| Afflictions are the keys to reward.’ | for everyone |
Imam al-Hasan (AS) said, ‘Afflictions are the keys to reward.’
| Imam Ali (AS) was once asked what the worst affliction was, to which he replied, ‘To be afflicted with a blow to one’s faith.’ |
| Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said to a man who was experiencing intense grief at the loss of his son, ‘You are grieving at the minor affliction and are heedless of the major affliction! If only you prepared yourself for the place that your son has passed away to, your grief would not be so intense, for your affliction at having neglected preparation for it [i.e. the Hereafter] is much greater than the loss of your son.’[`Uyoun Akhbar al-Ridha (AS), v. 2, p. 5, no. 10] |
| The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘Among the hidden treasures of goodness are: concealing one’s afflictions, one’s illnesses and one’s charity [from others].’[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 82, p. 103, no. 50] |
| Imam Ali (AS) narrated on the authority of the Prophet (SAWA), ‘Two voices are cursed and despised by Allah: howling when struck by an affliction, and singing when blessed with a bounty.’[Da`aim al-Islam, v. 1, p. 227] |
| WHEN TO BEGIN HIJAB ..... | for everyone |
Many Muslim sisters who wish to start observing Hijab just need a bit of willpower and self-confidence to give themselves a jumpstart into the Hijabi life. As women, practicing Hijab and maintaining our dignity has such a great magnitude that the effects of practicing Hijab, or the lack thereof, ripple in generations to come, and our efforts alone can make all the difference when it comes to producing pious and God-conscious members of society.
So the big question is: are YOU ready to start wearing the Hijab and demand for the highest status of self-respect a woman could possibly ask for while serving as a role model for future generations to come, irrespective of society's un-Islamic pressures?
Regardless of your age, any and every point in life is the perfect time to start observing Hijab and covering up what's not for the world to see. Some of the easier times to start wearing the Hijab include returning from a Hajj, Umrah, or Ziyarat trip, when going to a new school, university or workplace, or when moving to a new city, suburb, or community. Perhaps the new school year will provide the perfect opportunity for you to kick-start your next year in a more Islamic way. Give yourself the gift of Hijab on your next birthday, and reap the rewards until the Hereafter.
And if all else fails, you could always just start wearing the Hijab today when you walk out your front door, knowing that it may be a struggle during the initial stages, yet nothing more excruciating than the struggle faced by the holy women of the Prophet's Family (peace be upon them) as they were paraded around unveiled from Karbala to the cities of Kufa and Shaam, with the gazes of countless unrelated men falling upon their sacred beauty as they struggled to uphold the message and teachings of Islam
| TIPS FOR A PRACTICING BELIEVER.... | for everyone |
Telling the Truth
Avoiding unwanted telephone calls ("Tell them I'm not home!") and trying to obtain undeserved discounts from inexperienced young staff at the local butcher ("Yeah, yeah, your boss knows me, he always gives me a 25 percent discount!") is, well, dishonest and un-Islamic. Small lies, big lies, and even white lies should be avoided at all times. As good believers, we should always be telling the truth!
Praying on Time
One of the major inconveniences of our favorite TV shows it that they are always broadcast at Maghribtime. Despite having seen every episode half a dozen times over the span of our childhood, we can't help but gamble every time over whom we love more: Allah or Homer Simpson? And for those of us who are smart enough to know that our Creator's importance is greater than Matt Groening's creation, the Morning Prayer is a whole other battle. I'm not too sure why most of us "don't have the energy" forFajr, because even at 4 in the morning, the minute someone plugs in the PS3 or suggests a movie marathon, it's as though we've consumed a dozen energy drinks and three shots of espresso. Narrations reveal that Fajr is the most beneficial of the daily prayers; however, Satan whispers otherwise.
Minding Our Language
I understand that the recommended daily Ziyarat Ashura recitation summons an amazing adrenaline rush upon cursing the tyrants; however, extending this "curse allowance" to regular use of profanities in everyday life is certainly uncalled for! These days most Muhammads and Hussains and Zainabs and Fatimas seem to be partaking in the who-can-swear-the-most competitions with the non-Muslims. If anyone feels as though this statement is grossly unfair, please find proof by visiting the local Islamic school during lunch time.
Refraining from Backbiting
To those individuals who feel compelled to commit Gheebat, justifying it as "a collective attempt to rectify faltering individuals" by informing each and every person of someone else's shortcomings and not-so-ethical behavior, we quote the Holy Qur'an: "And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" (49:12) Either everyone these days is practicing cannibalism on their own free will, or we have run out of new and interesting meats to try. I'm not too sure about your brother's, but mine's flesh certainly does not seem too appetizing.
Paying Religious Dues
The only difference between shortchanging the IRS and shortchanging on Khums is that the former will land you in jail, whereas the latter will put you in hell. Ideally we would like to avoid both, but if we had to choose one, we would definitely take jail time over hell time. And we sincerely hope our fellow brothers and sisters have the same preference. One way to avoid hell time is to pay our religious dues on time and share our wealth with the poor. We assure you the benefits are countless. The most appealing (second only to earning Allah's pleasure, of course) benefit of taking your wealth and giving it to the poor? You get to feel like Robin Hood!
Observing Proper Hijab
Although it's usually the intelligence of beings possessing the Y chromosome which is questioned, sometimes we can't help but think it's the double X which has a few loose screws. Why exactly a Hijabi woman would intentionally falter when it comes to observing proper Hijab is beyond our understanding. If you've got the headscarf and "modest dress" going on, than we're yet to fully comprehend the benefit of exposing those pink toenails and wrists for the sake of showing off our gladiator sandals and fake Gucci watches.For God's sake, sisters, cover up everything that's not for the world to see, and that means not just your hair!
Avoiding Inappropriate Movies and Television Programs
Either I've remained completely oblivious about the MPAA merging with the Islamic seminary in Qom, or Muslims are mistaking the bold large print of "Rated R for coarse language and nudity" with "This movie is suitable for viewing by Muslims." My dear brother, we are aware that the Imam of Our Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is always present among us. Keep that in mind the next time you watch a movie with girls in bikinis in it. And sisters, being a girl doesn't justify your obsession for those romance films which lead to those secret collages and shrines with topless pictures of Edward Cullen making out with Bella. Sorry to break this to you, brothers and sisters, but your husbands and wives will not look like those Photoshopped movie stars, so it's best to stop drooling over them now.
Sporting a Beard
According to several traditions, a shaved face was commonly sported by the munafiqeen of Islam, such as Muawiya and Yazid. Today, however, it is a common sight to see the followers of the bearded nobles, Prophet Muhammad and his Progeny (peace be upon them), resembling the followers of the enemies of Islam. I've never seen South Korean soldiers dress up like the North Korean soldiers, so I'm not too sure what is going on with a growing number of brothers today. Instead of desperately chasing Fiqhi loopholes to justify shaving the beard, just ask yourself one question: WWAD? (What Would [Imam] Ali Do?)
Keeping Proper Friends
We all love to be the best friends possible, but that shouldn't be at the expense of us not being the best Muslim friends possible! Many a times we find it hard to control that energetic spirit within which chants Amr Bil Maroof, and in an attempt to show our friends the Right Path, we decide to do whatever it takes to "fit in" and subsequently let our own faith slip. As a wise person once said, "A man is known by the friends he keeps." Surely hanging with friends who have a tendency to engage in haram activities cannot help us do more halal and less haram. If anyone thinks otherwise, the Prophet of Allah responded to your objection already: "A good friend is one whose presence should always remind you of your Lord."
Making Up Missed Prayers and Fasts
It's great fun to fall sick in Ramadan, because while everyone else is fasting, you're one of the lucky few who can eat! Victory! But for those of us who don't like being in debt to our bank or credit cards, maybe it's a wise idea to be debt-free in the eyes of Allah as well. Fasting on days other than in Ramadan does seem excruciating, but perhaps some of us should have thought about this before we decided to forego our Islamic duties for minor excuses. And if you're among the lucky few who do not have any missed fasts, take account and find out if you have any prayers from the past (that were missed or performed incorrectly) that must be made up.
| SINS AND INTERCESSION.... | for everyone |
Imam Kazim (a.s) said: “O' Abu Ahmad! Any believer who commits a sin will become sorry, and God's Prophet (a.s) said being sorry itself is a form of repentance. He also said: “Whoever is pleased with his good deeds and is unhappy with his bad deeds is a believer. Whoever is not sorry about his sins is not a believer. There will be no intercession for him since he is an oppressor. God the Almighty said: “No intimate friend nor intercessor will the wrong-doers have, who could be listened to.”[The Holy Quran: Mu-min 40:18]
Then he asked: “O' grandson of the Prophet! How can someone who does not repent for committing a sin be not considered a believer?” Imam Kazim (a.s) said: “O' Abu Ahmad! There is no one that knows if he commits a major crime he will be punished, and does not feel sorry when he commits it. Once he feels sorry, this is considered to be repentance, and thus he deserves intercession. But if he does not become sorry, he is considered to be one who insists on committing sins. Such a person will never be forgiven since as a result of the sins that he has committed, he is no longer a believer. If he believed in the punishment he would have repented.
God's Prophet (a.s) said: "Major sins are eliminated by repentance, and minor sins turn into major sins by insisting on committing sins." God the Almighty said: "And they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable."[The Holy Quran: Anbyaa 21:28]
They will not intercede on behalf of those whose religion is not accepted by God. Religion consists of confessing to recompense for good and bad deeds. Whoever has a religion that is accepted by God will be sorry for committing sins since he is aware of the punishment in the Hereafter."
God's Prophet (a.s) said: "Major sins are eliminated by repentance, and minor sins turn into major sins by insisting on committing sins." God the Almighty said: "And they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable."[The Holy Quran: Anbyaa 21:28]
They will not intercede on behalf of those whose religion is not accepted by God. Religion consists of confessing to recompense for good and bad deeds. Whoever has a religion that is accepted by God will be sorry for committing sins since he is aware of the punishment in the Hereafter."
| Clemency and suppression of anger | for everyone |
Clemency and suppression of anger stand for self-possession in situations that arouse anger. They are noble traits—they indicate self-excellence and result in affection and amicability:
“(Among) the servants of the Beneficent Allah are those who walk gently on the earth and when addressed by the ignorant ones, their only response is, “Peace be with you." (25:63)"
“Virtue and evil are not equal. If you replace evil habits by virtuous ones, you will certainly find that your enemies will become your intimate friends. Only those who exercise patience and who have been granted a great share of Allah's favor can find s uch an opportunity (41:34-5)."
“…And who also harness their anger and forgive the people. Allah loves the righteous ones. (3:134)"
Pursing this, The Ahl ul-Bayt (a) advanced their instructions:
As he noticed that Qanbar was about to answer with revilement the man who had reviled at him, Amir ul-Mu'minin (a) said: “Slow down, Qanbar! Leave him who reviled at you plunging in humility so that you will please the Beneficent Allah, annoy the Shaitan , and punish your enemy. I swear by Him Who split the seed and made the soul, nothing like clemency for the believers to achieve the satisfaction of the Lord, nothing like silence for them to annoy the Shaitan, and nothing more punishable than leaving th e foolish alone." [1]
“The first remuneration that one can gain for showing clemency is people’s being his supporters against the ignorant." [2] Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “Allah does like the modest and the clement." [3]
Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: When a quarrel takes place, two angels attend there. They say to the foolish party, “You have said such and such. You are worthier of that which you have said. You will be punished for it." For the clement party, the angels say, “ You have stood and showed clemency. Allah will forgive you if you accomplish it." If the clement party answers the other, the angels leave the place. [4]
“Allah will certainly increase (His bestowals to) the servant who suppresses his anger, and will reward him. Allah says: …And who also harness their anger and forgive the people. Allah loves the righteous ones. (3:134)" [5]
Imam al-Kadhim (a) said: “Be steadfast against the enemies of the graces, for your best retaliation for those who acted disobediently to Allah against you is to act obediently to Allah with them." [6]
Once, he (a) gathered his sons and said: “Sons, I will lead you to an instruction that saves you from deviation if you adhere to it. Accept the apology of him who reviled at you in your right ear, and then turned to your left to make an apology and claim that he had not said anything bad." [7]
The foolish may regard clemency as signs of weakness, while the intelligent regard it as signs of nobility, high standards, and honor.
When man’s prestige mounts, his traits become nobler he holds fast on clemency and pardon. Hence, he becomes the matter of admiration and praise.
It is related that a wise man answered those who asked him why he had not replied the one who had reviled at him: “I will not engage myself in a war the triumphant of which is eviler than the loser."
When al-Ma’mun, the Abbasid caliph, asked Imam ar-Rida (a) to recite some poetic verses, the Imam composed:
If he whose ignorance befell me is lower than I am in position, I will reject for myself to answer him by means of ignorance.
If he enjoys the same position of intelligence that I have, I will adopt for clemency so that I will not be likened to him.
If he is higher in position than I am, I will respect him from his preference.
As he heard these verses, al-Ma’mun showed his admiration and asked about the one who composed them. The Imam (a) answered: “He is one of our men." [8]
The Prophet and the immaculate Imams (a) were the ideal examples of clemency:
Imam al-Baqir (a) narrated: When the Jewess who served the Prophet (s) a poisonous meal was brought before him, he asked her a reason for her deed. “Well," she replied, “I said that the poisoned meal would not affect him if he was real prophet. But if he was only an ordinary king, the meal would save people from him." The Prophet pardoned her.
The Prophet (s) also forgave many individuals after he had outlawed and ordered to be killed.
Habbar ibn al-Aswad ibn al-Muttalib was one of those individuals. The Prophet (s) outlawed him after he had frightened Zainab –the Prophet’s daughter- and caused her to terminate her pregnancy.
It was related that this man came to the Prophet and said: “We, God’s Prophet, were polytheists, and God guided us to the right by you and saved us from perdition. I beseech to you to overlook my ignorance and that which I had committed, for I confess of my ill deeds and sins." The Prophet (s) answered him:
“I will forgive you. Allah has done you a great favor when He guided you to Islam. Islam cancels that which was done before the embracement of it."
Abdullah ibn Az-Zubaari is another one. He used to satirize the Prophet (s) in Mecca so extremely. When the Prophet (s) conquered Mecca, Az-Zubaari fled it. After a period, he came back and apologized for the Prophet who accepted his apology.
Wahshi, the killer of Hamza (a) is a third one. When he declared being Muslim, the Prophet asked him to narrate how he had killed Hamza; his uncle. The man did and caused the Prophet to weep. He (s) then asked Wahshi not to appear before him any longer. [9]
Amir ul-Mu'minin (a) was another ideal example of clemency and pardon.
When he captured Abdullah ibn az-Zubair, Marwan ibn al-Hakam, and Saeed ibn al-Aas who were the most mortal enemies that rallied people against him, he pardoned them and did not retaliate.
He (a) also could kill Amr ibn al-Aas who was more dangerous than an equipped army, but he left him because Amr unveiled his anus in order to save himself from the Imam’s strike!
During the battle of Siffeen, the troops of Muawiya prevented Amir ul-Mu'minin (a) to reach the springs of water there and told that they would not give him a single drop of water. When he (a) raided on them, he dropped them away from these springs. But he allowed them to drink from them, just like his troops.
After the Battle of the Camel, Amir ul-Mu'minin(a)
visited Mistress Aisha [10] and saw her off so honorably and
sent with her caravan a number of individuals whose mission was to serve and protect her. [11]
Like his father and grandfather, Imam al-Hasan (a) was another ideal example of clemency.
Al-Mubarrad and Ibn Aisha narrated the following:
A Syrian man went on reviling at Imam al-Hasan (a) who was riding an animal. The Imam kept silent until the Syrian man finished. He then approached him and answered with handsome smiling: “Old man! I think you are foreigner. You might have been wrong. If you had admonished us, we would have satisfied you. If you had asked us, we would have given you. If you had sought our guidance, we would have led you. If you had asked us to load something on your riding animal, we would have done. If you had been hun gry, we would have supplied you. If you had been naked, we would have dressed you. If you had been needy, we would have given you. If you had been fugitive, we would have succored you. If you had needed something, we would have settled your needs. I now hope you would drive your riding animal towards our residence so that you will be our guest until you determine to leave. This will be better for you. We have a large residence, a remarkable position, and an abundant fortune."
As he heard the words of the Imam, the Syrian man wept and said: “It is surely that God is the most knowledgeable of the worthiest of conveying His message. Previously, your father and you were the most hateful creatures of God to me. But now, you are th e dearest creature to me." He then turned towards the residence of the Imam and was his guest until he left. He embraced the affection for The Ahl ul-Bayt (a( .
Thus was al-Hussein ibn Ali (a) :
A servant of Imam al-Hussein committed a mistake that caused him to be punished. The Imam therefore gave the orders of beating him.
“Master," said the servant, “(Remember God’s saying) those who refrain the anger."
The Imam ordered to release him.
“Master," said the servant, “(Remember God’s saying) and those who forgive people."
The Imam forgave him.
“Master," said the servant, “(Remember God’s saying) and Allah loves those who do good."
The Imam said, “Go, you are free for the sake of Allah. I will also double your payment" [12]
As I have read the life accounts of The Ahl ul-Bayt (a), I found them unique modes and ideal examples in the field of morality.
Narrators reported the following story about the unparalleled scope of Imam as-Sejjad's clemency:
One of the servants of Imam as-Sejjad tried to serve the guests of his master with the grill. He was so hurried that one of the skewers fell down from his hand to kill one of the Imam’s sons. The servant was so confused, but the Imam (a) said to him: “No w, I set you free, because you did not intend to kill the boy." Then, the Imam held the funeral ceremonies of the boy . [13]
Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (a) was called Al-Kadhim –the one who suppresses his anger--, because of his great clemency for the sake of God.
A narrator reported the following story in this regard:
In Medina, a descendant of one of the caliphs used to hurt Abu al-Hasan Musa (a) whenever he would meet him. Moreover, he used to revile at Ali and the Imam. The Imam’s retinue asked him to allow them to kill that man. The Imam ordered them not to do so. As he asked about that man, the Imam was told that he had a ranch in Medina. The Imam rode on a donkey, went to the ranch, saw the man, and entered that ranch with his donkey. “Do not tread on our yields," shouted the man. But the Imam did not pay attention to his warning, and drove his riding animal to tread on the yields until he approached the man. He, then, rode off, sat with the man, spoke with him kindly, smiled in his face, and asked: “How much did I cause you to lose as a result of treading on your yields?"
“About one hundred dinars," said the man.
“How much do you expect to gain from it?" asked the Imam.
“I cannot tell of the unseen," answered the man.
“I only asked how much do you expect," said the Imam.
“I expect two hundred dinars," answered the man.
The Imam (a) took out a bag of three hundred dinars and said to the man “This is for the yields, and Allah may give you that which you expect."
The man stood up, kissed the Imam on the head, and asked him to forgive his past wrongdoings. The Imam smiled and went away.
When the Imam entered the mosque, that man was sitting there. As soon as he saw him, he shouted: “It is surely that God is the most knowledgeable of the worthiest of conveying His message."
The man’s associates jumped to him with astonishment and asked, “What is the matter with you? We used to see the opposite of this."
“Well," said the man, “you have heard my new situation," and went on praising and praying to God for the Imam (a). That situation made him lose those associates.
When the Imam went back home, he said to the company who had asked him to kill that man: “Which one is the best—your intention or my deed? I could guide that man to the right as much as you saw, and I could save myself from his evils." [14]
| Amusement......... "Corrupts the wills of determination" | for everyone |
Amusement
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1ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): أيُّها النّاسُ، اتَّقوا اللّهَ ؛ فما خُلِقَ امرؤٌ عَبَثاً فيَلهوَ، ولا تُرِكَ سُدىً فيَلغوَ!
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| 1– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘O people, revere Allah, for man was not created in vain that he may amuse himself, nor has he been abandoned to futility that he may be vain!’[Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 370] |
2ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): اللّهوُ قُوتُ الحَماقَةِ.
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| 2– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Amusement is the provision of stupidity.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 937] |
3ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): شَرُّ ما ضُيِّعَ فيهِ العُمرُ اللَّعِبُ .
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| 3– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The worst thing that life is wasted on is play.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 5729] |
ثَمَراتُ اللَّهوِ
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The Effects of Amusement
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4ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): اللّهوُ يُسخِطُ الرَّحمنَ، ويُرضي الشَّيطانَ، ويُنسي القُرآنَ.
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| 4– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Amusement brings discontent to the Merciful, pleases Satan, and it makes one forget the Qur’an.’[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 9, no. 66] |
5ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): اللّهوُ يُفسِدُ عَزائمَ الجِدِّ.
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| 5– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Amusement corrupts the wills of determination.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 2165] |
6ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): مَجالِسُ اللّهوِ تُفسِدُ الإيمانَ.
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| 6– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Gatherings of amusement corrupt the faith.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 9185] |
7ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): أبعَدُ النّاسِ مِن النّجاحِ المُستَهتَرُ باللَّهوِ والمِزاحِ.
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| 7– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The farthest of people from success is the one infatuated with amusement and jokes.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3333] |
8ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): مَن كَثُرَ لَهوُهُ قَلَّ عَقلُهُ.
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| 8– Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He whose amusement increases his intellect decreases.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 8426] |
الإيمانُ وَاللَّهوُ
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Faith and Amusement
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9ـ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) ـ في صفةِ المؤمنِ ـ: مَشغولٌ وَقتُهُ.
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| 9– Imam Ali (AS), describing a believer, said, ‘His time is always occupied.’[Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 333] |
10ـ الإمامُ الحسنُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): المؤمنُ لا يَلهو حتّى يَغفُلَ، فإذا تَفَكّرَ حَزِنَ.
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| 10– Imam Hasan (AS) said, ‘A believer does not occupy himself with amusement lest he becomes negligent, and when he thinks he becomes sad.’[Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 1, p. 52] |
11ـ الإمامُ الصّادقُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) ـ فيمَن طَلبَ الصَّيدَ لاهِيا ـ: وإنّ المؤمنَ لَفي شُغُلٍ عن ذلكَ، شَغَلَهُ طَلَبُ الآخِرَةِ عَنِ المَلاهي ... وإنَّ المؤمنَ عَن جَميعِ ذلكَ لَفي شُغُلٍ، ما لَهُ وللمَلاهي؟! فإنَّ المَلاهيَ تُورِثُ قَساوَةَ القَلبِ وتُورِثُ النِّفاقَ .
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| 11– Imam al-Sadiq (AS), regarding someone who wanted to go hunting for amusement, said, ‘A believer is too busy for that; acquiring the Hereafter preoccupies him away from amusements…’ until he said, ‘A believer is too busy for all this, and what does he have to do with amusement, for amusement enegenders hard-heartedness and hypocrisy.’[Mustadrak al-Wasa`il, v. 13, p. 216, no. 15163] |
لَهوُ المُؤمِنِ
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Amusement of Believers
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12ـ رسولُ اللهِِ (صَلَّيَ اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ آلِهِ): كُلُّ لَهوِ المؤمنِ باطِلٌ إلّا في ثلاثٍ: في تأديبِهِ الفَرَسَ، ورَميِهِ عَن قَوسِهِ، ومُلاعَبَتِهِ امرأتَهُ، فإنّهُنَّ حَقٌّ.
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| 12– The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘Every kind of amusement is wrong for a believer except for three: his taming of a horse, his casting from a bow, and his foreplay with his wife, for they are [with] the truth.’[al-Kafi, v. 5, p. 50, no. 13] |
13ـ رسولُ اللهِ (صَلَّيَ اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ آلِهِ): خَيرُ لَهوِ المؤمنِ السِّباحَةُ، وخَيرُ لَهوِ المَرأةِ المِغزَلُ .
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| 13– The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘The best amusement for a believer is swimming, and the best amusement for women is the spinning wheel.’[Kanz al-`Ummal, no. 40611] |
| I'm Malkul Maut................ | for everyone |
Who is there? The sleeping one cried.
I'm Malkul Maut, let me inside.
At once, the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,
He shouted to his sleeping wife,
Don't let him take away my life.
Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone; I'm not ready yet.
My parents and family on me depends,
Give me a chance, O please prepense!
The angel knocked again and again,
Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,
Tis your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desires..
Bewildered, the man began to cry,
O Angel I'm afraid to die,
I'll give you gold and be your slave,
Don't send me to the unlit grave.
Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,
Open the door; get up from your bed,
If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a Jinn.
The man held a gun in his hand,
Ready to defy the Angel's stand..
I'll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in; I'll shoot you dead.
By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, O Friend! Prepare for you doom.
Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh.
Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah's plan?
Come smile at me, do not be grim,
Be Happy, to return to Him.
O Angel! I bow my head in shame;
I had no time to take Allah's Name.
From morning till dusk, I made my wealth,
Not even caring for my own health.
Allah's command I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day I ever prayed.
Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But I had no time to repent.
The Hajj was already FARD on me,
But I would not part with my money.
All charities I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more.
Sometimes I sipped my favorite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine...
O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two.
The Laws of Quran I will obey,
I'll begin my SALAT this very day.
My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self-conceit.
I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,
Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah's oneness I will attest.
We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands..
Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son.
I‚m afraid this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, of your past,
do understand your dreadful fears,
But it is now too late for your tears.
You lived in this world, two score and more,
Never did to you, your people adore.
Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away.
Your two ill-gotten, female offspring,
In nightclubs, for livelihood they sing.
Instead of making many more Muslims,
You made your children more non-Muslims?
You did ignore the Mua'dhin Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Qur'an.
Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife !
From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And for your poor workers, you always underpaid.
Horses and fancy cars were your leisure,
Moneymaking was only your pleasure.
You ate vitamins and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat.
A pint of blood you never gave,
Which could a little baby save?
O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song.
When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, tis true.
Paradise for you? I cannot tell,
Undoubtedly you will dwell in a hell.
There is no time for you to repent,
I'll take your soul for which I am sent.
The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man became mad
With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.
O my Brother! Take moral from here,
You never know, your end may be near
Change your living and make amends
For heaven, on your deeds depends.
if this poem inspires you,
It can help someone too.
At least take some time, and do not ban
And send it to as many people as you can.This poem may change many lives,
And Allah may have for you a great surprise.
| Scheme of Allāh | for everyone |
Bismilla-heer-Rahmaneer-Raheem
As-salamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatoh,
Allāh (s.w.t.) says in Holy Qur’ān :
“Surely they will make a scheme, and I (too) will make a scheme.So grant the unbelievers a respite: let them alone for a while.”
[Surah Tariq 15 to 17]
That is, O, Muhammad, respite them. Let them alone for a while until the Qaim (a.s.) rises and avenges for Me from the despots and the tyrants of Quraish and Umayyads and the rest of the people
[Reference: The Promised Mahdi, Vol 1 page 80]
| JIS NE TUJHAY PAA LIYA...... | for everyone |
Ya Allah ! jis ne Tujhay paa liya us nay kiya khoya aur jis nay Tujhay kho diya us nay kia paya .
-- Hazrat Imam ALi a.s
-- Hazrat Imam ALi a.s
| Remember, there is always someone else who is in more problem than you. | for everyone |
When passing through a mountain pass, a bedouin (villager) once came across an old man who was blind and who seemed to be afflicted with various ailments all over his body. It was clear that he was wasting away. He was even paralyzed and was constantly forced to remain in a seated position. The Bedouin could clearly hear him say, "All praise is for Allah, Who has kept me safe from ailments with which He has tested many among His creation; and He has indeed preferred me over many among those that He created."
"My brother!" exclaimed the bedouin. "What have you been saved from? By Allah, I think that you have been afflicted with every single kind of ailment!"
"Go away from me," said the old man, as he raised his head. "Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?"
These words of the old man were enough for the bedouin to repent to Allah for his sins and ask Him for forgiveness.
Remember, there is always someone else who is in more problem than you.
"My brother!" exclaimed the bedouin. "What have you been saved from? By Allah, I think that you have been afflicted with every single kind of ailment!"
"Go away from me," said the old man, as he raised his head. "Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?"
These words of the old man were enough for the bedouin to repent to Allah for his sins and ask Him for forgiveness.
Remember, there is always someone else who is in more problem than you.
| Dukhe huwee diloo ki faryaad, yeh sada hai | for everyone |
| INVESTING FOR THE HEREAFTER............ARE YOU READY FOR IT? | for everyone |
Zubaydah was the wife of Haroon al-Rasheed, the Abbasid Caliph and also a secret follower of Imam Musa ibn Ja’ffar al-Kadhim (a.s.). Being the wife of the caliph and by virtue of being a queen, she was the most important woman of her time.
It is related that:
One day Zubaydah was reciting the Holy Quran when she came across the verse which reads: “You shall never attain righteousness until you spend (in the cause of Allah) of what you love (most)…” (3:92)
As soon as she read this verse, Zubaydah got up from her place and opened up her treasury (safe) to see what was the thing she loved most from her possessions and she discovered that it was the Holy Quran, the writings of which was gilt-covered (coated with gold). The gold was not an ordinary gold. It was the most expensive type of those days.
Immediately, Zubaydah called for a Jeweller, had the gold removed from the Holy Quran, and gave it away in the cause of Allah (SWT). She sold off the gold and whatever value she got for it, she spent the money to build a fountain of water in Taif, from the source of which, even today water flows in to Makkah and benefits the pilgrims. (Tafseer of Suratul-Hadeed: Ayatollah Dasti Ghayb)
“O you who believe! Spend out of what We have given you before the day comes when there shall be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession and the disbelievers – they are unjust”. (2:254)
“And whatever good thing you spend, is to your own good; and do not spend except to seek the pleasure of Allah”. (2:272)
Imam ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.) has said, “No one shall benefit anything from this world (after he dies) except what he had spent (from it) for his Hereafter”. (Meezan al-Hikmah)
| MERITS OF TASBIH OF HAZRAT FATIMAH ZEHRA (S.A.) | for everyone |
Allahu Akbar - 34 times, Alhamdulillah - 33 times and Subhanallah - 33 times.
This is what we call the Tasbih of Hazrat Fatimah (s.a).
The Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima Zehra (s.a.) is from the emphatically recommended acts of worship in the Islamic Shariat. It has immense significance in the eyes of the infallible Imams (a.s) and the Shiite jurists. It is a simple act of worship from the aspect of performance; however, its effect, reward and merit are abundant. This can be gauged from the fact that when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) wished to impart this act of worship to his daughter Hazrat Zahra (s.a), he declared,
‘O Fatimah! I have granted you something that is superior to a maidservant and to the world and everything in it.’ (Aasaar o Asraare Tasbih Zahra (s.a), Pg. 7)
In this context Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) informs, ‘Allah is not worshipped by anything more meritorious than the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra (s.a). Had there been any worship superior to it, most surely the Holy Prophet (PBUH) would have granted it to Hazrat Fatimah (s.a).’ (Wasaaelush Shea, Vol 4 Pg. 1024)
Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.) says about the dearness of this Tasbih in the eyes of the Imams of the Ahl-ul-bayt (a.s):
“Reciting Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a) everyday after every Namaz is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakats of (mustahab) namaz”. (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat)
Reciting this Tasbih results in forgiveness of sins. In a tradition, Imam Mohamed Baqir (a.s.) says:
“One, who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a) and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven”. (Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)
It also results in driving Satan away and in the satisfaction of Allah as tradition from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s) says:“(Reciting Tasbih) drives away Satan and makes results in the satisfaction of Allah”. (Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)
Reciting Tasbih regularly delivers the reciter from adversities in this world as well as the hereafter. One of the graceful effects of the regular recitation of the Tasbih of Hazrat Zehra (s.a.) is that it delivers the reciter from adversities and hardships in this world as well as the hereafter. Thus one should not ignore its benefits and effects and should not be careless and lazy in its recitation.
In this connection, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says to one of his companions:
“You do adhere to it and be regular about its recitation, for surely one who is steadfast upon its recitation will not encounter adversity.” (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 343)
How to recite Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a):
According to a tradition from Imam Jafar Sadiq, one should recite Allaho Akbar 34 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Subhaanallah 33 times. (Behaarul Anwaar Vol 85, Pg. 334)
Reciting Tasbih immediately after Namaz
Tasbih of Hazrat Zehra (s.a.) should be recited immediately on completion of Namaz. This entails that as soon as the reciter has finished the Namaz, he should remain seated in the same position of Tashahud without moving his feet and doing any other thing, immediately he should commence the recitation of the Tasbih. The reciting of Tasbih immediately on completion of Namaz has a special excellence, which is not there otherwise.
The above statement can be evidenced by the following tradition of Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.) wherein he states:
“One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a) before even moving his feet, Allah will forgive him.” (At-Tahzeeb of Shaikh Toosi (r.a), Vol 2, Pg. 105)
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) has said: “One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a) after a wajib namaz before he stretches out his legs (i.e. he recites the Tasbih while he is in the posture of Tashahud) , then Jannat (Paradise) becomes wajib upon him” (Falaahus Saael by Ibne Taaoos (r.a.), Pg. 165)
Another tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s) says: “One who glorifies Allah after the obligatory prayer through the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.), and then follows it up by saying ‘Laa elaaha illallaho’, Allah will forgive his sins.” (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 342)
| THE SECRET OF NUMBER 40................ | for everyone |
“Whoever dedicates himself to Allah for forty days, will find springs of wisdom sprout out of his heart and flow on his tongue.”
The fashioning of the clay of Prophet Adam (A.S.) was completed in forty mornings: And “I fashioned Adam’s clay with My Hands in forty days.” In this number [of days] he crossed a world from among the worlds of potentiality, and, according to a tradition, his body lay for forty years between Mecca and Madinah and the rains of divine mercy poured upon him so that in this number [of days] he became capable of receiving the Holy Spirit.
So for forty days Adam remained in prostration, weeping for the loss of paradise. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 5, p. 43
Adam wept for Habil for forty nights. Ikmal al-Din, p. 13.
Regarding the flood of Nuh (A.S.) it is said: So for forty days water continued to pour from the heaven and to stream out from the earth.
The duration of the promised meeting of Prophet Musa (A.S.) was completed in forty nights, and his people were delivered from their wanderings after forty years.
Rasulullah (pbuh) rose for service after forty years.
The period of the journey through the realm of this world, from the first manifestation of potentiality to the end of its completion in this world is forty years, as it has been narrated that the human being’s intellect attains maturity in forty years, everyone according to his capacity. He grows from the outset of his entry into this world until the age of thirty years, and thereafter for ten years his body is remains in a halted condition. And at forty years he completes his journey through the world of nature and commences the journey towards the world of the Hereafter. And it is for this reason that it has been said: One who reaches forty years and does not take up a staff has surely disobeyed. That is because the staff is a sign of a traveller and it is desirable for the traveller to carry a staff. And when forty years are over, it is the time for journey, and the taking up of the staff signifies preparation for the journey of the Hereafter and collecting oneself for departure (and whoever does not carry a staff is neglectful of the impending journey). Similarly, the body attains maturity at this age and so also does the status of goodness or wretchedness. When a man reaches forty years without ever repenting, Satan strokes his face with his hand and says, "May my father be your ransom, it is the face of one who will not prosper!" Safinat al-Bihar, vol. 1, p. 504; in Ihya’al -Ulum, vol. 3, p. 25
“One who assists a blind man for forty steps becomes worthy of entering Janna,” Literally means someone who lacks eyesight, and its interpretation is someone who is blind due to the lack of inner sight, because the blind man lacking eyesight does not reach actuality from potentiality after completing forty steps, though he may come near it, and if left to himself he would return to his earlier state And the completion of spiritual excellence and the attainment of guidance is realized on completion of forty [steps] and in this respect results in worthiness for Janna.
When a man enters his fortieth year, it is said to him, "Now be careful, because (henceforth) you will not have any excuse.”. Saduq’s al-Khisal, p. 545
From Imam Sadiq (A.S.): When a human being reaches 40 Allah reveals to his angels: "Indeed, I have made My abd come of age, so now be strict and severe with him and record and write down his every action, whether it is a minor one or a major one, and whether his works are abundant or sparse."
When an abd reaches thirty? Three he comes of age, and when he reaches forty years, he attains to his ultimate maturity. Hence as he enters forty, one his powers are on decline, and it is befitting for one at fifty to consider himself like someone nearing his death.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) has said: Persons of forty years are like a field ready for harvest. Jami al-akhbar, 76, p. 140
Indeed, if one recites the Suratul Hamd forty times on water and pours it on someone suffering from fever, God shall cure him.
Imam Baqir (A.S.) has said: “The Duas of someone who drinks wine are not accepted for forty days” al-Kafi, vol. 6, p. 401
Rasulullah (pbuh) has said: “For forty days and nights, Allah does not accept the prayers and fasts of someone who backbites a Muslim man or woman unless that person pardons him.”
“When a believer dies and forty men from among the believers attend his funeral and say, "O God, we know nothing about him except goodness, and You know him better than we do." Allah says, "Your testimony suffices Me, and I forgive him what I know of things that you do not know. Al-Khisal, p. 538, al-Saduq
“If someone brings forward forty believers and does Dua, his Dua is answered.” ‘Uddat al-Dua, p. 128
Imam Ali (A.S.) has narrated from Rasulullah (pbuh): "One who preserves for the sake of my ummah forty ahadith relating to their religious needs shall be raised by Allah as a learned scholar on the Day of Resurrection.
| The CREATION OF SATAN AND THE FELICITY OF MAN | for everyone |
As far as the purpose for Satan's creation, the Omnipotent Allah creates whatever He desires to. The raison d'être (hikmat) for creation of Satan requires a detailed discussion which will be out of place here. But, in a nutshell, the creation of Satan (and his ilk) is to test the felicity of the human beings. When men ward away the subterfuges of Satan, they heir a place in the Heaven and those who are misled by him, will be Hell bound!
Allah has ordered men to do charity. Satan asked people not to do charity lest their horde of wealth diminishes! Those who have wisdom and strong faith snub Satan and tell him,' Allah says:
Wa ma anfaqtum min shai in fahua yaqlaqhu wa huwa khairur
Whatever you spend, We shall replenish. We are the Best of Providers.
If you are steadfast in determination and patience like a mountain, then wisdom and knowledge will take you to such a place that it becomes evident if you were irresolute, the Satanic fears would sway your feet!
Allah has ordered men to do charity. Satan asked people not to do charity lest their horde of wealth diminishes! Those who have wisdom and strong faith snub Satan and tell him,' Allah says:
Wa ma anfaqtum min shai in fahua yaqlaqhu wa huwa khair
Whatever you spend, We shall replenish. We are the Best of Providers.
If you are steadfast in determination and patience like a mountain, then wisdom and knowledge will take you to such a place that it becomes evident if you were irresolute, the Satanic fears would sway your feet!
It is the existence of Satan that proves the felicity of men of piety and wisdom who are steadfast despite all the stratagems of the accursed one
| Absolute necessity of Ista-aaza in permissible affairs | for everyone |
In permissible (mustaheb), or day-to-day, affairs like eating food, drinking water or wearing the clothes, Ista-aaza is mandated. For example, at the time of wearing the clothes one should say Allahumma astarurati wa la tajal alshaitan lahu naseeba ( O Allah keep my private parts hidden and save them from the interference of Shaitan) In every situation, however lowly and futile, or elevated and likeable, one should seek protection from the Satan. While entering into the mosque, one should do the Ista-aaza lest the persistent Satan chases you even at that threshold! Even while going to a washroom it is required to do the Ista-aaza as follows: Allahumma inni a-oozu beka min al khabeesil khabs ar rijs al khabs ash sahaitan ir rajeem ( O Allah I seek Your Protection from the accursed Satan and the defiled impurities) |
| Bas Allah (Wrath of Allah) | for everyone |
Rasool Allah (saw) said,
“O’Ali (asws)! You are the tongue of Allah through whom He speaks and You are the wrath of Allah through whom He takes revenge.”
| A shop without goods on Allah's support | for everyone |
A shop without goods on Allah's support
|
 |
This is the reason that when the toilers stir out of their homes in search of work, they say, " O Sustainer! We strive for earning the day's square meals. You must give abundance!" These words reflect the spirit ofTauheed. It is said that in Medina a person came to Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) and complained of penury. The Imam said that when he reached home in Koofa, he should take a shop on rent and sit there. The man said, " I have no money to invest on goods!" The Imam replied, " Do whatever you are asked to do!" The man complied, rented a shop and started sitting there every day. After a few days a person came to him with some goods and asked him to sell them on the basis of a pre determined commission. The owner of the goods said that he was leaving the goods in the shop on consignment basis of sell-and-pay! Another person came with some more goods and there was a flow of suppliers of goods to the shop. Buyers too started flocking the shop. The affairs of the person took a turn towards prosperity. |
| Hadrat Ali Murtada (as) and Sustenance (Rizq)....... | for everyone |
| BECOMING A BETTER MUSLIM........ | for everyone |
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 04:02
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