The Three Letters of Downfall

What defines “the chaos of life”? You being so busy that you’re unable to take out time to sit with family? Your stubbornness when a junior asks you for a favour ? Your frustrations when little things you think you can manage gets so haphazard? Eventually, it leads all to an ultimate end of a good brought up or should I say the grooming of your parents when you start boasting your ego. The three letter word that leads us all to downfall, little do we understand don’t we?

Man, no doubt has to some extent a superiority over women. They earn and face the excruciating and disgusting world outside. Running for jobs, dealing with gruesome people and above all trying to save money in a world of today- where it seems the money gets down the drain so quickly no matter how you save. They are tough and brought up by the stereotype, ‘men don’t cry’.  That’s exactly where the EGO steps in. 

Women look after household and some even work and do chores too. And by chores I could go on in a list of never ending work. Make dinner of their husband’s choice, wash clothes, clean the house, do the dishes, solve inlaws issues,  then they have the cranky dependant babies to look after.. And still remain tip top for their husbands in the eve. Some are even working women who do double jobs of balancing the outside and inside world together. If she demands some time to rest is it necessary she gets taunted in a way she never want to do anything for her sake? 

Why does ego gets misunderstood as “confidence” “power to rule” and “intelligent dealings”. Is it important we crush the one beneath us so harshly, forget about hurting the other person won’t even want to talk to you. Ever realized why you were made an authority? Was it to rule over and gain power by insulting? Doesn’t it lead to more frustrations in a society- eventually a working space gets disintegrated and the blame games start. The vicious cycle begins where two personalities full of pride fail to understand their ruining the world in small or a larger scale on whole. 

I know frustrations are everywhere, there are little who know how to deal with them perfectly and wisely. I love such people and always try to learn from such kinds who put others first and not their wishes ahead of themselves. The teachings of our Prophet (S.A.W. W) show that he practised his life that revolves around the famous quote, ” forgive and let go” trust me, its so not easy in this world we live now. Now is the life with which even the wolf has asked forgiveness. People are after the happiness you share, the pride you show when your child achieves higher marks in class, the confidence you feel when you show you’re independent. They would never stop, why? Because you’re hurting them. Affecting their “look busy, do nothing” lives and teasing their ego. Trust me, you shouldn’t stop, its their sickening thoughts with which they’re brought up. Ego. They think its their win-win, but it’s actually yours if you ponder and let them go- remember karma? It lies there hiding and waiting for the right moment to come. And it will, inshaaAllah. 

Is He really hidden?

Intuitions. How can one define them? Gut instincts.. Sixth sense.. True feelings. People gave synonyms to make sense, yet it needs much experience to expert them. What matters the most is the way we approach these intuitions and how we gain trust in them.

At times, we are intrigued by the fame of celebrities.. The posh lifestyle of a modern, elite family… attracted to anyone’s fascinating accent… Cheered up by humor of someone who loves to make jokes on anyone, anytime. Still, there lies a deep, deep wisdom in the voice that always shouts within us, ‘this isn’t right.. You’re not meant for this’ to not crossing lines and staying decently away.. But we learn by experiences don’t we? 

Sometimes, some of us get overwhelmed by feelings of “trust” in someone so quickly, yet when they slam the world in front of us by their behavior we eventually learn this quick “trust” was a danger sign to not go beyond frankness and friendliness. Another experience?

It’s true you shouldn’t expect anything from anyone, and accept the fact that no one would ever realize what you’re going through.. What you’ve been through.. And what they are making you go through. I’ve been brought up by stories of my Prophet (S.A.W.W)  to show kindness to those who do harm to you, to respect your elders no matter how rude one becomes, always help those in need with your intentions of expecting a reward only from your Lord. 

Try to look beyond those mere co incidences that happen in everyday life. You woke up early, got ready and left for your job but during the way got stuck in a huge traffic jam which made u reach on time somehow.. Coincidence? 

Or maybe you despised a place to work but gave interview anyway, later the company you dreamed to work in got defamed by faults and frauds and you realize the place you work is best for you.. Another coincidence?

Sometimes even little things like a dress color you were unsure to wear actually was the theme of the party and you didn’t know … While ordering something you gave order for a great good amount and later got uninvited guests … You ‘accidently’ took a wrong turn and showed up at a market you werent planning to buy groceries-but hey! There’s a summer sale!! Surprised?

These things in life aren’t coincidences, its something that has been decreed for you before the establishment of the universe. Something so peculiar about it is the fact you can’t deny but take a sigh of relief these incidents happened. Think for a while was it you who planned it or was Allah the planner? Was it you to take care of the billion things out of your sight and wisdom or is it Allah who manages that which you see not? 

Why is it so hard these days to merely believe the fact Allah created us and He has the knowledge so vast- from a single bacteria that got destroyed in our body to the intention of another person talking to you on phone miles and miles away. Who is the Creator and Planner now? So when we think of ourselves and the problems we face in daily life,just have blind trust in Allah.

….. He would caress you the way a mother cares for the child..making you learn hand in hand .. Staying quiet like a teacher when tests are taken.. Looking over you with love and protection  when you’re asleep.. And providing provision to you when YOU think you don’t deserve/ can’t afford/ won’t like to have.. Making you go through trails of agony so you become sober and realize His existence. 

Trust me He isn’t hidden. Trust me, its not your intuition, but guidance from Allah. Trust me, its a blessing when He gives you this opportunity to trust Him and He will make this world and hereafter the best place to be .. And the key?  all you have to do is a thank you. 

Often, dark rooms have switches hidden which you have to seek so you lit it up.. Seek your Lord, He would seek you. 

So Not You…

Something so beautiful I read today and couldn’t resist sharing. ❤

پیشن گوئیاں

اللّٰه کے رَسُول  صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے قیامت کے نشانات بتلاتے ہوئے فرمایا: کہ 

اُونٹوں اور بَکریوں کے چَروَاہے جو بَرہَنَہ بَدَن اور ننگے پاؤں ہونگے وہ ایک دوسرے سے مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے لمبی لمبی عمارتیں بنوائیں گے اور فخر کریں گے۔ (صحیح مسلم 8)

میں ریاض شہر کو دیکھ کر حیران رہ گیا، عمارتوں کایہ مقابلہ آج اپنے عُروج پر پہنچ گیا، دبئی میں ’’برج خلیفہ‘‘ کی عمارت دنیا کی سب سے اُونچی عمارت بن گئی تو ساتھ ہی شہزادہ ولید بن طلال نے جَدَّہ میں اس سے بھی بڑی عمارت بنانے کا اعلان کر دیا ہے جو دھڑا دھڑ بنتی چلی جا رہی ہے، یعنی مقابلہ اپنی اِنتہا پر پہنچ چکا ہے کہ عرب دنیا کی عمارتیں سارے جہان سے اونچی ہو چکی ہیں۔

بتلانے کا مقصد صرف یہ کہ میرے پیارے رسول حضرت مُحمَّد کریم  صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے جو فرمایا وہ پُورا ہو چکا ہے اور پیشگوئی پُوری ہو کر اپنے نُکتۂ کمال کو پہنچ چکی ہے.

اس کے بعد اُصولِ دُنیاوی ’’ہر کمال رَا زَوَال اَست‘‘ کہ ہر کمال کے لئے زوال ہے، زوال کا آغاز بھی ہوچکا ہے کہ گاڑیاں صِرف تیل پر نہیں رہیں بلکہ گیس، بیٹری اور سولر انرجی وغیرہ سے بھی چلنا شروع ہو گئیں۔

تیل دیگر ملکوں سے بھی بہت زیادہ نکلنا شروع ہو گیا اور ایک بڑی وجہ یہ ہے کہ

عرب کا سب سے زیادہ تیل خریداری کرنے والے امریکہ نے صَدَّام کو ختم کرکے  تیل کی دولت سے سَیراب مُلک عِرَاق پر اپنی کٹ پُتلی شِیعَہ حکومت بنا کر تیل کے کنوؤں پر قبضہ جما لیا ہے اور لاکھوں بیرل مُفت وصول کر رہا ہے تو پھر تیل کی گِرتی مانگ نے تیل کی قیمتوں کو نچلی سطح پر پہنچا دیا جس سے عرب ممالک کا سُنہرا دَور خاتمے کے قریب ہے۔

سوال پیدا ہوتا ہے اس زوال کے بعد کیا ہے؟

اللّٰه کے رَسُول صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم کی ایک اور حدیث ہے کہ قیامت سے پہلے سَرزَمینِ عرب دوبارہ سَرسَبز ہو جائیگی۔۔۔ (صحیح مسلم

کون سوچ سکتا تھا کہ سَرزمینِ عرب کے صحراء اور خُشک پہاڑ کہ جسے اللّٰه تعالیٰ نے خُود حضرت ابراہیم عَليهِ السَّلام کی زبان سے ’’بِوَادٍ غَیر ذِی زَرع‘‘ بے آب و گیاہ وَادِی قرار دیا۔ وہ سَبزے سے لہلا اٹھے گی……

چُنانچہ پُوری دُنیا میں گلوبل وارمنگ اور موسمیاتی تبدیلی کے نَقَّارے بَجنے لگے، نتیجہ یہ نکلا ہے کہ سعودی عرب اور امارات میں بارشیں شروع ہو چکی ہیں۔ اتنی بارشیں اور ہوائیں کہ سیلاب آنا شروع ہو گئے ہیں، مَکَّہ اور جَدَّہ میں سَیلاب آ چکے ہیں۔

ایک سَیلاب چند دن پہلے آیا ہے جس سے چند افراد لُقمۂ اَجَل بھی بن چکے ہیں، اس تبدیلی کا نتیجہ یہ نکل رہا ہے کہ عرب سرزمین جسے پہلے ہی جدید ٹیکنالوجی کو کام میں لا کر سرسبز بنانے کی کوشش کی گئی ہے وہ قدرتی موسم کی وجہ سے بھی سرسبز بننے جا رہی ہے۔ سعودی عرب گندم میں پہلے ہی خودکفیل ہو چکا ہے، اب وہاں خشک پہاڑوں پر بارشوں کی وجہ سے سبزہ اُگنا شروع ہو چکا ہے، پہاڑ سرسبز ہونا شروع ہو گئے ہیں۔ بارشوں کی وجہ سے آخرکار حکومت کو ڈیم بنانا ہوں گے جس سے پانی کی نہریں نکلیں گی، ہریالی ہو گی، سبزہ مزید ہو گا، فصلیں لہلہائیں گی، یُوں یہ پیشگوئی بھی اپنے تکمیلی مَرَاحِل سے گزرنے جا رہی ہے اور جو میرے حضور صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے فرمایا اسے ہم اپنی آنکھوں سے دیکھتے جا رہے ہیں.

اگر احادیث پر غور کریں تو مَشرقِ وُسطیٰ کے زوال کا آغاز مُلکِ شام سے شروع ہوا لیکن شاید عرب حُکمران یا تو یہود و نصاریٰ کی چال سمجھ نہ سکے یا بے رخی اختیار کی لیکن وجہ جو بھی ہو یا نہ ہو سرکار صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم کی بتائی ہوئی علامات کو تو ظاہر ہو نا ہی تھا حدیث کے مطابق

چُنانچہ حدیث پاک میں ارشاد ہے

ﺭﺳﻮﻝ اللّٰه صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم ﻧﮯ ﻓﺮﻣﺎﯾﺎ:

ﺟﺐ ﺍﮨﻞِ ﺷﺎﻡ ﺗﺒﺎﮨﯽ ﻭ ﺑﺮﺑﺎﺩﯼ ﮐﺎ ﺷﮑﺎﺭ ﮨﻮﺟﺎﺋﯿﮟ ﺗﻮ ﭘﮭﺮ ﺗﻢ ﻣﯿﮟ ﮐﻮﺋﯽ ﺧﯿﺮ ﺑﺎﻗﯽ ﻧﮧ ﺭﮨﮯ ﮔﯽ۔

(ﺳﻨﻦ ﺍﻟﺘﺮﻣﺬﯼ 2192: ﺑﺎﺏ ﻣﺎ ﺟﺎﺀ ﻓﯽ ﺍﻟﺸﺎﻡ، ﺣﺪﯾﺚ ﺻﺤﯿﺢ)

یاد ﺭﮐﮭﯿﮟ! ﺍَﺣﺎﺩﯾﺚِ ﻣُﺒَﺎﺭﮐﮧ ﮐﯽ ﺭُﻭ ﺳﮯ ﺷﺎﻡ ﻭ ﺍﮨﻞِ ﺷﺎﻡ ﺳﮯ ﺍُﻣَّﺖِ ﻣُﺴﻠﻤﮧ ﮐﺎ ﻣُﺴﺘﻘﺒﻞ ﻭَﺍﺑﺴﺘﮧ ﮨﮯ، ﺍﮔﺮ مُلکِ شام ایسے ہی ﺑﺮﺑﺎﺩ ﮨﻮتے رها ﺗﻮ

ﭘُﻮﺭﯼ ﺍُﻣَّﺖِ ﻣُﺴﻠﻤﮧ ﮐﯽ ﺑﮭﯽ ﺧﯿﺮ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ۔۔ ویسے تو 90 فیصد برباد ہو چکا………

اب جبکہ پانچ سالہ خُونریزی میں 8 لاکھ سُنّی بےگناه بَچّے، بُوڑھے، عَورتیں شہید اور لا تعداد دُوسرے مُلک کی سرحدوں پر زندگی کی بھیک مانگتے ہوئے شہید ہو رہے ہیں اور اتنے ہی تعداد میں زخمی یا معذور ہو چکے

لہٰذا شام مُکمَّل تباہی کے بعد اب نزع کی حالت میں ہے.

اس حدیث کے حساب سے عرب ممالک کے سُنہرے دَور کے خاتمہ کی اہم وجہ مُلکِ شام کے مَوجُودَہ حالات ہيں.

گویا نبی صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم  کی ایک اور  پیشگوئی کی عَلامَت ظاہر ہو رہی ہے یا ہو چکی……..

یاد رکھیں! کہ مُلکِ شام کے مُتعلّق اِسرائیل، رُوس، ایران و امریکہ جو بھی جھوٹے بہانے بناے لیکن ان سب کا اَصل ہَدَف جَزیرَةُالعَرَب ہے کیونکہ کُفَّار کا عقیدہ ہے کہ دَجَّال مَسِیحَا ہے اس وجہ سے یہ لوگ دَجَّال کے اِنتظامات مُکمَّل کر رہے ہیں جس کے لیے عرب ممالک میں عَدمِ اِستحکام پیدا کرنا ہے کیونکہ مُلکِ شام پر یہود و نصاریٰ قبضہ کرنا چاہتے ہیں اور  یہ ہو کر رہیگا حضرت مہدی عَلیهِ السَّلام کے ظہور سے قبل…

چُنانچہ کتابِ فِتَن میں ہے کہ

آخری زمانے میں جب مُسلمان ہر طرف سے مَغلوب ہوجائیں گے، مُسلسل جَنگیں ہوں گی، شام میں بھی عیسائیوں کی حکومت قائم ہوجائے گی،   عُلماء کرام سے سُنا کہ سَعُودی، مِصر،  ترکی بهى باقى نہ رہیگا ہر جگہ کُفَّار کے مظالم بڑھ جائیں گے، اُمَّت آپسی خَانہ

جَنگی کا شِکار رہےگی.

عرب(خلیجی ممالک سعودی عرب وغیرہ) میں بھی مسلمانوں کی باقاعدہ پُرشوکت حکومت نہیں رہےگی، خَیبَر (سعودی عرب کا چھوٹا

شہر مَدینةُالمُنَوَّره سے 170 کم فاصلے پر ہے) کے قریب تک یہود و نصاریٰ پہنچ جائیں گے، اور اس جگہ تک ان کی حکومت قائم ہوجائے گی، بچے کھچے مسلمان مَدِینةُالمُنَوَّرَه پہنچ جائیں گے، اس وقت حضرت امام مہدی عَليهِ السَّلام مدینہ منورہ میں ہوں گے،

دُوسری طرف دریائے طبریہ بھی تیزی سے خُشک ہو رہا ہے جو کہ مہدی عَلیہِ السَّلام کے ظہور سے قبل خُشک ہو گی…

اسلئے  جب مَشرقِ وُسطیٰ کے حالات کو خُصُوصاً مُسَلمانوں اور ساری دُنیا کے حالات کو دیکھتے ہیں تو صاف نظر آتا ہے کہ دُنیا ہولناکیوں کی جانب بڑھ رہی ہے۔

فرانس میں حَالیہ حَملوں کے بعد فرانس اور پوپ بھی عالمی جنگ کی بات کر چکے ہیں۔ سوال پیدا ہوتا ہے اس عالمی جنگ کا مرکز کون سا خطہ ہو گا…؟ وَاضِح نظر آ رہا ہے، مَشرقِ وُسطیٰ ہی مُتَوَقّع ہے….

یہاں بھی ہند و پاک کی رَنجِشیں اور کشمکش کے بڑھتے حالات سے بھی لگتا ہے کہ غَزوۂ ہند کی طرف رُخ کر رہے ہیں کیونکہ

حضرت ابو ہریرہ رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ تَعَالىٰ عَنه سے روایت ہے کہ رَسُولُ اللّٰه صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے ارشاد فرمایا:

’’میری قوم کا ایک لشکر وَقتِ آخِر کے نزدیک ہند پر چَڑھائی کرے گا اور اللّٰه اس لشکر کو فتح نصیب کرے گا، یہاں تک کہ وہ ہند کے حُکمرانوں کو بیڑیوں میں جَکڑ کر لائیں گے۔ اللّٰه اس لشکر کے تمام گناہ معاف کر دے گا۔ پھر وہ لشکر وَاپس رُخ کرے گا اور شام میں موجود عیسیٰ ابنِ مَریم عَليهِ السَّلام کے ساتھ جا کر مِل جائے گا۔‘‘ 

حضرت ابو ہریرہ رَضِىَ اللّٰه تعالىٰ عَنه نے فرمایا، 

’’اگر میں اُس وقت تک زندہ رہا تو میں اپنا سب کچھ بیچ کر بھی اُس لشکر کا حِصَّہ بَنُوں گا۔ اور پھر جب اللّٰه ہمیں فتح نصیب کرے گا تو میں ابو ہریرہ (جہنم کی آگ سے) آزاد کہلاؤں گا۔ پھر جب میں شام پہنچوں گا تو عیسیٰ ابنِ مَریم عَليهِ السَّلام کو تلاش کر کے انہیں بتاؤں گا کہ میں مُحَمَّد صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم كا ساتھی رہا ہوں۔‘‘ 

رسول پاک صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے تَبَسُّم فرمایا اور کہا، ’’بہت مشکل، بہت مشکل‘‘۔

کتاب الفتن۔ صفحہ ۴۰۹

آنے والے اَدوَار بڑے پُرفِتن نظر آتے ہیں اور اس کے مُتعلّق بھی سَرکار صَلَّى اللّٰه عَليهِ وَ سَلَّم نے فرمایا تھا کہ میری اُمَّت پر ایک دَور ایسے آئیگا جس میں فِتنے ایسے تیزی سے آئینگے جیسے تسبیح ٹوٹ جانے سے تسبیح کے دانے تیزی سے زمین کی طرف آتے ہیں.

Concept of Shirk

Shirk is a topic we least understand among the other topics most discussed about. It’s important to get hold of the concept of Shirk before practicing the precautions in our life… Fortunately, I came across some genuine references of Shirk and types mentioned in Ahadees and Quran and questions answered by a Turkish Scholar,   İslam Fıkhı Ansiklopedisi. A little long, but worth a read!

The root of the verb “Sha-ri-ka” means to share, to become a partner. As a religious term, shirk means associating partners with Allah.

Shirk means partnership and it is the opposite of oneness (tawhid). Sharik means partner.

The Quran calls people to accept the oneness of Allah and severely prohibits people from associating partners with His personality or attributes.

The Quran states that shirk is a big sin and oppression that God Almighty will never forgive associating partners with him and that He will forgive the sins except shirk of the people He wishes.

It is a grave sin and great oppression for man whom everything on the earth is appointed to serve and to whom the administration of everything is given to accept some beings that serve him as gods and to worship them instead of Allah.
Shirk is a sin and oppression not only because it is the transgression of the rights of Allah and that it includes slander and insult but also because it is a great insult and transgression of the rights of the universe and all of the creatures.

Types of Shirk

Main types of shirk are as follows:
1. To leave Allah and to adore and worship living and non-living things other than Him.
2. To believe in Allah but to associate partners with Him, that is, to believe that some other beings have the attribute of divinity. (The belief of trinity in Christianity is included in this part…

3. To accept that there is a creator of this world but
to worship non-living things like idols and sculptures in order to approach Him. (Idolatry is included in this part.)
4. Another form of shirk is to accept some people as Lord, that is, to obey their orders and to avoid their prohibitions instead of the orders and prohibitions of Allah by believing them blindly. It is stated in the Quran that Jewish people accept their rabbis and Christians accept their clergymen as Lords.
5. The most common type of shirk is the one in which man obeys his own passion and desires blindly and see his desires as a divinity.

In the Quran, those kinds of people are condemned by this verse:
“Seest thou such a one as taketh for his god his own passion (or impulse)?”

6. There is another form of shirk: hidden shirk, that is riya (hypocrisy). That is, instead of praying and worshipping only for the sake of Allah, to pray and worship so that other people will see him and appreciate him. Worshipping like that is a kind of associating partners with Allah. Our Prophet defined it as hidden shirk.
A believer must avoid all kinds of shirk; whether hidden or visible, whether open or covered. The real oneness can only be obtained like that. All kinds of shirk are rejected severely in the Quran; the real belief of oneness is preached to humanity.

What is Major Shirk and Minor Shirk? Explain in detail with examples. How to differentiate betweeen major and minor shirk? How to be save from Shirk?
In Islamic sources there are concepts such as “Major and Minor Shirk (Hypocrisy).  Major Shirk: Shirk means partnership and it is the opposite of oneness (tawhid). Sharik means partner. The Quran calls people to accept the oneness of Allah and severely prohibits people from associating partners with His personality or attributes. The Quran states that shirk is a big sin and oppression that God Almighty will never forgive associating partners with him and that He will forgive the sins except shirk of the people He wishes. It is a grave sin and great oppression for man whom everything on the earth is appointed to serve and to whom the administration of everything is given to accept some beings that serve him as gods and to worship them instead of Allah. Shirk is a sin and oppression not only because it is the transgression of the rights of Allah and that it includes slander and insult but also because it is a great insult and transgression of the rights of the universe and all of the creatures.
Minor Shirk: This subject is explained in the Qur’an as follows: Say: “Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Al-Kahf, 18/110)

What is meant by polytheism while worshipping Allah is not being sincere while worshipping and having feelings like hypocrisy, show off and similar interests. (al-Baydawi, Anvaru`t-Tanzil wa Asraru`t-Tawil, Egypt 1955, II, 14)

Some of the hadiths that Hz. Muhammad narrated about this subject is as follows:
The most dreadful thing which I fear about you is minor polytheism. The companions asked: What is the minor polytheism? He said: It is hypocrisy; and he added that on the Day of Judgment, when rewarding people for their deeds, Allah (SWT) will say to the hypocrites: Go to those for the sake of whom you used to perform good deeds; and see whether you can get any reward from them. (Ahmad b. Hanbal, V, 428,429).

“The most dreadful thing which I fear about you is associating partners with Allah (polytheism). However, be careful! I do not say that they will worship the moon, the sun and idols. I want to say that they will have aims other than the pleasure and consent of Allah and the feelings of hidden lust, hypocrisy and show off.” (Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 21).

Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say: “The first person to be judged against on the Day of Judgment will be a martyr. That person will be taken to the presence of Allah; Allah will remind him the bounties He gave him. He will remember them.
Allah will say, “What did you do among those bounties?”
He will say,”I fought for your sake and became a martyr.”
Allah will say, “You are lying. You fought so that people would say hero for you. According to a narration, that person is dragged into Hell facedown.

The second person to be taken to the presence of Allah will be a person who learned Islamic sciences and taught them to others and read the Quran. Allah reminds him the bounties He gave him. He remembers them.
Allah will say to him,”What did you do among those bounties?”
He will say,”I learnt the Quran and Islamic sciences and for your sake and taught them to others.”
Allah will say, “You are lying. You learnt the Quran and Islamic sciences for hypocrisy and show off, so that people would say you read very nicely. And they praised you.” He is thrown into Hellfire based on the order of Allah.

The third person to be taken to the presence of Allah will be a person whom Allah gave wealth and various goods. Allah reminds him the bounties He gave him. He remembers them.
Allah will ask him:” What kind of good deeds and charities did you do among those bounties?”
He will say:”I spent money for your sake on the things that you like. I helped everybody.”
Allah will say similar things to him:” You are lying. You did so because you wanted people to call you a generous person. You showed off. You received the praise that you wanted.” He is dragged facedown into Hellfire based on the order of Allah.” (Muslim, Imara, 152; Nasai, Jihad, 22; Ahmed b. Hanbal, II, 322).

As it is stated in this hadith, to become a martyr, to be a scholar, to do charities are very good deeds. However, if they are not done for the pleasure and consent of Allah but to show off or to gain material interests, they will have no value.

Are You A Slave… Yet?

We live in a dilemma. A delusion anybody hardly speaks of. When it comes the time to discuss the catch in life, people back away saying, “we’re fine” however, they’re in a constant fight against the worlds. Worlds? yes, a world outside and the brutal world inside.
To accept the fact, as stated very rightly in Quran  that “...this world is an enjoyment of deception” (3.185) we  do it gracefully  yet when the “enjoyment” arrives we humbly approach it, not realizing it as a test in disguise. We fall down the pitch- a luxurious, decorated and charming place- surrounded with much more disguises of people to read and eventually to learn a lesson rather a hard way.

What makes us judge this ‘pitch’ is our intuition .. the Nafs. That feeling one can decide matters of life in one second- the twisted anxiety one befalls and surrenders to is a teacher for a lifetime. but in the long term, when we have finally learnt a lesson- sit down calmly and think either to be a slave of your nafs or conquer it.

It is the intuition that is to be blamed. Not the people who wronged you… or the people who welcomed you, but you rejected them. Not the circumstances in which you were raised.. how you were raised.. and whom were you raised with. Not, definitely, those things you left behind or memories you didn’t cherish …  It’s you who decide the voice is a fact .. or another whisper of Satan leading you astray. If you surrender to the Nafs and get angry, start crying, start gossiping or sin for any of that matter- it is you who eventually face the consequences. You’re left with a little or no memories to make let alone get a trust back.

Before blaming someone else, start with yourself- how did you end up being a jerk to those you now regard or look up to? How did the world became so fascinating all of a sudden that you forgot you created enemies within the circle of your social and private life. How come the intuition never warned and never scold you to move away and never look back? but yes, everyone isn’t perfect and not everyone learns a lesson from their mistakes, or decide for that purpose to never do it again. It’s just a matter of seconds to realize, forgive and ask forgiveness, and leave it to Allah to make things better… or keep the grudge within you for years to ruin the generation ahead.

This voice is your core of life. A steering to control yourself. It may create huge misunderstandings or manage to be strong as a mountain in times when even you can’t believe that you could endure. That is how you becomes a best teacher for yourself. The more that you feed this Nafs, the more it desires and the more you are pulled into the pitch- sooner to be unveiled as a fraud. The battle never ends, until you die.

To be best avoided and keep your intuition focused, recite the following whenever you face any situation. 

There does come a time when we have to decide not to become a slave of this “nafs” and always initiate a decision of brain than the heart to achieve our focus. I’m first reminding myself and then to the readers that we are, eventually a slave of Allah SWT and not of our desires or ego. We are not answerable to anyone in the end, but to our Lord who knows every whisper of the heart. May Allah SWT make us much brave enough to discuss the shortcomings with Him only and always believe strongly that His decision is the best in our life- and not a hasty decision as ours. Ameen.

The Motivation to Forgive..

We often face people in our lives who have wronged us in some way and we feel its impossible for us to forgive them… there are a billion times when we have wronged someone, by words or action, and we feel the guilt and pressure on our souls so much that we are ashamed to ask forgiveness from Allah  (S.W.T) Regarding this, I came across something very exceptional to read, so sharing it here. 

We sin openly and secretly, inwardly and outwardly, major and minor, to the Creator and the creation.  And whilst it is unavoidable to do at least some sins, it is important that we seek forgiveness from Allah daily. In fact, there are at least 20 duas of forgiveness a Muslim can make every day. No one can seek forgiveness more than the blessed Messenger of Allah ﷺ despite all of his sins being forgiven, so how about us? We steal, lie, cheat, scorn and if we do not do this with others, we certainly do this with Allah.

Despite all of this, Allah is willing to forgive us. He loves to forgive and he would have replaced us if we were sinless with people who sin and then repent to him. 

If someone was to encroach upon our rights, how would we react? If we don’t forgive the person, we will at least seek ‘justice’. And the problem with seeking ‘justice’ is that it can be revenge in another name.

Justice is limited in how much we can attain and it is quantifiable. 

“And those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, take revenge. The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof.” {Surah Ash-Shuraa 42: Verses 39-40}

And what we seek cannot be compensated except through forgiveness. It will remove the hurt and the scar will be lifted. 

And so we choose something which is temporary that results in regret, for something permanent that we will always be pleased with even though its initial stages may feel bitter. 

And whilst ‘justice’ is measurable, the reward is not. There is no mention of gardens or rivers, but the reward is with Allah. 

“but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.” {Surah Ash-Shuraa 42: Verse 40}

Forgiveness is not easy and that is why the reward is so high. Someone may say: ‘I will forgive everyone except for such and such a person because you don’t know what s/he’s done to me’.

Remember what we have done against Allah and yet He forgives us for nothing in return. Remember how Abu Bakr forgave a companion for spreading rumours of adultery about his daughter, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ and our mother, Aisha. 

Why? 

Because he understood that the reward of forgiving him is far greater than any justice he would be able to gain in this life or on the Day of Judgement. 

And this is a greater type of sabr when a calamity befalls someone because in the former you have a choice. The ones we get most angry with are those whom we are closest to and because we see them day in and day out, it is more difficult to forgive them. 

In fact, the test of good character is not to show it to people you like or don’t know, but people you don’t like. 

“Be in need of whoever you wish, and you will be his prisoner; be sufficient from whoever you wish, and you will be his adversary; be kind to whoever you wish, and you will be his authority”– Ibn Taymiyyah (ra)

We may feel we cannot trust anyone. It doesn’t matter how deep one’s love is for their spouse, parents, children, siblings and friends – there will always be some element of disappointment.  And although we should not think like this, in some situations, it cannot be helped. It is easier to please Allah than to please the people. 

Ibn Al Qayyim(ra) said: “The heart of who you are trying to earn acceptance, is in the hands of whom you disobey.” This is why we must always do things for Allah alone and everything else should be secondary. This way, if you are disappointed by the people, you didn’t do it for them anyway. And any harm they cause us will be worth it because the reward will be higher. 

From the 8 gates of Jannah is the gate called BAABUL KADHEMEAN AL- GAIDH – this gate is reserved for those who suppress their anger and pardon others.

Allah is Al-Ghafur, At-Tawwab, but mankind is plagued by pride and arrogance. So despite any sin we may do, Allah is willing to forgive us if we apply the conditions. As for man, our hearts are hard and not willing to forget let alone forgive.  We are reminded constantly of past transgressions in a heated argument even when we were ‘forgiven’ and we curtail our kindness because of that hurt that we once felt.

And yet when Allah forgives, it is almost as though we had not done that sin and He bestows more mercy upon us so that we are not embarrassed to return to him. 

As one Mufassir (explainer of the Quran) wrote: Allah knows things about you that if your parents would know, they would disown you. That if your wife would know, she would divorce you. If your slave were to know, he would run away from you. If your neighbor would know, they would move away from you. But despite all of this, Allah is Merciful.

Let us facilitate jannah for each other, not jahanam. Paradise is very vast and it has room for us all. And it doesn’t matter how much we may despise one another, kafir or Muslim, we should never wish jahanam for anyone if we truly know its reality. 

So a word said to our brother or sister even though it takes a few seconds, the consequences are years in the hellfire or eternity in Paradise. Is it not enough for us to worry about our good deeds being accepted, than for us to increase in sin and worry about others holding grudges?

“Verily, I constantly renew my Islam until this very day, as up to now, I do not consider myself to have ever been a good Muslim.”- Ibn Taymiyyah(ra)