ADVICE TO STUDENTS (STUDYING ISLAM)

1) Sacred knowledge is of no use or benefit to the aspiring students unless they act upon their knowledge and base their works upon it. And the most beneficial of works is that which brings one closer to the obedience of Allah Most High.

2) The students must purify their intention as to why they are seeking knowledge. Their intention must be purely and sincerely for the sake of Allah Most High.

3) The students should firmly adhere to the Sunnah (life-example) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in every aspect and circumstance of their life.

4) The  students must be constantly turning back to Allah Most High through their life journey, in all situations. Returning means to seek help from Allah against all difficulties and challenges, to seek to please Him, to seek protection and forgiveness from Him, and to be grateful and humble to Him.

5) The student of knowledge must  make lots of supplication (dua’) to Allah Most High, for every single one of his needs, whether they be needs of this world or the next.

21 MAJOR SINS IN ISLAM (GUNAH E KABIRA)

Major sins or Gunah e Kabira in Islam means those sins that are forbidden In Holy Quran by Allah Swt and In Hadiths by Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him because they are not good for the human beings and society so they are forbidden.

The real reason these sins are forbidden by Allah Swt and Prophet Muhammad saw because they are harmful for the mankind. Allah SWT is our creator and he knows best what is good and what is bad for us.  If a person avoids the Majors sins (Gunah e Kabira) his minor sins will also be forgiven by mercy of Our Rab. Allah Swt says in Surah Al Nisa of Quran Kareem

"If you avoid the major of what you have been forbidden to do, We will cancel out for you your other evil deeds and will admit you to Heaven with a noble entry"

There are several Major sins but I will be mentioning some of the them below not all of them.

1 Shirk - Associating partners with Allah SWT.
2 Killing an Innocent human being.
3 Not offering Fard Salah Prayer.
4 Not Giving Zakat - (Charity to Poors) 
5 Not keep Fasts in Ramadan
6 Not doing Hajj despite having money
7 being Disrespect of Parents.
8 Doing Zina
9 taking or giving Interest
10 Lying about Allah Swt and his Prophets
11 Gambling
12 Stealing
13 Oppression
14 Lying
15 Doing Suicide
16 Earning Wealth by unlawful means.
17 unjust Judging
18 Bad conduct towards your life partner
19 Plotting the Evil.
20 treating someone unjustly
21 False Oath taking.

There are many other big sins as well but the above ones are very common in the society at present. May Allah Swt help us in avoiding these Sins and doing the works of virtue in our lives.

IF YOU HAVE THESE QUALITIES YOU ARE A GOOD MUSLIM

Quran and Ahadees describes the Qualities of a good Muslim. Following are the Qualities of a Good Muslim according to Quran and Ahadees. You also try to Evaluate that do you have these Qualities and if you have not try to bring them in you to become a Good Muslim.

1 Justice &  Dealing with Equality.

2 Trust in Allah Swt.

3 Patience

4 Rescuing

5 Kind and Gentle to other People.

6 Perfection in his job.

7 Repentance

8 Keeps Kindliness in all matters.

9 Piety

10 Body Purification

11 Good doing

12 Reflection of Allah Grace

13 Loftiness

14 Strength

15 Loves other for Sake of Allah Swt.

16 Forgives others mistakes.

17 Do good deeds Continuously.

18 Good manner and Conduct

19 Loves Virtuous Deeds

These are some of the Qualities of a Good Muslim May Allah Swt help us also to bring these Qualities in ourselves.

10 HEALTHY HABITS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) THAT SCIENCE LATER PROVED

A Muslims, we are advised the best example to follow is that of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for his daily habits not only had spiritual benefits, but also physical and physiological beAdviceAdviceiceefits too. And this is spot on. Allāh says:

“Indeed in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allāh and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” [1]

Many of these benefits have already been affirmed by science too. Here are some of them.

1. Early Riser:

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) slept early and woke up with the Adhan (call of prayer) of Fajr (the morning prayer) each day. Being an early riser has scientifically been correlated with better productivity, as well as better mental health in general. So, waking up early may be hard but with baby steps, even if it’s just waking up 15 minutes earlier to start with, you can begin improving your quality of life.

2. Eating Less:

“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels to keep him alive. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air.” [2]

The practice of eating less to prevent sickness and disease was emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and now backed heavily by science much later. The Islamic concept ‘1/3 for your food, 1/3 for your liquids, and 1/3 for your breath’ matches very closely to the Japanese ‘hara hachi bu’ concept, which means eat until you are only 80% full.

3. Eating Slowly:

We now know that it takes our body 20 minutes to send signals to our brain that it is full. Slow eating will help you eat less food and improve your digestion, and it is a practice Muhammad (peace be upon him) did himself and strongly advocated.

4. Mindful Eating:

“Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company.” [3]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed this, and today sharing and enjoying food has been proven to reduce stress, improve family and romantic relationships, and build healthy eating habits within children.

5. Water:

“Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (i.e., say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (i.e., say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finished (drinking).” [4]

Science today proves that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time they can experience headaches, imbalance in blood electrolyte levels and sometimes dizziness too. Drinking slowly helps you actually absorb the fluid and get the most benefit out of it.

6. Pomegranates:

“Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion (stomach).”[5]

Modern scientific research has proven pomegranates to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They contain manganese, which helps in the formation of bone structures during the metabolic process, and potassium, which aids in maintaining cellular function and keeps a balance in fluid levels. They are also potent in flavonoids and polyphenols, antioxidants which protect our bodies against heart disease.

7. Fasting:

“The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” [6]

“If you fast any part of the month then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” [7]

Recent evidence is showing that not just the food we eat, but our eating timings and patterns also have a profound impact on our health. Fasting was a regular practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’s life, not just during Ramadan. He would fast until every Monday and Thursday, and also on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month. This is similar to the imtermittent fasting practice which has been proven to balance hormone levels, prevent oxidative stress, and reduce overall inflammation. When you think about it, the less food you put into your body the less it focuses on digestion and the more it can focus on healing itself from certain ailments!

8. Dates:

“Allāh’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to prayer…” [8]

Dates are the perfect foods to break your fast as they stabilize your blood sugar levels, rebalance blood electrolyte levels, and help kick start your digestive system in preparation for food. Dates were also the food that Maryam (may Allāh be pleased with her) was told to eat in the lead up to childbirth. Dates are now proven to boost oxytocin production in your body and speed up labour.

9. Avoid sleeping on the stomach:

“The Messenger of Allāh (s) came out in the night to check up on his guests, and saw me lying on my stomach. He prodded me with his foot and said, ‘Do not lie in this manner, for it is a way of lying that Allāh hates.’” [9]

Due to the weight of the spine, adults and even babies are told not to sleep on their stomachs by doctors, since this manner of sleeping has a severe effect on the internal organs and the spine. Advice to mothers is not to make their children sleep on their stomachs.

10. Staying Active:

Fulfilling three of the five pillars of Islam requires that Muslims be of sound health and fitness; the five times prayer in itself is a form of exercise that requires movement of your body’s muscles and joints. Good health is also necessary if you intend to fast or participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly encouraged physical exercise and told parents to encourage physical activity in their children too by

“Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding”. In another narration, he said, “Practice archery and horseback riding.”[10]

TRUST IN ALLAH BUT LOCK YOUR CAR

it is necessary for every person to trust in Allah Swt. without Allah's will nothing can happen even a tree leaf cannot move without Allah's will. but it does not mean that you don,t lock you car and say i trust in Allah nothing will happen to my car but you will have to lock the car and trust Allah Swt. it is  necessary that we try our best to utilize all those things which Allah has given to us and then we leave it on Allah by trusting in him.

It is Hadith of Rasool Allah Saw that Trust in Allah Swt but tie your camel in advice to a Bedioun who left his camel without tying and Rasool Allah saw was watching him and asked him why you not tied your camel and he said i have trust in Allah so Prophet Saw told him Trust Allah but tie your camel. i am writing about this topic because i have seen many people who do nothing but say i have trust in Allah Swt so i will succeed. Allah Swt says in Qur'an and that man can have nothing but what he strives for in Surah An-Najm 53:39.

In the end i will say try best with all the resources that Allah Swt has given you and Trust in Allah Swt and he will give you success.

THE SLAVES OF EVIL DESIRES

below are the words of satan as reported in Quran. When satan was casted out, he went furious with jealousy and rage. He promised that he will never miss an opportunity of misleading slaves of Allah. He promised that he will make humans, the slaves of their own desires. And those desires will be vain and evil. The verse mentioned above says that satan wants us to change the very nature of the things as created by Allah swt.

[004:119]“I will definitely mislead them. I will certainly stir up vain and wanton desires in them. I will command them and they will split the ears of the cattle (a common practice of the idol worshipers). I will persuade them, and they will change and corrupt the nature (of the order) of things that Allah has created.” Whoever takes Shaitan as his master instead of Allah, has indeed incurred a severe and significant loss! 

Well, satan is keeping his promise. He is bent to lead us to vain desires and wrong ways. Today, people are changing what they dont like. They have damaged the nature to the extent that there is no coming back in most cases. Many animals are extinct not because they died of natural causes, but because they died to fulfil the vain desires of men. In another place, Allah swt say;

[004:120] Shaitan holds out false promises to his followers, and arouses in them the wanton and vain desires. The promise of Shaitan is nothing but chicanery a deception.

This is the message of Allah swt for those who do not understand and keep on doing bad things. It is nothing but the deception of satan. And what is the deception of satan? Satan makes things look good and purposeful in our eyes. We do not see any harm in committing sins as far as we have not done it. Satan will fill our minds with thousands of excuses. When a sin is committed, only then many of us realize that it was a mistake. But those who do not realise it, they will realise it eventually on the day of judgement. Satan, on that day, will say that only Allah is his lord and that he never forcefully put any one in the wrong path. That day, the evil doers will see how they were deceived. This proves that satan is not a friend. He is the worst example of hypocrisy. What should be done , then? The answer is given in the following verse;

[017:019]  Provided he is a believer, anyone who desires (the rewards of) the afterlife and strives effectively for it, will discover that his efforts have found acceptance. 

Thus, the key is in striving for the good. None of us is perfect. We can never be angels. But what we can be is, good. This is why Allah swt say that if only we strive keeping in view the hereafter, then our deeds will be accepted. Prophet Muhammad pbuh said that “actions are judged by intentions.” so, if our intentions are good, they will be accepted. But If our actions are good and intentions are wrong, they will be rejected.

Those who take Allah swt as their friend will have Him not only in this world but He will be their friend and supporter in the hereafter as well. Remember, Allah swt is our lord. He created us and He knows all that we do not know. It is said that the company of a person suggests his character. If a person takes satan for friend, his character will eventually reflect that. But if a person takes Allah swt for his friend, then his character will reflect that. Allah swt say in glorious Quran;

[041:031] “We are your friends in the life of this world, as well as in the afterlife. There, you shall have anything your heart desires. There, whatever you ask for will be yours!” 

To have what we want, we must do what we should. 

ADULTERY IN VIEW OF ISLAM

Adultery is included in one of the biggest sins. We all know what adultery is, but most of us do not know that adultery does not specifically mean to have illegal physical relations with a non mehram. It is not limited to a physical contact. It has a much broader meaning. There are many things /acts which come under adultery. And a shocking fact is that they are done by us. Knowingly and sometimes unknowingly.

Prophet Muhammad pbuh said;

Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 77, Number 609:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

I did not see anything so resembling minor sins as what Abu Huraira said from the Prophet, who said, "Allah has written for the son of Adam his inevitable share of adultery whether he is aware of it or not: The adultery of the eye is the looking (at something which is sinful to look at), and the adultery of the tongue is to utter (what it is unlawful to utter), and the inner-self wishes and longs for (adultery) and the private parts turn that into reality or refrain from submitting to the temptation."

We always have choices. Its not that we cannot choose. We can do something and we can abstain from it as per our wishes. The job of satan is to present this duniya as a wonderland and to present the sins as fun filled acts. While, the job of our conscience is to protect us from the tricks of satan. Thus, we are given the free will which is backed by our conscience.

The seeing of an unlawful thing will either make us hate that thing or we will want to do that. It is again up to us. Why we should not see a wrong thing is because of our curious nature. Yes, we are born with the curious nature. We want to know. The proof is the story of adam pbuh and eve. Eve did not want to eat that forbidden fruit but it was satan who implanted doubt in her heart.

Compelled by the curiosity to know why the fruit was forbidden, adam and eve tasted it. Who knows what that fruit contained, but what we know is that Allah swt forbade them to go near that particular tree. It was their free will that led them there. Same is the case with all of us. This energy to know is always there in all of us. Now we can either channelise it in good way or bad way it up to us. Similarly, hearing a wrong word can make us hear more. Uttering a wrong word might make us say more. So there is a warning giver inside us.

Allah swt say in holy Quran;

[017:032] And do not even wander close to extra marital sex. Indeed, adultery is a way of decadence.

Thus, it is an act of disgrace and dishonor. Every sin is preferred to be done in secrecy while every good deed will be done without fear. So, whatever we cannot share with people out of the fear of disrespect is wrong. It is wrong in the eyes of Allah. And He sees us every where. Prophet Muhammad pbuh said;

Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 18, Number 154:

Narrated 'Aisha :

…. The Prophet then said, "O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery (illegal sexual intercourse). O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know you would laugh little and weep much.

Such matters are always dealt with only one emotion. Ghairah. If ghairah is such an important matter for us, then imagine the ghairah of Allah swt. If we cannot want us to be disgraced or if we do not want ourselves to be with disgraced, then Allah swt is our creator. How can we make Him know about such things that people do. The punishment of adultery in islam is stoning to death. But there is a sahih tradition that suggests that if an adulterer does not receive the punishment and repents, then Allah is the forgiver.  Prophet Muhammad pbuh said;

Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 23, Number 329:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

Allah's Apostle said, "Someone came to me from my Lord and gave me the news (or good tidings) that if any of my followers dies worshiping none (in any way) along with Allah, he will enter Paradise." I asked, "Even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse (adultery) and theft?" He replied, "Even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse (adultery) and theft".

Thus, every sin has an eraser called repentance. If one really repents, then there is Allah mercy for him. It is again the matter of choice. we have both choices all the time.

SAVE YOUR MUSLIM CHILD FROM WRONG USE OF INTERNET

Internet is one of the most popular invention of recent decades and it has got great popularity around the world. Internet Users are increasing everyday very rapidly and slowly it is reaching in every house  of the globe. Millions of Muslims Around the Globe also uses Internet for different purposes. Internet has good and bad two sides. it depends on the person how he uses it

It can be used for good purposes like Research, Learning about Islam, Online Shopping and many other good uses. Internet has also many wrong uses like watching uncharacteristic things. Large Number of people who uses Internet are youngsters and many Young Muslims also uses it.

The sad thing is that that Many People Including Muslims makes wrong uses of Internet and watches  Immoral things on it. Most of the People who watches bad things like Pornography are Youngsters. According to latest report of Famous Search Engine Google Many Muslim Countries are also included in the list where these sites are viewed the most. These Sites are taking our youngsters on wrong paths away from Islamic way.

If you are a Parent and your Child also uses Internet you should keep a check that what your Kid is watching online. Also try to keep Computer on such place where your Child can't use Internet alone. You can also block these wrong websites. Muslim Countries Governments also need to take strong Step on this issue and should block all such websites.

Kids can also face other problems like bullying and harassing Online. so it Is very Important to keep an eye on what they are doing online on regular basis.

CHOOSING RIGHT LIFE PARTNER

Marriage is Sunnah and one of the most liked acts, if done in good intention because its benefits are many fold. Marriages does not only save the individuals from committing Haram acts (zina) but also save the society at large fro going astray. We see how west has crossed all limits and now termed as one of the most open society where no one respected but only desires are respected and served. Therefore, marriage is the best thing to do.

Once one decides to do marriage, he/she should look for the person who is not only good in character but also a fearful muslim because a person of upright character can become a real better half. Marriage is a decision that individuals have to take weighing the pros and cons of their decision. And no forceful decisions can be made as we see parents forcing their kids to marry a person of their choice. It is no sin to choose life partner for kids, but it is not permissible to force them because their children have to lead their lives with their better halves not the parents.

Second and the most important thing is, while deciding for marriage, one should not go beyond the prescribed limits of Islam. Today, young boys and girls call it their right to marry the person of their choice, out of emotions, and then leave their homes and their parents and after sometime when they realize their mistake they come back with empty hands. This is also wrong. There is a respectable way to do everything.

The evils have grown in our society only because we have left Islam and have adopted the modernist life style. This life style looks good apparently but in real this leads to broken families, broken personalities and committing sins. Marriage should not be done to TEST AND TRY a person; rather it should be dealt as a serious matter, matter of life. The individual whose life’s most important matter is considered should also be asked and encouraged to speak so that when the final decision is made, both girl and boy are happy and ready to accept this biggest responsibility.

Girls are mostly forced to get married to a person of their parent’s choice even when they are not ready. They mostly stay quiet and accept it calling it their fate. This is not what Islam says. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w cancelled nikah of a young virgin girl whose father married her without her will.

Narrated Al-Qasim: A woman from the offspring of Ja'far was afraid lest her guardian marry her (to somebody) against her will. So she sent for two elderly men from the Ansar, 'AbdurRahman and Mujammi', the two sons of Jariya, and they said to her, "Don't be afraid, for Khansa' bint Khidam was given by her father in marriage against her will, then the Prophet cancelled that marriage." (Bukhari Book #86, Hadith #99)

Proof 2:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: A virgin came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) and mentioned that her father had married her against her will, so the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) allowed her to exercise her choice. (Abu Dawud Book #11, Hadith #2091)

Therefore, it is wrong on part of parents if they try to impose their choice on their kids when it comes to the marriage of their children and it is also wrong if the children do anything out of emotions and then regret and ruin their lives.

Choosing life partner is very important decision so we should be looking for a person who is pious and righteous not the one who has the only qualities of being rich and good looking.

HOW A MUSLIM SHOULD DO BUSINESS?

Being Muslims and living is a Muslim majority society (though not completely Islamic in many aspects) we are more responsible than others when it comes to honesty and justice and truthfulness. Since the western system has failed to maintain the truthfulness and quality of business where, society can benefit, now they realize that there needs to be business ethics and “corporate social responsibility” if they want their business to grow. The business solely depends on the society, if people will not take any interest into a business, it will collapse, and therefore the first thing to run a business successfully is to run it truthfully.

ALLAH (swt) says in Holy Quran: 23: 7

“But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors”

Therefore, to exceed the limits and to ask for more than what is the right share means nothing but to invite anger of ALLAH. History has seen that no matter how successfully the buggers planned but in the end, they ended up with nothing but humiliation. The case of ENRON is the biggest example.

But those, who observe their limits, and do not ask for more than their due share, for them ALLAH says:

Holy Quran: 23: 8-11

“Those who faithfully observe their Trusts and their covenants; And who (strictly) guard their prayers. Those will be the heirs. Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (forever). “

The above verses indicate that those who do their jobs with truthfulness and those who do not break trusts, they will be the dwellers of paradise. This means that ALLAH swt likes such people.

Quran those duties which ALLAH swt has assigned to man, were first offered to the heavens and earth but they refused to take them because these duties need strong personality and moral uprightness and firm believe in ALLAH swt to bear such great responsibilities. Truthfulness, honesty and moral responsibilities are among those duties assigned by ALLAH.

ALLAH swt has told us to do business but keeping ourselves in the prescribed limits of ALLAH and HIS Messenger s.a.w.w. In surah al-baqarah verse number 282, ALLAH swt told us clearly that whenever undergoing and business or debt deal, we must sign contract and make everything transparent. Similarly, in sahih bukhair chapter 35 Messenger of ALLAH s.a.w.w has told us how to do business and trade.

Muhammad s.a.w.w. said:

“if he does  not strive  diligently to promote their welfare, he will not enter Paradise with them.” 

(Bukhari)

Islam teaches us to be just, dutiful, truthful and honest. How ALLAH’s Messenger s.a.w.w has spent His life is a best example for us. All we need to do is to be good Muslims and we will never need any CSR or business ethics as a part of our code because they are already part of our FAITH and a true Muslim’s faith is in his conscience and in his soul.

ADVISES FOR MUSLIM YOUTH

Life is responsibility given to us by Allah. Therefore to lead it seriously and to understand the duty is what the most important thing to do is. Allah swt has said several times in Quran that to spend life in a way serving HIM is the purpose of life. But there are many few who understand the value of life.

In the age of youth, almost 90 percent of humans waste their time in useless activities. See what happens today. Young boys and girls spend their time in music, dance, driving, partying and they forget to offer the obligations which ALLAH swt has put on every muslim.

Al-Quran 2:281

“And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to ALLAH. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly”

To hold the book of deeds in the right hand means to lead a life considering it a responsibility and a trust that has been bestowed on us by ALLAH. We should be more than careful about our deeds when we are young. It is said that young age is the most dangerous age because this is that period of time when emotions are strong and high and logic is covered by them. Hence any step can be taken in any direction if due care is not taken. Shatan likes to shatter the iman of youngsters because children are innocent and shatan;s trick do not influence their innocents minds. In old age, a man already learns enough from his life to take some what sound decisions, but in young age, everything looks right which is thought. And every logic looks absurd and backward. This is why youth should be protected from satan.

The biggest problem with youth is that they fell into the trap of love and emotions easily. The love which is promoted through dramas and movies looks very good and precious but in reality, it is the biggest source to inject the evil practice of zina in society. In islam there is no place for “love” and there is not even a logic behind it. But still novels and biggest writers call it a mystery and unknown. It is neither mystery nor unknown. It is known. it bears no logic because it is a feeling led by wild emotions. Therefore to protect oneself from it should be the primary concern.

Singing and dancing was once considered filth and a degraded act but now it is considered a field of art. The art of emotions and life. There are songs made today especially to attract youth that contain very shirkia words where some times the holy words of Quran are sung with vulgar dance and sometimes God Is cursed. Similarly youth are shown dancing and enjoying life. The common belief in today’s young world is to lead life at full because the fun is full on and this time will not come again. Through the absurd term “fun” , illicit relationship and distance from God is been promoted.

The only target for youth is to be engineer or doctor but they do not want to find what is written in Quran and what was said by Muhammad s.a.w.w. parents like their children to be good at worldly activities but they do not encourage their kids to be good muslims. Young generation knows that there are characters that can find any danger to the world, the concept of God is been wiped out from their minds through high quality fiction movies and cartoons and video games. These video games are not for kids but youngsters through that they learn to kill, to deceive and to steal. They are gradually loosing humanity.

The only advice youth needs is that they should realize their duty and their value. They should read Quran and understand it. They should know how Muhammad s.a.w.w led His life and should learn how the pious muslims competed their duties and died a death of honor and dignity.

HOW CAN I BE A GOOD MUSLIM?

once we are regularly practicing the five pillars of Islam, we are in contact with Allah. Prayer is our direct communication with Allah and this requires the correct intention, full concentration and humility. 

We can still improve our relationship with Allah by doing more voluntary good deeds. These voluntary good deeds may take the form of extra prayers, fasts, charity (sadaqa). This can also include reading and understanding the Quran, memorizing more of it – even competing with family or friends, and generally helping others, whenever we can.

We can even avoid raising our voices, avoid arguing – and of course swearing… We can do more for our parents, share more with our brothers and sisters – whether blood relatives or not…

In fact, it is also an obligation for Muslims to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. If we are sincerely doing this for Allah, He will support our efforts and in this way we will feel closer to Allah.

The Quran says in Surah 47, verse 17:

And [as for] those who follow the right direction, He increases them in guidance and gives them their guarding [against evil]}

Then, the knowledge we learn should be put to some use. That is, we should contribute to the society we find ourselves in. We can find ways to help, for example, some people give speeches in schools, visit the elderly, run errands for those who have limited mobility, help younger ones with homework, teach if they have skills that are in demand, etc.

For example, there is a growing movement in the UK for community centers, to be utilized by ethnic groups for learning functions. This includes teaching computer skills, aerobics, language classes – Arabic – and so on. I don’t know if this is a possibility in your country, or if you can even use classrooms in schools after the classes have finished?

In addition, there is this product that I used. It was a computer  based quiz program (PCIQ) available from the Islamic Computing Center – along with others – where you can learn a little about Islam. You can do this, at the same time as competing with a friend on your knowledge of Islam.

Also, every Muslim should be familiar with the life of Muhammad (peace be upon him).Also, we should read the stories of the sahabah (companions of the messenger), may Allah be pleased with them all.

The last suggestion is to find yourself a group of good religious friends. Have someone as the coordinator and do some group study of the Quran and sunnah (biography of the messenger). It is best to do this with a native Arabic speaker, or at least someone who knows Arabic. That way, you stay within the boundary of the Quranic Arabic, when you have your discussions.

These are known as ‘study circles’. Generally, you study a passage from the Quran, read and discuss ahadith (sayings of the messenger) and look to see how to apply these in your daily life. While this can be done on an individual basis, it is easier in a group. Perhaps even a family group, if there were not many Muslims around you, would be a good idea…

One more thing, perhaps, to bear in mind, is that the first revelations to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to build up the inner person, to improve one’s faith, to strengthen one’s ‘imaan(faith and belief), to give hope of Paradise and how to avoid Hell. Therefore, the Makkan Surah’s are the ones to study first..

DON'T DISGRACE YOURSELF IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE CREATION ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

Young man came to a Maulana and said, “I am a young man with strong desires. I cannot help looking at people when I am in the bazaar (market). What do I do?” The Maulana handed him a cup of milk that was full to the brim, and told him to deliver it to an address that would take the young man directly through the bazaar (market). He then instructed the young man that the milk should not spill, and the man said that it would not. The Maulana then summoned one of his students and told him to accompany the man through the bazaar to the destination, and to severely beat him if any milk were to spill. This man successfully took the milk to the destination and returned to give the good news to the Maulana. The Maulana asked, “Tell me, how many sights and faces did you see in the bazaar?” The man replied

incredulously, “Maulana, I didn’t even realize what was going on around me. I was only fearful of the beating and disgrace that I would have to endure in public if a drop of milk were to spill.”

The Maulana smiled and said,

“It is the same with a believer. The believer fears that Allah may disgrace him in front of the entire creation on the Day of Judgment if his faith were to spill over from his heart.”

Such people save themselves from sin because they constantly remain focused on the Day of Judgment.

A MOST BEAUTIFUL HADITH AMONG ALL THE BEAUTIFUL AHADITH

Khalid ibn al Wald (Radi Allahu Ta’ala anhu) narrated the following hadith:

A Bedouin came one day to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alahi wasallam) and said to him, ‘O, Messenger of Allah! I’ve come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter.’ – ‘Ask what you wish’ said Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaiyhi wasallam).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Q: I’d like to be the most learned of men.

A: Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.

Q: I wish to be the richest man in the world.

A: Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

Q: I’d like to be the most just man.

A: Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

Q: I want to be the best of men.

A: Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

Q: I wish to be the most favored by Allah.

A: Engage much in Allah’s praise, and you will be most favored by Him.

Q: I’d like to complete my faith.

A: If you have good manners you will complete your faith

Q: I wish to be among those who do good.

A: Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don ‘t see Him, He seeth you. In this way you will be among those who do good.

Q: I wish to be obedient to Allah.

A: If you observe Allah’s commands you will be obedient.

Q: I’d like to be free from all sins.

A: Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins.

Q: I’d like to be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light.

A: Don’t wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light. 

Q: I’d like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.

A: If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgement. 

Q: I’d like my sins to be very few.

A: If you seek the forgiveness Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.

Q: I’d like to be the most honorable man.

A: If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

Q: I’d like to be the strongest of men.

A: If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.

Q: I’d like to enlarge my provision.

A: If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.

Q: I’d like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.

A: If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.

Q: I wish to be safe from Allah’s wrath on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you do not loose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I’d like my prayers to be responded.

A: If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will he responded.

Q: I’d like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I’d like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgement.

A: Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgement.

Q: What will save me from sins?

A: Tears, humility and illness.

Q: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?

A: Gentle manners, modesty and patience.

Q: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?

A: Hot temper and miserliness.

Q: What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?

A: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.

Q: What extinguishes hell’s fires on the Day of Judgement?

A: Patience in adversity and misfortunes.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

READ & UNDERSTAND

"A true believer is neither vulgar nor immoral when he speaks". Prophet Muhammad pbuh .Many of us use words that we are prohibited
from using, and get so used to using such language that we don't even realise what we are uttering.

Using such words is sinful even if we are joking, and it results in the loss of blessings in our lives, the discomfort to the angels of
protection who distance themselves from us, losing respect among fellow human beings and
setting a very bad precedent in our families and societies.

It also diminishes our spirituality and strengthens the link with Satan. It has a great negative effect on our minds and overall temperament.

For this and many other reasons, we must never ever utter vulgar or immoral words. Speaking using the best and purest language
will create a blessed look on our faces to begin with and result in us being respected and blessed at the same time.

Our general lives will begin to improve and we will see this clearly and feel it truly.

SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH LOVES

1. Tawbah (Repentance)... "For Allah loves
those who turn to Him constantly (in
repentance)"[Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

2. Taharah (Purification). .."Allah loves those
who keep themselves pure and clean."[Surah
Al Baqarah 2:222]

3. Taqwa (Piety)..."For Allah loves the
righteous (the pious)."[Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]

4. Ihsan (Goodness & Perfection)..."For Allah
loves those who do good"[Surah Ali'Imran
3:134]

5. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)..."For Allah loves
those who put their trust (in Him)."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:159]

6. Adl (Justice)..."For Allah loves those who
judge in equity."[Surah Al Ma'idah 5:42]"For
Allah loves those who are fair (and just).
"[Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

7. Sabr (Patience)..."And Allah Loves those
who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the
patient))."[Surah Ali'Imran 3:146]

★ SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH DOES NOT LOVE...

1. Israaf (Extravagance). .."But waste not by
excess: for Allah loves not the wasters (Al-
Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)).
"[Surah Al An'am 6:141]

2. Istikbaar (Pride)..."Verily He loves not the
arrogant (proud)."[Surah Al Nahl 16:23]

3. Mukhtal Fakhoor (Arrogant boaster)..."For
Allah loves not any arrogant boaster."[Surah
Luqman 31:18]

4. Udwaan (Transgression) ..."For Allah loves
not transgressors." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:87]

5. Zulm (Evil, Wrongdoing)..."But Allah loves
not those who do wrong (Zalimun (oppressors,
polytheists and wrong doers))."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:57]

6. Khiyaanah (Treachery)..."For
Allah loves not the treacherous."[Surah Al
Anfal 8:58]

7. Mufsideen (Mischief-makers)...

FATHER, I WANTED A CAR NOT A QURAN

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealers showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his
father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his
graduation, his father called him into his private study, told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and how much he loved him. He handed him a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Curious but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and
found a lovely, leather-bound Quran, with his name embossed in gold.
Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Quran?" He stormed out of the house, leaving the Qur'an behind. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old. He thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.
But before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away and willed all of his possessions to him. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important documents and saw the Qur'an, new just as he had left it years ago.
With tears, he opened the Qur'an and began to turn the pages. As he opened the Qur'an a car key dropped from the back of the Qur'an. It had a tag with the dealers name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired.
On the tag was the date of his graduation and the words...
PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss Allah's Blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
If this touched your heart, please pass it on!

PROHIBITION OF MAKING PICTURES IN ISLAM

One should realize that the prohibition of picture making is EXTREMELY SEVERE. It is counted among the enormities, and there are strict warnings against doing it.

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate that a man came to Syedna Abdulla Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with them both) and said, “My livelihood comes solely from my hands, and I make these pictures. Can you give me a legal opinion about them?” Ibn Abbas told him, “Come closer,” and the man did. “Closer,” he said, and the man did, until he put his hand on the man’s head and said: “Shall I tell you what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammed (Allah bless him and give him peace)? I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Every maker of pictures will go into the fire, where a beast will be set upon him to torment him in hell for each picture he made. So if you must, draw trees and things without animate life in them.”

Imam Tirmidhi relates that the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “On the Day of Judgment, a part of hell fire will come forth with two eyes with which to see, two ears with which to hear, and a tongue with which to speak, saying, ‘I have been ordered to deal with three: he who holds that there is another god besides Allah, with every arrogant tyrant, and with makers of pictures.”

Further, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Nasa’i relate the prophetic hadeeth from Ibn Abbas, “Whoever makes a picture, Allah will torture him with it on the Day of Judgment until he can breathe life into it, and he will never be able to do so.”

The reason for the prohibition of pictorial representation is that it imitates the creative act of Allah, the Supreme, as is indicated by the hadeeth related by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim that Syedah A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) returned from a trip, and I had draped a cloth with a picture on it over a small closet. When he saw it, he ripped it down, his face reddened, and he said, “A’isha, the people most severely tortured by Allah on the Day of Judgment will be those who try to imitate what Allah has created.”

The foregoing ahadeeth show that producing representation is prohibited under any circumstances. Similarly just as making a picture is unlawful, so too is procuring one, because of the warning that pertains to the users, for pictures are only made to be used.

The determining factor in the prohibition of procuring images is the purposes for which they are procured. For example, someone who buys cookies with the shape of animals is not doing wrong if his purpose is to eat, though the maker of them is doing wrong. And similarly with books containing pictures, if the buyer intends obtaining the text, then the presence of pictures is the fault of the printer, not the buyer. The same holds for photographs required for official documents: the authorities are responsible for the sin, not the individual forced to comply.