Monday, May 25, 2009

A poem for my beloved sister





Love in friendship for the sake of Allah

The holy passion of Friendship
For the sake of Allah
Is Built on trust, honesty and love
So sweet , loyal and enduring
Lasting through a whole lifetime
Surviving through thick and thin, ups and down
Together painting the song of love
On the canvas of friendship for the sake of Allah
Spreading the colours of life
following the rhythm of our hearts

Friendship for the sake of Allah has magic,
specially when they come from the heart.
They can touch us, move us, delight us, and enlighten us,
Making us shed tears and at times blooming in smiles
Enriching our deepest memories

True friendship for the sake of Allah can bind a stranger to another,
often in friendship, sometimes in love, always in better understanding.
love and passion words
communicate deep and profound feelings of the heart and soul.
Sharing the feelings, the experience of life
In giving its living
In sharing its budding
Sharing sadness and joy
In the clutches of warm and comfort
In Allah’s bounteous mercy
In Allah’s everlasting Love
Our friendship will endure…………………………..

nur sakinah thomas
11.35pm, 18th May 2009

Love in frienship for the sake of Allah.



Mu`adh (bin Jabal) (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Allah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs". [Tirmidhi]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): `I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine"[Muslim]

It is mentioned in a hadith Qudsi “My love is incumbent upon those who love one another for My sake, those who exchange visits for My sake, those who sit with one another for My sake, and those who put themselves in the service of one another for My sake”. It is the loyalty of those who love one another not for worldly benefits but only in the cause of Allah. Those are the ones for whom Allah's love is incumbent. [Malik]

The Prophet (SAW) said: “ If a man makes friendship for God, God will increase his rank in Paradise and will not reduce anything from his actions.”

Monday, May 18, 2009

This is forever friendship. Thank you Allah for this forever friendship.



Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life just by being part of it,
Someone who makes you smile;
someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you that
There really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.
This is forever friendship.
When you're down, and the world seems dark and empty,
Your forever friend lifts you up in spirit
and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full.
Your forever friend gets you through the hard times,
The sad times, and the confused times,
If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows.
If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on.
Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay.
And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete,
Because you need not worry…….
You have a forever friend for life, and forever has no end.
As we become brothers and sisters in Allah’s everlasting love……….
InsyaAllah………………...



Buat Sahabat
"Aku menyayangi sahabatku dengan segenap jiwaku.Sahabat yang baik adalah yang seiring denganku dan menjaga nama baikku ketika aku hidup atau selepas mati.Kuhulurkan tangan kepada sahabatku untuk berkenalan kerana aku akan berasa senang.Semakin ramai sahabat, aku semakin percaya diri.Aku selalu berharap mendapat sahabat sejati yang tak luntur dalam suka atau duka.Jika aku dapat, aku akan setia padanya- IMAM SHAFIE

Rain of Blessings



O Allah,
Our Light of Heaven and Earth
Forgive us for all our sins,
We seek Your refuge
for all our Muslim brothers and sisters
Who are suffering,
We urgently need Your Mercies,
Please turn their tears of pain,
To tears of joy,
O Allah,
Our Guardian in this world and in the Hereafter,
Forsake us not in times of calamity,
Lighten our burden
Strengthen our imaan
Save us from the disgrace in this world,
And from the punishment in the Hereafter
Shower the seeds of love for You in our hearts
With Your Rain of Blessings
For You, O Allah, will always be
Our true lover……………..

DESTINASI PELAYARANKU



Perjalanan hidup ini
Bagaikan pelayaran di tengah samudera
Yang kadang-kadang tenang mendamaikan
Namun tanpa sebarang petanda
Ombak ganas mula bergelora
Demikian persis kehidupan ini.

Ya Allah....
Kurniakan aku Cinta AgungMu
Agar aku bisa
Mengemudi bahteraku
Di tengah samudera kehidupan
Yang tidak menjanjikan ketenangan
Agar aku punyai kekuatan
Mengharungi ombak ujian
Pelayaran yang sementara ini.

Saat aku tiba di destinasi pelayaranku,
Moga-moga aku bisa
Meraih cinta agung mu Ya Ilahi
Di akhir pelayaran ku

~nukilan nur sakinah thomas~
4.18pm, 2nd January,2009

Imam Shafi’i And His Teacher, Imam Malik Bin Anas



Imam Shafi’i And His Teacher,
Imam Malik Bin Anas
By
Ustaz Syed Hasan Alatas
Translation by
Syed Abdul Rahman Al-'Idrus
Imam Malik was extremely happy to get a student who was so clever and so intelligent as Shafi’i. Since his childhood, Shafi’i did not only memorise the whole of Al-Quran, but also thousands of Hadith Rasulullah S.A.W. In fact he had also memorised the whole of the book Muatta’, which was a collection of Hadiths written by the master teacher Imam Malik himself, prior to meeting his master.
As a true example of self-management, Imam Shafi’I organised his nights into three parts:
o One third of the night for seeking knowledge;
o One third of the night for prayers;
o One third of the night for sleep.
A narrator by the name of Rabi’ used to explain that Imam Shafi’i regularly recited the complete Al-Quran daily, and in the month of Ramadhan he put in more efforts by completely reciting the whole of Al-Quran sixty times for the whole month during his prayers.
Imam Shafi’i himself explained that he never swore throughout his life, whether to affirm or to deny anything. On one occasion someone asked him a problem. He kept quiet for a while, without answering the question. When he was asked why he did so, he answered: "I waited first, until I know which is better, to keep quiet or to answer your question." This indicated how careful he was in offering an answer to any one who brought a problem to him.
He was quoted to have informed others on himself: "One day I had no money, while I was desirous of seeking knowledge. Then I went to work in a hall to earn my keep." This showed that Imam Shafi’i did not lie idol when confronted with financial difficulties, especially while pursuing his studies but he was willing to work and earn whatever is halal (permissible), as long as he achieved his ambition.
Imam Ghazali was quoted to have mentioned that Imam Shafi’i was also an important personality practising the life of a Sufi. He was a person of the utmost Taqwa , who did not like to pride himself in whatever way.
In relation to Sufism, Imam Shafi’i said: "I would like men to learn this discipline, but do not quote my name, with even a single word."

The best of the best



Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us:

1. "The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe." [Muslim]

2. "The best of people are those with the most excellent character." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

3. "The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind." [Dâraqutni, Hasan]

4. "The best of people are those who are best in fulfilling [rights]." [Ibn Mâjah, Sahîh]

5. "The best of people during fitnah is a man who takes up the reins of his horse pursuing the enemies of Allah, causing them fear yet they make him fearful too, or a man who secludes himself in the desert fulfilling the rights of Allah upon him." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

6. "The best of mankind is my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come a people after them who will become avaricious, who will love gluttony, and who will give witness before they are asked for it." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

7. "The best of people are those who live longest and excel in their deeds, whereas the worst of people are those who live longest and corrupt their deeds." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

8. "The best of women are those that please him [her husband] when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

9. "The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

10. "The best of marriages are the easiest ones." [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]

11. "The best of your dates is the Borniyyû date; it expels disease yet does not contain any disease itself." [Hâkim, Hasan]

12. "The best of your garments are those which are white; shroud your dead in them and clothe your living with them. The best of that which you apply to your eyelids is antimony causing the eyelashes to grow and sharpening the eyesight." [Ibn Hibbân, Sahîh]

13. "The best quality of your religion is scrupulousness." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

14. "The best of your religion is that which is easiest." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

15. "The best of the prayer lines for men are the first rows, the worst being the final rows. The best of the prayer lines for women are the final rows and the worst are the first rows." [Muslim]

16. "The best prayers for women are those performed in the most secluded parts of their houses." [Ibn Khuzaymah, Sahîh]

17. "The best of you in Islam are those who are most excellent in character as long as you deeply understand the religion." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

18. "The best of you are the best of you in fulfilling [rights]." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

19. "The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

20. "The best of you are my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come after them a people who will betray and be untrustworthy, will give witness even though they have not been asked to, will make vows yet will not fulfil them and obesity will appear amongst them." [Bukhâri]

21. "The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings." [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]

22. "The best of you is he from whom good is anticipated and safety from his evil is assured; the worst of you is he from whom nothing good is expected and one is not safe from his evil." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

23. "The best thing mankind has been given is excellent character." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

24. "The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

25. "The best of journeys undertaken are to this Mosque of mine and the Ancient House." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

26. "The best of which man can leave behind for himself are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him and knowledge which others benefit from after him." [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]

27. "The best Mosques for women are the most secluded parts of their houses." [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]

28. "The best of the world's women are four: Maryum bint 'Imrân, Khadîjah bint Khuwaylid, Fâtimah bint Muhammad and Âsiyah the wife of Fir'awn." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

29. "The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrâ' except that they would say to me, 'O Muhammad, perform cupping!'" [Ahmad, Sahîh]

30. "The best day on which the Sun has risen is Friday; on it Âdam was created, on it Âdam was made to enter Paradise and on it he was expelled. The Hour will not be established except on Friday." [Muslim]

31. "Verily, the best of perfume for men is that which is strong in smell and light in colour, and the best of perfume for women is that which is strong in colour and light in smell." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

32. "The most beloved of religions according to Allah the Most High is the 'easy and flexible religion.'" [Ahmad, Hasan]

33. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allah are the continuous ones, even if they are little." [Agreed upon]

34. "The most beloved of names according to Allah are 'Abd Allah, 'Abd'l-Rahmân and Hârith." [Abu Ya'lâ, Sahîh]

35. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allah are the prayer in its right time, then to treat the parents in an excellent manner, and then Jihâd in the path of Allah." [Agreed upon]

36. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allah is that you die and yet your tongue is still moist from the remembrance of Allah." [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]

37. "The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhânallah, Alhamdulillâh, Lâ ilâha illallah and Allahu Akbar; there is no problem with which one you start with." [Muslim]

38. "The most beloved of speech according to Allah is when the servant says, 'Subhânallahi wa bihamdihî' [How Transcendent is Allah and we praise him!]." [Muslim]

39. "The most beloved of speech according to Allah the Most High is that which Allah chose for his Angels: Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî, Subhâna Rabbî wa bihamdihî." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

40. "The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allah will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, Allah will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Standing. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allah will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey." [Tabarâni, Hasan]

41. "The most beloved of people to me is 'Â'ishah and from the men, Abu Bakr." [Agreed upon]

42. "The best of people in recitation are those who when they recite, you see that they fear Allah." [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]

43. "The best of your leaders are those that you love and they love you, you supplicate for them and they supplicate for you. The worst of your leaders are those that you hate and they hate you, you curse them and they curse you." [Muslim]

44. "The best of you are those who are best in paying off their debts." [Tahâwi, Sahîh]

45. "The best of you are those with the longest lives and most excellent character." [Bazzâr, Sahîh]

46. "The best of you are those with the longest lives and best in action." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

47. "The best of you are those with the softest shoulders during prayer." [Bayhaqi, Hasan]

48. "The best of you are those who are best to their wives." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

49. "The best of you are those who are best to their families." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

50. "The best of you during the 'Period of Ignorance' are the best of you in Islam as long as they deeply understand the religion." [Bukhâri]

51. "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'ân and teach it." [Dârimi, Sahîh]

52. "The best of companions according to Allah are those who are best to their companion and the best of neighbours according to Allah are those that are best to their neighbour." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

53. "The best of places are the Mosques and the worst of places are the markets." [Tabarâni, Hasan]

54. "The best supplication on the Day of 'Arafah and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me ever said was, 'Lâ ilâha illAllah wahdahû lâ sharîka lahû, lahû'l-mulk wa lahû'l-hamd wa huwa 'alâ kulli shay'in Qadîr.'" [Tirmidhî, Hasan]

55. "The best of provision is that which suffices." [Ahmad in 'Zuhd', Hasan]

56. "The best testimony is when one gives it before he is asked to do so." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

57. "The best of dowries are the easiest." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

58. "The best of charity is that which still leaves you self-sufficient for the upper hand is better than the lower hand; start with those you are responsible for." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

59. "The best of gatherings are those that are most open." [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]

60. "The most beloved deed according to Allah is to have faith in Allah, then to maintain the ties of kinship, and then to command to good and forbid the wrong. The most abhorrent of deeds according to Allah is to associate partners with Him, then to cut the ties of kinship." [Abu Ya'lâ, Hasan]

61. "The most beloved Jihâd according to Allah is that a word of truth be spoken to a tyrant ruler." [Tabarâni, Hasan]

62. "The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful." [Bukhâri]

63. "The most beloved fast according to Allah is the fast of Dâwûd; he would fast every alternate day. The most beloved prayer according to Allah is the prayer of Dâwûd; he would sleep half the night, stand a third and then sleep for a sixth." [Agreed upon]

64. "The most beloved dish according to Allah is that which most hands feed from." [Ibn Hibbân, Hasan]

65. "The most beloved servant of Allah is he who is most beneficial to his dependents." [Zawâ'id al-Zuhd, Hasan]

66. "The best of earnings is that of the labourer as long as he tries his best." [Ahmad, Hasan]

67. "The best of all deeds is to have faith in Allah alone, then Jihâd and then an accepted Hajj; they surpass all other deeds like the distance between the rising and setting of the Sun." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

68. "The best of all deeds is the Prayer at its earliest time." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

69. "The best of all deeds is the Prayer in its right time, to treat the Parents honourably and Jihâd in the path of Allah." [al-Khatîb, Sahîh]

70. "The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother, pay off his debt or feed him bread." [Ibn Adiyy, Hasan]

71. "The best of faith is patience and magnanimity." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

72. "The best of days according to Allah is Friday." [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]

73. "The best of Jihâd is that man strives against his soul and desires." [Daylami, Sahîh]

74. "The best Hajj is that with the most raised voices and flowing blood." [Tirmidhî, Hasan]

75. "The best of supplications is that of on the Day of 'Arafah, and the best thing that was said by myself and the Prophets before me was, "Lâ ilâha illallah wahdahû lâ sharîka lahû." [There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah alone, He has no partners.] [Mâlik, Hasan]

76. "The best of dinars are: the dinâr spent by a man upon his dependents, the dinâr spent by a man upon his horse in the path of Allah and the dinâr spent by a man upon his companions in the path of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent." [Muslim]

77. "The best word of remembrance is: Lâ ilâha illallah and the best supplication is: Alhamdulillâh." [Tirmidhî, Hasan]

78. "The best word of remembrance is: Lâ ilâha illallah and the best [expression of giving] thanks is: Alhamdulillâh." [Baghawi, Hasan]

79. "The best of hours are those deep in the latter part of the night." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

80. "The best of all martyrs are those who fight in the front line; they do not turn their faces away until they are killed. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of Paradise, their Lord laughing at them - when your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for him." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

81. "The best of all martyrs is he whose blood is shed and whose horse is slaughtered." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

82. "The best of all charity is the shade of a canopy [provided] in the path of Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent, to gift ones servant in the path of Allah and to gift ones she-camel in the path of Allah." [Ahmad, Hasan]

83. "The best of all charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

84. "The best of all charity is that you give it while you are healthy and desirous [of that money], hoping to become wealthy but fearing poverty. Don't delay until you are about to breathe your last and then you say, 'This is for 'so and so' and this is for 'so and so'', for indeed, it has already been written that 'so and so' would receive that." [Abu Dâwûd, Sahîh]

85. "The best of all charity is when the one with little strives to give; start with those you are responsible for." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

86. "The best charity is to provide water." [Ibn Mâjah, Hasan]

87. "The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the prayer in the depth of the night, and the best fast after the month of Ramadhân is the month of Allah, Muharram." [Muslim]

88. "The best prayer is the prayer of the man in his home except for the obligatory prayer." [Nasâ'î, Sahîh]

89. "The best prayer is that with the longest standing." [Muslim]

90. "The best of all prayers according to Allah is the Friday morning prayer in congregation." [Ibn Nu'aym, Sahîh]

91. "The best fast is the fast of my brother Dâwûd; he would fast every alternate day and he would never flee [the battlefront] when the armies would meet." [Tirmidhî, Sahîh]

92. "The best of all fasts after Ramadhân is in the month that you call Muharram." [Nasâ'î, Sahîh]

93. "The best of all worship is supplication." [Hâkim, Sahîh]

94. "The best deed is the prayer in its right time and Jihâd in the path of Allah." [Bayhaqi, Sahîh]

95. "The best of the Qur'ân is: "Alhamdulillâhi Rabb'l-'Âlamîn". [Hâkim, Sahîh]

96. "The best of earnings is a blessed sale and that which a man earns with his hands." [Ahmad, Sahîh]

97. "The best of the Believers is the most excellent of them in character." [Ibn Mâjah, Sahîh]

98. "The best of the Believers with respect to Islam is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe; and the best of the Believers with respect to Îmân are the most excellent of them in character; and the best of those who migrate is he who migrates from that which Allah the Most High has prohibited; and the best of Jihâd is when one strives against his soul for the sake of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

99. "The best of mankind is the believer between two honourable persons." [Tabarâni, Sahîh]

100. "The best of all days in the world are the ten days [of Dhul Hijjah]." [Bazzâr, Sahîh]

The lowest rank in Paradise



Abdullah ibn Mas`ood (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: "I know the last person who will come out of Hell and the last one to enter the Paradise. A man comes out crawling and Allah (SWT) says: Go, enter the Paradise. Then he approaches it and it appears to him as if filled, then he returns back and says: O Allah, I found it full. Then Allah says: Go, enter the Paradise. He approaches it and it appears to him as if filled. He then returns back and says: O Allah, I found it to be full. Allah says to him: Go, enter Paradise, you have what is equal to the whole world and ten folds (or, you have what is equal to ten times this world). He then says: "O Allah, are you mocking me (or laughing at me) while You are the King?" Ibn Mas`ood said: I saw the Prophet, (SAW) laugh till his molar teeth were seen. Abdullah stated that the Prophet (SAW) said: "That is the lowest rank of those in the Paradise." [Al Bukhari and Muslim]

In the Hadith narrated by Ibn Mas`ood and the Hadith narrated by Abu Saeed al Khudri, is the story of the man of the tree, who is in the lowest rank of Paradise. Allah reminds him, beseech such and such. When he says all and has nothing more to beg, Allah says: That is for you with ten folds more. Then he enters his house where his two wives of black and white eyed Hoor al`Ein came to him and say: We thank Allah who brought you alive to us and brought us alive to you. Then
he says: No person is given like what I have been given." [Muslim]

Al Mughira ibn Shu`ba narrated that the Prophet(SAW) said:
"Musa (AS) asked Allah(SWT): Who is of the lowest rank among those of Paradise? He said: He is a man who comes after those of Paradise have been entered into it." Then it is said to him, "Enter Paradise." He says: O my Rabb Allah, how could I? People had already taken their places and got their grants? He is then told: Will you be satisfies if you have the possessions of a king of the world. He says: I am satisfied O my Rabb. Then Allah says: that is for you, and
like it, and a like, and a like, and a like." For the fifth he says `I am pleased O my Rabb'. Allah says: this is for you and like it ten folds, and also whatever you like and what pleases your eyes. The man says: I am pleased O my Rabb!." [Muslim]

Remember the order to lower your gaze




Remember the order to lower your gaze

As the heat gets hotter…. as the sun gets brighter
As they take it all off…. as their 'burden' gets lighter

When you feel the temptation as they roam half naked
When you think for sure that you just can't make it

Remember O Muslim the perfect instructions
Remember not to give in to those temptations

Through the lure, the enticement and through the haze
Remember the order…..to lower your gaze

Don't go to such places….don't go to the beaches
Remember the lessons ....remember what Islam teaches

Don't sit idle in the street nor visit the mall
When you know they are going to bare it all

Now, I know it isn't easy….. its hard not to stare
Its difficult to look away when its all there

But, don't feed your lust, nor set it ablaze
Remember the order…. to lower your gaze

What's the harm in it, they say. It's nothing but fun!
If I look at some bodies bathing in the sun!

A lustful look towards the opposite gender
Is all that it takes to set off the trigger

It leads to sin and abomination
It paves the way for fornication

Don't take it so lightly, don't think it's a phase
Remember the order…. to lower your gaze

Watch out for that arrow….the arrow from Satan
The one you're warned about….laden with poison

The arrow that is aimed towards your very heart
When it reaches its target, it leaves a black mark

It infects your heart and leaves it vulnerable
for Satan to take over and do as he is able

Recall the Prophet's words for he told no lies
"Looking at something forbidden is the zinaa of the eyes."

Don't look at anything haraam, that's what he said
So when temptation passes by…..just turn away your head

Just lower your gaze…..don't give that second look
For you never know when you get caught by the hook

A lustful glance….then the talk …..then the meeting
You know what comes next….after all the flirting

Fornication is major. "Don't even come near it."
It starts with that first look, every Muslim should fear it

So lower your gaze…. don't look at haraam
Strive for good deeds….they work like a charm

If you are able then do get married
That's what the Prophet alaihis-salaam instructed

Keep voluntary fasts….they will make you strong
Being a good Muslim, you surely can't go wrong

A part of his character is the Muslim's gaze
So fear Allaah as you spend these summer days

Ask Allaah to help you….you'll find Him there
And never underestimate the power of prayer

Not only in the streets, remember O Muslim
Lower your gaze when watching television

The shows….the sitcoms…..the underwear ads
The suggestive scenes….the fashions and the fads

Day in and day out, we watch haraam and yet….
when 'Baywatch' comes on, we don't turn off the set

Did you forget the Day when Allaah will ask you
of every look you cast….every glance you threw

So where will you hide….what will you do
That Day your eyes will witness against you

Remember, the beauty of this world is temporary
The question is then….will you be able to carry

Your head up high in front of the Almighty
When you stand on a Day, so long so dreary?

You are the best Ummah….the Model Community
Custodians of Truth…Upholders of Morality

So fight the Shaytaan, stop him in his wickedness
Lower your gaze, ask for Allaah's forgiveness

And thank Allaah O Muslim and realize
The greatest blessing is a pair of eyes

Don't use it to disobey Him, don't earn His Displeasure
For you will be asked what you did with this treasure

It is not too late….to repent….to amend
Start now….by lowering your gaze my friend
~anonymous~

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do. Say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty...O you who believe! Turn you all together towards Allah that you may attain success." (Surah Nur:30,31).

Measure of Sincerity



He who wishes that people always remember him with goodness is neither God-fearing nor sincere.
Ibrahim bin Adham

Since I understood four things, I have discarded all other knowledge.
1.First, that my daily sustenance has already been apportioned to me and will neither increase nor decrease by my futile efforts, so I strive to increase it no more.
2.Second, I alone and no one else can atone for my sins, so I devote myself to the Lord.
3.Third, I know that I will never be able to escape death, which is in our pursuit, so I have prepared myself to meet him.
4.Fourth, I know that God is observing me; therefore I restrain from doing what I must not do.”
Imam Haatim al-Asamm

Virtues of Knowledge



Abu Nu’aym reports some sayings of Mu`aadh bin Jabal about the excellence of knowledge, among which we find the following:

“Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, it is the best companion during travels, and it is the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is the discerning proof of what is right and what is wrong, and it is the positive force that will help you surmount the trials of comfort, as well as those of hardships. Knowledge is your most powerful sword against your enemy, and finally, it is your most dignifying raiment in the company of your close companions. Through knowledge, Allah, blessed be His Name, raises some people in rank, and He makes them leaders in righteousness and models in morality. The vestige of their faith is avidly sought, their deeds are emulated perceptively, and people will seek and sanction their opinions solicitously and unequivocally. The heavenly angels seek their company and anoint them with their wings, every fresh or withered life they pass by implore Almighty Allah to forgive them their sins, even the fish in the oceans, the beasts of the lands and every bird of prey and migratory bird pray and solicit the mercy of Almighty Allah on their behalf. This is because knowledge revives the dead hearts and drives them out of darkness into light, and because knowledge is the light of the inner eyes that cures one’s blindness and restores his inner sight”

Sunday, May 17, 2009

When Nur Pervades the Heart




When Nur Pervades the Heart
The women would arise
From the world of darkness
To the light of happiness

Because imaan and Islam
Has become a certainy
The heart and soul are sacrificed
For the sake of Islam

From the world of ignorance
Not knowing faith and belief
And from the land of sins
Towards happiness and peace

From the world of blasphemy
Towards the light of truth
Though it’s a long way home
To the religion of truth

O women of the latter days
Come let us struggle together
With imaan and Islam in our hearts,
Loving Allah wholeheartedly,
Coz GARDEN OF PARADISE IS CALLING US………..

~nur sakinah thomas~
~December 2008~

Modesty & Decency




Modesty & Decency
In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The beauty of a woman:
Is not in the clothes she wears,
the figure that she carries,
or the way she combs her hair,
or the style she does make up.
The beauty of a woman:
must be seen in her Hijab, and her eyes,
because that is the doorway to her heart,
the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman:
is not in a facial mole,
but true beauty in a woman,
is reflected in her soul.
The beauty of woman is in her modesty.
And the real glamour of her is her honesty.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
the passion that she shows.
And the beauty of a woman,
with passing years - only grows!


HOLY QUR'AN PROCLAIMS:
" O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "( Surah-e-Ahzaab, verse 59)

"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 (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye may attain Bliss." ( Surah-e-Nur, verse 31)

Women of Islam



Women of Islam
By Sister Fatiha Sh. Omar
True, sincere, believing women of the past
Who in their lives remained faithful and steadfast
Amazing were they, those women who believed
Who hastened to the truth as the Qur’an was revealed
To forever leave behind the old, ignorant ways
Passed down by their forefathers, in the bygone days
Accepting the truth, in utter awe of their lord
Memorizing His divine pearls, word by word

Khadija Al-Kubra, the prophet’s most beloved
Upon her wealth and wisdom was bestowed
Her wealth, she flourished generously on the poor
Her wisdom helped the prophet believe in the noor
The light of the angels who brought glad tidings
Of prophet hood, a lifetime full of blessings
She was one of the first Muslims who believed
Whilst the majority had refused and rejected
Although, Islam’s early days did she pass away
In the prophet’s heart and memory she did stay

Rare are women today like Fatima Az-Zahra
The youngest daughter of Khadija Al-Kubra
As a little girl, she bravely helped her father
From the disbelievers, when he was in prayer
Whilst they mocked, she stood firm to protect
What she believed in and her father, the noble prophet
She grew up to be most patient in all her burden
So rightfully earned, she was promised the garden

The memory of Summayyah, within us it still remains
The first martyr of Islam as she endured all pains
Abu Jahl did beat her as she lay on the blazing sand
Why she strongly held onto Islam he could not understand
The truth that Summayyah saw was hidden from his eyes
With sabr, she refused once and again to believe in his lies
Infuriated to the limit, Abu Jahl lunged forward his spear
Putting an end to her life, and she welcomed it without fear
To meet Allah Almighty, to enter the highest rank in Jannah
An end to her suffering, a start of a new beginning

Aisha Bint Abi-Bakr, the greatest scholar of all time
So gifted with knowledge was she, beyond the boundary
People came looking for her, from all over the country
To benefit from her ilm, to hear her advice
Learning from the prophet, she came to be wise
She turned to Allah, when she was wronged in slander
All around the city of Makkah, tongues did wander
Allah came to her aid, as He knew her to be pure
As mother of the believers, she did remain true

Mentioned in the Quran, is Maryam Bint Imran
Allah’s chosen “above all women of the world”
Mother of prophet Isa, the purest of all women
Allah provided for her when she was in seclusion
Living only for Him, she was in His protection
Obedient was she when she was told to leave
All her people behind, in order to conceive
In her chastity, a baby boy, a most unique miracle
And patient was she, when she came back to her people
Mocking her that she had disgraced her noble family
Jesus in the cradle had spoken words of true reality
Preached as a baby, a sign of his mother’s purity
No doubt, Maryam was unique in every way
And will indeed remain so, until the last day

Last but not least is Asiya, wife of Pharaoh
One of the four most perfect women in Islam
Who had adopted Musa, his life she had saved
With the will of Allah, like a son he’d been loved
To grow up in fir’awn’s eyes, his future untold
He had guided Asiya, pulled her into the fold
Of truth, to believe in the Oneness of the Creator
Instead of Pharaoh, a most deceitful transgressor
To Allah only she did seek His help in desperation
When she went against her husband, for protection
Hoping to reside in paradise with Allah Almighty

Oh how true were the believing women of Islam
To their lord and creator, with strong, solid Iman
They are many, and they all command a sense of respect
They lived their lives righteously, with little regret
Fighting all temptations of life, to live for Allah
What happened then to the Muslimahs of today?
Why are they throwing their precious deen away?
The deen in which women are most honored
A gift from Allah Most High that is sacred
O Allah, I ask you to open their eyes to see
How truly blessed in Islam they could be

(Ameen)

MY DAWN IS NEAR





In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

My days will pass
Like the shadows of yesterdays,
I’ll strive on forward with faith in my heart,
Never drifting back to my past,

I’ll endure the pressure,
Of obstacles along my way,
Even when the world is crushing around me,
Trusting in Allah and depending on Him,
Seeking muraqabah in all my deeds

There is a land beyond the sea,
Where waves and mountains meet,
There is hope in Allah’s love
Where tears and comfort meets,
Just like a rainbow that comforts after rain,

I’ll accept the challenges,
And keep my dream alive,
No matter how dark the moment may be,
Believing in Allah and depending on Him,
That there will be dawn after the darkest night
Coz I believe that my dawn is near……………………
~nur sakinah thomas~
16th December 2008

The path to paradise through seeking Allah’s Rehdo, Mercy, Forgiveness and Love




BismiAlllah erRahman erRahim
No matter how beautiful we describe the beauties and pleasures of the paradise , the beauties and pleasures are far beyond our imagination, far beyond our logic, far beyond our knowledge. So we should be very careful of how we do the Quranic description , don’t let our self imagination be too sensual and unnaturally causing the distortion of the facts.

Allah has given us the freedom of speech, thought and action but we must remember that our speech, thoughts and actions should always be restricted and qualified according to the teaching of Islam because Allah reminds us:
“.. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah)” (Translation SurahAl-Isra’:36)

It is not wrong to aim for paradise, but actually our highest aim is not solely to seek paradise but to seek Allah Redho, Mercy , Forgiveness and Love.

"This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) - they shall abide therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise). (Translation Surah Al Maidah: 119)

“And have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return. But only the desire to seek for the countenance of their Lord Most High. And soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.”(Translation Surah Al-Lail: 19-21)

“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward” (Translation Surah An-Nisa:114)

“He will admit to His Mercy whom He will ………..”(Translation Surah Al-Insan: 31)

“He punishes whom He will, and shows mercy to whom He will, and to Him you will be returned.” (Translation Surah Al-Ankabut: 21)

“………That is best for those who seek Allah's Countenance, and it is they who will be successful.” (Translation Surah Ar-Rum: 38)

“Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.”(Translation Surah Al-Baqarah: 160)

“you will certainly find it with Allah, better and greater in reward. And seek Forgiveness of Allah. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” (Translation Surah Al Muzzammil:20)

"Those who humble themselves in their prayer, and turn away from all that is frivolous, who are intent on inner purity, who are mindful of their chastity, ...... ..who are faithful to their trusts and pledges, and who guard their prayers, it is they, who will be the heirs who shall inherit paradise to live therein for ever." (Translation Surah Al-Mu’minun:1-11)

May Allah place us in the group of people who are good in showing gratitude and being thankful to Allah and our brothers and sisters and may Allah place us in the group of people seeking Allah’s Redho, Mercy, Forgiveness and Love. Ameen.



Thank you Allah for Your blessings.

Laa haulawala quwwata illa billa hil alyyil aadzim.

With love and duas ,
Sakinah
10.47am 30th April 2009


Mafhuum from hadith :
Narrated by Imam Ahmad ,the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Truly people who are most grateful in thanking Allah, they are the ones who are greatly thankful to others.”
Narrated by Tirmidzi, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Those who are not thankful to Allah are not being thankful to others.”

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Allah looks at your heart



Abu Hurairah ra said that the Prophet PBUH said : "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the greatest falsehood. Do not try to find fault with each other, do not spy on one another, do not vie with one another, do not envy one another, do not be angry with one another, do not turn away from one another, and be servants of Allah, brothers to one another, as you have been enjoined. A Muslim is the brother of a muslim, he does him no wrong, nor does he let him down, nor does he despise him. Fear of God is here, fear of God is here, and he pointed to his chest. It is evil enough that a Muslim should look down on his brother. For every muslim is sacred to one another : his blood, his honour, and his property. Allah does not look at your bodies or your forms, or your deeds, but He looks at your hearts". ( Bukhari, Muslim )

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Imam Ash-Shafi on friends


A friend who does not benefit at the time of hardships,
Is close to an enemy on the scales,
The friend does not remain, during all times,
Nor does the brother, except for consolation.
I searched the days, with all my strengths
for a brother to trust, but my search was fruitless,
The lands and those who live them were barren,
As though its people were not people [I wanted them to be]
“I love those who are pious but Alas! I am not from amongst them
Maybe Allaah will bestow upon me (due to my love for them) Piety”

The Road of Da’wah: Roses or Thorns?



Assalamualaikum my beloved brothers and sisters,

"O My Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence) and ease my task for me; and make loose the knot from my tongue so that they understand my speech."
[ Surah Thaha, verse 25-28 ]
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
In the process of da'wah , LOVE is an essential matter. A deep personal relationship and forging a sense of trust is essential for the gradual process of da’wah as this builds appreciation, love and understanding. The long, arduous road of da'wah is not without its perils. Sometimes we observe the da'wah process from some quarters bringing more hurt than healing. That’s because many do not understand that the process of change is not just about stating religious laws or values. It needs to begin with LOVE. We also need to nurture the seed of love gradually with words of wisdom, understanding heart and trust.
Cultural and race differences will not be a barrier if we begin with love for Allah to bring others to Him as our intention. It is natural to have the sense of need to give advice or even warnings to family or friends as being good Muslims. Anger, regret and sometimes even depression becomes the consequence of our "lack of courage" to pursue corrective action. The lack of soft-heartedness and eloquence may result in dire consequences. Harshness has no place in da'wah and may instead turn someone away from Islam, as Allah has warned.
"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. And had you been severe or harsh-hearted, surely they would have broken away from you: so look over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them..."
[ Surah Ali Imran, verse 159 ]
“However, to have perfection is only afforded to our prophets. As for us, being normal Muslims, who are not free from sin, and sometimes lack the required eloquence. Inevitably, harshness may surface in difficult circumstances - whether a lack of time or meticulousness in our choice of words.”

May Allah guide us all in our intention, actions, utterances, writings, etc in our path towards contributing to Islam, nurture love towards fellow Muslims and build unbreakable bonds of brotherhood. Spreading salam and Avoiding Negative Suspicions (su'uzh zhon) are key ingredients in building loving relationships. Rasulullah saw said:
"You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam amongst yourselves."
[ Hadith Narrated by Imam Muslim, Ahmad & Tirmidhi ]

"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins..."
[ Surah al-Hujurat, verse 12 ]
If we are sincere, the capacity of our love can overcome any obstacles that hinder us from bringing others to the Light of Truth. InsyaAllah
So, the best solution is begin with love………………….
"(On the Day of Judgement) you will be with those whom you love."
[ Hadith Narrated by Imam Bukhari ]

Verily, Allah knows best.

With love and duas,

References:

1) "Fiqhud Da'wah al-Fardhiyah" by Prof. Dr. Ali Abdul Halim Mahmud

2) "Rifqon Ahlu-Sunnah Bi Ahlu-Sunnah" by Syaikh 'Abdul Muhsin Bin Hammad al-'Abbad