Tag Archives: Inspiration

Ramadhaan Reminders: Dinner Parties & Iftaar…

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

Many people use the following Hadith to justify and encourage Dinner/Iftaar parties during the month of Ramadhaan:

“Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person” – Tirmidhi.

I think it’s important to see the wisdom behind such inspiration and not to abuse it. Dinner/Iftaar parties can often distract people from the real virtues of Ramadhaan and may even facilitate and encourage Back-biting, gossip, etc. The key is to avoid any situation that would distract you from attaining the pleasure of Allah.

Charity is very closely associated with the month of Ramadhaan and some scholars are of the opinion that the above Hadith relates to the food/Iftaar provided to the poor and needy. I’m not in any way implying that providing Iftaar to people who can afford it won’t earn you the reward but what I am saying is make sure the Dinner/Iftaar is done for the right reasons and in the right environment. Invite a different person over for dinner everyday instead of hosting a Dinner/Iftaar party for a huge group of people in one sitting.

May Allah allow us to benefit from this auspicious month…

Preparing for the month of Ramdhan: Fasting in Sha'ban…

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

The month of Sha’ban precedes the greatest month in the Islamic calendar and is a good opportunity to prepare for the auspicious month of Ramadhan.

The blessed companion Anas (RA) reports that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?” He replied, “Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan.”

Umm Salamah (RA) says: “I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan.”

These narrations highlight the importance of fasting during the month of Sha’ban. This weekend is a great opportunity to prepare for the month of Ramadhan and earn extra rewards Insha Allah.

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

Modesty: Dress to impress…

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

Musa (A.S) was a very modest man and always dressed appropriately (i.e. he covered his body). The people of Israel were unashamed and lacked in this respect to the extent that they would bathe together in the nude.  When Musa (A.S) chose to bathe alone in seclusion and chose to cover his body and not reveal it to them, they accused him of hiding something, they accused him of being infected or diseased.

In this there is a lesson for Muslims today. When we cover our bodies and choose not to display ourselves inappropriately we are accused of being oppressive and our intentions are often questioned. Don’t make the mistake of conforming with these ideals, we are meant to be different, we are meant to set an example. So be proud of who you are, uphold Islam in the way you dress and Allah will be impressed.

Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty:
That will make for greater purity for them. Qur’an 24:30-31

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

Remembering Allah: ‘Inside the human body’…

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

It’s not often a tv show will remind you of Allah but I felt a spiritual high while watching ‘inside the human body’ last night. The human body is absolutely amazing in its composition and functionality. I am so grateful for what I have and what I have been given.

Remembering Allah is not only about reciting verses or praying, it’s about acknowledging and being grateful for even the tiniest of blessings. Don’t forget to remember Allah and acknowledge His greatness. You will find the Dhikr of Allah everywhere, you just need to be willing to look.

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

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

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.

"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.”

 

 

Inspiration: Live Life!

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

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be – a roommate, a neighbour, a professor, a friend, a lover, or even a complete stranger – but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved straight flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become. Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are sometimes the most important ones.

If someone loves you, give love back to them in whatever way you can, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and listen to what they have to say.

Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make anything you wish of your life. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

And if you love someone tell them, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.

Learn a lesson in life each day that you live!

Remember, today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday.

Think About it? Was it worth it?

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Uncredited article – courtesy of Gold Coast Islam Newsletter