Showing posts with label Moral Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moral Stories. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Keep your Heart Open…While you read this…
~by Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala
Few years back..I went to my son’s school to pay for his school books. He was in fifth standard. I passed by the corridor and felt the spring of the early days of the Academic year. It was June’s week. In every classroom, there were piles of new books on the teacher’s table. There was an air of happiness of new books. I walked in my son’s class and the scene was same.
Every time a name was announced a student got up and went to the teacher and received a pile of books and he struggled to lift it while returning to his desk. Many students were standing as if their name was the next to be announced. I sat beside my son and watched the lively class. But there were two boys on the bench with their chin down watching the things going around. I noted them, they wore uniforms that weren't ironed and were dark with eyes sunk in, hair running here and there on their face. “Why are these two guys sitting dull?” I inquired from my son. He said ” they are not getting books.” Before I ask why, my son continued,” They are the grandsons of our school maid. Their mother has died and their father got remarried, so the sons stay with their mother’s mother…”, “And she must also be a widow right?” I asked. “Yes and works here”..
I have known that lady in the school who sweeps..but I was unaware that her responsibilities were of this size. When I left, I passed by that old lady, who was sitting on the corner of the stair case and there was no expression on her face. It was an embarrassing moment for me while passing by as I was unable to do anything though the lady was unaware of my plight.
The rest of my day passed restlessly. Those were the days when I didn’t earn much. I could not even afford to spend 2000 Rupees for two orphans ! I could perceive the mental state of those two boys who did not buy new books when the rest of the school was busy in celebrating ” the new book day”.
I have a few close friends and relatives who bail me out whenever I need some cash to help the needy. They never ask me why . At that time I didn’t not have such friends, but a small and a close one. I planned to take money from one of them and pay for the boys. But I was hesitant. Those who don’t know let me tell you…it is very embarrassing to ask for monetary help from people even if it is for some needy or a just cause.
For the next few days I kept on asking my son if any miracle happened.Did someone pay for them? The answer was a big fat and a heavy NO. That was the time I regretted not being a rich man. Otherwise, I have at times walked down for two miles for not even being able to afford a bus fare. Yet I never missed money. But this was a different case. What if I die and next year my son sits in that manner along with those two boys ?It was a frightening thought.
Then some one paid for those two boys, and I was glad to know of it. But I could understand the fun they missed out on the day when every one received new books and they were the only two who did not.
The following week my son came home early. It was not a half day then why did he come so soon? “Someone died ” my son said. “Who ?”.. “Those two boys in my class ..they went to sea shore after the school and were drowned. One got drowned first so the other jumped in to save his brother! “That was a thunderbolt, with more to come…”Their bodies were fished out yesterday evening and they died hugging each other..” Extremely painful. What would be the plight of that old lady ? How many deaths is she going to experience before she herself passes away? First her husband, then her daughter and now two grand children at the same time ! Innalillahi wainnailaihi raje’oon.
The old lady still continues to sweep the school and watch other children growing up before her eyes and missing her grand children who would have passed their schooling by now…NO wonder Islam emphasizes a lot of virtues on the upbringing of orphans and the sponsoring widows!
Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala writes on Islam and Muslims.
SOURCE:
Islamic Reflections [Facebook]
Few years back..I went to my son’s school to pay for his school books. He was in fifth standard. I passed by the corridor and felt the spring of the early days of the Academic year. It was June’s week. In every classroom, there were piles of new books on the teacher’s table. There was an air of happiness of new books. I walked in my son’s class and the scene was same.
Every time a name was announced a student got up and went to the teacher and received a pile of books and he struggled to lift it while returning to his desk. Many students were standing as if their name was the next to be announced. I sat beside my son and watched the lively class. But there were two boys on the bench with their chin down watching the things going around. I noted them, they wore uniforms that weren't ironed and were dark with eyes sunk in, hair running here and there on their face. “Why are these two guys sitting dull?” I inquired from my son. He said ” they are not getting books.” Before I ask why, my son continued,” They are the grandsons of our school maid. Their mother has died and their father got remarried, so the sons stay with their mother’s mother…”, “And she must also be a widow right?” I asked. “Yes and works here”..
I have known that lady in the school who sweeps..but I was unaware that her responsibilities were of this size. When I left, I passed by that old lady, who was sitting on the corner of the stair case and there was no expression on her face. It was an embarrassing moment for me while passing by as I was unable to do anything though the lady was unaware of my plight.
The rest of my day passed restlessly. Those were the days when I didn’t earn much. I could not even afford to spend 2000 Rupees for two orphans ! I could perceive the mental state of those two boys who did not buy new books when the rest of the school was busy in celebrating ” the new book day”.
I have a few close friends and relatives who bail me out whenever I need some cash to help the needy. They never ask me why . At that time I didn’t not have such friends, but a small and a close one. I planned to take money from one of them and pay for the boys. But I was hesitant. Those who don’t know let me tell you…it is very embarrassing to ask for monetary help from people even if it is for some needy or a just cause.
For the next few days I kept on asking my son if any miracle happened.Did someone pay for them? The answer was a big fat and a heavy NO. That was the time I regretted not being a rich man. Otherwise, I have at times walked down for two miles for not even being able to afford a bus fare. Yet I never missed money. But this was a different case. What if I die and next year my son sits in that manner along with those two boys ?It was a frightening thought.
Then some one paid for those two boys, and I was glad to know of it. But I could understand the fun they missed out on the day when every one received new books and they were the only two who did not.
The following week my son came home early. It was not a half day then why did he come so soon? “Someone died ” my son said. “Who ?”.. “Those two boys in my class ..they went to sea shore after the school and were drowned. One got drowned first so the other jumped in to save his brother! “That was a thunderbolt, with more to come…”Their bodies were fished out yesterday evening and they died hugging each other..” Extremely painful. What would be the plight of that old lady ? How many deaths is she going to experience before she herself passes away? First her husband, then her daughter and now two grand children at the same time ! Innalillahi wainnailaihi raje’oon.
The old lady still continues to sweep the school and watch other children growing up before her eyes and missing her grand children who would have passed their schooling by now…NO wonder Islam emphasizes a lot of virtues on the upbringing of orphans and the sponsoring widows!
Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala writes on Islam and Muslims.
SOURCE:
Islamic Reflections [Facebook]
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
It's A Secret! - Tell It!
A woman named Maryam once knew a young person at mosque named Aisha. Aisha always seemed effervescent and happy, although Maryam knew she had faced struggles in her life. Her long-awaited marriage had quickly ended in divorce.
She had struggled to get a grip on her single life. She hadn't chosen it, but she decided she would live it with utmost enjoyment and satisfaction. Aisha was active in th...e madressah, in the day trips out, as a leader of the womans sports club, and in the da'wah movement. Maryam enjoyed knowing Aisha. Aisha's whole face seemed to smile and she always greeted Maryam with a hug.
One day she asked Aisha, "How is it that you are always so happy - you have so much energy, and you never seem to get down?"
With her eyes smiling, Aisha said, "I know the secret!"
"What secret is that? What are you talking about?" Maryam asked. Aisha replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the 'secret' with others."
Maryam agreed, "Okay, now what is it?"
"The secret is this: I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on Allah to make me happy and meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust Allah to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do. HE has never let me down. Since I learned that secret-I am happy."
Maryam's first thought was, That's too simple! But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy - but it didn't! She thought a better-paying job would make her happy - but it hadn't. When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, eating pizza - a simple gift from Allah.
"God suffices for anyone who relies on Him" ♥
[Quran 65: 3]
[Quran 65: 3]
SOURCE:
http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?206651-It-s-A-Secret-Tell-It!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Once a Flower met a Pearl...
One day, a brilliantly beautiful and fragrant flower
with attractive colors met a pearl that lives far in the bottom
of the sea and has none of these characteristics.
Both got acquainted with each other.
The flower said: "Our family is large; roses and daisies are
members of the family. And there are many other species that
are various and countless; each has a distinctive scent, appearance etc."
Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower.
"Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk;
so why are depressed?"
The pearl asked.
"Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us.
They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure
from our fragrance and beautiful appearance.
They throw us on the street or in the garbage can
after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties;
brilliance and fragrance."
The flower sighed. And then the flower said to the pearl:
"Speak to me about your life! How do you live?
How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea."
The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your
distinctive colors and sweet scents, humans think I am precious.
They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys,
dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be
astounded to know that the further I lay,
the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what
upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell
isolated in the dark seas.
However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe place far from mischievous hands and eyes, waiting for the right man who would realize my true value, who would be ready to go deep in the ocean to have me and cherish my protected beauty."
Do you know what the Flower and the Pearl symbolize?
The Flower is the unveiled woman (who shows her charms)
&
The Pearl is the veiled woman (who conceals her beauty)
with attractive colors met a pearl that lives far in the bottom
of the sea and has none of these characteristics.
Both got acquainted with each other.
The flower said: "Our family is large; roses and daisies are
members of the family. And there are many other species that
are various and countless; each has a distinctive scent, appearance etc."
Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower.
"Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk;
so why are depressed?"
The pearl asked.
"Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us.
They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure
from our fragrance and beautiful appearance.
They throw us on the street or in the garbage can
after we are dispossessed of the most valuable properties;
brilliance and fragrance."
The flower sighed. And then the flower said to the pearl:
"Speak to me about your life! How do you live?
How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea."
The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your
distinctive colors and sweet scents, humans think I am precious.
They do the impossible to procure me. They go on long journeys,
dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be
astounded to know that the further I lay,
the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what
upraises my value in their thought. I live in a thick shell
isolated in the dark seas.
However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe place far from mischievous hands and eyes, waiting for the right man who would realize my true value, who would be ready to go deep in the ocean to have me and cherish my protected beauty."
Do you know what the Flower and the Pearl symbolize?
The Flower is the unveiled woman (who shows her charms)
&
The Pearl is the veiled woman (who conceals her beauty)
SOURCE:
Islamic Reflections
Saturday, July 2, 2011
'How To Behave Like A Real Princess'
Written by Mehak_Sabrina
(Taken from the blog Leyton Islamic Society)
I came across a book my beloved father had gifted to me as a child, and upon finding it memories came flooding back of my childhood, and how a huge portion of it was spent…wanting to be a PRINCESS!
The book was part of the collection of Anastasia books, titled: ‘How to behave like a princess’. Stupid as I felt and thinking ‘I have no idea why I’m flicking through this’ it came to my attention that subhan’Allah, how our culture in the west is filled with fooling and corrupting the young children of our Ummah, giving young girls false hope, and the wrong ideas of life, romance and yep…PRINCE CHARMING.
As I read on “…a real princess never plays with the same toys twice…she has new ones delivered everyday”…“a real princess should ALWAYS dress like a princess…she must have dozens of wardrobes filled with elegant gowns and glittering tiaras”…“a proper princess will host wonderful parties.” …“a real princess does not wear the same clothes twice.” She lives in her castle, waiting for Prince Charming or her Knight in shinning armour to rescue her pretty self.
The more I read, the more this book began to sound like something out of Brother Baba Ali’s marriage video from Ummah Films. Many sisters, acting just like this princess, just like this damsel in distress, waiting for her knight in shinning armour to battle the fire breathing dragon, climb the tall tower and whisk her away into an happily ever after. If any of you have seen Shrek 2, it is exactly how the film starts with Prince Charming’s adventurous journey for his bride to be.
Subhan’Allah wa bi Hamdi! But if one looks at the REAL GEMS, the REAL PRINCES and PRINCESSES of the dunya and the hereafter, the Sahabah, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and the Umm ul’Mu’mineen, this absurd notion the west portray was not their conduct at all!!!
This question is for the sisters, be honest how many fairy tales have you seen as a child, how many times did you fink ‘Where’s my prince charming?’
Brothers, how many cartoons of superheroes did you watch and think ‘that’s gonna be me in the future, and I will be saving a pretty woman too who will be my wife’ ???
As insignificant as it may seem, what’s the harm, there only cartoons right? No! Many a times I myself have spoken to sisters looking for a spouse in marriage, and they have such deluded ideas of what marriage is like. They really are waiting for Mr Perfect to come falling into their laps!!
How many narrations are there of A’ishah radi Allahu Anha, playing with her dolls with her friends, and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam would join in on young A’ishah’s play and games. Yet she did not complain and throw a tantrum for more dolls. One famous parable is when the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam went to A’ishah’s room on the day of Id-Ul-Adha, to find A’ishah playing a game that the prophet had not seen before, when he asked her what she was playing, A’ishah replied ‘this is Solomon’s horses’ upon which the prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam smiled.
Subhan’Allah, even when the children of the Ummah in the past played with their toys and gave performances, it was in relation to Islam and Allah’s Prophets and Messengers. A’ishah’s play, that same day the Abysinnians performance of the Battle of Badr, and Allahu’Alim how many other such plays.
Yes, plays related to Islam, not Barbie being looked away in her big Barbie house by her step-mother, and Ken climbing up to Barbie’s room to save her. (Or is it Blaine now, ‘cos apparently Barbie dumped Ken! More absurdity!!!)
As for the dress of our beloved Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam, the Sahabah, the Sahabiyaat, and the Tabi’een. Subhan’Allah so humble were they, that they only had enough cloth to shroud themselves and their families. They indulged in no extravagance nor squandering of money. So that means they didn’t have any designer jilbaabs and jubbas and so forth! (Subhan’Allah Chanel and Dior have themselves come out with designer jilbaabs!!!)
A parable of Ali Radi Allahu Anhu comes to mind, after Ali Radi Allah Anhu had passed away. Mu’awiyah bin Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu Anhu went to Dirar bin Damrah and asked him to describe Ali Radi Allahu Anhu to him.
After much deliberation and Mu’awiyah refusing to excuse Dirar, in a long citation Dirar said: “…He showed a liking to coarse garments and lower-quality food.”
&
Dirar also said: “I swear by Allah, that on certain occasions, I saw him (Ali) in his place of prayer when the night was dark and few stars could be seen; he would be holding his beard and crying the way a very sad person cries; and I would hear him saying, ‘O World, O World, are you offering yourself to me? Do you desire me? Never! Never! Deceive someone other than me. I have divorced you for the third time, so that you cannot return to me!”
[The author of the book adds: Ali is speaking metaphorically, alluding to the fact that in Islam, the third divorce is final, whereas in the case of the first or second divorce, a man may take his wife back.]
[Sifatus-Safwah 1/66 & Hilyatul-Awliya’ 1/84-85]
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi! The cousin of the blessed Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam himself, his (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) son-in-law, and Sahabi. A true prince indeed! And even the status of princehood seems so common when talking about the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and his companions!
Yet this man, this true prince, showed a liking to coarse, crude, and rough garments over the finer, yet indeed he is more deserving to be dressed in the finer fabrics of the dunya. Ali preferred foods of inferior and lower quality though his sacrifices make him more worthy to be fed with the best of best!
These are the ‘How to…’ guides we should be reading, preaching, learning from and giving to others.
However as we learn from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is much more worth its weight to be the Kings and Queens in Jannah forever, over this temporary and short life. My sisters desire to be the Queens of Jannah beside your spouse with command over his Hoor Al’Ayn.
In another lengthy parable of Malik bin Dinar preaching to a King in which he described the worth of the Hoor Al’Ayn in comparison to the women of the Dunya, (this should get us off our high horse!) Malik said: “If mixed with salty water, her spit will make that water fresh and sweet. If a dead person is invited by her speech, he will answer her. If her shirt is put beside the sun, the sun will seem to be a dark object. If her sweat falls onto the earth, it will be like perfume on it. She is sweet-smelling, with beautiful eyes, and a flirtatious nature for her male companion only. And she passionately loves her male companion. Her beauty never changes; she never becomes unfaithful; and her love is everlasting.”
[Bahrud-Damu’ Pg. 91-93]
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi, and that description is just of the male’s maidens in Jannah, so imagine what will be the status of his Queen???
Western culture will have you belive being a prince/princess is all about the amount of wealth one has accumulated, however Allah azz wa Jall indeed Might and Majesty belongs to Him clearly has stated in the Qur’an:
“Woe to every slander, and backbiter, He who gathers wealth and counts it.” [104:1-2]
Rather than accumulating wealth, the Sahabah and sahabiyat fought and competed with each other to give as much as they could. We all know of the many a times noted parable of ‘Umar trying to beat Abu Bakr in giving provisions in the path of Allah. ‘Umar bought a half of all that which he owned, leaving exactly a half for his family, but Abu Bakr surpassed ‘Umar by contributing ALL of what he owned, leaving for his family Allah and His Messenger Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam alone, such was his belief and reliance upon Allah.
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi! This is not all! A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha, one of the wives of the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam not only in this life, but also in the hereafter, a true Queen indeed, yet look at how humbly this Queen spent her life. Urwah Radi Allahu Anha narrated: “I once saw A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha spending 70 000 dirhams in charity, while she herself was wearing a dress with patches.”
Yet subhan’Allah, we feel pain at giving even 1 penny in charity, whilst we ourselves have our own wardrobes and bellies filled with provisions!
And what of Khadija Radi Allahu Anha, a very wealthy woman from her previous marriage, she did not spend her wealth hoarding sparkling tiaras, rather she spent all of her wealth in the way of Allah, supporting the Muslims and the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam in the early days of Islam through the Quraysh’s continous persecutions, spending to the spread the message of her husband, helping to free slaves who had embraced Islam and feeding and sheltering the community of muslims that was growing slowly but surely in numbers and strength.
Humility and humbleness is not the only trait we can learn from the Umm Ul’Mu’mineen, my sisters there is much we can adopt from the Mothers of the believers, one of which is eloquence. Too often do sisters ignore this beautiful trait and opt for being ‘rowdy’, ‘loud-mouthed’ or the ‘in your face’ characteristic, with even their speech being from a trait of the western disbelievers (i.e. colloquial slang).
Musa ibn Talha Radi Allahu Anhu, once said: “I have not seen anyone more eloquent than A’ishah” (Radi Allahu Anha).
And indeed eloquence in a woman (AND in a man) is a worthy trait often overlooked. People often speak of seeking a spouse who is attractive and beautiful, and subhan’Allah eloquence enhances one’s physical and internal beauty. And many narrations of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam are a testament to this, as he himself (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was so eloquent in behaviour and mannerisms, making him so awe-inspiring, even to the disbelievers in his blessed presence.
Other qualities found in the Umm Ul’Mu’mineen, are as A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha described Zaynab bint Jahsh Radi Allahu Anha: “I have never seen a woman so pure as Zaynab, so God-fearing, so truthful, so attentive to family ties, so generous, so self-sacrificing in everyday life, so charitable, and thus so close to Allah, The Exalted.”
One last example, from the best of creation himself. His (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) humbleness clear in the below parable, and ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu could not have termed his distress any more better than he did. It is related by ‘Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) that he went to visit the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam, who was staying alone in a small upper room, in order to find out what was happening [the period when the companions did not know if the prophet had divorced his wives or not, over a marital problem].
After been given permission to enter, ‘Umar climbed up the ladder and into the small room: “I visited the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and he was lying on a mat. I sat down and he drew up his lower garment over him. He had nothing else on, and the mat had left its marks on his sides. I looked around at what stores the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam had, and saw only a handful of barley equal to one Sa’ and an equal amount of mimosa leaves in the corner of the room and a tanned leather bag hanging nearby, and I was moved to tears.”
He (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “Ibn al-Khattab, what is making you cry?” and I replied, “O Messenger of Allah, how can I not cry? This mat has left marks on your sides and I can only see what I have seen of your stores. Caesar and Chosroes are leading their lives of plenty, while you are the Messenger of Allah, His Chosen One, and look what you have!”
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi!! What grief at the state of the Messenger of Allah, yet do we even shed one tear, upon hearing the trials and tests he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) faced?!!!
And subhan’Allah look at the beautiful and soothing reassurance of the Messenger of Allah!!!
“Ibn al-Khattab,” He (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) answered, “Isn’t it enough for you that for us there is the next world, and for them there is this world?”
“Yes.” I said.
----
These narrations and parables are only a fraction of the large amount of knowledge there is available to us, Insha’Allah I hope this post serves as a reminder to firstly myself and then to you, of how the real princes and princesses of Islam, how the real gems behaved and conducted their manners. And insha’Allah I make du’a we can imitate these blessed qualities, ameen.
Source:
http://leytonisoc.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog
(Taken from the blog Leyton Islamic Society)
I came across a book my beloved father had gifted to me as a child, and upon finding it memories came flooding back of my childhood, and how a huge portion of it was spent…wanting to be a PRINCESS!
The book was part of the collection of Anastasia books, titled: ‘How to behave like a princess’. Stupid as I felt and thinking ‘I have no idea why I’m flicking through this’ it came to my attention that subhan’Allah, how our culture in the west is filled with fooling and corrupting the young children of our Ummah, giving young girls false hope, and the wrong ideas of life, romance and yep…PRINCE CHARMING.
As I read on “…a real princess never plays with the same toys twice…she has new ones delivered everyday”…“a real princess should ALWAYS dress like a princess…she must have dozens of wardrobes filled with elegant gowns and glittering tiaras”…“a proper princess will host wonderful parties.” …“a real princess does not wear the same clothes twice.” She lives in her castle, waiting for Prince Charming or her Knight in shinning armour to rescue her pretty self.
The more I read, the more this book began to sound like something out of Brother Baba Ali’s marriage video from Ummah Films. Many sisters, acting just like this princess, just like this damsel in distress, waiting for her knight in shinning armour to battle the fire breathing dragon, climb the tall tower and whisk her away into an happily ever after. If any of you have seen Shrek 2, it is exactly how the film starts with Prince Charming’s adventurous journey for his bride to be.
Subhan’Allah wa bi Hamdi! But if one looks at the REAL GEMS, the REAL PRINCES and PRINCESSES of the dunya and the hereafter, the Sahabah, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and the Umm ul’Mu’mineen, this absurd notion the west portray was not their conduct at all!!!
This question is for the sisters, be honest how many fairy tales have you seen as a child, how many times did you fink ‘Where’s my prince charming?’
Brothers, how many cartoons of superheroes did you watch and think ‘that’s gonna be me in the future, and I will be saving a pretty woman too who will be my wife’ ???
As insignificant as it may seem, what’s the harm, there only cartoons right? No! Many a times I myself have spoken to sisters looking for a spouse in marriage, and they have such deluded ideas of what marriage is like. They really are waiting for Mr Perfect to come falling into their laps!!
How many narrations are there of A’ishah radi Allahu Anha, playing with her dolls with her friends, and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam would join in on young A’ishah’s play and games. Yet she did not complain and throw a tantrum for more dolls. One famous parable is when the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam went to A’ishah’s room on the day of Id-Ul-Adha, to find A’ishah playing a game that the prophet had not seen before, when he asked her what she was playing, A’ishah replied ‘this is Solomon’s horses’ upon which the prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam smiled.
Subhan’Allah, even when the children of the Ummah in the past played with their toys and gave performances, it was in relation to Islam and Allah’s Prophets and Messengers. A’ishah’s play, that same day the Abysinnians performance of the Battle of Badr, and Allahu’Alim how many other such plays.
Yes, plays related to Islam, not Barbie being looked away in her big Barbie house by her step-mother, and Ken climbing up to Barbie’s room to save her. (Or is it Blaine now, ‘cos apparently Barbie dumped Ken! More absurdity!!!)
As for the dress of our beloved Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam, the Sahabah, the Sahabiyaat, and the Tabi’een. Subhan’Allah so humble were they, that they only had enough cloth to shroud themselves and their families. They indulged in no extravagance nor squandering of money. So that means they didn’t have any designer jilbaabs and jubbas and so forth! (Subhan’Allah Chanel and Dior have themselves come out with designer jilbaabs!!!)
A parable of Ali Radi Allahu Anhu comes to mind, after Ali Radi Allah Anhu had passed away. Mu’awiyah bin Abu Sufyan Radi Allahu Anhu went to Dirar bin Damrah and asked him to describe Ali Radi Allahu Anhu to him.
After much deliberation and Mu’awiyah refusing to excuse Dirar, in a long citation Dirar said: “…He showed a liking to coarse garments and lower-quality food.”
&
Dirar also said: “I swear by Allah, that on certain occasions, I saw him (Ali) in his place of prayer when the night was dark and few stars could be seen; he would be holding his beard and crying the way a very sad person cries; and I would hear him saying, ‘O World, O World, are you offering yourself to me? Do you desire me? Never! Never! Deceive someone other than me. I have divorced you for the third time, so that you cannot return to me!”
[The author of the book adds: Ali is speaking metaphorically, alluding to the fact that in Islam, the third divorce is final, whereas in the case of the first or second divorce, a man may take his wife back.]
[Sifatus-Safwah 1/66 & Hilyatul-Awliya’ 1/84-85]
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi! The cousin of the blessed Muhammad Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam himself, his (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) son-in-law, and Sahabi. A true prince indeed! And even the status of princehood seems so common when talking about the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and his companions!
Yet this man, this true prince, showed a liking to coarse, crude, and rough garments over the finer, yet indeed he is more deserving to be dressed in the finer fabrics of the dunya. Ali preferred foods of inferior and lower quality though his sacrifices make him more worthy to be fed with the best of best!
These are the ‘How to…’ guides we should be reading, preaching, learning from and giving to others.
However as we learn from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is much more worth its weight to be the Kings and Queens in Jannah forever, over this temporary and short life. My sisters desire to be the Queens of Jannah beside your spouse with command over his Hoor Al’Ayn.
In another lengthy parable of Malik bin Dinar preaching to a King in which he described the worth of the Hoor Al’Ayn in comparison to the women of the Dunya, (this should get us off our high horse!) Malik said: “If mixed with salty water, her spit will make that water fresh and sweet. If a dead person is invited by her speech, he will answer her. If her shirt is put beside the sun, the sun will seem to be a dark object. If her sweat falls onto the earth, it will be like perfume on it. She is sweet-smelling, with beautiful eyes, and a flirtatious nature for her male companion only. And she passionately loves her male companion. Her beauty never changes; she never becomes unfaithful; and her love is everlasting.”
[Bahrud-Damu’ Pg. 91-93]
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi, and that description is just of the male’s maidens in Jannah, so imagine what will be the status of his Queen???
Western culture will have you belive being a prince/princess is all about the amount of wealth one has accumulated, however Allah azz wa Jall indeed Might and Majesty belongs to Him clearly has stated in the Qur’an:
“Woe to every slander, and backbiter, He who gathers wealth and counts it.” [104:1-2]
Rather than accumulating wealth, the Sahabah and sahabiyat fought and competed with each other to give as much as they could. We all know of the many a times noted parable of ‘Umar trying to beat Abu Bakr in giving provisions in the path of Allah. ‘Umar bought a half of all that which he owned, leaving exactly a half for his family, but Abu Bakr surpassed ‘Umar by contributing ALL of what he owned, leaving for his family Allah and His Messenger Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam alone, such was his belief and reliance upon Allah.
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi! This is not all! A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha, one of the wives of the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam not only in this life, but also in the hereafter, a true Queen indeed, yet look at how humbly this Queen spent her life. Urwah Radi Allahu Anha narrated: “I once saw A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha spending 70 000 dirhams in charity, while she herself was wearing a dress with patches.”
Yet subhan’Allah, we feel pain at giving even 1 penny in charity, whilst we ourselves have our own wardrobes and bellies filled with provisions!
And what of Khadija Radi Allahu Anha, a very wealthy woman from her previous marriage, she did not spend her wealth hoarding sparkling tiaras, rather she spent all of her wealth in the way of Allah, supporting the Muslims and the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam in the early days of Islam through the Quraysh’s continous persecutions, spending to the spread the message of her husband, helping to free slaves who had embraced Islam and feeding and sheltering the community of muslims that was growing slowly but surely in numbers and strength.
Humility and humbleness is not the only trait we can learn from the Umm Ul’Mu’mineen, my sisters there is much we can adopt from the Mothers of the believers, one of which is eloquence. Too often do sisters ignore this beautiful trait and opt for being ‘rowdy’, ‘loud-mouthed’ or the ‘in your face’ characteristic, with even their speech being from a trait of the western disbelievers (i.e. colloquial slang).
Musa ibn Talha Radi Allahu Anhu, once said: “I have not seen anyone more eloquent than A’ishah” (Radi Allahu Anha).
And indeed eloquence in a woman (AND in a man) is a worthy trait often overlooked. People often speak of seeking a spouse who is attractive and beautiful, and subhan’Allah eloquence enhances one’s physical and internal beauty. And many narrations of the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam are a testament to this, as he himself (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was so eloquent in behaviour and mannerisms, making him so awe-inspiring, even to the disbelievers in his blessed presence.
Other qualities found in the Umm Ul’Mu’mineen, are as A’ishah Radi Allahu Anha described Zaynab bint Jahsh Radi Allahu Anha: “I have never seen a woman so pure as Zaynab, so God-fearing, so truthful, so attentive to family ties, so generous, so self-sacrificing in everyday life, so charitable, and thus so close to Allah, The Exalted.”
One last example, from the best of creation himself. His (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) humbleness clear in the below parable, and ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu could not have termed his distress any more better than he did. It is related by ‘Umar (Radi Allahu Anhu) that he went to visit the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam, who was staying alone in a small upper room, in order to find out what was happening [the period when the companions did not know if the prophet had divorced his wives or not, over a marital problem].
After been given permission to enter, ‘Umar climbed up the ladder and into the small room: “I visited the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam and he was lying on a mat. I sat down and he drew up his lower garment over him. He had nothing else on, and the mat had left its marks on his sides. I looked around at what stores the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam had, and saw only a handful of barley equal to one Sa’ and an equal amount of mimosa leaves in the corner of the room and a tanned leather bag hanging nearby, and I was moved to tears.”
He (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “Ibn al-Khattab, what is making you cry?” and I replied, “O Messenger of Allah, how can I not cry? This mat has left marks on your sides and I can only see what I have seen of your stores. Caesar and Chosroes are leading their lives of plenty, while you are the Messenger of Allah, His Chosen One, and look what you have!”
Subhan’Allah Wa Bi Hamdi!! What grief at the state of the Messenger of Allah, yet do we even shed one tear, upon hearing the trials and tests he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) faced?!!!
And subhan’Allah look at the beautiful and soothing reassurance of the Messenger of Allah!!!
“Ibn al-Khattab,” He (Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam) answered, “Isn’t it enough for you that for us there is the next world, and for them there is this world?”
“Yes.” I said.
----
These narrations and parables are only a fraction of the large amount of knowledge there is available to us, Insha’Allah I hope this post serves as a reminder to firstly myself and then to you, of how the real princes and princesses of Islam, how the real gems behaved and conducted their manners. And insha’Allah I make du’a we can imitate these blessed qualities, ameen.
Source:
http://leytonisoc.blogspot.com/?expref=next-blog
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Shipwrecked
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"Allah, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of Allah.
"When my servants ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them ), I am indeed near (to them by Knowledge); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me; that they may be led aright."
~{Al-Baqarah 2:186}
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said,
"Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge) and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him."
~{Hadith Bukhari}
He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"Allah, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of Allah.
"When my servants ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them ), I am indeed near (to them by Knowledge); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me; that they may be led aright."
~{Al-Baqarah 2:186}
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said,
"Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge) and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him."
~{Hadith Bukhari}
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Life is Like Baking a Cake
Yahya is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, health problems, problems with friends, etc.
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks Yahya if he would like a snack, which of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." *"Yuck" says Yahya.
"How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
Allah works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times.
But Allah knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!" Then Grandma said, “This reminds me of a verse from the Qur'an, Allah says,
“...it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.”
~{Al-Baqara, 2:216}
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks Yahya if he would like a snack, which of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." *"Yuck" says Yahya.
"How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
Allah works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times.
But Allah knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!" Then Grandma said, “This reminds me of a verse from the Qur'an, Allah says,
“...it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.”
~{Al-Baqara, 2:216}
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Allah Tests Us
There lived a man who was a very good Muslim. He prayed all his five daily prayers, gave to charity and had good relations with his family and friends. The man was very happy and thought that because he was a good Muslim no harm will come to him.
Then one day, when the man returned home from a family outing, he discovered that someone had broken into his home and stolen all his precious belongings including his life's savings which he had safely hidden.
Devastated the man tried to control his disappointment in what had happened to him. With no money, he had become poor in an instant. He looked up at the sky and asked Allah, “Why me?! I pray! I fast! I give in charity! What did I do wrong?!”
Days went by and the man kept questioning why Allah had done this to him. And he couldn't remove his disappointment with Allah from his heart.
Friday came and the man prepared to go for Jumaah prayers. Reluctantly he took a shower and got dressed to leave for the Masjid. He left the house dejected and feeling very low. As he was walking, he decided to take a different route to the Masjid just to clear his mind.
As he strolled the new route, he looked at the new houses that had been built and realised how long it had been since he came this way. He started thinking about his childhood and how he and his friends would come and play at the grounds where now the new houses stood. Then he remembered an old neighbour he called 'uncle' and how kind he was to him and his friends. He started thinking about him and wondered if he still lived in that same house where he had spent his childhood.
He started to look around and there between the brand new luxury apartments was his old neighbour's little home. The house he once remembered as big and beautiful now seemed old, small and batted, its glory days were clearly gone. It needed a paint job and a whole lot of repairs. And there sitting on the front porch was a frail old man. Coming closer he noticed that his old neighbour was blind and seemed to be affected with many diseases all over his body. It was clear that he was wasting away. He was even paralyzed and forced to remain in a seated position. As he came closer he could hear the old man say,
“All praise is for Allah, Who has kept me safe from sickness with which He has tested many among His creation; and He has indeed preferred me over many among those that He created."
Hearing this the man exclaimed, “My dear uncle, how are you able to Praise Allah when you are affected with so many diseases? I don't think there is a disease which you do not have!”
The old neighbour replied,
"From Allah we have come and to Him we are to return. Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?"
Hearing this, the man fell silent and tears swelled in his eyes as he remembered the bounties that Allah had given him. And how Allah says,
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient).
Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”
They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) received His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.
~{Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157}
Written By Monah Khan
Editors: Faiyaz Khan & Nina Lestari
[Some lines in this story is from:The Patient Old Man]
Then one day, when the man returned home from a family outing, he discovered that someone had broken into his home and stolen all his precious belongings including his life's savings which he had safely hidden.
Devastated the man tried to control his disappointment in what had happened to him. With no money, he had become poor in an instant. He looked up at the sky and asked Allah, “Why me?! I pray! I fast! I give in charity! What did I do wrong?!”
Days went by and the man kept questioning why Allah had done this to him. And he couldn't remove his disappointment with Allah from his heart.
Friday came and the man prepared to go for Jumaah prayers. Reluctantly he took a shower and got dressed to leave for the Masjid. He left the house dejected and feeling very low. As he was walking, he decided to take a different route to the Masjid just to clear his mind.
As he strolled the new route, he looked at the new houses that had been built and realised how long it had been since he came this way. He started thinking about his childhood and how he and his friends would come and play at the grounds where now the new houses stood. Then he remembered an old neighbour he called 'uncle' and how kind he was to him and his friends. He started thinking about him and wondered if he still lived in that same house where he had spent his childhood.
He started to look around and there between the brand new luxury apartments was his old neighbour's little home. The house he once remembered as big and beautiful now seemed old, small and batted, its glory days were clearly gone. It needed a paint job and a whole lot of repairs. And there sitting on the front porch was a frail old man. Coming closer he noticed that his old neighbour was blind and seemed to be affected with many diseases all over his body. It was clear that he was wasting away. He was even paralyzed and forced to remain in a seated position. As he came closer he could hear the old man say,
“All praise is for Allah, Who has kept me safe from sickness with which He has tested many among His creation; and He has indeed preferred me over many among those that He created."
Hearing this the man exclaimed, “My dear uncle, how are you able to Praise Allah when you are affected with so many diseases? I don't think there is a disease which you do not have!”
The old neighbour replied,
"From Allah we have come and to Him we are to return. Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?"
Hearing this, the man fell silent and tears swelled in his eyes as he remembered the bounties that Allah had given him. And how Allah says,
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient).
Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”
They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) received His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.
~{Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157}
Written By Monah Khan
Editors: Faiyaz Khan & Nina Lestari
[Some lines in this story is from:The Patient Old Man]
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A Brother Like That
Shuaib received a car from his brother as an Eid present. On the day of Eid, Shuaib came out of his house, and saw a street kid was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. "Is this your car, Sir?" he asked. Shuaib nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Eid." The boy was astounded.
"You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. Of course Shuaib knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Shuaib all the way down to his heels. "I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that." Shuaib looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my cart?" "Oh yes, I'd love that."
After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Sir, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Shuaib smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big car. But Shuaib was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Shuaib heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.
"There it is, little brother, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Eid and it didn't cost him a penny. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it...then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Shop windows that I've been trying to tell you about."
Shuaib got out and lifted the boy to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable ride. That Eid, Shuaib learned what Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) meant when he had said:
"None of you will have faith till he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.”
~{Hadith Bukhari}
"You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. Of course Shuaib knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Shuaib all the way down to his heels. "I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that." Shuaib looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my cart?" "Oh yes, I'd love that."
After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Sir, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Shuaib smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big car. But Shuaib was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Shuaib heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.
"There it is, little brother, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Eid and it didn't cost him a penny. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it...then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Shop windows that I've been trying to tell you about."
Shuaib got out and lifted the boy to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable ride. That Eid, Shuaib learned what Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) meant when he had said:
"None of you will have faith till he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.”
~{Hadith Bukhari}
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Regret
Once, a group of people were traveling on rocks at night. A voice came from the sky that whosoever picks up the rocks will regret and whosoever doesn't pick up the rocks will regret. Now, the people were confused. How can this be? Whether you pick up the rocks or not, you will regret!
Anyway, some people picked up the rocks and some didn't. In the morning when they reached their homes, they saw that the rocks turned into diamonds. Now, those people who didn't pick up the rocks started regretting saying "If only we had picked up some rocks." Those people who did pick some rocks also started regretting saying "Why didn't we pick up more rocks?" Both sides ended up regretting. Dear Muslims, this same incident will take place with us on the Day of Judgment. Those people who spent their time in useless things will start regretting by looking at those who achieved a great position in Paradise by spending their time in the way of Allah. Now, those who did achieve a position in Paradise will start regretting by looking at those who did more than them and are higher in status. "Alas! If we had only done more to please Allah."
SOURCE:
morale-stories.blogspot.com
Anyway, some people picked up the rocks and some didn't. In the morning when they reached their homes, they saw that the rocks turned into diamonds. Now, those people who didn't pick up the rocks started regretting saying "If only we had picked up some rocks." Those people who did pick some rocks also started regretting saying "Why didn't we pick up more rocks?" Both sides ended up regretting. Dear Muslims, this same incident will take place with us on the Day of Judgment. Those people who spent their time in useless things will start regretting by looking at those who achieved a great position in Paradise by spending their time in the way of Allah. Now, those who did achieve a position in Paradise will start regretting by looking at those who did more than them and are higher in status. "Alas! If we had only done more to please Allah."
SOURCE:
morale-stories.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Pond Full of Milk
Once there was a king who told some of his workers to dig a pond. Once the pond was dug, the king made an announcement to his people saying that one person from each
household has to bring a glass of milk during the night and pour it into the pond.
So, the pond should be full of milk by the morning. After receiving the order, everyone went home.
One man prepared to take the milk during the night. He thought that since everyone will bring milk, he could just hide a glass of water and pour inside the pond. Because it will be dark at night, no one will notice. So he quickly went and poured the water in the pond and came back. In the morning, the king came to visit the pond and to his surprise the pond was only filled with water! What has happened is that everyone was thinking like the other man that “I don't have to put the milk, someone else will do it.”
Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah, do not think that others will take care of it. Rather, it starts from you, if you don’t do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the way of Allah to serve Him and that will make the difference.
SOURCE:
Akramulla Syed
Islamic Occasions Network
http://www.islamicoccasions.com
via: enjoyislam.com
household has to bring a glass of milk during the night and pour it into the pond.
So, the pond should be full of milk by the morning. After receiving the order, everyone went home.
One man prepared to take the milk during the night. He thought that since everyone will bring milk, he could just hide a glass of water and pour inside the pond. Because it will be dark at night, no one will notice. So he quickly went and poured the water in the pond and came back. In the morning, the king came to visit the pond and to his surprise the pond was only filled with water! What has happened is that everyone was thinking like the other man that “I don't have to put the milk, someone else will do it.”
Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah, do not think that others will take care of it. Rather, it starts from you, if you don’t do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the way of Allah to serve Him and that will make the difference.
SOURCE:
Akramulla Syed
Islamic Occasions Network
http://www.islamicoccasions.com
via: enjoyislam.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Did You Thank Allah for Your Eyesight?
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said:
"I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it."
"It is He, Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), sight (eyes), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give."
[Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:78]
The Prophet used to offer night prayers till his feet became swollen. Somebody said, to him," "Allah has forgiven you, your faults of the past and those to follow." On that, he said, "Shouldn't I be a thankful slave of Allah?"
[Hadith Bukhari]
"I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way."
What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it."
"It is He, Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), sight (eyes), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give."
[Surah Al-Mu'minun 23:78]
The Prophet used to offer night prayers till his feet became swollen. Somebody said, to him," "Allah has forgiven you, your faults of the past and those to follow." On that, he said, "Shouldn't I be a thankful slave of Allah?"
[Hadith Bukhari]
Saturday, April 30, 2011
To My Muslim Sisters in hardship,
A Butterfly's Lesson
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were Allah's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into
its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If Allah allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never "fly"!
I asked for Strength.........
And Allah gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom.........
And Allah gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity.........
And Allah gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage.........
And Allah gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love..........
And Allah gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favours.........
And Allah gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted ........
I received everything I needed!
"So blessed be Allah, the best of creators!"
{Quran 23:14}
SOURCE:
Livingislam.org
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.
So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.
The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.
The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.
Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.
What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were Allah's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into
its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.
Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If Allah allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us.
We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never "fly"!
I asked for Strength.........
And Allah gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom.........
And Allah gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity.........
And Allah gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage.........
And Allah gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love..........
And Allah gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favours.........
And Allah gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted ........
I received everything I needed!
"So blessed be Allah, the best of creators!"
{Quran 23:14}
SOURCE:
Livingislam.org
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