Reflections on the Icelandic Volcano(with arabic script)

-Reflections on the Icelandic Volcano- 

(Summary of an Arabic article by Shaykh Muhammad Salih)

 

 

All Praise is due Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may the peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.

From a small, remote island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, a small, sub-glacial volcano erupted, sending plumes of ash thousands of feet into the air. It drove the entire European continent into panic and caused the disruption of international flights around the world.

Airplanes discontinued flying, airports shut down, and air traffic was suspended. One-hundred thirteen European airports closed their airspaces in the face of international navigation. More than 63,000 flights were cancelled. The airline industry faced losses of up to $250 million per day. Over seven million travelers were stranded.  Airport lounges turned into dormitories, and passengers were provided with blankets and other necessities. In addition, importers and exporters were confronted with deficits.

Europe was nearly isolated from the world when it met the biggest disruption of air transportation in its history.

1.       So take warning, O people of vision (59:2):

One cloud of volcanic ash sent an entire continent into panic and fear and paralyzes air travel.  What would happen if several volcanoes erupted? Indeed, it is an event that calls upon us to think, reflect, and contemplate. It is not fit for such great happenings to surpass a Muslim without a deep, thoughtful pause that comes about from his/her faith in Allah, with full certainty, that whatever good happens in this universe is from the grace and mercy of Allah and whatever evil happens in it is with His knowledge.

ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

"That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing." (Ya-Seen 36:38)

Allah has wisdom behind everything He wills and decrees.

لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ

"He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned." (Al-Anbiyaa 21:23)

2.       And We send not the signs except as a warning (17:59):

Volcanoes and the like are soldiers of Allah; He sends them upon whom He wishes of His servants, in the time He wishes, in the manner He wishes.  They are a warning, a trial, and a punishment.

وَمَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُودَ رَبِّكَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَمَا هِيَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْبَشَر

"And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And mention of the Fire is not but a reminder to humanity." (Al-Muddaththir 74:31)

Among the soldiers of Allah is the volcanic ash, composed of small particles of glass and pulverized rock. The ash poses great danger to aircraft engines and instruments and thus hinders planes' movement. Moreover, it may pose serious health hazards if inhaled.

To simply say that such incidents are "natural" occurrences due only to standard universal laws illustrates one's heedlessness of the Creator and the Controller of this universe. For who runs and manages this universe in such an orderly fashion and gives it power to strike its inhabitants?

هُوَ الَّذِي يُرِيكُمُ الْبَرْقَ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَيُنشِئُ السَّحَابَ الثِّقَال * َوَيُسَبِّحُ الرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ وَيُرْسِلُ الصَّوَاعِقَ فَيُصِيبُ بِهَا مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُمْ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي اللَّهِ وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ الْمِحَالِ

"It is He who shows you lightening, [causing] fear and aspiration, and generates the heavy clouds. And the thunder exalts [Allah] with praise of Him – and the angels [as well] from fear of Him – and He sends thunderbolts and strikes therewith whom He wills while they dispute about Allah; and He is severe in assault." (Ar-Ra'd 13:12-13)

3.       And this is nothing else than a reminder to mankind (74:31).

The volcanic ash cloud is a sign among the signs of Allah. It was sent to His slaves as an admonition and reminder to the Believers, and a way to warn and frighten those who turned away from Him. The believing heart will take heed and turn to its Lord in repentance, while the oblivious heart that has forgotten its Lord will only worry about economic losses and the latest updates.

لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ آذَانٌ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْغَافِلُونَ

"They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless." (Al-'Araf 7:179)

It is from the hardness of the heart that one hears of such adversities and yet fails to detach themselves from sin and transgression and continues to follow their desires.

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the state of the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhe wa sallam) when he saw a cloud, "If the Prophet saw a cloud in the sky, he would walk to and fro in agitation, go out and come in, and the color of his face would change, and if it rained, he would feel relaxed."  When she inquired about his reaction, he replied, "I don't know (am afraid), it may be similar to what happened to some people referred to in the Holy Quran in the following Verse:

فَلَمَّا رَأَوْهُ عَارِضًا مُّسْتَقْبِلَ أَوْدِيَتِهِمْ قَالُوا هَٰذَا عَارِضٌ مُّمْطِرُنَا ۚ بَلْ هُوَ مَا اسْتَعْجَلْتُم بِهِ ۖ رِيحٌ فِيهَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

'And when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, 'This is a cloud bringing us rain!'" Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: a wind, within it a painful punishment." (Al-Ahqaaf 46:24)

Similarly, during the solar eclipse he experienced (salallahu alayhe wa sallam), he came out in a restless state thinking the Hour had begun. This is indicative of the degree to which he feared the Hour and kept it in his mind.

What should our state be when we witness an ash cloud shooting up 10km into the air?

4.       They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. (22:74)

What hit Europe and affected the entire world is a great indicator of the power and strength of Allah, glorified be His Majesty. His decree outstrips all other commands and His might leaves all other helpless.

Whatever Allah wills happens and whatever He does not will does not happen, and He is over all things competent.

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ الْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا

"It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge." (At-Talaaq 65:12)

5.       Man is weak.

When man becomes arrogant, transgresses, claims perfection and self-sufficiency, Allah sends signs that remind man of his weakness and need of his Creator (the Exalted).

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ

"O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy." (Fatir 35:15)

It was a matter of minutes before security turned into fear and profit into deficit. Did the power, technology, money, research, and innovations of these "First World" countries benefit them in the face of one of the soldiers of Allah? They helplessly watched and gazed as the order of Allah moved before their very eyes.

أَمَّنْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي هُوَ جُندٌ لَّكُمْ يَنصُرُكُم مِّن دُونِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ ۚ إِنِ الْكَافِرُونَ إِلَّا فِي غُرُورٍ

"Or who is it that could be an army for you to aid you other than the Most Merciful? The disbelievers are not but in delusion." (Al-Mulk 67:20)

6.       There is no refuge from Allah except in Him (9:118).

No matter how influential or intelligent man is, there is no way out of such catastrophes except by turning to his Lord in sincere du'aa and worship. For this reason, we are commanded to rush to salah during solar and lunar eclipses. "They are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray." (Bukhari)

7.       A fire that reminds of a greater Fire.

The lava discharged from the volcano reached a temperature of 1,000°C (1,800°F) and melted about 10% of its icecap. This is the fire of this world which serves a as a reminder of the Fire of the Hereafter. The Prophet (salallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, "This fire of yours which is lit by the sons of Adam is one seventieth part of the fire of Hell." (Muslim)

8.       And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow (31:34).

Conferences organized, meetings arranged, appointments set, reservations confirmed, hotels booked, and holidays planned; but no person knows what he will earn tomorrow. It was one eruption and many cancellations. Travelers were fighting over seats to get back home.

وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لَاسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ

"And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me." (Al-Araf 7:188)

9.       And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much (42:30).

This is the way of Allah; He decrees calamities to scare His slaves. When sins, oppression, killings, and indecency multiply, so do volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, diseases, wars, and losses of life and wealth.

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Ar-Rum 30:41)

And such misfortunes will not be the last for those who violate the laws of Allah, as He (the Exalted) says:

وَلَا يَزَالُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا تُصِيبُهُم بِمَا صَنَعُوا قَارِعَةٌ أَوْ تَحُلُّ قَرِيبًا مِّن دَارِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ وَعْدُ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ

"And those who disbelieve do not cease to be struck, for what they have done, by calamity – or it will descend near their home – until there comes the promise of Allah. Indeed, Allah does not fail in [His] promise." (Ar-Ra'd 13:31)

10.   An adversity for some and prosperity for others:

While airline businesses faced shortfall, transportation services by train, bus, and ferry were thriving as passengers looked for alternatives.  In addition, there was a high demand for hotel rooms.

All praise is due to the One who allocates provision to whom He wills! Some people suffer bitter losses and other people celebrate unexpected gains!

11.   Remembering the countless blessings of Allah upon us:

Observing exhausted travelers sleeping on uncomfortable chairs, impatiently waiting days and nights, should lead us to acknowledge the great and innumerable blessings Allah has bestowed on us. The blessings of security, peaceful nights, and tranquil days ought to fill our hearts with the praise of Allah and our tongues with thankfulness to Allah.

Moreover, this particular incident reveals to us our reliance on airplanes and the blessing of arriving at far distances in a short span of time.

12.   Remembering the Last Day:

The likes of such a phenomenon should remind us of a much terrible one yet to occur: the earthquake of the Hour. Sunlight was blocked by the ash cloud, and something similar will happen on the Last Day:

إِذَا الشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ

"When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness]" (At-Takwir 81:1)

Just as airplanes were deserted and neglected, on the Last Day:

وَإِذَا الْعِشَارُ عُطِّلَت

"And when full-term she-camels are neglected" (At-Takwir 81:4)

Allah mentions she-camels in the Quran because they were prized wealth to the Arabs just as airplanes are valued to us today.

The ash cloud that travelled thousands of feet into the air serves as a reminder to a cloud of smoke Allah will send prior to the Last Day:

فَارْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِي السَّمَاءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُّبِينٍ يَغْشَى النَّاسَ ۖ هَٰذَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

"Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people, this is a painful torment." (Ad-Dukhan 44:10-11)

We ask Allah subhana wa ta'ala to have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and through these signs, guide those who have gone astray to the Straight Path. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted.

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The man who committed 99 murders

The man who committed 99 murders

[The following is based on a hadith from Sahih Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 676.]

There was a man who had heartlessly murdered ninety-nine people. Then, he felt remorse.

He went to a learned man and told him about his past, explaining that he wished to repent, reform, and become a better person. "I wonder if Allah will pardon me?" he asked.

For all his learning, the scholar was a man who had not been able to digest what he had learned. "You will not be pardoned;' he said. "Then I may as well kill you, too," said the other. And kill him he did.

He then found another worthy individual and told him that he had killed a hundred people. "I wonder," he said, "whether Allah will pardon me if I repent?" Being a truly wise man, he replied, "Of course you will be pardoned; repent at once. I have just one piece of advice for you: avoid the company of wicked people and mix with good people, for bad company leads one into sin:"

The man expressed repentance and regret, weeping as he sincerely implored his Lord to pardon him. Then, turning his back on bad company, he set off to find a neighborhood where righteous people lived.

On the way, his appointed hour arrived, and he died. The angels of punishment and of mercy both came to take away his soul. The angels of punishment said that as a sinful person he rightfully belonged to them, but the angels of mercy also claimed him, saying, "He repented and had resolved to become a good man. He was on his way to a place where righteous people live, but his appointed hour had come." A great debate ensued, and Gabriel was sent as an arbitrator to settle this affair.

After hearing both sides he gave this verdict: "Measure the ground. If the spot where he died is closer to the good people, then he belongs to the angels of mercy, but if it is nearer to the wicked people, he will be given to the angels of punishment."

They measured the ground. Because the man had just set out, he was still closer to the wicked. But because he was sincere in his repentance, the Lord moved the spot where he lay and brought it to just outside the city of the good people.

 

That penitent servant was handed over to the angels of mercy.

Repentance is the most noble and beloved form of obedience in the eyes of Allah. He loves those who repent. Repentance has a status that no other form of worship has. This is why Allah is extremely happy when a servant repents just as a desert traveler may be happy when he finds his lost camel.

Repentance is the most noble and beloved form of obedience in the eyes of Allah. He loves those who repent. Repentance has a status that no other form of worship has. This is why Allah is extremely happy when a servant repents just as a desert traveler may be happy when he finds his lost camel.

"Except those who repent, have faith and do good deeds, for such people Allah will change their sins for good deeds. Certainly Allah is most forgiving and merciful."  (Qur'an 25:70)

 

Reflections on the Icelandic Volcano(with arabic script)

Reflections on the Icelandic Volcano

(Summary of an Arabic article by Shaykh Muhammad Salih)

All Praise is due Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may the peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.
From a small, remote island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, a small, sub-glacial volcano erupted, sending plumes of ash thousands of feet into the air. It drove the entire European continent into panic and caused the disruption of international flights around the world.
Airplanes discontinued flying, airports shut down, and air traffic was suspended. One-hundred thirteen European airports closed their airspaces in the face of international navigation. More than 63,000 flights were cancelled. The airline industry faced losses of up to $250 million per day. Over seven million travelers were stranded.  Airport lounges turned into dormitories, and passengers were provided with blankets and other necessities. In addition, importers and exporters were confronted with deficits.
Europe was nearly isolated from the world when it met the biggest disruption of air transportation in its history.
1.       So take warning, O people of vision (59:2):
One cloud of volcanic ash sent an entire continent into panic and fear and paralyzes air travel.  What would happen if several volcanoes erupted? Indeed, it is an event that calls upon us to think, reflect, and contemplate. It is not fit for such great happenings to surpass a Muslim without a deep, thoughtful pause that comes about from his/her faith in Allah, with full certainty, that whatever good happens in this universe is from the grace and mercy of Allah and whatever evil happens in it is with His knowledge.

ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

"That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing." (Ya-Seen 36:38)
Allah has wisdom behind everything He wills and decrees.

لَا يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ

"He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned." (Al-Anbiyaa 21:23)
2.       And We send not the signs except as a warning (17:59):
Volcanoes and the like are soldiers of Allah; He sends them upon whom He wishes of His servants, in the time He wishes, in the manner He wishes.  They are a warning, a trial, and a punishment.

وَمَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُودَ رَبِّكَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَمَا هِيَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْبَشَر

"And none knows the soldiers of your Lord except Him. And mention of the Fire is not but a reminder to humanity." (Al-Muddaththir 74:31)
Among the soldiers of Allah is the volcanic ash, composed of small particles of glass and pulverized rock. The ash poses great danger to aircraft engines and instruments and thus hinders planes' movement. Moreover, it may pose serious health hazards if inhaled.
To simply say that such incidents are "natural" occurrences due only to standard universal laws illustrates one's heedlessness of the Creator and the Controller of this universe. For who runs and manages this universe in such an orderly fashion and gives it power to strike its inhabitants?

هُوَ الَّذِي يُرِيكُمُ الْبَرْقَ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَيُنشِئُ السَّحَابَ الثِّقَال * َوَيُسَبِّحُ الرَّعْدُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ وَيُرْسِلُ الصَّوَاعِقَ فَيُصِيبُ بِهَا مَن يَشَاءُ وَهُمْ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي اللَّهِ وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ الْمِحَالِ

"It is He who shows you lightening, [causing] fear and aspiration, and generates the heavy clouds. And the thunder exalts [Allah] with praise of Him – and the angels [as well] from fear of Him – and He sends thunderbolts and strikes therewith whom He wills while they dispute about Allah; and He is severe in assault." (Ar-Ra'd 13:12-13)
3.       And this is nothing else than a reminder to mankind (74:31).
The volcanic ash cloud is a sign among the signs of Allah. It was sent to His slaves as an admonition and reminder to the Believers, and a way to warn and frighten those who turned away from Him. The believing heart will take heed and turn to its Lord in repentance, while the oblivious heart that has forgotten its Lord will only worry about economic losses and the latest updates.

لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ لَّا يَفْقَهُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ أَعْيُنٌ لَّا يُبْصِرُونَ بِهَا وَلَهُمْ آذَانٌ لَّا يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْغَافِلُونَ

"They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless." (Al-'Araf 7:179)
It is from the hardness of the heart that one hears of such adversities and yet fails to detach themselves from sin and transgression and continues to follow their desires.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) describes the state of the Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhe wa sallam) when he saw a cloud, "If the Prophet saw a cloud in the sky, he would walk to and fro in agitation, go out and come in, and the color of his face would change, and if it rained, he would feel relaxed."  When she inquired about his reaction, he replied, "I don't know (am afraid), it may be similar to what happened to some people referred to in the Holy Quran in the following Verse:

فَلَمَّا رَأَوْهُ عَارِضًا مُّسْتَقْبِلَ أَوْدِيَتِهِمْ قَالُوا هَٰذَا عَارِضٌ مُّمْطِرُنَا ۚ بَلْ هُوَ مَا اسْتَعْجَلْتُم بِهِ ۖ رِيحٌ فِيهَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

'And when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, 'This is a cloud bringing us rain!'" Rather, it is that for which you were impatient: a wind, within it a painful punishment." (Al-Ahqaaf 46:24)
Similarly, during the solar eclipse he experienced (salallahu alayhe wa sallam), he came out in a restless state thinking the Hour had begun. This is indicative of the degree to which he feared the Hour and kept it in his mind.
What should our state be when we witness an ash cloud shooting up 10km into the air?
4.       They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might. (22:74)
What hit Europe and affected the entire world is a great indicator of the power and strength of Allah, glorified be His Majesty. His decree outstrips all other commands and His might leaves all other helpless.
Whatever Allah wills happens and whatever He does not will does not happen, and He is over all things competent.

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ الْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا

"It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge." (At-Talaaq 65:12)
5.       Man is weak.
When man becomes arrogant, transgresses, claims perfection and self-sufficiency, Allah sends signs that remind man of his weakness and need of his Creator (the Exalted).

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَنتُمُ الْفُقَرَاءُ إِلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَاللَّهُ هُوَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ

"O mankind, you are those in need of Allah, while Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy." (Fatir 35:15)
It was a matter of minutes before security turned into fear and profit into deficit. Did the power, technology, money, research, and innovations of these "First World" countries benefit them in the face of one of the soldiers of Allah? They helplessly watched and gazed as the order of Allah moved before their very eyes.

أَمَّنْ هَٰذَا الَّذِي هُوَ جُندٌ لَّكُمْ يَنصُرُكُم مِّن دُونِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ ۚ إِنِ الْكَافِرُونَ إِلَّا فِي غُرُورٍ

"Or who is it that could be an army for you to aid you other than the Most Merciful? The disbelievers are not but in delusion." (Al-Mulk 67:20)
6.       There is no refuge from Allah except in Him (9:118).
No matter how influential or intelligent man is, there is no way out of such catastrophes except by turning to his Lord in sincere du'aa and worship. For this reason, we are commanded to rush to salah during solar and lunar eclipses. "They are two signs amongst the signs of Allah. When you see them stand up and pray." (Bukhari)
7.       A fire that reminds of a greater Fire.
The lava discharged from the volcano reached a temperature of 1,000°C (1,800°F) and melted about 10% of its icecap. This is the fire of this world which serves a as a reminder of the Fire of the Hereafter. The Prophet (salallahu alayhe wa sallam) said, "This fire of yours which is lit by the sons of Adam is one seventieth part of the fire of Hell." (Muslim)
8.       And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow (31:34).
Conferences organized, meetings arranged, appointments set, reservations confirmed, hotels booked, and holidays planned; but no person knows what he will earn tomorrow. It was one eruption and many cancellations. Travelers were fighting over seats to get back home.

وَلَوْ كُنتُ أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ لَاسْتَكْثَرْتُ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ وَمَا مَسَّنِيَ السُّوءُ

"And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me." (Al-Araf 7:188)
9.       And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much (42:30).
This is the way of Allah; He decrees calamities to scare His slaves. When sins, oppression, killings, and indecency multiply, so do volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, diseases, wars, and losses of life and wealth.

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Ar-Rum 30:41)
And such misfortunes will not be the last for those who violate the laws of Allah, as He (the Exalted) says:

وَلَا يَزَالُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا تُصِيبُهُم بِمَا صَنَعُوا قَارِعَةٌ أَوْ تَحُلُّ قَرِيبًا مِّن دَارِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَ وَعْدُ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ

"And those who disbelieve do not cease to be struck, for what they have done, by calamity – or it will descend near their home – until there comes the promise of Allah. Indeed, Allah does not fail in [His] promise." (Ar-Ra'd 13:31)
10.   An adversity for some and prosperity for others:
While airline businesses faced shortfall, transportation services by train, bus, and ferry were thriving as passengers looked for alternatives.  In addition, there was a high demand for hotel rooms.
All praise is due to the One who allocates provision to whom He wills! Some people suffer bitter losses and other people celebrate unexpected gains!
11.   Remembering the countless blessings of Allah upon us:
Observing exhausted travelers sleeping on uncomfortable chairs, impatiently waiting days and nights, should lead us to acknowledge the great and innumerable blessings Allah has bestowed on us. The blessings of security, peaceful nights, and tranquil days ought to fill our hearts with the praise of Allah and our tongues with thankfulness to Allah.
Moreover, this particular incident reveals to us our reliance on airplanes and the blessing of arriving at far distances in a short span of time.
12.   Remembering the Last Day:
The likes of such a phenomenon should remind us of a much terrible one yet to occur: the earthquake of the Hour. Sunlight was blocked by the ash cloud, and something similar will happen on the Last Day:

إِذَا الشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ

"When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness]" (At-Takwir 81:1)
Just as airplanes were deserted and neglected, on the Last Day:

وَإِذَا الْعِشَارُ عُطِّلَت

"And when full-term she-camels are neglected" (At-Takwir 81:4)
Allah mentions she-camels in the Quran because they were prized wealth to the Arabs just as airplanes are valued to us today.

The ash cloud that travelled thousands of feet into the air serves as a reminder to a cloud of smoke Allah will send prior to the Last Day:

فَارْتَقِبْ يَوْمَ تَأْتِي السَّمَاءُ بِدُخَانٍ مُّبِينٍ يَغْشَى النَّاسَ ۖ هَٰذَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

"Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke. Covering the people, this is a painful torment." (Ad-Dukhan 44:10-11)
We ask Allah subhana wa ta'ala to have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and through these signs, guide those who have gone astray to the Straight Path. Indeed, Allah is Subtle and Acquainted.

Mother’s Day

               Mother's Day

 

To such a magnanimous lady in every way

Her pleasure is a visa for you in Jannah(heaven) to stay

Celebrating her not only once a year

A mother is so precious and dear.

Take lesson and to Allah sincerely pray

That Mother's Day should be celebrated EveryDay!

 

The Prophet Muhammad [Allah's peace and blessings be upon him] said:

"Jannah[Heaven] lies under the feet of your mother" (Hadith-Ahmad, Nasai).

 

"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff (a word or expression of anger or contempt) and do not scold them, and address them with respectful words" [Quran-17:23]

 

 

Although honouring and respecting one's parents is incumbent upon Muslims, care should be taken that it is not done in an unislamic way. Our dear and beloved Mother is to precious to be honoured Only Once a Year on Mother's Day. Particular care should be taken to honour this great lady Every Day!

 

 

Honoring Mother's in Islam

 

The ties of kinship are very important in Islam, with emphasis given to the relationship between children and parents. Children are required to respect and obey their parents unless doing so involves a sin. Furthermore, adult children must continue to honour, respect and show gratitude to their elderly parents, and are expected to care for and support them. In the event the parent has passed away, children should make dua(pray) for them, give charity on their behalf(e.g. sponsoring a well etc) , perform Haj and Umrah on their behalf and treat their friends in a kind manner.

 

 

High Status of Mother in Islam

 

In Islam, a mother has especially high status. She is to be given greater respect and honour than the father due to the difficulty of pregnancy, childbirth, nursing and child rearing. This is supported by many ahadith:

 

Ø      Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated :"A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, who among the people is most deserving of my good company?' He said, 'Your mother.' He asked, 'Then who?' He said, 'Your mother.' He asked, 'Then who?' He said, 'Your mother.' He asked, 'Then who?' He said, 'Then your father.'" (al-Bukhaari and Muslim).

 

Ø      Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: O Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).

 

Ø      Abdullah ibn Amr related that the Messenger of Allah[pbuh] said: The major sins are to believe that Allah has partners, to disobey one's parents, to commit murder, and to bear false witness (Bukhari, Muslim)

 

 

Ø       It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma informed the Messenger of Allah of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: Be good to your mother (Bukhari, Muslim).

 

Islamic Perspective on Mother's Day

 

Islamic Scholars are unanimous that celebrating Mother's Day does not have it basis or origins in Islam. In fact it has its origins in Non- Muslim culture and today it is being promoted mainly due to commercial purposes. Therefore mother's should be loved, respected, obeyed and appreciated every day, with no need to single out special days to honour them. Muslims already observe three established holidays (eids) in Islam: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the weekly Jumu'ah eid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned Muslims not to add or remove anything from their religion, saying: "If somebody tries to introduce into this faith of ours (Islam) something which is not a part of it, it is to be rejected and that person is condemned." (al-Bukhaari and Muslim)Therefore, Muslims should be satisfied with their faith and avoid the traditions and holidays of non-Muslims, including Mother's Day and Father's Day. While the intention of honoring parents is good, Muslims should be honoring their parents each and every day, and not limiting that level of respect and affection to a single day each year.

 

We thus can conclude that Islam has emphasized on respecting and honouring mothers, as is evident from the Quran and Hadith. We are not only required to honour mothers during their life time, rather after their demise as well.

 

May Allah Ta'ala grant us all the tawfeeq to fulfill the rights of our mothers and be recipients of their dua's not once a year but EVERY DAY!, Amin.

500 years of Worship

500 years of Worship

Angel Jibrail (alayhis salam) told RasulAllah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) the following incident about a man in the past who worshipped Allah Ta'ala continuously for 500 years. He was granted a shelter on top of a mountain that was surrounded by salty water. However, Allah caused a stream of sweet water to flow through the mountain for that individual. The man would drink from this water and use it to make ablution. Allah Ta'ala also raised a pomegranate tree from which the man would eat one fruit every day. One day, this person supplicated to Allah that, "Oh Allah, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration." Allah accepted this dua of his. Whenever Jibrail (alayhis salam) came down to the Earth, he found this man prostrating to Allah.   Jibrail (alayhis salam) said that on the day of Judgement, Allah will tell the angels to take this individual to Paradise through His mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter paradise through the good deeds that he had performed. Then, Allah will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him by Allah. The angels will be asked to take him towards the hell fire. Then the man will plead, "Oh Allah! Enter me into Paradise only through Your mercy." At that point, the following discussion will take place between Allah and that man. Allah: Oh my servant, who created you? The worshipper: Oh Allah, You have created me. Allah: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy? The worshipper: Because of Your mercy. Allah: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years? The worshipper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability. Allah: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration? The worshipper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these. Then Allah will say, "All these have happened due to My mercy and you too will enter Paradise only through My Mercy." We can never thank Allah enough for the blessings that He has given us. Let us use these blessings to recognize Allah before death comes to us!

 

Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining

Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining

 

 

"And among His signs is this that He has created mates from among yourselves, that you may live in comfort with them, and he has put love and compassion among you (husband and wife). Surely in that are signs for those who think " (Quran-30: 21)

 

Hamza married Ruwayda. After the nikaah[wedding], Ruwayda's mother gave her a newly opened bank savings book with a R2000 deposit amount at the local Islamic Bank.

 

Ruwayda's mother said: "Take this savings book. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line...
The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with your husband. When you look back after years, you will know how much of happiness you've had.'

 

Ruwayda shared this with Hamza when she arrived  home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit could be made.

 

This was what they did after a certain time:

- 2 Jan:R200 Hamza went out in the path of Allah
- 7 Feb: R300, Ruwayda's Dad took us with for HAJ.
- 1 Dec: R300, Hamza graduated
- 20 Mar: R200, Hamza got an excellent job
- 15 Apr: R2000, Ruwayda got pregnant and later gave birth to a baby
- 1 Jun: R1000, Hamza got promoted

 ... and so on...

 

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing over trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nastiest people in the world... no more love... Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

 

One day Ruwayda spoke to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We have agreed to divorce. I can't imagine how I have decided to marry this guy!!!'

Mother: 'Sure, Ruwayda, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really cannot stand it. But before that, do one thing first... Remember the savings book I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'

Ruwayda thought it was true. So she went to the Islamic Bank, waiting at the queue and planning withdraw the amounts and to cancel the account. She intended to give Hamza his due share.

 

While she was waiting, she took a look at the book record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home. When she was home, she handed the book to her husband, and asked him to spend the money before getting divorced.

 

The next day, Hamza gave the book back to Ruwayda. She found a new deposit of R5000...and a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you through out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.' They hugged and cried, putting the savings book back to the safe.

 

Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone through all the good years in their life.

 

"When you fall, in any way, Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes."

In every moment of our lives, we are given a choice.  How shall we regard this world in which we live? Is it good, or not?  Is there hope for the future, or not?  Is this world full of beauty, life, blessing and love; or is it cold, heartless and ruthless?  In every moment, it is one or the other…and how we regard and react to it is up to us. 

 

"If you are grateful, I will surely give increase My favours unto you" (Quran-Surah Ibrahim 14: 7).

 

"Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining"

 

25 Ways to Enter Jannah

25 Ways to Enter Jannah

 

من لقي الله لا يشرك به شيئاً دخل الجنة -البخاري

1. Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

 

من آمن بالله وبرسوله ، وأقام الصلاة ، وصام رمضان ، كان حقاً على الله أن يدخله الجنة - البخاري

2. Whoever believes (has emaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. [Bukhari]

من بنى مسجداً يبتغي به وجه الله بنى الله له مثله في الجنة -البخاري

3. Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Bukhari]

من صلى البردين دخل الجنة - البخاري

4. Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

من غدا إلى المسجد وراح أعدَّ الله له نزله من الجنة كلما غدا أو راح- البخاري

5. Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. [Bukhari]

من يضمن لي ما بين لحييه وما بين رجليه أضمن له الجنة -البخاري

6. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari]

من صلى اثنتي عشرة ركعة في يوم وليلة بُني له بهن بيت في الجنة - مسلم

7. Whoever prays 12 raka'at in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim]

من سلك طريقاً يلتمس فيه علماً سهّل الله له به طريقاً إلى الجنة - مسلم

8. Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Bukhari]

من قال مثل ما يقول المؤذن من قلبه دخل الجنة - أبو داود

9. Whoever repeats after the mu'adhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud]

ما من أحد يتوضأ فيحسن الوضوء ويصلي ركعتين يقبل بقلبه ووجهه عليهما إلا وجبت له الجنة - أبو داود

10. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two raka'at setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]

من قال رضيت بالله رباً ، وبالإسلام ديناً ، وبمحمد صلى الله عليه وسلم نبياًّ وجبت له الجنة - أبو داود

11. Whoever says: "I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]

من كان آخر كلامه لا إله إلا الله دخل الجنة- أبو داود

12. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise. [Abu Dawud, Saheeh]

من قال سبحان الله العظيم وبحمده غرست له نخلة في الجنة - الترمذي

13. Whoever says "SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise", a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

من مات وهو بريء من ثلاث : الكبر ، والغلول ، والدّين دخل الجنة- الترمذي

14. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

من عال جاريتين دخلت أنا وهو الجنة - الترمذي

15. Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]

من أذن اثني عشرة سنه وجبت له الجنة ابن ماجة

16. Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him. [ibn Maajah]

من سأل الله الجنة ثلاث مرات قالت الجنة : اللهم أدخله الجنة الترمذي

17. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: "O Allah, enter him into Jannah." [Tirmidhi]

من عاد مريضاً أو زار أخاً له في الله ناداه مناد أن طبت وطاب ممشاك ، وتبوأت من الجنة منزلاً - الترمذي

18. Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: `May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah'. [Tirmidhi]

إن الصدق يهدي إلى البر وإن البر يهدي إلى الجنة -البخاري

19. Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. [Bukhari]

تكفل الله لمن جاهد في سبيله لا يخرجه إلا الجهاد في سبيله وتصديق كلماته بأن يدخله الجنة - البخاري

20. Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. [Bukhari]

أيها الناس ، أفشوا السلام ، وأطعموا الطعام ، وصلوا والناس نيام ، تدخلوا الجنة بسلام -الترمذي

21. O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. [Tirmidhi]

العمرة إلى العمرة كفارة لما بينهما ، والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة - البخاري

22. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [Bukhari]

إن لله تسعة وتسعين اسماً مائة إلا واحداً ، من أحصاها دخل الجنة- البخاري

23. Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]

لقد رأيت رجلاً يتقلب في الجنة في شجرة قطعها من ظهر الطريق كانت تؤذي الناس- مسلم

24. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. [Muslim]

اللهم أنت ربي لا إله إلا أنت ،خلقتني و أنا عبدك، و أنا على عهدك و وعدك ما استطعت، أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت ، أبوء لك بنعمتك عليَّ وأبوء لك بذنبي فاغفر لي ، فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت . من قالها من النهار موقناً بها فمات من يومه قبل أن يمسي فهو من أهل الجنة ، ومن قالها من الليل وهو موقن بها فمات قبل أن يصبح فهو من أهل الجنة -البخاري

25. O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. "If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah." [Bukhari]