08.12.08

Posted in Random at 10:08 pm by salafiya

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05.11.08

The Yearning of the Pious for Paradise

Posted in Heart Softeners, Islaam at 1:09 pm by salafiya

Describing Paradise, Allaah - the Most High - said:

“Indeed Allaah will enter those who believe and do righteous and correct actions into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. Wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be made of silk.” [Soorah al-Hajj 24:23].

“Indeed the pious and obedient ones will be in Paradise, amongst gardens and water-springs. It will be said to them: Enter! In peace and safety. And We shall remove from their hearts any ill-feeling, so that they will be like brothers, facing each other on thrones. No sense of hardship will touch them, and they will be of those who never leave.” [Soorah al-Hijr 15:45-46].

Paradise: that precious sanctity to which, throughout the ages, the Believers run towards.

Paradise: a burning fame that was in the hearts of our Salafus-Salih (Pious Predecessors), a flame that spurred them to aim for the highest examples of valour in jihaad and sacrifice.

Paradise: that noble goal which aspiring eyes are fixed towards and which yearning souls long for, in all times and in all places. They find worldly afflictions agreeable to them for the sake of achieving Paradise. Indeed, to enter into it and remain in it is considered the greatest goal for the Believers, and it is a hope which is kept in view throughout life’s journey. How often has Paradise been the incentive and a motivation for goodness and truth, despite the dangers, afflictions and thorns that lie along the path - even if it involves certain death.

This was the case in the days of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, as Anas radhiallahu `anhu related: Once Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam and his Companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers of Makkah. When the disbelievers arrived Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you shall proceed ahead of me in anything.” The disbelievers then advanced towards us and Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: “Rise-up to enter Paradise, whose width is equal to the heavens and the earth.” `Umayr ibn al-Humaam al-Ansaaree radiallahu `anhu said: O Messenger of Allah! Is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth? He said: “Yes!” `Umayr then exclaimed words of astonishment and excitement, so Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam asked him: “What made you say these words of astonishment and excitement?” He replied, “O Messenger of Allaah! Nothing but the desire to be amongst its inhabitants. Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam then said: “Indeed, you are surely from amongst its inhabitants.” So `Umayr then took some dates from his bag and began to eat them. Then he said: “If I were to live until I have eaten all the dates, then indeed this life would be too long. He threw away the remaining dates which were with him and he fought until he was killed. [Related by Muslim (no. 1901)]

This was also the stance taken in later times:

Abu Moosaa al-Ash`aree radiallahu `anhu, whilst in the presence of his enemy, narrated: Allaah’s Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed, the gates of Paradise are beneath the shade of swords.” A man who was in a shabby condition got up and said: Abu Moosaa! Did you hear this from the Messenger of Allaah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam? So he said: Yes! He returned to his friend and said: I bid you salaam (a farewell greeting of peace). Then he broke the sheath of his sword, threw it away, then rushed it into the thick of the enemy and fought them until he was slain. [Muslim (no. 1902) and at-Tirmidhee (no. 1659)] (From the book: Jannah (pp.5-6) of Shaykh `Alee Hasan)

Imaam ash-Shaafi`ee (d.204H) - rahimahullaah - said:

“O my soul! It is not, except a few days of patience;
As if the extent were but a few dreams.
O my soul! Pass quickly on through this world;
And leave it, for indeed life lies ahead of it.”
[Related by Ibn Rajab in Fadl `Ilmus-Salaf (p.63)]

 http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=337

04.04.08

Paradise on Earth

Posted in Heart Softeners, Islaam, Lectures at 11:29 am by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

Beautiful excerpt from the Paradise on Earth lecture by Murtaza Khan. Watch with your eyes, hear with your heart.

 Hm, I dont know how to embed it onto here, but I’ll just give the link then:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YrwbblKaDJ0

 oh and jazakAllaahu khairan to the person who sent this to me.

03.20.08

Need Advice

Posted in Islaam, Random at 9:41 am by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

My emaan is a bit low presently. I can feel my heart hardening too. I know it’s due to my sins (of which there are many) and I know what I should do to solve it (repent sincerely & regretfully & make the resolve to never commit those sins again). I tried doing that too. However, there’s something different now.

When I usually repent, I can feel myself getting lighter. My heart and soul feel better. I can almost feel the sins being lifted off of me. SubhanAllaah but now, I feel just the same as before repenting. Ya Allaah, how bad have I become that I can’t make myself fear Allaah enough so that my repentance truly means something to me and has a better chance of being accepted?

Please advise me, what do you do when you fall into this type of rut? I desperately need to get out of it. It’s so amazing that when the emaan is down, life just doesn’t have the same meaning anymore. I need to get back to my normal self at least (even though that’s not good either, but it’s better than where I’m at right now).

I know the basics…listen to the Qur’aan and contemplate on the meaning. I would be doing that right now but I’m currently at my college and I forgot my card at home so I can’t check out headphones. Oh well, I guess I’ll just read the Qur’aan from the computer screen and contemplate it. But what else should I do besides this and increasing the remembrance of Allaah (Alhumdulillah just checked, I remembered to put Husnul Muslim in my bag)?

 I went googling and I found a poem about emaan. This pretty much describes my state right now:

 What happened to those days when my Emaan was strong?

When I wouldn’t dare think of doing anything wrong

When my yaqeen in Allah(swt) would lead me through

The good and bad .. the old and new

What happened to those days when my du’aa was sincere?

When there was absolutely nothing on earth that I would fear

When I was certain that Allah(swt) was really near

And would run to Him and leave all that is dear

What happened to those days when I could read and recite Quraan well?

When I bought al-janna and this dunya I would sell

When my heart was pure and all full of light

When my qiyam was my only source of strength and might

What’s wrong my nafs .. why did you fall?

Don’t you know that Allah(swt) knows and hears your call?

A little test like this one shouldn’t beat you so

It shouldn’t pull you down to a level so low

Don’t you know that Allah(swt) chooses what is best

And that this is all a previously planned test

Don’t you know that He(swt) hears your soul .. He(swt) hears your cry

He(swt) sees you fall… He(swt) sees you sigh

Allah(swt) is Great… Allah(swt) is Al-Hakeem

His ways are just no matter how dark it may seem

Hold on my nafs to the fireball in your palm

Hold on to it and when it burns act calm

Whenever it falls, bend down and restart

Let those tears fall and wipe that heart

Remember my nafs the beauty of the promised firdaus

You know it’s your dream to build there a house

Get back on your feet and go back to those days

I know this only a passing phase ..

Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?(55:16)

03.05.08

Missin’ her

Posted in Asma at 2:06 am by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

Allaahu Akbar I miss my sister. I was just looking through our stash of photos, as I occasionally do. I found one picture of her at her school. It was Open Day (I think that’s what it was called) and that was the day she was diagnosed with cancer. subhanAllaah, even though she had been through other illnesses, she still looked healthy. But looking at her pictures after she started receiving chemotherapy, she never looked the same. But her spirit was just as high throughout the remainder of her life.

The pictures reminded me of so many memories and I sometimes fall into the trap of “what if” or “if only”. I went to an AlMaghrib class recently and a couple of my friends brought their younger sisters along.  How I wished I could have brought Asma. Their younger sisters are close to the age my sister would have been (15ish) and that hurt even more. I love these girls and du’aa that Allaah gives them and their families the best (Ameen). Even so, at times I couldn’t help but feel lonely. I let a couple of tears fall during the class regarding this. I was doing so well too about not crying because of my sister at the class until the shaykh mentioned the story of a little girl who had died. I would’ve cried even if Asma was not on my mind because it was a beautiful, sad story. But the fact that it reminded me of Asma made me hurry out of the class because I knew I would soon start crying out loud (instead of quietly weeping). And even before the door was shut properly, I couldn’t hold my sobs in. inshaAllaah the class didn’t hear me (since the door was still on its way to completely shutting). I felt like a drama queen though…especially when my friend came to console me. Alhumdulillah for friends like that, who make you laugh even while you’re crying, who cry with you, who hug you and say they don’t know what to say but they still remain with  you.

You know, I miss the fights too. My friends sometimes have fights with their younger sisters and that reminds me of my fights with Asma. When we were young, we’d get into physical fights lol. No one would find out, it would only be for a few minutes and then we’d sometimes start laughing or usually we’d just not talk to each other for a few hours. Once, I turned the light off on purpose because I knew she was afraid of the dark (if she wasn’t in bed). Asma got scared and punched me in my stomach. It did not hurt and I was about to laugh, but I decided to make her pay so I cried (without tears haha). Asma panicked and gave me her inhaler (she thought that would help me) and kept saying ‘TAKE IT, TAKE IT!” because she was so worried. I laugh every time I think of this memory, even though I feel really bad about what I did.

Ahhh, it’s been awhile since I talked about Asma on here (publicly OR privately - usually now I have password protected entries when I talk about her) and it feels good to let it out.

May Allaah grant all of my family, friends, the Muslims, and myself Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen. InshaAllaah when we make it to Paradise, I’ll introduce you all (readers) to my sister. Maybe we can all sit around the Nabi sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, listening to him recount his life (inshaAllaah!). Alhumdulillah for Islaam….these thoughts are what keep me sane (that I have a chance of reuniting with Asma again inshaAllaah along with meeting the rest of you).

Anyways, erm, I have a test on Thursday and it’s 1:04 AM Wednesday morning so I should really start studying. Make du’aa I do well on the test and finish both of the research papers (and everything related to them) on time. jazakumAllaahu khairan

 Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

02.09.08

Janazah of Dr. Saleh as Saleh

Posted in Muslims at 10:50 am by salafiya

As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmat Ullaah.
Just came back from the Janaazah of Saleh as-Saleh (r). We prayed over him here at the Prophet’s Masjid, then carried him over to al-Baqee’, then watched while two men entered into the grave and two others handed them the body. The body was placed in the lahd, facing the qiblah. Many brothers formed a train transporting the bricks that were then placed behind the body so as to seal the lahd off the rest of the grave. Finally, we started dumping soil into the grave until it was filled to the top, and we stayed a short while around the grave supplicating for him.
His son, Rasheed (about 23 years old), told me that his father died following a sharp drop in his diabetic sugar level while he was leaving from Jumu’ah prayer yesterday. He was immediately transported to al-Ansaar hospital where he passed away soon thereafter. May Allaah forgive him, engulf him with His mercy, and admit him and us into His spacious Garden.
Rasheed has one daughter, and he told me that his mother had recently embraced Islam after he had extended discussions with her in US. In addition to Rasheed and his sister (from the American wife), Saleh had Abdurrahman and Asmaa from a second wife (all currently in Egypt ), and he has several children (probably five) from his current wife, the oldest son being Abdullaah (about 12 years old, was present during the burial). May Allaah (T) grant his family patience, acceptance, and submission to Allaah’s will, and may He reward them for their great loss.
Was-salaamu ‘alaykum
Abu ‘Abdillaah Muhammad al-Jibaly
Al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

 subhanAllaah 2 of the scholars of this ummah have passed away in the same week. It seems as if this is fulfilling the prophecy of knowledge being taken away through the deaths of scholars. Though I only attended a few of his lectures on paltalk, it’s still so saddening to hear about his departure from this dunya. May Allaah forgive him & accept him into Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen

 http://forums.islamicawakening.com/showthread.php?t=9708

12.31.07

Imaam Anwar al-Awlaki’s first interview after being released!

Posted in Muslims at 3:42 pm by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu

 As you all must have heard by now, Shaykh Anwar al Awlaki was released on December 12, 2007. jazakumAllaahu khairan to the brothers and sisters who posted about the news on the forums and to CagePrisoners for confirming it. And a sister on IslamicAwakening posted this as well (jazakeeAllaahu khairan):

 Moazzam Begg interviews Shaykh Anwar. Audio:
http://www.cageprisoners.com/media.php?id=674

Transcript:
http://www.cageprisoners.com/articles.php?id=22926

Allaahu Akbar….the shaykh’s interview was so beautiful. I mean, I was worried that perhaps he would not be in the same mental state as he was before the imprisonment, but mashaAllaah he’s talking “normally”. He’s already talking about lectures! May Allaah grant him good in this dunya & in the akhira & allow us to always benefit from him. Ameen.

 Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

12.28.07

Pakistan happenings

Posted in World and Politics at 2:58 pm by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

As you all must have heard by now, Benazir Bhutto was killed a little bit more than 1 day ago. My personal opinions aside, I want to ask you all to make du’aa for my family that is there. My mom called her sister to see if she was ok, but she told my mom to not talk about it much on the phone (I guess the phones are tapped there as well). During the phone call, someone knocked on their door and said not to drink water anymore because it’s been poisoned (probably by supporters of Bhutto). I don’t know if it’s true or not….but regardless, please du’aa for all of my relatives there & every other innocent Muslim. jazakumAllaahu khairan.

12.26.07

Witty Stories from Islaamic History

Posted in Islaam at 6:41 pm by salafiya

The Intelligent Questioner

It is said that a beggar went to a rich man from Khurasan and asked for help. He heard him say to his servant, “O Gold, say to Gem, to say to Jewel, to say to Sapphire, to say to this beggar that we do not have anything.” The beggar raised his hands to the sky and said, “O my Lord, say to Jibril, to say to Israfil, to say to Mikail, to say to `Izrail to take the soul of this miser.”

And He Died!

Ash`ab was about to relate a story to a ruler, and he began: “There was a man…” But at that point he noticed a tray of food being brought to them. He paused as he was staring at the tasty food. The ruler said, “Yes…and then?” Ash`ab said, “And he died!”

He Made the Ruler Laugh

Asma`i relates from his father that a prisoner was brought before `Abdul-Malik and was accused of having rebelled against the ruler. `Abdul-Malik said, “Strike his neck.” The prisoner said, “O Leader of the Believers, this should not be the reward that I receive from you. By Allah, I did not join the ranks of such and such person except because I cared about you and was looking out for your best interests. I am an unlucky man, and I have never fought side by side with a man, except that we were defeated. Throughout the years, I have been better for you than 1000 people on your side who cared about you. I was with such and such person and we were defeated, and then I was with such and such person and we were defeated…” He went on mentioning the people that were defeated by `Abdul-Malik. `Abdul-Malik laughed upon hearing this and freed the man.

12.12.07

Hajj

Posted in Islaam at 2:38 am by salafiya

 Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

 InshaAllaah your 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are going well. Those who are on their way to perform Hajj are very blessed. May Allaah accept it from them, Ameen. It’s been 2 years since I went myself (I went Dec 2005/Jan 2006) and I desperately miss it. I know I’ve said this before, but though I was only there for a few weeks, I feel like I am homesick for Makkah & Madinah. I miss ALL of the voices that recited the Qur’aan. The ones I remember (of those who recited) are Shuraim, Saleh At-Talib @ the Haram & the imaam who recites VERY slowly @ Masjid an-Nabawi. Oh and the Adhaan callers for each of them. *sigh* Shuraim’s voice would just overpower everything else and many times, one couldn’t help but cry. I swear, it’s such an amazing feeling to weep to Allaah at these places (and if you haven’t been for Hajj, then imagine crying to Allaah in solitude while making du’aa and multiply that by 100). Ahh! Here’s a picture of Masjid al-Haraam during salaah time:

 http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a24/Aysha88/Hajj/?action=view&current=sideview.jpg

 The date was off on the camera by a couple of days…I think it was really January 2nd or 3rd. And I apologize for the screen, I didn’t realize I could remove it at the time. Anyhow, that was the sideview from our room. Many times, even if we left 5-10 minutes early, we’d still have to pray on the street because the Masjid would be so packed. Sometimes, it was hard to get off of our hotel steps because people would even be INSIDE the hotel….now that’s what you call packed. You know, out of ALL of the people there, can you imagine even ONE person’s du’aa being accepted when they say Ameen after Surah Fatihah? That one person’s du’aa would benefit EVERYONE else. subhanAllaah. inshaAllaah there was at least 1 person whose du’aa was accepted though (if not everyone’s).

Ok sorry, I’m really really tired and I have a test tomorrow so inshaAllaah I’ll post the beneficial bit up later.

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

12.10.07

As we go on…

Posted in Asma at 12:30 am by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

You know how people say that the pain goes away with time? It doesn’t, at least not for me. The only thing that happens is that my mind blocks the memories of Asma, so that I’m not crying all the time. But there are so many times that I can’t block those memories or when I don’t WANT to block those memories. Some of these times are when I watch my brothers interact with one another.

Sometimes I get jealous of my brothers. They have each other. I mean, I have them too, but it’s just different. They grew up together. They were the trio and Asma and I were the pair. They still have each other, but I don’t have Asma. They borrow each other’s clothing, but Asma and I can’t. They borrow each other’s shoes, but Asma and I can’t. I miss the countless hours we’d spend in our room, just playing.

And lately, whenever I buy something to eat at school, I think about how I would ALWAYS make sure Asma ate it as well. She’d do the same for me. And we’d both share with our mom. If either of us got chocolate or lollipops or anything else, we would ask for an extra “for my sister.” If they didn’t give us an extra, then we’d share that one food product. So a couple of days ago, as I was eating the peanut M&Ms I bought, those memories were nagging me. Then I realized I hadn’t shared with my mom for a long time so I went downstairs and gave it to her. I told (reminded) her of how we’d (Asma & my mom & I) always share….it was one of the rare times that I have ever spoken about Asma in front of my family. Then my mom told me to come closer and she hugged and kissed me. Right after that, I left because I knew if I stayed, we would both cry.

I rarely ever speak about Asma in front of them because I know if I do, I might break down. They often speak about her and the atmosphere suddenly gets very depressing, so I usually go do something or go to a different part of the house. I avoid eye contact because I know that every one of those faces talking about Asma will be painful to look at. You know what else? Ever since Asma passed away, neither my mom or dad have laughed the way they used to laugh. Sure, they’ll still laugh out loud, but I can hear that there’s something missing in their laughter. Even during Asma’s illness, their laughter changed. That was mainly due to stress and worry, but now it’s due to emptiness.

=(

10.21.07

Protected: 2

Posted in Asma at 12:10 am by salafiya

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10.19.07

15 10 days ago

Posted in Asma at 10:08 pm by salafiya

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

10.10.07

Love of Allaah

Posted in Islaam at 7:59 pm by salafiya

Love of Allaah 

by Ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah

quoted in al-Walaa’ wal-Baraa’

The love of the Beloved
must be unconditionally returned.

If you claim love
yet oppose the Beloved,
then your love is but a pretence.
You love the enemies of your Beloved
and still seek love in return.

You fight the beloved of your Beloved.

Is this Love or the following of shaytaan?

True devotion is nothing
but total submission
of body and soul
to One Love.

We have seen humans claim to submit,
yet their loyalties are many.

They put their trust here, and their hope there,
and their love is without consequence.

09.20.07

Grandmother and memories

Posted in Asma at 6:22 pm by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

 My grandmother was in the hospital for a biopsy (there’s something wrong with her but we don’t know for certain what it is). Please du’aa for her inshaAllaah.

 Anyways, I went to go visit her at the hospital yesterday. When I entered, I felt a pang in my heart and my eyes stung. Though the hospital was much different than the one my sister was usually at, there were still so many memories.

Watching my grandmother helpless hurt me, of course. She’s my grandmother! She used to help take care of me sometimes and I have this one home video of her feeding me biryaani like there was no tomorrow. So obviously it did hurt to see her like that.

But honestly, I think my heart has numbed/toughened to these things since I saw Asma go through so much worse when she was just a child. I wasn’t even going to go to the hospital yesterday because of my dislike of them, but I still went because my mom reminded me that it’s Ramadhan and we should visit the sick (which reminded me of the hadeeth of Abu Bakr accomplishing all of the things Muhammad sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked for).

As I was sitting on the hard leather sofa in the room, I kept looking at my mom because I knew that if I was feeling these things, so was she. As I looked at her, I thought of the countless nights she slept on the types of sofas that I was sitting on right then. Memories came pouring back. These are the memories that came to me:

1. Hospital ice cream - those little cartons of ice cream which my brothers and I would always eat when we got hungry at the hospital. Asma loved those too.

2. The one day we “ran away” from her room. Asma and I decided that we got tired of being in the same room the whole day (plus my parents were sort of angry with me for a reason I forgot) and went to a lounge that was on the same floor and shut the door. We played video games the whole time (Lion King). Nobody knew where we were, so it was like a hideout from the world. lol, unfortunately they found us (we had everyone worried because no one knew where we were). Now that I think about this day, I wish that I could’ve just stared at Asma’s beautiful face instead of playing the game with her.

3. The constant disturbances throughout the night. The nurses got so annoying and I would be so angry at them for my sister. She could not have a peaceful sleep during the times she was in less pain than before because they had to keep waking her up every few hours. Yeah I know that nurses are only doing their jobs, but tell that to a patient who is in constant pain and just wants to be left alone.

As I thought of these things and I looked at my grandmother, I thought of how different both of their lives were. I could not feel the same sadness that I felt for Asma. Most of the tears I have shed or the sadness I have felt since finding about my grandma is for my sister. Again, it’s natural for me to feel sadness for my grandmother’s helplessness, but I think it pales in comparison to what I feel about Asma. I don’t know if I’m the only one who knows what I’m trying to say lol…..but there you have it. My recent thoughts and contemplation. 

09.19.07

Benefits of Ramadhan

Posted in Islaam at 11:37 pm by salafiya

Reaping the benefits of Ramadan

Dr. Ali Al-Timimi (may Allaah hasten his release)

Adopted from a lecture

In the month of Ramadaan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting.

Unfortunately, many Muslims come in to this month and they are as a companion of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Let it not be that the day that you fast and the day that you break fast be equal.” Meaning, one’s behaviour, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.

LESSON 1: Gaining Taqwaa

Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa, “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa.” (meaning of SoraatulBaqarah (2):183) Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allaah’s anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allaah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?

LESSON 2: Drawing closer to Allaah

This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on Al-Qur’aan during night and day, attending the taraaweeh prayers, remembering Allaah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making `umrah. Also for those who can, making I`tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allaah, so as to bring oneself closer to Allaah (SWT). When one sins, one feels distant from Allaah. That is why one might find it heard to read the Qur’aan and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to Allaah and wants to worship Allaah more, because he is not shy from his sins.

LESSON 3: Acquiring patience and strong will

Allaah has mentioned patience more than seventy times in the Qur’aan and has commanded patience in more than sixteen ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs man and women that are strong willed, who can stand upon the Sunnah and the Book of Allah and not waver in front of the enemies of Allaah. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and shout, but when the time comes to stand upon something firm, they cannot do so, they waver.

LESSON 4: Striving for Ihsaan (righteousness and sincerity) and staying away from riyaa’ (showing off)

Ihsaan means to worship Allaah as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan al-Basree said, “By Allaah, in the last twenty years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, ‘Does Allaah love this action? Is Allaah pleased with this action?’ So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing off). That is why Allah said in a hadeeth qudsee, “Fasting is for Me and I reward it.” (al-Bukhaaree) Allaah singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, “Fasting is for Me”, because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except Allaah. For example, when one is praying or giving charity or making tawaaaf, one can be seen by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people. Sufyaan ath-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him, “Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of Allaah? He said, ‘No.’ They said, “Is it due to the fear of the Hellfire?” He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allaah all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for Allaah.’”

LESSON 5: Refinement of manners, especially those related totruthfulness and discharging trusts.

The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allaah (SWT) has no need that he should heave his food and drink.” (al-Bukhaaree) What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “was sent to perfect good manners.” (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the behaviour of the Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him)? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we do know? Do we follow the manners of Islaam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?

LESSON 6: Recognizing that one can change for the better

The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those whorepent.” (Ibn Maajah) Allaah provides many opportunities to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one was disobedient they can become obedient.

LESSON 7: Being more charitable

Ibn `Abaas said, “The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadaan till the end of the month…” (al-Bukhaaree) The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the fasting person’s reward.” (at-Tirmidhee)

LESSON 8: Sensing the unity of the Muslims

The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “…Those of you who will live after me will see many differences. Then you must cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khaleefahs. Hold fast to it and stick to it.” (Aboo Daawood) In this month we sense that there is a possibility for unity, because we all fast together, we break fast together, we all worship Allah together, and we pray Salaatul-`Eid together. Therefore we sense that the unity of Muslims is possible. It is possible for Muslims to be a single body, but this will only be achieved when obedience is only to Allaah and His Messenger.

LESSON 9: Learning discipline

The Prophet (ma Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) made us adhere to discipline and strictness, strictness that does not lead to fanaticism or going outside the bounds that Allaah has laid down. One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by Allaah. Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.

LESSON 10: Teaching the young to worship Allaah

It was the practice of the people of Madeenah, that during the fast of `Aashooraa (which is now a recommended fast of one day) to get their children to fast with them. When the children would cry of hunger and thirst, their parents would distract their attention by giving them some sort of toy to play with. The children would break their fast with their parents. (as mentioned in al-Bukhaaree).

So the young should be brought to the masjid and they should pray with their parents, so that they are able to get into the habit of becoming worshippers of Allaah. If one does not encourage children to fast when they are young, they will find it very difficult to fast for thirty days at the age of puberty. This is why the Prophet (may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “Command your children to pray at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten (if they do not pray.” (Haakim)

LESSON 11: Caring for one’s health

Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and too build strong bodies. The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone.” (Muslim)

 http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=142

09.14.07

Ramadhan Mubarak!

Posted in Islaam at 1:02 pm by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

RamadhanMubarak.jpg picture by Aysha88

 Just popped in to say Ramadhan Mubarak!

 Lets make the best of this month yall….Iblees is tied up, so we have no excuses (’Oh, Shaytaan made me do this’).

 Anyways, here’s just an email I sent out to some people and I know I’ve missed a lot of my friends so I’m just posting it here for the benefit of you guys:

 Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [al-Bukhaaree, 2014; Muslim, 760] And al-Bukhaaree (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” 
 
For more virtues of Ramadhan, click here: http://islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=13480&ln=eng
 
Fill your days with good deeds and abstain from sin inshaAllaah. Read the Qur’aan often (try to have a goal of at least 5 ayaat before salaah) and memorize Surahs that you were thinking about memorizing but never got around to!
 
Jibreel used to come to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) every night in Ramadaan and reviewed the Qur’aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5) and Muslim (4268). 
 
Take care inshaAllaah & keep your tongues moist with the remembrance of Allaah.
 
And don’t pig out too much on the samosas. Fruit chaat is healthier :)
 
Enjoy your Ramadhan!
 
Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

08.24.07

same old same old

Posted in Random at 11:44 pm by salafiya

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah

Sorry for not updating. Same old excuse….been busy with stuff. Anyways, I would like to say woohooooooo!!!!! to one of my beloved friends if she ever reads this. I love you sooo sooooo much and wish (du’aa) you the best. Again never forget me, k?

K i’m tired. I’ll reply to the comments from other posts that I haven’t responded to later (as well post inshaAllaah)

 Assalam Alaikum

07.19.07

Protected: 1

Posted in Random at 11:47 am by salafiya

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07.11.07

Protected: 101 Contradictions in the Bible password: long!

Posted in Da3wah at 10:53 pm by salafiya

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