12 important facts(Must know)

1.Be not afraid of going slowly;be afraid only of standing still.
2.Sweat is the cologne of accomplishment.
3.God gives every bird its food,but He does not throw it into its nest.
4.Men are made stronger on realization that the helping hand they need is at the end of their own arm.
5.The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
6.Hard work spotlights the character of people:some turn up their sleeves,some turn up their noses,and some don't turn up at all.
7.''Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new''.
8.Knowledge is the collection of facts.Wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge.
9.Every experience you have is designed  to make you stronger.
10.''Life is a combination of success and failure,both are needed''.
11.''Don't delay,do it today''.
12.Your worst difficulties are your best opportunities.

Important notes(Must Follow)

Honesty

1.Being truthful to others.

2.Being truthful to yourself.

3.Doing what's right regardless

of what's around.

4.Being someone people can trust.

Tolerance

Tolerance is not about changing it

but accepting it.

Success

Together everyone achieves more

Communication+Co-operation=Success

  

quote by Steve jobs

inspiring story of a man

Once upon a time there was a man who went to a forest and he saw a wolf that could not move.He started thinking that how can he possibly survive if he can't hunt.Nearby he saw a lion feasting on a zebra... he ate half of it and left the rest.The wolf quickly devoured all the left over part of the zebra.That man thought wow!Allah almighty you are really giving,kind and caring.You made a way for the wolf and gave him his sustenance.

Then when he went back to his home he decided to lock himself in his room , having the faith in his sustenance that like the wolf ,God will provide him with food.Many days passed and still no food... When the man was getting unconscious , suddenly a voice addressed him ..."which two animals did you see" he replied"lion and wolf" Then the voice piercingly resounded..why did you chose the example of a crippled wolf...why not be like the lion,eat and help others eat half of your share.

The End...

Inspiring picture of the day...

I hope you like this picture and i will look for new,inspiring and lesson giving pics.
Take care
Remember me in your prayers
love you all....

Maher Zain - Open Your Eye with Lyrics

Assalaamulekum my friends i hope you like this video.......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c6Z_F6XmSA

Traditional Irish Blessing

Assalaamulekum my dear brothers and sisters in Islam I chose this video for you all.
I hope you like it 
Take cake
God bless you all
Aamen......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7O9OqBd2us

Tariq Ramadan - The Quest for Meaning

I hope you will like this video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IIUuLfb9R8

TEDxKarachi 2011 - Imran Khan - Never Give up on Your Dreams

I hope you like this video and please vote for Imran Khan in these next elections.


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmbs8ihPrlg

The last Prophet

Assalaamulekum my dear friends i would really want you all to visit this web site and gain knowledge about our Prophet(P.B.U.H).
I would also like to encourage children to visit the kids corner to gain knowledge which will lead them to true success.Those who try to walk in his footsteps will never go wrong Insha Allah

http://www.lastprophet.info/


I hope you all like it.
Take care
Remember me in you prayers

Two horses,Two friends beautiful story

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing...

 

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.  His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

 

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.  Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.  Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.  It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

 

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

 

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.   He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.   Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.   Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way...   Friends are like that... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there.   Listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.   And remember...   Be kinder than necessary - - - Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.   Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly,    And leave the rest to God!   FOR WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT!

 

Spend in charity to cure hypocrisy, Read Surah Munafiqun, or the Hypocrites

SURA 63. Munafiqun, or the Hypocrites
1. When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, “We bear witness that thou art
indeed the Messenger of Allah.” Yea, Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His
Messenger, and Allah beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.
2. They have made their oaths a screen [for their misdeeds]: thus they obstruct
[men] from the Path of Allah: truly evil are their deeds.
3. That is because they believed, then they rejected Faith: So a seal was set on
their hearts: therefore they understand not.
4. When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak,
thou listenest to their words. They are as [worthless as hollow] pieces of
timber propped up, [unable to stand on their own]. They think that every cry is
against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of Allah be on
them! How are they deluded [away from the Truth]!
5. And when it is said to them, “Come, the Messenger of Allah will pray for your
forgiveness”, they turn aside their heads, and thou wouldst see them turning
away their faces in arrogance.
6. It is equal to them whether thou pray for their forgiveness or not. Allah
will not forgive them. Truly Allah guides not rebellious transgressors.
7. They are the ones who say, “Spend nothing on those who are with Allah’s
Messenger, to the end that they may disperse [and quit Medina].” But to Allah
belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth; but the Hypocrites understand
not.
8. They say, “If we return to Medina, surely the more honourable [element] will
expel therefrom the meaner.” But honour belongs to Allah and His Messenger, and
to the Believers; but the Hypocrites know not.
9. 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.
10. 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”.


1. This surah puts forward a warning against a social ailment that could be detrimental to the fellowship of the Ummah by undermining its unity. That is why the surah begins, from the very first ayah, to describe the lies and deceit of the hypocrites.


2. Hypocrites endanger loyalty, Look at the aspects of hypocrisy in their lives as shown in the following ayah, ““And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up.”” (TMQ, 63:4). They have slick and polished appearances, yet deep inside, ““They think that every cry is against them.”” (TMQ, 63:4), that is why, ““They are the enemies, so beware of them.”” (TMQ, 63:4).


3. Hyprocrites are arrogant and the leader of the hypocrites - Abdullah Ibn-Ubai Ibn-Saloul was so insolent to the extent of insulting the Prophet (SAWS)


4. If you don’t feel the glory of belonging to this religion, beware that you might have one of the traits of hypocrisy in you. Remember the words Al-Farouk (Omar Ibnul-Khattab) when he said, “We are the people who have been glorified through Islam, if we strive for glory through any other means but Islam we will certainly be humiliated by Allah”.


5. Properties (money, estates …etc) and children were the hypocrites’ major concern. Beware! Don’t let these things divert your attention from remembering Allah and from coming together with your fellow believers, or else you will be at the risk of becoming a hypocrite yourself .


6. The solution is -- Spending in charity is the best shield for the hearts against the ailment of hypocrisy and all other diversions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKiHvnc3xag&feature=player_embedded

Fear Allah, Read Surah Talaq, or Divorce

SURA 65. Talaq, or Divorce
1. O Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed
periods, and count [accurately], their prescribed periods: And fear Allah your
Lord: and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they [themselves] leave,
except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by
Allah: and any who transgresses the limits of Allah, does verily wrong his [own]
soul: thou knowest not if perchance Allah will bring about thereafter some new
situation.
2. Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on
equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two
persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence [as]
before Allah. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allah and the
Last Day. And for those who fear Allah, He [ever] prepares a way out,
3. And He provides for him from [sources] he never could imagine. And if any one
puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is [Allah] for him. For Allah will surely
accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due
proportion.
4. Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the
prescribed period, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who
have no courses [it is the same]: for those who carry [life within their wombs],
their period is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear Allah,
He will make their path easy.
5. That is the Command of Allah, which He has sent down to you: and if any one
fears Allah, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward.
6. Let the women live [in 'iddat] in the same style as ye live, according to
your means: Annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry [life in
their wombs], then spend [your substance] on them until they deliver their
burden: and if they suckle your [offspring], give them their recompense: and
take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable. And if
ye find yourselves in difficulties, let another woman suckle [the child] on the
[father's] behalf.
7. Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose
resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allah has given him.
Allah puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a
difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.
8. How many populations that insolently opposed the Command of their Lord and of
His messengers, did We not then call to account,- to severe account?- and We
imposed on them an exemplary Punishment.
9. Then did they taste the evil result of their conduct, and the End of their
conduct was Perdition.
10. Allah has prepared for them a severe Punishment [in the Hereafter].
Therefore fear Allah, O ye men of understanding -- who have believed!- for Allah
hath indeed sent down to you a Message,-
11. An Messenger, who rehearses to you the Signs of Allah containing clear
explanations, that he may lead forth those who believe and do righteous deeds
from the depths of Darkness into Light. And those who believe in Allah and work
righteousness, He will admit to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell
therein for ever: Allah has indeed granted for them a most excellent Provision.
12. Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number.
Through the midst of them [all] descends His Command: that ye may know that
Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends, all things in [His]
Knowledge.








1. The name of the surah represents one of the most common forms of social disunity. Yet, the surah asserts that we should maintain the solidarity within our society and not argue, even during divorce.


3. This surah shows the ethics of separation and divorce in the life of a Muslim family. These principles are all under one main theme “fearing Allah”. Not fearing Allah, in such circumstances, will not only break up one family but it will also extend to the whole society.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3PhVa6x_8c&feature=player_embedded

Perform salaah in congregation

■4:103 (Y. Ali) When ye pass (congregational) prayers, celebrate Allah’s praises, standing, sitting down, or lying down on your sides; but when ye are free from danger, set up Regular Prayers: For such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.
■Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
■Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “A man’s Salat in congregation is twenty-five times more rewarding than his Salat at home or in his shop, and that is because when he performs his Wudu’ properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salat in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque. When he is performing Salat, the angels continue to invoke Blessings of Allah on him as long as he is in his place of worship in a state of Wudu’. They say: `O Allah! Have mercy on him! O Allah! Forgive him.’ He is deemed to be engaged in Salat as long as he waits for it.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
■Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, I sometimes thought of giving orders for firewood to be collected, then for proclaiming the Adhan for Salat. Then I would appoint an Imam to lead Salat, and then go to the houses of those who do not come to perform Salat in congregation, and set fire to their houses on them.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
■Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said: “The most difficult Salaats on the hypocrites are Esha and Fajr. However, had they known the reward of performing those Salaat with jamaat, they would have performed them even if they had to crawl to the Musjid.” (Sahih Bukhari)
■Abu-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, “If three men in a village or in the desert, make no arrangement for Salat in congregation, Satan must have certainly overcome them. So observe Salat in congregation, for the wolf eats up a solitary sheep that stays far from the flock.” [Abu Dawud]
■The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allaah be upon Him). He said: “Do not prevent your women from going to the masjid, even though their houses are better for them.” (Reported by Abu Dawud)
How to Pray the Congregational Prayer (Jama^ah):
1.One of the people who want to pray the congregational prayer steps forward to lead the others in prayer. He is called the leader (imam). It is better if the imam is the most knowledgeable among them and the one who recites Qur’anthe best.
2.The rest of the people stand behind the imam in straight rows, leaving no spaces in between each other. Then the imam says the opening Allahu Akbar (takbiratul-ihram). Then other people say their opening Allahu Akbar coupled with the intention. The intention means that every one of them says in one’s heart, for example, while saying Allahu Akbar with one’s tongue: “I now intend to pray the obligatory ^Asr prayer in congregation.”
3.The imam says all the sayings of Allahu Akbar, sami^allahu liman hamidah, and as-salamu ^alaykum out loud in all the prayers. If it is a loud prayer, the imam also says the Fatihah, Amin, and the Surah after it out loud in the first two rak^ahs. The follower says Amin out loud, but he does not recite the Surah after the Fatihah in the loud prayer; rather, he does this only in the soft prayer.
The Conditions of Following the Imam in Prayer:

Build strong civilisations, Read Surah Saba- Sheba

Surah 34. Saba’ (Sheba)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. Praise be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things.

2. He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out thereof; all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto and He is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving.

3. The Unbelievers say, “Never to us will come the Hour”: Say, “Nay! but most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you;- by Him Who knows the unseen,- from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record Perspicuous:

4. That He may reward those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: for such is Forgiveness and a Sustenance Most Generous.”

5. But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them,- for such will be a Penalty,- a Punishment most humiliating.

6. And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Lord -- that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise.

7. The Unbelievers say (in ridicule): “Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you, when ye are all scattered to pieces in disintegration, that ye shall (then be raised) in a New Creation?

8. “Has he invented a falsehood against Allah, or has a spirit (seized) him?”- Nay, it is those who believe not in the Hereafter, that are in (real) Penalty, and in farthest error.

9. See they not what is before them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).

10. We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from ourselves: “O ye Mountains! Sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him;-

11. (Commanding), “Make thou coast of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work ye righteousness; for be sure I see (clearly) all that ye do.”

12. And to Solomon (We made) the Wind (obedient): Its early morning (stride) was a month’s (journey), and its evening (stride) was a month’s (journey); and We made a Font of molten brass to flow for him; and there were Jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them turned aside from our command, We made him taste of the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

13. They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, images, basons as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): “Work ye, sons of David, with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!”

14. Then, when We decreed (Solomon’s) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating Penalty (of their Task).

15. There was, for Saba, aforetime, a Sign in their home-land -- two Gardens to the right and to the left. “Eat of the Sustenance (provided) by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a territory fair and happy, and a Lord Oft-Forgiving!

16. But they turned away (from Allah., and We sent against them the Flood (released) from the dams, and We converted their two garden (rows) into “gardens” producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few (stunted) Lote-trees.

17. That was the Requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected Faith: and never do We give (such) requital except to such as are ungrateful rejecters.

18. Between them and the Cities on which We had poured our blessings, We had placed Cities in prominent positions, and between them We had appointed stages of journey in due proportion: “Travel therein, secure, by night and by day.”

19. But they said: “Our Lord! Place longer distances between our journey- stages”: but they wronged themselves (therein). At length We made them as a tale (that is told), and We dispersed them all in scattered fragments. Verily in this are Signs for every (soul that is) patiently constant and grateful.

20. And on them did Satan prove true his idea, and they followed him, all but a party that believed.



Action Plan

1. Surat Saba’, like surat Al-Naml, is a surah that discusses the issue of success in civilizations; it continues the meaning started by surat Al-Naml. Surat Al-Naml focuses on working with the building blocks of civilization, from education to technological development to management, whereas surat Saba’ asks those who wish to build a culture and a nation: What is the basis of this culture? What is the foundation? The objective of the surah is the importance and the need for of faith in modern civilization.

2. The surah discusses two contrasting types of civilizations: One that believes in Allah (SWT) and surrenders to Him, that of Dawud (AS) and Solaiman (AS) and one that disobeys Allah (SWT) and refuses His path, that is of Saba’.

3. The surah’s order in the Qur’an after surat Al-Ahzab emphasizes, that reformation of the groups inside with faith is the path to building a strong civilization.

4. The first type, which is that of a believing and trusting civilization, can be found in Prophet Dawud (AS), who was granted power and authority by Allah (SWT).

5. The second type of civilization is one that refuses to surrender to Allah (SWT) and is punished and annihilated for such a refusal. This surah is named after such a people so that it may be a lesson to be learned by others.

6. After presenting both types of civilizations, the surah generalizes the concept and points out that the civilizations’ disbelief in Allah (SWT) brings its downfall.

7. Therefore, guidance is offered for anyone wishing to establish a civilization or build a nation. For those of you with plans to build the glory of Islam –you should know it, and keep it in mind as you work on your mission.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4hJ1W0yGk8&feature=player_embedded

Stop Complaining and Be Grateful

http://www.islamcan.com/stop-complaining.shtml

Be what you Must...

Eid Mubarak

Assalaamulekum my brothers and sisters in Islam i wish you all eid mubarak!
May Allah bless you all !
remember me in your prayers!


http://www.123greetings.com/events/eid_ul_fitr/eid_mubarak/mubarak45.html


http://www.123greetings.com/events/eid_ul_fitr/eid_mubarak/mubarak27.html

http://www.123greetings.com/events/eid_ul_fitr/eid_mubarak/mubarak70.html


http://www.123greetings.com/events/eid_ul_fitr/eid_mubarak/mubarak60.html

Moral Motion Productions: Watchful Eye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqwrXx4CvFQ

Poor Eggs!

Most important part of your body is...

My mother used to ask me:
"What is the most important part of the body?"
Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer.
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy."
She said, "No Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her,
"Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes.
She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge. Over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No, but you are getting smarter every year, my child."
Then last year, my grandpa died.
Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry.
My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa.
She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me,
"This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life.
For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you was wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said,
"My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder."
I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?" She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry.
Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you said... People will forget what you did.... But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.
True or not, the story makes you stop and think.
Be blessed. Be a blessing. Get your shoulder ready..

Dr. Amr Khaled - RIS US 2010 Closing Session with English Subtitles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H4_Prjqypk

Ramadan: A Time for Thought, Action & Change

“Fasting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God.
This spirit is the natural product of the fact that when people fast they feel that they are joining the whole Muslim society (which makes up more than one fifth of the world’s population) in observing the same duty, in the same manner, at the same time, for the same motives, and for the same end...
Twelve Reasons to Fast!
Fasting is an institution for the improvement of moral and spiritual character of human being. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self-restraint, self-purification, God-consciousness, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, the love of humanity and the love of God. Fasting is a universal custom and is advocated by all the religions of the world, with more restrictions in some than in others.
The Islamic Fast, as opposed to mere starvation or self-denial, is an act of worship and obedience to God, thanksgiving, forgiveness, spiritual training, and self-examination. Ramadan gives us a break and provides us with a rare opportunity to think about our own selves, our future, and our families. It is a time to give ourselves a mental break and to temporarily forget about the hundreds of worries and stresses we are constantly bombarded with.
In hectic times, such as ours, and in places like the West, this valuable time to think about our lives, on individual basis, is a luxury and is desperately needed! It is a unique month of self-analysis, and of taking stock of one’s moral and spiritual ‘assets and liabilities’...
Fasting indoctrinates us in patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger, and learn how to endure it patiently...
http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/living-islam/first-steps/fasting/453383-ramadan-a-time-for-thought-action-a-change.html

Science and Islam: part 3: The Power of Doubt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LjdnKE_i9E&feature=related

Science and Islam: Part 2: The Empire of Reason

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0FSgNE4Lxc

Science and Islam: Part 1: The Language of Science

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPlaS_wGzx8&feature=related

Count Your Blessings, Read Surah Ar Rahman- Most Gracious

SURA 55. Rahman, or (Allah) Most Gracious
1. [Allah] Most Gracious!
2. It is He Who has taught the Qur’an.
3. He has created man:
4. He has taught him speech [and intelligence].
5. The sun and the moon follow courses [exactly] computed;
6. And the herbs and the trees -- both [alike] prostrate in adoration.
7. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance [of
Justice],
8. In order that ye may not transgress [due] balance.
9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.
10. It is He Who has spread out the earth for [His] creatures:
11. Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes [enclosing dates];
12. Also corn, with [its] leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling
plants.
13. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
14. He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery,
15. And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:
16. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
17. [He is] Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:
18. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
Reflect

1.Moreover, the most frequently repeated ayah in this surah which can be translated as, ““Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?”” is addressing both jinn and men, for it states ““your Lord”” and orders both of them to thank Allah (SWT) for His blessings and not to deny them. When this ayah was revealed, the Prophet (SAWS) said, “…when I read this surah on the jinn, their response was better than yours. They answered, “We do not deny any of your blessings Allah, all the praise is for You”1. It is a marvelously significant meaning and a very pleasant answer to the question ““Then which of the favors of your Lord will ye deny?”” Please think about it whenever you read surat Ar-Rahman and deeply thank Allah (SWT) by heart and soul for all His blessings.

2. The surah then goes on listing the great blessings that we enjoy without really realizing their value. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as ““And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice) in order that ye may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance. (TQM, 55:7-9). The balance that Allah (SWT) set for judgment in heavens and earth and for judging all creatures is one of the most significant blessings He (SWT) bestows upon us. Yet when man deviated from the right path and exceeded his limits, injustice and corruption prevailed.

3. The surah demonstrates more blessings, as Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together. Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress”” (TMQ, 55:19-2http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif0) and within the process of enlisting these great blessings, the same question is repeated over and over again.

4. Ar-Rahman demonstrates two categories of people. First, the one that denied Allah’s (SWT) blessings. The second category (i.e. the people of paradise) to strengthen the effect of these ayahs and thus enhance the opportunity of making the right choice.

5. Be grateful for all the blessings, Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6Ov8JHTfk&feature=fvw

Emergency Appeal: East African Famine

As we listened to the anchor share the stories of families coming to the refugee camps for aid, he highlighted one specific story of a father who walked for 30 days and 30 nights to save his three young sons. At one point in his journey, the children were too weak to walk so their father would carry them one by one – dropping one off at one point then going back for the other across the barren desert.

Then they shared another story of a mother. She was sitting quietly by the bedside of her child who just passed away. Her two other children passed away a few days before this baby. She sat there for hours, quietly, because she could not afford to bury her own child.

In the past 3 months, it is reported that nearly 30,000 children have died.

30,000!

CNN's Anderson Cooper visits Somali hospital which runs low on aid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIgRRjLBuWY

Action Items

Donate Whatever You Can.You can donate through Islamic Relief: http://www.irusa.org/emergencies/east-africa-crisis/

Pray. Make du`a’ (supplication) for them
Stay Updated and Raise Awareness
Don’t Waste Any Food.
Seek Allah’s Forgiveness
Help Your Local Community.

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/society/international/emergency-appeal-east-african-famine/

Surrender to Allah in difficulty, Study Surah Ahzab

Surah 33. Al-Ahzab (The Clans, The Coalition, The Combined Forces) In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 1. O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom. 2. But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: for Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do. 3. And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs. 4. Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body: nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: nor has He made your adopted sons your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way. 5. Call them by (the names of) their fathers: that is juster in the sight of Allah. But if ye know not their father’s (names, call them) your Brothers in faith, or your maulas. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: (what counts is) the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. 6. The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah.. 7. And remember We took from the prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant: 8. That ((Allah)) may question the (custodians) of Truth concerning the Truth they (were charged with): And He has prepared for the Unbelievers a grievous Penalty. 9. 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 forces that ye saw not: but Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do. Action Plan 1. This surah is, by the way, one of the best surahs in the Qur’an to portray the different difficult situations that people may go through. The incident of Al-Ahzab (which is also called the Conquest of the Trench) was itself a very difficult situation. 2. Through all of the ayahs, the surah focuses on obedience to Allah (SWT), surrender and submission to Him in these situations. 3. Surrender without hesitation. If someone still insists upon not carrying out the orders of Allah (SWT) until he understands the wisdom behind them, then read what this important ayah says about the concept of submitting surrender to Allah (SWT). 4. It is inadmissible for anyone to protest and refuse any command given by Allah (SWT) and say that he needs to be convinced first of the concept behind this command. Young men and women, surrender to Allah (SWT), for the ayahs in the Qur’an, throughout 20 of its chapters, have made clear the wisdom of Allah (SWT) and His plan for His creations and the wonder in the laws He has placed (which proves that our religion does not ask that people follow blindly nor does it disable minds from thinking on their own). It is high time you surrender. 5. There are two types of ways to surrender to Allah (SWT). One can either submit to Allah (SWT) by one’s own choice and freewill, or can be a servant to Allah (SWT) without having to choose. The first type is the one the heavens and the earth feared, knowing how uneasy is to carry the moral responsibility and perform duties. For this reason, they chose the second type of surrender, which is that of submission to Allah (SWT) without being given the choice of fulfilling Allah’s commands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRfdF85r-Po&feature=player_embedded

Solve Stubbornness, Read Surah Sad

SURA 38. Sad
1. Sad: By the Qur’an, Full of Admonition: [This is the Truth]. 2. But the Unbelievers [are steeped] in self-glory and Separatism.
3. How many generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried [for mercy]- when there was no longer time for being saved!
4. So they wonder that a Warner has come to them from among themselves! and the Unbelievers say, “This is a sorcerer telling lies!
5. “Has he made the gods [all] into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!”
6. And the leader among them go away [impatiently], [saying], “Walk ye away, and remain constant to your gods! For this is truly a thing designed [against you]!
7. “We never heard [the like] of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing but a made-up tale!”
8. “What! has the Message been sent to him -- [Of all persons] among us?” … but they are in doubt concerning My [Own] Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment!
9. Or have they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord,- the Exalted in Power, the Grantor of Bounties without measure?


Surah Sad (38) -- Sheikh Fahd Al Kanderi



1. This surah reveals the meaning, that although you Muslim surrender to Allah’s (SWT) orders and commands, you might do wrong. The question is will you turn back to Him repentantly? Or will you remain arrogant, and insist on your opinion?

2. Going back to the right path without being stubborn:

The surah relates the story of three Messengers who made quick decisions, but they soon realized their mistake. This is one of the most important types of submission to Allah(SWT) because he who is arrogant never surrenders to the right path, and if he finds himself doing wrong he will insist on it. Therefore the surah relates the story of Satan who is the symbol of arrogance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8bg1i3V25B4

Be firm

31:17 (Y. Ali) “O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs

2:63 (Y. Ali) And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (The towering height) of Mount (Sinai) : (Saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: Perchance ye may fear Allah.”

11:120 (Y. Ali) All that we relate to thee of the stories of the apostles,- with it We make firm thy heart: in them there cometh to thee the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe.

Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to supplicate frequently saying, “O’ Allah, The One Who changes hearts, make my heart firm on your deen.” Tirmidhi

A touching story of a mother firm in Faith- Islamic Lecture by Bilal Assad!


Action Plan

Firmness does not mean hostility. The firm behavior is not aggressiveness, scolding, threatening, rough or sarcasm. Firmness is different from aggressiveness. When you defend your self and prove your presence, you are not transgressing the rights of others

. Firmness means you convey what you want to say to others in a clear way with respect to your rights and feelings and to the others’ rights and feelings.

How you can be more firm?

*Compose a group of values and rules for your self that make you able to prove your presence. Or in other words, permit for your self to get upset, to reject or to ask for help.

.*Avoid using platitude questions like: (the weather is hot today, isn’t it?), disclaimer talk like: (I may be wrong, but….), and statement sentences in a question form like: ( Don’t you close the door?). All of these formulas decrease from the firm confirmatory speech effect.

*Stop the self limitation behaviors like: too much smiling, too much head gesturing, head inclination and others signs that indicate the absence of self-confidence.

*When you refuse, be firm in your refusal and explain your refusal’s reasons but don’t escape the apology.

.*Use statements like: (I want) or ( I feel).

*Appreciate others attitude and feelings but follow your talk by a speech which means that you are defending your rights. You could say for example: ( I know that you are so and so, but I feel so and so).

*Use the word (I). (This usage benefits especially when you express a negative feeling).The usage of (I) helps on focusing on your anger in a constructive way and make you sure from your personal feelings.

*Remember! Use personal pronoun and avoid speaker pronoun like: (You are so…so).

*look in the eyes of who you are talking with, be relax in your seat or posture, let your face expressions indicate that you are convinced about what you are saying, and let your voice tone harmonized.

*Hear others and let them feel that you heard what they have said. Ask clarifying questions.

*Practice in front of your family and friends and ask them to give their opinion in your behavior.

First, treat the situations that cause minimum worries. Gather your power of firm and confirmation. Do not let your determination depressed if you didn’t do a firm behavior. Determine where you did the mistake and how you could improve the situation next time. Reward your self when ever you press on your self to be firm without looking if the wanted results were achieve or not.

Dr. Telman suggest – as Narat Al-Magrab website- the usage of (sequence appreciation); the psychological expression that means the trial of passing a part of the road toward the target. Like: if it is impossible for you to to talk firmly, try to say one paragraph firmly. And after you achieve that, try the next time to say two paragraphs firmly.

Each opportunity lets you to practice your self, will be in the same time an opportunity to be satisfied with your self because you talked firmly. This feeling compose a step forward to get the self respect.

Say this dua often
1. Yaa muqalibal-quloob thabit quloobanaa-ala-deenik

Oh ye who turns hearts, make our hearts firm upon the deen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP8YEs49nlI&feature=player_detailpage