Five Things Causes Five Others

Abu Hurayrah, radhiallahu `anhu said, "If anyone has five things then he will not be deprived of five others."

1. He who is enabled to show gratitude will never be deprived of increase of blessings.

"If you give thanks, certainly I will give you more." (14:7)

2. He who is guided to persevere will not be deprived of reward.

"Truly the persevering will be paid their reward in full without reckoning." (39:10)

3. One who is inspired to repent will not be deprived of its acceptance:

"And He is (Allah) Who accepts repentance from His servants." (42:25)

4. One who is enabled to seek forgiveness will not be deprived of receiving pardon.

"Seek forgiveness of your Lord; surely He is Ever-Forgiving." (71:10)

5. He who is spurred to make supplication is not deprived of an answer.

"Call upon Me, and I shall answer you." (40:60)

Someone else added a sixth proposition that one who is encouraged to spend will not be deprived of reward thereof.

"And whatsoever you expend (for good) He shall replace it." (34:39)

"Who Will Save You From Me Now?"

There was a small community in an isolated area. Weak and defenseless, the people of this community lived in fear and anxiety, because they were being relentlessly attacked by a gang of bandits.

We can scarcely imagine their fear. It is the fear of the a helpless person in the face of a strong and merciless abuser. These bandits knew only the law of the jungle. Like lions, they recognized no code of ethics besides their own hunger and lust. Anyone they could subdue was fair game.

Though the community lived in the desert, before the arrival of the gang, they enjoyed peace and security and managed to prosper. Now they were being stripped of their lives, their liberty, and their honor. In desperation, they appealed to the authorities to come save them.

The head of state decided to take it upon himself to lead his forces into the area and punish the ones who were spreading terror and violating the lives and security of his people. News of this mobilization spread quickly and soon the bandits knew that the authorities were coming after them in force. They were compelled to flee the area and seek refuge in the surrounding mountains. They hid among the highest peaks they could find, hoping to save themselves. They knew that they could very well meet their fate in the very place they were fleeing to, but they hoped to at least be able to scope out the forces that were being sent against them.

The forces arrived under the command of the head of state to find that the bandits had abandoned the area and taken up positions on a nearby mountain to survey the situation from a safe vantage point.

As soon as the forces arrived, a thunderstorm struck, flooding the valleys near the mountain. The head of state was soaked through. After the storm passed, he went off to find a place to remove his clothes and allow them to air out. He found a tree, took off his outer garments, and hung them on a branch to dry. He sat beneath the tree to rest from the tiring journey. Fatigue defeated him and he soon drifted off to sleep.

One of the bandits was watching this with interest, and said to himself: "This is a excellent opportunity to subdue the leader while he is sleeping. Then no one will stand in our way."

Exercising the utmost stealth, he climbed down from the mountain and snuck across to where the leader was sleeping.

As he approached the tree, he noticed the leader's sword beside him. He looked left and right to make sure that no one else was around. Then, with his skill as a thief, he quickly snatched up the sword and then pointed it in the leaders face.

The bandit sneered and exclaimed: "Who will save you from me now?"

The leader woke up at these words to see the bandit standing, threateningly above his head, sword in hand. He realized immediately that the glowering bandit had disarmed him and was threatening to kill him. Imagine what you would do in such a situation.

The leader kept his composure, straightened himself up where he was sitting, and regarded his assailant calmly. After listening patiently to the bandit's threats, he answered his assailant's question, and said: "God will save me."

The bandit felt a shudder go through his body and down his arm. He dropped the sword. As swiftly as it fell, the leader snatched it up and came upon the bandit with it, repeating the same question that the bandit had asked him moments before: "Who will save you from me now?"

Imagine that you found yourself in this leader's position. What would you do with the bandit? Would your state of mind give you any chance to think before acting? Would anyone blame you if you struck the thief down in self defense?

However, this leader had a strong, magnanimous heart, a heart that knew neither rancor nor vengefulness. He regarded vindictiveness to be a sign of weakness. Imagine that the leader not only pardoned the bandit, but offered him the opportunity to join with his forces in their campaign. Moreover, he promised him that if he took the offer, he would receive all of the entitlements and rewards that the other soldiers would get.

We would suspect the bandit to eagerly take up this offer, at least as an act of deception. However, the bandit did the unthinkable. He refused, and the ruffian did so with all the coarseness and impertinence that he could muster.

The leader said to him: "Then go. You know the way."

The bandit began to hasten away, but then stopped and said: "I will not fight against you, nor will I ever join with any group who fights you." This, in and of itself, was an acceptable enough outcome.

When the bandit returned to the rest of his gang, they could see that he was elated to have survived the encounter. He said to them: "I have come to you from a leader like no other." He then related to them everything that had happened and how fortunate he was to still be alive."

It remains for us to reveal the identity of this leader. He was the same person who featured not long ago in some cartoons in a Danish newspaper where he was depicted in a most ignoble light.

Yes, he was none other than Muhammad, the Messenger of God.

I Am Not Crying Because....

A man reached 70 years of age and he faced a disease; he could not urinate. The doctors informed him that he was in need of an operation to cure this disease. He agreed to have the operation done as the problem was giving him much pain for days. When the operation was completed, his doctor gave him the bill which covered all the costs. The old man looked at the bill and started to cry. Upon seeing this the doctor told him that if the cost was too high then they could make some other arrangements. The old man said "I am not crying because of the money but I am crying because Allah let me urinate for 70 years and He never sent me a bill."

...and if you try to count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them... Surah Ibrahim

Allah states that the servants are never able to count His blessings, let alone thank Him duly for them.

In Sahih Al-Bukhari it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) used to supplicate;

«اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ غَيْرَ مَكْفِيَ وَلَا مُوَدَّعٍ وَلَا مُسْتَغْنًى عَنْهُ رَبَّنَا»

"O Allah ! All praise is due to You, without being able to sufficiently thank You, nor ever wish to be cutoff from You, nor ever feeling rich from relying on You; our Lord!"

It was reported that Prophet Dawud (PBUH), used to say in his supplication, "O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favor from You to me'' Allah the Exalted answered him, "Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud,'' meaning, `when you admitted that you will never be able to duly thank Me.'

Dates

Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet PBUH is reported to have said, "If anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

The Prophet PBUH used to break his fast by eating some dates before offering Maghrib Salaat, and if ripe dates were not available, he used to substitute them with some dried grapes. When they too were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some reports. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Hence, the great importance attached to them by the Prophet.

Dates are also rich in natural fibres. Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer. They also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. In other words, one date satisfies the minimum requirements of a balanced and healthy diet. Arabs usually combine dates with milk and yoghurt or bread, butter and fish. This combination indeed makes a self-sufficient and tasty diet for both mind and body.

Dates and date palms have been mentioned in the Noble Qur'aan twenty times, thus showing their importance. The Prophet PBUH likened a good Muslim to the date palm, saying, "Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. Its leaves do not fall."

Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent inability to perform its function with normal efficiency. As dates are also rich in calcium, they help to strengthen the bones. When the calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.

Dates are also important in keeping up the health of eyes. It is quite effective in guarding against night-blindness. In the early years of Islam, dates served as food for Muslim warriors. They used to carry them in special bags hung at their sides. They are the best stimulant for muscles and so the best food for a warrior about to engage in battle.

The Prophet PBUH used to combine dates with bread sometimes. At other times he mixed ripe dates with cucumber, or dates combined with ghee. He used to take all varieties of dates, but he preferred the variety called Ajwah.

Obedience To Parents In Islam

Islam builds a family in which prevails mutual respect and care. Parents and children in Islam are bound together by mutual obligations and reciprocal arrangements. Allah (SWT) Says “…No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child…” [Quran 2: 233]

The Quran has made it compulsory for the child to treat his parents with all goodness and mercy.

Every Muslim must show goodness and mercy to his parents throughout their lives. There is only one exception to this, and that is, if the parents ask their children to associate anything with Allah (SWT) and to commit sins, then the children must not obey their parents. In all cases, the children must show love and gratitude to their parents. They must always speak to them gently and respectfully. They must try their best to make them happy, provided they do not disobey Allah (SWT) in the process.

Allaah says “But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with me others of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly…” [Quran 31:15]

Being patient and tolerant with parents:

The children must take great care not to react to what their parents have to say. If they say or do anything which is not liked or approved of by the children, then they must show patience and tolerance instead of giving vent to their anger. The children must scrupulously try to refrain from disobeying their parents since the Prophet (PBUH) regarded this as one of the grave sins.

Supplicating for them:

Far from showing signs of displeasure, the children must pray for them saying, as Allah teaches us in the verse (which means): "…My Lord and Sustainer! Be kind and have mercy on them as they cherished, nurtured and sustained me in childhood.” [Quran 17: 24]

We must continue praying for them even after they die. Such prayer will be regarded as a continuous charity as the Prophet (PBUH) told us.

The greater right of the mother:

The children must be kinder and more grateful to their mothers since they took greater pains in their upbringing. That is why the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized that it is the mother who has the first claim on the child's care and attention.

Once a companion (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (PBUH) as to whom he should show more kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: "Your mother." He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked who comes next and the Prophet (PBUH) again replied: "Your mother." He (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (PBUH) yet again who comes next. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Your mother." When the companion asked for the fourth time, only then did the Prophet (PBUH) reply: "Your father."

Recognizing their great status:

The Muslim should recognize the status of the parent and know his duties towards them. The status of parents in Islam is a status which mankind had not known before. Allah Has placed the respect for the parents just one step below the belief in Allah and true worship of Him.

Allah says “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” [Quran 17: 23]

The Prophet (PBUH) placed kindness and respect towards parents just after the prayer offered on time as the prayer is the foundation of Islam.

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (RA) said: “I asked the Prophet (PBUH) which deed is most liked by Allah? He (PBUH) said: ‘Prayer offered on time.’ I asked him: ‘Then what? He (PBUH) said: ‘Kindness and respect towards parents.’…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Knowing the duties towards them:

It is also the duty of the child to provide for his parents, if he is able to do so. The Quran sums up the whole matter in a master concept called Ihsaan, which denotes what is right, good and beautiful (i.e. showing to them kindness, compassion, gratitude, reverence and respect, praying for them and supporting them financially if they are in need.)

Concluding, we mention a verse that shows the significance of obedience and gratitude due to parents: Allah says: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” [Quran 31:14]

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Love For His Wives continued...

Lifting the morsel to her mouth:
The Prophet (PBUH) said : If you spend an amount you will be rewarded for it, -even when you lift the morsel to your wife’s mouth.” Narrated by Al Bukhari

Bringing all her needs:
The Prophet (PBUH), said: If you eat, let your wife eat and if you wear clothes, let your wife wear them too. Narrated by Al Hakem and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Trusting her:
The Prophet (PBUH) forbade men to knock the door of their wife at night, to betray her, or to look for her faults. " Narrated by Muslim

Over exaggeration in expressing the feelings:
The Prophet (PBUH), didn't allowed lying except in three situations, one of them is: the man talking with his wife and the wife talking with her husband about their feelings for each other. Narrated by Al Nisaee.

Justice with his wives:
Reported: Who ever has two wives and he prefers one more than the other his dealing with them, he will come on the Day of Judgement and half of his body will be slanted Narrated by Al Tirmidhi and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Taking care of ones wives every day:
Anas (RA) said:" The Prophet (PBUH) used to look in on his wives for a period time of day and night" Narrated by Al-Bukhari

Does not keep away from his wife during her menstrual cycle:
Maymona (RA) said that: The Prophet (PBUH) fondled his wives on the Izar (piece of clothing) they wore when they had their periods (menses)

Laughing as his wives quarrel:
Ayesha (RA) said: once Zaynab entered my room while she was angry with me. So the Prophet (PBUH) said: Defeat yourself. So I approached her until I saw that her mouth was dry. Then I saw the (PBUH) face shining" Narrated by Ibn Majah

Taking his wife with him during traveling:
When The Prophet (PBUH), intended to go on a journey, he used to draw lots amongst his wives and the one whose name he drew went with him.

Racing with his wife:
Aisha (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH), said to her: Come I will race you so I raced with him and I won. After I became heavier he raced me and he won, so he laughed and said this one for that one. Narrated by Abu Dawood.

Giving her a nickname:
Aisha said "Messenger of Allah (PBUH), all your wives have a kunya (nickname) except me; so he called her Umm Abdullah.” Narrated by Ahmad

Telling her stories:
Like the Hadeeth of mother of Zara. Narrated by Al Bukhari

Sharing happy occasions with her:
Aisha (RA) said “I and the Prophet (PBUH) passed by people from Ethiopia, they were playing with their spears so the Prophet, peace be upon him stopped and watched them and I stood behind him and when I felt tired of standing, I sat , and when I stood again I hid behind the prophet peace by upon him. Narrated by Bukhari.

Respecting their hobbies and not underestimating them:
A'esha (RA) said: I used to play with dolls after I got married to the Prophet (PBUH), and I had friends who used to play with me. When the Prophet (PBUH) entered while we were playing, they hid. So he peace be upon him was pleased from them and their playing with me."

Adding happiness in the family atmosphere:
Ayesha (RA) said: Once Sawdah (prophet's (PBUH)- wife) visited us, so the Prophet (PBUH), sat between me and her –one of his legs in my lap while the other in hers. I made for her a kind of food called "harerah" and said: Eat. She refused so I took a little part from the food and put it on her face. So the Prophet (PBUH took away his leg from her lap to let her defend her self. So she took a little part from the food and put it on my face while the Prophet (PBUH) laughed." Narrated by al-Nesae

Spreading warmth:
Aisha (RA) said that the Prophet (PBUH) used to go around visiting his wives and approached each one, put his hand on and kiss each one until he reached the last one. So if it was her day, he would stay with her" Ibn Saad's book
Does not disparage her during a problem:
Aisha (RA) was talking about the story of "Ifq": I rejected some of the Prophet's (PBUH) kindness to me. He used to be kind and merciful toward me when I complained, but he did not do that in this event, so I disapproved of his behavior. When he entered my room while my mother was taking care of me, he said: "How is she:?, without any addition" Narrated by Bukhari.

Reading Ruqyah (Quran and pray) for her when sick:
Aisha (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) used to read the last three chapters of the Holy Qur'an over any of his family when the became ill." Narrated by Muslim

Complimenting those who treat their family well:
The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best of you are those who best treat their women with kindness" Narrated by Tirmidhi and graded as Saheeh by Albani

Waiting until she dressed up:
Jabir narrated "We were with the Prophet (PBUH), during travel. When we came back, we wanted to enter our homes and the Prophet (PBUH), said, "Wait till night so they can comb their hair and the clean themselves" Narrated by Alnesaei.

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Love For His Wives

By looking at the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), you will find that the Messenger of humanity, (PBUH), appreciated women (wives), and gave them intensive care and proper love.

He demonstrated wonderful examples during his daily life. He was the first person to stay by her side and stop her from crying, care about her feelings, not making fun of her words, listen to her, and ease her grief.

Perhaps many would agree with me that modern Western books which talk about martial life don’t have a real example. They are just empty slogans on papers.

Even though, the bestsellers in this matter were unable to reach to what the Prophet of mercy, (PBUH) reached in his life. These are some of precise situations in his life:

Drinking and eating from one place:
A’isha (RA) reported : I would drink then I would hand it “ the vessel” to the Prophet (PBUH ) and he would put his mouth where mine had been and drink and I would eat the meat from a bone and he would put his mouth where mine had been. Narrated by Muslim.

Laying in the wife's lap:
A’isha (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would recline in my lap when I was menstruating. Narrated by Muslim.

Combing his hair:
A’isha (RA) reported: When the messenger of Allah (PBUH) was in the mosque he put his head in to my place and I combed his hair. Narrated by Muslim.

Outings with his wife at night: -
The prophet (PBUH) used to go walking with Aisha (RA) at night while talking with each other. Narrated by Bukhari.

Assisting her in the housework:
A’isha (RA) was asked: “What did the Prophet use to do in his house?” She replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family." Narrated by Bukari

Giving gifts to her friends:-
When the prophet (PBUH) slaughtered a sheep he said "send it to Khadija’s friends." Narrator by Muslim. (Khadija is the Prophet's {PBUH} first wife)

Praising her: -
The Prophet (PBUH) said that value of Aisha (RA) among women was the same value of thareed (bread soaked in soup) compared to other foods. Narrated by Muslim

He was pleased when she met her friends
Aisha (RA) said "My friends used to visit me but they were feeling shy from the Prophet, (PBUH), and they started to come less. So the Prophet, (PBUH), used to send for them so that I could meet them. Narrated by Muslim.

Declaring his love :-
The Prophet (PBUH) said about Khadija (RA) “I have been given her love.” Narrated by Muslim.

The Prophet (PBUH) said “O, Allah, the things which are in my control (i.e. justice and equality between
different wives) I always do justice (with them), but forgive me for that which is
beyond my control (i.e. my love with Ayesha)”.

‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas (RA) asked the Prophet (PBUH):
“O, Prophet of Allah whom do you love the most”.
“Ayesha”, he replied.
“And whom do you love the most among the men”, ‘Amr bin A’-‘Aas further asked.
“Her father” (Abu Bakr RA), the Prophet (PBUH)said.

Looking at her beautiful manners:
The Prophet (PBUH), "A male believer should not shun a female believer. If he hated one manner from her, he would accept other." Narrated by Muslim

Sleeping with his wife if he saw a woman by mistake that made him want to fulfill his desire:
The Prophet (PBUH) said: " If one of you saw a woman he should go to his wife to fulfill his desire. “ Narrated by Muslim

Does not talk about her private matters :
He said (PBUH): The worst of place with Allah on the judgment day is the man who exchanges secrets with his wife and she with him then he spreads her secrets." Narrated by Muslim

Kissing: -
The Prophet, (PBUH), used to kiss his wives while he was fasting: Narrated by Muslim

Using perfume all the time
Aish’a (RA) said: "It is as if I am looking at the glitter of scent in the part of the Prophet’s hair while he was Muhrim ". Narrated by Muslim

Giving her gifts:
Aisha (RA) said: The people were waiting for Aisha’s (RA) day to give their gifts wanting by this to please the Prophet (PBUH)." Narrated by Muslim.

Knowing her feelings:
The Prophet (PBUH), said to Aisha (RA): I know when you are angry with me or not … if were content with me you say no and by the God of Mohammad. And if you were angry with me you say: no and by the God of Ibrahim." Narrated by Muslim.

Patience with her anger
Omar Ibn Al Katab said: My wife was mad at me and she reprimanded me and I rejected that from her! She said: Why do you reject it from me? I swear by Allah that the wives of the Prophet (PBUH) reprimanded him and one of them ignored him all the day long until the night." Narrated by al Bukari.

Not beating her
Aisha (RA) said that “The Prophet didn’t strike a servant or a woman and he did beat anything with his hands." Narrated by Ibn Majah

Consoling her when she cries
Safiya (RA) was on a journey with the Prophet, (PBUH), and that day was her day and she was late so the Prophet (PBUH) received her while she was crying. She said you make me ride a slow camel so the Prophet wiped her tears and tried to make her stop crying." Narrated by Al Nisaee.

To be continued inshaAllah...

Have You Heard??

My name is Gossip.

I have no respect for justice.

I aim without killing.

I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age.

The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.

My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.

The harder you try, the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.

I topple governments and wreck marriages.

I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion.

I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.

I am called Gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.



Before you repeat a story,

ask yourself:

Is it true? ... Is it harmless? ... Is it necessary?

If it isn't, don't repeat it.

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah, verily, Allah is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful” (Al-Hujuraat 49: 12).

Abu Moosa Al-Ash’aree said, “I asked the Messenger of Allah: Who is the best Muslim? The Messenger of Allah replied, “He is the one from whom Muslims are safe from the evil of his tongue and hands.” (Muslim)

Reminder For My Sister Wearing Hijaab

My dear sisters, Alhamdulillaah you have worn Hijaab and covered your hair, we ask Allah to guide you always and support you. However we just wanted to remind you sister that proper covering cannot be achieved by wearing tight or transparent clothes.

Does hijaab only mean covering ones hair? NO

The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"There will be in the last days of my ummah, women who are dressed and undressed. Curse them: they are accursed." (At-Tabarani)

A sister who does not truly know the superiority of Hijaab will always remain envious of disbelieving women. Why? Because they observe these misguided disbelievers attempting to look beautiful for all to see. Hence, the Muslim woman then compares herself to that woman which causes her to feel ashamed of her own Hijaab.

Therefore, what follows is a reminder for my sisters in Islam. It is a reminder of the true status of these so-called beautiful women. It is a reminder of the excellence of the women who wear Hijaab. It is a reminder for my sisters who Allah have guided them and are wearing hijaab, but they are still wearing tight clothes.

EXCELLENT QUALITIES OF THOSE WHO WEAR HIJAAB
It is well known that the Muslim woman is a creature of modesty. Allaah loves for our Muslim women to be shielded by their Hijaab. It is their outer protection from the decadence of this life. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said , said: "Allaah is modest and covering. He loves modesty and privacy." [Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa'i Al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad].

Thus, as modesty is a quality that is loved by Allaah, our sisters must take comfort in knowing that they are modest and that they are not like those women who show themselves off to the world. Such women will not be shielded from Allaah's Wrath. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's home, has broken Allaah's shield upon her." [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi)

Therefore, we see that the Hijaab of the Muslim woman is indeed part of modesty. Modesty accompanies Eemaan (faith). That is why Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Modesty is part of Eemaan and Eemaan is in Paradise." [At-Tirmithi].

Also: "Modesty and Eemaan are companions, when one goes away the other one goes away." [Al-Haakim and others]

The Muslim women must know that the disbelieving women who beautify themselves for the world to see possess no modesty, thus, they are void of any Eemaan. Instead of looking to the latest fashion models for guidance, you must look to the wives of the Prophet (PBUH).

Look at the regard for modesty that our mother, 'Aa'ishah possessed even in the presence of the deceased; she said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allaah and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when 'Umar bin al-Khattaab was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from 'Umar."

It can be quite difficult for the Muslim woman to go out wearing Hijaab in a society that mocks and torments her. Indeed, she may feel strange and out of place. However, if she knows the status of those who are mocked by the disbelievers, then she would continue to wear her Hijaab with dignity.

Allaah Says in His Book (what means): "Verily! The criminals used to laugh at those who believed. And whenever they passed them, used to wink at one another. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting. When they saw them, they said: 'These have indeed gone astray!' But they (disbelievers, sinners) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But on this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers. On (high) thrones, looking (at all things). Are not the disbelievers paid (fully) for what they used to do?" [Quran 83:29-36]

Allaah's Words should serve as a support for you my dear sister. Also, take comfort in being a stranger among these lewd and sinful women. Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Islam began as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange, so good news is for the strangers." [Muslim]

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EXPOSED WOMEN

Instead of practicing the Hijaab (covering), the disbelieving women expose themselves, making a dazzling display of themselves for others. Such a display is an attribute of ignorance. Allaah Says in His Book (what means): "And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves as you used to during the times of ignorance." [Quran 33:33]

Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "The best of your women is the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, the agreeable -- if they fear Allaah. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off) and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter al-Jannah (the Paradise) are like the red beaked crow." [Al-Bayhaqi]. The simile of the red-beaked crow is to show that those who enter Paradise will be as rare as this kind crow is rare.

We see from the above Aayah and Hadeeth that displaying oneself is indeed unlawful. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women! Therefore, do not be envious of the disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. There is nothing in your Hijaab to be ashamed of, as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allaah.

In order to truly show you how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder over the following statement of Allaah's Messenger (PBUH): "Of the people of Hell there are two whom I have never seen, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with them. The second one, women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of the camel. These women would not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be sensed from such and such a distance." [Muslim]

These women who expose themselves are common among us today. These are women that even the Prophet did not see! Look around you and you will see those women who are clothed but naked! Look at the hairstyles of the women who expose themselves -- are they not high like the camel's hump?

Perhaps we are the first generation since the time of Aadam to witness such women. If one ponders over photos taken thirty to fifty years ago, one will see that the disbelieving women did not expose themselves in the manner that their offspring do today! These women are among the people of the Fire! Thus, how can you envy them? How can you be dressed like them?

Such lewd women will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise; so our women must avoid their path.

Another lesson from the above hadeeth is that it confirms that what the Prophet , came with is indeed the truth! This is a prophecy that has come to pass in front of our very eyes. Hence, will we continue to envy these evil women, or should we be grateful to our Lord for the Hijaab, which brings modesty, which leads to Paradise?

To sum up, the Muslim woman should abandon all of the ways of the exposed women, and adopt the ways of those who are modest through their love and practice of the proper Islamic Hijaab.

Death

Life is what we live. There was a time when we did not exist, then we do exist now, and then there will be a time when we will not exist. In this chain events of the universe time flow continuum, our “life” seems extremely irrelevant. What is prominent and dominant is the fact that everything else remains unchanged, and events do go on, even if we don’t. So then under such unfavorable circumstances how can one claim that life is what we live and death ends it? In this uncertainty of life, where health wealth fame fortune property blessings friends family, Death. What is death? “Death is the end of life,” says an average mind. Okay, so what is life? everything is so uncertain, the only certainty is death. How can we accept such uncertainties as life, and disregard the promised?

On the contrary, death is a part of life. There are no guarantees in life. Nothing in life is for sure except death. We are alive today only to die tomorrow. A person is born only so that he may die, and he dies only to live forever in the hereafter. So now, is death the end of life, or a part of it?

The world is a prison for a believer, and like Paradise for the non-believer. Consequently, death is a gift to the believer, and a torture to the disbeliever. Who likes to meet Allah, Allah also likes to meet him, and who does not like to meet Allah, Allah also does not like to meet him. Prophet of Allah PBUH said, “None of you should long for death, for if he is a good man, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil-doer, he may stop the evil deeds and repent.”

After death, every person has to be buried accordingly. It is Fard to bury the deceased. A graveyard always reminds one of death and of meeting with the Creator. This is the final level on earth and the first step towards the Hereafter. To visit the graveyard is the Sunnah of Prophet PBUH. One should also make Dua for the deceased.

Come to think of it, how long is a person’s life in this world? How far is death? When a person is born, Azaan is said in his ears. He then lives a life of, say 70 years. Then when he dies, shortly afterwards is the Namaaz-e Janaaza prayed. So how long is his life? 70 years? Wrong! His whole life is like the brief period of time between Azaan and Jamaat.

I leave you with this final food for thought: There shall be a morning, some morning in your life that you shall awaken in Jannah or Hell fire. This is how far death is. Anas ibn Malik, on his deathbed, prayed to Allah, "O Allah, protect from a night whose morning brings a journey to hell fire."

The Fitna Of Television

The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if you believe and guard against Evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you (to give up) your possessions [Muhammad:36]

The television represents one of the biggest forms of corrupting the ummah today. After looking at the moral degradation of the ummah, we need to address a major source of this degradation. The western values and the values of the kuffar are invited daily into Muslim homes. These values (via television) are being invited by us Muslims and not by the kuffar. We have an option of refusing to watch these satanic values. We, as Muslims spend hours watching television and neglect our basic duties to our Creator (S.W.T). We choose to watch television in preference to our obligatory duties like Salaah and choose to spend hours watching things that do not benefit us and also makes us unmindful of Allah (S.W.T)

Continued activity of anything makes one accustomed to it and abstinence from certain activities makes one reluctant to action it. In the same manner Television has become part of our daily life and slowly the Islamic way of life is being neglected and even being ignored. Some Muslims have complained about not having time to perform their Salaah on the excuse of not having enough time in their busy schedules, yet they spend an average of at least 21 hours a week in front of the television.

Due to the prolonged exposure of viewing television, the love for things shown on Television enters the heart of a Muslim and the actions and behavior become the norm. One of the biggest fitnas of television is the way women are paraded and dressed up with the deep-seated sexual messages present in them. The Prophet (S.A.W) has forbidden looking at non Mahram females in a narration as follows:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
I have not seen a thing resembling 'lamam' (minor sins) than what Abu Huraira 'narrated from the Prophet who said, "Allah has written for Adam's son his share of adultery which he commits inevitably. The adultery of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk, and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it." (Bukhari Volume 8, Book 74, Number 260)

Allah (S.W.T) commands us in the Holy Quran:
And come not near to adultery: for it is an indecent (deed) and an evil way. [Al-Isrá 17 –32]

In this verse Allah (S.W.T) prohibits us from even approaching adultery, thus any action that leads up to a haraam act is also haraam.

The content of television shows is nothing short of destruction for a Muslim’s Imaan (faith). The movies on television contains anti Islamic values and behavior that amounts to watching haraam. Although the viewer is not involved in the lewd behavior, the viewer nevertheless watches the haraam activity.

We could justify these activities all we like but we must remember that we present ourselves to the kuffar and ask them to serve us with their corrupt and godless values. We have now become consumers of corrupt values and a mind that is developing to one that is similar to that of the kuffar. We, as Muslims are people that invite others to the beautiful lifestyle of Islaam and not us being invited to Kufr and Shirk that is presented by television programmes.

The watching of television is used to waste our time in worldly activities. Sports on television will get us addicted for hours to satisfy our appetite for consuming a sporting spectacle. These spectacles and activities are televised to instill a behavior and character that promotes a lifestyle that is anti Islamic. The sport personalities have become superstars to us, our children and the whole ummah. These people are now dearer and beloved to us then Allah(SWT) and his Messenger (S.A.W.). Our children know more about the sporting personalities, actors and politicians on television than the personalities of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (R.A). These so called super stars and heroes display a lifestyle that is displeasing to Allah and the Prophet (S.A.W). How can we as Muslims watch these enemies of Allah (S.W.T)!!!

The Television is also a major inviter of MUSIC into our homes. The musicians with their satanic rituals give a visible expression of their satanic agendas

The most dangerous instrument that is being used today to prepare mankind for the coming of Dajjal, is the television. The television networks announce their viewer ship for all major events to be in the billions, which indicates the ability to influence so many people all at once. This shows the ability of disseminating information (true or false) to billions of people. We cannot allow ourselves as Muslims to be influenced or corrupted by television if we wish to be able recognize the fitna and fasaad of the Dajjal.

What should we, as Muslims, be doing?

We should be spending our precious time in an environment that promotes the consciousness of Allah (S.W.T) and fulfilling our object of our existence on earth. As Allah mentions in Quran:

I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. [adh-Dhariyat 51:56]

We should abstain from leading a lifestyle that promotes all sorts of corruption including the corruption of the Deen-ul-Islam. If we wish to be able to recognize the fitnah of the liar, Ad-Dajjal then we should refrain from the activities and pastimes of his followers.

Only true believers will be able to recognize the fraud and deceit of the Dajjal. So we should strengthen our imaan and also be vigilant of the plots of Shaitaan, who wishes to distract us from the remembrance of Allah.

There are many methods and schemes employed by Shaitaan to distract Muslims, to lead us astray. Initially it is to distract us and thereafter to lead us to commit shirk and kufr. The Quran exhorts us with the following:
"And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (ie. Songs, music and any other call for Allah’s disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways of usury, or by committing illegal sexual intercourse), and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. [Al Isra:64]

Allah (S.W.T) describes this world in the Quran as follows:
“And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Will you not then understand?” [Al-An’am:32]

Allah (S.W.T) warns us of being heedless of our religion Islaam, and being deceived by this world as follows:
“And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived. But remind ( them) with it (the Quran) lest a person be given up to destruction for that which he has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intecessor beside Allah, and even if he offers every ransom, it will not be accepted from him. Such are they who are given up to destruction because of that which they have earned. For them will be a drink of boiling water and a painful torment because they used to disbelieve. [Al-An’am:70]

Let us not be of those who Allah (S.W.T) has blessed with five senses (i.e. sight, hearing, speech, touch and smell) for the disobedience of Allah. We should be using these blessed senses in the pleasure of our Creator (S.W.T). It would certainly be a sign of ingratitude if we were to use our senses, time and our wealth in the disobedience of Allah (S.W.T). In this regard Allah (S.W.T) mentions in the Holy Quran:
Verily the ear, the eye and the heart – with regard to each of these it will be questioned. [Al-Isrá: 36]

It is clear that that this verse indicates towards the great responsibility attached to the correct usage of the senses.

Muslims are urged to change our ways and to make sincere taubah (repentance) for our past sins.

Allah has granted us choices of good and evil in this world; let us use it for the good. We should try and refrain from entertaining ourselves with television and enjoy the HALAAL activity that is pleasing to our Creator (S.W.T).

May Allah Guide us, and forgive us all. Ameen

Missed Calls From Allah

Among the marvels of modern technology is also the ability to track the missed calls which were made by our friends and foes and the likes.

We do not get a good night's sleep, unless we have returned the calls of those who matter.

We don't let any call go unanswered as long as we know that it matters.
Don't we?

But how about the calls of "hay-yaa al-as-salaah and hay-yaa al-al falah" made from the neighbourhood house of our master, the Almighty Allah.?

Those calls are made five times a day and many a times they all go unanswered.

We do not either respond!!! Nor do we respect these missed calls. Do they matter?

Everybody can tell, if these really matter. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but surely in the hereafter.

Let us look at ourselves. Can we afford to let these calls of the muezzin be missed, day after day, after day.

The call from our cherisher, sustainer and the ultimate master.
Just think about it.

Next time one hears this call, just ask yourself how good a night's sleep can I have by missing those calls from the house of Allah.

Think about it....the answer may come from the inner heart.

The Prophet's Gift

Whenever the Prophet's (PBUH) followers reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to him. Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. One morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (PBUH).

The Prophet (PBUH) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said:

"O Prophet of Allah, you have overlooked the right of those who watch while you eat?"

The Prophet (PBUH) smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. Then he said:

"I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had 1 allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who brought this gift.

Rather than make him feel bitter, I accepted the bitterness."