THE GUIDING FRIENDS

Heroes, by Boonaa Muhammad

2011-12-19T21:01:00.002+03:00

My heroes never wore tights or appeared on carton channels

They had long beards and kept clothes above the ankles
No combing the streets, like beasts at night looking for thieves
My heroes fought their egos, and narrated ahadith
And some of my heroes were once bag guys too
Baby killers and highway robbers, if you only knew what they knew
Cause you gotta know a lie in order to recognize the truth
And what the point of knowing truth if you can't back it up with proof
And to prove my heroes were united by a single point of view
Why else would they choose to go against what their fathers used to do?
Unless they knew, that paradise was worth being abused
The best of views, if only you could walk a mile in their shoes,
Oh what I wouldn't do to kick it with Abduallah Ibn Musuud,
Listen to him recite the Quran, sad to go into ruku
Yeah that would be cool, but me and Hamza, we would kick it old school
Joke about the Jahilliya, silly things they used to do
If I could pick my own crew, Salman Al Farsi would have to be in it,
An honest seeker of truth, may Allah bless his spirit,
Have Tea with Julilibib, Coffee with Anas Ibn Malik
Anything to pick their brains and gain a better understanding
Could you imagine taking a class with Abduallah Ibn Abbas
A scholar by the age of 10, just a boy amongst the men
And if I had one friend, it would be Abu Baker as Saddique,
Someone to hold you down and to really represent,
When Sumayya held her chin to her killers, did she think?
We would name our little girls after her to teach them strength
And who cares about these rappers, we got Hassan Ibn Thabit,
Dude was sick with the flow, can't believe you didn't know,
That Zaid was a slave who became one of praise
Lived the American dream, when America was Cree
Umar Bin Khattab was G, held it down for this deen
A real superman, made the devils cross the street
And if I ever had beef, I would call up Khalid Bin Walid
He was a ride or die homie, amongst the Salaf as Saliheen,
And if I close my eyes, man, I could almost see
Bilal amongst the cold morning breeze, Allahu Akbar
Cause surely salah is much better than sleep
Like Abu Sufyan after he embraced the deen
On this earth Talha, was a walking shaheed
And Jafar gave his life for our Ummahs victory
May Allah be pleased and grant them all the highest levels of heaven
Like Uthman ibn Affan, who even the angles were shy in front of
Aisha was a genius, ever word was like a thesis
Mother to all believers, pure like that of Isa's
Khadija held the fetus of Fatima, who was the teacher
Of Hassan and Hussein, sons of Ali who were slain
Man you gotta know these names, cause these people paved the way
It's a shame, we know more about them monkeys on BET
This is our history, all the sacrifices that they made for me
Gave to me, a legacy that I could be proud to keep
Said: Be! It was decreed, that at Badr we were only 300 deep
But with the angels on our side, who could even compete?
Although he was a man of peace who preached speech before the sword
He raged a war against error, the worship of fake Lords
Came to restore the deen that Ibrahim laid before
Extreme in his need to feed miskeen and the poor
Yeah, he was hardcore with his face to the floor
Off praying so long that his feet became sore
Uhhhh, yeah he got down like that
And told all the rich they should pay the zakat
And make the salah, and spread the salaam
And declare Ashdu-la-ilah, Ha-il-allah,
Muhammed a rasooul Allah, Sallau alahe wsalaam,
Was the difference between Jannah and Jahennim,
Like the mailman just delivering a message
Who else do you know with a swagger that's blessed?
The best and perfected, corrected the method
Madina state of mind, coming from the hood of Mecca
Champion companions, homeboys were go-getters
Did it bigger and better, had followers before twitter
The leader of leaders, amir to believers
Enjoined all the good and forbade all the evil
My hero taught people that we were all equal
The best of examples outlined what is legal
Forever I'm grateful for all that he came for
May blessings and peace always reach to my mentor
My teacher, my brother, my hero, my prophet
Muhammed, Sallau alahe wsalaam
And that's how it goes, so tell everyone you know
That this party don't stop till the son of Mary come home
I am pleased with my Lord and Islam as my deen,
May we die on these words, Allahuma, ameen

© Boonaa Mohammed - 2011

A promise to the foremost

2011-12-15T17:25:00.001+03:00

And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter). (10) These will be those Nearest to Allah: (11) In Gardens of Bliss: (12) A number of people from those of old (13) And a few from those of later times. (14) (They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones). (15) Reclining on them facing each other. (16) Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness). (17) With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains: (18) No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication: (19) And with fruits, any that they may select; (20) And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire. (21) And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes-- (22) Like unto Pearls well-guarded. (23) A Reward for the Deeds of their past (Life). (24) No frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill― (25) Only the saying "Peace! Peace."

Covering

2011-12-15T07:04:00.002+03:00

“Man in early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is regressive back to ancient times''- Noble (Peace Prize Winner) from Yemen, Tawakul Karman

Compensation and destruction

2011-12-13T21:34:00.000+03:00

The messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
"Everyday two angels come down from heaven and one of them says, 'O, Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause and the other says 'O Allah! Destroy every Miser.'
[Sahih Al Bukhari 2/ 1442]

Updated repost: Safa and Marwa

2011-11-19T08:37:00.001+03:00

Oh my mother Hagar!
The wife of Ibrahim
Running and searching to fed your dying babe
In distress
Running out of breathe
Feeling helpless
And feeling weak

Taking your faith to every mountain
In search of water for your boy
Your dying boy
Oh how the angel took pity on you
Striking the ground and causing water to flow

Fed your babe
All alone in the desert
Wasting away

But it was not the wish of your husband
To cause you such cruelty
He could not even turn back to you
As you pleaded for a reason
His heart was soft
But their was someone he loved more then you
For Allah?, you asked
And he said yes

For Ibrahim loved unconditionally
More then anyone in the world
The one who created the heavens and earth

When Allah spoke to him, he listened
He tested repeatedly his most faithful servant
And in turn Ibrahim is a friend to Allah

And now my mother
We run like you run
Retracing your steps
Not with a babe in our arms
But with our hearts filled

Asking for mercy
Praying that a mere ritual
Will grant us a place in paradise

But for you Hagar, my sweet mother
My faithful mother
I pray for you, a place beside your husband
Where you'll wear gold and never be cold
And never have to run again

____________________________________

Current pictures of Safa and Marwa courtesy of Ibn Hanif,

http://lifenatureandme.blogspot.com/2011/11/recent-photos-of-al-safa-and-al-marwah.html

Misfortunes

2011-11-14T08:23:00.000+03:00

‘Do not detest the misfortunes that befall you, for what you detest may be the cause of your salvation and what you like may be the cause of your ruin.’~ Hasan Al-Basri(may Allah ta’ala be pleased with him)

http://sidramushtaq.wordpress.com/category/hasan-al-basri/

God doesn't tire

2011-11-10T06:32:00.000+03:00

‎"I swear by God, He does not tire of your deeds, rather it is you who become tired; and the best religious acts are those that the worshiper performs consistently"-Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

My Lord has sufficed me -Imam Al Haddad (translated to english)

2011-10-22T23:22:00.000+03:00

My Lord’s knowledge has sufficed me
 from asking or choosing
For my du’a and my agonising supplication
 is a witness to my poverty.
For this secret (reason) I make supplication 
in times of ease and times of difficulty
I am a slave whose pride 
is in his poverty and obligation
———-
O my Lord and my King
 You know my state
And what has settled in my heart 
of agonies and preoccupations
Save me with a gentleness 
from You, O Lord of Lords
Oh save me, Most Generous 
before I run out of patience (with myself)
———-
O One who is swift in sending aid
 I ask for aid that will arrive to me swiftly
It will defeat all difficulty 
and it will bring all that I hope for
O Near One Who answers 
and All-Knowing and All-Hearing
I have attained realisation through my incapacity, 
my submission and my brokenness
———-
I am still standing by the door, so please my Lord
 have mercy on my standing
And in the valley of generosity, I am in i’tikaf (solitary retreat)  
So, Allah, make my retreat here permanent
And I’m abiding by good opinion (of You)
 For it is my friend and ally
And it is the one that sits by me and keeps me company 
All day and night
———-
There is a need in my soul, O Allah 
so please fulfill it, O Best of Fulfillers
And comfort my secret and my heart
 from its burning and its shrapnel
In pleasure and in happiness  and
as long as You are pleased with me
For joy and expansion is my state 
and my motto and my cover

Surah Al-Lail

2011-10-17T16:50:00.003+03:00

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

By the night enshrouding (1) And the day resplendent (2) And Him Who hath created male and female, (3) Lo! your effort is dispersed (toward divers ends). (4) As for him who giveth and is dutiful (toward Allah) (5) And believeth in goodness; (6)Surely We will ease his way unto the state of ease. (7) But as for him who hoardeth and deemeth himself independent, (8)And disbelieveth in goodness; (9) Surely We will ease his way unto adversity. (10) His riches will not save him when he perisheth. (11) Lo! Ours it is (to give) the guidance (12) And lo! unto Us belong the latter portion and the former. (13)Therefor have I warned you of the flaming Fire (14) Which only the most wretched must endure, (15) He who denieth and turneth away. (16) Far removed from it will be the righteous (17) Who giveth his wealth that he may grow (in goodness). (18) And none hath with him any favour for reward, (19) Except as seeking (to fulfil) the purpose of his Lord Most High. (20)He verily will be content. (21)

The light of Allah

2011-09-29T07:01:00.003+03:00

They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.61. 8

Orphan Girls

2011-09-28T19:47:00.000+03:00

'A'isha said that as for the words of Allah:

" If you fear that you would not be able to observe equity in case of orphan girls)," it was revealed in reference to a person who had an orphan girl (as his ward) and he was her guardian, and her heir, and she possessed property, but there was none to contend on her behalf except her ownself. And he (her guardian) did not give her in marriage because of her property and he tortured her and ill-treated her, it was in relation to her that (Allah said: )" If you fear that you would not be able to observe equity in case of orphan girls, then marry whom you like among women," i. e. whatever I have made lawful for you and leave her whom you are putting to torture.

Arabic reference: Book 57, Hadith 7715

English reference: Vol. 1, Book 43, Hadith 7158
sunnah.quran.com

2011-09-27T07:55:00.000+03:00

Asalamu Alakum Dear friend,
Today, Insha Allah, instead of a poem or a quranic verse I want to give a reminder, to you and myself to set aside time today for God. Whether its reading Quran, making dua, dhikr, or simply thanking God for his continuos blessings in our life it is extremely important that we keep our connection to our Rabb (on top of our daily obligations, i.e. salah). Those of us who are Muslim are blessed in this world with the true message of God sent down from his prophets (peace be upon them all). For those of us who are not yet Muslim I urge you to set aside time today for you creator, God willing, he will soon point you in the right the direction.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be on our dear Prophet Muhammad and may we all look forward to meeting our Lord.
Your sister in islam, Nuriddeen bint Yusuf

Journey

2011-09-25T18:19:00.000+03:00

It is a matter of certainty
That day will come
When none will matter but the One

And yet our aims are different
Each striving for success
Striving for happiness

Our aims will be unmet
When our hearts, our minds, and limbs forget

For were all traveling on a path
And we who would like to meet our Lord
will be met the same by him
And we who would spend every moment of breath denouncing his being
Will be before him with despondent souls
Begging God to go back home
Begging God for a second chance

For some -what we would do for just one glance!
For those who know
the hereafter is home
The present life is the time for growth

I beg of you
As I beg of me
Please don't be blind in this sea of illusion
Please bring your heart to this final conclusion
Where all going to meet our Rabb

Where all on the same journey
So why not hope to meet with him?
Why not face the afterlife hoping for his mercy?
May God bless us all, all of us on the journey

Sura Lail (The Night) Mishary Rashed Alafasy

2011-09-25T18:02:00.000+03:00

Mary and Jesus

2011-09-25T03:45:00.000+03:00

[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ].He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous." She said, "My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?" [The angel] said, "Such is Allah ; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is. And He will teach him writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel.
And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah . And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah . And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me. Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path."
Al Quran 3: 42- 51

Surah ash - Shams - Mishary Rashid al-Afasy

2011-09-22T07:18:00.000+03:00

Salaah The Best Gift

2011-09-17T23:19:00.001+03:00

Tired feet touch the soft prayer mat and the heart finds peace,

Almost immediately the limbs are put at ease,

Spiritual and physical benefits in each posture,

All the blessings we’ll never know for sure.

The prayer, so perfect and holistic,

Everything beautifully in sync,

Until we reach the ultimate position,

Bowed down, head and body flat, completely surrendered in prostration.

The words that are uttered have brought many to tears,

That is, of course, for those with open hearts and ears.

It shouldn’t matter how long you take,

Everything else should be left to wait.

The hustle and bustle of the world drowned out,

Remembering what this world and our existence is really about,

Everything seems so insignificant and small in comparison,

The prayer bringing us together in unison.

Some have spoken about a light that emanates,

We cannot all see, but there are different states.

The servant connecting with the Master, the Creator,

Building our faith, stronger and stronger.

Ah! This is a special kind of sweetness,

That we simple human beings are allowed to witness,

The ultimate truth, in the best of ways,

And it really doesn’t matter what who says.

There were times when I used to take it for granted,

Forgetting the treasure I had being given,

But with Allah’s will I was brought back to my senses,

And now I am no longer content to sit on fences.

I wouldn’t give it up for the world,

Because it surpasses all that we know,

The goodness is only for our own benefit,

And this salaah, this prayer is truly the best gift.

(SubhanAllah, Alhamdullillah, Allahu Akbar)

I also just want to say Jazakallah Khayr to brother Ibn Hanif who invited me to post on this blog after reading this poem on my blog, Muslim Women Exposed. And Jazakallah Khayr to sister Nuriddeen as well. May Almighty Allah reward both of you and accept all your efforts in His path, Inshaa Allah.

Goodbye Ramadan

2011-08-31T02:37:00.002+03:00

Oh God please protect us from the accursed devil (and his companions),
In the name of God, The Kind and The Merciful:

So how many regrets can you count?
Do they take up a mountain?
An ocean or a sea?
Can you count them on your hands?
Do you see them in your sleep?
If your regrets could follow you how many tears would you weep?

Ramadan is gone
Like a soul without its body
We weep for all the things we should have said, should have done together
Do you wish that Ramadan could spend just one more day
So you could fast in the daytime and stay up all night to pray?

Its gone and left us
In a year it will return
But will we be returned?
Will we live to see again?
And if the sweetness of mercy is brought to us
Will we have the wisdom to repent?

Hell is now reopened and shaitan has been set free
Though somehow I feel we've noticed its our souls that are diseased

Ramadan has come and gone
Yet God's mercy is everlasting
Ya Rabb let us pray for the next 6 months for a Ramadan that is accepted and the 5 months till it comes again
To have Ramadan full of long nights and tedious days...

Goodbye Ramadan
Insha Allah we'll meet again
Ya Rabb
Accept our efforts
Making us winners in the end

For love of the Mother!

2011-08-23T06:05:00.001+03:00

"My father said, "The Prophet  said, 'When I stand for prayer, I intend to prolong it but on hearing the cries of a child, I cut it short, as I dislike to trouble the child's mother.' "
Hadith - Bukhari 1:675, Narrated 'Abdulla bin 'Abi Qatada

A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet  said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet  said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father."
Hadith - Bukhari 8.2, Narrated Abu Huraira

The Prophet said, "Allah has forbidden for you, (1) to be undutiful to your mothers*, (2) to bury your daughters alive, (3) to not to pay the rights of the others (e.g. charity, etc.) and (4) to beg of men (begging). And Allah has hated for you (1) vain, useless talk, or that you talk too much about others, (2) to ask too many questions, (in disputed religious matters) and (3) to waste the wealth (by extravagance).
Hadith - Bukhari 1:3:591, Narrated Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba

Al Quran,The Crowds: Ayat 10

2011-08-18T05:38:00.000+03:00

Say, "O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account."

Rejoice

2011-08-08T05:52:00.000+03:00

There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.

-The final Message given to Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of God be upon him, Surah 9 verse 128

Zain Bhikha - Praise To The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) Lyrics

2011-08-08T05:51:00.000+03:00

Put nothing before Allah

2011-08-08T05:12:00.002+03:00

Say, [O Muhammad], "If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad (struggle or to exert one's self) in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people."

-God's final book: The Holy Quran, chapter 9; verse 24

The succesful are not arrogant

2011-08-07T06:16:00.001+03:00

Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.

The Holy Quran, 7:206

Seek Allah in trial and triumph

2011-08-07T06:08:00.002+03:00

It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her. And when he covers her, she carries a light burden and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allah , their Lord, "If You should give us a good [child], we will surely be among the grateful." 189

But when He gives them a good [child], they ascribe partners to Him concerning that which He has given them. Exalted is Allah above what they associate with Him. 190

Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and they are [themselves] created? 191

And the false deities are unable to [give] them help, nor can they help themselves. 192

The Holy Quran, Chapter 7: The Heights

Remind those who have forgotten

2011-08-05T05:48:00.000+03:00

And leave those who take their religion as amusement and diversion and whom the worldly life has deluded. But remind with the Qur'an, lest a soul be given up to destruction for what it earned; it will have other than Allah no protector and no intercessor. And if it should offer every compensation, it would not be taken from it. Those are the ones who are given to destruction for what they have earned. For them will be a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment because they used to disbelieve.

Have no fear

2011-08-03T23:55:00.000+03:00

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Do not make your charity invalid

2011-08-03T22:44:00.000+03:00

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

O you who believe, fast this holy month

2011-08-02T21:57:00.000+03:00

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -

[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

2: 177

2011-08-02T21:52:00.002+03:00

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

2: 143

2011-08-02T21:41:00.000+03:00

And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. And We did not make the qiblah which you used to face except that We might make evident who would follow the Messenger from who would turn back on his heels. And indeed, it is difficult except for those whom Allah has guided. And never would Allah have caused you to lose your faith. Indeed Allah is, to the people, Kind and Merciful.

Ramadan

2011-07-31T18:04:00.001+03:00

Dear Lord
Oh Lord
Glory and praise to you
Thank you for your love
In this month
This blessed month
The gates of mercy are opened
Our open enemy
Locked up

The floods of enlightenment
Will wash away all of our past mistakes

Oh Ramadan can't you tell that we've been waiting for you
Praying for a chance to see you through
Oh Ramadan how we've missed you
It seems like every obstacle we've seen has disappeared now that were with you

Oh God this precious decree
To fast and to strive all to be set free
Our desires and whims with the passing of time it seems as though we become blind
But yet in this month
The message of your beloved somehow amplified

Oh God
There is more to life
The desires of the soul
Or to barely do what's right
The lofty principles of the saints are ours to attain
In this month of Ramadan may we continuously praise his name
Leaving Ramadan renewed with hope, our sins non existent and our spirits newly awakened

Forty Hadith: Character

2011-07-31T03:21:00.001+03:00

Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said:
"Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers your heart and which you do not want people to know about"
[Muslim]

Happiness

2011-07-25T20:30:00.002+03:00

Our soul strives towards happiness but if you don't fufill the function that everything was created for something will go wrong
-Omar Galal

A good wife

2011-07-22T05:26:00.000+03:00

It is reported that the wife of Imâm Sa’îd b. Al-Musayyib – Allâh have mercy on him – said:
We only ever used to speak to our husbands like you address your commanders and leaders: [we would supplicate for them when talking to them] “May Allâh keep you right!”, “May Allâh keep you well!”
Abû Nu’aym, Hilyatu Al-Awliyâ` 5:198.
After the death of his wife Umm Sâlih, Imâm Ahmad – Allâh have mercy on them, used to praise her. He once said:
In the thirty years she was with me, we never had a single word of disagreement.

Generosity

2011-07-22T05:24:00.000+03:00

Â`ishah and Asmâ`. They had different ways of being generous. As for Â`ishah, she used to gather things, until she had a collection, then she would distribute it. As for Asmâ`, she would never keep anything until the next day.

O Son of Adam!

2011-07-22T05:21:00.003+03:00

Son of Adam! Know that the angel of death who has been assigned to you has not ceased to pass you and move on to others, ever since you have been in this world. But it is as if he is about to pass someone else and move on to target you, so be careful and prepare for him (by correcting your deeds). And do not forget him, for he does not forget you. And know o son of Adam, if you are heedless about yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. You must meet Allah the Mighty and Majestic, so take for yourself and do not leave it to someone else. Peace be on you.
-Uthman b Affan, Jumuah Kutbah

Don't be consumed with what has not yet reached you

2011-07-22T05:16:00.000+03:00

Do not ask about what has not yet happened until it actually happens, for what has happened is enough of an occupation to worry about what has not happened.
-Umar

May Allah be pleased with our mother

2011-07-17T07:01:00.002+03:00

‘Urwah b. Al-Zubayr – Allah have mercy on him – said:

‘Â’ishah – Allah be pleased with her – gave seventy thousand (dirham) in charity, while her own skirt used to be patched.

‘Abdullah b. Mubârak in Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqâ’iq Vol. 1 p588, no.705.

Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/tag/aishah/page/2/#ixzz1SKdLkHMZ

There is no god but Allah, English song - Sh. Muhammad Abdul-Haqq Mendes

2011-07-12T22:03:00.000+03:00

How a Pearl Develops...

2011-07-09T04:21:00.000+03:00

assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

A beautiful reminder for the muslim sisters. MUST LISTEN!

How a Pearl Develops by Muhammad alShareef

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXiMwSU7TA

Only a traveler

2011-07-06T03:50:00.001+03:00

Imam al-Shafi`i used a walking stick for which he was asked: "Why do you carry a stick when you are neither old nor ailing?" He replied: "To remember I am only a traveller in this world."

Al Waqia

2011-07-04T20:11:00.002+03:00

When the Event inevitable cometh to pass. (1) Then will no (soul) entertain falsehood concerning its coming. (2) (Many) will it bring low, (many) will it exalt; (3) When the earth shall be shaken to its depths, (4) And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms, (5) Becoming dust scattered abroad, (6)

Al Quran

2011-07-01T04:17:00.000+03:00

The book which falsehood does not approach
-Imam Amin, Lecture: Illuminating our hearts with Quran, 1-11/ 2001

Repentance

2011-07-01T04:13:00.000+03:00

Regret is the essence of repentance
-Sheikh Bilal Philips

Whether before others or alone

2011-06-25T18:19:00.000+03:00

"Fear God in public and in private"
Majid At- Taqwa, Jumuah Kutbah, 6-24/ 2011

One of the many benefits of hunger

2011-06-23T21:52:00.002+03:00

Reduced expenditure:
Whoever becomes used to eating little will find a modest income sufficient whereas a man who is habituated to eating his fill will find that his belly becomes a creditor impossible to shake off, who seizes him each day saying, "What will you eat today?"
-Al Ghazali, Disciplining the soul

What is for our beloved?

2011-06-23T08:57:00.000+03:00

The Messeger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Why are you weeping O Umar?" He replied "Why shouldn't I weep when Khosrau and Caesar enjoy themselves in this world and the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) owns what I see!" He responded: "O Umar wouldn't it please you that this be the share of Khosrau and Caser in this life, and in the hereafter this pleasure would be for us alone?"

When half of Arabia was under the Messenger's control he owned little more then a mat to sleep on a handful of barley, such was the way of our beloved, may God grant him eternal peace

(Information obtained from Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah by Abdurrahman Al- Sheba)

Contentment

2011-06-21T20:20:00.000+03:00

*Allah is pleased with them and they pleased with him* (5, 119)

Contentment bears many blessed fruits. More than anything else, by being contented with that which is decreed, one is able to soar to the highest levels of faith and truthfulness.
-Don't be sad, 'Aaidh ibn Abdullah al- Qarni

Better off

2011-06-15T03:22:00.000+03:00

You would spend a lot less
Time
Worrying and searching
Fearfully holding on
If your eyes were fixed in the right direction
In the path of perfection
Under his protection

You would better yourself and savour your health
If you turned away
Looking towards the hereafter

You would invest so much less
Not a penny to embrace the greatest of the great
Despair between the eyes when you strive for this life
Contentment when you believe in the next life
When pray is more valued then enjoyment in this life

You would be better off if you read of his mercy
The prophets (peace be upon them) not profits
Deserve your allegiance
The heroes are heroes because they fought their desires
The heroes are the ones who are saved from the fire

We would be better off to compare forever to this life
May Allah show us the truth from his light
And let us pray for mercy instead of respite

Three men

2011-06-15T03:11:00.000+03:00

Narrated Abu Waqid Al-Laithi:
While Allah's Apostle was sitting in the mosque with some people, three men came. Two of them came in front of Allah's Apostle and the third one went away. The two persons kept on standing before Allah's Apostle for a while and then one of them found a place in the circle and sat there while the other sat behind the gathering, and the third one went away. When Allah's Apostle finished his preaching, he said, "Shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them be-took 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. "

The seven

2011-06-13T20:52:00.000+03:00

1. A just ruler
2. A youth who rose up worshipping Allah
3. A man whose heart is attached to the Masjid
4. Two men who love eachother for the sake of Allah; they meet on the basis of it and seperate on the basis of it
5. A man who is invited by a woman of high posistion and beauty and replies "Indeed I fear Allah"
6. A man who gives charity and hids it so much so that his left hand is unaware of what his right hand gave
7. A man who remembers Allah in private and his eyes become filled with tears

It was said by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that these are the seven (groups) that will be covered by Allah's shade on the day of judgement.

Sheikh Bilal Philips 'In the shade of the throne'

Never forget what were working towards...

2011-06-12T00:05:00.000+03:00

"As for those who believe and do good deeds, they shall have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the greatest success."
Al Quran, 85- 11

Increasing and decreasing

2011-06-04T01:04:00.000+03:00

Charity never decreased anyone's wealth. Allah never increased a slave through forgiveness except in honour, No one was ever humble for the sake of Allah except that Allah raised him
-Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sahih Muslim

Allah (swt) has said:

2011-05-25T12:50:00.000+03:00

As for the one who fears the station of his Lord and guards his soul against its whims, Paradise will be his final repose
79, 40- 41

We've been warned

2011-05-14T19:13:00.000+03:00

Indeed, We have warned you of a near punishment on the Day when a man will observe what his hands have put forth and the disbeliever will say, "Oh, I wish that I were dust!"
Al Quran 78:40

Istikhara Pray

2011-05-10T11:12:00.002+03:00

"Istikhara" means to seek goodness from Allah (Exalted is He), meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task. The one who does the istikhara is as if they request Allah Almighty that, O the Knower of Unseen (Exalted is He) guide me if this task is better for me or not?

According to Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah :The Prophet (Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):

WAY TO PERFORM ISTIKHARA:First pray Two Cycles (raka') of ritual Prayer (nafil) such that in the first raka' after Surah Fatiha (Allhamd…) recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) and in the second raka' after Fatiha (Allhamd…) recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). After finishing prayer recite this (supplication/dua'): Dua in Arabic Text above.
TRANSLATION: "O Allah! I seek goodness from Your Knowledge and with Your Power (and Might) I seek strength, and I ask from You Your Great Blessings, because You have the Power and I do not have the power. You Know everything and I do not know, and You have knowledge of the unseen. Oh Allah! If in Your Knowledge this action ------------------------------------------------ (which I intend to do) is better for my religion and faith, for my life and end [death], for here [in this world] and the hereafter then make it destined for me and make it easy for me and then add blessings [baraka'] in it, for me. O Allah! In Your Knowledge if this action is bad for me, bad for my religion and faith, for my life and end [death], for here [in this world] and the hereafter then turn it away from me and turn me away from it and whatever is better for me, ordain [destine] that for me and then make me satisfied with it."
How many times?
It depends. Sometimes it takes only once to get the answer and sometimes it takes longer. It is better to do istakhara seven (7) times. If you have received an answer as explained in the section below, stop doing istikhara. You do not have to continue to do isitkhara for 7 days. It is better that right after reciting the supplication, given above, sleep with ablution (people who cannot keep the ablution for longer times due to health problems do not have to worry about ablution before falling asleep) facing the direction of the Qibla (facing the Qibla is not required but it is a Sunnat of our beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him). It is better to recite salutations (durood/ salawat) on the Prophet Allah's Grace and Peace be upon him before and after the above Dua (supplication).
Answer:If in the dream one sees whiteness (means any thing white in color, for example: milk, white paper, white sky, white clothes, white light etc.) or greenness (means any thing green in color, for example: grass, plants, trees, green clothes, green light etc.) then understand that this task is better and if one sees redness (means any thing red in color, for example: blood, red clothing, red fruit, red light etc.) or blackness (means any thing black in color, for example: black water, black light, black clothings, black sky, black wall etc. ) then understand it is bad and avoid it.
If do not remember any dream or do not see any colors then follow your heart. Whatever intention grows stronger in your heart regarding your targated work follow it after seven days of Istakhara.

http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Dua/How_to_do_Istakhara.htm

Which companions will we be?

2011-05-07T06:22:00.000+03:00

Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, "You will be gathered (on the Day of Judgment), bare-footed, naked and not circumcised." He then recited:--'As We began the first creation, We, shall repeat it: A Promise We have undertaken: Truly we shall do it.' (21.104) He added, "The first to be dressed on the Day of Resurrection, will be Abraham, and some of my companions will be taken towards the left side (i.e. to the (Hell) Fire), and I will say: 'My companions! My companions!' It will be said: 'They renegade from Islam after you left them.' Then I will say as the Pious slave of Allah (i.e. Jesus) said. 'And I was a witness Over them while I dwelt amongst them. When You took me up You were the Watcher over them, And You are a witness to all things. If You punish them. They are Your slaves And if You forgive them, Verily you, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (5.120-121)

Be of those whom God loves:

2011-05-05T04:29:00.002+03:00

Eat and drink; but do not waste by excess, for God does not love the wasters 110, 31

Are you investing?

2011-05-02T06:01:00.001+03:00

Whatever you invest here you wll find in the afterlife
-2, 256

Boonaa Mohammed - Heroes

2011-04-29T06:19:00.000+03:00

Are you weary?

2011-04-26T22:58:00.000+03:00

"I swear by God, He does not tire of your deeds, rather it is you who become tired; and the best religious acts are those that the worshiper performs consistently"
-Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

Don't stunt your growth!

2011-04-26T05:55:00.003+03:00

Ash-Shams: In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

By the sun and his brightness, (1) And the moon when she followeth him, (2) And the day when it revealeth him, (3) And the night when it enshroudeth him, (4) And the heaven and Him Who built it, (5) And the earth and Him Who spread it, (6) And a soul and Him Who perfected it (7) And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. (8) He is indeed successful who causeth it to grow, (9) And he is indeed a failure who stunteth it. (10) (The tribe of) Thamud denied (the truth) in their rebellious pride, (11) When the basest of them broke forth (12) And the messenger of Allah said: It is the she-camel of Allah, so let her drink! (13) But they denied him, and they hamstrung her, so Allah doomed them for their sin and razed (their dwellings). (14)He dreadeth not the sequel (of events). (15)

Easy living?

2011-04-23T02:47:00.003+03:00

"Do not be overly pleased by easy times. Verily, gold is tested for its purity by fire. Likewise, a righteous servant is tested by tribulations."
-Al Muhasibi's Risala Al- Mustarshidin

Know that not a single good deed is done in vain, for God says:

2011-04-22T00:41:00.000+03:00

Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with God: for God sees well all that you do
2, 110

Go forth and seek knowledge!

2011-04-20T21:24:00.000+03:00

"There are a number of things in our lives which we strive for because we can see happiness in them, we can see pleasure and enjoyment that we can get from them. And these things may have difficulties in their path but because we can see the obvious benifits we are willing to bear the difficulties and carry on anyway. Sometimes in the case of knowledge and seeking knowledge, the benifits are not that obvious so satan can easily swirve us by enhancing some difficulties, whispering in our ears (you know) we can find a million and one excuses why not to seek knowledge. Satan will be busy to throw these things in our paths. So this is a remider from this story, the struggle that prophet Musa -and this is a prophet of Allah, the struggle that he had to go through to get the knowledge. The trials that he faced in the process of getting that knowledge this is all a reminder to us that we have to be prepared if we seriuosly want to act on the Prophet's (saw) instruction "seeking knowledge is compulsury for every Muslim" if we are really sincere about following the prophet's (saw) instruction then we have to be prepared to face difficulty in the process...."
-Sheikh Abu Aminah Bilal Philips

The steps for a “Fast” cure for depression.

2011-04-08T07:06:00.004+03:00

1. Do a complete focused fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

a) Get up Read in Arabic and English – Inna fee Khalqis samaawati wal Ard (Aali Imraan, 3:191-end) and crying.

b) Make a focused wudoo and Tahajjud followed by

c) a very light Suhoor (brown bread, olives and extra virgin olive oil + 2 table spoons full of canned tuna or one egg) followed by

d) a day of focused sunnah and Fard prayers

e) Utilize throughout the day any of the prophetic du’aas requesting ease like: “Allahumma laa sahla illaa maa ja’altahu sahlaa (O Allah, nothing is easy except what you make easy) wa anta taj’alus sa’ba in shi’ta sahlaa (And You can make what is difficult easy if You wish)

f) as well as the other du’aas for depression like: Allaahumma rahmataka arjoo falaa takilnee ilaa nafsee tarfata ‘ayn. wa aslih lee sha’nee kullah. Laa ilaaha illaa Ant. (O Allah, it is Your mercy that I hope for, so don’t leave me in charge of my affairs even for the blinking of an eye. And rectify all of my affairs for me. Nothing has the right to be worshipped except You. See Hisnul Muslim – the Muslim Fortress for more).

g) Then break the fast with 3 dates and a glass of water and pray maghrib,

h) Have a light Iftaar followed by a focused Ishaa,

The depression should begin to lift, if not go altogether from the very first day of the Fast cure. It will work if you do it believing with all your heart, strongly that this prophetic formula WORKS and the degree to which it does work depends on how seriously you take it and apply it.

http://blog.bilalphilips.com/2011/03/12/fast-cure-for-depression/

Peace and blessings on our beloved messenger Muhammad

2011-04-08T06:32:00.000+03:00

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: ““It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1011.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Indeed, an ignorant man who is generous is dearer to God than a worshipper who is miserly.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi: Hadith 580.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said, “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
——— Bukhari and Muslim.

http://makkah.wordpress.com/positive-quotes/

A Friend Weeping for his Friend--Real Friendship in Islam

2011-04-04T02:49:00.000+03:00

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
"For various moral, psychological and social reasons, people need good company and close friendship. The type of friends you have, often indicate the type of person you are. 'Show me your friends and I will tell you what you are,' says the well-known proverb. The noble Prophet (pbuh) pointed to the value of good company when he said that it is better to be alone than in the company of the wicked, and it is better to be in the company of the good than to be alone. Good company can be a great source of help and support in leading a virtuous life, while bad company can lead to sin and ruin.... The Prophet (pbuh) was asked: "What is the person that can be the best friend?" "He who helps you when you remember God, and he who reminds you when you forget Him," the Prophet (pbuh) replied. Then he (pbuh) was asked, "And which friend is the worst?" "He who does not help you when you remember God and does not remind you of God when you forget," he replied. Then he was again asked, "Who is the best among people?" He replied, "He who when you look at him, you remember God."

.....When Zaid ibn Harithah (R), the servant of Muhammad (pbuh), was killed at the battle of Mu'tah, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Zayd strove in the path of God sincerely as he should. Today he has met his Lord, and he is serene." Thereafter, Zayd's daughter found the Prophet (pbuh) weeping over the dead body of her father and said: "What do I see?" The noble Prophet (peace be upon him), with tears in his eyes, said: "A friend weeping for his friend."
Through such actions and sentiments, the Prophet (pbuh) showed his gentleness and true human friendship and brotherhood. "

(Taken from "ISLAM- The Natural Way", pages 95-97, by Abdul Wahid Hamid)

Asalamu Alakum dear readers

2011-04-03T23:41:00.001+03:00

Asalamu Alakum dear readers,
Guiding Friends officially has a facebook page! Insha Allah follow this link, take a look at our page and 'like' us . God is the greatest and Muhammad is his messenger (pbuh).

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guiding-Friends/144862762229981

Reflections of joy, serenity and love

2011-04-02T10:40:00.001+03:00

A true muslim’s life

Reflects joy, serenity and love,

Ever loving and forgiving,

Never forgetting caring and sharing

Enduring the thorns

Returning with roses,

Seeking not human pleasure

But Allah’s redha.

In a life full of trust and sincerity

To experience the amazing love and tranquility

In a spiritual journey returning to Allah

~10pm, 17th December 2009~

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said,

“Richness is not in plenty of provisions; the (real) richness is the richness of the soul.”

(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Say your prays

2011-04-01T00:16:00.000+03:00

Say your prays
The fatiha and your quls
Say your prays
For your niece who was picked on in school
For your nephew
Who sometimes breaks the rules
For the marriage of your dreams
For a child you can love
Say your prays
For your parents
For yourself
That you'll make it to paradise
That Allah make forgives your sins
And grants you his ultimate mercy
Say your prays
For your friend far away and in a lonely place
For your cousin who went astray
For the other who sometimes can't see clearly
Say your prays
For your mother who seldom prays
Or your father whose faith is washing away
Or your sister who can't tell right from wrong
For your brother who can't seem to get along
For your neighbors who constantly argue and fight
For the peers who don't understand the sadness layered behind what they call truth
Say your prays
To have knowledge
Useful knowledge that will bring you closer to your lord
Say your prays
Sending peace and blessing on to the soul of the prophet and on to his children and his wives and his companions
Say your prays,
Pray that you pray for the right things to pray for
Say your prays
That God will love you
And allow your hands to speak for you
And recall the righteous things you use to pray for
Say your prays
To have knowledge
Useful knowledge that will bring you closer to your lord
Say your prays

Muhammad, 1

2011-02-20T08:57:00.000+03:00

The light from the moon
The stars in the sky
Gleaming like a diamond by the riverside
Oh Muhammad, you must know, how much we love you so

Ya Muhammad
Ya Muhammad
Be there peace with your name

Ya Muhammad
Ya Muhammad
Where so glad you came

Ya Allah
Its your mercy
You show us through Muhammad

Praise be to God
And peace to Muhammad

SATANtine's DAY!

2011-02-14T21:37:00.000+03:00

Question:

What is the ruling on Valentine’s Day?

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Valentine’s Day is a jaahili Roman festival, which continued to be celebrated until after the Romans became Christian. This festival became connected with the saint known as Valentine who was sentenced to death on 14 February 270 CE. The kuffaar still celebrate this festival, during which immorality and evil are practised widely. For more details on this celebration, please see:Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Secondly:

It is not permissible for a Muslim to celebrate any of the festivals of the kuffaar, because festivals come under the heading of shar’i issues which are to be based on the sound texts.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Festivals are part of sharee’ah, clear way and rituals of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way”

[al-Maa’idah 5:48]

“For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow”

[al-Hajj 22:67]

-- such as the qiblah (direction faced in prayer), prayer and fasting. There is no difference between their participating in the festival and their participating in all other rituals. Joining in fully with the festival is joining in with kufr, and joining in with some of its minor issues is joining in with some of the branches of kufr. Indeed, festivals are one of the most unique features that distinguish various religions and among their most prominent symbols, so joining in with them is joining in with the most characteristic and prominent symbols of kufr. No doubt joining in with this may lead to complete kufr.

Partially joining in, at the very least, is disobedience and sin. This was indicated by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “Every people has its festival and this is our festival.” This is worse than joining them in wearing the zinaar (a garment that was worn only by ahl al-dhimmah) and other characteristics of theirs, for those characteristics are man-made and are not part of their religion, rather the purpose behind them is simply to distinguish between a Muslim and a kaafir. As for the festival and its rituals, this is part of the religion which is cursed along with its followers, so joining in with it is joining in with something that is a cause of incurring the wrath and punishment of Allaah. End quote from Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem (1/207).

He also said (may Allaah have mercy on him): It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate them in anything that is uniquely a part of their festivals, whether it be food, clothing, bathing, lighting fires, refraining from a regular habit, doing acts of worship or anything else. It is not permissible to give a feast or to give gifts, or to sell anything that will help them to do that for that purpose, or to allow children and others to play games that are part of the festivals, or to wear one’s adornments.

To conclude: the Muslims should not do any of their rituals at the time of their festivals; rather the day of their festival should be like any other day for the Muslims. The Muslims should not do anything specific in imitation of them. End quote from Majmoo al-Fataawa (25/329).

Al-Haafidh al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If the Christians have a festival, and the Jews have a festival, it is only for them, so no Muslim should join them in that, just as no Muslim should join them in their religion or their direction of prayer. End quote from Tashabbuh al-Khasees bi Ahl al-Khamees, published in Majallat al-Hikmah (4/193)

The hadeeth to which Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah referred was narrated by al-Bukhaari (952) and Muslim (892) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: Abu Bakr came in and there were two young girls of the Ansaar with me who were singing about what had happened to the Ansaar on the day of Bu’aath. She said: And they were not (professional) singing girls. Abu Bakr said: “Musical instruments of the shaytaan in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?!” and that was on the day of Eid. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Abu Bakr, every people has a festival and this is our festival.”

Abu Dawood (1134) narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah, they had two days when they would play. He said: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to play on these days during the Jaahiliyyah.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has given you instead of them two days that are better than them: the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

This indicates that festivals are among the characteristics by which nations are distinguished, and it is not permissible to celebrate the festivals of the ignorant and the mushrikeen (polytheists).

The scholars have issued fatwas stating that it is haraam to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

1 –Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:

In recent times the celebration of Valentine’s Day has become widespread, especially among female students. It is a Christian festival where people dress completely in red, including clothes and shoes, and they exchange red flowers. We hope that you can explain the ruling on celebrating this festival, and what your advice is to Muslims with regard to such matters; may Allaah bless you and take care of you.

He replied:

Celebrating Valentine’s Day is not permissible for a number of reasons.

1- It is an innovated festival for which there is no basis in Islam.

2- It promotes love(unlawful forms) and infatuation.

3- It calls for hearts to be preoccupied with foolish matters that are contrary to the way of the righteous salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them).

It is not permissible on this day to do any of the things that are characteristic of this festival, whether that has to do with food, drinks, clothing, exchanging gifts or anything else.

The Muslim should be proud of his religion and should not be a weak character who follows every Tom, Dick and Harry. I ask Allaah to protect the Muslims from all temptations, visible and invisible, and to protect us and guide us.

End quote from Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (16/199)

2 – The Standing Committee was asked: Some people celebrate Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth of February every year. They exchange gifts of red roses and wear red clothes and congratulate one another. Some bakeries make red coloured sweets and draw hearts on them, and some stores advertise products that are especially for this day. What is your opinion on the following:

1- Celebrating this day

2- Buying things from the stores on this day

3- Storekeepers who are not celebrating it selling things that may be given as gifts to people who are celebrating it?

They replied:

The clear evidence of the Qur’aan and Sunnah – and the consensus of the early generations of this ummah – indicates that there are only two festivals in Islam: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other festivals that have to do with a person, a group, an event or anything else are innovated festivals, which it is not permissible for Muslims to observe, approve of or express joy on those occasions, or to help others to celebrate them in any way, because that is transgressing the sacred limits of Allaah, and whoever transgresses the sacred limits of Allaah has wronged himself. If the fabricated festival is also a festival of the kuffaar, then the sin is even greater, because this is imitating them and it is a kind of taking them as close friends, and Allaah has forbidden the believers to imitate them and take them as close friends in His Holy Book. And it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Valentine’s Day comes under this heading because it is an idolatrous Christian festival, so it is not permissible for a Muslim who believes in Allaah and the Last Day to observe it or approve of it or congratulate people on it. Rather he has to ignore it and avoid it, in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, and so as to keep away from the causes that incur the wrath and punishment of Allaah. It is also haraam for the Muslim to help people to celebrate this or any other haraam festival by supplying any kind of food or drink, or buying or selling or manufacturing or giving or advertising etc., because all of that is cooperating in sin and transgression and is disobedience towards Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”

[al-Maa’idah 5:2]

The Muslim must adhere to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah in all his affairs, especially at times of fitnah when evil is widespread. He should be smart and avoid falling into the misguidance of those who have earned Allaah’s anger and who have gone astray, and the evildoers who have no fear of Allaah and who do not have any pride in being Muslims. The Muslim must turn to Allaah and seek His guidance and remain steadfast in following it, for there is no Guide except Allaah and no one can make a person steadfast but Him. And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.

3 – Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:

Among our young men and women it has become common to celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is named after a saint who is venerated by the Christians, who celebrate it every year on February 14, when they exchange gifts and red roses, and they wear red clothes. What is the ruling on celebrating this day and exchanging gifts?

He replied:

Firstly: it is not permissible to celebrate these innovated festivals, because it is an innovation for which there is no basis in Islam. It comes under the heading of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.”

Secondly: it involves imitating the kuffaar and copying them by venerating that which they venerate and respecting their festivals and rituals, and imitating them in something that is part of their religion. In the hadeeth it says: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”

Thirdly: it results in evils and haraam things such as wasting time, singing, music, extravagance, unveiling, wanton display, men mixing with women, women appearing before men other than their mahrams, and other haraam things, or things that are a means that leads to immorality. That cannot be excused by the claim that this is a kind of entertainment and fun. The one who is sincere towards himself should keep away from sin and the means that lead to it.

And he said:

Based on this, it is not permissible to sell these gifts and roses, if it is known that the purchaser celebrates these festivals or will give these things as gifts on those days, so that the seller will not be a partner of the one who does those innovations. And Allaah knows best. End quote.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

May Allaah protect us from all evil!

There's a place for people like you in heaven...

2011-01-22T02:33:00.000+03:00

The one with faith
The one with knowledge
The one with strength
The one who loves
The faithful wife
The caring husband
The patient father
The dutiful daughter
The loving mother
The thankful son

Who all believe in the one
There's a place for you in heaven...

The last days

2011-01-15T09:35:00.000+03:00

When the mountains would prostate
So high and so great
And yet we in meekness
Keep our backs straight
Who is it we believe is great?

When fajr is forgotten
But death is still a norm
When fear has crumbled
And hope is gone

When distrust is rampant
And the people are barely dressed
When there is openly lewdness
And sin causes no stress

When God is an afterthought
If a thought at all
When people cry for the loss of money
And pray for more from this world

When pain is fixed by taking drugs
When hands are used for violence
And tongues spew hatred

When the places of our forefathers
Are used for monetary gain
When a Muslim
Is the only one who remembers the purpose of life

When shaitain no longer has to try
And evil is wide spread
When the last ones to believe
Are long gone and dead

Look for the hereafter
Can't you hear his steps?

Read

2011-01-14T08:05:00.001+03:00

There is no power

No might

And no ability

Save with Allah

And those who know this well

Are the only one's with tranquility

Allah knows best what makes some to stray and others to believe

Some open the quran and read

As if its just another book

While others open the quran

And wept

Asking Allah for his mercy

Some can read the Arabic

Yet still look away

While others read its meaning

And there hearts tremble with fear

What could we learn if we opened this holy book?

A direct link to God

His word

His message

The stories of old

His admonition

And hope

What are we reading if were not reading the book of God?

Are we letting ourselves be fooled by this world

So blind to our desires

In the holy book of our lord

Is where we'll find the answers

Don't let the pundits and the the philosophers let us lose grip of our faith

If we read the book we'd know that we must wait

For fortune comes to many

Yet God is always just

The evils ones will see there day and it will be enough

To suffice everything

Don't think that its a pity

That we miss out on this world

The book says it will crumble

One day it will be dust

And therefore if faith is sound

We'll be the one's to say

"We found the promise true

Allah, Allah have mercy on us

The peace belongs to you"

TEDxToronto - Boonaa Mohammed "Kill Them With Love"

2010-12-05T01:09:00.000+03:00

Eid Mubarak to all!

2010-11-15T04:04:00.001+03:00

assalamu alaikum,

ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH, ALLAHU AKBAR ALLAHU AKBAR WALILAHIL HAMD!!

eid mubarak everyone, inshaAllah eid is on Nov, 16,2010 or Thul Hijjah 11 1431!!

Lets not forget to fast on the Day of al-Arafah inshaAllah!! the reward is expiations for sins from previous year and coming year!! Allahu akbar! how merciful is Allah!

This however doesnt mean for us to think"Oh this means i can do whatever i want! yay me!And no need to worry about sins and punishment because i am guranteed forgiveness!" EEEEEEEEE!! wrong!! thats not how it works at all O Muslims!! Its like you are saying, " O Allah I am not going to fulfill all of your commands and obligations but I will make sure I say the shahada before I die!" umm......isnt this plotting against Allah!?

Lets not forget Allah is the supreme plotter and knows whats running through our heads every second!

Allah says:

"So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not."(surah an-Naml:50)

Islam is a comprehensive religion. Its a FULL TIME job not a part time thing. You worship Allah from the day it is obligated upon you and you have full understanding and basic knowledge of how to and you continue till your death!!

Lets not forget Islam means submitting and giving up our desires for the sake of Allah.

InshaAllah we should make duaa for those who are performing hajj this year that Allah accepts it frm them and makes it easy for them, we should also make duaa for the suffering Muslims all over especially in our witr salah(qunut), we should make duaa that Allah accepts our good deeds,erases our sins, and allows us at least once in this lifetime to make hajj mabrur for his sake!

Take an in- depth look at Surah Kaf!

2010-10-26T03:43:00.000+03:00

Exert from Surah Al- Kaf:
Moses said to him: "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of the (Higher) Truth which thou hast been taught?" (66) (The other) said: "Verily thou wilt not be able to have patience with me! (67) "And how canst thou have patience about things about which thy understanding is not complete?" (68) Moses said: "Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught." (69) The other said: "If then thou wouldst follow me, ask me no questions about anything until I myself speak to thee concerning it." (70) So they both proceeded: until, when they were in the boat, he scuttled it. Said Moses: "Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it? Truly a strange thing hast thou done!" (71) He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?" (72) Moses said: "Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case." (73) Then they proceeded: until, when they met a young man, he slew him. Moses said: "Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none? Truly a foul (unheard-of) thing hast thou done!" (74) He answered: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?" (75) (Moses) said: "If ever I ask thee about anything after this, keep me not in thy company: then wouldst thou have received (full) excuse from my side." (76) Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If thou hadst wished, surely thou couldst have exacted some recompense for it!" (77) He answered: "This is the parting between me and thee: now will I tell thee the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to hold patience. (78) As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: they plied on the water: I but wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force. (79) "As for the youth his parents were people of Faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allah and man). (80) "So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection. (81) "As for the wall it, belonged to two youths, orphans in the Town; there was, beneath it, a buried treasure, to which they were entitled: their father had been a righteous man: so thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure― a mercy (and favour) from thy Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to hold patience."

Every Muslim has heard of the benefits of reciting Surah Kahf. But what exactly is the message that the Surah is conveying? This lecture series is an in-depth explanation of the Surah using tafsir from Ibn Kathir, al-Uthaymeen, Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Jawzi, Shawkani and Saadi. The speaker mentions the benefits and virtues of Surah Al-Kahf and lessons we can extract from the Surah. It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khduri that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.” Narrated by al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 836

http://www.kalamullah.com/kahf.html

Words of Wisdom

2010-10-24T06:32:00.002+03:00

Be to the people like the earth below in meekness, like the flowing water in generosity and like the sun and the moon in mercy, which shine on the good and sinner alike."

-Prophet Jesus

Signs of the last day: Have you seen them?

2010-10-21T03:09:00.004+03:00

The Minor Signs of the Last Day
by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali

Qiyamah will come when...

Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (R.A.) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhii Wassallam) said, "Qiyamah will come...

* When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions. * When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy. * When it will be hot in winter (and vice versa). * When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours. * When orators and lecturers lie openly. * When people dispute over petty issues. * When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring. * When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day. * When people blatantly follow their passions and whims. * When lies prevail over the truth. * When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common. * When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly. * When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat. * When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).

The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (R.A.) when he inquired from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) about the Signs of Qiyamah.

* Music and musical instruments will be found in every home. * People will indulge in homosexuality. * There will be an abundance of illegitimate children. * There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back- biters and taunters in society. * People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones. * Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments. * The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance. * The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected. * Gangsters and evil people will prevail. * Various wines will be consumed excessively.

Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition. He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:

1 My death 2 The conquest of Jerusalem 3 Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large numbers during an epidemic 4 Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied 5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it 6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men." (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari).

IRAQ and SYRIA
Abu Nadhrah says: "We were sitting in the company of Jabir bin Abdullah (R.A.) when he said: 'Soon the people of IRAQ will neither receive any food (grain) nor any money.'" We asked, "Why would such a thing happen?" He replied, "Because of the non-Arabs." (i.e they will prevent food from going into Iraq, in the form of "sanctions" to this day.) He then said: "Soon the people of Shaam (SYRIA) will neither receive any money nor grain." We asked as to why this would happen. He replied: "Because of the Romans (christians)."
CONCEITED PEOPLE:
Hadhrat Abbas (R.A) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) has said, "Islam will spread far and wide, across the seas. Horses will cross the land and seas in the cause of Jihaad. Then a time will come wherein a group of people will emerge which recites the Quraan. They will claim,

'We have recited the Quraan and is there anyone who understands the Quraan better than us? There is NO ONE more proficient than us in the study of the Quraan.'

Then Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) asked the Sahaba, "Do you see any good in their claims?" The Sahaba replied, "No". Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, "But these conceited claimants will be from my Ummah and will be the fuel of the Fire."
from "Signs of Qiyamah" (excerpts) by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali

Racism and Islam - Bilal Philips

2010-10-21T03:08:00.000+03:00

A Unique Life Experience - Salem al-Amry, Assim Al Hakeem, Hussain Yee, ...

2010-10-21T03:06:00.000+03:00

"Would That I Knew..."

2010-09-30T01:40:00.000+03:00

Assalamu alaikum,

MUST SEE!!! BEAUTIFUL REMINDER!!

"Would That I Knew..." --Shaykh Muhammad al-Shinqitee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPvg_uUv3VE

Why a Former Buddhist Christian accepted Islam? TheDeenShow

2010-09-29T06:40:00.000+03:00

Uphold Innocent Life Imam Zaid Shakir 5 5 10.mp4

2010-09-22T23:22:00.000+03:00

Alms are for the poor....

2010-09-14T19:22:00.000+03:00

“Who will loan Allah a beautiful loan so He may multiply it for him many times?” [2, 245]

The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise. (9, 60)

Please offer you support to Islamic relief, you can donate to the Pakistan flood emergency, orphans in need and many other worthy causes. Peace and blessing be upon you.

Inspired by Muhammed (pbuh)'s Farewell Khutbah

2010-09-06T18:31:00.004+03:00

Last Lecture

Take your time
and live life full…

Put on your headscarf,
dress and act modestly
cuz Allah loves those
who are part of a universal ummah.

See the birds sing and pray,
see yourself praying and fasting,
cuz Allah loves those
who worship him.

Guide the young
and help the poor,
those are the ones Allah loves.

Be yourself, a Muslim…
Strive through the struggles you face
cuz Allah loves all.

Strive to do a good deed
every minute, every hour
even a smile,
to keep Allah pleased with us.

The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)'s Last Sermon

Fida I has a blog at I've Got Rhythm

The Search For Inner Peace by Bilal Philips

2010-09-05T01:08:00.000+03:00

Daily Duas

2010-08-31T12:35:00.002+03:00

Shukran to our reader for forwarding us these duas, may Allah reward him:

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

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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.