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”

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.”

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 )

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

path to paradise

companionship

seed of love for Islam

A Rainbow

A Diamond

THE BEAUTY OF A TRUE MUSLIMAH

A Special Dedication to All Beloved Sisters in Islam,

THE BEAUTY OF A TRUE MUSLIMAH
The beauty of a true Muslimah,
Is reflected thru her soul
Flowing with passion thru her eyes,
Growing in love with a glowing heart,
Revealing her internal beauty thru her acts,
Overflowing with love and comfort
As her life is full of compassion

She is like the tranquil hidden pearl,
Beneath the stormy wide ocean,
Her strength is her trust,
Her glamour is her modesty,
Her dignity is preserved,
Fearing Allah all the time
Living a life seeking Allah’s Redho and Love

Her aura of beauty is felt within
As she flourishes the lives of those she touches
With warmth and kindness
Her heart glowing with patience
As she nourishes the lives of those she touches
With understanding, sympathy and kindness
Her eyes glowing with love
As she binds hearts together
With her true beauty of sisterly love
In the name of love for Allah

nur sakinah thomas
2.20 a.m, 12th February, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.

FRIENDSHIP IN ALLAH’S LOVE

My special thanks to Alif Music team, for creating such a remarkable site for friendship in Islam. May Allah guide us with His Light of Truth and with His Enduring Love and care. I would like to share this poem with all the wonderful brothers and sister in Alif Music.
May we keep the passion of friendship in Islam glowing for the sake of Allah………..

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious.
FRIENDSHIP IN ALLAH’S LOVE
The glowing passion of our friendship in Allah’s love
Binding our hearts with words of trust,
Bringing our hearts together in an enduring nature
Together painting the song of love
In the canvas of friendship
Spreading the colours of life
And following the rhythm of our hearts

The glowing passion of friendship in Allah’s love
Binding our hearts with words of wisdom,
In understanding and honesty
Filing our lives with joy, grace and beauty
Brightening up our lives with
With the colours of the rainbow
Making our friendship a great blessing
Enduring in the mist of calamities

The glowing passion of friendship in Allah’s love
Binding our hearts with words of inspirations
Enlighten our hearts in comfort and warmness
Sharing joy and tears or lending a shoulder to cry on
Lifting up our spirit through giving and living
Love growing thru sharing and forgiving

Although we are miles away apart
Nothing can keep our hearts apart
In the glowing passion of friendship in Allah’s love

nur sakinah thomas
5pm, 7th February, 2009

Its a blessing from Allah.......................

My twin daughters......................


Thank you Allah for your blessings

hadith on three daughters

hadith on three daughters
‘Uqba ibn ‘Amir reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, “If someone has three daughters and is patient with them and clothes them from his wealth, they will be a shield against the Fire for him.”


Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who has three daughters and provides for them, clothes them and shows mercy to them will definitely enter the Garden.” A man from the people said, “And two daughters, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “And two.”


Abu Sa’id al-Khudri said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “No one has three daughters or three sisters and is good to them but that he will enter the Garden.”


source: SunniPath: Al-Adab al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari


Alhandulillah I have 3 daughters and 1 son. Mashallah…....Its real rewarding........ May Allah grant us and all our Muslim brothers and sisters who have 3 daughters, the patience to bring up our daughters as they are great blessings from Allah. It is our great duty to bring them up with love and care so that they will be successful dunia and akhirat. Ameen

TREASURING CHLIDREN

a poem for my children

Thank you for your precious love and care,

mum will always pray for your success dunia akhirat.

Their laughter brings joy to the soul,

Their cries brings worries to the heart,

Clutching the moments of hardship,

Just to release the moments of ease,

To make them smile, to make them shine,

Never resist God’s precious gift,

Cherish their presence whenever we can,

It’s amazing to watch them grow

With love and care

Within our souls

Thank you Allah for Your Blessings

And Joy You shed upon us,

I’ll nurture my children

I’ll treasure my children

As valuable ornaments

With my heart and soul

In the name of Allah’s LOVE……………………………….

Nur Sakinah Thomas

4.56pm, Kajang, Selangor, 16th December 2008

What is the correct Hijab?

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The conditions of hijaab:
Firstly:
(It should cover all the body apart from whatever has been exempted).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
This aayah clearly states that it is obligatory to cover all of a woman’s beauty and adornments and not to display any part of that before non-mahram men (“strangers”) except for whatever appears unintentionally, in which case there will be no sin on them if they hasten to cover it up.
Al-Haafiz ibn Katheer said in his Tafseer:
This means that they should not display any part of their adornment to non-mahrams, apart from that which it is impossible to conceal. Ibn Mas’ood said: such as the cloak and robe, i.e., what the women of the Arabs used to wear, an outer garment which covered whatever the woman was wearing, except for whatever appeared from beneath the outer garment. There is no sin on a woman with regard to this because it is impossible to conceal it.
Secondly
(it should not be an adornment in and of itself).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“… and not to show off their adornment…” [al-Noor 24:31]. The general meaning of this phrase includes the outer garment, because if it is decorated it will attract men’s attention to her. This is supported by the aayah in Soorat al-Ahzaab (interpretation of the meaning):
“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]. It is also supported by the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three, do not ask me about them: a man who leaves the jamaa’ah, disobeys his leader and dies disobedient; a female or male slave who runs away then dies; and a woman whose husband is absent and left her with everything she needs, and after he left she made a wanton display of herself. Do not ask about them.”
(Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/119; Ahmad, 6/19; from the hadeeth of Faddaalah bint ‘Ubayd. Its isnaad is saheeh and it is in al-Adab al-Mufrad).
Thirdly:
(It should be thick and not transparent or “see-thru”)
- because it cannot cover properly otherwise. Transparent or see-thru clothing makes a woman more tempting and beautiful. Concerning this the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “During the last days of my ummah there will be women who are clothed but naked, with something on their heads like the humps of camels. Curse them, for they are cursed.” Another hadeeth adds: “They will not enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such and such a distance.”
(Narrated by Muslim from the report of Abu Hurayrah).
Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr said: what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) meant was women who wear clothes made of light fabric which describes and does not cover. They are clothed in name but naked in reality.
Transmitted by al-Suyooti in Tanweer al-Hawaalik, 3/103.
Fourthly:
(It should be loose, not tight so that it describes any part of the body).
The purpose of clothing is to prevent fitnah (temptation), and this can only be achieved if clothes are wide and loose. Tight clothes, even if they conceal the colour of the skin, still describe the size and shape of the body or part of it, and create a vivid image in the minds of men. The corruption or invitation to corruption that is inherent in that is quite obvious. So the clothes must be wide. Usaamah ibn Zayd said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave me a thick Egyptian garment that was one of the gifts given to him by Duhyat al-Kalbi, and I gave it to my wife to wear. He said, ‘Why do I not see you wearing that Egyptian garment?’ I said, ‘I gave it to my wife to wear.’ He said, ‘Tell her to wear a gown underneath it, for I am afraid that it may describe the size of her bones.’” (Narrated by al-Diyaa’ al-Maqdisi in al-Ahaadeeth al-Mukhtaarah, 1/442, and by Ahmad and al-Bayhaqi, with a hasan isnaad).
Fifthly:
(It should not be perfumed with bakhoor or fragrance)
There are many ahaadeeth which forbid women to wear perfume when they go out of their houses. We will quote here some of those which have saheeh isnaads:

1. Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume then passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.”
2. Zaynab al-Thaqafiyyah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If any one of you (women) goes out to the mosque, let her not touch any perfume.”
3. Abu Hurayrah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who has scented herself with bakhoor (incense), let her not attend ‘Ishaa’ prayers with us.”

4. Moosa ibn Yassaar said that a woman passed by Abu Hurayrah and her scent was overpowering. He said, “O female slave of al-Jabbaar, are you going to the mosque?” She said, “Yes,” He said, “And have you put on perfume because of that?” She said, “Yes.” He said, “Go back and wash yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘If a woman comes out to the mosque and her fragrance is overpowering, Allaah will not accept any prayer from her until she goes home and washes herself.’”


These ahaadeeth are general in implication. Just as the prohibition covers perfume applied to the body, it also covers perfume applied to the clothes, especially in the third hadeeth, where bakhoor (incense) is mentioned, because incense is used specifically to perfume the clothes.
The reason for this prohibition is quite clear, which is that women’s fragrance may cause undue provocation of desires. The scholars also included other things under this heading of things to be avoided by women who want to go to the mosque, such as beautiful clothes, jewellery that can be seen, excessive adornments and mingling with men. See Fath al-Baari, 2/279.
Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eed said:
This indicates that it is forbidden for a woman who wants to go to the mosque to wear perfume, because this causes provocation of men’s desires. This was reported by al-Manaawi in Fayd al-Qadeer, in the commentary on the first hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah quoted above.
Sixthly:
(It should not resemble the clothing of men)
It was reported in the saheeh ahaadeeth that a woman who imitates men in dress or in other ways is cursed. There follow some of the ahaadeeth that we know:

1. Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the man who wears women’s clothes, and the woman who wears men’s clothes.”
2. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: ‘They are not part of us, the women who imitate men and the men who imitate women.’”
3. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed effeminate men and masculine women. He said, ‘Throw them out of your houses.’” He said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) expelled So and so, and ‘Umar expelled So and so.” According to another version: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.”
4. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There are three who will not enter Paradise and Allaah will not even look at them on the Day of Resurrection: one who disobeys his parents, a woman who imitates men, and the duyooth (cuckold, weak man who feels no jealousy over his womenfolk).”

5. Ibn Abi Maleekah – whose name was ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Ubayd-Allaah – said: “It was said to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), ‘What if a woman wears (men’s) sandals?’ She said: ‘The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed women who act like men.’”


These ahaadeeth clearly indicate that it is forbidden for women to imitate men and vice versa, This usually includes dress and other matters, apart from the first hadeeth quoted above, which refers to dress only.
Abu Dawood said, in Masaa’il al-Imaam Ahmad (p. 261): “I heard Ahmad being asked about a man who dresses his slave woman in a tunic. He said, ‘Do not clothe her in men’s garments, do not make her look like a man.” Abu Dawood said: “I said to Ahmad, Can he give her bachelor sandals to wear? He said, No, unless she wears them to do wudoo’. I said, What about for beauty? He said, No. I said, Can he cut her hair short? He said, No.”
Seventhly:
(It should not resemble the dress of kaafir women).
It is stated in sharee’ah that Muslims, men and women alike, should not resemble or imitate the kuffaar with regard to worship, festivals or clothing that is specific to them. This is an important Islamic principle which nowadays, unfortunately, is neglected by many Muslims, even those who care about religion and calling others to Islam. This is due either to ignorance of their religion, or because they are following their own whims and desires, or because of deviation, combined with modern customs and imitation of kaafir Europe. This was one of the causes of the Muslims’ decline and weakness, which enabled the foreigners to overwhelm and colonize them. “…Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves …” [al-Ra’d 13:11 – interpretation of the meaning]. If only they knew.
It should be known that there is a great deal of saheeh evidence for these important rules in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and that the evidence in the Qur’aan is elaborated upon in the Sunnah, as is always the case.
Eighthly:
(It should not be a garment of fame and vanity).
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever wears a garment of fame and vanity in this world, Allaah will clothe him in a garment of humiliation on the Day of Resurrection, then He will cause Fire to flame up around him.’”
(Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67).
And Allaah knows best.
Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, p. 54-67

Explaination of the Hadith 7 Who Recieve Shade on the Day of Judgement

Seven Great Characters
By Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi
March 25, 2005

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet - peace be upon him - said, “Allah will cover seven people with His shade, on the Day when there will be no shade but His: a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only, a man who refuses the call of a beautiful and rich woman for illicit relation with her and says: I am afraid of Allah, a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given, and a person who remembers Allah while he is alone and his eyes are flooded with tears.”
(Al-Bukhari, Hadith 620)
We all need Allah’s shade. To be under Allah’s shade is to be protected by Him and be blessed by Him. We need His shade in this life and in the Hereafter. It is mentioned that the Day of Judgment will be a very hard and difficult Day. On that every one will be worried and will try to find some protection and shade; but there will be no shade on that Day except the special shade of Allah. This shade will be granted to seven special types of people:
1. A just ruler or a just leader: It could be any person who has some authority and he/she uses this authority with justice and fairness without any favoritism or prejudice. Justice is the command of God for all people; but the most critical is the doing of justice when one has power and authority. More difficult is, of course, dealing justly with those who show hate and animosity towards you. A just person, especially a just leader or ruler, is given number one place in this list of seven.
2. A young person growing up in the worship of Allah: Worship of Allah is good for all people at any age and time; but the worship of Allah from the tender young age has special blessings. Many people become devoted to Allah when they grow old. In the old age when the body becomes weak, people start paying attention to the spirit. However, to be conscious of one’s spirit and growing up as a youth in the obedience of Allah bring a special honor and blessings.
3. A person whose heart is connected to the Masjid: Literally it says that the heart is hanging (mu’allaq) in the masjid. Imam Malik explained that it was a person who when he leaves the Masjid, looks forward to coming back again soon. Normally people’s hearts are attached to their jobs, business and home. Masjid is not the priority for many people. However, those who love the House of Allah and keep it as their priority are the blessed people and they shall receive the special favor of Allah.
4. Two people loving each other for the sake of Allah: One should be friendly to all people and deal with all people in a kind and courteous manner. However, the friendship for the sake of Allah, for the reasons of piety and goodness is a very blessed friendship. This is a sincere friendship and when two or more people become attached to each other for Allah’s sake they bring a lot of good to themselves and to those around them. This is a kind of friendship that generates goodness in the world and is especially blessed by Allah.
5. A person of solid moral character: The Prophet gave an example of this solid character. He said a man tempted for illicit relationship by a woman who is beautiful and rich, influential or of a prestigious family (the word “mansab” means all these things in Arabic) and he refuses. Imam Ibn Hajar says that this is not limited to a man only who is tempted by a woman; it equally applies to a woman who may be tempted by a man who is very beautiful, powerful and rich and she refuses and says “I fear Allah.” It requires a lot of moral strength to refuse temptation when the other partner is attractive, rich,and not only consenting but persuasive. Those who have such a strong character they are indeed under the protection of Allah.
6. A person of charity who does not show off his/her charity: A person gives charity in such a way that even his left hand does not know what his right hand has done. This is a very powerful and beautiful way to say that a person gives quietly, discreetly and with sincerity. His/her purpose is not to show off,seek publicity, name or fame; but only to please Allah. This is the highest kind of charity and it has a special reward and blessing from Allah.
7. A person who remembers Allah privately with eyes filled with tears: Thinking of Allah, repeating His Beautiful Names, thanking Him and praising Him, these are the ways to remember (dhikr) Allah. Doing the “dhikr” alone in one’s privacy, when no one is watching, with moving heart and tearful eyes is a sign of sincere faith and deep love of Allah. Those who have the love of Allah, they are indeed under His shade and protection.
All these seven characters are deeply moral and spiritual characters. They indicate a person’s faith and sincere commitment. They are related to feeling, thinking, speaking and action. These are true characters of sincere believers. We pray to Allah to bless us with these characters and with his shade in this world and also in the Hereafter. Ameen.
(Khutbah at ISOC - Muharram 30, 1426/ March 11, 2005)
- DrSiddiqi@aol.com

Women of Islam

Women of Islam

By 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)

Allah Knows Best

Allah Knows Best
Allah often test us
With suffering and sorrow
Not to show his wrath
But for us to gain His love

We always want the sunshine
Warmness and comfort
But Allah knows there must be rain
To make us strengthen by rich gain

We always want laughter
With cheer and joy
But our heart will lose tenderness
If we never shed a tear

Sometimes Allah will not give us
What we desire
But He will give us
What we deserve

So, be patient and redho
With every pain Allah gives us
As its Allah’s way
To make our spirit strong
As Allah knows what is best for us.

nur sakinah Thomas
3.40a.m, 16th February, 2009,
Kajang, Selangor, West Malaysia

Divine Tranquility

Divine Tranquility

FREE REWARDS FOR THOSE WITH TAQWA

With the rahmah of Allah
there are those with taqwa who get a lot of rewards
that are not their practices and not their physical practices
Not the rewards as the result of their efforts
The niat is good but even though it cannot be implemented, the rewards are given
Such as sufferings, difficulties, sickness that befalls on him, he is patient in accepting
The niat is evil but even though it is not implemented, the rewards are given
People look down, slander, humiliate,
spite and jealousy towards him,
he does not retaliate, in fact pray for the person
His needs that are not achieved
to the extent that he wants but he does not get
he accepts
Knowledge that is taught, then the person who listen to his teachings, practices,
the rewards are given to the teacher
The good that someone does
then it emulated by someone
this is considered as though he has implemented the knowledge
The pious child, the outcome of the training of the parents
whatever is practiced by the child
the parents get the rewards
The needy, the poor do desire
as it is difficult to get
It result in rewards for him
In fact whatever he desires
he is not capable of getting, God gives the reward
There are temptations in the world, that are forbidden, influencing him
for his God, he stays away
rewards are for him
Prayers that are not fulfill in this world
the rewards are given in Jannah
The feeling of being a servant by any servant
the shame with God
the feeling of being with God, all these are rewards
They are not actions
Feeling of fear, love for God
that influences his heart
are also rewards that are not in the form of practices
To see a person in difficulty gives him feelings of compassion
Seeing a person suffering he feels suffering
Seeing a person in comfort or achieving a success
he also feels happy and these are also rewards
These are some of the free rewards
that are received by the person with taqwa
that are not the outcome of action
These free rewards sometimes
there are more than the rewards that are the result of action
That is the rahmat of God for those with taqwa
Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

HARDSHIPS, GOOD NEWS FROM GOD

Human beings, no matter how special they are, can never avoid any hardships
A ruler faces hardships, a powerful leader faces hardships,
a wealthy man faces hardships, an intelligent person faces hardships
what more for an ordinary being and general public
They face all sort of hardships, one after another

The hardships may be in the forms of illness, various kinds of illness,
stricken with poverty, being maligned, being insulted, being grudged,
being hit by a car, fallen from higher ground, had broken limbs, death in the family and affected by natural disasters.

Every so often, man are affected by man-made wars
and various crimes in everyday lives
No one is able to run away from hardships
Where would one find happiness when hardships comeby one after another!
Being poor, stricken by an illness,
at the same time, being insulted and maligned

Without knowing God, without knowing God's plan,
without knowing God's reasons for His actions
With hardships, one will be disheartened, mentally affected
Some will give up, some will commit suicide,
In the Hereafter, suffer in Hell

Knowing God, understanding His actions, understanding His role, understanding why He creates hardships
one will still have enjoyment, one will still have happiness
Examples: 1. With hardships, one will have his sins forgiven
2. With hardships, one will be awarded more rewards
3. With hardships, one will be awarded special status in Heaven in the Hereafter
One receives less in the world,
to get more in the Hereafter with privileges in Heaven, beyond imagination

Man faces various hardships in life
when accepted with open heart
it is considered as ibadah

What has been described above, is it not enjoyment to mankind?
If one understands God's role, isn't hardship a form of enjoyment to mankind?
If one understands God, hardships would be an enjoyment to him
If this is so, there is no reason for unhappiness,
no reason for giving up
Whatever God has set for us, if we understand
All are for our own good
If we understand all these
This is good news
If we understand, isn't it our enjoyment!
If we understand how kind God is to us
with hardships from God, all are for our benefits
If we are patient and in acceptance.
If so, lets enjoy hardships
It is good news from God


Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL

How wondrous is our love for each other
when there is a connection of love with God
This love is pure
God willing, it will last a lifetime 'til death
The love between us is strengthened by our love for God
God is the factor that makes the pure love between two souls or among
people last forever
If we want the love between us to last, our love for God has to last
as well
This love is pure 'til death
Love that has no ties to love for God is false love
Usually it does not last, it ends long before death
Even couples who want to stay together
Even if they last, it is out of obligation, there is no joy
Love between siblings and relatives will fade as well
If not tied to the love for God
Love for God is the secret to ensure that the pure love between human
beings will last forever
Love for God secures love to last forever
Difficult to break, hard to get rid of
Let's love others based on this love for God
For it is good, pure and forever lasting

Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

LET`S PERPETUATE LOVE AND CARE AND UNITY

Friends, for the sake of unity, let`s be forgiving
For the sake of perpetuating love and care, let`s be tolerant
Friends, without love and care and unity, it`s an agony
Let`s together perpetuate love and care and unity
We have been squabbling and disunited for too long
Lots of our affairs have been neglected and unsettled
If love and care among us could be joined again
It would be such a bliss, our strength reunited
We have suffered too long with the lack of unity

That is the love and fear of God, the Master of Universe
There is no other bond or ties except the love for God
Besides God, all other bonds or ties are weak, let us leave them behind
Friends, do not wait too long being disunited
It could not be that there is no way out
It has been said earlier, let us together love God
Loving God is the way out
Friends, we shouldn`t be foe among ourselves
No one would suffer except us Muslims
From now on we should not delay any further
Make God the bond or tie for love and care and unity


Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

LOVE AND CARE

Every soul yearns for love and care
it’s a natural phenomena
wanting a harmonious life
this is the ultimate happiness

Each soul seeks tender care
longing for protection and respect
human rights shouldn’t be disregarded
transgressors must face justice

Compromise and understanding
are pillars of good living
good reasons and cooperation help endure
a blessed life of togetherness

Where, 0 where on earth
can this be found?
Where, 0 where on earth
can this be seen?

Mankind is crumbling down
hope and trust is disarrayed
by the dark forces of evil desire

Everywhere we see crisis and destruction
war, loss of wealth and life’s oblivion
the poor and the lost gets no attention
the rich, the superpowers terrorise

0 God, you’re our only hope
the Ultimate Protector and Saviour
You’re the Solver of life’s absolution
Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

WHEN I LOOK AT THE OCEAN

When I look at the ocean
As far as my naked eyes could gaze
So wide as if there's no ending
Trains of giant waves smashing endlessly
Crashing and spinning
The sounds so frightening and horrifying
The darkness and closeness inside so terrifying
My heart whispers:If the Hell is similar to this
The trains of giant fire, smashing and crashing and spinning
The sounds similar to that of the wind slapping the waves
The waves that never stop roaring
If the fire of hell continuously burning those insidewithout stopping
I will not be able to withstand it
The hell fire of God
Unimaginably much more gruesome
The more I would not be able to endure it.
Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

YA RASULULLAH, YOU BROUGHT LOVE AND AFFECTION

Ya Rasulullah, you brought love and affection
Those in the wrong you've forgiven
You prayed for your opponents to be given the light
Your heart so pure with no vengeance

Allahummasalliala saiyidina Muhammad

The poor and needy earned your full compassion
You love them so, you provided them assistance
The orphans and widows, you provided them protection
They were always included in your interactions

Allahummasalliala saiyidina Muhammad

Ya Rasulullah, your respect for the neighbours was admirable
Habitually sharing your meal with them
Their wrong doings forgiven willingly
Your neighbours felt so at ease with you

Allahummasalliala saiyidina Muhammad

Among friends you're very faithful
Their needs had your full attention
In fact, their needs had your immediate attention before yours
Your friends humbled and respected you dearly

Allahummasalliala saiyidina Muhammad

Calling on the sick, your favourite visitsattending their funeral, avocation
You're so earnest, so devout
Even your enemies conceded to your kindness


Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

VARIOUS KINDS OF LOVE

There are various kinds of love, some eternal, some temporary

Some types of love may easily fade away, some not easily faded

Love, a long standing character which could be lost along the journey of life

Every kind of love exits with a reason, some occurs naturally

There are natural love while some are developed

One's love towards or for someone is not similar

There is natural love

Not related to things and material

Like the love of a child towards his parents

Even though the parents are poor, handicapped, with no status, with no good looks

The child would still love and care for his parents

This kind of love would not easily fade away unless the parents are cruel

There is love based on women's beauty, her sexy body

This love is related with sexual desires

When the sexual attraction disappears

e.g. ageing or beauty lost due to an illness or an accident causing physical disabilities

The love disappears, unless the woman has an honourable character

Her love persists due to her character

There is love for the knowledge or intelligence in a person

Fallen in love for his knowledge, then there is automatic love with the person

This love may fade away as well

When his character degraded, the love disappears.

A number of love exist for someone with fame and glamour

Fallen in love with a well known person

This kind of love fades easily as well

If the person is less known due to an illness or loss of self respect

or due to a demotion, the love for him fades away.

Love for wealth in a person is a common occurrence

His wealth is the attraction

This type of love fades easily

When the wealth diminishes or he is stricken with poverty and impoverishment, fades away the love

Some would fall in love in someone for his position and high status accompanying his appointment

Attracted to the status

This kind of love fades away easily as well

Times at the higher position love blossoms, times of demotion, love disappears to nowhere

Also, there are some who are in love in someone for his strength and mightiness

The heart attached to the person

This kind of love is untrue

When crippled or weak due to an illness

Love disappears, the one loved left alone

Majority in the world would fall in love and love those with honourable akhlak (manner)

Generous, loving and caring, being humble, sociable, forgiving, understanding, give and take

Gentleness is his attire, priority to others is his culture plus other kind attributes

Towards this person, everyone falls in love with him

Everybody would be crazy for him, including those with bad habits

Including a non believer

Unless someone with a vengeance

In reality, true and eternal love

Pure and virtuous love unrelated to material things

Love Allah, God in His possession are everything there is

Love not affected by any mishaps

Even though God is invisible to the eye

But His presence felt in the heart

This kind of love achieved only by those with taqwa

Extraordinary love

Those with this love, are unable to describe it.

Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

PRECIOUS LOVE AND CARE

In this modern era, love and care is very precious.
I have searched for it at every nook and corners of the earth.
I have not found it. It has been a long time.
Love and care has been missing among us

Brotherhood, friendship have gone.
Friends do not visit anymore.
Only acquaintances remains.
You are what you are, I am what I am.
Feelings for one another, there are no more.

Going through hardships is a lonely affair, no one to confide with. Confiding becomes a mockery.
No one to share your sufferings with.
Everyone with their own life and misery.
The norm is " No one care for me, why should I care for others!" Relationship with one another is almost non-existent, very uncultured.
Mutual understanding no longer exits in this era.
Oh God! When will the hearts of humans enjoin one another.
For everyone to love and care one another.
Helping, assisting and cooperating with one another.
Enjoying the feeling of togetherness and living in harmony.

9.12.02 Dhuha
Source: http://ikhwan-insight.com/index.php

True Love

True love is giving and forgiving
True love is caring and sharing
True love is not said thru words
It's shown thru acts
That's the magic of true love
It's the priceless gift of life
From Allah our Al Mighty God

Friendship poem

I wrote this poem for my beloved sister, An-necim in Australia,
I love you sister for the sake of Allah

A Letter from an Angel

I find this tears dropping poem very touching.
I wish to thank my brother Abdel Ghani from Morocco
for willing to share his poem with all of us.
May Allah reward his kindness
and may Allah grant him a successful life
in this world and in the Hereafter.

Abdel said: "I wrote this poem after a long moment of deep sadness that led me to see beyond the apparent image. Allah is the Most-Patient because He sees the whole scene, subhanahu wa ta'ala."

Here is his touching poem................

I am sorry mother
But you should be smiling
I'm just leaving my body
And raising high
It is no pain, I assure
The veil was broken and I can see what you can't
I can see a path of light
Tracking my way up to my throne
I can see angels celebrating my coming
As you did when I was born
I can see every moment
Of my short life with you
I catch a sight of the day I came to the world
All of you tthought I was a miracle
Born in a fully destroyed hospital
At home, cakes and drinks were being served
And the light of joy was on every face
My father welcomed congratulations
He was shy to take all the presents
And you, my beloved, were tired
Lying beside me on the same bed
You could hardly open your eyes
But I saw your dreams could set fires
You wanted me to become a nurse
And heal my brothers when they're wounded by the jews
I caught your warm smile
When you thought of me as a bride
Your eyes already filled with pride
You wanted to see me in white
Sweet and blossoming like a lilac
And you wanted to give my hand
To a God-wary gentleman
You wanted to see my offsprings
Joining link with my family tree of martyrs

You dreamed of all that and more
But dreams can be real as can be not
Now I've left my corpse
To a world brighter than yours
On high, I can't see fearsome soldiers
Sowing terror through their guns and hateful expressions
I can't see those greedy liars
Who adorn their smiles
While selling us to devils
None on high is so foolish
To fix a bullet onto an infant head
None on high will bask in glory
For my people's hunger and misery
Where shall they go
When the sky breaks apart
When the little buried one will be asked
For what fault she was killed??
They'll have no shelter from the wrath of Justice

Now I'm bidding you farewell
May we meet on high
In the house of tranquility and peace
Light and joy that never cease
So shouldn't you be smiling, my beloved?
Please, don't cry, mum!
Don't cry!!!!

Author: Abdel Ghani Dabbar, Morocco