Pearls

[Ummati]

How Can I Sin?

A man came to Ibrahim ibn Adham, may Allah be pleased with him, and said, "Abu Ishaq, I am unable to control myself. Please give me something to help me with it"

"If you accept five conditions," said Ibrahim, "and are able to put them into practice, your disobedience will not cause you any problem."

"Just tell me what they are, Abu Ishaq!" the man said.

"The first is that when you want to disobey Allah you do not eat anything He provides."

"Then how will I get anything to eat? Everything on the earth is from Him!"

"So is it right to eat His provision and disobey Him at the same time?" replied Ibrahim.

"No, it is not. What is the second condition?"

"When you want to disobey him, move off His land."

"That is even more difficult! Exclaimed the man."In that case where will I live?"

"Is it right to eat his provision and live on His land and then to disobey Him?" asked Ibrahim.

"No, it is not. What is the third condition?"

"When you want to disobey Him in spite of eating His provision and living on His land, find a place where He will not see you and disobey Him there."

"What do you mean, Ibrahim? He knows everything that happens even in the most hidden places!"

"So is it right to disobey Him when you eat His provision and live on His land and when you know that He can see everything you do?"

"It certainly is not!" the man replied. "Tell me the fourth condition."

"That when the Angel of Death arrives to take your soul, you say to him, 'Give me a reprieve so that I can repent and act righteously for Allah.'"

"But he won't listen to me!"

"Then if you cannot ward off death long enough to give yourself time to repent, and you know that when it comes there will be no reprieve, how can you hope to be saved?"

"What is the fifth?"

"That when the angels of the Fire come to you to take you to the Fire, you do not go with them."

"They will take me whether I like it or not!" exclaimed the man.

"So how can you hope to be saved?"

"Enough, enough, Ibrahim! I ask Allah's forgiveness and I turn to Him!"

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[Ummati]

During the golden Abbasid period, one of the scholars in Baghdad, the capital of Muslim caliphate at that time, was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem.

One day an acquaintance met the great scholar and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," the scholar replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," the scholar continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say.

That's why I call it the triple filter test.

The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and.."

"All right," said the scholar. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," the scholar continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded the scholar, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"


(59: 12-13)

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting) . And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious - see V.2:2)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.

So the next time we speak, lets try and ensure that it is:
T True
G Good
U Useful

Insha Allah

[Ummati]

Exploring Science and 'Rationality'



"LET ME EXPLAIN THE problem science has with God."

The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
"You're a Muslim, aren't you, son?"
"Yes, sir."
"So you believe in God?"
"Absolutely."
"Is God good?"
"Sure! God's good."
"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you good or evil?"
"The Koran says I'm not always so good."
The professor grins knowingly. "Ahh! THE KORAN!" He considers for a moment.
"Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help them?
"Would you try?"
"Yes sir, I would."
"So you're good...!"
"I wouldn't say that."
"Why not say that? You would help a sick and maimed person if you could... in fact most of us would if we could... but God doesn't.

[No answer.]

"He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Muslim who died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. How is this God good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"

[No answer]

The elderly man is sympathetic. "No, you can't, can you?"
He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax. In philosophy, you have to go easy with the new ones.
"Let's start again, young fella." "Is God good?"
"Er... Yes."
"Is Satan good?"
"No."
"Where does Satan come from?" The student falters.
"From... God..."
"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he?" The elderly man runs his bony fingers through his thinning air and turns to the smirking, student audience.
"I think we're going to have a lot of fun this semester, ladies and gentlemen."

He turns back to the Muslim. "Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"
"Yes, sir."
"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? Did God make everything?"
"Yes."
"Who created evil?

[No answer]

"Is there sickness in this world? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All the terrible things - do they exist in this world? "
The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."
"Who created them? "

[No answer]

The professor suddenly shouts at his student. "WHO CREATED THEM? TELL ME, PLEASE!
"The professor closes in for the kill and climbs into the Muslim's face.
In a still small voice: "God created all evil, didn't He, son?"

[No answer]

The student tries to hold the steady, experienced gaze and fails.
Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace the front of the classroom like an aging panther.
The class is mesmerized.
"Tell me," he continues, "How is it that this God is good if He created all evil throughout time?"
The professor swishes his arms around to encompass the wickedness of the world.
"All the hatred, the brutality, all the pain, all the torture, all the death and ugliness and all the suffering created by this good God is all over the world, isn't it, young man?"

[No answer]

"Don't you see it all over the place? Huh?"
Pause.
"Don't you?" The professor leans into the student's face again and whispers, "Is God good?"

[No answer]

"Do you believe in God, son?"
The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor. I do." The old
man shakes his head sadly. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you? "
"Yes, of course sir, I do have five senses".

Then, slowly raising his voice, the professor continues:
"Have you ever seen your God?"
"No, sir. I've never seen Him."
"Then tell us if you've ever heard your God?"
"No, sir. I have not."
"Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God or smelt your God...
in fact, do you have any sensory perception of your God whatsoever?"

[No answer]

"Answer me, please."
"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."
"You're AFRAID... you haven't?"
"No, sir."
"Yet you still believe in him?"
"...yes..."
"That takes FAITH!" The professor smiles sagely at the underling.

"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Where is your God now?"

[The student doesn't answer]

"Sit down, please."
The Muslim sits...Defeated.

Another Muslim raises his hand. "Professor, may I address the class?"
The professor turns and smiles. "Ah, another Muslim in the vanguard!

Come, come, young man. Speak some proper wisdom to the gathering."
The Muslim looks around the room. "Some interesting points you are making, sir. Now I've got a question for you. Is there such thing as heat?"

"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."
"Is there such a thing as cold?"
"Yes, son, there's cold too."
"No, sir, there isn't."
The professor's grin freezes. The room suddenly goes very cold.
The second Muslim continues. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat but we don't have anything called 'cold'.

We can hit 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that.
There is no such thing as cold, otherwise we would be able to go colder than 458 - You see, sir, cold
is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in
thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."

Silence. A pin drops somewhere in the classroom.

"Is there such a thing as darkness, professor?"
"That's a dumb question, son. What is night if it isn't darkness? What are you getting at...?"
"So you say there is such a thing as darkness?"
"Yes..."
"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something, it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, Darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker and give me a jar of it.
Can you...give me a jar of darker darkness, professor?"

Despite himself, the professor smiles at the young effrontery before him.
This will indeed be a good semester. "Would you mind telling us what your point is, young man?"

"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with and so your conclusion must be in error...."
The professor goes toxic. "Flawed...? How dare you...!""
"Sir, may I explain what I mean?" >

The class is all ears.
"Explain... oh, explain..." The professor makes an admirable effort to regain control. Suddenly he is affability itself. He waves his hand to silence the class, for the student to continue.

"You are working on the premise of duality," the Muslim explains. "That for
example there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God.
You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure.

Sir, science cannot even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism but has never seen, much less fully understood them. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death
cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, merely the absence of it."

The young man holds up a newspaper he takes from the desk of a neighbor who has been reading it. "Here is one of the most disgusting tabloids this country hosts, professor. Is there such a thing as immorality?"

"Of course there is, now look..."

"Wrong again, sir. You see, immorality is merely the absence of morality.
Is there such thing as injustice? No. Injustice is the absence of justice.
Is there such a thing as evil?" The Muslim pauses. "Isn't evil the absence of good?"

The professor's face has turned an alarming color.
He is so angry he is temporarily speechless.

The Muslim continues. "If there is evil in the world, professor, and we all agree there is, then God, if he exists, must be accomplishing a work through the agency of evil.
What is that work, God is accomplishing?
TheBible tells us it is to see if each one of us will, of our own free will, choose good over evil."

The professor bridles. "As a philosophical scientist, I don't vie this. a realist, I absolutely
do not recognize the concept of God or any other theological factor as being part of the world equation because God is not observable."

"I would have thought that the absence of God's moral code in this world is probably one of the most observable phenomena going," the Muslim replies.

"Newspapers make billions of dollars reporting it every week! Tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"

"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."
"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"

The professor makes a sucking sound with his teeth and gives his student a silent, stony stare.

"Professor. Since no-one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a
scientist, but a priest?"

"I'll overlook your impudence in the light of our philosophical discussion.
Now, have you quite finished?" the professor hisses.
"So you don't accept God's moral code to do what is righteous?"

"I believe in what is - that's science!"
"Ahh! SCIENCE!" the student's face splits into a grin.
"Sir, you rightly state that science is the study of observed phenomena.
Science too is a premise which is flawed..."

"SCIENCE IS FLAWED..?" the professor splutters.
The class is in uproar.

The Muslim remains standing until the commotion has subsided.

"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, may I give you an example of what I mean?"

The professor wisely keeps silent.

The Muslim looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?".
The class breaks out in laughter.

The Muslim points towards his elderly, crumbling tutor.
"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain...,
felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain?".

No one appears to have done so.

The Muslim shakes his head sadly.
"It appears no-one here has had any sensory perception of the professor's brain whatsoever.

Well, according to the rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science,
I DECLARE that the professor has no brain."

[Ummati]

I've got three questions for you


There was once a man who was an enemy to Islam. He had three famous questions that no person could answer. No Islamic scholar in Baghdad could answer his three questions...thus he made fun of Islam in public. He constantly ridiculed Islam and the Muslims. One day a small boy, who`s age was 10, came along and heard the man yelling and screaming at Muslims in the street. He was challenging people openly to answer the three questions.

The boy stood quietly and watched. He then decided that he would challenge the man. He walked up and told the man, "I will accept your challenge".

The man laughed at the boy and ridiculed the Muslims even more by saying, "A ten year old boy challenges me. Is this all you people have to offer!"

But the boy patiently reiterated his stance. He would challenge the man, and with Allah`s help and guidance, he would put this to an end. The man finally accepted.

The entire city gathered around a small "hill" where open addresses were usually made. The man climbed to the top, and in a loud voice asked his first question.

"What is your God doing right now?"

The small boy thought for a little while and then told the man to climb down the hill and to allow him to go up in order to address the question.

The man says "What? You want me to come down?"

The boy says, "Yes. I need to reply, right?"

The man made his way down and the small boy, age 10, with his little feet made his way up.

This small child`s reply was "Oh Allah Almighty! You be my witness in front of all these people. You have just willed that a Kafir be brought down to a low level, and that a Muslim be brought to a high level!"

The crowd cheered and screamed "Takbir"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"

The man was humiliated, but he boldly asked his Second question... "What existed before your God?"

The small child thought and thought.

Then he asked the man to count backwards. "Count from 10 backwards."

The man counted..."10, 9 ,8 , 7 , 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,0"

The boy asked, "What comes before 0 ?"

The man: "I don`t know...nothing."

The boy: "Exactly. Nothing was before Allah, for He is eternal and absolute."

The crowd cheered again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!!"

The man, now completely frustrated, asked his final question. "In which direction is your Allah facing?"

The boy thought and thought.

He then asked for a candle. A candle was brought to him. The blessed child handed it to the man and asked him to light it.

The man did so and remarked, "What is this supposed to prove?"

The young boy asked, "In which direction is light from the candle going?"

The man responded, "It is going in all directions."

The boy: "You have answered your own question. Allah`s light (noor) goes in all directions. He is everywhere. There is no where that He cannot be found.

"The crowd cheered again...."Takbir!"...."Allah-hu-akbar!!!"

The man was so impressed and so moved by the boy`s knowledge and spirituality, that he embraced Islam and became a student of the young boy.

So ended the debate.

Who was the young boy?

The young boy was one of our leaders and one of the greatest scholars, Imam Abu Hanîfa (May Allah bless him).

[Ummati]

Poem Of The End
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No doubt we cannot imagine what our last moment will be like, this is a work of fiction, but relates an important lesson..
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It was early in the morning at four,
When death knocked upon a bedroom door,

Who is there? the sleeping one cried.
I'm Azrael, let me inside.

At once, the man began to shiver,
As one sweating in deadly fever,

He shouted to his sleeping wife,
Don't let him take away my life.

Please go away, O Angel of Death!
Leave me alone, I'm not ready yet.

My family on me depends,
Give me a chance, O please prepense!

The angel knocked again and again,
Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,

Tis your soul Allah requires,
I come not with my own desire.

Bewildered, the man began to cry,
O Angel I'm so afraid to die,

I'll give you gold and be your slave,
Don't send me to the unlit grave.

Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,
Open the door, get up from your bed,

If you do not allow me in,
I will walk through it, like a jinn.

The man held a gun in his right hand,
Ready to defy the Angel's stand.

I'll point my gun, towards your head,
You dare come in, I'll shoot you dead.

By now the Angel was in the room,
Saying, O Friend! prepare for you doom.

Foolish man, Angels never die,
Put down your gun and do not sigh.

Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,
To die according to Allah's plan?

Come smile at me, do not be grim,
Be Happy to return to Him.

O Angel! I bow my head in shame,
I had no time to take Allah's Name.

From morning till dusk,I made my wealth,
Not even caring for my health.

Allah's command I never obeyed,
Nor five times a day I ever prayed.

A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,
But no time had I to repent.

The Hajj was already FARD on me,
But I would not part with my money.

All charities I did ignore,
Taking usury more and more.

Sometimes I sipped my favourite wine,
With flirting women I sat to dine.

O Angel! I appeal to you,
Spare my life for a year or two.

The Laws of Quran I will obey,
I'll begin SALAT this very day.

My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,
And keep away from self conceit.

I will refrain from usury,
And give all my wealth to charity,

Wine and wenches I will detest,
Allah's oneness I will attest.

We Angels do what Allah demands,
We cannot go against His commands.

Death is ordained for everyone,
Father, mother, daughter or son.

I'm afraid this moment is your last,
Now be reminded, of your past,

I do understand your fears,
But it is now too late for tears.

You lived in this world, two score and more,
Never did you, your people adore.

Your parents, you did not obey,
Hungry beggars, you turned away.

Your two ill-gotten, female offspring,
In night-clubs, for livelihood they sing.

Instead of making more Muslims,
You made your children non-Muslims.

You ignored the Mua'dhin Adhaan,
Nor did you read the Holy Quran.

Breaking promises all your life,
Backbiting friends, and causing strife.

From hoarded goods, great profits you made,
And your poor workers, you underpaid.

Horses and cards were your leisure,
Money-making was your pleasure.

You ate vitamins and grew more fat,
With the very sick, you never sat.

A pint of blood you never gave,
Which could a little baby save.

O Human, you have done enough wrong,
You bought good properties for a song.

When the farmers appealed to you,
You did not have mercy, tis true.

Paradise for you? I cannot tell,
Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell.

There is no time for you to repent,
I'll take your soul for which I am sent.

The ending however, is very sad,
Eventually the man became mad

With a cry, he jumped out of bed,
And suddenly, he fell down dead.

O Reader! Take moral from here,
you never know, your end may be near

change your living and make amends
For heaven, on your deeds depends.

[Ummati]

Here are some of the wise words or sayings which we, as Muslims, should ponder upon and put them into practice in our daily lives.


1-If you choose not to follow manufacturer’s instructions, you might ruin the product. The same way, if someone chooses not to believe and follow guidelines of the Quran in totality, a penalty is imposed.

“Then is it only a part of the Book that ye believe in and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgement they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty...” (2:85)


2-He provides living for every little creature in this world, then how could He forget you?

“There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependent on Allah…” (11:6)


3-Invest in your relationship with God. Attend to all of his calls. Talk to Him. If you don’t have time for Him, He would not have time for you.

“Then do ye remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.”(2:152)


4-We were sent as custodians of the planet not owners. Make sure that you save the environment and hand it over to the new generation in a better shape than you received.

“it is He who has made you (His) agents inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks some above the others: that He may test you in the gifts He has given you: for thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.” 96:165)


5-Help and serve others in every way you can, with everything and anything you have. Give to both who ask and who don’t.

…And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy) him who asked and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking). (51:19)


6-Learn, believe and live with the “law of giving” suggesting that the more you want of something, the more you must give away of it. What you have today is exactly what you have given to others (yesterday)!

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good. (2:195)


7-There is a contradiction in the society that causes uncertainities, confusion and lack of peace. Instead of buying the real stuff, people have started buying the “packing”. Once they get to know what was inside, then they start complaining. If the real stuff is so important then why not check it before buying.

…But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you and ye love a thing which is bad for you… (2:26)


8-Don’t expect others to agree with you at all times. Show respect for their opinion and point of view and be flexible with your own point of view.

The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again.

…….And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (breaks) it down when He wishes. (Sahih Bukhari)


9-It is we who associate either a pain or pleasure with any of our actions. Meaning, our preferences and beliefs attach pain or pleasure with our actions. That is the reason that people like different things in their life.

Say, “ The truth is from your Lord”: let him who will believe and let him who will reject (it): for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose( smoke and flashes), like the walls and roof a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! (18:29)


10-If you think you lack something; throw this thought out of your mind. You have everything what it takes to make a success. Our Creator never discriminates.

Present no excuses; we shall not believe you. Allah has already informed us of the true state of matters concerning you. Allah and His Apostles will observe your actions (Sahih Bukhari)



11-If you think, you don’t have enough resources to make success out of you, find and talk to those who made tremendous success with literally nothing.

…thou givest sustenance to whom Thou pleasest, without measure. (3:27)

[Ummati]

A man woke up early in order to Pray the Fajr Prayer in the masjid. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, He changed His Clothes, made his ablution, and was, again, on his way to the masjid.

On his way to the masjid, He Fell again and at the Same Spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, Changed His Clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.
On his way to the masjid, He Met a Man Holding a Lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied 'I Saw You Fall Twice on your way to the masjid, So I Brought a Lamp so I can Light Your Way.' The first man thanked him profusively and the two where on their way to the masjid.

Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him.

The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray.
He man replied

I am Shetaan

The man was shocked at this reply. Shetan went on to explain, I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that
did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid.

Because of that, Allah forgave all the sins of the people of your household . I was AFRAID if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely..' So do not let Shetan benefit from his actions. Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

[Ummati]

The Sacredness of Honor

1 Once, while looking at the Ka'aba, 'Abdullah bin Umar remarked, "How great and sacred you are! But the sanctity of the Believer is greater than yours"—and the sanctity of the Muslim includes the sanctity of his life, his honor, and his property.

2 During the Farewell Pilgrimage the Prophet (peace be on him) addressed the assembly of Muslims, saying, Your lives, your honor, and your property are as sacred to each other as the sacredness of this (your) day, in this (your) month, and in this (your) city. (Reported by Muslim.)

3 Islam safeguards the sanctity of a person's honor against backbiting even if what is said about him is true. How much more abhorrent it is, then, if what is said is false and baseless; this is a sheer wrong and a great sin. The Prophet (peace be on him) said, If anyone says something about a person which is not true in order to defame him, Allah will confine him in the fire of Hell until it extinguishes his utterance. (Reported by al-Tabarani)

4 'Aishah reported that the Prophet (peace be on him) said to his Companions, 'Do you know what the worst form of usury is in the sight of Allah?' They said, 'Allah and His Messenger know best' The Prophet (peace be on him) replied, 'The worst form of usury is the violation of the personal honor of a Muslim.' He then recited, 'Those who harm believing men and believing women undeservedly have laid upon themselves a calumny and a manifest sin.' (33:58) (Reported by Ibn Abu Hatim, Ibn Murdawai and al-Bayhaqi.)

5 The vilest kind of attack on personal honor is that of accusing a virtuous believing woman of immorality. Such an accusation not only ruins her reputation and that of her family, destroying her future, but also broadcasts scandals within the Muslim society.

This is why the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) listed it among the seven most heinous sins and the Qur'an threatened its perpetrators with dire punishments:

Verily, those who accuse chaste women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity and are good believers, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter, and for them will be a great torment,

On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their legs or feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

On that Day Allah will pay them the recompense of their deeds in full, and they will know that Allah, He is the Manifest Truth.

Bad statements are for bad people (or bad women for bad men) and bad people for bad statements (or bad men for bad women). Good statements are for good people (or good women for good men) and good people for good statements (or good men for good women), such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they say, for them is Forgiveness, and Rizqun Karim (generous provision i.e.Paradise).
(24:23-26)

Indeed, these who love that a scandal should be spread concerning those who believe will have a painful punishment in this world and in the Hereafter, and Allah knows and you do not know. (24:19)

[Ummati]

THE STORY OF AYUB (A.S.)

Allah the Almighty praised His worshipper Ayub in His Glorious Quran:
"Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance to Us" Quran 38:44

One of the angels remarked:

"The best creature on earth today is Ayub, a man of noble character who displays excellent patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of riches, yet he is never haughty or selfish. His family, his servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favouring him, so kind and gentle is he."

Iblis, overhearing all this, became annoyed.

First, he whispered...

He planned to tempt Ayub to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayub from his prayers by whispering to him about the good things in life, but Ayub was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him.

The Test of Wealth:

Iblis complained to Allah about Ayub. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allah, he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away.
"If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop."

Ayub A.S.'s worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove Iblis the depth of Ayub's sincerity and patience, Allah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayub's wealth

Iblis was very happy. He gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayub's cattle, servants, and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him:

"All your wealth is lost. Some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah. Others say that Allah has bought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth"

True to his belief, Ayub replied:

"What Allah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for a while. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills"

With these words, Ayub again prostrated to his Lord.

The Test of Children..

Iblis, frustrated, again addressed Allah:

"I have stripped Ayub of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However, he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through him children. You will then see how Ayub will reject You"

Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the foundation of the house in which Ayub's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayub:

"The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers?"

Having said this Iblis waited anxiously, hoping Ayub was now ready to reject Allah. But again Ayub disappointed him by replying:

"Allah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator"

Then Ayub prostrated to his Lord.

The test of Health:

Iblis was extremely vexed. Iblis again called on Allah:

"O my Lord, Ayub's wealth is gone, his children are dead, but he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You and withh thus becomes disobedient"

Allah wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Ayub was a devoted servant of his Lord, so He granted Iblis his third request but placed a condition:

"I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect, or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion"

Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Ayub's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Ayub remained string in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah's righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's Mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through many years of his suffering.

He then turned to another mode of attack:

Iblis became desperate. He went to Ayub's wife in the form of a man. "Where is your husband?" he asked her.

She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumpled on the bed and said: "There he is, suspended between life and death."

Iblis reminded her of the days when Ayub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of yeas of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayub:

"How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?"

Ayub sighed, and in a soft voice replied:

"Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me, how long did I enjoy good health and riches?"

She replied, "For eighty years"

Then Ayub asked, "How long am I suffering like this?"

She said, "for seven years"

Then Ayub told her:

"In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever again health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything from your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases."

Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In his helpless state, Ayub turned to Allah, notto complain but to seek His mercy:

"Verily, distress has seized me, and You and the Most Merciful of all those who show Mercy. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them - as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us" Quran 21:83-84

Almighty Allah also instructed:
"Commemorate Our servant Ayub behold he cried to his Lord: "The Evil One has afflicted me with distress and suffering"! (The command was given:) "Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to wash cool and refreshing and (water) to drink." And We gave him (back) his people and doubled their number as a Grace from Ourselves and a thing for commemoration for all who have Understanding." Quran 38:41-43

Ayub obeyed, and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could no longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering he house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.

Ayub was now worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he regained health, but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore, in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant, and advised him: .

"And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife), and break not your oath. Truly we found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance to Us"Quran 38:44

Abu Huraira (ra) narrated that the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said:

"While Ayub was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: 'O Ayub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?' He said: 'Yes, O Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings" (Bukhari)


Allah says,
"Truly! We found him patient. How excellent (a) slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to us)." [Quran:38:4].


During these times we must remember Allah more, pray harder, and be more thankful instead of being dissatisfied with our condition. We should praise and thank Allah for every condition that he tests us with. As we know these are the times when Satan tries to work on us the most by playing with our minds, emotions, and weaknesses. Allah would never forget to reward a servant for such a great task.

"And (remember) Ayub when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me and you are the Most Merciful of all who show mercy." [Quraan:21:83]

"So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship us." [Quraan:21:84]


May Allah give us the faith and the patience when we are tested. Ameen.

[Ummati]

The amazing virtues of bidding good and forbidding evil.

Sayyidina Anas (r.a.) said: ''Should I not tell you about people who are neither Prophets nor martyrs, but yet, on the Day of Judgement, their rank shall be so exalted that even the Prophets and martyrs will be astonished. They shall be on special pulpits, and they shall easily be recognised.' The Companions said: 'O Messenger of Allah! (s.a.w) Who are those people?' The Noble Prophet (s.a.w) said 'They are those who make Allah's servants dear to Allah, and who make Allah dear to His servants, they walk on the earth well- wisher of everyone.' I said 'I understand how they make Allah dear to His servants, but I can't understand how they make Allah's servants dear to Allah.' The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.) said: 'These people ask others to do such deeds which are dear to Allah, and they stop them from deeds which are disliked by Allah. So if they do deeds which are liked by Allah, then they will become dear to Allah.' ''

(Hayatus-Sahabah 2/805)

[Ummati]

[Ummati]

TEN ILLNESSES OF THE HEART

1. You believe in the existence of Allah Ta’ala, but you do not fulfil his commands.

2. You say you love the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu ‘alahi wasallam), but you do not follow his sunnah (ie, his example).

3. You Read The Qur’an but you do not put it into practice.

4. You enjoy all the benefits from Allah Ta’ala, but you are not grateful to him.

5. You acknowledge Shaytan as your enemy, but you do not go against him.

6. You want to enter paradise, but you do not work for it.

7. You do not want to be thrown into hell-fire, but you do not try to get away (ie, do good deeds).

8. You believe that every living-thing will face death, but you do not prepare for it.

9. You gossip and find faults in others, but you forgot your own faults and mistakes.

1o. You bury the dead, but you do not take a lesson from it.

source: www.addeenunaseeha.com

[iloveALLAH]

In an instant-
The crowd cheers-
Enthusiastically,
Wildly,
An impossible dream…


In that instant,
The goalie’s eyes – haunted- scream
“Betrayal!”
The player’s mouth drops open,
The fog clears,


and I stare at the ‘unbelievable’ scene in front of me.


The player scored
Unintentionally
against his own team.


The score -
2
to
ZerO.


A little while later, I sat down and mentally rewinded the scene in my mind (the game being ‘a friendly game’ between Egypt vs. Qatar). No, no, I decided; it most definitely wasn’t disgust or horror that I felt at the ‘fateful goal’.

It was pity.

Pity for the player.

Would he sleep at night or would he stay awake, replaying that goal, over and over again? Would he ever forgive himself?

It was just a mistake- just a split second decision -but there was no doubt about it. It cost them the game. (The eventual score was 2-1; had he not made that goal, it would have an even 1-1.)

As I truly sat down and analyzed that goal, my stomach began to churn. My thoughts raced to an entirely different game…one where I was the goalie.

No, it wasn’t memories of 6th grade soccer.

It was memories of my life.

I thought about the ‘game (and I use the term loosely)’ I had been playing.

How many times had I taken an ‘even score’ and willingly, ruined it.

How many times had I been a truly lousy goalie? I let in so many easy *stoppable goals*. I could have easily told my friend, “Hey, that’s backbiting. Don’t say that,” or “I really don’t think that’s appropriate to watch” I could easily have ‘not befriended’ certain people, avoided certain places, etc, but no…I let it ‘mostly’ in. Take, take, take….

No defense, no guarding…

But what was even worse than that, was that as much as I was a lousy goalie, I was really an even lousier player.

How many times had I actually helped the ‘other team’- “Shaytaan and his cronies” against myself?

“Hey, want to ….” “Let’s go do X/Y/Z.”

How many times had I initiated a ‘haraam activity’?

How many times had I delayed an obligatory act?

“We can pray salah later.” “I’ll wear hijab, later…”

When I really thought about it, I had basically been playing for the other side.

I had been scoring against myself.

Didn’t Allah subhanoo Wa’ Tala clearly warn us (using even the first person voice):

Did I not charge you, O children of Adam! that you should not worship Shaitan? Surely he is your open enemy, (60) And that you should serve Me; this is the right way. (61) And certainly he led astray numerous people from among you. What! could you not then understand? (62) Surat Yaseen

Had I taken Shaytaan as my enemy?

No; I think we’ve just established that I had done the exact opposite.

What about these verses:

[Iblees] said, "Do You see this one whom You have honored above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few."

(62) [Allah] said, "Go, for whoever of them follows you, indeed Hell will be the recompense of you - an ample recompense. (63) And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them."

But Satan does not promise them except delusion. (64) Indeed, over My [believing] servants there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs. (65) (Surat Al Isra)


As I reflected on all this, I realized that the ultimate question was--

“What is my *present score?”

I don't have the answer for that,
But I’ve got to go now and do something for the sake of Allah.

I need to SCORE.

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it (7) And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness, (8) He has succeeded who purifies it, (9) And he has failed who instills it [with corruption]. (surat As Shams)

dearlittleauntie.blogspot.com/

[Ummati]

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.
On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps.

[Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

hamidswisdom.blogspot.com/

[Mujaahid]

"When someone offends me, I feel it is a gift from Allah that He is teaching me humility" ♥

— Ibn Taymiyyah