Message To Muslim Youth

This pointers are  quite apt . Truly a thoughtful Message To Muslim Youth esp those still in school.

May Allah Almighty (God) bless all of you with health and happiness all
the time all the year round, this year and the next, and forever. Since
you are the youth of Islam, and the future of Islam rest’s on your
shoulders, let me tell you the following :

1. Be kind to your parents, if they are alive. Treat them with kindness
and love.

2. Be yourself. Do not try to be somebody else.

3. Manage your time properly. Keep an account of time; how much you
spend on studies, how much talking with loved ones, how much watching
TV, how much on other

entertainment etc? I am not saying that you should not watch TV or go
to a movie. What I am saying is that you should always take stock of
time.

4. Your first priority should be your studies. You must try to excel in
your studies. Whatever your potential, you must try to develop it
fully.

5. When you study a book, be critical. Always generate plenty of
questions. If you will not question, then chances are that you may not
understand it completely.

6. Try to be creative. How to be creative? Well there are many ways to
be creative. Probably everyone has a unique approach. But there are
some common guidelines one can use. When you get stuck on a problem,
let your mind think and wonder. Do not open the book and see what the
solution is. Let your mind get frustrated.

Always resist the tendency of quick results. Give your mind a chance to
succeed on its own. You will realize soon that your creative energy
will start flowing. When the mind is deprived of easy means and it is
not satisfied with present things, it tries to create ingenious means
by being creative. All the inventions has been invented in that way.

7. So far I did not talk about the Quran. There is a reason for that. I
want you to develop critical thinking ability in your studies first: in
science, mathematics, computers, and economics, whatever you have
chosen. If you cannot develop this ability most probably you would not
understand the Quran. Also, understanding of the Quran is a long and
hard and a life long process. And it requires lot of patience and
perseverance plus it demands sacrifice. Therefore, you should first try
to take few important verses of the Quran (the ones dealing with human
relationships and character building) and try to integrate them in your
life and studies. Of course it will be very hard and there will be lot
of temptations to skirt. But try to avoid them. But keep in mind that
we are human beings. We make mistakes. So, don’t feel too bad or don’t
be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. Just make sure that next
time you must be careful.

8. Do not take advantage of others and do not let others take advantage
of you. This is easier said than done, especially for the latter part.
But always remember Hazrat Umar’s saying: A momin is one who not only
does not deceive anyone but does not get deceived as well. The downfall
of Muslims is in major part due to the fact that that they have not
practiced this saying of Khalifa Umar. They are so easily conned,
cheated, and taken advantage of when they are in strong position. When
they are weak and vulnerable no one cares for them and everyone kicks
them around. What you see now a days is the result of that. So, always
keep this saying of Hazrat Umar in mind. But remember, as I said, it is
very difficult but with experience you will learn – if you are
sincere.

9. In relation to the above, let me also mention that from among
Muslims there are con artists selling Islam in the name of serving
Islam. They are hunting for Muslim youth. Do not fall prey to their
sweet talks. Keep your mind’s eyes open and apply Hazrat Umar’s
principle. Do not ever underestimate your own intelligence.

10. Whatever is happening in the World right now in general, do not
worry too much about them yourselves. Let us, (the older generation)
worry about it. You should remain focused on your studies and to become
economically independent and stable. How can you help others if you
cannot help yourself? That should be enough worry for you if your goal
is to be the best.

11. When you have accomplished that then your cumulative weight of
knowledge and expertise and the strength of character will create
miracles that you at this time cannot imagine. Then a new world of
Islam will rise up on your shoulders. An Islam, which will have dignity
and power, based on the strength of knowledge and character rather than
the current Islam that is based on customs, rituals, and belief in
miracles resulting in suffering and humiliations of Muslims throughout
the world.

These are some of my thoughts emanating from the depth of my heart. I
hope like wise that it penetrates the bottom of your hearts and
become’s the driving force in your lives. I hope this serves as a
catalyst to change your lives for the better. Let the youth of Islam
show to the world what Islam really is, not what Islam has been
made out to be. May Allah Almighty give you the strength and the
necessary courage to carry out this important mission.

SOURCE: http://my.opera.com/Quran/blog/index.dml/tag/Message%20To%20Muslim%20Youth

THE POWER OF AYAT-UL-KURSI

It was reported in a local paper in Rochdale (A town, northeast of Manchester), of a young woman who was raped in a small dark alley (a narrow passage between buildings) one evening.

On a separate evening around the same time, a young Muslim girl was walking home from college. Aware that it was getting dark fast, she wanted to get home as soon as possible, so her mother would not be worrying about her.
…
The young Muslim girl faced a dilemma. Take the short-cut down the same alleyway to avoid getting home after dark, or to take the longer route and have her mother worrying herself sick about her daughter’s safety.

Conscious of the time, she takes the alleyway. While the girl is walking, she sees a rather sinister and dark figure of a man walking towards her from the other end. As her pace quickens, she begins to read Ayat-ul-kursi for her safety.
The man, he makes eye contact but carries on walking.

When the young Muslim girl reaches home she tells her family about this sinister looking man. They advise her to contact the police, after having read the newspaper article some time before. When she contacts the police they ask her to give a physical description of the man and it matches the description the rape victim had given.

Some days later the young Muslim girl receives a phone call from the police, asking her if she would come down to the police station to identify the man in a line up. Both the rape victim and the Muslim girl pick out the same man.

The police are confused; they ask the rapist that why he attacked one girl and not the other? In reference to the Muslim girl, he replies ‘Why would I attack her, when she was walking with two huge men on either side of her?’

SUBHANALLAH! ALHAMDULILLAH! ALLAHU AKBAR!
by: Being a Muslim its our responsibility to spread the message of Islam……

SHARED BY: Damilola Bint Ishie

Easy Actions for which Rewards are Multiplied

<“He that does good shall have ten times as much to his credit ” (Surah Al An’am, 6:160). Its amazing the ways  Allah rewards good deeds… Here are tips on what to do in order to sow and reap abundantly. May Allah make them easy for us to practice. Amen.>

1. Preserving the ties of kinship: “Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his age lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2. Performing many prayers in the two noble Harams (in Makkah and Madinah): “Prayer in this masjid of mine (the Prophet – PBUH) is superior to a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid al-Haram, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram is superior to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.” [Ahmad and ibn Majah]

3. Performing prayers in congregation: “Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4. Praying `Isha and Fajr in congregation: “He who prays Isha’ in Jama’ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night. As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night.” [Narrated by Malik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it]

5. Performing voluntary prayers at home: “The most superior prayer of a person is in his home, except for obligatory prayers.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. “Superiority of a man’s prayer in his home over his prayer when people see him is like the superiority of an obligatory prayer over a voluntary one.” [Al-Bayhaqi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]

6. Observing some manners of the day of Jumu`ah: “Whoever ghassala (washes his head, and it is said: has intercourse with his wife so that it be a means to lower the gaze from the haram that day) and ightasala (washed up his body as in the ritual impurity) on the day of Jumuah, then comes in the earliest time and before the first khutbah, walks and doesn’t ride, stays near the Imam, listens and does not speak – for each step [he makes] he has actions of one year, the reward of fasting and standing in prayer in it.” [Ahl as-Sunan]

7. Salat ul-Ishraq: “Whoever prays al-ghadaa (i.e. al fajr) in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and `Umrah [The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, repeated ‘complete’ three times for emphasizing]. [At-Tirmidhi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]

8. Attending lectures in the mosque: “Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj.” [At-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]

9. Performing `Umrah in the month of Ramadhan: “`Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to a Hajj with me.” [al-Bukhari]

10. Performing obligatory prayers in the mosque: “Whoever leaves his home in a state of purity to perform obligatory prayer, his reward is like that of a pilgrim (while) in the state of ihram [i.e. he receives reward similar to that of spending time in ihram during Hajj]. [Abu Dawud, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]. So one should be in a state of purity when leaving one’s home, rather than the place for ablution within the mosque, except due to necessity.

11. Being from the people of the first row in congregational prayers: `Irbad bin Saariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to seek forgiveness for [the people of] the first row three times, and for [the people of the] second row once.” [an-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah]. “Allah and His Angels make salawat upon [the people of] the first row.” [Ahmad, with a good isnad]

12. Prayer in Masjid Qubaa’ in Madinah: “Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Qubaa’ and prays in it has the reward like that of `Umrah.” [An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah]

13. Saying what the caller to prayer says: “Say as they say [i.e. callers to prayer], and when you finish, ask and you will be given.” [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i]. That is, supplicate when you finish repeating after the caller to prayer.

14. Fasting Ramadhan and following it with six days of Shawwal: “Whoever fasts Ramadhan, then follows it with six (days) of Shawwal, it is like fasting all the time.” [Muslim]

15. Fasting three days each month: “Whoever fasts three days each month, it is like fasting all the time.” [At-Tirmidhi]. This is supported by the verse, “Whoever comes with a good deed for him is a tenfold [reward].” (6:160). One day is being equal to ten days.

16. Providing food for breaking of the fast: “Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast of a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

17. Standing in prayer on Laylatul-Qadr: “Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” (Qur’an 97:3), that is, superior to approximately 83 years of worship.

18. Jihad: “Standing of a man in a row (saff) in the way of Allah is superior to 60 years of worship.” [Al-Hakim, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]. This is the superiority of standing in a row, so what about one who fights in the way of Allah for days, or months, or years?

19. Ribaat: “Whoever takes a post (at borders of Muslim lands, where an enemy may be expected) for a day and night in the way of Allah has the reward of fasting and standing in prayer for a month, and whoever dies in such a state receives a continuous reward similar to it, and is [also] rewarded with provision and saved from al-Fattaan (i.e. punishment of the grave).” [Related by Muslim]

20. Righteous actions in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are dearer to Allah than these ten [days of Dhul Hijjah].” They said, “O Messenger, even jihad in the way of Allah?” He said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for the man who leaves with his life and wealth, and does not return with any of it (life or wealth).” [Al-Bukhari]

21. Frequent recitation of Qur’anic surahs: “Qul Huwa’Llahu Ahad” is equal to a third of the Qur’an and “Qul yaa ayyuha’l Kaafiroon” is equal to a fourth of the Qur’an.” [At-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]

22. Al-Istighfaar: “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [At-Tabarani, classed as Hasan by Al-Albani]

23. Fulfilling people’s needs: “That I walk with my Muslim brother in [fulfilling his] need is dearer to me than being in i`tikaf (seclusion) in the masjid for a month.” [Ibn Abi Dunya, classed as Hasan by al-Albani]

24. Dhikr: That I say ‘Subhaan Allah, wal-Hamdu li’Llah, wa laa ilaaha ill Allahu wa’Llahu Akbar’ is dearer to me than what the sun has risen upon. [Muslim]

“Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul Hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayru, wahuwa `alaa kulli shay’in qadeer’ [there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent.], Allah will write for him a million good deeds, erase a million of his bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan by al-Albani]

There are many other words of remembrance, which are rewarded abundantly, as is well known.

SOURCE: An article by Sulaymaan ibn Saalih al-Kharaashi- http://www.islamiczone.netfirms.com/Islamic%20Articles%20Folder/Easy%20Actions%20for%20which%20Rewards%20Are%20Multiplied.htm

The Innovation of Islamic Names

< It is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so have good names.” (Reported by Abu Dawud) But MUST a good name have to be arabic? Read this article and decide or leave us a comment on same. You could also read “selecting your name- Islamic rules“. Thanks for stopping by!>

Sadly, it has been known to happen that every time a person wishes to convert to Islam, he/she is immediately bombarded by those who claim to be the custodians of the faith, with a barrage of ridiculous requirements that he/she has to go through in order to become a Muslim (Submitter)!

One of these non Quranic requirements that they insist on is the need to change one’s name and adopt a new ‘Islamic Name’ ! Not only is the concept of an ‘Islamic Name’ a false concept, but it is also an innovation that has no basis in the Quran.  With a direct reference to the Quran,  it can be demonstarted that there is no such thing as an ‘Islamic Name’.  The Quran stresses the fact that submission is a state of the body, mind and soul and not a name tag over one’s head !

The requirements set by God for any person to adopt Islam and become a submitter are simply for that person to proclaim submission to God alone, and consequently observe the rituals required for worshipping God alone.  There is no mention in the Quran whatsoever of the need to change one’s name so as to have an ‘Islamic Name’  …… so where did that innovation come from?

For that it is necessary to look closely at the phrase ‘Islamic Name’.

If you are a man wishing to adopt Islam they will tell you choose a name like Muhammad, Ali, or Ahmad ….. etc……. If you are a woman, they will tell you choose a name like Khadija, Fatma, or Zeinab …….

But are these really ‘Islamic Name’, or are they merely ARABIC NAMES? Moreover, is there such a thing as an ‘Islamic Name’ ?

Even more important, is there any notion in the Quran about any preferential status for those who have certain names?

The answer to the first question is that these names are in fact ARABIC NAMES. The evidence to this fact lies in the Quran.

We are told in the Quran that Abraham and his sons were the first Muslims:

22:78

“You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion-the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you Muslim (Submitters) originally.”

3:67

“Abraham was neither Jewish, nor Christian; he was a monotheist Muslim (submitter). He never was an idol worshiper.”

We are also told that Abraham’s seed were Muslim:

2:133

“Had you witnessed Jacob on his death bed; he said to his children, “What will you worship after I die?” They said, “We will worship your god; the god of your fathers Abraham, Ismail, and Isaac; the one god. To Him we are Muslim (submitters).”

We are told that all the believers after Abraham and his seed were Muslim, in the following verse we are told that Jesus and the disciples were also Muslims (submitters):

5:111

“Recall that I inspired the disciples: `You shall believe in Me and My messenger.’ They said, `We have believed, and bear witness that we are Muslim (submitters).”

In other words, we are told in the Quran that all the genuine believers from the time of Abraham onwards were Muslim. This includes prophets like Lot, Jacob and Isaac and also disciples like Peter, John, Mathew …..etc.

If we take a closer look at some of these names (Lot, Jacob, Isaac, Peter, Mathew …etc) and compare them to some of the current names in the world today, we find that some of these names are used by Jews (Jacob, Isaac … etc) and some others used by Christians (Peter, Mathew …etc) ….

Non of these good Muslims (Submitters), like Lot, Isaac, Jacob or Peter, had to go to any puppet establishment and change their names to a name like (Ali or Ahmad ) in order to become Muslims ! did they ?

If that is so, then why do those uninformed Muslims insist that new converts must change their names to what they call an ‘Islamic Name’ ?

This imposed requirement has its roots in a subtle act of idol worship.  One of the customs that is taught to Muslims since childhood is to have great love and respect for all the prophet’s family and friends. They grow up in the belief that all the family and friends of Muhammad are saint like figures. As a result they sadly use a great part of their Salat (Contact Prayers) sending greetings and praise for all the family and friends of Muhammad!

If you visit the home of one of these idol worshippers, you are likely to find their collection of books made up primarily of books detailing the life and words of such idols! This they call the ‘Seerah of the Rasool and the Sahabah’ (Lives and stories of the messenger and his followers). Yes, you may find a copy of the Quran, but many of them spend much more time reading about their idols than reading the Quran. When they read the Quran, they read it at the speed of light! The devil has tricked them to believe that for every letter of the Quran they read they are credited with ten credit points !!! So the faster they read the more credit points they get ……… something like a ‘green stamps’ collection, the more you spend the more stamps you get!

It is thus easy to understand why they advise you, with such authority, that you have to change your name immediately to become a Muslim ……… if they idolise all the family and friends of Muhammad and praise and greet them in their prayers, it is understandable that they want everyone to be called with their names !

Sadly, they have rejected the Quranic truth that it is God alone who is worthy of constant praise …….. They have also been blind to the fact that God never laid any importance on names, or appearance in the Quran. The Quran consistantly confirms that those who will be saved in the hereafter are those who arrive with a pure heart, and not the ones who have certain names!

50:31-34

“Paradise will be offered to the righteous, readily.  This is what was promised to every repenter, steadfast. They reverenced the Most Gracious, in their privacy, and came with pure and faithful heart.  Enter it in peace; this is the Day of Eternity.”

Thus to claim that only the names of the Arab Muslims are fit to be used by any new convert to Islam is in fact to show ignorance of the Quran.

In reality, the act of becoming a true Muslim (Submitter) makes it necessary for a person to abandon their idolatry and not their identity.

Furthermore, and since Islam is a universal faith that does not distinguish between any culture, race or colour, the act of insisting on a name change does not make the person a Muslim but in fact alienates the person from the universality of Islam.

BY- by A. Muhammad- info@submission.org

SOURCE: http://www.submission.org/muslim-names.html

Dawa: Time to Come Out of Our Boxes!

“There is no god worthy of worship, except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Yahya Emerick, in his book How to tell others about Islam, says, “This simple statement is the most powerful declaration ever devised! For beyond the words themselves, lies a powerful concept and a compelling ideology. Whole societies, cultures, and empires have been elevated with its application, or ruined by its rejection.”

A question then naturally arises, how come Muslims, who possess such a precious gift or a Way of Life, known as Islam, do not feel the need to share it with others?

How come we, who understand this powerful statement, are not concerned about the state of those who find it difficult to believe in the existence of God, or those who are too busy amusing themselves in this world to even care about the Truth, or those who live a spiritually-disoriented life devoid of peace?

Dawa: A State of Mind and Way of Life

The beloved companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), such as Abu Dhar al-Ghifari, Musab bin Umayr, Muadh ibn Jabal, Jafar bin Abi Talib, and many others, may Allah be pleased with them all, were ever ready to let the world know about Islam. It was as if a fire was constantly burning in their hearts. The spirit of Dawa, or calling others towards the Truth, comes only from within; it sparks when Muslims develop a feeling of dissatisfaction, restlessness, and sympathy towards the hopeless and discontented people around them. Islam is about giving people hope and noble principles to live by. Dawa is about change and revival in the hearts and intellect of the society. Khurram Murad, a great passionate intellectual and author, elaborated, “Dawa, prior to everything, is a state of mind, a world view, an attitude to life, indeed a kind of life. The critical prerequisite to Dawa is a consciousness, personal and collective, imbued with a true vision of Dawa in Islam.”

The People of the Boxes

There exists a great deal of evil and chaos in our communities, such as young drug addicts, youth in prisons and hospitals, teenage pregnancies, rise in suicidal rates, disintegration of the family system, and more. Nothing, however, seems to move our hearts, souls, and intellect to action!

Indeed, as Dawud Wharnsby Ali, a Canadian Muslim educator and vocal artist, explains, “We Muslims have become a people of the Boxes. We have hid ourselves inside a box called ‘Islam’, which has been locked, preventing anyone else from observing our beautiful way of life and communicating with us.” It’s so comfy in our box that we are too lazy, and at times scared, to open the lid to let some sunlight in. Like a gorgeous flower that decays in a tightly sealed box, devoid of any air, nourishment, light, and ‘communication’ with the nature, the Muslim community has undeniably become stagnant and reluctant to communicate the message to those ‘outside’.

12 Principles for Sharing Islam

After realizing the responsibility of doing Dawa at individual and collective level, the following few concepts and tips may be useful for Dawa in university campuses, schools, neighbors, malls, and workplaces.

1. Dawa is an obligation, not an option. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Convey this Message, even if only one sentence (or verse)” [Bukhari]. He also said, “Learn the required precepts of Islam and the Qur’an, then teach to others, for I will not live forever” [Bukhari]. Similarly, Allah commands us, “There should be a number of you who actively call people to the righteousness; who encourage goodness and forbid evil. These are the ones who shall prosper.” [Qur’an 3:104] This verse, in a nutshell, may be considered the “Mission statement” for a Muslim’s role in this life.

2. Dawa is not just about handing out pamphlets on streets, schools, or prisons. While distributing Islamic information is vital in communicating our message, we have to realize that our Islam has to be lived through our behavior. Therefore, if we do something immoral or indecent in public, obviously it would harm our Dawa efforts. Immodest clothing, usage of foul language, or interacting with the people of opposite gender beyond the limits set by Islam, will project a negative image to non-Muslims.

3. We should practice what we preach, as Allah says, “O you who (claim) to believe! Why do you preach that you do not practice?” [Qur’an 61:2]. Thus, the least we can do is try our best to avoid acts which we are not supposed to do.

4. At the same time, perfection is not the pre-requisite for Dawa, because, had this been the case, then the Prophets (peace be upon them all) would be the only ones allowed to do Dawa. Life is an ever-growing circle of study, practice, and improvement! As Khurram Murad, indicates, “We cannot wait to become ‘purified’ and ‘perfect’. For, at no point in time can one consider oneself to be perfect.” Some companions of the Prophet once asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, shouldn’t we refrain from calling others to goodness if we don’t practice ALL good things ourselves, and shouldn’t we refrain from forbidding wrong things until we ourselves have abstained from ALL the bad.” “No,” he replied, “You should call others to goodness even if you don’t do all good, and you should forbid bad things even if you don’t abstain from all of them yourselves” [Tabarani].

5. Use Wisdom and speak only what is needed. Often times, we explain Islam to non-Muslims the way we were taught Islam traditionally; as a result, the true spirit and wisdom behind the message is not revealed. For instance, it is not wise to give all the details of the rituals of Prayer and Wudu, to a seeker of Truth, before even explaining why everyone should pray to God, in the first place. In addition, keep in mind, the more unnecessary information we give away, the more we confuse others. As Dawud Wharnsby Ali explains, “If someone asks us, ‘What do you believe in?’ it is more effective to say, ‘I believe in One God’, instead of saying, ‘I believe in Islam,’ because by doing that we automatically open the doors for them to explore Islam. They would perhaps be more curious to learn about this One True God, rather than this ‘label’, called Islam”.

6. Let’s move out of our “boxes” and “loops”. It is quite unfortunate to find Muslims today, both young and old, spending their lives on hair-splitting “scholarly” debates over ‘Muslim identity’, ‘purification of the Sunnah’, ‘Islamic spirituality and Aqeeda’, and ‘ideology of revival’- at a time when Islam is being attacked at all fronts and our Dawa is perhaps at the most critical phase in the West. Instead of us engaging in a wise and intellectual discourse on pragmatic Dawa strategies, we have reduced ourselves to rhetoric, still trapped in our romantic ideals of Islamic revival and spirituality, not willing to address the issues of Western Muslim reality. Surely, our objectives and efforts need to be re-prioritized. As Imam Khalid Griggs, a Muslim activist, author, and Da’ee from North Carolina, once said, “Unfortunately, today, majority of the members of ‘Dawa’ organizations, simply do Dawa to each other, across the table.” It is now high time we came out of this “box” and thought of creative and dynamic ways of interacting with the society. Dawa is about changing the lives of people before anything else!

7. Show them Islam is relevant today and it is for them! When speaking of Islam, dwell more on the broader concepts, like Tawhid, Prophethood, the Hereafter, and Islam being a solution to their problems. As Malcolm X (rahimahullah) once said, “America needs to understand Islam, because it is the one religion that removes the Race problem from its society!” People in problem-ridden West, are more willing to accept this message, if they see Islam has an answer to their social problems, such as drugs, AIDS, crimes, teenage pregnancies, deterioration of families, loneliness…etc. and the fact that Islam is able to fill their spiritual void. We have yet to see Dawa material on these greatly needed themes.

8. Our approach towards Dawa has to be modified to address the youth and the atheists– a category which includes a significant portion of the Western Society, consisting of majority of youth today. Dawa traditionally meant to us inviting Jews, Christians, Hindus, and ‘people of faith’ to Islam- i.e. those who at least believed in God, in whatever shape or form. Nowadays however, Dawa could also mean inviting faithless people towards religion. The students in schools, universities, and colleges, are the potential recipients of this form of Dawa, as they represent the height of secularism or atheism in North America! Often times, it’s challenging enough to convince them of the virtues of religion itself, let alone calling them to Islam. Therefore, in order to establish a belief in the existence of God, before anything else, we should learn how to raise questions about the belief in God and the defects in the theory of evolution, through educational discourse.

9. Remember, not to assume beliefs and never tell someone what they believe. Learn about other faiths as much as possible. It is a powerful tool that would help us understand and reach out to people more effectively. For example, if a Hindu or a Christian friend inquires about Islam, it is wrong to begin by tearing apart the concept of Trinity or polytheism or by poking holes in their faiths. In fact, he or she may not be able to even understand what you’re talking about, because majority of people in this society do not even know much about their own ‘religion’. Moreover, many don’t even agree with every single principle that their faith advocates.

10. Usage of proper language plays a great role in Dawa. Instead of using “Holy war” to translate the word Jihad, use a more comprehensive and proper term, like, “struggle” or “striving”. Similarly, avoid using “worship” or “being His slaves” for the word Ibada. Instead it would be much more appealing to use, “service” or “obedience.” Try to use a language that is more appealing to North Americans.

11. Avoid generalizations. Our purpose is to communicate, not convert; it is to share, not scare. Avoid issuing ‘Fatwas’ or labelling them, ie. it’s better to avoid generalizations like: “all present day Christians are atheists in practice”, “all youth in the West are Religio-phobic”, “all Jews are murderers”, “all Hindus hate Islam”, “the media always portrays Muslims as terrorists”, etc. We all know there are always some sincere and moderate people in every faith and community. Similarly, media is merely a tool, which could also be used for Dawa and educational purposes. These generalizations can damage our Dawa work if used just for the sake of it.

12. Gender-consciousness is important! Let’s not forget that Islam was the primary force of women’s liberation, until some Muslims themselves began to adopt the practices of Jahiliyya (ignorant societies) by locking women up in homes. Point out the difference between Islamic ‘feminism’ and the Western feminism. Highlight the freedom that Muslim women enjoyed throughout most of Islamic history compared to the women in Europe. Despite all the stereotypes in the media against the role of women in Islam, it is surprising to see that, statistically speaking, more women are converting to Islam today, than to any other religion. Avoid talking about the virtues of polygamy, as there are less than 2% Muslim males in the world who ever practice polygamy, so it shouldn’t be a hot topic to be used as a “tool” of Dawa.

Most North Americans are searching for some spirituality, as well as a purpose and direction in life. Let’s not put our Islam in a separate compartment, box, or a loop, to be pulled out only on Fridays or during Ramadan.

SOURCE: by Taha Ghayyur

 

The Innovation of Islamic Names

What are the requirements of a Non-Muslim who wishes to convert?

Every person is born a Muslim because we are all created by God. Therefore, a preferred term would be reversion rather than conversion. A non-Muslim becomes a Muslim when he believes in his heart : “There is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Messenger” Hence, belief in the Unity and Oneness of God and that Muhammad is his Messenger makes one a Muslim at heart. Recommended steps:

• Officially convert by pronouncing the shahadah (pledge of conviction of faith) in Arabic thus: “Ash HaduAllaa Ilaaha Il-lallaah Wa Ash Hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasullulah” which means “I bear Witness that there is no deity but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad if His Messenger“. The pledge is to be taken in front of at least two adult Muslim witnesses.
• It is recommended that he/she take a Muslim name
• It is recommended that he/she take up a basic course on Islam (if he/she hasn’t already) and keep the company of other Muslims

Is it compulsory for a Non-Muslim man to be circumcised upon conversion?

A boy who has not attained puberty must be circumcised when his family converts to Islam. Circumcision is optional for a man above the age of puberty. But he who opts not to be circumcised should regularly clean the area underneath the foreskin of his penis because, in Islam, cleanliness of the body is obligatory for performing prayers.

Why is adopting a Muslim name so important upon conversion?

Two important reasons are given below, but otherwise, adopting a Muslim name is not necessary.

• For the sake of identification as a Muslim
• When a Muslim wants to enter Makkah and Madinah to perform Hajj or Umrah, he has to produce documents to show that he is a Muslim as Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter these cities.

Can reverts retain their previous names?

Yes he/she certainly can do so. Here are examples of names of people who have converted:

Hassan Guy Eaton previously known as Guy Eaton, Ruke Aldeen Smith, Aisha Gouverneur, Abdel Rashid Skinner, Ahmed Holt, Murad Aldeen, Ibrahim Hewitt, Ahmad Bullock, Ahmed Thomson, Jodi Anway, Mohammadzadeh, Susan Elsayyad, Jamilah Kolocotronis Jitmoud

How Long Does it Take for a Convert to be a full-fledged Muslim?

A person becomes a Muslim upon pronouncing the shahadah in front of two adult Muslim witnesses. A Muslim has to do the daily prayers, fast in Ramadan and apply the teachings of Islam in his daily life. But if a revert is unable to do all the prayers immediately after his conversion, he should try to do those he could. However, he should aim to be a practicing Muslim as soon as possible in order not to miss out in the race to accumulate blessings.

SOURCE: Embracing islam

18 Ways to Achieve Greatness through Gratefulness

Whether you consider yourself a positive, easy-going person or a demanding, hard to please person, these tips can help you become a more grateful, caring, and content individual.

There is much more to gratitude and Shukr (thankfulness) in Islam than a mere “Thank You” that our ears have become so used to ignoring. Discover how you can be more thankful to Allah and His creation.

1. Stop Complaining and be positive! This is the first step towards being thankful to Allah and people around you. We have become a community of complainers and whiners, which has lead to a collective psychology of negativity and unproductively.Stop complaining about the economy, weather, politicians, traffic, or ‘the system’. Refrain from blaming your Masjid, Imams, parents, spouse, in-laws, children, or boss. If you think with an open mind, you may find more positives in your circumstances and the people around you than negatives.
2. Say “Al-hamdulillah” (All thanks and praise belongs to Allah) often: A constant utterance of this phrase reminds you of the source of all blessings and happiness in this life. This practice of attributing all good actions to Allah keeps you humble and content and has a positive affect on your relations with people.Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has instructed us to say “Al-hamdulillah” on daily basis: “Allah is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something he thanks Allah for it” (Muslim).
3. Respect others’ time and schedule: Part of ungratefulness is wastage of time. As a scholar once said, “Time is not just money. It is more expensive than gold, diamonds and pearls. Time is life itself!”Arriving late at a meeting or a class, cancelling appointments last minute, or starting off a program late, are not only a big waste of time and disrespectful to others, but also a lack of appreciation of others’ time on your part.
4. Seize the opportunity while you can. Procrastination in offering your prayers, delaying a donation to a humanitarian cause, or filling your leisure time with unproductive or unlawful activities is ingratitude to Allah for the limited time and opportunity He has given you to do good and to achieve Paradise.Prophet Muhammad warned us, “Good health and spare time are two of the blessings of Allah with respect to which many people are deceived.” (Bukhari)Even if you live till tomorrow, what guarantee do you have that there won’t be any obstacles in carrying out a good action. The Prophet used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any problems arise.
5. Spend 15 minutes daily to think about things that you should be thankful for: Recall people in your life, whom you may have taken for granted like your parents, spouse, children, co-worker, or teacher, who were caring and loving.List some of Allah’s gifts that are not tangible or were not obvious to you before. Sulayman, a follower of the Prophet’s Companions, once said: “Remembering His blessings makes one love Allah.”This simple mental exercise not only makes you a grateful person, but also a healthy one. According to a 2001 research bythe Institute for Research on Unlimited Love (IRUL), based in Ohio, just 15 minutes a day focusing on the things you are grateful for will significantly increase your body’s natural antibodies, will make you less vulnerable to clinical depression, and will keep your blood pressure and heart rate stable.
6. Be patient and grateful when disasters strike: The depth and strength of your gratitude is tested in difficult times. Allah wants to see how thankful you truly are when you loose your job or a loved one, or when you feel ill and or get injured.It helps to know that in times of calamity and distress, there will be some good for you, provided you respond appropriately. The Prophet said, “How wonderful is the case of a Believer! There is good for him in whatever happens to him -and none, apart from him, enjoys this blessing.” (Muslim)Sufyan al-Thawri, a famous early scholar of Islam, said, “He does not understand religion properly who does not count affliction as a blessing and ease as a trial.”
7. Donate your time, talent, money, and advice to social work and non-profit efforts: In our profit-driven culture, it is burdensome to squeeze out time and wealth for others. Your selfless service and generosity towards people in need and non-profit organizations is a sure way of showing gratitude to Allah and to your community.The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him said, “People are dependants of Allah; the closest to Him are those who are most useful to His dependants” (Muslim).”As the blessings from Allah to a servant increase, so will the people’s needs of that blessed servant’s services. If the servant ignores their needs, it will cause those blessings to be removed” (lbn Hibban).
8. Visit the sick, the terminally ill, and the disabled: Frequenting patients and families of the deceased, not only brings comfort to them and brings multiple rewards from Allah to you, it also helps you appreciate your own good health and opportunities you have in life to serve others.
9. Share the message of Islam: If you appreciate the guidance of Islam as your most precious treasure, don’t hesitate to share it with others. If Islam has changed your life for the better, what’s holding you back from inviting your friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers to explore this message of hope and positive transformation?
10. Recite and memorize the Duas of Prophet Muhammad: The most natural and beautiful way to thank Allah is the words of the Prophet himself.The Prophet told Muadh, “By Allah, I love you, so do not forget to say at the end of every prayer, ‘O Allah, help me to remember You and to give thanks to You and to worship You well’” (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhî).
11. Fall in Prostration (Sajda) when you receive a blessing from Allah:Prophet Muhammad used to prostrate (Sajda) to Allah whenever he received something pleasant or was told good news to thank Allah for the grace he had received.
12. Don’t consider any blessing too small: Treat all gifts of Allah with equal respect and gratitude, lest you lose it one day for good. Aishah said that the Prophet entered upon her one day and saw a small piece of bread on the floor, so he picked it up and wiped it, then told her: “O Aishah, treat the blessings of Allah with respect, for when it departs from a household it may never come back to them” (Abud Dunya).
13. Use and display Allah’s blessings moderately. Part of being grateful to Allah is to look presentable and clean, and spend money on yourself with moderation.Abul-Akhwas nar­rated that his father said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah looking dishevelled and scruffy. He asked me, ‘Do you have any possessions?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He asked me what sort, and I told him, ‘I have all sorts. Allah has given me camels, horses, slaves and sheep.’ The Prophet said: ‘If Allah has given you all of that, then let Him see His blessing on you.’”
14. Don’t be too picky and accommodate others! Some people express their discomfort (perhaps unintentionally) with anything that they are not used to. They may be too picky about their taste of food, clothing and furniture; they may get irritated easily in new environments; they may like meeting only a certain type of people; they may not like working with others.This insensitivity to other people’s preferences and inability to accommodate others is a sign of selfishness, arrogance, and ungratefulness. Be content in every situation and you will become grateful.
15. Admire those below you and keep your expectations low: A lot of times the reason for our ungrateful behaviour is that we are constantly comparing our material success with the wealthier, healthier, and more accomplished. In our race to ‘keep-up-with-the-Ahmad-family’ next door, we forget so many obvious blessings that others may not enjoy and we should be thankful for.The Prophet admonished us, “Look at those people who have less than you and never look at those who have more grants than you, this will ensure that you will not depreciate Allah’s favours” (Muslim).
16. Thank people for littlest things: People like to be appreciated for little favours they do for us, which often get ignored in our busy routines. When was the last time you thanked your little son for taking care of simple chore for you? Has your husband heard a compliment from you lately?Take the time to thank them for their thoughtfulness. As the Prophet stated, “The one who does not give thanks for a small blessing will not give thanks for a great blessing, and the one who does not give thanks to people will not give thanks to Allah” (Abud Dunya).
17. Compliments & recognition and motivate team members: Whether you are an employer or a manager at work, or lead a volunteer based project, or simply a team player, a personal recognition significantly boosts the employee or volunteer morale.As Stephen Robbins in his book “The Truth about Managing People” explains, several organizational behaviour studies have indicated employees and volunteers rate personal thanks and recognition from a superior for a job well-done as the most motivating of a variety of incentives; yet not many team leaders use this simple, cost-effective technique that works like magic! What kinds of personal recognition and group success incentives does your organization have in place?
18. When you thank someone, make sure you mean it: When you say “Jazakallahu Khayran” (May Allah reward you the best) to your wife, does it come from your heart? Or is it received as another cold cliché? Be a little creative when you really want to express your gratitude to someone. Say it with a personal thank you card. Show it with flowers. Accompany it with a genuine smile. Charge it with emotions. Enhance it with a meal or a meaningful gift.

SOURCE: By Taha Ghayyur

http://myinkspiration.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/18-ways-to-achieve-greatness-through-gratefulness/

Muslim Standard Time – How to Cure the Chronic Disease

< I so love productivity and getting real result ;  as a Muslim we have to think on our feet when it comes to time management. so yeah i love productivemuslim.com where i found this piece JZK to Author (Br. Taha Ghayyur) too>

“Oh my God. I am running late, again! Well, it’s all good. No one is going to be there on time anyway.”

How many times have you heard this and similar phrases in the Muslim community? Perhaps you are guilty of uttering them yourself as a habit.

Sadly, starting off late, arriving late, and delaying our programs has become a norm for many of us.

It’s gotten so bad that we no longer even feel guilty about arriving late to a class, function, meeting, Jumah prayer or appointment. Many don’t even bother to apologize. We fail to realize how much time and resources of others we waste due to our own insensitivity and indifference.

I remember arriving at a wedding last summer about two hours late (due to a pre-planned legitimate reason), only to find over half the wedding hall full of non-Muslim guests still waiting for the bride and groom and their families to arrive. The most heartrending scene was of a group of non-Muslim friends laying on the ground asleep. It turned out they were out-of-town guests who had arrived a couple of hours prior to the “official’ start time.

Of course the blame goes both to the organizers of the events and the attendees. It’s easy to criticize the organizers, but we have to do our part of making the program or meeting professional. It begins with arriving on time and respecting everyone else’s time.

As Muslims, every time we arrive late we lose respect in the sight of others. Imam al-Ghazali, in his commentary to a Hadith describing the characteristics of hypocrites, states that the trait “when he makes a promise, he never fufills it” includes specially those who consistently say ‘In-sha-Allah’ and arrive late.

I know of a great contemporary Muslim scholar who, when he used to enter a conference, meeting, or dinner, the audience or members would match and reset their watches to the minute he was supposed to arrive at because he was reputed to be strict with time-management.

What can you and your family do and how can you prepare to arrive on time at any event:

1. Get the directions to where you are going in advance. The common excuse for arriving late we often present is “got lost” or “I didn’t have correct directions.”
2. Arrange your ride at least two days in advance. Call around and find out who can give you a ride. Always have a backup plan for rides. “I didn’t get a ride” is one excuse given, to which I ask: did you ask around early enough? Don’t wait for others to offer you a ride.
3. Start getting ready at least 30-45 min. before leaving home. Don’t run into the shower, squeeze in three Rak’at of Maghrib, or iron your clothes just three minutes before you are supposed to step out!
4. Have a realistic estimate of travel time. If you know it takes 25 minutes to get to a place, you have to leave your home at least 35 minutes before arrival time.
5. Consider weather and traffic conditions. Listen to the local news or watch the weather report before getting behind the wheel.
6. The 10-minute Rule works! No matter what the occasion, always aim to get to the destination 10 minutes ahead of time. This allows you to accommodate any last-minute uncertainties: “Oh, I forgot my wallet at home,” “Man, I have to pick Brother x on the way,” “Oops! I have to pray my ‘Asr before I get to…” Etc.
7. If it helps you, set your personal watch, cellphone or car time five minutes ahead.
8. “Well it’s a typical Muslim party or conference! There is no way they will start on time!” Well, guess what, if we ALL adopt this attitude, no one would ever arrive on time and let the program start on time. We have to change this thinking and make a point to arrive on time. Being people of principle, we must remain consistent in all circumstances.
9. Be honest! Be honest to yourself and others. If you know you are going to be late to a party or Halaqa, clearly set that expectation with your host, coordinator or meeting leader. What does it take to drop a message or call to let the other person know that you will be 10 to 15 minutes late (whether it’s due to expected or unexpected reasons).
10. Don’t succumb to the “In-sha-Allah Syndrome.” Use In-sha-Allah only when you know you mean it.

SOURCE: This post was prepared and submitted by Br. Taha Ghayyur to- http://www.productivemuslim.com/muslim-standard-time-how-to-cure-the-chronic-disease/

Sadaqah – Giving in Charity

Giving is a key character of a muslim… and this article has been posted to do justice to it essence. We hope it encourage you to enjoin in charity works & deeds!

SADAQAH (giving in charity) is a deed designed to eliminate the spiritual malady of miserliness. But because the heart of the giver is not immune from show and insincerity, it has been emphasized that Sadaqah should always be given secretly. Certainly, Riyaa (show) and miserliness art both very destructive diseases and Sadaqah that is rendered secretly is a powerful remedy to them.

In the grave, Riyaa assumes the form of a snake and miserliness takes the appearance of a scorpion and both are set on the sinner to inflict torture and pain. Thus, one who desists from spending in the Path of Allah out of miserliness has, in reality, incurred the punishment of scorpions and one who spends, but with insincerity, has, in fact opted for the punishment of snakes.

SADAQAH SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A FAVOUR

If is quite common to feel that one is rendering a favour on which one confers a Sadaqah. This is an absolutely erroneous concept and should be dispelled. At times it is difficult to ascertain the presence of such malady in one’s heart. This can be achieved by carefully observing the condition of the heart after having given Sadaqah. For instance, if you expected an expression of gratitude in return of your Sadaqah, or subsequent to your Sadaqah, the recipient showed disrespect to you or maltreated you and this infuriated you, then this evidently explains that the Sadaqah had been by you as a favour.

A CURE FOR THE ABOVE MALADY

A simple technique to eradicate such disease is to regard the needy as your benefactor, for he has become the cause of absolving you from your obligation and replacing the evil disease of miserliness with generosity.

Because Zakah and Sadaqah have been imposed to root out the undesirable malady of miserliness, the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam), considering the object of its imposition would never bring the money of such funds into personal use. He would explain that this is the dirt of (people’s) wealth. Hence the Muslim who has become instrumental in washing away the dirt accumulated in your wealth has rendered you a favour and not vice versa.

What will your conception be of a surgeon who wishes to operate free of charge? People pay large amounts of money to get their physical ailments removed. Why then are we not grateful to those who remove our spiritual diseases without even charging us a single penny. Moreover, the physical ailments are of a transient nature and will at the most, result in death, whereas the spiritual ones have far reaching effects that will accompany the person in the Afterlife too.

Because Zakah and Sadaqah play a chief role in fulfilling the needs of the poor and eliminating starvation from the world, this is also regarded as a pillar of Islam.

To facilitate the giving of Zakah and Sadaqah. Allah has firstly ordered the creation to love Him and then made the act of giving in charity a yardstick to measure the extent of love in the hearts of those who claim to do so. To demonstrate this love, believers are commanded to spend in the Path of Allah and thereby distinguish themselves from the false claimants of love.

If a human can sacrifice his entire possession for the petty love of another then sacrificing a small proportion of wealth for the Creator should not be felt as a burden. In fact, a Muslim should be prepared to give away all his possessions.

THOSE WHO DO SPEND IN THE PATH OF ALLAH CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES

The ones who belong to The highest are those who give away, whole heartedly everything they possess thus proving true their claim of love. Abu Bakr Siddeeq (ra) held this rank, which, on one occasion had brought every content of his house before the Messenger of Allah[SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam. And when asked, ‘”What have you left for yourself?” replied, “Allah and His Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) ” On this occasion Umar (ra) had also brought his belongings and in reply to the same question said, “I have left as much as I brought.” Upon hearing the answers of both, the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said (addressing the two), “Your ranks are evident from your replies.”

The second category consists of those who, although fail to give away their entire possession, neither spend unnecessarily on other avenues such as personal pursuits. Their spending is not unrestricted and liberal at all times like the first group; rather, they will wait for situations and needs to arise and when they do their generosity will know no bounds. They will spend as much as they are capable of spending. Much of the money they have accumulated stays with them awaiting opportunities for them to spend in the Cause of Allah.

The lowest category comprises those Muslims who suffice on paying their annual due. They will neither decrease in that nor increase. The ranks of the above mentioned categories and the degree of their love for Allah can easily be assessed by their conditions, i.e. how much and how frequently they spend.

You should endeavour to reach the highest of these categories. If not possible, you should at least avoid being classed amongst the lowest. To achieve this, apart from the obligatory acts, you will need to spend a little everyday. This will allow you to reach the lower stages of the second category, rising above the category of the miserly ones.

Muslims who are poor and unable to spend should not be disheartened by their inability, as the achievements of the rewards of Sadaqah are not only confined to giving in charity and helping the poor. They can be attained by other deeds as well. Any good deed, no matter how small, will earn them an equivalent reward. Some of these are mentioned below:

–To visit the sick.
–To attend a funeral.
–To assist someone in times of need, such as helping a labourer carry some
of his weight or interceding on someone’s behalf.
–To say a good word, such as consoling the grief stricken, or encouraging
a despairing one.

These are all known as acts of Sadaqah and one does not have to be wealthy to accomplish them.

THE WISDOM BEHIND SPENDING SECRETLY

As mentioned before, it is important that when you spend, you should do so quietly and not publicly. A Hadith in this regard states. “To spend secretly in the Path of Allah extinguishes the Anger of Allah.” On another occasion, it has been mentioned, “One who spends with the right hand such that it even goes unnoticed by the left (i.e. he exercises extreme sincerity) shall be resurrected among the seven categories of people who will be under the shade of the Throne of Allah on a day when there shall be no shade except that one.”

But that should not mean that you wait for the heart to reach that stage in order to spend, for this is clearly a deception from Shaytaan. You should continue to spend, regardless of the conditions of your heart and eventually you will reach your goal and be able to give wholeheartedly. Until then, Allah will reward you abundantly for overcoming your desires of withholding the money.

Secondly, spend the best of your possessions in the Path of Allah. Would it not be inappropriate to give something to Allah which you yourself dislike? As explained earlier, such spending has been designed to gauge one’s love for the Creator. Hence your selection of wealth will determine the intensity of your love for Him. Thirdly, you should spend wholeheartedly. With respect to this a Hadith states, “(The reward of spending) one Dirham can exceed (the reward of) one hundred thousand Dirhams;” i.e. the reward of one who spends wholeheartedly and unrestrictedly will be multiplied manifold in contrast to one who does not do so.

Fourthly, the avenues of spending should also be thoughtfully and carefully chosen. In giving Sadaqah, preference should be given to one who has noble spiritual qualities over one who does not. If all the good qualities are not found in a single person then even the possessor of a single quality will be deserving of your Sadaqah. However, piety and Deeni knowledge should be given preference above all else. For only a pious and an ‘Aalim (Islamic scholar) will fulfil the prime objective of the provisions gifted by Allah.

They are the ones who live on this earth solely to make preparations for the Hereafter and consider this mortal world to be only a rest house wherefrom the souls will very soon depart. Hence such persons can surely be expected to utilize your Sadaqah in the correct avenues.

The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said, “Feed the pious people.”

Quranic Text Regarding Sadaqah

“The believers … are steadfast in prayers, and in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged, for the poor and the destitute”. (Qur’an 70:22-24).

“That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Qur’an, 30:39)

“Only those who believe in Our Signs, who when they are recited to them fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride. They forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), in Fear and Hope. And they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them — as a reward for their (good) Deeds. Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked? Not equal are they. For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds.” (Qur’an, 32:15-19)

“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).” (Qur’an, 2:261)

“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women for devout men and women for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s remembrance for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” (Qur’an, 33:35)

“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public have their reward with their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.” (Qur’an, 2:274)

Hadith Regarding Sadaqah

The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: ‘Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah. Your guidance of a person who is lost is Sadaqah.’ (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) as saying: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “The example of a miser and the one who gives in charity, is like the example of two men wearing iron cloaks so tightly that their arms are raised forcibly towards their collar-bones. So, whenever a charitable person wants to give in charity, his cloak spreads over his body so much so that it wipes out his traces. But whenever the miser wants to give in charity, the rings (of the iron cloak) come closer to each other and press over his body and his hands get connected to his collar-bones. Abu Huraira heard the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying, “The miser then tries to widen it but in vain.” (Bukhari)

Qais ibn Abu Hazim narrated that…. Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “A Muslim is rewarded (in the Hereafter) for whatever he spends except for something that he spends on building.” (Bukhari)

Mu’aadh bin Jabal (RA) related from the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, ‘O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause’, and the other (angel) says, ‘O Allah! Destroy every miser.’” (Bukhari)

The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: ‘A Muslim does not plant, or sow anything from which a person, animal or anything eats but it is considered as Sadaqah from him.’ (Bukhari)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said:: “To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) also said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his Sadaqah.” (Ahmad)

Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that… Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “Those who have much wealth (in this world) will be the least rewarded (in the Hereafter) except those who do like this and like this (i.e., spend their money in charity).” (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Verily what a believer continues to receive (in the form of reward) for his action and his virtues after his death is the knowledge which he acquired and then disseminated; the pious son that he left behind him; or a copy of the Qur’an which he left as a legacy; or the mosques that he had built; or the inn that he had built for the wayfarers; or the canal that he caused to flow, or a sadaqah which he gave out of his property in the state when he was healthy and alive. (These are the acts of goodness the reward of which) reaches him even after his death.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and Bayhaqi)

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “Every Muslim has to give in sadaqah (charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied, “Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurairah narrated that “Abu Dharr said to the Messenger of Allah, ‘The wealthy people have all the rewards; they pray as we pray; they fast as we fast; and they have surplus wealth which they give in charity; but we have no wealth which we may give in charity.’ Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Abu Dharr, should I not teach you phrases by which you acquire the rank of those who excel you? No one can acquire your rank except one who acts like you.’ He said, Why not, Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam)? He said: ‘Exalt Allah, say: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Most Great) after each prayer thirty-three times; and praise Him say: “AlhamduLillah” (Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; and glorify Him say: “Subhan Allah” (Glory be to Allah) thirty-three times; and end it by saying, “La ilâha illAllâhu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yomeetu wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer.” ( There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the Kingdom, to Him praise is due and He has power over everything.) Your sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.’” (Abu Dawud)

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: “Sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

SOURCE: http://www.muftisays.com/blog/MUSLIMAH_119/

The Etiquette for Salat al-Jumuah

Praise to Allah another jumuah.. and we are still here on His earth by His grace… Allah Akbar!!

“O believers, when the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business, that is better for you if you but did know.” [Al-Jumuah, 62:9]

Purifying and cleaning oneself

The person intending to perform Salat al-Jumuah is highly encouraged to have ghusl (full bath or shower). The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the ghusl for Salat a-Jumuah is recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory. The ghusl is performed starting from the time of Fajr Prayer. Also, if a person performs ghusl and then later invalidates his ablution, he need not repeat the ghusl. Making ablution (wudhu) suffices. Furthermore, one ghusl may be used for removing sexual defilement (janabah) and for Salat al-Jumuah.

Going early to the masjid

There is a great reward in going early to Salat al-Jumuah, beginning after sunrise. By leaving for Salat al-Jumuah, one gets the reward of waiting for the Prayer, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and voluntary prayers during that time. Abu Umamah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “The angels sit at the doors to the Masjids and with them are scrolls in which they record the people [who come]. When the Imam appears, the scrolls are rolled up.” Abu Umamah was asked, “Does the one who comes after the Imam still have a Friday Prayer?” he said, “Certainly, but he is not one of those who is recorded [as coming early].” [Ahmad and al-Tabarani]

Dressing well for Salat al-Jumuah

This is a special time that requires Muslims to appear in the best manner possible. One should therefore put on his best attire for Salat al-Jumuah.

The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, “If one has the means, he should buy two pieces of clothing, other than

Other Etiquette of Salat al-Jumuah:

1. Walking to the Masjid whenever feasible as there is a reward for every step taken to the Masjid.
2. Avoiding stepping over people to get to a particular spot in the Masjid.
3. Avoiding dividing two people who are sitting together.
4. Not making someone stand and taking his place.
5. Not clasping one’s hands and intertwining one’s fingers while waiting for the prayer.
6. Sitting in the front rows and close to the Imam whenever possible.
7. Remaining quiet while the Imam is delivering the khutbah. This actually includes listening to the Imam and not playing with anything while the Imam is speaking.
8. Going to the Masjid in a state of calmness and not being hurried.
9. Reciting surah al-Kahf (surah 18) as an authentic Hadith states: “For whoever recites surah al-Kahf on Friday, it will be a light for him from that Friday to the next.” [Al-Bayahaqi and Al-Hakim] The surah could be read any time of the day.

Indeed, Salat al-Jumuah is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) has described the wonderful blessings and benefits that Allah has vouchsafed upon Muslims through this magnificent act. Knowing how important this prayer is in Allah’s sight, Muslims must do their best to perform it in the best way possible. They should strive and sacrifice for the sake of this Prayer.

Culled SOURCE: http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=316