Terrorism is a religion of satan: Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan along with tennis sensation Sania Mirza and shooting star Abhinav Bindra expressed their anger towards terrorism, branding it as a religion of devils.

SRK said,While all civilised religions celebrate and respect life this new barbaric terror religion loves only death and unfortunately all human faiths now face a challenge.Indian civilisation does not distinguish in terms of religion. We are an impossible achievement in the world and I’m very proud to be an Indian.”

SRK further says, “No one can have two viewpoints about terrorism. There is no religion of terrorism. I am often asked my viewpoint on this, maybe because I am a Muslim and I am veryproud to be a Muslim.”

“But I have read the Quran, listened to the Gita, acted in Ram Leela… and learnt Christianity besides being a Muslim… My friends and I have worked on a film on Buddha (Asoka) and my wife is a Punjabi.”

The message of the evening was “Terror has no religion. Our solidarity, courage and resoluteness are the answer to the threat of terror” and the event was hosted by Nandita Das.

Muslim College Life: Dating, Drinking and Deen???

Freedom

Young people live for the day when they can move out of the house and go to college and finally be free. Freedom from their parents, from restrictions on their lifestyle, from everyone telling them what to do.
This is why in college you find a whole generation that does what they want. Life’s short they say, let’s enjoy ourselves while we can.

So it goes for Muslims. In college you find the most amazing things, Muslims who don’t pray, Muslims who date , go out to parties and drink.

Why is this happening?

For one, when students go off to university they finally realize that what they believed in was blind. Religion becomes like a fairytale, when they got old enough, they knew better than to believe in it.

Most have little knowledge about Islam and have maybe memorized the right rituals to get by. Why believe something on faith, they ask. After all we cannot see heaven or hell.

How do we know Islam is right anyway?Islamic culture to them means marrying someone they never knew. It means arranged marriages and never hanging out or having fun.

For girls Islamic culture has even less to offer. It would mean double standards or having to serve a husband the rest of her life.

The western alternative to this looks alot more attractive.

In western culture “love and romance” are supposedly everywhere. Everyone is out looking for love freely. Meeting someone, going out, seeking pleasure sounds alot better.But what about the downside? For love at first sight, you need to have the right image, the right hair, the right clothes.

Girls have to aspire to be like the latest supermodels, they have to hold back age. Who’s going out with who, what are my friends thinking, what will happen if I don’t get the right girl or guy, what is my girlfriend or boyfriend thinking, all become important.

Frustration, desperation, and unhappiness become the norm.

Imagine all the heartache youth would save if they followed the Islamic alternative.In true Islam, unlike culture, there is no game playing. If two people wish to be involved they are both straight with one another.

Unlike what goes on today amongst some Muslims, they both meet each other and make a contract to marry. Women are treated with respect, there is no sexual bombardment like there is in western society. Sex in western culture is also often seen as a vice or a sin of the flesh. But even in religious Islam, sex is seen as natural. As long as it is in the right circumstances, when the two are committed to one another in marriage.

Drinking in college is also the norm unfortunately. If you don’t drink or party you’re seen as weird. Drinking is cool and a way for people to socialize, meet and have fun. The one who doesn’t is less of a person and ‘misses out’. Drinking and all the harms that come with it is cut off at the root in Islam. So many problems are avoided, accidents, pregnancy, violence and even rape for example.

In college and in the world, success in life is not seen in terms of religion. It is seen as what other people think, one’s careers, how much money they make. If you are religious you must have failed at life. But why do we have this seperation? and this blindness in religion?

The Quran tells us again and again not to have blind faith, not to follow the religion of our forefathers.Yet, we as Muslims have stopped thinking. We may think about what our friends or other people will say, but we avoid thinking about the real issues.

We spend so much time on the opposite sex, thinking about careers, money etc, but we forget to think about death and how much of this we will really be able to take with us?

“Every soul shall have a taste of death and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense…for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception”
(Quran 3:185)

Shouldn’t we take the time to contemplate what will happen to us after we hit the grave? After all, what is the point of life if we are not accountable for our actions? If there is no creator, what is the point of being honest or good.

If we really look at our life we see that everything is indefinate, getting a job, even living until tomorrow. In fact we could die anytime, this is a definate, the _only_ dead certain thing in our life.

Most of us believe we can make up for our actions later or we can be religious later.

We are gambling.

The chances of our dying today are little, but the stakes are high. Allah reminds us of the importance of this,

“O you who believe, obey Allah as he should be obeyed, and die not except in a state of Islam” (Qu’ran 3:102)

Each of us needs to decide.

On the Day of Judgment it will be us alone who will be asked about our actions.

“Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in truth, for (instructing) mankind. He, then that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he that strays injurs his own soul…”
(Quran 39:41)

This is the true definition of freedom. To learn about Islam and the world openly. To contemplate about life and death. And after learning the truth, obeying the word of God.

“Those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Quran) is the truth from your Lord, and that they believe therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open)to it…”
(Quran 22:54)

Once students have this rock-solid intellectual belief in Islam, the corruptness and falseness of the people around them is clear. The beauty and wisdom of the islamic way, the best alternative is clear. What others do is of less importance. If others think they were weird to pray or weird to be honest, they would still pray and still be honest because they know their deen.

Our Quran’s are left on the top shelves, gathering dust. Sometimes the most it is read is when someone dies. How is this to help, when the guidance comes too late.  The Quran is for the living. The path to understanding and following Islam comes from learning first.
How many of us are Muslim, yet have never read the Quran in our native language?

How many of us are Muslim, yet have yet to open a book on hadith or sunnah?

How many of us defend Islam to non-Muslims, but do not follow it ourselves?

May Allah forgive and lead us and all those lost to the straight path.

InshaAllah.

Ameen.

By Huma Ahmad
based on a talk by Abdul Wajid “Born to be Brown”, UK

 

Repentance: The only Way out of Hardships

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and hold fast unto Islaam. That is the most trustworthy handhold. It is the fear of Allaah that sets the matters of one’s life and Hereafter right. Know also that Allaah’s Sunnah ( His rules on His creatures) in this universe never changes. Allaah says,

{No change will you find in Allaah’s Sunnah (way of dealing) and no turning off will you find in Allaah’s Sunnah.} (Faatir 35:43)

It is in the Sunnah of Allaah and His rules that whoever sows good will harvest good and that whoever sows evil will harvest evil. He says,

{Whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.} (Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

It is a rule of Allaah over His creatures that whoever takes the way that leads to the success of his life of this world and its pleasure shall attain whatever Allaah has destined for him of this world and whoever takes the way that leads to the success of his hereafter and the Paradise, Allaah will make him reach his goal. Also, whoever takes the way that leads to the success of both this world and the Hereafter, obeys Allaah and abstain from sins, he will attain the success of this both world and the Hereafter. Allaah says,

{Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected (far away from Allaah’s Mercy). And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it, then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated. On each –these as well as those- We bestow from the Bounties of your Lord. And the Bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden.}(Al-Israa’ 17:18-20)

It is also of the rule of Allaah to test His slaves with the good and evil. He says,

{We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned.} (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:35)

As for the Muslim, whenever any good affects him he knows that it is a favour from his Lord, for he knows that he deserves nothing from Allaah by right and this belief will make him thank his Lord and praise Him. Also, if any evil afflicts him he perseveres and seeks the reward of his Lord, for he knows that, that is the result of a sin he has committed or that Allaah wants to elevate his rank in the Hereafter. Allaah says,

[And whatever of misfortune that befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.} (Ash-Shoora 42:30)

The Muslim examines himself, review his deeds and repents for every sin he commits. As for the disbeliever, if any favour comes his way, he becomes insolent and arrogant and starts transgressing. And when any calamity afflicts him he despairs and becomes impatient. This world is his Paradise and his lord is his desires.

Brethren in faith! Muslims, these days, are afflicted with many calamities. Many causes have however been given for these tribulations. Some say that they are a result of the evil plan of the enemies, some say they are the result of our economic recession and some say they are the result of the Muslim’s industrial and technological backwardness etc. All this are just symptoms of the ailment. The real cause of this sorry situation is the Muslim’s negligence of their religion individually and collectively. Allaah says,

{(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say, ‘From where does this come to us?’ Say (to them): ‘It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).’And Allaah has power over all things.} (Aal ‘Imraan 3:165)

 

He also says,

{Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.} (Ar-Ra‘d 13:11)

Muslims in their history have passed through some periods which were more severe than the present one in afflictions and in which their enemies subjected them to persecutions. But then they made a sincere return to their religion with knowledge and Faith. They therefore, attained security and regained their honour, unity and wellbeing under the shade of Islaamic law.

This injury was healed and their condition became better. In this age, the calamity is actually great for the Muslim nation, but it remains and indisputable fact that the affairs of the latter generation of the Muslim nation will never be set aright except by that which set right the affairs of their predecessors. So, blaming the enemies of Islaam for these calamities does not in any way absolve the Muslims from being responsible for their own woes, for how will the Muslims expect the unbelievers to solve their problems for them if they themselves fail to do so through the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of his Prophet and in the light of their interests and those of their coming generations?

The solution to Muslims’ problems therefore lies with Allaah and then with their rulers and scholars by letting the people know all that is good, encouraging them to do that and warning them against all that is evil as far as matters of their religion and life is concerned. This is a great responsibility that requires strong will and sincerity.

Fellow Muslims! Whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have a sincere repentance. Allaah says,

{And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.} (An-Noor 24:31)

Every Muslim needs to have a sincere repentance. If anyone however says, ‘What is the relevance of my personal repentance to the rectification of the Muslims’ condition?’ He should be told that the cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to Allaah and the cause of evil retribution is to disobey Him. He should also be told that, the repentance of every individual brings greater good and reduces calamities on the Muslims.

Muslims should also unite in the face of this changing world that aspires to change the creed of Islaam and eliminate its values and laws.

Further, past nations were destroyed because of the existence of many sinners and fewness of righteous people. The sin of a single individual may destroy a whole nation. Allaah caused the people of Thamood to perish because one of them killed the camel. He caused epidemics to spread among the children of Israel –even in the presence of Musa and Haaroon because some of them committed adultery. Allaah says about some of the destroyed nations,

{So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were those on whom We sent a violent wind with shower of stones, of them there were those who were overtaken by awful cry, of them were those whom We caused the earth to swallow and of them were those whom We drowned. It was not Allaah who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.} (Al-‘Ankaboot 29:40).

Zainab bint Jahsh narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said,

“Woe unto the Arabs because of an impending calamity. Today the debris of the Gog and Magog has been opened to this extent. And he demonstrated that extent by making a circle with his index finger and the thumb.’ Zainab said: ‘I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Are we going to be destroyed while there are righteous people among us?’ The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Yes, when immorality and alcoholic drinking have become widespread.”

Do not therefore treat the matter of repentance lightly for it is the way out of all hardships. Hold fast unto the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger for they are the light and guidance that save from darkness and error.

Brethren in faith! The religion of Islaam commands the Muslims to be united and forbade them from disunity. Allaah says,

{And hold fast unto the Rope of Allaah (the Qur’aan) and do not be divided among yourselves.} (Aal-‘Imraan 3:103)

He also says,

{And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient.} (Al-Anfaal 8:46)

The religion of Islaam while enjoining unity among Muslims, does not however mean that the non-Muslims can be attacked or denied their rights which they enjoy under the Islaamic law. If many non-Muslims understand the justice of Islaam and its beauties, they would embrace Islaam and would not have blamed it for wrongful acts of some Muslims. Allaah says,

{Say (O Muhammad to the people): ‘Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him, be good and dutiful to your parents, kill not your children because of poverty –We provide sustenance for you and for them, come not near the shameful sins, whether committed openly or secretly and kill not any one whom Allaah has forbidden except for a just cause (according to Islaamic Law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.} (Al-An‘aam 6:151)

Brethren in Faith! Fear Allaah as He should be feared, seek nearness to Him through righteous deeds and abstain from sins. Send forward good deeds before you meet Him and make good use of your life. Allaah says,

 

{O you who believe! Fear Allaah and keep your duty to Him. Let every soul look for what he has sent forth for the morrow and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what you do.}(Al-Hashr 59:18)

Provide for yourselves answers that will save you from the hardship of the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah said,

“The foot of man will not slip on the Day of Resurrection until he is asked of his life as to how he has lived it, of his youth as to how he has used it, of his wealth as to how he got it and in what he spent it and about his knowledge as to what he did with it.”

 

Fatwa Against Terrorism

Why Don’t We Hear Imams Condemn Terrorism?

Many Times i faced this situation or few people ask “few days back someone did killed there and there and there” do you condemn this…why muslims leaders don;t speak againt those acts! we are always asked :

Why have we not heard a single word from Muslim leaders condemning violence, destructure and terrorism? Why? We Don’t Hear Anything From Imams – Why?

Why? Good question. Fact is – Imams everywhere have spoken out against terrorism since the very beginning of all of the problems – but the real question should be:

Why the Media Doesn’t Tell You the Truth?

Yusuf Estes tells us he has heard many Muslim leaders condemn all acts of terror and violence. He says…

“I personally have heard thousands of imams speaking against this including myself – but it seems western news media DOES NOT PUBLISH IT!So, maybe we should start by asking the media – the TV news people, the newspaper reporters, media folks in general –

“Why are you guys NOT PUBLISHING THE FACTS?” – Because we have over 340 imams on many websites, documents and live speeches – all publicly declaring over and again, ISLAM CONDEMS TERRORISM!

By the way, after you read this document, we ask you the question: “Are you going to just sit there – or are you going to start emailing this link to everyone you know, so they can read the truth?” – Or are you going to sit back and do nothing, just like all of the media?

Here is one of many documents published in the past years where Muslim leaders, Imams, Sheiks and teachers of Islam have all spoken out and even signed these documents – in public – hoping the people will know the truth of Islam:

U.S. MUSLIM RELIGIOUS COUNCIL ISSUES FATWA AGAINST TERRORISM

The Fiqh Council of North America wishes to reaffirm Islam’s absolute condemnation of terrorism and religious extremism.

Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives.

There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism. Targeting civilians’ life and property through suicide bombings or any other method of attack is Haram – or forbidden – and those who commit these barbaric acts are criminals, not “martyrs.”

The Quran, Islam’s revealed text, states: “Whoever kills a person [unjustly]…it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.”

[Noble Quran 5:32]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said there is no excuse for committing unjust acts:

“Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong to them. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong (even) if they do evil.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

God mandates moderation in faith and in all aspects of life when He states in the Quran:

“We made you to be a community of the middle way, so that (with the example of your lives) you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind.” [Noble Quran 2:143]

In another verse, God explains our duties as human beings when he says “Let there arise from among you a band of people who invite to righteousness, and enjoin good and forbid evil.” [Noble Quran 3:104]

Islam teaches us to act in a caring manner to all of God’s creation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who is described in the Quran as “a mercy to the worlds” said: “All creation is the family of God, and the person most beloved by God (is the one) who is kind and caring toward His family.”

In the light of the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah we clearly and strongly state:

1. All acts of terrorism targeting civilians are Haram (forbidden) in Islam.

2. It is Haram for a Muslim to cooperate with any individual or group that is involved in any act of terrorism or violence.

3. It is the civic and religious duty of Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement authorities to protect the lives of all civilians.

We issue this fatwa following the guidance of our scripture, the Quran, and the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). We urge all people to resolve all conflicts in just and peaceful manners.

We pray for the defeat of extremism and terrorism. We pray for the safety and security of our country, the United States, and its people. We pray for the safety and security of all inhabitants of our planet. We pray that interfaith harmony and cooperation prevail both in the United States and all around the globe.

Ameen,Summa Ameen

JazakAllah Khair for reading,

Pls spread the link and share with everyone you know.
Also i request all muslim bloggers and website owners to publish this Article in your blog/website and dont forget to Add source back link pls…!

King
slave of Allah swt

FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA July 28, 2005

MEMBERS OF THE FIQH COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA

Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Chairman

Dr. Deina Abdulkadir

Shaikh Muhammad Nur Abdallah

Dr. Taha Jabir Alalwani

Shaikh Muhammad Al-Hanooti

Shaikhah Zainab Alwani

Dr. Jamal Badawi

Dr. Ihsan Bagby

Dr. Nazih Hammad

Shaikh Yahya Hindi

Dr. Abdul Hakim Jackson

Dr. Mukhtar Maghraoui

Dr. Akbar Muhammad

Shaikh Hassan Qazwini

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah

Dr. Muhammad Adam Sheikh

Dr. Ahmad Shleibak

Dr. Salah Soltan

344 Muslim organizations, mosques and imams have endorsed the preceding fatwa as of July 28, 2005 (see below). More signatory organizations are to be added in the following days.

ENDORSED BY THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

Muslim American Society (MAS)

Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)

Mosque Cares, Imam W D Muhammad

Muslim Student Association of the US & Canada (MSA)

Association of Muslim Social Scientists

American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin

American Muslim Alliance

Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers

Bridge To Faith Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations

Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America

Islamic Networks Group & Affiliates

Islamic Resource Group

Islamic Schools League of America

Islamic Sharia Advisory Institute of North America

Kashmiri American Council

Latino American Dawah Organization

Minaret of Freedom Institute

Muslim Ummah of North America

Project Islamic HOPE

United Muslims of America

USA Halal Chamber of Commerce, Inc & The Islamic Center for Halal Certification

ENDORSED BY THE FOLLOWING MOSQUES AND ISLAMIC CENTERS:

Afghan Cultural Center

Al Nur Islamic Center

Al Nur Islamic Center, Rashid Ahmed, Director

Albanian Islamic Center, Shuaib Gerguri, Imam

Al-Fatiha Islamic Center

Al-Huda Islamic Center, Hisham Ahmed, Imam

All Dulles Area Muslim Society, Mohamed Magid, Imam

Al-Mu’minun Islamic Center, Samuel Ansari

Alvin Masjid

American Islamic Academy, Shaykh Al-Tayyab

American Islamic Organization, Afzal Ahmad, Chairman

American Moslem Mission,

American Moslem Society, Mahdi Ali, Imam

American Muslim Society of the Tristate Area

American Muslim Voice

As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh, Oliver S. Mohammed, Imam

Assadiq Foundation

Assadiq Islamic Educational Foundation, Sayed Mohammad Jawad Qazwini, Imam

Auburn Islamic Center, Mark Hamza Dougherty, President

Azzahrah Islamic Ctr.

Bay County Islamic Society Inc, Hashem Mubrak,

Baytown Masjid

Bear Creek Masjid

Bell Islamic & Cultural Center

Belleville Mosque and Islamic Education Center, Dr. Abdul W. Kazi,

Bilal Islamic Center

Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center, Allaedin Ezzedin, Imam

Bob ul Ilm Islamic Center

Bosnian-American Islamic Center, Mirsad Hassecic, Imam

Boston Dialogue Foundation New Mosque, Salih Yucel, Imam

Campus Mosque of Scranton, Imam

Canton Masjid, Ali S. Ali

Cham American Muslim Com.

Champions Masjid

Cincinnati Islamic Center, Ilyas Nashid, Imam

Concerned Muslims of Annapolis

Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland (CMGC)

Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Abdul Malik Mujahid, Imam

Council of Masajid, Cleveland

Daar-ul-Islam Masjid, Muhammad Nur Abdallah

Dalton Islamic Center, Hammad El-Ameen, President

Dar Almanar, Fouad Reda, President

Dar Al-Uloom Al-Islamia

Dar Al-Uloom Flahidarin

Darassalam, Mohammed M. Safa

Darul Uloom of Los Angeles

Des Plaines Islamic Center

Des Plaines Islamic Center

Discover Islam Foundation, Muhammad Quadir,

Downtown Islamic Center

Downtown Islamic Center

Elmhurst Islamic Center, Riaz Ahmad, Mufti

Ershad Institute

First Cleveland Mosque, Abbas Ahmad, Imam

Five Pillars Center

Foundation for Islamic Education, Sheikh Mustafa Ahmad

Fox Valley Islamic Society, Delwar Mian, Secretary

Fullerton Mosque

Greenway Islamic Center, Didmar Faja

Heartland Muslim Women’s Network, Maisha Liwaru, President

Hemet Masjid

Hidaya Foundation

High Desert Islamic Center

Howard County Muslim Council, Anwer Hasan, President

Huseini Mousque

I.A.I. Sheik Yusuf Estes, Washington, DC & Falls Church, Virginia

I.M.A.N

Imperial Valley Islamic Center

Indian Muslim Relief & Charities

Indo Chinese Muslim Relief Association

IntraCity Muslim Action Network (IMAN), Ohio

Islam Tomorrow Project of Falls Church, Virginia

Islamic Association of Carrollton, Azhar Azeez, Secretary General

Islamic Association of Cary, Shakil Ahmed

Islamic Association of Central Florida, Dr. Zafer Sabawi, Imam

Islamic Association of Greater Shreveport, Sayed Jumaa Salam

Islamic Association of Kokomo

Islamic Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Riaz Hussain, Treasurer

Islamic Association of West Virginia, Mohamad Jamal Daoudi, Imam

Islamic Center Inland Valley

Islamic Center of America, Sayed Hassan Al-Qazwini, Imam

Islamic Center of Blacksburg

Islamic Center of Boca Raton, Jalal Khan, Imam

Islamic Center of Calremont

Islamic Center of Canejo Valley

Islamic Center of Cape Girardeau, Shafiq Malik, Imam

Islamic Center of Carbondale, Muhammad Kamran, President

Islamic Center of Cleveland, Fawaz Damra, Imam

Islamic Center of Contra Costa, Abdul Quddus Saleh, Imam

Islamic Center of Cypress

Islamic Center of Des Moines, Ibrahim Dremali, Imam

Islamic Center of El Paso, Yaser Birjas Issa, Imam

Islamic Center of Fremont, Mubashir Ahmed, President

Islamic Center of Granada Hills

Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, Saleem Foad, Director of Education

Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, Farooq S. Aboelzahab, Imam

Islamic Center of Hawthorne

Islamic Center of Inland Empire

Islamic Center of Little Rock, Islam Mossaad, Imam

Islamic Center of Marietta, Amjad Taufique, President

Islamic Center of Maryland, Amin Ezzeddine, Imam

Islamic Center of Moreno Valley

Islamic Center of Morgantown, Diaa Eldin M. Nassar, General Secretary

Islamic Center of New England, Talal Eid, Imam

Islamic Center of New Mexico, Isam Rajab, Imam

Islamic Center of North County

Islamic Center of North Ridge

Islamic Center of Northeast Florida, Zaid Malik, Imam

Islamic Center of Oakland

Islamic Center of Old Bridge, Alvi Fakhruddin, Imam

Islamic Center of Omaha, Dr. Ahmad Az-Zaare, Imam

Islamic Center of Passaic County, Mohammad Qatanani, Imam

Islamic Center of Pleasanton/Dublin

Islamic Center of Pomona

Islamic Center of Pomona

Islamic Center of Portland, Samir Horani, Board Member

Islamic Center of the Quad Cities, Julie Abdel-Fattah, Dir. Public Relations

Islamic Center of Raleigh, Mohammed Bainonie, Imam

Islamic Center Of Reseda, Ali Shakoor, Imam

Islamic Center of Rialto

Islamic Center of Riverside, Mohammad Ashrif, Chairman of the Board

Islamic Center of San Deigo

Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley

Islamic Center of Santa Claria Valley

Islamic Center of Somerset, Husein Turki

Islamic Center of South Florida, Hassan Sabri, Imam

Islamic Center of Southern California, Jamil Momand, Chairman

Islamic Center of Stockton

Islamic Center of Tampa, Ziad Taha, Director

Islamic Center Of Temecula

Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, Imam Mahmoud Harmoush

Islamic Center of Topeka, Imam Omar Hazim

Islamic Center of Virginia, Shaheed Coovadia, Imam

Islamic Center South Bay

Islamic Center. of Mid City

Islamic Council of Ohio, Sohail Khan, Secretary

Islamic Cultural Center of Eugene (Oregon), Dr. Tammam Adi, Director

Islamic Cultural Center of Illinois

Islamic Education & Services Institute, Abdoulrahman Kattih, Director

Islamic Education Center, Ahmad Bahriny, Imam

Islamic Education Center, Dr. Ahmad Sakr, Director

Islamic Educational Center of North Hudson, Mohamed Alhayek, Imam

Islamic Educational Center of Orange County

Islamic Education Foundation, Animar M Daghestani, Teacher

Islamic Foundation of America, Mohammad M. Billah, President

Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, Siraj Haji

Islamic Foundation of Chicago

Islamic Foundation of Chicago, IL

Islamic Foundation of Peoria, Muhammad F. Malik, Secretary

Islamic Foundation of South Florida, Rashid Ahmad, Imam

Islamic House of Wisdom, Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi

Islamic Jaffaria Association, Mohamed Banglori, Imam

Islamic Learning and Practicing, Dr. Misbah Eldereiny

Islamic Mosque of Cleveland (Masjid al-Islam)

Islamic Movement of Florida, Moneer Khan, Imam

Islamic of Northern Valley

Islamic School of Greater Kansas City, Fadi Banyalmarjeh, Chairman

Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Shakeel Syed, Executive Director

Islamic Society of Norco/Corona

Islamic Society of Akron and Kent

Islamic Society of Annapolis, Mohammad Arrafa, Imam

Islamic Society of Baltimore, Abid Husain, General Secretary

Islamic Society of Boston, Shaykh Besyouni Nehela

Islamic Society of California

Islamic Society of Central Florida, Mohammed al Masri, Imam

Islamic Society of East Bay, Dr. Mohamed Rajabally

Islamic Society of Essex County, Ismail Elshikh, Imam

Islamic Society of Greater Columbus, Dr. M. N. Tarazi, President

Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Rodwan M. Saleh, President

Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City, Shahir Safi, President

Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, Imad Enchassi, Imam

Islamic Society of Greater Portland, Zafar Hassan, Board Member

Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge

Islamic Society of Michiana, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Imam

Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Ahmed Quereshi, Secretary

Islamic Society of Orange County, Ismail Majoo, President

Islamic Society of Palm Springs

Islamic Society of Pinellas County, Haitham Barazangi, Imam

Islamic Society of Salt Lake City, Ali Mohammed, Imam

Islamic Society of San Fransisco, Souleiman Ghali, President

Islamic Society of San Luis Obispo County, Hisham Assal, President

Islamic Society of Santa Barbra

Islamic Society of Schuylkill County, Shiraz Mansoor, Imam

Islamic Society of Tampa Bay Area, Muhammad Sultan, Imam

Islamic Society of the Coachella Valley, T. Themam Wassil, Imam

Islamic Society of Washington Area, Faizul Khan, Imam

Islamic Society of Wichita Falls, Abdullah Shamsid-Deen, Director

Jafaria Islamic Center

Jamat Masjid Ul-Islam Inc

Jumaa’atu Masjidul-Muminiin Inc., L.M. Martin, Imam

Kalamazoo Islamic Center, Tariq Jameel, President

Karbala Islamic Educational Center, Hisham Al-Hussany

King Fahad Mosque

Long Beach Islamic Center, Tarek Mohamed

Makki Masjid, Amaan Bhim, President

Masjid AbuBakr AlSiddique, Abdur Rahman Bashir, Imam

Masjid Al Heyder, Hafiz Inayadullah

Masjid Al- Madina Al-Munawar

Masjid Al Muminun, Furqan Muhammad, Imam

Masjid Al-Ansar

Masjid Al-Ansar, Nasir Ahmad, Imam

Masjid Al-Faizal, Roshan Ali, Imam

Masjid Alfalah

Masjid Al-Falah, Abdul Latif Azom, Imam

Masjid Al-Haqq, Luqman Al-Amin, Imam

Masjid Al-Hijrah, Kamruz Hosein

Masjid Al-Ihsan, Tarik Chebbi, Imam

Masjid Al-Ikhlas, Tauheed Rashad, Imam

Masjid Al-Ittihaad

Masjid Al-Kauthar, Rudolph Ali, Imam

Masjid Al-Momin

Masjid Al-Nahl , Rashad Mujahid, Imam

Masjid Al-Noor

Masjid Al-Noor, Danish Siddiqui, President

Masjid Al-Qudoos

Masjid Al-Rashid

Masjid Al-Rasul, Mujahid Abdul-Karim, Imam

Masjid Al-Salaam

Masjid Al-Sharif

Masjid Al-Taqwa

Masjid Al-Taqwa, Abdul Karim Salih, Imam

Masjid An-noor

Masjid An-Noor, Mohamed Zakaria Badat, Imam

Masjid Annour Islamic Community, Mohammad Afzaluddin, Imam

Masjid Ar-Ribat Al-Islami

Masjid Bilal Ibn- Rabah

Masjid Centralia, Dr. Zahir Ansari

Masjid Dalal

Masjid Dalal, Clyde Rahman, Imam

Masjid Darul Huda, Abdul Hameed, Director

Masjid Dar-ul-Argum

Masjid Gibreal

Masjid Hamza

Masjid Ibadullah

Masjid Iman Bukhari

Masjid Jama Al Mumineen, Khalil Hussain, Imam

Masjid Jihad, Imam Maajid Faheem Ali

Masjid Mohammed, Said Mohammed

Masjid Mumineen

Masjid Muttaqeen, Usman Rahman

Masjid of Anteloap Valley

Masjid of Irvine

Masjid of Long Beach

Masjid Omar

Masjid Omar Al Farouk

Masjid Omar Ibn-Alkhetab

Masjid Qurtubah

Masjid Saad Foundation, Ziad Abu Hummos, President

Masjid Sahmsuddin, Foad Farahi, Imam

Masjid Taqwa, Imam Abdul-Malik Ali

Masjid Tawheed-Afghan Cultural Center

Masjid Usman

Masjid Wali Muhammad, Gary Al-Kasib, Imam

Masjidullah, Imam Abdul-Wali Muhammad

Mecca Learning Center

Mecca Masjid

Medical Center Musallah

Miami Gardens Masjid, Abdul Hamid Samra, Imam

Mission Bend Masjid

Momin Lodge

Mosque Foundation, Sheikh Kifah Mustapha

Mosque of Sheikh M.R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, Muhammad Abdul Lateef Hayden

Mosque of Riverside

Muslim Association of Huntington, Jamil M. Chaudri, Spokesperson

Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley, Mohammad Sadiq Bajwa, President

Muslim Association of Virginia, Rafi Uddin Ahmed, President

Muslim Center of Middlesex County, Abubakr Nadwi

Muslim Children Education & Civic Center, Abdul Wahid

Muslim Community Association of the Peninsula

Muslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area

Muslim Community Center, Azad Ejaz, President

Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburg

Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburg, Sayed Jafri, President

Muslim Community Center of San Francisco

Muslim Community of the Western Suburbs of Detroit, Sajid Siddiqui, President

Muslim Community of Greater San Diego, Imam Abdur Rahim Khan

Muslim Community of Knoxville, Dr. Mohammad Islam, President

Muslim Community of North East Tennessee, Taneem Aziz, President

Muslim Community of Palm Beach County, Murtaza Kakli, President

Muslim Community Service

Muslim Community Service

Muslim Community Services, Inc., M. Rezar Rahman

Muslim Federation of New Jersey, Saif Ul-Nabi, Qari

Muslim Home Education Alliance, Cherrie J Karima Webb, Director

Muslim Majlis of Staten Island (Masjid Al-Noor), Abdul Rehman, Director

Muslim Youth of Minnesota, Kashif Saroya, President

Muslims Association of Cleveland East (MACE)

Mustafa Center, M. Zia, Imam

New Territory Masjid

North Hollywood Islamic Center

Northshore Masjid

Nur Ul Islam, Roshan Ali, Imam

Omar Mosque, Nimer Judeh

Orange County Islamic Foundation

Palm Beach Mosque, Osman Chowdhury, President

Pearland Musallah

Qur’an Memorization Center

Rhode Island Council for Muslim Advancement, Mamoun Najjar, Outreach Director

S. Jamaludeen Afghan Islamic Center

Salaam Cleveland (Greater Cleveland Muslim Women’s Association)

Salaam in the Ummah (Peace in the Hood), Ohio

San Ramon Valley Islamic Center

Shi’a Islam Student Association, George Mason University, Seyede Katayon Kasmai, Founder

Siddiquia Jamia Masjid, Tariq Khawaja

South Bay Islamic Association, Tahir Anwar, Imam

South Valley Islamic Center, Ilyas Anwar, Imam

South Zone Masjid

Southeast Zone Masjid

Spring Branch Center

Synott Road Masjid

The Islamic Center of Tucson, Mohammed Elfarooqui, Imam

The Muslim Center, Abdullah El-Amin, Imam

The Muslim Community Center, Sheikh Elkheir Elkheir

The Muslim Unity Center, Muhammad Muhammad Musa

United Muslim Association of Toledo, M.Y. Ahmed, President

United Sisterhood, Ohio

Uqbah Mosque Foundation, Ramez Islambouli, President

Vallejo Islamic Center, Mohamed Yunus

Virginia Muslim Political Action Committee

Wilcrest Masjid

Woodlands Masjid

Yaseen Foundation and the Muslim Community Center

Zaytuna Institute, Hamza Yusuf Hanson

 

29 Tips for Teens on How To Handle Pornography

By Abdul Malik Mujahid

It’s hard being a teenager and trying to resist the images you’re bombarded with daily: the hot-looking guy or gal in the magazine; the sexual jokes in movies (even Shrek!) or the pervasive pornography and ad banners that pop up while you may simply be checking your e-mail or researching something for school. How do we protect ourselves from all of this?

Below is a list of tips that can help. You can add in comments what works for you:

Tip #1: Know what’s Halal and what’s not

Remember this rule of thumb: whatever is Haram (forbidden) to do, is Haram to watch.

All scholars of Islam agree that pornography is absolutely Haram and a clear sin.

Some may think, however, that only hard-core pornography is Islamically unacceptable. This is not true. Watching improperly dressed men and women in sexual situations, as well as engaged in various types of foreplay and dirty jokes are also not acceptable.

If you need a more detailed argument against it, read our article based on the Quran and Hadith.

Tip #2: Surf the Web or Watch T.V. When Others are Around

The living room or study room are better places to keep the computer since others are nearby and can see what you’re looking at. The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures or that bikini-clad babe is heightened when you’re alone in your room watching television or surfing the internet. Try to avoid late night TV and surfing. Instead, check out the tube or the web when others are around so you can resist the urge to sneak a peek, thinking no one’s watching.

It is a good idea not to have a TV or computer in the bedroom anyway.

Tip #3: Remember Allah is Watching You

If no one is watching, Allah is watching you. He is always there. He is Al Baseer, All Knowing and All Aware. He is the One Who has given us life. He is the One Who has told us right from wrong and given us a choice. He loves to see us successful in our test to bless us with the Everlasting life. He does not rest or sleep. He loves to see us do good and has promised rewards for it.

Tip #4: If It Happens, Seek Forgiveness & Don’t Insist on doing it

“É[Good people are those who] when they have committed a shameful deed (fuhsha) or have harmed themselves, remember God and pray that their sins be forgiven-for who but God could forgive sins?-and do not knowingly persist in doing whatever wrong they may have done.” (Quran 3:135).

Allah loves to see us asking for His forgiveness.

Tip #5: Just get up and leave

If you feel unable to control looking at the screen or the magazine, leave the situation. Get out of the living room, your bedroom where the internet is or where you’ve been reading the magazine. Take a walk. Just do something to physically get out of the situation.

Tip #6: Remember the Day of Judgment

You cannot assume looking at this stuff is no big deal. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment. God is Most Just and Merciful, and He rewards us for the good and holds us responsible for the bad we do. His angels are around you who love to note down each good dead and hate to watch you do shameful things which they still must report. Every tiny act we do is noted down. May Allah make our accounting on the Day of Judgment easy.

Tip #7: Connect With Your Salat

If you are not praying, start now. Salat actively discourages pornography and fornication (fuhsha). Here is what Allah says about it: “É and be constant in prayer: for, behold, prayer restrains man from loathsome deeds and from all that runs counter to decency; and remembrance of God is indeed the greatest [good]. And God knows all that you do.” (Quran 29:45)

Tip #8: Learn About Haya in Islam

Haya is a beautiful concept in Islam. Sometimes translated as modesty or shame, there is no one word in English that fully describes what it means. It is a quality in character that makes a believer shine. Satan does not want you to have it. Pornography destroys Haya.

Tip #9: Avoid those involved in pornography

If one of your friends is into pornographic magazines, websites, dirty jokes etc. either help him/her change through gentle and sincere advice (see etiquettes of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil) or abandon frequent contact with them. Their addiction might affect you, so it’s best to stay as far away as possible, by remembering the danger to yourself and your relationship with God.

Tip #10: Avoid things that lead to sin

Too often, it’s easy to dismiss that billboard with the spandex-and-bikini-top-clad blonde girl advertising gum, or the guy in tight leather pants and no shirt advertising perfume. When you see it, remember the omnipresent God, and lower your gaze. Do the same for television and the internet. If you keep doing this, it’ll become a habit to avoid looking at these things.

Remember God is kind. An unintentional look is not Haram if you turn away as soon as you realize it.

Tip #11: Develop a More Productive Schedule

Learn to manage your time more productively. Develop a personal plan for yourself. If you don’t occupy your mind with good works, Satan will think of something bad for you. Think of wal Asr, Innal insane lafi khusr.. (Quran 103)

Tip #12: Are You Involved?

Surround yourself with spiritual influences. Join a study circle, volunteer for a good cause, become active in a Muslim youth group like MYNA or your Muslim Students’ Association. Good company is likely to have good influence on you. The involvement will also make good use of your time, sparing little for Satan.

Tip #13: Feeling overwhelmed? Remember Allah

In situations where you feel overwhelmed and can’t get yourself to switch the channel, close the browser window or turn your eyes away from the billboard, ask Allah’s help. You don’t necessarily need any heavy duty, long prayers. Just say La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (there is neither power nor strength except with God). It is short, simple and reminds you of Who is really in control and can help you out of this. Or if you cannot remember this, just move away saying Allah, Allah. Or bring any popular song about Allah to your lips.

Tip #14: Less TV is better

Although actors in a TV program may be “dressed,” if the show is about playing sexual games in public, is it worth watching? Less TV is always better. One of my American friends calls it the 19-inch Satan in our living rooms. She would rather not have it at all. A few broadcast channels are better than cable or satellite. Watching together as family is better than watching alone. Choosing through a TV guide what to watch is better than  channel surfing.

Tip #15: Satan is the Enemy: Seek refuge in God

Satan lured you into this mess. He is the big part of our tests in this life. Seeking refuge in Allah (saying Aoutho billahi minash Shaytan ir Rajeem), will help you resist him and his whisperings to continue looking at the material.

Tip #16: Remember others will Follow You

If you have younger brothers and sisters, think of the bad example you’re setting for them. What message are you sending them if they barge into your room and catch you watching Temptation Island or flipping through Playboy magazine?

Tip #17: Look for alternative entertainment

Playing sports is better for your health than watching. We have become way too dependent on electronic entertainment. It is unhealthy and leading our nation to obesity and health problems. Let’s stop being couch potatoes. Let’s build our bodies through sports and outdoor activities.

Tip #18: Surround yourself with the Quran

Make the Quran a part of your bedroom decor. Put paintings of your personal selection of these beautiful verses from God. Maybe commission a calligrapher to scribe your favorite verses in Arabic and English. I had one drawn with pencil and it sits in front of my desk. One of my daughters asked me to write one for her and she hung it up in front of her laptop.

How many copies and translations of the Quran do you own? Buy more. Become a collector.

If you are into listening the Quran on audio, keep changing your reciter of the Quran. It breaks the monotony and brings focus back to the words of God.

Tip #19: Remember your Mom and sister

Disgusting right? Exactly. No one in his right mind would look at his mom or sister the way pornographic magazines and websites depict women. Remember your mom and your sister, and that may help you stop.

Tip #20: Have someone watch over you

If you really feel you’re becoming addicted to this kind of material, try to watch TV, surf the internet with someone else. You don’t have to tell them why you’re doing this, but this method can perhaps keep you in check and help you avoid looking at pornography or other similar material. After all, Satan tempts us most easily when we’re alone. Sitting in the company of a family member or trusted friend will help.

Tip #21: Fasting helps

The Prophet Muhammad advised us to fast to cool passions. This should be a method we use to handle the desire aroused by pornography and similar material. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet.

Tip #22: Life is full of tests

We human beings are weak people. We sometimes make mistakes. We are not perfect. When you fail, don’t despair. You can get away from sin by defeating a Satanic suggestion the next time around. Sometimes we don’t mean to watch but end up doing it anyway. But as soon as a thought comes to your mind that you are doing wrong, stop right there. If you persist, that will be become a sin which you have chosen intentionally.

Don’t feel guilty if you did not plan to watch it. Sometimes the web and email technology force this filth on you. Just move away as fast as you can.

Tip #23: Get Married

Yes. You heard me right. Get married. The real thing is better than the fakeness of pornography which destroys you mentally, physically, and spiritually. In Muslim families, we see many younger people getting married while they are still in school. Texas law allows persons as young as 13 to get married with parental consent and a judge’s order. Other states require at least 16 years of age for a marriage license. Talk to your parents. I am personally against very young people marrying, but it is certainly better than them having sinful relationships with each other or with the fictional characters brought to them through the web, magazines and films. There is no shame in talking to your parents and Imams about it. Make a decision with Shura if you want to get married early.

Marriage helps you overcome the destructive directions of a blessing of God called sex.

Tip #24: Use technology to help

There are many filters and spam stopping technologies which are available through different internet providers as well as for your email client. Use technology to close doors for pornography, a heinous crime against humanity.

Tip #25: It is not a Sin if you did not mean it

Sometimes we are just surfing the internet and something else pops up. It may show up in emails despite all the filters. As long as you did not mean to watch and move away immediately it is not a sin. Thank God, Alhamdu lillah. He does not hold us accountable for unintentional things.

Tip #26: Do Tauba, Repent and Return to Allah

He loves to see us come back. If you do end up watching the bad stuff, repent to Allah. Seek His forgiveness, reaffirm your faith in Him, and do good deeds to compensate for what you’ve done. He is All-Forgiving as long as you are sincere.

Tip #27: Repent Again and Fine Yourself

If you lapse, repent again. God is All-Forgiving as long as we mean it. But then you need to discipline yourself by promising that if you do it again, you will pay this much in charity or fast for a day.

The message is: don’t give up on yourself. Keep trying. Struggle is life. Satan can get you down, but you can and will beat him with God’s help if you are serious about changing.

Tip #28: Pray, Pray and Pray

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Dua is the essence of worship. You connect to God through prayers. Talk to Him. He listens. While there, pray for this author and Sound Vision as well.

Tip #29: Fight Against Pornography

You will be blessed in your struggle if you speak and fight against pornography. It is not one person’s problem. It is a problem that is hurting many people.

 

How to Behave when someone insults Islam

Let’s first remind ourselves, that our Prophet (peace be upon him), the single most perfect man in history, had the following done to him

People physically assaulted him.

People threw stones at him.

People threw dirty intestines on him whilst he was praying.

People threw their dirty garbage on him

People abused him

People killed his loved ones

People tried to give him poison in his food

They laughed at him, Mocked at him

They made fun of Him

He lost His two teeth in the Battle of Uhd

Has someone ever thrown stones at you? Have you ever had dirty garbage thrown over your head? Yet somehow our aggressive reactions would lead someone to believe as if someone has actually done this?

So the question is, whom should we follow when something like this happens?

Let me give some examples. For people who are reading this and are into IT and Sports. If you wanted a successful IT business then you will follow the careers of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, as they have done incredibly well in the IT field. If perhaps you wanted to become a professional footballer, you might follow how Cesc Fabregas or Messi play, as again they are among the best footballers in the world.

So what is our end goal? It’s obviously to reach Jannah and the way to do this is to try to follow the life of our Prophet (peace be upon him) If we try to study him, act like him, perform the Sunnah then we have a good chance of achieving our goal.

When someone insults Islam or our Prophet (peace be upon him), or Allah, of course we all hurt, but what I witnessed a few days ago, was perhaps worse. A barrage of abuse from Muslims to the offenders swearing and insulting back. Did our Prophet act like this? Of course not, so by acting in this way are we really defending our faith or weakening it? I feel we are weakening it, we are showing just how weak we can be.

Did our Prophet lose such control? Engage in such filthy language? We all know certain people hate unconditionally, and in this case, it was a group of young teenagers who were spouting such hate, but we also know, or should know that many non Muslims respect Islam, respect Muslims, but when they see us defending our faith in such a violent aggressive manner, what must they think?

Once when the Prophet was being physically abused in Taif, he was bleeding from having stones thrown at him, Angel Jibraeel came to him and said the Angels of the Mountains can crush these ignorant people between the mountains, should you wish O Muhammad.

Bleeding from head to toe and battered and exhausted, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was faced with a choice; should he or should he not seek to destroy the people who had just humiliated him by having their children chase him out of town while throwing stones at him? And for what crime? All he had wanted to do was convey the message of the One God to His creation and seek benefit his own people.

However, although they hurt him, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) looked beyond his own wounds and forgave them, replying to the angel of the mountains he said,

‘No, do not destroy them, for I hope that Allah will bring out of their offspring people who worship Him alone without associating any partner with Him in worship.

What a beautiful excellent response. Look at the humility. The control.

The way you respond to insults has an impact on the actual image of Islam. So lose this anger, lose the bad language and become an advert for Islam. Ignore the ignorant who hate unconditionally, if someone criticises Islam and you feel you can have an intelligent conversation with them, then do so politely, they will think so differently of you, even if they don’t agree, they will respect the way you have conducted yourself.

You will promote Islam much more effectively this way if you control yourself.

That’s real faith.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says what means in the Quran, “Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant”. He subhanahu wa ta’ala also says what means, “And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: ‘To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.’

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said

“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”(Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 73 :: Hadith 135)

Strengthening Our Du’a

Assalam Alaykum Brother and Sisters,

I Guess every Muslim face this problem,they feel that there duas are not accepted by Allah swt.There might be some reason….that we are not making dua in right way…..which Allah swt will accept more fast….

I hope InshahAllah this post will help you to know how to give more strength to ur dua.and pls don;t forget to share with your friends and family….becoz Every muslim need these tips…! If you are on facebook share on ur wall.post as note ,post on ur website…and don;t forget to Add source back link…!

 

 

 

“And your Lord said, invoke Me and I will respond to your invocation” (Qur’an 40:60).

Immersed as we are in this materialistic world, many of us forget that material causes do not produce the desired effects independently of the Will of Allah(swt). We forget to achieve total reliance on Allah(swt) and we often neglect to implement the moral causes for achieving our goals.

One such moral cause that has become forgotten today is Du’a, the humble supplication of a believer to Allah(swt). Even when it is remembered, it is not performed in the correct way and comes out weak. Or certain customary and cultural practices have distorted the authentic precepts and practice of the manners in which du’a was committed by out pious predecessors. We can strengthen and purify our Du’a by fulfilling the conditions for its acceptance and observing the manners of its performance.

Many virtues of Du’a have been mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah:

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, (tell them) I am indeed near.I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls” (Qur’an 21:187).

“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secrecy” (Qur’an 7:55).

“So invoke Allah(swt) making your worship pure for Him” (Qur’an 40:14)

Nu’man bin Bashir relates that Allah(swt)’s Messenger (SAW) said,

“Du’a is Ibadah (worship)” [Tirmidhi].

Abu Hurairah’s narration of the Prophet (SAW):

“Anyone who does not invoke Allah(swt), will cause Allah(swt) to be angry with him.” (Ahmad)

Acceptance of Du‘a

For one’s Du’a to be accepted, one must direct it solely to Allah(swt);

“Invoke Him only, making your religion sincere to Him” (Qur’an 7:29).

Also, the Prophet (SAW) said in a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas(RA);

“If you ask, ask Allah(swt) and if you seek help, seek help from Allah(swt).” (Ahmad, Tirmithi)

Perform the Du’a in conformity with the Shari’ah:

The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever innovates in this matter of ours, something which is not part of it, it will be rejected.”

If a person is sincere but is not following the Sunnah, his worship is rejected. Similarly, if a person is following the Sunnah but his work is not sincerely done for the sake of Allah(swt), his worship is still rejected.

Trust in Allah(swt) and have certainty of a reply: One must be certain that Allah(swt) does whatever He wishes, whenever He wills. Allah(swt) tells us in the Qur’an:

“And there is nothing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We do not send it down except with a known measure” (Qur’an 15:21).

In a Hadith Qudsi narrated by Abu Dharr(ra), Allah(swt) revealed through the Prophet (SAW), “O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request from Me, and were I to give everyone what they requested, that would not decrease what I have anymore than a needle decreases the sea if put into it” (Muslim)

Presence of the heart:

Always make sure that your heart is mindful when you are supplicating because Allah(swt) does not answer a Du’a from an inattentive heart. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah(swt)’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Invoke Allah(swt) while you are certain to be answered and know that Allah(swt) does not answer a Du’a from a heart which is inattentive and unmindful” (Tirmidhi).

Determination and perseverance: It is a requirement when supplicating, to appeal to Allah(swt) with determination. We must not make any exceptions by saying “O Allah(swt) forgive me if You wish”. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah(swt)’s Messenger (SAW) said: “None of you should say ‘O Allah(swt) forgive me if You wish,’ ‘O Allah(swt) Be Merciful to me if You Wish’; but he must appeal to Allah(swt) with determination, for nobody can force Allah(swt) to do something against His Will.” (Tirmidhi).

Rejection

Some of the reasons that may cause our Du’a to be rejected include the following:

Haraam: Haraam eating, drinking and clothing are all strictly prohibited and are major reasons for the rejection of Du’a. The Messenger of Allah(swt) said, “Allah(swt) the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah(swt) has commanded the faithful to do that which He commanded the Messengers. He (SAW) then mentioned the case of a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying: “O Lord, O Lord” while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered? (Muslim). Abu Bakr said that he heard the Messenger of Allah(swt) saying ‘Every body which is nourished with that which is unlawful, will be first in the fire’

Hastiness and abandonment: One must be patient for ones Du’a to be accepted, as hastiness is one of the causes for its rejection or disapproval. Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet (SAW) said, “The invocation of any one of you is granted (by Allah(swt)) as long as he does not show impatience by saying ‘I have invoked Allah(swt) but my request has not been answered’” (Bukhari). In another narration by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (SAW) said, “A servant is granted his request as long as he does not invoke Allah(swt) for a sin, or to break kinship ties, and he does not make haste.”

Committing sins:

Allah(swt) said, “Verily, Allah(swt) will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Qur’an 13:11). That is to say, if a people’s condition is good, Allah(swt) will maintain it as long as they are grateful and do not disobey Him. Similarly, if the condition of a people is bad, Allah(swt) will maintain it for them as long as they remain ungrateful and insist on disobeying him.

Abandonment of obligatory deeds: Just as doing good deeds is a reason for the acceptance of Du’a, similarly, abandoning good deeds is a reason for the rejection of Du’a. Hudaifah(RA), narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “By Him, in whose hand is my soul, you should enjoin good and forbid evil or else it is likely that Allah(swt) will send a punishment upon you and then you will invoke Him and you will not be answered” (Tirmithi). So, for example, how could those who have constantly neglected and abandoned their prayers or praying in congregation in the Masjid expect their Du’a’s to be answered?

Asking for a sin, or to break the bondage of kinship: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Any Muslim who supplicates to Allah(swt) in a Du’a which contains no sin or breaking of kinship, Allah(swt) will give him one of three things: either his Du’a will be immediately answered or, it will be saved for him in the hereafter, or it will turn away an equivalent amount of evil (from him)”. The companions said “…so we will ask for more.” He replied, “Allah(swt) is more (generous).” [Ahmad]

Etiquette of Du‘a

The correct manner of invoking Allah(swt) is to begin with Hamd and Salawat. Exalting Allah(swt) and sending blessings upon the Prophet (SAW). Abdullah bin Mas’ood narrated, “I was praying while the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Omar were together. After I sat (in the last Tashahhud), I began with praising Allah(swt) then I said blessings upon the Prophet and then I prayed for myself. The Prophet, said, “Ask (and) you will be given. Ask (and) you will be given.” (Tirmidhi)

Du’a at Times of Trouble & Pleasure

One must not make it a habit to remember Allah(swt) only at the time of trouble but he must constantly remember Allah(swt) in all circumstances. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “(Anyone who is pleased) that Allah(swt) responds to him at the time of trouble and distress, (should) increase Du’a at the time of calmness.” (Tirmithi).

Avoid Du’a Against Ones Family, Wealth & Children

Jabir narrated a hadith about a man who cursed his animal. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Who is this who cursed his animal?” The man replied, “It is me O Messenger of Allah(swt).” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Get down from it for a cursed one must not escort us. Do not pray against yourselves, do not pray against your children and do not pray against your wealth. It might coincide with a time when Allah(swt) answers what you asked for.” (Muslim)

Lower Ones Voice

Invoke Allah(swt) in a low tone as it is closer to sincerity. “Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He does not like the aggressors” (Qur’an 37:55). And He also tells us: “And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear without loudness in words, in the morning and in the afternoon and be not of those who are neglectful.” (Qur’an 37:205).

Perseverance

We must attend to our Du’a with perseverance, repetition and persistence. Ibn Rajab suggests that we invoke Allah(swt) with His names and attributes as this is among the greatest means of having our Du’a accepted.

Repetition

It is preferable to repeat you Du’a three times as it is more likely to be answered. Prophet (SAW) cursed a few members of the Quraish thrice when they placed the abdominal contents of a camel on his back whilst in sajdah.

Confession

Confess your sins with sincere regret for your mistakes although Allah(swt) is aware of all your actions. It is also worthwhile to acknowledge all of Allah(swt)’s mercy bestowed upon you. The Prophet (SAW) taught his ummah the Sayyid-ul-Istighfar which acknowledges the favour of Allah(swt) upon oneself.

Face the Qiblah

One of the good manners when making Du’a is to face the Qiblah however, this is not compulsory. Abdullah bin Zaid narrated that Rasulullah (SAW) came to this place of worship to pray Istisqaa for rain so he invoked Allah(swt) and prayed for rain. Then he faced the Qiblah and overturned his gown (Bukhari).

Raise Ones HandsIt is a recommended practice to raise one’s hands in making Du’a as it was done by the Prophet (SAW) at different occasions. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari narrated, “The Prophet invoked and raised his hands and I saw the whiteness of his armpits.” (Bukhari)

Make Wudhu

Although it is not compulsory, one is recommended to supplicate Allah(swt) while he is in a state of wudhu (ablution). When Rasulullah (SAW) invoked Allah(swt) on behalf of Abi ’Amir he first performed wudhu. (Muslim)

Weep from the Rememberance of Allah(swt)

Abdullah bin ’Umar narrated that Rasulullah(SAW) recited the verse in which Ibrahim alayhis-salaam is invoking Allah(swt). “O my Lord, they [the idols] have indeed led astray many among mankind. But whoever follows me, he verily is of me. and whoever disobeys me, still you are indeed Most Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Qur’an 36). In another verse, Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him is invoking Allah(swt): “If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You-only You are the Almighty, the All-wise” (Al-Ma’idah, 118). And Rasulullah (SAW) then raised his hands and said, “Allah(swt)umma Ummati, Ummati (O Allah(swt), my nation, my nation)’ and then he cried.

Make Du’a for Oneself Before Making Du’a for Others

It is Sunnah in Du’a to start with yourself prior to mentioning others as was collected by Tirmidhi, in the narration of Ubay bin Ka’ab (ra) that if someone was mentioned to the Prophet (pbuh), he would invoke Allah(swt) for him but would begin with himself. However, it was also narrated of Allah(swt)’s Messenger that, on certain occasions, he would not begin with himself.

Do not Trangress in Du’a

When appealing to Allah(swt) in Du’a, we should not get into much detail by asking for the different rewards of Jannah. ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal heard his son saying: “O Allah(swt), I ask you for the white palace on the right of the Paradise if I were to enter it”. So he said, “Dear son, ask Allah(swt) for Paradise and seek refuge from the [Hell) fire for I have heard the Messenger of Allah(swt) saying, ‘there will come in this nation people who will transgress (or exceed) in ablution and Du’a.” (Abu Dawood).

Make Du’a for Ones ParentsIt is good to mention one’s Muslim parents (deceased or alive) in invocation for the great favour they owe us, a favour which can never be compensated.

For a Muslim never forgets his duties towards his parents both in life and in death. Allah(swt) said, “And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy and say, ‘My Rab, bestow on them Your mercy as they did raise me when I was young’ (Qur’an 17:24)

Make Du’a for the Mu’mineen

One is recommended to remember the Muslims and the Mu’mineen around the globe in their invocation. Allah(swt) said “Ask forgiveness for your sin and also for the believing men and women” (Qur’an 47:19)

Ask Allah(swt) Alone

Instead of complaining to people when struck by calamity, one must make it a habit to ask Allah(swt) alone for refuge. However, there is no harm to mention your problem to people and share their opinion. In the hadith narrated by Ibn ’Abbas, Rasulullah (SAW) said to him while he was riding behind him on the same mount, “Be mindful of Allah(swt) and Allah(swt) will protect you. Be mindful of Allah(swt) and you will find Him in front of you.

If you ask, ask only Allah(swt) and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah(swt). And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah(swt) had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah(swt) had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry.” (Tirmidhi).

Brothers and sisters Allah(swt)’s Messenger (pbuh) impressed upon us that there is no veil between the du’a of the believer and his Lord, over 17 times a day the believer recites in his prayers during Surah Al-Fatiha ‘You Alone we worship and from You alone we seek help’. Though we can ask the living to make du’a on our behalfs, this short treatise crystalises that there is no substitute to lifting our hands directly and asking Allah(swt) ourselves.

And Allah(swt) knows best.

JazakAllah khair for reading,

 

Halloween :: Should Muslims celebrate?

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create “Jack-O-Lanterns.”

Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims.

This article will shed some light on the significance and origins of Hallow’een, and why Muslims should not participate in it.

Origins of the Hallow’een Festival

The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Hallow’een. Samhain was the New Year’s day of the pagan Celts. It was also the Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the “land of the dead”.

Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most notable of these customs are the practice of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, and the lighting of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow’s Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint’s (Hallows’) Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow- Even that has given us the name of Hallow’een.

Until recent times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these malevolent spirits.

By the 19th century, witches’ pranks were replaced by children’s tricks. The spirits of  Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now recognized as being evil.

Halloween Customs and Traditions

• “Trick or Treating”: It is widely believed that during the Feast of All Saints, peasants went from house to house asking for money to buy food for the upcoming feast. Additionally, people dressed in costumes would often play tricks on their neighbors. Blame for the resulting chaos was placed on the “spirits and goblins.”

• Images of bats, black cats, etc.: These animals were believed to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Black cats especially were believed to house the souls of witches.

• Games such as bobbing for apples: The ancient pagans used divination techniques to foresee the future. There were various methods of doing this, and many have continued through traditional games, often played at children’s parties.

• Jack-O’-Lantern: The Irish brought the Jack-O’-Lantern to America. The tradition is based on a legend about a stingy, drunken man named Jack. Jack played a trick on the devil, then made the devil promise not to take his soul. The devil, upset, promised to leave Jack alone. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven because he was a stingy, mean drunk. Desperate for a resting place, he went to the devil but the devil also turned him away. Stuck on earth on a dark night, Jack was lost. The devil tossed him a lighted coal from the fire of Hell, which Jack placed inside a turnip as a lamp to light his way. Since that day, he has traveled the world over with his Jack-O’-Lantern in search of a resting place. Irish children carved out turnips and potatoes to light the night on Halloween. When the Irish came to America in great numbers in the 1840′s, they found that a pumpkin made an even better lantern, and this “American tradition” came to be.

Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were diabolical deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who misled people toward the worship of false idols.

Thus, they rejected the customs associated with Hallow’een, including all representations of ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons – symbols of the dead – and of the devil and other malevolent and evil creatures. It must also be noted that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of October 31st to be their most sacred.And many devout Christians today continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.

The Islamic Perspective

Iman (faith) is the foundation of Islamic society, and tauheed (the belief in the existence and Oneness of Allah) is the essence of this faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this iman, and of this pure tauheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and legislation. In order to keep the Muslim society purified of all traces of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and remnants of error, a continuous war must be waged against all customs and practises which originate from societies’ ignorance of divine guidance, and in the errors of idol worship.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) issued a stern warning:

“Whoever imitates a nation is one of them!” (Abu Da’oud).

Muslims should heed this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the kufar in their celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims to follow the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, and especially of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil.

The Prophet (s.a.s.) said: “By Him in Whose hands is my life, you are ordered to enjoin good and forbid evil, or else Allah will certainly afflict you with torments. Thereafter, even your du’a (supplications) will not be accepted.” (Tirmidhi).

From an Islamic standpoint,

Hallow’een is one of the worst celebrations because of its origins and history. It is HARAM (forbidden), even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless elements in those practises, as evidenced by a statement from the Prophet (s.a.s.)

“Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good” (ad-Daarimee.).

Although it may be argued that the celebration of Hallow’een today has nothing to do with devil-worship, it is still forbidden for Muslims to participate in it.

If Muslims begin to take part in such customs, it is a sure sign of weak iman and that we have either forgotten, or outrightly rejected the mission of our Prophet (s.a.s.) who came to cleanse us from jahiliyyah customs, superstitions and false practises.

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behavior and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. Behavior-imitation will affect the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy towards the indecent modes of life.

Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of all immoral conducts and habits, and thus paving the way for the Qur’an and Sunnah to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator dependant on other nations and cultures.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises of Hallow’een without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival.

Undoubtedly, even after hearing the Truth, some Muslims will still participate in Hallow’een, send their kids “trick-or-treating,” and they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it because their friends are doing it, their parents did it (“it’s a tradition!”), because “it’s fun!” and merely to make their children happy.

But what is the duty of Muslim parents?

Is it to follow the wishes of their children without question, or to mould them within the correct Islamic framework as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah?

How can we worship only Allah, the Creator, if we participate in activities that are based in pagan rituals, divination, and the spirit world?

Is it not the responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct Islamic training and instruction to their children?

How can this duty be performed if, instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the unbelievers?

Allah exposes these types of people in the Qur’an:

“We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practise falsehood” (23:10).

Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practising falsehood, and not to imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals.

If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, insha Allah, abstain from Hallow’een and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) said:

The Final Hour will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch). (Bukhari).

Islam is a pure religion with no need to accomodate any custom, practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between “secular and sacred;” the shari’ah must rule every aspect of our lives.

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari)

“When the people see a person committing a wrong, but do not seize his hand to restrain him or her from the deed, it is likely that Allah will punish them both.” (Abu Da’oud, Nasa’i, Tirmidhi)

“Whoever imitates a nation is one of them.” (Abu Da’oud)

What to do on Halloween.

We have established, beyond doubt, that the celebration of Hallow’een is absolutely forbidden in Islam. It is HARAM.

The question arises as to what to do on this night ?

Muslim parents must not send their kids out “trick-or-treating” on Hallow’een night. Our children must be told why we do not celebrate Hallow’een.

Most children are very receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In this regard, teach them about the two Islamic festivals of Eid.

(Eid-ul-Fitr is fast approaching, and this is the perfect time to start preparing them for it.) It must also be mentioned that, even Muslims who stay home and give out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in this festival.

In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do not open the door. Educate your neighbours about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Hallow’een, and explain the reasons why. (Give them a copy of this flyer if needed.) They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process.

“A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the one who accepts the message.” (Tirmidhi)

Finally, we must remember that we are fully accountable to Allah for all of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the Truth, we do not cease our un-Islamic practises, we risk the wrath of Allah as He himself warned us in the Qur’an:

“Then let them beware who refuse the Messenger’s order lest some trial befall them, or a grevious punishment be afflicted upon them!” (24:63).

This is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. And Allah knows best.

May Allah guide us, help us to stay on the right path, and save us from all deviations and innovations that will lead us into the fires of Hell.

Base written by :  Br. Feyoun Khan

How to protect Yourself From the Evil Eye

wearing blue eye,Amulets to get protected from Evil Eye is not Allowed in Islam.

Question: Respected sheikh, as-salamu `alaykum. I would like to ask you about the “evil eye”. Is there something really called “evil eye”? And is it true that it inflicts harm on people? If so, what is the Islamic cure or way of protection against such evil? Jazakum Allah khayran.

Answer:  Wa`alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

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

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear sister in Islam, thanks for forwarding this question to us. We implore Almighty Allah to make our humble efforts come up to your expectations.

As regards your question, it is to be stated that the effect of an evil eye is a fact. This is supported by many proofs from revealed texts and reasoning. Imam al-Bukhari reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The effect of an evil eye is a fact.”

However, the evil eye can never harm unless Allah wills so. Hence, it shouldn’t be a cause of fear or terror to anyone, for supreme power and might are for Almighty Allah alone and He is the Only One we should fear. It is in Him that we should seek protection against Satan and the evil eye.

Both al-Bukhari and Muslim reported in their authentic collections that `Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to tell me to recite ruqyah for protection against the evil eye.

In this context, Dr. As-Sayed Nuh, professor of Hadith Sciences at Al-Azhar University, states:

Islam draws a Muslim’s attention whenever he/she beholds something great. One should say:

“Whatever Allah wills is done, no power save with Allah”. Allah Almighty says, (If only, when thou enteredst thy garden, thou hadst said: That which Allah wilteth (will come to pass)! There is no strength save in Allah!…) (Al-Kahf 18: 39)

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said: “Upon beholding something attractive, try to recount Allah’s glorification by saying, “Allah is Blessed!” or “May Allah bless you!” etc.

Envy and the evil eye have a common factor in breeding contempt and hatred, and showing or feeling resentment of someone’s success or advantage. This is what the evil eye normally aims at.

Both are supported by many proofs from revealed texts and reasoning. However, they do not automatically affect a person and can never harm unless Allah wills so. Hence, they shouldn’t be a cause of fear or terror to anyone, for supreme power and might are for Almighty Allah alone and He is the Only One we should fear. It is in Him that we should seek protection against Satan and the evil eye.

Moreover, one should never, if they don’t have proof, accuse anyone of being envious or evil, for this may result in breeding contempt and discord among people.

As for precautionary measures against envy or the evil eye, one may do the following:

1- Seeking Allah’s protection against the evil eye and envy

This can be done by remembering Allah at all times and this is an impenetrable shield against Satan and his devils.

Allah says:

(Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Daybreak. From the evil of that which He create. From the evil of the darkness when it is intense. And from the evil of malignant witchcra. And from the evil of the envier when he envieth.) (Al-Falaq 113)

2- Observing piety, showing obedience to Allah and forsaking sinful acts

Allah says, (But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.) (Aal `Imraan 3:120)

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to his cousin, `Abdullah bin `Abbas: “Observe Allah’s duties and He will protect you; be pious to Allah and He will always support you…”

(This Hadith is classed as authentic by At-Tirmidhi in his book As-Sunan under the chapter “Concerning the Day of Judgment)

3- Demonstrating patience and perseverance

This means that one should never show any sign of being affected by envy, nor should one get overwhelmed with thoughts on it. Rather, one should show patience, for that will definitely drive the envious or evil ones to doom.

In his commentary on the previous issue, Ibn Al-Qayyim states that the third precautionary measure against envy is to show patience rather than waging war against the envious or showing signs of being harmed by them. Nothing grieves or inflicts pain or even doom on the envious or evil one than seeing that his evil act or scheme has not affected the target. This is the effect of patience, reliance on Allah and putting one’s trust in Him.

Allah says:

(That (is so). And whoso hath retaliated with the like of that which he was made to suffer and then hath (again) been wronged, Allah will succour him. Lo! Allah verily is, Mild, Forgiving.‏) (AL-Hajj 22: 60)

In this Qur’anic verse, we can see that Allah has guaranteed victory for a victim of contempt or hatred, even if he has tried his best to avenge himself of the assailant. This means that a person who shows patience, despite being a victim of hatred and contempt, deserves strong support.

4- Putting one’s trust in Allah

This is one of the strong precautionary measures against envy and oppression.

Allah says,

(And whosoever putteth his trust in Allah, He will suffice him…‏) (At-Talaq 65: 3)

5- Sincere repentance to Allah.

If a person remembers the favors Allah has bestowed on him and returns everything that he has wrongfully taken from people with the resolve not to return to such a sin again, this will definitely bring him back to the right path. He will attain Allah’s forgiveness and this will drive him away from the evil eye.

Allah Almighty says,

(And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed. ) (An-Noor 24: 31)‏

6- Demonstrating a “turn the other cheek” gesture:

This means that a victim of envy and the evil eye should try to be good to those who envy him or give him the evil eye. He should try to be good to them by speaking kindly, offering them gifts, feeding them and showing that he cares for them, as well as being a friend in need.

Allah Almighty says, (The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and thee there was enmity (will become) as though he was a bosom friend.‏ But none is granted it save those who are steadfast, and none is granted it save the owner of great happiness.) (Fussilat 41: 34-35)

The point here is that showing good gestures to one’s foe can change him from an enemy to a friend.

7- Doing ruqya

This is based on the fact that the Angel Gabriel used to make du`a’ upon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) whenever he became affected with anything.

`A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “Angel Gabriel used to pronounce some words upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to relieve his pain. He used to say: “May you get relief from the pain, cured from the disease, and be protected from envy and evil eye by the virtue of Allah’s Name.” (Reported by Muslim)

Abu Sa`eed also mentions that the Angel Gabriel once came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him:

“Are you affected with something?” The Prophet answered, “Yes”. Gabriel said: “May you get relief and be protected from evil by the virtue of Allah’s Name.” (Reported by Muslim)

8- Washing off the effects of envy

This is done by pouring the water on a person affected with envy and the evil eye.

This is based on the Hadith reported by Abu Umamah, Sahl bin Hunayf on the authority of his father who told him that as they went out one day with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) upon reaching the valley called Al-Harar at Jahfah, Sahl washed himself and appeared as having a very fine figure. This attracted `Amir ibn Rabi`ah to the extent that he actually said:

“Wow! What a nice and delicate figure! You look like a charming lady!” Upon uttering this remark, Sahl fell unconscious, and when the people took him to the Prophet, he said: “Do you suspect someone?” “Yes”, they replied, “We suspect `Amir ibn Rabi`ah”. The Prophet called him and reprimanded him, saying: “Why try to kill your brother in faith? Why not say upon seeing something fascinating: ‘Allah is Blessed or may Allah bless you…etc?’” To wash off the traces of envy, `Amir was told to wash his face, hands, elbows and thighs, and then to wash his feet and his private parts, over a bowl. Then the contents of this bowl were to be poured over Sahl bin Hunayf, and the bowl turned upside down. Upon doing this Sahl recovered.

(Classed as authentic by Imam Ahmad in Al-Musnad, and by Ibn Majah)

Ibn Al-Qayim commented on this process saying:

Anyone who denies, mocks or has doubt about the effect of this Prophetic way of healing will never benefit from it. The same applies to anyone who does it in way of trial without full conviction. Why not regard this as part of the privileges in the Islamic perspective instead of condemning it. Medical practitioners acknowledge that in the field of medicine there are some areas that are untouchable and are somehow deemed as very unique.

Ibn Hajar says that the aforementioned process of washing away the effects of envy is meant to be done after being affected with envy.

Islam has also drawn attention to a precaution against that effect.

This is what the Prophet means by ordering us to utter Allah’s Glorification when we have something good: ‘Allah is Blessed!’ Also we can supplicate for the person by saying: ‘May Allah bless you!’”

Allah Almighty knows best.

10 Tips to be devoted slave of Allah!

My question is short. I want to enter Paradise, I want to strive to control my self (my nafs), I want to kiss my mother’s hand every day, I want to keep away from whims and desires and from the Shaytaan, I want Allaah to call me a devoted slave on the Day of Resurrection, in sha Allaah, I want to love my brothers, and I want my faith to keep increasing. What should I do?.

Praise be to Allaah.

We ask Allaah to make you steadfast in adhering to the truth, and to make your hopes come true, and to make you one of those who turn to Him and who know the truth, defend it and adhere to Islam.

The things you mention in your question indicate that you have a sound and pure nature, and a great desire to achieve great things and to give everyone his rights. These are great hopes that can be achieved through faith, as it was narrated that Sufyaan al-Thawri said: Faith is not wishes or pretence, rather it is what settles in the heart and is proven by actions.” So we will discuss the matter of faith and how important it is in becoming a devoted slave, pleasing and honouring one’s parents and achieving the victory of Paradise.

Whoever seeks to achieve great things has to stay up at night (worship).

Hence al-Fudayl said: “You hearts can never taste the sweetness of faith until they shun worldly pleasures.” And he also said, “If you cannot pray qiyaam at night and fast during the day, then know that you are deprived.”

The sincere believer has a heart like a burning coal, hence it was narrated by al-Haakim in his Mustadrak and al-Tabaraani in his Mu’jam with a saheeh isnaad that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Faith wears out in your heart as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.”

The believer’s heart may sometimes feel overwhelmed by clouds of sin. This was portrayed to us by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “There is no heart that does not have clouds like the clouds that cover the moon. When the cloud covers it, it is dark, and when the cloud moves away it shines.” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. So the believer’s heart is sometimes covered with a cloud and its light is hidden, and it remains dark and lonely, but if he strives to increase his store of faith and seeks the help of Allaah, that cloud goes away and the light in his heart starts to shine again. Hence one of the salaf said: “It is part of a person’s smartness to c heck on his faith and be aware of what affects it.” It is also part of a person’s smartness “that he recognizes how the Shaytaan whispers to him.”

So he has to come back to faith. If you come back to faith and do as it requires, then you will achieve what you want. We will tell you of a basic principle which will let you know when faith is present and when it is not. Imam Ibn al-Jawzi said: “O you who are turned away, O you who are deprived of meeting your loved ones, if you want to know how you stand before the king, then look at how you are spending your time and what work you are assigned to do. How many people stand at the door of the king, but no one enters except the one whom he cares for.  Not every heart is fit to draw close, not every heart can be filled with love, not every wind is like the morning breeze.”

If a person want to know how he stands before Allaah and how he stands in relation to His commands and prohibitions, let him look at himself and see what he is preoccupied with. If he is busy with da’wah and with saving people from the Fire, striving to attain Paradise, helping the weak and needy, honouring his parents, then let him rejoice in the fact that he is close to the King of kings, for Allaah does not help anyone to do good except those whom He loves.

But if he is has no interest in da’wah, dislikes the daa’iyahs and does not do good things, if he is preoccupied with this world and its gains, and with gossip and asking too many questions, whilst not doing much or following his whims and desires, let him know that he is far from Allaah and has been deprived of that which will bring him closer to Paradise, because Allaah says in His holy Book (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected ( far away from Allaah’s Mercy).

And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. does righteous deeds of Allaah’s obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) — then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, (thanked and rewarded by Allaah)”

[al-Isra’ 17:18-19]

My brother, if you want to have a high position in all kinds of good deeds, to be a devoted slave of Allaah and to honour your parents, and you are seeking Paradise, then you have to do the following:

1 – You have to revive the faith in your heart. Faith is what will bring the Muslim everything he seeks in this world and in the Hereafter. Faith is the key to all goodness and locks the door to all evil. The means of reviving and strengthening faith in one’s heart are many and varied, including doing a lot of acts of worship and righteous deeds.

2 – You must turn to your Lord sincerely, as it says in the report: “If My slave turns to me inwardly and outwardly, I will turn the hearts of My slaves to him with love and mercy.”

Allaah has made worship the ultimate aim and loftiest purpose of man:

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”

[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56 – interpretation of the meaning)]

3 – You should always set your sights on the highest degrees, and make your goal in life to earn the pleasure of Allaah, and strive to attain the victory of Paradise, or to attain the highest Firdaws. You should strive as hard as you can to achieve these lofty aims.

4 – You should follow the example of historical Muslim figures such as the Sahaabah, Taabi’een and righteous forebears (the salaf).

5 – You should make the most of every minute, every moment and every heartbeat to use it in such a way as to increase your faith.

6 – You should try to keep company with righteous people, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “A man will follow the religion of his close friend, so let each one of you look at whom he befriends.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi with a hasan isnaad. Good friends are one of the best means of helping you to obey Allaah and to avoid sin and error.

7 – Doing a lot of righteous deeds which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.

8 – Praying qiyaam al-layl, making du’aa’ in the time just before dawn.

The feet of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to swell because of his desire to be a thankful slave, even though Allaah had forgiven his previous and future sins.

9 – Persisting in reading a portion of Qur’aan daily, and other dhikr that helps you to think and ponder the meanings of the Qur’aan.

10 – Striving to spread the word and make da’wah for the sake of Allaah, and working for Islam as much as possible.

If you want to reach the status of devoted slave for which you long, then be as Allaah commanded His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

[al-An’aam 6:162]

Being a devoted slave of Allaah means declaring one’s devotion and belonging to the Lord, which can only be achieved by applying this aayah, so that we are for Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, in all our affairs.

Being a devoted slave of Allaah can only be fully achieved in this manner; it can only be achieved by worshiping Allaah in the fullest sense of the word, which means making our living and dying, and all our movements, for Him alone. So we only speak that which is pleasing to Allaah; we only do that which is pleasing to Allaah; we focus our intention in these words and deeds only on Allaah. Worship should not be reduced to merely raising and lowering our heads at certain times, or giving a few pennies every once in a while, or fasting a few days each year, or moving our lips to say a few words and dhikrs.

Hence the deeds that lead to this status – of being a devoted slave – are innumerable and may take many shapes in all aspects of our lives and the places where we live. This is by the bounty of Allaah towards us and towards all people.

Just look, in every place where you find yourself and every moment that comes to you, for that which will please Him, and what you think He wants to see you doing, and do it. Then you will be a devoted slave.

Finally, we ask Allaah to accept righteous deeds from us and from you, and to gather us and you in His mercy with the Prophets, siddeeqs, martyrs and righteous, and those are the best of companions.