Imam Abu Hanifah – Shaykh Ahmad Ali from Hikmah on Vimeo.

1. Give a copy of the Qur’an to someone. Every time they read from it, you
   gain.
2. Donate a wheelchair to a hospital. Each time a sick person uses it, you
   gain.
3. Teach someone to recite a Dua.
4. Share a Qur’anic CD.
5. Participate in building a Mosque.
6. Place a water cooler/ well in a public place.
7. Plant a tree. You gain whenever a person or animal sits in its shade or
   eats from it.
8. Share this message with other people. Even if only one person applies any of the
   above, you gain.

The fact is that we don’t gain anything! If we take into account alternative actions of virtue, we will very quickly realise the great loss.

Let us look at a few alternatives Shaykh mentioned:

If you engage in reciting the Qur’aan for this length of time, you would on average recite 3-4 juz. Allah ta’aalaa grants 10 rewards for every letter recited. Imagine how many letters you would recite in 3-4 juz and multiply that by 10!

By reading 3 juz you could have earned yourself at least 282,240 rewards!!!
________________________________________
Recite ‘Subhaanallah walhamdulillah’. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said, “Subhaanallah walhamdulillah fills the space between the skies and the earth.” Think for a moment how much reward you would gain from 90 minutes of reciting this.

It is possible to gain the reward which will fill the space between the skies and the earth 2,970 times!!!
________________________________________
Recite ‘Subhaanallahi walhamdulillahi wa laailaaha illallaahu wallahu akbar’. From the ahaadith we learn that Jannah is a barren land and these glorifying words plant a tree for its reader in Jannah. During 90 minutes, you could prepare yourself a lovely forest.

In fact you could have planted 1,620 trees in Jannah!!!
________________________________________
Recite Surah Ikhlas. In the hadith it is mentioned that Surah Ikhlas is equal to 1/3 of the Qur’aan. Hence, by reciting it 3 times you will earn the reward of reciting the full Qur’aan! Along with this, another hadith explains that when a person recites Surah Ikhlas 10 times, Allah ta’aalaa builds a palace for him in Jannah.

In 90 minutes you could have earned the reward of 360 Qur’aans and built yourself 108 palaces in Jannah!!!
________________________________________
Recite durood, the shortest version is ‘Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam’. In the hadith it is stated that for every durood a person sends upon the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, Allah ta’aalaa forgives 10 sins, grants 10 rewards and elevates the person 10 stages.

In 90 minutes you could have had 51,300 sins forgiven, 51,300 rewards granted and 51,300 stages elevated in Paradise!!!

So you thought it was just 90 minutes of harmless fun? Might be worth looking at the figures above and calculating how much loss you have incurred during every match.

This is our country and it would be foolish not to participate in the political processes which eventually shape our future and that of Islam. I support marching in the streets to raise awareness about certain issues. However, if we really want to change the status-quo then we have to influence those who walk the corridors of power. Muslims need not only to vote but put forward Muslim candidates in all the mainstream and serious independent parties. We need to be represented or be present at the tables around which policies are discussed, made and agreed.

Sayyiduna Yusuf (as) put himself forward in the political process of Egypt – the rest is history! [Refer to Quran 12:55]. He saved countless lives, united people with God and showed how rulers ought to rule. Are Muslims in our country saying they do not want to unite people with God and save them from eternal doom? Do we want to remain “slaves” under the dominion of others without power of any sort? Or do we want to become masters; just, caring and merciful? The right to vote is one of Allah’s blessings over us which we can use to benefit society. There are many in the world who do not have this blessing. Allah says in the Quran:

“Allah presents an example: a slave (who is) owned and unable to do a thing and he to whom We have provided from Us good provision so he spends from it secretly and publicly. Can they be equal? Praise be to Allah! But most of them do not know.” [Quran 16:75]

So get up and use that blessing!

[Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Chair, Mosques and community relations committee at the MCB; Graduate of Dar-ul-Uloom, Holcombe; Al-Azhar University; S.O.A.S, London]

——————————————————————————

In my humble opinion participating in public affairs is mandatory for all adult Muslims casting one’s vote are essential. My opinion is based upon the following evidences:

1. Numerous texts from the Qur’ân and Sunnah prove that to enjoin good and forbid evil is an intrinsic part of Faith, and therefore one of the greatest communal obligations in Islâm, as Allâh says, “You are the best nation ever to be brought forth for people. You enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and you believe in Allah.” (âl-’Imrân, 110)

Based upon this, it is mandatory that every Muslim change the evil in his or her life. Undoubtedly, if we have the ability to potentially delay and disrupt the plans of those who are in power then this becomes an obligation for us. Likewise, blocking the BNP is undoubtedly from the communal obligations upon the Muslims.

2. The specific evil in the world that has been caused by the expansionist foreign policy of certain states is undoubtedly a great trial facing our nation today. As proved above, it is upon us to ‘commit’ the lesser evil of supporting some political parties in order to ward off the greater evil.

3. According to many scholars, it is allowed to enter the political system in order to elicit change using the well known principle found in Usûl ul-Fiqh namely “Shar’u man qablana, shar’un lanâ” i.e. “The legislative laws of the previous prophets is legislation for our nation too.” The scholars who accepted this principle, clarifying that it would only be applicable if it had not been abrogated by legislation in our Sharî’ah, used the Qur’ânic narrative on the Prophet Yûsuf (‘alayhis salâm). He accepted a ministerial position in a government that was ruling by laws other than the Law of Allâh in order to achieve the greater good. It is accepted by these scholars that there is nothing in fact within our Sharî’ah that contradicts or abrogates such an action.

Using these facts, to enter the political system either by standing for election or simply supporting those standing is something to be taken seriously. It should be encouraged with the full involvement of the people of knowledge and experience in order to safeguard the sacrosanct nature of the Sharî’ah.

Effective action is always the objective and this can only be achieved by constant contact with the ‘ulemâ as previously mentioned. Finally, the following action is advised:

• We must use our vote and the votes of all family members who are eligible. For instance it is imperative that our elder women who rarely use this legal right do so. It is incumbent upon us to ward off the greater evils which will be realised by our apathy at this time of need.
• One should consult the people of knowledge and political acumen in their local areas before making a decision on whom to vote for. There are natural advantages and disadvantages to be found in all the parties which is why we have explained the principle of accepting the lesser of the two evils in such detail.
• One should consider carefully who has been supporting their Islâmic rights most and is promising the most benefit for Muslims on the whole etc.

Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid (Imam of Brighton Islamic Mission and Chair Muslim Council for Religious and Racial Harmony UK)

——————————————————————————

Looking at the situation of the Muslim community and their need to have their interests met, it becomes advisable for the Muslims to achieve this purpose through the available political system. Through voting, a man can bring to Parliament such candidates who sympathise with the Muslim cause. The vote can be treated either as a good intercession (Ayah 85, Surah An-Nisa), or as Naseehah (hadith narrated by Tamim Ad-Dari in which Naseehah is to be advanced for the betterment of the Muslims in general), or it can be treated as Tawkeel (deputising someone on your behalf to achieve a certain task). Whichever you take, by voting you can bring a better change in the affairs of this country.

[Shaykh Suhaib Hasan, Secretary, Islamic Sharia Council of Great Britain; Chairman, Masjid & Madrasah al-Tawhid, London; Graduate of Islamic University at Madinah]

——————————————————————————

“For their protection and for their identity to be preserved it is vital that Muslims participate in the political process of the society that they are living in.”

[Shaykh Aurangzeb Khan, Imam of Dar-us-Salaam, Nottingham, UK]

——————————————————————————

It has long been my position that any type of participation in democracy is a type of approval of that system. I have no doubt that democracy is antithical to Islam. However, having read and listened to the sayings of many scholars on this issue, and being faced with the reality of a growing Muslim population here in the UK, who for all intents and purposes consider this their home, it has become clear to me that we must participate in every aspect of society as much as possible to ensure our rights and continued existence and well being in this society. This participation most certainly includes voting for whichever party or candidate best serves the needs and interests of the UK and indeed world wide Muslim population. This does not mean approval or acceptance of the ideal of democracy, but the intention is to use the means and avenues available to benefit the Muslims. The Prophet (saws) did not approve of the system of tribalism in Arabia , in fact he condemned it, but this did not stop the Prophet (saws) from accepting the protection of his uncle and the tribe of Banu Haashim. In addition to that it seems to me that the evil of participation is far less than the evil that will befall the Muslims if we do not, and the Shariah teaches us always to choose the path of lesser evil. This has been expounded and clarified by the scholars.

[Shaykh Abdur Raheem Green, Dawah Administrator, Central Mosque, London]

——————————————————————————

The opinion of imams and scholars on taking part in election are clearly in favour of taking part in the democratic process. This gives us an opportunity to choose the candidate who will best serve the interest of our community. Not taking part in election will deprive us of the political prowess and clout that we command in certain inner city areas of Britain . That is not our interest. I urge every one to use their vote effectively.

[Dr. Musharraf Hussain, Director & Imam, Karimia Institute, Nottingham ; graduate of Al Azher University]

——————————————————————————

“…it is incumbent upon Muslims to actively participate for the following reasons: 1) In order to protect our rights as American citizens, we must be involved in politics. 2) Our involvement can facilitate our support of our fellow Muslims around the world. 3) Our interaction with non-Muslims and our involvement will help to spread Islam’s message. 4) It helps to convey the universality of Islam… Our participation is an obligation in Islam, and not merely “a right” that we can choose to forfeit at will. It affords us the opportunity to protect our human rights, guarantee the fulfillment of our needs, and work for the improvement of living conditions for Muslims and non-Muslims in America and abroad… Whatever helps us to achieve these noble goals becomes Islamically obligatory. This includes: … Supporting (both politically and financially) those non-Muslim candidates whose beliefs and values are most compatible with ours as Muslims, and who most address and support our issues and causes… Registering to vote and then voting. Although separate acts, they are both an essential part of the electoral process. Our participation in that process is mandatory.”

Muslims are recommended or even obliged to vote for the party who will be of most benefit on a national and international level, who will increase upon that which is good, or at the least, lessen the extent of the current evil prevalent in the world today.

[Shaykh Haitham Al-Haddad, Imam, Khateeb and Cultural Manager of al-Muntada al-Islami, London; BSc in Law & Islamic Law from Umdurman University, Khartoum, Sudan]

——————————————————————————

Voting for a non-Muslim candidate who would serve the Muslim community in the country and deal with Muslim countries on the basis of justice and fairness is not only permissible but required. It is the responsibility of the Muslim minorities in non-Muslim democratic countries to participate in public life, including voting and financing campaigns in order to be able to positively influence the political decision in these countries.

[Shaykh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Al-Shinqiti, Islamic Center of South Plains, Texas]

——————————————————————————

“…it is incumbent upon Muslims to actively participate for the following reasons: 1) In order to protect our rights as American citizens, we must be involved in politics. 2) Our involvement can facilitate our support of our fellow Muslims around the world. 3) Our interaction with non-Muslims and our involvement will help to spread Islam’s message. 4) It helps to convey the universality of Islam… Our participation is an obligation in Islam, and not merely “a right” that we can choose to forfeit at will. It affords us the opportunity to protect our human rights, guarantee the fulfillment of our needs, and work for the improvement of living conditions for Muslims and non-Muslims in America and abroad… Whatever helps us to achieve these noble goals becomes Islamically obligatory. This includes: … Supporting (both politically and financially) those non-Muslim candidates whose beliefs and values are

most compatible with ours as Muslims, and who most address and support our issues and causes… Registering to vote and then voting. Although separate acts, they are both an essential part of the electoral process. Our participation in that process is mandatory.”

[Shaykh Taha Jabir al-Alwani, Muslim World League, Makkah; OIC Islamic Fiqh Academy ]

——————————————————————————

“I’ll just give you one specific example. Suppose you have two candidates for president, for example. Both of them might be not even sympathetic to just Muslim causes, suppose. In most cases that is actually the situation… However, in terms of relative harm and benefit which is a rule of Shariah it may be the collective wisdom, for example, of Muslim voters that one of them would do even greater harm to Muslim causes than the other… Well in that case, obviously, the lesser of the two harms, i.e. electing or voting for someone who will do less harm to Muslims obviously would be much better than sitting on the sidelines and just criticizing both and doing nothing about it… Voting for them and supporting them in elections is not necessarily an agreement with everything that the law, by way of laws and regulations. But at least it would be for that particular, limited purpose.”

The opinion of imams and scholars on taking part in election are clearly in favour of taking part in the democratic process. This gives us an opportunity to choose the candidate who will best serve the interest of our community. Not taking part in election will deprive us of the political prowess and clout that we command in certain inner city areas of Britain. That is not our interest. I urge every one to use their vote effectively.

[Dr. Jamal Badawi, Islamic Society of North America ; Islamic Information Foundation]

——————————————————————————

“I hold the opinion that it is lawful to participate in elections, as this may reduce suffering, and it is a way to choose the better among the availible candidates. I believe participating in elections will, in any event, contribute to the reduction of evil and be a forum for countering bad policies and exposing their deficiencies, as well as being an opportunity to present proposals of a different kind that may help people.”

As for participation in politics itself, we should consider that if the parliaments and congresses of these countries do not have any Muslim members, then this will pave the way for the opposition to come forth with their harmful views and policies, which will consequently be incorporated into the laws of their countries and bring harm to the Muslims.”
”I hold this opinion to participate in elections and to vote for those who seem to be good or at least less harmful than others.”

[Shaykh Salman Al Awdah, Imam Bin Saud Islamic University]

——————————————————————————

“Since seeing that voting is a testimony (giving Shahadah) and being aware that a particular party will be more willing to fulfil our Islamic rights, not to vote for this party will he tantamount to transgression and breach of trust in the eyes of Shariah.”

[Mufti Ibrahim Desai, Darul Ifta, South Africa]

——————————————————————————

“…In a situation where there is no worthy candidate (as in non-Muslim countries, where at least the ideologies and beliefs of the relevant parties are contrary to the teachings of Shariah), then the vote should be given to the one who is the better and more trust worthy then the other candidates… Vote should be given to the candidate that one believes will give people their rights, prevent oppression, and so on… If it is thought that a particular candidate or party will be of benefit to the general public in their day to day affairs, then the vote should be given to him. And by voting a particular party, it will not be considered that one agrees with all their ideologies and beliefs… At times, voting becomes necessary. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (rAa) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (sAas) said: “If people see an oppressor and don’t prevent him, then it is very likely that Allah will include all of them in the punishment” (Sunan Tirmizi & Sunan Abu Dawud). Therefore, if you see open oppression and transgression, and despite having the capability of preventing this oppression by giving your vote, you don’t do so, then in the light of this Hadith you will be sinful…”

[Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari, Dar al-Iftaa; Darul Uloom; student of Mufti Taqi Usmani]

——————————————————————————

“…there is nothing wrong with Muslims casting their votes in favour of the less evil candidate. In any case, this is the matter of ijtihaad based on the principle of weighing up the pros and cons, what is in the interests of Islam and what is detrimental… No one should imagine that anyone who says that it is OK to vote is thereby expressing approval or support for kufr. It is done in the interests of the Muslims, not out of love for kufr and its people…”

[Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Munajjid, Supervisor, Islam QA.com; student of Shaykhs Bin Baz and Ibn Uthaymeen]

——————————————————————————

“As Muslims, we have the duty to command good and forbid evil. When we translate this into political action, we are to support those candidates who uphold the values or principles we cherish; so if we find a candidate who upholds the values or principles that we cherish, then we are to support him, if, however, we do not find such a candidate but we are left with two and each of them has positive and negative sides, then we should support the one whose positive side outweighs the negative.”

[Shaykh Ahmad Kutty, Islamic Institute of Toronto; Islamic Center of Canada]

——————————————————————————

“All efforts should be made, bearing in mind the political situation of a particular country, to ensure full participation in the political process. This is an absolute necessity. Muslims should not be reticent about their involvement in this regard. Rather, they should make progress in this matter.”

[Maulana Khalilul Rahman Sajjad Nomani Nadwi, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama and Madinah University]

——————————————————————————

Original Titled: Joining Political Parties in non Muslim Countries: according to Islamic Shariah
Written by Dr Abduljalil Sajid

Source: MPACUK

You’re probably rolling your eyes already, figuring this is another rant from some “auntie” weighing in on how “bad” Facebook is. But before you click away from it, for the sake of your future, please continue reading. And no, this is not another dumb chain letter. Read on.

Once upon a time, I was young like you. I wanted people to like me. I wanted people to think I was funny, smart but not nerdy, and of course, good looking. But I digress. The point is, these needs of the young for attention and affirmation from peers haven’t changed. However, with Facebook, they’ve gone in overdrive. And the repercussions can be dangerous for your future, even if today, it seems like it’s just “fun”.

Who doesn’t like to be complimented? Most of us get a non-drug-induced high if we’re told we look “hot” in a photo, that our status update is so witty, or that that comment we made about someone’s picture or wall post is just so funny. LOL.

Sometimes, we cross the line further in our attempts to please. We may say things which we’d never say in front of parents, aunties and uncles. We may put up pictures of ourselves arms around a coworker, friend or classmate of the opposite sex thinking, hey, it’s all in good fun. We’re not doing anything “bad”, really.

We may even remark about the physical characteristics of a certain woman in a crude manner. Or we may use words more fitting of a locker room athlete, not a dignified young Muslim.

First before Facebook, is Allah, the One Who knows your status whether you update it or not. The One who made you “hot”and “witty” in the first place. Remember that your parents may not catch you making that dumb comment or posting that picture. But of course, Allah is the All-Aware. And with Him, there’s no delete button to turn to when you’re caught.

But Allah is Forgiving. He is Merciful. He remembers and knows everything. But He knows we humans can do great things and cringeworthy things. He turns to us when we turn to Him in sincerity and forgiveness.

Human beings on the other hand, are not. They may not remember everything. But when it comes to recalling facts about the misdemeanors of others, many of us have a hard time overlooking, let alone forgiving or forgetting. Which brings me to the whole point of this letter: a mistake on Facebook can cost you big time.

Plenty has been written about bosses looking up potential employees on Facebook and the dangers this poses to employment. But for many others, long-term marriage prospects can and will be affected if you, young Muslim, forget that FB isn’t just about your real friends. It’s also about those others you casually add to your profile’s collection. It’s also about their friends.

Think about this in two situations.

Scenario 1: you post a questionable picture of yourself looking “hot”. It doesn’t have to be bikini material. You are probably already aware that there are plenty of ways to be seductive without dressing like a Baywatch Babe. A number of your friends on FB tell you how “hot” you look. But remember, whenever one of your friends comments on anything, ALL of their friends know (unless they choose to turn this option off). These other “friends” also have access not only to the picture commented on, but your ENTIRE album.

Scenario 2: you make a crude remark about a certain person’s attractiveness or lack of it on your wall or in a status update. I’ll give you an example I know of personally. A young guy, unmarried, put in his profile that he was surprised that one of his overweight female patients had a boyfriend (he’s a doctor in training). This guy has memorized the entire Quran. He teaches about Islam. He is not on my friends list. But I know about this comment through FB.

Now, a lot of guys could and do say cruel and inconsiderate stuff like that. But someone who’s memorized the Quran? Someone who teaches Islam? Someone who knows that God looks at our hearts not our appearances? I’m not saying he needs to go and marry someone overweight to atone for his comment. But it does say something about his character, doesn’t it?

Getting married nowadays has become a major struggle in the Muslim community for many reasons. There are plenty of explanations for it, which I’m not going to go into. But most relevant for the purpose of this letter is that Facebook can kill your prospects pretty quickly if you say or post something stupid. There are serious long-term consequences. If anything, FB offers people a look at your character. Stuff that you could easily hide in a meeting at a prospective spouse’s home for tea can easily be found on FB. Then, the flashy suit, six-figure salary, good looks and Ivy League education will quickly go out the window. Nobody wants to marry a jerk or a jerkette. And even if they decide to, these couples usually end up splitting up a couple of years down the road eventually. Few people today can stand day to day contact with a jerk or jerkette whether there are kids involved or not.

‘It’s not fair!’ you’re probably saying. You’re right. It isn’t always fair. An angry comment on your wall on a day you were ticked about something or a joke about a fat girl when you were in a jovial mood shouldn’t be the sole judge of your character. But those who aren’t your real life friends don’t really know that and are unlikely to care. Don’t judge a person by their Facebook profile is good advice, but few are there who will heed it.

So be careful. Converse with your friends, but be on guard. The potential for misunderstanding about who you really are is ripe on FB. And ultimately, remember that Allah is always watching, and we are all accountable for everything we say and do.

Sincerely,
Auntie Who Cares

P.S. If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle or older sibling of a young Muslim on FB, please share the main points of this letter with him or her.

source: Chicago Muslim Parent

On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going.  He said he was going to cut a particular tree.  Satan said, “You have nothing to be concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you.” “This is also worship,” retorted the worshipper. Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a fight between the two, in which the worshipper overpowered the Satan.

Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshipper released him, he again said, “Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If its cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Prophets.” The worshipper insisted on cutting the tree. There was again a fight between the two and again the worshipper overpowered the Satan.

“Well listen,” said Satan, “I propose a settlement that will be to your advantage.” The worshipper agreed, and Satan said, “You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you stay away from this act, I will pay you three gold coins everyday. You will daily find them lying under your pillow. By this money you can fulfil your own needs, can oblige your relative, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree.”

This proposal appealed to the worshipper, and he accepted it. He found the money on two successive days, but on the third day there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. Satan as an old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. “To cut the tree,” shouted the worshipper. “I will not let you do it,” said Satan. A fight took place between the two again but this time Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshipper.

The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. Satan replied, “At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold
coins and therefore you lost.”
Source: From the book “Ihyaa-ul Uloom Ud Deen” by Imam Ghazzali (ra)

It is narrated in Tafseere Burhaan that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has said that when a person recites “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then five thousand ruby palaces are built for him in Jannah. Each palace has a thousand chambers made of pearls and in each chamber has seventy thousand thrones of emerald and each throne has seventy thousand carpets made from special fabrics and upon each carpet is seated a Hur-ul-Ein. A person asked for the condition necessary to get this great reward and the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied that the person should recite the “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” with conviction and understanding.

The Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has also said that when a believer will have to cross the Pul-e-Siraat on the Day of Judgement, and he will say “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then the flames beneath him will start dying down until Jahannam will cry out, ‘O believer, pass through quickly, your presence is causing my fire to die out!’

When a teacher teaches a child to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” the child, his parents and the teacher are all guaranteed freedom from hellfire. It is narrated that Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) was once passing by a graveyard and he saw a grave upon which the Wrath and Punishment of Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) was descending, so he quietly walked past. When he passed the same place after some time, he noticed that the Mercy and Blessings of Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) was being showered on the same grave. He was surprised at this and asked Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) about what has happened and it was revealed to him that the man inside the grave was a sinner and was thus being punished for his sins. When he died, his wife was pregnant and soon gave birth to a son. When the boy grew older, his mother took him to a teacher who taught him to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” and I felt that it would not be justice that this man’s son was calling My Name and I was punishing his father in the grave.

It is also mentioned that recitation of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” with a loud voice is from the signs of a true believer.

May Allah make us all be among those who truly love Him. May He give us sincerity in both words and deeds Inshallah Ameen.

Source: Radio Islam

Whilst I was at University a few years ago, there was a mobile contract ‘everyday 50′ where 50 free mins off peak daily were given.  Off peak time would start (7pm) and the network would jam up and in some cases you would have problems trying to dial out.  Everyone would so keenly utilise these free minutes they had to the point the network.

Thinking about life, each day we are given ‘free minutes’, but do we utilise these minutes as religiously as we might use the free minutes we get on our mobile?  Do we also show as much determination to perform our salah on time?  Networks might jam up at peak times but unfortunately the Masjids are empty at congregational prayer times.

After the 50 free mins are used up, calls were charged at 1p a min.  In our mind a quick cost benefit analysis and we would make calls even at this rate because the pleasure or benefit we get is deemed greater than the cost.  Sadly we dont have this mentality when it comes performing a’amaal and Ibadaat.

We have been awarded additional voluntary prayers during the course of our day, but do we take stock to reflect on the benefits and rewards we would get for performing them?  Or do we pretend and inflate the cost of our time and pursue worthless and worldly pursuits instead?  Do we even really have to be ‘sold’ in order to perform good deeds instead of doing them for the love of Allah and His messenger?

 These days free text messages are also given away as part of mobile phone tariffs.  This allows us to keep in touch with friends/ colleagues easily and within a few seconds we can communicate a message across the globe.

Do we take a few seconds out during our day to send a message to Allah or His Rasul (peace and blessings upon him) in the form of dhikr or Durood?  All one needs to do is say Allahu Akbar or Sallahu alayhi wasallam to complete the task.

Lastly, we would be ashamed if we paid money for the mobile contracts and tariffs we have and we never used the free minutes and texts we got wisely.  Why then don’t we feel ashamed of the free minutes in life that we have been given but we waste them in idle pastimes and pursuits.

May Allah Almighty give us the ability to make good use of our time, ameen.

Please remember me, my family and teachers in your du’as.

Wasalam

If they go on at this rate,
They’ll all enter Paradise through Rayyan’s gate,
But I promised to lead the children of Aadam astray,
This Ramadan thing’s clearly not going my way

So one of his chained jinns looked up from the devilish herds,
And said if ye bid me sire to say some words,
I have just the plan to fool the muslim ummah,
And seduce them away from that place called Jannah

Pray tell, my devilish companion…Please
We must lower those muslims by degrees,
For their good deeds have become vast like the seas,
I’m going to lose my reputation as Iblees!

Microchips –Its called the internet
Its an idea you gotta hear-you won’t regret,
I’ve thought long and hard about this one,
And boy,Oh boy…is this some fun.

At the touch of a keyboard they have an Islamic forum,
Where they think they’re increasing their imaan with much decorum,
And they log on and click with their mouse,
Not realising they’ve entered a room from shaitaan’s house.

We’ll teach them to backbite, argue and fight,
They’ll leave reciting the Quran and lose their heavenly light,
Sufis verus salafis and vice versa,
All at the click of a mouse and cursor.

At the touch of a button they can curse the scholars,
Nowadays a laptop costs just a few hundred dollars,
And they’ll type bad words about Ibn Arabi and Ibn Taymeeyah,
Without any knowledge of the sciences of the Shariah.

Non-Mahrems can interact on chatrooms from Pakistan to France,
What began as da’wah often ends up in Romance,
Tahajjud prayers go out of the window,
The troops of hell will just grow and grow.

We’ll drown them in information overload,
Hell will be waiting; their final abode,
Lost in useless bits, bytes and endless sights
Ghaflah, Ghaflah- They’ll waste their nights.

Instead of using tasbeehs for performing dhikr
We’ll create nonsensical arguments and make them bicker,
And brother against brother shall live in divide,
Through endless debates we’ll inject poison inside.

As for the very sinful, there’ll be pornography
And music dancing and much debauchery,
Who can resist those pop-up windows?
Can you see, master, muslims entering hell in their throes?

The ultimate computer virus is called shaitaan,
That Trojan horse will snatch away your precious imaan,
He’s an evil whizz who has lots of experience
His aim in life is to take your soul to decadence.

Oh Slave of Allah(swt) be not so sordid,
Your internet access is being tapped and recorded
By the noble angels on your shoulders that accompany you,
You might escape human cameras but you can’t escape Allah’s view.

Say a’oodhubillah, And don’t waste your time
Spend each moment in dhikr of the divine,
Use technology to please the Lord of Creation
Avoid trivial pursuits and satanic temptation.

Author unknown

Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah, do not think that others will take care of it. Rather, it starts from you, if you don’t do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the way of Allah to serve Him and that will make the difference.