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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:08:44 GMT 5
Working On Our ImanImam Bukhari related that the Sahaba RA used to say to each other, “Let’s sit together for a while and work on our Iman.” Iman sees its ups and downs- but we have to make sure, at each and every point of our lives, that it is always on the increase insha Allah. Do everything in our power not to compromise our faith in any way- nothing is more precious, more valuable than the preservation of Iman in our hearts and in our actions. Before doing or saying anything and everything- think, really consider- whether it is going to improve your Iman or dampen it. The sign of a true friend, too, infact is that when you sit with them, they make you remember Allah. When you are going off the track, they bring you back. They don't sit and gossip with you, or participate in any 'laghw'- rather together, you build on your Iman. CHECK WHETHER YOUR IMAN IS STRONG
Are You?1) Committing sins and not feeling any guilt. 2) Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran. 3) Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat 4) Neglecting the Sunnah. 5) Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time. 6) Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings 7) Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr. 8) Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shariah. 9) Desiring status and wealth. 10) Being mean and miserly, i.e. not wanting to part with wealth. 11) Ordering others to do good deeds when not practising them ourselves. 12) Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others. 13) Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things. 14) Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the mosque. 15) Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims. 16) Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam. 17) Being unable to deal with calamities, for instance crying and yelling in funerals. 18) Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof. 19) Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth. 20) Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves. ... then its time we do something about it, insha Allah
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:20:27 GMT 5
1. Recognise and Repent
As humans we all commit sins no matter how hard we try to avoid them. Engaging in evil deeds decreases our Iman. Actions like lying, cheating and stealing, to name only a few, take a toll on the human heart and soul which makes us more susceptible to being lead astray from the Path of Allah. It is important for us to reflect upon our deeds and weed out the ones that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S).
Allah SWT has gifted us with an innate sense of justice and the ability to reason and make sound judgments. Our fitrah (natural disposition) necessitates that we all know when we are committing a sin. It just doesn't feel right. And if we don't know, we certainly have a bevy of resources to find out from!
• Conditions for the acceptance of repentance
The word tauba which is rendered as repentance in English, is not a simple term as most people believe. It is very rich in meaning and implication, and is not simply a word of mouth after which the sinner continues in his sins. Says Allah, Glorified be He: "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and then turn to Him in repentance." (Hud: 3).
In keeping with its importance, repentance should have, as the scholars have stated, conditions attached to it for its acceptance.
They are as follows:
• First: Giving up of the sin itself. • Second: Remorse over what has been committed. • Third: A resolve not to repeat it, and • Fourth: Compensating those who have been wronged or obtaining their forgiveness.
Remember:
Where Shaytaan went wrong and where we shouldn't...
After he transgressed, he did not:
1. Accept his wrong-doing. He denied that he did something which he shouldn't have. He didn't do IKRAAR.
Instead, he tried to justify what he did.. 'I am better, Allah made me of fire'.
2. He did not feel 'remorse', didn't feel guilty over the ill-doing. There wasn't NIDAAMAT.
3. Take himself to task. Didn't punish himself in some way when he wronged. (we should take ourselves to task before Allah SWT takes our account. Perhaps, for that day- deprive ourself of something good we like for ourselves, maybe that scoop of icecream. Anything, really.)
4. Do Istighfaar. Repent, do TAUBA.
5. Plead for Allah's Mercy. He despaired of the Mercy of Allah, and instead asked for time to lead the people astray. Allah tells us in the Quran never to despair of the Mercy of Allah.
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:22:45 GMT 5
2. Perform Salah Regularly
Completing the five daily prayers, on time and according to the Sunnah, is an excellent way to increase our Iman. Not only are we performing an obligatory deed when praying, but by doing so we have a standing audience with the Creator of this world where we can ask for help and mercy.
The effect of the salah on the human soul is cooling as Muhammad (S) once said that it cooled his eyes. The salah connects us with our Creator and, along with obedience to Allah, helps us to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:
"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform salah and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” (Al-Anfal: 2-4).
Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (RAA) Rasulullah (SAW) said: The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily. Hasan said: No filthiness can remain on him. (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Hadith # 1411)
Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Rasualullah (SAW) said, "Martyrs are those who die because of drowning, plague, an abdominal disease, or of being buried alive by a falling building." And then he added, "If the people knew the Reward for the Zuhr prayer in its early time, they would race for it. If they knew the reward for the 'Isha' and the Fajr prayers in congregation, they would join them even if they had to crawl. If they knew the reward for the first row, they would draw lots for it." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith # 688)
For the people who don’t pray:
Informing us about the inhabitants of Hell, Allaah (SWT) says "About Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, criminals, disbelievers, etc.), (And they will say to them): "What has caused you to enter Hell?"They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer their Salât (prayers). Nor did we feed the poor. And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allaah hated) with vain-talkers. And we used to belie thc Day of Recompense. Until there came to us that which is certain (i.e., death). So no Intercession of intercessors will benefit them. (Sura Al-Muddaththir, ayah 41-48)
Rasulullah (SAW) said "The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it he has become a disbeliever." (Agreed upon by Ahmad, Tirmidhee and Nasaa'ee to be authentic)
In an other Hadith of Rasulullah (SAW) said "What lies between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer."( Agreed upon by Muslim, Abu Dawood and Nasaa'ee as sahih authentic)
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:24:33 GMT 5
3. Qur’anic Recitations
“And We send down of the Qur’aan that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe”
Medical studies have shown that simply listening to a recitation of the Holy Qur’an has a physiological effect on our bodies. Research has also proven that the Qur’an has healing qualities on the body, mind and spirit. What better way to increase our Iman than to listen to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an on an audio device! Listen to the melodious rhythm of the Qur’an and while doing so try to reflect upon the meanings of what you are listening to.We should always strive to read as much of the Qur’an as possible as reading the word of allah especially with the meanings will significantly increase our imaan and elevate us in this world and the next!
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud radhiyallahu anhu narrates that The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever reads one letter of the Quran receives the reward of one good deed. And one good deed is multiplied ten times."
Hazrat Abu Huraira radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever listens to one verse of the Book of Allah, a good deed that multiplies continuously is recorded. And one who reads a verse of the Quran, that verse will be a Noor for him on the Day of Judgement."
Hazrat Anas radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:"Whoever reads the Quran, Allah grants that person ten good deeds for every letter. And for one who hears the Quran being recited, Allah grants a good deed for every letter, and such a person will be resurrected among those who will recite and ascend the stages of Jannat."
Hazrat Ibni Abbas radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "He who listens to one letter of the Quran, ten good deeds are recorded for him, ten sins are forgiven, and his status is elevated by ten stages."
.... For indeed, in the remembrance of Allah, do the hearts (of believers) find rest.
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:30:43 GMT 5
4. Engage in Dhikr
"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)
O ye who believe let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah . (63:9)
O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:41-42)
When the signs of the Gracious Allah are recited unto them, they fall down, prostrating themselves before Allah weeping.(19:58)
According to these verses the attitude of those who truly remember Allah is the following:
1. Their hearts are filled with the fear of Allah because they are reminded of the status and the Glory of their God. 2. Their skins creep, i.e., the hair on their bodies rise due to their state of fear. 3. Their bodies are softened, their hearts become tender. 4. They prostrate, i.e., they start worshiping Allah . 5. They cry or weep.
Remembering Allah much through acts of dhikr brings much peace and tranquility to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa(fear of allah), a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and that we should always strive to please Him.
Some beneficial dhikr include:
Subhan'Allah- 'Praise be to Allah' Al-Hamdullilah- 'Thanks be to Allah' Allahu Akbar – 'Allah is the Greatest.' La ila ha illallah- There is no worthy of worship except allah
Abu haraira(ra) Narrates: Prophet(saw) said: whoever says: Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi – (I deem Allah free of any resemblances to anything whatever in any repeat, and I glorify his praises) one hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven even though they may be as much as the foam of the sea – (Bukhari)
Read much of this zikr:
Subhaan-Allahi walhamdu-lillaahi, wa laa ilaa-ha illa-la ill-lal-lahu wallahu Akbar, walaa haula wala quoow-wata illa billa hil-Aliyyil-azeem.
"Glory is for Allaah and all Praise is due to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allaah. Allaah is the greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allaah the Most High, the Great."
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:46:32 GMT 5
5. Voluntary Fasting
O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (2:183)
But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know. (2:184)
Abu Said al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, said: "No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further away from his face."
`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad]
Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim].
Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: "There is a gate to Paradise that is called ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be locked." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Fasting can be thought of as a prescription for us, which cures the maladies of the human soul. There are innumerable benefits to fasting nawafil fasts. Fasting helps us be thankful to Allah for His Bounty, control unlawful desires, have compassion for the less fortunate and it weakens the effects of waswas, the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan.
Here is an explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting:
1. It teaches man the principle of sincere Love: because when he observes Fasting he does it out of deep love for God. And the man who loves God truly is a man who really knows what love is.
2. It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace.
3. It imbues in man the genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone.
4. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting person keeps his fast in secret as well as in public. In fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man's behavior or compel him to observe fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man.
5. It indoctrinates man in patience and selflessness, as through fasting, he feels the pains of deprivation but he endures them patiently.
6. It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and willpower.
7. Fasting also provides man with a transparent soul, a clear mind and a light body.
8. It shows man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting.
9. It enables man to master the art of Mature Adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we realize that fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life.
10. It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival.
11. It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging, unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law.
12. It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control.
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Post by Ummati on Jun 9, 2011 23:48:39 GMT 5
6. Carrying out Good Deeds
Doing good deeds for others can be like switching on a light bulb in a darkened room. No matter how awful we are feeling there is just something about offering a helping hand to someone in need that lifts our spirits and brightens our Iman. We should get to the stage where we crave to do good deeds! Because our good deeds are our eternal investment which will benefit us for the rest of eternity rather than investment into this life which is very temporary indeed! So what investment sounds better? Eternal investment which will give us eternal bliss or temporary investment which has a chance of failing even though we spend our whole lives investing in it! You choose!
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: "For those who believe and work righteous deeds is a reward that will never fail”(Fussilat: 8).
Time in Islam is more than gold or any precious material thing in this world. Of all religions, only Islam guides mankind not only to the importance of time but also how to value it. Allah I the Almighty and His Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad r, very clearly tell us the value of time, why we must not waste it and how we can make use of our time wisely to increase our iman (faith) and thus attain success, especially eternal success in the life Hereafter.
Bin ‘Abbas narrated t that Allâh’s Messenger r said,“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari 8/421)
Abdullah Bin Mas’ud t narrated: “I asked the Prophet, ‘Which deed is the dearest to Allah?’ He replied, “To offer salaat (the prayers) at their early fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I' again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)? “He replied, “To participate in jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s Cause.” (Bukhari 1/ 505)
Abu Qatada, Bin Rab’i t narrated that the Prophet , said, "Allâh the Exalted said: ‘I made five times (daily) prayers obligatory on your people. And I took a guarantee that if anyone observes them regularly at their times, I shall admit him to Paradise. If anyone does not offer them regularly, there is no such guarantee of Mine for him." (Abu Dawood 430)
If we fear Allah for His wrath and hope for His rewards in the eternal world to come, time has come for us to give due value to the importance of time. We should try not to waste most of our time seeking worldly pleasures. It is for our guidance that we must take admonition from the following authentic hadîth:
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said, Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a Muslim in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening or he would be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim 213)
Abu Hurairah t narrated that Allâh’s Messenger r said,“Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the beast and (the death) of one you or the general turmoil.” (Muslim 7039)
“Call then upon Allâh with sincere devotion to Him even though the Unbelievers may detest it.” Qur'an 40:14
Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell-Fire, if Allah I the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time.
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Post by Ummati on Aug 5, 2011 21:08:38 GMT 5
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Post by Mujaahid on Sept 18, 2011 21:30:37 GMT 5
"The most incapable person is the one who doesn't make duaa. The most miserly person is the one who doesn't give salaam...!" ♥ — Saheehul Jaami'
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Post by Mujaahid on Sept 24, 2011 19:28:37 GMT 5
We wish to know what things enable Eemaan to increase and what things make it decrease? As far as the things that make Eemaan increase, then from them: The first reason:To know Allaah Ta’aala with His names and attributes. Indeed whenever a person’s knowledge of Allaah and His names and attributes increases, then his Eemaan increases without a doubt as a result. This is why you will find that the people of knowledge, those who know about the names and attributes of Allaah what others do not, you will find that they have stronger Eemaan than other than them from this perspective. The second reason:To Ponder over the Ayaat (signs) of Allaah, Both the universal and legislated signs. Indeed whenever a person ponders over the universal Ayaat, which is the creation; the heavens, the earth, humans, animals and other than that, will increase in Eemaan. Allaah Ta’aala says: {And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty. And also in your own selves, Will you not then see?}There are many verses that prove this. What I mean is, the verses that prove that if a person was to ponder and contemplate upon the universe, his Eemaan as a result will increase. The third reason:To practice a lot of good deeds, for whenever a person increases in practicing good deeds, his Eemaan will increase, whether these deeds are from the deeds of the tongue or actions of the body parts. For indeed Dhikr, (remembrance of Allaah) increases Eemaan in its amount (i.e. the number of times one makes Dhikr) as well as in the way it is practiced. Salaat and Sawm (fasting) as well, and Hajj increases Eemaan as in regards to the number of times it is practiced, as well as in regards to the way in which it is practiced. As for the reasons why Eemaan decreases then it is the complete opposite of what has been mentioned.So ignorance of the names and attributes of Allaah will make Eemaan decrease. Because if a person does not know the names and attributes of Allaah, then he lacks knowledge of them that [if he had] would in turn enable him to increase in Eemaan. The second reason:That one does not ponder over the universal and legislated Ayaat of Allaah. Indeed this causes Eemaan to decrease, or in the least will stop its growth . Thirdly:Falling into sins, for indeed the sin has a tremendous effect on the heart and on Eemaan!. This is why the messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم said: “The zaanee (adulterer) does not commit zinaa (adultery) while he is a believer at the time of the act.” Fourthly:Leaving off obedience (to Allaah and his Messenger), for indeed leaving off obedience is from the reasons that decrease one’s Eemaan. However, if this certain action of obedience was Waajib (compulsory), and one leaves it without a reason, then this is a decrease in Eemaan that one is blameworthy as well as punished for. But if it isn’t Waajib, or it is Waajib and one leaves it with an excuse, then it is a decrease of Eemaan that one is not punished for. This is why the Messenger of Allaah declared that women are deficient in ‘Aql (mentality) and Deen (Religion), and the reason he said that they had a deficiency in their Deen is because they do not pray or fast during their menses, rather they are ordered not to pray or fast, but because they are unable to practice these actions (during menses) that a man is able to practice , they decrease (in Deen) compared to a man from this perspective. By: Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen Reference: Fiqhul ‘Ibaadaat: P.59 Translator: Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid
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Post by iloveAllah on Oct 8, 2011 19:03:17 GMT 5
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Post by Ummati on Oct 16, 2011 23:25:58 GMT 5
“Every time you see something shameless, your heart becomes harder; you lose a part of your humanity. Animals have no shame, but Allah gave human beings a sense of shame. And the more you see something shameless, the closer you start becoming to animals. Until a point comes when there’s no difference between you and an animal. What makes an animal an animal? An animal has no control over its urges. It’s hungry - it bites. It sees a mate - it runs after it. It has no control over it’s urges. No control over its tongue, over what it eats, no control where it goes. Whenever it feels something, it does it. Which is the contemporary equivalent of saying “I do whatever I feel like doing.” That’s the behavior of an animal. When you become accustomed to shamelessness, you are closer to becoming an animal. When you don’t care what you eat [when you don’t care what you see, when you don’t care what you say], it doesn’t matter - halal or haram - you don’t care. Then you are no different from an animal.”
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Post by Mujaahid on Oct 17, 2011 19:00:59 GMT 5
Life is full of challenges, but these challenges are only given to you because God knows your faith is strong enough to get through them.
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Post by Mujaahid on Oct 20, 2011 0:06:42 GMT 5
Oh Allah, I told you: I'm in pain You said: 'Do not despair of the mercy of Allaah' (39:53) I told you: Nobody knows what is in my heart You said: 'Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest' (13:28) I told you: Many people hurt me You said: 'So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them' (3:159) I told you: I feel I'm alone You said: 'We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein' (50:1......6) I told you: My sins are so many You said: 'And who can forgive sins except Allah' (3:135) I told you: Do not leave me You said: 'So remember Me; I will remember you ...' (2:152) I told you: I'm facing a lot of difficulties in life You said: 'And whoever fears Allah He will make for him a way out' (65:2) I told you: I have many dreams that I want to come true You said: 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.' (40:60)
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Post by Mujaahid on Oct 21, 2011 22:01:01 GMT 5
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap success.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
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