| Dua While leaving house for special work/object/purposes | for everyone |
A reliable tradition from Hazrat Ali (a.s) states that when a person enters his house he should offer salutation and if his house is not present he should say:
Transliteration: ASSALAMO ' ALAINA MINA RABBENAMay there be peace on us from our God.
""When he is inside the house he should recite sure Qul Huvallaho Ahad as it keeps away poverty and anxiety"".
When one has to go out for some special work then one should go on Thursday morning and recite those verses from Aale Imran which are given below, also recite Ayatal Kursi, Inna Anzalna and surae Alhmad. Those verses are:
Transliteration: INNA FEE KALQIS-SAMAVATE VAL-ARZE VAKH-TELAFIL-LAILE VANNAHARE LA-AYATIL-LE-OOLIL - ALABABA
AL - LAZINA YAZKOROONAL-LAHA QEYAMAVN WA QO'OODAVAN WA'ALA JONOOBEHIM WA YATAFAKKA-RONA FEE KHALQIS-SAMAVATE VAL-ARZE RABBANA - MA KHAALAQTA-HAZA BETALA SOBHANAKA FEQENA AZABAN-NAR
RABBANNA INNAKA MAN TODKHELIN-NARA FAQAD AKHZAITHAHOO WA MA LIZ-ZALEMEENA MIN ANSAR
RABBANA IN-NANA SAME'ANA MONADIYAN YONADI LIL-IMANE AN AMENOO BE-RABBEKOOM FA-AMANNA RABBANA FAGHFIR LANA ZONOOBANA WA KAFFIR ANNA SAYYEATENA WA TAVAF-FANA MA'AL ABRAR RABBANA ATENA MA VA'ADTNA ALA ROSOLEKA VALA TOKHZENA YAVMAL-QEYAMAH INNAKA LA TOKHLEFOOL-MIYAD
Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alteration of the night and the day, there are signs for men who possess wisdom.
Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and reclining on their sides and think (Seriously) in the creation of the heaven and the earth saying ‘O’ Our Lord! Thou hast not created (all) this in vain! Glory be to Thee! Save us then from the torment of the (Hell) fire’.
O’ our lord! whomsoever Thou causeth to enter the (hell) fire, surely Thou hast put him to disgrace; there is not, for the unjust, any of the helpers.
O’ Our Lord! We have indeed heard the voice of a Crier (Messenger), calling (us) unto faith, saying, “Believe ye in your Lord!” therefore “Forgive us then our sins and remove away from us our evil deeds and cause us to die with the virtuous ones”.
O’ Our Lord! and give us what Thou didst promise us through Thy Prophets, and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection; Verily, Thou breakest not Thy Promise”. (Quran 3: 190-194).
Source: www.Duas.org
| IN MY RETURN IS YOUR RETURN - IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.S) | for everyone |
‘If our Shi’a (followers), may Allah help and succeed them to His obedience, were united in wholeheartedly honouring the promise and obligation that is upon them, there would have been no delay in meeting us (i.e. in our reappearance), and bliss and felicity for them would have hastened by seeing us with full knowledge and certainty of testifying to our (leadership)’ - [Bihar Al-Anwaar, Ch. 53, Pg. 177]
Therefore, each and every one of us has to be very cognisant of their acts in relation to the part we play during the occultation of the Mahdi. This period has been like none other before nor is the test set upon the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large like any before. With lack of direct contact with the divine leader of the time and the many injustices that have overwhelmed today’s society resulting in moral demise and social injustice, the resort of the believers is in seeking the help of Allah (SWT) and beseeching Him to hasten in the reappearance of the Mahdi and his promised victory.
Strong faith in the promised triumph in the midst of injustice and darkness is a means of separating the true believers from the rest. A brief look into history shows endless of these so-called followers who eventually betrayed their leaders and thus put eternal shame and disgrace on themselves. A perfect example being the story of the inhabitants of Kufah at the time of the great ancestor of the Mahdi, Husayn son of Ali, for whom he weeps blood each day until the day of his reappearance.
Certainly those fortunate and blessed individuals who will take part in this grand culmination of servitude, which will result in the prevalence of Truth over all forms of falsehood will be those whose conviction in the Mahdi and the promised day is resolute. The believers will be constantly tested by those whose aim is staunchly fixed in denying the Mahdi, by using arguments such as his age, for the Mahdi’s age is now more than 1170 years. Many find it difficult to believe that a human can live for a period of this length, however, the impossibility in this objection is relative and its relation is to some person, place and time. What is an impossibility to one person, time or place may be very possible to another, as we well know. Moreover, it should be said that living for such a length of time is neither a scientific nor a logical impossibility. Today scientists have succeeded in prolonging the life of certain animals, hundreds of times beyond their normal life spans by artificially creating conditions that delay the degeneration of their tissues and cells. The failure of this being effectively carried out on humans is merely due to the increased difficulties involved, however it is in no way an impossibility, from a scientific point of view, to achieve this in the future.
Yet it is through the light of faith that one can truly appreciate the magnanimity of the person of the Mahdi and his blessed and most extraordinary role. The two personalities who will lead the ship of humanity toward the shore of safety and success, both share this characteristic of long age -- Imam Al-Mahdi and Prophet Jesus, the two leaders of the promised revolution, are both alive according to the Islamic viewpoint. These two leaders have been and are witness to the various modes of thought and systems that human beings have introduced and adapted, failingly seeking to bring about the innate desire of peace and harmony. They are aware of the inner intricacies and failures of these systems and the keys to the secrets of the quest of human struggle lie only in their hands.
The Mahdi was born on the fifteenth of Sha’ban in the year two hundred and fifty five after Hijrah. His birth was kept secret since the authorities of the time were actively seeking to execute him should he be found alive. The circumstances of his birth were therefore very similar to those of Prophet Moses who was also being searched for by the authorities of his time. The Pharaoh of the time was well aware of the prophecy that a child would grow up to prevail over him and his evil rule and would replace this with the belief in the true One God whose Power, Might and Wisdom is Absolute. A belief which directs humanity towards perfect Unity and removes the shackles of inequity and imbalance from all spheres of life.
Similarly the Abbasid Caliphate was well aware of the Mahdi and of how he would fill the world with justice and truth after it had been filled with injustice and falsehood from several traditions originating from the Prophet Muhammad. These narrations are present to date in both Shi’a and Sunni books.
“The world will not come to an end until a man from the descendants of Husayn takes charge of the affairs of the world and fills it with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny.”
At the age of five, after the tragic martyrdom of his father, the eleventh divine successor of the Prophet Muhammad – Hassan son of Ali, the Mahdi went into a minor occultation. During this period, the Mahdi was in contact with his followers through appointed deputies. This lasted for a period of about sixty nine years. A few days before the death of his fourth and final deputy the Imam informed his followers, through his deputy, that there would be no more deputies after the death of the current one and after this period the Imam would go into a Major Occultation, which would continue until the day God grants permission to the Imam to manifest himself. During this period, none would be able to approach the Imam through deputies or through direct contact. In regards to the duration and the importance of this period, the Prophet Muhammad was once asked about the nature of the reappearance of the Mahdi. In his reply the Prophet likened the time of the Reappearance of the Mahdi to that of the Hour of Resurrection and then narrated the Quranic verse;
“He alone will manifest it at its proper time. It is heavy in the heavens and the earth. It cometh not to you save unawares” (Holy Quran: Chapter 7, Verse 187)
An important question is raised in relation to this specific period, by those who doubt or question the existence of the Mahdi. What is the benefit of the Imam to his followers during his occultation?
In order to answer this question, one should realise that the position and the role of an Imam is not only to administer the affairs and the needs of the Ummah, rather he is the link between man and God, the link between the material and the spiritual worlds. Moreover, his physical presence or absence has no bearing on his position in regards to this role. This can be derived from one of the sayings narrated by the Imam himself;
‘My benefit (to the people) during my occultation is similar to that of the sun when it disappears from sight behind the clouds.’ - [Bihar Al-Anwaar, Ch. 53, Pg. 181]
Examining the above saying from a scientific approach, we understand that just like how the Earth is sustained with the Sun’s energy and light irrespective of whether it is behind clouds, similarly, we derive immense spiritual benefit from the Imam regardless of whether he is physically with us or not. Furthermore, one can also obtain another important role of Imamate from the saying above. Today, we know that the Sun is the centre of the solar system and its existence nourishes and nurtures for the planetary objects around it, similarly the Imam’s sole presence, whether active or not, is of paramount importance as it is the source of life for all as without the existence of God’s proof on Earth the world is tantamount to complete annihilation.
We therefore have to be mindful of what we do and should endeavour in making our souls pure by nourishing them with the Divine light thus making our souls the abode for Allah and his beloved angels. Spiritual perfection should be our goal and if there is any doubt as to whether the Imam is aware of our acts and is overlooking the welfare of his followers, a saying by the Imam should suffice;
‘We have not ignored your consideration, and have not forgotten your mention; otherwise hardship would have descended upon you and your enemies would have exterminated you.’ [Bihar Al-Anwaar, Ch. 53, Pg. 175]
The Imam is therefore watching over our affairs and is patiently awaiting our response to his call. The matter regarding the return of the Imam is not one simply related to awaiting a time frame chosen by the Almighty Allah, rather in accordance to the narration from the Prophet (SAW), it has a direct relationship with our own actions, as he says;
‘The best of actions is awaiting Al-Faraj (the return)’
The emphasis in this saying is on the word ‘actions’, because it is in reference to participating in an action in order to bring about that awaited time. From this narration stems the School of Awaiting which is a comprehensive study into the necessary approaches and actions of the Muslim community in order to hasten the appearance of the return.
It is a frequent saying amongst many Muslims, when they remember the martyrs of Karbala to chant: “If only we were with you, for surely we would have been victorious.” We today have that option, we have an Imam in occultation waiting for us to reach out towards him. He is patiently waiting for that time to come where a small group of people would truly be of his followers such that he may appear and lead this Ummah towards salvation, and yet we as a people sit and do nothing.
Imam of our time, for surely as the Imam himself stated:
“In my return is your return"
Therefore, each and every one of us has to be very cognisant of their acts in relation to the part we play during the occultation of the Mahdi. This period has been like none other before nor is the test set upon the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large like any before. With lack of direct contact with the divine leader of the time and the many injustices that have overwhelmed today’s society resulting in moral demise and social injustice, the resort of the believers is in seeking the help of Allah (SWT) and beseeching Him to hasten in the reappearance of the Mahdi and his promised victory.
Strong faith in the promised triumph in the midst of injustice and darkness is a means of separating the true believers from the rest. A brief look into history shows endless of these so-called followers who eventually betrayed their leaders and thus put eternal shame and disgrace on themselves. A perfect example being the story of the inhabitants of Kufah at the time of the great ancestor of the Mahdi, Husayn son of Ali, for whom he weeps blood each day until the day of his reappearance.
Certainly those fortunate and blessed individuals who will take part in this grand culmination of servitude, which will result in the prevalence of Truth over all forms of falsehood will be those whose conviction in the Mahdi and the promised day is resolute. The believers will be constantly tested by those whose aim is staunchly fixed in denying the Mahdi, by using arguments such as his age, for the Mahdi’s age is now more than 1170 years. Many find it difficult to believe that a human can live for a period of this length, however, the impossibility in this objection is relative and its relation is to some person, place and time. What is an impossibility to one person, time or place may be very possible to another, as we well know. Moreover, it should be said that living for such a length of time is neither a scientific nor a logical impossibility. Today scientists have succeeded in prolonging the life of certain animals, hundreds of times beyond their normal life spans by artificially creating conditions that delay the degeneration of their tissues and cells. The failure of this being effectively carried out on humans is merely due to the increased difficulties involved, however it is in no way an impossibility, from a scientific point of view, to achieve this in the future.
Yet it is through the light of faith that one can truly appreciate the magnanimity of the person of the Mahdi and his blessed and most extraordinary role. The two personalities who will lead the ship of humanity toward the shore of safety and success, both share this characteristic of long age -- Imam Al-Mahdi and Prophet Jesus, the two leaders of the promised revolution, are both alive according to the Islamic viewpoint. These two leaders have been and are witness to the various modes of thought and systems that human beings have introduced and adapted, failingly seeking to bring about the innate desire of peace and harmony. They are aware of the inner intricacies and failures of these systems and the keys to the secrets of the quest of human struggle lie only in their hands.
The Mahdi was born on the fifteenth of Sha’ban in the year two hundred and fifty five after Hijrah. His birth was kept secret since the authorities of the time were actively seeking to execute him should he be found alive. The circumstances of his birth were therefore very similar to those of Prophet Moses who was also being searched for by the authorities of his time. The Pharaoh of the time was well aware of the prophecy that a child would grow up to prevail over him and his evil rule and would replace this with the belief in the true One God whose Power, Might and Wisdom is Absolute. A belief which directs humanity towards perfect Unity and removes the shackles of inequity and imbalance from all spheres of life.
Similarly the Abbasid Caliphate was well aware of the Mahdi and of how he would fill the world with justice and truth after it had been filled with injustice and falsehood from several traditions originating from the Prophet Muhammad. These narrations are present to date in both Shi’a and Sunni books.
“The world will not come to an end until a man from the descendants of Husayn takes charge of the affairs of the world and fills it with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny.”
At the age of five, after the tragic martyrdom of his father, the eleventh divine successor of the Prophet Muhammad – Hassan son of Ali, the Mahdi went into a minor occultation. During this period, the Mahdi was in contact with his followers through appointed deputies. This lasted for a period of about sixty nine years. A few days before the death of his fourth and final deputy the Imam informed his followers, through his deputy, that there would be no more deputies after the death of the current one and after this period the Imam would go into a Major Occultation, which would continue until the day God grants permission to the Imam to manifest himself. During this period, none would be able to approach the Imam through deputies or through direct contact. In regards to the duration and the importance of this period, the Prophet Muhammad was once asked about the nature of the reappearance of the Mahdi. In his reply the Prophet likened the time of the Reappearance of the Mahdi to that of the Hour of Resurrection and then narrated the Quranic verse;
“He alone will manifest it at its proper time. It is heavy in the heavens and the earth. It cometh not to you save unawares” (Holy Quran: Chapter 7, Verse 187)
An important question is raised in relation to this specific period, by those who doubt or question the existence of the Mahdi. What is the benefit of the Imam to his followers during his occultation?
In order to answer this question, one should realise that the position and the role of an Imam is not only to administer the affairs and the needs of the Ummah, rather he is the link between man and God, the link between the material and the spiritual worlds. Moreover, his physical presence or absence has no bearing on his position in regards to this role. This can be derived from one of the sayings narrated by the Imam himself;
‘My benefit (to the people) during my occultation is similar to that of the sun when it disappears from sight behind the clouds.’ - [Bihar Al-Anwaar, Ch. 53, Pg. 181]
Examining the above saying from a scientific approach, we understand that just like how the Earth is sustained with the Sun’s energy and light irrespective of whether it is behind clouds, similarly, we derive immense spiritual benefit from the Imam regardless of whether he is physically with us or not. Furthermore, one can also obtain another important role of Imamate from the saying above. Today, we know that the Sun is the centre of the solar system and its existence nourishes and nurtures for the planetary objects around it, similarly the Imam’s sole presence, whether active or not, is of paramount importance as it is the source of life for all as without the existence of God’s proof on Earth the world is tantamount to complete annihilation.
We therefore have to be mindful of what we do and should endeavour in making our souls pure by nourishing them with the Divine light thus making our souls the abode for Allah and his beloved angels. Spiritual perfection should be our goal and if there is any doubt as to whether the Imam is aware of our acts and is overlooking the welfare of his followers, a saying by the Imam should suffice;
‘We have not ignored your consideration, and have not forgotten your mention; otherwise hardship would have descended upon you and your enemies would have exterminated you.’ [Bihar Al-Anwaar, Ch. 53, Pg. 175]
The Imam is therefore watching over our affairs and is patiently awaiting our response to his call. The matter regarding the return of the Imam is not one simply related to awaiting a time frame chosen by the Almighty Allah, rather in accordance to the narration from the Prophet (SAW), it has a direct relationship with our own actions, as he says;
‘The best of actions is awaiting Al-Faraj (the return)’
The emphasis in this saying is on the word ‘actions’, because it is in reference to participating in an action in order to bring about that awaited time. From this narration stems the School of Awaiting which is a comprehensive study into the necessary approaches and actions of the Muslim community in order to hasten the appearance of the return.
It is a frequent saying amongst many Muslims, when they remember the martyrs of Karbala to chant: “If only we were with you, for surely we would have been victorious.” We today have that option, we have an Imam in occultation waiting for us to reach out towards him. He is patiently waiting for that time to come where a small group of people would truly be of his followers such that he may appear and lead this Ummah towards salvation, and yet we as a people sit and do nothing.
Imam of our time, for surely as the Imam himself stated:
“In my return is your return"
| EATING LITTLE IS THE (TRUE) WORSHIP- HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.) | for everyone |
Muslims probably do not have enough reason to advocate one over the other in the name of Islam (meaning that it is stretching it a bit too far to claim that "non-organic" doesn't meet Halal standards). Muslims should focus more on those principles which are certain to be Islamic guidelines. In the matters of food and drink, it would be more spiritually conducive for Muslims not only to evaluate what they eat, but why and how much they eat as well.
The Holy Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) is narrated to have said, "An offspring of Adam has not filled a container worse than his stomach, and if he must do so, then one third is for his food, one third is for his drink, and one third is for his self (not to fill)."
The Prophet is also narrated to have said, "Eating little is the (true) worship." Some meanings behind this are that when one tames his/her desire to eat, it also helps in controlling other desires. Generally speaking, when one teaches him-/herself to say "No" in response to the vices of anger, desire, and imagination, the power of intellect becomes the true governor – allowing justice to be served.
Without a doubt, Muslims should strive to be up to par on the knowledge of what benefits or harms human beings from the physical aspect. Even more importantly, we should struggle to apply the principles which bring us closer to their Lord – in every aspect.
The Holy Messenger (peace be upon him and his family) is narrated to have said, "An offspring of Adam has not filled a container worse than his stomach, and if he must do so, then one third is for his food, one third is for his drink, and one third is for his self (not to fill)."
The Prophet is also narrated to have said, "Eating little is the (true) worship." Some meanings behind this are that when one tames his/her desire to eat, it also helps in controlling other desires. Generally speaking, when one teaches him-/herself to say "No" in response to the vices of anger, desire, and imagination, the power of intellect becomes the true governor – allowing justice to be served.
Without a doubt, Muslims should strive to be up to par on the knowledge of what benefits or harms human beings from the physical aspect. Even more importantly, we should struggle to apply the principles which bring us closer to their Lord – in every aspect.
| OUR BELOVED FATIMA ZEHRA (S.A.) -UNIQUE IN ALL HER BEHAVIOR AND DEEDS | for everyone |
According to some Qur'an commentaries (tafsir), when the Quraysh (tribe) said that the Prophet (S.A.W.) had no offspring, the chapter of al-Kawthar was revealed: 'Verily We have given thee the Kawthar (Abundance). So pray thou unto thy Lord! And offer sacrifice. Verily, thy enemy shall be the one cut off (in his progeny).' (Qur'an 108:1-3)
'We have given you al-Kawthar' means we have given you the abundant good, which shall last throughout your life and after it; therefore, turn your face unto your Lord in prayer, as mention of your name shall never end and your offspring shall never perish; it is those standing against you who are more deserving of this description.
This revelation was given against the backdrop of the pronouncements by some of the Quraysh's most scurrilous men - such as al-'As bin Wa'il, Abu Jahl, 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ayt and Ka'b bin al-Ashraf - that the Prophet (S.A.W.) was cut off from male children, after the death of his son al-Qasim. Hence, it is clear that the abundant good - al-Kawthar - was pointing to the abundant offspring which the Prophet (S.A.W.) would have through his daughter Fatimah (A.S.), and that this was a reply to those people and their effort to weaken the Prophet's spirits.
Supporting our interpretation, al-Tabataba'i, in al-Mizan commentary, said: 'Without that, the words 'Verily, thy enemy shall be the one cut off' would be useless.'
Her Childhood
In Fatimah's childhood, there was no place for playing, leisure and purposelessness. Nor were her energies those of a child living a childhood of innocence and simplicity. Rather, hers was the energy of a child who stored within herself a feeling for the role which she should play in the Messenger's life and the suffering and pain which he was facing. It was a childhood with the characteristics of a motherhood, living its spirit and fulfilling its role.
There she was, and having opened her eyes to life, she saw her father (S.A.W.) coming every now and then, weighed down by the pressures, burdens and harm inflicted by the atheists; so she would embrace her father and relieve his pain and take care of him with all kindness.
One day, she saw her father (S.A.W.) in the Holy Mosque of Makkah after the atheists had dumped dirt and rubbish over his back while he was praying to his Lord. She promptly went forward and removed the rubbish with her small hands, expressing her sadness and condolences to him (S.A.W.) with her tears.
This is what made her open up to her responsibilities in her early childhood to stand by her father, to take care of him and empathize with him; and he was the one who had lost his mother, and his sympathetic wife. She stood by him when he was challenged with the Message: some called him names, others accused him of being insane, others threw dirt and stones on him; his uncle Abu Lahab crying out: 'No doubt, Muhammad (S.A.W.) has bewitched you!'
But when he returned home, he would be greeted by Fatimah (A.S.), with her sympathy and care, which was not that of a child weeping without awareness..... She was sensing that his pain was also hers and so amassed during her childhood the pain of the Message and pain of the Messenger... And whosoever amasses in their early childhood the awareness of the pain of the Messenger and the Message cannot find time for leisure or playing or purposelessness; playing and purposelessness occur in our lives because of an emptiness, which we are trying to fill.
This was how Fatimah (A.S.) grew up, not like other children, but as a person with mission in her feelings, emotions, opinions and her whole dynamic attitude.
Her Relationship with the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
Ibn 'Abdul Barr, in al-Istee'ab, narrated - and we would like very much to use it, as it was a Sunni source which represents a neutral source, so that the Shi'ah could not be accused of talking out of emotion - that 'Ayshah said: 'I had not seen any one who was more resembling the Messenger of Allah in his speech, conduct and manners as Fatimah; when she used to enter (his house) he would stand up for her, take her hand and kiss it and make her sit in his sitting place; and when he used to enter (her house) she would stand up for him, take his hand and kiss it and make him sit in her sitting place'.
When we study this text, we can conclude two things: first, the unity and complete merging between Fatimah's personality and her father's, as the person most closely resembling him. This is reflected even in his walking, as seen in many narrations, such as 'Fatimah came and her walk did not fail the walking of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)'; second, the depth of the spiritual relationship between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and Fatimah (A.S.), a relationship which the Prophet (S.A.W.) had with Fatimah (A.S.) alone.
Another narration by al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak states: 'The Messenger of Allah used, when he came back from a battle or journey, to come to the mosque and pray two rak'as to thank Allah..... then would enter to (the house of) Fatimah, then he would come to his wives'.
This meant that Fatimah (A.S.) held the prime place in the relationships between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and other people, including his wives.
In the same book, al-Mustadrak, al-Hakim also narrated: 'The Prophet (S.A.W.), when he used to travel, the last person he would see was Fatimah.'
Thus her image would stay in his mind, and the kindness and emotion, with which she used to embrace him, would stay with him in his travel and his memory, to comfort him.
Al-Hakim added: 'And when he returned from a journey, the first person he would see would be Fatimah.'
Historians have said that the Prophet (S.A.W.) did not accept that Fatimah (A.S.) became separated from him even after her marriage and, therefore, did not accept that she lived in a house far away from him, so she lived in the house next to his so that he could enter into her house directly from his.
In al-Isti'ab we read: ''Ayshah was asked: who was the most beloved person to the Messenger of Allah? She replied: Fatimah. I asked: and amongst men? She said: her husband...'
This is an important witness by 'Ayshah for Fatimah and Ali (A.S.).
There are many stories from her life which tell how she used to study her father's thoughts to know what he liked and disliked, what opened up his heart and what closed it. An example of this was when he (S.A.W.) came back from a journey and entered her house, looked around a little, then left. Quickly she knew that something bothered the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.). She thought about it and realized that on the door of her house was a curtain and that she had two bracelets in her hands; she took the curtain down and took off the bracelets and sent them with her sons and said: 'Say greetings to my father and say to him: we have not introduced anything after you except this, it is for you to do with them what you like.'
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) heard this, his expression relaxed. He was moved by this generous, wonderful, spiritual gesture by his daughter, and this thoughtful response, and gave these things to the poor, saying: 'She did this! May her father be sacrificed for her! May her father be sacrificed for her! May her father be sacrificed for her! What have the family of Muhammad (S.A.W.) to do with life: they have been created for the hereafter!'
This is what every girl with a mission should learn, when her father is a man of missionary affiliations and responsibilities; as too should every woman with someone who has a missionary dimension in his life: she should learn not to get too engrossed with her own affairs, but to open herself up to the responsibilities of her father, husband, brother or son so as to join with him in the dynamic movement of responsibility, and not to add to the burdens to his responsibility. For we see many great men, past and present, become burdened by the people who are around them: while when they think in a missionary manner, those around them think only of themselves.
We also learn from Fatimah (A.S.), in her advanced missionary awareness and position, that she was someone who rebelled against her personal needs, however simple, for the sake of her missionary ambitions; she was someone who prioritized in favour of principles over the self. This is what we need to learn, for many of us - men and women alike - fall down when it comes to a choice between the needs of the principle and the needs of the self; we too often choose the self, and may even make a principle of service to the self.
Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S.) was unique in all her behaviour and deeds, even in her sorrow for her beloved, especially during her separation from the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.).
Historians tell us that, when she went to him as he was dying, she embraced him and he whispered something in her ear which made her weep. Then, when he whispered something that made her laugh, she was asked:
'How quickly (your) laughing after weeping?!' She said: 'I shall not reveal the Messenger of Allah's secret in his life.' So, when she was asked about this after his death, she said: 'He whispered in my ear first that he was going to meet his Lord and that his soul was announced to him (his death), so I wept; then he whispered in my ear again that I was going to be the first of his family to go after him, so I laughed!'
Where else would you find a young woman, whatever her love for her father, become happy when he tells her that she is going to be the first to die after him?
What relationship deeper could be than this, and what unity of spirit could be stronger?
'We have given you al-Kawthar' means we have given you the abundant good, which shall last throughout your life and after it; therefore, turn your face unto your Lord in prayer, as mention of your name shall never end and your offspring shall never perish; it is those standing against you who are more deserving of this description.
This revelation was given against the backdrop of the pronouncements by some of the Quraysh's most scurrilous men - such as al-'As bin Wa'il, Abu Jahl, 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ayt and Ka'b bin al-Ashraf - that the Prophet (S.A.W.) was cut off from male children, after the death of his son al-Qasim. Hence, it is clear that the abundant good - al-Kawthar - was pointing to the abundant offspring which the Prophet (S.A.W.) would have through his daughter Fatimah (A.S.), and that this was a reply to those people and their effort to weaken the Prophet's spirits.
Supporting our interpretation, al-Tabataba'i, in al-Mizan commentary, said: 'Without that, the words 'Verily, thy enemy shall be the one cut off' would be useless.'
Her Childhood
In Fatimah's childhood, there was no place for playing, leisure and purposelessness. Nor were her energies those of a child living a childhood of innocence and simplicity. Rather, hers was the energy of a child who stored within herself a feeling for the role which she should play in the Messenger's life and the suffering and pain which he was facing. It was a childhood with the characteristics of a motherhood, living its spirit and fulfilling its role.
There she was, and having opened her eyes to life, she saw her father (S.A.W.) coming every now and then, weighed down by the pressures, burdens and harm inflicted by the atheists; so she would embrace her father and relieve his pain and take care of him with all kindness.
One day, she saw her father (S.A.W.) in the Holy Mosque of Makkah after the atheists had dumped dirt and rubbish over his back while he was praying to his Lord. She promptly went forward and removed the rubbish with her small hands, expressing her sadness and condolences to him (S.A.W.) with her tears.
This is what made her open up to her responsibilities in her early childhood to stand by her father, to take care of him and empathize with him; and he was the one who had lost his mother, and his sympathetic wife. She stood by him when he was challenged with the Message: some called him names, others accused him of being insane, others threw dirt and stones on him; his uncle Abu Lahab crying out: 'No doubt, Muhammad (S.A.W.) has bewitched you!'
But when he returned home, he would be greeted by Fatimah (A.S.), with her sympathy and care, which was not that of a child weeping without awareness..... She was sensing that his pain was also hers and so amassed during her childhood the pain of the Message and pain of the Messenger... And whosoever amasses in their early childhood the awareness of the pain of the Messenger and the Message cannot find time for leisure or playing or purposelessness; playing and purposelessness occur in our lives because of an emptiness, which we are trying to fill.
This was how Fatimah (A.S.) grew up, not like other children, but as a person with mission in her feelings, emotions, opinions and her whole dynamic attitude.
Her Relationship with the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
Ibn 'Abdul Barr, in al-Istee'ab, narrated - and we would like very much to use it, as it was a Sunni source which represents a neutral source, so that the Shi'ah could not be accused of talking out of emotion - that 'Ayshah said: 'I had not seen any one who was more resembling the Messenger of Allah in his speech, conduct and manners as Fatimah; when she used to enter (his house) he would stand up for her, take her hand and kiss it and make her sit in his sitting place; and when he used to enter (her house) she would stand up for him, take his hand and kiss it and make him sit in her sitting place'.
When we study this text, we can conclude two things: first, the unity and complete merging between Fatimah's personality and her father's, as the person most closely resembling him. This is reflected even in his walking, as seen in many narrations, such as 'Fatimah came and her walk did not fail the walking of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)'; second, the depth of the spiritual relationship between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and Fatimah (A.S.), a relationship which the Prophet (S.A.W.) had with Fatimah (A.S.) alone.
Another narration by al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak states: 'The Messenger of Allah used, when he came back from a battle or journey, to come to the mosque and pray two rak'as to thank Allah..... then would enter to (the house of) Fatimah, then he would come to his wives'.
This meant that Fatimah (A.S.) held the prime place in the relationships between the Prophet (S.A.W.) and other people, including his wives.
In the same book, al-Mustadrak, al-Hakim also narrated: 'The Prophet (S.A.W.), when he used to travel, the last person he would see was Fatimah.'
Thus her image would stay in his mind, and the kindness and emotion, with which she used to embrace him, would stay with him in his travel and his memory, to comfort him.
Al-Hakim added: 'And when he returned from a journey, the first person he would see would be Fatimah.'
Historians have said that the Prophet (S.A.W.) did not accept that Fatimah (A.S.) became separated from him even after her marriage and, therefore, did not accept that she lived in a house far away from him, so she lived in the house next to his so that he could enter into her house directly from his.
In al-Isti'ab we read: ''Ayshah was asked: who was the most beloved person to the Messenger of Allah? She replied: Fatimah. I asked: and amongst men? She said: her husband...'
This is an important witness by 'Ayshah for Fatimah and Ali (A.S.).
There are many stories from her life which tell how she used to study her father's thoughts to know what he liked and disliked, what opened up his heart and what closed it. An example of this was when he (S.A.W.) came back from a journey and entered her house, looked around a little, then left. Quickly she knew that something bothered the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.). She thought about it and realized that on the door of her house was a curtain and that she had two bracelets in her hands; she took the curtain down and took off the bracelets and sent them with her sons and said: 'Say greetings to my father and say to him: we have not introduced anything after you except this, it is for you to do with them what you like.'
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) heard this, his expression relaxed. He was moved by this generous, wonderful, spiritual gesture by his daughter, and this thoughtful response, and gave these things to the poor, saying: 'She did this! May her father be sacrificed for her! May her father be sacrificed for her! May her father be sacrificed for her! What have the family of Muhammad (S.A.W.) to do with life: they have been created for the hereafter!'
This is what every girl with a mission should learn, when her father is a man of missionary affiliations and responsibilities; as too should every woman with someone who has a missionary dimension in his life: she should learn not to get too engrossed with her own affairs, but to open herself up to the responsibilities of her father, husband, brother or son so as to join with him in the dynamic movement of responsibility, and not to add to the burdens to his responsibility. For we see many great men, past and present, become burdened by the people who are around them: while when they think in a missionary manner, those around them think only of themselves.
We also learn from Fatimah (A.S.), in her advanced missionary awareness and position, that she was someone who rebelled against her personal needs, however simple, for the sake of her missionary ambitions; she was someone who prioritized in favour of principles over the self. This is what we need to learn, for many of us - men and women alike - fall down when it comes to a choice between the needs of the principle and the needs of the self; we too often choose the self, and may even make a principle of service to the self.
Fatimah al-Zahra (A.S.) was unique in all her behaviour and deeds, even in her sorrow for her beloved, especially during her separation from the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.).
Historians tell us that, when she went to him as he was dying, she embraced him and he whispered something in her ear which made her weep. Then, when he whispered something that made her laugh, she was asked:
'How quickly (your) laughing after weeping?!' She said: 'I shall not reveal the Messenger of Allah's secret in his life.' So, when she was asked about this after his death, she said: 'He whispered in my ear first that he was going to meet his Lord and that his soul was announced to him (his death), so I wept; then he whispered in my ear again that I was going to be the first of his family to go after him, so I laughed!'
Where else would you find a young woman, whatever her love for her father, become happy when he tells her that she is going to be the first to die after him?
What relationship deeper could be than this, and what unity of spirit could be stronger?
| Leaders of Saudi Thugs (Baltajiya) in Bahrian | for everyone |
Leaders of Saudi Thugs (Baltajiya) in Bahrian
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(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The thugs, known in Arabic as Baltajiya, threw rocks at protesters, hoping to get them to flee. Others carried daggers, swords and other sharp objects with which they either stabbed or sought to intimidate resilient demonstrators in Bahrain. Fire bombs were heavily used by the Baltajiya stationed at neighboring rooftops against the protesters. Eventually, live bullets were fired into the huge crowd, with several people getting martyred and hundreds injured.
The baltajiya (plural of Baltaji) are young, uneducated, unemployed and violence-prone young men recruited by the regime for the purpose of intimidating and terrorizing political opponents, and holding "show demonstrations" in support of the regime whenever the need arises.
The baltajiya (plural of Baltaji) are young, uneducated, unemployed and violence-prone young men recruited by the regime for the purpose of intimidating and terrorizing political opponents, and holding "show demonstrations" in support of the regime whenever the need arises.
AHLE BAYT (A.S.) KE DUSHMAN PAR LANAT BESHUMAR
| SALWAT AND DUAS REQUESTED | for everyone |
Now more than ever this is the time that Salawat and duas all are important.
lets us all do it dears brothers and sisters in Islam!!!
Dear sisters and brothers. As you all know our fellow Shia sisters and brothers in Bahrain are being massacred in their hundreds. We are therefore launching a khatm of salwaat in the name of sahib al zamaan (atfs) for the release of the Bahraini shia. Please do recite 10 salawaats and pass this message on to everyone you know. We are trying to reach 10 million salawaats so Please please please do not cut this chain of messages off. Jazakum'Allah khayra(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)
| THE FOLLOWERS OF THE PATH TOWARDS PERFECTION | for everyone |
The followers of the path towards perfection from the beginning of their journey until the point where they reach final peace witness a great deal which must remain hidden from the eyes and hearts of the earth-bound inhabitants of the material world, and a consideration of these states and stations would be beyond the scope of the present article. What is important here is the question of sanctity in God (wilayat-i ilahi).
When the travellers on the spiritual path reach the stage of Divine Unity and enter into the proximity of God, they let go totally of what they had possessed up to that time, for they have come to know that everything belongs to God. They give up the false claim of "owning" things and of being independent in this ownership. It is then that an indescribable tranquility and repose comes over them and they are released absolutely from all pain, fear and sorrow. "Lo! those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them saying: Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the paradise which ye are promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter." (Quran XLI, 30-31). Lo! verily the friends of Allah [those who possess sanctity, wilayah] are (those) on whom fear (cometh) not, nor do they grieve." (Quran X, 63).
It is at this point that worldly joys, sorrows, successes and failures appear to them as all the same, and having found a new existence they view the world and all that it contains in a new light. His he who was dead and We have raised him unto life, and set for him a light wherein he walketh among men, as him whose similitude is in utter darkness?" (Quran VI, 123). And in the end they and everything they possess belongs to God, and God to them: 'Whoso is near to God, God is nigh unto him."
When the travellers on the spiritual path reach the stage of Divine Unity and enter into the proximity of God, they let go totally of what they had possessed up to that time, for they have come to know that everything belongs to God. They give up the false claim of "owning" things and of being independent in this ownership. It is then that an indescribable tranquility and repose comes over them and they are released absolutely from all pain, fear and sorrow. "Lo! those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them saying: Fear not nor grieve, but hear good tidings of the paradise which ye are promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter." (Quran XLI, 30-31). Lo! verily the friends of Allah [those who possess sanctity, wilayah] are (those) on whom fear (cometh) not, nor do they grieve." (Quran X, 63).
It is at this point that worldly joys, sorrows, successes and failures appear to them as all the same, and having found a new existence they view the world and all that it contains in a new light. His he who was dead and We have raised him unto life, and set for him a light wherein he walketh among men, as him whose similitude is in utter darkness?" (Quran VI, 123). And in the end they and everything they possess belongs to God, and God to them: 'Whoso is near to God, God is nigh unto him."
| ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER | for everyone |
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| GENDER ROLES IN ISLAM AS BEST EXEMPLIFIED BY IMAM ALI (A.S.) AND BIBI FATIMA (S.A.) | for everyone |
The reality of the matter is that the problem starts at home. Whether we admit it or not, the root cause of this issue is the fact that spouses today are not treating each other as prescribed by Islam, leading to unstable and broken families. This is primarily because we are living in a culture whereby men and women are seen as identical to each other, with the only difference being a biological one of giving birth.
Men see female roles as degrading, while women are trying to emulate men. There is no clear definition of gender roles in our society, and as a result, they are being neglected. Islam on the other hand reinforces the idea that the genders have been distinguished so that they may complement each other, and therefore a balance and equity must be maintained between them.
Gender roles in Islam – as best exemplified by Imam Ali and Lady Fatima (peace be upon them) – specify that men are the bread-winners of the family, while women are the home-makers. This does not in any way restrict a woman from getting an education or working, but what this does is give us a unique responsibility with generous rewards, which is by the order and will of Allah.
Yet more than often, it is seen Muslim women become defensive about their rights to engage in work and other out-of-the-house activities, and this is usually a direct result of being part of an ethnic culture which unjustly limits women. In the irrelevant debate of who is better – the stay-at-home mom or the full-time career mom – we are being blinded to the crucial responsibility of a wife and mother, which is to maintain that love and respect between family members and to carry out the proper Islamic upbringing of her children.
Gender roles in Islam – as best exemplified by Imam Ali and Lady Fatima (peace be upon them) – specify that men are the bread-winners of the family, while women are the home-makers. This does not in any way restrict a woman from getting an education or working, but what this does is give us a unique responsibility with generous rewards, which is by the order and will of Allah.
Yet more than often, it is seen Muslim women become defensive about their rights to engage in work and other out-of-the-house activities, and this is usually a direct result of being part of an ethnic culture which unjustly limits women. In the irrelevant debate of who is better – the stay-at-home mom or the full-time career mom – we are being blinded to the crucial responsibility of a wife and mother, which is to maintain that love and respect between family members and to carry out the proper Islamic upbringing of her children.
Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) said: "Your children's right and wrong are attributed to you, you are responsible of their fine teaching and training, guiding them to their Lord, Almighty and Glorious, and, assisting him to obey Him. Take action in teaching traditions (of the Ahlul Bayt) to your children before the corrupted persons precede in corrupting them." A mother who recognizes the importance of this obligation and successfully fulfills this responsibility towards her children is a mother with status above all, regardless of whether she does it being a part-time or full-time mom.
If today's parents complain that their children are not as they desire, then surely the fault does not entirely lie with the society we live in, and it's about time Muslim parents wake up to this duty they owe to their future generations.
If today's parents complain that their children are not as they desire, then surely the fault does not entirely lie with the society we live in, and it's about time Muslim parents wake up to this duty they owe to their future generations.
We must understand and appreciate gender roles and family values as best embodied in the examples of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima. In addition to Muslim mothers realizing their household and child-rearing responsibilities, it is just as necessary for Muslim men to respect and appreciate their wives to the fullest extent, as our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) has emphasized that a man's respect for women and his faith are both interlinked; when one increases or decreases, so does the other. If these fundamental family values and prescribed gender roles and responsibilities are understood, appreciated, and established between husband and wife in accordance with Islam, only then spouses will respect each other, fathers will care for their families, mothers will be concerned with raising their children properly, and children will respect and show obedience to their elders. This is what the Holy Family of Islam has taught us. This is what we call Islamic family values
| SILENCE IS GOLDEN | for everyone |
Imam Ali says that the wiser man is, the less he will speak. Think about this for a second. Wisdom will come about as you reflect on the nature of everything. You'll adopt silence because it's the smart thing to do: silence guards secrets, silence controls the tongue, silence gets rid of nonsense (in your head as well as in your speech), silence sharpens the wit, and silence increases the value of your words.
Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said that one who knows the value of his speech will also know the value of silence. In fact, if one adopts silence, he will value his speech and therefore guard it like he guards his wealth intellect
Finally, silence strengthens one's Aql. The carnal self (the Nafs) thrives on foolishness. It feeds on impulsive and thoughtless actions, and therefore, speech. Realize, as our holy Imam says, that your speech is a part of your action. If you think before you act, you will think before you speak. If you think before you speak, you will stop saying foolish things accidentally. You will stop unintentionally revealing your secrets (and the secrets of others). Furthermore, silence gives one control over his emotions, especially anger. It is said that anger is a type of madness. Subdue that anger with silence, and you will put an end to a great many detrimental things in your life.
Some ways to adopt silence in your life
Ten minutes before beginning your prayer, sit on the prayer mat and just be silent whilst fixing your eyes on one spot.
Before you say anything, plan exactly what you're going to say.
Be quiet during "discussions" devoid of knowledge and facts. Also, if you see a discussion heading towards an argument, be silent.
If you don't know, say you don't know.
If you're getting angry, be silent. If someone else is getting angry at you, be silent. Imam Khomeini mentioned this piece of advice to his daughter and son in-law.
Insha'Allah, if we decide to adopt the way of silence, we will find ourselves tearing one more veil that separates us from our Creator. And surely He knows best.
Finally, silence strengthens one's Aql. The carnal self (the Nafs) thrives on foolishness. It feeds on impulsive and thoughtless actions, and therefore, speech. Realize, as our holy Imam says, that your speech is a part of your action. If you think before you act, you will think before you speak. If you think before you speak, you will stop saying foolish things accidentally. You will stop unintentionally revealing your secrets (and the secrets of others). Furthermore, silence gives one control over his emotions, especially anger. It is said that anger is a type of madness. Subdue that anger with silence, and you will put an end to a great many detrimental things in your life.
Some ways to adopt silence in your life
Ten minutes before beginning your prayer, sit on the prayer mat and just be silent whilst fixing your eyes on one spot.
Before you say anything, plan exactly what you're going to say.
Be quiet during "discussions" devoid of knowledge and facts. Also, if you see a discussion heading towards an argument, be silent.
If you don't know, say you don't know.
If you're getting angry, be silent. If someone else is getting angry at you, be silent. Imam Khomeini mentioned this piece of advice to his daughter and son in-law.
Insha'Allah, if we decide to adopt the way of silence, we will find ourselves tearing one more veil that separates us from our Creator. And surely He knows best.
| Pray Together Stay Together | for everyone |
It is during the five daily prayers when man, a mere slave of God, stands before his Creator and humbles himself to His will and prostrates in His Obedience. But what is the word of a slave alone? Is it more worthy than that of several, standing in unity, shoulder to shoulder, uttering and attesting to His will and complying to it with no hesitation?
In our daily lives, in our walk and talk, we see that it takes more than just our initiative to complete our tasks and be successful in this world. However perfect we may find ourselves to be, our inner conscience is well aware that in order to perform and be successful, we require the help of those around us. Likewise, a servant, in his due position before his Lord, can see a mightier reward from his Sustainer when performing the obligatory prayers in unison with others striving to reach the same goal and standing there with the same purpose.
How many of us pray in congregation, be it in the comfort of our own homes, with our families, or at the mosque with our community members? Do we know the benefits and rewards of praying in congregation?
As we hear the call to prayer, do we see the beauty of thousands of Muslims leaving their work and hurrying to perform their duty to Allah? The Adhan obligates every Muslim to hurry to prayer. Our religion is based on unity and brotherhood, and the opportunity we have been given is Salat, for all of us to unite and pray together five times a day.
Sometimes we cannot make it to the mosque, but that does not eliminate the option of congregational prayer. It is an act that can be performed easily and comes with great reward. We have families, children, siblings, parents, even grandparents. Keep aside a room that is only confined to prayer. When the time comes and the Adhan is called, do not hesitate to leave whatever it is you are doing and gather in your prayer room. You do not have to pray in congregation, but just being in the same room at the same time with one purpose and one goal has a myriad of benefits within itself. It is a great way of growing together spiritually as a family, as well as an excellent way to go about inculcating the habit of prayer and spirituality among children.
In the Munajaat of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), we say that a time will come, on the Day of Judgment, when fathers will not look at their sons, mothers will not look at their daughters, and families will not be eager to recognize one another, all in fear of their own accounts. Do we ever wonder how that day will be? Do we ever wonder how we will feel? But the promise is there that if a family prays together and is unified in its goal towards Allah, then on that day when the world will be in chaos, that family will remain together and will reach the gates of paradise together.
If you are capable of doing so, attend congregational prayers and reap the benefits of praying with your community members. But if it is not in your reach, then let us at least keep the unity within our own homes.
In our daily lives, in our walk and talk, we see that it takes more than just our initiative to complete our tasks and be successful in this world. However perfect we may find ourselves to be, our inner conscience is well aware that in order to perform and be successful, we require the help of those around us. Likewise, a servant, in his due position before his Lord, can see a mightier reward from his Sustainer when performing the obligatory prayers in unison with others striving to reach the same goal and standing there with the same purpose.
How many of us pray in congregation, be it in the comfort of our own homes, with our families, or at the mosque with our community members? Do we know the benefits and rewards of praying in congregation?
As we hear the call to prayer, do we see the beauty of thousands of Muslims leaving their work and hurrying to perform their duty to Allah? The Adhan obligates every Muslim to hurry to prayer. Our religion is based on unity and brotherhood, and the opportunity we have been given is Salat, for all of us to unite and pray together five times a day.
Sometimes we cannot make it to the mosque, but that does not eliminate the option of congregational prayer. It is an act that can be performed easily and comes with great reward. We have families, children, siblings, parents, even grandparents. Keep aside a room that is only confined to prayer. When the time comes and the Adhan is called, do not hesitate to leave whatever it is you are doing and gather in your prayer room. You do not have to pray in congregation, but just being in the same room at the same time with one purpose and one goal has a myriad of benefits within itself. It is a great way of growing together spiritually as a family, as well as an excellent way to go about inculcating the habit of prayer and spirituality among children.
In the Munajaat of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), we say that a time will come, on the Day of Judgment, when fathers will not look at their sons, mothers will not look at their daughters, and families will not be eager to recognize one another, all in fear of their own accounts. Do we ever wonder how that day will be? Do we ever wonder how we will feel? But the promise is there that if a family prays together and is unified in its goal towards Allah, then on that day when the world will be in chaos, that family will remain together and will reach the gates of paradise together.
If you are capable of doing so, attend congregational prayers and reap the benefits of praying with your community members. But if it is not in your reach, then let us at least keep the unity within our own homes.
| PRAY WITH PURITY OF PURPOSE AND A CLEAN HEART | for everyone |
Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi, "My servant continues drawing nearer to Me through voluntary, optional, and extra acts of worship until I love him, and when I love him, I am hearing through which he hears, the sight through which he sees, the hand through which he grasps, and the foot through which he walks."
Besides being extremely particular about acting upon what is obligatory and refraining from what it forbidden, it is also important to nourish the soul and awaken the spirit of God in man through extra good deeds that have been taught to us by the Holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them). In the midst of all the preoccupation that exists in our daily lives, it can be difficult to find the time to perform that which is not incumbent on us. Yet surely it is through the Mustahibaat that higher levels of piety and completion of faith can be attained, whilst strengthening our Wajibaat in the process.
We have been blessed with an abundance of mustahab acts of worship that are highly beneficial to the body and soul. It only takes a little bit of effort and strength of will to implement them regularly in our lives, through which we may reap incalculable rewards and ascend to God's nearness that is otherwise difficult to attain.
Thus, with purity of purpose and a clean heart, let us strive to emulate the private devotional lives of the holy Infallibles (peace be upon them) who would constantly seek to create an intimate yearning of the soul to reach the highest level of proximity to the Almighty through mustahab acts of worship.
The following are ten suggestions of such recommended recitations and performances that we can very easily implement in our daily lives with very little effort:
Ziyarat Ashura
Highly recommended to be recited by the believer every day, the merits and significance of this supplication – an expression of love for Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and dissociation from his enemies – cannot be acknowledged enough. Being one of the recommended acts of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) himself, and with no other ziyarat bearing the same eminence and superiority, surely the one who neglects its recitation is at a great loss!
Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said that whoever recites Ziyarat Ashura, his ziyarat will be accepted, his greetings will reach Imam Hussain, his struggle will be thanked, Allah will accept his spiritual and material needs, he will never be in despair of His mercy, he will be released from the hellfire, and he will be able to do shafa'at (intercession) for others. (Misbah of Shaikh Tusi)
A detailed book on the ziyarat can be found here.
Adhan and Iqamah
Often in our laziness, we undermine the importance of reciting the Adhan and Iqamah before our daily prayers. Yet being the example of the Holy Prophet – our perfect role model and highest exemplification of human goodness – why is it that we so regularly (if not always) choose to leave them out of our prayers?
Imam as-Sadiq has said: "One who offers his prayers along with Adhan and Iqamah, two rows of angels pray behind him, while one who offers his prayers with only the Iqamah and without the Adhan, one row of angels prays behind him." The Imam was asked: "And how long is each row?" The Imam replied: "At the very minimum, its length is the distance between East and West, while at the maximum, its length is the distance between the earth and the heavens." (Wasail ash-Shia, vol. 4, p. 620)
The method of reciting the Adhan and Iqamah can be found here.
Salawat
The Salawat is something most of us learned to recite very early in our childhood, yet we often fail to appreciate and contemplate its true essence. Although so simple and virtually effortless to recite, the merits and benefits of its recitation in this world and the next are unparalleled.
Imam as-Sadiq narrates the Holy Prophet to have said, "Your sending salawat upon me results in the acceptance of your requests and desires and Allah becomes pleased with you", and "The worthiest of people on the Day of Judgment will be those who sent the most salawat upon me in the world." The Imam has also said, "One who sends 10 salawat upon the Prophet and his Family, Allah and the angels send 100 salawat upon him, and the one who sends 100 salawat upon the Prophet and his Family, then Allah and the angels send 1000 salawat upon him." (Usul al-Kafi)
Let us make it a habit to recite the salawat more often. Surely it is a means to attain the pleasure and closeness to Allah and the Holy Infallibles. A detailed discussion delving into the merits of reciting the salawat can be found here.
Du'a Mashlool
Also known as "the supplication of the youth stricken for his sin" and "the prayer of the paralytic", this miraculous prayer cured the paralysis of a man exceedingly sinful in his youth who endlessly disobeyed his father, treating him with contempt to the extent of beating him. His paralysis was invoked by the curse of his father, who soon passed away, leaving him in this hopeless condition for life. Upon sincere repentance and lament, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) taught this man Du'a Mashlool, which served to cure him completely and demonstrated its untold, immeasurable power.
Du'a Mashlool is also highly effective for the forgiveness of sins, cure from various forms of illness, transforming poverty to prosperity, safety from all evil, and the fulfillment of all legitimate desires. It is recommended to recite Du'a Mashlool on Fridays, after Isha prayers. The Arabic supplication and the English translation are available online.
Ayat al-Kursi
Ayat al-Kursi is verse number 255 in Surah Baqarah, known as the Verse of the Throne and one of the most important in the Holy Qur'an. It is said that this one verse tells in a nutshell all we can ever know about God. There are numerous traditions that encourage us to memorize it and recite it frequently. Regular recitation promises (amongst others) relief from troubles and affliction, peace and protection, increase in sustenance, and forgiveness of sins.
Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) says: "The one who recites Ayat al-Kursi once, Allah will remove one thousand unbecoming things from his worldly unbecoming affairs, the easiest of which is poverty, and one thousand unbecoming things from his (affairs) in the hereafter, the easiest one among which is the pain of the grave." (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 92, p. 262)
Tasbih of Bibi Fatima Zahra
Gifted by the Holy Prophet to his beloved daughter, the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) is known to be the best form of dhikr-Allah. It is also one of the 10 actions that the Ahlul Bayt would perform before sleeping, it is the ascension of a true believer, and according to Imam as-Sadiq, it is better than performing one thousand units of recommended prayers! Its recitation is also stated to be one of the five signs of a true believer. (Makarim al-Akhlaq) Our Imams have narrated it to offer release from misfortunes, acceptance of desires, forgiveness of sins, protection from tragedies, separation from Shaitan, and achieving a state worthy of Paradise.
Let us not undermine the effectiveness of this great remembrance and habitually recite it after every prayer at the least. A detailed book on the tasbih of Bibi Fatima can be found here.
Du'a Ahad
This supplication evokes a deep yearning to be in the company of our present Imam, to be among his helpers, and to attain martyrdom in his presence. Frequent recitation is highly recommended.
Imam as-Sadiq narrates that if one recites Du'a Ahad for forty days after morning prayers, (s)he will be amongst the helpers of Imam Mahdi, and if (s)he dies before the reappearance of the Imam, Allah will raise this person from the grave in order to present him-/herself to the Imam.
The Arabic supplication and English translation are available online.
Salat al-Layl (the Night Prayers)
Amongst the numerous recommended mustahab actions, the Night Prayer bears a special distinction. Many Qur'anic verses and traditions have emphasized the importance of its performance, through which souls are perfected, hearts are enlivened, wills are strengthened, and sincerity is perfected. The Holy Qur'an says, "And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjud (Salat al-Layl) beyond what is incumbent on you; it may be that your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory." (17:79) In this verse, Allah describes the Night Prayer's extraordinary spiritual effects: it raised the Holy Prophet to Maqame Mahmood, a position of glory and praise. It is an elevated position with Allah and one that only few can attain.
The Holy Prophet has said, "There is no good deed except that its reward has been outlined in the Qur'an, except the Salat al-Layl. Almighty Allah has not specified its reward due to its greatness with Him." Indeed Allah says regarding the reward of those who recite this prayer, "So no soul knows what is hidden for them of that which will refresh the eyes; a reward for what they did." (32:17)
In the words of Ayatollah Ibrahim Amini, "How beautiful and pleasing it is that a God's servant wakes up from sleep, leaves his soft and comfortable bed, makes ablutions, and in the darkness of night, while the others are busy in deep sleep, stands up before the Lord of the worlds, engages into humming communications with Him, and through this spiritual journey, ascends towards Upper Heavens, thus joining the angels of Celestial Kingdom in praising, worshiping, and adoring God Almighty. At this moment, his heart becomes a center of illumination of Divine light, and a heart fully saturated with God's desire ascends towards the most sublime spiritual position of God's Nearness."
May Allah give us all the strength to sacrifice our sleep and comfort and be from among those who perform Salat al-Layl every night. Click here for a brief article on Salat al-Layl.
Salat of Ja'far Tayyar
The Salat of Ja'far Tayyar, a gift of love bestowed by the Holy Prophet to Hazrat Ja'far Tayyar, the brother of Imam Ali, has been greatly emphasized in the traditions of the Imams. It is performed to beseech Allah for the forgiveness of sins and for the fulfillment of any legitimate desire. (Mafatih al-Jinan) The method of the prayer can be found here – and it takes a mere 30 minutes of your life.
Indeed, Shaikh Abbas al-Qummi states in Mafatih that this prayer is one of the best sources of forgiveness of sins.
Supplications for the Daily Prayers
It is highly recommended to recite certain du'as after each of the five daily prayers. These take only a few minutes to recite and are a great practice to implement regularly in our lives.
| SHIA MEANS FOLLOWERS- MEMBERS OF PARTY | for everyone |
The word “Shia” means “followers; members of party”. As such, the term “Shia” alone has no negative or positive meaning unless we specify the leader of the party. If one is a Shia (follower) of the most righteous servants, then there is nothing wrong with being Shia, specially if the leader of such party has been assigned by Allah. On the other hand, if one becomes the Shia a tyrant or a wrong-doer, he shall meet with the fate of his leader. In fact, Quran indicates that on the day of Judgment people will come in groups, and each group has its leader in front of it. Allah, to whom belong Might and Majesty, said:
One day We shall call every group of people by their respective Imams. (Quran 17:71)
In the day of judgment, the destiny of the “followers” of each group highly depends on the destiny of his Imam (provided that they really followed that Imam). Allah mentioned in Quran that there are two types of Imams. Some Imams are those who invite people to Hell fire. They are tyrannical leaders of each era (like Pharaoh, etc.):
And We made them (but) Imams inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgment no help shall they find. In this world We continued to curse them; and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the hateful. (Quran 28:41-42).
Certainly, being the members of the parties of such Satanic Imams has been severely denounced in Quran, and the followers of such parties will meet the fate of their leaders. However, Quran also reminds that there are Imams who are appointed by Allah as Guides for the mankind:
“And We ASSIGNED from among them some Imams who GUIDE by Our authority since they were patient and believed firmly in Our Signs.” (Quran 32:24)
Certainly, the true followers (Shia) of these Imams will be the real prosperous on the day of resurrection. Thus being a Shia does not mean anything, unless we know the Shia of whom. Allah mentioned in Quran that Some of His righteous servants were Shia of His other righteous servants. An example was Prophet Abraham who was mentioned in Quran specifically as the Shia of Noah:
“And most surely Abraham was among the Shia of him (i.e., Noah)” (Quran 37:83)
(Notice that the word “Shia” is explicitly used, letter by letter, in the above verse as well as the following verse.) In another verse, Quran talks about the Shia of Moses versus the enemies of Moses:
“And he (Moses) went into the city at a time when people (of the city) were not watching, so he found therein two men fighting, one being of his Shia and the other being his enemy, and the one who was of his Shia cried out to him for help against the one who was of his enemy” (Quran 28:15)
In the above verse of Quran, one is named the Shia of Moses (AS) and the other one is named the enemy of Moses, and the people at that time were either the Shia or the enemy of Moses (AS). Thus Shia is an official word used by Allah in His Quran for His high rank prophets as well as their followers. Do you want to say Prophet Abraham was sectarian? How about Prophet Noah and Prophet Moses?
If somebody calls himself a Shia, it is not due to any sectarianism, nor any innovation. It is because Quran has used the phrase for some of His best servants. The above verses that I mentioned in support of Shia, has used this term singular form (i.e., one group of followers). This means that it has special meaning, such as: THE Shia of Noah (AS), THE Shia of Moses (AS). Also in the History of Islam, Shia has been specially used for the “followers of Ali”. The first individual who used this term was the Messenger of Allah himself:
The Messenger of Allah said to Ali: “Glad tiding O Ali! Verily you and your companions and your Shia (followers) will be in Paradise.”
| [EAcircle] URGENT - Humble Request - Worldwide Event | for everyone |
Subject: [EAcircle] URGENT - Humble Request - Worldwide Event
Assalaamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh
Brothers and Sisters, the plight of our Shias in Bahrain is extremely dire. Youtube removed a video yesterday, which depicted the massacre of innocent, peaceful, UNARMED protesters in Manama. The media is trying to suppress information.
Press TV has, Alhamdulillah, retrieved the footage:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170104.html
There is a download link on the right hand side of the video, please download and spread this widely. The world needs to see the truth which is being supressed by the ziomedia.
USA has its main Naval base, Fleet 5, in Manama, Bahrain, which supports and supplies ALL other US bases in the Middle East, including Iraq,Afghanistan, etc. The officers at this base have the power to stop Saudi Arabian military from carrying out these attacks on innocent civilians who have posed no threat to either Saudi Arabia or USA.
It is, therefore, evidently BY ORDER OF THE US GOVERNMENT that these atrocities are taking place at the hands of the Saudi military.
We are not asking you to take any military action.
We are not asking you to attend a demonstration.
(Although if you do, it will certainly make a difference and let the world hear your voice of disgust.)
No. That is not what we are asking of you today.
What we are asking of you is this:
Tomorrow,
THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2011,
we are asking for the recitation of
DUA JAWSHAN-E-SAGHEER
and a
ONE-DAY FAST OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF BAHRAIN,
AND AGAINST OPPRESSION.
If possible, also the recitation of
DUA-E-AHLE THUGUR (Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya).
That's it.
May Allah swt reward our efforts, and hear our Prayers, Ameen.
Please pass this message of peace and prayer on to everyone you know. The more hands raised in Dua, the more likelihood of fulfilment.
Jazakallah.
Iltimase dua.
Khuddaam-e-Mahdi (AJ)
Brothers and Sisters, the plight of our Shias in Bahrain is extremely dire. Youtube removed a video yesterday, which depicted the massacre of innocent, peaceful, UNARMED protesters in Manama. The media is trying to suppress information.
Press TV has, Alhamdulillah, retrieved the footage:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/170104.html
There is a download link on the right hand side of the video, please download and spread this widely. The world needs to see the truth which is being supressed by the ziomedia.
USA has its main Naval base, Fleet 5, in Manama, Bahrain, which supports and supplies ALL other US bases in the Middle East, including Iraq,Afghanistan, etc. The officers at this base have the power to stop Saudi Arabian military from carrying out these attacks on innocent civilians who have posed no threat to either Saudi Arabia or USA.
It is, therefore, evidently BY ORDER OF THE US GOVERNMENT that these atrocities are taking place at the hands of the Saudi military.
We are not asking you to take any military action.
We are not asking you to attend a demonstration.
(Although if you do, it will certainly make a difference and let the world hear your voice of disgust.)
No. That is not what we are asking of you today.
What we are asking of you is this:
Tomorrow,
THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2011,
we are asking for the recitation of
DUA JAWSHAN-E-SAGHEER
and a
ONE-DAY FAST OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF BAHRAIN,
AND AGAINST OPPRESSION.
If possible, also the recitation of
DUA-E-AHLE THUGUR (Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya).
That's it.
May Allah swt reward our efforts, and hear our Prayers, Ameen.
Please pass this message of peace and prayer on to everyone you know. The more hands raised in Dua, the more likelihood of fulfilment.
Jazakallah.
Iltimase dua.
Khuddaam-e-Mahdi (AJ)
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron" (Dwight D Eisenhower).
(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)
| A JOURNEY CALLED LIFE | for everyone |
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall
to see the farmer and his wife open a package.
to see the farmer and his wife open a package.
"What food might this contain?", the mouse wondered.
He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.
Retreating to the farmyard,
the mouse proclaimed this warning :
"There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
the mouse proclaimed this warning :
"There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched,
raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse,
I can tell this is a grave concern to you,
but it is of no consequence to me.
I cannot be bothered by it."
raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse,
I can tell this is a grave concern to you,
but it is of no consequence to me.
I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him,
"There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
The pig sympathized, but said,
"I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse,
but there is nothing I can do about it
but pray..
"I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse,
but there is nothing I can do about it
but pray..
Be assured you are in my prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow and said,
"There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
"There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!"
he cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you,
but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house,
head down and dejected,
to face the farmer's mousetrap
. . . Alone.. .. .
but it's no skin off my nose."
So, the mouse returned to the house,
head down and dejected,
to face the farmer's mousetrap
. . . Alone.. .. .
That very night
a sound was heard throughout the house
-- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.
In the darkness, she did not see it.
It was a venomous snake
whose tail was caught in the trap.
The snake bit the farmer's wife.
a sound was heard throughout the house
-- the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.
In the darkness, she did not see it.
It was a venomous snake
whose tail was caught in the trap.
The snake bit the farmer's wife.
he farmer rushed her to the hospital.
When she returned home she still had a fever.
Everyone knows you treat a fever
with fresh chicken soup.
So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard
for the soup's main ingredient:
Everyone knows you treat a fever
with fresh chicken soup.
So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard
for the soup's main ingredient:
But his wife's sickness continued.
Friends and neighbors
came to sit with her
around the clock.
To feed them,
the farmer butchered the pig.
Friends and neighbors
came to sit with her
around the clock.
To feed them,
the farmer butchered the pig.
But, alas,
the farmer's wife did not get well...
She died.
the farmer's wife did not get well...
She died.
So many people came for her funeral
that the farmer had the cow slaughtered
to provide enough meat for all of them
for the funeral luncheon.
And the mouse looked upon it all
from his crack in the wall
with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear
someone is facing a problem
and you think it doesn't concern you,
remember ---
that the farmer had the cow slaughtered
to provide enough meat for all of them
for the funeral luncheon.
And the mouse looked upon it all
from his crack in the wall
with great sadness.
So, the next time you hear
someone is facing a problem
and you think it doesn't concern you,
remember ---
When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk.
We are all involved in this journey called life.
We must keep an eye out for one another
and make an extra effort
to encourage one another.
We are all involved in this journey called life.
We must keep an eye out for one another
and make an extra effort
to encourage one another.
YOU MAY WANT TO SEND THIS
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER
HELPED YOU OUT...
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER
HELPED YOU OUT...
AND LET THEM KNOW
HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE.
- REMEMBER -
EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD
IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY.
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER
FOR A REASON.
HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE.
- REMEMBER -
EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD
IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY.
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER
FOR A REASON.
One of the best things to hold onto
In this world is a FRIEND.
In this world is a FRIEND.
| Reality of Life in our Country (India) | for everyone |
Reality of Life in our Country
* Most 'First cl-ass' students get technical seats, some become Doctors and some Engineers.
* The 'Second cl-ass' pass, pass MBA, become Administrators and control the 'First cl-ass'.
* The 'Third cl-ass' pass, enter politics and become Ministers and control both.
* Last, but not the least, the 'Failures' join the underworld and control all the above.
| Friday declared as 'Day of Protest' for Bahrain | for everyone |
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:23:11 -0500
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| Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on Bahraini authorities to end a violent crackdown | for everyone |
Top Shia cleric slams Bahrain violence
Leading Iraqi Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani
Top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on Bahraini authorities to end a violent crackdown on anti-government protesters in the kingdom.
Expressing grave concerns about Manama's harsh measures against unarmed civilians over the past few days, the highly influential Ayatollah Sistani emphasized Wednesday on the necessity to resolve problems in the Shia-majority country “through peaceful means,” his spokesman Hamad al-Khaffaf, told AFP.
The statement came after hundreds of Bahraini riot police and Saudi forces, backed by tanks and helicopters, attacked demonstrators in Manama's Pearl Square, the epicenter of anti-government protests, where demonstrators have camped out for weeks, killing at least six people and injuring more than 1,000 others.
The city's main hospital, where the injured were being treated, was also attacked by Saudi forces and everyone inside the building, including doctors and nurses, were taken hostage.
Shias around the world have condemned the brutal crackdown by the ruling Sunni dynasty.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar have dispatched their armed forces to crisis-hit Bahrain to assist the rulers in Manama with their brutal crackdown on nationwide protests against the Sunni-led monarchy's persistent suppression of the majority Shia population.
Foreign military intervention in Bahrain has also concerned UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has called for a meaningful and broad-based national dialogue.
The UN chief also urged Bahrain's regional neighbors and the international community to support a dialogue process and an environment conducive to credible reform in Bahrain.
Bahraini demonstrators maintain that they will hold their ground until their demands for freedom, constitutional monarchy and a voice in the government are met.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iraq and Kuwait have staged demonstrations in support of protesters in Bahrain.
| ANIMAL KINGDOM | for everyone |
| Halal Skincare to be a Strong Niche Market | for everyone |
Halal Skincare to be a Strong Niche Market
|
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Layla Mandi is a young Canadian Muslim woman who has single-handedly ventured into the still unexplored field of manufacturing and marketing a wide range of Halal beauty products.
“I developed OnePure products because I wanted Muslims around the world to have the choice of Halal certified beauty products that were chick, effective and luxurious,” Layla, the CEO and founder of OnePure said in Dubai.
In Dubai she is looking for a reputable partner to distribute her products in the region. She has just returned from Pakistan attending the first Global Halal Congress in Karachi.
The formulae of the products were developed by her in Canada working with a chemist and a dermatologist. The products are manufactured in Malaysia and certified Halal by JAKIM (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia), the internationally recognised centre of Halal certification services based in Malaysia.
As a requirement of JAKIM, OnePure products carry the Halal logo on their labels. Halal is derived from the Arabic word which means permitted or allowed by Islamic law.
“Some companies claim certification through a consultancy or just label products Halal but are sadly misleading and not regulated,” Layla said.
She said that several ingredients of beauty products could be derived from pork as well as from vegetables. “When we buy a product, we do not know the source of its ingredients. That is why a Halal certification is necessary to ensure that the source are vegetables and not pork,” she said.
Layla’s story of struggle, specially being a woman, and her success in building a brand in a highly competitive international market, is a source of inspiration for young women like her. In the interview she talks about what motivated her to revert to Islam, enter this field of business, her obstacles, her progress and her plans.
Initially the issues that inspired her to learn more about Islam were the strong family ties and values of the Muslim families she knew growing up. At a time when most families were divorcing, the Muslim families were connected and strong.
As she matured and educated herself about Islam, the Muslim way of life made perfectly clear sense to her. “it felt “true” and I knew I found the guidance, in the Quran, that I had been searching for in my life,” she said.
Having studied Canadian history, Layla worked as a make-up artist for fashion catalogues because she loved travel and as a make-up artist she could do that. In her work she was appreciated for her attention and eye for detail.
This motivated her to start her own business in 2006. That needed research. Searching through Google, to her surprise, nothing came up for “Halal skincare”.
When learning about Islam she asked a simple question: ”If my skincare contain questionable ingredients can I pray?” the answer she was told was a big ‘NO’.
So she started searching for products that did not contain ingredients forbidden in Islam and after spending endless confusing hours at the mall she figured she needed to develop a brand to give herself and all Muslim women a clear choice, a Halal certified skincare line that was results based and was luxurious, modern and cool. Slowly but surely OnePure was born.
She started with OnePure make-up products like lipstick etc, and moved on to skincare products and cosmetics. “This has become my passion. I believe I am setting a new standard in Halal certified beauty,” she said.
“In the past four to five years, the industry has developed so rapidly that we can find pages after pages on Halal beauty products on Google,” she said.
Her products include a wide range of essentials, whiteners, anti-aging products and treatments. “In my opinion I have fabulous cleansers, a really effective Acne treatment and the best eye cream on the market,” she said.
“My target customer is a 30 year old Muslim woman who wears Hijab and has her own career and income. She is looking for a product that reflects her identity as a Muslim at an entry-level price,” Layla explained.
OnePure are available in the Gulf since January 2010. In Dubai, they can be had from Galeries Lafayette and Soiree boutique. They are also on sale in Egypt and on Saudi Arabian Airlines. And of course they are available in Canada.
Layla plans to introduce the products in Kuwait and in Pakistan this year.
“Women anywhere in the world can also buy the products online . The shipment is free,” she said.
“Gradually, I plan to grow internationally with physical presence of my products. I strive to ensure OnePure is competitive on an international scale at each stage from packaging, design, R&D and ultimately results for my customer satisfaction. With these goals I certainly believe OnePure is a global brand for all deserving women,” she said.
About the obstacles she had in developing her brand, Layla said that she has self-funded the entire way and she is currently the sole owner of the brand. She has built the brand to a stage that she needs a strong partner.
“I am now looking forward to companies who are interested to work as importers and distributors for the OnePure brand and who know the industry and the Gulf market and have a strong distribution network,” she said.
“I am also interested to talk to companies who want to do contract manufacturing or create their own brand of Halal cosmetics as I can certainly help them do this. I am looking for serious partners for investment and distribution,” she said.
One difficulty Layla faces in the Gulf, being a woman, is that she has to deal with men, mostly, and she feels that after while they get nervous around her. This is a challenge for her.
Layla said that people are not aware of Halal cosmetics and their concept, so they ask a lot of questions. Once they get the answers, they are happy to have the choice.
Layla said that many people wonder how haram (forbidden, prohibited by the faith) animal ingredients end up in their skincare and the simplest way to explain it is that a lot of ingredients are made from animal by products-including haram animal and the by-products are sold to skincare companies and put into the products for various effects, for example to make the product thicker. Gross.
Layla said that OnePure creates all the products with hot weather countries in mind. The weather here makes skincare needs very different than North American issues and all major brands develop products for cold climates.
“For example when creating the moisturisers I wanted something that didn’t slide off and sweat in the heat. I insist on creating formulations in small, artisan batches and use flower and plant extracts, avocado and jojoba oils and vitamin E to name a few of the items in the products,” she said.
OnePure has developed products with a heavy emphasis on anti-aging and one of the more popular products has been its eye cream, which targets dark circles by improving circulation in the orbital area. “I work hard, I listen to my customers,” she said.
Layla said that the Halal beauty products industry, estimated to be a trillion dollar industry, is at its inception worldwide with about five companies. OnePure is the only range that can compete with the major international brands, she said.
“Over time, I expect it to develop into a very strong niche market,” Layla said.
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 06:44
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