Forgiveness-Its Something Extra Special!!!

"So fear Allah and adjust all matters of difference among you.'' (Quran-8:1)

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said:

" If one gives charity it does not diminish his wealth; if one forgives others, Allah bestows more honour on him; and if one humbles himself for Allah's sake, Allah exalts him higher." (Hadith-Muslim)

Some Handy Tips!!!

• Make dua[pray]- For only Allah can reconcile hearts and differences
• Forgive- He who forgives is forgiven and Allah will elevate his status!
• Act- SMS[text],call, email etc or even better personally approach the person/s and ask them forgiveness.
• Remove Hatred-Don't hold any hatred in your heart-hatred is the cancer of the heart and soul- It Destroys the Hater and Not the hated!
• It's a process-Remember, forgiveness is a process that takes time and patience to complete. You must be ready. Realize that forgiveness is for you - not for anyone else
• Not Condoning-Realize that forgiving does not mean you are condoning the actions of the offender or what they did to you. It does mean that you will blame less and find a way to think differently about what happened to you.
• Refocus-Refocus on the positives in your life. A life well lived is the best revenge. People who find a way to see love, beauty and kindness around them are better able to forgive and get past their grievances.
• There is no such thing as an unforgivable act. So don't let your fear of what you did, or rage about what was done to you, dissuade you from either seeking or granting forgiveness.
• Stay balanced. The number of apologies you seek should be proportional to the number you are willing to offer, because the doing of each nurtures the capacity for the other.
• Know that you are never alone. Allah is always with you!
• Allow love to triumph over logic. There will always be a good reason to keep doing what you are doing or to withhold your forgiveness from someone else. But real issue is whether or not you love them enough to go beyond that logic.
• Keep it simple. Apologize for, or forgive, one thing at a time. There is always more to the story, but this is not the moment to explore it.
• Remember that forgiveness is not always the end of the process, but the beginning of a new level of relationship which may continue to be shaped into something very special
• Celebrate the moment of forgiveness by thanking Allah for giving you the opportunity to remove this burden off your shoulders. Give Sadaqah[charity] as it pleases Allah and removes Allah's anger.

Sandpaper

When life presents you with mean & hateful people, think of them as sandpaper. They may scratch you, rub you the wrong way but eventually you end up smooth & polished & the sandpaper......is just going to be worn out & ugly.....

Imam Muslim reported that the Noble Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "....And no one has humbled himself for the sake of Allah, but Allah has elevated him."

A TRUE BELIEVER

 

Anas (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad [Peace be upon him] said,

 

 "No one of you shall become a true believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Istikharah before travel

Before embarking upon a journey it is preferable to do Istikharah (which literally means to seek goodness). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) has mentioned with regards to Istikharah,

ما خاب من استخار
The person who does Istikharah will never suffer loss

The method of Istikharah, is that if it is not a time of the day when Salaah is prohibited or disliked, one should perform two Rakaats of Nafl Salaah and thereafter seek guidance and goodness from Allah (SWT) in the form of dua. The dua of Istikharah is as follows:

اللهم إني أستخيرك بعلمك وأستقدرك بقدرتك وأسألك من فضلك العظيم فإنك تقدر ولا أقدر وتعلم ولا أعلم وأنت علام الغيوب . اللهم إن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر خير لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري فاقدره لي ويسره لي ثم بارك لي فيه وإن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر شر لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري فاصرفه عني واصرفني عنه واقدر لي الخير حيث كان ثم أرضني به .

قال ويسمي حاجته

Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru. Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob. Allaahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-aaqibat amriy, fa'qdruhliy wa-yassirh liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy was-'aaqibat amriy. Fa asrifh annee wa-srif 'anhu. Wa aqdurh liyal khayr hayth kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee
 Transaltion: O Allah!! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power; I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things.
O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein. But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to be pleased therewith.

While reciting this Du'aa when one reaches HAADHAL AMR (THIS MATTER) at both places one should ponder over the matter that one requires guidance on.
It is not always that one will see a dream guiding him towards what he should or should not do. In many cases a person just feels inclined towards a certain decision. Whatever the case might be, after doing istikhara one should act upon what one is more inclined towards after the Istikhaarah and by doing so there will always be good in the decision that he makes Inshallah. If one is still uncertain, one should repeat the Istikhara and also consult and pious, Allah fearing person and seek his guidance as well.
However, if one does not have the opportunity to do istikhara in the above mentioned manner, or one requires to make a quick decision regarding a certain matter, then one should recite the following dua in abundance, اللهم خر لي واختر لي , (Allaahumma khir li wakh tar li), meaning, "O Allah, Choose the correct thing for me and you make the decision for me."
It is permissible for one to ask someone else to do Istikhara for oneself. However, one should also do Istikhara oneself.
Any decision made after Istikhara will Inshallah be beneficial.
Source: Darul Ihsaan

 

The Prophet of Allah Muhammad (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said::

 

'The believer is not the one who eats his fill when the neighbour beside him is hungry.'    [HADITH] (Sunan Al-Bayhaqî)

 

 

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said,

 

"Every good deed is charity".

[Al-Bukhari]

 

A Scholar once said: " I will pass this way but once, so let me do whatever good I can now for I may not pass this way again"

 

 

Who is a Strong Person?

 

Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (al-Bukhari, Vol. 8 : No. 135)

"I Can't, It's Impossible" 

 

One often hears these words repeated, and they are a major reason for the state of failure that the Ummah is enduring.

These words are rooted in a state of mental inability, even though this inability is illusory, not real. Indeed, disabled minds only produce failure.

There is no doubt that there are things in life that are impossible. This is why when the Prophet – blessings and peace be upon him – used to take the oath of allegiance from his companions, he would make them repeat, "[I will listen and obey] to the utmost of my ability". Allah – Glorified is He – says "Allah does not burden any soul with more than it can bear" [2:286]

This shows that there are some things beyond our abilities. We are not talking about this fact here. For otherwise we may enter into a prolonged discussion, and end upholding the illusion "I can't, it's impossible", and moreover giving this illusion an 'Islamic' justification!

These two phrases "I can't, it's impossible" – despite their difference in meaning – have become a law that is used to excuse every failure, negligence and backwardness. They are used to justify the current backwardness, to numb the senses, to destroy the resolve of the Ummah, and to kill every success in its infancy.

Many people, generation after generation, took these two phrases as a beacon guiding their lives, as a way of thinking that makes them accept the current bitter state of affairs, and at the same time feel satisfied that there is nothing they can do.

I stand perplexed before the incredible backwardness of the Ummah, despite its enormous potential for success, progress, and leadership. I have thought long and hard about this, and have decided that the most prominent reason for this backwardness – and there are many – is the illusion "I can't, its impossible". This illusion has turned into an unshakeable principle. From it we take off, and in its darkness we operate.

How many tribulations befell us, and are still falling, because of this illusion. The most dangerous of these is not realizing that this is just an illusion; that it disappears when we start investigating it. But you will find those who waste a part of their life defending the idol "I can't, it's impossible". They waste a part of their life trying to prove that this idol is a solid fact; an unquestionable axiom.

This illusion did not form overnight. It is the result of an accumulation of many factors, over the course of many years. Instead of producing men who would lead the Ummah forward without surrendering to the difficulties and obstacles, we found those factors producing more hopelessness, failure and despair.

But I am also amazed at that idolatrous nation that took from difficulties a starting point for its progress, until it was able to compete vigorously with its former enemies, without surrendering to psychological defeat, nor emotional despair. Japan rose from the ashes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to become an important economic power, and did not make those defeats a reason to cry and hope for the sympathies of others.

As for Germany, it came out from underneath the ruins of World War II to become a powerful nation, and its economy one of the strongest in the world. This despite the fact that Germany was destroyed not long ago – the period between its destruction and its rise as an economic leader is less than 30 years.

Let me just imagine. Had the revivers of the Ummah surrendered to the illusion "I can't, it's impossible", how would the Ummah have been now?!!

If Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – HAD said, "I can't fight the Arabs after their apostasy, and I will surrender to this bitter state of affairs", what would the result have been? Simply thinking about that scares me.fortunately he DID NOT say it!!

Had Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal – may Allah have mercy on him – not took his solid stand in the face of the makers of fitnah, backed by rulers who did not realize the danger of what is being said…Had he surrendered and said, "I can't, it's impossible", do you think that that great victory for Ahl-us-Sunnah (at the hands of one man!) would have taken place?

Had Salahu-ud-Din surrendered to the awful humiliation that the Ummah endured under the occupation of the crusaders, excusing himself that he cannot take on that great power that possesses the most powerful weapons, with the unqualified support of many countries… Had he accepted what many other rulers of his time had accepted, humiliation and subjugation, together with the guarantee of continued rule…Had he done this, and said the removal of the crusaders is impossible, would Jerusalem have been purified from the crusaders and their hatred? How today is like yesterday.

Had Shaikh-ul-Islam, Ibn Taymiyah – may Allah have mercy on him – not seriously raised the banner of knowledge, action and jihad, at a time of when callers to falsehood and innovation became outspoken, at a time of political and military defeats…Had he surrendered to the belief "I can't, it's impossible", would history have recorded for us that huge heritage of heroism, knowledge and challenging of falsehood?

Our long history is full of such pioneering leaders and revivers, who recorded for us the most admirable examples the Muslim's ability to overcome the greatest of physical and mental obstacles, neither surrendering to psychological defeat, nor allowing the compound difficulties to numb their senses.

Many would say, "They were great men, and how few such men are!!"

I say that we did not know they were great until after they recorded those shinning pages of history with their admirable victories in different fields. Before that they were just ordinary men. However, for many reasons, they were able to climb the ladder of success that made them heroes and leaders. Foremost of these reasons is the destruction of the illusion "I can't, it's impossible"

Recently an eight year old muslimah influenced the law in SPAIN so that now hijaab is now allowed in Schools! Usama bin Zaid[RA] a companion of Rasulullah [Peace be upon him] led an important battle at the tender age of 17.Be postive!

"Whosever walks to ALLAH, ALLAH will run unto him"

A singel flame can light the world! We have the power of Imaan lets not be dispondent.

Set goals & targets! then make effort and dua! ALLAH will never disappoint!

Allah Ta'ala Says : "… And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine …"Qur'an[65:2-3].

 

Hadith

 

 

 

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said : "A person who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest. A person who believes in Allah and the Last Day should strengthen his family ties. A person who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or keep silent." (Bukhari and Muslim) 

The Month of Rajab

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This month was regarded as one of the sacred months (Al-Ash-hur-Al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. It is also deemed to be a prelude to the month of Ramadhân, because the month of Ramadhân follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban. Therefore, when the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to supplicate to Allâh in the following words:

"O Allâh, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadhân (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadhân, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

Although the month of Rajab has the aforesaid merits, yet no specific way of worship has been prescribed by the Shari'ah in this month. People have invented some special rituals or practices in this month which are not supported by reliable resources of the Shari'ah or are based on some unauthentic traditions. Here we briefly discuss the night of ascension.

Celebration of Lailatul Me'râj

It is generally believed that the great event of Me'râj (ascension of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam to the heavens) took place on the night of 27th Rajab. Therefore, some people celebrate the night as "Lailatul Me'râj".

Indeed, the event of Me'râj was one of the most remarkable episodes in the life of our beloved Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. He was called by Almighty Allâh. He travelled from Makkah to Baitul Maqdis and from there he ascended the heavens through the miraculous power of Allâh. He was honoured with a direct contact with his Creator at a place where even the angels had no access. This was the unique honour conferred by Allâh to the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam alone. It was the climax of the spiritual progress which is not attained by anybody except him.

No doubt the night in which he was blessed with this unparalleled honour was one of the great nights in the history of this world. But, as we have explained in our discussion about the month of Rabi'ul-Awwal, Islam has its own principles with regard to the historic and religious events. Its approach about observing festivals and celebrating days and nights is totally different from the approach of other religions. The Holy Qur'ân and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam did not prescribe any festival or any celebration to commemorate an event from the past, however remarkable it might have been. Instead, Islam has prescribed two annual celebrations only. One is Eid-ul-Fitr and the other is Eid-ul-Adha. Both of these festivals have been fixed at a date on which the Muslims accomplish a great ibâdah (worship) every year. Eid-ul-Fitr has been prescribed after the fasts of Ramadhân, while Eid-ul-Adha has been fixed when the Muslims perform the Haj annually. None of these two Eids is designed to commemorate a particular event of the past, which has happened in these dates.

This approach is indicative of the fact that the real occasion for a happy celebration is the day in which the celebrators themselves have accomplished remarkable work through their own active effort. As for the accomplishments of our ancestors, their commemoration should not be restricted to a particular day or night. Instead, their accomplishments must be remembered every day in our practical life by observing their teachings and following the great examples they have set for us.

Keeping this principle in view, the following points should be remembered with regard to the "Lailatul-Me'râj":

1) We cannot say with absolute certainty in which night the great event of Me'râj had taken place. Although some traditions relate this event to the 27th night of the month of Rajab, yet there are other traditions which suggest some other dates. Al-Zurqâni, the famous biographer of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam has referred to five different views in this respect: Rabi'ul Awwal, Rabi'ul Âkhir, Rajab, Ramadhân and Shawwal. Later, while discussing different traditions, he has added a sixth opinion, that the Me'râj took place in the month of Zul-Hijjah.

Allamah Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi, the well-known scholar of Hadîth, has written a detailed book on the merits of Islamic months. While discussing 'Lailatul Me'râj', he has mentioned that most of the scholars are of the view that the event of Me'râj took place in the month of Ramadhân or in Rabi'ul Awwal.

2) It is also not certainly known in which year the event of Me'râj took place. There are a number of views mentioned in the books of history, which suggest a wide range between the fifth year and the twelfth year after the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was entrusted with prophethood.

Now, if it is assumed that the event of Me'râj took place in the fifth year of his prophethood, it will mean that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam remained in this world for eighteen years after this event. Even if it is presumed that the Me'râj took place in the twelfth year of his prophethood, his remaining lifetime after this event would be eleven years. Throughout this long period, which may range between eleven and eighteen years, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam never celebrated the event of Me'râj, nor did he give any instructions about it. No one can prove that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam ever performed some specific modes of worship in a night, calling it the 'Lailatul Me'râj' or advised his followers to commemorate the event in a particular manner.

3) After the demise of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam also, not one of his companions is reported to celebrate this night as a night of special acts of worship. They were the true lovers of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and had devoted their lives to preserve every minute detail of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and other Islamic teachings. Still, they did not celebrate the event of Me'râj in a particular night in a particular way.

All these points go a long way to prove that the celebration of the 27th night of Rajab, being the Lailatul Me'râj has no basis in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam or in the practice of his noble companions. Had it been a commendable practice to celebrate this night, the exact date of this event would have been preserved accurately by the Ummah and the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and his blessed companions would have given specific directions for it.

Therefore, it is not a Sunnah to celebrate the 'Lailatul Me'râj'. We cannot take any practise as a Sunnah by our own emotions, unless it is established through authentic sources that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam or his noble companions have recognised it as such, otherwise it may become a bid'ah about which the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam has observed in the following words:

"Whoever invents something in our religion which is not part of it, it is to be rejected."

Being mindful of this serious warning, we should appreciate that the 27th night of the month of Rajab is not like 'Lailatul Qadr' or 'Lailatul Bara'ah' for which special merits have been mentioned expressly either by the Holy Qur'ân or by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.

However, all the recognised modes of ibadah [worship] like salâh, recitation of the Holy Qur'ân, dhikr, etc. are commendable at any time, especially in the late hours of the night, and obviously the 27th night of Rajab is not an exception. Therefore, if someone performs any recognised ibadah in this night from this point of view, nothing can stop him from doing so, and he will be entitled to the thawâb (reward) allocated for that recognised act of worship, Insha Allâh). But it is not permissible to believe that performing ibâdah in this night is more meritorious or carries more thawâb like 'Lailatul Qadr' or 'Lailatul Barâ'ah', because this belief is not based on any authentic verse or sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Similarly, it is not a correct practice to celebrate this night on a collective scale and to invite people to special ritual congregations.

4) Some people suggest some special modes of worship to be performed in this night. Since the Shari'ah prescribes no special mode of worship in this night, these suggestions are devoid of any authority and should not be acted upon.

It is believed by some that the Muslims should keep fast on the 27th Rajab. Although there are some traditions attributing special merits to the fast of this day, yet the scholars of Hadîth have held these traditions as very weak and unauthentic reports which cannot be sufficient to establish a rule of Shari'ah. On the contrary, there is an authentic report that Sayyidinâ Umar Radhiallahu anhu used to forbid people from fasting on this day. He would compel them to eat if they had started fasting.

It should be borne in mind here that a 'nafl' fast can be observed on any day (except the six prohibited days of the year). Therefore, fasting on the 27th Rajab is not prohibited in itself. What is prohibited is the belief that fasting on this day is more meritorious than fasting in other normal days. One should not fast on this day with this belief. But if someone fasts therein, believing it to be a normal nafl fast, there is no harm in doing so.

Holidays Can be

 

 

Real Fun!!!

 

 

 

Some ways of  making

 

 

your kids

 

 

vacation more

 

 

rewarding

 

During the vacation there is a good opportunity to recharge our kids spiritual batteries and start afresh in daily activities. It is a joyous period and a unique break from our busy schedules. Most of us welcome vacations for its fun. It is good to have fun but this must always be done by not compromising the Islamic way of life!!!

 

By the same token, it is not a bad idea to take time out during these pressure-free holidays to reflect and possibly change our positions and life for the better.

 

There is an area that is largely ignored by parents when they go on holidays and that is how to guide their children and teenagers to a sin-free vacation. Very often, the newer generations of Muslims growing up in the West have little guidance and sometimes even less knowledge of the Islamic rules that govern our Islamic way of life and they often end up imitating the free unislamic western lifestyle that surrounds them.

 

 No doubt, if we don't take a proactive approach to maintaining our iman (faith), we might really lose it. The vacation represents an ideal opportunity to boost one's deen (religion). However if it's spent inappropriately, it can lead to disastrous consequences. If we truly value our faith, it is imperative that we use this opportunity to its fullest extent.

Parents have a great responsibility to guide their children to an Islamic lifestyle and to provide a vice-free environment. They should use all available strategies to carry out this responsibility effectively and successfully. This can be achieved by attempting to implement the following tips:

 

PRAYER -  Parents should ensure that prayers are performed punctually and be keen to pray on time, especially when their children are with them. This will help the children learn the importance of prayer and the value of time. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as said, "Refresh yourselves with Prayer…" (Hadith Al-Bukhari).Men should perform prayer at the Masjid.However if on vacation a Masjid is not close by then pray together as a family. Prayer in Jamaat is better than praying alone. Children love to call azan. Make the youngest one the salaat manager, taking care of prayer rugs, timing, and inviting everyone to salaat.

 

 ENVIRONMENT- Always remain within an environment that is free from sin. Psychologist emphasize that environment has a great effect on the upbringing of kids. Plan visits to places that do not in any way encroach on our Islamic way of life. Parents should try to keep their children and teenagers away from the immoral scenes that people usually see in holiday resorts during vacations. The free intermingling of sexes is totally prohibited in Islam. Children are vulnerable and very easily succumb to peer pressure. Parents need to be diplomatically assertive in emphasizing Islamic values.

 

INTERACT- Regular interaction with your children is vital. Teach them through cool behaviour. Trying to appear "cool" in front of their peers during adolescence brings tremendous pressure on children. "Children often don't feel that their parents know what's cool and what's happening, so they turn to their peer group for the answers by trying to imitate them. By starting regular interaction while your children are young, parents can ensure that their kids will use them as their role models and not their peer groups. Time spent with children enhances the parent-child relationship, so that in their later life children will emulate their parents' values and attitudes and that makes the gift of time the greatest gift of all.

  

TEACH- Vacations are an excellent opportunity to teach our kids in an interactive way. Plan tasks, projects, games which have an Islamic flavour to it. Parents should take the vacations as an opportunity to indirectly set good examples to their children for cooperation, kindness, and truthfulness. Learn and teach the rules of Islam in a interactive way. Encourage the reading of Qurán and Hadith. Encourage the kids to have Taalim.[Islamic education] Better still, the parents should join in Taalimi programs. Competitions in memorizing the Qur'an and learning the hadith should be encouraged to help inculcate real commitment to the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

 

READ- Kids have loads of time and will become easily bored if not kept occupied. Introduce them to good Islamic books. Reading material should be carefully selected as you don't want your kids to be adversely affected by unislamic literature. Parents should seize the opportunity of their free time in the holidays to tell their children stories from the Qur'an that impart good morals, enhance spirituality and help build an upright character. Tell or read to your children stories on some nights before bed. There are lots of excellent Islamic stories and books available that you can use or you can make up your own. At the same time, you will be helping your children develop Islamic character.

 

CO-OPERATION -Muslim parents should help disseminate the cooperative spirit among their sons and daughters during the holidays. This can be achieved by teaching the children the benefits of working together and learning to be patient in achieving their goals, in an attempt to make them realize the importance of teamwork. Reward them where necessary. The family unit is the basis of a good society.

 

SPORTS- Sports can be a great contributor to building the kids physically and spiritually. Choose such activities that support an Islamic spirit and identity. Ensure that these activities do not encroach on their deen. For example when the time of prayer approaches, let them pray first and then resume their sporting activities. Teach them to use Islamic words in their activities. Instead of saying WOW! Let them say ALLAHU AKBAR[Allah is the Greatest], let them start by saying Bismillah[I begin in the name of Allah] etc. In this way they will be making zikr[remembering Allah]. To be physically fit is part of deen. Swimming, Archery , Horse Riding, Athletics are strongly recommended. The Messenger of Allah(pbuh) even raced with his beloved wife Aisha(RA).

 

HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES- Parents can motivate their kids to bake, clean the garage, re-organize their rooms, help set the table for guests etc. If necessary a roster can be drawn up.

 

ZIKR[remembering Allah]- Let them spend time making Zikr, Reciting Quran, Making dua etc Get a book on the virtues of good deeds and read it to them. Fazaile Amaal [Virtues of Good Deeds] is an excellent book. Then let them practically do it so they get accustomed to making zikr. The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] informed us that we will not regret about anything in this life accept the time spent without zikr. Verily, in the Zikr of Allah do hearts find peace." (Surah Ra'd) ... "Verily, the remembrance of Allah is the greatest." (Surah Ahzaab) [Qurán]

 

PLAN AN EVENT- Try organising one weekly treat that you all do together. Bring your kids in on the act and ask them where they want to go this weekend. It may be the zoo, it may be an outing or it may just be going shopping. But it is a great idea to go on an outing with them on a regular basis. These little treats will be exciting for your kids and will remind you that it can be fun to be a parent. Organise a family gathering, Go as a family out in the Path of Allah, a picnic, a sightseeing tour, a day to the zoo, stop off for ice cream or to feed the birds in the park, visit the local orphanage, a visit to the kiddies section in the local hospital etc. Be innovative within the confinements of Sharia.

  

 

GARDENING- Gardening is an excelling way to keep them occupied and bring them closer to Allah. Let them have their own vegetable patches, let them plant flowers etc. Explain to them about Beauty of Allah in His creation

 

PLAY- Play with your children. You could play ball, colour pictures, build toy houses from blocks, or do whatever they like. Let your children help you with simple tasks. Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh) was especially fond of children and used to get into the spirit of childish games in their company. He would have fun with the children who had come back from Abyssinia and tried to speak in Abyssinian with them. It was his practice to give lifts on his camel to children when he returned from journeys. (Bukhari).

 

 

LOVE- Show your children in simple ways that you love them. Some parents try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts rather than giving of themselves. This may cause more harm than good. The simple example of Prophet Muhammad[pbuh].When his daughter Fatima (May Allah be pleased with her) would come to him, the Prophet[pbuh] used to stand up, kiss her, take her hand, and give her his seat. Later in life, this personal type of affection will be much more memorable to children than receiving a gift that anyone could have given them. Don't buy their love- Win it!!!

 

SIN: Ensure a sin free vacation. Cinemas, Movies, Immoral PC games, Discos, etc will harm their Imaan. Instead of playing haraam music rather buy some good Islamic CD's for them.

 

FRIENDS-The most important element of a successful vacation from an Islamic perspective is the company that our kids keep. Friends will either make or break our deen (religion). If a kid finds himself hanging out with non-Muslim classmates who are doing haraam it will have a negative bearing on his Imaan. Company of deeni[pious] and knowledgeable people is a great boon. For boys going out with other youth in the Path of Allah is an excellent way to be in good company. The Family could also go out together. In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look at whom you befriend." Tactfully persuade them to choose such friends who will be positively and islamically influence their character. The company our kids keep will have a profound effect on their imaan and personality!

 

Vacations can be spiritually enriching for both parents and kids PROVIDED we do things Islamically correct. It is an excellent opportunity to develop our kids character and uplift their Imaan!

 

The Messenger of Allah [pbuh] said:"The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character." (Hadith-Sahih Bukhari)

 

 

 

IT' SO MUCH BETTER TO GIVE!!!

 

 

 

A student was walking one day with his Sheikh(spiritual guide). As they went along they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which belonged to an old man who was working in a field nearby. His work for that day was nearly done.

The student turned to the Sheikh saying: "Let us play a trick on the man: we will hide his shoes and conceal ourselves behind those bushes and wait to see his response when he cannot find them".

"My young friend" answered the Sheikh, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. You are rich and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by the means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe and then we will hide and watch how this affects him".

So it was and they hid behind some bushes. The poor man finished his work and came to the path where he had left his coat and shoes. While putting his coat on he slipped his foot into one of his shoes. Feeling something hard he stooped down to feel what it was and he found a coin.

Astonishment and wonder were upon his face. He gazed at the coin, turned it around and around looking at it again and again. He then looked all around but could see no one. He put the money in his pocket and proceeded to put the other shoe on; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin.

His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving to Allah Almighty in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless and his children without bread whom this timely bounty from some unknown hand would save from perishing.

The student stood there deeply affected and tears filled his eyes. "Now" said the Sheikh – are you not much better pleased than if you had played your trick?"

The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah – charity, etc. for Allâh's Cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allâh knows it all. And for the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.) there are no helpers. (Al-Baqarah 2:270)

Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allâh is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing. (Al-Baqarah 2:263)

I wish my father could "see" me score!

 

 

 

Zaid lived alone with his father and the two of them had a very special relationship. Zaid mother died when he was just five in a motor car collision. His beloved father Yusuf, who meant the world to Zaid was seriously injured in same accident but through the Will of Allah his father survived.

 

Zaid was a very pious and intelligent boy. He was always seen accompanying his dad to the Masjid and reading the Qur'an He also loved sports but never did sports ever stand in the way of his salaah as he father always told him a saying of the Noble Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]"Of all the practices, salaah made at fixed hours is most loved by Allah."

 

 Everyday after Asar Salaah he would grab his fathers hand and take him to the local sports field where he continued to play until just before the Maghrib prayer. Thereafter both father and son would go to the Masjid to perform their prayers before returning home.

 

Zaid was always there for training. However for the main games he was always on the bench  and never selected by the coach to play. His father was always in the stands cheering and screaming Masha-Allah, Allahu akbar . His father never missed a game.

 

This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. He was also a student in Hifz[memorising the Qur'an] which consumed most of his precious time. His father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.

But the young man loved sports and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer[not participating in actual games]. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

 

Young Zaid completed his memorization of the Qur'an and at his Jalsa [graduation ceremony], his father was so overjoyed that tears flowed  from his eyes.  His father told him on the day he started his hifz  that our beloved Rasulullah[peace be upon him] said"Whoever reads the Qur'an and memorises it, while he regards what it makes lawful as lawful and its unlawful as forbidden, Allah Ta'ala will admit him into Jannah[paradise] and will accept his intercession on behalf of ten such persons of his family who were doomed to the fire of Jahannam[hell]" He earnestly wished from that day that he would become a Hafiz of the Quran and hoped through its blessings his mother would enter Jannah.

The young man completed school and then went to university. He decided to try out for the football team as a "reserve." Everyone was sure he could never make the grade, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him in the team because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the motivation, spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the university games.

This persistent young sportsman never missed practice during his years at university, but he never got to play in a single game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field a few days before the Cup Final Game, the coach met him with a note that was just delivered a few moments earlier. The young man read the note and he became deathly silent…tears began to flow from his eyes. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" I would have to attend his funeral later today. The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son and there is also no need to come back to the Cup Final on Saturday.

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the final 25 minutes of the Cup Final, when his team 2-1 behind, the silent young man quietly slipped into the change room. There he quickly performed wudhu[ablution] and put on his football gear. He had a ¾ pants specially made for him at his fathers request. This was done as for Muslims it is compulsory for males to cover the area from the navel to below the knees.

 

 He then calmly read two rakaat salaah and made dua[prayed] with so much devotion to Allah and then ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon." Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young Zaid. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this cup final game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in as there were only 10 min left in the game and his team seems to be getting from bad to worst. "All right," he said."You can go in."

Briefly lifting his hands in dua he ran onto the field. Not before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, kicked and tackled like a star. His team began to gain momentum and courage. He made a beautiful opening and a pass which allowed the striker to score. The score was tied 2-2 with just 5 min to go. In the closing seconds of injury time in the game, the opponents were attacking when the ball was kicked wildly and it found itself to Zaid who was just past the half way mark. Zaid got the ball, dribbled past the first defender and out ran the second defender. All that remained between victory was Zaid, the goal keeper and 10 seconds of playing time. Saying Bismillahi Allahu Akbar( I begin in the name Allah-Allah is the Greatest) he kicked the ball hard and accurately into to the right upper corner of the goal post. Despite a desperate attempt the goal keeper was unable to save it.There was a thunderous scream from the spectators…

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL!!!

 

 

Zaid had scored and his team had won. The game was over!!! Zaid calmly made a sajda [prostration] to thank Allah.

 

His team mates rushed to grab him.The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the change room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" He lost his eyesight in a motor collision when I was just five years old and my mum passed away in the same accident. The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today would have been the  first time he would "see" me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"With tears flowing his eyes the coach held the young Zaid close to him….

 

Zaid in a soft tone whispered, "How I only wish my father was here to "see" me score!"

 

 

 

Moral Lessons:

1. Whoever puts their Trust in Allah, Allah will never disappoint them
2. Allah's help Always comes so long as one has patience and perseveres.
3. The love and dedication that parents have for their children is extra special!
4. Practicing on Islam is not an obstacle to our material progress, in fact it aids our progress.
5. Appreciate our parents while they are still with us
6. Never give up hope, despite the odds
7. If we work for Allah, Allah will works for us!

 

    Winter the best season for the believer

 

 

Winter the best season for the believer

The clocks have gone back
Summer time has ended
Beginning of winter
And everyone is in gloom

Illness and depression
Rain and snow
Travel chaos and snow days
Everyone is suffering
One way or another

Amongst this negativity
The believer sees rays of positivity

Winter the best season for the believer
The nights are long
And extra prayers make one spiritually strong
Many quiver
And count the days to spring
When they hear the birds sing

But the believers rejoice
The days are short
And fasting passes with ease
Extra rewards
For the day when nothing will benefit
Except good deeds

The disbelievers get depressed
And book their holidays
Somewhere warm and compressed
Where the sun is hot
As they swim and sun bath

Winter the best season for the believer
As the prayers come in quick succession
One after the other
And the remembrance of Allah lasts all day

The cold days and nights
Are a blessing
As the Muslim's stay in their dwellings
Prostrating and contemplating
About the blessings of Allah
And making dua for the Ummah