"O believers!" يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ

Introduction to 'ilm al-akhlaq

2008-10-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Story of Animal in the Farm" - (a satire)

Turn to Allah with sincere repentance.............

2008-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوۡبَةً۬ نَّصُوحًا
عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَيُدۡخِلَڪُمۡ
جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ يَوۡمَ لَا يُخۡزِى ٱللَّهُ
ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ‌ۖ نُورُهُمۡ يَسۡعَىٰ بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ
وَبِأَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَتۡمِمۡ لَنَا
نُورَنَا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

"O ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance: in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow― the Day that Allah will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say "Our Lord! perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness; for Thou has power over all things."
(Qur'an: Tahrim: 66: 8)
REFLECTION

Save yourselves and your families from a Fire .........

2008-06-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَأَهۡلِيكُمۡ نَارً۬ا
وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡحِجَارَةُ عَلَيۡہَا مَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ۬
شِدَادٌ۬ لَّا يَعۡصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمۡ وَيَفۡعَلُونَ مَا
يُؤۡمَرُونَ
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَا تَعۡتَذِرُواْ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا
تُجۡزَوۡنَ مَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

"O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded.
(They will say), "O ye Unbelievers! make no excuses this Day! Ye are being but requited for all that ye did!"
(Qur'an: Tahrim: 66: 6-7)
REFLECTION

Some of your wives and children are enemies to yourselves..........

2008-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّ مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِكُمۡ وَأَوۡلَـٰدِڪُمۡ
عَدُوًّ۬ا لَّڪُمۡ فَٱحۡذَرُوهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِن تَعۡفُواْ وَتَصۡفَحُواْ
وَتَغۡفِرُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ
إِنَّمَآ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَأَوۡلَـٰدُكُمۡ فِتۡنَةٌ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡرٌ
عَظِيمٌ۬ فَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا ٱسۡتَطَعۡتُمۡ
وَٱسۡمَعُواْ وَأَطِيعُواْ وَأَنفِقُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا لِّأَنفُسِڪُمۡ‌ۗ
وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

"O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Your riches and your children may be but a trial: but in the Presence of Allah is the highest Reward. So fear Allah as much as ye can; listen and obey; and spend in charity for the benefit of your own souls: And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls― they are the ones that achieve prosperity."
(Qur'an: Taghabun: 64: 14-16)
REFLECTION

Let not your riches or children divert you from remembrance of Allah...........

2008-06-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ
عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ
ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ
وَأَنفِقُواْ مِن مَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِىَ
أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوۡلَآ أَخَّرۡتَنِىٓ
إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ قَرِيبٍ۬ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُن مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
وَلَن يُؤَخِّرَ ٱللَّهُ نَفۡسًا إِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهَا‌ۚ
وَٱللَّهُ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

"O ye who believe! let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.
And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before death should come to any of you and he should say "O my Lord! why didst thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good." But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come: and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do."
(Qur'an: Munafiqun: 63: 9-11)
REFLECTION

When call proclaimed to prayer on Friday, hasten to the Remembrance of Allah........

2008-06-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا نُودِىَ لِلصَّلَوٰةِ
مِن يَوۡمِ ٱلۡجُمُعَةِ فَٱسۡعَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ
وَذَرُواْ ٱلۡبَيۡعَ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ
تَعۡلَمُونَ فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةُ فَٱنتَشِرُواْ
فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ
وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ
وَإِذَا رَأَوۡاْ تِجَـٰرَةً أَوۡ لَهۡوًا ٱنفَضُّوٓاْ إِلَيۡہَا
وَتَرَكُوكَ قَآٮِٕمً۬ا‌ۚ قُلۡ مَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬
مِّنَ ٱللَّهۡوِ وَمِنَ ٱلتِّجَـٰرَةِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرُ
ٱلرَّٲزِقِينَ

"O ye who believe! when the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of Allah, and leave off business (and traffic): that is best for you if ye but knew!

And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and seek of the Bounty of Allah: and celebrate the Praises of Allah often (and without stint): that ye may prosper.
But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of Allah is better than any amusement or bargain! And Allah is the Best to provide (for all needs)."
(Qur'an: Jum'at: 62: 9-11)
REFLECTION

Be ye helpers of Allah.........

2008-06-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُوٓاْ أَنصَارَ ٱللَّهِ

كَمَا قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ

مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ

قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ

فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ

وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ

فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ

فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

"O ye who believe! be ye helpers of Allah: as said Jesus the son of Mary, to the Disciples "Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?" Said the Disciples "We are Allah's helpers!" Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: but We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed."
(Qur'an: Saff: 61: 14)
REFLECTION

Strive (your utmost) in the Cause of Allah with your property and your persons: that will be best for you.....

2008-06-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ هَلۡ أَدُلُّكُمۡ عَلَىٰ تِجَـٰرَةٍ۬

تُنجِيكُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ تُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ

وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَتُجَـٰهِدُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

بِأَمۡوَٲلِكُمۡ وَأَنفُسِكُمۡ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ

تَعۡلَمُونَ يَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ وَيُدۡخِلۡكُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬

تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ وَمَسَـٰكِنَ طَيِّبَةً۬

فِى جَنَّـٰتِ عَدۡنٍ۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ

وَأُخۡرَىٰ تُحِبُّونَہَا‌ۖ نَصۡرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَفَتۡحٌ۬ قَرِيبٌ۬‌ۗ

وَبَشِّرِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
"O ye who believe! shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous Penalty?― That ye believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the Cause of Allah with your property and your persons: that will be best for you, if ye but knew! He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful Mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the supreme Achievement. And another (favour will He bestow) which ye do love― help from Allah and a speedy victory: so give the Glad Tidings to the Believers."
(Qur'an: Saff: 61: 10-13)
REFLECTION

Why say ye that which ye do not?..........

2008-06-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ ڪَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا

تَفۡعَلُونَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُقَـٰتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ صَفًّ۬ا كَأَنَّهُم بُنۡيَـٰنٌ۬ مَّرۡصُوصٌ۬

وَإِذۡ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوۡمِهِۦ يَـٰقَوۡمِ لِمَ تُؤۡذُونَنِى وَقَد تَّعۡلَمُونَ أَنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيۡڪُمۡ‌ۖ فَلَمَّا

زَاغُوٓاْ أَزَاغَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ وَإِذۡ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ

يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيۡكُم مُّصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرَۢا

بِرَسُولٍ۬ يَأۡتِى مِنۢ بَعۡدِى ٱسۡمُهُ ۥۤ أَحۡمَدُ‌ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ قَالُواْ هَـٰذَا سِحۡرٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

وَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُوَ يُدۡعَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى

ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطۡفِـُٔواْ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَٱللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِۦ وَلَوۡ ڪَرِهَ

ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ

هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَرۡسَلَ رَسُولَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ ٱلۡحَقِّ لِيُظۡهِرَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلدِّينِ كُلِّهِۦ وَلَوۡ كَرِهَ

ٱلۡمُشۡرِكُونَ

"O ye who believe! why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not. Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.

And remember, Moses said to his people: "O my people! why do ye vex and insult me though ye know that I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you?" Then when they went wrong, Allah let their hearts go wrong: for Allah guides not those who are rebellious transgressors. And remember Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad Tidings of an Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But when he came to them with Clear Signs they said "This is evident sorcery!"

Who doth greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong. Their intention is to extinguish Allah's Light (by blowing) with their mouths: but Allah will complete (the revelation of) His Light, even though the Unbelievers may detest (it).

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it)."

(Qur'an: Saff: 61: 2-9)

REFLECTION

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Turn not (for friendship) to people on whom is the Wrath of Allah........

2008-06-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَوَلَّوۡاْ قَوۡمًا غَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ قَدۡ يَٮِٕسُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ كَمَا

يَٮِٕسَ ٱلۡكُفَّارُ مِنۡ أَصۡحَـٰبِ ٱلۡقُبُورِ

"O ye who believe! Turn not (for friendship) to people on whom is the Wrath of Allah. Of the Hereafter they are already in despair, just as the Unbelievers are in despair about those (buried) in graves."

(Qur'an: Mumtahina: 60: 13)

REFLECTION

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When there come to you believing women refugees, examine (and test) them.....

2008-06-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا جَآءَڪُمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتُ

مُهَـٰجِرَٲتٍ۬ فَٱمۡتَحِنُوهُنَّ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ أَعۡلَمُ

بِإِيمَـٰنِہِنَّ‌ۖ فَإِنۡ عَلِمۡتُمُوهُنَّ مُؤۡمِنَـٰتٍ۬ فَلَا

تَرۡجِعُوهُنَّ إِلَى ٱلۡكُفَّارِ‌ۖ لَا هُنَّ حِلٌّ۬ لَّهُمۡ

وَلَا هُمۡ يَحِلُّونَ لَهُنَّ‌ۖ وَءَاتُوهُم مَّآ

أَنفَقُواْ‌ۚ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ

إِذَآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ‌ۚ وَلَا تُمۡسِكُواْ

بِعِصَمِ ٱلۡكَوَافِرِ وَسۡـَٔلُواْ مَآ أَنفَقۡتُمۡ

وَلۡيَسۡـَٔلُواْ مَآ أَنفَقُواْ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ حُكۡمُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ

يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! when there come to you believing women refugees, examine (and test) them: Allah knows best as to their Faith: if ye ascertain that they are Believers, then send them not back to the Unbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the Unbelievers, nor are the (Unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them. But pay the Unbelievers what they have spent (on their dower). And there will be no blame on you if ye marry them on payment of their dower to them. But hold not to the guardianship of unbelieving women: ask for what ye have spent on their dowers and let the (Unbelievers) ask for what they have spent (on the dowers of women who come over to you). Such is the command of Allah: He judges (with justice) between you: and Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom."

(Qur'an: Mumtahina: 60: 10)

REFLECTION

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Take not Allah's enemies and yours as friends (or protectors)― ........

2008-06-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ عَدُوِّى وَعَدُوَّكُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءَ تُلۡقُونَ إِلَيۡہِم بِٱلۡمَوَدَّةِ وَقَدۡ
كَفَرُواْ بِمَا جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ يُخۡرِجُونَ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَإِيَّاكُمۡ‌ۙ أَن تُؤۡمِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ رَبِّكُمۡ إِن
كُنتُمۡ خَرَجۡتُمۡ جِهَـٰدً۬ا فِى سَبِيلِى وَٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِى‌ۚ تُسِرُّونَ إِلَيۡہِم بِٱلۡمَوَدَّةِ وَأَنَا۟ أَعۡلَمُ
بِمَآ أَخۡفَيۡتُمۡ وَمَآ أَعۡلَنتُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡهُ مِنكُمۡ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ سَوَآءَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ
إِن يَثۡقَفُوكُمۡ يَكُونُواْ لَكُمۡ أَعۡدَآءً۬ وَيَبۡسُطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡكُمۡ أَيۡدِيَہُمۡ وَأَلۡسِنَتَہُم بِٱلسُّوٓءِ وَوَدُّواْ لَوۡ تَكۡفُرُونَ
لَن تَنفَعَكُمۡ أَرۡحَامُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُكُمۡ‌ۚ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَفۡصِلُ بَيۡنَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ۬

"O ye who believe! Take not My enemies and yours as friends (or protectors)― offering them (your) love, even though they have rejected the Truth that has come to you, and have (on the contrary) driven out the Messenger and yourselves (from your homes), (simply) because ye believe in Allah your Lord! If ye have come out to strive in My Way and to seek My Good Pleasure (take them not as friends), holding secret converse of love (and friendship) with them: for I know full well all that ye conceal and all that ye reveal. And any of you that does this has strayed from the Straight Path.
If they were to get the better of you, they would behave to you as enemies, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you for evil; and they desire that ye should reject the Truth.
Of no profit to you will be your relatives and your children on the Day of Judgment: He will judge between you: for Allah sees well all that ye do."
(Qur'an: Mumtahina: 1-3)
REFLECTION

Fear Allah & look to what you have sent for hereafter...

2008-06-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلۡتَنظُرۡ نَفۡسٌ۬ مَّا قَدَّمَتۡ لِغَدٍ۬‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ نَسُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

لَا يَسۡتَوِىٓ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ وَأَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۚ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ هُمُ ٱلۡفَآٮِٕزُونَ

"O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.

And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget themselves souls! such are the rebellious transgressors!

Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity."

(Qur'an: Hashr: 59: 18-20)

REFLECTION

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When consulting the Messenger in private, spend something in charity......

2008-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا نَـٰجَيۡتُمُ ٱلرَّسُولَ فَقَدِّمُواْ بَيۡنَ يَدَىۡ نَجۡوَٮٰكُمۡ صَدَقَةً۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ وَأَطۡهَرُ‌ۚ فَإِن لَّمۡ تَجِدُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ ءَأَشۡفَقۡتُمۡ أَن تُقَدِّمُواْ بَيۡنَ يَدَىۡ نَجۡوَٮٰكُمۡ صَدَقَـٰتٍ۬‌ۚ فَإِذۡ لَمۡ تَفۡعَلُواْ وَتَابَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

"O ye who believe! When ye consult the Messenger in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity (of conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal), Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. (12) Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If, then, ye do not so, and Allah forgives you then (at least) establish regular prayer; practice regular charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger: and Allah is well-acquainted will all that ye do.

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوۡاْ قَوۡمًا غَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡہِم مَّا هُم مِّنكُمۡ وَلَا مِنۡہُمۡ وَيَحۡلِفُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَذِبِ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ سَآءَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَيۡمَـٰنَہُمۡ جُنَّةً۬ فَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ۬ مُّهِينٌ۬ لَّن تُغۡنِىَ عَنۡہُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُهُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ يَوۡمَ يَبۡعَثُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيَحۡلِفُونَ لَهُ ۥ كَمَا يَحۡلِفُونَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّہُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبُونَ ٱسۡتَحۡوَذَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ ذِكۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحَآدُّونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ٱلۡأَذَلِّينَ ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَغۡلِبَنَّ أَنَا۟ وَرُسُلِىٓ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ۬ لَّا تَجِدُ قَوۡمً۬ا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ يُوَآدُّونَ مَنۡ حَآدَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنَهُمۡ أَوۡ عَشِيرَتَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ڪَتَبَ فِى قُلُوبِہِمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۖ وَيُدۡخِلُهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا‌ۚ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

Turnest thou not thy attention to those who turn (in friendship) to such as have the Wrath of Allah upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to falsehood knowingly. Allah has prepared for them a severe Penalty: evil indeed are their deeds. They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): Thus they obstruct (men) from the Path of Allah: therefore shall they have a humiliating Penalty. Of no profit whatever to them, against Allah, will be their riches nor their sons: They will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)! One day will Allah raise them all up (for Judgment): then will they swear to Him as they swear to you: and they think that they have something (to stand upon): No, indeed! they are but liars! The Evil One has got the better of them: So he has made them lose the remembrance of Allah. They are the Party of the Evil One. Truly, it is the Party of the Evil One that will perish! Those who resist Allah and His Messenger will be among those most humiliated.

Allah has decreed: "It is I and My Messenger who must prevail": For Allah is One full of strength, able to enforce His Will. Thou wilt not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, loving those who resist Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their fathers or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein (for ever). Allah will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allah. Truly it is the Party of Allah that will achieve Felicity."

(Qur'an: Mujaadila: 58: 12-22)

REFLECTION

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When told to make room, obey.........

2008-06-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِى ٱلۡمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفۡسَحُواْ يَفۡسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ يَرۡفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ۬

"O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you. And when ye are told to rise up rise up: Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and who have been granted Knowledge: and Allah is well-acquainted with all ye do."

(Qur'an: Mujaadila: 58:11)

REFLECTION

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Do not hold secret counsel, for iniquity,hostility, and disobedience to the Messenger.......

2008-06-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا تَنَـٰجَيۡتُمۡ فَلَا تَتَنَـٰجَوۡاْ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ وَمَعۡصِيَتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ وَتَنَـٰجَوۡاْ بِٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُونَ

إِنَّمَا ٱلنَّجۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ لِيَحۡزُنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَيۡسَ بِضَآرِّهِمۡ شَيۡـًٔا إِلَّا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلۡيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ

"O ye who believe! when ye hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Messenger; but do it for righteousness and self-restraint; and fear Allah, to whom ye shall be brought back.

Secret counsels are only (inspired) by the Evil One, in order that he may cause grief to the Believers; but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits; and on Allah let the Believers put their trust."

(Qur'an: Mujaadila: 58: 9-10)

REFLECTION

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Fear Allah, believe in the Messenger - Allah will provide Light,Mercy & forgiveness....

2008-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَءَامِنُواْ بِرَسُولِهِۦ يُؤۡتِكُمۡ كِفۡلَيۡنِ مِن رَّحۡمَتِهِۦ وَيَجۡعَل لَّڪُمۡ نُورً۬ا تَمۡشُونَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬
لِّئَلَّا يَعۡلَمَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ أَلَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن فَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۙ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡفَضۡلَ بِيَدِ ٱللَّهِ يُؤۡتِيهِ مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلۡفَضۡلِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

"O ye that believe! Fear Allah and believe in His messenger, and He will bestow on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which ye shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past): For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful:
That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over the Grace of Allah, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in, His Hand, to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. For Allah is the Lord of Grace abounding."
(Qur'an: Hadid: 57: 28 -29)
REFLECTION

Obey Allah & His Messenger, and do not nullify your deeds.....

2008-06-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبۡطِلُوٓاْ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ مَاتُواْ وَهُمۡ كُفَّارٌ۬ فَلَن يَغۡفِرَ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمۡ فَلَا تَهِنُواْ وَتَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلسَّلۡمِ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَوۡنَ وَٱللَّهُ مَعَكُمۡ وَلَن يَتِرَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعِبٌ۬ وَلَهۡوٌ۬‌ۚ وَإِن تُؤۡمِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ يُؤۡتِكُمۡ أُجُورَكُمۡ وَلَا يَسۡـَٔلۡكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلَكُمۡ إِن يَسۡـَٔلۡكُمُوهَا فَيُحۡفِڪُمۡ تَبۡخَلُواْ وَيُخۡرِجۡ أَضۡغَـٰنَكُمۡ هَـٰٓأَنتُمۡ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ تُدۡعَوۡنَ لِتُنفِقُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَمِنڪُم مَّن يَبۡخَلُ‌ۖ وَمَن يَبۡخَلۡ فَإِنَّمَا يَبۡخَلُ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلۡغَنِىُّ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلۡفُقَرَآءُ‌ۚ وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوۡاْ يَسۡتَبۡدِلۡ قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُونُوٓاْ أَمۡثَـٰلَكُم

"O ye who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!
Those who reject Allah, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, then die rejecting Allah― Allah will not forgive them. Be not weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace. When ye should be Uppermost: for Allah is with you and will never put you in loss for your (good) deeds. The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if ye believe land guard against evil, He will grant you your recompense, and will not ask you (to give up) your possessions. If He were to ask you for all of them, and press you, ye would covetously withhold, and He would bring out all your ill-feeling. Behold, ye are those invited to spend (of your substance) in the way of Allah: but among you are some that are niggardly. But any who are niggardly are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allah is free of all wants, and it is ye that are needy. If ye turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your stead another people; then they would not be like you!
(Qur'an: Muhammad: 47: 33-38)
REFLECTION

Help the cause of Allah ................

2008-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تَنصُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ يَنصُرۡكُمۡ وَيُثَبِّتۡ أَقۡدَامَكُمۡ
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَتَعۡسً۬ا لَّهُمۡ وَأَضَلَّ أَعۡمَـٰلَهُمۡ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ كَرِهُواْ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ فَأَحۡبَطَ أَعۡمَـٰلَهُمۡ أَفَلَمۡ يَسِيرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَيَنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ دَمَّرَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۖ وَلِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ أَمۡثَـٰلُهَا ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوۡلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَأَنَّ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ لَا مَوۡلَىٰ لَهُمۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدۡخِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَتَمَتَّعُونَ وَيَأۡكُلُونَ كَمَا تَأۡكُلُ ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ وَٱلنَّارُ مَثۡوً۬ى لَّهُمۡ

"O ye who believe! if ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.
But those who reject (Allah)― for them is destruction, and (Allah) will render their deeds astray (from their mark). That is because they hate the Revelation of Allah; so He has made their deeds fruitless. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them (who did evil)? Allah brought utter destruction on them and similar (fates await) those who reject Allah. That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allah have no protector. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to Gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allah will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode."
(Qur'an: Muhammad: 47: 7-12)
REFLECTION

Fear Allah and speak words direct to the point............

2008-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُواْ قَوۡلاً۬ سَدِيدً۬ا يُصۡلِحۡ لَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ فَازَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمًا

"O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right: That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: he that obeys Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest Achievement."
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 70-71)
REFLECTION

Do not be with those who insulted Moses........

2008-06-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاذَوۡاْ مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُواْۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَجِيہً۬ا

"O ye who Believe! be ye not like those who vexed and insulted Moses but Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered: and he was honourable in Allah's sight."
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 69)
REFLECTION

Convey Salutations & blessing upon the Prophet ..........

2008-06-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَتَهُ ۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِىِّۚ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ صَلُّواْ عَلَيۡهِ وَسَلِّمُواْ تَسۡلِيمًا

"Allah and His angels, send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! send ye blessings on him and salute him, with all respect."
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 56)
REFLECTION

Adab of visiting the Prophet's home .......

2008-06-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَدۡخُلُواْ بُيُوتَ ٱلنَّبِىِّ إِلَّآ أَن يُؤۡذَنَ لَكُمۡ إِلَىٰ طَعَامٍ غَيۡرَ نَـٰظِرِينَ إِنَٮٰهُ وَلَـٰكِنۡ إِذَا دُعِيتُمۡ فَٱدۡخُلُواْ فَإِذَا طَعِمۡتُمۡ فَٱنتَشِرُواْ وَلَا مُسۡتَـٔۡنِسِينَ لِحَدِيثٍۚ إِنَّ ذَٲلِكُمۡ ڪَانَ يُؤۡذِى ٱلنَّبِىَّ فَيَسۡتَحۡىِۦ مِنڪُمۡۖ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَسۡتَحۡىِۦ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّۚ وَإِذَا سَأَلۡتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَـٰعً۬ا فَسۡـَٔلُوهُنَّ مِن وَرَآءِ حِجَابٍ۬ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ أَطۡهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمۡ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّۚ وَمَا كَانَ لَڪُمۡ أَن تُؤۡذُواْ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَآ أَن تَنكِحُوٓاْ أَزۡوَٲجَهُ ۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۦۤ أَبَدًاۚ إِنَّ ذَٲلِكُمۡ ڪَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ عَظِيمًا إِن تُبۡدُواْ شَيۡـًٔا أَوۡ تُخۡفُوهُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمً۬ا

"O ye who believe! enter not the Prophet's houses― until leave (permission) is given you for a meal (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah's Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah's sight an enormity. Whether ye reveal anything or conceal it, verily Allah has full knowledge of all things."
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 53-54 )
REFLECTION

Marriage ruling: divorce and payment due......

2008-06-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا نَكَحۡتُمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ ثُمَّ طَلَّقۡتُمُوهُنَّ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن تَمَسُّوهُنَّ فَمَا لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِنَّ مِنۡ عِدَّةٍ۬ تَعۡتَدُّونَہَاۖ فَمَتِّعُوهُنَّ وَسَرِّحُوهُنَّ سَرَاحً۬ا جَمِيلاً۬

O ye who believe! when ye marry believing women, and then divorce them before ye have touched them, no period of `Iddah have ye to count in respect of them: so give them a present, and release them in a handsome manner.
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 49)
REFLECTION

Celebrate & glorify Allah morning and evening ....

2008-05-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ ذِكۡرً۬ا كَثِيرً۬ا وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكۡرَةً۬ وَأَصِيلاً هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُصَلِّى عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَتُهُ ۥ لِيُخۡرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِۚ وَڪَانَ بِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ رَحِيمً۬ا تَحِيَّتُهُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَلۡقَوۡنَهُ ۥ سَلَـٰمٌۚ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمۡ أَجۡرً۬ا كَرِيمً۬ا

"O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this often; And glorify Him morning and evening. He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers. Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be "peace!": and He has prepared for them a generous Reward."
(Qur';an: Ahzab: 33: 42-44)
REFLECTION

Remember Allah's help in battle of Ahzab..........

2008-05-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِذۡ جَآءَتۡكُمۡ جُنُودٌ۬ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ رِيحً۬ا وَجُنُودً۬ا لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا‌ۚ وَڪَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا
"O ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah, (bestowed) on you, when there came down on you hosts (to overwhelm you); but We sent against them a hurricane and force that ye saw not. But Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do."
(Qur'an: Ahzab: 33: 9)
REFLECTION

Serve Allah, whose earth is spacious, He provides sustanance......

2008-05-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّ أَرۡضِى وَٲسِعَةٌ۬ فَإِيَّـٰىَ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ۬ ذَآٮِٕقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِ‌ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَنُبَوِّئَنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ غُرَفً۬ا تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ نِعۡمَ أَجۡرُ ٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّہِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ وَڪَأَيِّن مِّن دَآبَّةٍ۬ لَّا تَحۡمِلُ رِزۡقَهَا ٱللَّهُ يَرۡزُقُهَا وَإِيَّاكُمۡ‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ وَلَٮِٕن سَأَلۡتَهُم مَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَ لَيَقُولُنَّ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ يُؤۡفَكُونَ ٱللَّهُ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقۡدِرُ لَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ۬

"O My servants who believe! Truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me (and Me alone)! Every soul shall have a taste of death: in the end to Us shall ye be brought back. But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness― to them shall We give a Home in Heaven― lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers--to dwell therein for aye; an excellent reward for those who do (good)!―
Those who persevere in patience, and put their trust in their Lord and Cherisher. How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds (both) them and you: for He hears and knows (all things). If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law); they will certainly reply "Allah." How are they then deluded away (from the truth)? Allah enlarges the sustenance (which He gives) to whichever of His servants He pleases; and He (similarly) grants by (strict) measure, (as He pleases): for Allah has full knowledge of all things."
(Qur'an: Ankabut: : : 56-62)
REFLECTION

Ettiqutte social interaction & privacy in household...............

2008-05-31T05:31:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِيَسۡتَـٔۡذِنكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَبۡلُغُواْ ٱلۡحُلُمَ مِنكُمۡ ثَلَـٰثَ مَرَّٲتٍ۬‌ۚ مِّن قَبۡلِ صَلَوٰةِ
ٱلۡفَجۡرِ وَحِينَ تَضَعُونَ ثِيَابَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظَّهِيرَةِ وَمِنۢ بَعۡدِ صَلَوٰةِ ٱلۡعِشَآءِ‌ۚ ثَلَـٰثُ عَوۡرَٲتٍ۬ لَّكُمۡ‌ۚ لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَلَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ
جُنَاحُۢ بَعۡدَهُنَّ‌ۚ طَوَّٲفُونَ عَلَيۡكُم بَعۡضُڪُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬ وَإِذَا بَلَغَ
ٱلۡأَطۡفَـٰلُ مِنكُمُ ٱلۡحُلُمَ فَلۡيَسۡتَـٔۡذِنُواْ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَـٔۡذَنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَڪُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ
حَڪِيمٌ۬ وَٱلۡقَوَٲعِدُ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ ٱلَّـٰتِى لَا يَرۡجُونَ نِكَاحً۬ا فَلَيۡسَ عَلَيۡهِنَّ جُنَاحٌ أَن يَضَعۡنَ ثِيَابَهُنَّ غَيۡرَ مُتَبَرِّجَـٰتِۭ
بِزِينَةٍ۬‌ۖ وَأَن يَسۡتَعۡفِفۡنَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّهُنَّ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ لَّيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ حَرَجٌ۬ وَلَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَعۡرَجِ حَرَجٌ۬ وَلَا عَلَى
ٱلۡمَرِيضِ حَرَجٌ۬ وَلَا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِڪُمۡ أَن تَأۡكُلُواْ مِنۢ بُيُوتِڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ ءَابَآٮِٕڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ
إِخۡوَٲنِڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَخَوَٲتِڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَعۡمَـٰمِڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ عَمَّـٰتِڪُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ أَخۡوَٲلِكُمۡ أَوۡ بُيُوتِ خَـٰلَـٰتِڪُمۡ أَوۡ
مَا مَلَڪۡتُم مَّفَاتِحَهُ ۥۤ أَوۡ صَدِيقِڪُمۡ‌ۚ لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَأۡڪُلُواْ جَمِيعًا أَوۡ أَشۡتَاتً۬ا‌ۚ فَإِذَا دَخَلۡتُم بُيُوتً۬ا فَسَلِّمُواْ
عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ تَحِيَّةً۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ مُبَـٰرَڪَةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَڪُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ
"O ye who believe! let those whom your right hands possess, and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come to your presence), on three occasions before morning prayer; the while ye doff your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. But when the children among you come of age let them (also) ask for permission, as do those senior to them (in age): thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage― there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things. It is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame, nor in one afflicted with illness, nor in yourselves, that ye should eat in your own houses, or those of your fathers, or your mothers, or your brothers, or your sisters, or your father's brothers, or your father's sisters, or your mother's brothers, or your mother's sisters, or in houses of which the keys are in your possession or in the house of a sincere friend of yours: there is no blame on you, whether ye eat in company or separately. But if ye enter houses, salute each other― a greeting or blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: that ye may understand."
(Qur'an: An-Nur: 24: 58-61)
REFLECTION

Ettiquette in visiting & code of modest behaviour........

2008-05-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَدۡخُلُواْ بُيُوتًا غَيۡرَ بُيُوتِڪُمۡ حَتَّىٰ تَسۡتَأۡنِسُواْ وَتُسَلِّمُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهَا‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ فَإِن لَّمۡ تَجِدُواْ فِيهَآ أَحَدً۬ا فَلَا تَدۡخُلُوهَا حَتَّىٰ يُؤۡذَنَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِن قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱرۡجِعُواْ فَٱرۡجِعُواْ‌ۖ هُوَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ۬ لَّيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَن تَدۡخُلُواْ بُيُوتًا غَيۡرَ مَسۡكُونَةٍ۬ فِيہَا مَتَـٰعٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تُبۡدُونَ وَمَا تَكۡتُمُونَ
قُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ يَغُضُّواْ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِمۡ وَيَحۡفَظُواْ فُرُوجَهُمۡ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ أَزۡكَىٰ لَهُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا يَصۡنَعُونَ وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا‌ۖ وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِہِنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٲتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيۡرِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُواْ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَٲتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ‌ۖ وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ‌ۚ وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

"O ye who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until ye have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you in order that ye may heed (what is seemly). If ye find no one in the house enter not until permission is given to you: if ye are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves: and Allah knows well all that ye do. It is no fault on your part to enter houses not used for living in, which serve some (other) use for you: and Allah has knowledge of what ye reveal and what ye conceal.
Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards Allah that ye may attain Bliss."
(Qur'an: An-Nur: 27-31)
REFLECTION

Do not follow satan's footsteps ...........

2008-05-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٲتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَّبِعۡ خُطُوَٲتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ ۥ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنۡ أَحَدٍ أَبَدً۬ا وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزَكِّى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬
"O ye who believe! follow not Satan's footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan he will (but) command what is indecent and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you not one of you would ever have been pure: but Allah doth purify whom He pleases: and Allah is One Who hears and knows (all things)."
(Qur'an: An-Nur: 24: 21)
REFLECTION

Adore your Lord, strive in His cause......................

2008-05-31T05:03:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱرۡڪَعُواْ وَٱسۡجُدُواْ وَٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ وَٱفۡعَلُواْ ٱلۡخَيۡرَ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ
وَجَـٰهِدُواْ فِى ٱللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِۦ‌ۚ هُوَ ٱجۡتَبَٮٰكُمۡ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ مِنۡ حَرَجٍ۬‌ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمۡ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ‌ۚ هُوَ سَمَّٮٰكُمُ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ مِن قَبۡلُ وَفِى هَـٰذَا لِيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَتَكُونُواْ شُہَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۚ فَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوۡلَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۖ فَنِعۡمَ ٱلۡمَوۡلَىٰ وَنِعۡمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ

"O ye who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that ye may prosper.
And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline): He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector― the― Best to protect and the Best to help!"
(Qur'an:Hajj: 22: 77-78)
REFLECTION

Defend yourself and fight......

2008-05-31T04:58:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قَـٰتِلُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ يَلُونَكُم

مِّنَ ٱلۡڪُفَّارِ وَلۡيَجِدُواْ فِيكُمۡ غِلۡظَةً۬‌ۚ

وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ

"O ye who believe! Fight the Unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you; and know that Allah is with those who fear him."
(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 123)
REFLECTION

Be with the Truthful - strive - a group must devote to study the Deen....

2008-05-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُواْ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ
مَا ڪَانَ لِأَهۡلِ ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ وَمَنۡ حَوۡلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابِ أَن يَتَخَلَّفُواْ عَن رَّسُولِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَرۡغَبُواْ بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ عَن نَّفۡسِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ لَا يُصِيبُهُمۡ ظَمَأٌ۬ وَلَا نَصَبٌ۬ وَلَا مَخۡمَصَةٌ۬ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَطَـُٔونَ مَوۡطِئً۬ا يَغِيظُ ٱلۡڪُفَّارَ وَلَا يَنَالُونَ مِنۡ عَدُوٍّ۬ نَّيۡلاً إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُم بِهِۦ عَمَلٌ۬ صَـٰلِحٌ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَ نَفَقَةً۬ صَغِيرَةً۬ وَلَا ڪَبِيرَةً۬ وَلَا يَقۡطَعُونَ وَادِيًا إِلَّا ڪُتِبَ لَهُمۡ لِيَجۡزِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَحۡسَنَ مَا ڪَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ
وَمَا كَانَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لِيَنفِرُواْ ڪَآفَّةً۬‌ۚ فَلَوۡلَا نَفَرَ مِن كُلِّ فِرۡقَةٍ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ طَآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ لِّيَتَفَقَّهُواْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلِيُنذِرُواْ قَوۡمَهُمۡ إِذَا رَجَعُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَحۡذَرُونَ

"O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).
It was not fitting for the people of Madinah and the Bedouin Arabs of the neighborhood, to refuse to follow Allah's Messenger nor to prefer their own lives to his: because nothing could they suffer, or do, but was reckoned to their credit as a deed of righteousness whether they suffered thirst or fatigue or hunger in the cause of Allah, or trod paths to raise the ire of the Unbelievers, or received any injury whatever from an enemy: for Allah suffereth not the reward to be lost of those who do good;― Nor could they spend anything (for the cause) small or great nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit; that Allah may requite their deed with the best (possible reward).
Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them― that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)."
(Qur'an: Taubah: 9:119-122)
REFLECTION

Why do you not hasten to help Allah's cause?.......

2008-05-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَا لَكُمۡ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱنفِرُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱثَّاقَلۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ
أَرَضِيتُم بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ فَمَا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ إِلَّا
تَنفِرُواْ يُعَذِّبۡڪُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمً۬ا وَيَسۡتَبۡدِلۡ قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَڪُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّوهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ
ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدۡ نَصَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ثَانِىَ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ
إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَڪِينَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡهِ
وَأَيَّدَهُ ۥ بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا وَجَعَلَ ڪَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ٱلسُّفۡلَىٰ‌ۗ وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ
ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

"O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath power over all things. If ye help not (your Leader) (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed help him; when the unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion: they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion "Have no Fear, for Allah is with us": then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise."
(Qur'an: Taubah 9: 38-40)
REFLECTION

Do not hoard wealth& hinder people from Allah's way.....

2008-05-31T04:30:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّ ڪَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡأَحۡبَارِ وَٱلرُّهۡبَانِ لَيَأۡكُلُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلۡفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَہَا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرۡهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ يَوۡمَ يُحۡمَىٰ عَلَيۡهَا فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكۡوَىٰ بِہَا جِبَاهُهُمۡ وَجُنُوبُہُمۡ وَظُهُورُهُمۡ‌ۖ هَـٰذَا مَا ڪَنَزۡتُمۡ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡ فَذُوقُواْ مَا كُنتُمۡ تَكۡنِزُونَ

"O ye who believe! There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the wealth of men and hinder (them) from the Way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty. On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks and their backs― "This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then the (treasures) ye buried!"
(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 34-35)
REFLECTION

Mushrikeen are unclean - ban them from the Sacred mosque......

2008-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُشۡرِكُونَ نَجَسٌ۬ فَلَا يَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ بَعۡدَ عَامِهِمۡ هَـٰذَا‌ۚ وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ عَيۡلَةً۬ فَسَوۡفَ يُغۡنِيكُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۤ إِن شَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ حَڪِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! Truly the pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs approach the Sacred Mosque. And if ye fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills out of His bounty for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
(Qur'an: T'aubah: 9: 28)
REFLECTION

Take not as protectors, parents or siblings, if they love infidelity (kufr).......

2008-05-31T03:43:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ ءَابَآءَكُمۡ وَإِخۡوَٲنَكُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءَ إِنِ ٱسۡتَحَبُّواْ ٱلۡڪُفۡرَ عَلَى ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ قُلۡ إِن كَانَ ءَابَآؤُكُمۡ وَأَبۡنَآؤُڪُمۡ وَإِخۡوَٲنُكُمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجُكُمۡ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلٌ ٱقۡتَرَفۡتُمُوهَا وَتِجَـٰرَةٌ۬ تَخۡشَوۡنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَـٰكِنُ تَرۡضَوۡنَهَآ أَحَبَّ إِلَيۡڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَجِهَادٍ۬ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ فَتَرَبَّصُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَأۡتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمۡرِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ

"O ye who believe! Take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above faith: if any of you do so they do wrong. Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline; or the dwellings in which ye delight― are dearer to you than Allah or His Messenger or the striving in His cause; then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious."
(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 23-24)
REFLECTION

Facing enemy: be firm, supplicate with much remembrance of Allah......

2008-05-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمۡ فِئَةً۬ فَٱثۡبُتُواْ وَٱذۡڪُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ ڪَثِيرً۬ا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَا تَنَـٰزَعُواْ فَتَفۡشَلُواْ وَتَذۡهَبَ رِيحُكُمۡ‌ۖ وَٱصۡبِرُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ خَرَجُواْ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِم بَطَرً۬ا وَرِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ۬

"O ye who believe! when ye meet a force be firm and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that ye may prosper. And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. And be not like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen of men, and to hinder (men) from the path of Allah: for Allah compasseth round about all that they do."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 45-47)
REFLECTION

Attain to Taqwa and Allah will grant the criterion (Furqon)...........

2008-05-31T03:21:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تَتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ فُرۡقَانً۬ا وَيُكَفِّرۡ عَنڪُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلۡفَضۡلِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

"O ye who believe! if ye fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you: for Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 29 )
REFLECTION

Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger...........

2008-05-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَآ أَمۡوَٲلُڪُمۡ وَأَوۡلَـٰدُكُمۡ فِتۡنَةٌ۬ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

"O ye that believe! Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you. And know ye that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 27-28)
REFLECTION

Give your response to Allah and His Messenger...........

2008-05-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمۡ لِمَا يُحۡيِيڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيۡنَ ٱلۡمَرۡءِ وَقَلۡبِهِۦ وَأَنَّهُ ۥۤ إِلَيۡهِ تُحۡشَرُونَ
وَٱتَّقُواْ فِتۡنَةً۬ لَّا تُصِيبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنكُمۡ خَآصَّةً۬‌ۖ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ
وَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ إِذۡ أَنتُمۡ قَلِيلٌ۬ مُّسۡتَضۡعَفُونَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تَخَافُونَ أَن يَتَخَطَّفَكُمُ ٱلنَّاسُ فَـَٔاوَٮٰكُمۡ وَأَيَّدَكُم بِنَصۡرِهِۦ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ

"O ye who believe! Give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to whom Ye shall (all) be gathered.
And fear tumult or oppression which affecteth not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
Call to mind when ye were a small (band), despised through the land, and afraid that men might despoil and kidnap you; but He provided a safe asylum for you strengthened you with His aid, and gave you good things for sustenance: that ye might be grateful."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 24-26)
REFLECTION

Turn not away from the Messenger when he speaks ........

2008-05-31T02:59:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَلَا تَوَلَّوۡاْ عَنۡهُ وَأَنتُمۡ تَسۡمَعُونَ وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ سَمِعۡنَا وَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ
إِنَّ شَرَّ ٱلدَّوَآبِّ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلصُّمُّ ٱلۡبُكۡمُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ وَلَوۡ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ فِيہِمۡ خَيۡرً۬ا لَّأَسۡمَعَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَوۡ أَسۡمَعَهُمۡ لَتَوَلَّواْ وَّهُم مُّعۡرِضُونَ

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak). Nor be like those who say "we hear", but listen not:
For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are the deaf and the dumb― those who understand not. If Allah had found in them any good, He would indeed have made them listen; (as it is) if He had made them listen, they would but have turned back and declined (faith)."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 20-23)
REFLECTION

Never run away from battle ...............

2008-05-31T02:48:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ زَحۡفً۬ا فَلَا تُوَلُّوهُمُ ٱلۡأَدۡبَارَ وَمَن يُوَلِّهِمۡ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ دُبُرَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا مُتَحَرِّفً۬ا لِّقِتَالٍ أَوۡ مُتَحَيِّزًا إِلَىٰ فِئَةٍ۬ فَقَدۡ بَآءَ بِغَضَبٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
فَلَمۡ تَقۡتُلُوهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَتَلَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَا رَمَيۡتَ إِذۡ رَمَيۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَمَىٰ‌ۚ وَلِيُبۡلِىَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ مِنۡهُ بَلَآءً حَسَنًا‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬
ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُوهِنُ كَيۡدِ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ إِن تَسۡتَفۡتِحُواْ فَقَدۡ جَآءَڪُمُ ٱلۡفَتۡحُ‌ۖ وَإِن تَنتَہُواْ فَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِن تَعُودُواْ نَعُدۡ وَلَن تُغۡنِىَ عَنكُمۡ فِئَتُكُمۡ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَوۡ كَثُرَتۡ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

"O ye who believe! when ye meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. If any do turn his back to them on such a day― unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own) he draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell― and evil refuge (indeed)!
It is not ye who slew them; it was Allah: when thou threwest (a handful of dust) it was not thy act, but Allah's: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He who heareth and knoweth (all things).
That, and also because Allah is He who makes feeble the plans and stratagems of the Unbelievers. (O unbelievers!) if ye prayed for victory and judgment, now hath the judgment come to you: if ye desist (from wrong) it will be best for you: if ye return (to the attack), so shall We. Not the least good will your forces be to you, even if they were multiplied: for verily Allah is with those who believe."
(Qur'an: Anfaal: 8: 15-19)
REFLECTION

Writting bequest & role of witnesses...................

2008-05-31T02:39:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ شَہَـٰدَةُ بَيۡنِكُمۡ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ حِينَ ٱلۡوَصِيَّةِ ٱثۡنَانِ ذَوَا عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ أَوۡ ءَاخَرَانِ مِنۡ غَيۡرِكُمۡ إِنۡ أَنتُمۡ ضَرَبۡتُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصَـٰبَتۡكُم مُّصِيبَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِ‌ۚ تَحۡبِسُونَهُمَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَيُقۡسِمَانِ بِٱللَّهِ إِنِ ٱرۡتَبۡتُمۡ لَا نَشۡتَرِى بِهِۦ ثَمَنً۬ا وَلَوۡ كَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۙ وَلَا نَكۡتُمُ شَہَـٰدَةَ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّآ إِذً۬ا لَّمِنَ ٱلۡأَثِمِينَ
فَإِنۡ عُثِرَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنَّهُمَا ٱسۡتَحَقَّآ إِثۡمً۬ا فَـَٔاخَرَانِ يَقُومَانِ مَقَامَهُمَا مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَحَقَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلۡأَوۡلَيَـٰنِ فَيُقۡسِمَانِ بِٱللَّهِ لَشَہَـٰدَتُنَآ أَحَقُّ مِن شَہَـٰدَتِهِمَا وَمَا ٱعۡتَدَيۡنَآ إِنَّآ إِذً۬ا لَّمِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ذَٲلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتُواْ بِٱلشَّہَـٰدَةِ عَلَىٰ وَجۡهِهَآ أَوۡ يَخَافُوٓاْ أَن تُرَدَّ أَيۡمَـٰنُۢ بَعۡدَ أَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ‌ۗ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱسۡمَعُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقِينَ
"O ye who believe! when death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourselves when making bequests― two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if ye are journeying through the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If ye doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: "We will not take for it a price even though the (beneficiary) be our near relation: we shall hide not the evidence We owe to Allah: if we do then, behold! the sin be upon us!"
But if it gets known that these two were guilty of the sin (of perjury). Let two others stand forth in their places,― nearest in kin from among those who claim a lawful right: let them swear by Allah: "We affirm that our witness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not trespassed (beyond the truth): if we did, behold! the wrong be upon us! That is most suitable: that they may give the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah and listen (to His counsel): for Allah guideth not a rebellious people."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 106-108)
REFLECTION

Guard your own souls ............

2008-05-31T02:32:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَيۡكُمۡ أَنفُسَكُمۡ‌ۖ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا ٱهۡتَدَيۡتُمۡ‌ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

"O ye who believe! Guard your own souls: if ye follow (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who stray. The goal of you all is to Allah: it is He that will show you the truth of all that ye do."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 105)
REFLECTION

Do not ask irrelevant questions ............

2008-05-31T02:24:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَسۡـَٔلُواْ عَنۡ أَشۡيَآءَ إِن تُبۡدَ لَكُمۡ تَسُؤۡكُمۡ وَإِن تَسۡـَٔلُواْ عَنۡہَا حِينَ يُنَزَّلُ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ تُبۡدَ لَكُمۡ عَفَا ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ۬
قَدۡ سَأَلَهَا قَوۡمٌ۬ مِّن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ ثُمَّ أَصۡبَحُواْ بِہَا كَـٰفِرِينَ مَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنۢ بَحِيرَةٍ۬ وَلَا سَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ وَلَا وَصِيلَةٍ۬ وَلَا حَامٍ۬‌ۙ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۖ وَأَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ قَالُواْ حَسۡبُنَا مَا وَجَدۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ ءَابَآءَنَآ‌ۚ أَوَلَوۡ كَانَ ءَابَآؤُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَہۡتَدُونَ

"O ye who believe! ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if ye ask about things when the Qur'an is being revealed they will be made plain to you: Allah will forgive those: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
Some people before you did ask such questions, and on that account lost their faith. It was not Allah Who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit-ear she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or idol sacrifices for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work; it is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allah, but most of them lack wisdom. When it is said to them: "Come to what Allah hath revealed; come to the Messenger": they say: "Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers following." What! even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance?"
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 101-104)
REFLECTION

Kill not game while in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb.....

2008-05-31T02:01:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلصَّيۡدَ وَأَنتُمۡ حُرُمٌ۬‌ۚ وَمَن قَتَلَهُ ۥ مِنكُم مُّتَعَمِّدً۬ا فَجَزَآءٌ۬ مِّثۡلُ مَا قَتَلَ مِنَ ٱلنَّعَمِ يَحۡكُمُ بِهِۦ ذَوَا عَدۡلٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ هَدۡيَۢا بَـٰلِغَ ٱلۡكَعۡبَةِ أَوۡ كَفَّـٰرَةٌ۬ طَعَامُ مَسَـٰكِينَ أَوۡ عَدۡلُ ذَٲلِكَ صِيَامً۬ا لِّيَذُوقَ وَبَالَ أَمۡرِهِۦ‌ۗ عَفَا ٱللَّهُ عَمَّا سَلَفَ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ عَادَ فَيَنتَقِمُ ٱللَّهُ مِنۡهُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ۬ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ
"O ye who believe! kill not game while in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. If any of you doth so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka'bah of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: that he may taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: for repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty: For Allah is Exalted, and Lord of Retribution."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 95)

REFLECTION

Allah's test for believers...........

2008-05-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَيَبۡلُوَنَّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ بِشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلصَّيۡدِ تَنَالُهُ ۥۤ أَيۡدِيكُمۡ وَرِمَاحُكُمۡ لِيَعۡلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَخَافُهُ ۥ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ‌ۚ فَمَنِ ٱعۡتَدَىٰ بَعۡدَ ذَٲلِكَ فَلَهُ ۥ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! Allah doth but make a trial of you in a little matter of game well within reach of your hands and your lances, that He may test who feareth Him unseen: any who transgress thereafter, will have a grievous penalty."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 94)
REFLECTION

Forbidden: Intoxicants, gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows - all Satan's handiwork........

2008-05-31T01:43:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡخَمۡرُ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرُ وَٱلۡأَنصَابُ وَٱلۡأَزۡلَـٰمُ رِجۡسٌ۬ مِّنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ فَٱجۡتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيۡنَكُمُ ٱلۡعَدَٲوَةَ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءَ فِى ٱلۡخَمۡرِ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ وَعَنِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ‌ۖ فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّنتَہُونَ
وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَٱحۡذَرُواْ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلۡبَلَـٰغُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ لَيۡسَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ جُنَاحٌ۬ فِيمَا طَعِمُوٓاْ إِذَا مَا ٱتَّقَواْ وَّءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ ثُمَّ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّءَامَنُواْ ثُمَّ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّأَحۡسَنُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination― of Satan's handiwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper. Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?
Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): if ye do turn back know ye that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the Message) in the clearest manner. On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness there is no blame for what they ate (in the past) when they guard themselves from evil, and believe, and do deeds of righteousness― (or) again, guard themselves from evil and do good. For Allah loveth those who do good."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 90-93)
REFLECTION

Make not the 'halal' to be 'haram', do not commit excesses..............

2008-05-31T01:32:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُحَرِّمُواْ طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَآ أَحَلَّ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ وَلَا تَعۡتَدُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُعۡتَدِينَ
وَكُلُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَـٰلاً۬ طَيِّبً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنتُم بِهِۦ مُؤۡمِنُونَ

"O ye who believe! Make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess.
Eat of the things which Allah hath provided for you, lawful and good: but fear Allah, in Whom ye believe."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 87-88)
REFLECTION

Do not befriend those who take your religion for a mockery or sport.......

2008-05-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ دِينَكُمۡ هُزُوً۬ا وَلَعِبً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ وَٱلۡكُفَّارَ أَوۡلِيَآءَ‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ
وَإِذَا نَادَيۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱتَّخَذُوهَا هُزُوً۬ا وَلَعِبً۬ا‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ لَّا يَعۡقِلُونَ

"O ye who believe! Take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport,― whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah if ye have Faith (indeed).
When ye proclaim your call to prayer they take it (but) as mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 57-58)
REFLECTION

Warning against the renegades; & the ultimate triumph of party of Allah....

2008-05-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَن يَرۡتَدَّ مِنكُمۡ عَن دِينِهِۦ فَسَوۡفَ يَأۡتِى ٱللَّهُ بِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُحِبُّہُمۡ وَيُحِبُّونَهُ ۥۤ أَذِلَّةٍ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ أَعِزَّةٍ عَلَى ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ يُجَـٰهِدُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَخَافُونَ لَوۡمَةَ لَآٮِٕمٍ۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ يُؤۡتِيهِ مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٲسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُمۡ رَٲكِعُونَ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ فَإِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱللَّهِ هُمُ ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ

"O ye who believe! if any from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him,― lowly with the Believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault. That is the Grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleaseth: and Allah encompasseth all and He knoweth all things.
Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers, those who establish regular prayers and pay charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers― it is the party of Allah that must certainly triumph."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 54-56)
REFLECTION

Take not Jews & Christians as protectors & warning to the hypocrites........

2008-05-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡيَہُودَ وَٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰٓ أَوۡلِيَآءَ‌ۘ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمۡ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
فَتَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِيہِمۡ يَقُولُونَ نَخۡشَىٰٓ أَن تُصِيبَنَا دَآٮِٕرَةٌ۬‌ۚ فَعَسَى ٱللَّهُ أَن يَأۡتِىَ بِٱلۡفَتۡحِ أَوۡ أَمۡرٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِهِۦ فَيُصۡبِحُواْ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَسَرُّواْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ نَـٰدِمِينَ وَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَهَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلَّذِينَ أَقۡسَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ جَهۡدَ أَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ‌ۙ إِنَّہُمۡ لَمَعَكُمۡ‌ۚ حَبِطَتۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُهُمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ خَـٰسِرِينَ
"O ye who believe! take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: they are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.
Those in whose heart is a disease― thou seest how eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: "We do fear lest a change of fortune bring us disaster." Ah! perhaps Allah will give (thee) victory, or a decision according to His Will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which they secretly harboured in their hearts. And those who believe will say: "Are these the men who swore their strongest oaths by Allah, that they were with you?" All that they do will be in vain, and they will fall into (nothing but) ruin."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 51-53)
REFLECTION

Taqwa & wasilah & striving ...............

2008-05-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱبۡتَغُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡوَسِيلَةَ وَجَـٰهِدُواْ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

"O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive (with might and main) in His cause: that ye may prosper."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 35)
REFLECTION

In face of adversary - remember Allah and trust in Him (tawkkul)........

2008-05-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ إِذۡ هَمَّ قَوۡمٌ أَن يَبۡسُطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡكُمۡ أَيۡدِيَهُمۡ فَكَفَّ أَيۡدِيَهُمۡ عَنڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلۡيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ

"O ye who believe! call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: so fear Allah. And on Allah let believers put (all) their trust."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 11)
REFLECTION

Stand firm upon justice for Allah.......

2008-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّڪُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ عَلَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ ٱعۡدِلُواْ هُوَ أَقۡرَبُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ‌ۙ لَهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬ وَأَجۡرٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety: and fear Allah For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward. Those who reject Faith and deny our signs will be companions of Hell-Fire."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 8-10)
REFLECTION

Ablution & remembrance of Allah's favour and our covenant....

2008-05-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قُمۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ فَٱغۡسِلُواْ وُجُوهَكُمۡ وَأَيۡدِيَكُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡمَرَافِقِ وَٱمۡسَحُواْ بِرُءُوسِكُمۡ وَأَرۡجُلَڪُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡكَعۡبَيۡنِ‌ۚ وَإِن كُنتُمۡ جُنُبً۬ا فَٱطَّهَّرُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرۡضَىٰٓ أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوۡ جَآءَ أَحَدٌ۬ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡغَآٮِٕطِ أَوۡ لَـٰمَسۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمۡ تَجِدُواْ مَآءً۬ فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدً۬ا طَيِّبً۬ا فَٱمۡسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِڪُمۡ وَأَيۡدِيكُم مِّنۡهُ‌ۚ مَا يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ لِيَجۡعَلَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّنۡ حَرَجٍ۬ وَلَـٰكِن يُرِيدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمۡ وَلِيُتِمَّ نِعۡمَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡكُمۡ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ
وَٱذۡڪُرُواْ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَمِيثَـٰقَهُ ٱلَّذِى وَاثَقَكُم بِهِۦۤ إِذۡ قُلۡتُمۡ سَمِعۡنَا وَأَطَعۡنَا‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمُۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ

"O ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if ye are ill or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub, therewith your faces and hands. Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favour to you, that ye may be grateful.
And call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, and His Covenant, which He ratified with you, when ye said: "We hear and we obey": and fear Allah, for Allah knoweth well the secrets of your hearts."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 6-7)
REFLECTION

Do not violate sanctity of Symbols of Allah.........

2008-05-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُحِلُّواْ شَعَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا ٱلشَّہۡرَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ وَلَا ٱلۡهَدۡىَ وَلَا ٱلۡقَلَـٰٓٮِٕدَ وَلَآ ءَآمِّينَ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّن رَّبِّہِمۡ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِذَا حَلَلۡتُمۡ فَٱصۡطَادُواْ‌ۚ وَلَا يَجۡرِمَنَّكُمۡ شَنَـَٔانُ قَوۡمٍ أَن صَدُّوڪُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ أَن تَعۡتَدُواْ‌ۘ وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ

"O ye who believe! violate not the sanctity of the Symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the Sacred House, seeking of the bounty, and good pleasure of their Lord. But when ye are clear of the Sacred Precincts and of pilgrim garb, ye may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 2)
REFLECTION

Fulfii every covenant & obligations.....

2008-05-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَوۡفُواْ بِٱلۡعُقُودِ‌ۚ
"O ye who believe! fulfill (all) obligations."
(Qur'an: Maa-idah: 5: 1)
REFLECTION

Take not unbelievers over believers for friends & warning to the hypocrites.....

2008-05-30T22:43:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۚ أَتُرِيدُونَ أَن تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا مُّبِينًا
إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرۡكِ ٱلۡأَسۡفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيرًا إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَأَخۡلَصُواْ دِينَهُمۡ لِلَّهِ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۖ وَسَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمً۬ا مَّا يَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِڪُمۡ إِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ وَءَامَنتُمۡ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاڪِرًا عَلِيمً۬ا لَّا يُحِبُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡجَهۡرَ بِٱلسُّوٓءِ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ إِلَّا مَن ظُلِمَ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ سَمِيعًا عَلِيمًا إِن تُبۡدُواْ خَيۡرًا أَوۡ تُخۡفُوهُ أَوۡ تَعۡفُواْ عَن سُوٓءٍ۬ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّ۬ا قَدِيرًا إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَنَڪۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٲلِكَ سَبِيلاً أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ حَقًّ۬ا‌ۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابً۬ا مُّهِينً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَلَمۡ يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ سَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورً۬ا رَّحِيمً۬ا

"O ye who believe! Take not for friends Unbelievers rather than Believers: do ye wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them.― Except for those who repent, mend (their life), hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah's sight: if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will Allah grant to the Believers a reward of immense value. What can Allah gain by your punishment, if ye are grateful and ye believe? Nay it is Allah Who recogniseth (all good) and knoweth all things. Allah loveth not the evil should be noised abroad in public speech, except where injustice hath been done; for Allah is He who heareth and knoweth all things. Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily Allah doth blot out (sins) and hath power (in the judgment of values). Those who deny Allah and His Messengers, and (those who) wish to separate Allah and His Messengers, saying: "We believe in some but reject others": and (those who) wish to take a course midway.― They are in truth (equally) Unbelievers; and We have prepared for unbelievers a humiliating punishment. To those who believe in Allah and His messenger and make no distinction between any of the messenger, We shall soon give their (due) rewards: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 144-152)
REFLECTION

Believe in Allah, His messenger, angels, day of Judgement.....

2008-05-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ ءَامِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ وَٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ وَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلاَۢ بَعِيدًا إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ ءَامَنُواْ ثُمَّ كَفَرُواْ ثُمَّ ٱزۡدَادُواْ كُفۡرً۬ا لَّمۡ يَكُنِ ٱللَّهُ لِيَغۡفِرَ لَهُمۡ وَلَا لِيَہۡدِيَہُمۡ سَبِيلاَۢ بَشِّرِ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ بِأَنَّ لَهُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا

"O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and his Messenger, and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). And who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far astray. Those who believe then reject Faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject Faith and go on increasing in unbelief―Allah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the way. To the Hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them a grievous penalty.―"
(Qur'an: An-Nisa: 4: 136-138)
REFLECTION

Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah......

2008-05-30T22:29:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

"O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts) lest ye swerve and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do."
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 135)
REFLECTION

Jihad & some of its rules............

2008-05-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا ضَرَبۡتُمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُواْ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَنۡ أَلۡقَىٰٓ إِلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمَ لَسۡتَ مُؤۡمِنً۬ا تَبۡتَغُونَ عَرَضَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ مَغَانِمُ ڪَثِيرَةٌ۬‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ ڪُنتُم مِّن قَبۡلُ فَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا لَّا يَسۡتَوِى ٱلۡقَـٰعِدُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ غَيۡرُ أُوْلِى ٱلضَّرَرِ وَٱلۡمُجَـٰهِدُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ‌ۚ فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُجَـٰهِدِينَ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ عَلَى ٱلۡقَـٰعِدِينَ دَرَجَةً۬‌ۚ وَكُلاًّ۬ وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ وَفَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُجَـٰهِدِينَ عَلَى ٱلۡقَـٰعِدِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمً۬ا دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ وَمَغۡفِرَةً۬ وَرَحۡمَةً۬‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورً۬ا رَّحِيمًا

"O ye who believe! when ye go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to anyone who offers you a salutation: "Thou art none of a Believer!" Coveting the perishable goods of this life: with Allah are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were ye yourselves before, till Allah conferred on you His favours: therefore carefully investigate, For Allah is well aware of all that ye do. Not equal are those Believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home): unto all (in faith) hath Allah promised good: but those who strive and fight hath He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a great reward.-- Ranks specially bestowed by Him and Forgiveness and Mercy. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 94-96)
REFLECTION

Take to precautions.......

2008-05-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ خُذُواْ حِذۡرَڪُمۡ فَٱنفِرُواْ ثُبَاتٍ أَوِ ٱنفِرُواْ جَمِيعً۬ا وَإِنَّ مِنكُمۡ لَمَن لَّيُبَطِّئَنَّ فَإِنۡ أَصَـٰبَتۡكُم مُّصِيبَةٌ۬ قَالَ قَدۡ أَنۡعَمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىَّ إِذۡ لَمۡ أَكُن مَّعَهُمۡ شَہِيدً۬ا وَلَٮِٕنۡ أَصَـٰبَكُمۡ فَضۡلٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لَيَقُولَنَّ كَأَن لَّمۡ تَكُنۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَبَيۡنَهُ ۥ مَوَدَّةٌ۬ يَـٰلَيۡتَنِى كُنتُ مَعَهُمۡ فَأَفُوزَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمً۬ا

"O ye who believe! Take your precautions and either go forth in parties or go forth all together. There are certainly among you men who would tarry behind: if a misfortune befalls you, they say: "Allah did favour us in that we were not present among them." But if good fortune comes to you from Allah, they would be sure to say―as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them―"Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have made of it!"
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 71-73)
REFLECTION

Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and ulil-'amri amongst you ......

2008-05-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعۡتُمۡ فِى شَىۡءٍ۬ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِيلاً

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final determination."
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 59)
REFLECTION

Do not approach prayers while drunk or in state of impurity.....

2008-05-30T21:55:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنتُمۡ سُكَـٰرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَعۡلَمُواْ مَا تَقُولُونَ وَلَا جُنُبًا إِلَّا عَابِرِى سَبِيلٍ حَتَّىٰ تَغۡتَسِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن كُنتُم مَّرۡضَىٰٓ أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ أَوۡ جَآءَ أَحَدٌ۬ مِّنكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡغَآٮِٕطِ أَوۡ لَـٰمَسۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَلَمۡ تَجِدُواْ مَآءً۬ فَتَيَمَّمُواْ صَعِيدً۬ا طَيِّبً۬ا فَٱمۡسَحُواْ بِوُجُوهِكُمۡ وَأَيۡدِيكُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُورًا

"O ye who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until ye can understand all that ye say, nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (except when travelling on the road), until after washing your whole body if ye are ill, or on a journey, or one of you cometh from offices of nature, or ye have been in contact with women, and ye find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub therewith your faces and hands. For Allah doth blot out sins and forgive again and again."
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 43)
REFLECTION

Devour not each others property unjustly & in vanities......

2008-05-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَأۡڪُلُوٓاْ أَمۡوَٲلَكُم بَيۡنَڪُم بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً عَن تَرَاضٍ۬ مِّنكُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمۡ رَحِيمً۬ا وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ عُدۡوَٲنً۬ا وَظُلۡمً۬ا فَسَوۡفَ نُصۡلِيهِ نَارً۬ا‌ۚ وَڪَانَ ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرًا إِن تَجۡتَنِبُواْ ڪَبَآٮِٕرَ مَا تُنۡہَوۡنَ عَنۡهُ نُكَفِّرۡ عَنكُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَنُدۡخِلۡڪُم مُّدۡخَلاً۬ كَرِيمً۬ا وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوۡاْ مَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦ بَعۡضَكُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِيبٌ۬ مِّمَّا ٱڪۡتَسَبُواْ‌ۖ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِيبٌ۬ مِّمَّا ٱكۡتَسَبۡنَ‌ۚ وَسۡـَٔلُواْ ٱللَّهَ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ڪَانَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمً۬ا

"O ye who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful. If any (one) does that in rancour and injustice,― soon shall We cast him into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah. If ye (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which ye are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you and admit you to a Gate of great honour. And in no wise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask Allah of His bounty: for Allah hath full knowledge of all things."
(Qur'an: an-Nisa': 4: 29-32 )
REFLECTION

Do not marry woman against their will, nor ill-treat them ...............

2008-05-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمۡ أَن تَرِثُواْ ٱلنِّسَآءَ كَرۡهً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَا تَعۡضُلُوهُنَّ لِتَذۡهَبُواْ بِبَعۡضِ مَآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِينَ بِفَـٰحِشَةٍ۬ مُّبَيِّنَةٍ۬‌ۚ وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ‌ۚ فَإِن كَرِهۡتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَيَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيۡرً۬ا ڪَثِيرً۬ا

"O ye who believe! ye are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness, that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given them,― except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them, it may be that ye dislike a thing and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good. "
(Qur'an: An-Nisa': 4: 18)
REFLECTION

Persevere in patience and constancy: strenghten each other ......

2008-05-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱصۡبِرُواْ وَصَابِرُواْ وَرَابِطُواْ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

"O ye who believe! persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper."
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 200)
REFLECTION

If ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels........

2008-05-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تُطِيعُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَرُدُّوڪُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَعۡقَـٰبِكُمۡ فَتَنقَلِبُواْ خَـٰسِرِينَ بَلِ ٱللَّهُ مَوۡلَٮٰڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ ٱلنَّـٰصِرِينَ سَنُلۡقِى فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ ٱلرُّعۡبَ بِمَآ أَشۡرَڪُواْ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ‌ۚ وَبِئۡسَ مَثۡوَى ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

"O ye who believe! if ye obey the Unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and ye will turn back (from Faith) to your own loss. Nay Allah is your Protector, and He is the best of helpers. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, for that they joined partners with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire; and evil is the home of the wrong-doers."
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 149-151)
REFLECTION

Devour not usury....................

2008-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَأۡڪُلُواْ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓاْ أَضۡعَـٰفً۬ا مُّضَـٰعَفَةً۬‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱلنَّارَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُعِدَّتۡ لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تُرۡحَمُونَ وَسَارِعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ مَغۡفِرَةٍ۬ مِّن رَّبِّڪُمۡ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرۡضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ أُعِدَّتۡ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلۡڪَـٰظِمِينَ ٱلۡغَيۡظَ وَٱلۡعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوۡ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ ذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمۡ وَمَن يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ جَزَآؤُهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَجَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ وَنِعۡمَ أَجۡرُ ٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ

"O ye who believe! Devour not usury, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that ye may (really) prosper. Fear the Fire which is prepared for those who reject Faith. And obey Allah and the Messenger; that ye may obtain mercy. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,― Those who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain anger and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good,― And those who having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls earnestly bring Allah to mind; and ask for forgiveness for their sins,―and who can forgive sins except Allah?,―And are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens with rivers flowing underneath an eternal dwelling; how excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!"
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 130-136)
REFLECTION

Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks..........

2008-05-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ بِطَانَةً۬ مِّن دُونِكُمۡ لَا يَأۡلُونَكُمۡ خَبَالاً۬ وَدُّواْ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ قَدۡ بَدَتِ ٱلۡبَغۡضَآءُ مِنۡ أَفۡوَٲهِهِمۡ وَمَا تُخۡفِى صُدُورُهُمۡ أَكۡبَرُ‌ۚ قَدۡ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ هَـٰٓأَنتُمۡ أُوْلَآءِ تُحِبُّونَہُمۡ وَلَا يُحِبُّونَكُمۡ وَتُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ كُلِّهِۦ وَإِذَا لَقُوكُمۡ قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَإِذَا خَلَوۡاْ عَضُّواْ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡأَنَامِلَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَيۡظِ‌ۚ قُلۡ مُوتُواْ بِغَيۡظِكُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمُۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ إِن تَمۡسَسۡكُمۡ حَسَنَةٌ۬ تَسُؤۡهُمۡ وَإِن تُصِبۡكُمۡ سَيِّئَةٌ۬ يَفۡرَحُواْ بِهَا‌ۖ وَإِن تَصۡبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ لَا يَضُرُّڪُمۡ كَيۡدُهُمۡ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا يَعۡمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ۬

"O ye who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks; they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs, if ye have wisdom. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not,―though ye believe in the whole of the Book, When they meet you, they say "We believe"; but when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: "Perish in your rage; Allah knoweth well all the secrets of the heart." If aught that is good befalls you it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are patient and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you for Allah compasseth round about all that they do."
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 118-120)
REFLECTION

Fear Allah as He should be feared,die not except in a state of Islam ..........

2008-05-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِذۡ كُنتُمۡ أَعۡدَآءً۬ فَأَلَّفَ بَيۡنَ قُلُوبِكُمۡ فَأَصۡبَحۡتُم بِنِعۡمَتِهِۦۤ إِخۡوَٲنً۬ا وَكُنتُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفۡرَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنۡہَا‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَہۡتَدُونَ وَلۡتَكُن مِّنكُمۡ أُمَّةٌ۬ يَدۡعُونَ إِلَى ٱلۡخَيۡرِ وَيَأۡمُرُونَ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَيَنۡهَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۚ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُواْ وَٱخۡتَلَفُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ‌ۚ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

"O ye who believe! fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam. And hold fast, all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to you: that ye may be guided. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear signs; for them is a dreadful penalty.― On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black; to those whose faces will be black, (will be said): "Did ye reject faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting faith. (106) But those whose faces will be (lit with) white―they will be in (the light of) Allah's mercy; therein to dwell (forever)."
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 102-107)
REFLECTION

If ye listen to a faction of the People of the Book, they would render you apostates .....

2008-05-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تُطِيعُواْ فَرِيقً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَرُدُّوكُم بَعۡدَ إِيمَـٰنِكُمۡ كَـٰفِرِينَ وَكَيۡفَ تَكۡفُرُونَ وَأَنتُمۡ تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ وَفِيڪُمۡ رَسُولُهُ ۥ‌ۗ وَمَن يَعۡتَصِم بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ هُدِىَ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬
"O ye who believe! if ye listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after ye have believed! And how would ye deny Faith while unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight."
(Qur'an: Aali 'Imran: 3: 100-101)
REFLECTION

Transactions involving future obligations reduce them to writing.....

2008-05-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا تَدَايَنتُم بِدَيۡنٍ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى فَٱڪۡتُبُوهُ‌ۚ وَلۡيَكۡتُب بَّيۡنَكُمۡ ڪَاتِبُۢ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ‌ۚ وَلَا يَأۡبَ كَاتِبٌ أَن يَكۡتُبَ ڪَمَا عَلَّمَهُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ فَلۡيَڪۡتُبۡ وَلۡيُمۡلِلِ ٱلَّذِى عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡحَقُّ وَلۡيَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ رَبَّهُ ۥ وَلَا يَبۡخَسۡ مِنۡهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ فَإِن كَانَ ٱلَّذِى عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡحَقُّ سَفِيهًا أَوۡ ضَعِيفًا أَوۡ لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُ أَن يُمِلَّ هُوَ فَلۡيُمۡلِلۡ وَلِيُّهُ ۥ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ‌ۚ وَٱسۡتَشۡہِدُواْ شَہِيدَيۡنِ مِن رِّجَالِڪُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن لَّمۡ يَكُونَا رَجُلَيۡنِ فَرَجُلٌ۬ وَٱمۡرَأَتَانِ مِمَّن تَرۡضَوۡنَ مِنَ ٱلشُّہَدَآءِ أَن تَضِلَّ إِحۡدَٮٰهُمَا فَتُذَڪِّرَ إِحۡدَٮٰهُمَا ٱلۡأُخۡرَىٰ‌ۚ وَلَا يَأۡبَ ٱلشُّہَدَآءُ إِذَا مَا دُعُواْ‌ۚ وَلَا تَسۡـَٔمُوٓاْ أَن تَكۡتُبُوهُ صَغِيرًا أَوۡ ڪَبِيرًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ أَقۡسَطُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَأَقۡوَمُ لِلشَّہَـٰدَةِ وَأَدۡنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَرۡتَابُوٓاْ‌ۖ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَ تِجَـٰرَةً حَاضِرَةً۬ تُدِيرُونَهَا بَيۡنَڪُمۡ فَلَيۡسَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ جُنَاحٌ أَلَّا تَكۡتُبُوهَا‌ۗ وَأَشۡهِدُوٓاْ إِذَا تَبَايَعۡتُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَا يُضَآرَّ كَاتِبٌ۬ وَلَا شَهِيدٌ۬‌ۚ وَإِن تَفۡعَلُواْ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ فُسُوقُۢ بِڪُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۖ وَيُعَلِّمُڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ۬ وَإِن كُنتُمۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ۬ وَلَمۡ تَجِدُواْ كَاتِبً۬ا فَرِهَـٰنٌ۬ مَّقۡبُوضَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَإِنۡ أَمِنَ بَعۡضُكُم بَعۡضً۬ا فَلۡيُؤَدِّ ٱلَّذِى ٱؤۡتُمِنَ أَمَـٰنَتَهُ ۥ وَلۡيَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ رَبَّهُ ۥ‌ۗ وَلَا تَكۡتُمُواْ ٱلشَّهَـٰدَةَ‌ۚ وَمَن يَڪۡتُمۡهَا فَإِنَّهُ ۥۤ ءَاثِمٌ۬ قَلۡبُهُ ۥ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ۬ لِّلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ وَإِن تُبۡدُواْ مَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِڪُمۡ أَوۡ تُخۡفُوهُ يُحَاسِبۡكُم بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ فَيَغۡفِرُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ

"O ye who believe! when ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing. Let a scribe write: down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear Allah, his Lord Allah and not diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses, out of your own men And if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: it is juster in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves; but if it be a transaction which ye carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if ye reduce it not to writing. But take witnesses whenever ye make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If ye do (such harm) it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah; for it is Allah that teaches you. And Allah is well acquainted with all things. If ye are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits a thing on trust, with another, let the trustee― (faithfully) discharge his trust and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knoweth all that ye do. To Allah belongeth all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether ye show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calleth you to account for it. He forgiveth whom He pleaseth, and punisheth whom He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over all things."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 282-284)
REFLECTION

Fear Allah and give up usury................

2008-05-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَذَرُواْ مَا بَقِىَ مِنَ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓاْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ فَإِن لَّمۡ تَفۡعَلُواْ فَأۡذَنُواْ بِحَرۡبٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ‌ۖ وَإِن تُبۡتُمۡ فَلَڪُمۡ رُءُوسُ أَمۡوَٲلِڪُمۡ لَا تَظۡلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظۡلَمُونَ وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسۡرَةٍ۬ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيۡسَرَةٍ۬‌ۚ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُواْ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ وَٱتَّقُواْ يَوۡمً۬ا تُرۡجَعُونَ فِيهِ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ ثُمَّ تُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ۬ مَّا ڪَسَبَتۡ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُونَ

"O ye who believe! fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers. If ye do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger: but if ye repent ye shall have your capital sums; deal not unjustly and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly. If the debtor is in a difficulty grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit if by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew. And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 278-281)
REFLECTION

Give of the good things which ye have (honourably) earned...........

2008-05-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَنفِقُواْ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا ڪَسَبۡتُمۡ وَمِمَّآ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُواْ ٱلۡخَبِيثَ مِنۡهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسۡتُم بِـَٔاخِذِيهِ إِلَّآ أَن تُغۡمِضُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ يَعِدُكُمُ ٱلۡفَقۡرَ وَيَأۡمُرُڪُم بِٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغۡفِرَةً۬ مِّنۡهُ وَفَضۡلاً۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٲسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ يُؤۡتِى ٱلۡحِڪۡمَةَ مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَمَن يُؤۡتَ ٱلۡحِڪۡمَةَ فَقَدۡ أُوتِىَ خَيۡرً۬ا ڪَثِيرً۬ا‌ۗ وَمَا يَذَّڪَّرُ إِلَّآ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ وَمَآ أَنفَقۡتُم مِّن نَّفَقَةٍ أَوۡ نَذَرۡتُم مِّن نَّذۡرٍ۬ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُهُ ۥ‌ۗ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنۡ أَنصَارٍ إِن تُبۡدُواْ ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِىَ‌ۖ وَإِن تُخۡفُوهَا وَتُؤۡتُوهَا ٱلۡفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنڪُم مِّن سَيِّـَٔاتِڪُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ۬ لَّيۡسَ عَلَيۡكَ هُدَٮٰهُمۡ وَلَـٰڪِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۗ وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ فَلِأَنفُسِڪُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ٱبۡتِغَآءَ وَجۡهِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ يُوَفَّ إِلَيۡڪُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تُظۡلَمُونَ

"O ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have (honourably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad in order, that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants and Worthy of all praise. The Satan threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promiseth you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah careth for all and He knoweth all things. He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the message but men of understanding. And whatever ye spend in charity or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers have no helpers. If ye disclose (acts of) charity even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need that is best for you: it will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do. It is not required of thee (O Messenger) to set them on the right path but Allah guides to the right path whom He pleaseth. Whatever of good ye give benefits your own souls and ye shall only do so seeking the "Face" of Allah. Whatever good ye give, shall be rendered back to you and ye shall not be dealt with unjustly."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 267-273)
REFLECTION

Cancel not your charity by reminders ...........

2008-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُبۡطِلُواْ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم بِٱلۡمَنِّ وَٱلۡأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ ۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

"O ye who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury― like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in Parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil; on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 264)
REFLECTION

Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you........

2008-05-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَنفِقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِىَ يَوۡمٌ۬ لَّا بَيۡعٌ۬ فِيهِ وَلَا خُلَّةٌ۬ وَلَا شَفَـٰعَةٌ۬‌ۗ وَٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ

"O ye who believe! spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you before the Day comes when no bargaining (will avail) nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject faith they are the wrong-doers."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 254)
REFLECTION

Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not satan's footsteps ......

2008-05-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِى ٱلسِّلۡمِ ڪَآفَّةً۬ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٲتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَڪُمۡ عَدُوٌّ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬ فَإِن زَلَلۡتُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡڪُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ فَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَڪِيمٌ هَلۡ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى ظُلَلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡغَمَامِ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةُ وَقُضِىَ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ‌ۚ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ تُرۡجَعُ ٱلۡأُمُورُ سَلۡ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ كَمۡ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ ءَايَةِۭ بَيِّنَةٍ۬‌ۗ وَمَن يُبَدِّلۡ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيَسۡخَرُونَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ‌ۘ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ فَوۡقَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَرۡزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٍ۬

"O ye who believe! enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. If ye backslide after the clear (signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? But to Allah do all questions go back (for decision). Ask the Children of Israel how many Clear (Signs) We have sent to them. But if anyone after Allah's favour has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah is strict in punishment. The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measures on whom He will."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 208-212)
REFLECTION

Ramadan is the (month) in which fasting is prescribed to you ...........

2008-05-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ أَيَّامً۬ا مَّعۡدُودَٲتٍ۬‌ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ۬ فَعِدَّةٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ‌ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ ۥ فِدۡيَةٌ۬ طَعَامُ مِسۡكِينٍ۬‌ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيۡرً۬ا فَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُواْ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ هُدً۬ى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَٱلۡفُرۡقَانِ‌ۚ فَمَن شَہِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّہۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُ‌ۖ وَمَن ڪَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ۬ فَعِدَّةٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ‌ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِڪُمُ ٱلۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِڪُمُ ٱلۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُڪۡمِلُواْ ٱلۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُڪَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَٮٰكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ‌ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ‌ۖ فَلۡيَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِى وَلۡيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِى لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡشُدُونَ أُحِلَّ لَڪُمۡ لَيۡلَةَ ٱلصِّيَامِ ٱلرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَآٮِٕكُمۡ‌ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ لِبَاسٌ۬ لَّهُنَّ‌ۗ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّڪُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَخۡتَانُونَ أَنفُسَڪُمۡ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَعَفَا عَنكُمۡ‌ۖ فَٱلۡـَٔـٰنَ بَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَٱبۡتَغُواْ مَا ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَكُلُواْ وَٱشۡرَبُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡخَيۡطُ ٱلۡأَبۡيَضُ مِنَ ٱلۡخَيۡطِ ٱلۡأَسۡوَدِ مِنَ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ‌ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّواْ ٱلصِّيَامَ إِلَى ٱلَّيۡلِ‌ۚ وَلَا تُبَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمۡ عَـٰكِفُونَ فِى ٱلۡمَسَـٰجِدِ‌ۗ تِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَقۡرَبُوهَا‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَّقُونَ

"O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.― (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free-will―it is better for him, and it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spent it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way. Permitted to you on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments. And ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah hath ordained for you and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His signs to men that they may learn self-restraint."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 183-187)
REFLECTION

The law of equality (qisas) in cases of murder .........

2008-05-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡقِصَاصُ فِى ٱلۡقَتۡلَى‌ۖ ٱلۡحُرُّ بِٱلۡحُرِّ وَٱلۡعَبۡدُ بِٱلۡعَبۡدِ وَٱلۡأُنثَىٰ بِٱلۡأُنثَىٰ‌ۚ فَمَنۡ عُفِىَ لَهُ ۥ مِنۡ أَخِيهِ شَىۡءٌ۬ فَٱتِّبَاعُۢ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَأَدَآءٌ إِلَيۡهِ بِإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ تَخۡفِيفٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬‌ۗ فَمَنِ ٱعۡتَدَىٰ بَعۡدَ ذَٲلِكَ فَلَهُ ۥ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ وَلَكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡقِصَاصِ حَيَوٰةٌ۬ يَـٰٓأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

"O ye who believe! The law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder; the free for the free the slave for the slave the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome gratitude, This is a concession and a Mercy from your Lord. After this whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty. In the law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you O ye men of understanding! that ye may restrain yourselves."
(Qur'an: 2: 178-179)
REFLECTION

Eat of the good things that you be grateful to Allah ...........

2008-05-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ڪُلُواْ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لِلَّهِ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلۡمَيۡتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ ٱلۡخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ بِهِۦ لِغَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٍ۬ وَلَا عَادٍ۬ فَلَآ إِثۡمَ عَلَيۡهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ

" O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is Him ye worship. He hath only forbidden you dead meat, and blood and the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. but if one is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits―then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 172-173)
REFLECTION

Be patient & say not those who are slain in Allah's way ..............

2008-05-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱسۡتَعِينُواْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَن يُقۡتَلُ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أَمۡوَٲتُۢ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَحۡيَآءٌ۬ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَشۡعُرُونَ وَلَنَبۡلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡخَوۡفِ وَٱلۡجُوعِ وَنَقۡصٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ‌ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ۬ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٲجِعُونَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ صَلَوَٲتٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬‌ۖ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدُونَ

" O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not. Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.― Who say: when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return." They are those on whom (descend) blessings from their Lord and Mercy and they are the ones that receive guidance."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 153-157)
REFLECTION

Say not (to the Prophet) except words of respect.............

2008-05-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَقُولُواْ رَٲعِنَا وَقُولُواْ ٱنظُرۡنَا وَٱسۡمَعُواْ‌ۗ وَلِلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ مَّا يَوَدُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَلَا ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ أَن يُنَزَّلَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ مِّن رَّبِّڪُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَخۡتَصُّ بِرَحۡمَتِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلۡفَضۡلِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ مَا نَنسَخۡ مِنۡ ءَايَةٍ أَوۡ نُنسِهَا نَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ مِّنۡہَآ أَوۡ مِثۡلِهَآ‌ۗ أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ أَلَمۡ تَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهُ ۥ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ وَمَا لَڪُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن وَلِىٍّ۬ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ أَمۡ تُرِيدُونَ أَن تَسۡـَٔلُواْ رَسُولَكُمۡ كَمَا سُٮِٕلَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۗ وَمَن يَتَبَدَّلِ ٱلۡڪُفۡرَ بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ سَوَآءَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَدَّ ڪَثِيرٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لَوۡ يَرُدُّونَكُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ إِيمَـٰنِكُمۡ كُفَّارًا حَسَدً۬ا مِّنۡ عِندِ أَنفُسِهِم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ‌ۖ فَٱعۡفُواْ وَٱصۡفَحُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَأۡتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمۡرِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬
"O ye of Faith! say not (to the Prophet) words of ambiguous import but words of respect; and hearken (to him); to those without faith is a grievous punishment. It is never the wish of those without faith among the people of the Book nor of the Polytheists That anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will for Allah is Lord of grace abounding. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar; knowest thou not that Allah hath power over all things? Knowest thou not that to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him ye have neither patron nor helper. Would ye question your Massenger as Moses was questioned of old? But whoever changeth from Faith to unbelief, hath strayed without doubt from the even way. Quite a number of the people of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the truth hath become manifest unto them; but forgive and overlook, till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah hath power over all things."
(Qur'an: Baqarah: 2: 104-109)
REFLECTION
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Go forth and strive in the way of Allah ..........

2008-05-30T00:57:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَا لَكُمۡ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱنفِرُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱثَّاقَلۡتُمۡ
إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ أَرَضِيتُم بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ فَمَا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ إِلَّا تَنفِرُواْ يُعَذِّبۡڪُمۡ عَذَابًا أَلِيمً۬ا وَيَسۡتَبۡدِلۡ قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَڪُمۡ
وَلَا تَضُرُّوهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ
"O ye who believe! what is the matter with you, that when ye are asked to go forth in the cause of Allah, ye cling heavily to the earth? Do ye prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, as compared with the Hereafter. Unless ye go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place; but Him ye would not harm in the least. For Allah hath power over all things."
(Qur'an: Taubah: 9: 38-39)
REFLECTION
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Look to what deeds you send for Hereafter .........

2008-05-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَلۡتَنظُرۡ نَفۡسٌ۬ مَّا
قَدَّمَتۡ لِغَدٍ۬‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ
وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ نَسُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۚ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ لَا يَسۡتَوِىٓ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ
وَأَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌
أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ هُمُ ٱلۡفَآٮِٕزُونَ
"O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget themselves souls! such are the rebellious transgressors! Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity."
(Qur'an: Hashr: 59: 18-19)
REFLECTION
SubHaanAllah! These verses have been one of those verses which emphasise ‘Taqwa’ – a high station indeed that every Muslim must strive for with patient perseverance.
Al-Hamdulillaah! The term ‘Taqwa’ is a commonly used term, in fact it becomes an essential subject every Friday sermon for reminding ever Muslim to adhere to.

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ

"O ye who believe! Fear Allah"

What is Taqwa?

The usual translation into English is ‘reverential fear of Allah’, which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of this term still evades many. I prefer to use term “the ‘consciousness of Allah’, which entails factors which lead to true obedience to Allah s.w.t. and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. - obedience to what Allah ordered and staying away from what Allah forbade.” Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali rhm. [Ref: “al-Ghazali – Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship”] has listed six important qualities in ‘Taqwa’ (consciousness of Allah):

[1] AWARENESS

By conscious awareness we mean the state in which one’s mind and feelings are in no way distracted from what one is doing and saying. Perception is united with action and speech. Thoughts do not wonder. When the mind remains attentive to what one is doing, when one is whole-heartedly involved, and when nothing makes one heedless, that is when one has achieved conscious awareness.

[2] UNDERSTANDING

Understanding the meaning of one’s words is something that goes beyond awareness, for one may be conscious of making an utterance, yet not be aware of the meaning of that utterance. What we mean by understanding therefore is an awareness that also include comprehension of the meaning of one’s utterance. People differ in this respect, not sharing a common understanding of the Qur’an and the glorifications (we uttered).

[3] REVERENCE

As for reverence, this is something beyond both awareness and understanding. A man may address his servant in full awareness and understanding the meaning of his words, yet without reverence, for reverence is in additional element.

[4] AWE

As for awe, it is over and above reverence. In fact, it represents a kind of fear that grows out of the latter (i.e. reverence). Without experiencing fear, one will not stand in awe. There is an ordinary fear of things we find repugnant, like scorpions or bad temper, but this is not awe. What we called awe, is the kind of fear we have for a mighty king. Awe is the kind of fear induced by a sense of majesty.

[5] HOPE

As for hope, this is unquestionably something else again. There are many who revere one or other, and who are in awe of him or afraid of his power, yet do not hope to be rewarded by him. In our prayers, however, we must hope for the reward of God, Great and Glorious is He, just as we fear His punishment for our faults.

[6] SHAME

As for shame, it is something additional to all the rest, for it is based on the realization of one’s deficiencies and the apprehension of sin. It is quite possible to conceive of reverence, fear and hope, without this element of shame
--------------------

PREPARE FOR THE HEREAFTER!

وَلۡتَنظُرۡ نَفۡسٌ۬ مَّا قَدَّمَتۡ لِغَدٍ۬‌ۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

“... and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.”

Meaning, hold yourselves accountable before you are recompensed, and contemplate what you have kept for yourselves of good deeds for the Day of your return and being paraded before your Lord, Allah asserts that surely, He knows all of your deeds -- O mankind! -- and actions. Nothing that pertains to you ever escape from His observation, nor is any matter of yours, whether major or minor, ever is beyond His knowledge. When we claim to believe in Allah and His Messenger, this must include faith in the inevitability of the Hereafter. This life here in this world (Dunya) is temporary and is of a fleeting duration. What is the maximum age that one can live? One hundred years or one hundred and thirty years? Even if it is a thousand years, it will still have to end with our death! The Hereafter is for eternity. How then can we neglect to send provision for the morrow? Do not be deceived by the ‘Secularists’ (the Ahl-al-Dunya), people who is only concern for the here and now. There are even Muslims who are advocating this ideology –
LAA HAW-LA WA-LAA QUW-WATA IL-LAA BIL-LAAH!
They would cynically either downplay any emphasis upon the teachings of al-Akhirah or even scorn Muslims who wish to place the religious concern over worldly concern, branding these sincere Muslims as being “backward, anti-development, traditional, archaic etc.” forgetting that the Qur’an emphatically places Al-Akhirah (Hereafter) to be of the utmost importance and immensely valuable over al-Dunya (worldliness). Do not be mistaken! We are not against al-Dunya (worldliness) per se, what we are against is the heedlessness of al-Akhirah (Hereafter) being deceived by false attribution of the value of worldliness; the deception that this world is equally important to the concern of the hereafter. This is further than the Truth! The worth or value of al-Akhirah in fact, cannot at all be equated with value of anything of this world. It is only when worldly matter is linked to the Hereafter that it becomes valuable. Devoid of the concern for al-Akhirah, it is worthless. Thus, what differentiate us Muslims with others is that we identify ourselves as “people who are in this world but not of this world. For, we belong to Allah, and we shall most certainly be made to return to Allah. Our Hereafter cannot be compromised for this World.” Allah s.w.t. warns us:

وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ نَسُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ
أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

“And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget themselves souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors!”

Meaning, do not forget the remembrance of Allah, the Exalted; otherwise, He will make you forget to perform the good deeds that benefit you in your return, because the recompense is equated with the action. Remembrance of Allah s.w.t. is so important, lest we forget ourselves – forgetting the purpose of our temporary life; forgetting that we are in fact being tested and there are effects (good or bad) as consequences to our thoughts and deeds; forgetting about what is lawful and forbidden; forgetting that we shall face the Judgement Day. Thus, many have strayed into sins and transgression when they become heedless of Allah s.w.t. So do not be like these transgressors. This is why Allah the Exalted said:

لَا يَسۡتَوِىٓ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ وَأَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ

“Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden”

It is so obvious yet there are Muslims who may have been deceived into thinking that there is not much difference between being a believer and those who are unbelievers. These two categories of people are never the same with regards to the judgement of Allah, the Exalted, on the Day of Resurrection, no matter what people today wish to believe. This distinction is always emphasised especially to inculcate sense of dignity and self-esteem in Muslims because, those whose faith may be weak, can easily succumb to temptation of imitating and following the false ways of 'Secularists' and the unbelievers – (the ahl-al-Dunya). Allah s.w.t. emphasises in other verses:

أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ اجْتَرَحُواْ السَّيِّئَـتِ
أَن نَّجْعَلَهُمْ كَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ
الصَّـلِحَـتِ سَوَآءً مَّحْيَـهُمْ وَمَمَـتُهُمْ
سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ

"What! Do those who seek after evil ways think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds― that equal will be their Life and their death? Ill is the judgment that they make."
(Qur’an: Jaathiyah: 45: 21)

وَمَا يَسْتَوِى الاٌّعْـمَى وَالْبَصِيرُ
وَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّـلِحَـتِ
وَلاَ الْمُسِىءُ لِيـلاً مَّا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ

"Not equal are the blind and those who (clearly) see: nor are (equal) those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and those who do evil. Little do ye learn by admonition! "
(Qur’an: Ghaafir: 40: 58)

أَمْ نَجْعَلُ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ الصَّـلِحَـتِ
كَالْمُفْسِدِينَ فِى الاٌّرْضِ أَمْ نَجْعَلُ
الْمُتَّقِينَ كَالْفُجَّارِ

"Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?"
(Qur’an: Swod: 38: 28)

Therefore, Allah s.w.t. asserts that He will honour the righteous and humiliate the sinners, and this is why He said here:

أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ هُمُ ٱلۡفَآٮِٕزُونَ

“: it is the Companions of the Garden that will achieve Felicity."

So do not be saddened nor feel that as Muslims we are ‘unsuccessful’, because true success is not in this world but in the Hereafter. It is frightening that many Muslims have slowly been duped and constantly exposed to this Secularist's propaganda making this world so alluring whereby they neglect to prepare for the Hereafter. This phenomenon becomes pervasive today in our Muslim community, so let us remind ourselves and one another to be wary. This last verse should be stamped in our hearts and mind as this is the guarantee for us by Allah s.w.t. of our worth and of those who ultimately are the successful ones.

OUR DO’A

رَبَّنَآ أَفۡرِغۡ عَلَيۡنَا صَبۡرً۬ا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسۡلِمِينَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَٱرۡحَمۡنَا وَأَنتَ
خَيۡرُ ٱلرَّٲحِمِينَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةً۬ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ
حَسَنَةً۬ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and Take our souls unto Thee as Muslims (who bow to Thy will)"!

Our Lord! We believe; then do Thou forgive us, and have mercy upon us: for Thou art the Best of those Who show mercy!'

"Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!"

O Allah! May Your Salutation, peace and blessings be upon our Leader, our beloved, the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad ibn’ ‘Abdillah, and to his household, companions and followers of the companions, and those who follow them in truth and benevolent, those who assist in this Deen, our parents, teachers, families and all Muslims, in all places and time, till the Hereafter. Aa-min!
WaAllaahu a'lam
------------------------------------------------------------

Avoid suspicion, spying and backbiting others ........

2008-05-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱجۡتَنِبُواْ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ
إِنَّ بَعۡضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثۡمٌ۬‌ۖ وَلَاتَجَسَّسُواْ وَلَا يَغۡتَب
بَّعۡضُكُم بَعۡضًا‌ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن يَأۡڪُلَ
لَحۡمَ أَخِيهِ مَيۡتً۬ا فَكَرِهۡتُمُوهُ‌ۚ
وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

O ye who believe! avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it...but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful."

(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 12)

REFLECTION

Personal inner purity demands that our thoughts and opinion of others are never allowed to be clouded, such that it may become corrupted by insinuations, conjectures or unsubstantiated reports from other sources. But our Nafs (self) tends to develop certain inclinations towards wanting to judge others especially when we are infected by self-conceit and arrogance. Thus, the commandment to avoid suspicion aims at preventing defilement of that innocence towards others already present in us. Observe the child, and we would marvel at how pure are their regard towards others.
Yet, as we grow, we become more self-aware and our personality develops complexity. We adopt traits which sullied that child-like innocence and we regard this neutrality (not harbouring any suspicion of others) not as innocence, but being a ‘naïveté.’ This is further compounded by other social influences that may encourage distrust (of various degrees) towards others, as well as our inner shortcomings of selfishness, conceit and arrogance which relish at looking down upon others. These propensity, if not managed would propel us towards inquisitiveness that tantamount to sinning against others. To be cautious is not justification to prejudge others negatively. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. advises:

“Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon one another and do not feel envy with the other, and nurse no malice, and nurse no aversion and hostility against one another. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah.
[Hadith reported by Muslim]

Unfettered inquisitiveness leads to further sins
When such inquisitiveness is not checked and tampered with justice for others – in that their honour must also be safeguarded – we may be tempted to encroach into their privacy. Our Prophet s.a.w. warns us against infringing the personal rights of others:

"All of a Muslim is prohibited to another Muslim: his blood, his honour and his property."
[Hadith reported by Muslim]

"O assembly of those who have believed with their tongues, but into whose hearts faith has not yet reached! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor seek out their secrets! For, whoever seeks out the faults of his brother, Allah will seek out his secrets. And, whoever has his secrets sought out by Allah, Allah will disgrace him, even [if he hides] in the depths of his house."
[Hadith reported by Abu Dawud]

Beware of backbiting (ghibbah)
Another dangerous malady, the outcome of inquisitiveness of others combined with our conceit which tends to rouse us into divulging the faults in others, is the sin of ‘ghibbah’ (backbiting). The Prophet s.a.w. considers this sin to be worst than adultery or imbibing intoxicant:

"Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery. A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and Allah will forgive him. But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by Allah until his companion [i.e. the one being backbited] forgives him."
[Suyuti reports in “Al-Jami` as-Saghir”, hadith from Ibn Abid-Dunya, and Abush-Shaykh, Al-Tawbikh.]

And Allah s.w.t. likens 'ghibbah' to eating the flesh of your dead brother/sister, to stress how detestable and abhorrent this sin is, Allah asks:
أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُڪُمۡ أَن يَأۡڪُلَ لَحۡمَ أَخِيهِ مَيۡتً۬ا فَكَرِهۡتُمُوهُ‌ۚ
"Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it..."
Any one who has encountered dead flesh would definitely understand how detesting to even be near it, let alone consuming it!?

Meaning of ‘ghibbah’ (backbiting)
Many people may not be aware that what may be doing is actually 'ghibbah'. Thus we need to remove any ambiguity and learn the actual meaning of 'ghibbah' (backbiting). It has been defined precisely by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. as:

"Your mentioning your brother with something about him that he dislikes [being spoken about]." Someone then asked, "How about if my brother possesses that [characteristic which I am mentioning]?" He replied, "If he possesses that which you mention, then you have [indeed] backbitten him. And, if he does not possess that which you say of him, then you have slandered him."
[Hadith reported by Muslim and Ahmad]

Exceptional cases in which 'ghibah' may be permissible

[a] Injustice. One who has suffered injustice is entitled to mention the perpetrator of that injustice to someone who is capable of restoring his
rights to him, such as a legitimate Muslim ruler or judge or police or the relevant authority - but not just anyone.

[b] Seeking help to change an evil, or to reform the wrongdoer, e.g. discussion with peers or those who can counsel and advise him to change. If the intention in telling the ‘ghibah’ is not to change the wrong but out of malice or vengeance, or merely for fun etc. then it is forbidden to relate it.

[c] Asking for a fatwa from qualified religious scholar. A person may say, 'My father/brother/wife has done such-and-such to me. What can I do about it? This is similar to No.[b].

The basis for this is:

On the authority of `A’ishah: Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, said to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), "Abu Sufyan is a miserly man, and he is not giving me what would suffice me and my child, unless I take from him without his knowing." He said, "Take what suffices you and your child according to common usage."
[Hadith reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

However, it is more precautionary to avoid mention of names, for example by asking instead, "What is the verdict regarding a person who has done such-and-such?"

[d] Warning, such as warning a prospective buyer that the merchant is a swindler, or warning a student that his prospective teacher is an innovator or a deviant. Also, revealing the faults of weak narrators and forgers of hadith, and giving someone a candid appraisal of a person whom the former is thinking of marrying.

The basis for this is:

On the authority of Fatimah bint Qays : she said, "I came to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and told him, "Abu Jahm and Mu`awiyah have [both] proposed to me." He said, "As for Mu`awiyah, he is a poor man with no money, and as for Abu Jahm, his stick never leaves his shoulder."
[Hadith reported by Bukhari, Muslim and Malik]

[e] If someone is commonly known by a nickname which he do not object to being called by it, although if there is some alternative way to refer to him, it is preferable rather than nickname. When the nickname signify evil or bad, avoid using it, even if he do not object to people using it. This is to honour him and perhaps may serve as lesson to him to not continue to demean himself.

[f] Someone who sins openly, and has no qualms about his sins being known or mentioned i.e. blatant disregard. However, it is not permissible to mention any of his secret sins (those not committed openly).

"There can be no backbiting of one who casts off the mantle of modesty."
[Suyuti reports in “Al-Jami` As-Saghir” hadith from Bayhaqi]
Allah s.w.t. wish for us to be free of these sins, out of His Compassion for us. Thus He stresses upon us to strive always to being truly conscious Him (Taqwa) and fearful of His retribution - and therefore to hasten to repentance and seek forgiveness before the Day when regret is of no use i.e. in the Hereafter on Judgement Day.
وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬
"but fear Allah: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful."
OUR DO'A
رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ ٱلنَّاسِ لِيَوۡمٍ۬ لَّا رَيۡبَ فِيهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ
رَبَّنَا فَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَڪَفِّرۡ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلۡأَبۡرَارِ رَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا
وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَىٰ رُسُلِكَ وَلَا تُخۡزِنَا يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ إِنَّكَ لَا تُخۡلِفُ ٱلۡمِيعَادَ
"Our Lord! Thou art He that will gather mankind together against a day about which there is no doubt: for Allah never fails in His promise.
Our Lord! forgive us our sins blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous. Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through They Messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: for thou never breakest Thy promise."
O Allah! Shower Your Salutation and Grace upon our Leader, Your Most Beloved Prophet, Muhammad and upon his family and progeny, his companions and all who follow and strive upon your Deen, from time to time till the Hereafter - and by their right in Your estimation we ask You for Your forgiveness and Mercy - for ourselves, our families and companions, and all those whom we love amongst the believers - aa-min "

Avoid deriding others..............

2008-05-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا يَسۡخَرۡ قَوۡمٌ۬ مِّن قَوۡمٍ
عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا مِّنۡہُمۡ

وَلَا نِسَآءٌ۬ مِّن نِّسَآءٍ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيۡرً۬ا
مِّنۡہُنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا تَلۡمِزُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ

وَلَا تَنَابَزُواْ بِٱلۡأَلۡقَـٰبِ‌ۖ بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ
بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ

فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ

"O ye who believe! let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist (and repent), are (indeed) doing wrong (evil &' unjust)."

(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 11)

REFLECTION

In our social relationship, some of us find it amusing to ridicule, mock, jeer, scoff at, laugh, make fun or taunt at others. It is especially so, when we are in a kind of cliques or grouping. Why do we do this? It is due to our self-conceit and arrogance. Never for a moment do we consider that such behaviour is wrong. In such association or gathering, each one tries to deflect attention of their own defects by projecting the weakness of others, especially of those people we consider to be outside our circle, outside our group. We feel secure with our buddies, joking and laughing like the old witches of "Macbeth" who fail to see their own evil and ugliness. Some of us even considers it a norm to do this, and any attempt at changing this behaviour amongst our peers is met with accusations of having "no sense of humour", "too serious", "no fun to be with" etc. But the "joke" is actually on us if we indulge in such practice, as Allah s.w.t. says: "it may well be that the one derided is better" than ourselves.

Deriding others has many forms. Verbal derision, sarcasm, by gesturing, mimicking or even giving nicknames - which aims at ridiculing the person. If we are to analyze what motivates our actions, it is that unashamed pride and conceit we think of ourselves. And because we are usd to directing these derision towards others, we do not feel how it can possibly hurt. What if others were to do it to us?

SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND

Although in this verse, by using the male gender it generally is quite sufficient and usually applies to both, male and female, yet Allah repeated the command by specifically addressing the women, lest some people may try to excuse themselves from this command just because they are not men. This, indeed, demonstrates the seriousness of the command, that it is to be observed by every Muslim, as it removes any ambiguity, lest some may try to seek excuse by legalistic arguments. There is no doubt that this commandment applies to every Musim - both male & female.

RESPECT DIGNITY & HONOUR OF PEOPLE

Also, one aspect of the teaching of Islam is that it emphasises respect towards the honour and dignity of others - everyone - Muslim as well as non-Muslim. All mankind are the childrem of Adam a.s. and deserves the appropriate respect because Allah s.w.t. says:
وَلَقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ
"And We have honoured the sons of Adam" (Qur'an: Isra': 17: 70)

So every mankind must be respected. Some perhaps may have tarnished this God-given honour upon themselves but, we are not to seek out nor assume this, but we are to give everyone the benefit of doubt, and unless there are clear evidence to the contrary, we are still to respect them. As towards those whom Allah s.w.t. has chosen, especially the Believers, by virtue of them being a believer, Allah s.w.t. in fact has conferred special honour upon him/her.Their honour are given with the support and assurance by Allah s.w.t. Himself, thus we are duly warned in this verse:

بِئۡسَ ٱلِٱسۡمُ ٱلۡفُسُوقُ بَعۡدَ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ‌ۚ وَمَن
لَّمۡ يَتُبۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ
"Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (Indeed) doing wrong (evil & unjust)."

WHAT'S IN THE NAME?

Our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w/ teaches us the importance of names. Amongst the duty of a father is to choose a good name for his new-born child. Those early Companions of the Prophet s.a.w. with names that signify bad or something negative, were told to change them with good names - sometimes the Prophet himself chose it, or confer it for them.

Why the stress on this? Actually one's name is the personal point of reference, around which one builds one's identity (shakhsiyah).Self referencing through what we call ourselves has auto-suggestive effect and can be a (du'a) hope of what we would like to become.

Alas, in today's world, Muslims may be influenced by trends, peers and the media world with their ways which may not be appropriate for Muslims. Nicknames, pseudonym, ID's, aliases are being adopted without care as to whether it contain positive or negative connotations. In fact there is a trend towards choosing the most abhorrent & repulsive names, as these are even regarded as trendy and cool, as its use becomes common-place. Muslims must be warned that there are names/nicknames if used by a Muslim, or even if the Muslim relented and approved of its used by others towards him - where its meanings indicates evil or anti-Islam or blasphemous - may even make him an apostate (murtad). NA -'UDzU BIL-LAA-HI MIN-DzAA-LIK!

Examplary Muslims as role-models promoting Islamic ways are indeed rare, or if there exist would be ignored by mainstream media. The media infact are promoters of todays role-models.Those Muslims who are the trend setters, or those who weild influence in media and entertainment industry, leaders in society and organizations, must be very careful not start something or suggest it in their works, be it trend or fashion or practices, that may lead to loss of Islamic values and identity amongst younger Muslims- especially amongst those who love to imitate (Hub-but-taq-lid). Remember, after being a believer, to then choose to become less than this is demeaning and an act of injustice (zulm). Unfortunately, artistes and public figure (idols) today would seek out the most controversial approaches & practices to gain publicity, rather than be the paragon of virtue showing what is most beneficial to the upliftment of the spirits (Ruh-hiyah).To loose the dignity and honour already conferred by Allah s.w.t. upon Muslims, would indeed be most regretful and unjust. Others may try to influence Muslims to shed their adherence to Islam and Islamic teachings, tempting them with their role-models. This agenda may even be adopted by Muslim promoters in media & entertainment industry, now! What would be the consequence, if this blind aping by Muslims continue unchecked? We seek the protection of Allah fro every evil & harm of this! May He always keep us and every Muslims, firmly under His Guidance.
OUR DO'A
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا
مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ
رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَإِسۡرَافَنَا فِىٓ أَمۡرِنَا
وَثَبِّتۡ أَقۡدَامَنَا وَٱنصُرۡنَا عَلَى ٱلۡقَوۡمِ
ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
"Our Lord!" (they say), "let not our hearts deviate now after Thou hast guided us, but grant us mercy from Thee: for Thou art the Grantor of bounties without measure.
Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty; establish our feet firmly and help us against those that resist Faith.
O Allah, send peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and his family and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Reckoning" Ameen.
WaAllaahu a'lam
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Be careful of malicious tales ......

2008-05-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن جَآءَكُمۡ فَاسِقُۢ بِنَبَإٍ۬
فَتَبَيَّنُوٓاْأَن تُصِيبُواْ قَوۡمَۢا بِجَهَـٰلَةٍ۬ فَتُصۡبِحُواْ
عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلۡتُمۡ نَـٰدِمِينَ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ فِيكُمۡ
رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ لَوۡ يُطِيعُكُمۡ فِى كَثِيرٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ
لَعَنِتُّمۡ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَزَيَّنَهُ ۥ
فِى قُلُوبِكُمۡ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ وَٱلۡفُسُوقَ
وَٱلۡعِصۡيَانَ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلرَّٲشِدُونَ
فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَنِعۡمَةً۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ۬
"O ye who believe! if a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.
And know that among you is Allah's Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly suffer: but Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness― A grace and favour from Allah; and Allah is full of Knowledge, and Wisdom."
(Qur'an: Hujurat: 49: 5-7)
REFLECTION
As Muslims, we are to hold all our brothers and sisters with equal respect, without harbouring any ill-thoughts concerning them. Their honour and dignity has to be safeguarded, as Islam guarantees it. But how often, our attitude towards our brother or sister would easily be affected because of news that is maliciously disseminated to disparage him/her. Whether, in the first place, is it right or wrong to spread such news, or whether story true or lies, seemed unimportant - because we would have allowed the poison to affect our opinion of the person concerned. How easily we give credence to it. We are quick to accuse, even though we may not be uttering it? The honour we held for our brother/sister quickly dissipate, and every actions done by him/her is scrutinised as though to implicate or rather with a view to confirm what we had already concluded in our minds. In fact we have already judged him/her unjustly.
Seldom, if ever, do we seek to verify from the person concerned, but we feel satisfied just with this news, although one-sided, unverified, and we shameless feel no qualms about acting prejudicely. Sometimes, we began to behave pretentiously in front of the poor brother/sister as though we are not aware of the news. Why pretend? it is because we felt ashamed for ourselves for not defending his/her honour.
Spreading news negatively about somebody to others is a cowardly act! To condone it, would be to implicate oneself with this same guilt as the one who started it. Rumour-mongering (spreading untruth about others) is indeed, not only a very dangerous and despicable social ill, it is amongst the list of forbidden acts called "kaba-ir" (major sins). Alas for us who may inadvertently been exposed to these, we must guard ourselves from believing in it, and we must not allow such unverified assertion to draw us into sinning against our brother/sister concerned.
Yet why do our nafs (desire or self) likes or is inclined to listen to such news concerning others? News of scandals and 'juicy' gossips of an acquaintance is welcomed or even sought. Perhaps we are merely pampering to our self-conceit which wants assurance of its superiority' over others; that feeling of "holier than thou!" attitude which gives us 'satisfaction'. Thus our pre-occupation with the alleged "faults" of others, makes us forget that we are the ones that is at fault, nay, clearly the ones who are guilty of sin.
In this day and age, with information technology advancing and dissemination of news becoming easy, the moral question of - "is spreading negativity (even, if it is true) of a person to the general public, a sin or not?" is never asked by Muslims! Those who are without religion may use press-freedom or 'public interest', as justification - but can Muslims use this excuse? What does Islam has to say regarding this? And those Muslims who are in journalism should ask: "Are all the codes of modern journalism compatible with Islamic ethics?" What kind of news about people can be disseminated, and how should it be presented as public knowledge, as education, without us falling foul to the strict Islamic rule for safeguarding personal honour & dignity of individuals?
Sinning against a person is indeed serious and may not be easliy forgiven by Allah, unless the person concerned is willing to forgive. And Allah's forgiveness depends upon our repentance (taubah) - And it does not constitute (taubah) repentance, unless there is the feeling of remorse (nadaam) in us and accompanied with the earnest efforts towards seeking forgiveness and making correction or reparation (kifaarat).
Iniquity (sin) and tale bearing
Tale-bearing is often a characteristic of those inclined to iniquity (faasiq) precisely because the very act of spreading unsubstantiated rumours affecting the reputations of other persons itself, is a spiritual offence - albeit a grave & serious one. Such person do not have any qualms to harm others, yet they do not dare to confront directly those whom they harbour ill-will. They cowardly 'oppresses' using this diabolical 'tale-bearing' that can 'whisper into the hearts' of other people, as described by Allah:
مِن شَرِّ ٱلۡوَسۡوَاسِ ٱلۡخَنَّاسِ ٱلَّذِى يُوَسۡوِسُ
فِى صُدُورِ ٱلنَّاسِ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنَّةِ وَٱلنَّاسِ
"From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper)― (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind― Among Jinns and among Men."
(Qur'an: An-Nas: 114: 3-6)
If we encounter such tale-bearers, we should hold to doubting them unless with unequivocal & sustantiated proof; and thus must not allow any of what they convey concerning other people to be disseminate. This should stop with us. Yet, many of us even became the very channel for many unverified news about others to spread! Especially today in the virtual internet world where such 'forwardings' seems so easy on a mere click. Some have no qualms to even post on their websites such malicious tales, casting aspersion upon people who may be unaware of it or are unable to response or defend themselves
Those guilty of such despicable act should stop and seek reparation, if not they are actually indulging, constantly and repeatedly in this sin of 'defamation' from the time they put it up for others to access. They are infact slandering continously without having to even speak. They are in fact chalking up sins, at a tremendous pace daily - nay, each time whenever there are people reading their postings and harbouring negative thoughts on the person being maligned. And they think Allah s.w.t. will not judge them - that their book of record is not constantly being kept updated? Ever wonder how would such wrong done could ever be undone?! Yet, it persists!
LAA-HAW-LA WALAA QUW-WATA IL-LA BIL-LAAH!
There are some who uses absurd qualifying phrase to somewhat justify their behaviour, like "I know this is not confirm, but do you know that so-and-so...."; or "actually I am not suppose to tell anyone but,...." etc. If others were to do the same to us, cast a slur upon our reputations, we would not have liked it, yet, why aren't we careful when our own indulgence affect the reputations of our other brothers/sisters? Remember the ruling (hukm) against those who slander against the honour of another brother/sister is indeed considered a grave oppression - a "defamation" - against them. And they would have a strong claim against those who wronged them by turning to Allah.
وَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ سَمِعۡتُمُوهُ قُلۡتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَڪَلَّمَ
بِہَـٰذَا سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ هَـٰذَا بُہۡتَـٰنٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن
تَعُودُواْ لِمِثۡلِهِۦۤ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ وَيُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ
لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ
أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلۡفَـٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ
أَلِيمٌ۬ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ
"And why did ye not when ye heard it say? "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Thee (our Lord)! this is a most serious slander!" Allah doth admonish you, that ye may never repeat such (conduct) if ye are (true) Believers. And Allah makes the Signs plain to you: for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. Those who love (to see) scandal published broadcast among the Believers, will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows and ye know not."
(Qur'an: An-Nur: 24: 16-19)

Remember also:
فقال ‏ ‏حذيفة ‏ ‏سمعت رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يقول ‏ ‏لا يدخل الجنة ‏ ‏نمام
Hudhaifah r.a., said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: "The tale-bearer will not enter Paradise." (REPORTED BY MUSLIM)
Be concern of our own faults
Many of us, shamelessly entertain the thought that we are perfect. Some even seek out Western motivational books & courses that promote enhancement of their 'super-ego'. Thus their attitude towards others will be affected by this delusion, accentuated by seeing the faults in others, not in themselves. Many of us may still be struggling with but still controlled by our 'nafs al-amaarah' (our commanding self), which makes us become pre-occupied with others to distract us from looking at what is in us. Our hands are quick to point at others, yet we forget that, fingers in that same hand is in fact pointing back at us. We should reflect and ask ourselves: "Is this the behaviour and attitude of a Muslim?" are we not ashame! Remember what our Prophet s.a.w. said in one report:
"O You Muslim (who claim yourself as one) with your mouth! But Faith (iiman) has not entered your hearts; do not cause annoyance towards other Muslims by making fun of them and searching for their faults. This is because whosoever likes to search for the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah in turn will seach out his faults. When Allah searches out someone's faults, He will expose whatever secrets that the person has, even if it were (hidden) in his baggage." (Hadeeth)
Strive from being Muslim, to become a Mu'min
We ought to know better that as Muslims, we have the perfect example of our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He would never act based on unverified assertions, nor would he be inclined to people's opinion but he would always seek the inspirations and guidance of Allah s.w.t. :
وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ فِيكُمۡ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ لَوۡ يُطِيعُكُمۡ فِى كَثِيرٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ لَعَنِتُّمۡ
"And know that among you is Allah's Messenger: were he, in many matters, to follow your (wishes), ye would certainly suffer"
Such was the nature of Muhammad s.a.w. and were the nature of his close companions r.a. whose life he moulded. These pure souls were instilled by the Grace of Allah with that characteristics mentioned here as:
وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ وَزَيَّنَهُ ۥ فِى قُلُوبِكُمۡ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ وَٱلۡفُسُوقَ وَٱلۡعِصۡيَانَ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلرَّٲشِدُونَ
"but Allah has endeared the Faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts and He has made hateful to you unbelief, wickedness and rebellion: such indeed are those who walk in righteousness―"
[1] They see Faith (iiman) as something most dear and valuable; a bestowal from Allah to them. They were very careful in striving to preserve this. They indulge constantly in seeking forgiveness of Allah s.w.t. seeking to remove any stain or blemishes upon their Faith (iiman).Thus, any act or deeds which compromises this would be rejected out right.
[2] Not only that, Faith (iiman) is adorned in their hearts. If the ''Qalb"(mind/heart) is the centre from which radiates all our actions, then from such people will manifest everything which such Faith (iiman) represents. They exude every goodness.
[3] When their hearts is filled with Faith (iiman), then it definitely will react against any other values contrary to Faith (iiman). It resent and is hateful towards "Kufr" (denial of Truth); "Fusuq" (iniquities or sinful things) and "Isw-yaan" (rebellion against goodness).
Such were the people whom Allah s.w.t, reffered to as the Rightly Guided (RAA-SYIDUUN) - May Allah make us to be like them too - AAMIN
WaAllahu a'lam
OUR DO'A
رَّبَّنَا عَلَيۡكَ تَوَكَّلۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ أَنَبۡنَا وَإِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
رَبَّنَا لَا تَجۡعَلۡنَا فِتۡنَةً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا رَبَّنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ
أَنتَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ
رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ
فِى قُلُوبِنَا غِلاًّ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ
"Our Lord! in Thee do we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) final Goal.
"Our Lord! Make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord! For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
"Our Lord! Forgive us, and our brethren who came before us into the Faith and leave not in our hearts, rancour (or sense of injury) against those who have believed Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of Kindness, Most Merciful."
Aa-meen!
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