to make sure that he or she is well taken care of.

Ibn 'Abbas said: "The first visit to a sick person is sunnah, while any subsequent visit is a voluntary act (a good deed)." Abu Musa reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captives."

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "A Muslim has six obligations to another Muslim." "What are these?" they asked. He replied: "To greet another Muslim when you meet him; to respond when he invites you; to give him your (sincerest) advice when he seeks it; to say 'may Allah have mercy upon you' when he sneezes and says ' may Allah be praised '; to visit him when he falls ill; and when he dies, to attend his funeral."

Reward for Visiting the Sick

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "A caller from heaven calls out to the person who visits a sick person, 'You are good and your path is good. May you enter your residence in Paradise'."

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Verily, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, will say on the Day of Judgement: 'O Son of Adam! I fell ill, but you did not visit Me.' The human will ask, 'O my Sustainer! How could I visit You when You are the Sustainer of the Worlds? And how can You fall sick?' He, the Almighty, will say, 'Did you not know that such and such a servant of Mine was sick. But you did not visit him. Did you not know that, had you visited him, you would have found Me by his side? O Son of Adam! I asked you for food, but you fed Me not?' The man will say, 'O my Sustainer! How could I feed You when You are the Sustainer of the Worlds? And You are free from hunger?' He, the Almighty, will say: 'Such and such a servant of Mine asked you for food, but you refused to give him any. Did you not know that, had you fed him, you would have found it recorded here with Me? O Son of Adam! I asked you for a drink, but you did not give Me any.' The man will say, 'O my Sustainer! How could I give You a drink while You are the Sustainer of the Worlds and are free from thirst?' He, the Almighty will say, ' Such and such a servant of Mine asked you for a drink, but you did not give him any. Had you given him a drink, you would have surely found that recorded with Me."'

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus4_59.html

a lot of Muslims sisters especially, on the death of a family member start wailing loudly and start beating themselves up or mourn loudly. this was not the way Our Prophet PBUH had guided us.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar : Sad bin 'Ubada became sick and the Prophet along with 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf, Sad bin Abi Waqqas and 'Abdullah bin Masud visited him to enquire about his health. When he came to him, he found him surrounded by his household and he asked, "Has he died?" They said, "No, O Allah's Apostle." The Prophet wept and when the people saw the weeping of Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) they all wept. He said, "Will you listen? Allah does not punish for shedding tears, nor for the grief of the heart but he punishes or bestows His Mercy because of this." He pointed to his tongue and added, "The deceased is punished for the wailing of his relatives over him." 'Umar used to beat with a stick and throw stones and put dust over the faces (of those who used to wail over the dead). (SAHIH BUKHARI.Book #23, Hadith #391)

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud: I visited Allah's Apostle while he was suffering from a high fever. I touched him with my hand and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have a high fever." Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you have." I said, "Is it because you will get a double reward?" Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, no Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves." (SAHIH BUKHARI.Book #70, Hadith #564)


Since the topic is vast. i shall be continuing in the next post inshÁllah.

A prayer

there are alot of duas that we muslims are unaware of. it is true when one falls into distress and worry that we turn to Allah more. a few years ago the same happenned with me. i learned all the duas i could find that i thought would bring me relief and patience. started reading the quran more - tried understanding more hadith. whatever i could find.

here is one prayer that i would like to put up - for people who already dont know about it. muslim brothers and sisters - pass it on to whom you think may benefit from it. May Allah guide us and bless us with patience and a strong imaan to see us through the trials and tribulations of this life. Ameen.

"Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon. Allaahumma ‘jurnee fee museebatee, wakhluf lee khayrun minh "

(To Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allah, recompense me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better).

Umm Salamah radi Allahu anha, the narrator of this du’a, loved her husband very much. When he died she stated, “I was firm to say the du’a, but I thought to myself, how could I get anything better than Abu Salamah? Allah answered my du’a and I married the Messenger of Allah! And he is better then Abu Salamah.”



The Virtue of asserting that We all belong to Allah, during Afflictions

There are several Ahadith that mention the rewards of admitting that the return is to Allah by saying:
[إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّـآ إِلَيْهِ رَجِعونَ]
("Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.'') when afflictions strike.

For instance, Imam Ahmad reported that Umm Salamah narrated: Once, Abu Salamah came back after he was with Allah's Messenger and said: I heard Allah's Messenger recite a statement that made me delighted. He said:

«لَا يُصِيبُ أَحَدًا مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مُصِيبَةٌ فَيَسْتَرْجِعُ عِنْدَ مُصِيبَتِهِ ثُمَّ يقُولُ:

اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا،

إِلَّا فَعَلَ ذلِكَ بِه»

(No Muslim is struck with an affliction and then says Istirja` when the affliction strikes, and then says: `O Allah! Reward me for my loss and give me what is better than it,' but Allah will do just that.)

Umm Salamah said: So I memorized these words. When Abu Salamah died I said Istirja` and said: "O Allah! Compensate me for my loss and give me what is better than it.'' I then thought about it and said, "Who is better than Abu Salamah'' When my `Iddah (the period of time before the widow or divorced woman can remarry) finished, Allah's Messenger asked for permission to see me while I was dyeing a skin that I had. I washed my hands, gave him permission to enter and handed him a pillow, and he sat on it. He then asked me for marriage and when he finished his speech, I said, "O Messenger of Allah! It is not because I do not want you, but I am very jealous and I fear that you might experience some wrong mannerism from me for which Allah would punish me. I am old and have children.'' He said:

«أمَّا مَا ذَكَرْتِ مِنَ الْغَيْرَةِ فَسَوْفَ يُذْهِبُهَا اللهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَنْكِ، وَأَمَّا مَا ذَكَرْتِ مِنَ السِّنِّ فَقَدْ أَصَابَنِي مِثْلُ الَّذِي أَصَابَكِ، وَأَمَّا مَا ذَكَرْتِ مِنَ الْعِيَالِ فَإِنَّمَا عِيَالُكِ عِيَالِي»

(As for the jealousy that you mentioned, Allah the Exalted will remove it from you. As for your being old as you mentioned, I have suffered what you have suffered. And for your having children, they are my children too.)

She said, "I have surrendered to Allah's Messenger.'' Allah's Messenger married her and Umm Salamah said later, "Allah compensated me with who is better than Abu Salamah: Allah's Messenger .''

tafsir ibn kathir.
Muslim reported a shorter version of this Hadith.

O my mother . O my father...

Going to the global village in Dubai brings many sights and sounds. A little something from everyone around the world- to explore to see. You see the plentiful residents of the emirates and plus the tourists that flock to this busy destination.
Tired , of walking and shopping I just sat on one of the numerous benches provided. And when I sat I saw an elderly man on a wheel chair followed by some more men and women who were frail and weak , accompanied by young Arab youth who were wearing badges. Initially I found it sweet thinking that someone has brought family. But upon seeing the name tags I looked closer and realized that they are from home of the elderly. A pang of sadness engulfed me. These people were happy and well taken care of. I knew that. Yet they were not with family. That was the root of my grief. I wondered, had their family left them? Did they bother to see how their grandparents or parents are faring? I know being admitted into an elderly home doesn’t mean that they have been forsaken by their families. But there is the feeling of a certain coldness. Handing over you parent in someone elses care. You visit them once in a while. I know the Dubai government does a good job of looking after its elderly and residents. But what about the rest of the world? What happens to them?

A while back my sister was admitted for two months in the hospital and that is when some realities hit. Something I hadn’t thought of. There were a lot of old women around her. When the visiting hours came – I could hear some women calling out names. I was told that they are the names of their family members who don’t come to visit and these people have been left at the mercy of the hospital which takes care of them. this is just one case. There were several other, similar or worse.

On another bed, another old lady lay. There was a man sitting and talking. He didn’t look like family. He wasn’t. He was the family driver who would come and visit this 60+ old frail lady.

Another friend in Canada recently told me that she goes out with her husbands’ grand mother who lives nearby. Her naina is in her 70’s. Alhamdullilah her family takes care of her and looks after her. Yet there are other old people, my friend tells me-who are alone. Just longing, yearning secretly crying for family to visit them. Ask how they are doing. A kind word – a smile. Just to know yes some one is there when life’s glory has faded. Talking to strangers to make the loneliness go away.

We will all be old, frail and alone one day. How often do we hear what goes around comes around. But that is looking at it the cold way, From childhood to adulthood,We have our elders- some guiding – some rebuking. Its not always pleasant and a smooth ride. Yet we humans remember the bad and forget the good. The kisses and hugs. The secretly given sweets. The care, support and love. Everyone’s memories different I’m sure. how can we forsake them like this?
If nothing else culture and religion both teach us to take care of our elders.

A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still living. When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: "(Then) stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet." (Al-Tirmidhi)

On another occasion, the Prophet said: "God has forbidden for you to be undutiful to your mothers." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) .islam emphasizes on maintaining the bonds of kinship,and also gives high regard in which women, particularly mothers, are held. The Quran, Islam's revealed text, states: "And revere the wombs that bore you, for God is ever watchful over you." (4:1)
It should be obvious that our parents deserve our utmost respect and devotion - second only to God.
The fact that God has mentioned parents in the same verse as Himself shows the extent to which we should strive in our efforts to serve the mothers and fathers who sacrificed so much for us. Doing so will help us to become better people.

In that same verse, God says: "We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him."

In other words, the debt we owe to our mothers is magnified due to the difficult nature of pregnancy - not to mention the nurturing and attention paid to us in infancy.

Another narration, or "Hadith," from the life of the Prophet Muhammad again shows us just how much we owe to our mothers.

A man once asked the Prophet to whom he should show the most kindness. The Prophet replied: "Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then your father." (Sunan of Abu-Dawood) In other words, we must treat our mothers in a manner befitting their exalted position - and, again, revere the wombs that bore us.

The Arabic word for womb is "rahem." Rahem is derived from the word for mercy. In Islamic tradition, one of God's 99 names is "Al-Raheem," or "the Most Merciful." There exists, therefore, a unique connection between God and the womb. Through the womb, we get a glimpse of the Almighty's qualities and attributes. It nurtures, feeds and shelters us in the early stages of life. The womb can be viewed as one manifestation of divinity in the world.

It is reported on the authority of 'Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah observed: The best of' the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.

Another fact that people forget is when they are angry they start abusing each other which usually leads to one insulting the others parents. yet again, we find guidnace in islam in the hadith that ,It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah b. Amr b. al-'As that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: Abusing one's parents is one of the major sins. They (the hearers) said: Messenger of Allah, does a man abuse his parents too? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Yes, one abuses the father of another man, who in turn abuses his father. One abuses his mother and he in turn abuses his (the former's) mother.

May we learn to respect and love our parents unconditionally as is their due. without thinking about their mistakes. no one is given a manual on how to be the perfect parent. we are or will be parents, grand parents one day - do you want to be forsaken?

Generosity of Allah

we have our days. some bad, some good. sometimes some days look bleak. hope is low. things just don't seem to be going right. then you read something like this and it lifts you up and lights your heart. we forget how generous our Lord is. was listening to Anwar al awlaki lectures on Paradise. this hadith just amazed me. Subhan Allah.

[taken from sahih muslim]

Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I know the last of the inhabitants of Fire to be taken out therefrom, and the last of the inhabitants of paradise to enter it. A man will come out of the Fire crawling. Then Allah, the Blessed and Exalted will say to him: Go and enter paradise. So he would come to it and it would appear to him as if it were full. He would go back and say: O my Lord! I found it full. Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, would say to him: Go and enter paradise. He would come and perceive as if it were full. He would return and say: O my Lord! I found it full. Allah would say to him: Go and enter paradise, for there is for you the like of the world and ten times like it, or for you is ten times the like of this world. He (the narrator) said. He (that man) would say: Art Thou making a fun of me? or Art Thou laughing at me. though Thou art the King? He (the narrator) said: I saw the Messenger of Allah laugh till his front teeth were visible. And it was said: That would be the lowest rank among the inhabitants of paradise. (Book #001, Hadith #0359)


It is transmitted from Abu Sa'id al-Khudri that, verily, the Messenger of Allah (may to Paradise last of all among those deserving of Paradise who are admitted to it. I would be said to him: Enter Paradise. He would say: O my Lord! how (should I enter) while the people have settled in their apartments and taken the shares (portions)? It would be said to him: Would you be pleased if there be for you like the kingdom of a king amongst the kings of the world? He would say: I am pleased my Lord. He (Allah) would say: For you is that, and like that, and like that, and like that, and that. He would say at the fifth (point): I am well pleased. My Lord. He (Allah) would say: It is for you and, ten times like it, and for you is what your self desires and your eye enjoys. He would say: I am well pleased, my Lord.(xxxii. 17). (Book #001, Hadith #0363)

this is the LOWEST RANK in paradise! ten times greater than this world! time and again we come to a point where we need help or want something that we feel we just can't get. when we have hadith like these, why don't we learn that Allah is the holder of all the bounties and all that we ask for? then why don't we ask Him? whether it be worldly things or for our hereafter. money, land , love, respect and honor. all we have to do is ask Him and yet we despair and over look HIS bounty. after all it is He WHO has created everything and He is the owner of it all.

So be not of those who Allah has said "Man (the disbeliever) does not get tired of asking good (things from Allah), but if an evil touches him, then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair"
Surah Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #49)

Muslim and Muslima – The Fundamentalist Couple

Part 2 - About Sex Education in United Arab Emirates Schools and Else where

Recently, the couple had heard of children getting into illegal sexual activities at schools. They had also read about the growing concern to educate children about sex in various newspapers by people advocating Sex Education for students in UAE schools and other countries.

Their concern on the matter led to the following discussion.

Muslima: have you recently read the articles concerning the need for sex education in schools in UAE and other countries? A lot of people are confused to talk and teach their children about sex. I was just thinking, I would be a little apprehensive too. I mean, keeping in mind no one in my family or school taught me about it, so it would be a little difficult teaching my children about matters relating to sex and what Islam makes lawful or not.

Muslim: I understand your concern, but do you realise that the matter has more to do with our culture than the religion? In our culture, and so many other cultures parents don’t like to discuss this topic. Considering that sex has become a menace instead of being a highly respected relationship between a man and a woman. Illegal sexual relationships are casually propagated on T.V, while we stop our children from seeing or hearing about it. Both being extremes. Our tendency to keep them away from such immorality makes every child thinks that sex is a shameful act. Children by nature are curious and may have tendencies to commit acts which give them pleasure even if they are wrong, because they don’t know the difference between the right and wrong of their action. Neither are they educated about it by us on this particular topic since we don’t consider it culturally decent enough to talk about.

Muslima: So husband, point is we indirectly should be held accountable for our children’s transgression. Since, it is us who should be discussing theright and wrong of physical relationships with our children rather than expecting schools to teach them.

Muslim: Yes, we should be held accountable for it, because we give priority to our culture in instead of our religion. See, even if you don’t give sex education to your own children nowadays there is a 99% chance that they are going to learn about it from somewhere else. This can be negative sex education too. So even if it’s culturally shameful to talk about sex, it is better for us to help our children gain knowledge about it that will be beneficial in shaping their lives.

Muslima: Yes you are right, I realize now it’s all about culture. Sometimes humans have the tendency to pick up something which seems right but it has more to do with culture, while ignoring the fact that our Religion (Islam) teaches our children about sex from an early age and it talks openly about it. When Islam already teaches our children, then why do we expect schools to teach them? Instead we should take the initiative to teach them the Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) because they describe every physical aspect of a man and a woman and rights and wrongs.

Muslim: yes, that’s the whole point. we are so much in to our culture that we tend to forget that Islam teaches us about abortion, complications of illegal sex, do’s and don’ts when women have menstrual cycles, It even teaches us pleasures of a legal intercourse and having children through it. Personal hygiene, supplications for legal intercourse, Islam even talks about sexual positions during the intercourse. Basically it fulfils the education on this matter that a child requires and we look for it somewhere else. If you study sex in Islam you will come to terms with every aspect of a physical relationship and its complications whether good or bad. It’s just that people have to understand that Islam does not restrict you to teach your children because Allah Himself teaches humans. So why are humans reluctant to spread the knowledge which is given by Allah Himself? Islam has taught us the need for sex education 1400 years back and all so called modern human beings haven’t come to terms with it yet. There is a need to teach our children about it and they are still trying to pass laws. When it is a very important part of a human being and all the religions of this world, I guess every religion on the face of earth teaches its followers the pros and cons of sexual relationships.

Muslima: Well having realised the importance of it all, and how much time other people waste
contemplating educating their children about sex even in this century, I won’t be wasting my time anymore. My laws were revealed 1400 years go I have no right to wait anymore. I will start teaching my kids from now on so they should know the rights and wrongs of it.

Muslim: I am happy that you would overlook culture and concentrate on the teachings of your religion. Surely religion has more to give you then the culture, which was created by humans. Humans usually come to terms with reality when it is too late, as you can see what children around us do. Turn to Allah cause he is the one who guides us all and will surely guide our children.