Slow down!

Slow down !

By:Abdur Rahman Umar

"Can you believe this!" lamented Yusuf as he looked sadly at his leg covered from foot to knee in a thick white plaster cast leaving his plaster stained toes exposed.

"This is so frustrating!" he continued, addressing his exposed toes who had now become his captive audience, "Just when everything was going perfectly. Now this! Like I needed it in my life?"

Ridwaan stood idly by, adding little to the lament being addressed to the toes. He fidgeted wearily with his cell phone paying little attention to the monologue until Yusuf turned to him and asked:

"Did you hear what I said? I really didn't need this in my life. Not at any time, and definitely, definitely not now. I mean..."

"What's so special about now?" enquired Ridwaan not bothering to look up from his cell phone.

Yusuf ignored his question, shifted painfully in his chair and struggled to get his leg into a comfortable position. He stared at some of the graffiti on his plaster cast "Mojo was here!" "Oops. My brain just hit a bad sector" "On the other hand, you have different fingers" and some other writings that became a bit smudgy with the first attempt at taking a shower.

"I mean how does someone rupture an Achilles tendon playing tennis? It must be a one in a million thing, and I am the one! So now I sit – six weeks with this thing on my leg. Six weeks! and at a time when the business is going so well. Just when we got the Department of Education tender for printing. There's so much to do .... preparation, layout, design. Yo! It was going crazy at work."

Ridwaan stopped fidgeting with his cell phone long enough to exclaim, "So what's the hassle. You get a nice break and fully paid on top of it!"

"You don't understand, do you!" said Yusuf, glaring at him. An uncomfortable frown crossed his forehead, "You don't know what it means. I really didn't even have enough time to eat let alone take a six week break. We were working 12 hours a day to get that tender out. So what happens now?"

"I know exactly what it means," replied Ridwaan, "It means you were moving too fast so Allah put down a speed breaker"

"What!" he exclaimed, "What you mean...speed breaker?"

"You see, sometimes when we rush through life and we forget the important things then Allah puts down a speed bump so we can slow down and reflect. Maybe a little sickness or a small problem. Just to ponder on what we're doing and what we should be doing. And that's it! You were chasing like a madman so you got hit with a speed bump."

He paused allowing his words to sink in then continued, "You know most of us get so caught up in life then we forget about Allah, our salaah becomes just a ritual and the family ...well, they even forget who we are. I bet your kids call you Uncle by now?"

"Hey, it's not that bad," said Yusuf struggling to find a comfortable position for his plastered leg, "But I hear what you saying. Things were getting a bit out of hand. I missed my daughter's pre-school jalsa, my son's graduation and dropped a couple of salaahs on the way and jip, Allah knows what else I gave up for this tender...."

Yusuf fell silent pondering on his situation, a thin smile broke on his lips and his face lit up with this new found understanding, "So this wasn't all bad then. Actually...."

"It was for you own good," Ridwaan completed the sentence for him, "Too often we forget the real things in life...our Allah, our Deen, our families and those so called little things we tend to forget."

"Yup," chorused Yusuf, "I remember a clever guy telling me once, pay attention to the little things in life, for one day you may find out they were actually the big things. Really can't believe Allah's mercy and kindness upon us. It is, as they say, more than that of a mother. He cares for us and even what I thought was a horrible misfortune was actually an act of kindness from Him."

Allah, The Most Wise, says:"…and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." ( Qur'an-Surah Baqarah: 216)

A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah.

 Let us slow down and ponder of the journey of life and make more calculated decisions that will not only benefit us in the transitory life of this world but more so in the eternal life of the Hereafter.

 

Time-your most valuable asset!

Time – your most valuable asset!

By: Abu Muhammed

 

While the sighting of the crescent heralds in a new month and a new year it is also tells us that another day, another month, another year has passed-never to return-and that THE most valuable 'capital' that Man possesses, TIME,  is corroding and withering away. Every passing day propels us closer towards our appointment with Death and the Akhirah while simultaneously we are moving away from this world. Strangely enough our desire for this world seems to increase with every passing day!

In order to highlight the importance of the correct utilisation of this most important resource Allah Jalla wa aala takes an oath on time saying,

'By (the oath of) time. Indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and encourage one another to truth and towards patience'

(Qur'an -Surah 103, Verse 1-3)

Scholars mention the reason for this is to draw our attention to the importance of time. Imam Shaafi (May Allah have mercy on him) mentioned that I understood Surah Al Asr when looking at an ice vendor. Remembering that in those days there was no refrigeration, this ice vendor had to be so astute and intelligent when selling ice in that he had to make sure that the ice is available when the need arises and the quantity has to be correct and the position that the vendor locates his stall has to be perfect. Unlike other capital which, if a person locks away when he closes his business, will remain, ice on the other hand, continuously diminishes and melts away. In the same manner whatever a human being chooses to do he cannot stop the 'ticking of the clock'. Time, inevitably by its very nature, marches on.

As the saying goes, 'Time and tide waits for no man'                                                                                                                                               

Hasan Basri (May Allah have mercy on him) used to say, 'O Man, your life comprises of a few breaths that can be counted. With every breath drawn a part of your existence has diminished!'

In the same manner that an ice seller has to be astute and intelligent we have to be the same when coming to our time. We have to learn to maximise our time in those things which will benefit us in the Akhirah(Hereafter). In the same manner that prudence is required in business with regards to capital we also have to be prudent with regards to the capital of our life-TIME. In a hadith it is mentioned,

'Every person sets forth in the morning as a vendor of his own soul (investing his life in a business enterprise).He either achieves its Salvation or its ruination (Some investments add value to his capital while others diminish his capital resulting in a loss)' – (Hadith-Sahih Muslim)

As human beings we all tend to procrastinate when coming to goodness on the feeble excuse of not being ready yet, of not having sufficient time, of not having sufficient money and of being too young. We always want to achieve the 'big things' that matter little realising that consistently doing the 'small things' that matter will eventually accrue to make up that 'big thing'. In fact one of the main reasons of regret that the disbelievers will have in the Akhirah will be because of their procrastination. In this procrastination little do we realise that on the one hand we have no guarantee of our health and that time, which is our greatest capital is continuously diminishing…never to return.

A common complaint today for not fulfilling family commitments or for engaging in voluntary religious activities, whether this be for our individual or communal benefit, that will improve our faith and increase our knowledge is 'NO TIME'.  The question may arise, 'Where do we find the time?' If we analyse our daily lives we will find that after allocating time to fulfill our obligations of work, family, kids etc we will find that most of us have some spare time. As mentioned we often feel that this time is too little to achieve anything significant. However as the saying goes, 'If you look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves' It is this spare time which makes the difference in either 'making' or 'spoiling' an individual. The sum total of time and good health is opportunity to do good and progress in our spiritual realm.      

In a hadith Abu Hurrairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) said,

'Most of mankind are at a loss regarding two favours, good health and free time (opportunity)'(Hadith- Sahih Al Bukhari)

The Arabic word used to explain 'at a loss' is 'Maghboon'. Scholars, in explaining this word, say that this word is derived from the root word 'Ghaban' which carries either one of two meanings. Firstly it means that a person sells a very valuable and expensive item or commodity for a paltry price or secondly it could mean that a person pays an exorbitant price for something that is very inferior and cheap. In the explanations given it would naturally follow that the seller in the first instance and the buyer in the second can be described as, to say the least, foolish. This word 'Maghboon' therefore serves to emphasise the great value that a person should place on good health and free time/opportunities. It is said in a hadith that the people in Paradise will have no regret except for those moments in this world that were spent without the Zhikr (Remembrance) of Allah Jalla wa aala. If that is the case than it has to be said that the squandering of these two blessings will be considered to be very foolish and will result in a loss that will ultimately lead to regret.  

When these two favours are found together they provide the best occasion for maximising their benefit. We will find that the period a person enjoys maximum benefit from both these favours is his/her youth (15-40). In middle age (40-60) the health begins to dwindle and the responsibilities that a person has in terms of earning and family is at its peak. In old age (60+) while a person's free time may increase, old age together with its specific peculiarities like sickness, weakness etc begin to set in.

While it can be said that this also accurately describes the best opportunity to maximise our worldly and material achievements it has to be said that, keeping the broader objectives of our Shariah in mind, this hadith and all others with similar content wishes to bring to our attention the utilisation of these favours for the purposes of maximising the benefits that will accrue to us in the Akhira which is the objective of and purpose of creation of Man. In a hadith it is mentioned,

'This world has been created for you (Man) and you (Man), have been created for the Akhira'

On the subject of youth we find that while in Islam, Allah Jalla wa aala holds a person responsible (Mukallaf) the moment they mature (15 in the case of males and earlier for females), the western culture which we find ourselves in, has chosen to extend the age of immaturity to the approximate age of 25 years. So, only when a person finishes his secondary and tertiary education as well as finding and settling into some form of employment does society now place the 'mantle of responsibility' upon him…or her for that matter. That's a good ten years of a man's life and more in the case of women that is spent with the misguided notion of 'freedom' from any responsibility. Unfortunately as Muslims living in predominantly western societies we have not been left untainted by the effects of this culture and mentality.

Throughout our lives we are presented with 'windows of opportunity' that will propel us very high into the spiritual domain if we grab hold of these opportunities. If we ignore them the least loss that we will endure is that we will remain at the same 'spiritual' plain or level. The greatest loss would be that this missed opportunity becomes a source of regret.

We wish to cite two examples in our history of where an opportunity was seized and another of where it was lost.

1)      In the Khilaafate of Sayyiduna Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), during one of his famous nightly patrols, while resting against a wall of a particular house, he overheard a conversation from within that house between an elderly woman and her daughter. They were people who sold milk. The mother, in order to increase the volume of the milk encouraged her daughter to mix water with the milk. The girl refused saying that the Khalifa Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) has prohibited such practices. The mother retorted that at this odd hour of the night how would Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) be aware of what they were doing? The girl than said, 'But Allah Jalla wa aala knows!' Sayyiduna Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) was so impressed with this response that he asked his servant to mark this house and they both returned home. The next morning Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) sent his servant to enquire as to whether the young girl was married. He was informed that she was unmarried. Sayyiduna Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) called his three sons together and asked which of them would like to get married because he has found an ideal woman. He also told them that had it not been for his old age he would have married the woman. One of his sons, Aasim (May Allah be pleased with him), indicated his willingness and the proposal was duly sent and accepted. This couple had a daughter who later married and had a son. This son grew up to be Umar bin Abdul Aziz (May Allah have mercy on him).

The Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) mentioned in a hadith

'Surely, Allah will send for this Ummah at the beginning of every hundred years a person who will revive its religion for it' – (Hadith-Abu Dawud)

For the past fourteen hundred years ALL Scholars have reached consensus (they differ regarding every other century) only on one person and that is none other than Umar bin Abdul Aziz (May Allah have mercy on him) whom they regard to be THE Mujaddid (Reviver) of the first century of Islam. He was also regarded to be the fifth Khalif of Islam. He ruled with such justice that was reminiscent of the Khilafate of his great grandfather Sayyiduna Umar (May Allah be pleased with him). It is said that in his time, which unfortunately lasted only two years, the wolves and sheep would drink from the same watering hole without the wolves devouring the sheep, indicative of his justice. On a particular day a wolf devoured a sheep which prompted the shepherd to say that, 'Today justice has been removed from this world. The Khalifa has passed away'. Upon enquiry it was found that the Khalifa had indeed passed away! This was an example of an opportunity seized by Sayyiduna Umar (May Allah be pleased with him)

2) In the early days of the mission of the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him)a man from Taif came to Makka Mukkarrama for some business. When he went to the Haram he saw a man, a woman and a young boy doing, what he thought, were strange actions. His curiosity aroused, he enquired from Abbas(RA), the uncle of the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) as to what it was that they were doing and who these people were. He was told that this is my nephew Muhammad(pbuh), who claims to be a prophet, his wife Khadija(ra) and his cousin Ali(ra) and they claim to be worshipping their God and they have rejected the religion of their forefathers. The man, being interested, thought for a moment and than decided that as he was in a hurry he needed to leave. He reasoned that as his business interests brought him frequently to Makka he would meet Muhammed on his next business trip…fast forward 20 years later…in the year after the conquest of Makka an entire group of people come to Medina Munawwarah to accept Islam at the hands of the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him). Amongst this group was a man who was crying profusely! He was asked as to what is it that has caused him to weep so much. He replied that many years earlier he had an opportunity of being from amongst the first to embrace Islam and he let that opportunity pass by. This was the reason for his crying. In fact his name is not even mentioned in the narrations so all that he is now, is a statistic, when he could have been one of the well known personalities of Islam. This is an example of an opportunity not seized.

With regards to health an incident comes to mind. A few years back a Scholar from Palestine narrated an incident of a youngster in Palestine who was a very wealthy businessman. They had been to visit him encouraging him to spend some of his time for the sake of Allah and contribute towards the benefit of the community through active involvement in meeting people and giving them encouragement. He's response was always that he was too busy in his business and had no time. One day while driving one of his fancy cars he met up in a severe accident that resulted in him being totally paralysed from his neck down. When he was visited in hospital he began to cry and he said, 'Pray that Allah Jalla wa aala gives me my health back so that I can assist you in good works'

 As far as our health is concerned we have no guarantee and incidents like the one mentioned above are a common occurrence these days. In fact the Noble Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) has said,

 

Value five before five

Youth before old age-Good health before sickness-Free time before you become occupied-Wealth before poverty and Life before death.

(Hadith-Narrated by Ibn Abbas in the Mustadrak of Hakim & Musnad Imam Ahmad)

It is mentioned that the Companions (May Allah be pleased with them) were very easy with their money but very tight with their time. Whenever they parted company they would recite this Surah Al Asar so as to remind themselves of the importance of time and its correct utilisation. In other words they parted easily with their money but not their time.

May Allah Jalla wa aala make it possible for us to value both our health and time and to understand that as long as we have both of them we have an ideal opportunity for good!

 

For a motivational article on the IMPORTANCE OF TIME please visit : http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2010/10/importance-of-time.html

Barren but Blessed

Barren but Blessed

Really a Heart touching Story of a Sister. J Samia Mair  who finds motherhood in an unexpected place at the end of her battle to conceive. 

The kingdom of the heavens and earth belongs to Allah.He creates whatever He wills .He gives daughters to whoever He wishes, or He gives sons to whoever He wishes; or He gives them both sons and daughters; And He makes whoever He wishes barren. Truly He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful. (Quran, 42: 46-47) 

 "I don't see the heartbeat.  I don't see the heartbeat!" 

Neither my husband nor the emergency room doctor responded to me. My husband stared straight ahead at the monitor searching the gray and white lines for any signs of life. The doctor pressed the cold wet probe down firmer, moving it haphazardly across my abdomen. My heart sank. I thought we had a chance this time.

This would not be my first miscarriage. I had suffered several already. But this was the first time that we had actually seen a heartbeat. What an amazing sight.  If I had been told that my child was going to have five heads and six arms, it would not have mattered. 

It was my second in vitro fertilization procedure. None of my eggs were fertilized in the first one. We spent over a year trying to increase our chances of pregnancy by testing for ovulation and other less scientific methods — all to no avail. I braced myself for the inevitable disappointment that would interrupt the uncomfortable silence. 

"I'm sorry. The fetus did not make it." 

Although the doctor merely confirmed what I already knew in my heart, hearing it affected me more than I had expected. It's hard to describe now but it was more than emotional trauma. I felt actual physical pain from his words. It was as if I had been hit with a forceful blow. 

I looked to my husband who was already staring at me. I could tell he was holding back his emotions. I felt so defective. I had all these specialized organs that just did not work, that were virtually useless. I could not fulfil one of my main purposes for being. I had completely failed in something I was born to do.

On an intellectual level I knew that I was not defective nor a failure as a woman.  I knew that my worth transcended my ability to procreate. But shame and inadequacy hit me on a level where reason does not tread.

My husband could not have been more supportive. He was always far more worried about my welfare than his own whenever the bad news struck. He made it perfectly clear to me that he did not need a biological child. Yet, I still felt guilty. He was a young man that would not have an heir because of me. 

I looked at the monitor one more time. At that moment, I knew that I would never be in this position again. Although my work would pay for one more in vitro procedure, I had had enough. No more painful shots in the belly, no more ultrasounds counting egg follicles, no more anxious phone calls to the infertility doctor learning my HCG levels, and no more emergency trips to the hospital. I had learned far more about my reproductive system than I had ever hoped to know.

My husband and I had always wanted to care for an orphan. We decided it was time to move in that direction. We investigated our options, completed mounds and mounds of paperwork, and then waited. We requested twins hoping to keep two children from the same family together. We were told that a referral of twins was very rare and not to expect it. Still, we hoped for twins as we waited and waited.

Allah (Subahanahu wa Taala) knew just how to help me accept that I was barren: desensitization therapy! While I was trying to keep a pregnancy or waiting for the referral, there were nearly twenty babies born to female co-workers or to the wives of male co-workers on my office floor. So many women became pregnant those years that jokes started circulating around the office that if you drink the water on the fifth floor you will get pregnant. The first six or seven invitations to baby showers were very difficult. The expectant parents' joy only reminded me of my sorrow.

 I would remind myself that most of the Mothers of the Believers (Radhi Allahi Anhuma) were barren. I had no reason to complain. By the tenth invitation to a baby shower, though, I was blessedly desensitized. I no longer wondered why I could not have children. I no longer felt pangs of jealousy. I no longer experienced sorrow at others' joy. SubhanAllah, Allah (Subahanahu wa Taala) knows what is best for His creation. 

Although I had accepted that I could not give birth, I still could not bring myself to fix up the baby's room. I thought a room full of baby things would be too painful to pass everyday in case something went wrong. I decided not to buy anything until the referral came. We continued to wait. Then the phone rang. 

"Twin girls!" 

When we heard the news, my husband and I blurted out simultaneously: "I have to quit my job" and "I have to make more money!" We looked at each other and laughed and cried – there is nothing as telling as unedited visceral utterances.

I remember so vividly the moment they handed us the girls—it was the happiest moment of my life.  I couldn't believe that we had been entrusted with such an awesome responsibility, that we had been blessed with so much love.

The other day one of our three-year-olds came into the room where I was praying, sat down and made dhikr, saying "Subhan'Allah" a hundred times. After she finished she asked me: "Is Allah proud of me?" I replied: "I think very proud." She gave me a big hug and ran off to play. Later that day, her sister ran into my room with a big smile on her face. She had put on her pink hijab by herself. Part of it was upside down and the other part hung sideways on her little head. She announced proudly: "I'm a beautiful Muslim girl!"  I smiled back:  "Yes, you are my darling—a beautiful Muslim girl, both inside and out."

I try to thank Allah (Subahanahu wa Taala) each day for the two beautiful blessings that He has entrusted to us. I pray that we raise them to be good Muslims and that they come to Him surrendering and with a sound heart. I never thought I would be able to say this, but I am so grateful now that I was unable to conceive. If I had been able to give birth, these precious wonders would have never entered our lives. I thank Allah (Subahanahu wa Taala) for helping me to be patient and content with His Decree. And I remind myself often that hardships are ultimately not hardships at all with trust in Allah (Subahanahu wa Taala).

  "We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast. Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, "We belong to Allah and to Him we will return." Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Quran, 2: 154 -156)

Hospitality in ISLAM

HOSPITALITY IN ISLAM:

The joy of honouring guests

By S Meehan

 

 

"Let the believer in Allah and Day of Judgment either speak good or keep silent. Let the believer in Allah and Day of Judgment honour his neighbour. Let the believer in Allah and the Day of Judgment honour his guest." (Hadith)

 

Hospitality can be applied to the greater community and Muslims must strive to help out whenever there is a time of need.

The true concept of hospitality is not something that is widely practiced in most non-Muslim countries.

For many non-Muslims, the entertainment of guests is of primary importance in many cases for worldly reasons only, not rooted in real hospitality for the sake of Allah.

In Islam, however, hospitality is a great virtue that holds a significant purpose. Being hospitable to neighbours and guests can increase societal ties as well as unite an entire community. Most importantly, Allah commands Muslims to be hospitable to neighbours and guests. There is a great reward in doing so. Hospitality in Islam is multi-faceted and covers many different areas in addition to the hospitality that we show guests who visit our homes.

 

HOSPITALITY AT HOME

In Islam, guests who visit our homes must be treated with kindness and respect. The same principle applies whether the guest is a family member, a stranger, Muslim or non-Muslim.

Muslims should provide an abundance of food and drink to their guests to the best of their abilities.

The Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) was most hospitable to his guests. Abraham disliked eating unless he had a guest to eat with him and would often look for guests that he could invite to dinner. When he received three of Allah's angels as guests, he immediately served them a roasted calf as he mistook them for travellers and did not yet know their Divine mission.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was always generous to his guests and instructed his companions to do the same. There is even a Quranic verse that was revealed highlighting the hospitality shown to a guest by Abu Talha and his wife Umm Sulaim. Abu Talha welcomed a hungry traveler into his home even though there was very little to eat. So he instructed his wife Umm Sulaim to bring whatever provisions they had and give it to the guest. As the guest ate his fill, these two devout Muslims pretended to eat in the dim candlelight. The following day the Prophet Muhammad gave them the news about the verse Allah revealed:

{…but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.} (Al-Hashr 59: 9).

In addition to food and drink, a Muslim should greet his guest with a pleasing attitude and take interest in his conversation. However, if the guest should speak about something unlawful or engage in an unlawful activity, the Muslim has every right to ask him to refrain from doing so. Hospitality of guests does not go beyond what Allah has decreed in the Islamic faith.

HOSPITALITY IN TIMES OF NEED

In Islam, hospitality extends well beyond the walls of the home. Being hospitable also means having good manners and treating others with dignity and respect. Hospitality can be applied to the greater community and Muslims must strive to help out whenever there is a time of need. Natural disasters, for example, often result in community turmoil as residents grapple with the aftermath. This provides Muslims with an excellent opportunity to pitch in, whether delivering hot meals to those affected or donating gently used items to someone who has lost everything. The Prophet Muhammad said:

"He is not a believer who lets himself be satiated while his neigbour goes hungry." (Al-Hakim)

Helping out in times of need also helps to shed a positive light on the Muslim community, which is often depicted in a negative light by the media. Images of Muslims volunteering after the attacks on September 11, 2001, went a long way in changing the hearts and minds of many non-Muslims who had previously had a negative viewpoint of Islam. In times of community need, a Muslim should be the first to volunteer and show a living example of what hospitality means in Islam.

HOSPITALITY TOWARDS NEIGHBOURS

There is an old adage in the Arab culture that says: "Choose your neigbour before choosing your residence." This means that the number of rooms or baths a dwelling has is not as important as the neigbours living beside you. Islam places great importance on the treatment and hospitality of neigbours. Prophet Muhammad said:

"Jibril kept recommending treating neigbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Being hospitable to a neigbour can mean offering food or gifts that are beneficial to him. The Muslim should give to his neighbour with an open hand and not expect, or request, anything in return. To hold the neighbour accountable for the good deed or remind him of it at a later date is despicable and certainly not in the light of Islam.

Another means of hospitality towards a neighbour is living in peace and tranquility. It's unfortunate that in many communities, neighbours become enemies and engage in battles over things like property infringement and the like. A Muslim must try his utmost to get along with his neigbour even if some of his own needs are compromised. Prophet Muhammad said:

"None of you should prevent his neighbour from placing his rafter in his wall." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

However, it is important to note that some neigbours may not be receptive to a Muslim's hospitality for whatever reason. In this case, a Muslim should not force the issue and should always speak well of his neighbour. He must also avoid harming his neighbour with his hand or tongue.

When it comes to hospitality, there are countless opportunities a Muslim can find to engage in this most noble deed. However, it is only by the bounty and blessing of Allah Almighty that it is possible for us to tend to the needs of others. And for this we should always be grateful to our Lord, who has provided us with all the tools we need to succeed in this life and the next.

Modesty(Haya) is part of faith!

"Haya is part of Faith"

 

Holiday Season???...Let our Jolly not lead to a Folly!!!

 
What is Haya? This term covers a wide number of concepts. In English, it may be translated as modesty, shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honour, humility, etc. Islamically Haya is an attribute which pushes the believer to avoid anything distasteful or offensive.

Haya plays a huge role in the lives of Muslims because it is a very important part of our Iman (faith/belief). If we do not have any form of haya within us then it is most likely that our Iman is very weak. For as it states in the following hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith." (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every faith has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty." (Hadith)

The Prophet(pbuh) also said: "Haya does not bring anything except good." (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well." (Hadith-Baihaqi)

 

The Prophet(pbuh) also said: "Haya comes from Iman; Iman leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari)

 

Allah say in the Quran:

 

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty……." (Qur'an Nur, 30-31)

 

"Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware…."(Qur'an 49:13)

Freedom Will Come

FREEDOM WILL COME

 

By Maryam Ally

 

 

When the choppers circles the sky
We look at each other
This for many of us,
Our last goodbye!
With a force
My earth it shook
My loved ones lives it took.

The red
For you a rose it represent
For me,
Blood of those who are now absent.

My world is different to yours
Our hearts are anxious over death.
Who is next?
I am a child... Alone
Screaming from rock to rubble
Looking at my people
experiencing deaths that are brutal.
I am lost,
In a land that is my own.

I recall my father ;
Smiling and playing with me,
Before he could lean over to kiss my forehead,
In seconds he was dead.
We have to leave and hurry.
When all clears up,
For their bodies we will come.
Screaming and crying
To the Lord above!
'' Grant us Freedom, Grant us Love!! ''

My brother wrapped his arms
around myself and my blind, pregnant mum.
As if to say
'' all is better. He(my abi) is out of harm ''
My tears rolled down my cheeks,
My knees shaking in fear,
My heart heavy and hard.
I looked at up at my mum,
Her face drenched in blood!
As we running in the street,
With thousands
Just like us,
My brother tells us to move on
We will meet up soon.
I latched at his neck as he bent down,
He looked me in eyes
And took my face in his dusty soft palms.
'' keep calm my angel,
I will see you soon, if Allah wills,
Or either in the beautiful paradise. ''

Those words soothed me
For beautiful I have never seen!
He kissed my mum
between her brows and
From that day on
My big brother was gone!

More and more bloodshed, bombings
And tradegy
Comes our way,
This nightmare
We can't escape for
one second or minute
If we wish to catch our breath
Night and Day
It goes on,
To our Rabb we pray
Hoping this hardship
Goes away!

Mother says
'' through all this,
Never cry
Ask why or pine!
For this Duniya is never mine!
A land like ours,
So Precious we will never find!.
A land that tasted my blood,
Counts on me,
To be free!
For it
I must willingly sacrifice
For after hardship is ease,
Our Lord we must please!
And he will show us his mercy,
Not every soul gets paradise that easy ''

Lives go second by second
In front of my eyes.
In hundreds and thousands
They depart,
To receive the key
To their castle in paradise.

To our door less shelter men intrude,
Then I wake up under a roof.
I look around,

my friend I see
next to me

on the hospital bed,
With her baby brother in her arms,
This little baby
Screaming in pain and agony.
With a blood soaked bandage around his head.
I smiled at her and asked her
'where's your mum and dad? '
She returned the smile
And said
' they are dead'!

I looked around me
One by one
Bodies are being wrapped
And ready for burial,
My world is filled with comosion!
Some have holes through
Their heads and chest!
Some disfigured and burnt,
Now all at a peaceful rest!
As the bodies came in
I see,
A face that looks just like me,
it's my Ummi.

I then remember :
Men intruding our door less shelter
Tall and fearless
With boots and guns!
They kicked my mum
And slit her tummy
When I ran to help her
They shot at me.

Now here I am
Seeing my mothers
Kafan getting done.
I sat up
To get to my feet,
But now have none!

Allah hu Akbar!
To Allah I screamed
Alone and helpless I feel!

Bloodshed
Bombing
And brutal murders.
That how my life goes on!
Now I am one of those that can't run!

I was four,
When my father was no more,
Now I am eight
And my entire family is late.
I also wonder how your life must b?

To my country
I know freedom we shall see!
AMEEN

The Year End Party

The Year End Party…

By Abu Muhammad Yusuf

Sharifa gazed at herself in mirror as she applied the final touches of make-up. A highly qualified Chartered Accountant, she remarkably climbed the corporate ladder in just a few years. She surely wanted her presence felt at her Company's Year-End Function. After all the CEO was flying in from the USA and she was to be seated right next to the local MD Mr William Cook.

The night had arrived and she wanted to be sure to shed her old title of being too "conservative and anti-social" as it tendered to hinder her career. That was precisely the reason she stopped donning her hijab(scarf) a few months ago. She felt that it impeded her progress. Tonight she was going to let her hair down!

She arrived in her latest BMW coupe scantly dressed turning heads,eyes and noses as she made her way to the function hall. Her perfume could be smelt a mile away. It was a night of glitz and glamour with many prominent socialites present.

Seated next to the MD Mr William Cook she listened attentively to some of the pre-party speeches, and the comedians were really hilarious. As William went to the podium to deliver his speech she gave him a supportive hug. Then there were moments of light entertainment before the actual bash kicked-off. William had been consuming alcohol and offered Sharifa a drink. She smiled and politely declined. Being brought up in a religious and conservative Muslim home she knew alcohol was a no no!

Sharifa was climbing the corporate ladder really fast and wanted to reach the top, irrespective of the cost. She was passionate about her career. It came well before her husband, baby and religion. Her baby was in a day care centre. Being at the top was her clear ambition. It was William's approval and signature that she urgently needed to move to the next tier.

A party atmosphere erupted in the room and the music blared out causing even the spoons to vibrate. William was soon completely inebriated and started loosing himself. William offered Sharifa a drink of wine. She thought for a moment and said to herself "its just a one glass and it will definitely not make me drunk and to refuse will be indeed so anti-social." She took the tall wine glass smiled and slowly sipped as the party fever raged.

It was now close to midnight. She faintly heard her mobile ring. Over 7 missed calls from her husband. She honestly thought she will call back when things are a bit more quiet and relaxed. Her husband, as was now a custom, stayed at home to look after their cute little baby Fatima. He never really approved of attending parties, not that Sharifa cared.

William insisted that she have a little more. She responded "ok just a little more", can't do much harm she thought. Being a teetotaller, in a short while the wine completely intoxicated her…she now lost control of herself and behaved like a party animal responding to William's passionate and intimate moves…

Soon they were on their way to William's car where he promised her the most memorable romantic moonlight drive. He stopped the car at a nearby park where he made very intimate passes and touched her at places she knew was so incorrect. She was now a bit more sober and began to realise her folly. As he tried to kiss her passionately she pushed him away. He was deeply angered and drunk and in a fit of fury, started the car, driving recklessly like a maniac. He now appeared to be the devil incarnate. Swearing and cursing her. He failed to stop at the traffic lights..she begged him, implored him to slow down but he became more rebellious and aggressive. Reeking of alcohol he now drove even faster. He had no control over the car and himself. She began to cry…

He swerved into the opposite lane and there was a huge bang… there were definitely two cars involved…it seemed the world had come to an end…she heard voices.

It was now well passed midnight. Good Samaritans ushered around them trying to pull them from the wreck. She heard one saying, " Oh no in the other car the driver is crushed to death!"

Than came the sound of sirens. Breathing became difficult. The fire fighters and paramedics huddled around her and frantically applied device after device. 'She's not not gonna make it,' she heard one of them saying. Her heart started pounding. She was soaked in sweat and blood. William lay motionless beside her, his head crushed.

Her voice uttered some feint words of regret as she was mounted onto a stretcher waiting to be loaded into the ambulance. She so regretted but there was no way the damage could be undone.

For a moment her eye caught a final glimpse of the other car in the crash. It was her hubby's car crushed…and beside it laid his dead body. She heard an emergency service worker screaming, "we still need to remove the baby from the wreck". She was quite sure, due to his caring nature he was so worried as she did not answer her mobile and came to see if she was indeed ok.

She shrieked and wailed, "Oh Allah what have I done?"…her mouth smelling of wine and her body stained in blood she gasped and breathed her last…

The lessons to be learned are so many but most important of all is, to live in this world as if you are going to die today!

It's better to be tagged "anti-social" and "nerd" than allow our colleagues, ambitions and careers to sway us into such deeds that will destroy and harm us and our families both in this temporary world and the everlasting life of the hereafter.

The Fear of Allah and good conduct leads to Endless Hope…                                                   

Sin and vice leads to a Hopeless End!