Yahya ibn Mu’adh was once asked, ‘When does a slave reach the ranks of Ridha (being pleased with Allah)?’ He said: “When he acts upon 4 principles with which he deals with his Lord: That he says: ‘(O Allah), if You give me, I shall accept and if You prevent me, then I shall be content. If You were to leave me, I shall still worship You, and were to call me I shall indeed answer.” [Hilyat al-Awliya'] Being pleased with Allah `azza wa jall no matter what happens is from the … [Read more...]
Why we shouldn’t worry about Pastor Terry Jones and his likes
September 14, 2010 By
Say: "If both humanity and jinn banded together to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could never produce anything like it, even if they backed each other up." [The Quran, 17: 88] A few days ago, I was watching the news when I saw a report about Pastor Terry Jones who is planning to burn the Qur'an on 9/11. At first, I got really sad and upset and I wanted to cry at the thought that the beautiful words of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala were going to be burnt. I wonder if Terry Jones ever … [Read more...]
Unity Within the Self: The First Step to Unity
February 22, 2010 By
There is a saying that the longest journey is from the head to the heart. We know, of course, that physically only a few inches separate the head from the heart, but emotionally and psychologically, it could be many miles; or if measured in time, trying to connect the head and the heart could take months, years, or even an eternity. The journey from the head to the heart is a long and difficult journey. It’s a journey from what we think and say to what we really believe and do; from the world … [Read more...]
Advice on Anger & Hardships
February 12, 2010 By
Sometimes someone becomes angry when a hardship or affliction befalls him. How does Islam look at this situation? People, during circumstances of affliction or difficulties, are at four levels: First Level – Angry Such people become angry. This can be in different ways. For instance, the anger is by the heart as if he is angry at his Lord. So, he gets angry with what Allah has decreed for him, and this (level) is not permissible. It’s possible that it could even … [Read more...]
Ten things we Waste
February 11, 2010 By
1. Knowledge: Wasted when not taking action with it. 2. Actions: Wasted when we do anything without sincerity. Intentions count. 3. Wealth: Wasted when used on things that will not bring us âjr (reward). We waste our money, our status, our authority, on things that have no benefit in this life or in âkhirah (The Hereafter). 4. Hearts: Wasted when empty from the love of Allah, and the longing for Him/Her, and devoid of peace & contentment. … [Read more...]
Got a Problem?
February 8, 2010 By
The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how Allah wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways Allah wants to use the problems in your life: 1. Allah uses problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point … [Read more...]
Some points on Q&A sessions
October 27, 2009 By
Asking questions to the speaker after a lecture has become an expected routine. This practice is encouraged without any discretion. Islamically, there is a lot to be learned in this matter. I would like to remind readers to ponder over some important points before they pose their questions. Firstly, how well do you know this speaker, and what is their area of expertise? Can you trust them with your Deen? Have they been invited to this gathering because they speak well or are a good fundraiser, … [Read more...]
How to Benefit From Religious Talks
October 19, 2009 By
1. Correct intention: The prime intention is of self-rectification; the purification of the soul. We should come with this intention that what is being said is a mirror and I will look at my life in the mirror of what is being said. Whatever dark spots I will notice I will clean them. We should listen to what is being said and compare it immediately with our life in order to assess whether that item is in our life or not. With the correct intention three further things are required: … [Read more...]
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