Tag Archives: Allah

Choosing your place in a gathering…

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

I read a Hadith narrated by Abu Waqid Al-Laith (RA) which tells of three men at a gathering. One of the men found a place within the circle of the gathering, the other sat behind the gathering and the third man walked away. When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) completed his talk he said, “shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them betook himself to Allah, so Allah took him into His Grace and Mercy and accommodated him, the second felt shy from Allah, so Allah sheltered him in His mercy (and did not punish him), while the third turned his face from Allah and went away, so Allah turned His face from him likewise.”

I will remember this the next time I am present in a gathering and I hope we can all benefit from this Hadith. Let us be among those whom Allah takes into His Grace and Mercy.

I think it’s important that when we learn or become aware of such teachings that we avoid judging the actions of others. It is through Allah’s mercy that we attain such knowledge and through these actions we may earn His pleasure. Don’t spoil the reward of such an action by judging others or by making them uncomfortable. People may leave Islamic gatherings or might prefer to sit outside them for good reason, it’s not for us to judge or question their intentions, if you are sincere in spreading the knowledge then narrate to them the above Hadith and Insha Allah through you, they too will earn Allah’s pleasure.

A good place to start will be in the Musjid at Jumuah, Insha Allah I will find a place nearest to the front. It’s a shame that the back wall gets full so early in the sermon.

Reading Quran…

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

I am grateful to Allah for making me among those who are able to read the Quran and for allowing me to recite it everyday. I have never doubted the benefits of reading Quran despite not understanding the Arabic language. I have always felt the positive influence the Quran has on my life and is something I pray I can always feel.

The idea of reading a book without understanding the language in which it’s written is very strange. How would you justify the importance of reading the Quran without understanding what you are reading. I came across an interesting story that puts this into perspective…

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Quran. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa! I try to read the Quran just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur’an do?”

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try in.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Grandpa, it’s useless!”“So you think it is useless?” The old man said, “Look at the basket.”

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

Son, that’s what happens when you read the Qur’an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives.”

"Quran time"

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In the Name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Just a little reminder and some motivation to read Quran every day. I’ve found that regular recitation of the Quran, no matter how much or how little, will allow you to cope better with day to day trials and challenges. There is something enlightening about reciting Quran and whether you understand it or not, we can all benefit from it.

Allah says “If anyone finds no time for my remembrance and for begging My favours due to remaining engaged in the recitation of the Quran , I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg favours of Me.” The superiority of the Word of Allah over all other words is like the superiority of Allah over the entire creation.

One who recites the Quran and he is well versed in it ( i.e its recitation), he will be in the company of those angles who are scribes, noble and righteous; and one who falters in the recitation and has to exert himself, gets a double reward.

If Almighty Allah opens the locks of your heart, then you would become aware of the marvels, wisdom and knowledge found in the Holy Qur’an, with the result that you would not have to ponder on other sources. Because whatever there is, found in its pages, as the Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:” Nothing have we omitted from the Book” (Surah Anam Verse 38).

Schedule some ‘Quran time’ in your day so you can benefit from one of the greatest favours from our Lord. A few minutes in the morning or before you get to bed, make it habit and encourage those around you. Whether you understand Arabic or not, recite sincerely and you will feel the effects of divine guidance in every aspect of life.

…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”

 

 

The last 2 verses of Surah Al-Baqarah

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

The Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, “If one recites the last two Verses of Surat-al-Baqara at night, it is sufficient for him (for that night).”

 

 

It is reported on the authority of ‘Ali (RA) that he said:

“I do not consider it fitting for anyone who has understood Islam to sleep (at night) until he has recited Ayat Al- Kursi-and the ending of Surat Al-Baqarah, for they are a gift to your Prophet (SAW) from the treasure which lies beneath the Throne.” (Narrated by Ibn Mardawaih)

Translation: The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His messengers.” And they say: “We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.”

Translation: On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.”

These 2 verses are often recited in Prayer and are fairly easy to memorize. Recite them every night and familiarize yourself with the translation. There is great merit in the recitation of these verses and we can all benefit from them. The last verse is also a supplication to Allah and Insha Allah, by reciting these verses regularly, our prayer will also be accepted.

May Allah pardon our sins and grant us the strength to bear our burdens. Ameen.

Spreading Salaam: The Islamic Greeting

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) it is related that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

“I swear by the one in whose hand lies my soul that you will not enter paradise until you believe. And you shall not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something, that if you practice it you will love another? Spread the (Salaam) Islamic greeting amongst yourselves.”

I heard an interesting lecture by Sheikh Anwar Al-Awlaki which reminded me of the importance of spreading Salaam. The Islamic greeting was one of the first orders given to Prophet Adam (A.S) and is a small act of faith many of us may neglect. Many of us study and work with both, Muslims and non-Muslims and I believe it is important to display our faith and its teachings no matter who we associate with.

When in the presence of Muslims, its important to establish the Salaam (Islamic Greeting) as a priority, thereafter you can use any greeting you see fit to address the rest of the group. There’s nothing wrong in saying G’day or Hi, but when addressing fellow Muslims, it is a duty upon us to greet them respectfully and appropriately. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) always established the Salaam first and thereafter would say “An’im sabaahan” or “An’imu sabaahan”  which is the Arabic equivalent of Good Morning.

So don’t be ashamed of spreading Salaam, greet those whom you know and those who you may not know and educate the people around you so they may also learn from the teachings of Islam.

It is narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) which of the merits (is superior) in Islam. He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: That you provide food and extend greetings to one whom you know or do not know.

As-Salāmu `Alaykum – السلام عليكم
Peace be upon you…

Etiquette at Jummah (Friday Prayer): Finding your place in the crowd

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

We’ve all experienced this at the mosque at some point. You get to the mosque late and you can’t find a spot to pray so you find a gap between two brothers and force your way in; or you get there early to get a good seat and some late-comer squeezes between you and the brother beside you and suddenly you’re curled up to one side thinking… why me?

The next time you face this dilemma, think about the following Hadith:

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jummah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.”

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of etiquette at the Mosque. Be courteous towards your fellow worshippers, this will benefit you and those around you and will facilitate a healthy, peaceful praying environment. Most Mosques and Prayer halls struggle to cope with the crowd at Jummah Prayers so you are bound to have a space issue and will sometimes be forced to inconvenience fellow worshippers, be polite about it and there will be reward in that too Insha Allah. If you do a righteous act, do it for Allah and likewise, if you restrain yourself from committing a sin, do it for Allah.

Jummah Mubarak!

…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”

Remembering Allah every day…

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

 

Never underestimate the power of remembering Allah, even the mere acknowledgement and awareness of Allah in our daily lives could have a positive influence on us and the people around us. Make it a habit to thank Allah everyday and Insha Allah your level of faith will increase daily. There is a reward for the act of remembering Allah (Dhikr), a reward for being grateful to Allah and the satisfaction of knowing that Allah will be there for you in times of need.

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِي وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ”. البقرة

“Therefore remember Me. I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and never show Me ingratitude” – Al-Baqarah 2:152

A simple dua to make everyday:

“Oh Allah, I thank you for everything you have provided for me today, I seek your protection from all things evil and I beg your forgiveness for the sins I may have committed.”

A small prayer, a small thought, a few seconds everyday.

…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”

Dua for your wives and children…

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

A little dua to ensure a righteous partner and obedient children. Recitation of this dua should also serve as a reminder for you to be a righteous partner and obedient to your parents.

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

Rabbana hab-lana min azwajina wathurriyyatina qurrata aAAyunin waijAAalna lilmuttaqeena imama

“Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.”

 

…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”


Dua for your parents…

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

Remember your parents and thank them at every opportunity. Make dua for them daily and Insha Allah you & your parents will benefit from this.

Rabbighfir lii wali-waalidayya walil-muminiina yauma yaquumul hisaab, Rabbirhamhumaa kamaa rabbayaani saghiiraa.

O Lord, forgive me, my parents and Muslims in the Hereafter. O Lord, show mercy on them as they have nourished me when I was young.

Remember your parents, thank them, make dua for them and Allah will be pleased with you. A true win-win situation.

…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”

Keeping silent during the Friday Khutbah (Sermon)

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In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.

A short but clear Hadith highlighting the importance of silence during the Jummah Khutbah:

“If you told your friend to pay attention on Friday while the Imam is delivering the speech then you committed a sin of vain talk.”

Take heed of this Hadith and remember it when you’re at the Jummah Prayer next. Keeping quiet will allow you to benefit from the sermon and also gives you the opportunity to remember Allah. Don’t waste these opportunities by engaging in worldly matters. This is a sacrifice we can all afford to make.

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jummah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutbah, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.”

May we all benefit from this Insha Allah!