GENDER ROLES IN ISLAM AS BEST EXEMPLIFIED BY IMAM ALI (A.S.) AND BIBI FATIMA (S.A.)

Feb 2, '13 11:42 AM 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. 

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. 

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

Feb 2, '13 11:47 AM 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.

Tags: hadees

Pray Together Stay Together

Feb 2, '13 11:49 AM 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.

SEVERAL CAUSES FOR WEAKENING OF OUR IMAN

Feb 2, '13 11:51 AM for everyone

Our Iman is not always as sound and strong as we want it to be as it often fluctuates according to life circumstances.There are several causes for weakening Iman such as deficiencies in our prayers or the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan.

Regardless of the cause, it is crucial for all of us to keep a check on our Iman and if we feel it is faltering in any way then we should take measures to restore it.

It is our responsibility to know which things decrease our Iman and how to avoid them and those that increase our Iman and how to embrace them.
What are signs of a weak imaan?
Signs of weak imaan:
• Committing sins and not feeling any guilt.
• Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran.
• Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat
• Neglecting the Sunnah.
• Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time.
• Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings.
• Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr.
• Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah.
• Desiring status and wealth.
• Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth.
• Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves.
• Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others.
• Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things.
• Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque.
• Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims.
• Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam.
• Being unable to deal with calamities, for instance crying and yelling in funerals.
• Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof.
• Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth.
• Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves.

Tags: islamic talks

Win Win Situation

Feb 2, '13 11:55 AM for everyone

There once lived a great mathematician in a village outside Ujjain . He was often called by the local king to advice on matters related to the economy. His reputation had spread as far as Taxila in the North and Kanchi in the South. So it hurt him very much when the village headman told him, "You may be a great mathematician who advises the king on economic matters but your son does not know the value of gold or silver."

The mathematician called his son and asked, "What is more valuable - gold or silver?" "Gold," said the son. "That is correct. Why is it then that the village headman makes fun of you, claims you do not know the value of gold or silver? He teases me every day. He mocks me before other village elders as a father who neglects his son. This hurts me. I feel everyone in the village is laughing behind my back because you do not know what is more valuable, gold or silver. Explain this to me, son."

So the son of the mathematician told his father the reason why the village headman carried this impression. "Every day on my way to school, the village headman calls me to his house. There, in front of all village elders, he holds out a silver coin in one hand and a  gold coin in other. He asks me to pick up the more valuable coin. I pick the silver coin. He laughs, the elders jeer, everyone makes fun of me. And then I go to school. This happens every day. That is why they tell you I do not know the value of gold or silver."

The father was confused. His son knew the value of gold and silver, and yet when asked to choose between a gold coin and silver coin always picked the silver coin. "Why don't you pick up the gold coin?" he asked. In response, the son took the father to his room and showed him a box. In the box were at least a hundred silver coins. Turning to his father, the mathematician' s son said, "The day I pick up the gold coin the game will stop. They will stop having fun and I will stop making money."

The bottom line is...

Sometimes in life, we have to play the fool because our seniors and our peers, and sometimes even our juniors like it. That does not mean we lose in the game of life. It just means allowing others to win in one arena of the game, while we win in the other arena of the game. We have to choose which arena matters to us and which arenas do not...

Is Life Being Unfair On You.

.	Feb 2, '13 11:56 AM for everyone

Around two weeks ago I was called to judge a talent contest at one of the city colleges. I noticed all the participants were given slips of paper with  topic written on it and told to come up and speak for three minutes.
Lots were drawn as to who would be the first speaker and the next and the next.
The first contestant I noticed looked a little disgruntled as he got onto the podium to address the others.

"My fellow students and respected judges," he said loudly, "this is an unfair contest!"

I, along with my fellow judges looked up surprised. "I have been given this paper," he continued, "to speak on a subject with just a few minutes preparation whereas those after me have more time to work on their speech.
This is unfair!" He then proceeded to leave the stage and stormed out of the hall. Nobody missed him and the contest went on smoothly.

I met him on the landing as I was being escorted out later.

"Who said life is fair?" I asked him with a smile. He looked at me startled and I asked him to walk with me to my car. "Life," I told him, "is fighting the unfair and still winning! Do you read automobile magazines?"

"Yes," he said eagerly, "I do."

"Have you seen statistics shown when a new car is being introduced into the market? They talk about speed and torque and transmission and horse power."

"Yes," he nodded.

"But there is a line they put after all these figures. They say all this data is when there are ideal road conditions!"

"Yes," he said again.

"Show me ideal road conditions?" I asked him and he smiled. "The car that sells well," I continued is the car that will deliver power and speed and durability in the worst of roads, in potholes and mud and slush. That car is a winner!"

We had reached my car and he stood by my side as I heaved myself in.
"Don't look for ideal playing conditions," I said. "Fight the unfair and come out a winner!" I looked back in my rear view mirror as I drove away and saw him smile and wave and knew he would fight the unfair from now on.

The fight never stops. Ask all the successful people in our own country.
They fight regardless whether the battle is fair or unfair. Stop telling the world about the unfair deal you've got out of life; start battling the unfair, come out

 victorious..!

SHIA MEANS FOLLOWERS- MEMBERS OF PARTY

Feb 2, '13 11:58 AM 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.”

WEARING OF AQEEQ RING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Feb 2, '13 12:01 PM for everyone

Several sacred traditions have emphasized the significance and benefits of wearing an Aqeeq(agate) ring, preferably on the right hand. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said, "The one who wears an aqeeq ring, Allah seals for him peace and faith." He also said, "Wear aqeeq on your rings, you will be blessed and will be saved from afflictions". (Makarimul Akhlaaq) In another tradition, Salman-al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates a conversation in which the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) was informing Imam Ali regarding the wearing of rings. The Prophet advised the Imam to wear the ring on his right hand, as by doing so, one would be included among the muqarrabin (those near to Allah). Imam Ali then asked which ring he should wear, and the Prophet advised him to wear a ring with a red aqeeq, as this stone had affirmed the Oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad, the vicegerency of Ali, and paradise for the friends and Shias of Ali. (Hilyatul Muttaqin)

DO TAKE OUT SADQA/CHARITY..

.	Feb 2, '13 12:02 PM for everyone

We all (hopefully) do our bit in paying out Khums and Zakat whenever it falls due. Yet what is sometimes forgotten is that true generosity comes from going above and beyond the obligations that are upon us – when one willingly contributes a part of their wealth for the sake of goodness and humanity. Numerous Qur'anic verses and traditions have stressed the importance of being charitable and taking out Sadaqah. Not only is it the key to sustenance, but traditions report that it wards off calamities, cures maladies, leads towards prosperity, and increases one's wealth, rewards, and lifespan.

We should make it a habit to take out sadaqah regularly, even daily, no matter how small the amount is, and we must always remember to take out the sadaqah of Imam Zamana (may Allah hasten his reappearance) first. Sponsoring an orphan is another great way to donate; many organizations provide the means to make this easier, such as the World Federation's Zainabiyya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS), information for which can be found at:

http://www.world-federation.org/ZCSS/Introduction

WUDHU (ABLUTION) MEANS TO SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION

Feb 2, '13 12:06 PM for everyone

The Prophet is narrated to have said, "Wudhu (ablution) performed on wudhu is as light upon light on the Judgment Day." (Adab as-Suluk) 

Being the means to spiritual purification, always remaining in the state of wudhu is highly beneficial to the body and soul, evoking inner enlightenment, and surely it serves as a shield against darkness and corruption. Traditions narrate that one who performs wudhu before going to sleep is as if he has stood up the entire night in prayers!

Our Prophet has encouraged us to be mindful of cleanliness at all times: "Try to be clean as much as you are able to. Verily, Allah has based the foundation of Islam on cleanliness; hence, never can a person enter Paradise but the clean ones." (Kanz ul-'Ummal)

Facts are Facts :-)

Feb 2, '13 12:06 PM for everyone

These are bunch of things which I learnt from my experience... Whenever I find the key to success, someone changes the lock. To Error is human, to forgive is not a COMPANY policy. The road to success........ is always under construction. In order to get a Loan, you first need to prove that you don't need it. All the desirable things in life are illegal, expensive or fattening. Since Light travels faster than Sound, people appear brighter before you hear them speak. Everyone has a scheme of getting rich..... which never works. If at first you don't succeed.... Destroy all evidence that you ever tried. You can never determine which side of the bread to butter. If it falls down, it will always land on the buttered side. Anything dropped on the floor will roll over to the most inaccessible corner. 42.7% of all statistics is made on the spot. As soon as you mention something...... if it is good, it is taken.... If it is bad, it happens. He who has the gold, makes the rules Murphy's golden rule. If you come early, the bus is late. If you come late...... the bus is still late. Once you have bought something, you will find the same item being sold somewhere else at a cheaper rate. When in a queue, the other line always moves faster and the person in front of you will always have the most complex of transactions. If you have paper, you don't have a pen....... If you have a pen, you don't have paper...... if you have both, no one calls. Especially for Students: If you have bunked the class, the professor has taken attendance. You will pick up maximum wrong numbers when on roaming. The door bell or your mobile will always ring when you are in the bathroom. If your exam is tomorrow, there will be a power cut tonight. The last person to be fired or quit is responsible for all the errors until another person is fired or quits. Irrespective of the direction of the wind, the smoke from the cigarette will always tend to go to the non-smoker ...............

THE IMPORTANCE OF RECITING THE HOLY QURAN

Feb 2, '13 12:08 PM for everyone

The Holy Quran is not merely for us to recite during the month of Ramadan or following a loved one's death. It is a blessing from Allah, brought down for us to seek guidance and tranquility from not just a few times each year but constantly. Let's make it a habit to read at least a few pages each day.

The Holy Prophet has said, "Surely the recitation of the Qur'an is atonement for the sins, a protection from the hellfire, and a safety from the punishment. Mercy will descend upon the reciter, the angels will seek forgiveness for him, heaven will long for that person, and his Lord will be pleased with him." (Bihar al-Anwar)

He also said, "One who recites ten verses of the Qur'an every night will not be counted amongst the negligent ones (ghafilin); and one who recites fifty verses will be written as those who remember Allah (dhakirin); and one who recites one hundred verses will be written down as the obedient and worshipper of Allah (qanitin)." (Thawabul A'mal)

INITIATE GREETINGS AND EMBRACE

Feb 2, '13 12:09 PM for everyone

An act so simple, and yet forsaken too many a time by many of us. 

Imam Hussain said, "Seventy rewards is the share of the one who initiates a greeting, and only one reward belongs to the one who returns the greeting" (Bihar al-Anwar)

The Holy Prophet said: "When you meet each other, then initiate greeting and embrace, and when you separate from each other, then depart with seeking forgiveness." (Bihar al-Anwar)

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Feb 2, '13 12:10 PM for everyone

Bringing people together and implementing love and harmony among them is among the greatest acts. In fact, the Holy Prophet said that to make peace between two individuals is worthier than one's entire prayers and fasting. (Bihar al-Anwar)

We are living in a world where people enjoy watching (and sadly, inciting) arguments and conflict among others, and while the task of making peace becomes a rather grueling one, it is important to try. With the right conduct and intentions, even the seemingly impossible can become possible.

ACTS OF MUSHTAHIBAAT

Feb 2, '13 12:12 PM for everyone

Ghusl of Friday

Ghusl al-Jum'ah is so commendable that the Holy Prophet told Imam Ali, "O Ali, do ghusl every Friday, even if you have to sell that day's sustenance and go hungry in order to purchase water, because there is no greater sunnat than this [ghusl]." (Mafatih al-Jinan)

The ghusl can be performed at any time on Friday from sunrise till sunset, although the recommended time is before midday. And if missed on Friday, its qadha may be performed the following day.

Praying with Perfume On

Our Prophet was very fond of perfume and would always urge his friends and followers to make a habit of using it regularly. He spent much of his savings on purchasing perfumes, and especially encouraged its use on Fridays to prevent any bad odor from bothering others in the congregational prayers. Although striving to emulate our beloved Prophet is reason enough to practice this, narrations also tell us that prayer performed with perfume applied is better than 70 prayers without!

Brushing Your Teeth Often

This may be seem needless to mention, yet brushing the teeth is amongst the most recommended etiquettes enjoined by our Holy Prophet – so much that it could have been made obligatory! For he said, "If it were not hard upon my Ummah, I would enjoin them to brush (their teeth) with every prayer." (Bihar al-Anwar)

Traditions state that two units of prayer performed after brushing the teeth is superior to seventy units performed without it. It is further stated that if one forgets to brush his teeth before wudhu, it is mustahab to do so after it and to rinse the mouth three times with water. (Bihar al-Anwar) 

Not only before offering prayers, but brushing teeth is also recommended before performing wudhu, at the time of reciting the Qur'an, at daybreak, and on waking up from sleep.

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Brilliant Doubts - Unanswered

Feb 2, '13 12:13 PM for everyone

1.If all the nations in the world are in debt(am not joking. even US has got debts), where did all the money go? (weird) 2.When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it? (to be give a thought) 3.What is the speed of darkness? (absurd) 4.If the 'black box' flight recorder is never damaged during a plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of that stuff? (very good thinking) 5.Who copyrighted the copyright symbol? (who knows) 6.Can you cry under water? (let me try) 7.Why do people say, 'you've been working like a dog' when dogs just sit around all day? (i think they meant something else) 8.Why are the numbers on a calculator and a phone reversed? (God knows) 9.Do fish ever get thirsty? (let me ask and tell) 10.Can you get cornered in a round room? (by ones eyes) 12.Why do birds not fall out of trees when they sleep? (tonight i will stay and watch) 13.What came first, the fruit or the color orange? (seed) 14.If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? (No comments) 15.What should one call a male ladybird? (No comments) 16.If a person suffered from amnesia and then was cured would they remember that they forgot? (can somebody help ) 17.Can you blow a balloon up under water? (yes u can) 18.Why is it called a 'building' when it is already built? (strange isnt it) 19.If you were traveling at the speed of sound and you turned on your radio would you be ! able to hear it? (got to think scientifically) 20.If you're traveling at the speed of light and you turn your headlights on, what happens? (i dont have a change to try) 21.Why is it called a TV set when theres only one? (very nice) 22.If a person owns a piece of land do they own it all the way down to the core of the earth? (this is nice) 23.Why do most cars have speedometers that go up to at least 130 when you legally can't go that fast on any road? (stupid, break the law)

TAKE IT EASY- DON'T TAKE IT TO HEART - ITS JUST HUMOR

Feb 2, '13 12:15 PM for everyone

Donkey, Dog, Monkey and Man God created the donkey & said to him: “You will work unceasingly from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on your back. You will eat grass, you will have no intelligence & you will live 50 years. You will be a donkey. “The donkey answered: “I will be a donkey, but to live 50 years is too much. Give me only 20 years. God granted his wish.  God created the dog and said to him: "You will be a dog.” You will guard the house of man. You will be his best friend. You will eat the scraps that he gives you and you will live 25 years. You will be a dog. “The dog answered: “Master, to live 25 years is too much, you give me only 10 years. God granted his wish. God created the Monkey and said to him: “You will be a monkey.” You will swing from branch to branch doing tricks. You will be amusing and you will live 20 years. You will be a monkey. “The monkey answered: “Master to live 20 years is too much, you give me only 10 years. God granted his wish.  Finally God created the man and said to him: “You will be a man, the only rational creature on the face of the earth.” You will use your intelligence to become master over all animals. You will dominate the world and you will live 20 years. Man responded: "I will be a man but to live only 20 years is very little, give the 30 years that the donkey refused, the 15 years that the dog did not want and the 10 years the monkey refused. God granted his wish. And since then, man lives 20 years as a man, he marries and spends 30 years like a donkey, working and carrying all the burdens on his back. Then when his children are gone, he lives 15 years like a dog, taking care of the house and eating whatever is given to him, so that when he is old, he can retire and live 10 years like a monkey, going from house to house, from one son or daughter to another, doing tricks to amuse his grandchildren HOW TRUE ISN'T IT - TAKE IT EASY

ASK ALLAH (SWAT.)

Feb 2, '13 12:21 PM for everyone

Imam Ja’far ibn Mohammed as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “ Call upon Allah and do not say to yourself that the die is cast, for there is a rank with Allah (swt) a man cannot attain without asking for it.  If Allah’s servant closes his mouth and does not ask anything from Him, nothing will be given to him.  Therefore, ask Allah (swt) for what you need so that He will give it to you.  Whoever knocks on a door and persists will be allowed in.”

The Imam (a.s.) further said:” Whoever does not ask for Allah’s special grace, will remain destitute.”

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) said; “Never have this impression that Allah Almighty has opened the door of dua but has closed the door of answering dua.”

The Imam (a.s.) further said: “If Allah (swt) gives someone the blessing of dua, He will not deprive him of the answer.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said: “Dua is the gist of worshiping.”

FOUR SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE DUAS FROM THE HOLY QU’RAN

Imam Ja’far ibn Mohammad as-Sadiq (a.s.) had expressed surprise that why when in need the faithful do not use the four effective duas available to them.

These are ayats (verses) from the Holy Qu’ran that are the solutions for the problem described.  The translations given here also include some sections before/after to enable better understanding.

1.     To overcome fear of authority/ruler “WA UFAWWIZU AMREE ILALLAAH  INALLLAAHA BASEERUN BIL IBAD”

“So you shall remember what I say to you, and I entrust my affair to Allah, Surely Allah sees the servants (The Holy Qu’ran Cha. Al-Ghafir or Mu’min (40) vs.44)

2.     For Rizq (sustenance) “MASHAALLAHU LAA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH”

“And wherefore did you not say when you entered your garden: “It is as Allah has pleased, there is not power save in Allah?”

(The Holy Qu’ran Ch.Al-Khaf (18) vs 39)

3.     For Sorrows/sufferings; “ LA ILA HA ILLA ANTA SUBHANAKA INNI KUNTU MINAZZALIMEEN”

“And Yunus, when he went away in wrath, so he thought that We would not straiten him, so he called out among afflictions: “There is not God but Thou, Glory be to Thee; surely I am of those  who make themselves to suffer loss” (The Holy Qu’ran Ch. Al-Anbiya (21) vs 87)

4.     Other issues/needs: “ HASBUNALLAH WA NI’MAL WAKEEL”

“Those to whom the people said: “Surely men have gathered against you, therefore fear them”, but this increased their faith, and they said; “Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector”.  (The Holy Qu’ran Ch. Aale I’mraan (3) vs 173)

“A kind word and pardon is better than charity that is followed by injury, and verily Allah is Self-sufficient, the Most forbearing.”

“The friend of Mohammed is he who obeys Allah, even though he may have no blood relationship, and the enemy of Mohammed is he who disobeys Allah even though he may have near kinship

(Imam Ali (a.s.)

“Praying and fasting is not the true worship.  The true worship is the pondering over God.

(Imam Ali ibn Musa Ar-Reza (a.s.)

“Whenever people perpetrate unprecedented sins, God will inflict upon them unexpected misfortunes

(Imam Musa ibn Ja’far Al Khadim (a.s.)

SOME HADEES (TRADITONS) ON DUA

Feb 2, '13 12:22 PM for everyone

There are many Hadees which recommend Dua (supplication).  Here we present a few examples extracted from the book ‘Oddatol Daee’.  The Asset of Supplicant by Sheikh Ahmad ibn Fahd Helli.

1.     Hassan ibn Sdair says: “I asked Immam Mohammad ib ali al- Baqer (a.s.) which prayer is more virtuous?  The Immam (a.s.) said: “Nothing is more praiseworthy to Allah than a servant’s request and no one is more detested than one who refrains from obeying Allah and asking something from Him”.

2.     Zarareh quotes Immam Muhammed ibn Ali al-Baqer (a.s.) as saying: “Allah says: those who refrain from worshipping Me will enter the Hell with disgrace.  Prayer, here, means Dua which is the best form of prayers.”

3.  Zareh says” I asked Immam (a.s.) further about the meaning of the      

     Quranic verse: “Surely Ibrahim was very tender-hearted, and

      Forbearing:” The Immam (a.s.) said: “tender-hearted here means one

      Who frequently recites Dua”

3.     Ibn Ghadiah quotes Immam Ja’far ibn Mohmmed al-Sadeq (a.s.) as        

Saying “ Immam Ali (a.s.) says: “ The most praiseworthy deed on the earth is Dua, the best form of prayer is chastity.  An Immam Ali (a.s.) was an example as a man of abundant Dua.

4        Imam (a.s.) said “ Dua brings answer with it in the same way that

Cloud brings rain”.

5        The Immam (a.s.) also asked “Can you distinguish between long-term and short-term affliction?  The Immam (a.s.) replied “No” but further added that “whenever one of you were inspired with Dua, know that the affliction will not last long”

6.     The Immam (a.s.) further stated that : “ The affliction of a believer

Who succeeds in Dua will be soon removed whereas the affliction of a believer who stops Dua will last long.  Therefore whenever an affliction befalls you, supplicate to Allah “.

7.     The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says” “Seek help from Allah when in need, seek refuge with Him during afflictions, supplicate, and call upon Him, for Dua is the gist of prayer.   No believer calls upon Allah (swt) unless his call is answered in the following ways:

Either his request is granted in this world or he will receive it in the Hereafter, or his sins will be concealed to the extent of his Dua, provided he has not asked for a sinful act.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) also said: “The weakest person is one who forgets Dua and the most mean person is one who is miser in greeting others.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked: “Shall I introduce to you the most miser, the most sluggish, the most stealing person, the most oppressing and the most weak person”.

He replied: “The most miser person is one who visits a muslim but does not say Salam to him.  The most sluggish person is one who is in good health but does not praise Allah with his lips and tongue during leisure times.  The most stealing person is one who does not peform his prayer perfectly.  Such prayer is twisted and thrown at his fact like an old piece of cloth.  The most wrong doing person is one before who my name is said, but he does not send Allah’s greeting to me.  The weakest person is one who has forgotten Dua”.

8.     The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “The best prayer is Dua.  When

Allah inspires someone with Dua, He opens the door of Mercy to him.  A man of Dua will never become wretched.

The Immam (a.s.) was asked: “Two worshippers begin their prayer at the same time.  One of them recites more verses from the Holy Qur’an and the other has more Dua.  They complete their prayers at the same time.  Which is more virtuous?   The Immam (a.s.) said: “Both are good and virtuous”.  But still the person wanted to know which one is better.  The Immam (a.s.) said: “ Dua is better.  Have you heard Allah (swt) saying: Call upon Me; I will answer you.  I will make enter into the Hell with disgrace those who refrain from worshipping Me.  By Allah Dua is as prayer.  By Allah dua is as the most profound prayer:

Immam (a.s.) also said: Allah inspired Adam (a.s.) saying: “I have collected everything from you in four words.  He said: “My Lord! What are those four words”?  Allah said: The first is due to Me, the second is due to you, the third is between you and Me, and the fourth is between you and people”.  Adam (a.s.) said: “My Lord, make them clear for me: “Allah said “What is due to Me, is your being a servant of Me.  What is due to you is that I will reward your deeds with you what you badly need.  And what concerns you and Me is that you recite Dua and I will answer you.  As for what concerns you and people, wish for others what you wish for yourself.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Two persons whose deeds were the same entered paradise.  But one of the two sees the other superior.  Hence, he asked Allah (swt) My Lord! We have done the same deeds.  What is his superior position for? Allah (swt) said: “He requested from Me but you did not.”  The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “Request from Allah as much as you can for your request is not great for Allah.”   He further stated that “Request from Allah so that He will grant it.  Allah bestows blessings upon a group of His servants in return for their deeds and to another group in return for their sincere Duas.  Then He will gather both groups in Paradise.  The first group will say: “Our Lord! We were men of good deeds and You granted our requests but how about these people?  Allah (swt) will say: These are My servants.  I gave you your rewards fully.  These people too requested from Me and I have them a share of My abundant Grace and Mercy.  I will give to anyone I wish.”