| THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.S.) SAID ABOUT IMAM ALI (A.S.)... | for everyone |
Jabir b. Abdillah al-Ansari, who reported that:The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny said: Jibraeel descended to me and said: "Allah commands you to rise and confirm the excellence of Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, above others, by addressing your companions, so that they may convey to their posterity on your behalf. And He commands all the angels to hear from you what you mention. And Allah, reveals to you, O Muhammad, that whoever opposes you in His command, for such a person (the destination) is hellfire; and whoever obeys, for such a person (the destination) is Paradise."
So the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, caused an announcement for congregational prayers. People gathered, and the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, set out to climb high on the pulpit. The first thing that he uttered was "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. In the name of Allah, Most Merciful." Then he said:
"O people! I am the bringer of good tidings and I am the warner. I am the Prophet of Makkah. I want to convey to you from Allah, Most High, regarding a man whose flesh is my flesh and whose blood is my blood. He is the treasure of knowledge, and it is he who Allah has chosen from this Ummah. He selected him, guided him, befriended him and created me and him (of one essence). He made me excel above others by the Prophethood, and made him excel above other by making him my emissary. He made me be city of knowledge and him its gate. Made me the treasurer of knowledge and the purveyor of the laws from Him, and gave him (i.e. Ali) the successorship. He made his matter quite manifest, and warned against enmity against him, and drew closer to Him those who love him. He forgave his Shias, and commanded all the people to obey him. And surely, Allah says: 'Whoever takes him as an enemy, is My enemy, and whoever befriends him is My friend. And whoever shows hostility to him is hostile to Me, and whoever opposes him opposes Me. And whoever disobeys him, disobeys Me and whoever hurts him, hurts Me. And whoever hates him hates Me, and whoever loves him, loves Me. And whoever has an ill intention against him has the same against Me, and whoever plots against him, plots against Me. And whoever helps him, helps Me.
O people! Listen to what he commands you to do, and be obedient to him. I warn you of Allah's chastisement, (and of the day): 'On the Day when every soul will find all the good it has done face to face; and the evil it has done, it will wish that they might be a great distance between it and the evil it has done, and Allah cautious you to be wary of Him.'(3:30)." Then he took Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him, by his hands and said: "O people! This is the master of the believers and the Proof of Allah (and His authority) over the entire creation; and the one who will fight the infidels. O Allah! I have indeed conveyed and they are Your slaves. You have the power to reform them, so reform them (for the better) with Your mercy, O merciful of all the mercifuls. I seek forgiveness from Allah for myself and all of you."
Then he climbed down from the pulpit and Jibraeel came to him (again) and said: O Muhammad, Allah, Almighty, sends you His greetings and says: "May you be rewarded the best for conveying your mission. You have indeed conveyed your Lord's message, and have advised your Ummah, and you have (today) pleased the believers and you have grieved the infidels. O Muhammad, your cousin will face tribulations and many will face tribulations because of him! O Muhammad, say: All praise be for the Lord of the worlds, and soon the wrongdoers shall know what awaits them, and say it at all times."
So the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, caused an announcement for congregational prayers. People gathered, and the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, set out to climb high on the pulpit. The first thing that he uttered was "I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan. In the name of Allah, Most Merciful." Then he said:
"O people! I am the bringer of good tidings and I am the warner. I am the Prophet of Makkah. I want to convey to you from Allah, Most High, regarding a man whose flesh is my flesh and whose blood is my blood. He is the treasure of knowledge, and it is he who Allah has chosen from this Ummah. He selected him, guided him, befriended him and created me and him (of one essence). He made me excel above others by the Prophethood, and made him excel above other by making him my emissary. He made me be city of knowledge and him its gate. Made me the treasurer of knowledge and the purveyor of the laws from Him, and gave him (i.e. Ali) the successorship. He made his matter quite manifest, and warned against enmity against him, and drew closer to Him those who love him. He forgave his Shias, and commanded all the people to obey him. And surely, Allah says: 'Whoever takes him as an enemy, is My enemy, and whoever befriends him is My friend. And whoever shows hostility to him is hostile to Me, and whoever opposes him opposes Me. And whoever disobeys him, disobeys Me and whoever hurts him, hurts Me. And whoever hates him hates Me, and whoever loves him, loves Me. And whoever has an ill intention against him has the same against Me, and whoever plots against him, plots against Me. And whoever helps him, helps Me.
O people! Listen to what he commands you to do, and be obedient to him. I warn you of Allah's chastisement, (and of the day): 'On the Day when every soul will find all the good it has done face to face; and the evil it has done, it will wish that they might be a great distance between it and the evil it has done, and Allah cautious you to be wary of Him.'(3:30)." Then he took Amirul Mo'mineen, peace be upon him, by his hands and said: "O people! This is the master of the believers and the Proof of Allah (and His authority) over the entire creation; and the one who will fight the infidels. O Allah! I have indeed conveyed and they are Your slaves. You have the power to reform them, so reform them (for the better) with Your mercy, O merciful of all the mercifuls. I seek forgiveness from Allah for myself and all of you."
Then he climbed down from the pulpit and Jibraeel came to him (again) and said: O Muhammad, Allah, Almighty, sends you His greetings and says: "May you be rewarded the best for conveying your mission. You have indeed conveyed your Lord's message, and have advised your Ummah, and you have (today) pleased the believers and you have grieved the infidels. O Muhammad, your cousin will face tribulations and many will face tribulations because of him! O Muhammad, say: All praise be for the Lord of the worlds, and soon the wrongdoers shall know what awaits them, and say it at all times."
| Questions about Four Traits | for everyone |
The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, said:
"How did you while away your life?
How did you earn your wealth?
And where did you spend it?
And He will ask him about our love, the Ahlul Bait."
A person present asked: "And what is the sign of your love, O messenger of Allah?" He said: "To love him," and then he placed his hand on the head of Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him..
I heard Abu Abdillah, Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, saying:
"The faith of a slave (of Allah) is never complete without four traits: noble character, generosity, sparing of unnecessary speech, and spending the surplus from ones wealth."
And Praise to Allah, the Lord of Universe. And may Allah bless our master, Muhammad, the Prophet and his pure progeny.
| The most God-fearing, the richest and the most pious | for everyone |
al-Sadiq Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, from his father, from his grandfather, who said:I heard the Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, say: "Act according to what Allah had made obligatory upon you, and you will be the most God-fearing; and be content with what Allah has apportioned to you, and you will be the richest of all, and refrain from what Allah has forbidden, and you will be the most pious, and do good to your neighbours, and you will be (true) believer, and be a good companion and you will be a (good) Muslim."
| HADEES OF THE DAY | for everyone |
Imam Askari (A.S) The beautiful face is apparent beauty, and good reasoning is inner beauty (Behar Al_anwar , Vol.78 , P.377)
Imam Ali (A.S) said: To give up inordinate desires is the best kind of wealth and fortune.
Imam Ali (a.s): Never, never will prosperity be reached by remaining idle and lazy (Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p.197)
Overlook and forgive the weaknesses of generous people. Because if they fall down Hand of God lifts them.
A man asked the Prophet (PBUH) to give him a piece of advice. The Prophet, may Allah's greetings be upon him and his immaculate household, said: ‘Control your temper. ‘The man made the same request for a second time. The Prophet said: ‘Control your temper.’ Then, he went on to say: ‘A strong man is not one who knocks other people down. A strong person is one who does not let his anger get the better of him.’
(Tohfatul Oqul, p. 47)
Hadith Commentary:
La taghzab qahran does not signify uncontrollable anger. This anger is voluntary. It means "do not show your anger" or "do not let your anger get the better of you". A strong man is not one who knocks other people down when wrestling. A strong man is the one who controls his ghazab. Here ghazab does not just mean "temporary anger" but it also means "grudge". Controlling wrath and lust affects all aspects of life.
Anas-ibn-Mlaik narrates from the Messenger of Allah [sa] who said: ‘Accept six things from me, then I will accept (and guarantee) the entrance of Heaven for you:
1. When you speak, tell no lies.
3. When you are trusted (by others), be honest.
4. Lower your eyes (from committing sin).
5.Guard your modesty.
6. Hold your hands and tongues.’
The Holy Prophet [s.a] said: ‘Someone who possesses knowledge on a subject but conceals it when he is asked will be bridled with reins of fire.’ (Therefore, if a person possesses information that would help a bewildered person and improve his situation but he remains silent, he has surely committed a great sin.)
| DEPRESSION IN ISLAM - A DISCUSSION | for everyone |
"Verily my prayers, my sacrifices, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Holy Qur'an 6:162)
The tides of life sweep many people onto new horizons of hopelessness. Life without Islam leaves the weak in this world vulnerable to misuse and oppression. One of the worst forms of abuse is that which is perpetrated by a trusted person in one's life. And this is the sad scenario of many people throughout the world who have had this sacred trust breached by either family members or close friends of the family. The laws of Allah (swt), the Almighty protect the individual and society. But sadly these laws are too often not known or implemented. Satan, the enemy of man, calls for all that destroys the human being. Why do we find so many victims in the world of today - lost, isolated, whose minds feel constant pain and frustration - an inability to change what has occurred. An inability to wipe away the memories of terror and fear and replace it with peace.
Some issues not only affect the body of the human being but reach far down into the spirit and threaten to touch the delicate balance that coordinates the harmony between the body and the soul. Loss of confidence, feelings of guilt and inability to trust - fear of broken trust, fear of loss, fear of fear...
The state of the heart is the key to the balance of the essence of man and so it is no wonder that the traps of Satan are those which urge the physical desires on to acts that will tamper with and destroy the spirit.
However, Allah (swt), the Almighty tells us that the plans of Satan are weak! What joyous news this is for those who have been held in its dark clutches. For Satan works with illusion, while Allah (swt) is reality. Whatever we fear, cannot harm us for we know that only Allah (swt) is to be feared - for nothing occurs without His guiding hand and He guides to all that is good. He is the One who can turn evil into good.
The evil touch, the memory of betrayal can so easily be replaced with the remembrance that Allah (swt), His light and guidance can lift us far and away - beyond time and space - to a place of peace, where the dismal memories that cloud the mind are dispelled in a puff. The heart finds lightness, grace and wispy breezes of comfort in the words of Allah (swt) - the final message to man, that contains all the knowledge essential for our growth and overcoming of the evil within ourselves and in the world around us.
The victims of the world, have a greater potential for growth than any others. The spirit once touched, is open to light and guidance, softer and more compassionate to the pain of others and inner troubles of the mind stir the individual to walk the steep paths of life and thereby, through their sincerity and efforts find the vast richness of the Mercy of Allah (swt), which extends to the oppressed who with sincerity seek His ever present help.
May Allah (swt) bind the hearts of the victims to Him, that they will never give up in this journey of life. For every single person in this world carries some form of burden, some fear, some care, some disappointment, some loss - but nothing can harm the spirit, which is the essence of man which belongs to Allah (swt) and will return to Him, in the form in which it was molded in this world.
The decision belongs to us. We sink or swim. We strive or give up. But before we choose we must remember that Allah (swt) promises not to give us more than we can bear if we sincerely strive to follow His way, trusting in Him. Alone we will surely destroy ourselves, but with His ever Merciful help, nothing - absolutely nothing is impossible!
Allah (swt) burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. Above all, prayer and remembrance of Allah (swt) brings peace to the troubled mind and contains the only sure cure for the heart that cannot find peace.
"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us."
The tides of life sweep many people onto new horizons of hopelessness. Life without Islam leaves the weak in this world vulnerable to misuse and oppression. One of the worst forms of abuse is that which is perpetrated by a trusted person in one's life. And this is the sad scenario of many people throughout the world who have had this sacred trust breached by either family members or close friends of the family. The laws of Allah (swt), the Almighty protect the individual and society. But sadly these laws are too often not known or implemented. Satan, the enemy of man, calls for all that destroys the human being. Why do we find so many victims in the world of today - lost, isolated, whose minds feel constant pain and frustration - an inability to change what has occurred. An inability to wipe away the memories of terror and fear and replace it with peace.
Some issues not only affect the body of the human being but reach far down into the spirit and threaten to touch the delicate balance that coordinates the harmony between the body and the soul. Loss of confidence, feelings of guilt and inability to trust - fear of broken trust, fear of loss, fear of fear...
The state of the heart is the key to the balance of the essence of man and so it is no wonder that the traps of Satan are those which urge the physical desires on to acts that will tamper with and destroy the spirit.
However, Allah (swt), the Almighty tells us that the plans of Satan are weak! What joyous news this is for those who have been held in its dark clutches. For Satan works with illusion, while Allah (swt) is reality. Whatever we fear, cannot harm us for we know that only Allah (swt) is to be feared - for nothing occurs without His guiding hand and He guides to all that is good. He is the One who can turn evil into good.
The evil touch, the memory of betrayal can so easily be replaced with the remembrance that Allah (swt), His light and guidance can lift us far and away - beyond time and space - to a place of peace, where the dismal memories that cloud the mind are dispelled in a puff. The heart finds lightness, grace and wispy breezes of comfort in the words of Allah (swt) - the final message to man, that contains all the knowledge essential for our growth and overcoming of the evil within ourselves and in the world around us.
The victims of the world, have a greater potential for growth than any others. The spirit once touched, is open to light and guidance, softer and more compassionate to the pain of others and inner troubles of the mind stir the individual to walk the steep paths of life and thereby, through their sincerity and efforts find the vast richness of the Mercy of Allah (swt), which extends to the oppressed who with sincerity seek His ever present help.
May Allah (swt) bind the hearts of the victims to Him, that they will never give up in this journey of life. For every single person in this world carries some form of burden, some fear, some care, some disappointment, some loss - but nothing can harm the spirit, which is the essence of man which belongs to Allah (swt) and will return to Him, in the form in which it was molded in this world.
The decision belongs to us. We sink or swim. We strive or give up. But before we choose we must remember that Allah (swt) promises not to give us more than we can bear if we sincerely strive to follow His way, trusting in Him. Alone we will surely destroy ourselves, but with His ever Merciful help, nothing - absolutely nothing is impossible!
Allah (swt) burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. Above all, prayer and remembrance of Allah (swt) brings peace to the troubled mind and contains the only sure cure for the heart that cannot find peace.
"Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us."
| DEATH WILL FIND YOU...... WHEREVER YOUR ARE | for everyone |
O Reader take a moral from here, never know your end may be near, Change your living and make amends, for Heaven, on your deeds depends.
This is the tale of an Average Man,
Who acts contrary to Allah's plan,
If you are reflected herein,
Then repent and commit no sin.
It was early morning at four
When death knocked upon a bedroom door,
"Who is there?" The sleeping one cried,
"I am Izrael, Let me come inside."
At once the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,
He shouted to his sleeping wife,
"Don't let him take away my life."
"Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone; I'm not ready yet,
My family depends on me,
Give me a chance, O please perpend!"
The angel knocked again and again,
"Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,
It is your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desire."
Bewildered, the man began to cry,
"O Angel, I'm so afraid to die,
I'll give you gold and be your slave,
Don't send me to the unlit grave."
"Let me in, O Friend!" The Angel said,
"Open the door; get up from your bed,
If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a Jinn."
The man held a gun in his right hand,
Ready to defy the Angel's stand,
"I'll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in; I'll shoot you dead."
By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, "O Friend! Prepare for you doom,
Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh."
"Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah's plan?
Come smile at me; do not be grim,
Be Happy to return to Him."
"O Angel! I bow my head in shame,
I had no time to take Allah's name,
From morning till dusk, I made my wealth,
Never even caring for my health."
"Allah's commands, I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day, I ever prayed,
A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But no time had I to repent."
"The Hajj was already fard on me,
But I would not part with my money,
All charities, I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more."
"Sometimes I sipped my favorite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine,
O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two."
"The Laws of Qur'an I will obey,
I'll begin Salaat this very day,
My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self-conceit."
"I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,
Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah's oneness I will attest."
We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands,
Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son."
"I'm afraid, this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, more of your past,
I do understand your fears,
But it is now too late for tears."
"You lived in this world,two score and more,
Never did you, your people adore,
Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away."
"Your two ill-gotten, female offspring's,
In nightclubs, for livelihood they sing,
Instead of making more Muslims,
You made your children non-Muslims."
"You ignored the Muezzin's Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Qur'an,
Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife."
"From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And your poor workers, you underpaid,
Horses and cards were your leisure,
Money-making was your pleasure."
"You ate vitamins, and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat,
A pint of blood, you never gave,
Which could a little baby save."
"O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song,
When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, this is true."
"Paradise for you? I cannot tell,
Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell,
There is no time for you to repent,
I'll take your soul for which I am sent."
The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man got very mad,
With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.
Wherever you are, death will find you out, even you are in towers built up strong and high! (Qur'an 4:78)
This is the tale of an Average Man,
Who acts contrary to Allah's plan,
If you are reflected herein,
Then repent and commit no sin.
It was early morning at four
When death knocked upon a bedroom door,
"Who is there?" The sleeping one cried,
"I am Izrael, Let me come inside."
At once the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,
He shouted to his sleeping wife,
"Don't let him take away my life."
"Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone; I'm not ready yet,
My family depends on me,
Give me a chance, O please perpend!"
The angel knocked again and again,
"Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,
It is your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desire."
Bewildered, the man began to cry,
"O Angel, I'm so afraid to die,
I'll give you gold and be your slave,
Don't send me to the unlit grave."
"Let me in, O Friend!" The Angel said,
"Open the door; get up from your bed,
If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a Jinn."
The man held a gun in his right hand,
Ready to defy the Angel's stand,
"I'll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in; I'll shoot you dead."
By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, "O Friend! Prepare for you doom,
Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh."
"Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah's plan?
Come smile at me; do not be grim,
Be Happy to return to Him."
"O Angel! I bow my head in shame,
I had no time to take Allah's name,
From morning till dusk, I made my wealth,
Never even caring for my health."
"Allah's commands, I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day, I ever prayed,
A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But no time had I to repent."
"The Hajj was already fard on me,
But I would not part with my money,
All charities, I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more."
"Sometimes I sipped my favorite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine,
O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two."
"The Laws of Qur'an I will obey,
I'll begin Salaat this very day,
My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self-conceit."
"I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,
Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah's oneness I will attest."
We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands,
Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son."
"I'm afraid, this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, more of your past,
I do understand your fears,
But it is now too late for tears."
"You lived in this world,
Never did you, your people adore,
Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away."
"Your two ill-gotten, female offspring's,
In nightclubs, for livelihood they sing,
Instead of making more Muslims,
You made your children non-Muslims."
"You ignored the Muezzin's Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Qur'an,
Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife."
"From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And your poor workers, you underpaid,
Horses and cards were your leisure,
Money-making was your pleasure."
"You ate vitamins, and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat,
A pint of blood, you never gave,
Which could a little baby save."
"O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song,
When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, this is true."
"
Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell,
There is no time for you to repent,
I'll take your soul for which I am sent."
The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man got very mad,
With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.
Wherever you are, death will find you out, even you are in towers built up strong and high! (Qur'an 4:78)
| HIJAB-LESSON FROM KARBALA | for everyone |
After the tragedy of Karbala, Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him) was often asked what the most difficult and painful experience of Karbala was. One would assume that after witnessing more than 70 friends and family members being martyred, his uncle Abbas's both arms being severed, his father's head being decapitated, and his six-month-old baby brother's neck being pierced by a three-prong arrow, that Imam Hussain's son would surely find these unspeakable and barbaric acts of the enemies of Islam as the most painful. However, we see that our Imam always replied to those who asked with the same statement, "Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham..."
Every Muharram, we cry and lament the tragedies of Karbala in order to keep the story of Imam Hussain alive, to learn the principles of justice and sacrifice, to become better believers, and to not be among the oppressors. Yet we see Muharram after Muharram that our Hijab as Muslim women is no different to what it was before Muharram.
At times, one may think that the so-called followers and supporters of Lady Fatima and Lady Zainab (peace be upon them) are committing oppression towards them. Oppression is to do injustice. These women gave their entire families for the sake of this religion. And for most of us, we don't even have the courtesy of valuing that. Lady Fatima's family was killed so that we today have true Islam in our grasp. Do we not care at all about Lady Fatima's family being destroyed?
According to some narrations, Lady Fatima is present wherever the tragedy of her son is mentioned. In order to do justice to Lady Fatima and the holy women of Karbala, and if we wish to make them proud this Muharram season, let us consider the following points.
To the Non-Hijabi
These otherwise magnificent sisters for one reason or another have not been observing Hijab even though it becomes obligatory upon girls at eight and a half years of age. Some have courageously tried to observe Hijab yet did not succeed, while others plan on insha'Allah concealing their beauty one day, just not today. Amazingly though, all that is needed is a small initiative to move towards the right direction, and subhan'Allah, Hijab will be easy! Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi, "When a believer takes one step towards me, I take ten towards him. When a believer walks towards me, I come running."
In the cities of Kufa and Damascus, the holy women of the Prophet's household (peace be upon them) were paraded around without their veils, with their sacred beauty visible to unrelated strange men to gawk at. Their hair was visible, they had been looted of their jewels from their ears and hands, their necks were shown, they were chained up as though they were prisoners of a heinous crime, and they were pushed around and dealt with by the men of Yazid ibn Muawiya. These are the women who were the pearls of Prophet Muhammad...who had been kept safe and always protected.
If today we claim to lament and grieve the suffering of these women, surely it behooves us to not insult their memory and observe the Hijab that they were so mercilessly deprived of. Indeed, that is the least we can do to express our sympathy and prove how real our tears are.
To the Part-Time Hijabi
This group of sisters is great at doing what they do best, and that is Hijab. In fact, some of these sisters have such great Hijab talent that when they practice Hijab, they make the full-time Hijabis look like amateurs. However, there's only area in which these sisters seem to falter. At times we see them covered at a dinner party at the Shaikh's house, and other times, we can't recognize them if we ever happen to run into them at the shopping center. Some days these sisters understand the beauty of covering up, how doing so demands self-respect, and that we as Hijabi women do not let strange unrelated men take a bite out of our beauty, in addition to the fact that we do not wish to break Allah's laws. But on the other hand, these sisters are capable of waking up one morning completely hating the Hijab. It's as though somebody killed the "Hijab is my right to protection" angel within her.
These sisters should be saluted for at the very least observing Hijab on the days they do. But we sincerely do encourage such sisters to consider becoming full-time Hijabis. Why? Because it has been narrated that Allah loves his creatures 70 times more than a mother is ever capable to love her child. If doing it for the rewards or saving one's self from facing punishment in this life and the next doesn't entice the part-time Hijabis, then perhaps realizing that in addition to saluting the women who sacrificed their Hijab in Karbala to keep true Islam alive, we will be pleasing the One who loves and cares for us more than anyone else, Allah!
To the Hijabi
This group of believing women, who are almost on track when it comes to Hijab modesty, have the hardest part mastered, and that's the head scarf. However, observing Hijab does not end there. We too must learn how to improve our Hijab in every way, every Muharram. Here are the most common "problem areas" which Hijabis usually don't know about, forget, or need reminding in order to help perfect our Hijab.
Fully Covered clothes: Sometimes a perfect Hijabi may unintentionally falter in her Hijab by wearing clothing items that are "in fashion". Short sleeved tops, large necklines, three-quarter harem pants, long shorts which visibly reveal those parts of our skin which need to be covered, etc. are a no-go zone. Besides the fact that wearing such clothes isn't exactly too Halal, if prayer time sets in, then the only way these sisters' prayers will be accepted is if their clothes magically grow in length.
Wrists: Many of us don't understand what the big deal is with covering our wrists, as "it is pretty much a part of the hand." Interestingly enough, in Japanese culture, female entertainers known as Geishas intentionally uncover their wrists in front of men as a method of enticing them. Most Islamic stores actually sell "sleeves", which are great to wear under tops as they are an easy-to-use item which instantly improves our Hijab. Keeping in mind how the holy women of Karbala had their wrists chained and handcuffed will surely help us cover our wrists, insha'Allah.
Feet: According to the majority of scholars, the feet are also a part of our Hijab and need to be covered in front of non-Mahrams. The most convenient thing to do is to wear natural skin-colored socks (which are not transparent) while wearing flats and sandals. For those sisters who like to wear toe-divider sandals, most Hijab stores usually sell toe-divider socks which are almost always available in natural colors. Remembering how Imam Hussain's women were forced to walk on the hot sands of the deserts of Iraq will give us strength to cover our feet, insha'Allah.
Loose-Fitting Clothes: Tights, skinny-leg jeans, chest-shape revealing tops, and hip-sucking skirts are the clothing items that make up most of our wardrobes. The best way to dress in public is by wearing those clothes in which prayer would be acceptable. And if one ever has doubt as to what is classified as too tight or just right, just ask either your father, brother, husband, or son what looks tighter, and they will surely provide you with a reliable opinion.
Shocking Colors and Makeup: Unfortunately, the idea that Hijab intends to not attract attention to ourselves is misinterpreted by some of us. While covering up our body is one part of Hijab, another part is to not make ourselves so completely attractive and head-turning. Ideally, most of us can do this by not wearing shocking colors and Hijabs in addition to not painting our faces in all seven colors of the rainbow. Remembering how Imam Hussain began to miraculously recite verses of the Qur'an on top of the spear in the marketplace of Kufa in order to distract the people from looking at the ladies will surely help underscore this point.
Transparent Clothing and Hijab: At times in the warmer weather, we find it more convenient to wear cardigans made of light material and summer-friendly colors. It is one thing to wear fully-covering, loose, and neutral-colored clothes but what isn't too smart is wearing such Hijabi outfits if it's all see-through. If one can understand the reason why people don't hide their treasures in clear transparent containers, then surely wearing non-see-through Hijab outfits will make sense, insha'Allah.
And if all else fails, let us think of how Imam Hussain's five year old daughter Bibi Sakina was frantically crying her heart out, kicking, and screaming to escape from those cruel men who violently stripped her of her Hijab and even her earrings from her tiny ears. No doubt her story has proved to be so powerful that it even has the potential to make non-Muslim women want to cover.
Insha'Allah it won't be too long before all believing women will be honored to make Bibi Fatima and Bibi Zainab proud and truly value, respect, and properly practice the Hijab in order to raise our status in the eyes of Allah and the Ahlul Bayt not only in these holy days but every day of our lives.
| THINGS WHICH INCREASES AND DECREASES RIZQ | for everyone |
THINGS WHICH INCREASES RIZQ
1. Good intentions.
2. "Silla-e-Reham" - Staying in touch with family and relatives and being good towards them.
3. Always saying in a state of "wudhoo".
4. Telling the truth.
5. Not swearing/taking oaths.
6. "Istighfar" - Seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
7. "Good Akhlaq" - good moral/ethics.
8. Not being greedy and being gracious for all the blessings of Allah (SWT).
9. Joining the two namaazes and reciting the "taqeebat".
10. Being present in the mosque at the time of "azhan".
11. Saying namaaz in Jamaat.
12. Being absolutely attentive and humble during namaaz.
13. Being kind to all the forty neighbours on each of the four side of your house.
14. Clipping nails on Thursday.
15. Sweeping the main door of the house and keeping it tidy.
16. Having good behaviours with the momineens.
17 Combing your hair.
18. Punctuality.
19. Being trustworthy.
20. Saying the azhan and repeating it while being said.
21. Staying awake in the morning.
22. Giving priority to Allah's (SWT) commands over people's wishes.
23. Must not consider "rizq" (sustenance) to be something insignificant.
24. Giving "sadqa" - alms.
25. Reciting Sura -e- Yaseen in the morning and Sura -e- Waqia at night.
26. Saing namaaz -e-Vitr.
27. Praying for the momineen in their absence.
28. Avoiding futile conversations.
29. Avoiding unchaste actions.
30. Not talking in the toilet.
31. Good handwriting.
32. Being a pleasant speaker.
33. Reciting this one hundred times a day: La illaha illalahul malikul haqul mobeen.
34. Frequently repetition of: Lahawla wa la qoowata illa billahil aliyyil azeem.
35. Praying any outstanding and night prayers.
36. Reciting Sura -e- Tawheed when entering the house.
37. Wearing a finger ring either of "aqeeq" or "firouza" with "lahawla wa la qowwata illa billahil aliyyil azeem"engraved on the stone.
38. Washing hair with the herbs of "sidr" and "khutmi".
39. Saying "Subhan Allah" thirty times daily.
40. Turning on the lights of the house before sunset.
41. Washing hands before and after eating.
Things that reduce "Rizq"
1. Considering namaaz to be insignificant.
2. Being disrespectful with parent.
3. Addressing parents by their names.
4. Walking in front of the aged.
5. Cursing one's own children and praying bad things for them.
6. Breaking ties with relatives.
7. Managing financial affairs without any consideration and prior thought.
8. False swearing.
9. Expressing greed.
10. Having the habit of lying.
11. Turning away the needy.
12. Rushing out of masjid.
13. Going to the market before sunrise.
14. Taking a long time in markets.
15. Buying bread from a "faqeer" beggar.
16. Sleeping a lot.
17. Sleeping naked.
18. Eating while lying down.
19. Keeping the dishes undone (not washing them).
20. Not honouring bread crumbs.
21. Not washing hands before and after eating.
22. Using all kinds of wood for a tooth pick.
23. Biting nails.
24. Combing hair with a broken comb.
25. Being stingy.
26. Lavish the expenditures without a purpose.
27. Eating and drinking in the state of "janabat".
28. Urinating in the shower.
29. Urinating while naked.
30. Shameless behaviour.
31. Not wiping spider webs.
32. Keeping garbage in the rooms.
33. Sleeping while the sun is setting.
34. Listening to music.
35. Sitting at the main door.
36. Eating in an unclean and cracked dish.
37. Sleeping between the time for Namaaz-e-Fajr and sunrise.
38. Wiping the hands and mouth with sleeves.
39. Sweeping the house at night.
40. Leaving the food and drinks uncovered.
41. Having an appearance of a beggar.
42. Not praying for the parents whether they are dead or alive
43. Being severe with the wife in the matters of food and clothing.
44. Being lazy.
| SERMON 109 - About the Might of Allah: | for everyone |
Everything submits to Him and everything exists by Him. He is the satisfaction of the poor, the dignity of the low, the energy for the weak and shelter for the oppressed. Whoever speaks, He hears his speaking and whoever keeps quiet, He knows his secret. On Him is the livelihood of everyone who lives and whoever dies returns to Him.
(O Allah!) The eyes have not seen You, so as to be aware of You, but You were before the describers of Your creation. You did not create the creation on account of loneliness, nor did You make them work for gain. He whom You catches cannot go farther than You and he whom You holds cannot escape You. He who disobeys You does not decrease Your authority and he who obeys You does not add to Your Might. He who disagrees with Your Judgment cannot turn it and he who turns away from Your command cannot do without You. Every secret before You is open and for You every absent is present.
You are everlasting, there is no end to You. You are the highest aim, there is no escape from You, You are the promised (point of return) from which there is no deliverance except towards You. In Your hand is the forelock of every creature and to You is the return of every living being. Glory to You! How great is Your creation that we see, but how small is this greatness by the side of Your Might. How awe-striking is Your realm that we notice, but how humble is this against what is hidden from us out of Your authority. How extensive are Your bounties in this world, but how small are they against the bounties of the next world.
You are everlasting, there is no end to You. You are the highest aim, there is no escape from You, You are the promised (point of return) from which there is no deliverance except towards You. In Your hand is the forelock of every creature and to You is the return of every living being. Glory to You! How great is Your creation that we see, but how small is this greatness by the side of Your Might. How awe-striking is Your realm that we notice, but how humble is this against what is hidden from us out of Your authority. How extensive are Your bounties in this world, but how small are they against the bounties of the next world.
| Faith in Allah and Attaining his Pleasure | for everyone |
Faith in Allah and Attaining his Pleasure
Imam Sadiq [a] said: "My father said to me about his father [a] that a man from Kufah wrote to his father viz. to al-Husayn-ibn-Ali [a] asking him [a] to imform him of the good of this world and that of the next. Then, he [a] wrote (in his reply): 'In the Name Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful'. After that: 'Verily, he who seeks the pleasure of Allah even while displeasing people, He suffices him in his affairs with people. But, he who seeks the pleasure of people while Allah is displeased, he leaves him to people (and he will be far from His Grace), Wassalam'."Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 208
Imam Ali ibn Husayn [a] said: "He who acts according to what Allah has enjoined for him, is of the best people."
AI-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 81
Imam Sadiq [a] said: "The one who loves for Allah, hates for Allah, and donates (things) for Allah, thus he is one of those whose Faith is complete."
Al-Kafi, vol
| ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER- COMMUNITY ALERT | for everyone |
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| ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTER | for everyone |
Islam in 60 SecondsVolume V, Year 2011 - Issue #2 | ||||
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| Arbaeen 1432 / 2011 Sayed Ammar Nakshawani Majalis (NEW) | for everyone |
(2) Lessons from the story of Prophet Uzayr
(3) Biography of Malik al-Ashtar
(4) Did Imam Hussain commit Suicide
(5) Prophet Yusuf and Political Participation
(6) Ziyarat Al-Arbaeen and the Five Signs
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| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (6) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Ziyarat Al-Arbaeen and the Five Signs | for everyone |
| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (5) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Yusuf and Political Participation | for everyone |
| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (4) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Did Imam Hussain commit Suicide | for everyone |
| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (3) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Biography of Malik al-Ashtar | for everyone |
| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (2) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Lessons from the story of Prophet Uzayr | for everyone |
| Arbaeen1432/2011 - (1) Sayed Ammar Nakshawani - Examining Prophet Ibrahim's relationship with his Uncle | for everyone |
| HADEES | for everyone |
Referring to a follower who had refrained from joining a war and then had apologized for it and sought to bring an excuse to justify it, Imam Husayn (AS) said:
“Apologizing for a sin committed consciously is worse than the sin itself.”
Behar al-Anwar,
Volume 78, page 128
“Apologizing for a sin committed consciously is worse than the sin itself.”
Behar al-Anwar,
Volume 78, page 128
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) has said:
“Among all things, the tongue deserves to be imprisoned longer than anything
else.”
(Because most of our sins are committed by it, such as backbiting, telling
lies, defaming, mocking, insulting, etc.)
Behar al-Anwar,
Volume 71, page 277
“Among all things, the tongue deserves to be imprisoned longer than anything
else.”
(Because most of our sins are committed by it, such as backbiting, telling
lies, defaming, mocking, insulting, etc.)
Behar al-Anwar,
Volume 71, page 277
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) has said:
“God shall grant status and esteem to a person who, upon hearing my
teachings, pays heed to them, retains them in memory and conveys them to
those who have not heard them.”
al-Kafi, volume 1, page.403;
Behar al-Anwar, volume 2, page 148
“God shall grant status and esteem to a person who, upon hearing my
teachings, pays heed to them, retains them in memory and conveys them to
those who have not heard them.”
al-Kafi, volume 1, page.403;
Behar al-Anwar, volume 2, page 148
Imam Ja’far as-Sadeq (AS) has said:
“Do visits to your relatives and be kind to your brothers, even with
salutation and responds to salutation.”
Usoul al-Kafi,
Volume 3, page 229
“Do visits to your relatives and be kind to your brothers, even with
salutation and responds to salutation.”
Usoul al-Kafi,
Volume 3, page 229
Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Taleb (AS) has said:
“Oh people! If a person knows his brother to be steadfast in faith and of
correct ways he should not lend ear to what people may say about him.
Sometimes the bowman shoots arrows but the arrow goes astray; similarly talk
can be off the point. Its wrong perishes, while God is the Hearer and the
Witness. There is nothing between truth and falsehood except four fingers.”
Amir al-Momenin (AS) was asked the meaning of this whereupon he closed his
fingers together and put them between his ear and eye and said:
“It is falsehood when you say, ‘I have heard so,’ while it is truth when you
say, ‘have seen.’”
Nahj al-Balaghah,
Sermon 140
“Oh people! If a person knows his brother to be steadfast in faith and of
correct ways he should not lend ear to what people may say about him.
Sometimes the bowman shoots arrows but the arrow goes astray; similarly talk
can be off the point. Its wrong perishes, while God is the Hearer and the
Witness. There is nothing between truth and falsehood except four fingers.”
Amir al-Momenin (AS) was asked the meaning of this whereupon he closed his
fingers together and put them between his ear and eye and said:
“It is falsehood when you say, ‘I have heard so,’ while it is truth when you
say, ‘have seen.’”
Nahj al-Balaghah,
Sermon 140
Imam Ja’far as-Sadeq (AS) has said:
“Anger is a destroyer for the heart of a sage; and he who does not have his
anger under his control does not have his wisdom under his control, either.”
al-Kafi,
Volume 2, page 303
“Anger is a destroyer for the heart of a sage; and he who does not have his
anger under his control does not have his wisdom under his control, either.”
al-Kafi,
Volume 2, page 303
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 08:52
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