The migration of the Prophet illustrates the principle that no matter how something is desired by us, we should never hesitate to sacrifice it for the sake of our faith or ideal. Worldly material and things of value can never and should never take the place of our faith; nor can the faith be exchanged away for the entire world.
Makkah was the birthplace of the Prophet (saws) and his companions. It was also the city of Holy kaaba. Yet, nothing stood in the way of bidding farewell to their hearts and homes, families and kinsmen just for the the freedom of conscience and liberty to practice Islam.
Finally, Hijrah is not only a physical migration, but more importantly it is a spiritual migration. To attain true Hijrah, we have to work on our Faith, our knowledge and our actions, so that we are able to worship Allah and pull away from Haram; make our Faith strong, and face the trials and tests of staying on the straight path; and migrate away from what Allah has forbidden to worshipping as Allah has ordered.
Let us pray that we can all be a true immigrant, and migrate away from leading a life of desire and vanities to a life of humbleness and thankfulness. Allahumma Ameen.
Showing posts with label reliance on God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reliance on God. Show all posts
24.8.11
Last ten days of Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr
All praises and thanks to Allah (swt) for enabling us to witness this blessed month of Ramadhan in good health and safety so far.
This last ten days of Ramadhan are very important in the life of a Muslim, as we can see from the life of Prophet Muhammad (s). They holy Prophet (s) was seriously doing ibadah in the month of Ramadhan more than any other months. And even within the month of Ramadhan, when the last ten days would arrive, he was much more serious than other twenty days.
To get the most out of it, Muhammad (s) used to enter Itikaf for the last ten days. Where he used to stay in seclusion in the mosque and dedicate himself solely to worshipping Allah (swt) and drawing himself closer to Allah. Besides increasing his own Ibadah, Prophet (s) would also wake his wives and family members.
Alhamdulillah these ten days are with us. we need some serious planning so that we dont have to regret loosing these days after they are over. Rather, let us prepare ourselves so as to make best use of the special days lying ahead of us.
Another significance of these ten days is the presence of a very important and special night among the nights of this last ten days, the night of power, the night of blessing, the laylatul Qadr.
What is Layltul Qadr?
This is the night in which Allah has chosen to reveal the Holy Quran, His blessed words.
Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. On the other hand, those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.
Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah reported "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say:
(Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)
When is Laylatul Qadr ?
Narrated by 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle said,
"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."
What should one do in Laylatul Qadr?
It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
From the blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (s), we find the following recommended action for the night of Laylatul Qadr:
1. Praying Long Qiyaam (night prayer):
2. Making doa:
It is recommended to make extensive doa on this night.
‘A’ishah reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:
“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love to forgive. So forgive me.” [An authentic Hadith recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi.]
The scholars said: The meaning of ‘’alafow’’ is the clearance and it has the meaning of concealment and cover, it means Allah clear my crimes and sins, and forgive my faults and mistakes and conceal them, and let your punishment be away from me.
3. Abandoning Worldly Pleasures and devoting time solely for Ibadah.
What are the virtues of Layatul Qadr?
Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid, that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months’ good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)
The reward of sincere Ibadah which are accepted by Allah (swt) in this night is nothing less than having our past sins wiped away.
What makes this night so special?
The first Laylatul Qadr, …was the night that changed history. It was the night that Jibreel alayhis salaam brought the first revelation.
When we ponder over this fact, it is easy for us to realize why is this night so important, and why is it called the blessed night. Because it was on this night that the light of guidance and Truth replaced the darkness of ignorance and Falsehood.
So, to really make the best out of Laylatul Qadr, we need to read, understand, and live by the Quran in our everyday life. We will only truly benefit from Laylatul Qadr and our lives and surrounding will be filled with peace when we can change our lives to live by the Quran. InshaAllah.
Let us also take this opportunity and earn for ourselves and our families salvation from hellfire and a place in the eternal Jannah.
This last ten days of Ramadhan are very important in the life of a Muslim, as we can see from the life of Prophet Muhammad (s). They holy Prophet (s) was seriously doing ibadah in the month of Ramadhan more than any other months. And even within the month of Ramadhan, when the last ten days would arrive, he was much more serious than other twenty days.
To get the most out of it, Muhammad (s) used to enter Itikaf for the last ten days. Where he used to stay in seclusion in the mosque and dedicate himself solely to worshipping Allah (swt) and drawing himself closer to Allah. Besides increasing his own Ibadah, Prophet (s) would also wake his wives and family members.
Alhamdulillah these ten days are with us. we need some serious planning so that we dont have to regret loosing these days after they are over. Rather, let us prepare ourselves so as to make best use of the special days lying ahead of us.
Another significance of these ten days is the presence of a very important and special night among the nights of this last ten days, the night of power, the night of blessing, the laylatul Qadr.
What is Layltul Qadr?
This is the night in which Allah has chosen to reveal the Holy Quran, His blessed words.
Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. On the other hand, those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.
Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah reported "When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say:
(Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)
When is Laylatul Qadr ?
Narrated by 'Aisha: Allah's Apostle said,
"Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."
What should one do in Laylatul Qadr?
It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
From the blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (s), we find the following recommended action for the night of Laylatul Qadr:
1. Praying Long Qiyaam (night prayer):
2. Making doa:
It is recommended to make extensive doa on this night.
‘A’ishah reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:
“Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love to forgive. So forgive me.” [An authentic Hadith recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi.]
The scholars said: The meaning of ‘’alafow’’ is the clearance and it has the meaning of concealment and cover, it means Allah clear my crimes and sins, and forgive my faults and mistakes and conceal them, and let your punishment be away from me.
3. Abandoning Worldly Pleasures and devoting time solely for Ibadah.
What are the virtues of Layatul Qadr?
Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid, that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months’ good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)
The reward of sincere Ibadah which are accepted by Allah (swt) in this night is nothing less than having our past sins wiped away.
What makes this night so special?
The first Laylatul Qadr, …was the night that changed history. It was the night that Jibreel alayhis salaam brought the first revelation.
When we ponder over this fact, it is easy for us to realize why is this night so important, and why is it called the blessed night. Because it was on this night that the light of guidance and Truth replaced the darkness of ignorance and Falsehood.
So, to really make the best out of Laylatul Qadr, we need to read, understand, and live by the Quran in our everyday life. We will only truly benefit from Laylatul Qadr and our lives and surrounding will be filled with peace when we can change our lives to live by the Quran. InshaAllah.
Let us also take this opportunity and earn for ourselves and our families salvation from hellfire and a place in the eternal Jannah.
15.12.10
Happy Hijri new year 1432 - "Never lose hope"
This is the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, and the month of the Hijri new year. The story of the Hijrah, from where the Islamic calendar got its name, goes as follows:
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, found it impossible for him to continue his mission of inviting people to the True religion, Islam, in Makkah; and that his own life and that of other fellow Muslims were at risk. So, he started looking at nearby populations that would accept his message and provide him a base to establish a model Islamic society. After hearing about the message of Islam and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, the people of the nearby city of Yathrib, later to be known as Madinatunnabi (the city of the Prophet) or Madina, invited the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to migrate to their city. They offered him submission and unconditional support, and graciously accepted to accommodate all fellow Muslims with them.
After a couple of years of careful planning, the time had finally come when Allah ordered the Prophet to leave Makkah for Madina. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made the journey with Abu Bakr as his companion. Despite the fact that Allah was `the third with the two of them', the whole journey of Hijrah was scrupulously planned and executed with extreme care and caution. When they finally reached their destination, the people of Madina were filled with joy at having the greatest of man as their fellow citizen, and sang the famous song 'tala`al badru `alaina' while welcoming him.
Years later, this important event of Hijrah was chosen by Caliph Umar and his counsel to mark the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.
Why Hijrah to mark the Islamic Calendar?
1. Hijrah is a major milestone in the mission of Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It marks the beginning of establishment of Islam as the complete way of life.
2. It is a very special occasion for Muslims as it highlights the importance of submission of one self to Allah the Almighty.
3. It reminds us of the sufferings of early Muslims in Makkah, and how they left all worldly pleasures to please Allah the Almighty. It is only because of their sufferings and sacrifices that Islam is what it is today.
Lessons from Hijrah
1. If something is not working out as planned, look for alternatives (Prophet`s seeking alternative land for establishing the deen when efforts at Makkah failed)
2. Don`t do anything hastily. Proper planning is the key. (The Prophet took few years seeking alternatives to Makkah. He went to taif, and had contacted other nearby tribal leaders. He migrated more than two years after people in Madina started accepting Islam and opened their doors to him)
3. Rely on Allah, only after diligent planning. (The Prophet and Abu Bakr (r) journey was not a straightforward trip along the regular route. It was very well planned and well executed)
4. There is no fault in taking help from experts (Prophet had a trusted non-Muslim bedouin who knew the area well as a guide)
Finally here is an excerpt from an article on onislam.net about attaining true Hijrah
Five Important Areas for a True Hijrah: To attain true Hijrah, here are the five areas we have to work on
1. Faith: We should work on strengthening our faith to be able to pull away from what God has forbidden.
2. Knowledge: Only with good knowledge could our faith see us through the trials and tests of staying on the straight path. (Knowledge is not limited to religious information only)
3. Acts of worship: Migrating away from what God has forbidden to worship, which not only brings us closer to God and supplies us with essential strength, resolve and tranquility, but also humbles us enough to see we’re only creatures like the rest of the creation, and that we have to maintain an ethical relationship with the universe and other people.
4. Desire: Controlling one’s urges and desires is prerequisite to how much success in this life one achieves as a migrant to God.
5. Ethics : A person who is full of great concepts and no deeds to prove it is a loser. Unless our Islamic ethical system is apparent through our everyday behaviors and manners, there is no hope for us to be true Muslims and a true migrant in the way of Allah.
In short, a true immigrant is an ethical, well-mannered and pious Muslim, and that is what we should all strive to be everyday of our lives. Allahumma Ameen.
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, found it impossible for him to continue his mission of inviting people to the True religion, Islam, in Makkah; and that his own life and that of other fellow Muslims were at risk. So, he started looking at nearby populations that would accept his message and provide him a base to establish a model Islamic society. After hearing about the message of Islam and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, the people of the nearby city of Yathrib, later to be known as Madinatunnabi (the city of the Prophet) or Madina, invited the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to migrate to their city. They offered him submission and unconditional support, and graciously accepted to accommodate all fellow Muslims with them.
After a couple of years of careful planning, the time had finally come when Allah ordered the Prophet to leave Makkah for Madina. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made the journey with Abu Bakr as his companion. Despite the fact that Allah was `the third with the two of them', the whole journey of Hijrah was scrupulously planned and executed with extreme care and caution. When they finally reached their destination, the people of Madina were filled with joy at having the greatest of man as their fellow citizen, and sang the famous song 'tala`al badru `alaina' while welcoming him.
Years later, this important event of Hijrah was chosen by Caliph Umar and his counsel to mark the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.
Why Hijrah to mark the Islamic Calendar?
1. Hijrah is a major milestone in the mission of Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. It marks the beginning of establishment of Islam as the complete way of life.
2. It is a very special occasion for Muslims as it highlights the importance of submission of one self to Allah the Almighty.
3. It reminds us of the sufferings of early Muslims in Makkah, and how they left all worldly pleasures to please Allah the Almighty. It is only because of their sufferings and sacrifices that Islam is what it is today.
Lessons from Hijrah
1. If something is not working out as planned, look for alternatives (Prophet`s seeking alternative land for establishing the deen when efforts at Makkah failed)
2. Don`t do anything hastily. Proper planning is the key. (The Prophet took few years seeking alternatives to Makkah. He went to taif, and had contacted other nearby tribal leaders. He migrated more than two years after people in Madina started accepting Islam and opened their doors to him)
3. Rely on Allah, only after diligent planning. (The Prophet and Abu Bakr (r) journey was not a straightforward trip along the regular route. It was very well planned and well executed)
4. There is no fault in taking help from experts (Prophet had a trusted non-Muslim bedouin who knew the area well as a guide)
Finally here is an excerpt from an article on onislam.net about attaining true Hijrah
Five Important Areas for a True Hijrah: To attain true Hijrah, here are the five areas we have to work on
1. Faith: We should work on strengthening our faith to be able to pull away from what God has forbidden.
2. Knowledge: Only with good knowledge could our faith see us through the trials and tests of staying on the straight path. (Knowledge is not limited to religious information only)
3. Acts of worship: Migrating away from what God has forbidden to worship, which not only brings us closer to God and supplies us with essential strength, resolve and tranquility, but also humbles us enough to see we’re only creatures like the rest of the creation, and that we have to maintain an ethical relationship with the universe and other people.
4. Desire: Controlling one’s urges and desires is prerequisite to how much success in this life one achieves as a migrant to God.
5. Ethics : A person who is full of great concepts and no deeds to prove it is a loser. Unless our Islamic ethical system is apparent through our everyday behaviors and manners, there is no hope for us to be true Muslims and a true migrant in the way of Allah.
In short, a true immigrant is an ethical, well-mannered and pious Muslim, and that is what we should all strive to be everyday of our lives. Allahumma Ameen.
7.12.10
Turning to the Qur’an in times of tribulation
by Uthman Khan
The murder of a family member causes great unrest in one’s heart. And indeed the death of a small animal is sufficient for an individual to remember the return to their Lord. Upon the idea of the creation of mankind, the Angels were disturbed because of the potential level of injustice and the spilling of blood that we would cause. Yet Allah, with His infinite wisdom created mankind, and informed them of their role as custodians of truth and justice in this world. With this in mind, we reflect on the current situation of the world, and the escalating legitimized removal of wealth, freedom and life.
The greatest crimes on a global scale are arguably those committed against Muslims and many find entertaining the regular action-packed news of the ‘progress’ being made to maintain safety and security. But the same ‘progress’ is at the expense of the freedom and lives of many Muslims who are often unable to fulfill their basic human necessities. Chilling is the image of another Muslim being killed and even more so, the mass murder that we witness regularly. Allah informs us that “the believers are nothing else than brothers,” (Qur’an, 49:10) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) said that “the Muslim nation is like one body…if a single part hurts then the rest feels the suffering with fever, and cannot sleep.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Throughout history trials and tribulations have faced those nations that affirmed the truth of Allah’s sovereignty and unity of worship. However, this nation, as in those who follow Muhammad (peace be upon him), has been given a special status coupled with a complete and comprehensive source of guidance to last till the Day of Resurrection.
“Thus We have made you the best nation, so that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you.” (Qur’an, 2:143)
The Muslims must therefore appreciate and understand the position that they hold and turn to the guidance that they have been blessed with. Some individuals feel secure from such trials, and find themselves busy in their own affairs. Yet Allah warns us:
“Do people think they will be left alone because they say we believe, and will not be tested. And indeed We tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” (Qur’an, 29:2-3)
All of mankind will therefore be tested and in addition, the same tests will affect both the sinners and pious among mankind due to their vastness. In another verse we are warned:
“And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which does not affect only those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.” (Qur’an, 8:25)
Tribulations and whatever else the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us about must surely take place. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Muslims to observe patience, prepare, and be cautious of them. In fact, we must take extra caution in our current times because we have drawn closer to the final hour. The nature of tribulations is that they spiral out of control and often confuse people so that one would assume something prohibited to be permissible or vice versa. The 9/11 and 7/7 events are pertinent examples and the perpetrators are unable to control the plethora of consequences that result.
Due to the complexity of tribulations and their potential implications, many respond incorrectly and often go to extremes, despite knowing the Qur’an has been revealed to guide us in all of our affairs.
If a Muslim responds to a situation in accordance with the Qur’an then they will be elevated in status and rewarded, while if they do otherwise they will be lowered and face the consequences. Thus, we find guidance through correctly contemplating the verses and in particular stories of the Qur’an, and contrasting them with our own situations. Allah says:
“(This is) a Book which We have sent down to you full of blessings, so that they may ponder over its verses, and so that men of understanding may remember.” (Qur’an, 38:29)
Many of the stories in the Qur’an provide exemplary responses which can be correlated to situations that we witness today. Stories of true leaders, who acquired great strength in their belief, were steadfast upon the truth, and endured physical, mental and emotional tests. Every Muslim who is granted wisdom must contemplate the path that Allah chose for the best of the believers.
Patience and firmness upon the religion of Allah, while seeking the reward in the next life, is perhaps the most common lesson that can be taken from the stories in the Qur’an. The knowledge and wisdom in these stories is abundant and a fundamental source of insight into these stories is authentic exegesis.
The Qur’an is the source of guidance, honor, and strength for the Muslims. We must all build a relationship with the Qur’an, study its meaning and understanding, contemplate its verses, and remember Allah through them. Allah says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an, 13:28)
[Source: The Saudi Gazette]
The murder of a family member causes great unrest in one’s heart. And indeed the death of a small animal is sufficient for an individual to remember the return to their Lord. Upon the idea of the creation of mankind, the Angels were disturbed because of the potential level of injustice and the spilling of blood that we would cause. Yet Allah, with His infinite wisdom created mankind, and informed them of their role as custodians of truth and justice in this world. With this in mind, we reflect on the current situation of the world, and the escalating legitimized removal of wealth, freedom and life.
The greatest crimes on a global scale are arguably those committed against Muslims and many find entertaining the regular action-packed news of the ‘progress’ being made to maintain safety and security. But the same ‘progress’ is at the expense of the freedom and lives of many Muslims who are often unable to fulfill their basic human necessities. Chilling is the image of another Muslim being killed and even more so, the mass murder that we witness regularly. Allah informs us that “the believers are nothing else than brothers,” (Qur’an, 49:10) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) said that “the Muslim nation is like one body…if a single part hurts then the rest feels the suffering with fever, and cannot sleep.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Throughout history trials and tribulations have faced those nations that affirmed the truth of Allah’s sovereignty and unity of worship. However, this nation, as in those who follow Muhammad (peace be upon him), has been given a special status coupled with a complete and comprehensive source of guidance to last till the Day of Resurrection.
“Thus We have made you the best nation, so that you be witnesses over mankind, and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you.” (Qur’an, 2:143)
The Muslims must therefore appreciate and understand the position that they hold and turn to the guidance that they have been blessed with. Some individuals feel secure from such trials, and find themselves busy in their own affairs. Yet Allah warns us:
“Do people think they will be left alone because they say we believe, and will not be tested. And indeed We tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars.” (Qur’an, 29:2-3)
All of mankind will therefore be tested and in addition, the same tests will affect both the sinners and pious among mankind due to their vastness. In another verse we are warned:
“And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which does not affect only those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.” (Qur’an, 8:25)
Tribulations and whatever else the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us about must surely take place. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Muslims to observe patience, prepare, and be cautious of them. In fact, we must take extra caution in our current times because we have drawn closer to the final hour. The nature of tribulations is that they spiral out of control and often confuse people so that one would assume something prohibited to be permissible or vice versa. The 9/11 and 7/7 events are pertinent examples and the perpetrators are unable to control the plethora of consequences that result.
Due to the complexity of tribulations and their potential implications, many respond incorrectly and often go to extremes, despite knowing the Qur’an has been revealed to guide us in all of our affairs.
If a Muslim responds to a situation in accordance with the Qur’an then they will be elevated in status and rewarded, while if they do otherwise they will be lowered and face the consequences. Thus, we find guidance through correctly contemplating the verses and in particular stories of the Qur’an, and contrasting them with our own situations. Allah says:
“(This is) a Book which We have sent down to you full of blessings, so that they may ponder over its verses, and so that men of understanding may remember.” (Qur’an, 38:29)
Many of the stories in the Qur’an provide exemplary responses which can be correlated to situations that we witness today. Stories of true leaders, who acquired great strength in their belief, were steadfast upon the truth, and endured physical, mental and emotional tests. Every Muslim who is granted wisdom must contemplate the path that Allah chose for the best of the believers.
Patience and firmness upon the religion of Allah, while seeking the reward in the next life, is perhaps the most common lesson that can be taken from the stories in the Qur’an. The knowledge and wisdom in these stories is abundant and a fundamental source of insight into these stories is authentic exegesis.
The Qur’an is the source of guidance, honor, and strength for the Muslims. We must all build a relationship with the Qur’an, study its meaning and understanding, contemplate its verses, and remember Allah through them. Allah says:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an, 13:28)
[Source: The Saudi Gazette]
26.8.09
Tariq Ramadan's Ramadan Chronicles
Renowned Islamic scholar and thinker, Dr Tariq Ramadan started this innovative Ramadan Chronicles on his website. Its basically a collection of short nasiha (words of wisdom) from this great man. Each day throughout Ramadan, he uploads a new nasiha for Muslims around the world. In his own words: "These are reflections around some Prophetic traditions referring to fasting, its meaning, its objectives, and our responsibilities. A short talk lasting between 3 and 5 minutes in order to meditate, to think, and to share: your comments every day are most welcome.
I hope these exchanges are going to be useful and they will help, all of us, to reconcile ourselves with our hopes and our quest for peace.
May the Light go along with you and love you. May these days be profound, nice, and full of love. It is our prayer, and your gift in sha ar-Rahman (by the will of the Merciful)"
You can listen to them on his website.
For a taste of it, here is the Chronicle from day 1
4.8.08
its me again
thats the usual me. absent for a long time, once again.
wats happened in all this while???
well, first of all i (sort of you can say) recovering from a long negative peak in my efforts at trying to be who i am. the thing is i am sort of lost as to what it really means to be who you are. i wont really say confused. its that i more or less know what it is (theoretically speaking), but trying to put that into perspective of everyday life as a practicing and God fearing Muslim (alhamdulillah).
there is a hadith stating that our heart is like a white sheet to begin with. as time goes on, and we start sinning, black dots appear on this sheet one by one, until one day no traces of the original while remains. by definition, Islam is the deen-fitrah (the natural life style), which means being who you are should really go hand in hand with being a Muslim. but by now my heart is pretty black (may God help me) and which sort of made things complicated.
thats one good reason. but i guess there are more. i thing that i can think of the society i come from. back home you are born with a pack of expectations. become successful in life (ans success means being an engineer or doctor or such - and get a white collar job), get a beautiful wife and bla bla bla. i have been living abroad on and off for some time now, and i have come across many people who are really following their heart when it comes to doing something with their life. so i am sort of caught between two boats..... of course the "financial safety net factor" has a big role to play, but then again - where there is a will, there is a way.
life isnt really meant to be "and they are living happily forever ..." - and there is no fun to it. so i have no complaints.
the quest for survival goes on, and he laughs best who laughs last. i have my fingers crossed.
[photo credit: my dear friend shabbir ahmed the chemist]
19.1.07
revisiting history
today is the last day of dhul hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and what really singles out this month from the other 11 is her first ten days, and especially the day of Arafah, ninth of this month. It is on this day that the 5-day Hajj celebration or pilgrimage starts, the festival where more than 3 million faithful slaves of God gathers around Mecca answering to the call of Lord Almighty.
history of hajj is rooted three thousand years deep, dating back to the time of prophet Abraham (upon him be peace). history has it that the first inhabitants of the place which is now known as Mecca were Ishmael, the son of Abraham and his mother Hager (upon them be peace).
Abraham, being true to his covenant and sincere in his faith upon Allah, left his one and only child and his mother in a deserted place; a place with the barren earth as floor covered only by the vast open sky. they had neither food nor drink to sustain them and all three of them knew well enough that the only way these two 'exiled' would survive is if God Himself intervened.
God in turn, being Pleased with His sincere slave and friend's reliance on Him turned this 'expatriation' into an example for mankind, an example to be followed til the end of times. and it is this example of these three faithful servant of God Almighty which has been emulated in the ritual of pilgrimage, a annual ritual that has been sincerely followed since then without fail.
did any of those three, or first generation of Meccans ever imagine that this barren land of sand and desert, a land of exile would turn out to be centre of the world in years to come?
...
and i? a thousand careful consideartions of 'what ifs' and 'if nots' precede before taking even the simplest of decision, decision that dont even risk the loss of a single hair.
history of hajj is rooted three thousand years deep, dating back to the time of prophet Abraham (upon him be peace). history has it that the first inhabitants of the place which is now known as Mecca were Ishmael, the son of Abraham and his mother Hager (upon them be peace).
Abraham, being true to his covenant and sincere in his faith upon Allah, left his one and only child and his mother in a deserted place; a place with the barren earth as floor covered only by the vast open sky. they had neither food nor drink to sustain them and all three of them knew well enough that the only way these two 'exiled' would survive is if God Himself intervened.
God in turn, being Pleased with His sincere slave and friend's reliance on Him turned this 'expatriation' into an example for mankind, an example to be followed til the end of times. and it is this example of these three faithful servant of God Almighty which has been emulated in the ritual of pilgrimage, a annual ritual that has been sincerely followed since then without fail.
did any of those three, or first generation of Meccans ever imagine that this barren land of sand and desert, a land of exile would turn out to be centre of the world in years to come?
...
and i? a thousand careful consideartions of 'what ifs' and 'if nots' precede before taking even the simplest of decision, decision that dont even risk the loss of a single hair.
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