Honey For The Heart by Taha Chaudhary Part 1

Daily Dose of Character, Spiritual, Emotional, & Social Development Transform Your Life in 365 Days Invest In Yourself & Leave a Legacy Behind

Be the Best Version of Yourself

No Doubt This Life Is An Examination Which Needs Your Full Consideration As To What You Will Take To Your Last Destination Only True Belief And Good Deeds Are Your Way To Salvation

Compiled by Taha Chaudhary

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Translation: “How perfect Allah is; and I praise Him by the number of His creation and His pleasure, and by the weight of His throne, and the ink of His words.�

Praise be to Allah (swt), we thank Him, seek His Help and His Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah (swt) from the evils of ourselves and that of our bad deeds. He whom Allah (swt) guides, is truly guided, and he whom Allah (swt) leaves to stray, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah (swt), who has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) is His Messenger.

We humbly request you to share this book with your family, friends, mosques, schools, colleges etc and to promote it in every way possible so that everyone get closer to Allah (swt) and His Messenger Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

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All praise is due to Allah (swt). May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the one after whom there is no other prophet.

It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you on this blessed journey. My intention here is to please Allah (swt) by sharing with you some of the wisdom that Islam provides and InshaAllah, this book would be a resource that empowers, enriches, encourages, and enlighten you to make a difference, rejuvenate your well-being, create productive communities, develop lifetime skills, and most importantly get closer to Allah (swt) and His

Messenger Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

Character, spiritual, emotional, and social development are ongoing gradual process. It’s a gradual process that takes time as our hearts, our souls, and our minds, adjusts and absorb the truth and absorb the gradual emotion of love and mercy.

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We are all uniquely wired with temperaments and personality traits that guide us on how we see and interact with the world. The more we are true to our nature, the more we thrive, have self-love and confidence.

You will bear with us if you are brave enough to be determined and persistent on the development of your character, spiritual, emotional, and social growth, and if you are willing to take advantage of your talents and determined to utilize all the abilities you possess.

So, let’s get started. This book consists of six topics: 1: Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) 2: A Verse from the Quran 3: Asma-ul Husna (99 Name of Allah [swt]) 4: Daily Inspiration 5: Forty Rabbana Quranic Dua’s (once a week)

6: Moral Story (once a week) 6

InshaAllah, this book would provide a transformative experience, its journey like no others. It’s a journey towards achieving nearness of Allah (swt) and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). We are all Muslims, Alhamdulliah. We are

all from the Ummah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) and that’s the greatest honor could be given by Allah (swt). That’s the greatest blessing that we could have, but the tragedy is that we do not realize that blessing. We do not

appreciate this honor that we have been given. And that’s very sad. We do not appreciate this honor from being the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

If we only know what this honor is to be a Muslim, to be a

follower of the best of the creation, Muhammad (saw). I guarantee you that we would thank Allah (swt) every day for this blessing. We would be careful; we would be cautious not to break the rules laid out by Allah (swt). We would be careful

to make sure to follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). But we do not appreciate this blessing, and that’s the problem, it’s a tragedy. We are just unconscious or unaware of it.

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What does it mean to be a Muslim? The foundation of a Muslim is love, its love of Allah (swt), love of Prophet Muhammad (saw), and love of creation of Allah (swt). That’s the foundation. We follow religion only as a set of rules without any emotions because we have lost that love within our hearts. The fire of love in our hearts is gone. That’s why religion

becomes merely set of rules.

A lot of us sometimes do not offer our 5 daily prayers.

Even though we know that Muslim must pray 5 times a day. A lot of us do not give charity or zakat which is the key part of being a Muslim. It is a core part of being a Muslim. Even if we pray, our hearts and minds are somewhere else. We do no feel the presence

of Allah (swt) in prayer anymore. For us Islam has become dry set of rules that we have unconsciously sometimes empty heartedly follows.

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We are Muslims, yet we lie, cheat, betray, dishonor trust. We are Muslims, yet we hurt others whether with our words or with our actions. We are Muslims, yet we do not care about

our neighbors, care the environment, yet we hold grudges for people in our hearts, yet we do not forgive. We are Muslims, yet we do not respect our parents. That’s not what Muslim is meant to be. Muslim is rooted in love, Muslim love

Allah (swt) and his Prophet Muhammad (saw) from the bottom of his or her heart.

But how do we learn to love? And that’s the challenge. How do we nourish the love in our hearts? Because that’s the

foundation. This is the age and time where the necessity of love is so urgently felt. The foundation of that love is the love of Muhammad (saw). When we truly fall in love with the Prophet Muhammad (saw), I say truly, because as Muslims

we all claim to love Muhammad (saw) but there are few who truly love him from the bottom of their hearts. So, when we truly love Prophet Muhammad (saw), we would change.

Because love of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), the best of

the creation is like a light that transforms, it changes us from within.

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There is no end to the love of Prophet Muhammad (saw), it’s an infinite sea and the more you drink the thirstier you become. The more you drink the love of Prophet Muhammad (saw), the thirstier you become.

And this love is the foundation.

But the question is how do we teach love? How do we

teach the love of Prophet Muhammad (saw)? The answer is very simple. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) sunnah and his seerah.

When we walk through the story of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw), when we walk on those footsteps, witnessing the different moment of our Prophet’s life. When we try to re-live those moments, our hearts open up to his heart and his heart starts of sink in to our hearts. And as it sinks in deeper and deeper, as it starts of take roots in our hearts, we being to change, we begin to transform, we begin to become

human beings that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) wants us to be.

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Let yourself be open to receiving the love of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) in your heart. Take this journey serious, because I am sure, that this would

be one of the most important journey of your life.

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Quran is the most miraculous, the most wonderful, the most beautiful book ever. There is absolutely and literally nothing like it. And we are so lucky and blessed. You literally do not know how lucky you are to have the blessing of the Quran. Because think about it, Quran is literally the Word of Allah (swt). It is the actual Word of our loving Creator, our Lord, Allah (swt). That’s simply amazing. Because this is what make Quran our path to Allah (swt). It’s a way for us to connect with Allah (swt).

Let me give you a quick example. It’s just help you really understand the power of the Quran. Imagine that you are in island far away from your home, away from your father, mother, brothers and sisters. You are stuck all alone in that remote island and all you have is this letter from your mother or father

addressed to you. And when you feel alone on this remote island, you take out this letter and you read. And you read the exact beautiful words of your mother or father. So that letter become your way to connect with your loved ones. To a certain extent, it is exactly like that.

In Quran we have the exact word of our Creator, our loving Creator, who love us immensely. I say to the certain extent, because unlike as an example that I gave in which our parents are away from us, our Allah (swt) is very close to us. Allah (swt) is always very close to us.

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Allah (swt) says in the Quran (Surah AlBaqarah, Verse 186):

“And when My servants ask you, (O Muhammad saw), concerning Me – (then tell them) indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So, let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be [rightly] guided.” (2:186)

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In another place in the Quran (Surah Qaf, Ayat 16), Allah (swt) says:

“And indeed, We have created man, and We know what his soul whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).� (50:16) Allah (swt) always sees us, hear every word that we speak. He (swt) knows every thought that comes into our mind.

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In the Quran (Surah Al-Imran, Ayat 29), Allah (swt) also says:

“Say (O Muhammad saw), Whether you conceal what is in your hearts, or disclose it, Allah knows it, and He knows everything in the heavens and the earth.

Allah is Powerful over everything.� (3:29)

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In another place in the Quran (Surah AlHujurat, Ayat 18), Allah (swt) says:

“Indeed, Allah knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Seeing of what you do.” (49:18)

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In the Quran (Surah Al-Hajj, Ayat 70), Allah (swt) says:

“Do you not know that Allah knows what is in the heaven and earth? Indeed, it is (all) in the Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.� (22:70) And the beauty of the Quran is that it helps us feel that proximity (closeness) of Allah (swt). Quran is full of wisdom, meaning, and guidance for us. These words

(Quran) helps us understand how to leads our lives in a meaningful manner.

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Allah (swt) says in the Quran (Surah AzZumar, Ayat 27):

“And We have certainly presented for the

people in this Quran from every [kind of] example - that they might remember.� (39:27) Quran tell us what our Creator wants from us. What kind of human beings should we be. Allah (swt) is so kind, merciful, and loving that not only he sends us His Book, but He (swt) also send us beloved Prophet

Muhammad (saw) who showed us practically through his blessed life what it means to live according to the wisdom of the Quran.

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In short, solutions to all the problems of the Muslim nation are present in the Quran, and Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) life is always certainly an example for us to follow and a model for us to refer to. No matter what problem arises in our lives, if we look to the Prophet’s Sunnah and Seerah for a solution, we will surely find it.

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REMEMBER MYSELF AND THE ENTIRE UMMAH IN YOUR PIOUS PRAYERS.

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Always Alhamdulillah • Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (may

Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only

to a believer. If prosperity befalls him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls

him, he endures it patiently and that is good for him.� [Sahih Muslim] 26

• For a Muslim there is reward (hasanaat), and thus eternal good (khair), in every circumstance. Since Allah (swt) is responsible for all the good that comes to us, we thank and praise Him by saying and feeling “Alhamdulillah” in all circumstances.

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There was once a courtier of a king who would always say, “Alhamdulillah.” One day the king’s hand got cut.

The courtier exclaimed, “Alhamdulillah.” The king got very upset at this and had the courtier thrown into prison. The courtier again said “Alhamdulillah” on being put in jail. Sometime later the king went on a hunt. As he was sleeping under a tree a lion came to

attack him. But on smelling the blood and flesh from the king’s cut hand he left him alone considering him to be already dead. When the king realized how his cut hand had saved him, he thought of his courtier. He

had him recalled from prison and asked him, “I understand your wisdom in proclaiming ‘Alhamdulillah’ when my hand got cut, but why did you say ‘Alhamdulillah’ when you were thrown into

prison?” The courtier replied, “If I hadn’t been put in jail, I would have accompanied you on your hunt. The lion would have left you alone but gone after me.

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Thus, a Muslim always says “Alhamdulillah.” When he is happy and feels grateful to Allah (swt), he is rewarded by Allah (swt). And when he is sad but patient with Allah’s Decree, he is again rewarded by Him (swt).

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What’s there to Ask Forgiveness for?

• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “O people, turn in repentance to Allah! I swear by Allah that I turn in repentance to Him more than seventy times each day.” [Sahih

al-Bukhari]

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• Do we feel grateful for everything Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) gives us every day of food, clothes, family?

• We don’t constantly thank Allah (swt), yet if the same behavior were exhibited towards us, after one favor we would withhold any other favors.

So, do we need to turn to him in repentance or not?

• Do we thank Him for running water coming so easily out of taps (or do we complain about having to wash dishes)?

• Do we thank Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for the light and fan working with the touch of a button (or do we complain about not having air-conditioning)?

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Do we thank Him for the tree outside the window which shades in summer, beautifies the view, and sheds its leaves in winter so the warm sun can come in?

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Do we thank Him for having someone to talk to

anytime we want in the form of sisters/brothers? People are so lonely and dependent on friends because they don’t have siblings.

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Do we thank Him every day for hands, feet, and organs

that work, or do we only mention them when something goes wrong?

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But most of all, do we constantly thank Allah (swt) for making us Muslims, those with a fantastic future ahead

of them? And do we care about the rest of His creation by trying to bring them into the mercy of Islam too? We got into the shade out of the blazing hot sun, but did we care about the people we left behind, and did we

invite them to come in as well?

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Do we not need to repent to Allah for how we behave?

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Ask and You Shall Be Given • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ask, and you shall be given it; and you shall be given it.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi] • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Let everyone of you ask of His Lord all that He wants.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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• We were informed by our Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) that Allah (swt) fulfills everybody’s wishes so long as a person does not get impatient and say, ‘I asked Allah for so and so and I still haven’t received it.’ We are told never to despair of the mercy of Allah (swt).

• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

informed us that there are several forms for the acceptance of dua. One is that you are given what you ask for. Another is that you are given better than what you asked for. A third is that some calamity that was about to befall you has been averted instead. The fourth is that the dua is saved up for you as sawaab/reward for the Day of Judgment. In all cases, asking Allah (swt) for things is beneficial.

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We Are Riders Seeking Shade • Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with

him) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was sleeping upon a mat, then he stood, and the mat had left marks on his side. We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! We could

get a bed for you.’ He said, ‘What do I have to do with the world! I am not in the world but as a rider seeking shade

under a tree, then he catches his breath and leaves it.’” [Jami at-Tirmidhi] 39

• When you check into a motel and find it not to your liking do you start ordering new furniture?

Perhaps you ask for an architect to redesign the place?

• This world that we are so infatuated with, and on amassing whose comforts we spend the better part of our time, health, and resources, is not

even equivalent to rest house, or motel, but only a tree by the roadside.

• We should remember how brief our stay here is, but how significant, and not waste it on gathering the goods of this world but spend the best of our wealth, time, health, and youth gathering the goods of the Hereafter.

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Wasted Mountains • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “People will come on the Day of Judgement with good deeds like the mountains of Tihaamah and Allah will make their deeds like scattered dust.” The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: “Will they not be Muslims?” He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) replied: “Of course! They will have prayed as you pray, they will have fasted as you fast, they will have spent in charity from their excess wealth and will have given their portion of the night (Tahajjud). However, when they were alone, they would violate the Sanctuary of Allah (i.e. trespass into what is unlawful).” [Sunan ibn Majah]

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• A hypocrite undertakes actions for the sake of people and reputation. He behaves differently when people are not around to witness his deeds. The purpose of his performing good deeds is to win acclaim from people for them. It is important for him to have his good deeds witnessed and known.

• Why should Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) reward deeds that are done not for Him but for other people? Good deeds should be done only for

Allah (swt) if the reward is desired from Him. • We ask Allah (swt) to purify our intentions and save us from showing off and from seeking fame. This is the most dangerous of diseases because when a servant is inflicted with it, it corrupts all his actions.

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Verify Your Words • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “It is lying enough for a man to repeat everything he hears.”

[Sahih Muslim]

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• This is an advice for us to choose our words carefully and speak only after find out the facts about which we speak. This is because there are angels with us that record every word that we utter. Every gesture, every glance, and our every deed are recorded. After we have said something, we no longer have control over it. It

is like an arrow that has left the bow, or a bullet that has exited the gun. We will continue to be responsible for it for as long as it circulates among people and any good or harm that it does.

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A Tolerant Man • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allah likes a tolerant man." [Sahih Muslim]

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• Learn to ignore unpleasant things when they concern your personal likes and dislikes and are not disobedience of Allah (swt). You will find that most of the things you find intolerable are not infringements of Allah's rights but rather related to pleasing or displeasing you. If you notice, hear, or see something, which is

unpleasant but can be tolerated, act as though you have not seen it. Be tolerant of the mistakes of others.

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Are Your Answers Ready • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: "A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about

his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his

body and how he used it." [Jami atTirmidhi] 55

• Have you ever thought about these questions? Try to answer them now. See where you stand. We better have good answers to give on the Day of Questioning.

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What is Hospitality?

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The people who believe in Allah and the

Day of Judgement should show hospitality to their guests.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• Hospitality includes all those matters which are essential for showing due respect and honor to the guest and making provisions for his comfort, peace, happiness and fulfillment of needs. Showing respect means treating your guest with politeness and in good cheer; entertaining him with pleasant conversation,

making provisions for his rest and relaxation; introducing him to your other respectable friends; arranging provisions of food and drink for him generously; and personally serving and attending to him. [“Etiquettes of Life in Islam�

by Muhammad Yusuf Islahi]

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Unlawful for Hell to Consume • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “I will tell you the distinguishing marks of a person for whom the fire of Hell has been made unlawful and who is a forbidden

person for Hellfire to consume; He is a man who bears a sweet temper, tender heart and is soft-spoken.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi] 63

• Tenderness, politeness and civility generate feelings of affection and love in the heart and it is on the basis of these virtues that a good society can be formed.

• Begin practicing your sweet temper, tender heart and soft spokenness on your family – your parents, your spouse, your children, your siblings. They are first and foremost deserving of your good conduct. Then expand this manner of behavior to all whom you come in

contact with.

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• Recite Ya Malik frequently and you may be treated with respect by others.

• Read afternoon for abundant wealth. Prophet Khidr taught dua “Allahumma atal Malikul Haqq.

Allazhiy laa ilaaha illaa anta. Ya Allahu, Ya Salaamu, Ya Shaafiy” followed by Ya Shaafiyal Quloob” 3x 66

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What To Say When Angry • "Two men abused one another in the presence of the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and one of them began to get angry and his face got red. The

Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) looked at him and said, 'I know some words that, if he says them, will remove this from him. They are, ‘I seek refuge with Allah from the Accursed Shaytan.’"

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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The first cure for anger is to say

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"audhu billahi minash-shaytan nir-rajeem" which means, “I seek refuge with Allah from the Accursed Shaytan.” What does this have to do with curing anger?

Since anger comes from Shaytan, you should seek refuge with Allah(swt) from the accursed Shaytan.

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After this, think of Allah’s punishment. Allah (swt) has more power over you than you have over that person.

Just as you are angry at someone today, what if Allah

(swt) becomes angry and decrees to punish you. What will you be able to do then?

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Think of Allah (swt). Think of His (swt) power and punishment. When an angry person does not think of these things, it proves that he has become trapped in the controls of Shaytaan. How is it possible that in spite of being Momineen we forget Allah (swt) at such moments?

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As Fire Consumes Wood • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Beware of envy, for

envy consumes good works as fire

consumes wood.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]

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Envy takes eeman away as a fire reduces wood to ashes.

A person who envies desires that the goods granted to the envied person be taken away from him. That is to say, the main objective of a man who envies his affluent neighbor is not to be affluent but that his neighbor be poor. He doesn’t like for another person to be at parity with him or better than him. This is a disgraceful and mean property not befitting of Muslims.

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Envy and pride go hand in hand. When a person allows himself false pride then he envies others so that he can have more than what the other has in order to exhibit greater pride. Whereas, Allah (swt) made us and either

directly gave us what we are proud of or allowed us the opportunity to become who we are. In each and every case all good is from Allah (swt). Therefore, all pride is false. It is attributing to oneself what can only be attributed to Allah (swt). Thus, pride is also the biggest lie one tells oneself. It is the lie that, “I am something.”

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Envy and pride are two major sins and fundamental flaws of character. If there are two huge cracks in the foundations of a building the smallest of vibrations will bring the building crashing down. Thus also does

eeman come crashing down if these flaws of envy and pride are present in a Muslim.

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Look at what envy and pride did to Iblees. He was such a devout worshipper of Allah (swt) that he had been

raised from the level of the Jinn to the level of angels.

But pride in himself and envy at the station that Allah had destined for Aadam (alaihis salaam) and humans, caused his years of worship to evaporate instantly and

He refused to submit to Allah (swt). He continued in his disobedience of Allah, getting bolder and bolder in his insolence, because his false pride in who he was wouldn’t let him bow down before Allah and seek

forgiveness.

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This dua was read by Ibrahim (a.s) and Ismail

(a.s) when they completed the building of the Ka’bah.

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The lesson is that a person must not be satisfied with actions only. Rather, after the action, be

humble and beg Allah (swt) to accept it. This is taught from the action of Ibrahim u. After completing such a lofty action he does not express pride, rather he asks Allah (swt) to accept the action.

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Ummah's Most Blessed Time • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) prayed: “O Allah! Make the rising in the morning of my Ummah

auspicious.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]

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• Early morning, the time from dawn onwards, is especially blessed for Muslims. To safeguard this time, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has required Muslims to arise early to pray.

• If we realize that our days are numbered, and that the time gone by will never be given to us again, then we will begin the day with determination to derive maximum benefit from it and we will take care to see that we rise early and use the most blessed time of the morning

well.

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A Pond Full of Milk Once there was a king who told some of his workers to dig a pond. Once the pond was dug, the king made an announcement to his people saying that one person from each household has to bring a glass of milk during the night and pour it into the pond. So, the pond should be full of milk by the morning. After receiving the order, everyone went home.

One man prepared to take the milk during the night. He thought that since everyone will bring milk, he could just hide

a glass of water and pour inside the pond. Because it will be dark at night, no one will notice. So, he quickly went and poured the water in the pond and came back. In the morning, the king came to visit the pond and to his surprise the pond was only filled with water! What has happened is that everyone was thinking like the other man that “I don't have to put the milk, someone else will do it.�

Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah (swt), do not think that others will take care of it. Rather, it starts

from you, if you do not do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the way of Allah (swt) to serve Him and that will make the difference.

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Acquiescing to Disobedience • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said, “Whoever of you sees something wrong, let him change it with his hand. If unable, then let him change it with his

tongue. If unable, then with his heart. And that is the weakest degree of faith.” [Sahih Muslim]

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• And in the hadith related by Imam Muslim concerning oppressors, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever fights them with his hand is a believer, whoever fights them with his tongue is a believer, whoever fights them in his heart is a believer.

Beyond that, there is not a mustard grain of

faith.”

• This hadith proves that whoever does not condemn acts of disobedience in his heart, or

wish they would cease, is devoid of faith.

Fighting with the heart includes asking Allah Most High to annihilate the falsehood and its perpetrators or guide them if they are worthy of guidance.

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The Slave Who Taught Manners • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us to say: “O

Allah, I ask You for the good that

Your slave and Prophet has asked You for, and I seek refuge with You from the evil from which Your slave and Prophet sought refuge.” [Sunan ibn Majah]

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• While this is a short yet comprehensive Dua and part of a larger invocation it also tells us that regardless of the position any one of us holds with respect to any other human, in relation to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), we are all His slaves. The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was Allah’s slave and each human being is Allah’s

slave, willing or unwilling!

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Hasan Basri (rahimatullahu alaihi), a Tabiee who had the good fortune of having met a hundred and twenty Sahabah, bought a slave. He asked the slave, “O slave, what is your name?” The slave replied, “Sir! Slaves do not have a name except that by which their master addresses them.”

Hasan Basri (rahimatullahu alaihi) then asked him, “What do you prefer to eat?” The slave replied, “Sir, a slave has no preferences of food. Whatever the master provides, he eats.

Whatever he feeds one, one eats.”

Hasan Basri (rahimatullahu alaihi) then asked, “What clothing do you prefer to wear?” To this, the slave replied, “Sir, slaves have no preferences pertaining to clothes. Whatever the master dresses them in, are their clothes. With whatever he clothes, one wears.”

On hearing this Hasan Basri (rahimatullahu alaihi) fell unconscious.

On regaining consciousness he said, “I have set you free.” The freed slave firstly thanked him by saying “JazakAllah” and then

asked, “What was the basis of freeing me? Due to what happiness do I owe my freedom?” Hasan Basri (rahimatullahu alaihi) replied, “You have taught me the meaning of true servitude to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala).”

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• Thus, whatever Allah (swt) feeds one with, one must happily eat; whatever He clothes one with, one must happily wear; and the wife He grants one, be pleased with her.

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Wudhu/Ablution • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudhu), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which he committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of

water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.” [Sahih Muslim] 96

• This hadith informs us of the fantastic blessings of Wudhu. Wudhu is a means of purification of the body as well as of the soul. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in His mercy has made clearing ourselves of our sins as simple as washing off dirt. Wudhu removes minor sins, provided that these sins are not related to the rights of people.

Sins which result from harming another person are only forgiven by either compensating the aggrieved, obtaining his or her forgiveness, or praying sincerely for him/her.

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All Intoxicants • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) was once asked about mead.

He replied, “Every drink that

intoxicates is forbidden.” [Sahih alBukhari]

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Al-Hasan al-Basri said, “How could any man ruin his mind, which is the most beloved thing in God’s creation, with wine?” An Arab was once asked why he did not drink, and he replied, “By God, I am not happy with my mind when it is sound, so why should I corrupt it even further?” [The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith by Imam al-Bayhaqi]

•

A wise man once asked his son, “Why do you drink?”

and he replied, “It helps to break up the food in my stomach.” “By God,” his father replied, “it will break up your religion even more surely.” [The SeventySeven Branches of Faith]

•

Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “Say: My Lord has forbidden only shameful acts, be they open or secret, and sin, and wrongful oppression.” [Surah 7: 133].

•

Imam al-Bayhaqi says: “In this verse, ‘sin’ [ithm] is

forbidden explicitly, and it is said that ‘ithm’ is actually one of the names of wine, as is shown by the following verse: I drank ithm, until my mind went awry, Truly, ithm does away with the minds of men.

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You Know What She Said!...

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who stirs enmity among people, by quoting their

words to each other, will not enter Paradise.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• Unfortunately, this is a common social evil these days. Rather than mend relations among people, Shaytaan has us excited about carrying tales to each other. “You won’t believe what he did!...Can you

imagine what she said?...”

• Refuse to listen to what other people have said or done. It is backbiting, just to hear it. If what you are

being told about is not true, it is an even bigger sin, both for the person telling it and the person listening to it. If you tell yourself not to believe everything you hear, your heart will nevertheless be tainted by it.

That is why the Prophet (pbuh) told his companions not to say things about each other to him, since he didn't want to meet them with disquiet in his heart. If the Messenger of Allah's feelings for people had the possibility of getting soured by hearing tales about them, despite his being rehmat-ul-lil-alameen, then we are certainly not above being corrupted by

listening to tales.

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• The people who carry tales from one person to another, do it in the excuse of well wishers.

First, they sympathize with one party. Then they take what they have gleaned to other people and sow discord, ruining relations between people, by repeating things. A person who behaves in such a manner is being two

faced. Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “You find that among the worst people is someone who is two-faced, showing one face to some and another face to others.” [Sahih alBukhari]

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You will Recognize Your Home in Jannah

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “By the One

in Whose hand is the soul of

Muhammad, any one of them (believers) will be more familiar with his dwelling in Paradise than he was with his house in this world.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• InshaAllah, by the Mercy of Allah (swt) when we go to Jannah we will recognize our houses and properties with certainty. We will know them to be ours with greater certainty than we claim our homes in this world. We will feel that they have always been ours and no one has greater right to them than us.

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A Goodness Through and Through • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “Modesty is a virtue through and through or said: Modesty is a goodness complete.” [Sahih Muslim] • Once the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya and was saying, 'You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.' On that,

Allah's Apostle said, 'Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith.’ [Sahih al-Bukhari] 113

• This hadith tells us that there is nothing bad about modesty. Therefore, if something is purely good, then however much you have of it, it can only be good for you. This is something to especially remember in these times when ‘moral’ and ‘modest’ are portrayed as ‘backward,’ ‘oppressed' and 'under-

confident.’

• A person with Haya does not show off his mind, body, or anything else. Haya is translated

as modesty, but it includes all the following meanings as well: self respect, bashfulness, having scruples, having awareness of Allah.

This word is a prime example of how much is lost in translation from Arabic to any other language.

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You Will Be With Those Whom You Love

• A man asked the Prophet (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam), "When will the Hour be established O Allah's Apostle?" The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) asked, "What have you prepared for it?"

The man said, "I haven't prepared for it

much of prayers or fast or alms, but I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

said, "You will be with those whom you love." [Sahih al-Bukhari] 115

There are three important points to note here: 1.

There is something more important than knowing when the Day of Judgement will occur. The more important thing is our preparation for that Day. What good or bad deeds have you sent forth for that Day? Each person's Judgement begins as soon as they die, and their grave becomes either a pit of fire or a garden of Paradise. Therefore, the most relevant thing to worry about are our daily deeds, as we never know when we will die, and our Judgement commence.

2.

The questioner in the hadith did the required (Fardh) prayers, fasts, and charity but not a whole lot extra. Some people do the opposite; they neglect the Fardh while doing a lot of the Sunnah

(supererogatory). This is misguided because the greatest reward is for Fardh deeds and punishment is for neglecting the Fardh, not the Sunnah.

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3. Most sobering is that you will be with the people you love on the Day of Judgement. If you love the Muslims, you will be with the Muslims and will follow them where they will go (Jannah). If you have love for the Kuffar, you will be with the Kuffar on the Day of Judgement. Peer into your heart to see who it is you really love. This will tell you where you will be on the Day of Judgement.

•

On the Day of Judgement Allah will tell the people,

‘Follow the gods you used to worship.’ So whoever used to worship the cross will follow the cross, and whoever used to worship an idol will follow that idol." What Allah (swt) is telling us is that if somebody didn’t worship Him,

they shouldn't expect the Reward from Him (swt) either.

They should go to the gods they worshipped for their reward. That’s the justice of Allah (swt). Then Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) will take all the false gods and throw them in Hell; and their people will have to follow them.

And there is No god besides Allah.

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Warn Your Nearest Kin • Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when Allah revealed the ayat, “Warn your nearest kinsmen,” Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) got up and said, “O people of Quraish! Buy (i.e. save) yourselves (from the Hellfire) as I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment; O Bani Abd Manaf! I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment, O Safiya, aunt of Allah's Apostle! I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment; O Fatima bint Muhammad! Ask me anything from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 122

• Our relatives are entitled to our good treatment in this world. But their greatest right on us is that we save them from the worst thing that could happen to them. The worst thing that could happen to a person is that they burn for eternity. Therefore, of all people we should make special effort with our nearest relatives to save them from the Fire of

Hell. • Though our relatives may object, it is because they are unaware of the danger of which they are being

warned and from which they are being saved. A man who is being delivered from the danger of a fierce lion does not object to who saves him or how he saves him. But since Jahannum is hidden from our eyes for now, this service is generally not appreciated at this time.

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• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) told his relatives to “buy themselves”. This refers to the deal we made with Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) in which we

sold our lives and wealth in exchange for Paradise.

Thus, he/she who uses his/her life and wealth according to how the new owner (Allah) wishes for them to be used will have fulfilled their end of the bargain and can hope for deliverance from the Fire and entrance into Jannah.

• “Behold, Allah has bought of the believers their lives and their possessions, promising them Paradise in return, [and so] they fight in Allah's cause, and slay, and are slain: a promise which in truth He has willed upon Himself in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the

Quran. And who could be more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Rejoice, then, in the bargain which you have made with Him: for this, this is the triumph supreme!” [Quran 9:111] 124

Allah’s Compassion • Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): "I heard Allah's Apostle (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

saying, ‘Allah divided Mercy into onehundred parts and kept ninety-nine parts of it with Him and sent down one part on earth. And because of that, it’s one single part, His creations are Merciful to each

other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it.’" [Sahih al-Bukhari] 125

•

The other ninety-nine parts Allah has reserved for the Day of Judgement. The one single part of Mercy which He sent down is the cause of all the love and care that is seen on earth by any and all creatures, since creatures

first came into existence, until the end of their existence at the end of time. It is a part of this mercy that a mare carefully lifts her legs so she does not trample her foal and a cat does not scratch her kittens and that a mother

loves her child.

•

It is estimated that there are 10-100 different species of organisms alive on earth today, and each species has an uncountable number of organisms. The sum total of

this love thus becomes difficult to imagine. Yet this is not even close to one hundredth of Allah’s Mercy.

•

Imam Ibn Qayyim said that a believer has two wings, one of good hope in Allah and the other of fear of

Allah's punishment. These two feelings should balance each other out in a believer, so that he/she becomes neither over-confident of Allah’s forgiveness nor despairs of the mercy of Allah.

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As Blood Circulates In You • Safiyah bint Huyai (may Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, said: “I came to visit the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) while he was in the state of

Itikaf [seclusion in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan]. After having talked to him, I got up to return. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) also got up with me and accompanied me a part of the way. At that moment two Ansari men passed by. When they saw him, they quickened their pace. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said to them, ‘Do not hurry. She is Safiyah, daughter of Huyai, my wife.’ They said: ‘Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)! O Messenger of Allah! (You are far away from any suspicion).’ The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) replied, ‘Satan circulates in a person like blood. I

apprehended lest Satan should drop some evil thought in your minds.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 131

•

Even a passing thought of something undesirable about the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) is dangerous for Eeman (faith). In order to prevent any evil suspicions from arising, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) stopped

the two Companions and explained to them the situation.

This was done lest Shaytaan create some doubt in the minds of the two Companions.

•

The conclusion from this hadith is that if at any time there is a chance that your actions will allow somebody to question your uprightness then it is necessary to give an explanation to clarify the situation. This is particularly important for Ulema (scholars), who should remain aloof from such occasions and places that might induce people to start

doubting their integrity and piety. This happens because Shaytaan is always trying to sow discord between people.

•

On the other hand, one should not jump to evil conclusions regarding others, but always give them the benefit of the

doubt. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said to make seventy excuses for your Muslim brother or sister before you accuse him or her of anything. Do we even try to come up with seventy excuses, before rushing to pass an unfavorable judgment?

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A Muslim’s Six Rights on You • Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "The Muslim has six rights.

1)

When you meet him, you should greet him.

2)

When he invites you, you should accept his invitation.

3)

When he asks you for counsel, you should counsel him.

4)

When he sneezes and praises Allah, you should bless him.

5)

When he is ill, you should visit him.

6)

When he dies, you should follow him (i.e. his funeral procession)." [Sahih Muslim]

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•

How many of these did you consider another Muslim's right upon you?

Ask yourself:

1)

Do you greet other Muslims whenever you come across them, whether you know them or not?

2)

Do you accept invitations from Muslims, or do you reject the invitations of those you consider “beneath” you? To view yourself as superior because of what Allah has bestowed upon you is an act of arrogance, one of the major sins in Islam. To keep away from events where Allah is disobeyed is commendable and a Muslim should not participate in disobedience to Allah because of having been “invited” by another.

3)

Do you give sincere advice when asked, putting yourself in your Muslim brother/sister’s shoes? If not, this is a betrayal of trust and a form of lying.

4)

When a Muslim sneezes and says 'Alhamdulillah' do you say 'Yarhamakullah’?

5)

Do you visit, or at least call, when you hear of a Muslim's illness?

6)

Do you take time out to join the funeral of a Muslim when he/she dies?

•

These are required of you. This means that doing these earns sawaab/hasanaat for you, while neglecting them accrues sins for you.

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• This is also the dua of Ibrahim (a.s).

• This dua is the end result of Ibrahim’s (a.s) fear and recognition of Allah (swt) after completing actions. Whilst being obedient and subservient.

One should make this dua for obedience and subservience to Allah (swt) alone. The reason is that when the recognition of Allah (swt) is

increased in a person, his realization is also increased.

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• Ibrahim (a.s) also made dua for his offspring.

The close servants of Allah (swt) are more concerned about the spiritual welfare of their offspring especially their welfare in the Aakhirah. Another reason for praying for the off-spring is that they may, by their good deeds set a good example to future generations and the nation of Islam will benefit as a whole.

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Avoid Exaggeration • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: "Those who exaggerate will be ruined; those who exaggerate will be ruined; those who exaggerate will be ruined." [Sahih Muslim]

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• Simple advice that we can start changing our lives with! Speech that is devoid of exaggeration is almost necessarily devoid of lying. For if a person is careful enough to avoid even exaggeration, it is not possible that they would be careless enough to lie. And one who avoids lying stays on the path to Jannah.

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The Rose Within A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully and before it blossomed, he examined it. He saw the bud that would soon blossom, but noticed thorns upon the stem and he thought, “How can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so

many sharp thorns?� Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and just before it was ready to bloom... it died.

So, it is with many people. Within every soul there is a rose. The good qualities planted in us at birth, grow amid the thorns of our faults. Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects. We

despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us. We neglect to water the good within us, and eventually it dies. We never realize our potential.

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Some people do not see the rose within themselves; someone else must show it to them. One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorns of another and find the rose within them. This is one of the characteristic of love... to look at a person, know their true faults and accepting that person into your life... all the while

recognizing the nobility in their soul. Help others to realize they can overcome their faults. If we show them the “rose” within themselves, they will conquer their thorns. Only then will they blossom many times

over.

“The most favorable friend to me is that who shows me my flaws”. Imam Sadiq (AS)

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Weak and Oppressed in Paradise • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Shall I not tell you about the people of Paradise?”

The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them) said: “Of course.” He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Every weak and oppressed person; if he were to implore Allah for anything,

He would grant it to him.” [Sahih alBukhari] 149

• Most of those who enter Paradise will be people who were weak and destitute in the world. They were those whom we usually ignore, care little about, and easily trample over. But in the sight of Allah they are important. They are important because they fear Him and worship Him faithfully with humility.

• Commenting on this hadith, An-Nawawi said: “It refers to those whom others despise, scorn and oppress because of their weak position in this world. What is meant is that most of the people of Paradise will be of this type, but it does not mean that all of them will be (in Paradise).”

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Plant a Tree • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “Never a Muslim plants a tree, but he has the reward of charity for him; for what is eaten out of that is charity, what is stolen out of that, what the beasts eat out of

that, what the birds eat out of that, is charity for him.” [Sahih alBukhari]

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• Plant a tree, preferably a fruit tree. Don’t worry about whether you get to enjoy its fruits or not.

Let bird, beast and man benefit from it.

Without even realizing how much, you will be accruing good deeds in your account.

• This hadith states that “a Muslim” who plants a tree will have that count as charity for him.

This is because good deeds are only worthy of reward when they are done for Allah’s sake. He who does something because Allah (subhana

wa ta’ala) told him to, can hope for Allah’s reward; but he who does it for fame, personal morality, or any other reason, should expect no reward from Allah. If he sought fame then his reward is to be appreciated by people; if he did it to suit his personal inclinations then his personal satisfaction is his reward; and so on.

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Your Hands Won’t Be Lowered Empty

• Salman al-Farsi reported: The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, Allah

is munificent and generous. He would be ashamed, when a man raises his hands to him, to turn them away empty and disappointed.” [Jami atTirmidhi]

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• Umar ibn al-Khattab (radi Allahu anhu) said: “I do not have any anxiety about the answer, but I worry about the Dua itself, because anyone who is inspired by Allah to make Duas immediately invokes His response when he makes the Dua. 158

Allah is Shakoor • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Restore the trusts of those who trust you and deal not falsely with him who deals falsely with you." [Sunan Abu Dawood,

Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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• The only way that a person can acquire steadfastness in doing good is by purifying their intention and doing good only for Allah's pleasure, expecting reward from Him alone. As said: "If you do a good deed by a human, they will repay you with ten bad deeds, but if you do a good deed by Allah (swt), He (swt) repays with a minimum of ten goodness's." • When we look at people's reactions, they can be very discouraging. But he/she who has Allah in mind is never discouraged from doing good. One of Allah's names is Ash-Shakoor (the one who appreciates in the best possible way). Not the slightest thing goes by Him unnoticed. He is the one who notices the good that you do even when no one is looking. Only when a person becomes aware of this, can they keep people's trusts.

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A Disbeliever in the Grave • Zaid bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated how, when the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions were once passing some graves

of polytheists, the Prophet’s horse bolted and almost unseated him. The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) explained:

“These people are being tortured in their graves, and were it not that you would stop burying your dead, I would ask Allah to let

you hear the punishment in the grave which I (and this horse) can hear.” [Sahih Muslim]

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After the soul of a wicked person is restored to its body, the two fearsome, dread-inspiring angels, Munkar and Nakeer, come to it for its interrogation. After making him sit up, they ask: “Who is your Lord?”

The disbelieving soul answers: “Alas, alas, I do not know.”

Munkar and Nakeer ask: “What is your religion?”

The disbelieving soul says: “Alas, alas, I do not know.”

Munkar and Nakeer ask: “What do you say about this man (Muhammad) sent to you?”

The disbelieving soul says: “Alas, alas I do not know.”

Having failed his test, the disbeliever’s head is struck with an iron hammer with a force so violent that it could crumble a mountain. A cry is heard from heaven: “He has lied, so spread out carpets of Hell for him, and open for him a portal into Hell.” [Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal] 166

• The floor of his grave is thus set alight with some of Hell’s fierce fire, and his grave is made narrow and constricted to the extent that his ribs become intertwined as his body is crushed. [Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal] • Then, an incredibly ugly being, wearing ugly garments and giving off a foul and offensive odor

comes to the disbelieving soul and says: “Be grieved with what displeases you, for this is your day which you have been promised.” The disbeliever will ask: “Who are you, with your face so ugly and bringing evil?” The ugly one will reply: “l am your wicked deeds!” The disbeliever is then made to taste bitter remorse as he is shown what would have been his abode in Paradise - had he lived a righteous life - before a portal is opened for him every morning and evening showing him his actual home in Hell.

[Sahih Ibn Hibban]

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• Allah mentions in His Book how the wicked people of Pharaoh are, at this very moment, suffering from such an exposure to Hell from within their graves: “The Fire: they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): ‘(Now) cause Pharaoh’s

people to enter the severest torment!’” [Quran 40:46] • Overcome with fear and loathing, anxiety and

despair, the disbeliever in his grave will keep asking: “My Lord, do not bring the last hour.

Do not bring the last hour.”

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Your Friend's Religion Is Yours • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: “A man is upon the religion of his friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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• We are very heavily influenced by the company we keep. Slowly and imperceptibly to ourselves, though perhaps others might notice, we adopt the thinking, habits, beliefs, mannerisms and lifestyle of our friends. It is thus very important that we choose those people as friends who we won’t be embarrassed to be with on the Day of Judgement.

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said that even animals influence the personality of the people who keep company with them. He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said that he who spends much time around camels learns to harbor grudges, while he who keeps the company of horses becomes arrogant. If animals can influence us so much, how much more can those who are of the same species?

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Avoiding Argumentation • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever does not argue when he is in the wrong will have a

home built for him on the edge of Paradise. Whoever avoids it when he in the right will have a home built for him in the middle of Paradise. And whoever improves his own character, a home will be built for him in the highest part of Paradise.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi] 175

•

Arguing with people is strongly discouraged in Islam. We are to state our point of view and then leave it at that. Nor are we to involve ourselves in matters that do not affect a person’s deen. Note that

a person is to shun argument whether he is in the right or whether his stand is wrong. Both get houses built for them in Paradise. But since the person who knows that he is right finds it more difficult to leave the argument and let things be, he/she is promised a greater reward.

•

Arguing with people rarely gets anyone to change their minds. It usually only produces defensiveness and creates ill feelings between people. The issue becomes a matter of one’s ego and makes it more difficult for a person to change their stance. Allah

loves to have Muslims live harmoniously with each other. Try this hadith out in practice, and you will see that your relations improve with people and that you have greater peace of mind.

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Meaningful Words • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning, so if

someone sneezes and then praises Allah (saying Alhamdu-lillah), then it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him to say: ‘May Allah be merciful to you (Yar-hamukallah).’ But as regards yawning, it is from Shaitaan, so one must try his best to stop it as much as possible; if one says ‘Haa’ when yawning, Shaitaan will laugh at him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 177

• When a Muslim says “Alhamdulillah” upon sneezing, it becomes incumbent on those Muslims who hear him to say “Yarhamukallah” in response. This is the right of one Muslim on another. Instead of saying “Bless you,” “Gesundheit,” or anything else, it is better to say that which pleases Allah

(subhana wa ta’ala) and is a source of Hasanaat for oneself.

• This hadith also tells us to suppress our yawns

and not make sounds when yawning. Whatever we do in order to obey Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) will be put as a good deed on The Scale on the Day of Judgement when our deeds will be weighed to determine our future.

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When Angry Sit Down and Lie Down

• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “If one of you gets angry and he is standing, then he should sit down until his anger subsides. If it does not, then he should lie down.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]

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• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) gave us lots of practical advice on managing anger.

One of the things he (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) told us to do is to sit down if at the time you are getting angry you are standing, and if you are already sitting, then to lie down. • In this way you are getting further away from taking revenge. If you are standing, it will be easy to run towards the object of your anger and hit him, but if you sit down, you will feel a little

lazy to get up and go towards him, while if you lie down, you have already moved three stages away from acting on your anger. Now you will think, that in order to reach the person who has angered you, you will first have to sit up, then stand up and finally run to hit him. Therefore, it is wiser to leave him and let him go.

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• Additionally, in the state of anger one should think of his position as a servant in the presence of His Master, Allah, the Most High, who is definitely watching him. We are always hopeful of Allah’s mercy upon us and wish that Allah will forgive our faults on the Day of Qiyaamah, yet we refuse to show mercy to His

creation. Here we become totally heedless. If anybody troubles us, we do not find rest until and unless we take revenge.

• One of the Salaf said, "One of you might see his own faults but he still loves himself. He then hates his Muslim brother on suspicion. So where is the logic?"

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Naked Warner • Narrated Abu Musa (radi Allahu anhu) that Allah’s Messenger (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “My example and the example of the Message with which Allah has sent me

is like that of a man who came to some people and said, ‘I have seen with my own eyes the enemy forces, and I am a naked warner (to

you) so save yourself, save yourself!’ A group of them obeyed him and went out at night, slowly and stealthily and were safe, while

another group did not believe him and thus the army took them in the morning and destroyed them.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 186

• After revelation began the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) consumed himself in trying to save his people from Hellfire. His business got ruined and he went from being one of the wealthy people of Makkah to living in economic boycott. His standing in society suffered as a malicious campaign of slander was launched against him to discredit his message.

His two daughters married to the sons of Abu Lahab were divorced on Abu Lahab’s orders when Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

began to call people to worship Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) alone. He was physically persecuted in various forms as well. But Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) bore all this with no complain because he saw the Fire of Hell towards which his people were headed and that was much more serious for him.

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• It was an Arabian custom that a man, on seeing the forces of the enemy, would take off his clothes and use it as a signal of warning to his people. In other words, The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was saying that he was doing his best to warn his people of the forces of Shaitaan and the Fire towards which they were headed. But not everyone heeded his warning.

Those who did were saved, while those who ignored him were destroyed. This was true in Makkah where very few people embraced Islam

because of the persecution Muslims were made to suffer. This is true today as well with few Muslims choosing to follow Allah and His Messenger’s commands while claiming to believe in the Fire against which he warned.

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Shaytan an Alim without Amal Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) said: "The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) deputized me to keep (guard over) Sadaqah of Ramadan. Someone came and started taking handfuls of the Sadaqah quickly. I took hold of him and said, 'By Allah, I will take you to the Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'I am needy and have many dependents.' I released him, and in the morning the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) asked me, 'What did your prisoner do yesterday?' I said, 'O Messenger of Allah! The person complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so I pitied him and let him go.' The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, 'Indeed, he told you a lie and he will return.' I believed that he would return again as the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) had told me that he would return. So I waited for him watchfully. When he returned and started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, 'I will definitely take you to the Messenger of Allah.' He said, 'Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again.' I pitied him and let him go.

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Shaytan an Alim without Amal..

In the morning the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) asked me, 'What did your prisoner do?' I replied, 'O Messenger of Allah! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free.' The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, 'Verily, he told you a lie and he will return.' I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he came and started stealing handfuls of the Sadaqah, I caught hold of him and said, 'I will surely take you to the Messenger of Allah as it is the third time you promise not to return, yet you break your promise and come.' He said, 'Forgive me and I will teach you some words with which Allah will benefit you.' I asked, 'What are they?' He replied, 'When ever you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi: 'Allah – There is no God but He, the Living, the Everlasting', till you finish the whole verse. If you do so, Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no devil will come near you till morning.' So, I released him.

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Shaytan an Alim without Amal..

In the morning, the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) asked, 'What did your prisoner do yesterday?' I replied, 'He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will benefit me, so I let him go.' The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) asked, 'What are they?' I replied, 'He said to me, ‘When ever you go to bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi from the beginning to the end: ‘Allah – There is no God but He, the Living, the Everlasting.’ He further said to me, ‘If you do so, Allah will appoint a guard for you, who will stay with you, and no devil will come near you till morning.’ The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, 'He really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurairah?' Abu Hurairah said, 'No.' He said, 'It was Shaytan (the Devil).'" [Sahih alBukhari]

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• This hadith reminds us that Shaytan is also an alim (learned one), but an alim who does no amal (acts) according to his knowledge. His transgression is that he chooses to disobey Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) despite his knowledge of Allah (subhana wa ta'ala), Jannat and Jahannum. Let us not be like the Devil.

• The second thing that we learn from this hadith is that reciting Ayat al-Kursi at night keeps Shaytan away from us till the morning. Who wouldn't want their houses to be free from evil during the night, while they are asleep? Make a habit of reciting it at night and teach your children from a young age to read Ayat al-Kursi

as soon as they lay down in bed. Habits made at an early age are the easiest the keep.

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The Safest Vault • Allah's Messenger (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allah said (to man), 'Spend (in charity), for then I

will compensate you (generously).'"

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• No matter how carefully you try to guard your wealth, it could get robbed, it could get consumed in a fire (Allah Forbid), the bank could file bankruptcy, the stock market could crash, any number of things could happen. But the wealth which you deposit with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) is in the safest Hands. It never perishes, it is in no danger, and in fact there is guaranteed increase in it. Whatever you spend in charity, is saved with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) and you do not need to

bother to keep it safe from thieves or anything else. Furthermore, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) will not only give it back with an increment in the next

life but will do the same in this life too. There is no compensator better than Allah (subhana wa ta'ala).

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1. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to recite this dua very often. (Mariful Quraan P. 492 and

Tafseer Mazhiri P. 403 from Anas1) 2. This dua is masnun especially during tawaaf.

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3. Allama Bagawi (ra) narrates that Anas (r.a) said: Once Prophet (saw) saw a person who became so thin and weak like a bird

hatching out from an egg. Prophet (saw) asked him : Do you make dua to Allah (swt)? He replied: O Prophet (saw) I used to make this dua: “O Allah! What punishment you are to give me in the Akhirah, give it to me in this world”. Prophet (saw) said in astonishment “SubhanAllah you do not have the capability to withstand that punishment. Why don’t you make this dua? (i.e. the above dua)”. He made this dua and was cured. Tafsir Mazhari - P 403 - from Muslim 203

4. Abdullah bin Saaib (r.a) relates that Prophet (saw)

used to recite the above dua between Rukn Jamah and Rukn Aswad. From Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Hibban, Hakim 5. Abu Hasan bin Dahhak (r.a) narrates that Anas (r.a) used to say that even if Prophet (saw) used to make dua a hundred times he would begin with the above dua and end off with it as well, and if he used to make two dua then one of it used to be the above. Ibn Abi Shaiba

6. Naqi bin Makhlad (r.a) narrates from Anas (r.a) the above ayah used to be in the beginning of Prophet’s (saw) dua, the middle and at the end.

7. Anas bin Malik (r.a) narrates that Prophet (saw) used

to recite the above dua. Ibn Kathir - P 251 - From Bukhari 8. Ibn Abbas (r.a) narrates that Prophet (saw) said “I do not pass any corner (at the time of tawaaf), but I see an angel at that corner saying Ameen”. Thus when you pass by it, recite the above dua.

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GOOD IN THIS WORLD According to: 1. Ali (r.a): A pious wife.

2. Qatadah (ra): It means peaceful existence and necessary livelihood 3. Hasan Basri (ra): It means knowledge of Islam and prayer.

4. Suddi (ra): It means Lawful earnings.

5. Ibn Umar (r.a): It means righteous children and goodwill of other human being.

6. Jafar (r.a): It means good health, honest living, knowledge of Quran, victory over the enemies of Islam and the company of the pious.

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Shielding A Muslim • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said: “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an

oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a

discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will

screen him on the Day of Resurrection.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari] 207

• We all know that we cannot make it alone.

Without the help and assistance of Allah, we cannot go anywhere. If you want the assistance of Allah to be on your side, jump to the assistance of your brother. That’s how you will protect yourself. If you let your Muslim brother down, don’t think that will please your enemy, no! It won’t! The enemy will carry on. You will be next in line. Take it as a rule, Shaytan will never be satisfied until he is able to destroy the entire Ummah. Nothing will satisfy Shaytan. He has

been our enemy since the time of Adam (alaihis salam) and he will carry on being our enemy until the time of the Day of Judgement. Don’t think that you can please him and keep him quiet by feeding him one of your brothers. His hunger is never satisfied. His thirst is never quenched.

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There were once four cows. One of them was white and the other three were black. They used to live in a dangerous area surrounded by wolves. The way they protected themselves was by sticking together and

watching out for each other. So they survived. But one day the three black cows had a meeting. They said, “This white cow is giving us away. When we try to hide at night, because we are black no one can see us, but the enemy is able to see the white cow, so why don’t we just let him go.” So from that day on, the three black cows would be on one side and the poor white cow was boycotted.

The wolf is very intelligent. He was able to detect the disunity that was amongst these cows. So he made his move and attacked the white cow, and while the wolf

devoured his flesh the three black cows did nothing.

They watched as their brother was torn to pieces!

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But the following night the wolf attacked the three black cows. Why? Because now they were one cow short, so they were not as strong as they were the day before. Then there were only two black cows left. So the night after, it was even easier for the wolf and he ate one more of them. And then on the final night there was only one cow left with

no supporter and no helper. So the wolf pounced on the cow and grabbed him by the neck. As the cow was dying, he pronounced his last words.

This black cow said, “I was eaten the day the white cow was eaten.� In other words, that was the day he sealed his fate and signed his own death certificate.

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A Blank Question Paper One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desks for the test to begin.

The professor handed out the question paper with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all

out, he asked his students to turn the page and begin.

To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions, just a black dot in the center of the page.

The professor seeing the expression on everyone’s face,

told them the following, “I want you to write what you see there.” The confused students got started on the inexplicable task. At the end of the class, the professor took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of all the students. All of them with no exceptions described the black dot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet

etc.

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After all had been read, the classroom was silent. The

professor began to explain, “I am not going to grade on you this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot and the same happens in our lives. We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God with love and care. We always have reasons to celebrate, nature renewing itself every day, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see every day.�

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“However, we insist on focusing only on the dark spots, the health issues that bother us, the lack of

money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend etc. The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds. Take your eyes away from the black spots in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you. Be happy and live a life positively!�

Moral: As the professor explained, life is a bag of good and bad things, we all have positives and negatives along the way. But we must always

concentrate greater on the positives for a healthy and happy life. Life goes on no matter what so do not waste your time thinking about the negatives.

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The Levels of Paradise • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

said, “The people of Jannah will look at the people dwelling in the chambers above them in the same way that people look at a brilliant

star shining far away on the horizon, in the East or West, because of their superiority [in reward] over them.” The people asked, “O

Messenger of Allah, are these the dwellings of the Prophets which no one else can attain?” He replied, “No, by the One in

Whose Hand is my soul, they are for the men who believed in Allah, and also believed in His Messengers.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 218

•

The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) explained that people will be in different levels in Jannah according to their status. “In Jannah, there are a hundred levels, between every two levels is (the

distance of) a hundred years.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi] •

Another hadith states, “What is between every two levels is like what is between the heavens and the earth.

Al-Firdaus is the highest of Jannah and its most expansive, and above that is the Throne of Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), and from it the rivers of Jannah are made to flow forth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaus.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

•

The more good deeds one does with the intention of pleasing only Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) with those deeds, the higher one’s level will be in Jannah.

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In life don’t we desire to move from one locality to a better locality? We want to move from ordinary neighborhoods to more prestigious neighborhoods.

Some people like to move from small towns to big

towns, others like to move from cities to suburbs.

Everybody likes to move to areas with better facilities, greater comfort and beauty. Everybody enjoys spaciousness.

•

We reach for the best things in life, although we know with certainty that we will lose them upon death.

Should we not then aim for the best things for that life in which whatever we obtain will be ours for keeps?

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Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is not limited in any way. So the Prophet of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) told us that when we ask of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), we

should ask Him for the best: Al-Firdaus. Our deeds should also be such that it is apparent we really believe in the existence of Al-Firdaus and are aiming for it.

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The Hour is at Hand • On the authority of Anas ibn Malik (radi Allahu anhu), the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “I have been sent when the Hour is like this” – and he pointed with his

forefinger and his middle finger.

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) put his noble forefinger and middle finger together, symbolizing with the former, human history until his time, and with the latter, history until the Day of Judgement.

• With the Day of Judgement so close we still do nothing to prepare for it, instead waste our health and time on worthless pursuits. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) asks, “Are they waiting for anything except the Hour, that it should come

upon them unawares? Its warning conditions have already come.” [47:18] • Nobody can avoid the Day of Judgement, irrespective of when they die. Then what is the use of being so involved with worldly pleasures?

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• “Like all Islamic virtues, zuhd is a golden mean between two extremes; in this case the extremes of worldliness and of monkery. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal defined zuhd as ‘Not to be pleased when given the things of this world, and not to be sorry when they are taken away.’ He also taught that there are three degrees of zuhd: that of the common people, which involves avoiding what is forbidden (haram), that of the elite, which is to avoid what is permissible (halal) but unnecessary, and that of the highest elite, which is to avoid everything which distracts one from God.” [Translator’s note, The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith, p.56, The Quilliam Press]

• “The early Muslims were indifferent to the things of this world: gold was as dust in their sight, but this did not make them into monks or recluses; instead, they conquered great empires and created a new civilization.

Similarly, the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) foretold that the Muslims would one day become weak, and that the reason for this would be ‘love of the world, and hatred of death.’” [Translator’s note, The SeventySeven Branches of Faith, p.56, The Quilliam Press]

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Rewarded In All Cases The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “A man (from amongst the people before you) said: ‘Indeed! I will give in

charity.’ So he took his Sadaqah out and (unknowingly) placed it in the hand of a thief. In the morning people talked (about this incident) and said: ‘Sadaqah was given to a thief last night.’ The man said: ‘O Allah!

Praise be to You. I have given Sadaqah to a thief. Indeed, I will give in charity!’ So he took his Sadaqah out and he placed it (unknowingly) in a prostitute's hand. In the morning people talked (about this incident) and said: ‘Sadaqah was given to a prostitute last night.’ On hearing this, the man said: ‘Praise be to You, O Allah! I gave Sadaqah to a prostitute. Indeed, I will give in charity!’ So he took his Sadaqah out and placed it in a rich man's hand. In the morning people talked (about this incident) and said: ‘Sadaqah was given to a rich man last night.’

The man said: ‘O Allah! Praise be to You (for helping me) give charity to a thief, a prostitute and a rich man.’ Then he had a dream in which

he was told that his Sadaqah to the thief might result in his refraining from his theft, his Sadaqah to the prostitute might help her abstain from her immorality, and his Sadaqah to the rich man might help him pay heed and spend from what Allah had bestowed upon him.” [Sahih al-

Bukhari]

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• What we learn from this hadith is that if the intention of the person giving something in charity is good, it will be accepted and rewarded by Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) even though it may have been given to an “undeserving” person. This shows Allah’s generosity towards us and His love for us.

However, one should try to have one’s Sadaqah reach deserving, pious people.

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Un-muddle Your Heart • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said: “When any one of you sleeps, Shaytaan ties three knots at the back of your head. On each knot he repeats and

exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ If you wake up and remember Allah, one knot is undone; and if

you do Wudhu, the second knot is undone; and if you pray, the third knot is undone, and you get up in the morning full of

energy and with a clear heart. Otherwise, you get up feeling lazy, and with a muddled heart.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 230

• To wake up with a clear mind and heart, feeling revitalized, fresh and alert, pray Tahajjud at night! Try it, experience it, and you will know that nothing can replace it!

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Punctuality in the Asr and Fajr Prayers • Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) reported

that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and

by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the afternoon (Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you, ascend

(to the heaven) and Allah, Who knows better about them, asks, ‘In what condition did you leave My slaves?’ They reply, ‘We left them

while they were performing Salat and we went to them while they were performing Salat.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 236

• When the principal of a school makes special mention of the high achievement of one of the students in assembly, it is not because the Principal doesn’t know, but because he/she wants to honor the high achiever by mentioning their achievements before all the other students and faculty. Almighty Allah knows everything but even then, He asks the

angels about His pious slaves so that the piety of the believers and their merit and distinction become evident to all. • The angels for the night come at the time of Asr when the angels from the morning are present. The angels of the two shifts assemble at this time and exchange duties. The angels of the night shift then leave their duty in the morning at Fajr, and the angels of the morning shift resume their duty. Thus, the two groups assemble again at this time.

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• Angels are very punctual. They know no such thing as procrastination or delay. Thus, when they are exchanging duties only the people who are punctual in their Salat are engaged in Fajr or Asr prayers. Therefore, we should try very hard to be punctual in praying the Asr and Fajr Salat so that when Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) asks the angels about us He is told that the angels left us while we were remembering Him and praying and not while we were sleeping, busy in games, watching

T.V., or some other worthless activity.

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Poor in Majority • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “I stood by the gate of Jannah and saw that the majority of those who entered were the poor and wretched. The rich (Muslims) were detained while the people of Jahannum were ordered to be taken to Jahannum.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• Not all the people who are to enter Jannah go together into Jannah. Even those who are to enter Jannah without any sort of punishment may be delayed. The more wealth a person has, the longer

and more arduous is his auditing. So, the rich among the Muslims account for the wealth that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) placed at their disposal and this delays their entrance into Jannah. • There are some people who travel by bus. They have to wait in the sun and rain for their ride, and the bus ride is uncomfortable and tiring. But when

they arrive at their destination, they go straight in.

On the other hand are people who travel comfortably in their own cars, arriving in good shape at their destination, but their entrance is delayed because they have to first find a spot in the parking lot to responsibly dispose off their cars.

With benefits come extra responsibilities.

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What’s Your Legacy • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said: “Verily, what reaches the momin of his good works and good acts, after his death, is the knowledge (benefitted from)… and a righteous child which he has left (behind him), or a book which he has given to inherit, or a place of worship which he has built, or a house for the homeless which he has built, or a canal which he has caused to be dug, or an act of charity which he has done out of his wealth while in his health and life. (The good effects thereof) reach him (even) after his death.”

[Sunan ibn Majah] 245

• Ask yourself what legacy you are leaving behind.

• Have you made an effort to leave behind any sadaqa jaariya?

• Did you do it for the sake of Allah's pleasure?

• Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) only rewards our efforts when we do deeds for His pleasure alone. Did you do good deeds so people would recognize you, praise you or reward you? To the extent that your motive is other than Allah's pleasure, your reward in the akhirah is diminished. For why

should Allah reward you for something you didn't do for Him in the first place? Try to do good deeds secretly in order to preserve the benefit of your good deeds for the akhirah, when you will really need it.

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Most Severely Tried • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) was asked which people suffered the greatest affliction. He replied: “The prophets, then those who come next to them. A man is afflicted in keeping his religion. If he is firm in his religion his trial is severe, but if there is weakness in his religion it is made light for him. A man is continuously tried with an

affliction till he walks on the earth having no sin.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 247

•

Aasia was crucified by Firawn. The People of the Ditch dug trenches out, filled them with fire, and then threw believers alive into them. The beautician of Firawn’s daughter and her children were thrown into fire.

Zakariya (alaihis salam)’s body was cut in two by a saw.

Yahya (alaihis salam) was killed for his head to be presented to a dancer. In their eyes, they crucified Eesa (alaihis salam).

•

Many attempts were made on the life of Muhammad (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). Bilal (radi Allahu anhu), his Sahabi, was dragged by a rope tied around his neck on burning hot sand. Khabbab bin Arat (radi

Allahu anhu) was weighed down on burning coals so that the fat from his skin would sizzle on the coals.

Sumayya (radi Allahu anha) was martyred by being repeatedly stabbed by a spear. Habeeb bin Zaid Ansari

(radi Allahu anhu) was killed by having pieces of his body chopped off bit by bit. The list of Muslims tried is long and grows with each century.

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All scholars have unanimously agreed that patience (Sabr) is obligatory. However, higher than patience is Rida -acceptance of and satisfaction with Allah’s decree and judgement. Rida with Allah’s Al-Qadar means that there is no looking back, no moment of regret or feeling sorry. Only Allah decides and what He wills He does. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) pours tranquility (Sakeena) on the people who display Rida in excruciatingly difficult circumstances wherein they are helpless. Angels bring good news to them and show them their places in Jannah.

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When The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) saw the family of Yasir bin Amir (radi Allahu anhu) who had been chained, whipped till blood flowed, and bodies burnt by torches, he wept, and said: “Yasir's family, be patient! Your reward will be Paradise!”

•

When news of Habib bin Zaid Ansari’s death reached his mother, she simply said, “I bore him for these days. I ask God to reward him. As a child, he pledged loyalty to the Prophet on the night of Aqaba. As an adult, he fulfilled his pledge.”

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Falsehood is Falsehood Big or Small • Asma bint Yazeed (radi Allahu anha)

narrated that she once asked the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam): “If one of us women stated that she had no desire to have a certain thing even though she had that desire,

then would it be considered a lie?” He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) replied: “Falsehood is written as falsehood, and a

small falsehood is written as a small falsehood.” [Sahih Muslim] 254

• There are many lies we tell in the course of a day that, unfortunately, we don’t pay much attention to. They have become standard forms of speech for us, even though they are lies.

• Like a few drops of urine, are not the same as a chamber pot full of urine, but are urine nevertheless; small lies, no matter how

insignificant they may appear to be, will be noted in our record of deeds as lies and not truths.

• We need to remove even the small traces of falsehood from our speech otherwise they will soon desensitize us to big lies as well.

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Are You A Momin • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “A momin does not taunt, does not

curse and reproach, does not indulge in obscene talking and obscene acts.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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Did you make any sarcastic comments to anybody today?

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Did you by word or gesture make fun of anybody today?

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Did you insult anyone today?

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Did you demoralize anybody today?

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Did you put someone down for a mistake that they made?

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Did you curse anybody today?

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Did you say anything vulgar today?

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Did you do anything obscene today?

–

We need to check ‘No’ next to each of these questions everyday to qualify as Momineen.

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It is one thing to be a Muslim and another to be a Momin. To be a Muslim is a basic qualification, in other words, you pass. To be a Momin is a distinction. A Muslim has entered Islam but does not have the Eeman that a Momin possesses.

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How Do You Smell • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad one is the bearer of musk and the worker on the fires. A bearer of musk would give you some, you might buy some from him, or

you might enjoy the fragrance of his musk. The worker on the fires, on the other hand, might spoil your clothes with sparks from his bellows, or you get a bad smell from him." [Sahih al-Bukhari] 262

• Who are the top 5 people you hang out with? List them. Now look at their qualities and you'll notice that you are a product of the sum of them. Do they have the outstanding qualities that you seek?

If not, then it's time to find some bearers of musk that you can truly smell great from.

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Hearts as One • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify

Allah, morning and evening.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• This hadith explains the state of the people in Jannah. Remorse felt due to rifts in personal relationships will be non-existent in Paradise. There will be no enmity between people, nor any illfeelings: “And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world)…” [Quran 7:43] • People will never hear any evil or hurting comments or speech in Paradise. They will only hear pleasant words and words of peace. The hearts of the people of Jannah will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous. There will be no offensive, upsetting or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all things worthless. If we were to discuss all the causes of anguish in this life, we would surely find their absence and opposite to be true in Paradise.

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• This dua was read by the believers when they were at war with Jaloot.

Before the army confronted them, they recited this dua.

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Mentioned in the Highest Circles • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa

sallam) said: “Allah says, ‘I am in accordance with the thoughts of My slave about Me; and I am with him, when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me

in his heart, I also remember him in My heart. If he remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a better group (i.e. angels). If he draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by a cubit. If he draws near Me by a cubit, I draw near him by the space covered by outstretched arms. If he walks towards Me, I go to him running.’” [Sahih alBukhari]

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This hadith shows how willing and eager Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is to befriend us and draw close to us. Anybody who sincerely wants Allah in his/her life will find Him. It cannot be that a person is sincere in

their search but are not guided to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). The case of Salman Farsi is a perfect example of how the search for truth brought him to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). It is said about him that even if

Islam were to be found on the moon, he would have made his way to it. Allah has His own ways of bringing people to that which they seek. Nobody is left helpless in their search. If they are confused, it is only because they wish to remain so.

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In our everyday dhikr we should rejoice in the fact that when we remember Allah Mighty and Majestic, He takes special note of it. When we talk about Him in any gathering, He mentions us in a much superior gathering. Imagine! The most important entity that exists, discusses you with the angels...

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The Last Delivery There was a rich couple who was throwing a

big new year party at their house. So, they went shopping at the market where everything was of high cost and fixed price.

They wanted to maintain their level of standard so didn’t mind paying for it. After purchasing all they needed, they called a

porter to carry everything and drop it at their home. The porter who came was of an old age, not very healthy looking, his clothes

were torn, looked as if he wasn’t even able to meet his daily needs.

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They asked the porter about the charges for delivering their goods at their home. The old porter quoted just

a $20, a well below the market rate for delivering goods at couple’s home in his cart. Yet, the couple argued and bargained with the porter and finally settled for $15. The porter was struggling to make even one time’s meal, so he needed anything he can earn.

The couple was very happy thinking how well they bargained with the poor porter and paid him $15 in advance and left after giving the porter their address for delivery. They reached their home and hour passed, two hours passed, but the porter still hadn’t

delivered their stuff.

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The wife started to get angry at her husband, “I always tell you to not to trust such person still, you

never listen to me. Such person who is not even able to earn to feed himself for 1 time in a day, you handed him everything we purchased for our big party. I am sure instead of delivering at our home, he must have disappeared with everything. We must immediately go back to the market to inquire and then to the police station to file the complaint against him”.

They both left towards the market. On their way near the market, they saw another porter. They stopped him to inquire about the old porter and noticed that he was carrying their stuff in his cart! The angry wife

asked him, “Where is that old thief? This is our stuff and he supposed to deliver it. It seems you poor thieves are stealing our stuff and going to sell it”.

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The porter replied, “Madam, please calm down. That poor old man was sick since last month. He was not able to earn enough to even have a single meal of the day. He was on the way to deliver your stuff, but he who was hungry, sick, couldn’t gather the strength to go any further in this heat of the noon”. He fell and while handing me $15, his last words were, “I had taken an advance for this delivery, you take this and please deliver to this address”.

“Madam, He was hungry, he was poor, but he was an

honest man. I was just on the way to complete old man’s last delivery at your home”, the porter said. Upon hearing this, the husband had tears in his eyes, but the wife felt so ashamed, she had no courage to see up in her

husband’s eyes.

Moral: Honesty has no class. Respect everyone regardless of their financial and social status. It’s always a good deed to give the one who deserves.

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Grateful Servant • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have stayed up in prayer all night until his feet

swelled up. He was asked, “Why do you do this when Allah has already forgiven you all your past and future wrong actions?” He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Should I not

still be a grateful servant?” [Sahih alBukhari] 281

• If your friend gave you a beautiful sweater as a gift should you feel grateful to her in your heart?

And if you feel grateful to her in your heart, shouldn’t you also use your tongue to show your appreciation of her favor? Gratitude doesn’t end here: Shouldn’t you then wear it on appropriate occasions? How would your friend feel if she saw

you mopping the floor with her gift?

• True gratitude involves the heart, tongue and limbs. That is why the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would stand up long during the night in prayer – to show with his limbs that he was grateful to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for his blessings on him.

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Knowledge of Religion - Edible Fruit

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever Allah wishes well; He

gives knowledge of religion.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• Eesa (alaihis salam) is reported to have said, “There are many trees: not all of them bear fruit. There are many fruits: not all of them may be eaten. Many, too, are the kinds of knowledge: yet not all of them are of value to men.”

• Useful knowledge is like the tree that bears edible fruit. If the knowledge can be used to please Allah, then it is useful. If the utility of that knowledge ends with your death -- in the

bigger picture of our never-ending existence -it is useless.

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Friday: All Wishes Fulfilled & Golden Opportunity

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is a moment on Friday when the slave shall

not ask Allah for anything save that He will give it to him.” [Sahih Muslim]

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• It is recommended to supplicate Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) much on Fridays, seeking the moment when prayers are answered. This time lies between the time the Imam first sits on the pulpit and when the prayer finishes. Others hold that the moment occurs after the mid-afternoon (Asr) prayer. [Reliance of the Traveler by Ahmad ibn

Naqib al-Misri]

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Friday's Significance • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On this day Adam was

created, on this day he came down (from Jannah), it was Friday when his repentance was accepted, and this day he died. The Hour will occur on Friday. There is no creature which is not waiting every Friday, from the moment the sun rises, fearing the Hour – apart from jinn and men.” [Sunan Abu Dawood] 291

• Friday is a significant day for Muslims. It has been important historically and there are many recommended and obligatory deeds that are especially rewarded on Fridays. However, it is also a day feared by all creatures except men and jinn, because of their knowledge that it is a Friday on which the Hour will commence.

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What Makes Allah Unresponsive

• The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “I swear by Him Who has power over my life, you

must enforce virtue and curb evil, otherwise Allah shall very soon send such calamity over you that you will cry and seek mercy from Allah but you will get no response.” [Jami at-

Tirmidhi]

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Nowadays it is not considered polite, or anybody’s right, to tell someone else what to do or what not to do. But Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tells us that when we stop reminding others to do that which Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has

enjoined, and when we stop telling others to leave doing what brings Allah’s wrath, then we will soon be stricken with calamities and misfortunes ourselves.

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You come home to find that your house has been wrecked by

your younger children: windows are broken, toys, food and clothes are strewn all over the house, sofas are cut open and walls scribbled on. Your older children were at home and silently allowed all of this to take place while they watched.

Will you punish only the younger children or the older children even more than the younger ones?

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People say such things as, “We asked Allah for help to take us out of our troubles, but He didn’t answer.” This hadith tells us why. They might be of those people who had forgotten Allah’s rights over them in their good times. They didn’t bother to tell people to abide by Allah’s commands. Now that the time of their punishment has come, Allah will not respond to them, as they had been unresponsive to Allah.

May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) save us from this!

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Take Care of your Hereafter, Allah takes care of the rest • Zayd ibn Thabit reported: The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever makes the world his most important matter, Allah will confound his affairs and make poverty appear before his eyes and he will not get anything from the

world but what has been decreed for him.

Whoever makes the Hereafter his most important matter, Allah will settle his

affairs and make him content in his heart and the world will come to him although he does not want it.” [Sunan ibn Majah] 299

• A person who is focused on this life always feels poor because of seeing all that he does not have of it; he is not focused on Jannah, nor believing in it or striving for it.

• Since he believes it is he himself who has to do what he can to gather the riches of this world his outlook and behavior are selfish. Selfishness begets

selfishness. Those who are preoccupied with getting the most for themselves induce the same feelings in those around them. Thus, nobody sincere wants to be around a person preoccupied with his worldly life and its achievements.

• Such a person gets in life what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) had destined for them a long time ago, but not Allah’s special blessings to be bestowed in the next life.

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Asr Salat • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Among the Salat (prayers) there is one Salat (prayer),

whoever misses it, it is as if he were deprived of his family and his wealth.”

[Sahih Muslim]

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• Imagine how a person would feel if they heard that a fire had burnt down their home, all their belongings had been destroyed and their family killed. May Allah save us from such a fate! It is similar to this what a person loses, when they miss the Asr prayer.

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Is Your Ship Afloat • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “By Allah, I am not afraid that you will be poor, but I

fear that worldly wealth will be bestowed upon you as it was bestowed upon those who lived before you. So you will compete amongst yourselves for it, as they competed for it, and it

will destroy you as it did them." [Sahih al-Bukhari] 308

• Wealth is like water and human beings are like ships. Ships reach their destinations by using water to cover distances. However, if water goes inside the ship, then it causes the ship to sink. Similarly, if we use wealth to earn Allah’s pleasure and bring us closer to Jannah, there is nothing like it. But if the love of wealth enters

our hearts, then it destroys us.

• After we begin to love wealth then we compete with each other for it. Jealousy and ill-will enter

our lives. After that it ceases to matter to the person how they earn wealth, by halal means or haram, and they forget about preparing for the Hereafter. They do not use their wealth to earn Jannat. Thus, the person is destroyed.

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At the Hands of Their Tongues • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Beware, … for what else throws men into the Fire upon their faces or upon their noses, but the harvests of their tongues.” [Jami at-

Tirmidhi]

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Some people use their tongues without reservation and without giving any thought to its consequences. Anything is fair game for them - the Sahabah, Allah’s Laws (Shariah), ordinary Muslims, Mujahideen. They liberally

slaughter them at the hands of their tongues.

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Keep in mind that The Prophet (peace be upon him) was warning Muslims with this hadith. This is because often a Kaafir will not dare to say what a Munafiq will casually

utter confident of impunity.

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But Allah’s appointed angels keep track of every word uttered against Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), Abu

Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) and everybody else near and dear to Allah. Those who criticize Allah’s laws as “backward” or

“excessive” need to think about whether they would dare to say this to Allah on the Day of Judgment, because their words will be played, audio and video, for all to see, when they stand before Him on that frightful Day. 315

• In a gathering of doctors no layman dares to say what a patient’s diagnosis and treatment should be. Nor would such a person be paid any attention. Then why is it that when it comes to Islam, every Islamically illiterate person feels that they have the right to spout their opinion?

• A person may plant a seed and then leave to come back years later to find that it has become a deeply rooted, gigantic, tree. When you plant a seed of doubt in Islam - in the Prophethood of

Muhammad (peace be upon him), in the authority of his Sunnah, or in the integrity of his Sahabah in people’s minds, then don’t be surprised if this seed becomes a tree of corruption, a tree of Kufr, and a lifetime of wrong-doing. Then don’t be surprised if this tree causes you to be thrown on your face into Jahannum.

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Types of People Anger Wise • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: "Some are swift to anger and swift to cool down, the one characteristic making up for the other; some are slow to anger and slow to cool down, the one characteristic making up

for the other; but the best of you are those who are slow to anger and swift to cool down, and the worst of you are those who

are swift to anger and slow to cool down."

[Jami at-Tirmidhi] 317

• In other words, the best people are those who spend the shortest time being angry, and the worst people are those who spend the longest time in a state of anger.

• A point to realize and remember is that a shorttempered person thinks very highly of himself for hidden within anger is the trait of pride.

• When striking out in anger a person has the inferiority of the opposite party embedded in his heart and attempts by his anger to prove his

own superiority.

• When you succumb to anger, study your face, and if you can record your voice, the inflections therein. You will realize that it is very much like Shaytaan’s.

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Asking Allah to Bless His Messenger • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone

invokes blessings on me once, Allah will grant him ten blessings, wipe out ten of his wrong actions, and raise him up ten levels.” [Sahih Muslim]

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• The Quran has stated that a good deed is multiplied by ten, and invoking blessings on the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is, according to the Quran, a good deed which accordingly gives the one who does it ten grades in the Garden. • Furthermore, Allah has granted the servant who

remembers Him the reward of his being remembered by Him. In the same way, the servant who remembers His Messenger (peace be upon him), is rewarded by his being remembered by Him.

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A Thousand Hindrances • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “If people became aware of the rewards and blessings of offering

prayers in Jamaat, they would hasten to join the Jamaat for prayer despite a thousand hindrances. The first row of a Jamaat for prayer is like the row of angels. It is better for two men to offer

prayers together than separately. The larger the congregation the dearer it is to Allah.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]

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• What is there on earth for which you are willing to work through a thousand hindrances? Is there anything worth it?

• Allah tells us that the benefit a man will obtain by offering prayer in Jamaat is worth having to work through a thousand hindrances to get to.

• For men, the best place to perform their prayer is the Masjid. If the Masjid is too far away, make a Jamaat of Muslims wherever you are. But do your best to avoid praying all by yourself.

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The Three States of Self • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The intelligent person is the one who

brings his self to account and acts in preparation for what lies beyond his death; and the foolish person is the one who abandons himself to his desires and cravings and expects

Allah to fulfill his futile wishes.”

[Jami at-Tirmidhi] 332

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The self/nafs is a single entity, although its state may change: from the self that urges evil (an-nafs al-ammara), to the reproachful self (an-nafs al-lawwama), to the self at peace (an-nafs al-mutma’inna), which is the final aim

of perfection. In the Quran, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has described these three states of the self.

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Qatadah described the self at peace (an-nafs almutma’inna) as “the soul of the believer, made calm by what Allah has promised.” When the self can rest at peace in the Presence of Allah, and is made tranquil when His Name is invoked, and always relates all matters to Him, and often turns to Him, and is impatient to meet Him, and experiences the intimacy of His nearness, then this is a soul at peace. It is the soul to whom it is said at the time of death: “O soul at peace, return to your Lord, well pleased and well-pleasing.

Enter with My servants, enter into My Garden.” [Quran: Surah al-Fajr, Ayaat 27-30]

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The self at peace has an angel to help it, who assists and guides it.

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• The reproachful self (an-nafs al-lawwama) is the one that blames itself because of its shortcomings in obeying Allah. This is the self that endures criticism from others in its quest to please Him, so that no one can find fault with it as regards his worship of Him. This one has escaped being blamed by Allah.

• The self that urges evil (an-nafs al-ammara) is inside each person and must be curbed because by its very nature it directs its owner towards

every wrong action. “And I do not say that my self is free from blame: surely the self urges evil.” [Quran: Surah Yusuf, Ayat 53] • This is the self that brings punishment on itself.

It has Shaytaan as its ally who leads it on with hope after hope and presents falsehood to it in a form that it will accept and admire.

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The Wise Old Man A wealthy man requested an old scholar to wean his son away from his bad habits. The scholar took the youth for a stroll

through a garden. Stopping suddenly, he asked the boy to pull out a tiny plant growing there.

The youth held the plant between his thumb and forefinger and pulled it out. The old man then asked him to pull out a slightly

bigger plant. The youth pulled hard and the plant came out, roots and all. “Now pull out that one,” said the old man pointing to a bush. The boy had to use all his strength to pull it out.

“Now take this one out,” said the old man, indicating a guava tree.

The youth grasped the trunk and tried to pull it out. But it would not budge. “It’s impossible,” said the boy, panting with the effort.

“So, it is with bad habits,” said the sage. “When they are young it is easy to pull them out but when they take hold they cannot be

uprooted.”

The session with the old man changed the boy’s life.

Moral: Don’t wait for Bad Habits to grow in you, drop them while you have control over it else they will get control you.

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An Extraordinary Dream (I) • “The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) would often say to his Companions, ‘Who among you had a dream last night?’ Then anyone who Allah willed would recount his dream. One morning he said to us, ‘During the night two men came to me and said to me, ‘Come on!’ So I went with them. We

came upon a man who was lying on his back while another man was standing over him with a stone which he dropped onto his head and crushed it. Then the stone rolled away from him and he went after the stone to retrieve it. When he returned to him, his head was whole again and had become as it had been in the first place. So he went back and hit him as he had done the first time. I said to them, ‘Glory be to Allah! Who are these two?’ They said, ‘Go on! Go on!’

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An Extraordinary Dream (I)…

I said to them, ‘This night I have seen marvels, but what are these things which I have seen?’ They said to me,

‘We will tell you. The first man you came to whose head was being crushed with the stone is a man who memorized the Quran and then abandoned it and slept through the

obligatory prayers….” [Sahih alBukhari] 341

• The two men, as has come in another variant of the hadith, were the angels Jibreel and Mika’eel.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saw in his dream that they came and took him to the heavens or an open land where he was shown many people in different states. The reason for these different states was finally explained to

him. • The first situation that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) witnessed was the

punishment being meted out to a person who had memorized the Quran but did not value it. As a result he did not act upon its teachings, nor did he recite it regularly to keep it in his memory.

Additionally, when it would be time to pray he would sleep through it and did not guard his prayers.

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• The Quran is a gift. He who is honouored by Allah with it, should value it, recite it, and live his life by its guidance. • This hadith also emphasizes the importance of praying the Salah in its proper time.

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An Extraordinary Dream (II) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “We went on and came to a man lying on his back and there was another man standing over him with an iron hook. He went to one side of his face and gashed open the side of his mouth until it reached the back of his neck

and then his nostril to the back of his neck and his eye to the back of his neck. Then he moved to the other side and did the same thing as he had done to the first side. When he had finished that side, the first side had become whole again. Then he did the same thing all over again. I said, ‘Glory be to Allah! Who are these two?’ …. (They said,) ‘As for the man you came to whose jaw was split to his

neck, whose nostril to his neck and whose eye to his neck, he was a man who went from his house and told lies which spread everywhere.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 344

• May Allah save us from inclusion among such liars. Although we may not be media people, anchors or news broadcasters who portray Allahfearing people as terrorists and terrorists as wellwishers, or politicians that take countries to wars on lies; we should be very careful that we do not participate in the spreading of their lies either.

May Allah save us from being counted among those who spread lies.

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An Extraordinary Dream (III) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said: “They said to me, ‘Go on! Go on!’ and we went on until we came upon something like an oven. In it was a babble and

shouting. We looked down into it and it contained naked men and women. The flames leapt up at them from underneath, and when

those flames reached them, they cried out. I said, ‘Who are they?’ …. (They said,) ‘As for the naked men and women who were in something like an oven, they were adulterers and adulteresses.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 350

• Hollywood, Bollywood, and their contemporaries, have desensitized people to the enormity of adultery. This sick behavior is glamorized in the name of “love.” The break-up of families, the disintegration of societies, the smashing of Allah’s commands, and total disregard of His displeasure, may go unpunished

in this world, but will definitely meet with its consequence in the next life - where death will provide no relief.

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An Extraordinary Dream (IV) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “They said, ‘Go on! Go on!’ and we went on until we came to a river, red like blood. In the river there was a man swimming and on the bank of the river was a man who had many stones with him. When that swimmer swam and reached the one who had gathered the stones, he forced his mouth open and made him swallow a stone. Then he would

begin to swim and would come back to him again.

Whenever he came back to him, he forced open his mouth and made him swallow a stone. I said to them,

‘Who are these two?’ …. (They said,) ‘The man you came to who was swimming in the river and being made to swallow stones used to consume usury.’”

[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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Usury has been given many innocuous, harmless sounding names like “interest,” “mortgage,” etc. Riba is a part of house-building loans, car-financing loans, credit-card bills, and present in many other shapes and forms. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that there would come a time when the smoke of Riba would reach everybody. It seems that we are in that period of time. Almost all over the world societies are based on liberal capitalism, in which money is an end in itself, required for the fulfillment of unlimited desires. Riba is bread and butter to such societies. So while we try to avoid the fire of Riba - its obvious forms, its smoke makes its way insidiously to the unsuspecting.

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Those who consume Riba are made to continuously swallow stones probably because nothing satisfied them in the world either. No matter how much money they made by Riba, they kept on taking more. The one who takes Riba imagines that his wealth will increase, but Allah wipes it out from behind him.

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An Extraordinary Dream (V) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: “They said to me, ‘Go on! Go on!’ and we went on until we came to a man with the most repulsive appearance you have ever seen. He was at a fire which he was kindling and which he

was running around. I said to them, ‘Who is this?’ …. (They said,) ‘The man with the disagreeable appearance who was at the

fire, kindling it and running around it, was Malik, the custodian of Jahannum.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• From this hadith we learn that Malik, the angel in charge of Jahannum, is very scary to look at. This is to add to the misery of the people in Jahannum.

May Allah save us from it.

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An Extraordinary Dream (VI) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “They said to me, ‘Go on! Go on!’ and we went on until we came to a green meadow with every type of spring flower in it. There was, in the

middle of the meadow, a man so tall that I could scarcely see his head, so high it was in the sky. Around the man were the greatest number of children I have ever seen. I said, ‘Who is this? Who are those?’ ….

(They said,) ‘The tall man in the meadow was Ibraheem. The children who were around him are all those who were born and died in the natural state.’”

Some of the Muslims asked, “Messenger of Allah, the children of the idol-worshippers as well?” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “The children of the idol-worshippers as well.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 360

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This hadith presents us with a scene from Jannah: “a green meadow with every type of spring flower in it.” Can you imagine it?

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The height of humans has been diminishing ever since

Adam (pbuh). But on the Day of Judgement and in Jannah and Jahannum, people will be the height of Adam (pbuh).

Thus, when the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) saw Ibraheem (pbuh) in Jannah, he described him as being so tall that he

could scarcely see his head.

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This hadith also informs us about the fate of children who die in childhood before deviating from the condition of Islam that they were born in. They are with Ibraheem

(pbuh), living happily in Jannah.

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Ibn Hajar says in “al-Fath al-Bari,” regarding Ibraheem (pbuh), that it is probable that he is residing in the green meadow only temporarily, on account of his tutelage of

those children. His station is a station which is higher than that of the Shuhada (martyrs). On the Day of Rising, all people will be residing in their proper places.

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An Extraordinary Dream (VIII) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Then we went on and there were men and women of the ugliest appearance and the foulest smell, like that of sewers. I said, ‘Who are these?’ He

said that they were corpses which were very swollen and had the foulest stench. I said, ‘Who are these of?’ He said, ‘Those are the dead of the unbelievers.’

Then we went on and there were some people asleep under the shade of a tree. I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘Those are the Muslim dead.’ Then we went on and there were some men who had the handsomest faces and most fragrant perfume and I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘Those are the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 366

• This hadith informs us of the fate of the Muslim dead as opposed to that of those who die in a state of Kufr. After death we turn inside out. In this world it is possible for the Kuffar, Munafiqeen and Murtaddeen to look beautiful, despite their rebellion to Allah. But as soon as they die, the ugliness of their beliefs and deeds will become apparent in their outward appearance. They will become disgusting to look at and stink terribly. • We take so much care of our appearance,

investing in expensive creams and diets. Some even go to the extent of surgeries to look good.

But this will all become useless in a very short time. If you really want to look good, then invest in your deeds. Even if you were average looking in life, Allah will ensure that you are gorgeous to look at forever after.

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An Extraordinary Dream (VII) • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “They said to me, ‘Go on! Go on!’ and we went on until we reached a huge tree and I have never seen any tree bigger or more beautiful than it. They said to me, ‘Climb it.’ We climbed it and came to a city built of gold and silver bricks. We came to the door of the city and

asked for it to be opened and it was opened for us and we entered it. We were met by men half of whose physique was the most beautiful you have ever seen and the other half was the ugliest you have ever seen. The two said to them, ‘Go and plunge into that river.’ There was a wide river flowing there whose water was pure white. They went and jumped into it and when they returned to us, that evil had left them and they had the most beautiful form.”

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An Extraordinary Dream (VII)…

“They said to me, ‘This is the Garden of Eden, and that is your place.’ I raised my eyes upwards and there was

a castle like a white cloud. They said to me, ‘This is your place.’ I said to them, ‘May Allah bless you, let me enter it.’

They said, ‘No, not now. But you will enter it.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• From this hadith we learn the following things: 1)

One of the cities of Jannah is built of bricks of gold and silver.

2)

Those who have a palace in the Garden do not reside in it while in this world, but that happens after death, even in the case of prophets and martyrs.

3)

Those who do good deeds as well as bad deeds while believing in Allah may go to Jannah, but will be part ugly as a reflection of their deeds.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “As for the people who were half beautiful and half ugly, they are the people who mixed righteous actions with evil actions. Allah pardoned them.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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Dua

O Allah! Pardon us

by Your mercy before our deaths, so we may be wholly beautiful!

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Allah Talks About You • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “No people gather in any of the houses of Allah to recite the Book

of Allah and to study it between them but that the Sakeena descends on them and mercy covers them and the angels surround them and Allah remembers them to those in His presence.” [Sahih

Muslim]

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• Sakeena is the special tranquility that Allah causes to descend as a unique favor on those who study the Book of Allah – the Quran. It is a coveted gift that cannot be bought with any amount of money.

It is the “happiness” that is the ultimate quest of every human, which is sought through relationships, money, careers, thrills, vacations,

etc. This gift from Allah is the peace of mind and soul that no amount of drink, drug, antidepressant or tranquilizer, can induce.

• When you sit to remember Allah, Sakeena descends on you, Allah’s mercy engulfs you, His angels surround you, and Allah Himself takes your name and mentions you to those in His

company. What an honor!

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The Reward of Sufferers • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The people who were safe (in this world)

will wish on the Day of Resurrection that their skins had been torn with iron combs (in the world), when they see the reward of the people who suffered trials.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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• What should our response be when we are faced with grief and distress, by means of which Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tests His slaves?

• “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to AsSaabiroon (the patient): Who, when afflicted with calamity, say, ‘Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’ They are

those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” [Surah al-Baqarah: Ayaat 155-157]

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• When the people who were saved in the world from calamities, misfortunes, imprisonment, tortures, illness, hunger, war and other disasters, see how great is the reward of those who bore with faith what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) had decreed for them, they will wish that their skins had been torn with iron combs

instead, so that they too could have the reward of those who suffered trials.

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Tongues of Fire • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is two-faced in this world,

will have a tongue of fire on the Day of Resurrection.” [Sunan Abu Dawood]

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The most evil of people on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is fickle, who is not consistent in his attitude, but presents one face to some people and another face to others.

•

The problem with us is that as soon as we read ahadith such as these we immediately begin to look around us to see who fits this description. We don’t look at ourselves, and if we do try to look at

ourselves a voice from within us says, “You’re wonderful! There’s nothing wrong with you.”

•

We need to look carefully at ourselves and examine our behavior:

– Do we say one thing in one gathering and its opposite in a different gathering?

– Do we support one person or group in one sitting but speak against them in another

sitting?

Are we friendly with some people, but as soon as they leave, we begin to backbite them?

– If so, we may well end up with tongues of fire.

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The Day Will Come • “On one occasion the Prophet (salla

Allahu alayhi wa sallam) accompanied a funeral procession to the graveyard and sitting down beside a grave shed so many tears that the earth became wet.

Then addressing the Companions (may

Allah be pleased with them) the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Brothers! Prepare yourself for this day.’” [Sunan ibn Majah]

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• Men should accompany the funeral procession to the graveyard and attend the burial. Women should visit the graveyard separately. These visits remind one of the life hereafter and induce one to start making preparations for their years in the grave.

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Traits Leading to Happiness and Ruin • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “May I tell you who the dwellers of Jannah are? (They

are) every person who is considered weak and is despised, and who, if he takes an oath of reliance upon Allah, will fulfill it. Now may I tell you who the people destined for Jahannum are? (They are)

everyone who is ignorant, impertinent, proud and arrogant.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 394

•

A Muslim who is humble, who lives for the Akhirah, who sends his goods in Sadaqah for his Hereafter, who takes a stand for Islam and not for himself, can be mistaken as weak. Since the majority of people adore

power and want to associate with it, they look down upon those whom they consider weak. However, whether it is this weakness, or the weakness of pressing poverty, both keep a person humble and reliant on Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Such a person doesn’t forget to call upon Allah for the fulfillment of his needs. Nor does he wait for other than Allah’s Decree.

•

On the other hand, proud people forget their insignificance in the greater order of things, their utter dependence on Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), and His rights over them. They lord it over others as though

they had power independent of what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) has temporarily bestowed upon them as a test. Such are the people who then commit the deeds of the people of Jahannum and are forever ruined.

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The False Human Belief As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time can break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

Moral: Failure is a part of learning. We should never give up the struggle in life. You Fail not because you are destined to fail, but because there are lessons which you need to learn as you move on with your life.

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The Truth Brings Tranquility • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Leave what puts you in doubt for

what does not put you in doubt. The truth brings tranquility while falsehood sows doubt.” [Jami atTirmidhi]

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• Anything that creates doubt in the mind also makes the heart feel uneasy. A believer should only do things that make his heart and soul feel tranquil, at peace and at ease.

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The Right of the Guest • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi

wa sallam) said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously. The guest’s reward is to

provide him with a superior type of food for a night and a day, and a guest is to be entertained for three days, and whatever is

offered beyond that, is regarded as something given in Sadaqa. And it is not lawful for a guest to stay with his host for such a long

period as to put him in a critical position.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari] 403

•

This hadith tells us that it is the right of a guest to be cheerfully and decently fed for three days. The first day the host should trouble himself to provide his guest with food of a better quality than what he

normally eats himself. The next two days he may be provided with the same type of food that the host eats. The host is highly rewarded for doing this if he does so with the intention of fulfilling Allah’s commands. After the three days are over, whatever the host provides to his guest is also written down in his favor. He is rewarded for it as he would be for giving Sadaqa.

•

It is a part of the culture of Islam that guests be hosted generously and hospitably. They should be made to feel welcome and not a burden. On the

other hand, it is incumbent on the guest that he does not become a burden on his host. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that a guest must avoid putting his host in a critical position.

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Taqwa and Good Conduct • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was asked about the deed which will be

foremost in causing a man to enter Jannah. He replied, “Taqwa of Allah and good conduct.” Then he was asked about the thing which will admit a man to Jahannum the most,

and he answered, “The tongue and the private parts.” [Jami atTirmidhi]

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Taqwa (consciousness of Allah) connects a man to Him, and moral refinement prevents him from falling short in his duties to others. Adherence to this two-fold practice will cause the entry of many

people to Jannah. •

Many people, on the other hand, have a long, sharp, and dangerous tongue. This causes them to pour out heretic utterances and indulge in backbiting, slandering, abusive and non-sensical talk. All this activity leads to Jahannum. As for the private parts, a loose and unrestrained attitude incites one to indulge in immoral pursuits which will also lead countless people into Jahannum.

•

It is thus imperative for everybody to develop Taqwa, refine their behavior, and shun the

wickedness of the tongue and sexual organs, so that their life in the Hereafter is not ruined.

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The Huge Tree in Jannah • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is a tree in Jannah (so huge)

that a fast rider may travel for one hundred years (in its shade) without being able to cross it.” [Sahih alBukhari]

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• Trees are called the jewelry of the earth. When you live in the hot desert, with sand all around, a cloudless sky, and heat so intense it creates mirages – you realize the value of trees.

Wouldn’t a shade-tree be appealing then?

• Imagine a tree that has gorgeous yellow roses hanging from it, another patch is of orange honeysuckle, travel a short distance and the flowers are pink morning glory. Purple bunches of grapes hang low within your reach, the

sweet smell of jasmine fills the air, and you can stay in the shade of the tree as long as you like…

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A Drop, A Clot, A Morsel ?

• The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah has put an angel in charge of the womb. He says, ‘O Lord, a

drop? O Lord, a clot? O Lord, a morsel?’

When Allah desires to complete the creation of the fetus, he says, ‘O Lord, male or female? Wretched or happy? How much provision? How long a lifespan?’

and he writes that for him in his mother’s womb.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 417

•

This hadith informs us that Allah has charged an angel with the responsibility of the development of fetuses. It is only with Allah’s permission that the angel allows conception to take place. The angel then seeks Allah’s

permission to proceed at each stage of the development of the embryo.

•

The matters of gender, happiness or sadness, Rizq (provision), and lifespan, are decided for a person while they are still in the womb.

•

That is why we are told not to adopt Haraam means to earn our living because how much we will receive of sustenance is already preordained. Resorting to activities prohibited by Allah will not increase your wealth. One way of looking at it is that what you obtain by Haraam means you would have gotten some other Halaal way. Another way of looking at it is that what you obtain by Haraam means, forcefully trying to increase your Rizq, you will lose in some other way (e.g medical treatment, robbery, etc).

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Similarly, this hadith tells us to live our lives as respectable, brave, Muslims. A single day lived like a lion is better than a hundred years lived like a hyena.

Even if you got to live for a thousand years you would

still die and enter the ocean of the Hereafter. When your time of death cannot be changed by even a second then why compromise your Akhirah for it?

•

So also, events that will make us happy or sad are written in our destiny. Our test is what our reaction to those events is going to be. Do we thank Allah when something makes us happy or do we become proud and credit ourselves for the good fortune. Similarly, when the going gets tough do we display patience with Allah’s decree or utter words of ingratitude.

•

We must remember that all of life is a qualification exam for Jannah. The events (questions) are preordained (decided) while our reactions (answers) are in our control.

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Angels Pray for Your Refund • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is no day which dawns on the slaves of

Allah without two angels descending and one of them saying, ‘O Allah, refund those who give money’ and the other saying, ‘O Allah, ruin those who withhold it.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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In the hadith of Abu Darda, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There is no day on which the sun rises but that it is accompanied by two angels who call out – and all of Allah’s creation hear it except for men and jinn – ‘O

people! Hasten to your Lord. What is little and adequate is better than what is abundant and heedless.’ And the sun does not set but that it is accompanied by two angels who call out and one of them says, ‘O Allah, refund those who give money,’ and the other, ‘O Allah, ruin those who withhold it.’”

•

Imam An-Nawawi says that praiseworthy spending is what is spent in acts of obedience and on behalf of your family and guests and in voluntary acts of charity. Imam AlQurtubi said that this includes both obligatory and recommended giving, but that those who withhold from recommended giving do not merit this supplication nor those dominated by miserliness to the extent that they are not happy about giving out what is due from them, even if they do it.

May we become those whom the angels pray in favor of.

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A Cow and a Wolf Speak to Man • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) offered the Fajr Salat and then turned towards the men and said, “A man was driving a cow but soon he mounted its back and began to beat it (to hasten it). The cow said, ‘We were not created for this, but only for tilling the ground.’” The people said, “Glory be to Allah. A cow speaks!” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

“I believe it, as also do Abu Bakr and Umar although they were not there (when it happened).”

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A Cow and a Wolf Speak to Man… • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) then said, “A man was shepherding some sheep when a wolf attacked

and seized one of them. The shepherd caught up with it and rescued it and the wolf said to him, ‘You have saved it today, but who will

look after it when the beast of prey’s day comes and it has no shepherd but me?’” The people said, “Glory be to Allah! A wolf speaks,

indeed!” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “I believe it, as also do Abu Bakr and Umar although they were not there

(at the time).” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• The Prophet’s saying that surely Abu Bakr and Umar believe it, is a testimony to the great Eeman that these two illustrious Sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) had in the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) . He said it not once, but twice, confident that even if no one else believed it these two men nevertheless would confirm

whatever issued from him. The Miraj (ascension to heaven) which Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) instantly confirmed while the Kuffar joked about it, is an evidence of this statement, and it earned him the title of ‘As-Siddique.’ This is the level of belief in the Unseen that is demanded from Momineen. Momineen are described in the Quran

as people, “Who believe in the Unseen.” [2:3]

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Most people who take antibiotics have never seen bacteria with their own eyes. But they have faith in scientists’ and their doctor’s having seen them and so they believe in the existence of microbes. Angels, Jinn, Jannah and Jahannum are also things people don’t normally see for themselves. Prophets see the things of the Unseen and we believe in what the prophets have seen.

•

It is obligatory for a Muslim to believe and confirm all that is known from the Quran and authentic Ahadith irrespective of whether it is comprehended by human

intellect or not. Belief in the Unseen does not mean verifying only that which our intellects can understand or that which science propagates. We cannot call that belief in the Unseen and in the Prophet but “belief in intellect and science,” while Islam calls us to “believe in the Unseen and in the Prophet.”

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• Allah has created animals for different purposes, and they have different characteristics. This hadith tells us that we must employ every animal for the purpose for which it was created. The cow said the same thing to its owner. • As for the day when the beasts of prey will have a field day, the Ulama have suggested that it could

refer to the Day of Resurrection when everyone will be concerned about his own safety and no one will care about protecting sheep from wolves.

Or it could refer to the days of festival of the earlier people and their national days when they rejoiced and held fairs. Those people used to be so engrossed in fun and frolick that they didn’t

bother to look after their animals. The wolves seized their domestic animals at such times.

[Sharah Nawavi of Muslim] 430

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The Grave • It is related from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: “The grave is more horrifying than any horrible scene I ever saw.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi, Al-Bayhaqi, Mustadrak Al Hakim]

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• Once you are carried to the graveyard you are brought close to the ground so that you dwell in a small, dark lonely hole. The nearest of kin and the most beloved to you have lowered you into your grave, where you will rest placed on your right side, with the top of the shroud on your face untied and a stone placed on the hole (Lahd)

inside the grave you were placed in. They then threw soil in your grave and when they finished, one of them said, “Invoke Allah for forgiveness for your brother and for making him firm (so that he affirms to the angels Munkir and Nakir that Allah is his Lord, Islam is his religion and Muhammad is the Messenger he followed), for he

is now being asked.” [Silent Moments: The Description of Before and After Death Aspects by Abdul-Malik Al-Qasim] 436

• Whenever Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) stood next to a grave, he used to weep until his beard became wet. He was asked, “You mention Paradise and do not weep, but you weep from this scene?” He said, “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The grave is the first in the stages of the Hereafter. If one is saved from it,

what is afterwards is even easier. If one is not saved from it, what comes after that is even harder.” [Az-Zuhd p.189. Hasan hadith collected

by Tirmidhi, Baihaqi, Hakim.]

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Acceptance of Dua Guaranteed • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is no person who goes to bed in a state of purity, then wakes up at night, and asks Allah for something in this world

or in the Hereafter, but it will be given to him.” [Sunan ibn Majah]

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• Sleeping with Wudu (ablution) is a cause of great blessings. So, sleep with Wudu and when you awaken at night ask Allah for something. You may ask for guidance, for forgiveness, for cure from disease, for protection from worries, for settlement of debts, or anything big or small. It would be a waste though, not to utilize every opportunity to ask for the best things of the everlasting Akhirah and protection from every bad thing in the everlasting Akhirah as well.

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Al-Ghabn • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are two blessings in which many people incur

‘al-Ghabn’ (loss). (These are) health and free time (for doing good).” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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Al-Ghabn in Arabic means loss. What it really signifies is to sell something of one’s own on less than its due price, or to buy something on double or triple its price.

In both cases, one is a loser. When a person comes to

know about such a loss, he repents and feels sorry for it. This loss coupled with regret is called Al-Ghabn.

•

In this hadith, man has been compared with a trader, and the health and leisure enjoyed by him to merchandise. One who uses his merchandise with care, gains profit, while he who wastes it, using it carelessly, will be a loser on the Day of Resurrection.

•

The majority of people do not take proper care of both of these blessings, with the result being that they waste their time, strength and energy in useless activities. On the Day of Resurrection they will wish that they had

used their free time more productively.

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The Cave of Death • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu

alayhi wa sallam) said: “Three men from among those who were before you, set out together till they reached a cave at night and entered it. A big rock rolled down the mountain and closed the

mouth of the cave. They said (to each other), ‘Nothing can save you from this rock but to invoke Allah by giving reference to a righteous deed which you did (for Allah's sake only).’

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The Cave of Death…

• So, one of them said, ‘O Allah! I had old parents and I never provided my family (wife, children) with milk before them. One day, by chance I was delayed, and I came late (at night) while they had fallen asleep. I milked the sheep for them and took the milk to them, but I found them sleeping. I disliked to provide my family with the milk before them. I waited for them and the bowl of milk was

in my hand and I kept on waiting for them to get up till the day dawned. Then they got up and drank the milk. O Allah! If I did that for Your

Sake only, please relieve us from our critical situation caused by this rock.’ So, the rock shifted a little, but they could not get out.”

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The Cave of Death…

• “The second man said, ‘O Allah! I had a cousin who was the dearest of all people to me and I wanted to have sexual relations with her but she refused. Later she had a hard time in a famine year and she came to me and I gave her one-hundred-and-twenty Dinars on the

condition that she would not resist my desire, and she agreed. When I was about to fulfill my desire she said, ‘It is illegal for you to outrage my chastity except by legitimate marriage.’ So I thought it a sin to have sexual intercourse with her and left her though she was the dearest of all people to me, and I also left the gold I had given her. O Allah! If I did that for Your Sake only, please relieve us from the present calamity.’ So, the rock shifted a little more but they still could not get out from there.”

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The Cave of Death…

• “Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! I employed a few laborers and I paid them their wages with the exception of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I got much property thereby. (Then after some time) he came and said to me, ‘O Allah's slave! Pay me my wages.’ I said to him, ‘All the camels, cows, sheep and slaves you see are yours.’ He said, ‘O Allah's

slave! Don't mock me.’ I said, ‘I am not mocking you.’ So, he took all of the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your Sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, that rock shifted completely and they got out walking.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] 449

• This hadith tells us about pious deeds and their effects. Three men got trapped in a cave whose opening got blocked so completely that if the rock hadn’t moved from its mouth the cave would have become their grave. At such times man forsakes all means and agencies and looks only to the Creator of the means and agencies.

• From the example of the first man we see that there is no limit to kind treatment of parents as long as one does not commit sins in order to

please them. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tremendously rewards those people who are kind and considerate to their parents.

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• From the example of the second man we learn the value of Taqwa. Taqwa is that a man refrain from sin only because he fears Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), although he has the means and ability to sin, is surrounded by a sinful atmosphere, and is not afraid of being caught or punished in this world. This man was able to

put a check on his desire, although he longed for that woman, only because of being reminded of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). This is how Believers are: “When Allah is mentioned their hearts are filled with fear.” [Quran 8:2] • As a result of this man’s Taqwa, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) removed the rock from the mouth of the cave a little more. Allah says: “And whosoever fears Allah, He appoints a way out for him.” [Quran 65:2] 451

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From the example of the third man we learn that those people are very dear to Allah (swt) who recognize the rights of their fellow men and give them their rights faithfully. As an employer, the man not only kept the wages of his employee safely but also invested them profitably although it was not binding on him to do so. He gave to his employee many times over the principal amount, an example of excellent dealings with a fellowman. Can the greedy world present an example of such a character today?

•

From this hadith we learn that man should turn to Allah when he is faced with difficulty, anxiety and trial. If he does this, the difficulty becomes a blessing for him, as he is

rewarded for asking Allah and depending on His help.

Some people do not turn to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) even in times of distress. This is a very dangerous trend and a sign that they have hardened themselves against the

remembrance of Allah because of which “Allah has sealed their hearts.” [Quran 2:7] May Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) protect us from this.

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1. A narration by Abu Hurairah (r.a) in Bukhari and Muslim proves that the above dua when made by Prophet (saw) was accepted. (Tafsir Mazhari Vol. 2.

P. 165)

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2. Ibn Abbas (r.a) narrates: We, as a group were sitting in the company of Prophet (saw). Jibra’il (a.s) was also present.

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening was heard from above. Jibra’il (a.s) lifted his gaze to see. He then said, “The door that has now opened does not open normally”.

The narrator says: Meanwhile an Angel descended and came to Prophet (saw) and said “Glad tidings to you for two such celestial lights which were not given to any Prophets before you. The first is Surah Fatihah and the second is the concluding ayah of Surah Al-Baqarah. If you read even one letter from it, you will attain that celestial light”. (Muslim) Note: It means that by reading “IHDINAS SIRATALMUSTAQIM” Allah (swt) will most certainly show you the right path and secondly by reciting the last ayah of Surah AlBaqarah, Allah (swt) will most surely accept your dua and grant you that which you have asked for. (Mazhari Vol. 1. P. 14 & Vol. 2 P. 166) 1. Abu Sa`id Ansari (r.a) narrates that Prophet (saw) said “The person who recites the last two ayaat of Surah Al-Baqarah, it will suffice him for the entire night.”

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Thank the Channel Too • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who is not thankful to men is not

thankful to Allah.” [Jami atTirmidhi]

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Why is the word “Thank you” so difficult to utter?

Some can spit it out, but can they say what it is supposed to mean: “I am grateful to you.” Some think that it is a formality not necessary to use in the

immediate family, with one’s spouse, children, siblings, parents, etc; while, in fact, these are the relationships that require acknowledgement the most! If someone gets you a glass of water, or irons your clothes for you, or drives you somewhere, or cooks for you, or helps you with your homework… they deserve your gratitude!

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If they did it for Allah’s pleasure, He will surely reward them; but that does not mean that the recipient of the favor should not express his/her gratitude. This is something that Prophet (peace be

upon him) promotes in this hadith, that we thank Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and the channel through which He chose to do us the favor.

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Lesson Learned One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.” “Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”

Moral: Love, Unity, Care, Satisfaction is richer than any comfort money gives.

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Antidote for Harshness • It was narrated that Hudhaifa (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I was harsh in the way I spoke to my family,

but not to others. I mentioned that to the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and he said, ‘Why don’t you ask for forgiveness? Ask Allah to forgive you, seventy times each day.’”

[Sunan ibn Majah]

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• In this hadith the Prophet (peace be upon him) tells us what to do if we find it difficult to be gentle and loving to those closest to us. He (peace be upon him) told us to seek forgiveness from Allah many times a day.

• This can be a sincere, heart-felt, “Astaghfirullah,” or one of the longer versions mentioned in Ahadith, such as “Astaghfirullaha wa atubu ilaihi.”

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• Repenting and asking for Allah’s forgiveness are good deeds in themselves because they are a way of feeling and demonstrating servitude to Allah.

When we consider how small and insignificant, we and our Allah-gifted talents are, in comparison to Him, it removes false pride from us that hardens our hearts and makes us arrogant

and harsh.

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The People have Gone to Ruin • The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a man says, ‘The people have gone to ruin,’ he is the most ruined of all.” [Sahih Muslim]

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“This hadith means that a person who continually finds fault with people and mentions their failings is the most ruined of all, i.e. he becomes worse than they are because of the sin he commits in

disparaging and attacking them, which may also lead to conceitedness and seeing himself as better than they.” [Reliance of the Traveller by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri] •

“Scholars concur that the condemnation only applies to someone who says the like of this out of contempt for people, considering them inferior and himself superior, despising the way they are because of his ignorance of the divine wisdom in Allah’s creating them. But if one says it out of sadness at seeing one’s own religious failings and those of others, there is no

harm in it.” [Reliance of the Traveller by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri]

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A River In A Matchbox • “A man came to the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, teach me but make

it concise.’ He (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘(1) When you stand to pray, pray like a man bidding farewell.

(2) Do not say anything for which you will have to apologize. (3) And give up

hope for what other people have.’”

[Sunan ibn Majah] 475

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If we pray as though it is our last prayer, we will implore Allah very humbly and supplicate Him very seriously. If our every prayer is like this, then how much sin could we possibly accumulate between

prayers?

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The second piece of advice that the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave was concerning the use of the tongue.

Before uttering words, their results should be considered carefully, since spoken words cannot be taken back, and ill speech may cause unlimited losses.

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“Scholars concur that the condemnation only applies to someone who says the like of this out of contempt for people, considering them inferior and himself superior, despising the way they are because of his ignorance of the divine wisdom in Allah’s creating them. But if one says it out of sadness at seeing one’s own religious failings and those of others, there is no harm in it.”

[Reliance of the Traveller by Ahmad ibn Naqib alMisri] 476

• The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) rarely gave long speeches. He would keep his words brief and to the point. He didn’t want to burden or bore anybody. Since what he said he felt from the bottom of his heart, it left its impact on the hearts of those who heard him. His speech wasn’t just the result of the activity of his vocal

cords, but a manifestation of his own condition.

So a few words were enough to convey his thoughts and confer change in others.

• SubhanAllah! Such concise advice that will simultaneously straighten my relationship with my Creator as well as my relationship with His creation! With this advice the Messenger of Allah

(peace be upon him) has fit a river into a matchbox.

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The Levels of Paradise • The Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The people of Jannah will look at the people dwelling in the chambers above them in the same way that people look at a brilliant star shining far away on the horizon, in the East or West, because of their superiority [in reward] over them.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allah, are these the dwellings of the Prophets which no one else can attain?” He replied, “No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, they are for the men who believed in Allah, and also

believed in His Messengers.” [Sahih alBukhari] 478

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The Prophet (pbuh) explained that people will be in different levels in Jannah according to their status. “In Jannah, there are a hundred levels, between every two levels is (the distance of) a hundred years.” [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

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Another hadith states, “What is between every two levels is like what is between the heavens and the earth. Al-Firdaus is the highest of Jannah and its most expansive, and above that is the Throne of Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), and from it the rivers of Jannah are made to flow forth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaus.” [Jami At-Tirmidhi]

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The more good deeds one does with the intention of pleasing only Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) with those deeds, the higher one’s level will be in Jannah.

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In life don’t we desire to move from one locality to a better locality? We want to move from ordinary neighborhoods to more prestigious neighborhoods. Some people like to move from small towns to big towns, others like to move from

cities to suburbs. Everybody likes to move to areas with better facilities, greater comfort and beauty. Everybody enjoys spaciousness.

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• We reach for the best things in life, although we know with certainty that we will lose them upon death. Should we not then aim for the

best things for that life in which whatever we obtain will be ours for keeps?

• Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is not limited in any

way. So the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) told us that when we ask of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), we should ask Him for the best: Al-Firdaus. Our

deeds should also be such that it is apparent we really believe in the existence of Al-Firdaus and are aiming for it.

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All Drinks that Intoxicate • “Allah’s Messenger (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was asked about AlBit. He (peace be upon him) said, ‘All

drinks that intoxicate are unlawful (to drink).’” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• In the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) various alcoholic beverages used to be made.

Some were made from dates, others from grapes, honey, raisins, wheat, or barley. They were made in different types of containers: the empty skin of gourds, bowls coated with pitch, pieces of datepalm trunk hollowed out in the shape of bowls,

etc. • Through this hadith the Prophet (peace be upon him) has made the criteria clear: If the drink intoxicates, it is unlawful. What it is made from, what type of container is used, or what process is utilized is irrelevant: What needs to be known is if the drink intoxicates or not. If it intoxicates when

used in a large quantity, then even a drop of it is unlawful to consume.

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The Pebbles of Paradise are Pearls and Sapphires • The Sahabah asked the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) about the buildings of Jannah and he replied: “Bricks

of gold and silver. Its mortar is fragrant musk. Its pebbles are pearls and sapphires.

Its soil is saffron. Whoever enters it will

live in luxury and happiness and will never experience any hardship or misery; he will live forever and never die. Their

clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade.” [Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Jami at-Tirmidhi]

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• Just try to imagine a home that belongs to you, made of delicate bricks of gold and silver.

• A perfume binds the bricks together, not grey mortar!

• The driveway leading to your house isn’t full of grey pebbles but lustrous pearls and clear dark blue sapphires. Imagine walking on them as you lead your guests into your new home. They don’t tarnish, break, get dirty or messed up with use! It looks like a brand-new driveway

every time.

• Imagine soil that is sweet smelling saffron… what kind of flowers would grow out of it…

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Artificially Lengthening Hair • Allah’s Messenger (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah has cursed the lady who lengthens hair artificially and also the one who gets it lengthened.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

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• “When Muawiya came to Madina for the last time and delivered a Khutba, he took out a tuft of hair and said, ‘I thought that none used to do this (i.e. use false hair) except Jews. The Prophet (peace be upon him) labeled such practice (i.e. the use of false hair), as cheating.’” [Sahih al-Bukhari] • This narration indicates that soon after the death

of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) Muslim women had begun emulating the practices of those cursed by Allah.

• Unfortunately, many such Haraam (forbidden) practices are prevalent among Muslims today as well. Salons and beauty parlors pamper to such fashions. Muslim women must stop using false hair and wigs themselves and refuse to arrange it for others if they wish to avoid Allah’s wrath.

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The Pen Wrote Everything • When he was dying, Ubadah ibnu as-Saamit (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) told his son: O son, you will not find the taste of Emaan until you know that whatever you receive, you would have never missed it; and whatever you have missed, you would have

never received it. I heard Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) saying: “The first thing which Allah created was the Pen. He commanded it

to write. It asked: ‘What should I write?’ He said: ‘Write the Decree (Al-Qadr) of everything until the Day of Judgement.’” O son, I heard the Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) say: “He who dies not believing in this is not one of my people.”

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Where you will be born, where and when you will die, what you will receive, what you will miss, what joys or sorrows will come in your life – these are all written. This is the exam paper of life that you are presented with. How you will deal with these events will determine your rank before Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). Pray to Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) to strengthen your Emaan, pour His tranquility over you and keep you steadfast in faith, whatever your circumstances.

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Concerning the issue of Al-Qadar, the Sahabah, the Tabieen, and all Ahlus-Sunnah have agreed that everything which will be in existence until the Day of Judgement is written in Al-Lawh al-Mahfud (The Book of

Decree).

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Watching from a high tower you can see which cars are headed which way. You can see where there is construction going on and which cars will have to take a detour. It is in

your knowledge, but you are not causing the car to detour.

Similarly, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) knows what we will do and it is the knowledge of all the events that will take place that is written down in The Book of Decree.

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