*Arafa Day*

Yawm al-Arafat:

The 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of Arafat.

It is this day when the pilgrims gather on the mountain plain of Arafat, praying and supplicating to their Lord. The day of Arafat holds great importance in Islam since this is the Day when Allâh completed his revelation on His Messenger (Sallâhu alaihe wa-sallam). It is reported in the Sahîhayn (i.e. Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim), that a Jewish man said to him:

“O Amîr al-Muminîn (O head of the Muslims)! There is a verse in the Qur’ân, which if was revealed on us, the Jews, we would have taken that day as an Eid (festival). ‘Which verse?’ He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [Sûrah al-Maidah (5): 3] ‘We know on which day and in which place was this verse revealed to Allâh’s Messenger (sAllâhu alaihe wa-sallam). It was when he was standing in Arafat on a Friday.’

Arafat is the day on which Allâh took the covenant from the progeny of Adam (alaihis-salâm), it was reported that Ibn Abbas (radhi Allâhu anhu) narrated: The Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) related:

“(When Allâh created Adam (alaihis-salâm) Allâh took covenant from him in a place Na’mân on the day of Arafat, then He extracted from him all the descendants who would be born until the end of the world, generation after generation, and spread them out in front of Him in order to take a covenant from them also. He spoke to them face to face saying:“Am I not your Lord?”and they all replied: ‘Yes, we testify to it’. Allâh then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He was their Creator and only true God worthy of worship. He said:  “That was in case you (mankind) should say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Surely, we were unaware of this. We had no idea that You, Allâh, were our Lord. No one told us that we were only supposed to worship You.” [(Sahîh by Shaikh al-Albanî in Silsilah al-Ahâdîth as-Sahîhah vol: 4, no: 1623]

Indeed, the day of Arafat is a blessed day and there is no other covenant greater than this covenant! Arafat is a day of Forgiveness from sins, freedom from the Hell-Fire for the people who are present in the plain of Arafat. A’ishah narrated the Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) saying:

“There is no day on which Allâh frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafat. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels saying, ’What do these people (the Hajis) want?’” [Sahîh Muslim]

This Hâdîth mentions forgiveness for the pilgrims. In addition to this, fasting on the day of Arafat is a Sunnah and an expiation of sins for the residents. Hunaydah ibn Khâlid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“The Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, on the day of Ashûrah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” [(Sahîh) by Shaikh al-Albanî in Sahîh Abi Dawûd vol: 2, no: 462]

It is reported in Sahîh Muslim that when the Messenger of Allâh (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked about the fasting on the day of Arafat, he said:

“It expiates the sins of the previous year and that of the following year.” [Sahîh Muslim]

This fasting is Mustahabb only for the non-pilgrims and not for the Hajis (the pilgrims) because it was not the practice of Allâh’s Messenger (sallAllâhu alaihi wa-sallam) to fast on the day of Arafat during pilgrimage and in a narration he also forbade doing so.

#Ashura, Imam Hussain A.S., Panjataan Paak A.S, Ahlulbait A.S.

As received posted:

#Ashura (1440)

A question about Imam Hussain A.S.

A muslim friend, who doesn’t identify as a lover of Ahlulbayt (A.S.) asked me during muharram *how do you love Hussain A.S. so much, when you haven’t seen him, or met him, or know him in real life?*

The answer, which was long yet very simple, was this: the physical eye is typical and worldly.

I’ve seen Hussain A.S. with my heart, when I say the word “hussain” my heart breaks, when I say his name I see him in front of me.

It doesn’t have to be the physical manifestation, but the ideology, the selflessness, the virtue, the truth, the justice, the tawheed and full submission to GOD at all times.

Hussain A.S. embodies, he is the physical manifestation of all that is good and right and just.

When I say “Ya Hussain” I’m calling on all of those things intertwined to create this human being who allah created to uphold and maintain “La Illaha Illa Allah” alive and well, to maintain islam, to maintain the Quràan the God’s words.

Hussain A.S. is everything which you view that is good and right and holy,.

He is the embodiment of them; so are the rest of ahlul bayt, yet hussain is the leading example, as the rest of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) have said, La Yawm Ka Yawmuka Ya Abba Abdillah, “there is no day like yours (Ashura) oh Abba Abdillah (Hussain).”

This is what it means when the famous saying is said, “the name of Hussain A.S. strikes o fire in the heart of every mumin (believer).” when you have a sound heart, a feel for others, altruism and to do good and be just, then Hussain’s message is yours as well. embody it.

This message is not limited to muharram, ashura or Arbaeen. this is a philosophy, a way of life of all of Ahlulbayt.

I see Hussain in my heart, I feel his presence, and that is how and why I love him so much.

Hussain and his father, Ali A.S, taught me how to love truly, unconditionally, selflessly.

It is that love of self sacrifice for Allah SWT and complete submission that is the most important ultimately.

The message of Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) in the end is love. simply, complete and unconditional love.

#WhoisHussain

Labbayk ya Hussain A.S

#Tasbi; #Tasabi #Tasbeeh

*Tasbeeh ni Quwwat : Part 1*

●  _Rasoolullaah (saws) ye ek lashkar Yaman moklu jema aapna mohib 'Auf bin Maalik bhi hata. Yaman ma dushmano te 'Auf ne qaid kari lidha._

● _Qaid khaana ma tarah tarah ni takleef dewa laaga. 'Auf par ek chaamdu bheegu karine lapeti didhu. Jem jem chaamdu sukaay tem sakhat thaatu jaai ane 'Auf ne dard thaai._

●  _'Auf ye kaaghaz lakhine ehna bawaji ane Rasoolullaah (saws) ne potaani takleef ni khabar aapi. Rasoolullaah (saws) ghana pareshaan thaya._

●  _Aap (saws) ye 'Auf na bawaji ne farmaayu ke Yaman jaanar koi shakhsh ni talaash karo. Ek shaksh taiyaar thaya. Rasoolullaah (saws) ye te shaksh ne kahyu ke tame Yaman jaine 'Auf ne milo to maaro salaam kehjo._

● _'Auf ne kehjo ke Rasoolullaah (saws) ye ek tasbeeh karwaanu kahyu chhe. Ye tasbeeh chhe - *"Laa hawla walaa quwwata illa billaahil 'aliyil 'azeem".*_
**

*To be continued..*

========================
*Tasbeeh ni Quwwat : Part 2*
========================
●  _Rasoolullaah (saws) na farmaan mujab 'Auf ye tasbeeh karwaa laga. Tasbeeh ni ihwi Quwwat ane Asar thayo ke jim tasbeeh karta gaya tim chaamdu naram thaatu gayu._

● _Chaamdu itnu naram thaatu gayu ke 'Auf ye potaana haath chhudaawi lidha._

● _Rasoolullaah (saws) na Tasbeeh na aa Amal ma ghani Hikmat chhe. Mumineen bhi ghani waqat ihwa haalaat ma gheraai jaai chhe ke koi rasto nazar aawto nathi._

● _Ghani waqat bija loko rukaawat no sabab bane chhe ane kaam thaatu nathi. Ihwa mushkil na haalaat ma aa mujab *"Laa hawla walaa quwwata..." ni Tasbeeh thi mushkil sehlaai ma tabdeel thai jaai chhe. 'Usrat Yusrat ma tabdeel thai jaay chhe.*_

● _Tasbeeh karwu Farishtaao no Amal chhe. Allaah Ta'aala na Farishtaao Tasbeeh ane Tahleel karaa kare chhe._

● _Tasbeeh ek tarah ni Du'a chhe. Mumin nu Hathiyaar chhe. Ahl ul-Bayt (sa) ni Aadat chhe._
**
*The End*

#Arbaeen 1439

#Arbaeen experience by Rashida Nurbhai

With all your duas and best wishes - alhamdulillah, arbaeen KUN safar went well.

The walk & the experience of the ziyaarat performance amidst millions of zaereen - is a learning journey..a journey where we learn to appreciate every nemat..a journey where we learn to experience our inner peace..a journey where we experience the love of others, and overwhelming and humbling care from strangers..a journey where we experience devoted khidmat..as we watch others managing the little troubles of the journey with a smile on their face, our patience and tolerance become the key tool..a journey where all ibadullah, beyond all barriers, come together..it's a journey where we learn, that we still have so much more to learn from others, and from within ourselves.

Inshallah, Khuda sagla ne panjatan paak ni ziyaarat naa saathe har nemat naseeb karjo, mubarak mohanna karjo - Ameen.
[11/14, 5:52 PM] Rashida Rajab Bulk: The ziyaarat of Moulana Ali, Imam Hussein, Moulana Abbas is the core purpose of KUN safar. The walk is a great experience (hours of just walking..no schedules, no distractions, no time limits..that leaves us with a lot of time to think about everybody and everything! Gives us a lot of time to think beyond our own little world..think about others well being..think about how we can be more useful to others..gives us a lot of time to restructure our thoughts in a positive way..gives us a lot of time to ourselves..probably, that's why I love the morning/evening walks(alone:)), because I get time to restructure and develop my thoughts and ideas..gives me space before a reaction(it truly helps:))..

New Year - Dawoodi Bohra

The start of a new year is an auspicious occasion, no matter what calendar is followed.  The Muslim New Year falls on the Egyptian calender which starts with the Blessed month of Moharram-ul-Haram.

The Dawoodi Bohras (most peaceful community) every year helds their own unique celebration of the Islamic new year, which is based on the Egyptian calendar that the community follows.

Traditionally, Bohras eat in a ‘thaal’ or a steel serving dish of mammoth proportions (as pix above) that is laden down with small portions of the various delights of their cuisine. It is placed about a foot off the ground on a kundli (stand) for the family that gathers around for a meal eaten out of the same dish.

The new year’s eve is widely referred to as the thaal’s birthday, with the thaal symbolising the hope of the coming year’s prosperity. It is treated with respect and as a token of respect it is laden with as many food items as it can take.

The norm is to have different dishes on the thaal this night.  Usually every item on the thaal is prepared in small quantity if the dishes are many. Individual sweetmeats, fruits and even the salt, with which it is mandatory to start and end every meal.

Food symbolises individual blessings and the variety is an implicit prayer in hope of being blessed in various ways in the coming year. This concept is called ‘sakhan’.  
Pehli raat thaal menu significance as per my knowledge  😊

My sasuma had explained that 4 things are important representing the 4 elements in nature whose Significance are these:

Jannat nu Phaal ~ Pomegranate
Water ~ Fish
Earth ~ Wheat which we keep lachka or thuli. 

Underground ~ Muli (Radish) or any other veg which grows underground.    

Before the tasting of the salt, there is the ritual of ‘wadhawanu’ which entails passing a coconut over the thaal seven times in a clockwork direction. This tradition is often performed on birthdays as well, and since new year’s eve is considered the thaal’s birthday, it is given the same honour.  Bohris start their meal with a sweet dish and alternate with savoury dishes as they progress along the courses. After wadhawanu comes the tasting of the salt, which is followed by ‘sundenu’ or ‘shakranu’. This is a small dish of sweetened rice which is always eaten before a meal to commemorate a happy occasion.  With the coming years it is now the tradition to minimise the dishes to few due to health reasons.  NO TO FOOD WASTAGE is our MOTTO.

Greetings are shared with one and all.  New clothes are worn.  The entire tradition of the first night of the new year comprises rituals that denote the hope of a blessed year to follow.

#Arbaeen & Zainab S.A. #Katballa

#Bibi Zainab (sa) & Arbaeen

As received from Naimal Fatima

When she reached Karbala that tragic yearp,
From her tired eyes came another tear,

Alone in the dessert without a shadow above,
Was the grave of Hussain, her brother beloved.

She was tired, and weak and in a lot of pain,
Her Heart cried out ‘ O My Brother Hussain'

I have come to mourn you with all of my heart,
And to tell you the torture that tore us apart.

They took us through crowds that were calling our name,

Our hearts were sinking and our heads bowed in shame.

Sakina was slapped for no reason at all,
For crying, for sitting, or when to you she would call.
She was tortured all the way in front of our eyes,

Alas in the Prison of Damascus she lies.
She called out to you till her very last breath,

And I called to Abbas at the time of her death.

What all we went through I have no strength to tell,
And now my dear brother I bid you farewell.

My heart is broken at the sight of your grave,
Alone in the dessert without any shade.

Then she looked up with tears flowing down her face And said O’ Lord , I know of thy infinite power and grace.

Let the death of my brother be mourned like no other
and let not alone be the grave of my brother.

Today, Ya Bibi Fatema A.S. Ya Zainab S.A... the prayer of your heart,
Is fulfilled by millions walking towards Imam Hussain A.S.,

Their eyes full of sorrow their hearts full of pain,
Marching to their Master, Your Son, brother Hussain.

A crowd never heard of, a scene never seen,
How could it not be heard?
The wish of a queen!

Labbayk ya Zaynab (sa)

Labbayk ya Hussain (as)

#Ya Hussain A.S. #Karballa

*This is very knowledgable. Kindly read.*

Narrations state that the horses that trampled Imam Hussein's (as) body were known as Aawajiyya and had distinctive characteristics above other stallions.

A researcher who studied these features for months finally found a book by a German expert on horses known as "The Worlds Strongest Stallions.

It says "There are certain stallions known as Aawajiyya and their speciality is that each stomp of each hoof weighs 65kgs and its purpose is to crush and grind what is beneath it".
Then the Narrator says " I remember one of the riders of Ibn Saads army mention: I heard the ribs of Hussein crack and snap when we crushed him under our horses".
The people who ask why we cry over the son of Fatima(as).
Think about it 10 horses trampled Imam Hussein(as)
Each stomp 65kgs
4 hooves each horse
4x10=40 stomps
40stomps x 65kgs = 2600kgs
2600kgs crushed the chest of The son of Fatima Al-Zahraa(as) , one of the 2 masters of the youth of Paradise
This narration is no surprise for Imam Zainul-Abideen(as) mentions: "My fathers chest collapsed in on his back".
When he came to bury him he would pick up one side of his father and the other side would fall apart.
Wa museebatahhhhh Wa Husseinahhhhh
LABAIK YA HUSSAIN A.S.

In Dua e Nasr wal Mahaba we seek refuge from Allah Subhanahu from enemies different arsenal and weapona amongst them is mentioned Awajiya breed of horses

وخيلهم الاعوجية

Hafti vol 2 pg 86 line 5

Allah is our Sustainer

Lovely Musing pls read u will enjoy😌

A small board was hanging from the top of the fruit stand which said "My mother is elderly and a paralytic and there is no one else to take care of her at home. She needs frequent feeding and frequent trips to the toilet. If you are in a hurry, please pick whatever fruit you like and put the money under the pad in the corner. The rates are also written nearby. If you don't have the money then please take the fruit anyway, I won't mind. And Allah is the best Sustainer."

I weighed 2 kilograms of apples, grabbed a dozen bananas put them in a shopping bag. After checking the rate list, I took out the money, lifted the corner pad and placed it there, amidst many other notes of various denominations. I looked around to see if anyone was watching me then I picked up my purchase and came back to my flat.

After iftar, my brother and I went back to that stall and found the owner packing it up, about to leave. He was a middle aged man, the whites in his beard peeking out from among the black, wearing a cream colored shalwar kameez. He smiled at us as he said "No more fruit left, sir." We asked his name. He said, "Khadim Hussain". A few minutes later, we were having tea at a nearby shop.

He told us, "My mother has been bed-ridden for the past three years. She has developed some mental issues recently and now has been paralyzed as well. I have no children, my wife has passed away and there is no one to look after my mother so I have to do it all the time. One day I told her as I was massaging her feet, 'Mother, I want to take care of you more than anything but my pockets are empty and you don't want me leaving your side. You say you feel extremely anxious and worried when I go away. Tell me what I should do then. Where will we get food from? I am not a citizen of Bani Israel and you are not the mother of Musa (AS). What should I do?'

"My mother tried to sit up with difficulty so I adjusted her pillow for her and had her rest against it. She raised her wrinkled face and trembling hands in supplication and I don't know what she asked Allah. Then she told me 'Just leave your stall at the roadside. You will get your food while sitting in this room.'

"I said, 'Mother, what are you talking about? If I leave the stall there, somebody will come and steal everything on it. No one cares about other people these days. Who will actually pay for the fruit when the shopkeeper isn't there?'

"She said, 'Don't argue with me. At fajr, fill your stall with fruit, leave it at the roadside and come back to me. And in the evening bring back the empty stall. If you lose any money, then this Khalida Surayya will obtain every single rupee from Allah.'

"Brother, it has been two and a half years since then. I take the stall in the morning and bring back the empty stall in the evening. I have not lost a single rupee, instead people often pay more than is due. I usually make about 300-400 rupees more than I would according to the rates. Some people also leave flowers for my mother. A few days ago a girl left a dish of pulao with a card saying 'for mother'. A doctor left his business card that had a note on the back saying 'Uncle, if your mother is not feeling well, call me and I will pick her up from her house.' A pilgrim visited my stall and left a packet of Ajwa dates. A couple came to buy fruit and left a suit for my mother. Every day things like these are given to me along with my money. My mother doesn't let me leave and Allah doesn't let the blessings stop. Not only is Allah the best Sustainer, He is also the best Retailer."

In the end, I would like to tell all children that if you are free and see your parents doing some work, always offer to help them. Tell them "Mother/Father, here let me help you with that." Then just watch how success follows you everywhere in this world and the next. InshAllah.

50 Rupees Kindness Deeds

Good way to help the needies...

On my way I found a piece of paper tied to an electric pole, with a small note on it.

I was curious to know what was written, hence went closer and read it. "I lost Rs. 50 somewhere on the road. If any of you find it, please give it to me at this address. My vision isn't great so please help."

I was to follow that address and found an old hut in shatters with an older woman sitting outside. She was frail and asked who is it, following my footsteps.

I said I came by this way, found Rs. 50 on the road so wanted to hand over to you.

She began crying on hearing this. She said "my dear I have had at least 30-40 people come over and give me Rs. 50 saying they found it on the road. I didn't write that note; I cannot even see properly nor do I know to read and write"

I said it's OK amma you keep it. She asked me to tear that note off on my way back.

I walked back with a million thoughts as to who could have written that note? She would have asked everyone to tear that note but none did. I mentally thanked that person and realized that we just have to feel the need to help, there are many ways to do.He/she just wanted to help this old woman.

Someone stopped me n asked, "Bro, can you help me with this address? I found a 50 rupee note, want to handover.."

Super Woman Power

***************

The story about the girl in blue☺

Hello ladies,

Apologies since a last few months I had not been able to keep our blog updated.

But here we are back with a special story of a #SWEAidol, Sarrah Murtaza.

Here's to the Women Power.
In her first post on our blog, she narrates her struggle from managing a family while pursuing an ACCA, and how it all became possible with the support of a wonderful pair of families.

I was moved, inspired, and so motivated after going through her testimony, and I am sure it will leave you super women inspired too!

There's definitely no stopping a super woman who decides to do something. Especially with just a little bit of love and support, anything is possible!

Today Sarrah is ACCA qualified, runs a successful restaurant in Mombasa and makes a wonderful mother to her three children.

Read her story through the link below: https://superwomenofea.wordpress.com/2017/05/21/my-journey-managing-a-family-while-pursuing-an-acca/


#SWEAidol #superwomenofea

*************

Welcome Ramadhan

******
Penned by: Sakina S. Dossaji (Sakina's Poetry Petals) 20/5/2017 Tanga*

A much awaited month,
Is round the corner,
Shehre Ramadhan,✨
A month of Rehmat,
Magfirat, Itkun-Minan-Nar.

A shower of blessings,
In all sacredness,
Prayers heeded,
Duas for each other,💕
Forgiveness we seek.

Closest to Allah,
Nearest to Prophet's teachings,✨
Roza, Silat, Zakat, Namaz,
With faith, devotion and love,
We partake in.

The aroma of tea in iftar,
The proverbial khajoor,
Lazzat daar meal thereafter,
The preparation of namazi attire, 🌹
Rubbing sleepy eyes for sihori,
The beauty of fajr and Imam Zainul Abedin's a.s. dua.

The stretch of hours observing the fast,
But with such love for the Creator!💖
And of observing fast of all senses, too,
Planting buds of kindness in self,
To share, care and love one another.

The thrill of exchanging recipes,🍗
Pots and pans simmering,
Cut, sliced, chopped,
Blended, sauted, fried,
Iftari preparations since morning!A hot, steaming cup of uji,
Don't i just love it.

A night better than a thousand months,💚
Lailat ul Qadr, Maa Fatema ni raat,
Quran Majeed ascended from the heavens,
Quran recitations day and night.

I love the tantalising sweets and savouries sold by the vendors,🍢
Every mosque ringing with Azaan
Or extra night prayers,
The power of bihori duas,
May roses and peaches of good health shine in our cheeks,🌹
As we pray for spiritual fulfilment and answered prayers.
In thanda Saaya of Aqa Moula t.u.s. may we remain,
Ghanu Jeevo Moula,
Ghanu Jeevo..Ameen.🌹

I may have wronged you intentionally or unintentionally and for that i seek forgiveness from you.

With duas❤
*Penned by: Sakina S. Dossaji (Sakina's Poetry Petals) 20/5/2017 Tanga*

Power of Dua

A lot of times, we get hesitate to make du'a because we're not sure exactly what to say.

We ask around for a du'a in Arabic that we can memorize and recite, thinking that the Arabic wording is the key to the du'as acceptance.

The thing is, it's not about the Arabic.

Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala understands every language and understands you even when you don't say a thing.

It's all about turning your heart to Him with sincerity and conviction.

It reminds me of a story of a rich man, a poor man and a bedouin...

A rich man was going to Hajj.  He had prepared for the journey and was ready to go when a poor man asked him if he could go with him and serve him.

The rich man agreed and they started traveling.  On the way, the two stopped at a Bedouin’s tent.

The Bedouin was a generous host, serving his guests and making the comfortable.  The two travelers stayed overnight at the Bedouin’s tent.

In the morning, the rich man awoke to find that the poor man had passed away in the evening.  He asked the Bedouin to help him wash and bury the poor man.

Before they buried the poor man, the rich man asked the Bedouin to lead him in the funeral prayer.  The Bedouin declined, saying that he didn’t know how to make du’a for the poor man.

So the rich man led the prayer.  They buried the poor man and then the rich man continued on his way.

After he had left the Bedouin’s tent, the rich man had a dream in which he was told that Allah had forgiven the poor man’s sins because of the du’a of the Bedouin.

The rich man was so curious that he went back to the Bedouin’s tent to ask him what his du’a was.

The Bedouin insisted that he didn’t say anything special.  The rich man described his dream to the Bedouin and asked him again to tell him the du’a.

The Bedouin told him he just said, “Oh Allah, this man was my guest and I was generous to him.  Now he is Your guest, so please be generous to him.”

It wasn’t an extravagant du’a but it was the sincerity of the du’a that made it accepted.

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level....

Surah Al Kahf

✦═✦SECRETS OF SURAH AL-KAHF✦═✦

Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad(SAW) asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday?
Let’s find out today inshaAllah…

This Surah has Four stories in it,having some morals,lets see them and understand what they are saying to us:

1) The People Of The Cave
Its the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. -Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - They woke up and found the entire village believers.
MORAL:TRIAL OF FAITH.

2) The Owner Of Two Gardens
A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the One who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife.So His garden was destroyed - He regretted ,but was too late and his regret did not benefit him .
MORAL:TRIAL OF WEALTH.

3) Musa(AS) and Khidr(AS)
When Musa(AS) was asked-“Who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?””
Musa(AS) said: Me…,but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who Knows more than him.
Musa(AS) traveled to the man and learnt how the Divine Wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad.
MORAL:TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE.

4) Dhul-Qarnayn
Its a story of the great King that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world,helping people and spreading all that’s good.He was able to overcome the problem of
Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even
understand.
MORAL:TRIAL OF POWER.

In the middle Allah mentions Iblees as the one who stirs these trials:
Behold! We said to the angels “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

Now let us see what’s the relationship between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)?

Dajjal will appear before Day of Judgement with the 4 trials:


***He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah:
Trial of Faith .


***He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth:
Trial of with his wealth. .


***He’ll trial people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them:
Trial of Knowledge .


He’ll control huge parts of the Earth.
Trial of Power .

How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surat Al-Kahf
Survival Kit 1: Good companionship.
“And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28)

Survival Kit 2: Knowing the Truth of this World .
“Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45)

 Survival Kit 3: Humbleness.
“Moses said: “Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught.””(Surat Al-Kahf, verse 69)
 Survival Kit 4: Sincerity.
“Say: “I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surat Al- Kahf, verse 110)
Survival Kit 5: Calling to Allah.

“And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 27)
 Survival Kit 6: Remembering the HereAfter .
“ One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with the announcement), “Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”: And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this!
It leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !” They will find all that they did,
placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.”

~Relationship~

 


Always remind yourself that all relationships have a higher purpose. 
God created them to inspire us to understand and remember who we really are. After all, if you had no one to relate to, how could you know yourself? 
That is why all relationships are sacred.~Michael Massaro

 

*Story ~ Moses & Al-Khidr*

And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: “I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling.” (V:18:60)

“Musa (Moses) got up to deliver a speech before the Children of Israel and he was asked, ‘Who is the most learned person among the people?’ Musa (Moses) replied, ‘I (am the most learned).’ God admonished him for he did not ascribe knowledge to God Alone. So God revealed to him: ‘At the junction of the two seas there is a slave of Ours who is more learned than you.’ Musa (Moses) asked, ‘O my Lord, how can I meet him?’ God said, ‘Take a fish and put it in a basket and then proceed (set out and where you lose the fish, you will find him).’

So Musa (Moses) (took a fish and put it in a basket and) set out, along with his boy-servant Yusha’ bin Nun, till they reached a rock (on which) they both lay their heads and slept. The fish moved vigorously in the basket and got out of it and fell into the sea and there it took its way through the sea (straight) as in a tunnel. (V. 18:61) God stopped the current of water on both sides of the way created by the fish, and so that way was like a tunnel. When Musa (Moses) got up, his companion forgot to tell him about the fish, and so they carried on their journey during the rest of the day and the whole night. The next morning Musa (Moses) asked his boy-servant ‘Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey.’ (V. 18:62) 

Musa (Moses) did not get tired till he had passed the place which God had ordered him to seek after. His boy-servant then said to him, ‘Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish; none but Satan made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange way.’ (V. 18:63)

There was a tunnel for the fish and for Musa (Moses) and his boy-servant there was astonishment. Musa (Moses) said, ‘That is what we have been seeking’. So they went back retracing their footsteps. (V. 18:64) They both returned, retracing their steps till they reached the rock. Behold! There they found a man covered with a garment. Musa (Moses) greeted him. Al-Khidr said astonishingly. ‘Is there such a greeting in your land?’ Musa (Moses) said, ‘I am Musa (Moses).’ He said, ‘Are you the Musa (Moses) of the Children of Israel?’ Musa (Moses) said, ‘Yes’; and added, ‘I have come to you so that you may teach me something of that knowledge which you have been taught.’

Al-Khidr said, ‘You will not be able to have patience with me.’ (V. 18:67)

‘O Musa (Moses)! I have some of God knowledge which He has bestowed upon me but you do not know it; and you too, have some of God knowledge which He has bestowed upon you, but I do not know it.’ Musa (Moses) said, ‘If God wills, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught.’ (V. 18:69)

Al-Khidr said to him. ‘Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you.’ (V. 18:70) After that both of them proceeded along the sea coast, till a ship passed by and they requested the crew to let them go on board. The crew recognized Al-Khidr and allowed them to get on board free of charge. When they got on board, suddenly Musa (Moses) saw that Al-Khidr had pulled out one of the planks of the ship with an adze. Musa (Moses) said to him, ‘These people gave us a free lift, yet you have scuttled their ship so as to drown its people! Verily, you have committed a thing ‘Imra’ (a Munkar - evil, bad, dreadful thing).’ (V. 18:71)

Al-Khidr said, ‘Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me ?’ (V. 18:72) Musa (Moses) said, ‘Call me not to account for what I forgot and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you.)’ (V. 18:73) *

“The first excuse given by Musa (Moses), was that he had forgotten. Then a sparrow came and sat over the edge of the ship and dipped its beak once in the sea. Al-Khidr said to Musa (Moses), ‘My knowledge and your knowledge, compared to God’s knowledge is like what this sparrow has taken out of the sea.’ Then they both got out of the ship, and while they were walking on the sea shore, Al-Khidr saw a boy playing with other boys. Al-Khidr got hold of the head of that boy and pulled it out with his hands and killed him. Musa (Moses) said, ‘Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none! Verily, you have committed a thing ‘Nukra’ (a great Munkar - prohibited, evil, dreadful thing)!’ (V. 18:74) He said, ‘Did I not tell you that you would not be able to have patience with me?’ (V. 18:75) (The subnarrator said, ‘The second blame was stronger than the first one.’) Musa (Moses) said, ‘If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company; you have received an excuse from me.’ (V. 18:76)

Then they both proceeded until they came to the people of a town. They asked them for food but they refused to entertain them. (Then) they found there a wall on the point of falling down. (V. 18:77) Al-Khidr set it up straight with his own hands. Musa (Moses) said, ‘We came to these people, but they neither fed us nor received us as guests. If you had wished, you could surely have exacted some recompense for it.’ (Al-Khidr) said, ‘This is the parting between me and you, that is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience.’ (V. 18:78-82).”

“As for the ship, it belonged to Masâkîn (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.”

“And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.”

“And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience.” (V. 18:79 - 82)

“As for the ship, it belonged to Masâkîn (poor people) working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.”

“And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.”

“And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience.” (V. 18:79 - 82)

MORAL:▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

There are many great lessons one can derive from this beautiful and inspiring story. One of them is the concept of “little Evil, for greater Good”

Clearly, the things Al – Khidr did can be seen as evil. He broke part of the boat, killed a boy, and helped an evil people.

But why? He later explains to Musa why.

The damaging of the boat was so that an oppressive king won’t take it.

The killing of the boy was because he would grow up to be oppressive to the parents

And the helping of the villagers was in fact for the two orphans.

Another thing to reflect upon is the blessings of God. When He takes something from you, He always returns it either in the same form or better!

The boat was only damaged to an extent that it would be left alone by the king, however it could easily be fixed and hence they were able to keep the boat, which was in fact their livelihood

The boy would have been bad, and God didn’t only save the parents from a horrible fitnah, but will bless them with a good child after. [This makes you think. All those parent that loose children who are young; they start hating God and don’t understand why their child was taken from them. But it is only on the day of judgement when they will be told that their child would have been infact oppressive to them and this was a test to see if they would have patience and Imaan!!]

As for the villagers, they without doubt would have stolen the treasure of the orphans if they had known about its. So God was taking care of the children [of righteous parents]. This tells you a lot about those who worry about the future of their children.

Evil is from God. But God does don’t create anything purely Evil. Everything thing Evil in this Life has some good in it. This is evident in the above story.

*Stories ~ Tiger & Goat*

TIGER, GOAT AND A BUNDLE OF GRASS 

I have loved to solve puzzles and hear stories. 

This is one of my favorite puzzle which I have not been able to solve till I got the answer from somewhere...

A man is walking down the village road with a tiger, a goat and a bundle of grass. Soon he arrives at the river bank where there is one tiny boat that can carry him and another animal or grass at a time. Here is the problem: Left alone, the tiger will eat the goat. And similarly, the goat will eat the grass bundle. How is he going to take all three across the river safely? (Answer appears at the end.)

Looking back, I understand the reason why Dad loved this puzzle so much. There is more to it than just a puzzle. Here is the man facing a crisis, i.e., too many demands on too few resources. The world we live in, we face this everyday. Time management, prioritizing or focusing—call what you may—are but a way to solve it. Our life is a constant battle against time, money and/or some other precious little resource. The choices or the decisions we make determine not only the quality of life we live but also the course of our lives. And only wisdom can discern which one is the tiger or the crisis and which one is the mess, e.g., goat eating the bundle of grass. Life can be shattered when the tiger is not recognized and left alone with the hapless goat. And too often people fall apart when faced with a mess or relatively minor problem like goat eating the bundle of grass—recouperable loss. That poor man with tiger, goat and a bundle of grass is a metaphor for the problems we, humans, face throughout the world every day.

By asking us time and again this puzzle over Sunday lunch, Dad was teaching us an invaluable lesion—a simple but profound philosophy of life—which also happens to be very practical and timely. Recalling this puzzle fills me with pride and thankfulness.

 ●▬▬●▬▬●▬▬●▬▬●▬▬END▬▬●▬▬●▬▬●▬▬●▬▬●

Answer: Man takes goat with him to the other side first and comes back to get the tiger. He leaves tiger on the other side and brings goat back. Then he takes the bundle of grass to the other side. He returns again to pick up goat and after crossing the river, resumes his journey with tiger, goat and a bundle of grass

~Mistakes & Sins~

I believe that there is not one of us that has not made and is still making mistakes in life.

Some of us once we make a mistake become very  hard and refuse to console ourselves in the knowledge that we have a forgiving Lord, providing that we repent and promise not to repeat.

Forgiveness and repentance is  mentioned in a multitude of ayahs in the Noble Qurâan.

Allah says in the Noble Qurâan:

But if they cease, then Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-Baqarah 2:192)

Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Aale Imran 3:89)

So once we realise that we err, we must stop immediately, repent and try our very best not to repeat.

A believer should always be in the state between fear and hope.

For these there is hope that Allah will forgive them, and Allah is Ever Oft Pardoning, Oft-forgiving. (An-Nisa 4:99)

Fear as to not disobey Allah and His Commandments and Hope for the Forgiveness of the Most Merciful.

We must be well aware of the whispering of shaitan, who wants us far removed from our Lord. He will whisper... You have repeated your Mistake/Sin. No point in asking for forgiveness?

Now for a different scenario:

Some of us turn our attention to others and we become very critical and judgmental to their mistakes/sins, self assured of our own perfection, blind to our own shortfalls. Astagfirullah.

Oh! No, no, no, this is not the way to stand in prayer, No, no, and no!!! This is not how a good Muslim behaves...�, No, no, no, sister you are wearing your hijaab the wrong way!!! Do I need to continue? Of course if we see something in others that we are convinced is wrong we can approach the matter in a kind and gentle manner and give advice but with the purest of intentions. InShaAllah.

Let’s see how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi WA Salam) dealt with the mistakes of others:

Narrated Abu Huraira: A Bedouin urinated in the mosque, and the people rushed to beat him. Allah's Apostle ordered them to leave him and pour a bucket or a tumbler (full) of water over the place where he has passed urine. The Prophet then said, “You have been sent to make things easy (for the people) and you have not been sent to make things difficult for them."  Bukhari (Book #73, Hadith #149)

Mistakes/sins can be made in ignorance or  in matters that we are well aware that we should not do.

The believer struggles day in and day out to correct himself/herself and lead a pious life.

The believer learns from his mistakes, refuses to keep on berating himself and does not say “ What if�..

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan. (Shahih Muslim- The Book of Destiny)

When a mistake happens due to ignorance or due to weakness, the believer remembers the words of His Lord:

Anas (radhiallahu anhu) said that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) say: “Allah the Exalted said: “O son of Adam! As long as you invoke Me and plead to Me, I will forgive you whatever you have committed, and I will not make much of it. O son of Adam! If your evil deeds reach the borders of the sky, and then you ask Me for forgiveness, I will forgive you. O son of Adam! If you bring forth the earth full of errors, then you meet Me while you do not associate anything (or anyone) with Me, I will bring forth for you its full of forgiveness.  [At-Tirmidhee (Shaikh Albanee rendered it as Hasan)]

I just hope and wish that we all become a little more forgiving towards each other.