By Dennis Thompson
HealthDay Reporter by Dennis Thompson
healthday Reporter – Sun Oct 18, 11:48 pm ET
SUNDAY, Oct. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Just about every month -- if not every week -- a new study emerges touting the health benefits to be gained from a daily glass of wine or a pint of dark beer.
The benefits related to cardiovascular health have become well-known. A study released in mid-July, for instance, found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women by increasing the amount of "good" cholesterol in the bloodstream and reducing blood sugar levels.
But other studies have linked a daily drink, most often wine, to reduced risk of dementia, bone loss and physical disabilities related to old age. Wine also has been found to increase life expectancy and provide potential protection against some forms of cancer, including esophageal cancer and lymphoma.
But don't invest in that case of Pinot noir just yet.
Experts with the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association say that though these studies do show some benefits to moderate drinking, the health risks from alcohol consumption far outweigh the potential rewards.
Drinking any alcohol at all is known to increase your risk for contracting a number of types of cancer, said Susan Gapstur, vice president of epidemiology for the American Cancer Society. These include cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon/rectum and breast....
"They ask thee concerning wine and gambling. Say: "In them is great sin, and some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit." (Qur'an, 2:219)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Friday, October 09, 2009
Islam: Work and Surrender
God says, “Walk and work for Me.” He wants you to work and to surrender at the same time. He does not want you to stay at home like the person who says, “I stay at home and do not work and Allah sends me everything.” The Khalifah ‘Umar came to a man in the mosque and said, “Why are you still here?” He said, “I want to always be praying.” ‘Umar asked him, “Who gives you food and who brings food to your children?” The man answered him, “God.” ‘Umar said, “But who told you to always be in the mosque and to not work and to leave your children? This is not praying.”
The deep praying is to know Him in every face and in every job. ‘Umar took a stick and hit him, “Wake up God, and find work to feed yourself and your children, and feed the animals and everything. Go to know how to help people. This is the deep praying for you! Do not leave your religion to die. It is important to not call yourself a Muslim.” This is the meaning of the real surrender, to work and when you work you know with Whom you work. You work with God. You follow His Order. Allah wants you to be very careful with the earth. This is the meaning of the surrender, trust - trust God.
Many Dervishes or Sufi people speak about themselves as Sufi and say that the Sufi Way is to keep your self inside the Zawiyah and to pray. This is the understanding of the Sufi for himself, but this is not the way. Allah does not like to see any one of His beloveds weak. He likes to see His beloveds strong in the perfect way, to know how to give and how to work. You see many who say they are Sufi and who keep themselves inside praying. I tell them this is not the right kind of praying. You are praying for yourself, but God wants you to pray for another and to give to others. This is praying and this is the meaning of al-Islam.
Where is this religion from? The Prophet, may peace be upon him, worked. He carried the message but at the same time he had a business. He traveled often from Mecca to Damascus bringing things everywhere. This is because he searched about the right life. You can know the Beloved of Allah (the Prophet, may Allah bless him) when you live between the people. How can you know how to help people if you do not live between them? If you do not have a business, how can you be honest? And when you have work, you learn how to give, how to take, and how to care about everything, even animals and plants. The Prophet, may peace by upon him, had many sheep and cared for them. And he cared about himself because he wanted to feed the people. He helped himself and, others. This is al-Islam. Islam does not like weakness. If you are healthy in body and mind, then it is important to go and work but to be straight in everything, to see how to work, to follow when you work, and to change everything, beloved, because the teaching comes through you when you walk straight and follow the teachings of Allah.
- Sheikh Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal
The deep praying is to know Him in every face and in every job. ‘Umar took a stick and hit him, “Wake up God, and find work to feed yourself and your children, and feed the animals and everything. Go to know how to help people. This is the deep praying for you! Do not leave your religion to die. It is important to not call yourself a Muslim.” This is the meaning of the real surrender, to work and when you work you know with Whom you work. You work with God. You follow His Order. Allah wants you to be very careful with the earth. This is the meaning of the surrender, trust - trust God.
Many Dervishes or Sufi people speak about themselves as Sufi and say that the Sufi Way is to keep your self inside the Zawiyah and to pray. This is the understanding of the Sufi for himself, but this is not the way. Allah does not like to see any one of His beloveds weak. He likes to see His beloveds strong in the perfect way, to know how to give and how to work. You see many who say they are Sufi and who keep themselves inside praying. I tell them this is not the right kind of praying. You are praying for yourself, but God wants you to pray for another and to give to others. This is praying and this is the meaning of al-Islam.
Where is this religion from? The Prophet, may peace be upon him, worked. He carried the message but at the same time he had a business. He traveled often from Mecca to Damascus bringing things everywhere. This is because he searched about the right life. You can know the Beloved of Allah (the Prophet, may Allah bless him) when you live between the people. How can you know how to help people if you do not live between them? If you do not have a business, how can you be honest? And when you have work, you learn how to give, how to take, and how to care about everything, even animals and plants. The Prophet, may peace by upon him, had many sheep and cared for them. And he cared about himself because he wanted to feed the people. He helped himself and, others. This is al-Islam. Islam does not like weakness. If you are healthy in body and mind, then it is important to go and work but to be straight in everything, to see how to work, to follow when you work, and to change everything, beloved, because the teaching comes through you when you walk straight and follow the teachings of Allah.
- Sheikh Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal
Thursday, October 08, 2009
In the Presence of the Mightiest of Emperors...
Imagine yourself entering the presence of a mighty emperor. You are overwhelmed with awe at his power, and with a sense of your own insignificance. Your entire attention is absorbed by the emperor's greatness, so you are utterly unaware of his physical presence and of the other people around him. When you leave his presence, people ask you about the other people, about his physical appearance, and about your own experience of being in his presence. But you are unable to answer.
This is a parable for losing the sense of self.
- Qushayri, "Risalah"
This is a parable for losing the sense of self.
- Qushayri, "Risalah"
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Supplication of Love
Lord, the night is gone. The dawn has lighted the sky. How I long to know if You accepted or rejected my prayers. Comfort me, Lord, for only you can comfort this state of mine. You gave me life and nurtured me; Yours is all the praise. If You would ever drive me away from Your door, I would never abandon it for the sake of Your love, which I carry in my heart.
- Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
- Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Moulding Students to Think.... Go IKIM!
Tuesday September 29, 2009
Moulding students to think
IKIM VIEWS
By NIK ROSKIMAN ABDUL SAMAD, Fellow of Centre for Consultancy and Training,IKIM
The rote-based education system only churns out students with data and information but without the means to convert them into knowledge. We need to move on to producing thinking students
IT WAS with great relief that we heard the Government’s announcement to revamp our educational system for the better.
We have discussed this issue before, that our national education system should start focusing on producing thinking students rather than memorisers of data.
The move to reduce the number of subjects taken at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level is commendable. But that will not have much significant impact on the student population as a whole if the primary school level is not put through a serious revamp as well.
Developing students’ minds should begin as early as possible.
During my stay at Edinburgh a few years back, my six-year-old son came home from school one day with a question following a nativity programme organised by his school.
He asked me: “Can God have a son?”. I replied: “No, in Islam we do not believe that God can have children. Since He is God and not a human being like us, he cannot have a child. Only a human being begets, not God”.
Then he replied: “Yes, my thoughts too, because God is not human like us. He is an alien!”
I was amused, yet shocked. The premises that I laid down for him in order to develop his thinking mind, had led him to a wrong conclusion, unfortunately. His logic was correct but the conclusion was erroneous.
I bring up this anecdote to share with readers the importance of developing students’ minds at an early age. It is the responsibility of parents and teachers to guide the children on the correct use of logic and reason to arrive at the right conclusion.
Logic (or dialectic as it also called) is one important tool taught by the Greek at an early age at the trivium level to develop minds. Logic is not a subject but rather the art of understanding things and arguing correctly.
That practise during the Greek ages in the form of trivium and quadrivium can be emulated and improved on to suit the modern age. This has been done by many scholars trying to bring back the classical spirit, but with a modern scent.
Havard Professor Howard Gardner, for example, mentions in his work Five Minds for the Future that there are five minds to be cultivated for an individual to excel – the Disciplined Mind, Synthesizing Mind, Creating Mind, Respectful Mind and Ethical Mind.
His emphasis on “minds” and “intelligence” has great thoughts and ideas that can be incorporated into our educational system.
A similar stress on developing the mind has in fact been espoused by classical Muslim scholars of the past who Islamised the Greek logics, in the introduction of ilm al-mantiq (logic) in the classical curriculum of madrasahs all over the Muslim world during that period.
The Disciplined Mind of Gardner is in reality the Socratic method of teaching logic to students.
The teacher raises questions and the students discuss them in class. By controlling the pace, the teacher can keep the class lively and at the same time stimulate the students’ thinking in a disciplined manner. Furthermore, the discussion is not bound by any textbook or syllabus that needs to be completed.
In other words, during the Classical period, students were taught the tools of learning at an early age. And, only later, at quadrivium level, were they taught such subjects as arithmetic, astronomy geometry and music.
The early stage is the foundational stage to develop the mind, to create the framework and logical foundation of the children’s mind, so that the real subjects could be fitted into the mind without any difficulty or incoherency.
I liken this to a computer that needs to be formatted and installed with an operating system – be it Windows, Linux, Apple or others – before software applications can be installed.
Our minds work in the same manner. What we have been doing in the past 50 years was “installing” various “software applications” (subjects) in our minds, but not the operating system for the mind.
At the end of the day, our students have huge data and information but their “non-formatted minds” are incapable of converting them into knowledge beneficial to them and society.
These “non-formatted minds” also, at times, come up will illogical and nonsensical ideas and arguments out of ignorance and the inability of the minds to synchronise and link scattered information coherently and logically.
In other words, we added new subjects to be studied without developing students’ minds. For that reason, we find certain people are now talking about an unlearning process, realising that what we have been practising or advocating or believing all this while appears not right.
This is also what Gardner lamented: The inability of “teachers, students, policymakers and ordinary citizens to sufficiently appreciate the differences between subject matter and discipline”.
Most individuals in most schools study subject matter - memorising facts and formulas, figures, dates etc, according to him. But discipline is rather a different phenomenon. Gardner says “it constitutes a distinctive way of thinking of the world”.
This disciplined mind is what is lacking in today’s modern education system.
While Islam does not view any dichotomy between the world and the afterworld (al-akhirah), the disciplined mind of a Muslim constitutes the ability to distinctively view not just the physical world but also existence (al-wujud) and reality (al-haqiqah) in its totality, which is encapsulated in the Worldview of Islam (ru’yat al-islam lil-wujud), the concept propagated by Professor Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas.
It is therefore imperative for our policymakers to now come up with an education system which concentrates more on developing and nurturing students’ minds rather than bombarding them with subject after subject.
And, it should begin not only at the secondary level or SPM, but at the primary and pre-school stages.
Moulding students to think
IKIM VIEWS
By NIK ROSKIMAN ABDUL SAMAD, Fellow of Centre for Consultancy and Training,IKIM
The rote-based education system only churns out students with data and information but without the means to convert them into knowledge. We need to move on to producing thinking students
IT WAS with great relief that we heard the Government’s announcement to revamp our educational system for the better.
We have discussed this issue before, that our national education system should start focusing on producing thinking students rather than memorisers of data.
The move to reduce the number of subjects taken at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level is commendable. But that will not have much significant impact on the student population as a whole if the primary school level is not put through a serious revamp as well.
Developing students’ minds should begin as early as possible.
During my stay at Edinburgh a few years back, my six-year-old son came home from school one day with a question following a nativity programme organised by his school.
He asked me: “Can God have a son?”. I replied: “No, in Islam we do not believe that God can have children. Since He is God and not a human being like us, he cannot have a child. Only a human being begets, not God”.
Then he replied: “Yes, my thoughts too, because God is not human like us. He is an alien!”
I was amused, yet shocked. The premises that I laid down for him in order to develop his thinking mind, had led him to a wrong conclusion, unfortunately. His logic was correct but the conclusion was erroneous.
I bring up this anecdote to share with readers the importance of developing students’ minds at an early age. It is the responsibility of parents and teachers to guide the children on the correct use of logic and reason to arrive at the right conclusion.
Logic (or dialectic as it also called) is one important tool taught by the Greek at an early age at the trivium level to develop minds. Logic is not a subject but rather the art of understanding things and arguing correctly.
That practise during the Greek ages in the form of trivium and quadrivium can be emulated and improved on to suit the modern age. This has been done by many scholars trying to bring back the classical spirit, but with a modern scent.
Havard Professor Howard Gardner, for example, mentions in his work Five Minds for the Future that there are five minds to be cultivated for an individual to excel – the Disciplined Mind, Synthesizing Mind, Creating Mind, Respectful Mind and Ethical Mind.
His emphasis on “minds” and “intelligence” has great thoughts and ideas that can be incorporated into our educational system.
A similar stress on developing the mind has in fact been espoused by classical Muslim scholars of the past who Islamised the Greek logics, in the introduction of ilm al-mantiq (logic) in the classical curriculum of madrasahs all over the Muslim world during that period.
The Disciplined Mind of Gardner is in reality the Socratic method of teaching logic to students.
The teacher raises questions and the students discuss them in class. By controlling the pace, the teacher can keep the class lively and at the same time stimulate the students’ thinking in a disciplined manner. Furthermore, the discussion is not bound by any textbook or syllabus that needs to be completed.
In other words, during the Classical period, students were taught the tools of learning at an early age. And, only later, at quadrivium level, were they taught such subjects as arithmetic, astronomy geometry and music.
The early stage is the foundational stage to develop the mind, to create the framework and logical foundation of the children’s mind, so that the real subjects could be fitted into the mind without any difficulty or incoherency.
I liken this to a computer that needs to be formatted and installed with an operating system – be it Windows, Linux, Apple or others – before software applications can be installed.
Our minds work in the same manner. What we have been doing in the past 50 years was “installing” various “software applications” (subjects) in our minds, but not the operating system for the mind.
At the end of the day, our students have huge data and information but their “non-formatted minds” are incapable of converting them into knowledge beneficial to them and society.
These “non-formatted minds” also, at times, come up will illogical and nonsensical ideas and arguments out of ignorance and the inability of the minds to synchronise and link scattered information coherently and logically.
In other words, we added new subjects to be studied without developing students’ minds. For that reason, we find certain people are now talking about an unlearning process, realising that what we have been practising or advocating or believing all this while appears not right.
This is also what Gardner lamented: The inability of “teachers, students, policymakers and ordinary citizens to sufficiently appreciate the differences between subject matter and discipline”.
Most individuals in most schools study subject matter - memorising facts and formulas, figures, dates etc, according to him. But discipline is rather a different phenomenon. Gardner says “it constitutes a distinctive way of thinking of the world”.
This disciplined mind is what is lacking in today’s modern education system.
While Islam does not view any dichotomy between the world and the afterworld (al-akhirah), the disciplined mind of a Muslim constitutes the ability to distinctively view not just the physical world but also existence (al-wujud) and reality (al-haqiqah) in its totality, which is encapsulated in the Worldview of Islam (ru’yat al-islam lil-wujud), the concept propagated by Professor Dr Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas.
It is therefore imperative for our policymakers to now come up with an education system which concentrates more on developing and nurturing students’ minds rather than bombarding them with subject after subject.
And, it should begin not only at the secondary level or SPM, but at the primary and pre-school stages.
The Road to Success
Revelation is to be believed. This is why we are called believers. But it also reveals what is to be believed, the "truth", so to speak, that by it falsehood, which abounds in this world, may be discerned and eschewed. When "the faith", that which is to be trusted as true, has entered into the heart, then that heart is guided by it, and the person is considered to be "rightly guided", and a guide to others. This is the Essence, a Free and Clean (Sufi) Muslim, surrendered and guided by the Masters of the Way. This is the goal for which we strive. For then you are free, free of your burdensome, tiring self, free of false responsibilities and concerns - clean, innocent and forgiven, teaching and living by the Religion of Choice, Surrendered to the God in Whom we all believe and guided by Religion in the right way.
What more could be asked for. It is then and only then that the ways of true success in the world will be opened for you, for it is no longer coming from your will but from Alllah's will, which must come to pass, and to which you are completely surrendered.
So now let me "reveal" to you the nature of your religion:
"I am the Lord thy God. Your lives and provision have been decreed. I want only of you recognition, not that you provide for yourselves. Let Me provide for you, and you worship Me. I have created you for this recognition. There is no way that you "can't" do it, I have built it into the depths of your very being. But there are created many distractions for you that will test your will and improve your strength and insight, so many of you "won't", for now. And it is for that choice that I have given you a free will.
"Knowing me is as simple as leaving your desires. To guide you in my direction I have sent you a revelation through a prophet perfect in character and understanding, yet human, that you be not discouraged. He describes for you that which you should practice and that in which you should trust, and exemplifies in his being the balance between them, the holding of them both in perfect harmony. He describes for you the religion of Surrender, which is the direct way of knowing Me for each one of you. He describes for you your faith. And He shows you the way to outer peace through inner peace. So believe now in Me and follow the way of Surrender I have revealed for you. It will lead you out of the suffering of your mortal illusions and into the true life that I have created for you."
- Ali Ansari
What more could be asked for. It is then and only then that the ways of true success in the world will be opened for you, for it is no longer coming from your will but from Alllah's will, which must come to pass, and to which you are completely surrendered.
So now let me "reveal" to you the nature of your religion:
"I am the Lord thy God. Your lives and provision have been decreed. I want only of you recognition, not that you provide for yourselves. Let Me provide for you, and you worship Me. I have created you for this recognition. There is no way that you "can't" do it, I have built it into the depths of your very being. But there are created many distractions for you that will test your will and improve your strength and insight, so many of you "won't", for now. And it is for that choice that I have given you a free will.
"Knowing me is as simple as leaving your desires. To guide you in my direction I have sent you a revelation through a prophet perfect in character and understanding, yet human, that you be not discouraged. He describes for you that which you should practice and that in which you should trust, and exemplifies in his being the balance between them, the holding of them both in perfect harmony. He describes for you the religion of Surrender, which is the direct way of knowing Me for each one of you. He describes for you your faith. And He shows you the way to outer peace through inner peace. So believe now in Me and follow the way of Surrender I have revealed for you. It will lead you out of the suffering of your mortal illusions and into the true life that I have created for you."
- Ali Ansari
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Conversation with Sheikh Hajj Gibril on Issues Related to Non-Muslim Friends...
Far from the overly simplistic rhetoric we often read about in regard to how Muslim teachings view relations with non-Muslims, here is a short conversation between Sheikh G.F. Haddad and a questioner about his or her non-Muslim friends. It's a very interesting dialogue...
Q: Some of my non-Muslim friends are very nice people, and follow their religion well. Now here is my question, if they believe in God, and follow their religion, why would they be sent to hell and punished?? Didn't Allah create them as well, and wasn't he who placed them in a non-Muslim family? It's so sad to know what would happen to these innocent people!
A: Islamic Law considers them Ahl al-Fitra until the authentic message of Islam reaches them. Allah does not punish a people until He sends them a messenger and they reject him. In fact you may be that messenger for some of them, and your responsibility as a representative of Islam before non-Muslims is immense.
Q: Just like us, they are too strong believers in their own faith. They have been brought up in that religion, and it is impossible for them to even think of another religion to convert to.
A: Yes, there was a time I would have thought this the height of absurdity also, but little by little it changed until conversion became the height of logic and the right thing to do. At that point the terms "another religion" became superficial and only those of "the completion of religion" made sense. I also realized that belief in Islam in comparison to other beliefs is like maturity in comparison to childhood. So they may be "strong believers just like us" in the sense of one's emotional ties and conscientious adherence to one's convictions, but never in the sense of knowledge.
Q: Now think about it, we know that Islam is the correct path. We know this from reading the Quran, and other books. We know this from being told so. And most importantly we know so because we were blessed to be born in a Muslim family.
A: Are you being rhetorical? None of the above shows true knowledge, as I am sure you know. Knowledge in Islam is the upholding of Divine Oneness, then everything else that follows, to which reading and birth may or may not lead. It is different from merely being Muslim and imitating other Muslims, which is what you have described.
Q: Now let's look at the Christian culture, and the same can be said for them.....they also read their Bible, and learn more from their weekly church visits, so how can they (the faithful one's) even think of converting. I, like most Muslims would rather die, then even think of conversion, but then again the same can be said about people from other religions.
A: The comparison holds only if one is indeed a superficial Muslim who follows Islam out of some inherited habit or cultural notion of belonging, or purely material circumstance, which I am sure, or hope you do not.
There is no comparison. Islam imparts a knowledge that all of mankind was honored by the Creator, and that the Creator likes to be known for this and worshiped on the basis of truth-imparting knowledge. They have to focus on the person of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an and Law he brought, and ask themselves whether he was acting with divine sanction or out of his own human will.
Q: So why would this happen? Is it really their fault? Would Allah really punish them?
A: We are all answerable at different degrees. I have non-Muslim relatives who are just as dear or dearer to me than your Toronto friends are to you. Allah will grant success to those who repent to him sincerely and ask for dear guidance with true broken hearts, and He will not look at names and titles such as Christian, Muslim, Jew, Protestant, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, Sikh, Buddhist....
Hajj Gibril
GF Haddad ©
[2000-11-04]
Q: Some of my non-Muslim friends are very nice people, and follow their religion well. Now here is my question, if they believe in God, and follow their religion, why would they be sent to hell and punished?? Didn't Allah create them as well, and wasn't he who placed them in a non-Muslim family? It's so sad to know what would happen to these innocent people!
A: Islamic Law considers them Ahl al-Fitra until the authentic message of Islam reaches them. Allah does not punish a people until He sends them a messenger and they reject him. In fact you may be that messenger for some of them, and your responsibility as a representative of Islam before non-Muslims is immense.
Q: Just like us, they are too strong believers in their own faith. They have been brought up in that religion, and it is impossible for them to even think of another religion to convert to.
A: Yes, there was a time I would have thought this the height of absurdity also, but little by little it changed until conversion became the height of logic and the right thing to do. At that point the terms "another religion" became superficial and only those of "the completion of religion" made sense. I also realized that belief in Islam in comparison to other beliefs is like maturity in comparison to childhood. So they may be "strong believers just like us" in the sense of one's emotional ties and conscientious adherence to one's convictions, but never in the sense of knowledge.
Q: Now think about it, we know that Islam is the correct path. We know this from reading the Quran, and other books. We know this from being told so. And most importantly we know so because we were blessed to be born in a Muslim family.
A: Are you being rhetorical? None of the above shows true knowledge, as I am sure you know. Knowledge in Islam is the upholding of Divine Oneness, then everything else that follows, to which reading and birth may or may not lead. It is different from merely being Muslim and imitating other Muslims, which is what you have described.
Q: Now let's look at the Christian culture, and the same can be said for them.....they also read their Bible, and learn more from their weekly church visits, so how can they (the faithful one's) even think of converting. I, like most Muslims would rather die, then even think of conversion, but then again the same can be said about people from other religions.
A: The comparison holds only if one is indeed a superficial Muslim who follows Islam out of some inherited habit or cultural notion of belonging, or purely material circumstance, which I am sure, or hope you do not.
There is no comparison. Islam imparts a knowledge that all of mankind was honored by the Creator, and that the Creator likes to be known for this and worshiped on the basis of truth-imparting knowledge. They have to focus on the person of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur'an and Law he brought, and ask themselves whether he was acting with divine sanction or out of his own human will.
Q: So why would this happen? Is it really their fault? Would Allah really punish them?
A: We are all answerable at different degrees. I have non-Muslim relatives who are just as dear or dearer to me than your Toronto friends are to you. Allah will grant success to those who repent to him sincerely and ask for dear guidance with true broken hearts, and He will not look at names and titles such as Christian, Muslim, Jew, Protestant, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, Sikh, Buddhist....
Hajj Gibril
GF Haddad ©
[2000-11-04]
Thursday, September 17, 2009
'Allahu Akbar' and the Purification of the Mind
In prayer, the words 'Allahu Akbar' are said over and over. The words mean 'God is great' or 'God is greater', or, God is greater than anything, even that which is conceived of in the mind. As such, when the mind becomes preoccupied with other-than-God we say Allahu Akbar to take us back to that state of remembrance, that place where God (i.e. remembrance of His name) is greater than whatever it is that we are thinking about at that moment. It's the fastest and most effective way to reclaim that state of clarity and mental precision.
So the next time you feel your mind overwhelmed with mental noise and endless chatter, use the greatest weapon that Allah has armed us with - His remembrance. Make it constant, then observe yourself...
"...Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest(13:28)"
Tafsir al-Tustari:
His words, Exalted is He:
…Truly, it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace.
[In] remembrance (dhikr) with knowledge ('ilm) there is tranquil repose (sukūn), and [in] remembrance with intellect ('aql) there is profound peace (ṭ uma'nīna).
He [Sahl] was asked, 'And how is that?' He replied:
If a servant is maintaining [true] obedience to God, he will be in a state of remembrance (dhākir), but when something occurs to his mind, he will be in a state of severance (qāṭ i') [from God]. If he is involved in an act [motivated by] his lower self, and something comes to his heart which guides him to remembrance and obedience, this is the role played by the intellect (mawḍi' al-'aql).
So the next time you feel your mind overwhelmed with mental noise and endless chatter, use the greatest weapon that Allah has armed us with - His remembrance. Make it constant, then observe yourself...
"...Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest(13:28)"
Tafsir al-Tustari:
His words, Exalted is He:
…Truly, it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace.
[In] remembrance (dhikr) with knowledge ('ilm) there is tranquil repose (sukūn), and [in] remembrance with intellect ('aql) there is profound peace (ṭ uma'nīna).
He [Sahl] was asked, 'And how is that?' He replied:
If a servant is maintaining [true] obedience to God, he will be in a state of remembrance (dhākir), but when something occurs to his mind, he will be in a state of severance (qāṭ i') [from God]. If he is involved in an act [motivated by] his lower self, and something comes to his heart which guides him to remembrance and obedience, this is the role played by the intellect (mawḍi' al-'aql).
Friday, September 04, 2009
Words of Wisdom from the Imam...
Imam Shafi`i said: 3 things in this world have been made lovely to me: avoiding affectation, treating people kindly, and following the way of tasawwuf.
He also said: I accompanied the Sufis and received from them but three words:
their statement that time is a sword: if you do not cut it, it cuts you;
their statement that if you do not keep your ego busy with truth it will keep you busy with falsehood;
their statement that deprivation is immunity.
[-Al-Shafi`i]
He also said: I accompanied the Sufis and received from them but three words:
their statement that time is a sword: if you do not cut it, it cuts you;
their statement that if you do not keep your ego busy with truth it will keep you busy with falsehood;
their statement that deprivation is immunity.
[-Al-Shafi`i]
Sunday, August 30, 2009
More Than
This is a beautiful song about one man's love for His Prophet (SAW)....
More Than
by Kareem Salama
Since when did a man need to be free of his sin
To see the face of the moon and feel the warmth of a friend
I come from miles and miles away from a far and distant place
But I pray every night to dream of the light of your face
The more I know you I love you
Chorus
More than mountains of jewels
More than months of honeymoons
More than gold loves a fool
I love you
VERSE 2
I’d give up everything I have which isn’t much to say the most
But if you’d be my honored guest then I’d be a gracious host
If you’re the paradise I seek then I was born in hell
If you’re the garden where we sit then I sit on land untilled
The more I know you I love you
More than mountains of jewels
More than months of honeymoons
More than gold loves a fool
I love you
More than shade under a tree
On a summer day in Tennessee
More than I love me
I love you
VERSE 3
Wish all the people throughout time knew what I know about you
How they harmed the ones you loved and how they tried to harm you too
But you repelled hatred with love and you invited friend and foe
And though the lies they speak pain me it’s that you’re gone that hurts the most
The more I remember you I love you
Chorus
More Than
by Kareem Salama
Since when did a man need to be free of his sin
To see the face of the moon and feel the warmth of a friend
I come from miles and miles away from a far and distant place
But I pray every night to dream of the light of your face
The more I know you I love you
Chorus
More than mountains of jewels
More than months of honeymoons
More than gold loves a fool
I love you
VERSE 2
I’d give up everything I have which isn’t much to say the most
But if you’d be my honored guest then I’d be a gracious host
If you’re the paradise I seek then I was born in hell
If you’re the garden where we sit then I sit on land untilled
The more I know you I love you
More than mountains of jewels
More than months of honeymoons
More than gold loves a fool
I love you
More than shade under a tree
On a summer day in Tennessee
More than I love me
I love you
VERSE 3
Wish all the people throughout time knew what I know about you
How they harmed the ones you loved and how they tried to harm you too
But you repelled hatred with love and you invited friend and foe
And though the lies they speak pain me it’s that you’re gone that hurts the most
The more I remember you I love you
Chorus
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
You Should Observe Yourself Closely...
People differ greatly in the amount of anxiety and worry they can stand: some can endure a great deal without being adversely affected, while others soon show signs of strain. You should observe yourself closely, so that you understand your own powers of endurance. By this means you will learn to divest yourself before any harm is done.
- Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
- Razi: Kitab al-Muluki
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ramadhan Reminders...
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint."
[Al-Baqara, 2:183]
Soon inshAllah, the graceful month of Ramadhan will be upon us. It is the month chosen by Allah سبحانه وتعالى as a month of fasting. He سبحانه وتعالى favoured this month over all other months by making it the month of mercy and reverence for all the believers. Indeed, Ramadhan is the most superior of all months: the one in which Allah سبحانه وتعالى commenced His final revelation - the Qur'an.
In the month of Ramadhan we read the Qur'an everyday and recite it at length during the Taraweeh. But do we understand and practice this Qur'an? Aisha (ra) described the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلم character as being the walking Qur'an. Do our characters reflect the message of the Qur'an? Do we implement it in our lives? Do we feel its weight on our shoulders?
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَى جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
"Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and split asunder (crumbling) by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables that We put forward to mankind that they may reflect." [Al-Hashr, 59:21]
Allah سبحانه وتعالى reveals to mankind that had He sent the Qur'an upon a mighty mountain many times the size of a man it would crumble in the fear of Allah سبحانه وتعالى! Do we, in our petty and insignificant stature, then feel humbled by the Qur'an, which was revealed to us and not the mountains? Do we live by the commands and prohibitions that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has laid down in the Qur'an, His final revelation?
If Allah سبحانه وتعالى Wills, we will fast this month, but will we be alive to see the next Ramadhan? Will this be our last chance to taste the Mercy of Allah سبحانه وتعالى within this blessed month? We should assess our behaviour and actions and reflect whether the Day we meet Allah سبحانه وتعالى will be our best Day or will it be a Day of disaster? Every one of us will meet Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone; with no parents to protect us and no wealth to save us. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has revealed:
يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ الْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ
وَأُمِّهِ وَأَبِيهِ
وَصَاحِبَتِهِ وَبَنِيهِ
لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مِّنْهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ شَأْنٌ يُغْنِيهِ
"That Day shall a man flee from his own brother, And from his mother and his father, And from his wife and his children, Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern (of his own) to make him indifferent to the others." [‘Abasa, 80:34-37]
We will only have our actions in this life. So let us look back to the year that has passed and reflect. Let us look at what we did right according to Islam so we can continue doing them, and look at what we did wrong so that we can ask Allah سبحانه وتعالى for forgiveness and strive not to repeat them again. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
"If comes Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of hell are locked, and the devils are chained." [Bukhari & Muslim]
Based on this hadith, the scholars say that Heaven literally opens its doors and Hell closes its doors and the shayateen are chained! So the only enemy we have to overcome is our Nafs (inner desires).
Let us use this opportunity in which the shayateen are chained to overcome our Nafs and get accustomed to obeying Allah سبحانه وتعالى in all actions of life without exceptions, whether we are at the masjid or in the school, whether we are at home or at work, whether we are buying a house or selling a car. In short, we must follow Islam in all aspects of our lives.
Ramadhan is also a great opportunity to seek Islamic knowledge and increase our awareness of the Islamic culture. The more we are aware of Islam the better chance we have to run our lives according to it. Allah سبحانه وتعالى revealed:
إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاء
"Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge." [Al-Faatir, 35:28]
In the month of Ramadhan, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to study the Qur'an every night with the Angel Jibreal. Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, had said: "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was the most generous of people. He used to be the most generous in Ramadhan when he would meet with angel Jibreal and study the Qur'an with him. Angel Jibreal would meet with the Prophet every night in Ramadhan to teach him the Qur'an. The Prophet was so generous when he met with Jibreal, more generous than the wind that brings rain." Imam Ah-mad added to this narration: "And nothing he was asked for but he would give it." Furthermore, Al-Bayhaqi reported that 'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, had said, "When Ramadhan would start, the Prophet would release all prisoners of war and fulfil the need of every person who would ask him for something."
Let us seek knowledge in this blessed month by studying the meaning of the ayat of the Glorious Qur'an. Let us read about the life of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions (ra): how they lived their lives, how they sacrificed life and limb to make the Word of Allah سبحانه وتعالى supreme. Let us remember Musab ibn Umayr (ra): the sahabi who went from being the richest man to the poorest - so poor that when died he did not own enough clothes to cover his own body. Why did he face such a situation? Because he realized the promise of Allah سبحانه وتعالى is true. Let us read about the rules of interaction in Islam whether in trade, finance, agriculture or others. Let us see what Islam says about the relationships between men and women, family and children. Islam is a complete way of life and in this blessed month let's make the sincere intention to cover some parts of Islam that we lack knowledge of.
Let us use this opportunity to extend the bridges of brother-hood and earn rewards by inviting Muslims for Iftar as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has said:
"He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person's rewards." [Ahmad]
The month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil and striving hard with one's life and wealth to make the word of Allah the highest. After the death of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, Muslims carried this Sunnah on and Allah the Majestic used the believers to affect the course of history.
Ramadhan was a time of intense activity, spending the day on the saddle and the night in prayer, while calling upon Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness. This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges.
So let us make this month of Ramadhan the month of prayer, the month of worship, the month of recitation of Qur'an, the month of giving Zakah, the month of strengthening the relations between our relatives, the month of generosity and goodness to the needy, the month of being aware of our speech and actions, the month of re-invigorating our relationship with Allah سبحانه وتعالى and purifying our hearts, the month of increasing our knowledge of Qur'an, Sunnah and Fiqh, and the month of engaging in the da'wa to implement the Qur'an and the Sunnah on earth.
May Allah the Most Glorious One make us that generation of Muslims who lay the proper foundations of the Islamic rule for the coming generations and make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadhan and beyond.
يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ
ارْجِعِي إِلَى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً
فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي
وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي
"To the righteous soul will be said: ‘O (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction! Come back thou to thy Lord, - well pleased (thyself), and well-pleasing unto Him! Enter thou, then, among My devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven.'" [Al-Fajr, 89:27-30]
[Al-Baqara, 2:183]
Soon inshAllah, the graceful month of Ramadhan will be upon us. It is the month chosen by Allah سبحانه وتعالى as a month of fasting. He سبحانه وتعالى favoured this month over all other months by making it the month of mercy and reverence for all the believers. Indeed, Ramadhan is the most superior of all months: the one in which Allah سبحانه وتعالى commenced His final revelation - the Qur'an.
In the month of Ramadhan we read the Qur'an everyday and recite it at length during the Taraweeh. But do we understand and practice this Qur'an? Aisha (ra) described the Prophet's صلى الله عليه وسلم character as being the walking Qur'an. Do our characters reflect the message of the Qur'an? Do we implement it in our lives? Do we feel its weight on our shoulders?
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
لَوْ أَنزَلْنَا هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَى جَبَلٍ لَّرَأَيْتَهُ خَاشِعًا مُّتَصَدِّعًا مِّنْ خَشْيَةِ اللَّهِ وَتِلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
"Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and split asunder (crumbling) by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables that We put forward to mankind that they may reflect." [Al-Hashr, 59:21]
Allah سبحانه وتعالى reveals to mankind that had He sent the Qur'an upon a mighty mountain many times the size of a man it would crumble in the fear of Allah سبحانه وتعالى! Do we, in our petty and insignificant stature, then feel humbled by the Qur'an, which was revealed to us and not the mountains? Do we live by the commands and prohibitions that Allah سبحانه وتعالى has laid down in the Qur'an, His final revelation?
If Allah سبحانه وتعالى Wills, we will fast this month, but will we be alive to see the next Ramadhan? Will this be our last chance to taste the Mercy of Allah سبحانه وتعالى within this blessed month? We should assess our behaviour and actions and reflect whether the Day we meet Allah سبحانه وتعالى will be our best Day or will it be a Day of disaster? Every one of us will meet Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone; with no parents to protect us and no wealth to save us. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has revealed:
يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ الْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ
وَأُمِّهِ وَأَبِيهِ
وَصَاحِبَتِهِ وَبَنِيهِ
لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مِّنْهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ شَأْنٌ يُغْنِيهِ
"That Day shall a man flee from his own brother, And from his mother and his father, And from his wife and his children, Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern (of his own) to make him indifferent to the others." [‘Abasa, 80:34-37]
We will only have our actions in this life. So let us look back to the year that has passed and reflect. Let us look at what we did right according to Islam so we can continue doing them, and look at what we did wrong so that we can ask Allah سبحانه وتعالى for forgiveness and strive not to repeat them again. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
"If comes Ramadan, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of hell are locked, and the devils are chained." [Bukhari & Muslim]
Based on this hadith, the scholars say that Heaven literally opens its doors and Hell closes its doors and the shayateen are chained! So the only enemy we have to overcome is our Nafs (inner desires).
Let us use this opportunity in which the shayateen are chained to overcome our Nafs and get accustomed to obeying Allah سبحانه وتعالى in all actions of life without exceptions, whether we are at the masjid or in the school, whether we are at home or at work, whether we are buying a house or selling a car. In short, we must follow Islam in all aspects of our lives.
Ramadhan is also a great opportunity to seek Islamic knowledge and increase our awareness of the Islamic culture. The more we are aware of Islam the better chance we have to run our lives according to it. Allah سبحانه وتعالى revealed:
إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاء
"Those truly fear Allah, among His Servants, who have knowledge." [Al-Faatir, 35:28]
In the month of Ramadhan, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to study the Qur'an every night with the Angel Jibreal. Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, had said: "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was the most generous of people. He used to be the most generous in Ramadhan when he would meet with angel Jibreal and study the Qur'an with him. Angel Jibreal would meet with the Prophet every night in Ramadhan to teach him the Qur'an. The Prophet was so generous when he met with Jibreal, more generous than the wind that brings rain." Imam Ah-mad added to this narration: "And nothing he was asked for but he would give it." Furthermore, Al-Bayhaqi reported that 'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, had said, "When Ramadhan would start, the Prophet would release all prisoners of war and fulfil the need of every person who would ask him for something."
Let us seek knowledge in this blessed month by studying the meaning of the ayat of the Glorious Qur'an. Let us read about the life of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his companions (ra): how they lived their lives, how they sacrificed life and limb to make the Word of Allah سبحانه وتعالى supreme. Let us remember Musab ibn Umayr (ra): the sahabi who went from being the richest man to the poorest - so poor that when died he did not own enough clothes to cover his own body. Why did he face such a situation? Because he realized the promise of Allah سبحانه وتعالى is true. Let us read about the rules of interaction in Islam whether in trade, finance, agriculture or others. Let us see what Islam says about the relationships between men and women, family and children. Islam is a complete way of life and in this blessed month let's make the sincere intention to cover some parts of Islam that we lack knowledge of.
Let us use this opportunity to extend the bridges of brother-hood and earn rewards by inviting Muslims for Iftar as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has said:
"He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person's rewards." [Ahmad]
The month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil and striving hard with one's life and wealth to make the word of Allah the highest. After the death of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, Muslims carried this Sunnah on and Allah the Majestic used the believers to affect the course of history.
Ramadhan was a time of intense activity, spending the day on the saddle and the night in prayer, while calling upon Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness. This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges.
So let us make this month of Ramadhan the month of prayer, the month of worship, the month of recitation of Qur'an, the month of giving Zakah, the month of strengthening the relations between our relatives, the month of generosity and goodness to the needy, the month of being aware of our speech and actions, the month of re-invigorating our relationship with Allah سبحانه وتعالى and purifying our hearts, the month of increasing our knowledge of Qur'an, Sunnah and Fiqh, and the month of engaging in the da'wa to implement the Qur'an and the Sunnah on earth.
May Allah the Most Glorious One make us that generation of Muslims who lay the proper foundations of the Islamic rule for the coming generations and make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadhan and beyond.
يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ
ارْجِعِي إِلَى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً
فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي
وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي
"To the righteous soul will be said: ‘O (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction! Come back thou to thy Lord, - well pleased (thyself), and well-pleasing unto Him! Enter thou, then, among My devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven.'" [Al-Fajr, 89:27-30]
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Being Spiritually Intelligent...
The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.
- Albert Einstein
- Albert Einstein
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ramadhan Daily Du'a
Ramadan Dua: DAY 1
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur'an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 11
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help
Ramadan Dua: DAY 12
ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 13
ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 14
ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 15
Ramadan Dua: DAY 16
ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your God ship, O the God of the worlds.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 17
ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 18
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 19
ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 20
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur'an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 21
ALLAH, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytan have a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfills the requests of the needy.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 22
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 23
ALLAH, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 24
ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask
Ramadan Dua: DAY 25
ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 26
ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 27
ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 28
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil (recommended prayers), honor me by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 29
O ALLAH, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 30
O ALLAH, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for the sake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise be to ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds.
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur'an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 11
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help
Ramadan Dua: DAY 12
ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 13
ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 14
ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 15
Ramadan Dua: DAY 16
ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your God ship, O the God of the worlds.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 17
ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 18
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 19
ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 20
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur'an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 21
ALLAH, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytan have a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfills the requests of the needy.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 22
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 23
ALLAH, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 24
ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask
Ramadan Dua: DAY 25
ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 26
ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 27
ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 28
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil (recommended prayers), honor me by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 29
O ALLAH, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 30
O ALLAH, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for the sake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise be to ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds.
Ramadhan Checklist
A Ramadhan Checklist
1. Ask Allah to enable you to reach Ramadan and to get the most out of it as the Salaf used to do.
2. Intend to fast every day with Iman and pure intention seeking the reward from Allah alone. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever fasts in Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven". (Bukhari)
3. Read the whole Qur'an at least once as the Prophet peace be upon him did.
4. Have Suhoor as the Prophet peace be upon him said, "Have Suhoor because it is blessed".
5. Make Du'a during the fast because the Prophet peace be upon him said that three people's supplication is not rejected one of them is the fasting person. Ask for the good of this life and the next for yourself, your family and Muslims in general.
6. Make Dua before opening the fast. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "The fasting person has a supplication that is answered when he opens his fast".
7. Give Sadaqah and be good to people. The Prophet peace be upon him was the most generous of people and he was most generous in Ramadan.
8. Avoid anything that diminishes the fast such as, lying, backbiting, cheating, getting angry. The Prophet peace be upon him said "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." [Bukhari] 9. Do not eat too much after Iftar.
10. Ask for forgiveness since this is the month Allah frees people from the fire.
11. Pray At-Tarawih with Khushoo. If you pray in the Masjid complete the Salah with the Imam. If you pray at home prolong the Salah as long as you can. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever prays during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven".
12. Feed the poor and invite others for Iftar. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever gives Iftar to someone fasting he will have the same reward without decreasing the reward of the person fasting".
13. Try harder the last ten nights especially the odd nights. The prophet would strive in Ramadan more than he would in any other month and more so in the last ten days.
14. Say this Dua in the nights that Laitul-Qadr is likely to fall on: Allhumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah you are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me).
15. Ask Allah to accept all your good actions during this month.
1. Ask Allah to enable you to reach Ramadan and to get the most out of it as the Salaf used to do.
2. Intend to fast every day with Iman and pure intention seeking the reward from Allah alone. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever fasts in Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven". (Bukhari)
3. Read the whole Qur'an at least once as the Prophet peace be upon him did.
4. Have Suhoor as the Prophet peace be upon him said, "Have Suhoor because it is blessed".
5. Make Du'a during the fast because the Prophet peace be upon him said that three people's supplication is not rejected one of them is the fasting person. Ask for the good of this life and the next for yourself, your family and Muslims in general.
6. Make Dua before opening the fast. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "The fasting person has a supplication that is answered when he opens his fast".
7. Give Sadaqah and be good to people. The Prophet peace be upon him was the most generous of people and he was most generous in Ramadan.
8. Avoid anything that diminishes the fast such as, lying, backbiting, cheating, getting angry. The Prophet peace be upon him said "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." [Bukhari] 9. Do not eat too much after Iftar.
10. Ask for forgiveness since this is the month Allah frees people from the fire.
11. Pray At-Tarawih with Khushoo. If you pray in the Masjid complete the Salah with the Imam. If you pray at home prolong the Salah as long as you can. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever prays during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven".
12. Feed the poor and invite others for Iftar. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever gives Iftar to someone fasting he will have the same reward without decreasing the reward of the person fasting".
13. Try harder the last ten nights especially the odd nights. The prophet would strive in Ramadan more than he would in any other month and more so in the last ten days.
14. Say this Dua in the nights that Laitul-Qadr is likely to fall on: Allhumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah you are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me).
15. Ask Allah to accept all your good actions during this month.
Remaining Steady....
In the hour of grief you turn to Him; when grief departs you transgress.
In adversity you moan entreating Him; when ease returns you turn away.
Those who know God remain steady, but those who doubt exult at times and become despondent at others.
- Rumi, "Mathnawi"
In adversity you moan entreating Him; when ease returns you turn away.
Those who know God remain steady, but those who doubt exult at times and become despondent at others.
- Rumi, "Mathnawi"
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Reflections from the Night of Absolution....
This was written by a brother in the U.S. reflecting on his experiences leading prayer during the night of nisfu sha'ban. It is a beautiful example of a Muslim's reflection on the experience of prayer, something that is painfully missing from most Muslim's daily discourse. The personal experience of Islam is, even in Muslim countries, something that seems to be rarely discussed these days. Despite the sheer number of opportunities we have to reflect on and share our experiences as Muslims, we seldom do it. Yet, so much can be learned and gained from sharing on the path to Allah....
As-alaamu Alay’kum,
I just want to share a reflection about our Laylat ul-Baraa’ah (Night of Emancipation) gathering last night. I had the privilege to be the imam for 20 rak’at of the salat prayer, and during that time particularly, I felt very clear and focused on the prayer, without the normal mind-chatter that usually creeps in at just about every moment. It was very uplifting to continually bow down and put my forehead on the carpet after the numerous repetitions of Allah hu Akbar—God is Great. For a time, there was nothing else going on.
I noticed it was far more difficult to maintain such clarity and focus when I re-joined the prayer line. I was no longer responsible for leading the congregation. I was now responsible for doing my best to be an upright member of the group, but the mind-chatter came tumbling back in.
It became clear to me in these moments that taking leadership, in service to Allah, where the welfare of others takes precedence over oneself is a chance to feel the closeness of Allah and a clearness of the mind. You see, originally, I did not want to lead the prayer. I feared my mind would be too distracted and I would “mess-up.” But thanks to Rafi’s invitation and simple encouragement, I took that one step towards Allah, and Allah took countless steps in my direction.
I know these words can’t express the beauty of how it felt to recite Qur’an over and over again, hearing my voice, feeling my body, hearing the congregation respond, all in a divine dance, a collective Dhikr, purifying ourselves on this night of emancipation, but I wanted to share what I could….
As-alaamu Alay’kum,
I just want to share a reflection about our Laylat ul-Baraa’ah (Night of Emancipation) gathering last night. I had the privilege to be the imam for 20 rak’at of the salat prayer, and during that time particularly, I felt very clear and focused on the prayer, without the normal mind-chatter that usually creeps in at just about every moment. It was very uplifting to continually bow down and put my forehead on the carpet after the numerous repetitions of Allah hu Akbar—God is Great. For a time, there was nothing else going on.
I noticed it was far more difficult to maintain such clarity and focus when I re-joined the prayer line. I was no longer responsible for leading the congregation. I was now responsible for doing my best to be an upright member of the group, but the mind-chatter came tumbling back in.
It became clear to me in these moments that taking leadership, in service to Allah, where the welfare of others takes precedence over oneself is a chance to feel the closeness of Allah and a clearness of the mind. You see, originally, I did not want to lead the prayer. I feared my mind would be too distracted and I would “mess-up.” But thanks to Rafi’s invitation and simple encouragement, I took that one step towards Allah, and Allah took countless steps in my direction.
I know these words can’t express the beauty of how it felt to recite Qur’an over and over again, hearing my voice, feeling my body, hearing the congregation respond, all in a divine dance, a collective Dhikr, purifying ourselves on this night of emancipation, but I wanted to share what I could….
Monday, July 27, 2009
Generous Peace
by Kareem Salama
This fool throws wet stones at me insists on attempts to break my nerve
But I hate to respond to the anger and feed the fuel in those ugly words
They ask me why I say nothing at all like I don’t have any self respect
I say gentleman I’m like incense the more you burn me the more I’m fragrant
And I don’t feel the need to act violently
And I don’t feel desire to fan the fire
You can say what you want about me
But I lace the lines of these times with generous peace
There’s a thin line between virtue and fear and it’s funny how they appear
Both demanding restraint and control and it’s enough that I know it’s clear
That I’m not scared of you I’m scared of me and I live by controlling my fool
Cause you’re a fool enough for the both of us but I still try to find the good in you
And I don’t feel the need to act violently
And I don’t feel desire to fan the fire
You can say what you want about me
But I lace the lines of these times with generous peace
I know its hard to listen to the words you just can’t stand
It’s gonna take more than a fist to enlighten and ignorant man
And don’t you see how we fear the patient eyes of a lion
And don’t you see how we fear those lions in their silence
This fool throws wet stones at me insists on attempts to break my nerve
But I hate to respond to the anger and feed the fuel in those ugly words
They ask me why I say nothing at all like I don’t have any self respect
I say gentleman I’m like incense the more you burn me the more I’m fragrant
And I don’t feel the need to act violently
And I don’t feel desire to fan the fire
You can say what you want about me
But I lace the lines of these times with generous peace
There’s a thin line between virtue and fear and it’s funny how they appear
Both demanding restraint and control and it’s enough that I know it’s clear
That I’m not scared of you I’m scared of me and I live by controlling my fool
Cause you’re a fool enough for the both of us but I still try to find the good in you
And I don’t feel the need to act violently
And I don’t feel desire to fan the fire
You can say what you want about me
But I lace the lines of these times with generous peace
I know its hard to listen to the words you just can’t stand
It’s gonna take more than a fist to enlighten and ignorant man
And don’t you see how we fear the patient eyes of a lion
And don’t you see how we fear those lions in their silence
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Be as Pliant as Dough....
Since you are not a prophet, follow the way taught by prophets.
Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to the king.
Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship.
Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business.
Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well.
- Rumi, "Mathnawi"
Since you are not a king, be a loyal subject to the king.
Since you are not a captain, do not take the helm of the ship.
Since you do not possess every skill, have partners in your business.
Be as pliant as dough in the hands of others, that you may rise well.
- Rumi, "Mathnawi"
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