PSYCH! QUICK POST!
I'm looking for a replacement app for Duas. The one I have is comprehensive (VERY COMPREHENSIVE) but is lacking in the navigation and user friendliness department. I'd also like it to be free. I came across this one:
Imake Dua (http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/imake-dua/id356925192?mt=8)
It's pretty, easy to read, and easy to navigate. It features a "Favorites" option, and (like the other one) takes it's material from "Fortification of the Muslim Through Remembrance and Supplication from the Quran and Sunnah" (GREAT book by the way).
The negative qualities however, are that the search option is more of an index page than a word search, and the home screen doesn't include every section of the book. It has "When waking up", "When leaving home", "Going to the masjid" for instance, but doesn't have a button for more random ones like making Wuduu, or in times of fear. I suppose that's okay though; they did put "Dua Throughout the Day" at the top of the home screen, and you can always add those to favourites.
If anyone knows of a better app, I'd like to hear about it! :D
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Fajr as a Lawyer?
I WAS going to write an article on the khutba I heard on friday, but unfortunately I can't actually find any information on it. :(
Our Imam was talking about the benefits of waking up to pray fajr, and one of the benefits he said which he read in a book (which caught me by suprise because I was expecting him to say something else) was that the fajr prayer will act as an intermediary between your soul and the angels of the grave. Quoting this book (I REALLY wish I remembered which one it was, I'll ask him when I get a chance), he said that after you're dead, and you've been put in your grave, and you can hear the footsteps of the people leaving, two angels will come to you (Munkar and Nakir):
Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him: What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ? He will say: I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle. Then it will be said to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' " The Prophet added, "The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to theangels, 'I do not know, but I used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, 'Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Quran).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and jinns." (Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #422)
but our Imam said (according to this book) that a very handsome man will also come to you (before these angels do), and he'll tell you to keep quiet and let him do the talking. After the interview, you'll ask this guy who he is and he'll respond by saying something like "don't you recognize me? I'm your fajr prayer which you would leave your sleep to do!".
Now I've heard this, which I can't find in any book of hadith and I'm actually not going to repeat word for word because fake hadith's should roll over and die, but it says that the handsome man is instead one's Quranic recitation which they used to do throughout their life.
If I read it online I'd be relatively skeptical of course, but this is the local Imam, and he has an enormous responsibility to transmit only true information. At any rate, if anyone has any information on this, or knows where I can find it or where it came from, please let me know. If I find anything I'll update this article, isA.
Our Imam was talking about the benefits of waking up to pray fajr, and one of the benefits he said which he read in a book (which caught me by suprise because I was expecting him to say something else) was that the fajr prayer will act as an intermediary between your soul and the angels of the grave. Quoting this book (I REALLY wish I remembered which one it was, I'll ask him when I get a chance), he said that after you're dead, and you've been put in your grave, and you can hear the footsteps of the people leaving, two angels will come to you (Munkar and Nakir):
Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their foot steps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him: What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ? He will say: I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle. Then it will be said to him, 'Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' " The Prophet added, "The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to theangels, 'I do not know, but I used to say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, 'Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Quran).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings and jinns." (Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #422)
but our Imam said (according to this book) that a very handsome man will also come to you (before these angels do), and he'll tell you to keep quiet and let him do the talking. After the interview, you'll ask this guy who he is and he'll respond by saying something like "don't you recognize me? I'm your fajr prayer which you would leave your sleep to do!".
Now I've heard this, which I can't find in any book of hadith and I'm actually not going to repeat word for word because fake hadith's should roll over and die, but it says that the handsome man is instead one's Quranic recitation which they used to do throughout their life.
If I read it online I'd be relatively skeptical of course, but this is the local Imam, and he has an enormous responsibility to transmit only true information. At any rate, if anyone has any information on this, or knows where I can find it or where it came from, please let me know. If I find anything I'll update this article, isA.
Monday, December 13, 2010
9th and 10th of Muharram
Early Post! :D
This 15th and 16th (by my watch) are the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and you know what that means! FASTING!!! Just google 9th and 10th of Muharram, if you don't believe me. Anyway, here's some proof for fasting on the 10th (the 9th was a bit of an afterthought towards the end of Prophet Muhammad SAW's life):
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: When the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet said, "I am closer to Moses than they." So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. (Bukhari, Book #55, Hadith #609)
So what's in it for you? Well, how about a heaping plateful of FORGIVENESS!!
"...He (Prophet Muhammad SAW) was asked about fasting on the day of 'Ashura (10th of muharram), whereupon be said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year. (Imam Muslim said that in this hadith there is a) narration of Imam Shu'ba that he was asked about fasting on Monday and Thursday, but we (Imam Muslim) did not mention Thursday for we found it as an error (in reporting)." (Muslim, Book #006, Hadith #2603)
What's interesting though, is that a bunch of other stuff happened on this day. So MUCH stuff actually, over such a long period too....
(from: http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/ashura.htm who in turn got it from: Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani)
On this day in History:
1) Allah (SWT) accepted the repentance of Prophet Adam (AS) after his exile from Paradise;
2) Allah (SWT) saved Sayyidina Noah (AS) and his companions in the ark;
3) Allah (SWT) extinguished the fire in which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was thrown by Nimrod
4) Allah (SWT) spoke directly to Prophet Musa (AS) and gave him the Commandments.
5) Prophet Ayyub (AS) was restored to health (from leprosy);
6) Prophet Yusuf (AS) was reunited with his father Ya’qub (AS);
7) Prophet Yunus (AS) was taken out from the belly of the fish;
8) The sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed.
9) The kingdom of Sulaiman (AS) was restored;
10) Prophet Isa (AS) was raised to Jannah; and
11) Al- Imam Husayn (RA) (the Holy Nabi’s, Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.
I've also read stuff about the Day of Qiyama (judgement day) starting on Ashura (no quotes though, sorry). I WAS going to say " I bet it'll be on this day that Dajjal comes too!" but if you look at all these events, they're all happy events. Saving, restoring, healing, forgiving....Dajjal's arrival doesn't fit with that....so, I'm guessing Jesus (AS) is gonna come back on this day then!
Happy Fasting! :D
This 15th and 16th (by my watch) are the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and you know what that means! FASTING!!! Just google 9th and 10th of Muharram, if you don't believe me. Anyway, here's some proof for fasting on the 10th (the 9th was a bit of an afterthought towards the end of Prophet Muhammad SAW's life):
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: When the Prophet came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet said, "I am closer to Moses than they." So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it. (Bukhari, Book #55, Hadith #609)
So what's in it for you? Well, how about a heaping plateful of FORGIVENESS!!
"...He (Prophet Muhammad SAW) was asked about fasting on the day of 'Ashura (10th of muharram), whereupon be said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year. (Imam Muslim said that in this hadith there is a) narration of Imam Shu'ba that he was asked about fasting on Monday and Thursday, but we (Imam Muslim) did not mention Thursday for we found it as an error (in reporting)." (Muslim, Book #006, Hadith #2603)
What's interesting though, is that a bunch of other stuff happened on this day. So MUCH stuff actually, over such a long period too....
(from: http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/ashura.htm who in turn got it from: Ghunya li-Talibi Tariq al-Haqq, Sayyidina Abdul Qadir al-Jilani)
On this day in History:
1) Allah (SWT) accepted the repentance of Prophet Adam (AS) after his exile from Paradise;
2) Allah (SWT) saved Sayyidina Noah (AS) and his companions in the ark;
3) Allah (SWT) extinguished the fire in which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was thrown by Nimrod
4) Allah (SWT) spoke directly to Prophet Musa (AS) and gave him the Commandments.
5) Prophet Ayyub (AS) was restored to health (from leprosy);
6) Prophet Yusuf (AS) was reunited with his father Ya’qub (AS);
7) Prophet Yunus (AS) was taken out from the belly of the fish;
8) The sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed.
9) The kingdom of Sulaiman (AS) was restored;
10) Prophet Isa (AS) was raised to Jannah; and
11) Al- Imam Husayn (RA) (the Holy Nabi’s, Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.
I've also read stuff about the Day of Qiyama (judgement day) starting on Ashura (no quotes though, sorry). I WAS going to say " I bet it'll be on this day that Dajjal comes too!" but if you look at all these events, they're all happy events. Saving, restoring, healing, forgiving....Dajjal's arrival doesn't fit with that....so, I'm guessing Jesus (AS) is gonna come back on this day then!
Happy Fasting! :D
Friday, December 10, 2010
How Did You Sleep?
Most of us know the Sunnah of sleeping:
Make Wudu, lie on your right side, stick your right hand under your cheek, recite some stuff, sleep:
Narrated Hafsah, Ummul Mu'minin: When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) wanted to go to sleep, he put his right hand under his cheek and would then say three times: O Allah, guard me from Thy punishment on the day when Thou raisest up Thy servants. (Sunan Abudawud, Book #41, Hadith #5027)
Narrated Al-Bara 'bin 'Azib: The Prophet said to me, "Whenever you go to bed perform ablution like that for the prayer, lie or your right side and say, "Allahumma aslamtu wajhi ilaika, wa fauwadtu amri ilaika, wa alja'tu Zahri ilaika raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika. La Malja' wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Allahumma amantu bikitabika-l-ladhi anzalta wa bina-biyika-l ladhi arsalta" (O Allah! I surrender to You and entrust all my affairs to You and depend upon You for Your Blessings both with hope and fear of You. There is no fleeing from You, and there is no place of protection and safety except with You O Allah! I believe in Your Book (the Qur'an) which You have revealed and in Your Prophet (Muhammad) whom You have sent). Then if you die on that very night, you will die with faith (i.e. or the religion of Islam). Let the aforesaid words be your last utterance (before sleep)." (Bukhari Book #4, Hadith #247)
But did you know that each side is different?
From http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=19&CATE=30
"Sleeping on one’s back is the sleep of the prophets, who contemplate the creation of the heavens and earth [f: when without a roof on their heads]; sleep on the right side is the sleep of scholars and worshippers; sleep on the left is the sleep of kings to digest food; and sleeping on one’s face is the sleep of devils and the unbelievers.” (al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya fi Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya, 4: 177)
You know what else is interesting? I'm pretty sure if you sleep on your stomach you'll get nightmares. Try it, lemme know how it goes. :P
Make Wudu, lie on your right side, stick your right hand under your cheek, recite some stuff, sleep:
Narrated Hafsah, Ummul Mu'minin: When the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) wanted to go to sleep, he put his right hand under his cheek and would then say three times: O Allah, guard me from Thy punishment on the day when Thou raisest up Thy servants. (Sunan Abudawud, Book #41, Hadith #5027)
Narrated Al-Bara 'bin 'Azib: The Prophet said to me, "Whenever you go to bed perform ablution like that for the prayer, lie or your right side and say, "Allahumma aslamtu wajhi ilaika, wa fauwadtu amri ilaika, wa alja'tu Zahri ilaika raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika. La Malja' wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Allahumma amantu bikitabika-l-ladhi anzalta wa bina-biyika-l ladhi arsalta" (O Allah! I surrender to You and entrust all my affairs to You and depend upon You for Your Blessings both with hope and fear of You. There is no fleeing from You, and there is no place of protection and safety except with You O Allah! I believe in Your Book (the Qur'an) which You have revealed and in Your Prophet (Muhammad) whom You have sent). Then if you die on that very night, you will die with faith (i.e. or the religion of Islam). Let the aforesaid words be your last utterance (before sleep)." (Bukhari Book #4, Hadith #247)
But did you know that each side is different?
From http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=19&CATE=30
"Sleeping on one’s back is the sleep of the prophets, who contemplate the creation of the heavens and earth [f: when without a roof on their heads]; sleep on the right side is the sleep of scholars and worshippers; sleep on the left is the sleep of kings to digest food; and sleeping on one’s face is the sleep of devils and the unbelievers.” (al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya fi Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya, 4: 177)
You know what else is interesting? I'm pretty sure if you sleep on your stomach you'll get nightmares. Try it, lemme know how it goes. :P
Friday, December 3, 2010
Iblis, Dajjal, and the Triangle
I was supposed to be doing homework one day, when I started thinking about the Bermuda Triangle. For those who don't know, the Bermuda Triangle is a triangular region off the coast of Cuba (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Triangle) where all kinds of strange stuff is reported to have happened. Mostly ships and planes disappearing, but I've also read time slowing or standing still and UFO sightings. Then I remembered a hadith (which I posted a while ago) about the Dajjal being trapped on an island until it's time for him to show up, so I Googled "Bermuda Triangle and Dajjal" and it turns out a lot of other muslims have the same idea; what if the Dajjal's island is IN the Bermuda Triangle?? Things got weird, and a LOT of unsourced information was available. Things like, Dajjal being there, and people getting shipwrecked and brainwashed by Iblis and djinn's into worshipping him, illusions, LOTS of crazy, but not 100% deniable stuff (Allahu3lam as we say). Of course, SCIENCE has to go ruin all the fun by saying that there's just a massive pocket of methane under the ocean at that point which causes the ships and planes to drop (apparently this CAN happen). Still, wouldn't it be FASCINATING to see what's actually there? What if he is there? The Dajjal, bound and chained in his prison, heck Iblis's throne too! That'd be something cool to see:
From Sahih Muslim:
Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: iblis places his throne upon water; he then sends detachments (for creating dissension) ; the nearer to him in rank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: I did so and so. And he says: You have done nothing. Then one amongst them comes and says: I did not spare so and so until I sowed the seed of discord between a husband and a wife. The Satan goes near him and says: 'You have done well. A'mash said: He then embraces him. (Book #039, Hadith #6755)
Dajjal on an Island (it's a LONG hadith)
http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=041&translator=2&start=0&number=7028#7028
Also, it turns out there are 2 Other Triangles where unexplained stuff has happened:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil's_Sea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Michigan_Triangle
for MORE treats like this, just google Al-Khidr, or "The Green Man". Interesting Stuff to be found, interesting stuff.
From Sahih Muslim:
Jabir reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: iblis places his throne upon water; he then sends detachments (for creating dissension) ; the nearer to him in rank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: I did so and so. And he says: You have done nothing. Then one amongst them comes and says: I did not spare so and so until I sowed the seed of discord between a husband and a wife. The Satan goes near him and says: 'You have done well. A'mash said: He then embraces him. (Book #039, Hadith #6755)
Dajjal on an Island (it's a LONG hadith)
http://searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=041&translator=2&start=0&number=7028#7028
Also, it turns out there are 2 Other Triangles where unexplained stuff has happened:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil's_Sea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Michigan_Triangle
for MORE treats like this, just google Al-Khidr, or "The Green Man". Interesting Stuff to be found, interesting stuff.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
No Post on Friday
Hi dear reader, sorry I don't have a post for you this week. I had a MASSIVE project due on friday, and no backup posts. Insha'Allah I'll have a fresh informative post for you this coming friday...oh wait...I have my first final that day....I'll see what I can do....
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sincerity of Intentions
Who likes praise? Of course you do. Don't you feel good when people say nice things about you? Doesn't it feel good when someone compliments you? Why did you start praying as a child? Wasn't it partially because of how your parents said "Good job!" or "Lovely girl/boy!"? Comeoooon, I know you.
Unfortunately, our religion is very much opposed to doing things for show. Basically, we get rewarded by the one we do things for. Do stuff for God, God rewards you. Do stuff for show, and your audience will reward you. You know, because they CAN do that in the afterlife right? What? They can't? That sucks..... So what do you do? How can you tell when you're doing stuff for God and when you're doing stuff for show? It's not always black and white, at least not to me.
For instance, in our masjid, the donation box is a CLEAR (God knows why) acrylic box right in the entranceway to the prayer hall. So I'm waiting behind the guy in front of me and he drops in a $20. Immediately "Oh no. Do I drop in my twoonie? That'll make me look cheap! Maybe I should drop in the $20, but then I'll look like a big spender, lots of people here can't afford to drop a $20..."
Same with prayers: "Alright, should I pray now? Or later? I COULD maybe pray at home...if I pray here people will see me. They might say good things about me and maybe it'll reach one of the lovely ladies who are here (what? I wanna get married someday...;P). Should I do the sunnah prayer? If I don't, people will think I'm a bad muslim...or a lazy one.."
So what to do? Well, IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, a quote from Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind:
"In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."
So, in terms of charity:
The right thing to do is to give to charity FOR GOD. You get your reward, needy people get aid. Everything is good.
The wrong thing to do is to give to charity to show off. This is the next best thing because, although you get nothing in the afterlife, you may still get the reputation you sought (it's better than nothing, right?) and hopefully there's still time for you to get your priorities in order, AND at least needy people get aid. At the very least, someone will benefit from your arrogance.
The worst thing to do is nothing because that doesn't benefit anyone. Neither yourself or anyone else.
As for prayer:
The right thing to do is to pray because THE ALL POWERFUL LORD RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING YOUR ETERNAL HAPPINESS OR MISERY said so and it makes Him happy.
The next best thing to do is to pray to show off. While this doesn't benefit anyone else, you STILL have to pray because God told you to, you MAY get the reputation you sought, which may lead to good things and opportunities for redemption, also, seeing you pray may encourage others to do the same.
Unfortunately, YOU are still in trouble:
Narrated Abu Said: I heard the Prophet saying, "Allah will bring forth the severest Hour, and then all the Believers, men and women, will prostrate themselves before Him, but there will remain those who used to prostrate in the world for showing off and for gaining good reputation. Such people will try to prostrate (on the Day of Judgment) but their back swill be as stiff as if it is one bone (a single vertebra)." (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #441)
But here's something to hold on to:
"The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire to eat away those traces. So they will come out of the fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the fire as mere skeletons. The Water of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water." (Bukhari, Book 12, Hadith 770)
And the worst thing to do is nothing because you've totally ignored God's command, benefitted no one, and in a way, encouraged others not to pray, by not setting some kind of example.
Next, a little trick I use. When I hear the devil pointing at me and claiming I'm showing off, I look at the action. If I would do the action, whether everyone was watching or not, then I'm not doing it to show off. Like prayer; while I have some difficulty doing the sunnahs, the fard prayers are no problem because no matter who's watching, I'm GOING to do them. You DON'T MESS AROUND WITH THE FARD PRAYERS. Bad things will happen. :( As for the charity, I still try to give as discretely as possible, but I just remind myself I'd do it anyway, AND as I'm putting it in the box I, in my mind or by muttering, dedicated it to God. I like to make it sound like a transaction too; "Dear God, I'm giving this $XX bill for you in exchange for a good wife/help with academia/waterfront property in heaven/forgiveness....". That makes it easier because it reminds me why I'm donating.
And these can apply to anything, from baking cupcakes, to lending notes! Good luck out there! Oh, and maybe I'm totally wrong. Maybe doing things to show off IS worse than doing nothing, and I only hope that God forgives me for leading you all astray if that is the case.
Allah (SWT) knows best.
Unfortunately, our religion is very much opposed to doing things for show. Basically, we get rewarded by the one we do things for. Do stuff for God, God rewards you. Do stuff for show, and your audience will reward you. You know, because they CAN do that in the afterlife right? What? They can't? That sucks..... So what do you do? How can you tell when you're doing stuff for God and when you're doing stuff for show? It's not always black and white, at least not to me.
For instance, in our masjid, the donation box is a CLEAR (God knows why) acrylic box right in the entranceway to the prayer hall. So I'm waiting behind the guy in front of me and he drops in a $20. Immediately "Oh no. Do I drop in my twoonie? That'll make me look cheap! Maybe I should drop in the $20, but then I'll look like a big spender, lots of people here can't afford to drop a $20..."
Same with prayers: "Alright, should I pray now? Or later? I COULD maybe pray at home...if I pray here people will see me. They might say good things about me and maybe it'll reach one of the lovely ladies who are here (what? I wanna get married someday...;P). Should I do the sunnah prayer? If I don't, people will think I'm a bad muslim...or a lazy one.."
So what to do? Well, IN MY PERSONAL OPINION, a quote from Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind:
"In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."
So, in terms of charity:
The right thing to do is to give to charity FOR GOD. You get your reward, needy people get aid. Everything is good.
The wrong thing to do is to give to charity to show off. This is the next best thing because, although you get nothing in the afterlife, you may still get the reputation you sought (it's better than nothing, right?) and hopefully there's still time for you to get your priorities in order, AND at least needy people get aid. At the very least, someone will benefit from your arrogance.
The worst thing to do is nothing because that doesn't benefit anyone. Neither yourself or anyone else.
As for prayer:
The right thing to do is to pray because THE ALL POWERFUL LORD RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING YOUR ETERNAL HAPPINESS OR MISERY said so and it makes Him happy.
The next best thing to do is to pray to show off. While this doesn't benefit anyone else, you STILL have to pray because God told you to, you MAY get the reputation you sought, which may lead to good things and opportunities for redemption, also, seeing you pray may encourage others to do the same.
Unfortunately, YOU are still in trouble:
Narrated Abu Said: I heard the Prophet saying, "Allah will bring forth the severest Hour, and then all the Believers, men and women, will prostrate themselves before Him, but there will remain those who used to prostrate in the world for showing off and for gaining good reputation. Such people will try to prostrate (on the Day of Judgment) but their back swill be as stiff as if it is one bone (a single vertebra)." (Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #441)
But here's something to hold on to:
"The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire to eat away those traces. So they will come out of the fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the fire as mere skeletons. The Water of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water." (Bukhari, Book 12, Hadith 770)
And the worst thing to do is nothing because you've totally ignored God's command, benefitted no one, and in a way, encouraged others not to pray, by not setting some kind of example.
Next, a little trick I use. When I hear the devil pointing at me and claiming I'm showing off, I look at the action. If I would do the action, whether everyone was watching or not, then I'm not doing it to show off. Like prayer; while I have some difficulty doing the sunnahs, the fard prayers are no problem because no matter who's watching, I'm GOING to do them. You DON'T MESS AROUND WITH THE FARD PRAYERS. Bad things will happen. :( As for the charity, I still try to give as discretely as possible, but I just remind myself I'd do it anyway, AND as I'm putting it in the box I, in my mind or by muttering, dedicated it to God. I like to make it sound like a transaction too; "Dear God, I'm giving this $XX bill for you in exchange for a good wife/help with academia/waterfront property in heaven/forgiveness....". That makes it easier because it reminds me why I'm donating.
And these can apply to anything, from baking cupcakes, to lending notes! Good luck out there! Oh, and maybe I'm totally wrong. Maybe doing things to show off IS worse than doing nothing, and I only hope that God forgives me for leading you all astray if that is the case.
Allah (SWT) knows best.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Random Hadith Filler
I haven't had time to find a real interesting topic to talk about, so here's a couple of hadiths to tide you over. Hopefully I'll get my work under control and will be able to post a proper article soon. :)
Allah SWT's Messenger (SAW) said: "Do you know the thing which most commonly brings people into Paradise? It is fear of Allah and good character. Do you know what most commonly brings people into Hell? It is the two hollow thins: the mouth and the private parts." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Whoever wants to know what Allah has prepared for him, should look to what he has prepared for Allah." (Abu Nu'aym, al-Hilyah. Silsilah as-Saheehah (sound chain) #2310)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "All of a human being's words count against him and not for him, except commanding the right, forbidding the wrong, and the mention of Allah Most High." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "O people, your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "he who does not show mercy to people, Allah also does not show mercy to him." (Bukhari)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "A gate of paradise will open to one of those who mock people and a cry will be heard, "Come ehre, come here," and he will come forward in concern and anxiety, but when he reaches it, it will close in front of him. And this will happen again and again, until the gate will open and the cry "Come here, come here" will be heard as before, but he will not approach because he knows it will only close in front of him." (Ibn Abi Dunya)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "The thing which has obscenity will be spoilt by it and the thing which has modesty will be beautified by it." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "If you take care of the commands of Allah, Allah will take care of you (and you will find Allah with you)." (hadith of Ibn Abbas)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said (regarding fasting the day of Arafa): "It expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year" (Muslim) (*****Arafah is supposed to be this coming monday!! November the 15th!! Ya'll get yer fast on!! :D )
Allah SWT's Messenger (SAW) said: "Do you know the thing which most commonly brings people into Paradise? It is fear of Allah and good character. Do you know what most commonly brings people into Hell? It is the two hollow thins: the mouth and the private parts." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Whoever wants to know what Allah has prepared for him, should look to what he has prepared for Allah." (Abu Nu'aym, al-Hilyah. Silsilah as-Saheehah (sound chain) #2310)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "All of a human being's words count against him and not for him, except commanding the right, forbidding the wrong, and the mention of Allah Most High." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "O people, your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "he who does not show mercy to people, Allah also does not show mercy to him." (Bukhari)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "A gate of paradise will open to one of those who mock people and a cry will be heard, "Come ehre, come here," and he will come forward in concern and anxiety, but when he reaches it, it will close in front of him. And this will happen again and again, until the gate will open and the cry "Come here, come here" will be heard as before, but he will not approach because he knows it will only close in front of him." (Ibn Abi Dunya)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "The thing which has obscenity will be spoilt by it and the thing which has modesty will be beautified by it." (Tirmidhi)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said: "If you take care of the commands of Allah, Allah will take care of you (and you will find Allah with you)." (hadith of Ibn Abbas)
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Said (regarding fasting the day of Arafa): "It expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year" (Muslim) (*****Arafah is supposed to be this coming monday!! November the 15th!! Ya'll get yer fast on!! :D )
Friday, November 5, 2010
Islam and Racism
Short answer: We don't do racism. No one is better than anyone else for any reason other than their own hard work in fearing God.
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action." - Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s last sermon.
Also, God made people of different shapes, colours and genetic makeup as a sign of his creativity, so none of this "I can only marry someone from my country" nonsense. I have yet to meet the offspring of two people who are really far apart, genetically, that isn't beautiful, which is what you'd expect; farther apart, means more DNA combinations since there are fewer duplicates!
Also, don't call people by hurtful or derogatory names.
O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked"]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). (49:11)
I know, sometimes people call each other mean names in fun, but we probably shouldn't; you never know, although they may not show it, they may really be hurt!
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action." - Prophet Muhammad (SAW)'s last sermon.
O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqun (the pious. See V.2:2)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)
Also, God made people of different shapes, colours and genetic makeup as a sign of his creativity, so none of this "I can only marry someone from my country" nonsense. I have yet to meet the offspring of two people who are really far apart, genetically, that isn't beautiful, which is what you'd expect; farther apart, means more DNA combinations since there are fewer duplicates!
Also, don't call people by hurtful or derogatory names.
O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked"]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). (49:11)
I know, sometimes people call each other mean names in fun, but we probably shouldn't; you never know, although they may not show it, they may really be hurt!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Hygiene
I sit behind a guy in one of my classes, and I can smell his WELL NEAR SINFUL B.O from THREE. ROWS. BACK. I would also like to mention, there is no real air circulation in that room. He smells so bad, HIS OWN SCENT WANTS TO GET AWAY FROM HIM.
THANK GOD, we have rules in place to prevent us from smelling like that:
1) Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Ghusl (taking a bath) on Friday is compulsory for everyMuslim reaching the age of puberty." (Bukhari, Book #12, Hadith #817)
2) Narrated Abu Said: I testify that Allah's Apostle said, "The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Siwak, and the using of perfume if it is available." Amr (a sub-narrator) said, "I confirm that the taking of a bath is compulsory, but as for the Siwak and the using of perfume, Allah knows better whether it is obligatory or not, but according to the Hadith it is as above.") (Bukhari, Book #13, Hadith #5)
3) Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said "We are the last (to come amongst the nations) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection. They were given the Holy Scripture before us and we were given the Quran after them. And this was the day (Friday) about which they differed and Allah gave us the guidance (for that). So tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) is the Jews' (day), and the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday) is the Christians'." The Prophet (p.b.u.h) remained silent (for a while) and then said, "It is obligatory for everyMuslim that he should take a bath once in seven days, when he should wash his head and body." Narrated Abu Huraira through different narrators that the Prophet said, "It is Allah's right on every Muslim that he should take a bath (at least) once in seven days." (Bukhari, Book #13, Hadith #21)
4) Narrated 'Aisha: An Ansari woman asked the Prophet how to take a bath after finishing from the menses. He replied, "Take a piece a cloth perfumed with musk and clean the private parts with it thrice." The Prophet felt shy and turned his face. So pulled her to me and told her what the Prophet meant. (Bukhari, Book #6, Hadith#312)
5) Narrated 'Azra bin Thabit Al-Ansari: When I went to Thumama bin 'Abdullah, he gave me some perfumeand said that Anas would not reject the gifts of perfume. Anas said: The Prophet used not to reject the gifts of perfume. (Bukhari, Book #47, Hadith #756)
6) Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Bukhari, Book #002, Hadith #0432)
7) The Prophet was said to love 3 things; Women (his wives), Perfume, and Salat. (can't find source :( )
But the list goes on and on, and I know it only says "every friday" but we are fortunate to live in a place where we have water, HOT water, and SOAP, and shampoo every day!! I REALLY don't think that showering every day is going to get filed under "extravagance". Especially when the alternative offends everyone around you!
THANK GOD, we have rules in place to prevent us from smelling like that:
1) Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: The Prophet said, "Ghusl (taking a bath) on Friday is compulsory for everyMuslim reaching the age of puberty." (Bukhari, Book #12, Hadith #817)
2) Narrated Abu Said: I testify that Allah's Apostle said, "The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Siwak, and the using of perfume if it is available." Amr (a sub-narrator) said, "I confirm that the taking of a bath is compulsory, but as for the Siwak and the using of perfume, Allah knows better whether it is obligatory or not, but according to the Hadith it is as above.") (Bukhari, Book #13, Hadith #5)
3) Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said "We are the last (to come amongst the nations) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection. They were given the Holy Scripture before us and we were given the Quran after them. And this was the day (Friday) about which they differed and Allah gave us the guidance (for that). So tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) is the Jews' (day), and the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday) is the Christians'." The Prophet (p.b.u.h) remained silent (for a while) and then said, "It is obligatory for everyMuslim that he should take a bath once in seven days, when he should wash his head and body." Narrated Abu Huraira through different narrators that the Prophet said, "It is Allah's right on every Muslim that he should take a bath (at least) once in seven days." (Bukhari, Book #13, Hadith #21)
4) Narrated 'Aisha: An Ansari woman asked the Prophet how to take a bath after finishing from the menses. He replied, "Take a piece a cloth perfumed with musk and clean the private parts with it thrice." The Prophet felt shy and turned his face. So pulled her to me and told her what the Prophet meant. (Bukhari, Book #6, Hadith#312)
5) Narrated 'Azra bin Thabit Al-Ansari: When I went to Thumama bin 'Abdullah, he gave me some perfumeand said that Anas would not reject the gifts of perfume. Anas said: The Prophet used not to reject the gifts of perfume. (Bukhari, Book #47, Hadith #756)
6) Abu Malik at-Ash'ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one's faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur'an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. (Bukhari, Book #002, Hadith #0432)
7) The Prophet was said to love 3 things; Women (his wives), Perfume, and Salat. (can't find source :( )
But the list goes on and on, and I know it only says "every friday" but we are fortunate to live in a place where we have water, HOT water, and SOAP, and shampoo every day!! I REALLY don't think that showering every day is going to get filed under "extravagance". Especially when the alternative offends everyone around you!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Khanzab
So there you are, doing your duhur, you're making your way through your prayer, coming up from sujuud and into the second rukaa. You start going through your Al Fatiha and deciding which Surat your going to recite, but you can't for the life of you remember where you heard that line before. You know, the one....some guy was saying it....he was in a movie, and you think there was a motorcycle chase. Man, motorcycle chases are awesome, but they're so unrealistic. I wonder how hard it is to get a motorcycle licence. How would the instructor teach you? Would they sit behind you? That would be so awkward. I'm pretty awkward, I should fix that. I wonder if I should whiten my teeth today? I don't even know if those white strips are working, maybe I should stop drinking coffee, I heard it stains teeth. Aw man, I want Timmies now! I think I'll get a cup after this....wait...how did I get here? Okay, my head was on the ground....then I came up...I'm sitting now..so I must have done two bows....so now I recite Tashhaddud..no...I need to go down one more time...what if I don't? should I just add another rukaa? Or do the prostrations of forgetfulness? maybe I should just start over....no I don't need to...
If you said yes (come on, I know you have :P ), then YOU my friend, have had a good little chat with your fiend and mine: Khanzab. Khanzab is a devil responsible for screwing over our prayers. Distracting us with stuff until we have no idea how many rukaa's we've prayed. AND MAN IS IT IRRITATING.
So what do you do? How do you cast him out? Well, according to this hadith:
“Oh Rasūlullah! The Shaytān comes between me and my prayers and my recitation, confusing me therein.” Rasūlullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “That is a shaytān that is called khanzab1. If he affects you seek refuge in Allah
from him and spit drily to your left three times.” The companion said, I did that and Allāh took him away from me.
(Narrated by Muslim, 4083)
you simply spit on your left 3 times. Now, I'm not going to argue with hadith, that's what it says, okay try that. Personally, I have my own little techniques.
THIS IS MY OWN INFORMATION, THIS IS WHAT I DO, IT HAS NO BASIS IN RELIGION, SO I DON'T GUARANTEE IT'S RIGHT AND WON'T GET YOU IN TROUBLE WITH THE LORD.
Technique 1) My first technique to keep my count during prayers was just that. As I start each rukaa, I imagine a number drawn in a strange way. Some way I'll remember (for rukaa 4, the 4 was usually the Fantastic 4 symbol :P). That way, if I lost count, I would just remember the numbers I've thought of and how they looked.
Technique 2) Count something. for me, it was usually corners of the prayer mat, but if there's something within your immediate field of view (specs of dust on the carpet, or something that doesn't require you to look around a whole lot). Again, if I lost count of the numbers of rukaa's, I'd just look for the things I counted.
Technique 3) This is my newest one, and probably the least likely to get you in trouble. In your mind, ask for a different thing in each rukaa, and each time you bow. For example, in rukaa 1 maybe ask for help improving your character, in 2: forgiveness, 3: cheesecake, 4: get out of debt. And stick with it, only change them up every few months (or after you've got what you asked for). That way you'll learn that if you just finished asking for cheescake, you're heading into rukaa 4.
Good luck!
If you said yes (come on, I know you have :P ), then YOU my friend, have had a good little chat with your fiend and mine: Khanzab. Khanzab is a devil responsible for screwing over our prayers. Distracting us with stuff until we have no idea how many rukaa's we've prayed. AND MAN IS IT IRRITATING.
So what do you do? How do you cast him out? Well, according to this hadith:
“Oh Rasūlullah! The Shaytān comes between me and my prayers and my recitation, confusing me therein.” Rasūlullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “That is a shaytān that is called khanzab1. If he affects you seek refuge in Allah
from him and spit drily to your left three times.” The companion said, I did that and Allāh took him away from me.(Narrated by Muslim, 4083)
you simply spit on your left 3 times. Now, I'm not going to argue with hadith, that's what it says, okay try that. Personally, I have my own little techniques.
THIS IS MY OWN INFORMATION, THIS IS WHAT I DO, IT HAS NO BASIS IN RELIGION, SO I DON'T GUARANTEE IT'S RIGHT AND WON'T GET YOU IN TROUBLE WITH THE LORD.
Technique 1) My first technique to keep my count during prayers was just that. As I start each rukaa, I imagine a number drawn in a strange way. Some way I'll remember (for rukaa 4, the 4 was usually the Fantastic 4 symbol :P). That way, if I lost count, I would just remember the numbers I've thought of and how they looked.
Technique 2) Count something. for me, it was usually corners of the prayer mat, but if there's something within your immediate field of view (specs of dust on the carpet, or something that doesn't require you to look around a whole lot). Again, if I lost count of the numbers of rukaa's, I'd just look for the things I counted.
Technique 3) This is my newest one, and probably the least likely to get you in trouble. In your mind, ask for a different thing in each rukaa, and each time you bow. For example, in rukaa 1 maybe ask for help improving your character, in 2: forgiveness, 3: cheesecake, 4: get out of debt. And stick with it, only change them up every few months (or after you've got what you asked for). That way you'll learn that if you just finished asking for cheescake, you're heading into rukaa 4.
Good luck!
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