EXAMS

Exams

 That time of year....

For many when we hear the phrase "It's that time of year again..." we think of year-end holidays and another year gone. For others it's the dreaded time of exams. Again! A time of fear and anxiety, a time of wishing we had done more during the year, but there's no getting away from it. It's that time of year again....

And as we grow older the exams seem to get more difficult and the brain more reluctant to yield the information we crammed into it. At junior grade the answers are simple, such as the teacher who asked Albie to come to the map and show the class where is America, Albie did so correctly and then the teacher asked: "Now class, who discovered America?" "Albie!!" was the prompt and proud answer.

 As we grow older we can no longer get away hiding behind childhood innocence but have to demonstrate our learning ability and answer the questions about intricate subjects that often have a multitude of odd sounding phrases that difficult to pronounce and even more difficult to learn. But without learning there can be no progress. "The more knowledgeable the man, the more valuable the man" said Hazrat Ali (RA)

With the limited time to cram a year's worth of information we often seek extraordinary solutions, but there are few except the tried and tested method of prayer, hard work and lots more hard work. But here some practical tips to help you:

1.      Pray - Before any study session spend a few moments praying. Sometimes teens think that Allah is only in the most spiritual parts of their lives, but Allah is in every aspect of your life. He wants you to succeed. Praying can bring you closer to Allah and make you feel a little stronger and relaxed going into test time. Ask others to also pray for you. We can never underestimate the power of prayer.

2.      Study SMART – more time doesn't mean more effective studying. Ideally study for 50 minutes then spend 10 minutes reviewing the material just covered. Then take a 5minute break to soak it all in.

3.      Establish a study timetable – many students loose hours of study time deciding what to study and the mind will always gravitate to those subjects we enjoy ignoring the ones that we dislike and really need attention.

4.      Lose the Excuses - It can be easy to put off studying until the last minute. The things going on around you can be tempting ways to procrastinate. Exams are overwhelming. They do test your limits, but you can learn. You need to keep your pace reasonable and learn what you can.

5.      Eat Well – while many teenagers are convinced that chocolate slabs and crisps are packed with sufficient sugar and carbohydrates to nourish the brain – in reality, they only satisfy the taste-buds and are very poor brain food. High sugar foods may give you energy at first, but then it plummets pretty quickly. So drop some of the 'snacks' for a real good meal at least twice a day.

 

6.      Get Your Rest - Sleep is one of the most important tools you have in studying for exams. You may feel stressed and like you don't know everything you need to know, but a good night sleep can help relieve that stress. A lack of sleep can end up clouding your judgement or increase your number of mistakes. Get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night, especially the night before your exam.

 

7.      Take a Breather - Breaks are a good thing. Even the test preparers of major tests like the ACT and SAT know the importance of taking a breather, as they schedule them into the test time. Studying can take its toll on you, and after a while the words and information can just seem like a jumbled mess. Step away from what you are studying and just clear your head with something different. It will help make you fresh to continue.

 

8.      Have Some Fun - Yes, exam time is stressful, and you may feel like you have to devote all your time to studying. However, if you develop a good plan you should have some time to spend with friends and family. Make some time to do some things with your youth group that week to just blow off steam. Taking an hour or two to get away from the stress is a good thing. It will make your head a bit clearer when you back to studying and you will feel reenergized.

 

When all else fails then you could pray a lot more and come up with some imaginative excuses like:

Father: Why are your exam marks so low?
SON: Because I sit at the desk at the back, Dad.
Father: What difference does that make?
SON: Well, there are so many of us in the class that when it's my turn for marks there aren't any left.

We pray that Allah Ta'ala grant all the students success in their exams and use their knowledge for the sake of promoting his Deen. And we also ask Allah to assist us all in our FINAL exam and allow us all to pass this difficult assessment. Aameen!

Importance of First Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah

Importance of First Ten Days of Zul-Hijjah

 

 

The first ten days of Zul Hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar. The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."(Bukhari)

 

Almighty Allah  Ta'ala says, (By the dawn; by the ten nights) (Quran-Al-Fajr 89: 1-2). Ibn `Abbas, ibn az-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations are of the opinion that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/413)

 

The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, has said, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship of "Lailatul-Qadr". (Tirmizi)

 

Every Muslim should avail oneself of this wonderful opportunity by performing as much Ibadah (acts of worship) as he or she can during this period.

 

THE 9TH DAY OF ZUL HIJJAH

 

The 9th day of Zul Hijjah is called Yowmul-Arafah (The Day of Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj (Haji pilgrims, plural of Haji) assemble on the plain of Arafat, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukkarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of hajj, namely, making Tawbah (repenting) at the Wuqoof of Arafat.

 

THE FAST OF YOUMUL ARAFAH

 

For those not performing hajj, it is Mustahab (desirable) to fast on this day according to their calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th Zul Hijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each country should observe Yowmul Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own country.

 

The fast of Yowmul Arafah has been emphasized by the Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, as a Mustahab (desirable) act. According to a Hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause of forgiveness for sins committed in the past and future year. (Hadith-Muslim)

 

TAKBIR-E-TASHREEQ

 

Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zul Hijjah up to the 'Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on every Muslim male to recite the Takbir-e-Tashreeq after every Fard Salaah (in congregation or alone) in the following words: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La IlahaIllallahu, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd. (There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)Male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.

 

May Allah Ta'aala enable us to use these blessed days in attaining His pleasure.

 

Just one night of Fun

Just one night of Fun

 

 

Mariam was so happy about the house they had found.
For once in her life 'twas on the right side of town.
She unpacked her things with such great ease.
As she watched her new curtains blow in the breeze.
How wonderful it was to have her own room.
School would be starting; she'd have friends over soon.

There'd be sleep-overs, and parties; she was so happy
It's just the way she wanted her life to be.
On the first day of school, everything went great.
She made new friends and even got a date!
She thought, "I want to be popular and I'm going to be,

Because I just got a date with the star of the football team!"
To be known in this school you had to have a clout,
And dating this Joe would sure help her out.
There was only one problem stopping her fate.
Her parents had said she was a Muslim and could not date.

"Well, I just won't tell them the entire truth.
They won't know the difference; what's there to lose?"
Mariam asked to stay with her new girlfriends just a night.
Her parents frowned but eventually said, "All right."
Excited, she got ready for a romantic occassion

Her mind was  over excited awaiting a great sensation.

But as she rushed around like she had no sense,
She began to feel guilty about all the lies,
But what's a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride?
Well the pizza was good, and the party was great,

But the moonlight ride would have to wait.
For Joe was half drunk by this time.
But he kissed her and said that he was just fine.
Then the room filled with smoked and Joe took a puff.
Mariam couldn't believe he was smoking that stuff.

Now Joe was ready to ride to the point
But only after he'd smoked another joint.
They jumped in the car for the moonlight ride,
Not thinking that he was too drunk to drive.
They finally made it to the point at last,
And Joe started trying to make a pass.
A pass is not what Mariam wanted at all
(And by a pass, I don't mean playing football.)
"Perhaps my parents were right, I'm Muslim and young.

"Boy, how could I ever, ever be so dumb."

Joe now firmly gripped her bum!

Being a Muslim, her Emaan(Faith) began to ignite
With all of her might, she pushed Joe away:
"Please take me home, I don't want to stay."
Joe started the car and moved with a blast.
In a matter of seconds they were going too fast.

As Joe drove on in a fit of wild anger,
Mariam knew that her life was in danger.
She begged and pleaded for him to slow down,
But he just got faster as they neared the town.
"Just let me get home! I'll confess that I lied.
I really went out for a moonlight ride."
Then all of a sudden, she saw a big flash.
"Oh Allah, Please help us! We're going to crash!"
She doesn't remember the force of impact.
Just that everything all of a sudden went black.
She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble,
And heard, "call an ambulance! These kids are in trouble!"

Voices she heard...a few words at best..its a bad smash
But she knew there were two cars involved in the crash.

Then wondered to herself if Joe was all right,
And if the people in the other car were alive.
She awoke in the hospital to faces so sad.
"You've been in a crash and it looks pretty bad."
These voices echoed inside her head,
As they gently told her that Joe was dead.
They said " Mariam, we've done all we can do.
But it looks as if we'll lose you too."

"But the people in the other car!? " Mariam cried.
"We're sorry, Mariam, they also died."
Mariam prayed, "Allah, forgive me for what I've done
I only wanted to have just one night of fun."
"Tell those people's family, I've made their lives dim,
And wish I could return their families to them."
"Tell Mom and Dad I'm sorry I lied,
And that it's my fault so many have died.
Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?"

The nurse just stood there-she never agreed.
But took Mariam's hand with tears in her eyes.
And a few moments later Mariam died.
A man asked the nurse, "Why didn't you do your best
To bid that girl her one last request?"
She looked at the man with eyes so sad.
"Because I've just heard that….

 the people in the other car were her own mom and dad."

This story is sad and unpleasant but in reality so true,
So young people take heed, it could have been you.

WONDERS OF ALLAH IN OUR BODIES

WONDERS OF

ALLAH

IN OUR BODIES

Allah orders man to examine his own physical features: " do they not reflect in themselves"  [Quran Aayah 8 Surah Rum]

The body is a complex mass of many different parts, all parts have important work to do and they all have to work accurately to keep the body alive and healthy. The human body comprises of trillions of cells.

The first cells that Allah formed our bodies with was from our mothers and our fathers bodies.

THE BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM

                       

Besides being the source of our thoughts, the brain is also the body's computer by Allah's inspiration. it is the central office which controls, directs and coordinates the varied activities of the many organs of the body----such as the beating of the heart, breathing rate of the body etc.So we never needed to ask our bodies ,should I need to breath now, should my stomach start digesting ,which muscles must I use to move my legs when I walk? Our bodies perform these automatically.

The brain is a soft mass of matter weighing little more than 3 pounds that float in shock proof fluid in the head. The outer layer of the brain is called the cortex. It is about a millimetre thick like a crumbled cloth over the rest of the brain. The folds and lumps are made of grey matter. In the white grey matter there e are nearly a 1000 million nerve cells, each is an electric battery and transmitter. Each cell branches out into nerve like threads which run trough out the body. The smaller back part of the brain is called the cerebellum, it controls balance and the way your muscles work, it also makes your movements smooth not jerky. The larger part is called cerebrum, this is the front upper part, covered by the cortex. The cerebrum is in two parts or hemispheres. Nerves from each side of your body cross to the opposite side of the cerebrum.

The brain is just about 3% of our body weight but uses 20% of the oxygen we breath and 15% of the body's blood supply. From the millions of nerve cells of the body most are in the brain. There two main types of nerve fibres: sensory nerve fibres which carry messages to your sense organs to your brain, and a spinal cord and motor nerves, which carry messages from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles and other parts of your body. After the age of twenty a number of cells in the brain die each day and are not replaced. If all the nerves in your body were stretched out they would be75km long.Subhanallah, Glory to Allah who is the best of Creator!

Playing Mental Gymnastics?

Playing Mental Gymnastics?

 

 

 

It's Wise to Accept the decree of Allah!!!

 

A man came to Iyas Ibn Mu'awiyah, a Muslim judge famous for his wisdom, and the following conversation took place between them:

Man: What is the Islamic ruling regarding wine?
Judge: It is Haram (Forbidden).

Man: How about water?
Judge: It is Halal (Permissible).

Man: How about dates and grapes?
Judge: They are Halal.

Man: Why is it that all these ingredients are Halal, and yet when you combine them, they become Haram?
The Judge looked at the man and said: If I hit you with this handful of dirt, do you think it would hurt you?

Man: It would not.
Judge: How about if I hit you with this handful of straw?

Man: It would not hurt me.
Judge: How about a handful of water?

Man: It surely would not hurt me.
Judge: How about if I mix them, and let them dry to become a brick, and then hit you with it, would it hurt you?

Man: It would hurt me and might even kill me!
Judge: The same reasoning applies to what you asked me!! 


In Islam the sphere of prohibited things is very small, while that of permissible things is extremely vast. There is only a small number of sound and explicit texts concerning prohibitions, while whatever is not mentioned in a nas as being lawful or prohibited falls under the general principle of the permissibility of things and within the domain of Allah's favor.


In this regard the Prophet (peace be on him) said: What Allah has made lawful in His Book is halal and what He has forbidden is haram, and that concerning which He is silent is allowed as His favor. So accept from Allah His favor, for Allah is not forgetful of anything. He then recited, "And thy Lord is not forgetful." (19:64) (This hadith was reported by al-Hakim, cla88ified as sahih (sound), and quoted by al-Bazzar.)


"You who believe! Do not make haram the good things which Allah has made halal for you, and do not transgress; indeed, Allah does not like the transgressors. And eat of what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allah, in Whom you are believers." [Quran-5:87-88)

Wisdom from 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) 

Sandpaper

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."

Gifts

Gifts

 

 

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

"Give gifts to one another, for gifts take away malice."

( Hadith-Mishkat)

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] used to accept gifts and give gifts in return.

(Hadith-Bukhari)

Udhiyya (Qurbani)

Udhiyya (Qurbâni)

 

Allah Ta'ala, The Most Wise says:

 

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, it is your piety that reaches Him. Indeed He has subjected them (animals) to you so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you, and give glad tidings  to those who excel in good." (Quran-22:37)

 

The Noble Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

 

"For every hair that is on the sacrificial animal, one reward is recorded for the person making the Qurbâni."

 

"There is nothing dearer to Allâh during the days of Qurbâni than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed in reward). The sacrifice is accepted by Allâh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart."

 

"Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Hadith-Ibn Majah).

Love him…

Love him…

Love him …when he "forgets" that special occasion. For him every moment with you is special so he does not need an occasion.

Love him…when he comes late from the Musjid. He wants to make sure he is early with you in Jannah (Paradise).

Love him…when he admonishes you to don the hijaab. He wants to be sure you enshrouded by Allah's Mercy when you leave the home.

Love him...when he is jealous. Out of all the women he could have, he chose you to be his wife!

Love him...when he is working till late. At least he comes home and you still get to sleep and wake up in his loving and caring arms.

Love him…when he has annoying little habits that drives you nuts. You have them too (and maybe more)

Love him…when does not praise your cooking. He told you as newlyweds that yours was indeed always the best.

Love him…when he looks dishevelled. He was more busy caring for the family than grooming himself. By the way he is cute!

Love him…when he does not help in the home. He is out earning a halaal (pure) income for the family.

Love him...when he does not reply to your questions. He does not want to hurt your feelings or is absorbed in thinking about your welfare.

Love him…when he looks beautiful. He's yours to appreciate!

Love him…when he goes out in the Path of Allah. He is preparing a blissful eternal home for you in Jannah.

Love him...when he does not comment when you get angry. He is a good listener.

Love him…when he buys you gifts you don't like. Smile and tell him it's what you've always wanted. He took the time and money out just for you!

Love him…when he has developed a bad habit. You have many more and with wisdom and politeness you have all the time to help him change.

Love him…when he is irritable and moody. Buy chocolates, massage his head and feet and just chat to him. He will become your slave!

Love him…when whatever you do is not pleasing. It's like a storm; it happens and will soon pass by.

Love him…when he drives so fast. He only wants you to be there in time.

Love him…when he extends his period of rest. He is re-charging himself to serve you the best.

Love him…when he forgets to say "I love you". He actually shows his love in many other ways.

Love him…when he forgets to buy the bread or milk. He was rushing home to be with you.

Love him…when he does not give you a chance to talk. He just knows what is in your heart and what it is you want to say.

Love him…when he "demands" respect. After all he is the head of the house.

Love him…when he shouts the kids. He only wants to ensure they are corrected and have a good moral upbringing.

Love him…he is yours. You don't need any other special reason!!!!

All this forms part of a man's character. Your Husband is part of your life and should be treated as the King!.

Almighty Allah Ta'ala says:

" And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)…" (Qur'an 30:21) 

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

·         'Any woman who dies, and her husband is pleased with her, will enter Paradise.'"(Hadith-Ibn Majah) 

·         "If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadan), obeys her husband and guards her chastity, then it will be said to her: 'Enter Paradise by whichever of its gates you wish."(Hadith-Ahmad and al-Tabarani) 

·         "Pay attention to how you treat him(husband), for he is your Paradise and your Hell."(Hadith-¹³ Ahmad and al-Nisa'i) 

·         "No human being is permitted to prostrate to another, but if this were permitted I would have ordered wives to prostrate to their husbands, because of the greatness of the rights they have over them."(Hadith: Ahmad and al-Bazzar)

Don't wait for that special occasion, take time NOW to make him feel Special in Every Way! Just give him a HUGE HUG and if he asks why then say: " It's just because you are so SPECIAL…"

Virtues of Surah Yaseen

Virtues of Surah Yaseen

 

Virtues of Surah Yaseen

 

 

1. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Allah's Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Everything has a heart and the heart of the Holy Qur'aan is Yaseen. Allah Ta'ala will record anyone who recites Yaseen as having recited the Holy Qur'aan ten times."

(Tirmizi, Darimee)

2. Hazrat Ata ibn Abu Rabah radiyallahu anhu told of hearing that Allah Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "If anyone recites Yaseen at the beginning of the day, his needs will be fulfilled."

(Darimee)

3. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar Muzani radiyallahu anhu reported the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone recites Yaseen for Allah's pleasure, his past sins will be forgiven; so recite it on those who are dying."

(Baihaqi)

4. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Whoever goes to the graveyard and reads Surah Yaseen Allah Ta'ala gives them (the grave dwellers) ease that day, and the reciter receives spiritual blessings equivalent to the amount of letters of Surah Yaseen."

(Qurtubi)

5. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar radiyallahu anhu reports that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Recite Surah Yaseen on those who are dying."

(Abu Dawood)

6. Hazrat Ummud Darda radiyallahu anhu reports the Noble Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Over no person who is about to die and Surah Yaseen is read upon them but Allah Ta'ala lightens the difficulties of death for him."

(Qurtubi)

7. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu says that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala, that night he will be forgiven."

(Abu Nuaym)

8. Hazrat Aisha radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Indeed in the Noble Qur'aan there is a Surah, for its reading will intercede and will be a means of forgiveness for its listener. Listen carefully, it is Surah Yaseen, in the Torah it is called Muimmah."

It was enquired, "O' Messenger of Allah, what is Muimmah?"

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, "It contains for its reader the benefits of this world, it removes from him the dread of the next life, and it is called Dafiah and Qadhiyah."

Again it was enquired, "How is this Surah Dafiah and Qadhiyah?"

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, "It takes away from its reader all afflictions and fulfills his need. Whoever recites it, it will be made equal to twenty pilgrimages. Whoever shall listen to it, it will be as thousand dinars, which he has given as charity in the path of Allah. And whoever shall write it and then drink it, it will enter into his heart a thousand cures, a thousand radiant lights, a thousand times more increase in belief, a thousand mercies, a thousand blessings, a thousand times more increase in guidance, and will remove from him all gall and disease."

(Al-Tha'labi, Hakeem Tirmizi in Nawadrul Usoos)

9. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen on the eve of Friday he will be forgiven by morning."

(Qurtubi)

10. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night he will be forgiven in the morning, and whoever recites that Surah Haameen in which Dukhaan is mentioned he will be forgiven in the morning."

(Abu Ya'la)

11. Hazrat Jundub ibn Abdullah radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever reads Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala he is forgiven."

(Ibn Habbaan)

12. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "My heart's desire is that Surah Yaseen should be present in the heart of every individual of my Ummah."

(Al-Bazzaar)

13. Yaha ibn Abi Kathir says, "This narration has reached me that whoever shall recite Yaseen at night, he remains content till morning and whoever shall recite it in the morning, he remains content till evening. And that person who has related this to me has also experienced this." Thalabi said, and Ibn Atiyah has mentioned this and Ibn Atiyah says, "Experience confirms this."

(Qurtubi)