Many people periodically go through short depressions when they feel
negative about everything in their lives. There are ways we can
minimize these depressions, and steps we can take to ensure wedon't
sabotage our relationships when we'refeeling blue.
In my case, I go through regular periods of mini-depression every few
months. My mood will be utterly black, my mind filled with
self-critical thoughts: "I'ma failure, I'm a hypocrite, I have no real
friends, I've wasted my life…" But even in the depths of depression I
know that the mood will not last. One good night's sleep will restore
me to normal, Insha'Allah. So I keep my mouth shut and do not express
those negative thoughts to family or friends, becauseI know I will
regret it later if I do….
Does this happen to you? If so, then pay attention to your own
emotional cycles so that you know what to expect. Control yourself
when you're feeling down. Speak onlywhat is good, or stay silent.
Let's be very clear: You should not ignore genuine problems in your
life. If something is missing or making you unhappy, work on it
Insha'Allah. I'm also not saying that you should remain silent about
real issues that you face. If you've got problems in your family, it's
important to communicate to resolve them. It's also good to talk to a
therapist or counselor.
But when you are depressed, your viewpoint becomes skewed, and it's
not necessarily representative of reality. So when you have those dark
thoughts that say, "My life is worthless and Ihate everyone," don't
express those to anyone except your therapist or counselor. Don't call
up your best friend and say, "You're not a true friend, you don't care
about me." That's not productive and will only destroy your
relationship.
When you're depressed, hold on to your lifeline with God, eat well and
get plenty of rest, and be patient until the mood passes Insha'Allah.
Try to fill your life with good things: people you care about, work
that matters,hobbies you love, good books to read, exercise you enjoy…
these good things provide a safety net when you're feeling blue.
For example, photographer and human rights activist Asmaa-Deanna Dee
says, "When I am feeling low and downtrodden I just find a quiet place
and sit alone with my favorite book (the Quran)! When Iturn each of
its miraculous pages my heart begins to feel lighter and the world
around me brighter! The love, warmth and security of each word sets in
and it is in these very moments that I know for sure in my heart how
much Allah really loves me! Alhamdulillah! Subhanallah! Allahu Akbar!"
Also remind yourself of the good things in your life, and try to be
gratefulfor them. Do not look to those who have more than you, but
those who have less. Think of the times in your life when God has
helped you, guided you, and saved you. He will do so again.
By the way, I don't get those mini-depressions as often anymore. I'm
notsure why, but it could be that I exercise every day now. Also, I am
active in the Muslim community, I write passionately about subjects
that are important to me, and I have a daughter who I love… my life is
full of good things Alhamdulillah.
May your life also be full of good things.
--
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And Allah Knows the Best!
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Islam is a religion of Mercy, Peace and Blessing. Its teachings emphasize kind hear tedness, help, sympathy, forgiveness, sacrifice, love and care.Qur’an, the Shari’ah and the life of our beloved Prophet (SAW) mirrors this attribute, and it should be reflected in the conduct of a Momin.Islam appreciates those who are kind to their fellow being,and dislikes them who are hard hearted, curt, and hypocrite.Recall that historical moment, when Prophet (SAW) entered Makkah as a conqueror. There was before him a multitude of surrendered enemies, former oppressors and persecutors, who had evicted the Muslims from their homes, deprived them of their belongings, humiliated and intimidated Prophet (SAW) hatched schemes for his murder and tortured and killed his companions. But Prophet (SAW) displayed his usual magnanimity, generosity, and kind heartedness by forgiving all of them and declaring general amnesty...Subhanallah. May Allah help us tailor our life according to the teachings of Islam. (Aameen)./-
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Thursday, November 8, 2012
Getting Through Mini-Depressions
Holidays Are Part of the Complete Deen
After the above lengthy discussion which, as stated earlier, is meant
toprovide general guidelines concerning celebrations and other related
matters, we comeback to apply what we have learnt so far to the
subject at hand.
Prophet Muhammad (S) once saw the Ansaar celebrating a certain day.He
inquired about that and was informed: This isone of two days that we
used to celebrate in Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) and we
continue to do so. He replied: Nay! Allaah has substituted for you two
better days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adhhaa. [Authentic;
narrated by Ahmad, an-Nasaaee, and others]
In addition to these two days, the Jumu ah (Friday) is an eid day.
TheProphet (S) said: This is a day which Allaah has designated as an
eid for Muslims. [Authentic] Fromthis and the previous hadeeth, we
conclude that Muslims have only three eid days, a weekly eid every
Friday, and twoannual eids, al-Fitr and al-Adhhaa.
Also, Islaam instructs us as to how to celebrate our eids. No fasting
is allowed on these days (Friday is excepted undercertain conditions).
On eid days, Muslims take a bath and wear their best clothes. They
avoid all forms of sinning which people tend to commit when they are
in a state of rejoice. The major partof the celebration is not eating
or drinking. Rather, it is a prayer which gathers Muslims together to
remember Allaah's bounties and to chant His glory and greatness.
It becomes clear then that Allaah alone has the right:
1. to prescribe eids and toset their dates, and
2. to prescribe the manner of celebrating them.
toprovide general guidelines concerning celebrations and other related
matters, we comeback to apply what we have learnt so far to the
subject at hand.
Prophet Muhammad (S) once saw the Ansaar celebrating a certain day.He
inquired about that and was informed: This isone of two days that we
used to celebrate in Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) and we
continue to do so. He replied: Nay! Allaah has substituted for you two
better days: the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adhhaa. [Authentic;
narrated by Ahmad, an-Nasaaee, and others]
In addition to these two days, the Jumu ah (Friday) is an eid day.
TheProphet (S) said: This is a day which Allaah has designated as an
eid for Muslims. [Authentic] Fromthis and the previous hadeeth, we
conclude that Muslims have only three eid days, a weekly eid every
Friday, and twoannual eids, al-Fitr and al-Adhhaa.
Also, Islaam instructs us as to how to celebrate our eids. No fasting
is allowed on these days (Friday is excepted undercertain conditions).
On eid days, Muslims take a bath and wear their best clothes. They
avoid all forms of sinning which people tend to commit when they are
in a state of rejoice. The major partof the celebration is not eating
or drinking. Rather, it is a prayer which gathers Muslims together to
remember Allaah's bounties and to chant His glory and greatness.
It becomes clear then that Allaah alone has the right:
1. to prescribe eids and toset their dates, and
2. to prescribe the manner of celebrating them.
Completing That Which Had Been Completed?
The completeness of Islaam obviously means that it cannot be completed
further. Whether people realize itor not, believing otherwise would
imply one or more of the following dangerous conclusions:
1. that Allaah (T) was not truthful in declaring this completeness (I
seek refuge in Allaah from such a blasphemous thought.)
2. that Allaah (T) has forgotten or missed some details needed to
complete the Deen (again, I seek refuge in Allaah from such a
blasphemous thought.)
3. that Muhammad (S) hasneglected or forgotten to convey to us some
matters needed to complete the Deen (andagain, I seek refuge in Allaah
from such a blasphemous thought.)
This shows why Islaam warned so strongly against introducing bid'ahs
into the Deen. Wehave cited in the Introduction above the Prophet's
(S) words warning of bid'ahs. Imaam Maalik (r) said, Whoever innovates
in Islaam what he believes to be a good bid'ah would be [implicitly]
claiming that Muhammad(S) has betrayed the trust (of delivering the
full Message) He then recited the above aayah (8) from al-Maaidah.
Distinct Muslim Identity - Is there a Choice?
To some people, the universality of Islaam means that Muslims have the
full choice to resemble and behave in coherence with other people in
their localities (or in other locations as well). You continue to hear
questions like the following: Is it all that important for a Muslim
tohave a clear distinctive identity? Is it not sufficient to have a
strong belief within the heart and to perform Islaam fully but
privately?
Based on simple Islaamic principles, we can immediately conclude that
the answer to the first question is, simply, yes! And the answer to
the second question is, simply, no!
A true Muslim is always eager to associate with his fellow believers:
If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the Guidance has been
plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the
believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him
in Hell: What an evil abode! [An-Nisaa (4:115)].
And a true Muslim is very anxious to be distinctive and different from
the non-believers. This attitude follows from the repeated
instructions of the Messenger (S): Be different from the Jews and the
Christians [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim], Be different from the
disbelievers [Al- Bukhaaree and Muslim], and: Whoever imitates a
people is one of them. [Authentic; narrated by Ahmad]
Why is it so important to be distinctive and different from the
disbelievers? For the following reasons:
1. a) We Muslims are blessed with the best guidance. The Guidancefrom
the Lord of lords, from Allaah (T). This gives us true dignity and
pride that no one else has a claim to: Honor belongs to Allaah, to the
Messenger, and to the Believers . [Al- Munaafiqoon (63) 8]
2. b) The disbelievers are misguided, and their ways are based on sick
or deviant views concerning their societies, the universe, and their
very existence. Their actions frequently reflect their deviant
opinions. Why then would anyone ever think of imitating them? Yet
Muslims sometimes do just that -they imitate them in their most
unintelligible acts! The Messenger (S): You [Muslims] will [in
futuretimes] follow the ways of those [disbelieving] nations who
preceded you very closely; even ifthey enter into the holeof a lizard
you would follow them into it. [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]
3. c) There is a substantial amount of evidence in Islaam leading to
the important rule: externalagreement or similarityresults in real
similarity and agreement of the hearts. Thus, resembling
disbelieversis Satan's first step in leading Muslims to behave and
believe likethe kuffaar (9) .
Differing from the kuffaar is of different levels or types, some of
which are more important than others. They can be broadly classified
as follows:
1. Islaam requires us to bedifferent from non-Muslims in matters which
are particular to their beliefs or worships, such as: wearing a cross,
attending their religious services, wearing monks' attires,displaying
or valuing their idols, etc. Imitating the kuffaar insuch matters
constitutes a major sin which is most possibly aform of disbelief that
leads to permanent abode in the Hell Fire (may Allaah (T) save us).
2. Islaam requires us to bedifferent from the kuffaar in matters which
are representative of them or are characteristic of their identity,
even if the religious aspect were not apparant in such matters.
Examples of this type of requirements: growing beards and trimming
moustaches, dying white hair, not to totally abandon womenin their
menses, etc.
3. Matters which can be classified under the above two types shouldbe
treated similarly, even if there is no specific text to require such
treatment. Examples: wearing the Western hat or wedding bands,
carrying pictures of family members, walking dogs, wasting time in
watching sportsgames and soap operas, etc.
4. As for other matters which are done by the kuffaar but are not
specific to them, the above texts inform us that we should still try
to be distinctive from them as much as possible.
5. What is stated above should not be taken to mean, for instance,
thatwe should not learn thesciences or use technology because
thekuffaar are currently itsleaders. Islaam requiresus to learn and
benefit from such forms knowledge, and this does not have to do with
the subject of being different from the disbelievers.
further. Whether people realize itor not, believing otherwise would
imply one or more of the following dangerous conclusions:
1. that Allaah (T) was not truthful in declaring this completeness (I
seek refuge in Allaah from such a blasphemous thought.)
2. that Allaah (T) has forgotten or missed some details needed to
complete the Deen (again, I seek refuge in Allaah from such a
blasphemous thought.)
3. that Muhammad (S) hasneglected or forgotten to convey to us some
matters needed to complete the Deen (andagain, I seek refuge in Allaah
from such a blasphemous thought.)
This shows why Islaam warned so strongly against introducing bid'ahs
into the Deen. Wehave cited in the Introduction above the Prophet's
(S) words warning of bid'ahs. Imaam Maalik (r) said, Whoever innovates
in Islaam what he believes to be a good bid'ah would be [implicitly]
claiming that Muhammad(S) has betrayed the trust (of delivering the
full Message) He then recited the above aayah (8) from al-Maaidah.
Distinct Muslim Identity - Is there a Choice?
To some people, the universality of Islaam means that Muslims have the
full choice to resemble and behave in coherence with other people in
their localities (or in other locations as well). You continue to hear
questions like the following: Is it all that important for a Muslim
tohave a clear distinctive identity? Is it not sufficient to have a
strong belief within the heart and to perform Islaam fully but
privately?
Based on simple Islaamic principles, we can immediately conclude that
the answer to the first question is, simply, yes! And the answer to
the second question is, simply, no!
A true Muslim is always eager to associate with his fellow believers:
If anyone contends with the Messenger even after the Guidance has been
plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the
believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him
in Hell: What an evil abode! [An-Nisaa (4:115)].
And a true Muslim is very anxious to be distinctive and different from
the non-believers. This attitude follows from the repeated
instructions of the Messenger (S): Be different from the Jews and the
Christians [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim], Be different from the
disbelievers [Al- Bukhaaree and Muslim], and: Whoever imitates a
people is one of them. [Authentic; narrated by Ahmad]
Why is it so important to be distinctive and different from the
disbelievers? For the following reasons:
1. a) We Muslims are blessed with the best guidance. The Guidancefrom
the Lord of lords, from Allaah (T). This gives us true dignity and
pride that no one else has a claim to: Honor belongs to Allaah, to the
Messenger, and to the Believers . [Al- Munaafiqoon (63) 8]
2. b) The disbelievers are misguided, and their ways are based on sick
or deviant views concerning their societies, the universe, and their
very existence. Their actions frequently reflect their deviant
opinions. Why then would anyone ever think of imitating them? Yet
Muslims sometimes do just that -they imitate them in their most
unintelligible acts! The Messenger (S): You [Muslims] will [in
futuretimes] follow the ways of those [disbelieving] nations who
preceded you very closely; even ifthey enter into the holeof a lizard
you would follow them into it. [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]
3. c) There is a substantial amount of evidence in Islaam leading to
the important rule: externalagreement or similarityresults in real
similarity and agreement of the hearts. Thus, resembling
disbelieversis Satan's first step in leading Muslims to behave and
believe likethe kuffaar (9) .
Differing from the kuffaar is of different levels or types, some of
which are more important than others. They can be broadly classified
as follows:
1. Islaam requires us to bedifferent from non-Muslims in matters which
are particular to their beliefs or worships, such as: wearing a cross,
attending their religious services, wearing monks' attires,displaying
or valuing their idols, etc. Imitating the kuffaar insuch matters
constitutes a major sin which is most possibly aform of disbelief that
leads to permanent abode in the Hell Fire (may Allaah (T) save us).
2. Islaam requires us to bedifferent from the kuffaar in matters which
are representative of them or are characteristic of their identity,
even if the religious aspect were not apparant in such matters.
Examples of this type of requirements: growing beards and trimming
moustaches, dying white hair, not to totally abandon womenin their
menses, etc.
3. Matters which can be classified under the above two types shouldbe
treated similarly, even if there is no specific text to require such
treatment. Examples: wearing the Western hat or wedding bands,
carrying pictures of family members, walking dogs, wasting time in
watching sportsgames and soap operas, etc.
4. As for other matters which are done by the kuffaar but are not
specific to them, the above texts inform us that we should still try
to be distinctive from them as much as possible.
5. What is stated above should not be taken to mean, for instance,
thatwe should not learn thesciences or use technology because
thekuffaar are currently itsleaders. Islaam requiresus to learn and
benefit from such forms knowledge, and this does not have to do with
the subject of being different from the disbelievers.
To you be your celebration, and to me bemine
Introduction
Alamdu li 'Llaah. Indeed, all glory and praise is dueto Allaah. We
glorify and praise Him and we ask Him for help and forgiveness. In
Allaah we seek refuge from the evils in ourselves and from our wrong
doings. He whom Allaah guides shall not be misguided, and he whom He
misguides shall never be guided.
I bear witness that there is no [true] god except Allaah, alone
without anypartners, and I bear witness that Muhammad (S) is His Abd
(1) and Messenger.
Verily, the best words arethose of Allaah (T); the best guidance is
that of Muhammad (S); the worstmatters [in creed or worships] are
those innovated [by people], for every such innovated matter is a
bid'ah (2) , and every bid'ah is a misguidance which shall reside in
the Fire (3) .
To many people, celebrating eids (4) is a non-religious matter, andone
has the choice to participate in celebratingany eid, for any nation
orreligion, as long as that does not involve engaging in araam
(prohibited) actions. This view is the basis for whatwe witness
repeatedly of Muslims engaging in various celebrations and in sharing
in the holidaysof other nations. This article is meant to present,
based on the Quraan and the authentic Sunnah, guidelines for
evaluating holidays and other related practices. This should enable
one toreach a quick and sound conclusion when faced with such events.
Completeness of the Deen (5)
By Allaah's blessing and mercy, Islaam is complete, perfect, and
universal in nature. Allaah (T) said (what means): This day I have
perfected your religion for you, have completed my favor upon you, and
have chosen for you Islaam as your religion. [Al-Maa idah (5) 3] It is
narrated by Muslim that some mushrikoon (idol worshipers) tried to
mock of Islaam by saying,"It seems as if your prophet has taught you
everything, even how to defecate!" When Salmaan(R) heard this he
responded with the strong dignity of a true believer: "Yes indeed! He
prohibited us from turning our faces or backs to the Qiblah (6) when
defecating or urinating, from using theright hand to cleanse
ourselves, from using lessthan three stones to cleanse ourselves [in
the absence of water], and from using animal waste or bones to cleanse
with."
Allaah's mercy has required that people be informed of all what would
save them from the Fire and what would let them into the Gardensof the
Hereafter. This wasthe mission of all prophets, as declared by
Muhammad (S): There was never any prophet before me but that his duty
was to reveal to his people what he knew to be best for them, and to
warn them of what he knew to be evil for them. [Narrated by Muslim]
Andthis was certainly the mission of the Final Messenger (S) as he
said: Nothing of what would bring you closer to the Jannah (7) and
further away from the Fire but have been clarified [through me] to
you. [Authentic; narrated by Amad].
With His encompassing Wisdom, Allaah (T) made His Final Revelation,
Islaam, a universal message meant for all peoples, at all times,
without any distinction: We have not sent you [Muhammad] otherwise
than to mankind at large,to be a herald of glad tidings and a warner.
[Saba (34) 28]
Furthermore, this most important Message is preserved intact through
the centuries, as is clearlyobserved today by any impartial examiner.
This is in fulfillment of Allaah'spromise: It is We Ourselves who have
sent down the dthikr (the Message), and it is We who shall surely
guard it [from corruption]. [Al-Hijr(14) 9]
We conclude then that:
1. Islaam contains the complete and perfect guidance for humanity.
2. Islaam did not neglect any information that would be needed by
people to reach happiness and to avoid harm, in all matters, whether
minute or large.
3. Islaam is the only guidance tailored for all peoples at all times.
4. Islaam has been preserved, and will remain intact through the ages,
as the only true guidance capable of helping and saving people.
--
- - - - -
And Allah Knows the Best!
- - - - -
Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA
- - - - - - -
Alamdu li 'Llaah. Indeed, all glory and praise is dueto Allaah. We
glorify and praise Him and we ask Him for help and forgiveness. In
Allaah we seek refuge from the evils in ourselves and from our wrong
doings. He whom Allaah guides shall not be misguided, and he whom He
misguides shall never be guided.
I bear witness that there is no [true] god except Allaah, alone
without anypartners, and I bear witness that Muhammad (S) is His Abd
(1) and Messenger.
Verily, the best words arethose of Allaah (T); the best guidance is
that of Muhammad (S); the worstmatters [in creed or worships] are
those innovated [by people], for every such innovated matter is a
bid'ah (2) , and every bid'ah is a misguidance which shall reside in
the Fire (3) .
To many people, celebrating eids (4) is a non-religious matter, andone
has the choice to participate in celebratingany eid, for any nation
orreligion, as long as that does not involve engaging in araam
(prohibited) actions. This view is the basis for whatwe witness
repeatedly of Muslims engaging in various celebrations and in sharing
in the holidaysof other nations. This article is meant to present,
based on the Quraan and the authentic Sunnah, guidelines for
evaluating holidays and other related practices. This should enable
one toreach a quick and sound conclusion when faced with such events.
Completeness of the Deen (5)
By Allaah's blessing and mercy, Islaam is complete, perfect, and
universal in nature. Allaah (T) said (what means): This day I have
perfected your religion for you, have completed my favor upon you, and
have chosen for you Islaam as your religion. [Al-Maa idah (5) 3] It is
narrated by Muslim that some mushrikoon (idol worshipers) tried to
mock of Islaam by saying,"It seems as if your prophet has taught you
everything, even how to defecate!" When Salmaan(R) heard this he
responded with the strong dignity of a true believer: "Yes indeed! He
prohibited us from turning our faces or backs to the Qiblah (6) when
defecating or urinating, from using theright hand to cleanse
ourselves, from using lessthan three stones to cleanse ourselves [in
the absence of water], and from using animal waste or bones to cleanse
with."
Allaah's mercy has required that people be informed of all what would
save them from the Fire and what would let them into the Gardensof the
Hereafter. This wasthe mission of all prophets, as declared by
Muhammad (S): There was never any prophet before me but that his duty
was to reveal to his people what he knew to be best for them, and to
warn them of what he knew to be evil for them. [Narrated by Muslim]
Andthis was certainly the mission of the Final Messenger (S) as he
said: Nothing of what would bring you closer to the Jannah (7) and
further away from the Fire but have been clarified [through me] to
you. [Authentic; narrated by Amad].
With His encompassing Wisdom, Allaah (T) made His Final Revelation,
Islaam, a universal message meant for all peoples, at all times,
without any distinction: We have not sent you [Muhammad] otherwise
than to mankind at large,to be a herald of glad tidings and a warner.
[Saba (34) 28]
Furthermore, this most important Message is preserved intact through
the centuries, as is clearlyobserved today by any impartial examiner.
This is in fulfillment of Allaah'spromise: It is We Ourselves who have
sent down the dthikr (the Message), and it is We who shall surely
guard it [from corruption]. [Al-Hijr(14) 9]
We conclude then that:
1. Islaam contains the complete and perfect guidance for humanity.
2. Islaam did not neglect any information that would be needed by
people to reach happiness and to avoid harm, in all matters, whether
minute or large.
3. Islaam is the only guidance tailored for all peoples at all times.
4. Islaam has been preserved, and will remain intact through the ages,
as the only true guidance capable of helping and saving people.
--
- - - - -
And Allah Knows the Best!
- - - - -
Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA
- - - - - - -
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