The Strange Muslim

When God whispers to us...

2009-07-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

1. QUIT WORRYING:

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem.. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME:

Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials.
Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list.
Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple.
You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend..

6. HAVE FAITH:

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in
Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget?
That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences.You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just
because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for
one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me.
Love your neighbours. But also love yourself.It makes My heart ache when I see you
so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me.
Don't ever forget......

"Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except those things outside the will of God.

May your days be filled with answered duas! God bless us all always- AMEEN."

HEDAYYAT FOR THE MUSLIMS

2009-04-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS THE MOST MERCIFUL.

It is natural for sensible and mild-tempered people to meditate deeply on the factor that inspired those early Muslims that miraculous constancy and perseverance. It is normal to wonder how those people managed to tolerate unspeakable persecutions, and stand fast in the face of cruel tortures. With this respect to those questions I deem it wise just to touch on those underlying reasons INSHALLAH.

1. UNSHAKABLE BELIEF IN ALLAH; The first and foremost factor is no doubt, unshakable belief in Allah alone coupled with correct knowledge of him. A man with this belief deeply rooted in his heart will look at those foreseen difficulties as unimportant and can under no circumstance compare with the sweetness of iman(belief); ALLAH SAYS; “then, as for the foam ,it passes away as scum upon the banks ,while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth .”[13; 17]

2. WHOLEHEARTEDLY-LOVE LEADERSHIP. Muhammad (saw), the
Great leader of the Muslim community, and mankind at large, was an exemplary man in his perfect manners and noble attributes; no one could measure up to his qualities of nobility, honesty trustworthiness and abstinence. It is narrated that three people of Quraish each separately and secretly listen to some verses of the Holy Quran, later this secrete was uncovered and one of them asked Abu Jahl what he thought of what he heard from Muhammad (SAW).He answered; “We contested the honor of leadership and generosity with Banu ‘Abd Manaf and shared equal privileges competitively. They then began to boast saying that a prophet rose among them upon whom Revelation came down from heavens. I swear we will never believe in him.”

Abu Jahl himself, the great enemy of Islam, used repeatedly to say; “O MUHAMMAD,WE ARE IN NO POSITION TO BELIE YOU,WE RATHER DISBELIEVE WHAT YOU HAVE BROUGHT US I.E ISLAM”. So ALLAH SAID: “it is not you that they deny but it is the verses of the (Quran)of ALLAH that the polytheists and wrongdoers deny”.[6;33]
One day, the disbelievers of the Quraish leveled to him a sarcastic remark three times .He remained silent but for the third time he remarked;

“O QURAISH! SLAUGHTER IS IN STORE FOR YOU.”

They were taken aback and ulterior fear filled their hearts to such an extent that the most hostile among them began to make up for their insult by the best friendly terms they could afford. When they threw the intestines of a camel on him while he was prostrating himself in prayers, he invoked Allah’s wrath on them, and they immediately were caught in an inexpressible state of worry and were almost convinced that they would be destroyed. He supplicated against Utaibah bin Abu Lahab, after which Utaibah never overcame the certainty that his prayer would be answered. Then once he saw a lion he said. “By ALLAH! Muhammad (saw) has killed me while he is in Makkah.”Ubai bin Khalaf always used to threaten he would kill Muhammad (saw).One day the prophet (SAW) replied that rather he would kill him by Allah’s will. When Ubai received a scratch in his neck, on the day of uhud, he, under the sense of horror, remembered the prophet’s words and remarked;

“I am convinced he would be able to kill me even if he spat on me”.Sa’d bin Mu’adh said to Umaiyah bin khalaf in Makkah ; “I heard ALLAH’S messenger (SAW) one day say that the Muslims would surely kill you”.Umaiyah was totally panicked and swore he would never step out of Makkah .Even when abu jahl obliged him to march with them to fight the prophet(SAW) on the day of badr,he bought the best and fasted camels in Makkah in order that they hasten his escape .Even his wife warned him ,his reply was “by ALLAH,I have no intention of going out with Quraish will disengage from them after a short distance.”

That was the clear sense of horror and terror haunting his enemies where ever they were. His friend and companions on the other hand, held him dearest to them and he occupied the innermost parts of their hearts. They were always ready to defend him and secure his wellbeing even at the risk of their lives. One day, Abu Bakr Bin Abu Quhafa R.A was severely beaten by ‘utbah bin rab’iah, a terrible polytheist. His whole body was almost bleeding and he was on the verge of death, yet when his people took him back home extremely annoyed at his mis fortune, he swore he would never eat or drink anything until they had told him about the wellbeing of his noble companion ,Muhammad (SAW).That was the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice that characterized the behavior of those early companions.ALLAHUAKBAR!!!

3. THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY; The early companions were fully aware of the responsibility they were expected to shoulder. They were also convinced that those charges were inescapable even though they were being persecuted for fear of the far-reaching consequences, and the horrible impact that humanity would suffer in case they escape their obligations.

4. UNWAVERING BELIEF IN THE TRUTH OF THE HEREAFTER; this was the cornerstone that strengthened their sense of responsibility. There was a deep certainty established through the light of their religion that one day they would have to rise on the day of resurrection and account for all worldly deeds, small or big. They were sure that their future in the other world would depend wholly on their acts in their provisional life on earth, either to everlasting garden (paradise) or everlasting chastisement in hell! Their whole life was divided between hope for ALLAH’S mercy and fear of his punishment;

“…..who give that their charity which they give and also do other good deeds with their hearts full of fear whether their alms and charities,etc.,have been accepted or not because they are sure to return to their lord.”[23; 60]

They had already known that life with all its amenities and pains was worthless when compared to the hereafter. Such deep convictions brought about in them a sense of indifference to all troubles and hardships that attended their lives.

5. THE QURAN; The verses and chapters of the noble Quran were attractive, forcefully and successively revealed at that depressing and critical stage, supporting and advancing arguments on the truth and soundness of the principles of Islam, round whose axis the whole call of Muhammad (saw) was revolving .They constitute the immune basis upon which the best and most wonderful Divinely decreed society was to be established. The Quranic verses served also to excite the feelings of the believers ,strengthen their selves on their course of patience and endurance and introduce them to the most purposeful examples and suggestive instructions;

“Or think you that you will enter paradise without such trails as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailment and were so shaken that even

the and those who believed along with him said, ‘when (will come) the help of ALLAH?’
Yes! Certainly the help of ALLAH is near!”[2; 214]

“ALIF-LAM-MIM. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say; ‘WE BELIEVE’, and will not be tested. And ALLAH will certainly make it known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although ALLAH knows all that before putting them to test).”[29; 1-3]

These verses also constituted an undeniable answer to the false allegations of the disbelievers, and a clear ultimatum that was the sign of the horrible consequences that would result in case they they persisted in their disbelief.

On the other hand ,,the Noble Quran was leading the Muslims to a new world and enlightening them as to its features ,the beauty of lordship ,the perfection of Godship,the impact of kindness and mercy and the manifestations of the desire for Allah’s pleasure. They entirely expressed meaningful messages carrying glad tidings of definitely approaching divine mercy leading to eternal bliss in a blissful garden (paradise).They at the same time ,indicated the end of the tyrants and disbelievers who would be brought to divine justice and then dragged through the fire where they would taste the touch of hell.

GLAD TIDINGS OF SUCCESS; Ever since the time they experienced the miseries of life, the Muslims had been certain that entrance into the fold of Islam did not require involvement into hardship or digging one’s own grave.

They had been aware that the Islamic call had one goal ,TERMINATION OF PRE-ISLAMIC TRADITION,DESTROYING ITS UNJUST SYSTEM, to go on parallel lines with extending its influence all over the earth and holding in firm control the political situation worldwide to lead humanity along a course conductive to ALLAH’S pleasure, and perfect enough to rid people of worshipping ALLAH,himself. Glad tidings of this sort were being revealed sometimes explicitly and at other time implicitly, in a manner relevant to the situation .When the Muslims were forced to undergo constrains, or when revealed verses telling identical stories of past prophets with their people and the sufferings and pains they had experienced. The verses would also include suggestive clues to the final tragic end of the Makkan disbelievers indicating their evil destination, yet and at the same time time bearing glad tidings to the believers and promising the true servant of vicegerency on earth to go with absolute success and victory propagating the Islamic call.

Here we could bring forward some of the verses of this category mentioning glad tidings, and referring to the final victory that would crown the firmness and patience of the Muslims.

“And verily our word has gone forth of old for our servants,-the messengers that they verily would be the victors. So turn away (o Muhammad s.a.w.) From them for a while and watch them and they shall see (the punishment)! Do they seek to hasten our torment? Then when it descends into their courtyards (i.e., near to them), evil will be the morning for those who had been warned.”[37; 171-177]

In the same context ALLAH’S messenger s.a.w. told us; “their multitude will be put to flight and they will show their backs.”[54; 45] He also said; “They will be a defeated army like the confederates of the old times.”[38; 11]

During the war between the Persians and the Romans, the disbelievers had a sincere wish that victory be the former’s lot, because both parties professed polytheism, whereas the Muslims prayed for a roman victory because both groups believed in ALLAH, His messenger,Books,the revelation and the hereafter. The war resulted in the overthrow of Rome to Persia. They pro-Persian, and in their hearts they hope that the emerging movement of Islam ,which at that time, was from a worldly point of view, very weak and helpless, would collapse under their persecution. But they misread the true signs of the times. They were told that they would soon be disillusioned in both their calculations ,and it actually so happened when Heraclius carried his campaign in the heart of Persia and the Makkan Quraish were beaten off at badr;

“And on that day, the believers (i.e., the Muslims) will rejoice (at the victory given by ALLAH to the Romans against the Persians) with the help of ALLAH.”[30; 4, 5]
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LLAH’S messenger s.a.w. also warned and gave news of the hereafter. During the hajj season at the market of ‘ukaz,Majannah and dhul-Majaz ,he would attend to convey the message .He was not merely conveying good news of paradise but rather he was clearly warning them with every sense of clarity saying;

“o people!say;LA ILAHA ILLALLAH so that you may be the victors and by it rule over the ARABS, followed in religion by the non-ARABS, dying to be kings in paradise.”
This is the same thing that the prophet S.A.W.replied with to the pagans who came to console ABU’TALIB on his death bed. He made it clear for them that they only had to say this one phrase by which the Arabs would follow them in religion and they would rule over the non-Arabs.Khabbab bin Al-Aratt said , “I came to the prophet S.A.W. while he was resting on his burd (a type of clothing)under the shade of the Kabbah.We had met with hardship from the idolaters so I said,’ why do you not call upon ALLAH,’ so he sat up his face reddening and said;

“AMONG THE PEOPLE BEFORE YOU ONE WOULD BE COMBED WITH IRON COMBS THAT WOULD REMOVE HIS FLESH FROM HIS BONES AND NERVES,YET HE WOULD NOT CHANGE HIS RELIGION .ALLAH WILL SECURE THIS MATTER SUCH THAT A RIDER WILL GO EASILY FROM SAN’A’ TO HADRAMOUT FEARING NON BUT ALLAH –

Glad tidings of better prospects for Islam and the Muslims were not confined to Muhammad s.a.w’s followers only; in fact they were being disclosed time and again to both believers and disbelievers. Whenever the two parties met, the latter would taunt at the former and mockingly say; “Here are the sovereigns of earth who will defeat chosroes and Caesar,” but the believers, in anticipation of the shinning and Godly-oriented future, would always preserve and tolerate all sorts of persecution and humiliation regarding regarding them as summer clouds that would soon clear away. The prophet s.a.w.on his part would always maintain and sustain his followers’ souls with the light of belief ,purify them through implanting the Quranic wisdom in their hearts ,and cultivate their minds deeply with the spirit of Islam that would elevate them to a state of noble spirituality ,pure heartedness and an absolute degree of freedom from materialism, a high morale powerful enough to resist worldly lusts and consequently lead them from darkness to light .He would constantly teach them to be tolerant, forgiving and overpowering over themselves in order to get well established in their religion, to their religion, to disregard lust, and devote themselves to attaining the pleasure of ALLAH, with desire for the garden (paradise),enthusiasm in sciences relating to their faith, calling themselves to account, suppressing false desires, holding all rage-provoking incidents under firm control and finally observing self-discipline, patience and firmness.

ABUBAKR JENG
MAY ALLAH ASSIST US IN OUR WORKS AND HELP US FULFIL OUR DREAMS MAKING GAMBIA A CENTRE OF DEEN AL ISLAM! AMEEN!
JAZAKALLAH.

2009-03-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

By Hakimul Ummah Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi ( rahmatullahi 'alayh )

Every Muslim should spend his day and night as follows:

1. Acquire knowledge of the Din according to your needs. You could acquire this knowledge either by reading a book or by asking the 'ulama.

2. Abstain from all sins.

3. If you commit any sin, repent immediately.

4. Do not hold back in fulfilling anyone's right. Do not cause anyone physical or verbal harm. Do not speak ill of anyone.

5. Do not have any love for wealth nor any desire for name or fame. Do not concern yourself with extravagant food and clothing.

6. If someone rebukes you for your mistake or error, do not try to justify your action. Admit your fault and repent.

7. Do not embark on a journey without any dire necessity. This is because many unconscious and unintended acts are committed while on a journey. Many good deeds are missed out, there is a shortcoming in the different forms of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and you are unable to accomplish your tasks on time.

8. Do not laugh excessively nor talk excessively. You should take special precaution in not talking with ghayr mahrams (those with whom the observances of purdah is incumbent) in an informal way.

9. Do not go about repeating or mentioning an argument that may have taken place between two persons.

10. Always be mindful of the rules of the Shari'ah in everything you do.

11. Do not display laziness in executing any act of 'ibadah.

12. Try and spend most of your time in seclusion.

13. If you have to meet and converse with others, meet them with humility and do not display your greatness.

14. Associate very little with rulers and those who hold high positions.

15. Stay very far from the irreligious people.

16. Do not search for the faults of others. Do not have evil thoughts about anyone. Instead, look at your own faults and try to put them in order.

17. You should be very particular in offering your salaat in the proper manner, at the proper time and with great concentration.

18. Always occupy yourself in the remembrance of Allah either with your heart or tongue. Do not be neglectful in this regard at any time.

19. If you experience any satisfaction in taking the name of Allah and your heart feels happy over this, then express your gratitude to Allah.

20. Speak in a nice and humble way.

21. Set aside specific times for all your different tasks and abide strictly to these times.

22. Consider whatever regret, sorrow or loss you may experience to be from Allah. Do not be despondent. Instead, think that you will be rewarded for this.

23. Do not think about worldly matters, calculations, profits and losses, etc. all the time. Instead, think about Allah.

24. As far as possible, try to help and benefit others irrespective of whether it be in worldly affairs or Dini matters.

25. Do not eat and drink too little to the extent that you become weak and fall ill. Nor should you eat and drink too much to the extent that you feel lazy in carrying out the different acts of 'ibadah.

26. Do not have any desire or greed for anything from anyone except Allah. Do not allow your mind to wander towards any place thinking that you will be able to gain certain benefit or profit from there.

27. Be restless in your quest for Allah.

28. Be grateful for the favours that are bestowed upon you irrespective of whether they are plenty or few. Do not be depressed with poverty and destitution.

29. Overlook the faults and mistakes of those who are under your control.

30. If you learn of any fault of someone, conceal it. However, if the person plans to cause harm to someone else and you learn of it, then warn the other person beforehand.

31. Be in the services of guests, travelers, strangers, 'ulama, and the pious servants of Allah.

32. Choose the company of the pious.

33. Fear Allah all the time.

34. Remember death.

35. Set aside a certain time daily wherein you should think about all your actions for that day. When you remember any good action, express gratitude. When you remember any evil action, repent.

36. Don't ever speak a lie.

37. Don't attend gatherings that are contrary to the Shari'ah.

38. Live with bashfulness, modesty and fornearance.

39. Do not be conceited by thinking to yourself that "I have a such-and-such qualities in me"

40. Continue making du'a to Allah to keep you steadfast on the straight path.

2009-03-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

"And be patient; verily, Allah loses not the reward of the good-doers" (Surah Hud: 115)

The greater the hardship, the greater the reward, only remain patient and know

that Allah test only those whom He loves:

O you who believe, seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Allah is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Baqara, 153)

Many a times, we refer back to ayahs of the Quran or sayings of the Prophet s.a.w in order to derive not only knowledge, but comfort as well.

We read the verses of Allah or the hadith of the Prophet Muhammed s.a.w and know with certainty that it is the truth.

However, when it comes to the issue of patience, we may sometimes derive comfort from the promise of Allah to those who are patient, yet, when we turn back to "reality", we easily forget the promise of Allah and we begin to lose hope and even sometimes, start to become impatient.

If we truely believe in Allah and in His word, then surely, we should not ever lose hope. Allah says in the Quran, "Our Lord! Verily, it is You Who will gather mankind together on the Day about which there is no doubt. Verily, Allah never breaks His Promise". [Surah Imran: Verse 9]

Then comes the next question; "What is the promise of Allah"?

First of All, it is very important to understand the purpose of trials.

"Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you?" [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 214]

“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who, when misfortune strikes them, say: ‘Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him is our return. Those are the ones upon whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord and it is those who are rightly guided.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 155]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When Allah desires good for someone, He tries him with hardships." [Sahīh al-Bukhārī]

Allah says: “Every soul shall taste of death. And We will test you with evil and with good by way of trial. And to Us is your return.” [Sūrah al-Anbiyā’: 35].

Allah says: “It is He who created death and life that He may try you as to which of you is best in deeds.” [Sūrah al-Mulk: 2]

Hence, as believers, we can see clearly that we cannot avoid being tested, it is part of being human.

Sometimes however, because of our state of iman, we easily lose hope and begin to feel a deep sense of despair, we feel that Allah has abandoned us or that He doesn't love us, or that He is ignoring us or we begin to feel that He is angry with us.

Subhanallah, on the contrary, Allah loves us very much indeed, and hence, the reason for our trials. Look at how the prophets (may Allah be pleased with them all) were tried. Infact, the propeht Muhammed s.a.w and those who believed along with him were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger asked : 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!" [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 214]

Truly man is in loss—except for those who believe and do right actions and urge each other to the truth and steadfastness. (Surat al-'Asr, 2-3)

Therefore, the purpose of our trials is clear, Allah wants to distinguish those who are sincere from those the hypocrite. Furthermore, through our trials, Allah is forgiving us our sins and purifying us, hence, when we die, were are cleansed and purified of our sins.

Never, ever lose hope. Whatever your trial is, whether ill health, the trial of children, husband, family...whatever it may be, never ever lose hope. Allah hears your duas and your supplication.

He will answer you, only if you remain patient. Throughout the course of our lives, there were many many times that we wanted something so badly. Looking back now, did Allah not bless you with all of what you wish?

Indeed, and so will all of what you wish be granted to you.

Remember, what have we to fear seeing that we are the servants of the one who gives?

The Test of Patience

2009-03-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever supplicated to Allah for something so hard that you thought that your heart would break?

...you waited patiently for your prayer to be answered...

...and then you waited...

...and waited...

...so you decide to pray even harder and to never give up hope...

...time passes by...

...your patience is running...

...you try to muster more patience...

...but your heart begins to fail you...

...with a sunken heart, restlessness, and frustrated bitter anger, you weakly cry to Allah...

...Ya Allah! I have asked and asked...

...and I have not been answered...

...You stop making dua...

~~~ Did you know that Allah laughs when you say that~~~

~~~ The Prophet s.a.w said, “Verily our Lord laughs at the despair that his servant feels even though the help of Allah is so close” [Laqeet b Saboorah] ~~~

~~~ The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w is Reported to have said~~~

~~~ "You will be answered as long as you are not impatient and say, 'I have made a dua and I have not been answered.“ [reported in Muatta; Book 15:8:29] ~~~

~~~ The supplication of any one of you will be answered as long as he or she is not hasty — saying, "I have prayed Allah and my prayers were not answered He or she then feels aggrieved and stops his or her supplication." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) ~~~

~~~ Allah says in the Holy Quran: Surahtul Baqarahverse 186
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, (tell him) I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way”. ~~~

~~~what are you thinking now?~~~

~~~ never despair from the help of Allah~~~

~~~ If our duas have not yet been Answered, be certain that Allah Hears you when you call on Him, He knows what we know not…. ~~~

~~~ Your time is coming~~~

~~~ don’t doubt it Allah said it I didn't~~~

~~~ and then~~~

…we’ll see who will be laughing… :)