Month: March 2014
Show Interest in Your Children
If we do not show a keen interest in the lives of our own children how do we expect them to have a balanced upbringing?
Mufti Ismail Menk
Receive Allah
Listening to Quran
Listening to recitation is the perfume of the souls, the calmer of hearts, and the food of the spirit. Is is one of the most important psychological medicines. It is a source of pleasure, even to some animals – and pleasure in moderation purifies inner energy, enhances the functioning of the faculties, slows down senile decay by driving out its diseases, improves the complexion, and refreshes the entire body. Pleasure in excess, on the other hand, makes the illnesses of the body grow worse.
Abu Nu’aim states, in his Tib an-Nabbi, that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that the benefits of listening to recitation are increased when it is understood – that is, when its meaning is understood. Allah Himself says:
…so give good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and then follow the best of it…(Qur’an: 39.17-18)
Source: As-Suyuti’s Medicine of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)
Wake Up!
by a dear sister
Bismillah Al Rahman, Al Raheem:
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” you hear the athaan go on.
But you still decide to procrastinate, even when your family yells, “Come on!”
You think, “I still have time, before I really have to pray, ‘Asr is still hours away.”
Your head is saying “Go” but the Shaytaan is saying “No” so you go on anyway.
You go to your bed and decide to lie down, for just a few minutes you say.
But when your head hits the pillow, your body is overcome by a feeling, different than any other way.
You suddenly feel hot and nervous, and your throat is parched and dry.
You hear a voice call, “Why did you disobey me?” But you are unable to answer why.
Suddenly your life flashes before your eyes,
And feelings of guilt and regret are becoming hard to disguise.
Images and thoughts run through your head,
If only you did more useful things, but you wasted your time instead.
Every ill word you said, and every prayer you missed is presented,
If only you took life more seriously…if only you repented.
You say, “I didn’t know any better, I never knew to take a closer look”
But the voice replies, “Yes you did, you had The Holy Book.”
“In it you will find the meaning of life, and words of inspiration.
And the perfect example for mankind, the Prophet who received the revelation.”
“This life is but a stage, a mere drop compared to an ocean,
“So think not of the worldly things, and make sure that in your heart lies devotion.”
You wake up suddenly, alarmed and quivering.
“I wasted so much time!” you think, “good words and prayers I should be delivering.”
You pray, and then afterwards do some reflection,
And you decide to give your life a thorough inspection.
This life is so unpredictable; it can vanish very soon,
All that you see will perish, and only your deeds will remain with you.
So hold on to the Quran and the way of the Prophet (saw) for salvation,
And do not delay what you must do, remember Jannah, the ultimate destination.
Losing Things
We may lose certain things that are dear to us but the Almighty always blesses us in countless other ways.
Mufti Ismail Menk