| The worst of you are those who force their mastery over the people. | for everyone |
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Whoever tries to attract the people to himself while there is someone who is more knowledgeable than himself is a wrong-doer and has transgressed beyond his limits."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "You should avoid bosses who force themselves on the people. I swear by God that anyone whose shoes were heard hitting the ground from behind him got destroyed and ruined other people too."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "O' Young people! Fear God and do not follow bossy people. Leave them to themselves until they realize their sins. Do not adopt anyone to be your boss instead of God."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "The worst of you are those who force their mastery over the people. Those around whom the people gather, and love to have total control over you, who make themselves famous, and become famous, or you put trust in, have to be liars or weak in making a decision."
| ISLAMIC SMS-3 | for everyone |
Al-Faatiha - Ayat # 1 - 7
04-11-2010
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
(Sura: Al-Faatiha, Ayat # 1 - 7, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
04-11-2010
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
(Sura: Al-Faatiha, Ayat # 1 - 7, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
| ISLAMIC SMS-2 | for everyone |
Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 43 - 46
18-11-2010
And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand? Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,- Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
(Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 43 - 46, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
18-11-2010
And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship). Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (To practise it) yourselves, and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand? Nay, seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,- Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.
(Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 43 - 46, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
| ISLAMIC SMS-1 | for everyone |
Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 49 - 50
18-11-2010
And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight.
(Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 49 - 50, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
18-11-2010
And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight.
(Sura: Al-Baqara, Ayat # 49 - 50, Transliteration By: Yusuf Ali )
| BESHUMAR LANAT ON THE MALAYSIAN WAHHABIS | for everyone |
(
Malaysian Wahhabi Extrimists Take Shiites to Court
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Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Four local Muslim leaders have been charged by religious authorities for allegedly hosting a mass gathering of Shiite Muslims.
They are currently being investigated under Section 12(c) and 52 of the Selangor Syariah Crimes Enactment 1995.
According to an Ar-Ridha statement, the four appeared before the Gombak Timor Lower Syariah Court in Kuang at 8am yesterday.
The four are Ar-Ridha director Mohd Kamilzuhairi Abdul Aziz, Raden Ahmad Faizul, Syed Mohd Syafiq and Mohd Ashraf.
Kamilzuhairi and his comrades were arrested by the Selangor Islamic Department (JAIS) on May 24, following a raid on a gathering which celebrated the birthday of Fatimah az-Zahra, a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Ar-Ridha chief had denounced the raid, and claimed that the group had permission from the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), the police and the Home Ministry to run the event.
This, however, did not stop 20 policemen and several MPS officers from helping JAIS to disrupt the meeting, which led to the four arrests.
The four were later released on an RM1500 bail each, although an earlier call by the authorities suggested an RM2,000 bail with two guarantors each.
The Ar-Ridha statement said that the judge presiding over the case yesterday ordered Investigating Officer Mohd Nordin Abdullah to conclude his investigations soon as possible.
The statement added that the court was supposed to meet at 8am yesterday, but was delayed for four hours due to “technical” problems faced by JAIS.
The case has been scheduled for a second hearing (sebutan semula) on July 7. Shia leaders attacked JAIS and the police for their high-handedness and denied that the event was an exclusive religious gathering.
The event, they said, was also attended by several non-Muslims and had no religious significance.
The May 24 raid was the second of its kind since last December, where more than 200 people, including foreigners, were arrested at a ceremony to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (a.s), Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.w) grandson.
A 1989 Islamic law and a 1996 fatwa by Malaysia’s top Islamic clerics banned Shiism, declaring it a “deviant ideology.”
Nearly 100,000 Shiites are said to reside in Malaysia, and are under close watch by the government.
/106
| LANAT BESHUMAR ON THEM-- Britain and Israel Support Suppression of Bahrainis | for everyone |
Britain and Israel Support Suppression of Bahrainis
|
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Head of Bahrain Freedom Movement Saeed al-Shahabi said that recent media reports, proves that Tel Aviv is collaborating with the Manama government in suppressing anti-regime demonstrations in the tiny Persian Gulf island.
Shahabi also pointed to London's support for the Al Khalifa dynasty, and stated, "Several reports released by different media outlets have revealed that the Saudi military forces deployed in Bahrain are being trained in Britain.
Given the fact that there is no war with a foreign country, it is evident that these courses are aimed at training the Saudi troops how to suppress the Bahraini people."
Given the fact that there is no war with a foreign country, it is evident that these courses are aimed at training the Saudi troops how to suppress the Bahraini people."
He blasted continued occupation of Bahrain by the Saudi forces, and expressed confidence that the end of the Saudi occupation will be similar to that of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 80s.
The move will eventually result in the collapse of the Saudi regime and Riyadh will have a fate no better than that of the former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, he reiterated.
Anti-government protesters have been holding peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain since mid-February, calling for an end to the Al Khalifa dynasty's over-40-year rule.
Violence against the defenseless people escalated after a Saudi-led conglomerate of police, security and military forces from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) member states - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar - were dispatched to the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom on March 13 to help Manama crack down on peaceful protestors.
So far, tens of people have been killed, hundreds have gone missing and about 1,000 others have been injured.
The Bahraini people condemn Riyadh's involvement in the suppression of the revolution, and have repeatedly underlined that they will continue protests until the regime collapses.
/106
| 9 Years Old Bahraini Girl Martyred in Sitrah | for everyone |
9 Years Old Bahraini Girl Martyred in Sitrah + Pic
|
(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - According to ABNA sources in Bahrain, a nine-year-old Bahraini girl was martyred early today as a result of the barbarity of the Al Khalifa.
This morning the martyrdom of Fatima Ali Khalil, 9, was confirmed. She was hit with excessive amounts of tear gas.
She is the 35th Bahraini Martyr.
The 14th February Youth had called for a massive return to the protests on 1st June when the martial law was due to be lifted. Despite the Al Khalifa violence against Bahrainis, the people’s determination and zeal have never diminished. They responded positively to the call and demonstrations were held in many towns and villages. Manama has remained under siege to prevent the takeover of the Pearl Square which had been the birthplace of the largest ever revolution in Bahrain’s history.
End item/ 129
| UN chief calls on Bahrain leaders to uphold rights | for everyone |
UN chief calls on Bahrain leaders to uphold rights
UNITED NATIONS — UN chief Ban Ki-moon called on Bahrain's influential crown prince to uphold international rights norms in dealing with opposition protests, a UN spokesman said Saturday.
Ban met with Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and the Gulf state's foreign minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa at the UN headquarters late Friday, two days after the ending of a state of emergency during which protests were violently put down.
Police dispersed a small group of demonstrators in Bahrain on Friday.
"The secretary general reiterated his call on the government and security forces in Bahrain to uphold international human rights norms and standards and welcomed the commitment and assurances made by the crown prince in this regard," said UN spokeswoman Vannina Maestracci.
The prince, head of the Bahrain military is on a tour aiming to ease international fears over Bahrain's harsh action against opposition protests. He is to visit Washington this week.
Bahrain is a key ally of the United States and other western nations and the violent crackdown has embarrassed many western nations as they strongly criticize other Arab leaders.
The UN secretary general welcomed Bahrain's lifting of emergency laws and King Hamad's call for national dialogue, which Ban said must be "genuine, meaningful and inclusive and respond to the legitimate political, economic and social aspirations of all Bahraini people," the spokeswoman added.
The royal family, which dominates Bahrain life, is Sunni Muslim while the protests for political reform have come out of the Shiites who make up 70 percent of Bahrain's population.
Bahraini authorities said 24 people were killed in unrest in the kingdom which erupted in February. Saudi Arabia sent troops to help the Khalifa family put down the protests and some opposition leaders are now in jail.
| JUSTICE FOR BAHRAIN - PLEASE PRAY | for everyone |
- JUSTICE FOR BAHRAIN
- It is one of the last few remaining dictatorial, totalitarian monarchies in the world.
- The Khalifa family has ruled over this Persian Gulf island for 230 years, essentially since the inception of the United States!
- It's Prime Minister has been in power for 43 years, longer than Egypt's Mubarak and Libya's Ghaddafi.
- The PM has ruled continuously and without being elected into office while 8 American presidents have served.
- The regime has a long, dark, documented history of torture, summary executions, and brutal violations of human rights.
- It has exercised the most violent repression of peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in the Middle East during the recent wave of protests in the region.
- Since Feb. 14th to date, over 2000 pro-democracy activists, journalists, bloggers, as well as simple men, women, and even children as young as 12 have been detained by the notorious State Security Apparatus.
- It is the first regime to ever enlist foreign troops to crush peaceful demonstrations of its own people!
- The Bahraini army itself is made up mostly from thugs brought in from abroad; mercenaries who show no mercy to the protestors.
- It is the first regime to prosecute medical personnel such as doctors, nurses for simply offering treatment to wounded demonstrators!
- The government is carrying out the first sectarian cleansing in modern history, against the majority population in the kingdom.
- Several of those detained have had their dead bodies delivered to their families within a few days, marked with clear signs of vicious torture.
- The regime has fired thousands of workers, sportspeople, students and teachers simply for supporting the reformist protests and demanding change.
FROM OUR GALLERY
| 3rd- Rajab al Murrajab | for everyone |
Bismilla-heer-Rahmaneer-Raheem
As-salamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatoh,
3rd- Rajab al Murrajab
Deepest condolences to the Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w.), Amir al-Mu'mininImām ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib (a.s.), Ahl-e-Bait (a.s.), Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) & all lovers of Ahl-e-Bait (a.s.) on the Death Anniversary of Imām ‘Alī an-Naqī (‘Alī al-Hādī )[A.S.]
Holy Prophet Muhammad al Mustafā (S.A.W.W) said:
“One who fasts for three days in Rajab, Allāh (s.w.t.) would erect a barrier between him and Hell whose distance would be equal to travel of seventy years. Allāh (s.w.t.) would say at the time of Iftar, ‘You have right upon Me and My love for you has become obligatory. O angels! I hold you witness that I have forgiven his sins from start till the end"
[Reference: Sawaabul A’amaal & Iqaabul A’amaal, Page 86]
| HADEES | for everyone |
1. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq (AS) has said, “When Allah wants to favour any of His servants He bestows on him the knowledge of religious jurisprudence.”
2. Imam Mohammed Baqir (AS) has said, “Excellence, nay super-excellence lies in the knowledge of religious jurisprudence, patience in adversity and regulation of expenses.”
3. Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq(AS) has said, “Learned men are the custodians (of religious knowledge) and the pious ones are the fortresses (who safeguard against invasions) and the vicegerents (of the prophets) are the leaders (of the believers).” According to another tradition he said, “The scholars are beacons of light, the pious are the fortresses and the vicegerents are leaders.”
4. The Prophet of Allah(SAW) has said, “There is no good in life except for two (categories of) people. The scholar who is obeyed and the listeners who listen attentively.”
| THE MOST IMPORTANT NIGHT IN MAHE RAJAB | for everyone |
A’amal of First Thursday of Rajab – Laylatur Raghaib
1) Fast on the first Thursday of Rajab.
2) In the evening between Maghrib and Isha, perform 12 units (rak’ah) of prayer, in two’s (i.e. two at a time).
In each unit recite: Once Sura al Fateha, Three times Sura al Qadr, & 12 times Sura al Tawheed (Ikhlas).
3) After the 12 units (rak’ah) are over, recite 70 times:
Salawat (while sitting): “Allahumma Salli `Ala Muhammad, Annabiyyil Ummiyi Wa `Ala Aalihi”
Tasbih : 70 times in Sajdah: “Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul Mala`ikati Warruh”
Istighfar : 70 times while sitting: “Rabbigh-Fir, War-ham, Watajawaz `Amma Ta’alamu, Innaka antal `aliyyul A`azam”
4) Then seek your needs, they will be granted, insha’Allah.
Salawat (while sitting): “Allahumma Salli `Ala Muhammad, Annabiyyil Ummiyi Wa `Ala Aalihi”
Tasbih : 70 times in Sajdah: “Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul Mala`ikati Warruh”
Istighfar : 70 times while sitting: “Rabbigh-Fir, War-ham, Watajawaz `Amma Ta’alamu, Innaka antal `aliyyul A`azam”
4) Then seek your needs, they will be granted, insha’Allah.
(Mafatihul Jinan, Pg 139 Arabic / Pg 466 Gujarat)
3 greatest Benefits of A’amal-e-Laylatur Raghaib :
1) Forgiveness of a great many sins.
1) Forgiveness of a great many sins.
2) Safety from the troubles of the first night in the grave.
3). Shelter on the Day of Resurrection.
*************************************************************
It has been narrated that:
After the Trumpet is blown, this Prayer will take the shape of a fine, smiling person, and he will enter the grave of one who performed it, with the following words –
My dear friends, good news for you. You are safe from all troubles.
The dead one will ask – But may I know please who you are?
I have never seen a face better than yours; nor have I heard words sweeter than the words from your tongue;
nor have I smelled a perfume more refreshing than from you.
“My dear, I am the act which you performed on that particular night, month and year, and in that particular country.
Allah swt has sent me tonight into your grave to reward you, and to remove your feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.
And when the siren on the Day of Judgement will be heard, will take you out & I will provide you a cool cover over your head.
So, be full of joy. No goodness will be denied to you.”
| The fear and love of God prevents a man from doing sins.... | for everyone |
Islam wants to create in man the consciousness of God, to feel His presence everywhere, at every time. It does not matter what we are doing, we must remember Him and glorify Him.
The prayer is the foundation of our religion; those who forsake it demolish the structure of religion. The sin of neglecting prayers is certainly the fire of Hell:
"About the guilty
What has brought you into hell?
They shall say: We were not of those who prayed;
And we used not to feed the poor;
And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who entered into vain discourses.
And we used to call the Day of Judgment a lie;
Till death overtook us.
So the intercession of intercessors shall not avail them." (74:41-48)
What has brought you into hell?
They shall say: We were not of those who prayed;
And we used not to feed the poor;
And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who entered into vain discourses.
And we used to call the Day of Judgment a lie;
Till death overtook us.
So the intercession of intercessors shall not avail them." (74:41-48)
Imam Ali in his last words emphasized the importance of prayers and Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) too in his last will emphasized that the Ahlul Bayt's (peace be upon them all) intercession will not reach those who take their prayers lightly.
A woman who committed adultery and then presented herself to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and confessed her sin and requested him to implement the Islamic penal code against her. Similarly, a man who committed adultery once came to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) confessing his sin and seeking punishment.
Miracles like these happen when once faith is living and vibrant, and we know that remembrance of Allah is the source of life for hearts. In our present world we witness so many people with knowledge of laws of land, but we often find that such knowledge does not lead them to go to courts and confess their crimes and urge the authority to execute punishment against them. Rather on the contrary, we see that those who know the law most, are often the most manipulative.
The fear and love of God prevents a man from doing sins. The more one remembers Allah sincerely, the more he is away from sins and the more one forgets His lofty status , the more such a person is given to falling prey to evil acts.
Imam Ali says: "God has manifested Himself in the spirit of the true believers and thus everything else unrelated to God seems small in their eyes."
Sometimes we find two extremes with respect to worship: one group does nothing but prayers only, and the other group looks down at prayers and argues that social service and humanity are more important. Both of these groups are deviant. Those who make prayers their soul aim become negligent about their duties towards justice and truth, and those who think social service is everything and neglect the prayers lead their souls to become weak and gradually slip into sins.
| RAIDS ON SHIA GATHERING IN MALAYSIA | for everyone |
Last week, the Justice for Malay Shia website posted an alert notifying of an ongoing raid against a Shia gathering commemorating the birth anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (peace be upon her). A frantic text message sent out at 2:57PM local time cried out: "Happening now! Police, JAIS, and local council are raiding a gathering remembering the birth of Lady Fatima Zahra (daughter of the Prophet Muhammad). Four arrested including Kamil Zuhairi Abd Aziz."
Details about the raid still remain sketchy, but the events of the last few hours come on the heels of a notable upsurge in sectarian rhetoric against Shia Muslims in Malaysia. Ever since the December raid on the Hauzah Imam Ali ar-Ridha centre in Selangor province, the predicament on the ground has teetered on a knife's edge. Subsequent to that raid, more than 120 members of the community were arrested and still await trial. The farcical nature of the allegations and trial has been further exposed by regular postponements to the dates of court proceedings.
Although there exist systemic flaws on the local Malaysian scene that allow for such instances of clear discrimination against Shia Muslims, the emergence of clear regional interference in the shape of intervention from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has served to further exacerbate the simmering crisis. Shortly after the December raid, the International Islamic University of Malaysia and the Islamic University of Medina signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing on the importance of safeguarding students from Shia Islam. The MoU also proceeded to urge strict measures against educators and lecturers who show a leniency towards Shiism.
In recent weeks, details of a sinister collusion between Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have come to the fore. On Sunday, May 15, the international secretary of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Liew Chin Tong lifted the veil on a joint project between the two countries that would entail thedispatch of Malaysian troops to silence the pro-democracy movement in Bahrain. The Saudi regime has also embarked on similar schemes with Pakistan through the Bahria and Fauji foundations, with recruitment concentrated in the Baloch region which constitutes the historical breeding ground for anti-Shia terrorist organizations such as the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jundullah.
Speaking about these developments, veteran journalist Amir Mateen noted: "All the religious parties have interests, economic and personal, with Saudi Arabia ... the religious parties, along with everyone else, have yet again been exposed when it comes to principled politics." A former ambassador minced less into his words when he observed: "The Saudis have bought everyone on the religious right. And remember, they have that massive Madressah network in Pakistan. They (the Saudis) can create problems for any government in Pakistan."
The recent provocations in Malaysia should be viewed within the wider context of a Saudi counter-revolution that is most apparent in Bahrain and Syria. The counter-revolution is premised on fomenting sectarian tensions in a bid to arrest the wave of change sweeping through the Muslim world. To this end, the Saudi Kingdom seeks to suppress the overwhelming spirit of unity and solidarity between Muslims. On its part, the United States has provided a silent nod of approval to the insidious sectarian agenda led by Saudi Arabia with obvious geopolitical stakes in mind, including the "security" of the Zionist state.
The raid earlier today has once again underlined the entanglement of grave legal and constitutional flaws on the local Malaysian scene – e.g. the prohibition of involvement in learning or propagating Shia Islam in provinces such as Selangor – and a sinister web of regional power-politics and connivance in aggravating the sorry fate of Shia Muslims.
It is eminently clear to observers and analysts that the Malaysian government needs to make a stark choice in the face of these unsustainable escalatory developments. The government can either choose to provide recognition and basic freedoms to Malay Shias as it does with all other religious denominations, or instead persist with its archaic approach, thereby pulling the mask on the façade of a tolerant, open, and democratic image. The free peoples of the world and more particularly the oppressed Islamic Ummah hope that the leadership in Malaysia rise up to their responsibilities and select the right choice.
| "Call your Lord day and night, for Du'a is the weapon of a believer" | for everyone |
"Call your Lord day and night, for Du'a is the weapon of a believer," said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny).
Bringer of blessings, reverser of destiny, remover of adversaries, and the shield of a believer – these are some descriptions of the most powerful weapon of a believer: Du'a (supplication). Perhaps one of the reasons why the significance of Du'a is sometimes underestimated is because it is not obligated upon us. If it were made compulsory, we would look towards it with more seriousness. On examining this issue closely, we will find that it is pointless to compare Du'a with the rest of our obligations, simply because of its unique and private nature. When we supplicate, our heart communicates directly with our Lord with no medium in between, and we allow His mercy and blessings to engulf us from all sides. Hence, Du'a not being an obligation provides no excuse for us to stay away from this blessing.
Bringer of blessings, reverser of destiny, remover of adversaries, and the shield of a believer – these are some descriptions of the most powerful weapon of a believer: Du'a (supplication). Perhaps one of the reasons why the significance of Du'a is sometimes underestimated is because it is not obligated upon us. If it were made compulsory, we would look towards it with more seriousness. On examining this issue closely, we will find that it is pointless to compare Du'a with the rest of our obligations, simply because of its unique and private nature. When we supplicate, our heart communicates directly with our Lord with no medium in between, and we allow His mercy and blessings to engulf us from all sides. Hence, Du'a not being an obligation provides no excuse for us to stay away from this blessing.
It can also be argued, "If Allah knows my needs, then what good is it for me to ask Him?" No doubt Allah knows our needs more than we ourselves do, but to make such a claim is evidence to the fact that the purpose and meaning of Du'a has not been properly understood. By invoking Allah through Du'a, our attention and hopes are completely directed towards the Almighty. It is also a confession of our insignificance and helplessness without Him. The Du'a is a means of belittling our ego; therefore the Quran proclaims that to neglect Dua is actually a sign of arrogance! (23:60)
Allah says in the Quran, "Call on Me, I will answer you." (40:60) Does this mean our Du'a will always be accepted? Sure, but not as promptly as we might think. Furthermore, some Du'as may not be accepted at all. Does this make us give up our hopes? No, it must not. Rather, it should arouse our curiosity to look into the rationale behind why our Du'as are not being accepted. Some reasons can be lack of sincerity, doubtfulness in the acceptance of Du'a, asking Allah for something which is not permissible, or simply that Allah does not deem what you ask appropriate for you. Also, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) had said: "He who prays but does not exert effort is like the one who shoots without a bow-string." The biggest reason for non-acceptance of Du'as may just be that!
Although Du'a is a means of fulfilling our desires, but its benefits extend farther. As stated earlier, true supplication weakens our egos and uproots all elements of pride. Hence it becomes a great tool for nurturing our spirituality! In addition, it is highly recommended to supplicate in the manner directed by the Infallibles (peace be upon them). These are the supplications that we find in books such as Mafatih al-Jinan, Sahifa Sajjadiya, and the like. They guide us towards the perfect means of approaching Allah, but also illuminate our imagination and increase our awareness (Marifah) of our Creator. Thus, Du'as are perhaps the best sources of Islamic teachings on spirituality.
Let's not forget that we are never unarmed. Our insignificant selves leave us with no means other than Du'a. As Imam Ali says in Du'a Kumayl: "O You who is readily pleased – forgive one who owns nothing but supplication!"
| The word Hijab literally means a curtain or veil .... | for everyone |
The word Hijab literally means a curtain or veil and is best understood by exploring the Islamic concept of modesty. Muslim men and women are required to be modest while mingling with unrelated members of the opposite gender.
The content of our speech, the way we communicate, the way we laugh and joke around, our behavior and social etiquette in general should all be transmitted to the other party in a way that attracts the least amount of the wrong form of attention. Additionally, we are required to "lower our gazes" and respect other men or women by not eying them from head to toe (i.e. checking them out).
Similarly, the physical Hijab establishes healthy distances of physical contact (not even a handshake with the opposite gender!). Lastly, this modesty must also be manifested in the way we dress.
In order to appear modest, Muslim women are required by their faith to observe the most visible form of the Hijab in public – the headscarf to cover our hair and full-length clothing to conceal the shape of our bodies. Non-Muslims often ponder how it is possible and why a woman would ever voluntarily want to conceal what every other woman takes pride in revealing – her beauty.
Muslims recognize God Almighty as the grand creator and supreme authority over the universe, and hence the religion He has sent – Islam – is a complete way of life for us. Accordingly, Divine law is followed at all times, and submitting to God's commandments is in itself a form of worship. After telling Muslim men to lower their gazes, the Holy Qur'an reminds women: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that they should not display their beauty and ornaments, except what (ordinarily) appear thereof." (24:31) In line with this Qur'anic verse, we do not display our beauty simply because it is the command of our Lord!
| Perseverance in action is more difficult than the act itself....... | for everyone |
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) also said that perseverance in action is more difficult than the act itself. When someone asked him to explain what he meant, he described it thus: "A man does kindness to a relative or expends something for the sake of God, Who is One and has no partner. Thereupon the reward of a good deed performed secretly is written for him. Later, he mentions it to someone and that which was written earlier is wiped out and instead the [lesser] reward of a good deed performed openly is written for him. Later, when he makes a mention of it again, the vice of Riya' (showing off) is written for him instead of the reward written earlier."
In this example, someone apparently started with a sincere intention. But the man did not persevere in his original intention of doing something for the sake of God. Later on he told others about it desiring recognition, praise or status among people for that deed. What was originally a good mark on his record eventually counted against him.
| Abstinence means reducing aspirations, being grateful for all blessings and abstaining from all divinely forbidden acts.... | for everyone |
Ameer al-Momineen (a.s) said: "Abstinence is one of the means of improving religious ethics."
Ameer al-Momineen (a.s) said: "Abstinence means reducing aspirations, being grateful for all blessings and abstaining from all divinely forbidden acts."
Imam Sajjad (a.s) was questioned about abstinence. He said: "There are ten ranks in abstinence. The highest rank of abstinence is the lowest rank of piety. The highest rank of piety is the lowest rank of certitude. The highest rank of certitude is the lowest rank of contentment, and all abstinence is summarized in just one of the
verses of God's Book:
"In order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favors bestowed upon you." [The Holy Quran: Hadid 57:23]
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Abstinence does not mean wasting your property, or forbidding what is allowed by God, but it means that you do not trust what is in your own hands more that what is in God's hands.
Imam Sadiq (a.s) quoted on the authority of Ammer al-Momineen (a.s): "The sign of being eager to attain divine rewards for the Hereafter is not being inclined to worldly material things in this life. Beware that even if one is abstinent, his not being inclined to material things will not cause a reduction of what material goods of this world God has allocated to him. In the same manner, the greed of a greedy man to obtain more in this world will not cause an increase in his material goods. Therefore
only those who get deprived of the benefits of the Hereafter are at a loss."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "God will fill the heart of whoever is abstinence in this world with wisdom, and enable him to speak wisely. He will enable him to see the flaws in this world, their problems and treatment. God will take him out of this world healthily and deliver him to Heaven."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Whenever God the Almighty wishes someone good, He will make him unattached to this world, and knowledgeable about the religion, and able to see his faults. Whoever is granted these things is granted the good of this world and the Hereafter."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "No one has found better way than abstinence in this world to seek the truth. This is contrary to what the opponents of the truth seek."
Someone asked him why. He said: "Because they are attached to this world." He added: "Is not there any noble, persevering person? Beware that the life of this world is only for a short time. Beware that for those of you who are not abstinence, it is forbidden to feel the taste of faith."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Whoever struggles for this world, harms his Hereafter. But God will grant the daily bread of whoever designates the Hereafter as his priority, and he will meet his Lord in a prosperous state."
In Al-Zuhd it is narrated that the Prophet (a.s) said: " Abstinence does not mean wearing harsh clothes or eating unpleasant foods, rather it means reducing one's aspirations."
| Whenever one repents and God the Almighty accepts his repentance.............. | for everyone |
In Al-Mahasin it is narrated that regarding God's statement: "Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts: if you do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence). "[The Holy Quran: Bani Israil 17:25], Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "They are the ones who worship a lot and repent often."
Ameer al-Momineen (a.s) said: "Whenever one repents and God the Almighty accepts his repentance, God will employ his body parts to cover up his sins. God will employ the places where the sins were committed to hide the sins, and will make the guardian angels who record the sins forget them."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) quoted on the authority of his grandfather (a.s) on the
authority of God's Prophet (a.s): "Whenever you repent, God the Almighty will be pleased just as you get happy when you find something that you have lost."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: God the Almighty has granted those who repent three things each one of which could save all that lives on the Heavens and on the Earth, if it were granted to them:
(1) God the Almighty said: "For God loves those who turn to
Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. "[The Holy Quran: Baqara 2:222]; Therefore God will not punish whomever He loves.
(2) God the Almighty said: "Those who sustain the Throne (of God) and those around it sing Glory and Praise to their Lord; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe; "Our Lord! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them
from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire! "And grant, our Lord, that they enter the Gardens of Eternity, which Thou hast promised to them, and to the righteous among
their fathers, their wives, and their posterity! For Thou art (He), the Exalted in Might, full of Wisdom. And preserve them from (all) ills, and any whom (Thou) dost preserve from ills that day, on them will Thou have bestowed Mercy indeed: and that will be truly (for them) the Highest Achievement." [The Holy Quran: Mu-min 40:7-9]. (3) God the Almighty said: "Those who invoke not, with God, any other god, nor slay such life as God has made sacred, except for just cause, nor commit fornication, and any that does this (not only) meets punishment (but) the Penalty on the Judgment Day will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy, unless he repents, believes and works righteous deeds, for God will change the evil of such persons into good, and God is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." [The Holy Quran: Furqan 25:68-69]
Imam Baqir (a.s) pointed to his throat and said: "God the Almighty will accept the repentance of whoever repents before his life reaches this point."
| Wealth is only one of the many ornaments in life. But physical and religious (spiritual) health are better than wealth.... | for everyone |
In Al-Mahasin- that is "Al-Tabsera"- it is narrated that Imam Ali (a.s) said: "God's Prophet (a.s) sent me to Yemen and told me: "O' Ali! Do not fight with anyone, and invite the people to God. If only one man is guided by God by the means of either you or me, it is better than whatever the sun has risen on or set on."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "It might be the case that you say something by which God establishes belief in someone else's heart, and forgives you both."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said the following regarding God's statement:
"Then God saved him from (every) ill that they plotted (against him), but the brunt of the Penalty encompassed on all sides the people of Pharaoh." [The Holy Quran: Mumin 40:45] " They captured and killed the believer from amongst the people of Pharaoh, but God saved him from sedition in his religion."
Imam Baqir (a.s) said: "Wealth is only one of the many ornaments in life. But physical and religious (spiritual) health are better than wealth."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "I was told that a rabbi said that woolen clothes are similar to the clothes of those who have experienced a calamity. What calamities are worse than religious calamities!
Umar ibn Mufaz'zal narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) asked him: "Will you be away from your family for a long time?" Umar said: "Yes." The Imam (a.s) asked: "Where will you go?" Umar replied: "I will go to Ahwaz and Fars." The Imam (a.s) asked: "Why are you going there?" Umar replied: "I will go there for trade to earn my daily bread." The Imam (a.s) said: "Then whenever you cannot obtain what you are after from the material things in this world, remember the One who made our religion
specifically for you, and did not grant it to others. Then it is best for you to calm yourself and not worry about what you did not obtain."
Imam Ali (a.s) said: "Three things make a Muslim perfect: religious insight, ability to earn a living and patience during times of hardship."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) quoted on the authority of God's Prophet (a.s): "Associating with religious people is the source of dignity in this life and the Hereafter."
Imam Ali (a.s) said: "The best of you are those whom when seen remind the people of God."
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Satan has been assigned to steal the traditions by making you forget them. That is why he is called "The Robber of Traditions".
Whenever you want to narrate a tradition and feel that you have forgotten it, just call God the Almighty, send blessings on the Prophet (a.s) and damn the robber of traditions. God willing you will remember it. But if you still cannot remember the tradition, your remembrance of God and sending blessings on the Prophet (a.s) will be accepted instead."
posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 03:54
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