VIRTUE OF PLANTING TREES

VIRTUE OF PLANTING TREES

 

Hazrath Anas (R.A.) narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said,

 

"No Muslim plants a tree or a plant and a human being or bird or animal eats of it, but that will be charity for him."

 

(Hadith-Mishkaat Chapter)

Celebrating Valentine's Day???

Celebrating   

 Valentine's Day

A detailed explanation …..

Who was Valentine? Why is this day observed? Legends abound, as they do in all such cases, but this much is clear: Valentine's Day began as a pagan ritual started by Romans in the 4th century BCE to honor the god Lupercus. The main attraction of this ritual was a lottery held to distribute young women to young men for "entertainment and pleasure"-until the next year's lottery. Among other equally despicable practices associated with this day was the lashing of young women by two young men, clad only in a bit of goatskin and wielding goatskin thongs, who had been smeared with blood of sacrificial goats and dogs. A lash of the "sacred" thongs by these "holy men" was believed to make them better able to bear children.
As usual, Christianity tried, without success, to stop the evil celebration of Lupercalia. It first replaced the lottery of the names of women with a lottery of the names of the saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn. (The idea that you can preserve the appearance of a popular evil and yet somehow turn it to serve the purpose of virtue, has survived. Look at all those people who are still trying, helplessly, to use the formats of popular television entertainments to promote good. They might learn something from this bit of history. It failed miserably) Christianity ended up doing in Rome, and elsewhere, as the Romans did. The only success it had was in changing the name from Lupercalia to St. Valentine's Day. It was done in CE 496 by Pope Gelasius, in honor of some Saint Valentine. There are as many as 50 different Valentines in Christian legends. Two of them are more famous, although their lives and characters are also shrouded in mystery. According to one legend, and the one more in line with the true nature of this celebration, St. Valentine was a "lovers'" saint, who had himself fallen in love with his jailer's daughter.
Due to serious troubles that accompanied such lottery, French government banned the practice in 1776. In Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also the ritual vanished over the years. Earlier, it had been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong.
However in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there it also reached the New World, where enterprising Yankees spotted a good means of making money. Esther A. Howland, who produced one of the first commercial American Valentine's Day cards called-what else-valentines, in the 1840s, sold $5,000 worth-when $5,000 was a lot of money-the first year. The valentine industry has been booming ever since.
The history of Valentine's Day serves as a powerful lesson for Muslims. St. Valentine became a Saint trying to resist free sex. Even though there was an attempt to Christianize it, today St. Valentine's day is gone back to its roots. No one even knows that the Church even tried to ban the St. Valentine's Day. Rather, most people think of romance, cupid and his arrow, which are vestiges of pagan Rome.
Pagan origins of Valentine's Day
The first information about this day is found in pre-Christian Rome, when pagans would celebrate the "Feast of the Wolf" on February 15, also known as the Feast of Lupercalius in honour of Februata Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, Roman god of nature.
On this day, young women would place their names in an urn, from which boys would randomly draw to discover their sexual companion for the day, the year, and sometimes the rest of their lives. These partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection, and often married.
Christian Influence
When Christianity came onto the scene in Rome, it wanted to replace this feast with something more in line with its ethics and morality. A number of Christians decided to use February 14 for this purpose. This was when the Italian Bishop Valentine was executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for conducting secret marriages of military men in the year 270.
Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young, single men, who made up his military. Valentine defied Claudius and performed marriages for young couples in secret. When his actions were revealed, Claudius put him to death. Another version of the story says that Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
Valentine was arrested and sent to the prefect of Rome for this. He found that his attempts to make Valentine renounce his faith were useless, and so recommended he be beaten with clubs, and later beheaded. This took place on February 14, 270.
According to the Catholic encyclopaedia, there are at least three different Saint Valentines, all of whom are Christian martyrs of February 14. One of them is described as a priest from Rome (as mentioned above), another as bishop of Interamna (modern Terni), and the third from Africa.
It was in the year 496 that Pope Gelasius officially changed the February 15 Lupercalia festival to the February 14 St. Valentine's Day to give Christian meaning to a pagan festival. The holiday become popular in the United States in the 1800's during the Civil War.
As well, Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in the lottery for young women that would take place during the pagan festival. Instead of the names of young women, the box would have the names of saints. Men and women were allowed to draw from the box, and the purpose of this was to copy the ways of the saint they had selected for the rest of the year.
Valentine's Day Customs
A number of the customs connected to Valentine's Day originate in the belief in England and France during the middle Ages, that on February 14, birds began to pair.
Fourteenth and 15th centuries' French and English literatures make indirect references to the practice. Those who chose each other as husband and wife on Valentine's Day apparently called each other their Valentines.
In terms of the Valentine's greeting "Your Valentine" which today you find on a number of Valentine's Day cards, the above-mentioned Roman priest Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself.
While he was in prison awaiting execution, he apparently fell in love with a young girl who would visit him. Before he died, he allegedly wrote her a letter, signed 'From your Valentine,' In terms of the virtually naked, arrow-shooting cupid character, which shoots people with its arrows to make them fall in love, this character is a vestige of Roman pagan times. Cupid was described as the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. You usually find Cupid's picture on Valentine cards and other paraphernalia .
Islamic Perspective
We should avoid anything associated with pagan immoral practices – We do not need to honour or celebrate the death of a Christian "saint" – Islam does not encourage flirting or suggestions of romantic relationships before marriage – Love between families, friends and married people does not need to be celebrated on a day with such un-Islamic origins.
Question: In recent times, celebration of the Valentine Day has spread, particularly among female students. It is a Christian celebration, and it is (manifested) with fully red costumes, clothing and shoes, and exchange of red roses. What is the ruling on celebrating this holiday?
Answer: Celebrating the Valentine Day is not permissible because:Firstly, it is an innovated holiday that has no basis in the Sharee`ah.
Secondly, it calls to love and passion.
Thirdly, it calls to keeping one's heart busy with nonsense matters which contradict the guidance of the righteous predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them.
So it is not permissible that anything from the signs of that holiday takes place on that day, whether it relates to eating, drinking, clothing, giving gifts, or other than that. It is incumbent upon the Muslim to be proud of his/her religion and that he/she does not blindly follow every crier. May Allah the Exalted protect Muslims from every trial, apparent and hidden, and that He give them protection and guidance. Ameen.
Question
Some people celebrate Yawm al-Hubb (Valentine's Day) on February 14 [the second month of the Christian Gregorian calendar] every year by exchanging red roses as gifts. They also dress up in red clothing, and congratulate one another (on this occasion). Some sweet shops produce special sweets – red in colour – and draw hearts upon them. Some shops advertise their goods which are specially related to this day. What is the Islaamic view [concerning the following]: Celebrating this day? Buying from these shops on this day? Selling – by shop-owners who are not celebrating – the things which are used as gifts, to those who are celebrating?
Response
The clear evidence from the Qur'aan and Sunnah – and this is agreed upon by consensus (Ijmaa') of the early generations of the Muslim Ummah – indicates that there are only two 'Eeds in Islaam (days of celebration): 'Eed al-Fitr (after the fast of Ramadhaan) and 'Eed al-Adhaa (after the standing at 'Arafah for pilgrimage).Every other 'Eed – whether it is to do with a person, group, incident or any other occasion – is an innovated 'Eed. It is not permissible for the Muslim people to participate in it, approve of it, make any show of happiness on its occasion, or assist in it in any way – since this will be transgressing the bounds of Allaah: "… and whoever transgresses the bounds of Allaah, he has wronged his own self," [Soorah at-Talaaq, Aayah 1]
If we add to this fabricated 'Eed the fact that it is one of the 'Eeds of the disbelievers, it is sin upon sin. This is because it is Tashabbuh (imitation) of the disbelievers, and a type of Muwaalaat (loyalty) to them. And Allaah has prohibited the believers from imitation of them and having love or loyalty for them in His Mighty Book (Qur'aan). It is also confirmed from the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) that he said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
'Eed al-Hubb (the celebration of Valentine's Day) comes under the category of what has been mentioned here, since it is one of the pagan Christian holidays. Hence it is not permissible for any Muslim, who believes in Allaah and the Last Day, to participate in it, approve of it, or congratulate (anyone on that occasion). On the contrary, it is obligatory to abandon it and stay far away from it – in response to Allaah and His Messenger, and to distance oneself from the anger of Allaah and His punishment.
Additionally, it is forbidden for a Muslim to assist or help in this Valentine's Day, or any other of the forbidden/illegal celebrations in any way whatsoever – whether by food or drink, selling or buying, production, gift-giving, correspondence, announcements, etc. All of these things are considered as co-operating in sin and transgression and disobedience of Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah, the Glorious and Most High, says:
"… and co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety, and do not co-operate in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah! Verily Allaah is severe in punishment," [Soorah al-Maa'idah, Aayah 2]
Likewise, it is obligatory for every Muslim to adhere strictly to the Qur'aan and Sunnah in every situation – especially in times of temptations and corruption. It is incumbent that he/she understand, be aware and be cautioned from falling into the deviations of those whom Allaah is angry with and those who are astray and the immoral people who have no fear of punishment – nor hope of reward – from Allaah, and who give no attention at all to Islaam.
It is necessary for the Muslim to flee to Allaah, the Most High, seeking His Hidaayah (Guidance) and Thabaat (Firmness) upon the Path. Verily, there is no Guide except Allaah, and no One Who can Grant Firmness except Him.

Finally, we offer our brothers the following advice:

1 – They should urge the khateebs of the mosques to tell the people and warn them. They should explain this matter to the imaam of the mosque and tell him when this day is approaching. They should give him a copy of this article. Every person should make the effort to contact the imaam of his mosque and tell him about this. Certainly there are imaams of mosques among the brothers so perhaps the responsibility of telling them about this will be discharged when they read this article.

2 – Every teacher should explain the reality of this holiday and warn his or her students about it. They will be answerable before Allah tomorrow. All that should begin a week beforehand in order to be of any benefit.

3 – Those who go around and check on people and the headquarters of organizations should be notified of any shops which are selling gifts for this day or which put up pictures showing what the gift is or how it is wrapped.

4 – Each person should make his family members aware of this. Whoever has sisters in school or brothers should tell them and warn them about this matter, because many people are unaware of this holiday and what it means.

We ask Allah to protect the Muslims from the harm of temptations and from the evil of their own selves and the plots of their enemies, for He is the All-hearing Who answers prayers. May Allah send blessings upon His slave and Messenger Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.

And Allah Knows Best…………

Winning The Pleasure Of Your Mother In-Law

Winning The Pleasure Of Your Mother In-Law

Some mothers in-law have an unintended and uncontrollable feeling of rejection and resentment towards their daughters in-law. This could be caused by one of the following three reasons:

First: The eldest son is a source of compassion and love which mothers benefit from, especially at old age; therefore, they would not have good feelings towards those whom they think would deprive them from such a source.
Second: The mother, who has spent her entire life raising and caring for her children, finds it difficult to accept that the daughter in-law, who has never shouldered such responsibilities, is able to properly care for her son.
Third: The mother in-law could have different values, principles or even ideologies from the daughter in-law.When would the mother in-law be the wronged one?
Some mothers in-law suffer from grief and depression due to differences and disputes with their daughters in-law. The daughter in-law may treat her badly, neglect her, and even keep the grandchildren away from her; this is compounded when the mother in-law is a widow and her children mean everything to her.
Most mothers are pleased by something as minor as a kind word being said to them; this is because they require special care, as their lives are empty due to the loneliness they feel, which makes them think that they have no use in life. Therefore, it is especially important that their children are merciful and understanding towards them; they should make them feel important and involve them in certain matters and decisions, in order to make them feel that their opinion is important, and that they are valued and needed.



How can a wife win the pleasure of her mother in-law?

• By using kind words when talking to them: Allaah Says (what means):"Have you not considered how Allaah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allaah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded." [Quran 14: 24-25]·

• By obeying her and dealing with her as if she is her own daughter: `Aa'ishah reported that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Whenever forbearance is added to anything, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn from something, it leaves it defective.'' [Muslim]
  
• By gifting her: Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allaah said: "Exchange gifts; you would thereby remove hatred towards one another; and never belittle any gift you give your neighbour, even if it is (something as minor as) the hoof of a sheep." [At-Tirmithi]·
  
• By treating her kindly, just as she would to her own mother: She should have tolerance towards her mother in-law, especially during the first months of the marriage, until she wins her pleasure and therefore becomes one of those who are beloved to her mother in-law - and this would make the entire family love her as well.

The wife should fear Allaah, lest she becomes a cause for her husband to be undutiful to his parents.



How can a mother win the pleasure of her daughter in-law?

Many mothers in-law treat their daughters in-law just as they treat their own daughters, and are very supportive towards them and their new life; this is because the daughter in-law is not only the wife of her son, but is also the future mother of her grandchildren, who are usually dearer to the grandparents than their own children.
On the other hand, there are many cases where the new wife is regarded as the personal property of the mother in-law, but why? In many traditions, the wife is dealt with as the property of her husband, and since the son is the property of his parents, then it follows that the ownership of the wife is in the hands of her in-laws, and this is a very dangerous predicament.
The mother plays a very sensitive role in the life of her children; a single incorrect move on her part could cause her children's lives to turn into intolerable misery. On the other hand, an affectionate touch from the mother could render her son's household into heaven. The following are some things a mother in-law could do to win the pleasure of her daughter in-law:·

• Express joy upon seeing her: some mothers in-law show so much happiness at seeing their daughters in-law that it causes the latter to forget about all their problems.·
  
• Treat her as her own daughter: If she deals with her with a motherly touch, the mother in-law would win the heart of her daughter in-law.
  
• If her son were to ever wrong his wife, she would advise him and encourage him to rectify all the problems that have occurred, as well as to be kind to her.
  
• If the son is married to more than one woman, his mother should treat them all similarly and love them equally, exactly as she would treat her own daughters.
  
• If any dispute takes place between her own daughter and her daughter in-law, she should not take sides especially with her daughter in-law and should remind her daughter: "You are my own daughter, but she is a stranger who has no one to support her."

This behaviour is exhibited by an ideal mother in-law, one who fears Allaah and seeks to make her son's house a happy one, and who seeks to strengthen the relationship between her and the daughter in-law.

Why Women Cry

Why Women Cry

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?"

"Because I need to" she said.

"I don't understand," he said.

His mother just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," his dad answered carelessly.

The little boy, still wondering why women cry, finally asked the old wise shaikh (scholar). "He surely knows the answer", he thought.

"Ya Shaikh! Why do women cry so easily?"

The Shaikh answered:

"When Allah made the woman she had to be special. He made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

He gave an inner strength to endure both childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

He gave her a toughness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

He gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child hurts her badly.

He gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. He gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And lastly, He gave her a tear. This is hers and only hers exclusively to use whenever she needs it. She needs no reason, no explanation, its hers.

You see my son, the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the beauty of her face, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman  is her piety and must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Choosing a Marriage Partner

Choosing a Marriage Partner

"Women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity " (Quran 24:26)

Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said: "A woman may married for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character). So marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper". (Hadith-Bukhari and Muslim)

The following advice is for both men and women equally.

Once there was a very handsome, pious, well educated young man, whose parents emphasised for him to get married. they had seen so many marriage proposals, and he had turned them all down. The parents thought it was becoming a little ridiculous or suspected that he may have someone else in mind.

However every time the parents left the girls house, the young man would always say "she's not the one!"
The young man only wanted a girl who was religious and practicing, however one evening his mother arranged for him, to meet a girl, who was religious, and practicing.

On that evening, the young man, and girl, were left to talk, and ask each other questions. (As one would expect).

The young man, being a gentleman that he was allowed, the lady to ask first.
The young girl asked the young man so many questions, she asked about his life, his education, his friends, his family, his habits, his hobbies, his lifestyle, his enjoyment, his pastime, his experiences, his shoe size..

The young man replied to all of her questions, without tiring, and politely, with a smile the young girl took up nearly all of the time, over an hour, and felt bad, and asked the young man do you have any questions?

The young man said, it's ok. I only have 3 questions…

The young girl thought, wow, only 3 questions okay, shoot.

The young man's first question was, Who do you love the most in the world, someone who's love nothing would ever overcome?

She said, this is an easy question; my mother.

He smiled second question, he asked, you said that you read a lot of qur'an, could you tell me which surahs you know the meaning of?

Hearing this she went red and embarrassed and said, I do not know the meaning of any yet, but I am hoping to soon insha'allah I've just been a bit busy.

The third question the young man asked, was I have been approached for my hand in marriage, by girls that are a lot prettier than you, why should I marry you?

Hearing this the young girl was outraged, she stormed off to her parents with fury, and said I do not want to marry this man he is insulting my beauty, and intelligence.

And the young man and his parents, were once again, left without an agreement of marriage.

This time, the young man's parents were really angry, and said what did you do to anger that girl, the family were so nice, and pleasant, and they were religious like you wanted. What did you ask the girl?? Tell us!

The young man said, firstly I asked her, who do you love the most? she said, her mother,

The parents said so, what is wrong with that??

The young man said, "no one, is Muslim, until he loves Allah, and his messenger (saw) more than anyone else in the world"

If a woman loves Allah and the Prophet (pbuh) more than anyone, she will love me and respect me, and stay faithful to me, because of that love, and fear for Allah (swt). and we can share this love, because this love is greater than lust for beauty.

The young man said, then I asked, you read a lot of qur'an, can you tell me the meaning of any surah?

And she said no, because I haven't had time yet.

So I thought of that hadith "ALL humans, are dead except for those who have knowledge"

She has lived 20 years and not found ANY time, to seek knowledge, why would I marry a woman, who does not know her rights, and responsibilities, and what will she teach my children, except how to be negligent, because the woman IS the madrasa (school) and the best of teachers. And a woman who has no time for Allah, will not have time for her husband.

The third question I asked her was, that a lot of girls, more prettier than her, had approached me for marriage, why should I choose you?

That is why she stormed off, getting angry.

The young man's parents said that is a horrible thing to say, why would you do such a thing, we are going back there to apologize.

The young man said I said this on purpose, to test whether she could control her anger.

The Prophet (saws) said "do not get angry, do not get angry, do not get angry" when asked how to become pious; because anger is from Satan.

If a woman cannot control her anger with a stranger she has just met, do you think she will be able to control it with her husband??

So, the moral of this story is, a marriage is based on:
*knowledge, not looks,
*practice, not preaching,
*Forgiveness, not anger,
*spiritual love, not lust.
*and compromise

One should look for a person who:

1) Has love for Allah (swt) and Muhammad [Peace be upon him]
2) Has knowledge of the deen, and can act upon it.
3) can control their anger
4) and willing to compromise.

 

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE PRIOR TO MARRIAGE

 

• Dua/Istikhara[prayer to seek Allah's Guidance]- Ask help and guidance from Allah, Most High, in the matter of finding and choosing a mate. As often as you feel it necessary, pray Salaah al-Istikhara, Islam's special prayer for guidance, in order to reach a suitable decision.
• Consult your heart. Listen to what your inner voice, the 'radar' which Allah has given you to guide you, tells you about the prospective partner. It is likely to be more correct than your mind, which often plays tricks and can rationalise almost any- thing.
• Enquire. Find out the reason why this man wants to marry you. Is he interested in you as an individual or will just any person do? Is it a marriage just for convenience (citizenship, money, property, etc.), than forget it. This spells trouble. Consult with elders and wise people deeni (islamically educated) persons. Find out more about the  persons character, lifestyle, family, education, personality etc
• Understand each other's expectations. Try to get a sense of your prospective partner's under- standing of the marriage relationship, how he will behave in various situations, and what he wants of you as his spouse.
• Don't be in a hurry. So many marriages have broken because the partners are in such haste that they don't take time to make such vital checks as the ones outlined above and rush into things. Never allow yourself to be pressured or talked into a marriage. Keep your eyes open and take your time. Since marriage is for life, for eternity, hurrying into it for any reason whatsoever is the act of a foolish or careless person who has only himself or herself to blame if things go wrong.
• Ask yourself, Do I want this man/woman to be the father/mother of my children? If it doesn't feel just right to you, think it over again. Remember, marriage is not just for today or tomorrow but for life, and for the primary purpose of building a family. If the person in question doesn't seem like the sort who would make a good parent, you are likely to find yourself struggling to raise your children without any help from him or her - or even with negative input - in the future.
• Never date or be alone with prospective partners -Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed:"No man has the right to be in the privacy with a woman who is not lawful for him. Satan is their third party unless there is a mahram". (Hadith-Ahmad)

 

This advice is for both , so women seeking a man, should look for the same things.

 

The Prophet (saws) said "Three groups of people Allah has obliged Himself to help them: Mujahid in the cause of Allah, a worker to pay his debt, and the one who wants to marry to live a chaste[pure]life". (Hadith-Tirmidhi)

Insha'allah, may Allah make every marriage a success, and let us create Love for Allah and his Messenger(saw) so that Allah can bless us, and create love in our lives.

Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said: "There is no better structure founded in Islam other than marriage "

HEALTH BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF USING THE MISWAAK

HEALTH BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF USING THE MISWAAK

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) laid great stress on the use of the Miswaak (a tree-twig used for cleansing the teeth). One of the Sunnats of Wudhu is to use a Miswaak. Wherever a Miswaak is available and is not used, the full beauty and complete Sawaab of the Wudhu is not realised. There are numerous benefits and advantages in using a Miswaak. Advantages of the Miswaak: 1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay. 2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in. 3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth. 4. Miswaak is a cure for illness. 5. Miswaak eliminates bad odours and improves the sense of taste. 6. Miswaak sharpens the memory. 7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches. 8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it. 9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow. 10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight. 11. Miswaak assists in digestion. 12. Miswaak clears the voice. 13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah. 14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it. ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS OF THE MISWAAK: (1) Eliminates bad odour and improves the sense of taste Allamah Ibn Daqiq (R) says: "The wisdom underlying the use of the Miswaak after rising from sleep is that during sleep bad vapours rise from the stomach towards the mouth. This causes bad odour in the mouth as well as a change in the sense of taste. Use of the Miswaak eliminates the bad odour and rectifies the change which occurred in the taste." (2) Sharpens the Memory Hadhrat Ali (R) said that "Miswaak sharpens the memory. (3) Sharpens the Intelligence "Four things increase the Intelligence— (i) Shunning of nonsensical talks (ii) Use of the Miswaak (iii) Sitting in the company of the pious, and (iv) Sitting in the company of the Ulama." (4) Eliminates Slime Hadhrat Ali (R) said that "Miswaak removes slime." (5) A Cure for Illness Hadhrat Aisha (R) said that "Miswaak (its constant use) is a cure for all illness excepting Death." (6) Miswaak creates fragrance in the mouth. (7) Miswaak strengthens the gums. (8) Miswaak prevents tooth decay. (9) Miswaak prevents further increase of decay which has already set in the teeth. (10) Miswaak is a cure for headaches. (11) Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches. (12) Miswaak creates lustre (Noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it. (13) Miswaak causes the teeth to glow. (14) Miswaak removes the yellowish ness of the teeth. (15) Miswaak strengthens the eye-sight. (16) Miswaak is beneficial for the health of the entire body. (17) Miswaak assists in the process of Digestion. (18) Miswaak is a cure for a certain mouth disease known as Qilaa'- This is stated in Hujjatul Baaleghah. (19) Miswaak clears the voice. This is stated in TibbeNabawi. (20) Miswaak facilitates the appetite (21) Miswaak increases the eloquence of one's speech. Abu Hurairah (R) said that "Miswaak increases the eloquence of a person." Several other Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also mention the Miswaak to have been the practice of the Prophets (Upon Whom Be Peace). Thus, we can safely claim that the practice of using the Miswaak is as old as mankind itself since Mankind's origin on the planet was with the appearance of the first Nabi of Allah, viz. Adam (A.S.). Therefore, among the many advantages and benefits of using the Miswaak, one of the greatest benefits is the good-fortune of being associated with the Ambiyaa in this holy practice. On the other hand, those who neglect the use of the Miswaak invite upon themselves a great misfortune by being deprived of the tremendous amount of Sawaab (Reward) which this noble practice carries.

Who is a strong Person?

Who is a strong Person???

 

Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon him]said: " The strong man is not the one who is strong in wrestling, but the one who controls himself in anger " (Hadith-Bukhari, Muslim).

Just 5 more minutes

Spend Quality Time With Your Kids

Just 5 More Minutes - Motivational story

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a lady on a bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

"He's a fine looking boy," the lady said. "That's my son on the swing in the blue sweater." Then, looking at her watch, she called to his son. "What do you say we go, Sameer?"

Sameer pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Mummy. Please? Just five more minutes." The lady nodded and Sameer continued to swing to his heart's content.

Minutes passed and the mother stood and called again to her son. "Time to go now?" Again Sameer pleaded, "Five more minutes, Mum. Just five more minutes." The lady smiled and said, "O.K."

"My, you certainly are a patient mother," the woman responded.

The lady smiled and then said, "My older son Haitham was killed in a road accident last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent as much time with Haitham as I could have, and now I 'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Sameer. He thinks he has five more minutes to swing. The truth is, I get five more minutes to watch him play."

Lets spare some quality time with those who are near dear to us lest a time comes when we wished we had the opportunity but it is no longer there...

 

Best Way of Expressing Islam

Best Way of Expressing Islam

 

Once the Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] was asked:

 

"What is the best way of expressing Islam?"

He [pbuh] replied:

 

"It is to provide food for those who need it and to greet with peace those whom you know as well as those whom you do not know." [Hadith-Sahîh al-Bukhârî]

Love of this World is the cause of Ruination

Love of this World is the cause of Ruination

Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "Love of the world is the root of all evil." [Hadith]

One day of the many days, there was a man traveling with his Wife and Kids. On the way he met someone standing on the roadside. He asked: "Who are you?"
The man said: "I am 'the Money'."

So the man asked his wife and kids: "Should we ask him to ride with us?"

They all said together: "Yes, of course! because with 'the Money' it can help us if we wanted to do anything, and if we wanted to get anything we wished." So they took 'the Money' to ride with them. And the vehicle continued on its way until they met another person on the road. The Father asked: "Who are you?"
He said: "I am 'the high position and power'."

So the father asked his wife and kids: "Should we ask him to ride with us?"
They all answered together in one voice: "Yes, of course! because with 'the high position and power' we have the ability to do anything we want and own anything we wished." So they took 'the high position and power' with them, and the vehicle continued to finish its trip.

In this way, they met with many people who promised pleasures and desires of life, UNTIL... They met one strange person... The Father asked: "Who are you?"
He said: "I am 'the Deen' (Islam)."

So the father, the wife, and the kids; all said in one voice: "No no, this isn't the time, we desire the pleasures of life and Dunyah. 'The Deen' will prevent us and then ban us from pleasurable things and it will take control of us. We will be worn-out from being loyal to it and its teachings. The Halaal and the Haraam, and this thing prayer and that thing Hijaab, and the fasting, and; and; and; and; and; etc, It will be a burden upon us!!!"

"But certainly, we will return to pick you up after we enjoy life and everything else in it."

So sadly, they left him behind and the vehicle continued on its trip.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere something appeared in the middle of the road. It was a check-point and it had a sign saying STOP!!! They found a man gesturing for the father to get out of the vehicle. The man said to the father: "Your trip has ended. Come with me."

The father was shocked with fear and did not say a word. The man said to him: "I am searching for the DEEN. Is he with you?"
He answered: "No, I left him not too far back. If you can let me go back, I will get him for you."

The man said: "You do not have the ability to go back, your trip has ended and there is no going back now... returning is impossible."

"But I have The Money; The high position and power; My Wife; My Kids; and; and; and; and; and; and; so on."

The man said to him: "Neither will they benefit you nor will they protect you when you come in front of Allah. Not one bit! You have left all of them behind. The only one that will help you now is 'The Deen' you know? The one who YOU left back on the road."

The father asked: "And who are you exactly?"
He replied: "I AM 'the DEATH' - The one who you were heedless of - and who you did not think of on your trip!!!"

The father looked at his vehicle and found his wife taking control of it and continuing the trip with all of the passengers besides him. And none of them stayed behind with him. He was left all alone.

"Whoever desires the harvest of the life to come, We increase his harvest. And whoever desires only the harvest of this world, We give him something thereof, but He will have no share in the life to come." (Quran 42:20)

Racing with your wife!

When was the last time you raced with your wife?

 

Yes, when was the last time you raced with your wife???

You might mockingly or disapprovingly smile, yet the question remains, for it bespeaks an invitation to you to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in his kind attitude toward his wives. If you claim to follow and love the Noble Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Sunnah, in keeping a beard, cleaning your teeth with a Siwaak (tooth stick) and shortening your clothes to reach above the ankle, you are likewise required to emulate him in the way he treated his spouses .

Moreover, the leniency, mercy and patience of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, with his wives is not merely his tradition, but an obligation confirmed by many Quranic verses, among which is the one in which Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And live with them in kindness.} [Quran 4:20]

Rasulullah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "He is the best amongst you who is the kindest towards his wives and I am the kindest amongst you towards my wives."

Thus, racing was a compassionate gesture of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in order to be friendly and open with his wives.

'Aa'ishah [Allah be pleased with her] narrates that as a young and thin girl, she was once accompanying the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, on one of his journeys. He, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked his Companions to move ahead of them, which they did. He, sallaallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, then asked to race with her; she did and won. Some time later, after she had forgotten about this, she was with the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, on another of his journeys and he wanted to race her. She wanted to excuse herself, by telling him she could not, since she had gained some weight, but he, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, insisted. They raced and this time he won; so the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, laughed and said; "This [is] for that."

Some husbands contend that they do not race with their wives because they are too busy and have many responsibilities. Our retort is that by no means can they be busier than the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who bore the responsibility of conveying the Message of Islam to the entire world. He also led the army in combat alongside running errands for his family and doing household chores. Nevertheless, all this did not stop him from twice racing with his wife 'Aa'ishah[RA] .

Other husbands might argue that the streets are not a suitable place for racing; so, they can surely take their wives away from people, on a picnic. Moreover, competition is not just in running. One can compete to win in a permissible electronic game or general knowledge quiz, in which one can ask each other questions and keep score.

A third group of husbands believes that such competitions may cause their wives to become too bold and eventually challenge them. This is not true, because the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, raced with his wife, so this is an act to be followed, for copying his behaviour with his wives can bring nothing but good. Also, modern research has established that being kind and easygoing with one's wife makes it easier for her to be mindful of you.

There are lessons to be learned from the aforementioned incident related by 'Aa'ishah concerning the Prophet's, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, kindness toward his wives.

1- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the one to ask for a race both times. This teaches husbands that they should take the initiative in such competitions. Wives may be too busy with housework or fear rejection or, as is the generally innate nature of women, be too shy to propose such an idea. However, on their part, they should try to urge their husbands when they see they are free and in a good mood.

2- A husband should not incessantly brag of superiority over his wife. We notice that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, outran 'Aa'ishah after she had already outran him the first time.

3- Alternately, a husband should neither always deliberately lose for the sake of his wife or the competition would be meaningless. The factor that decided the win of 'Aa'ishah the first time was her youth and fitness, and when she put on some weight, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, outran her.

4- A husband should remember that such competitions are just for amiability and fun. Neither of the spouses should get worked up or a row could ensue and the activity would lose its desired aim. This can be understood from the reaction of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, who only cheerfully referred to his win to counter that of 'Aa'ishah's .

Verily in the noble way of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is there a recipe for happiness.

 

The lifestyle of Allah's Final Messenger Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is indeed the Noblest of all examples!!!

Importance of Good Companionship

Importance of Good Companionship 

 

 

Messenger of Allah Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

 

"A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He neither betrays him nor tells him a lie, nor humiliates him." (Hadith-Tirmidhi)

 

 "A person is affected by the manners of his close friend, so look at whom you befriend."  (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi)

 

 

Words are the Best Doctors -“They provide healing”

Words are the Best Doctors

"They provide healing"

A boy Abdulla was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and Abdulla was the apple of their eyes.

One morning, the husband saw a medicine bottle open. As he was late for work, he asked his beloved wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. The mother, who was preoccupied in the kitchen, totally forgot to close the bottle.

Abdulla playfully went to the medicine bottle and fascinated with its
colour, drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for
adults in small dosages. When the child started shivering and showed signs of poisoning, the mother immediately drove him to the nearby hospital. Despite desperate effort by the emergency trauma unit, doctors were unable to the save little Abdulla and he died in his mothers loving arms. With tears flowing incessantly from her eyes,she recited "innalillahe wa ina ilayhe rajeun"-To Allah we belong and unto Him shall we return.[This prayer was thought to us by the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him when we encounter any loss]

"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance." (Quran-2:155-157)
 

 

The mother was in a state of shock. She was too terrified to face her husband. Gaining her composure after a few minutes she built up the courage to call her husband and inform him of the tragedy.

When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw Abdulla, his one and only child lying motionless before him, tears flowed like a river from his eyes…he looked at his wife and uttered just four words.

QUESTIONS :

1. What were the four words ?
2. What is the implication of this story ?
Check with the answers only after you have tried to come up with your
own.

Please scroll down ...........

ANSWERS:

The husband just said " I Love You Darling ."
The husband's totally unexpected reaction is proactive behaviour.
He is indeed gifted by Allah with wisdom and a genius in human relationships. The child is dead. Allah mentions in the Quran: " Every soul shall taste of death" [Quran 21:35]

Abdulla can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding
fault with the mother on this occasion. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her. If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world.

Always be positive in adverse conditions.  Allah say:"Those who suppress their anger, and forgive other people – assuredly, Allah loves those who do good."(Quran: 3/134)

There is an alternative to thinking about people, life and the world…You can see the possibilities and opportunities for growth, happiness, wellness and strength....its up to you!

Words are the physicians

"By the token of Time, Indeed mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience." (Quran-103:2-3)

5 Rules for Happiness

5 Rules for Happiness

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

Importance of Discharging Amanah(Trusts)

Importance of Discharging

Amanah(Trusts)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due.'' (Quran-4:58)

Messenger of Allah Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

"There are three signs of a hypocrite:

• When he speaks, he lies;
• When he makes a promise, he breaks it
• When he is trusted, he betrays his trust."

[Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Virtues of Hafiz ul Quran

Virtues of Hafiz ul Quran

A person who memorizes and preserves the Qur'an is called Hafiz ul Qur'an.

The ultimate manifestation of Allah's Grace for Humanity, the Ultimate Wisdom, and the Ultimate Beauty of Expression: in short, the word of Allah-The Quran.The Quran is a Divine Miracle of Literature [Prophesy - Science - Warnings - Wisdom - Truths]...and it has been Preserved 100% In the Original Language - for over 1,400 years!

Allah has sent the final revelation - the Qur'an - for the guidance of humankind. "This is the Book - in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who are (Muttaqoon) Allah-conscious." [2:al-baqarah:2].
The preservation of the Quran is of paramount importance. Hence the great need to preserve and memorise it.

Allah Most High says: "And We have indeed made the Qur'an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember?[Quran 54:17]

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] has emphasized the importance of memorizing and preserving the Quran.

"Whoever reads the Qur'an and memorises it, while he regards what it makes lawful as lawful and its unlawful as forbidden (i.e. he practises according to it), Allah Ta'ala will admit him into Jannah and will accept his intercession on behalf of ten such persons of his family who were doomed to the fire of Jahannam" (Hadith-Tirmidhi). 

"He who learns the Qur'an and practices upon it, his parents will be made to wear a crown on the day of Qiyamah, the brilliance of which will excel that of the sun if the same were within your worldly houses. Hence, what do you think about the person who himself acts upon it?" (Hadith-Abu Dawood).

"The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite."  [Hadith- Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

If you are for whatever reason unable to memorize the Qur'an yourself than at least be a means for someone else becoming a Hafiz of the Qur'an and by so doing Allah will give you the reward!

The Messenger of Allah Muahmmad [Peace be upon him] has said:
"Whoever guides anyone to goodness, his reward shall be the same as those who follow his guidance without lessening a bit of their reward. And whoever guides anyone astray, his sin shall be the same as the sin of the person who follows him without lessening a single bit of their sin." [Hadith-Muslim]