10 USELESS MATTERS ....

Assalaamulaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarkatahu dear brothers and sisters! x

I Pray that you all are well in health and Iman!
There are many things in life we do, without thinking, without thinking if it goes against Islam, if it goes against the Sunnah! And most importantly if this certain action displeases Allah SWT.
Let us take a look at 10 matters, recognize how and why its a waste of time, and refrain from doing this in the future InshAllah.

“There are ten useless matters that cannot be benefited from:
1• Knowledge that is not implemented
(i.e. reading/studying Qur'an and Sunnah but not implementing its teachings in our lives)

2• An action that is empty of sincerity, and is not based on the correct example (e.g. not giving Sadaqah at gatherings because we want to help but rather we give not to look stingy or cheap and tight with our money.)

3• Wealth that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life, nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter (e.g. having money and not spending in the path of Allah)

4• The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allāh, and empty of seeking closeness to Him (i.e. rather longing for the love of another which is haraam for us, and seeking closeness to the Duniya instead!)

5• A body that does not obey and serve Allāh (e.g. not praying Salah or submitting to Allah's commands which will bring us closer to the Creator)

6• Loving Allāh without seeking His pleasure

7• Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to perform deeds of righteousness that will bring one closer to Allāh (e.g. not making Tawbah and not constantly seizing moments to achieve hasanah (rewards) for good deeds)

8• A mind that thinks about issues which bring about no benefit (e.g. stressing over petty dunya related matters)

9• Serving those who neither bring you close to Allāh or benefit you in your life (e.g. the misguided)

10• Hoping and fearing one who is under the authority of Allāh, and whose forehead is in His Hand, while he cannot bring any benefit, harm, life, death, or resurrection to himself. (e.g. fearing the creation, rather than the Creator)

However, the greatest of these matters is the wasting of the heart, and the wasting of time.
Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant (persistent, never-ending) hopes.
All evil is in following one’s desires and having incessant hopes, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allāh, and Allāh is the source of Assistance.”

Here, the Imam summarized all evils into these two issues; wasting of the heart, and wasting of time.
Wasting the heart; done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and
Wasting time; done by having incessant hopes.

And incessant hopes and the following of one’s desires are the ultimate manifestation of evil.

{Taken from the late Imam ‘Abdullah Azzam, from his book; ‘al-Fawā’id,’}

May this tiny bit of Ilm (knowledge) be of benefit to us, and InshAllah may it be a stepping stone to reform ourselves for the sake and pleasure of Allah SWT.

Wassalaam, XXX MEHAK XXX

Easy Peasy But Only A Few Do It

`Abdullah bin `Amr reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

There are two acts that no Muslim worshiper does consistently but that he will enter Jannah. And though they are easy , only few people perform them:

1. After each of the five prayers, say tasbih (SubhanAllah) ten times, tahmid (alhamdulillah) ten times and takbir(allahu akbar) ten times. This makes one hundred and fifty (daily extollments) by tongue, and one thousand five hundred (good deeds) in the scale.
2. Upon going to bed, say takbir thirty four times, tahmid thirty three times, and tasbih thirty three times. This makes one hundred extollments by tongue and and one thousand good deeds in the scale.

So who among you would commit two thousand five hundred sins in one day( to counter that)?

The Prophet then added:

Satan comes to a person while he is ready to sleep, and makes him fall asleep before he finishes saying them; and he comes to him after the prayer and reminds him of something he needs to do instead of saying them.

Recorded by Abu Dawud, at Tirmithi and others. Verified to be authentic by al-Albani (Sahih ut Targhib wat-Tarhib)

Taken from: http://cityisoc.com/islam/290/easy-peasy-but-only-a-few-do-it/

Annual Events Coming up!

Alhamdulillah I'm pleased to announce the London Tarbiyyah Conference in Association with Madina Masjid (Clapton) and Masjid e Quba (Stamford Hill)
Date: Saturday 28th June 2008
Venue: Masjid e Quba, Stamford Hill, 70-72 Cazenove Road, London N16 6AA
Time : Between Zohar and Asr (1.30pm onwards)
For Brothers & Sisters (separate facility next door at NLMCC)
Confirmed Speakers:

Shaykh Abdur Raheem Limbada (Senior Hadith Lecturer, Darul Uloom Bury)
Mufti Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf (ZamZam Academy & White Thread Press, USA)
Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq (Al Kawther Academy, Leicester)
Mufti Mohammed Ibn Adam (Darul Iftaa, Leicester)
Shaykh Irfan Sidyot (Lantern of Knowledge)
With Qur'anic Recitation and Nasheeds from:
Qari Mehdi Rahimi
Qari Shaykh Yasser Balesaria
Delawar Ehsaan
There will be a Q&A Workshop with Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf and Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam...please send all advance questions to:
info@masjidequba.org.uk


Refreshments will be available and there will be stalls where you can buy books etc.
Bus: 67, 73, 76. 106, 149, 243, 253, 254, 276, 349, 393, 476
Tube: Seven Sisters, Finsbury Park, Manor House
Train: Stoke Newington
Supported by Turath Publishing, ZamZam Academy & White Thread Press


Hope and Inshallah Everyone can make it!

AND ALSO:

Lantern of Knowledge (Jamia Siraj al Uloom) Annual Jalsah

Sunday 29th June 2008 at 1.30pm after Zohar.

Guest Speakers:
Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb
Shaykh Saleem Nawab Saheb

Shaykh Abdur Raheem Limbada

Programme Includes:
a dars of hadith (completion of Riyad al Saliheen)
Bayan from a host of students and scholars
Qirat Nasheeds
Completion of Hifz
Students Presentation Ceremony

'The Prodigy of Creation' will also be launched on this day.

Venue:

Lantern of Knowledge Educational Institute, 30-36 Lindley Road, Leyton, London, E10 6QT
Nearest Station: Leyton
Buses: 69,97
Tel: 020 8539 5183

Brothers ONLY event but will be recorded for sisters who can't attend the event.

ALL OF THE ABOVE EVENTS A FREE FOR EVERYONE TO ATTEND!

SUMMER ARABIC AND ISLAMIC STUDIES COURSES

Assalaamu 'Alaykum Warahmatullah,

Summer is here and for many of us it means a time to chill and relax before the new academic year starts. Not that there's anything wrong in that, in fact I think we all deserve to relax after the year we've had, especially since we've just finished our exams. However, we also need to make use of the time we have and to be careful not to waste our time by going to movies and hangin' out with friends doing idle stuff. Lets use this summer insha'Allah to please Allah subhanahu wa ta'la and gain more knowledge of the Deen.

Arabic-courses presents a two month summer intensive arabic and islamic studies programme in which you will be taught by a Madinah University Arabic Instructor. There will be three different courses running at different levels to cater for the varying levels of the people; all aimed at teaching the Muslims how to understand the Qur’aan and Islaam. There are lessons available for sisters only, taught by sister Hira Amin.

This is an opportunity for those who don’t know anything about the Arabic language, or those who have some knowledge to go ahead. There are lessons available with segregation and also for sisters only.

Date: 7th July-29th August *(Note: The date of the leaflet is wrong, please ignore that)

Time: 9:00am-1:00 pm

Free books and extra materials will all be provided!

Lessons will be held 4hours a day/5 days a week.

Cost: £300

ISLAMIC STUDIES COURSES:

This is a new course being offered for those who want to further their knowledge with Arabic in Islamic context. This course will run for 8 weeks in the afternoon covering the following subjects:

• History of the Prophets and the Salaf
  
• An in-depth study of the Qur’aa n, tafseer and how tafseer is done


• An in-depth study of the Sunnah and the chain of narration


• Science of fiqh and its usool (foundations)


• Islamic economics, judicial system and politics
  

Date: 7th July-29th August

Time: 2:00pm-5:00pm

Venue: Southampton Row, London WC18 (near Tottenham court rd)

3hours a day/5 days a week

Cost: FREE

Upon completion of the comprehensive courses in both Arabic and Islamic lessons, all students will be presented with the following:

i) "Certificate of Achievement";

ii) Detailed description of what the student achieved;

iii) Examination results including the final exam;

iv) A "Recognised Letter of Recommendation" for those amongst the Brothers who wish to pursue further studies at the Islamic University of Madeenah. Please note, the "Recognised Letter of Recommendation" is currently only available to participating Brothers as the Islamic University of Madeenah is a male-only University.

To book or for more information please refer to their website:


E-mail: contact-us@arabic-courses.com

Website: http://www.arabic-courses.com/ or http://www.arabic-courses.com/summer2008/acis.html

Very few places left. Book your place today!!! (seriously today as in today if you're really interested)

Istiqamah (steadfastness)

Istiqamah (steadfastness)

Asalaamulaikum Warahmatulahi Wabarkatahu!

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we suffer and struggle sooo much for this life, revising till the break of dawn for our exams, chasing after our desires and needs, working till the late hours of the night for decent wages. We struggle so much for this life.

Determination is a great thing, to have the willpower and strength to do somethig but why do we leave this determination when it comes to Islam? Why do we forget our Deen??? Where does that determination go when Fajr comes in? Where is that willpower when we must lower our gaze? Where is that strength of mind when others question our Deen???

Dear sisters and brothers of the Ummah, we are in this world for a very SHORT period, whereas the hereafter (the Akhirah) is eternal. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what we get in exams, how much we earn, what car we drive or how big our houses are. All these trivial things will not help us attain Jannah! Only our actions which we carried out will avail.

Lets look at the hardships Bilal radi Allahu anhu, the Mu’addhin of Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam suffered. He did not doubt Allah, betray Allah or renounce his Islamic obligations... not even ONCE!!!! But us! We watch silly old soaps and when Magrib time arrives, we say, “o.k., just another 5 more minutes!”

As Muslims our first and foremost responsibility is to Allah, not to our TV’s!!!

Bilal radi Allahu anhu was one of the most illustrious sahabah the Ummah has seen, he was the Mu’addhin of the Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wa salam.

Bilal was an Abyssinian slave and belonged to a disbeliever in Mecca.

His conversion to Islam naturally brought the wrath of his owner and the other disbelievers of Mecca, and therefore he was persecuted mercilessly by him and other disbelievers.

Ummayah bin Khalaf, one of the worst enemies of Islam, would make Bilal radi Allahu anhu lie down on the burning sand of Mecca at midday and would place a heavy stone on his chest, so heavy that poor Bilal r.a couldn’t even move a limb or a muscle, finding it hard to breathe even!
Ummayah bin Khalaf would then say to him:
“Renounce Islam or swelter and die.”

Even under these brutal afflictions, Bilal r.a. would proudly exclaim:
“Ahad” – The One (Allah). “Ahad” – The One (Allah).

And this happened day in, day out, on a constant basis!

This is not all brothers and sisters!!!!

The torturers would get tired carrying out this gruesome punishment, so Ummayah would take turns with Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab and others. They would compete with one another in afflicting Bilal, but Bilal radi Allahu anhu not budge.

For such love he had for Allah and His Messenger salallahu alayhi wa salam that once he tasted the sweetness of Imaan, he would not remove its beauty from his heart!

These persecutions carried on until Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu bought Bilal radi Allahu anhu freedom, and Bilal became a free Muslim.

This shows Bilal r.a’s love and devotion to Allah. Allah was so dear to him that no amount of persecution could distract him from reciting Allah’s Blessed name.

The urchins of Mecca would drag him in the hills of Mecca, with his words “Ahad! Ahad!” would echo in Mecca Mukarramah

SubhanAllah, look how Allah the Almighty rewarded Bilal radi Allahu anhu for his steadfastness! Allah the Almighty gave Bilal radi Allahu anhu the honour of becoming the Prophet’s salallahu alayhi wa salam Mu’addhin! Bilal was to remain with him (salallahu alayhi wa salam) at home and abroad to call out the Athaan for Salah.

SubhanAllah just imagine! Being in such blessed company 24/7!!!

After the Prophet's salallahu alayhi wa salam death, it became very hard for Bilal radi Allahu anhu to continue his stay in Madinah where he would miss his beloved Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam. Every step, every corner reminded Bilal radi Allahu anhu of the time he spent with the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam. Bilal therefore left Madinah, and decided to pass the rest of his life striving in the path of Allah. Once he saw the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam in his dream saying to him:
“O Bilal! How is it that you never visit me?”

No sooner did Bilal get up and set out for Madinah, on reaching there he met the Prophet's salallahu alayhi wa salam grandsons Hasan and Husain radi Allahu anhuma who requested Bilal radi Allahu anhu to call out the Athaan, Bilal radi Allahu anhu could not refuse them, for they were very dear to him.

As Bilal radi Allahu anhu called out the Athaan, the people of Madinah cried out openly, bursting in tears due to the anguish at the memory of the days of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam, even the women came out from their houses weeping.

Bilal left Madinah after a few days, and died in Damascus in 20 A.H.

Look my dear brothers and sisters! Look at the tribulations Bilal radi Allahu anhu faced for Islam, Alhumdulilah, Islam is widely accepted in our society and we don’t have to face such torture. Is it tooo much to ask to pray on time? To fast in Ramadhan? To keep and revive the Sunnah of the Prophet salallahu alayhi wa salam in our lives??


Wassalaam, Mehak!

Desires, Desires, Desires

An emperor was coming out of his palace for his morning walk when he met a beggar. He asked the beggar, “What do you want?” The beggar laughed and said, “You are asking me as though you can fulfill my desire!” The king was offended. He said, “Of course I can fulfill your desire. What is it? Just tell me.”And the beggar said, “Think twice before you promise anything.”“I will fulfill anything you ask. I am a very powerful emperor, what can you possibly desire that I can not give to you?” The beggar said, “It is a very simple desire. You see this begging bowl? Can you fill it with something?” The emperor said, “Of course!” He called one of his viziers and told him, “Fill this mans begging bowl with money.” The vizier went and got some money and poured it into the bowl, and it disappeared. And he poured more and more, and the moment he would pour it, it would disappear. And the begging bowl remained always empty.
The whole palace gathered. By and by the rumor went throughout the whole capital, and a huge crowd gathered. The prestige of the emperor was at stake. He said to his viziers, “If the whole kingdom is lost, I am ready to lose it, but I cannot be defeated by this beggar.” Diamonds and pearls and emeralds, his treasuries were becoming empty. The begging bowl seemed to be bottomless. Everything that was put into it — everything! — immediately disappeared, went out of existence.
Finally it was the evening, and the people were standing there in utter silence. The king dropped at the feet of the beggar and admitted his defeat. he said, “Just tell me one thing. You are victorious - but before you leave, just fulfill my curiosity. What is the begging bowl made of?”The beggar laughed and said, “It is made up of the human mind. There is no secret. It is simple made up of human desire.”
This understanding transforms life. Go into one desire — what is the mechanism of it? First there is a great excitement, great thrill, adventure. you feel a great kick. Something is going to happen, you are on the verge of it. And then you have the car, you have the yacht, you have the house, you have the woman, and suddenly all is meaningless again.
What happens? and why? its because Your mind has dematerialized it. The car is standing in the drive, but there is no excitement anymore. The excitement was only in getting it. You became so drunk with the desire than you forgot your inner nothingness. Now the desire is fulfilled, the car in the drive, the woman in your bed, the money in your bank account - again excitement disappears. Again the emptiness is there, ready to eat you up. Again you have to create another desire to escape this yawning abyss.That’s how one moves from one desire to another desire.
That’s how one remains a beggar. Your whole life proves it again and again — every desire frustrates. And when the goal is achieved, you will need another desire.The day you understand that desire as such is going to fail comes the turning point in your life.The other journey is inwards. move inwards, come back home.

Taken from Qisas.com

GEMS

Assalamu ‘Alaykum,

I want to share with you some various gems I learnt from my Ustaadh whilst studying for my Islamic degree course. Insha’Allah for my own benefit first, and possibly for the benefit of some of you as well.

GEM ONE: Don’t do things which you can’t start with Bismillah!

I believe this to be a great test we all can and should apply before undertaking our actions. Because... Is there anyone who can say “Bismillah” and then watch “Eastenders” for 30 minutes when those same 30 minutes could have been used to walk to the masjid, pray ‘ishaa in jama’a, and walk back home? Is there anyone who can say “Bismillah”, hit the snooze button on his alarm clock and say “10 more minutes” when he/she knows that the same action led to missing the fajr prayer 3 times last week? Is there anyone who can say “Bismillah – with the name of ALLAH” and then spend £1000 for a laptop while knowing that there are many computers out there priced as low as £300 and knowing how many needy people out there could have used the £700 to buy food and clothing, pay the rent, etc...?

GEM TWO: Sleep does not give you strength!

I’ve come home from college too many times, very tired and exhausted, with tons of coursework and/or studying waiting for me to do. I’d eat dinner, pray maghrib and say “let me sleep for 2 hours, get some rest, regain some energy and then get up and study.” Well, probably needless to say, 2 out of 3 times I did not get up until the next morning except to pray ‘Ishaa. And too many times did I go to sleep after fajr fooling myself that I am doing that so that I could be well rested for the day and so that I could have more energy to do things when I come back from college. SubhanAllah, how tricky shaytaan is: “go to sleep now so that you can be strong in helping your deen during the day” and you never really gain any additional strength. This means that...Tiredness is IN OUR MIND!!!!!!!!!! So, we need to say isti’aadhah when we’re tired!!! Its only shaytaan messing with our brain. What we need to do is show him what we got and smash into pieces all his deceptive tricks, InshaAllah.

GEM THREE: Pleasure does not make you stronger!

We live in comfortable houses, sit on comfortable sofas, sleep on comfortable beds, eat beautifully tasting and plentiful food, drive expensive spacious cars (well some of us). Why? To make our life easier, to make it pleasant, to give us more energy to do things. The news is folks: Pleasure hasn’t made anyone any stronger. It is hardship that nurtures a strong individual. It is empty stomach that makes us truly appreciate Allah’s blessings although we also thank him when we fill our bellies with delicious food. I am not necessarily advocating we all start sleeping on the floor, buying £300 cars, selling our sofas etc. But the question is how much comfortable do our beds have to be, how fancy our living areas have to look, how many pairs of shoes we really must have. Does our lunch have to cost £8 when we could get by with £2 meal? And do we have to spend £1.75 for a milkshake every time we go to McDonalds, when water would quench our thirst even better and when £1.75 could feed an entire family for a day in, for example, Sudan.

GEM FOUR: Your du’aa should be preceded by good actions!

Allah says in Qur’aan (29:65): If they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him; but when He has delivered them safely to (dry) land, behold, they give a share (of their worship to others)!

We seem to make du’aa only when we’re really pressed between a rock and a hard place. But our du’aas should be preceded with shows of dedication and devotion to this deen. Before going in front of Allah and asking something from Him, we ought to do some specific actions which will be a sign that we are really committed and we really mean business when it comes to establishing Allah’s deen on this Earth. So, before you ask Allah to help your financial situation, go and give a portion of what you already have showing that you really believe when you say that you put your trust in Allah. Similarly, before your 9am exam, don’t spend an hour and a half sleeping after fajr “gaining strength” and then making du’aa for Allah’s help at 8:59am on your way to the exam hall after you had just woke up at 7:50am. Spend that time reciting Qur’an and then ask for Allah’s help (after you had, of course, already studied for your exam in the days leading to the exam day).

Let me share with you guys something that happened to a Brother once (this is a true story). At the time he was a Uni student and he was also the Imam of his local Masjid. It was Friday and he had his final exam at uni but he also needed to give the jumu’ah khutbah and lead the salaat at the masjid. No doubt he wouldn’t back out of his religious duties so he decided to go to the Masjid, give the khutbah and lead the Friday prayer hoping he would still be able to make it for his exams afterwards. After he finished leading the salaat he made duaa asking Allah to aid him and he left for the Uni. As he was driving, however, there was bare traffic and he feared he would not make it. Finally he arrived but he missed more than half of the time of the exam. He sat down and started the exam with Bismillah. He finished half of the exam and realised he was running out of time and only had 5minutes to finish the rest. SubhanAllah, this part is really amazing. You know what he did? He picked a letter, for example, A (it was multiple choice) and he circled that letter for the rest of the answers and he put his trust fully in Allah. When results came in, he was really anxious and feared he failed. He opened his results and it said he got 110%!!! How was that possible, he couldn’t believe it? In class the lecturer told everyone that the examiners changed the exam this year due to a research study they were conducting. The last 30 questions or so had the same letter as the answer and they wanted to see if students would realise this. They were shocked when only one person got it and so they gave him 110% in his exam. SubhanAllah, as I was listening to this I remembered the beautiful ayah where Allah says:

"...Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him, And provides for him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. And whosoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for everything." (Surah Talaq:2,3)

Allah tells us in many places in the Noble Qur'aan that "Allah is capable of doing anything that He Wills to do." Whenever He wants anything done, He merely says "Qun! Faya Qun!" (Be! And so it will be!)A great lesson is to be learned from this inshaAllah. I pray it has benefitted you as much it has benefitted me. There’s many more gems I would like to share with you guys but this will turn into a 10 page post. InshaAllah next time.

Can I sincerely ask you all to make duaa for my Ustaadh and his family. I just recieved an email from him informing me that his dad's brother passed away yesterday. Inna lillah wa inna ilayhi raji'oon. May Allah forgive him, have mercy on him and grant him the highest ranks in Jannah, next to our Beloved Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wa salaam). Ameen Ya Rabal 'Alameen

Anything good that I may have said in this post is from Allah and Allah Alone and anything bad is from my ownself and Shaytaan. I ask Allah to forgive my shortcoming and to make me among His most dearest Servants inshaAllah.

Wassalaamu ‘Alaykum

Prepare for the REAL Exam

This was written by one of my friends. It’s really an amazing reflection I benefitted from. In the midst of all the stress that’s occupying our lives these past weeks, it’s good to take some time and look at the greater picture.

>>>I think time is valued the most during finals week. You hear people from every corner of the room talking about how they have 10 minutes to eat, 3 hours to sleep, and then two papers to write and an exam to study for.

Something happened today in the library and it made me think. A girl sat in the SINC site for three hours doing a project. For some reason, it didn't save on the computer she was working on, although she said she did hit "Save", and then she exited out. Three hours of hard work…down the drain. And not just during any week, no, during finals week–where every minute is important. Not only would she now not be able to hand her work in on time, it would slow down all of the other things she had to do. She freaked.

So then I thought: what if this week were the final week of the dunya? Or just of our lives? Why do we not freak out when we waste three hours doing something that will in no way help our final grade in the dunya?

We embrace distractions from friends all throughout the year but when finals week comes– "Stay away from me! No, I can't go to the mall with you. No time to waste! No, I can't eat with you either, I already ate a twinkie."

But that's the sad part. We don't know when the final week of the dunya is; or of our lives. So how can we go on and let ourselves be distracted and heedless all year long? The most successful students are those that are eating those quick lunches and refusing to go to the mall with you all year long, because they have high goals they have to meet. Then there are those who are just rolling with the ball the whole semester and wake up during finals week. But at least they wake up and at least pass their classes. But how could someone be distracted all term, and continue to be distracted during finals week and do well? In other words, the only way we can pass this grand test of the dunya…the only way we can get any success in the Hereafter is if we constantly keep ourselves awake. We don't know when the last week will be…so if we're acting like it's not the last week, every week….we're doomed for failure. One of those weeks will be the final week.

And I thought about how Allah (subhanah wa ta’ala) says in the Qur'an that on the Day of Judgement, there will be people, who when they are asked how many years they spent on this earth, they will reply, "probably a day or less than a day". And they won't be lying…they'll really believe this was the truth. Because they will have wasted all of their time on earth. They will be shown their deeds and they will not be able to fathom how they could have spent so many years on earth and done such few good deeds.

Allah (subhanah wa ta’ala) gave us so much time to beautify our hearts, to do good deeds. And on the day of judgment, when we present our hearts to Him 'azza wa jall, it is us who will look at them and our book of deeds and be mortified at how it could take so many years to make something so ugly and worthless. It is us who will look at the empty pages where good deeds were supposed to be and say, "I must have lived only a day then…how else could this be possible?" (but inshaAllah it won't be us. May Allah (subhanah wa ta’ala) protect us and save us from being amongst these people. May He (subhanah wa ta’ala) give us the tawfiq to properly avail the time we are given in this dunya. Ameen)

Let us all insha Allah (myself first before anyone else) take this time management lesson from finals. If we can get so much done for the dunya in this week, why can we not do at least half of this for the akhira during other weeks? Let us race for good deeds not only in Ramadan, but year-round, so that we don't have to look at our book of deeds on the Day of Judgement and think we only lived one Ramadan. There are so many simple things to do that don't occupy much time or effort, like dhikr. Let it occupy your tongue constantly.

And the next time we get frustrated because something really important that shouldn't have got deleted, got deleted…..maybe we should focus our energy on thinking about if we get that frustrated when some of our greatest deeds get deleted (because of insincerity to Allah (subhanah wa ta’ala) or some other reason), and if we would work as hard to retrieve those good deeds as we would to retrieve our deleted project.

Never lose hope, a core part of our belief is to have Tawakkul (trust in Allah t'ala). Many of us believe that nothing can save us but Allah mentions in Surah Talaaq,

"Whoever fears Allah, He brings forth a way out for him, And provides for him (with what he needs) from where he does not even imagine. And whosoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for everything."

Always have good hope of Allah 'azza wa jal, Allah mentions in a Qudsi Hadith, "I am as my servant thinks I am." if you think Allah is bad then that is how you will be treated but if you make yourself ONE with Allah, than everything is achievable.

Allah says in another Qudsi Hadtih, "...My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have imposed upon him and My servant continues to draw near to Me with superogatory works so that I shall love him. When I LOVE him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask (something) of Me, I would surely give it to him and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it."

If you make yourself one with Allah ('azza wa jal), no examination can break you in half.

How To Be A Strong Muslim

The first and most important note of all, is that for a person to really boost his imaan and stay strong on his deen, one MUST truly accept that Allah exists and His attributes are beyond our imagination. He is capable of anything and everything. Faith in Allah is essential. Accept that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last of a long line of Prophets that started with Adam (alayhis salaam), through Nuh (alayhis salaam), Ibrahim (alayhis salaam), Musa (alayhis salaam), Isa (alayhis salaam) and everyone in between and accept that the Holy Quran is the last and true word of Allah.

2. Pray sincerely. Know that Allah is close to you and is Watching over you. Always pray on time, Try not to delay it. Avoid doing things that will only prevent you from doing things that are much more important. Nothing is much more important than obeying what Allah asks of you. While working or studying, halt everything you are doing and go to the nearest masjid to pray. If somebody were to ask you where you are heading, say that you are answering Allah's call to prayer. And who knows, that might even inspire the questioner to come with you.

3. Pray in the middle of the night. Pray when most people around you are sleeping soundly. The name of the prayer is Tahajjud. However to perform this special voluntary prayer, one must try and wake up in the last third of the night before the time of subah sadiq. Even if it's for a short amount of time, one can gain immense benefits from it. If it is too hard to wake up or stay awake till the last third of the night, then one can pray his tahhajud straight after he prays his Isha Salah.

4. Remember Allah all the time. This known as Zikr, reciting His name and His praises (e.g Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah and Allah Hu Akbar) will ultimately make you a strong Muslim because as you do more zikr your heart is being cleansed of evil.

5. Be grateful for everything you have. The more thankful you are the more you will realize how much you have been blessed. And by doing this, Insha'allah you will be strengthen your imaan because you will realise how Kind and Merciful your Creator really is.

6. Protect your chastity (Very important!). You need to know that adultery is a sinful act and always avoid it. This applies to both men and women. Women should not wear tight or revealing clothes, and men should always lower their gaze and guard their modesty. When a person gets too involved with the opposite sex, Allah takes away fear and piety from their heart. Like a pious person once said, "Haram love is for those who do not love Allah enough".

7. Keep to your promise. If you feel that you cannot manage something, just inform that person. Abiding to your promise will ultimately make you trustworthy person.

8. Respect the opinion of others. No opinions are bad or stupid. You should treat them as gems. Without opinions, things will never get better. If you do not like any idea, do not invalidate them but add on to the idea to either understand why the opinion may be wrong or add on to it to improve the idea.

9. Fast for the right reasons. Not because you want to impress others, nor because you want to feel superior. Fast with the intention to please only Allah, and to get the reward for fasting. Nevertheless fast because of remembering those who do not have privileges like food and water. Fast twice a week, preferably on Mondays and Thursdays. Fast during the month of Ramadan and also on the day of Arafah which is on the 9th of Zulhijjah. Allah will forgive all the minor sins you have done the one year before and after if you fast during the day of Arafah.

10. Never lie. It should be emphasized that Allah does not like those who lie to others. It is important to also note, that a person who lies often has a trait of hypocrisy in his heart. Your integrity will directly have an impact towards your dignity. People will look high upon you if you are honest and true to whatever you say.

11. Be good to your wife, if you are a man. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that "The best of you is he who is the best to his wife". Be kind to her, always support her and allow her an equal share in decision making and property ownership.

12. Struggle towards goodwill. Sacrifice your time and visit the mosque if there is a lecture. Forfeit your property to those who needs it more than you do. In other words, always give charity. The person who recieves it will be thankful that you have given them aid in their daily life. Remember, the one who gives is better than than one who receives.

13. Practice good character towards everyone. Be gentle and good-hearted not only to your parents, but to your cousins, to your friends, and even to those who may not have accepted islam. Always protect the surroundings. Never ever be aggressive towards the animals.

14. Be gracious towards your parents. They have worked hard to bring home food. Your mother has suffered all the pain just to bring you to this world. What have you done to say thanks to them? They have brought joy to your life by buying you presents every now and then. Have you acknowledged that and appreciated them? Do whatever they expect of you and you will be fine.

15. Observe patience over a loved one's death. To mourn a loved one for 3 days is permissible but it should not be done in a way that is blasphemous and excessive. Know that death is inevitable and will strike us all one day. Remember that To Allah we belong and to Him we will return. Remember death often because it will remind you that at the end of the day the only true power that exists is the Power and Might of Allah. One day He WILL take your life and one Day he WILL bring you back to life again.

16. Try not to waste your Time on useless things. The wasters will be the brother of satan. On the day of judgement, some items/properties are going to talk for the reason you wasted/damaged the properties.

17. Read the Qur'an Regularly. It will keep your iman strong and will keep your soul pure. You'll get thawab for every letter you say and not just that but on the Day of Judgement the Qur'an Will act as an intercessor for you.


May Allah give both me and those who read this post the ability to be strong and firm muslims. Ameen.

(Originally taken from http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Strong-Muslim but was tweaked a little ;))

Islamic Society Quran Classes

Assalamu Alaykum,

Alhamdudillah, we the Islamic Society have been discussing the possibility of holding Qur'an and Tajweed classes. Along with this we will also go through a famous book of fiqh called, Nur Al Idah.

These lessons are free for student at LSC and for males ONLY.

For those brothers that are interested in attending this course please can you email Lscisoc@hotmail.com and inshallah we will confirm a time and date for these days.

Has Faith turned into Fashion?

There’s a growing culture in the West that is strictly based on appearance. You have to look your best. You must leave the house looking like something that has come out of a commercial advert (although it doesn’t always work out that way). It seems my beautiful Muslim Sisters have also adapted these values. Although there is an increase in Hijabi girls, there is also an increase in these hijabi girls wearing the tightest clothes possible to show off their ‘assets’. That is the only way I can word it. Tight jeans are worn so that the view from behind is clear for everyone to see. Tight skirts are worn with short tops, again, so that everything is on display. The only thing that is hidden is the hair with a short scarf which is often accompanied with full make-up. Are they trying to make up for what they have hidden (the hair)?

Before, it used to bother me to see sisters making fun of the Hijab and not taking it seriously. Yesterday while I went out to eat I looked quite odd with my jilbab, niqab, cardigan and long hijab. To them, I probably looked like a ‘fundamentalist’ because I wasn’t following the ‘in-crowd’. But I didn’t care. I walked in confidently, sat down, ate and left. I have stopped judging others who ridicule the Hijab, only because it gave me a headache and heartache. Sometimes, I just think, you know what? Everyone is entitled to live the way they want to live, let’s not judge each other. But sorry, when it comes to a religious symbol - the hijab - I think we should take care not to associate it with tight clothes so much so that the hijabies look more attractive and sexier than the non-hijabies. I have heard many conversations from non-hijabies criticising this and not understanding the need for the hijab if they are going to all that trouble to demean the meaning of the veil.

Now there is the fashion where you wrap the hijab behind your neck, so that your chest and front bit of the neck and chin are showing. They leave a bit of the ears showing so that earrings are on display. Then in a conversation with one of them they say ‘Yes, I’m so proud to be a mohajaba (a hijabi)’. I disagree. There are two categories for someone wearing the veil. One is the mohajaba who is covered with loose clothing with her hijab. Secondly there is the mohtasheema, the one who is wearing a veil but wearing tight clothes, so she isn’t a mohajaba yet, but one step away from being one. I think it’s better to have these categories so our young children don’t get confused as to what is the right type of hijab.

What’s sad is that before these new hijab styles came up, young men would actually respect you instantly because you wore the hijab (well that’s what I got). Now they don’t take us seriously and label us along with the girls who wear tight clothes, hold their ‘boyfriends’ hands, etc.

They have, indeed, spoilt it for those of us who are taking it seriously. I think there is a lot of identity confusion among the youth, they want to cover their hair to obey Allah’s commands but they also want to be available on the ‘attractive market’ so they can find a suitable boyfriend or husband-to-be. Maybe we should just let them be? As long as they have faith in their heart then that’s all that matters, right? We shouldn’t judge people from their appearance? We should just try to improve ourselves before looking at others? Maybe the most important thing is for us to be at peace with ourselves and leave the rest to do what they want to do?

I’m sorry if I have caused anyone to feel offended by this post. This was not my intention. I love all my sisters for the Sake of Allah. I am merely reminding us all (myself included) that we represent Islam to the wider world once we put on the hijab and we should take great care as to not resemble the non-Muslims.

In the Qur’aan, Allah says:

*{And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...}* (An-Nur 24:31)

Therefore, from the verse, it becomes evident that the purpose of hijab is to cover. Although from one point of view the girls in jeans and a head-covering may be “covered”, the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) once mentioned that there are women who are ‘kasiyat `ariyat’, meaning they are both ‘covered and naked at the same time’. This refers to those who wear clothes that are too tight or short or transparent and therefore reveal their bodies, thereby completely missing the point of hijab.

This verse is a clear order, and not something just based on cultural norms of the time. Muslim men are told in the preceding verse to lower their gaze and guard their modesty, and women are told in this verse to lower their gaze, guard their modesty, and cover themselves. If you don’t think that women’s hair is part of their adornment, then tell me why there are so many shampoos, creams, and conditioners on the market, and why there are so many beauty salons?

A tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) tells us:

Two are the types amongst the dwellers of Hell, the one possessing whips like the tail of an ox and they flog people with their help. (The second one) the women who would be naked in spite of their being dressed, who are seduced (to wrong paths) and seduce others with their hair high like humps. These women would not get into Paradise and they would not perceive the odour of Paradise, although its fragrance can be perceived from such and such distance (from great distance). (Saheeh Muslim, Book 040, #6840)

Therefore, since the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned these women who do not wear hijab that they will not enter Paradise, this means that it is a major sin. This may seem extreme, but a women who is well-covered and simply dressed does not hold the same level of attraction as a women who will use her characteristics to attract men or to take advantage of the weaknesses of men. What more severe warning is there than to warn them of hell fire?

Sisters, I would just like to remind myself first, before any of you, that we only have one life to live. Let’s use it to please our Creator instead of pleasing our own desires and those of the creation. Anywho, I think I’ve hit another record for writing a long post so I’ll end it here insha’Allah. Again, please forgive me if I may have said anything to hurt anyone's feelings.

The Devil's Da'wah Techniques

OK, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Since when does Shaytaan do Da’wah?’ Right??? Well that’s not the kind of da’wah I’m referring to here. I’m talking about the kind of Da’wah where Shaytaan (may Allah’s curse be upon him) tries to convert us Believers to ‘HIS’ religion (the religion of kufr) or at least lead us astray from the straight path.

While studying tafseer of Surah al-Baqarah, my Ustadh (may Allah preserve him) taught us ‘The Devil’s Da’wah Techniques'. We reached a place where Allah says in verses 34-36 of Surah al-Baqarah:

34. And when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves before ‘Adam!" So, they prostrated themselves, all but Iblis (Satan). He refused, and became one of the infidels.
35. And We said, "O ‘Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise; and eat at pleasure wherever you like, but do not go near this tree, otherwise you will be (counted) among the transgressors."
36. Then, Satan caused them to slip from it, and brought them out of where they had been. And We said, "Go down, all of you, some of you the enemies of others; and on the earth there will be for you a dwelling place and enjoyment for a time."

When Shaytaan refused to prostrate to Adam (alayhis salaam) out of pride and arrogance, he earned Allah’s wrath and he was refused Jannah. While, on the other hand, Adam and his wife Hawa were told by Allah to enter Paradise and enjoy everything therein, but to not come near a certain tree.

Shaytaan at this stage had pure hatred for Adam (alayhis salaam) and couldn’t stand the fact that he was refused Paradise because of him. So what does the Shaytaan do? He comes up with a plan to get them out of Jannah. But not just any plan; A SLY, SLICK PLAN. This is after all Shaytaan we’re talking about.

He proceeded to Adam (alayhis salaam) and used the most eloquent words and talks to him as if he is his best friend. Think about it, would you ever take advice or listen to someone who had pure hatred for you? Even if you didn’t know they hated you, you would be able to tell by their expression on their face innit? But Shaytaan’s clever, he puts on a disguise.

He goes to them and says:

Then Satan whispered to them, so that he might expose to them their shame that was hidden from them; and said, "Your Lord has not prohibited this tree for you, but to avoid your becoming angels or your becoming eternal." He swore an oath, "I am one of your well-wishers." [Qur’an Al A’raf: V. 20-21]

So Shaytaan made them eat from the tree that Allah forbade them and they were all thrown out from Paradise and dwell on earth for some time. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

So my dear brothers and sisters, you’ve seen how easily Shaytaan managed to get Adam and Hawa, our father and mother (may Allah’s peace be upon them) from paradise using his ‘da’wah techniques’. He’s been using these techniques since day one and has managed to misguide many.

Here’s another story the Sheikh narrated to illustrate the ‘Devil’s Da’wah Techniques’. It’s about a pious worshipper named Burseesah who fell into the traps of Shaytaan. May Allah protect us all from the Shaytaan. Ameen.

The Story of Burseesah

There were three men from Bani Israel who were called to fight for the sake of Allah. They accepted the call, but they had concerns for their sister as she would be left behind with no-one to look after her. After some discussion, they agreed that the best place to leave her would be with the most trusted person in town.

This was a pious man called Burseesah, who lived in a sanctuary and devoted his entire life in the worship of Allah. They came to Burseesah and said to him, "O Burseesah. We know you to be a pious and trustworthy man. We have been enlisted to fight for the sake of Allah and we want to leave our sister with you. O Burseesah! We trust no one else in town except you. Please take care of our sister."

Burseesah immediately said, "AoothoBillah! (I seek refuge in Allah) Get away from me! I have sworn to spend my time devoting it to the worship of Allah! I do not want to deal with these issues and be burdened with looking after someone"

The three men said to him, "O Burseesah! We have no where else to take her! We can’t leave her with anyone else and we don't trust anyone else. Please take care of our sister!"

Shaytaan heard the discussion, and came to Burseesah.

"Burseesah..." The waswaas [evil whisperings] began. "Burseesah if you don't look after her, she might be left with someone who is not trustworthy! You have to take this responsibility"

Burseesah listened and finally agreed to look after her. He told the brothers to leave her in a separate house so not to distract him from his acts of worship. They left her there, said goodbye and went to jihad.

Burseesah would continue his acts of worship as normal, and during the day he would leave food on his doorstep so the woman would have to leave the house to collect the food. This also ensured they never saw one another and Bursesah never even left his place of worship.

Time passed by. Shaytaan came to Burseesah.

"Burseesah..." he whispered, "You can't leave the food on your doorstep! As she is leaving the house someone might see her by herself. All alone and venerable and take advantage of her. Rather than her leave her house, you go to her house and drop off the food on her doorstep."

Burseesah made the decision that this was the right thing to do, and followed the bait that Shaytaan masked in a cover of righteousness. So during the day Burseesah would leave his worship, leave his place of worship, go to the house and leave the food on her doorstep.This happened for a while and with the trap just being set, Shaytaan moved in for the next step.

"Burseeeeesah..." the whispers came again. "Burseeesah...you are now leaving the food on her doorstep, but still this is not good. She still has to open the door and collect the food. Someone might still see her and she is so beautiful. She is VERY beautiful".

This servant of Allah, who never saw this woman started to be tempted by the whispers from Shaytaan about her beauty.

"Burseesah, her beauty is intoxicating and if someone sees her they may try something. You have to leave the food INSIDE her house. You don't have to look at her. Just knock on the door, and hand her the food as she opens the door."

Burseesah saw no harm in this. After all, it would stop people from seeing her. More deception covered in righteousness.

So again, Burseesah would leave his worship, leave his place of worship, go to the house and knock on her door to hand her the food.

Time passed by again. Shaytaan remained patient before executing his next plan.

Shaytaan came again.

"Burseeesah...you can’t leave this poor woman all alone. Without any company. No one is speaking to her. She's lonely Burseesah. Just talk to her. There’s no harm in saying salaam and asking how she is. You can talk to her from behind the door...you don’t have to see her...just talk from outside."

He liked the idea and when he would bring her the food he would talk to her behind the door while she was in her room. They would talk for hours every day and the relationship began to get stronger. Shaytaan found it easier and easier to drag him into the next step.

"Burseeesah.....Burseesah....you can't just sit behind the door. You know each other well enough to be in the same room now. Just sit in the same room and speak to her. You don't have to look at her. Just sit in the same room."

Burseesah began to follow the advice of Shaytaan. Everytime they met, the talk became more intimate as they began getting closer...and closer...and closer.

...He would hold her hand......

...The kiss came a few days later...

Eventually...they made zinaa [fornication] with each other.

"Ohh what have I done" Burseesah said as he realised his mistake.

--From being a slave of Allah...to becoming a fornicator.--

But the story did not end there. From that night, the woman became pregnant. Nine months later she delivered a baby boy. The familiar whispers started again as Shaytaan flowed through Burseesah's veins like blood.

"Burseeesaah...when her brothers come back and find out their sister has a child in zinaa, you are going to be in trouble! There is only one way to solve this problem. Burseesah........you have to kill the baby! Get rid of the evidence!"

Grief and anxiety ran through Burseesah's mind as he listened to the whispers of Shaytaan. He did what he heard and killed the baby.

"Ohhhh Burseesah. Do you think this woman will keep this a secret after you killed her own child?? Nooo. Burseesah.....the only thing to do now is to kill her!"

Burseesah then killed the woman and buried both mother and child under the house and covered it with a rock.

--From being a slave of Allah...to becoming a murderer.—

The three brothers returned and went to greet their sister. She was no where to be found. They went to the house of Burseesah and asked him, "Where is our sister?"

"She has passed away" he said as he pointed to a fake grave.

The brothers were saddened by the loss, and made du'a for her. That night when they went to sleep, Shaytaan came to them in their dreams and told them all what had happened.

"Burseesah has lied to you! Burseesah killed your sister! Burseesah made zinaa with her! She is buried under the rock inside the house."

As they all woke up in the morning, and talked about their dream, they began relating the same dream and thought there must be some truth in it. They first dug up the grave Burseesah pointed to and found no body. They stormed to Burseesah's house and demanded to know what had happened to their sister. One of them saw the rock in the house and uncovered it, where they saw their sister and her child.

"What has happened to our sister?!” The eldest screamed.

They forced Burseesah to disclose the secret of what happened and Burseesah told them everything.

Burseesah was taken to court where he confessed everything to the King. The King sentenced Burseesah to be executed. As they dragged him to his death, fear overcame Burseesah.

For the first time during this whole incident, Shaytaan appeared before Burseesah and said to him, "Oh Burseesah! Listen! Look at me! I was the one who was whispering to you since this whole thing started! I am Shaytaan!"

Burseesah's fear grew as the blade for his execution was brought!

"Now I can get you out of all this trouble. I was the one who put you in it, and I can get you out of it!"

"Oh Shaytaan, what should I do?!" Burseesah cried!

With an evil grin, Shaytaan said, "Make sujood to me. I am Shaytaan and I will save you! Bow down and prostrate to me!"

Burseesah fell down in sujood to Shaytaan and as soon as he did this, Shaytaan ran away!

.....and Burseesah was executed.

--From being a servant of Allah, bowing down to Allah...to becoming a servant to Shaytaan...bowing down to Shaytaan.

–-- From Imaan...to the worst type of kufr - bowing down to Shaytaan! –

Who could ever imagine a servant of Allah making sujood to Shaytaan!?

Imagine if Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "Burseesah make sujood to me", would Burseesah do it? NO!

If Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "commit zinaa" , would he do it? NO!

If Shaytaan came to Burseesah at the beginning and said "commit murder" , would he do? NO!

But Shaytaan knows the game! He's been playing his tricks since the time of Adam. Classical method of misleading people. Through step by step deception. This is how Shaytaan pulls at your feet and deceives you. So even if something may SEEM to be like an insignificant sin / action, be careful. It might be the start of a trap.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

Allah tells us

O you who believe, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Whoever follows the footsteps of Satan, (should know that) he orders (one to commit) shameful acts and evil deeds. Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you, and His mercy, not a single person from you would have ever attained purity. But Allah purifies whomsoever He wills. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. [24:21]

Chatting to the Opposite Sex

I begin with the name of Allah the Most Merciful, the Very Merciful.

The topic in discussion is one that will surely create some controversy amongst the minds of many. Some of you may read the first paragraph and decide you would like to read no further. Others may read the entire post and quietly dismiss what is said. However I place a small request before you: please do ponder upon what is said. Jazakmullahu Khairan.

You may all agree that having a physical relationship with a non-mehram is totally forbidden in Islam. And if one was to transgress these boundaries then punishment would be the inevitable consequence. However, if one was to put it simply then we would agree that any form of communication that is likely to lead to ones carnal desires being aroused, is strictly forbidden. One does not know whether one's desires will be aroused or not - though there is always a possibility, hence such communication is forbidden.

By communication I mean conversations between a non mehram man and a woman in person, or via the phone, even by a mere look and yes, let me utter the deadly words, the most common form of communication amongst non-mehrams is taking place on the internet. It is the most easiest form and sadly it is succeeding beyond measure in corrupting our minds and leading us astray.

(Let me stress, this form of contact I am referring to is one that is kept unnecessarily, there are instances where non-mehrams can communicate which I will clarify below)

This post is specifically directed at MSN users. To be more precise I am referring to the chatting between non-mehram men and women that takes place on MSN. Or to be more exact, the chatting between men and women (who can marry) that takes place out of mere pleasure and which is not necessary. It seems these ‘chats’ that are taking place in today’s age has become the norm. We no longer consider it to be an evil act but instead it seems to be encouraged.

It is a plain fact and you all must be aware of it. To speak to a non-mehram man or woman, in particular on MSN (without a necessity) is islamically not right. The reason why I have targeted the usage of MSN is because this has become the most common and easiest form of prohibited communication between men and women that is taking place.

Having a conversation on MSN between a non-mehram man or woman (without a necessity) is zina. Yes this is such a strong word and you may object at such a word being used. But readers, this is no extreme way of putting it, it is a fact whether we approve of it or not. Chatting on MSN to a non-mehram for one’s own pleasure is committing zina of the hands, eyes as well as the mind. How? You may ask. Zina of the hands is committed when one types in a message to send to the person they are chatting to. Zina of the eyes is reading any message from the person and lastly zina of the mind is thinking about the person.

Imam Dhahabi Rahimahullah mentions in Kitabul Kaba'ir that the Messenger of Allah (May peace and blessings be upon him) said, "In the Hell-Fire there is a valley in which contains serpents. Each serpent is as fat as a camel's neck.When it stings the one who does not pray, it's poison boils in his abode for seventy years and then his flesh is torn out. There is also a valley called the well of Hazan (suffering) which contains serpents and scorpions. Each scorpion is as huge as a mule and has seventy spines. Each spine ends in a poisonous edge. Then, it strikes the adulterer and sprays poison in his body. The adulterer suffers from this painful poison for a thousand years. Then his flesh is torn out and pus flows from his genitals.”

One specific ploy used by people who want to make an excuse to chat to the opposite sex, is to refer to them as their 'brother' and 'sister.' Does this really convince you that what you are doing is islamically acceptable? Yes, every Muslim is a brother and sister to one another, but these so called brothers and sisters of ours are people who we can marry, hence the ruling of it being forbidden.

Neither does the excuse of being 'friends' work because such a thing as friends between a non-mehram man and a woman exist in Islam.

However, there is a type of communication in Islam that is permitted. This is the contact between a non-mehram man and woman who communicate for the sake of Islam. But please note only in extreme cases of necessity. Those whose sole purpose is to gain knowledge for the betterment of their own Imaan, as well as the entire Ummah.

Truly, this can be seen taking place at the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his blessed companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The Mother of the Believers, hazrat Aishah (radiallahu anha) has related many hadiths to inform the Ummah of the blessed ways of our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). These hadiths were asked by the noble companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) upon which hazrat Aishah used to reply behind a screen in the most modest manner. Yes, indeed this is a perfect example that clearly shows such communication is permitted in Islam.

However, I ask you, what has become of us today? We use this very excuse of propagating Islam and instead misuse it to suit our desires. Yes, once in a while an Islamic issue may crop up but other times? Other times, readers we are involved in deep conversations be it MSN, Hi5, Facebook or any other way, we are involved in many hours of zina. What is the need in speaking to a non-mehram about personal issues, about petty issues which are simply not necessary?

Of course one may say 'my intentions are pure', truly I do not doubt that for one moment. However, all would agree that Shaytaan makes it a duty upon himself to convert these intentions to please him. Muslims are urged in the Qur'an,

'Do not even go close to fornication. It is indeed a shameful act, and an evil way to follow.'

"Do not go near indecent deeds open or secret."

"Say to believing men that they should lower their gaze..."

We notice that not only has Zina been prohibited. Allah has also prohibited the channels that lead to Zina such as idle chatting, touching, kissing etc; the slightest bit of temptation is eliminated from the start, before anything even takes place.

I’d like to apply this same aspect to internet chatting. Readers do not even go near unnecessary chatting between non-mehrams on the internet for this is the path leading to zina. We are mere mortals, we cannot always control our desires. It may begin as an 'Islamic issue' but result in zina.

I would like to end by asking, what do we derive from long hours of conversations or even merely keeping in contact with a guy/girl? Yes, it is a form of pass-time, or maybe we think it to be 'fun' and lastly, and most definitely we derive pleasure out of it. I ask you, what is our pleasure in comparison to that of the displeasure of Allah (subhanu wa ta’la)? What is our comfort in comparison to that of the discomfort and pain of our Blessed Prophet Muhammad (may eternal peace and blessings be upon him)?

Is it fair, that this very Prophet who experienced such hardships and pain for the sake of his Ummah to remain strong on his/her Imaan, so that Allah may grant his Ummah salvation from hell, this very Prophet's teachings are being torn to shreds. Do we feel even the slightest bit of remorse?

However let me stress, I do not wish to dishearten any of you. If you have used MSN or are using it for the purpose of chatting to guys/girls whom you are not supposed to, then this is your chance to repent and seek forgiveness. Allah is the Most Merciful and truly you shall be forgiven if your repentance is sincere. However, also remember that you must make the intention of not continuing with this sinful act in future.

The next time you are confronted by a non-mehram man/woman on MSN whom you must not be chatting to then control your inner, worldly desires by not responding and instantly deleting such a person from your list. Yes, it is hard and surely you will have to struggle for it but keep in mind that this sacrifice is solely for your own benefit.

In conclusion I would like to say that this post is not directed at a specific individual, but rather to the entire Ummah as a whole. I would like to apologise if I may have said anything that has caused any one of you readers to feel offended. This is not my attempt to be judgmental but rather I am placing a genuine concern before you, I pray that this entry creates an awareness of the evils of men and women chatting online. I pray that Allah gives me and all you readers the hidayah to practice upon what has been said.

Jazakumullahu khairan for taking your time out to read, it now lies upon yourselves whether you choose to practice upon what has been said.

Wassalamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah

Feelin' Tired???

Are you TIRED?? Feeling like you've done too much work and can afford to take the day off???

***

After the Battle of Uhud, the Muslims were wounded, bloodied and worn out physically as well as emotionally. Not only were they wearing and wielding 100 lbs worth of armour and weaponry in the hot, desert sun, they were also emotionally tired. They had just witnessed 70 of their best friends martyred and then mutilated in the worst possible ways. Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, Mus'ab ibn Umayr, Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them)...all their deaths had a severe emotional toll!

But the Prophet (may eternal peace and blessings be upon him) ordered them back up the very next day to continue pursuit of the mushrikeen army...

...And they ALL got up and obeyed without a word, and marched on....

These were the Sahaabas. The next time you feel like going on cruise control, think back to when the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) selflessly strove forward, and even RAN to the fragrance of Paradise...

May Allah [subhanahu wa ta'ala] unite us with them in the highest ranks of Jannah! Ameen

Secret Weapons for the Exam Battle: Study Hard, Pray Harder!

Finding it difficult to concentrate on your revision? Is there a killer set of lectures that you just can’t get you head around? Feel the overwhelming urge to sleep, eat, stare at the wall as soon as you start revising? Don't Worry…we have a formula for success!

(Exam – Sins)+ Salah x Duaa = Success (insha'Allah!)

It is that wonderful time of the year again! The time of the year when students start to regret the last few months of lazing about, playing video games and generally sleepwalking through the first two terms; the time of year when you realise that college isn’t just the place where you and your friends hang out during the day. The time of year when it dawns on you that you are not going to get a degree in Pro Evolution, Chicken Cottage or blowing 200 hoops from a shisha. Yes… it’s EXAM TIME!

But before you start spending all your energy trying to think of excuses to tell your parents about why you averaged 13% for a Multiple Choice Exam where even random guessing should give you around 50% - we thought we’d put together a few choice du'aa's to help you in your hour(s) of need. Remember the Messenger of Allah (may eternal peace and blessings be upon him) has said, "Dua is the weapon of a believer."

Du'aa for all of those people who have run out of time and need to be “selective” in their revision:

اللهم انفعني بما علمتني وعلمني ما ينفعني

“Allahumma infa'nii bimaa 'allamtanii wa'allimnii maa yanfa' unii.”
O Allah! Make useful for me what You taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me.

Du'aa for all those people who’ve realised that their brain is like a sponge – i.e. full of holes:

اللهم اني أسألك فهم النبيين وحفظ المرسلين المقربين

“Allahumma inii as'aluka fahmal-nabiyyen wa hifthal mursaleen al-muqarrabeen.”
O Allah! I ask You for the understanding of the Prophets and the memory of the Messengers, and those nearest to You.

Du'aa for all of those facing the make-or-break Exam that has destroyed many before them:

اللهم لا سهل إلا ما جعلته سهلا أنت تجعل الحزن إذا ما شئت سهلا

“Allahumma la sahla illama ja-'altahu sahla wa anta taj 'alu al hazana etha shi'ta sahla.”
O Allah! Nothing is easy except what You have made easy. If You wish, You can make the difficult easy.

Du'aa for the type of person whose mind goes blank during the actual Exam:

اللهم اني أستو دعك ما قرأت وما حفظت فرده علي عند حاجتي إليه انك على ما تشاء قدير وأنت حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل

“Allahhumma inni astaodeeuka ma qara’tu wama hafaz-tu. Faradduhu ‘allaya inda hagati elayhi. Innaka ‘ala ma-tasha’-u qadeer wa anta hasbeeya wa na’mal wakeel.”
O Allah! I entrust You with what I have read and I have studied. (Oh Allah!) Bring it back to me when I am in need of it. (Oh Allah!) You do whatever You wish, and You are my Availer and Protector and the best of aid.

Du'aa for all those facing oral / clinical exams:

رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِى وَيَسِّرْ لِى أَمْرِى وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِى يَفْقَهُواْ قَوْلِي

“Rabbi Ishrah Li Sadry, Wayassir Li Amry, Wahlul ‘Uqdatan Min Lisany, yafqahu Qawly.”
My Lord, I ask you to expand my breast, make my task easy, undo the knot in my tongue so that my speech will become comprehensible. (Surah Ta-Ha Verse 25-28)

Duaa for all those who feel that their situation is absolutely hopeless:

Remember the Prophet's (peace be upon him) Dua at Ta'if

اللهم إليك أشكو ضعف قوتي وقلة حيلتي وهواني على الناسياأرحم الراحمين أنت أرحم الراحمين أنت رب المستضعفين وأنت ربيإلى من تكلني إلى عدو يتجهمني أم إلى صديق مكلته إمريإن لم يكن بك غضب علي فلا أبالي ولكن عافيتك هي أوسع ليأعوذ بنور وجهك الذي أضاءت له السموات و الأرض وأشرقت له الظلمات وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والأخره أن ينزل بي غضبك أو يحل علي سخطكلك العتبى حتى ترضى ولاحول ولاقوة إلابك

“O Allah! Only to You do I communicate my weakness, My lack of skill and lack of importance among people. O the Most Merciful who shows mercy, You are certainly the Lord of the weak and You are my Lord. To whom shall you hand me over? To an enemy who will treat me harshly or to a near one to whom You shall give control over me? If You are not angry with me, I care for nothing. All I require is that Your protection should be vast enough for me. In the light of Your Countenance by which multitudes of darkness are turned to light and by which the affairs of this world and the Aakhirah are remedied, I seek protection from being afflicted by Your wrath and displeasure. The causes of your displeasure should be removed until You are pleased. There is no power and no might but with Allah.”

Remember, these du'aa's are to help you study, NOT to use as a replacement for revision. We all know the saying…if you fail to prepare then prepare for a beating!

Also remember that, as a Muslim, we strive to do our best in every aspect of our lives — both for this world and the Hereafter. Please utilise your time wisely, study hard, and above all, make Du’a, for in the end, it is by Allah’s will alone that anything is possible.

I pray Allah the Almighty makes all of our exams easy upon us and one final reminder. I would just like to remind you all of a hadith of the Prophet (May eternal peace and blessings be upon him). He said: 'There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, 'Ameen and the same be for you'' [Muslim] So if you want success in your exams, make sure you supplicate for your Muslim brothers and sisters as well insha'Allah.

Wassalamu 'alaykum warahmatullah

Taken from: (http://www.isocnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125&ac=0&Itemid=1)

Ayaaz and the Priceless Pearl

Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi (R.A.) mentions in his Mathnavi, a story of Sultan Mahmood : One day the Sultan decided to test his ministers and ordered them to crush the most prized pearl of his treasury. One by one, each of 65 ministers declined, stating that the pearl was far too valuable to be destroyed.The King then summoned his closest and trusted courtier, Ayaaz, and ordered him to crush the pearl. Without any delay or hesitation, Ayaaz crushed the pearl into fragments. When the ministers expressed disbelief and shock at such audacity, the King asked Ayaaz to inform them as to the reason for him having broken the pearl.
In response, Ayaaz asked these ministers : ” Which is more important, the Royal Decree or the pearl ? “
The question we pose to ourselves is : ” Which is more important, the command of my Allah or the desire of my heart ?”
The desires of the heart are akin to pearls, which appear to be quite beautiful but we should not fulfil these desires at the cost of breaking the decrees of Allah.
Ayaaz attained closeness to the king through his loyalty and faithfulness and his obedience and submission. Similarly, we will gain the extreme nearness and intimate closeness to the King of Kings through loyalty and faithfulness. This in turn is dependent upon sincere obedience and complete submission to His decrees.

(Taken from http://ahledil.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/suppressing-the-nafs/)

So You Want to be Something Huh?

Hazrat Hakim-ul-Ummah Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahimahullah) addressing
his students and disciples said:
“Unfortunately the condition of people (who
are treading the path of Deen) today is that they want to quickly become
“something” from the get-go before actually doing anything. I say to them, that
even the fact that Allah Ta`ala accepts us to be involved and occupied with His
Deen is a great status and bounty in itself. What more of a blessing can a
person ask for than being occupied in the Deen of Allah Ta`ala.
As for that
person who desires to become “something” and gain some name and status for
himself through Deen, then remember this well…this person is a very unfortunate
and deprived (mahroom) person. Annihilate your desires of status and name and
remain busy in His servitude, being hopeful of His grace.
Never become
hopeless of Him due to your weaknesses and shortcomings. Stand up and move
(trusting in Him alone) and see how Allah makes all the difficulties easy and
removes the obstacles.
The condition of treading this path is that one must
have talab (the fervent desire) and the problem with us today is that we do not
have the talab to attain Allah alone. DESIRE ALLAH ALONE, AND THEN SEE WHAT
HAPPENS.”
(Malfoozat-e-Hakim-ul-Ummah; Vol. 7, Pg. 74)

(Taken from http://annoor.wordpress.com/2008/01/31/so-you-want-to-be-something-huh/)

Strengthen your Power

“Besides the usage of will power there is no other remedy for those sins which are related to passion and desire.

The respected Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahmatullahi alayh would say that if a person is not willing to use his will power then not even a Prophet can save him from committing sin.

Through the usage of will power one can achieve great things. Take the example of a smoker who stops smoking from morning till evening in Ramadhan.The smoker is able to do this because he is using the willpower which is within him.
The strengthening of will power is one of the benefits of consulting a Shaykh. By following the Shaykh’s guidance one is able to develop and rejuvenate his will power so that he is able to use this great capacity and thus refrain from sin.”


Taken from (http://shaykh.wordpress.com/2008/05/15/strengthen-your-power/)

Company of a Shaykh

In the weekly gathering of Molana Muhammed's islah of the nafs he narrated a situation that was very true and common. He said (to the nearest effect), "if a normal person is asked to join the company of a shaykh or spend time in his company he will most likely refuse because he will know deep down and that by spending time in the company of a shaykh will mean that he will have to give up the things his nafs love the most like singing, music, etc. However if this person was to spend time in the company of a shaykh he would realise that he wont have to give up any of his habits but instead, all his evil habits will leave him as he will just lose interest in them and this will all happen without him even noticing."

A person normally adopts the behaviour of his ustaadh and in some cases the student may even look like his own ustaadh or shaykh.
I personally would recommend every single muslim to enrol themselves at a madressah or some sort of course where a person is in the company of a religious scholar. Spending even just half an hour every other day in the presence of a scholar can help keep a person attached to the straight path and re-establish your connection with islam and more importantly, with Allah.