Just a reminder for myself and all. English translations available for the vid.
{"But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you, Kiraaman (honourable) Kaatibiin - writing down (your deeds), They know all that you do."} [Suurah Al-Infitaar 82:(10-12)]
{"There is no human being but has a protector over him (or her) (i.e. angels in charge of each human being guarding him, writing his good and bad deeds"} [Suurah At-Taariq 86:4]
Let's work on improving ourselves and striving in performing good deeds and staying away from bad deeds as much as possible. Seek help and ask from Allaah and only Allaah. Don't stop supplicating, hoping and asking from Allaah.
Allaah Almighty says in Suurah Al-Baqarah 2:186,
{"And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad s.a.w.) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright."}
in conjuction with this Suurah is the following hadeeth qudsi,
Narrated Abu Hurairah (radhiallaahu 'anhu) : The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wasallaam) said, "Allaah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him. Then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge), and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoit him.'" [Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8/6502 (O.P.509)] - Interpretation of the Meanings of The Noble Qur'aan; A Summarized Version of At-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir with Comments from Sahih Al-Bukhari
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How time flies..
How time flies. It’s been more than a week now since touchdown in Singapore and almost everyday since day one, I’ve been going out to catch up with friends or family. It was a different approach to how I spent it the last time I came back for a holiday that my mum exclaimed,
“Aii.. asik keluar je wan?!”
Last year it was more like, “Wan asik duduk rumah je, tak keluar ke??”
Hm, keluar kena tegur. Tak keluar pon kena tegur juga? Ha. It’s great being able to meet people whom you haven’t seen for a while and catching up. The existence of facebook has actually made it easier to get to know the progress of others’ lives, while you’re being far away from home. However, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand.
One of the things I've realised that I really miss is the food, though I'm not really a fan of food. I just eat to live, not live to eat. Most of the times the food we eat at Saudi is just dry rice with chicken or beef. And vegetables are almost non-existant. So imagine how it was, when I tasted 'beef hor fun', for the first time in almost a year! It tasted so good and uplifting that I exclaimed,
"Waaah.. this is REAL food man!!" and I savored it till the last drop.
A while later, I noticed a couple of friends who ordered the same dish did not finish thier portion and even pushed the food aside. I asked,
"Eh, tak habis ke? Sedap pe?" and he replied nonchalantly,
"Tak ah, dah muak ah.." Haiz..
While catching up have been good, I wish I could find a way to do more to aid the situation of friends who over the years, became distanced from the most important part of being a Muslim which is the obligatory prayers. Some of my friends who don't salaat regularly aren't that ignorant of Islam. In fact some even love to talk and discuss about Islam but they don't see the importance of performing salaat.
-excerpt from islamonline.net with modifications- The 5 obligatory prayers (salaat) is the second most important aspect for a Muslim after the testimony of faith, (“There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”) and they are the first thing the Muslim will be asked about on Judgment Day.
No matter what the actions of a Muslim, the most important is his relationship with Allaah, and salaat will aid the Muslim in reminding himself of his position in the universe as a humble servant of Allah and of his total dependence on his Creator, Cherisher and Sustainer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) compared this experience of making ablution and praying five times a day to having a river running in front of one’s house. If one bathed in that river five times a day, would any filth remain on his body? Likewise, the ablution and Prayer five times a day removes one’s sins and also prevents him from sinning. -end-
We may reason that at times the timing for prayers clash with our busy schedule. However, there is no excuse. When one encounters difficulties in performing a prayer, there's always a solution. We can pray anytime and anywhere. No place? Just any clean, small space that fits for performing prayers will do. Don't know direction? There are compasses sold which point to the direction of the kiblah. Can't find water for ablution? We can perform tayammum. It takes at minimum just 5-10 mins of our time. We can do jama' prayers (joining dhuhur and asar or maghrib and isya' in one period) if the situation really calls for it when we're really caught up in something important for example. We have to schedule our daily activities around the timings of salaat. This is how we show our commitment to Allaah just like fasting or zakat.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'aan,
{"And perform As-Salaat (the prayers), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salaat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)."} [Suurah Huud 11:114]
Maybe some of us may think, "Hm i'll just Qadha' (make up for it) later". -excerpt from islamonline.net- However, if we miss a Salaat for no excuse then we cannot pray it as a Qadha. In reality, any Salaat should be done on time. When we miss a Salaat because we are asleep or forgot about it, then we should make it the time we wake up or remember as if that was the time for it. The Prophet (pbuh) says: " The one who misses a Salaat because he is asleep or has forgotten, let him make it when he remembers it".
A Muslim who misses a Salaat deliberately cannot make up Salaat. The only answer for such negligence is to make sincere repentance (Tawbah) and vow to Allah that he/she would not miss Salaat anymore. After making Tawbah, it is recommended to make any optional Salaat, but not on the grounds of Qadha. -end-
l pray that Allaah will open thier hearts and minds and make them want to change and perform thier obligations in Islaam well even with the challenges that they face in society today, with istiqaamah (being firm and straight, steadfastness).
Allaah Almighty says in the Noble Qur'an,
{"Verily, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),' and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of thier death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'} [Suurah Fussilat 41:30]
He also says,
{"So stand (ask Allaah to make) you (Muhammad s.a.w.) firm and straight (on the religion of Islaamic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (to Allaah) with you, and transgress not (Allaah's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do."} [Suurah Huud 11:112]
Anyway, my dad actually talked to me about marriage for the first time. I see a green light blinking. Now I just have to find the right person, insya Allaah. I hope Allaah grants me ease and patience in this and guidance to being a better Muslim and being a good leader, caregiver and provider. Since a few years back, there have been prospects but I haven’t had success with any even though they seem to be so compatible and at some point, it seemed highly possible. Siapalah saya ni kan, tsk tsk. Laa, jiwang la pulak.
But Alhamdulillaah, I’m not that bothered about it actually. I feel it’s just because I haven’t found the right person. As what people say, "Kalau dah jodoh tu tak ke mana". If that person is meant for me, insya Allaah, everything will be in place and run more smoothly. And also the fact that we have to trust and be patient with Allaah's decree. If we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we'd be single at this point in time.
Hm, maybe I should just leave it to my mum? Naaah.. I remember once, I joked to her about this and she said, “Alaa, nanti dah carikan tak suka pula!!”. Haa. Anyway, I’m grateful for these experiences, it can only make me stronger and I’m thankful that Allaah have guided me to seek a prospect in this manner and stay away from dating and indulging in intimate pre-marital relationships.. Oh bukanlah cantikmu yang ku cari, bukanlah itu yang aku nanti, tetapi ketulusan hati yang abadi..
Alhamdulillaah, for the chance to meet the blessed month of Ramadan again. I’ve started Mosque-hopping to experience the night prayers at different mosques in Singapore. “Wah so free ah?!!” some might think. Yea, alhamdulillaah, I’ve no plans to work during the short holiday here. Don’t be jealous eh (muhaha). Insya Allaah, I hope to cover more ground, north to south and east to west. So far, I’ve been to only three. Masjid Kampong Holland (homeground), Masjid Kassim and Muhammadiyyah. One of the aims is also to catch up with friends living in the vicinity of the mosques if possible. Honestly, I’m still ignorant of the existence and location of most of the mosques around Singapore. Hm, where should I explore next?
“Aii.. asik keluar je wan?!”
Last year it was more like, “Wan asik duduk rumah je, tak keluar ke??”
Hm, keluar kena tegur. Tak keluar pon kena tegur juga? Ha. It’s great being able to meet people whom you haven’t seen for a while and catching up. The existence of facebook has actually made it easier to get to know the progress of others’ lives, while you’re being far away from home. However, nothing beats experiencing it firsthand.
One of the things I've realised that I really miss is the food, though I'm not really a fan of food. I just eat to live, not live to eat. Most of the times the food we eat at Saudi is just dry rice with chicken or beef. And vegetables are almost non-existant. So imagine how it was, when I tasted 'beef hor fun', for the first time in almost a year! It tasted so good and uplifting that I exclaimed,
"Waaah.. this is REAL food man!!" and I savored it till the last drop.
A while later, I noticed a couple of friends who ordered the same dish did not finish thier portion and even pushed the food aside. I asked,
"Eh, tak habis ke? Sedap pe?" and he replied nonchalantly,
"Tak ah, dah muak ah.." Haiz..
While catching up have been good, I wish I could find a way to do more to aid the situation of friends who over the years, became distanced from the most important part of being a Muslim which is the obligatory prayers. Some of my friends who don't salaat regularly aren't that ignorant of Islam. In fact some even love to talk and discuss about Islam but they don't see the importance of performing salaat.
-excerpt from islamonline.net with modifications- The 5 obligatory prayers (salaat) is the second most important aspect for a Muslim after the testimony of faith, (“There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”) and they are the first thing the Muslim will be asked about on Judgment Day.
No matter what the actions of a Muslim, the most important is his relationship with Allaah, and salaat will aid the Muslim in reminding himself of his position in the universe as a humble servant of Allah and of his total dependence on his Creator, Cherisher and Sustainer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) compared this experience of making ablution and praying five times a day to having a river running in front of one’s house. If one bathed in that river five times a day, would any filth remain on his body? Likewise, the ablution and Prayer five times a day removes one’s sins and also prevents him from sinning. -end-
We may reason that at times the timing for prayers clash with our busy schedule. However, there is no excuse. When one encounters difficulties in performing a prayer, there's always a solution. We can pray anytime and anywhere. No place? Just any clean, small space that fits for performing prayers will do. Don't know direction? There are compasses sold which point to the direction of the kiblah. Can't find water for ablution? We can perform tayammum. It takes at minimum just 5-10 mins of our time. We can do jama' prayers (joining dhuhur and asar or maghrib and isya' in one period) if the situation really calls for it when we're really caught up in something important for example. We have to schedule our daily activities around the timings of salaat. This is how we show our commitment to Allaah just like fasting or zakat.
Allah Almighty says in the Qur'aan,
{"And perform As-Salaat (the prayers), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory Salaat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)."} [Suurah Huud 11:114]
Maybe some of us may think, "Hm i'll just Qadha' (make up for it) later". -excerpt from islamonline.net- However, if we miss a Salaat for no excuse then we cannot pray it as a Qadha. In reality, any Salaat should be done on time. When we miss a Salaat because we are asleep or forgot about it, then we should make it the time we wake up or remember as if that was the time for it. The Prophet (pbuh) says: " The one who misses a Salaat because he is asleep or has forgotten, let him make it when he remembers it".
A Muslim who misses a Salaat deliberately cannot make up Salaat. The only answer for such negligence is to make sincere repentance (Tawbah) and vow to Allah that he/she would not miss Salaat anymore. After making Tawbah, it is recommended to make any optional Salaat, but not on the grounds of Qadha. -end-
l pray that Allaah will open thier hearts and minds and make them want to change and perform thier obligations in Islaam well even with the challenges that they face in society today, with istiqaamah (being firm and straight, steadfastness).
Allaah Almighty says in the Noble Qur'an,
{"Verily, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),' and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of thier death) (saying): 'Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!'} [Suurah Fussilat 41:30]
He also says,
{"So stand (ask Allaah to make) you (Muhammad s.a.w.) firm and straight (on the religion of Islaamic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (to Allaah) with you, and transgress not (Allaah's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do."} [Suurah Huud 11:112]
Anyway, my dad actually talked to me about marriage for the first time. I see a green light blinking. Now I just have to find the right person, insya Allaah. I hope Allaah grants me ease and patience in this and guidance to being a better Muslim and being a good leader, caregiver and provider. Since a few years back, there have been prospects but I haven’t had success with any even though they seem to be so compatible and at some point, it seemed highly possible. Siapalah saya ni kan, tsk tsk. Laa, jiwang la pulak.
But Alhamdulillaah, I’m not that bothered about it actually. I feel it’s just because I haven’t found the right person. As what people say, "Kalau dah jodoh tu tak ke mana". If that person is meant for me, insya Allaah, everything will be in place and run more smoothly. And also the fact that we have to trust and be patient with Allaah's decree. If we are still unmarried, it is simply because Almighty Allah has willed that we'd be single at this point in time.
Hm, maybe I should just leave it to my mum? Naaah.. I remember once, I joked to her about this and she said, “Alaa, nanti dah carikan tak suka pula!!”. Haa. Anyway, I’m grateful for these experiences, it can only make me stronger and I’m thankful that Allaah have guided me to seek a prospect in this manner and stay away from dating and indulging in intimate pre-marital relationships.. Oh bukanlah cantikmu yang ku cari, bukanlah itu yang aku nanti, tetapi ketulusan hati yang abadi..
Alhamdulillaah, for the chance to meet the blessed month of Ramadan again. I’ve started Mosque-hopping to experience the night prayers at different mosques in Singapore. “Wah so free ah?!!” some might think. Yea, alhamdulillaah, I’ve no plans to work during the short holiday here. Don’t be jealous eh (muhaha). Insya Allaah, I hope to cover more ground, north to south and east to west. So far, I’ve been to only three. Masjid Kampong Holland (homeground), Masjid Kassim and Muhammadiyyah. One of the aims is also to catch up with friends living in the vicinity of the mosques if possible. Honestly, I’m still ignorant of the existence and location of most of the mosques around Singapore. Hm, where should I explore next?
Friday, August 21, 2009
How to boost Ramadan Spirit
article from islamonline.net..
How to Boost Ramadan Spirit
By Sound Vision Staff Writer
Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to undistractedly focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short, yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost your spirit during this longed-for month:
1- Du`a’
Ask Almighty Allah to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.
2- Clear Your Mind
Turn off the TV, the computer, the radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him.
At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three things: Almighty Allah, your purpose in life, and whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose.
Do this every day of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times a week.
3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures
Even if you have read it or listened to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story. Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!
4- Connect to the Qur’an
The noble Qur’an is the means whereby Almighty Allah talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key to spiritual upliftment. During this Ramadan, connect to the Qur’an in a new way.
If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Qur’an, you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the Qur’an).
It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you recite.
5- Take Care of Others
Whether it is a person who is away from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or kids, or fellow students struggling with their grades, make an extra effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.
6- Feed the Hungry
While your stomach shrieks in protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.
7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit
Ask yourself what your fundamental defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah, you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the better.
8- Use Those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan are not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt du`aa’, self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.
This article has been taken with modifications from soundvision.com.
How to Boost Ramadan Spirit
By Sound Vision Staff Writer
Ramadan, the month of the Qur’an, represents an invaluable opportunity for all believers to recharge the batteries of faith and draw close to their Lord. A wise Muslim should be keen to make best use of these blessed moments. If Muslims are unable to undistractedly focus on the hereafter all the time, let them at least do so during this short, yet boundlessly blessed, period of time. Below are some tips on how to boost your spirit during this longed-for month:
1- Du`a’
Ask Almighty Allah to make this the most inspiring, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you have ever had. Allah is the Only Who can make this happen and complete reliance on Him completely is the major step in boosting our spirits.
2- Clear Your Mind
Turn off the TV, the computer, the radio, your cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. You need not do so all day long, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, remember your Lord and think deeply about your relationship with Him.
At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useful thoughts in your head. Force them away and focus your thought during these few minutes on three things: Almighty Allah, your purpose in life, and whether you are making due efforts to achieve that purpose.
Do this every day of Ramadan, if you can. Should this be not possible, do it at least three times a week.
3- Learn About Great Muslim Figures
Even if you have read it or listened to it before, again read or listen to `Abdul-Wahid Hamid's Companions of the Prophet during this Ramadan. Read about or listen daily to a Companion's story. Well-written and short, these stories inform us in a wonderful way about these noble personalities and about how they maintained the strength of their faith against incredible odds. What a sure-fire spirituality booster!
4- Connect to the Qur’an
The noble Qur’an is the means whereby Almighty Allah talks to us. Indeed, it is the most important key to spiritual upliftment. During this Ramadan, connect to the Qur’an in a new way.
If you already recite the Qur’an regularly, you can choose a new theme to focus on or select a particular Surah you have not read for a while. If, however, you are not a frequent reader of the Qur’an, you can start by reciting it for only two minutes a day; recite from the first page you encounter when you open the mushaf (copy of the Qur’an).
It is also recommended that you keep a Qur’anic journal in which you can record your reflections, questions, thoughts, etc., about what you recite.
5- Take Care of Others
Whether it is a person who is away from his family, a person who is having problems with his or her spouse or kids, or fellow students struggling with their grades, make an extra effort this Ramadan to help others out. The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.
6- Feed the Hungry
While your stomach shrieks in protest, give that panhandler some change, volunteer at a soup kitchen, get involved with your local food pantry or make a couple of bag lunches to give to the hungry you meet on your way to school or work.
7- Give Up One Lifelong Bad Habit
Ask yourself what your fundamental defining traits are. Then decide which is the worst of them. Is it a hot temper? Apathy? Laziness? Impatience? Whatever it may be, utilize this Ramadan to get rid of it. Practice the opposite of this bad habit of yours every day until the end of the month. By then, in sha’ Allah, you will look back and be amazed at the change you have made for the better.
8- Use Those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan are not called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt du`aa’, self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.
This article has been taken with modifications from soundvision.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Third is the Shaytan.
got this off maqasid.wordpress.com.. Masya Allaah, a website with good and intersting articles.
The messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whenever a non-mahram man and woman meet in seclusion, Shaytan definitely is the third one joining them.” [Tirmidhi]
The meaning of the hadith is that Shaytan arouses their passions and incites them to commit evil. Prevention is better than cure. Fornication and adultery rip to shreds the psychological health of society. Since the family is the building block of society, for a society to be healthy, it must have healthy families that constitute it.
To prevent any situation arising which might harm the family unit, Islam nips the source of problems in the bud. A person is responsible not only for himself or herself but for the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well being of their children as much as it is in their control.
From their children will arise many more generations. Keeping this in mind we have to do our best to provide as healthy a moral environment as we can so we are not held responsible for the destruction of future generations.
“If the breakdown of the family and female security is to be averted, only two strategies are available: firstly, members of society may be conditioned to believe that sexuality is from the devil, and should inspire feelings of guilt and distaste; or secondly, sexuality may be accepted as the loving expression of a natural human need, in which case the sexes must be separated, within reason, to avoid the risk of the temptation of weak souls and hence their unchastity.”
“Historically, the first of these two choices has been that of Christianity, while Islam has opted for the second. The modern Western attitude, in which there is both an obsession with sexuality and a casual mingling of men and women, and which has resulted in massive promiscuity (and hence infidelity, divorce, abortion and disease) does not represent an ethically coherent system.” [The Seventy-Seven Branches of Faith, translator’s note, The Quilliam Press]
Wallaahu ‘alam
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