The smart thing to do

Here is another story about Sultan Mahmud of Afghanistan and his
servant, Ayyaz. Sultan Mahmud would respect Ayyaz for his wisdom even
though he was a servant. This made the ministers and other people of
high positions very jealous of Ayyaz. They talked wrong against him
and started a rumour that Ayyaz was nothing but a fool. The king came
to know of thisand he decided to prove to them who were the real
fools. An announcement was madeto all the people that the King will
distribute his belongings on a particulardate. Whatever a person touch
will become his on that day. When the day came, many people appeared
by the king's palace. The king made his announcement again thata
person can have whatever he touches. The door was opened and everyone
ran to touch whatever was of value in the palace. Some touched
jewelery of gold while others touched fancy furnitures, etc. But Ayyaz
was just standing by the king and was not touching anything.
Peoplethought that Ayyaz was crazy as he wasn't taking advantage of
this great event. Now, Ayyaz asked the king if the announcement he
made was certain. The king said"Yes, whatever you touch is yours."
Immediately, Ayyaz placed his right hand on the king's head and the
left hand on his shoulder. He then shouted, "Listen everyone.I was
waiting for this moment to aquire the most expensive thing. All of you
took whatever the king possessed, but you forgot about the owner ofall
these, which is the kinghimself. I hereby declare that my hands are on
the king, so the king is mine. You cannot remove one thing from this
palace because I am the owner of all these now." After hearing this
from Ayyaz, everyone realized that actually, Ayyaz is the only smart
one and everyone else was in error.
Today people are only running after the creations but, very few are
running towards the Creator Himself. If Allah, the King of all kings,
becomes our Friend then what else do we need?

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Fighting at the age of 94

Ammar bin Yasir (RA) and his parents were subjected to the severest
afflictions after becoming Muslims. They were tormented on the
scorching sands of Mecca. The Prophet (SAW) while passing by them
would enjoin patience giving them glad tidings about paradise. Ammar's
father Yasir (RA) died after prolonged sufferings at the hands of
persecutors and his mother Sumayya (RA) was killed by Abu Jahl, who
put his spear through the most private part of her body, causing her
death. She had refused to renounce Islamin the face of terrible
torture in her old age. Theblessed lady was the first to meet
martyrdom in thecause of Islam. Ammar fought against the enemies of
Islam with great zeal and courage. Once (after the death of Prophet
Muhammad) he was fighting in a battle when he said rejoicingly:"I am
to meet my friends very soon, I am to meet Muhammad (SAW) and
hiscompanions." He then asked for water. He was offered some milk
instead. He took it and said: "I heard the Prophet (SAW) saying to me,
"Milk shall be the last drink of your worldly life." He thenfought
till he met his coveted end. He was then aged about nintey-four.
Source: Extracted from thebook "Stories of the Sahabah" translated by
Abdul Rashid.
These real Muslims even continued to give service to Islam even beyond
the age of 90! May Allah also bless us with such spirits.

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doctors and nurses wearing a white coat over their clothes

Iam a medical student.Alhamdulillah i wear niqab iwear a knee long
loose overall (white coat)which is a part of our college uniformand
wear a full length abayawhen going to market or some other place
besides college .Is it necessary to wear abayaa in the presenceof knee
long coat? .
Praise be to Allaah.
We have previously explained the main conditions with regard to
women's clothing. Please see the answer to question no. 6991 .
There is nothing wrong withwhat you mentioned of wearing a long, loose
white coat over your own clothes.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: What is required
of female doctors and others such as nurses and workers is to
fearAllaah and wear modest clothing which will not show the shape of
their limbs or 'awrahs, rather it should be moderate clothingthat is
neither too loose nor too tight, and that will cover them properly in
the mannerrequired by sharee'ah and will prevent the causes of fitnah.
End quote from Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (9/427).
And Allaah knows best.
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How will my broken heart heal again?

Q
Salaam brothers and sisters,
I recently went through a divorce and going throughpain.
I know there are many people whom have broken hearts whether through a
separation, divorce or lost someone inlife.
I was wondering if people can give tips how to overcome the pain,
hurt, sleepless nights, worry and unhappiness.
We are all Muslims and weshould try to help each other.
May Allah bless everyone whom reply
Jazak Allah
Help Me.
- help_me
~
A
As Salamualaikum,
Sister, you're right. Everyone has some or the other pain. Allah tests
us all. We need to have patience and keep our trust in Him. I advise
you the same.
I'll insha Allah mention some duas which will insha Allah help you
alleviate the grief you are going through.
1. In al-Saheehayn it was
reported from Ibn 'Abbaas that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say, when he felt distressed:
"La ilaaha ill-Allaah al-'Azeem ul-Haleem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb
il-'arsh il-'azeem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb is-samawaati wa Rabb
il-ard wa Rabb il-'arsh il-kareem
(there is no god except Allaah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there
is no god except Allaah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne;there is no god
except Allaah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the
noble Throne)."
2. And it was reported from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that
theProphet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say,
when something upset him:
"Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom, bi
Rahmatika astagheeth
(O Ever-Living One, O Everlasting One, by Your mercy I seek help)."
3. It was reported from 'Abd-Allaah ibn Mas'ood that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"No person suffers any anxiety or grief, and says:
'Allaahumma innee 'abduka
wabnu (you say wabnatu instead of wabnu) 'abdika wabnu (you say
wabnatu) amatika, naasiyati bi yadika,
maadin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qadaa'uka, as'aluka bi kulli ismin
huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw
'allamtahu ahadan min
khalqika aw ista'tharta bihi fi
'ilm il-ghaybi 'andak an taj'ala al-Qur'aana rabee' qalbi wa noor
sadri wa jalaa'a huzni wa dhahaabahammi
(O Allaah, I am Your slave, son (you say daughter) of Your slave, son
(you say daughter) daughter of Your female slave, my forelock is in
Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Yourdecree
over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You
named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of
Your creation, or You havepreserved in the knowledge of the unseen
with You, that You make the Qur'aan the life of my heart and the light
of my breast, and a departure formy sorrow and a release for my
anxiety)'
- but Allaah will take awayhis sorrow and grief, and give him in their
stead joy."
I pray that Allah eases the situation for you and givesyou strength to
deal them.
Aameen
Wassalamualaikum
EDITOR

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Unfolding a rose

A young, new ustadh (teacher) was walking with an older, more seasoned
ustadh (teacher) in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about
what Allah had for him to do, he was asking the older ustadh for some
advice. The older ustadh walked up to a rosebush and handed the young
ustadh a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any
petals. The young ustadh looked in disbelief at the older ustadh and
was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with
his wanting to know the will of Allah for his life and ministry.
But because of his great respect for the older ustadh, he proceeded to
try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact... It wasn't
long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the
younger ustadh's inability to unfoldthe rosebud without tearing it,
the older ustadhbegan to recite the following poem...
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of Allah's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
ALLAH opens this flower sosweetly,
Then in my hands they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of Allah's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Allah for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to Allah for His guidance
Each step of the way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only Allah knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

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Sometimes they'll love you. Sometimes they'll hate

The people will come and go.
Sometimes they'll love you.
Sometimes they'll hate you. This tide
was never meant to be still. Step away
from time to time. And know that
only a heart fixed on the unmoving
spot can ride the waves of this ever-
changing, ever-fading life. That spot is your concern for your faith.
* written by fathima sara/

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Am I committing sin by chatting with a Christian guy who wants to become Muslim and marry me?

Salam alaykum, dear brothers and sisters!
I have to hear your opinion about my case. I am 20 years old and very
devoted Muslima, alhamdulillah. I pray 5 times a day and fast Ramadan,
wear hijab, don't and never had a boyfriend and practice Islam in
every segment in my life. I even avoid to talk to boys. Because I know
it is haram and to save my chastity.
Anyway, 2 months ago, onthe internet, I met a guy who is not Muslim.
Probably, I wouldn't be talking to him if he didn't tell me that he
respects Islam even more than his religion (Christianity). Therefore;
following the obligation of us Muslims, I have tried to present him
Islam the best I can. Meanwhile, he started asking me questions about
myself, my hobbies, my views to life, to other religions, love,
marriage. I answered him to these questions according to beliefs of my
faith. we chatted every day; and he told me that he started to like
me very much and even considering to convert to Islam because of me.
He told me that he never met a girl like me and thatit is amazing how
Islam is similar to Christianity. The interesting fact about him that
somehow he lives likea Muslim, he doesn't eat pork, doesn't drink
Alcohol, didn't have sex before marriage. He says every day that, I
miss him. I chat with him for 2 months.
My question are;
1. Should I continue to chat with him in order to convert him to Islam
(I don't intend anything bad like dating, relationship)?
2. He fell in love with me, Idon't know what to answer him?
3. Did I commit sin because I have been chatting with him all this time?
4. He wants to meet me inpersonal, is it haram for me to meet him
regardingthe fact that still he did not convert to Islam?
Please answer, what should I do in this situation because sometimes I
feel that I have started to like him too. May Allah reward you all!
Jaci.
~
*Write ur openion at comment side

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The Quran amazes a sailor

"(The unbelievers' state) is like a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with
waves,one over the other, and above it is a cloud of darkness upon
darkness, one above another; if a man stretches out his hand, he can
hardly see it; For anyone to whom Allahgives no light, there is no
light." Al Quran, Surah An-Noor ( 24:40)
Gary Miller in his book,"The Amazing Quran" stated the following
story:A Muslim gave a copy of the Holy Quran to a man who was a
merchant marine. This man knew nothing about the history of Islam.
When he finishedreading the Holy Quran, heasked his Muslim
friend:"This man Muhammad RasulAllah (SAW), was he asailor? When he
was told that Muhammad RasulAllah (SAW) lived in adesert and probably
did not even see an ocean during his whole life, he embraced Islam on
the spot. He acknowledged that this description of theHoly Quran could
only be described by one who hadactually seen sea storms many times,
whereas Muhammad RasulAllah (SAW) never witnessed this phenomenon.

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Upon Her Return

There was a young man inDamascus who planned toleave his country to
study. His mother was very caring and supportive of him. She raised
him alone through toil and hardship. And, at last, she felt that after
all the hard work--she was proud of her son as any mother would.
"Ah! The joys of motherhood!" she said to herself. The pleasure of
staring at this little man, who once held onto her dress begging to be
carried and to be tightly clenched by her arms. She recalled the days
when he was small and helpless, and yet there he was--embarking on a
journey to be the man he was raised to be.
The young man's flight was scheduled to leave early in the morning,
thus his mother prepared food and all that was needed for this long
trip. Her acts of kindness and loyalty displayed his mother endearing
love for him. Hisexcitement as a young man, and her hopefulness as a
proud mother, is something we can all relate to.
That morning, she heard over the news that there was a storm headed
their way. Out of fear that her son might die on this journey, she
decided not to wake him. Instead she left early for the market hoping
to surprise him with his favorite food laterthat morning.
Upon her return, she calledout his name in anticipation and
excitement--for she had a few more days with him before he would
continue on with this journey. But to no avail, there was no response
from him. Allah had taken his soul away and he died in his sleep that
morning. Story obtained from Al Qaseem Newspaper.
Allah Ta'ala says: Say (to them): 'Verily, the death from which you
flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allah),the
All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you
used to do.' Al Quran [62:8]

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Being a true believer

Salih ibne Mismar (ra) narrates: Rasulullah (SAW) asked Harith ibne
Malik (RA): How are you, O Haright ibne Malik? He replied: By the
grace of Allah, I am a Mu'min (in a state of Imam). Rasulullah (SAW)
asked: A true Mu'min? He replied: A true Mu'min. Raslulullah (SAW)
said: For every truth, thereis a reality. So what is the reality of
the truth of that (which you claim)? He replied, I have turned myself
away from the world, and passed my nights awake (in worship) and
passed my days in thirst (fasting). It is as if I am seeing the Arsh
(Throne) of my Rabb (Sustainer) when it shall be brought, and it is as
though I am seeing the people of Paradise visitingone another therein,
and itis as if I am hearing the howling of the people of the Fire! At
that Rasulullah(SAW) said: (Harith is such)A Mu'min whose heart has
been enlightened. Source: Musannaf Abdur Razzaq.
May Allah give us the ability to bring such faith into ourselves also.

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Should my brother marry the girl he made pregnant?

I need an advice, my brother impregnated a non-Muslim girl. At first
we were open to the idea of marriage between them, but the problem is,
we cannot take the girl's attitude. She causes a lot of drama in my
brother's life and even to us.
She makes scandalous posts on networking sites, she lacks decency in
the situation. And usually she causes trouble to people who are linked
to my brother's life like his own friends and co-workers and when you
confront her she has no remorse to what she did.
There have also been times when she utters unbearable word about my
family and my religion.She is known to have a bad reputation; she's
the cause of most fights.
So we decided to cancel the wedding, since it will only cause more
problemsand we are pretty sure they will not live a harmonious life
together.
Now here's where the problem arises: since the child is considered
illegitimate, and accordingto the law the mother has the only right to
the custody of a child, we are afraid that the baby will turn out a
non Muslim believer, since obviously, she's the one whose goingto rear
the child. We reallywanted the baby to be a Muslim.
Now her family will not allow us to have share custody of the baby
unlessmy brother will marry her,what should we do?
Do we need to let them marry for the baby's sake even though we know
first hand that she will create more trouble and problems?
Please help me.
~Misha

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The smart thing to do

Here is another story about Sultan Mahmud of Afghanistan and his
servant, Ayyaz. Sultan Mahmud wouldrespect Ayyaz for his wisdomeven
though he was a servant. This made the ministers and other people of
high positions very jealousof Ayyaz. They talked wrong against him and
started a rumour that Ayyaz was nothing but a fool. The king came to
know of this and he decided to prove to them who were the real fools.
An announcement was made to all the people that the King will
distribute his belongingson a particular date. Whatever a person touch
will become his on that day. When the day came, many people appeared
by the king's palace. The king made his announcement again thata
person can have whatever he touches. The door was opened and everyone
ran to touch whatever was of valuein the palace. Some touched jewelery
of gold while others touched fancy furnitures, etc. But Ayyaz wasjust
standing by the king and was not touching anything. People thought
that Ayyaz was crazy as he wasn't takingadvantage of this great event.
Now, Ayyaz asked the king if the announcement hemade was certain. The
king said "Yes, whatever you touch is yours." Immediately, Ayyaz
placed his right hand on the king's head and the left hand on his
shoulder. He then shouted, "Listen everyone. I was waiting for this
moment to aquire the most expensive thing. All of you took whatever
the king possessed, but you forgot about the owner of all these, which
is the king himself. I hereby declare that my hands are on the king,
so the king is mine. You cannot remove one thing from this palace
because I am the owner of all these now." After hearing this from
Ayyaz, everyone realized that actually, Ayyaz is the only smart one
and everyoneelse was in error.
Today people are only running after the creations but, very few are
running towards the Creator Himself. If Allah, the King of all kings,
becomes our Friend then what else do we need?
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A farmer and stones

A farmer in Bangladesh was preparing his land for planting crops. As
he dug through the soil the equipments kept getting stuck in one
place. Out of curiosity he decided to check out what was in there. He
dug the ground and discovered a big box. The farmer quickly openedthe
box to see what was in it but to his disappointment, there were only
black stones inside the box. He decided to throw those stones at the
birds when they come to eat the crops at the time for harvesting.
Eventually, a day came when the crops were ready and the birds come to
eat them. So, he startedthrowing the stones at thebirds from where
ever they showed up. One day a man was walking by thefield who sells
precious stones such as pearls, diamonds, rubies etc. Two stones
happened to fall right in front of him when the farmer threw them at
the birds. The man brought the stones to the farmer and asked if he
was willing to sell them tohim for $5,000 each. The farmer thought
that the man was joking so he replied, "No." Then the man offered
$50,000 for each stone and explained that they were precious jewels.
Now the farmer started crying saying that he had only 1 or 2 stones
left and the rest were thrown away.
This story is mentioned in the book "20 Reminders" by Muhammad Abu Yusuf.
In fact, every second of our time is very valuable. Today, we are just
throwing them away here and there. But on the Day of Judgement, we
will realize how valuable they were but it will be too late. Now is
the chance to use our time properly.

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* Write ur openions At Comment

Shall I stay with my husband or listen to my family and leave him?
~
Salaam,
I am very confused on what I shall do. I got married 10 months ago
tomy boyfriend, both our families were against it as I fell pregnant
before I gotmarried. After I terminatedmy pregnancy, I forced myfamily
to get me married to my husband, he left his family to marry me and my
family broke all ties with me.
My mother and one of my sisters kept in touch with me a few months
after to see if I was okay. Mine andmy husbands relationship had been
going well, apartfrom his anger issue. We started to have heated
arguments a few months after we got married but I did not tell anyone.
My husband has to go abroad every 6 months regarding his visa. This
time he is going in July and does not want to leave me home alone and
says he was worried about me.
So, he texted my sister to ask her if my mum could keep me for 6 days
till he is away and as my family still dont trust him and think he
only married me for my visa said no. He then had a heated argument
with my sister and brother, after the argument he came home and said
he is throwing me out of the house because my family doesn'tcare about
me and nor does he. After he walked out, I was really upset andtook
lots antibiotics tablets. My husband rushed me to the hospital to make
sure I was okay.
He said he was sorry for the way he spoke to me and treated me and
said he was worried and that was the cause for his behaving like that.
He alsosaid to me I am not allowed to meet my family or even speak to
them anymore. (My husbands family have started to meet him and he
works with them in their business, and is also at home with them
duringthe day.)
My family contacted me the next day and and my mum was asking me to
leave my husband and shewill support me always. She said to me that he
is only with me for the visa and as soon as he gets thepassport he
will leave me. My sister contacted me and told me to do the same
thing.
Now, I am very confused on what to do? My husband has refused to letme
go to university, I'm not allowed to meet my friends. He goes out with
his family to parties but I'm not allowed to go as his family haven't
announced our wedding, they are waiting for his sister to get married
as she is older than him.
I know my family don't want me to be with him because they don't like
him and don't trust him, but I know he loves me, he cares for me so
much. IfI leave him, I gain my family back but if I choose him then I
lose my family again. He said to me we will make it work, but I'm not
sure. I don't know what I want? or don't know what to do?
Please help me, what is right islamically.
Raihaanaa. Thanks

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I’m planning second marriage to a woman in need. How do I address thesecular government issues?

Q:-> Dear Sheikh and scholars of Islam, I hope you can help me with my
situationas I have reached a dead end and would like to seek the
advice of people of knowledge. May Allah reward you.
I am currently married andwould like to marry a second wife Insha
Allah. I am an American who lives and works in Singapore and my future
second wifeis from Indonesia.
The problem is the following: I am planning to make the marriage
official in Indonesia, but the Indonesian government requires a
document from my embassy called 'No objection to marriage'. This
document cannot be issued by my country because polygamy is illegal in
the US. So this means that I cannot make a civil marriage and my
marriage will not be recognized by any government offices (neither in
Indonesia nor in the US).
I have then thought aboutmaking a traditional marriage with the future
wife, her father (wali), andtwo witnesses under the auspices of an
Imam followed by a Walimah to publicize the marriage. The problem with
this is that if we have children, they will have several difficulties
because they will not be issued documents, will not have an official
father (on paper) and other problems.
I feel sad for this situation as this woman I am planning to marry is
reallyin need. She is a widow with 2 orphaned daughters who are 10
and2 years old. I feel our secular governments are making haram what
Allah has made Halal and are making the lives of Muslims very
difficult. Can you please advise on whatto do? I have prayed Istikhara
several times andmy feeling is positive towards marriage but I still
have these issues which have to do with thefuture of our offspring.
Please take note that I am seeking a second wife because my wife
cannot have children. Please advise your brother.
Jazakum Allah Khair
Wassalamu Aleikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh
-sloumabs
A:-> I just want to start by saying, we are neither shaykhs nor
scholars. We are just laypeople trying to advise others as best as
possible insha'Allah, basedon our own personal experiences and limited
knowledge of Islam.
Unfortunately, I don't havethe extensive knowledge about the governing
countries you've mentioned to give any meaningful feedback about the
situation you are considering. From my heart, what I can tell you is
this: if you really believethat Allah is guiding you inthis direction,
then follow His guidance and trust Himto work out the details. In my
experience, when we follow Allah, even when situations seem
hopelesslycomplicated from our cognitive understanding, He has a way
of making everything work together for those involved. If it were me,
I would go forward with an Islamic Nikkah and take the next steps and
days one at a time, and work on each issue that may arise as it comes.
I can say, if your current wife (who I am presumingis also an American
citizen)already knows and consents to your intentions, maybe she would
be willing to give you a civil divorce (remaining married to
youIslamically) to help make the path clearer for you with the second
marriage. Then, possibly you can help your second wife attain US
citizenship, which would help the concerns you noted about possible
future children. However, if you haven't told your current wife about
what's going on or if she is not in cooperationwith you about this,
I'd say you have a bigger problem on your hands altogether.

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A Muslim man is the father of my new born baby, who nowignores us

I am a Native American/Mexican woman,I've lived in North Americamy
whole life. I met a Muslim man from Afghanistan and we started seeing
each other and fell in love. I will call him "Fred". I have never met
Fred's family and he has never met mine.
Four Months into our relationship I became pregnant. I was happy,
butnervous and scared because we hadn't been together very long and I
wasn't sure how Fred would react. At first Fred seemed happy and then
one day he came to me and told me that he didn't want the baby and
said that I would have to choose between him or the baby. It hurt to
hear Fred say this or to even think of getting rid of the baby.
I'm not religious but I consider myself to be a spiritual person and
do not believe in abortion. I decided that abortion wasn't an option
and continued on with my pregnancy. We continued to see each other and
the discussion of my pregnancy rarely came up and when it did most of
the time Fred would be defencive and not want totalk about it.
While we were together Fred told me that he would be kicked out of
hishome if he told his family. As far as I know Fred still never told
them about thebaby and I feel that I have lied to them even though we
don't know each other.There were times when Fred would express
happiness and interest in my pregnancy and it would make me so happy.I
thought that his negativity was just fear and that he would embrace
our child after he was born.
I now have a beautiful baby boy who is almost a year old and he's the
joy of my life. Unfortunately Fred stopped seeing me shortly before I
gave birth and has never met our son. I have tried to contactFred
several times in attempt to have him involved in our son's life. The
few times we spoke he said that he would come see our son, but the
last time I attempted to speak with Fred he hung up on me without even
saying hello and has ignored my calls since.
We never really discussed our religious beliefs while we were together
and I don't have much knowledge about Islam other than what I have
recently researched online.According to my research pre-maritial sex
is frowned upon and having a child before marriage is not allowed. My
child would be considered a "Haram Baby" and he would not be accepted
as part of Fred's family because he was born out of wed-lock.
In my heart I believe that Fred wanted to have this child with me but
has been restricted by his beliefs. I know that he is a good man and
he truly loved me. I am still in lovewith him and hope that someday
we might be a family. I'm filled with sadness because my son doesn't
have a father.
I'm hurt because I have been left to deal with this alone without
explanation. I have done everything for my son andeveryday is a
struggle mentally, emotionally and physically.
I have been considering filing for child support, butI don't want
cause any confrontation with Fred orhis family. I'm not interested in
money, but I don't think that I should have to take on all of this
responsibility by myself. I was hoping he would eventually come around
but it's been about a five months since the last timewe talked.
I'm searching for an understanding as to why he hasn't taken
responsibility for his son and if there will ever be a possibility of
him being in our son's life??
I'm curious what might happen if I approach his family with this
situation and what it would mean for Fred??
I'm also curious if Fred is never going to be involved in our sons
life, what can I do to teach ourson about his culture??
I don't wish to offend anyone so please correct me if I'm wrong about
theinformation I've researched.
- Janet


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Some one says

"Move in the direction thatyou want for yourself, andfocus on where
you want to be, while you make a real plan to get there (faith and
works go together)... And leave, leave, leave, those fairweather
friends alone. To grow, we've gotta let some folks go! Keep on moving,
don't stop... focus on what you want to see happen, and MAKE IT
HAPPEN. With GOD it's possible."

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The Miraculous Goat

Once there lived a very pious elderly lady named Fiddah. She was kind
and generous and always remembered Allah (SWT). One day Shaikh
Abu-ar-Rabie (RA) went to her village. He had been told that she had a
goat that gave both milk and honey.He bought a new bowl and went to
see the goat. When he got there, he was shown the goat and he milked
it. Sure enough, sweet white milk came gushing out. Shaikh
Abu-ar-Rabie (RA) drank tohis fill and then he asked they got the
goat. She narrated to him an amazing story.
She said, "There was a time when we were very poor and had nothing but
a she-goat. When Eid-ul-Adha came around, my husband suggested that we
sacrifice the goat and have a feast. The she-goat was our only means
of sustenance so I reminded my husband that Allah hasnot made it
necessary for us to sacrifice an animal under such circumstances.
Therefore, we spared the goat till the next Eid-ul-Adha. As chance
would have it, we had a guest onthat very same day. Since Allah has
commanded us to entertain our guests, I asked my husband if he would
now slaughter the animal and I would cook its meat for our guests.
Myhusband took the goat outside behind a wall, lest the children
should cry on seeing it killed. A little while later another goat
appeared bearing an exactresemblance to our own. By Allah! This was a
blessing. A miraculous she-goat that yields both milk and honey was
sent down to us as recompensefor feeding our guests."
Lady Fiddah often reminded her children thatthe goat feeds on what
grows in their hearts. "So long as your hearts continue to be noble
and un-tarnished by evil, its milk will remain good andsweet, but as
soon as yourhearts become false, its milk will also turn bad. Guard
your hearts against evil and Allah SWT will make everything beneficial
for you."

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Prayer

May Allah bless you, me and everyone of us with true Guidance, May
Allah Increase our knowledge to strengthen our Iman. May Allah Help us
to live this world as a test with patience. To attain the reward of
Jannahtul firdaus.

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Three Tough Questions

There was a young man who went overseas to study for quite a long
time. When he returned, he asked his parents to find him a religious
scholar or any expert who could answer his 3 Questions. Finally, his
parents were able to find a Muslim scholar.
Young man: Who are you?Can you answer my questions?
Scholar: I am one of Allah (SubHana Wa Ta`ala )'s slaves and
Insha-Allah (God willing), I will be ableto answer your questions.
Young man: Are you sure? A lot of Professors and experts were not able
to answer my questions.
Scholar: I will try my best, with the help of Allah(SubHana Wa Ta`ala).
Young Man: I have 3 questions:
1. Does God exist? If so, show me His shape.
2. What is takdir (fate)?
3. If shaitan (Devil) was created from the fire, why at the end he
will be thrown to hell that is also created from fire. It certainly
will not hurt him at all, since Shaitan (Devil) and the hell were
created from fire. Did God not think of it this far?
Suddenly, the Scholar slapped the young man's face very hard.
Young Man (feeling pain): Why do you get angry at me?
Scholar: I am not angry. The slap is my answer to your three questions.
Young Man: I really don't understand.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: Of course, I felt the pain.
Scholar: So do you believe that pain exists?
Young Man: Yes.
Scholar: Show me the shape of the pain!
Young Man: I cannot.
Scholar: That is my first answer. All of us feel God'sexistence
without being able to see His shape... Lastnight, did you dream that
you will be slapped by me?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: Did you ever thinkthat you will get a slap from me, today?
Young Man: No.
Scholar: That is takdir (fate)........ My hand that I used to slap
you, what is itcreated from?
Young Man: It is created from flesh.
Scholar: How about your face, what is it created from?
Young Man: Flesh.
Scholar: How do you feel after I slapped you?
Young Man: In pain.
Scholar: Even though Shaitan (Devil) and also the hell were created
fromthe fire, if Allah wants, insha-Allah (God willing), the hell will
become a very painful place for Shaitan (Devil).

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Doctor Dies, Patient Lives

The following incident was narrated by a well known preacher of this
age known as Colonel Sayed Amir Uddin, currently a Canadian resident.
Over 6,000 Non-Muslims have accepted Islam through him.
He narrates: I visited a friend in a hospital who had severe cancer.
While I was there, a doctor came and gave him the bad news that he
will live for only one more week. Thenthe doctor left to get
somemedicines for him. As the doctor was going down the stairs, he
slipped and fell down the stairs. He was seriously injured and died on
that day. On the other hand, my friend whowas suppose to die in one
week lived for three more years!
This incident shows that death is unpredictable. Today we hear about
hundreds of people dieing around us but Satan tells you and me that
let them die, you have a long way to go.

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Dark Circle Under the Eyes

Eyes are the first thing thatyou notice in a person. Andhealthy shiny
eyes are not easy to achieve. Many of usget dark circles under the
eyes if we miss a couple of night's sleep. Though it often indicates
nothing serious, the problem with dark circle is that they make you
look tired and worn out.

We need to remember thatnot always dark circles indicate poor health
and malnutrition. It can just be hereditary as well. While some people
have dark thin skin around the eyes their high cheek bones highlight
them. These can only be concealed and no treatment really works for
them.

1. You should massage the eye area daily with your ring finger. Use
coconut oil,castor oil or Vitamin E oil.

2. Apply the rejuvenating juice of cucumbers or potato.

3. Apply a good under eye cream twice daily.

4. After your bath use a cold wash cloth and press on the eyes!

5. Milk and (soaked and finely ground) almond paste can be applied all
over the face incudin the eye area.

6. Splash pure cold water on face. And gently press the eye are aiwth
your ringfinger.

7. Drink plenty of water forglowing skin.

8. Have a lot of carrot juice.Apply the remainder of ground carrots on
face and wash off.

9. After cleansing and exfoliating, massage your feet with olive oil
or your favourite cream once a week.

10. Do eye exercises - (You can learn them from me or an experienced &
certified yoga teacher!)

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Should We Really Laugh?

Hasan al-Basri (rahimaullah) was an eminent scholar and
piousindividual of his time. He would rarely laugh due to his
remembrance of death and the punishment of hell. One day he was
goingsomewhere when he saw a young man indugled in laughter. Hasan
al-Basri asked the youth, "Young man, have you already crossed the
bridge of Sirath? Have you already found out whether you are going to
paradise or hell?" The young man replied, "No." Hasan al-Basri told
him, "Then why are you laughing so much?" After that, no one saw this
young man laughing again as he cameto know the reality of this life.
Source: Story extracted from the book "Tambihul Ghafileen" by Shaikh
Abul Laith Samarkandi.
Many hours or probably days have passed away from our lives in
laughter and jokes. It is a sign that we have forgotten the life of
the hereafter. The sahabah used to do good deeds all day but still cry
during the night to Allah. On the other hand, we do sins all day and
still have no concerns! It is permissible to laugh at amazing things
and smile while being in company ofothers.

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Three Solid Truths

Once, a person was verbally abusing Abu Bakr (RA) while the Prophet
(SAW) was curiously watching with a smile. After taking much abuse
quietly, Abu Bakr responded to a few of his comments. At this, the
Prophet exhibited his disapproval, got up and left. Abu Bakr caught up
with the Prophet and wondered, 'O Messenger ofAllaah, he was abusing
meand you remained sitting. When I responded to him, you disapproved
and got up.' The Messenger of Allaah responded,
'There was an angel with you responding to him. When you responded to
him, Shaytaan took his place.'
He then said,
'O Abu Bakr, there are three solid truths: If a person is wronged and
he forbears it (without seeking revenge) just for the sake of Allaah
(SWT), Allaah will honour him and give him the upper hand with His
help; if a person opens a door of giving gifts for cementing
relationships with relatives, Allaah will give him abundance; and, if
a person opens a door of seeking charity for himselfto increase his
wealth, Allaah will further reduce his wealth.'
Reported from Aboo Hurairah in Mishkaah and Musnad Ahmad.

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Horse of Paradise

Hadrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) reports that a desert Arab came to the
Holy Prophet (SAW) and submitted: "O Prophet of Allah, I am very fond
of horses. Will there be horses in heaven?" The Holy Prophet observed:
"Ifyou were sent to Paradise,you would be given a horse made of
emerald. The horse will have two wings. You would mount the horse and
it would fly you to where ever it might be your pleasure to go."
Source: Tirmidhi.
This horse will be an aircraft in Heaven. The worldly aircraft is
designed like a fish, whereas the heavenly aircraft will be in the
form of a horse. The worldly aircraft is made of aluminum; the
heavenly aeroplane will be made of emerald! (Comments from"Spectacle
of Death").

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Why do muslims say"Alhamdulill ah" when we sneeze?

Why do muslims say"Alhamdulill ah"
when we sneeze?
Because for that moment of the sneeze all your bodily functions stop even your
heart. When the sneeze is over and all bodily functions are restored
we are grateful and praise Allah for returning all back to us again.
SubhanAllah

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ASK ALLAH AND HE WILL ANSWER YOU! INSHA' ALLAH.

Surah Al Baqarah (2) verse 185:
"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide
to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between
right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home)
during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill,
or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days
later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put
to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and
to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be
grateful. " [ 2:185 ]
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 2 :
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 123:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of
the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils
are chained."
Listen to this Dua'a:
Transliteration: (how it sounds)
Wa-i th q a la ibr a heemurabbi ijAAal h atha baladan a minan wa o
rzuqahlahu mina a l ththamar ati man a mana minhumbi A ll a hi wa a
lyawmi al- a khiri q a lawaman kafara faomattiAAuhu qaleelan thumma a
dt arruhu il a AAa tha bi a l nn a ri wabi/saalmaseer
Meaning:
And remember Abraham said:"My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and
feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the
Last Day." He said:"(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will
I grant them their pleasure, but will soondrive them to the torment of
Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!" [ 2:126 ]
Name of Allaah
AL-KHAFIZ
(The Abaser)

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A Rainy Miracle

Narrated Anas: A man came to the Prophet on a Friday while he (the
Prophet) was delivering a sermon at Medina, and said, "There is lack
of rain, so please invoke your Lord to bless us with the rain." The
Prophet looked at the sky when no cloud could be detected. Then he
invoked Allah for rain. Clouds started gathering together and it
rained till the Medina valleys startedflowing with water. It continued
raining till the next Friday. Then that man (or some other man) stood
up while the Prophet was delivering the Friday sermon, and said, "We
are drowned; Please invoke your Lord to withhold it (rain) from us"
The Prophet smiled and said twice or thrice,"O Allah! Please let it
rain round about us and not upon us." The clouds started dispersing
over Medina to the right and tothe left, and it rained round about
Medina and not upon Medina. Allah showed them (the people) the miracle
of His Prophet and His response to his invocation.
Source: Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 115

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Encouragement to fast al-ayyaam al-beed and the month of Sha’baan

I have developed the habit of fasting al-ayyaamal-beed each month,
praise be to Allaah, but this month I did not fast. When I wanted to
fast I was told that it is not permissible and is bid'ah. Ifasted on
Monday the 1st of the month, then I fasted on Wednesday the 19th of
Sha'baan, and if Allaah wills I will fast tomorrow, Thursday, thenI
will have fasted three days. What is the ruling? And what is the
ruling on fasting a great deal during the month of Sha'baan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Allaah has forbidden us tospeak about Him without knowledge, and He
mentions that alongside shirk and major sins. Allaah says
(interpretationof the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad): (But)the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden
are Al-Fawaahish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual
intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all
kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with
Allaah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about
Allaah of which you have no knowledge"
[al-A'raaf 7:33]
An example of speaking about Allaah with no knowledge is what is
mentioned in the question, that some people say it is a bid'ah (an
innovation) to fast three days in Sha'baan in the manner described in
the question.
Secondly: it is mustahabb to fast three days each month, and it is
best to fast the ayaam al-beed, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of
the month.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: My close friend [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him)] advised me to do three things which I will not give up
until I die:fasting three days of each month, praying Duha and going
to sleep after Witr.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1124); Muslim (721).
It was narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Amr ibn al-'Aas (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said to me: "It is sufficient for you to fast
three days every month, because for every good deed you will have (the
reward of) ten like it, so that will be like fasting for a lifetime."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1874); Muslim (1159).
It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: The Messengerof Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: "If you fast any part of
the month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth andfifteenth."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (761); al-Nasaa'i (2424).
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi, and al-Albaani
agreed with him in Irwa' al-Ghaleel, 947.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on
him) was asked:
It was narrated in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) advised Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased
with him) to fast three days of each month. When should these fasts be
observed, and should they be one after the other?
He replied:
It is permissible to fast these days one after the other or
separately, and they may be at the beginning of the month, or in the
middle, or at the end. The matter is braod in scope, praise be to
Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) did not state any specific days. 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be
pleased with her) was asked: Did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) fast three days of each month? She
said: Yes. It was asked: In which part of the month did he fast? She
said: He would not bother in which part of the month he would fast.
Narrated by Muslim, (1160). But the 13th, 14thand 15th are better,
because these are al-ayyaam al-beed.
Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 10/ question no. 376.
Thirdly: Perhaps the one who told you not to fast on those days in
this month (Sha'baan) said that because he knew that the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fastingin the
latter part of Sha'baan.
In the answer to question no. 49884 we have explained that this
prohibition applies to onewho is starting to fast in the latter part
of Sha'baanand does not have a prior habit of fasting.
But if a person starts to fast in the first half of Sha'baan and
continues tofast in the latter half, or he has a prior habit of
fasting, then there is nothing wrong with him fasting in the latter
half ofSha'baan, such as one who has the habit of fasting three days
each month, or fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
Based on this, there is nothing wrong with you fasting three days in
Sha'baan, even if some of those happen to be in the latter half of the
month.
Fourthly: There is nothing wrong with fasting a great deal in
Sha'baan, indeed that is Sunnah. TheProphet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) used to fast a great deal during this month.

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Why She Became A Muslim

Shaikh Khidir, a Khateeb inToronto, narrated the following conversion
incident of a woman during a Friday sermon last year. He mentioned
that a Non-Muslim woman moved to a Muslim country for some business
purposes. As she stayed among the Muslims and saw their lifestyle, she
was impressed and wanted to learn more about Islam. As a result, she
started borrowing books from the local library about Islam. A Muslim
lady in the library used to ask heroften if she was convincedto become
a Muslim yet. She would reply that the time hasn't come yet. Oneday as
she got some books from the library and was walking back home, the
iqamah for coming to the prayer was called in a masjid across the
road. She observed that a person who was sweeping the floor had left
his work and stood onthe line to pray and right beside him stood a
rich man who came to the masjid driving a very expensive car. At that
moment, she decided to become a Muslim as she was greatly impressed by
seeing that in Islam there is no difference between the rich and the
poor when they stood in front of Allah.
"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you
into nations and tribes, that you may knowone another. Verily, the
most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa
[i.e. one of the Muttaqun (pious)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Aware." Holy Quran, Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:13

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A Youth's Search ForTruth

Some time ago there was a young boy by the name of Amsa. Amsa lived in
a little house with his mother Mariah and little brother Joshua. Amsa
worked hard everyday, listened to his mother, and often from time to
time he would go to the little mosques in town. The other boys in town
would often make fun of Amsa because instead of playing tag and
throwing rocks in the pond he would have much rather want to peer into
the door of the mosque where he would silently study and observe the
men as they prayed on there little carpets 5 timesa day. This
fascinated Amsa a lot he wanted to pray just like the men he observed,
but he knew that his friends and familywould object. So one day Amsa
just stopped sneaking to the door of the mosque and started throwing
rocks in the pond like the other boys did. Years passed and Amsa had a
family and became a good Muslim man but he never told his family that
he had became Muslim in fear of what they would say. But one day he
went to visit his mother and little brother and he noticed that Joshua
wasn't playing with the other boys instead he would go to the mosque
and peek into the door just as Amsahad did as a child. Seeing this
amazed Amsa so much that he had cried out to Allah in happiness. Amsa
immediately took Joshua by the hand and Joshua could see the visible
tears in Amsa's eyes. Amsa told Joshua all about Islam in that day and
Joshua immediately joined Islam the same day.
Allah has done somethingso wonderful for Amsa Allah gave Amsa the gift
of teaching Islam to his little brother.

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Sunnah is like Medicine

Shaikh Khidir from Toronto, Canada once gave a very beautiful example
on the importance of following the ways (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). He said that sunnah is like medicine. Usually,
when we visit the doctors for treatment, they write on the
prescriptions the medicines we need. We take these prescriptions to
pharmacists who then sell the medicines to us. Sometimes these
medicines are bitter and hard to swallow, but we still consume them as
we know that the cure is in them. Similarly, each and every sunnah has
physicaland spiritual cure for us inthis world and in the hereafter.
Even if some of sunnah are hard to follow,we should still follow them
as the cure is in them.
"...So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what he
prohibits you..." Al Quran 59:7

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Ramadan Marathon! Are You Ready? Psychological Approach to AchievingYour Goals

MM Treasures are posts on MuslimMatters that we believe are overlooked
'gems' that NEED to be read, especially by our new readers.
Most people slack off all year religiously and wait for Ramadan to get
a new boost of spiritual energy. These individuals are spiritually
out of shape & religiously flabby- not praying any sunnah prayers,
lacking khushu (sincerity), barely having time to read the Quran. They
come into Ramadan completely depleted of iman, breathlessly crawling
towards the month in order to resuscitate themselves before they
spiritually die. It's a vicious cycle that a lot of people experience,
yet very few address.
What usually happens with these individuals whoare so religiously out
of shape? It takes them 2 weeks to get in the groove– the first week
will be filled with headaches and grogginess until the new schedule
falls into place, then when they finally get accustomed to the new
program, Ramadan is over. The abundance of blessings are so
overflowing during Ramadan that anyone who puts forth even the
smallest amount of effort will reap the rewards. However; they are
getting the bare minimum amount of blessings and missing out on an
ExtremeSpiritual Makeover !
What if we changed our perspective and started planning for Ramadan
the way we would plan for a marathon? How different will our
experience be if we were already prepared,sprinting into Ramadan with
full iman gusto? The way we can do that is by training way in advance
in order to build our spiritual stamina. Whether we are preparing for
Ramadan or any other event in our life there are a series of steps we
need to take in order to achieve our goals:
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." Larry Elder
1. Write down the goals, prioritize based on importance and make a plan.
Break down large goals into small, achievable goals. For instance, if
one of our goals is to completethe Quran during Ramadanthen make a
plan to read for instance 4 pages after each prayer. This will make
it easy to achieve. By starting ahead of time and taking small steps
towards the goal, once Ramadan comes along we will be prepared &
trained.
To start with the end in mind means to have a clear understanding of
the destination. Stephen R. Covey
2. We need to focus on what we want to achieve and what kind
ofoutcomes we want. Visualize achieving the goals. We need to see
ourselves overcoming our temptations, reaching our goals and having
success. See yourself achieving attainable goals for Ramadan.
What the mind of man canconceive and believe it canachieve! Napoleon Hill
3. Ask yourself good questions : The questions we ask or the questions
we fail to ask shapes our destiny. The way we evaluate our life is by
asking questions; therefore if we ask good questions then our mind can
come up with good answers which will affect our interpretation of
events. We need to ask what is good about this situation? What can I
learn from this test? How can I bring out the best in this person?
How can I make the most of Ramadan?
It's not the events that shape our life that determine how we feel and
act, but rather, it's the way we interpret and evaluate our life.
Anthony Robbins
4. Be optimistic: Having a nice, positive attitude makes all the
difference in achieving any goals. Whena person is hopeful, puts trust
in Allah and makes the necessary effort, anything is possible.
Right now we need to start implementing the steps to achieving our
Ramadan goals in order to get the maximum benefit:
1. Start fasting Mondays and Thursdays to prepareyour body for Ramadan
– this would be equivalent to 2 intensive work outs during a week to
prepare for a marathon.
'A'isha said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant
him peace, used to take care to fast on Mondays and Thursdays."
[at-Tirmidhi]
2. Increase your baseline in worship by simply increasing your
worship, so if you currently only pray the obligatory prayers, start
praying sunnah and also do the dhikr afterwards – this would be like
increasing the amount of weight you are pumping in the gym.
3. Set goals for reading Quran daily - reading the Quran nourishes the
soul the way healthy, nutritiousfood rejuvenates the body.So start
feeding your soul!

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Allah’s Plan for You and Me

Allah had a plan for youbefore you were born, andHe still has a plan
for you. Allah's plan for you is necessary and glorious. Hisplan is
vital to your successand important to the world.
Allah's plan is not set in stone, as if we were robotspre-programmed
in the factory. That would strip us of free will and deny our natures.
Rather, I believe that Allah has a flexible plan for each human being:
a plan that allows that person to benefit the world with his/her
unique talents.
This is in fact the Islamic view of al-Qadar, or predestination. There
is nodoubt that Allah has decreed everything that happens in the
universe from the beginning of time to the end, and that Allah has
written it all in al-Lawh al-Mahfooz (the Book of Decrees).
"Know you not that Allahknows all that is in the heaven and on the
earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz). Verily,
that is easy for Allah" (Quran, al-Hajj 22:70)
In Saheeh Muslim (2653) itis narrated that 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Amr ibn
al-'Aas (may Allah be pleased with him)said: I heard the Messenger of
Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: "Allah wrote
down the decrees of creation fifty thousandyears before He created the
heavens and the earth."
Everything happens by thewill of Allah. Whatever He wills happens, and
whatever he does not will does not happen. However, as Sheikh Muhammad
Saalih Al-Munajjid explains ,
Belief in al-qadar does not contradict the idea that a person has free
will with regard to actions in which he has free choice. Sharee'ah and
real life both indicate that people have this will.
Allaah says concerning man's will (interpretation of the meaning):
"That is (without doubt) the True Day. So, whosoever wills, let him
seek a place with (or a way to) His Lord (by obeying Him in this
worldly life)!" [al-Naba' 78:39]
(and other similar ayaat)
These verses confirm that man has a will and the ability to do what he
wants and not to do what he does not want.
With regard to real life, everyone knows that he has a will and the
ability to do what he wants and not to do what he does not want. And
he can distinguish between the things that happen when he wants them
to, such as walking, and those that happen without him wanting them
to, such as shivering. But the will and ability of man are subject to
the will and decree of Allaah.
Sheikh Al-Munajjid's last paragraph is the key to understanding
Al-Qadar: walking (voluntary) versusshivering (involuntary). Other
scholars have explained it as two types of Qadar, fixed and flexible.
The fixed Qadar is that which happens to us from beyond our control.
For example the time and place of our birth, any illnesses and natural
disasters that befall us, etc.The flexible Qadar is that which is
within the realm of our free will. Whether we do good or evil, and
what we choose to believeand how we choose to live. Sheikh-ul-Islam
Ibn Taymiyyah wrote:
There are two types of provision and lifespan: the first type has
already been decreed and is written in Umm al-kitaab, and cannotbe
changed or altered. Thenext type of qadar, Allah has informed His
angels of His decrees. This is the type where provisions andlifespan
may increase or decrease. Hence Allah the Almighty says what may be
translated as, "Allah blots out what he wills and confirms [what He
wills]. And with Him is the Mother of the book." (Surat Ar-Ra'ad,
verse 39) The mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitaab) is
Al-Lawhal-Mahfoodh, in which Allah has decreed all things as they will
always be without change. However, the decrees contained in the books
of the angels, such as lifespanand provisions, may increase or
decrease according to various circumstances; thereafter, the angels
will re-write a person's provision and lifespan. If a person upholds
the ties of kinship,his provisions and lifespan will be extended,
otherwise they will decrease." [See Majmoo'al-Fataawa 8/540]
So Allah has a plan for you,but fulfillment of that planis up to you:
the choices you make, as well as your degree of faith, persistenceand
determination.
Allah's plan for you is important to the world because Allah created
nothing in vain. Look at His creation. Everything has a purpose, from
the sun that heats our world, to the bacteria that consume waste.
You are the same. You have a purpose. You are necessary to the world.
If your presence were not vital in some way, then you would not have
been made.
Discovering Allah's Plan
Allah's plan for us is not always what we might wish it to be.
How do we discover Allah's plan for us? Where do we find it? How do we
realize it in our lives?
It's not as difficult as we might think. It wouldn't make sense for
Allah to have a plan for us and then leave us stumbling in the dark.
Allah's plan doesn't have to be a mystery.....

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First Words of a Little Girl

The following incident was mentioned by a Shaikh from Toronto, Canada.
The incident is about his 18 months old daughter. The shaikh also has
a son who is about 3 years old. The shaikh has already started
teaching the young son about Quran and ahadith without wasting any
time. Mashallah, the boy has already memorized surah Fatiha and
various other surahs. One day, his young daughter who is only 18
months old was sitting beside the son while he was asked to recite
surah Fatiha by the shaikh. This little girl is pronouncing her first
words clearly in these days. Now, when the son recited the 5th verse
of surah Fatiha untill "IhdinaSirat...", the small girl suddenly said
"Al Mustaqim" and completedthe verse. Subhanallah! How blessed is this
child whose first words are among the words of the Holy Quran, which
she learned through her father when he was teaching her brother.
It is very important to teach Islam to our children in their early
childhood. We can easily bend trees in any direction when they are
still small. But when the trees become big and tall, 10 people pushing
together is unable to bend them. Similarly, teaching the children when
they are young is necessary so that they go towards the right
direction.

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Allah Will Protect Me

Once Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) was taking rest under a tree
when he was returning from an expedition and hung his sword from the
tree. A Non-Muslim personcame quietly, took hold ofthe sword and,
addressingthe Prophet said to him:"O Muhammad! now who will save you
from my hand?" The Prophet heardit, rose up from his seat and said:
"Allah will save me." Hearing the name of Allah, he was overawed and
the sword slipped from his hand. The Prophet rose up from his place,
took the sword intohis hand and questioned him: "Now who will save you
from my hand?" He felt sorry and begged apology. The Prophet forgave
him. He was so impressed by this kindness that he embraced Islam. He
then went to his tribesmen andexpressed that he never found a man
better than Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Source: "The Miracles of the Prophet" by Shaikh Ahmed S. Dehalvi; also
related in Bukhari and other sources with slight variations.
Related to the protection of the Prophet Muhammad, Allah has mentioned
in the Quran"O Apostle! proclaim the message which has been sent to
you from your Lord. If you do not do it, you would not have fulfilled
and proclaimed this mission. And Allah will defend you against men who
mean mischief. For Allah guides not thosewho reject faith." (Al Quran
5:67).

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Don't Complain, be Patient

Khabbaab ibn al-Aratt (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "We
complained to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) whenhe was reclining on his cloak in the shade of the
Ka'bah. We said to him:"Why do you not ask Allaah to help us (grant
usvictory)? Why do you not pray to Allaah for us?" He said, "A man
from the people before you would be placed in a hole dug for him, then
they would bring a saw and cut his head in two, yet that would not
make him renounce his faith. They would use an iron comb to drag the
flesh and nerves from his bones, yetthat would not make him renounce
his faith. By Allaah, this matter will be completed (i.e. Islam will
be perfected and will prevail) until a rider travelling from Sana' to
Hadramawt will fear nobody but Allaah or the attack of a wolf on his
sheep, but you are too impatient." Source: Sahih Bukhari.
The conditions of Muslims may go up and down but Islam will always
remain on top. We should never lose hope even during themost difficult
times as Allah is always in control. Surely, Allah helps those who are
patient.

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Benefits Of Grapefruit Enzyme

Grapefruit is a subtropical fruit which is rich in enzymes and forms
the basis of many well planned diets. The health benefits of enzymes
have been widely studied and understood. Enzymes are asolution for
many health disorders and can be found as tablets, syrups and capsules
in the market. They are usually recommended if blood tests have shown
the deficiency of a particular enzyme and must be taken in the dose
suggested by a doctor. This will prevent any side effect and make the
enzyme work optimally. Grapefruit has most famously been used as part
of many weight loss diets and to assist in improved metabolism.
Thebenefits that can be obtained by using grapefruit enzyme on a
regular basis are describedbelow.
Uses And Functions Of Grapefruit Enzyme
--------------- --------------- --------------- -
* For Healthy Digestion- The most important function of fruit enzymes
is that they promote healthy digestion by replacing the enzymes in the
digestive juices, secreted by the body. In certain cases, the output
of enzymes may not be sufficient as the glands may be blocked by a
cancerous growth or a part of the stomach surgically removed. This is
when the grapefruit enzymes are very helpful as they aid in the
digestion of food and convert them into their constituent simple
molecules. They are also known to improve the function of the pancreas
which will directly have a positive impact on the process of
digestion. Grapefruit is a rich source of a substance called pectin
which is a type of dietary fiber and helps maintain good bowel
movement.
* An Antioxidant- The enzymes along with the antioxidant lycopene, can
help boost immune system substantially. This is one of the many goals
of enzyme therapy that has made it so popular. The pink and red
grapefruit have more of this helpful component when compared to the
ones that have a white flesh. The enzyme extractscan also help in
better absorption of the large amounts of vitamin C present in the
fruit. This is a very important vitamin, essential to build resistance
to common coldand other infections.
* Anti Aging- The enzymeshave many anti aging properties that can
prevent the damage to the DNA from pollutants such as cigarette smoke
and carbon in the environment. For this reason, a glass of homemade
grapefruit juice is recommended daily. The fresher the fruit, the
greater amount of enzymes that it contains. Areduction in enzyme
activity is seen if the fruit is subjected to even a small amount of
heat.
* For Better Absorption- Doctors often recommended syrups and enzyme
supplements when absorption of vital nutrients is poor. This prevents
the developmentof deficiencies which can hamper many body processes
and harm health. Grapefruit enzyme works along with other enzymes
produced in the body to improve the uptake of vitamins, minerals,
amino acids and glucose by the cells of the small intestine. This
makesone healthier and promotes growth and development in young
children. Many hospitalized patients who are suffering from long term
illness can also greatly benefit from this.
* As Anti Cancer- The enzymes have a very important property which is
their anti cancer ability. They increase the levels of Tumor Necrosis
Factor (TNF) in the body, which ingreater amount helps to prevent the
growth and spread of a tumor. This can reduce the risk of cancer and
also support radiation and chemotherapy to make the management of
cancermore successful in the initial stages.
* For A Healthy Heart- Grapefruit enzymes are important for a good
cardiovascular system as they dissolve clots and prevent them from
blocking arteries supplying the heart. It alsomaintains the
flexibility of the blood vessels and keeps them healthy and
functioning well . Two to three servings a week are recommended to
obtain all health benefits of grapefruit.
Use grapefruits more oftenin your diet to give your body its many
benefits. The use of enzymes in pregnant and lactating women is
forbidden without the prior approvalof a health care provider.

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Hinduism to Christianity to Islam

The following is about a brother from Guyana who became a Muslim from
being a Hindu and Christian Priest for 10 years.
His current name is Ahmed Tabarani. He was born in a poor Hindu family
in Guyana. However, he used to dislike worshipping statues since his
childhood. As he grew up, he became connected with the local Church
because they worshipped three divine beings (God, Jesus and Holy
Spirit) rather than worshipping hundreds of idols. Eventually, he
became a Christian and studied for many years to become a Christian
priest. The Church hired him and paidfor all his travelling and living
expenses. His familybecame very pleased to see that because he became
a Christian, their poverty was removed. As a result, the whole family
became Christians. During the 10 years of serving as a Priest, he
always used to wake up at night and meditate. He used to ask God to
show him whetherhe was following the truth. In one such nights, he had
a vision. He saw that three people dressed in white long throbes,
wearing turban and beardare walking towards him and these people are
to show him the true religion. After seeing this vision, many years
passedby but he didn't see such a thing happening. But one day, a
group of Muslims (part of Tabligh Jamah) visited a Masjid near his
place to call people towards Allah. That afternoon, as he was going to
the Church, he saw three of these Muslims are coming towards him.
Immediately, he remembered his vision. These three Muslims resembled
exactly what he saw in the vision. Thenhe approached them and asked
what religion they follow. The Muslims told him about Islam and he
became a Muslim on the spot and quit being a priest. Poverty again
took over his family as he quit his job. All his family members,
especially his mother, became angry at him for becoming a Muslim. But
he said the following words to his mother, "Dear mother, I could give
you a new pair of shoes, but they will become worn out. I could give
you a new dress, but that too will become old and ripped. But I can
give you something that will never finish. My mother, say 'There is no
god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger.'" The mother was really
touched by this statementand became a Muslim. Following her, everyone
else in the family also became Muslims. For 15 years, Ahmed Tabarani
is a practising Muslim serving Islam with his total energy. He is
currently living in Canada.

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*EID MUBARAK*

Suraj ki kirne,taaron ki bahaar.Chand ki chandni, apno ka pyaar.Har
ghadi ho khushaal.ussi tarhan Mubarak ho aapko Eid ka yeh tyohaar.'EID
MUBARAK'
Chupke se chand ki RoshniChoo Jaye Aapko,Dheere Se Ye Hawa Kuch Keh
JayeApko, jo Chahte Ho MaangLo Khuda Se,Hum Dua Karte Hain Mil Jaye Wo
Apko.EID MUBARAK
Socha kisi apne se baat karun,Apne kisi khaas ko yaad karun,Kiya jo
faisla eid mubarak kehne ka,Dil ne kaha kyun na aapse shuruwat
karun.*EID MUBARAK*
U fasted,u prayed,U been good 4 a whole 30 days.So ur merciful ALLAH
gave u a sign,Out came the moon 2 say come celebrate...Eid mubarak
Look Outside. It's so pleasant! Sun Smiling For you. Trees Dancing for
you. Birds singing for you.Because I requested them All to wish
You..*EID MUBARAK*

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