I try to relieve my tension and pressure recently.maybe it becaz i am going to graduate and facing for some problem that i never expect to it will happen to me.
but i will take it become of the test from Allah ..I will never ever give up from the hope that is rely on ALLAH...these are small words that i have pick up from somewhere ,i can use it to always remind myself that after i am graduated then what i have to be aware for myself and expect myself to change in the following :
~~~Nothing is change just adapt for it~~~~
1~要堅信一個真理：這個世界上只有爸媽永遠對你好。
你25歲了，你記不記得自己青春反叛的時候怎麼氣過他們。
你25歲了，父母都快年過半百了，你要對他們好的時間已經不多了。不要等失去的時候才哭著說當時年少不懂事，沒有好好孝敬父母。
2~是的，你已經達到法定婚齡了，可是你並不用著急著嫁人。
或許你正在熱戀，你們山盟海誓說要一輩子。
可是你才25歲，你不知道一輩子到底有多長。日子是過出來的，不是想出來的。
結婚，不是兩個人的事情，是兩個家庭的事情。老一輩講的門當戶對，並不是毫無道理的封建思想。結婚，你應該抱著一輩子只有一次的信念，所以結婚，慢慢來。
3~轟轟烈烈的愛情，留給一字頭的年齡。
你25歲了。別再做那些會被別人當做笑話的傻事。
什麼夜不歸宿，當街吵架，以死相逼，一哭二鬧三上吊。
那些瘋狂的事情，那些年少輕狂，經歷過就夠了。
25歲了，學會淡定從容。
女孩子，從來就應該驕傲地活著，而不是卑微地戀愛。
4~不要因為寂寞而戀愛，不要因為跟風而戀愛。
25歲了，學會對自己的人生負責。
5~自己喜歡的東西，不要奢望別人買。
25歲，不管你以前是否玩過曖昧，你已經過了曖昧的年齡。
女人要獨立，經濟獨立是基礎。
6~如果一個男人對你說他配不上你，相信他。
一個自己說配不上你的男人，一輩子也不會配得上你！
珍惜與能力無關，與錢無關！
7~明確自己的目標，為此奮鬥。
25歲，你要出國？找工作？還是繼續學習？
25歲，你離踏入社會已不遠，你是否已做好准備？
8~答應自己的事情就要做到，該對自己狠的時候就要狠，切忌優柔寡斷、藕斷絲連。
對自己心軟，成不了大事。
25歲，要學會面對現實，不能再整日沉浸於白日夢中。
9~女孩子，要學會對自己好一點，別把所有的都投資在所謂的“潛力股”身上。
無論什麼時候，看清楚你自己手中留著什麼底牌。
10~做人學會圓滑。
25歲，別人不會再把你當小孩子，你的錯誤已不會再有人包容。
對不喜歡的人和事面帶笑容，是我們必須學會的惡心。
11~感謝所有傷害過你的人。
然後在25歲生日的那天，對他們揮揮手，說聲，我不再恨你們了。
你長大了，你要正視傷害。
12~別玩什麼非主流。你不是90後。
還不如學著化化妝，不是煙熏妝，是大方得體的淡妝。
一個大企業的面試官曾對我說過，一個化淡妝的女生，企業會優先考慮。
為什麼？因為你連自己的容貌都不著急，你會著急什麼？
世界上沒有醜女人，只有懶女人。
13~減肥，說說就好。
到你真的減到跟竹竿似的時候，你會發現低血壓低血糖頭暈目眩一系列疾病同時伴隨你。
說不好還有胃癌。
25歲，你要知道，你以後的路還有很長，健康的身體是你走下去的保證。
14~對挑撥離間的人，不要揭發他。
等他演完一出出好戲，拼命演，拼命圓。
然後告訴他，其實你什麼都知道。
接著，笑笑，離開。
15~誰對你好，你就對誰好。
人際交往永遠是禮尚往來的、雙向法則，沒有人有義務對你好。
25歲，擦亮眼睛，誰對你好，記得對他好。
16~轉身，要比眼淚快。
這是必須。
25歲了，你必須學會承擔難過，你必須知道難過它會過去。
要經常對自己說，我也可以很勇敢。不要，千萬不要，輕易在別人面前掉眼淚。
別人看多了你的眼淚，就會覺得你的眼淚如此廉價。
17~你以前或許干過許多荒唐的事。
可是請你不要覺得那有多見不得人。請你不要覺得那是負擔。
25歲，這是你生命中一個新的開始。
18~隨時給自己准備一個微笑 告訴自己 我可以！
不小了 要加油了
女人應該記住的：
1.學會做幾個拿手好菜，不一定是給愛人做，也可能在休閑的時候犒勞自己或者慰勞下辛苦多年的父母。
2.越是得不到的感情，越不要極盡全力的強求；越是離得很遠的理想，越需要曠日持久的堅持。
3.不要在情緒不好的時候做壞的決定，越是負面情緒占據主導的時候，越要少折騰神經。
4.一天不能花8小時以上時間去想同一個人，超過12點，再大的事也要為睡覺讓路。
5.當感覺自己語塞的時候，就不要亂說話，要知道，沉默，也有無限種含義。
6.心情不好或者空虛寂寞的時候，千萬不要找異性去說，那樣只會讓你更危險，找不到好姐們，也還有自己的父母。
7.不要怕犯傻和犯錯，怕的是你第二次還犯同樣的傻和同樣的錯。
8.工作是你的權利而不是義務，你可以少工作或者多工作，但是千萬不要不工作。
9.健康比三圍重要，智慧比財富值錢，這兩樣東西，爭取都不要少。
10.能得到別人稱贊不一定是好事，因為那同樣會讓你驕傲。
11.不要總是羨慕別人的幸福，因為那也可能是別人辛苦得來的。
12.衣服不要盡可能的多，夠穿就行，男人不要盡可能的富有，夠體貼你就成。
看後, 窩心, 感動, 有一種說不話來的心領神會。
很多時候, 大家都說女人到了三十是人生另一個階段。
對於廿多歲的我們, 又何嘗不是?
多少次我們會為夢想, 為工作, 為愛情, 為婚姻, 為家人, 為金錢, 種種而輾轉反側。
雖然女生每天都聊東聊東的，但是裝滿了滿肚子心事，又有誰懂？
不管是哪個年齡的女生, 都要明白一樣東西：好好愛自己。
家人會愛你，男人會愛你；
但總有一天，家人會離開，男人會不愛。
因此，不管遇到好情況，壞情況，要從頭到尾，好好愛自己
2010年5月23日 星期日
2010年5月10日 星期一
سُوۡرَةُ الفَاتِحَة 開端章
1、奉至仁至慈的真主之名，
2、一切赞颂全归真主，众世界的主，
3、至仁至慈的主，
4、报应日的主，
5、我们只崇拜你，只求你祐助
6、求你引领我们正路，
7、你所祐助者的路，不是受谴怒者的路，也不是迷误者的路。
安拉在今世的恩賜不論民族 宗教 男女 完全是一樣的 唯在後世得到安拉的恩賜的人，只有在今世認識接受真理的人和承認阿拉的獨一，也是一個有"伊曼"德信的人才有這樣的回賜，所有在今世所作的好壞將會在後世明確的得到賞罰，那就是還報之日，在今世我們只能崇拜安拉也只能向真主求襄助，希望得到安拉的正道，我們遵循的只有真主所引道的正路而已，如同以往聖人們所遵循的道路。
2010年5月1日 星期六
Sunnah and Bid'ah
The Straight Path has been laid out. Our job is only to follow it, not to try to discover new paths.
By Khalid Baig
Once some Jewish scholars said to Sayyidna Umar bin Khattab, Radi-Allahu unhu, "The Qur'an contains a verse that if it had been revealed to us, we would have designated a day to celebrate its revelation." Upon enquiry they mentioned the verse: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Al-Maida 5:3] "Yes, I know, the time and place when it was revealed," he replied.
Indeed it was a historic day. It was the day of Arafa during the farewell Hajj of Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. This verse announced the completion of a historic process that had started with the coming to earth of Sayyidna Adam, alayhi salam. Allah sent His guidance with him and informed him that in the generations to come there would be additional messengers. The process continued through the 124,000 prophets who were sent to different lands at different times. It culminated with the coming of the Last Messenger, Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. He received revelations over a twenty-three year period. Then during the Farewell Hajj, on the plain of Arafat, in the presence of nearly 150,000 companions, this verse announced that it was all done!
The full significance of this message must never escape us. Islam is unlike all previous revealed religions in one crucial respect. All of them came with expiration dates. Islam has none. The Guidance from Allah had been completed. The religion had been perfected. There would be no new message, no new prophet, no new Shariah, and no new command until the Last Day! The Straight Path has been laid out. Our job is only to follow it, not to try to discover new paths. In Jumuah khutbahs this Ummah has been repeating the hadith: "I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion), and every newly invented matter is bid'ah, and every bid'ah is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire." (an-Nasaa'ee)
In Islamic terminology, Sunnah and Bid'ah are antonyms. Sunnah literally means path, and it is the path shown to us by the Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. This includes the Shariah teachings derived from Qur'an, Hadith, the consensus of the companions, and the ijtehad of the qualified imams. Bid'ah means adding or changing articles of faith or religious practices. It can take many forms. One may change the occasion of a prescribed act, thereby extending it to occasions for which it was not meant. One may add restrictions on a desired act that the Shariah had not imposed. One may change the style or form of such an act. One may start doing something collectively that was to be performed individually. Or one may change the Shariah status of an act from permissible to mandatory. Of course, one may also add a ritual where none existed. These are all forms of bid'ah. They are all forbidden.
In Islamic terminology, Sunnah and Bid'ah are antonyms...Bid'ah means adding or changing articles of faith or religious practices.
Bid'ah is like fake currency that tries to drive out the good currency. By design it has the appearance of a virtuous religious act. But it lies outside the Shariah. So do its sources, which, in a great number of cases can be traced to non-Islamic influence from surrounding communities with which Muslim communities historically came into contact. Hence the telltale signs that set it apart from Sunnah. First, bid'ahs normally vary from region to region--- and over time--- revealing their local, non-Islamic source. This is unlike the genuine religious practices that maintain the same form everywhere. No matter where he comes from, a follower of, say, Hanafi Fiqh, will be offering salat in exactly the same way, right down to the minutest detail - like when to raise the index finger. In contrast, the bid'ah practices surrounding, marriage or death in the Indo-Pak subcontinent vary from those in Arabia or Africa.
Second, the bid’ah practices are largely transmitted through oral tradition. Many of these have a pseudo-legal, ritualistic framework of their own, but one would be hard pressed to find it in the standard legal texts! Rather it lives in the folklore. Example: consider the practice of shaking hands after finishing the salat. Open the chapter on salat in your fiqh book. It lists all the steps, in great detail, involved in offering salat. Does it mention the handshake as well? No. The handshake comes from folklore, not from an authentic text, a clue that it may be a bid’ah, which it is. Similarly consider the rituals normally performed upon the death of a person. Again the fiqh books describe in great detail how the funeral and burial should be done. But do they also mention that on the third day (or the tenth or the fortieth), a gathering should be arranged where participants should recite the Qur’an for the benefit of the deceased and after which they should be served with dinner? Again the answer is no. Again the reason is that all of these common practices are not part of the Shariah. They are an addition or bid’ah.
Bid'ah is like fake currency that tries to drive out the good currency. By design it has the appearance of a virtuous religious act. But it lies outside the Shariah.
One factor that helps the propagation of bid’ahs is the attitude that treats religion as hobby rather than as the serious business of submitting to the command of Allah A. Pure submission may be “boring.” It demands sacrifice. Bid’ahs are fun. On top of that they “promise” reward in the Hereafter. This makes the bid’ah more deadly than ordinary sins. From an act we know to be a sin, we can repent. But how can one repent from a wrong that he considers to be right?
But in reality bid’ahs are a tremendous burden. Islamic teachings are simple and easy and life would be much simpler if all bid’ahs were removed from it. When a person dies, Islam teaches that others should be providing food to the bereaved family. Bid’ah requires the exact opposite, that the bereaved should feed all the visitors―a widespread practice in the Muslim communities in Asia. Other bid’ahs are also like that. A burden. And the burden in the Hereafter will be much bigger, for “every bid’ah is in the Fire.”
By Khalid Baig
Once some Jewish scholars said to Sayyidna Umar bin Khattab, Radi-Allahu unhu, "The Qur'an contains a verse that if it had been revealed to us, we would have designated a day to celebrate its revelation." Upon enquiry they mentioned the verse: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Al-Maida 5:3] "Yes, I know, the time and place when it was revealed," he replied.
Indeed it was a historic day. It was the day of Arafa during the farewell Hajj of Prophet Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. This verse announced the completion of a historic process that had started with the coming to earth of Sayyidna Adam, alayhi salam. Allah sent His guidance with him and informed him that in the generations to come there would be additional messengers. The process continued through the 124,000 prophets who were sent to different lands at different times. It culminated with the coming of the Last Messenger, Muhammad Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. He received revelations over a twenty-three year period. Then during the Farewell Hajj, on the plain of Arafat, in the presence of nearly 150,000 companions, this verse announced that it was all done!
The full significance of this message must never escape us. Islam is unlike all previous revealed religions in one crucial respect. All of them came with expiration dates. Islam has none. The Guidance from Allah had been completed. The religion had been perfected. There would be no new message, no new prophet, no new Shariah, and no new command until the Last Day! The Straight Path has been laid out. Our job is only to follow it, not to try to discover new paths. In Jumuah khutbahs this Ummah has been repeating the hadith: "I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion), and every newly invented matter is bid'ah, and every bid'ah is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire." (an-Nasaa'ee)
In Islamic terminology, Sunnah and Bid'ah are antonyms. Sunnah literally means path, and it is the path shown to us by the Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. This includes the Shariah teachings derived from Qur'an, Hadith, the consensus of the companions, and the ijtehad of the qualified imams. Bid'ah means adding or changing articles of faith or religious practices. It can take many forms. One may change the occasion of a prescribed act, thereby extending it to occasions for which it was not meant. One may add restrictions on a desired act that the Shariah had not imposed. One may change the style or form of such an act. One may start doing something collectively that was to be performed individually. Or one may change the Shariah status of an act from permissible to mandatory. Of course, one may also add a ritual where none existed. These are all forms of bid'ah. They are all forbidden.
In Islamic terminology, Sunnah and Bid'ah are antonyms...Bid'ah means adding or changing articles of faith or religious practices.
Bid'ah is like fake currency that tries to drive out the good currency. By design it has the appearance of a virtuous religious act. But it lies outside the Shariah. So do its sources, which, in a great number of cases can be traced to non-Islamic influence from surrounding communities with which Muslim communities historically came into contact. Hence the telltale signs that set it apart from Sunnah. First, bid'ahs normally vary from region to region--- and over time--- revealing their local, non-Islamic source. This is unlike the genuine religious practices that maintain the same form everywhere. No matter where he comes from, a follower of, say, Hanafi Fiqh, will be offering salat in exactly the same way, right down to the minutest detail - like when to raise the index finger. In contrast, the bid'ah practices surrounding, marriage or death in the Indo-Pak subcontinent vary from those in Arabia or Africa.
Second, the bid’ah practices are largely transmitted through oral tradition. Many of these have a pseudo-legal, ritualistic framework of their own, but one would be hard pressed to find it in the standard legal texts! Rather it lives in the folklore. Example: consider the practice of shaking hands after finishing the salat. Open the chapter on salat in your fiqh book. It lists all the steps, in great detail, involved in offering salat. Does it mention the handshake as well? No. The handshake comes from folklore, not from an authentic text, a clue that it may be a bid’ah, which it is. Similarly consider the rituals normally performed upon the death of a person. Again the fiqh books describe in great detail how the funeral and burial should be done. But do they also mention that on the third day (or the tenth or the fortieth), a gathering should be arranged where participants should recite the Qur’an for the benefit of the deceased and after which they should be served with dinner? Again the answer is no. Again the reason is that all of these common practices are not part of the Shariah. They are an addition or bid’ah.
Bid'ah is like fake currency that tries to drive out the good currency. By design it has the appearance of a virtuous religious act. But it lies outside the Shariah.
One factor that helps the propagation of bid’ahs is the attitude that treats religion as hobby rather than as the serious business of submitting to the command of Allah A. Pure submission may be “boring.” It demands sacrifice. Bid’ahs are fun. On top of that they “promise” reward in the Hereafter. This makes the bid’ah more deadly than ordinary sins. From an act we know to be a sin, we can repent. But how can one repent from a wrong that he considers to be right?
But in reality bid’ahs are a tremendous burden. Islamic teachings are simple and easy and life would be much simpler if all bid’ahs were removed from it. When a person dies, Islam teaches that others should be providing food to the bereaved family. Bid’ah requires the exact opposite, that the bereaved should feed all the visitors―a widespread practice in the Muslim communities in Asia. Other bid’ahs are also like that. A burden. And the burden in the Hereafter will be much bigger, for “every bid’ah is in the Fire.”
CALAMITIES ON MUSLIMS: CAUSES AND CURES
by Mufti Mahmood Saheb
1. HEAPS OF DISGRACE
"Verily Allah does not change the condition of a people unless they change it themselves." 13/11.
The Muslim is daily faced by a host of new problems and difficulties. Now and again, reports of untold oppression and barbarism against Muslims are received. Their lives, property and self-respect is trampled upon and worse than that, their religious matters are tampered and interfered with, their Musjids are under constant threat of being converted into temples and are disallowed proper implementation of their (Muslim) personal law.
2. OUR BLINDNESS
Despite this, the Muslim considers these to be chance occurrences or mere coincidences, thus never pausing to even consider the actual cause and reason behind this suffering. At the most, a few concerned souls, who are momentarily stirred by this state of affairs, call up some fancy conference, pass a few vague resolutions and disappear back into oblivion, contented that they have fulfilled their duties towards Islam.
3. THE DIAGNOSIS
A dire need exists for us to study the Qur'aan and Hadith and thereby realize the primary cause for our disgrace and downfall. It is an undisputed axiom of reality that no incident occurs in this Universe accidentally. We as Muslims believe that every occurrence is directly by the command and doing of Almighty Allah. However, every occurrence has been assigned an outward cause, that apparently seems to control and govern it. Thus our difficulties are also governed by causes which Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) have explained to us in the Quran and Hadith:
* "And whatever calamity befalls you, it is due to your own doings and Allah forgives many of your shortcomings." 42/30.
At another juncture:
* "Corruption has spread on water and land due to the doings of mankind. In order that Allah make them taste the penalty of some of their doings. Perhaps they may retract. (from their disobedience) 30/41.
At another juncture:
* Why would Allah punish you if you were grateful and believed. And Allah is Most appreciative, All-Knowing. 4/147.
All these verses indicate that the chastisement of Allah is the direct result of our disobedience, ungratefulness and transgression. On the other hand, if we are obedient and grateful, no punishment will overtake us.
4. GRATEFULNESS
Proper appreciation of Allah's bounties is the correct utilization of these favours. To utilize life, health, faculties of sight, hearing, feeling, thinking, locomotion, finances, status and position, all for the pleasure of Allah and in accordance with His commandments is true appreciation of Allah's bounties. The anti-thesis of this is ungratefulness, which invites the wrath and displeasure of Allah.
5. HEAVENLY BLESSINGS (BARKAH)
Adopting a life of taqwa (piety) i.e. fulfilling all the commands of Shariah and abstaining from the prohibitions is the cause of blessings descending from the heavens.
* "If the people of the locality had believed and adopted taqwa (piety), We would have opened upon them the blessings of the heavens and the earth, but they denied and falsified, thus We seized them due to their actions." 7/96.
There are innumerous ayaat and ahadith to this effect.
6. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
With regards to the verse:
* "And whatever calamity befalls you, it is due to your own doings." 42/30
Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) explained the tafsir of this ayat to Hazrat Ali (RA) thus:
* "0 Ali! whatever calamity befalls you; illness, afflication or any worldly calamity; it is the earning of your own hands."
* Hazrat Hasan (R) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: "By Him in whose control is my life! Any scratch, twitching of veins, slipping of the foot or a flying stone suddenly striking the body; all are due to the committing of sins".
* Hazrat Abu Musa (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: "A wound or any slighter calamity is due to the commission of sins."
* Hazrat Imraan bin Husain (RA) once felt ill. People came to pay him a visit and expressed their condolences. He replied: "What is achieved by condolences? This is due to some sin I have committed."
* Hazrat Dahhak (RA) reports that: "A person who forgets the Quran after learning it is due to committing sins." Thereafter he recited this verse and said: "What could be a greater calamity than forgetting the Quran?"
* Once Hazrat Asma binte Abu Bakr (RA) experienced a headache. She exclaimed: "This is due to my sins." - DurreManthoor, Ibne-Katheer.
7. OUR CONDITION
Let us now examine our lifestyles. Salat which has been described as the criterion between Imaan and Kufr (disbelief) how much does it feature in the life of the Muslims? How many are there who are punctual with their obligatory Salat?
How many adhere to the other basic requirements of Islam such as Fasting, Zakat and Hajj? On the otherhand, consider the prohibitions of Islam; those actions that Shariah has declared Haram and a source of Divine curses and harsh reprisals. How many Muslims are engrossed in these day and night? How many have adopted these as part of their lifestyle?
8. LIQUOR
* Let us consider liquor for example. The Quran has repeatedly forbidden the intake of liquor.
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) has cursed anyone associated with liquor in anyway.
He has cursed the consumer, the stockist, the manufacturer, the marketer, the buyer, the seller, the transporter, the receiver and those that derived any income from it.
* In one hadith it has been titled as "The root to all evil."
9. INTEREST AND USURY
* The Quran has declared the prohibition of interest. The Cluran has equated the usage of interest tantamount to declaring war upon Allah and His Rasul [sallallaahu alaihi wasallam]
* The hadith has classified interest a conglomeration of 73 sins; the slightest of these being equal to fornicating with one's own mother (incest).
* One hadith warns that the consumer of interest will rise as a lunatic on the Day of Qiyamah.
* Another hadith warns that the part of the humanbody that was nourished by haram income, will not enter Jannah.
* One hadith states that the nation that has taken to fornication and interest should await the chastisement of Allah.
Let us now consider how clear our dealings and transactions are! Interest forms an integral part of our business dealings. Worse than that, desperate attempts are being made to even legalise it (Islamically).
10. VARIOUS MAJOR SINS
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"When my ummah will be involved in fifteen activities, then calamities will descend upon them:
1. Public finances will be regarded as personal property
2. Amanat (Trust) will be abused
3. Zakat will be considered a tax (burden)
4. Wives will be obeyed
5. Mothers will be disobeyed
6. Friends will be well-treated
7. Parents will be ill-treated
8. Noise and commotion will be common in Musjids
9. Unqualified persons will occupy positions of responsibility
10. Respect will be shown to some people merely to escape their tyranny
11. Liquor will be consumed openly
12. Men will don silk garments
13. Singing girls will be available (for entertainment)
14. Musical instruments will be rampant
15. The Pious predecessors will be reviled and vituperated; The ummah should then await hurricanes, earthquakes and transformation of some people (into animals).
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) states:
* The nation that is involved in misappropriation of trust (embezzlement), Allah will fill their hearts with terror for their enemies. The nation that is engaged in fornication, will experience great numbers of death. The nation that cheats in measure, will have their sustenance curtailed. The nation that legislates against the truth and justice, will experience great bloodshed and the nation that breaks it's contracts, will be subdued by the enemy." - Mishkaat.
N.B. Which of these sins are not the daily life - style of most Muslims today? It is no cause of surprise if we are now afflicted by various calamities.
11. ADULTERY
* Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "O Muhajireen! Five things are such that if you are involved in them, may Allah not cause you to be involved in them, then the punishment of Allah will descend upon you. The nation that is openly involved in zina (fornication) will become afflicted by plague and other such diseases that were never heard of before.
Those that cheat in measuring, will be afflicted by poverty, hardship and oppression. Those that default in the paying of zakat, will be afflicted by drought. Had it not been for the animals, not a drop of rain would have fallen. Those that transgress the bounds of Allah and His Rasul, will be overcome by the enemy. As for those that legislate unjustly, they will be involved in internicine fighting.
* It is also reported in a hadith that fornication and adultery causes poverty.
* Many ahadith report curses upon the briber and the accepter of bribes and even upon the intermediary in such dealings.
12. BRIBERY
* In one hadith, it is reported that the nation that breaks it's promises will be involved in internal strife and conflicts.
* In one hadith it is reported that those accustomed to dealings in bribery will become greatly awe-struck and fearful (of everyone).
13. FALSE OATHS
* It is reported in one hadith that the sin that is extremely swift in inviting the punishment of Allah is oppression and false oaths. This causes wealth to be destroyed and women to become barren (that such people have no off-spring) and annihilates entire populations (by high death rates).
14. DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS
* In one hadith it is reported that Allah withholds punishments until He desires, but disobedience to parents brings instant chastisement and the punishment is meted out before death even.
* In one hadith it is narrated: Remain chaste, your wives will also remain chaste and be obedient towards your parents, your children will be obedient to you.
15. ENJOINING RIGHT AND FORBIDDING EVIL
* It is reported in one hadith that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said:
By Him in whose control is my life! You should continue to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, else Allah will descend such a punishment upon you, that you will make dua unto Him and He will not accept your duas."
* In one hadith it is reported that Allah does not punish a whole community on the sins of a small group of people, until these people transgress openly, before such people who have the power of preventing them and yet do not do so. The punishment of Allah then overtakes all. The duas of the pious will then be of no avail to anyone.
N.B. It is due to overlooking such regulations that day by day, we are observing greater calamities, disasters, destruction, violence, diseases, accidents involving planes, trains, ships and cars. Now that the regulations of Amr bil Ma'roof Nahi anil Munkar (Enjoining right and forbidding evil) have been almost totally discarded, there is no hope of even acceptance of our duaas.
16. OPPRESSION AND INJUSTICE
* It is reported in one hadith: Do not oppress else your duas will be rejected.
* In one hadith: Allah grants respite to the oppressor; but when He seizes him, he cannot escape punishment.
* In one narration: The dua of the oppressed is accepted even though he be a sinner or even a disbeliever.
* In one hadith: He that does not show mercy upon the creation, Allah will not show mercy upon him. Hazrat Sufyan Thauri (R) reports that:
Once the Banu Israeel were terribly afflicted by famine for seven years. They eventually began to consume the meat of dead animals and finally human corpses. Out of sheer desperation they climbed upon mountain tops and cried out in anguish. Allah Ta'ala revealed to one of their Nabis that had they to raise their hands right into the sky and had their tongues dried out, I will not accept their duas until they do not return the rights of the oppressed amongst them.
N.B. Let us now consider the present condition of oppression throughout the world and understand the extent of Allah's displeasure with us.
17. CHARITY
* It is reported in one hadith: Charity does not decrease wealth, forgiveness increase's ones respect and begging opens the door of poverty.
18. DISHONOURING THE ULAMA
* It is reported in one hadith: When my ummah will despise their Ulema, be extravagant in beautifying their businesses and will consider marriage proposals on the basis of wealth, then Allah will afflict them with four punishments: drought, oppression, misappropriation of their wealth by their leaders and enemy - attacks.
19. SINS
* Hazrat Ali (RA) reports that the worldly chastisement for committing sins is: Lethargy in worship, restriction in sustenance and decrease in pleasure.
20. WUZU
* Hazrat Anas (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: Be meticulous in performing wuzu (with all it's ettiquettes), your lifespan will increase and your protecting angels will love you; observe your (nafl) prayers in your home, it will enhance the blessings of your home and make salaam to your family when you enter your home, the blessings of it will permeate you and your family.
21. IBADAT
* Where we constantly complain about "hard times" and poverty, have we ever pondered on what Allah Ta'ala has to say: O son of Adam! Free yourself for My ibadah, I will fill your heart with contentment and independence, and I will remove your poverty. If you do not do so, I will engross you in your occupations and (yet) I will not remove your poverty. * In one hadith it is narrated: If my servants obey me dutifully, I will send rain at night and sunshine during the day (that they be not frightened by the lightning and thunder).
22. OUR EXAMPLE
How cruel have we been upon ourselves that due to our sins we are constantly involving ourselves in disasters and calamities? At the same time, we continuously lament and wail away at our pathetic condition. Our example is like that of a person suffering from diahorrea and yet continues to take laxatives, complaining all the time of diahorrea. What could be said to such a fool?
23. OPPRESSIVE LEADERS
* In a similar way, today we complain about the oppression of our leaders, whereas these leaders have been appointed over us due to our transgressions. The only salvation from them is through taubah and perfect obedience to Allah's commands.
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: Just as you are (your actions are) so will your rulers be.
* In another hadith, it is reported:
I am Allah, there is no deity besides Me, I am the King of Kings and the Master of Kings, the heart of Kings are within My control; when My servants are obedient to me, I make their rulers kind-hearted towards them; when they disobey Me, I turn their rulers against them with anger and tyranny, they then oppress them severly. Therefore, instead of cursing them, turn towards me in remembrance and submission, I will protect you against their tyranny.
* In the Quran, Allah Ta'ala states:
"And thus We subjugate some oppressors to other (oppressors) due to their doings." 6/129. There are various views to this ayat;
* Hazrat A'amash's view is that when people's actions become corrupt, then Allah appoints the most oppressive people as leaders over them.
* In one hadith it is reported that: When Allah desires the felicity of a nation; He makes the tolerant amongst them their leaders, the Ulema their arbitrators and the generous their wealthy and on the other hand, when He desires the torment of a nation; He appoints their foolish as their leaders, the ignorant as arbitrators and the miserly as their wealthy.
* In one hadith it is reported: Do not engross yourselves in cursing and abusing your rulers; in fact you should gain the proximity of Allah (through obedience) and make dua on their behalf, Allah will turn their hearts towards you in mercy and kindness.
* A pious person once overheard someone cursing Hajjaaj (the notorious tyrant). He prevented him from this, saying: Whatever is happening is the result of your own actions. I fear that if Hajjaaj is deposed or expires, monkeys and swine be made rulers over you.
* It is a popular adage: "Your actions are your rulers." In other words, depending on your actions, will your rulers treat you.
* If the prince is rebellious, the king will appoint an ordinary citizen to whip him. The prince will be totally helpless to take any action against him, because he is backed by the king. His salvation is only in entreating the king for mercy and apologizing to him. Now, let alone an ordinary citizen, not even a high-ranking minister or official has the right to touch the prince. This is the example of the Muslim ummah. If we are disobedient to Allah, He appoints the weakest of nations upon us. They torture and oppress us most mercilessly. Our only salvation is by turning to Allah in sincere regret and repentance. Then no nation, not even the so called "superpowers" will have the courage to stare at us!
Time and again, we are crushed by disasters and calamities, our laments, complaints and wailing never ends, y t when our shortcomings are pointed out to us, we remain totally indifferent and heedless, Never have we even attempted to bring about any reform within ourselves. Never have we attempted to avoid those destructive sins and crimes that are the direct sources of our misery and suffering. It is most astonishing that when an ordinary doctor warns of some epidemic, we are hasty to innoculate ourselves; when an ordinary labourer warns about the presence of a poisonous snake in the vicinity, not even the bravest person will venture in that direction; yet when Allah and His Rasul are consistently guiding us towards our success and warning us against our destruction (with the greatest of concern and sincerity) we remain totally unmoved and heedless; and we plunge headlong into those very pitfalls of destruction.
* Our only road to success and glory is total obedience to Allah and His Rasul, and following step-by-step the path treaded by our pious predecessors.
24. JUNGLES CLEARED
* History proves that this is how the Muslim will attain victory and glory over the world. This is how the Muslims of yonder, despite being in the minority, conquered city after city, country after country, and ruled the world over centuries. Then not only did they rule over land and people; they even ruled over animals and the elements of nature.
* When the army of the Sahaba stood on the shore of Africa's formidable jungles, then the commander-in-chief, Hazrat Uqba (RA) made an announcement to the speechless inhabitants of the jungle: O denizens of the jungle! We are the Sahaba on our mission. We request you to clear this jungle. After this ultimatum if any of you are found herein, we will kill you! Hardly was this announcement completed, that streams of deadly animals, herding away their young ones, were seen exiting the jungle as swiftly as possibly.
25. LIONS TAMED
* A Sahabi, Hazrat Safinah (RA) once lost his way and strayed away into a jungle. Suddenly a lion appeared. He introduced himself to the lion and explained his plight to it. Waging it's tail like a subdued puppy, the lion led the way for him, growling away any would-be attackers, and finally led him to a clearing where an army of the Sahaba (RA) was encamped.
26. SEAS SUBJUGATED
* In the battle of Madain, the Sahaba needed to cross a stormy sea in order to reach the enemy shores. There were no ships available. Hazrat Sa'd (RA) instructed his army to plunge into the sea in pairs of two. The horses pranced across the water most calmly. Hazrat Sa'd (RA) was heard saying: Verily Allah will certainly assist His friends; Allah will certainly grant them victory over their enemies until they do not commit injustices or until their vices do not overpower their virtues.
* Similar is the incident of Hazrat Ala bin Hadhrami (RA), who crossed the sea with an army of four thousand soldiers. Such was their crossing, that not even did the hooves of the horses become wet.
27. ERRORS
* Yet a slight error from even the Sahaba (RA) led to difficulties and suffering. The battle of Uhud is a classical example. A winning battle almost resulted in defeat merely because a few Sahaba erred in carrying out the instructions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) to the letter.
* In the battle of Hunain, a boastful remark by some soldiers resulted in severe setback for the Muslims. Through the graces of Allah, they were ultimately victorious.
* In the battle against the Murtads (renegades) of the Bani Hanifah; a chance remark by Hazrat Khalid (RA) almost turned the tables, and the Muslims had to put up with most formidable resistance.
* At times, discarding a sunnah resulted in the frustrating delay of victory. The Sahaba (RA) constantly feared any violation of the Shariah, realizing that this produced adverse effects on their victory and success. For this reason, the Khalifa always emphasised upon them the importance of the teachings of Shariah.
28. SALAT
* Hazrat Umar (RA) thus advised Hazrat Utbah bin Ghazwan (RA) after appointing him commander of the army: Adhere strictly to taqwa (piety) and justice in all your decisions. Offer your salat punctually and engage excessively in remembrance (zikr) of Allah.
* Hazrat Umar (RA) handed a memorandum to his governors, emphasizing the importance of salat upon them: Salat is the most important regulation of Islam; if you can uphold it meticulously, the rest of Islam will be easy to practice. The person that is neglectful of it, will certainly neglect the rest of Deen.
* Even Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam), at the time of hardship and crisis, used to resort immediately to salaat.
* Hazrat Abu Darda (RA) reports that when a strong wind used to blow, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) would enter the Masjid and resort to salat until the storm subsided.
* Many Sahaba (RA) report similar narrations of his hastening towards salat at times of calamity, fear or darkness.
* One Sahabi reports that this was the habit of all the previous Ambiya (AS) and the majority of the Sahaba (RA).
29. OPPRESSION - IT'S RESULTS.
History is replete with incidents of the destruction of the oppressor and the alleviation of the oppressed. Did Allah not disgrace Namrud at the hands of his populace and destroy him through an insignificant mosquito?
* Did He not protect His friend, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) from the blazing inferno and convert it into a garden of bliss? Thus Allah assists the oppressed and destroys the oppressors.
* Did Allah not crush the proud and mighty Firaun and elevate the oppressed and down-trodden Bani Israel?
* Did Allah not preserve the Little boy that was so mercilessly hurled into a deserted well, sold for a few coins, who was falsely accused and imprisoned and finally elevate him to the throne of Egypt and honour him with the crown of Nubuwat? (Hazrat Yusuf (AS)
* Did Allah not humble and subjugate the proud and haughty Meccans that forced His beloved and his companions out of their birthplaces? Did He not bring the day of glorious victory at the conquest of Makkah when the arch-enemy were running helter-skelter out of terror, begging for. mercy and compassion?
* On the other, the ungrateful citizens of Iraq, constantly harrassed their just and compassionate rulers; as a result, Allah appointed Hajjaaj bin Yusuf over them, whose tyranny, cruelty and harshness knew no bounds.
30. LESSONS OF HISTORY
* History bears ample testimony to the fact that so long as the Muslims continued to uphold the Quran and ahadith in their daily lives, countries, nay empires crumbled at their feet. Small bands of devout Muslims were sufficient to terrorize and demolish mighty forces. Emperors of superpowers trembled at the mere thought of the Muslims.
* Yet these very victors of mighty empires, when they succumbed to comforts and luxuries, discarded the Quran and Hadith, resorted to oppression and cruelty of their subjugates, became power-drunk and arrogant and indulged openly in wine and women; fell from the glorious pinnacles of civilization and progress to the abyss of disgrace and stagnation.
31. TRAGEDY OF BAGHDAD
* Baghdad that had enjoyed the position of capital of the mighty Islamic empire for decades, makes a tragical lesson of history for the Muslims. The superficial Muslims of this grand city that was the home of great educational institutions (Darul Ulooms) and spiritual reformatories (khanqahs), and the seat of science, technology, research, arts and skills, resorted to oppression of the non-muslim population of their city. They were denied the basic human rights and benefits that Islam so magnanimously confers upon the non-muslim inhabitants of a Muslim state. When this injustice reached an unbearable stage, an old man from the non-Muslims, climbed a nearby mountain and in sheer helplessness, called out to the "God of the Muslims", whom the Muslims claimed was so Just and Compassionate, to assist the oppressed and down-trodden. A voice from the unseen called out to him:
"Prepare yourselves and attack! We will assist you." The non-muslims made a sudden and a most terrific onslaught upon the Muslims. So terrible was the result of the carnage that only 600 000 survived out of a total of 2 million. 1,4 million were massacred in no time. One non-muslim, single handedly slaughtered a contingent of 150 fully armed Muslim soldiers. A non-muslim woman killed 50 Muslim soldiers all on her own. This was in revenge for the years of oppression they were made to suffer. Allah turned the tables, and granted victory to the down trodden nation of the oppressed, for verily, He is Rabbul Aalemeen, The Lord of the Universe - not only of the Muslims. The non-muslims are also His creation and subjects.
* Thereafter, this marauding band of non-muslim victors, held a conference. All were unanimous that it was the "God of the Muslims" that answered their plea and call for assistence. They thus concluded that such a god was truly worthy of worship. The Muslims were disobedient to their god and never abided to the teachings of their religion, thus they were disgraced. Hence, Islam was a true religion. They unanimously decided to accept Islam and ruled over the Islamic empire for centuries (over 17 generations). It is the law of Allah: "If, you turn away, He will replace you with another nation. They will not be (disobedient) like you." 47/38.
32. THE BLOODY HISTORY OF INDIA
* The rise and fall of Muslim rule in India is a heart-rendering lesson of History for the Muslims. A mere force of 12000 men, conquered this mighty land. Year after year, Muslims progressed and thrived. Their rulers were, just, kind and pious. For centuries they held sway over this huge empire. Degeneration slowly set in and the Muslim rulers fell prey to comfort, luxury and pleasures. They ignored the affairs of state. Soon corruption and oppression became rife and in a short time, Muslim rule was sliding down the muddy path of degeneration and rushing headlong towards total disintegration. Hazrat Shah Waliullah (R) in his spiritual farsightedness and political insight, went door-to-door, throught the streets of the Muslims capital, Delhi and warned the people of imminent disaster. "O my People! Abstain from the disobedience of Allah. I have visions of rivers of blood flowing down the streets of Delhi." People laughed him off and swept aside his entreating, most disdainfully, as the raving and ranting of a mad "mullah"!
* Eventually, the dreaded disaster dawned. The enemy attacked and overnight, thousands were massacred. The streets of Delhi were a ghastly sight. Human corpses lined the streets and "rivers of blood flowed down the streets of Delhi." Other corpses were dumped into the Jamna River, (a massive river of India) that resulted in a blockage of the water flow (imagine the number of bodies to cause such an obstruction). The entire river water turned red with human blood. This is the tragic but true tale of the Muslims of India.
33. SLUMBER OF THE MUSLIM NATION
* With great regret and sorrow it has to be noted that despite all these upheavels, the Muslim nation continues to slumber away. Never have they taken lesson from their past and never have they formulated a directive and a goal for the future. Never have we pondered over the vissisitudes of life; the daily lessons of the change of tides in the affairs of the world. Despite being totally insignificant in the affairs of the world and in the eyes of the non-muslims, we continue to labour away in this false sense of pride that we once ruled the world. The Muslims continue to lead a sedentary existence of listlissness, heedlessness, indulgence in luxuries and pleasures, false pride and vainglory, sin, crime and transgression, oppression and exploitation, ignorance in trade, commerce, science and technology. On the other hand they are involved in mutual hatred, enmity, racism, discrimination, embroiled against each other in court cases and law-suits. Their ignorance of religion compels them to uphold meaningless customs and rituals and competing against each other in these, they spend lavish and large sums of money, involving themselves at times in massive debts accompanied by hefty percentages of interest. Ultimately they have to sell hearth and home to alleviate these crushing financial disasters and land up as penniless paupers on the side of streets. Due to lethargy and indolence they are not prepared to undertake labour or any menial occupations and finally end up as the scum and scavengers of society - abject beggars at the doors of all and sundry. What a dismal picture! When will we awake?
34. THE CURE
* This is merely a framework and a totally elementary programme for general upliftment and reform of the Muslim ummah.
1. Every Muslim, male and female, must immediately resolve to at least fulfill the basic requirements of Islam, salat in particular.
2. A massive educational programme to be specially launched on an organized basis with emphasis on religious education and education of adults.
3. Basing our social life on the sunnah and our economical activities solely on the laws of Shariah.
4. Total abstention from mutual conflicts and in fighting.
5. In case of contention, to amicably solve any problems through proper arbitration.
6. Encouragement of business, trade and skills.
7. Dissociation from all customs and rituals at the time of birth, marriages, funerals and other occasions.
8. Particular emphasis on cleanliness, tidiness, health education and physical fitness.
May Allah grant all Muslims the good of both the worlds. Aameen.
1. HEAPS OF DISGRACE
"Verily Allah does not change the condition of a people unless they change it themselves." 13/11.
The Muslim is daily faced by a host of new problems and difficulties. Now and again, reports of untold oppression and barbarism against Muslims are received. Their lives, property and self-respect is trampled upon and worse than that, their religious matters are tampered and interfered with, their Musjids are under constant threat of being converted into temples and are disallowed proper implementation of their (Muslim) personal law.
2. OUR BLINDNESS
Despite this, the Muslim considers these to be chance occurrences or mere coincidences, thus never pausing to even consider the actual cause and reason behind this suffering. At the most, a few concerned souls, who are momentarily stirred by this state of affairs, call up some fancy conference, pass a few vague resolutions and disappear back into oblivion, contented that they have fulfilled their duties towards Islam.
3. THE DIAGNOSIS
A dire need exists for us to study the Qur'aan and Hadith and thereby realize the primary cause for our disgrace and downfall. It is an undisputed axiom of reality that no incident occurs in this Universe accidentally. We as Muslims believe that every occurrence is directly by the command and doing of Almighty Allah. However, every occurrence has been assigned an outward cause, that apparently seems to control and govern it. Thus our difficulties are also governed by causes which Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) have explained to us in the Quran and Hadith:
* "And whatever calamity befalls you, it is due to your own doings and Allah forgives many of your shortcomings." 42/30.
At another juncture:
* "Corruption has spread on water and land due to the doings of mankind. In order that Allah make them taste the penalty of some of their doings. Perhaps they may retract. (from their disobedience) 30/41.
At another juncture:
* Why would Allah punish you if you were grateful and believed. And Allah is Most appreciative, All-Knowing. 4/147.
All these verses indicate that the chastisement of Allah is the direct result of our disobedience, ungratefulness and transgression. On the other hand, if we are obedient and grateful, no punishment will overtake us.
4. GRATEFULNESS
Proper appreciation of Allah's bounties is the correct utilization of these favours. To utilize life, health, faculties of sight, hearing, feeling, thinking, locomotion, finances, status and position, all for the pleasure of Allah and in accordance with His commandments is true appreciation of Allah's bounties. The anti-thesis of this is ungratefulness, which invites the wrath and displeasure of Allah.
5. HEAVENLY BLESSINGS (BARKAH)
Adopting a life of taqwa (piety) i.e. fulfilling all the commands of Shariah and abstaining from the prohibitions is the cause of blessings descending from the heavens.
* "If the people of the locality had believed and adopted taqwa (piety), We would have opened upon them the blessings of the heavens and the earth, but they denied and falsified, thus We seized them due to their actions." 7/96.
There are innumerous ayaat and ahadith to this effect.
6. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
With regards to the verse:
* "And whatever calamity befalls you, it is due to your own doings." 42/30
Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) explained the tafsir of this ayat to Hazrat Ali (RA) thus:
* "0 Ali! whatever calamity befalls you; illness, afflication or any worldly calamity; it is the earning of your own hands."
* Hazrat Hasan (R) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: "By Him in whose control is my life! Any scratch, twitching of veins, slipping of the foot or a flying stone suddenly striking the body; all are due to the committing of sins".
* Hazrat Abu Musa (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: "A wound or any slighter calamity is due to the commission of sins."
* Hazrat Imraan bin Husain (RA) once felt ill. People came to pay him a visit and expressed their condolences. He replied: "What is achieved by condolences? This is due to some sin I have committed."
* Hazrat Dahhak (RA) reports that: "A person who forgets the Quran after learning it is due to committing sins." Thereafter he recited this verse and said: "What could be a greater calamity than forgetting the Quran?"
* Once Hazrat Asma binte Abu Bakr (RA) experienced a headache. She exclaimed: "This is due to my sins." - DurreManthoor, Ibne-Katheer.
7. OUR CONDITION
Let us now examine our lifestyles. Salat which has been described as the criterion between Imaan and Kufr (disbelief) how much does it feature in the life of the Muslims? How many are there who are punctual with their obligatory Salat?
How many adhere to the other basic requirements of Islam such as Fasting, Zakat and Hajj? On the otherhand, consider the prohibitions of Islam; those actions that Shariah has declared Haram and a source of Divine curses and harsh reprisals. How many Muslims are engrossed in these day and night? How many have adopted these as part of their lifestyle?
8. LIQUOR
* Let us consider liquor for example. The Quran has repeatedly forbidden the intake of liquor.
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) has cursed anyone associated with liquor in anyway.
He has cursed the consumer, the stockist, the manufacturer, the marketer, the buyer, the seller, the transporter, the receiver and those that derived any income from it.
* In one hadith it has been titled as "The root to all evil."
9. INTEREST AND USURY
* The Quran has declared the prohibition of interest. The Cluran has equated the usage of interest tantamount to declaring war upon Allah and His Rasul [sallallaahu alaihi wasallam]
* The hadith has classified interest a conglomeration of 73 sins; the slightest of these being equal to fornicating with one's own mother (incest).
* One hadith warns that the consumer of interest will rise as a lunatic on the Day of Qiyamah.
* Another hadith warns that the part of the humanbody that was nourished by haram income, will not enter Jannah.
* One hadith states that the nation that has taken to fornication and interest should await the chastisement of Allah.
Let us now consider how clear our dealings and transactions are! Interest forms an integral part of our business dealings. Worse than that, desperate attempts are being made to even legalise it (Islamically).
10. VARIOUS MAJOR SINS
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"When my ummah will be involved in fifteen activities, then calamities will descend upon them:
1. Public finances will be regarded as personal property
2. Amanat (Trust) will be abused
3. Zakat will be considered a tax (burden)
4. Wives will be obeyed
5. Mothers will be disobeyed
6. Friends will be well-treated
7. Parents will be ill-treated
8. Noise and commotion will be common in Musjids
9. Unqualified persons will occupy positions of responsibility
10. Respect will be shown to some people merely to escape their tyranny
11. Liquor will be consumed openly
12. Men will don silk garments
13. Singing girls will be available (for entertainment)
14. Musical instruments will be rampant
15. The Pious predecessors will be reviled and vituperated; The ummah should then await hurricanes, earthquakes and transformation of some people (into animals).
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) states:
* The nation that is involved in misappropriation of trust (embezzlement), Allah will fill their hearts with terror for their enemies. The nation that is engaged in fornication, will experience great numbers of death. The nation that cheats in measure, will have their sustenance curtailed. The nation that legislates against the truth and justice, will experience great bloodshed and the nation that breaks it's contracts, will be subdued by the enemy." - Mishkaat.
N.B. Which of these sins are not the daily life - style of most Muslims today? It is no cause of surprise if we are now afflicted by various calamities.
11. ADULTERY
* Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "O Muhajireen! Five things are such that if you are involved in them, may Allah not cause you to be involved in them, then the punishment of Allah will descend upon you. The nation that is openly involved in zina (fornication) will become afflicted by plague and other such diseases that were never heard of before.
Those that cheat in measuring, will be afflicted by poverty, hardship and oppression. Those that default in the paying of zakat, will be afflicted by drought. Had it not been for the animals, not a drop of rain would have fallen. Those that transgress the bounds of Allah and His Rasul, will be overcome by the enemy. As for those that legislate unjustly, they will be involved in internicine fighting.
* It is also reported in a hadith that fornication and adultery causes poverty.
* Many ahadith report curses upon the briber and the accepter of bribes and even upon the intermediary in such dealings.
12. BRIBERY
* In one hadith, it is reported that the nation that breaks it's promises will be involved in internal strife and conflicts.
* In one hadith it is reported that those accustomed to dealings in bribery will become greatly awe-struck and fearful (of everyone).
13. FALSE OATHS
* It is reported in one hadith that the sin that is extremely swift in inviting the punishment of Allah is oppression and false oaths. This causes wealth to be destroyed and women to become barren (that such people have no off-spring) and annihilates entire populations (by high death rates).
14. DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS
* In one hadith it is reported that Allah withholds punishments until He desires, but disobedience to parents brings instant chastisement and the punishment is meted out before death even.
* In one hadith it is narrated: Remain chaste, your wives will also remain chaste and be obedient towards your parents, your children will be obedient to you.
15. ENJOINING RIGHT AND FORBIDDING EVIL
* It is reported in one hadith that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said:
By Him in whose control is my life! You should continue to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, else Allah will descend such a punishment upon you, that you will make dua unto Him and He will not accept your duas."
* In one hadith it is reported that Allah does not punish a whole community on the sins of a small group of people, until these people transgress openly, before such people who have the power of preventing them and yet do not do so. The punishment of Allah then overtakes all. The duas of the pious will then be of no avail to anyone.
N.B. It is due to overlooking such regulations that day by day, we are observing greater calamities, disasters, destruction, violence, diseases, accidents involving planes, trains, ships and cars. Now that the regulations of Amr bil Ma'roof Nahi anil Munkar (Enjoining right and forbidding evil) have been almost totally discarded, there is no hope of even acceptance of our duaas.
16. OPPRESSION AND INJUSTICE
* It is reported in one hadith: Do not oppress else your duas will be rejected.
* In one hadith: Allah grants respite to the oppressor; but when He seizes him, he cannot escape punishment.
* In one narration: The dua of the oppressed is accepted even though he be a sinner or even a disbeliever.
* In one hadith: He that does not show mercy upon the creation, Allah will not show mercy upon him. Hazrat Sufyan Thauri (R) reports that:
Once the Banu Israeel were terribly afflicted by famine for seven years. They eventually began to consume the meat of dead animals and finally human corpses. Out of sheer desperation they climbed upon mountain tops and cried out in anguish. Allah Ta'ala revealed to one of their Nabis that had they to raise their hands right into the sky and had their tongues dried out, I will not accept their duas until they do not return the rights of the oppressed amongst them.
N.B. Let us now consider the present condition of oppression throughout the world and understand the extent of Allah's displeasure with us.
17. CHARITY
* It is reported in one hadith: Charity does not decrease wealth, forgiveness increase's ones respect and begging opens the door of poverty.
18. DISHONOURING THE ULAMA
* It is reported in one hadith: When my ummah will despise their Ulema, be extravagant in beautifying their businesses and will consider marriage proposals on the basis of wealth, then Allah will afflict them with four punishments: drought, oppression, misappropriation of their wealth by their leaders and enemy - attacks.
19. SINS
* Hazrat Ali (RA) reports that the worldly chastisement for committing sins is: Lethargy in worship, restriction in sustenance and decrease in pleasure.
20. WUZU
* Hazrat Anas (RA) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: Be meticulous in performing wuzu (with all it's ettiquettes), your lifespan will increase and your protecting angels will love you; observe your (nafl) prayers in your home, it will enhance the blessings of your home and make salaam to your family when you enter your home, the blessings of it will permeate you and your family.
21. IBADAT
* Where we constantly complain about "hard times" and poverty, have we ever pondered on what Allah Ta'ala has to say: O son of Adam! Free yourself for My ibadah, I will fill your heart with contentment and independence, and I will remove your poverty. If you do not do so, I will engross you in your occupations and (yet) I will not remove your poverty. * In one hadith it is narrated: If my servants obey me dutifully, I will send rain at night and sunshine during the day (that they be not frightened by the lightning and thunder).
22. OUR EXAMPLE
How cruel have we been upon ourselves that due to our sins we are constantly involving ourselves in disasters and calamities? At the same time, we continuously lament and wail away at our pathetic condition. Our example is like that of a person suffering from diahorrea and yet continues to take laxatives, complaining all the time of diahorrea. What could be said to such a fool?
23. OPPRESSIVE LEADERS
* In a similar way, today we complain about the oppression of our leaders, whereas these leaders have been appointed over us due to our transgressions. The only salvation from them is through taubah and perfect obedience to Allah's commands.
* Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) said: Just as you are (your actions are) so will your rulers be.
* In another hadith, it is reported:
I am Allah, there is no deity besides Me, I am the King of Kings and the Master of Kings, the heart of Kings are within My control; when My servants are obedient to me, I make their rulers kind-hearted towards them; when they disobey Me, I turn their rulers against them with anger and tyranny, they then oppress them severly. Therefore, instead of cursing them, turn towards me in remembrance and submission, I will protect you against their tyranny.
* In the Quran, Allah Ta'ala states:
"And thus We subjugate some oppressors to other (oppressors) due to their doings." 6/129. There are various views to this ayat;
* Hazrat A'amash's view is that when people's actions become corrupt, then Allah appoints the most oppressive people as leaders over them.
* In one hadith it is reported that: When Allah desires the felicity of a nation; He makes the tolerant amongst them their leaders, the Ulema their arbitrators and the generous their wealthy and on the other hand, when He desires the torment of a nation; He appoints their foolish as their leaders, the ignorant as arbitrators and the miserly as their wealthy.
* In one hadith it is reported: Do not engross yourselves in cursing and abusing your rulers; in fact you should gain the proximity of Allah (through obedience) and make dua on their behalf, Allah will turn their hearts towards you in mercy and kindness.
* A pious person once overheard someone cursing Hajjaaj (the notorious tyrant). He prevented him from this, saying: Whatever is happening is the result of your own actions. I fear that if Hajjaaj is deposed or expires, monkeys and swine be made rulers over you.
* It is a popular adage: "Your actions are your rulers." In other words, depending on your actions, will your rulers treat you.
* If the prince is rebellious, the king will appoint an ordinary citizen to whip him. The prince will be totally helpless to take any action against him, because he is backed by the king. His salvation is only in entreating the king for mercy and apologizing to him. Now, let alone an ordinary citizen, not even a high-ranking minister or official has the right to touch the prince. This is the example of the Muslim ummah. If we are disobedient to Allah, He appoints the weakest of nations upon us. They torture and oppress us most mercilessly. Our only salvation is by turning to Allah in sincere regret and repentance. Then no nation, not even the so called "superpowers" will have the courage to stare at us!
Time and again, we are crushed by disasters and calamities, our laments, complaints and wailing never ends, y t when our shortcomings are pointed out to us, we remain totally indifferent and heedless, Never have we even attempted to bring about any reform within ourselves. Never have we attempted to avoid those destructive sins and crimes that are the direct sources of our misery and suffering. It is most astonishing that when an ordinary doctor warns of some epidemic, we are hasty to innoculate ourselves; when an ordinary labourer warns about the presence of a poisonous snake in the vicinity, not even the bravest person will venture in that direction; yet when Allah and His Rasul are consistently guiding us towards our success and warning us against our destruction (with the greatest of concern and sincerity) we remain totally unmoved and heedless; and we plunge headlong into those very pitfalls of destruction.
* Our only road to success and glory is total obedience to Allah and His Rasul, and following step-by-step the path treaded by our pious predecessors.
24. JUNGLES CLEARED
* History proves that this is how the Muslim will attain victory and glory over the world. This is how the Muslims of yonder, despite being in the minority, conquered city after city, country after country, and ruled the world over centuries. Then not only did they rule over land and people; they even ruled over animals and the elements of nature.
* When the army of the Sahaba stood on the shore of Africa's formidable jungles, then the commander-in-chief, Hazrat Uqba (RA) made an announcement to the speechless inhabitants of the jungle: O denizens of the jungle! We are the Sahaba on our mission. We request you to clear this jungle. After this ultimatum if any of you are found herein, we will kill you! Hardly was this announcement completed, that streams of deadly animals, herding away their young ones, were seen exiting the jungle as swiftly as possibly.
25. LIONS TAMED
* A Sahabi, Hazrat Safinah (RA) once lost his way and strayed away into a jungle. Suddenly a lion appeared. He introduced himself to the lion and explained his plight to it. Waging it's tail like a subdued puppy, the lion led the way for him, growling away any would-be attackers, and finally led him to a clearing where an army of the Sahaba (RA) was encamped.
26. SEAS SUBJUGATED
* In the battle of Madain, the Sahaba needed to cross a stormy sea in order to reach the enemy shores. There were no ships available. Hazrat Sa'd (RA) instructed his army to plunge into the sea in pairs of two. The horses pranced across the water most calmly. Hazrat Sa'd (RA) was heard saying: Verily Allah will certainly assist His friends; Allah will certainly grant them victory over their enemies until they do not commit injustices or until their vices do not overpower their virtues.
* Similar is the incident of Hazrat Ala bin Hadhrami (RA), who crossed the sea with an army of four thousand soldiers. Such was their crossing, that not even did the hooves of the horses become wet.
27. ERRORS
* Yet a slight error from even the Sahaba (RA) led to difficulties and suffering. The battle of Uhud is a classical example. A winning battle almost resulted in defeat merely because a few Sahaba erred in carrying out the instructions of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) to the letter.
* In the battle of Hunain, a boastful remark by some soldiers resulted in severe setback for the Muslims. Through the graces of Allah, they were ultimately victorious.
* In the battle against the Murtads (renegades) of the Bani Hanifah; a chance remark by Hazrat Khalid (RA) almost turned the tables, and the Muslims had to put up with most formidable resistance.
* At times, discarding a sunnah resulted in the frustrating delay of victory. The Sahaba (RA) constantly feared any violation of the Shariah, realizing that this produced adverse effects on their victory and success. For this reason, the Khalifa always emphasised upon them the importance of the teachings of Shariah.
28. SALAT
* Hazrat Umar (RA) thus advised Hazrat Utbah bin Ghazwan (RA) after appointing him commander of the army: Adhere strictly to taqwa (piety) and justice in all your decisions. Offer your salat punctually and engage excessively in remembrance (zikr) of Allah.
* Hazrat Umar (RA) handed a memorandum to his governors, emphasizing the importance of salat upon them: Salat is the most important regulation of Islam; if you can uphold it meticulously, the rest of Islam will be easy to practice. The person that is neglectful of it, will certainly neglect the rest of Deen.
* Even Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam), at the time of hardship and crisis, used to resort immediately to salaat.
* Hazrat Abu Darda (RA) reports that when a strong wind used to blow, Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) would enter the Masjid and resort to salat until the storm subsided.
* Many Sahaba (RA) report similar narrations of his hastening towards salat at times of calamity, fear or darkness.
* One Sahabi reports that this was the habit of all the previous Ambiya (AS) and the majority of the Sahaba (RA).
29. OPPRESSION - IT'S RESULTS.
History is replete with incidents of the destruction of the oppressor and the alleviation of the oppressed. Did Allah not disgrace Namrud at the hands of his populace and destroy him through an insignificant mosquito?
* Did He not protect His friend, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) from the blazing inferno and convert it into a garden of bliss? Thus Allah assists the oppressed and destroys the oppressors.
* Did Allah not crush the proud and mighty Firaun and elevate the oppressed and down-trodden Bani Israel?
* Did Allah not preserve the Little boy that was so mercilessly hurled into a deserted well, sold for a few coins, who was falsely accused and imprisoned and finally elevate him to the throne of Egypt and honour him with the crown of Nubuwat? (Hazrat Yusuf (AS)
* Did Allah not humble and subjugate the proud and haughty Meccans that forced His beloved and his companions out of their birthplaces? Did He not bring the day of glorious victory at the conquest of Makkah when the arch-enemy were running helter-skelter out of terror, begging for. mercy and compassion?
* On the other, the ungrateful citizens of Iraq, constantly harrassed their just and compassionate rulers; as a result, Allah appointed Hajjaaj bin Yusuf over them, whose tyranny, cruelty and harshness knew no bounds.
30. LESSONS OF HISTORY
* History bears ample testimony to the fact that so long as the Muslims continued to uphold the Quran and ahadith in their daily lives, countries, nay empires crumbled at their feet. Small bands of devout Muslims were sufficient to terrorize and demolish mighty forces. Emperors of superpowers trembled at the mere thought of the Muslims.
* Yet these very victors of mighty empires, when they succumbed to comforts and luxuries, discarded the Quran and Hadith, resorted to oppression and cruelty of their subjugates, became power-drunk and arrogant and indulged openly in wine and women; fell from the glorious pinnacles of civilization and progress to the abyss of disgrace and stagnation.
31. TRAGEDY OF BAGHDAD
* Baghdad that had enjoyed the position of capital of the mighty Islamic empire for decades, makes a tragical lesson of history for the Muslims. The superficial Muslims of this grand city that was the home of great educational institutions (Darul Ulooms) and spiritual reformatories (khanqahs), and the seat of science, technology, research, arts and skills, resorted to oppression of the non-muslim population of their city. They were denied the basic human rights and benefits that Islam so magnanimously confers upon the non-muslim inhabitants of a Muslim state. When this injustice reached an unbearable stage, an old man from the non-Muslims, climbed a nearby mountain and in sheer helplessness, called out to the "God of the Muslims", whom the Muslims claimed was so Just and Compassionate, to assist the oppressed and down-trodden. A voice from the unseen called out to him:
"Prepare yourselves and attack! We will assist you." The non-muslims made a sudden and a most terrific onslaught upon the Muslims. So terrible was the result of the carnage that only 600 000 survived out of a total of 2 million. 1,4 million were massacred in no time. One non-muslim, single handedly slaughtered a contingent of 150 fully armed Muslim soldiers. A non-muslim woman killed 50 Muslim soldiers all on her own. This was in revenge for the years of oppression they were made to suffer. Allah turned the tables, and granted victory to the down trodden nation of the oppressed, for verily, He is Rabbul Aalemeen, The Lord of the Universe - not only of the Muslims. The non-muslims are also His creation and subjects.
* Thereafter, this marauding band of non-muslim victors, held a conference. All were unanimous that it was the "God of the Muslims" that answered their plea and call for assistence. They thus concluded that such a god was truly worthy of worship. The Muslims were disobedient to their god and never abided to the teachings of their religion, thus they were disgraced. Hence, Islam was a true religion. They unanimously decided to accept Islam and ruled over the Islamic empire for centuries (over 17 generations). It is the law of Allah: "If, you turn away, He will replace you with another nation. They will not be (disobedient) like you." 47/38.
32. THE BLOODY HISTORY OF INDIA
* The rise and fall of Muslim rule in India is a heart-rendering lesson of History for the Muslims. A mere force of 12000 men, conquered this mighty land. Year after year, Muslims progressed and thrived. Their rulers were, just, kind and pious. For centuries they held sway over this huge empire. Degeneration slowly set in and the Muslim rulers fell prey to comfort, luxury and pleasures. They ignored the affairs of state. Soon corruption and oppression became rife and in a short time, Muslim rule was sliding down the muddy path of degeneration and rushing headlong towards total disintegration. Hazrat Shah Waliullah (R) in his spiritual farsightedness and political insight, went door-to-door, throught the streets of the Muslims capital, Delhi and warned the people of imminent disaster. "O my People! Abstain from the disobedience of Allah. I have visions of rivers of blood flowing down the streets of Delhi." People laughed him off and swept aside his entreating, most disdainfully, as the raving and ranting of a mad "mullah"!
* Eventually, the dreaded disaster dawned. The enemy attacked and overnight, thousands were massacred. The streets of Delhi were a ghastly sight. Human corpses lined the streets and "rivers of blood flowed down the streets of Delhi." Other corpses were dumped into the Jamna River, (a massive river of India) that resulted in a blockage of the water flow (imagine the number of bodies to cause such an obstruction). The entire river water turned red with human blood. This is the tragic but true tale of the Muslims of India.
33. SLUMBER OF THE MUSLIM NATION
* With great regret and sorrow it has to be noted that despite all these upheavels, the Muslim nation continues to slumber away. Never have they taken lesson from their past and never have they formulated a directive and a goal for the future. Never have we pondered over the vissisitudes of life; the daily lessons of the change of tides in the affairs of the world. Despite being totally insignificant in the affairs of the world and in the eyes of the non-muslims, we continue to labour away in this false sense of pride that we once ruled the world. The Muslims continue to lead a sedentary existence of listlissness, heedlessness, indulgence in luxuries and pleasures, false pride and vainglory, sin, crime and transgression, oppression and exploitation, ignorance in trade, commerce, science and technology. On the other hand they are involved in mutual hatred, enmity, racism, discrimination, embroiled against each other in court cases and law-suits. Their ignorance of religion compels them to uphold meaningless customs and rituals and competing against each other in these, they spend lavish and large sums of money, involving themselves at times in massive debts accompanied by hefty percentages of interest. Ultimately they have to sell hearth and home to alleviate these crushing financial disasters and land up as penniless paupers on the side of streets. Due to lethargy and indolence they are not prepared to undertake labour or any menial occupations and finally end up as the scum and scavengers of society - abject beggars at the doors of all and sundry. What a dismal picture! When will we awake?
34. THE CURE
* This is merely a framework and a totally elementary programme for general upliftment and reform of the Muslim ummah.
1. Every Muslim, male and female, must immediately resolve to at least fulfill the basic requirements of Islam, salat in particular.
2. A massive educational programme to be specially launched on an organized basis with emphasis on religious education and education of adults.
3. Basing our social life on the sunnah and our economical activities solely on the laws of Shariah.
4. Total abstention from mutual conflicts and in fighting.
5. In case of contention, to amicably solve any problems through proper arbitration.
6. Encouragement of business, trade and skills.
7. Dissociation from all customs and rituals at the time of birth, marriages, funerals and other occasions.
8. Particular emphasis on cleanliness, tidiness, health education and physical fitness.
May Allah grant all Muslims the good of both the worlds. Aameen.
2010年4月8日 星期四
Seeking Happiness
Dr. Muhammad al-`Abduh
Everyone on Earth is looking to be happy.
However, few ask the question: What is happiness?
Is it wealth after poverty? Health after illness?
Strength after wretchedness?
Or is it to possess wisdom and sagacity?
To indulge in carnal pleasures?
To live a life of absolute freedom, not even confined by the dictates of morality and faith?
Questions like these come easily to mind, since happiness is something real. It is not an illusion. A person of knowledge finds happiness in knowledge. A generous person finds happiness in giving. An industrious person finds happiness in productive work. The pleasure that they feel is far greater than the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and acquiring wealth. Yet, the question still remains: Is this is the utmost degree of human aspirations?
Is happiness nothing more? By nature, a human being is never content. There is always a drive to seek after something more, something better. A wealthy person seeks after further acquisitions. A scientist who makes a discovery goes on to another, more ambitious topic of research. This restless discontent goes on until a person aspires to the Lord, and finds peace in worshipping Him and in knowing that He is protecting and guiding us every step of the way.
When `Umar b. `Abd al-`Azîz became Caliph, he wanted to aspire to an even greater triumph. He said: "Nothing remains to achieve except Paradise." No matter how much we strive and how much we attain in this world, there will always be pain and discomfort. There will always be sorrows that we are unable to bear on our own.
However, if we set our sights on the Hereafter and work righteousness, we will find relief and a balm for our worries. There is, in fact, no other way to attain such peace. This is because true happiness requires us to aspire to a higher purpose, to have a noble meaning that we carry forward throughout our lives. When our sights are set upon such a purpose and we have full confidence in our Lord, then we can be reconciled to whatever befalls us. Then we experience true peace and contentment. We neither feel excessive joy at the good things that come our way nor excessive grief at the losses that we suffer. If we take the time to look at those around us – really look at them – we will see the worry and concern written in their faces. Their nice clothes and their smiling expressions may not indicate their worries, but those worries will be visible nonetheless. This is because they are engaged in the relentless competition for material gain, and this preoccupies their hearts and prevents them from attaining real happiness.
The Qur'ân expresses this truth most eloquently, as if it is speaking about our own day and time. Allah says: "Rivalry in worldly increase distracts you until you come to the graves." [Sûrah al-Takâthur: 1-2] Those who are obsessed with worldly pursuits, their weary, worry-filled days on Earth come to an all of the sudden, while they are unprepared. All the same, happiness is not to be found in leisure and relaxation, like many people suppose. Happiness is found in surmounting difficulties, in solving problems, in overcoming one's weaknesses.
An indolent person never experiences the pleasure of achievement. Happiness is found in the pain that is followed by triumph, in the sorrow that is followed by joy. It is found in bringing good to people through our endeavors to develop the Earth. It is found in the noblest expressions of our very humanity.
Everyone on Earth is looking to be happy.
However, few ask the question: What is happiness?
Is it wealth after poverty? Health after illness?
Strength after wretchedness?
Or is it to possess wisdom and sagacity?
To indulge in carnal pleasures?
To live a life of absolute freedom, not even confined by the dictates of morality and faith?
Questions like these come easily to mind, since happiness is something real. It is not an illusion. A person of knowledge finds happiness in knowledge. A generous person finds happiness in giving. An industrious person finds happiness in productive work. The pleasure that they feel is far greater than the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and acquiring wealth. Yet, the question still remains: Is this is the utmost degree of human aspirations?
Is happiness nothing more? By nature, a human being is never content. There is always a drive to seek after something more, something better. A wealthy person seeks after further acquisitions. A scientist who makes a discovery goes on to another, more ambitious topic of research. This restless discontent goes on until a person aspires to the Lord, and finds peace in worshipping Him and in knowing that He is protecting and guiding us every step of the way.
When `Umar b. `Abd al-`Azîz became Caliph, he wanted to aspire to an even greater triumph. He said: "Nothing remains to achieve except Paradise." No matter how much we strive and how much we attain in this world, there will always be pain and discomfort. There will always be sorrows that we are unable to bear on our own.
However, if we set our sights on the Hereafter and work righteousness, we will find relief and a balm for our worries. There is, in fact, no other way to attain such peace. This is because true happiness requires us to aspire to a higher purpose, to have a noble meaning that we carry forward throughout our lives. When our sights are set upon such a purpose and we have full confidence in our Lord, then we can be reconciled to whatever befalls us. Then we experience true peace and contentment. We neither feel excessive joy at the good things that come our way nor excessive grief at the losses that we suffer. If we take the time to look at those around us – really look at them – we will see the worry and concern written in their faces. Their nice clothes and their smiling expressions may not indicate their worries, but those worries will be visible nonetheless. This is because they are engaged in the relentless competition for material gain, and this preoccupies their hearts and prevents them from attaining real happiness.
The Qur'ân expresses this truth most eloquently, as if it is speaking about our own day and time. Allah says: "Rivalry in worldly increase distracts you until you come to the graves." [Sûrah al-Takâthur: 1-2] Those who are obsessed with worldly pursuits, their weary, worry-filled days on Earth come to an all of the sudden, while they are unprepared. All the same, happiness is not to be found in leisure and relaxation, like many people suppose. Happiness is found in surmounting difficulties, in solving problems, in overcoming one's weaknesses.
An indolent person never experiences the pleasure of achievement. Happiness is found in the pain that is followed by triumph, in the sorrow that is followed by joy. It is found in bringing good to people through our endeavors to develop the Earth. It is found in the noblest expressions of our very humanity.
2010年4月3日 星期六
7 tips for improving your relationship with the Qur'an
Are you one of those people who rarely touches the Qur'an? Or do you read daily, but don't find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur'an.
你是不是ㄧ個很少碰古蘭經的人？或你每天也在唸只是你發現對你沒有一點的影響，無論是怎麼樣的情形以下是幾個簡單可以幫助你更能進一步親近古蘭經 :
1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur'an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was described by his wife as a "walking Qur'an": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Qur'an, he lived it.
1. Before you touch it, check your heart. The key to really benefiting from the Qur'an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah's book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was described by his wife as a "walking Qur'an": in other words, he didn't just read and recite the Qur'an, he lived it.
最好的關鍵在於先檢視自己的心態或在你觸碰古蘭經或唸誦真主的經典前 誠實的問自己為何要唸古蘭經 是為了得到一些資訊還是只是唸了之後就這樣帶過了呢? 要記住! 我們的聖人穆罕默德的妻子曾經這樣的形容聖人是活在古蘭經中 他不只是會唸古蘭經而已 而是真正的把古蘭經放入生活裡實行
2. Do your ablution (wodoo2). Doing your ablushion is good physical and mental preparation to remind you you're not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.
先做好小淨 作小淨對身心的事先準備是重要的 他可以作為提醒我們的作用 讓我們可以了解到我們要唸的不只是一般普通的書 而你將要透過這本書和真主對話 所以在要跟主對話之前先作好小淨的準備是必要的
2. Do your ablution (wodoo2). Doing your ablushion is good physical and mental preparation to remind you you're not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.
先做好小淨 作小淨對身心的事先準備是重要的 他可以作為提醒我們的作用 讓我們可以了解到我們要唸的不只是一般普通的書 而你將要透過這本書和真主對話 所以在要跟主對話之前先作好小淨的準備是必要的
3. Read only 5 minutes everyday. Too often, we think we should read Qur'an for at least one whole hour. If you aren't in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, God willing(insha2 allah), you will notice that those five minutes will become ten, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more!
每天至少要唸5分鐘 有時我們以為可以一天花一個小時在唸古蘭經 但是如果你沒有這樣每天唸這麼多的習慣 可以先從五分鐘開始做起 如果你都保持在每天花五分鐘唸古蘭經的話 如果真主云欲 將會發先你會慢慢的從5分鐘變成了10分鐘 之後是半個小時 再來就是一個小時 甚至更多的時間在唸古蘭經
4. Make sure you understand what you've read. Five minutes of reading the Qur'an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you're reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur'an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you've read that day.
4. Make sure you understand what you've read. Five minutes of reading the Qur'an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you're reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur'an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you've read that day.
把你今天所唸的古蘭經弄清楚明白 每天花5分鐘的時間在唸阿拉伯文的古蘭經是好的 但是你必須弄懂你在唸什麼 也確定你擁有一本可信任的古蘭經翻譯本那是最好的 也把你所唸的東西弄清楚明白
5. Don't just read, listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur'an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your mp3 or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur'an reading, not as a replacement for it.
5. Don't just read, listen too. There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur'an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your mp3 or your car's CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur'an reading, not as a replacement for it.
不要只是唸 有時你也可以準備附有古蘭經和翻譯的錄音帶或 CD 你可以把它放在你的 mp3或車上方便在你外出或開車的時候可以聆聽 除了要每天唸以外也試著去聽古蘭經 不要把它當作替代而是把它增加到日常生活裡
6. Make supplication(do3a2) . Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur'an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
6. Make supplication(do3a2) . Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur'an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this.
乞求和作都阿 當我們在唸古蘭經的時候乞求真主的引道 我們要表現的是真誠 對真主的愛 透過真主的語言和真主對話 也請求得到真主的援助 在我們使用這本經典作為指南以前 向真主祈禱庇護和指引我們從中得到智慧
如何學好日語
一、日語學習者應有的特質 在學習日語之前你是否評估過自己呢？在這裡舉出12項做為你學習前的參考：
1.你的舌頭是否比較不靈活
2.對人打招呼時你是否會點頭彎腰？
3.你是否常面帶微笑？
4.你是否會在別人背後道長說短而不當面說別人的不是？
5.坐姿是否採跪坐？
6.朋友邀約時你是否會委婉拒絕？
7.你是否喜歡三人行？
8.你是否會獨自去逛百貨公司或到高級餐廳用餐？
9.你是否喜歡小叮噹或櫻桃小丸子勝過米奇、米妮、維尼熊？
10.你是否喜歡西裝筆挺乾淨的男人或穿套裝化粧的女人？
11.你是否喜歡生活一成不變？
12.你走路的速度是否很快？
回答以上問題後，如果你每個答案都是「是」，那麼恭喜你，你很適合學日語，如果有六個以上的「是」，趕快加入學日語的行列吧！如果「是」低於四個，請考慮是否學日語，如果你的回答全部「不是」，請勿加入我們的行列，否則以後你會很痛苦。為什麼學習前要做測驗呢？因為大家都知道，學習語言不是一件容易的事，既然下定決心要把日語學好，就要有心理準備，用一輩子的時間來學習，如果學了之後又放棄，比一直學的人還痛苦，所以請考慮之後再著手，著手之後就要持續，才有成功的可能。
在這裡簡單介紹每個測驗題目的特質：日語發音沒有所謂的翹舌音，你只要把舌頭放平，就可發出每個音。
日本人很重視打招呼及禮節，你若不重視，就無法進入日本人的世界。 面帶微笑，才容易與人溝通，順利與日本人做生意。 日本人不喜歡在別人面前說人不是，他們覺得這樣不禮貌，容易傷感情，他們只會在背後偷偷地說，不採取『正面攻擊』。 不管是插花、茶道、甚至於莊嚴的場合，只要有和室的地方，一定要跪坐，從現在起，趕快練習怎麼「坐」吧！ 當被邀約而不能履行時，一般日本人會以比較委婉的語氣拒絕對方。
舉個例子，A：「一起去逛百貨吧！」（一緒にデパートヘ行きませんか）B：「如果我沒有事的話，我會很樂意去。」（もし何もなければ喜んで行きますか........）而中國人說話比較直接是優點也是缺點，有時不要給太否定的答案比較好。 日本人喜歡三個朋友在一起，在電視、電影中都可看到三個男主角或女主角。
日本人喜歡團體活動，一起做事，說他們依賴性太重也行，也可說他們不敢負太大責任，所以很少有人自己創業當老闆，寧願進入大公司當高級主管或職員。有人說一個中國人和一個日本人比較時，一定是中國人贏，而二人時是平手，但三人以上一定是日本人贏，可見日本人比較團結。 櫻桃小丸子是非常傳統的日本卡通，日本的風俗民情，日本人文化、思想等，可以從動畫卡通得之。 日本人比較注重穿著，哈日族的你一定會覺得日本人男的俊、女的美，其實是服裝帶給你的幻覺！ 日本人生活簡單，很少有變化，新新人類除外。 日本人爭取一分一秒，「時間就是金錢」，走路當然也要快。
二、如何開始學日語
A、找出學習的動機 如果你問一個日語學習者，「你為什麼要學日語？」一般回答一定是「我對日語有興趣、我是哈日族」，問題是你的興趣能持續多久？你能哈日哈多久？除了原本強烈的學習動機之外，應該還有一個原因來推動，使你學習的慾望更強烈。
例如：學好日語之後，我可以自助旅行，可以找一份好工作，可以出國留學，可以看原文小說……。若沒有（主）動機＋（副）動機，你可能無法一直持續地學習，這也是學好任何一種語言的最大因素。
B、訂定自己的學習目標 你要花費多少時間才能達到自己想要的程度呢？一開始你便要清楚地了解，學會簡單的生活用語及與人溝通的能力，大約需要二、三年以上的時間，而在短期內可用日本語能力測驗為目標，設定一年達四級程度，二年達三級程度。而要能與人溝通大約是二、三級的程度，先把目標訂出，確實去實行，很快地就可以把日語學好。（需注意日本語能力測驗不考「說」）
C、找出適合自己的有效學習法1.錄音帶學習法 這是學語言最基本的配備，不須花費太多金錢的學習法。優點是隨時隨地可放帶子聽，跟著練習。缺點是被動的學習，一般人常有「三分鐘熱度」，聽完第一捲帶子後就很少再繼續下去，因此購買的書籍和錄音帶，就成為家中的裝飾品。
2.電視學習法 如果你學日語已有一段時間，建議你可從日語的電視節目中訓練聽力並學習日本人的生活、習慣、民情、文化等。藉著電視測驗自己的能力，遇有不懂的字句，馬上抄起來再查字典。較為難懂的應是「方言」的日劇，以「關西腔」居多，因為我們學的標準語是「關東腔」，要聽得懂關西腔，除非你住過關西。若你是初學者，建議你從看動畫卡通著手，例如：櫻桃小丸子、多啦A夢……等，從日本卡通中也可反映出日本人說話的習慣、日常生活的情形等。由於動畫卡通是給小孩看的，比較不會有「專有名詞」，恰好你懂得的日語有限，利用動畫卡通做練習，既有趣又有成就感。
3.交朋友學習法 比較快的學習法當然是找日本朋友，每天跟他對話，不久就會發現自己進步神速，但不是每個人都能找到日本朋友，建議你找目前正在進修日語的朋友，最好程度在你之上，有問題請教朋友，朋友不會的也可請教別人，總會得到答案的。另外和朋友約定好一星期中給自己一天「日語日」，這一天你只能說日語，用日語思考，和朋友用日語聊天等，不久將會發現自己的日語進步很多。
4.家中環境學習法 有人說學習外語只要到那個國家就一定能學得很好，問題是到國外去學習需要很多金錢，而又有多少人能有機會到國外去學語言呢？雖然我們沒有「大環境」，但可以製造「小環境」。因此最基本的便是從家裡著手，把自己的家佈置得像「置身於日本」，當自己是一名「哈日族」，身為哈日族的你如果不懂日語就會落伍，自己眼前看到的一切都是跟日語、跟日本有關係的，例如：在電視上貼著テレビ，隔一段時間就換テレビを見る，每隔一段時間換個詞句，背誦後記起來。每項物品都寫日語，從大東西到小東西都貼著日語的標籤，不久之後便會發現別人不會的單字，你竟然會了。
5.上課學習法 找補習班或找老師固定每週上二次課，持之以恆，通常二、三年便可與人溝通，但要注意你學的是「日文」或「日語」，兩者之間差異很大，日文是無聲的語言，日語則是有聲的文字，絕對不能劃上等號。我常問日語諮詢者，你學了多久的日語？どのくらい日本語を勉強しましたか。平均的回答是一年或二年，我覺得既然學了一、二年那就應該有三級的能力，因此我會用一般日常生活會話的形態繼續問，但得到的答案往往是：我會「聽」一點點，「說」不行，「讀」教材沒問題。奇怪了，大家都知道學習的步驟是：聽、說、讀、寫循序漸進的，為什麼大家把學英語錯誤的例子，又套在日語上？因此建議大家在詢問課程時，一定要選擇文法與會話並重的教學法，不要學了二、三年才發現自己根本不會聽與說，只會做文法的題目，浪費金錢與時間。 D、教材的選擇
在學習外語之前，一定會去購買教材，我給各位的建議是：不要買了許多教材之後就放在家中當裝飾品。我們先購買一套發音教材，把所有的音都熟悉之後再選擇以後的教材。發音的教材必需要有「清音、濁音、半濁音、拗音、長音、促音、鼻音、重音」等部份，另外也要有單字練習，口中體操之內容。錄音帶要有男、女聲音為佳，發音沒問題後便進入正式學習。教材的選購也開始多元化，不要選擇有中文翻譯的課本，因為太依賴中文會對日語學習產生障礙。因此我建議不要一下子買太多書，如果你買了很多教材，請你一定要堅持下去，不要放棄。學習階段就像一座金字塔，最下層入門階段的人多得不得了，最上層精通的人則少之又少，如何讓自己站在最上層呢？答案是全力以赴，不怕辛苦。以下是購買教材的順序，提供有心學習日語者參考，當然你也可以依需要從中增減。1.發音教材：基礎、初級。2.正式教材讀本、字典（日華、中日、外來語）。
3.中級教材讀本、字典增加全日文版、文法書。4.閱讀報章雜誌：日語雜誌。三、如何安排學習日語的時間
學習語言可分成短期、長期兩種，所謂的短期學習法是在短時間內投入精力，讓自己的日語達3級以上程度。可於一星期內安排二至三次的日語課程，養成每天使用日語交談的習慣。 在短期學習法成功之後就可改為長期學習法，這時候雖然比剛學習時好，但不能鬆懈。課程可安排一星期一至二天的學習法，固定看NHK或日劇，參加日語的活動認識日本朋友或交筆友或上網或看簡單的雜誌、安排日本旅遊，儘量使用日語，讓自己的日語更上一層樓。學習語言時間參考表
6：30AM起床後打開教學頻道，聽日語教學，忙時用聽的即可，不一定要一邊看教材一邊聽。
7：00AM打開NHK頻道，一邊吃早餐一邊看或整理自己的東西或用聽的。 7：30AM出門在車上聽日語教學錄音帶，歌曲也可以，一邊哼著一邊開車。
8：00AM－5：00PM上班時所有語言用中、日語各說一遍，朋友跟你講話，把它譯成日文，自己要講的話先用日語想一遍。在辦公桌貼上「每日一句」，並且要常“唸唸有詞”，自問自答。
7：00PM下班後到補習班上課，沒有上課的時間在家中自習，與朋友聚會時一定要用日語交談，最好結交日本朋友。
9：00PM下課後，稍做休息，準備打開日語頻道，觀看日劇，不會的字或句子馬上抄下來並查字典。
11：00PM就寢前請播放日語歌曲或日語教學帶。 四、如何有效地學習單字1.相關詞 用聯想的方式，找出相關或相反的單字，從單字中再造句，記住基本原則是名詞＋動詞，不要用屬性相同的字而無法變化成句子，例如：ご飯を食べる→何で食べますか→お箸で食べる→ナイフとフォークで食べる。
例如「吃」的詞句，如果你的聯想都是吃東西或吃的用具便很難組成一個句子。2.代換造句法自己設定一個主題，主題不變，後面單字做變化即可，例如：天氣がいい／惡い／おかしいしい等等詞句、あの人は綺麗／親切／明るい／暗い。利用相關詞及代換造句法讓你學習更有趣，單字也會越記越多。
五、如何培養聽力及會話能力
人一生下來就在聽，而聽是說的基礎，如果沒有好的聽力就算有再多說的機會，也無法完整的表達。先從自己的聲音聽起，從簡單的句型背誦，多背誦句子，不但有利於文法的學習和記憶，而且有益於聽力及會話能力的培養。一般人在學習外語時常被自己的母語牽絆，無法產生直接的聯想，造成聽力障礙。建議你多聽錄音帶訓練直接聯想，不要把每一句日文都譯成中文，這樣的學習太慢，無法直接反應。而聽自己的聲音，主要是要訓練敢說，因為不斷地複誦可以幫助我們養成正確的日語語調，習慣了之後自然而然就敢開口說出來。聽錄音帶時，不要看教材，應先試著「聽」看看自己能懂多少。然後再看教材了解其中的意思，最後再一邊聽一邊跟著唸且不看教材。語言是活的東西，如果太依賴教材就不能真正學到語言，教材只是學習語言的參考，而不是最終目的。在說的方面，要常自言自語，自問自答、自設情境，說的時候不要怕文法錯誤，先試著讓自己敢開口說出來，等你學了更深的文法後再慢慢修正。成功的學習，除了有好的方法之外，最重要的是學習者自己本身的學習意願。
1.你的舌頭是否比較不靈活
2.對人打招呼時你是否會點頭彎腰？
3.你是否常面帶微笑？
4.你是否會在別人背後道長說短而不當面說別人的不是？
5.坐姿是否採跪坐？
6.朋友邀約時你是否會委婉拒絕？
7.你是否喜歡三人行？
8.你是否會獨自去逛百貨公司或到高級餐廳用餐？
9.你是否喜歡小叮噹或櫻桃小丸子勝過米奇、米妮、維尼熊？
10.你是否喜歡西裝筆挺乾淨的男人或穿套裝化粧的女人？
11.你是否喜歡生活一成不變？
12.你走路的速度是否很快？
回答以上問題後，如果你每個答案都是「是」，那麼恭喜你，你很適合學日語，如果有六個以上的「是」，趕快加入學日語的行列吧！如果「是」低於四個，請考慮是否學日語，如果你的回答全部「不是」，請勿加入我們的行列，否則以後你會很痛苦。為什麼學習前要做測驗呢？因為大家都知道，學習語言不是一件容易的事，既然下定決心要把日語學好，就要有心理準備，用一輩子的時間來學習，如果學了之後又放棄，比一直學的人還痛苦，所以請考慮之後再著手，著手之後就要持續，才有成功的可能。
在這裡簡單介紹每個測驗題目的特質：日語發音沒有所謂的翹舌音，你只要把舌頭放平，就可發出每個音。
日本人很重視打招呼及禮節，你若不重視，就無法進入日本人的世界。 面帶微笑，才容易與人溝通，順利與日本人做生意。 日本人不喜歡在別人面前說人不是，他們覺得這樣不禮貌，容易傷感情，他們只會在背後偷偷地說，不採取『正面攻擊』。 不管是插花、茶道、甚至於莊嚴的場合，只要有和室的地方，一定要跪坐，從現在起，趕快練習怎麼「坐」吧！ 當被邀約而不能履行時，一般日本人會以比較委婉的語氣拒絕對方。
舉個例子，A：「一起去逛百貨吧！」（一緒にデパートヘ行きませんか）B：「如果我沒有事的話，我會很樂意去。」（もし何もなければ喜んで行きますか........）而中國人說話比較直接是優點也是缺點，有時不要給太否定的答案比較好。 日本人喜歡三個朋友在一起，在電視、電影中都可看到三個男主角或女主角。
日本人喜歡團體活動，一起做事，說他們依賴性太重也行，也可說他們不敢負太大責任，所以很少有人自己創業當老闆，寧願進入大公司當高級主管或職員。有人說一個中國人和一個日本人比較時，一定是中國人贏，而二人時是平手，但三人以上一定是日本人贏，可見日本人比較團結。 櫻桃小丸子是非常傳統的日本卡通，日本的風俗民情，日本人文化、思想等，可以從動畫卡通得之。 日本人比較注重穿著，哈日族的你一定會覺得日本人男的俊、女的美，其實是服裝帶給你的幻覺！ 日本人生活簡單，很少有變化，新新人類除外。 日本人爭取一分一秒，「時間就是金錢」，走路當然也要快。
二、如何開始學日語
A、找出學習的動機 如果你問一個日語學習者，「你為什麼要學日語？」一般回答一定是「我對日語有興趣、我是哈日族」，問題是你的興趣能持續多久？你能哈日哈多久？除了原本強烈的學習動機之外，應該還有一個原因來推動，使你學習的慾望更強烈。
例如：學好日語之後，我可以自助旅行，可以找一份好工作，可以出國留學，可以看原文小說……。若沒有（主）動機＋（副）動機，你可能無法一直持續地學習，這也是學好任何一種語言的最大因素。
B、訂定自己的學習目標 你要花費多少時間才能達到自己想要的程度呢？一開始你便要清楚地了解，學會簡單的生活用語及與人溝通的能力，大約需要二、三年以上的時間，而在短期內可用日本語能力測驗為目標，設定一年達四級程度，二年達三級程度。而要能與人溝通大約是二、三級的程度，先把目標訂出，確實去實行，很快地就可以把日語學好。（需注意日本語能力測驗不考「說」）
C、找出適合自己的有效學習法1.錄音帶學習法 這是學語言最基本的配備，不須花費太多金錢的學習法。優點是隨時隨地可放帶子聽，跟著練習。缺點是被動的學習，一般人常有「三分鐘熱度」，聽完第一捲帶子後就很少再繼續下去，因此購買的書籍和錄音帶，就成為家中的裝飾品。
2.電視學習法 如果你學日語已有一段時間，建議你可從日語的電視節目中訓練聽力並學習日本人的生活、習慣、民情、文化等。藉著電視測驗自己的能力，遇有不懂的字句，馬上抄起來再查字典。較為難懂的應是「方言」的日劇，以「關西腔」居多，因為我們學的標準語是「關東腔」，要聽得懂關西腔，除非你住過關西。若你是初學者，建議你從看動畫卡通著手，例如：櫻桃小丸子、多啦A夢……等，從日本卡通中也可反映出日本人說話的習慣、日常生活的情形等。由於動畫卡通是給小孩看的，比較不會有「專有名詞」，恰好你懂得的日語有限，利用動畫卡通做練習，既有趣又有成就感。
3.交朋友學習法 比較快的學習法當然是找日本朋友，每天跟他對話，不久就會發現自己進步神速，但不是每個人都能找到日本朋友，建議你找目前正在進修日語的朋友，最好程度在你之上，有問題請教朋友，朋友不會的也可請教別人，總會得到答案的。另外和朋友約定好一星期中給自己一天「日語日」，這一天你只能說日語，用日語思考，和朋友用日語聊天等，不久將會發現自己的日語進步很多。
4.家中環境學習法 有人說學習外語只要到那個國家就一定能學得很好，問題是到國外去學習需要很多金錢，而又有多少人能有機會到國外去學語言呢？雖然我們沒有「大環境」，但可以製造「小環境」。因此最基本的便是從家裡著手，把自己的家佈置得像「置身於日本」，當自己是一名「哈日族」，身為哈日族的你如果不懂日語就會落伍，自己眼前看到的一切都是跟日語、跟日本有關係的，例如：在電視上貼著テレビ，隔一段時間就換テレビを見る，每隔一段時間換個詞句，背誦後記起來。每項物品都寫日語，從大東西到小東西都貼著日語的標籤，不久之後便會發現別人不會的單字，你竟然會了。
5.上課學習法 找補習班或找老師固定每週上二次課，持之以恆，通常二、三年便可與人溝通，但要注意你學的是「日文」或「日語」，兩者之間差異很大，日文是無聲的語言，日語則是有聲的文字，絕對不能劃上等號。我常問日語諮詢者，你學了多久的日語？どのくらい日本語を勉強しましたか。平均的回答是一年或二年，我覺得既然學了一、二年那就應該有三級的能力，因此我會用一般日常生活會話的形態繼續問，但得到的答案往往是：我會「聽」一點點，「說」不行，「讀」教材沒問題。奇怪了，大家都知道學習的步驟是：聽、說、讀、寫循序漸進的，為什麼大家把學英語錯誤的例子，又套在日語上？因此建議大家在詢問課程時，一定要選擇文法與會話並重的教學法，不要學了二、三年才發現自己根本不會聽與說，只會做文法的題目，浪費金錢與時間。 D、教材的選擇
在學習外語之前，一定會去購買教材，我給各位的建議是：不要買了許多教材之後就放在家中當裝飾品。我們先購買一套發音教材，把所有的音都熟悉之後再選擇以後的教材。發音的教材必需要有「清音、濁音、半濁音、拗音、長音、促音、鼻音、重音」等部份，另外也要有單字練習，口中體操之內容。錄音帶要有男、女聲音為佳，發音沒問題後便進入正式學習。教材的選購也開始多元化，不要選擇有中文翻譯的課本，因為太依賴中文會對日語學習產生障礙。因此我建議不要一下子買太多書，如果你買了很多教材，請你一定要堅持下去，不要放棄。學習階段就像一座金字塔，最下層入門階段的人多得不得了，最上層精通的人則少之又少，如何讓自己站在最上層呢？答案是全力以赴，不怕辛苦。以下是購買教材的順序，提供有心學習日語者參考，當然你也可以依需要從中增減。1.發音教材：基礎、初級。2.正式教材讀本、字典（日華、中日、外來語）。
3.中級教材讀本、字典增加全日文版、文法書。4.閱讀報章雜誌：日語雜誌。三、如何安排學習日語的時間
學習語言可分成短期、長期兩種，所謂的短期學習法是在短時間內投入精力，讓自己的日語達3級以上程度。可於一星期內安排二至三次的日語課程，養成每天使用日語交談的習慣。 在短期學習法成功之後就可改為長期學習法，這時候雖然比剛學習時好，但不能鬆懈。課程可安排一星期一至二天的學習法，固定看NHK或日劇，參加日語的活動認識日本朋友或交筆友或上網或看簡單的雜誌、安排日本旅遊，儘量使用日語，讓自己的日語更上一層樓。學習語言時間參考表
6：30AM起床後打開教學頻道，聽日語教學，忙時用聽的即可，不一定要一邊看教材一邊聽。
7：00AM打開NHK頻道，一邊吃早餐一邊看或整理自己的東西或用聽的。 7：30AM出門在車上聽日語教學錄音帶，歌曲也可以，一邊哼著一邊開車。
8：00AM－5：00PM上班時所有語言用中、日語各說一遍，朋友跟你講話，把它譯成日文，自己要講的話先用日語想一遍。在辦公桌貼上「每日一句」，並且要常“唸唸有詞”，自問自答。
7：00PM下班後到補習班上課，沒有上課的時間在家中自習，與朋友聚會時一定要用日語交談，最好結交日本朋友。
9：00PM下課後，稍做休息，準備打開日語頻道，觀看日劇，不會的字或句子馬上抄下來並查字典。
11：00PM就寢前請播放日語歌曲或日語教學帶。 四、如何有效地學習單字1.相關詞 用聯想的方式，找出相關或相反的單字，從單字中再造句，記住基本原則是名詞＋動詞，不要用屬性相同的字而無法變化成句子，例如：ご飯を食べる→何で食べますか→お箸で食べる→ナイフとフォークで食べる。
例如「吃」的詞句，如果你的聯想都是吃東西或吃的用具便很難組成一個句子。2.代換造句法自己設定一個主題，主題不變，後面單字做變化即可，例如：天氣がいい／惡い／おかしいしい等等詞句、あの人は綺麗／親切／明るい／暗い。利用相關詞及代換造句法讓你學習更有趣，單字也會越記越多。
五、如何培養聽力及會話能力
人一生下來就在聽，而聽是說的基礎，如果沒有好的聽力就算有再多說的機會，也無法完整的表達。先從自己的聲音聽起，從簡單的句型背誦，多背誦句子，不但有利於文法的學習和記憶，而且有益於聽力及會話能力的培養。一般人在學習外語時常被自己的母語牽絆，無法產生直接的聯想，造成聽力障礙。建議你多聽錄音帶訓練直接聯想，不要把每一句日文都譯成中文，這樣的學習太慢，無法直接反應。而聽自己的聲音，主要是要訓練敢說，因為不斷地複誦可以幫助我們養成正確的日語語調，習慣了之後自然而然就敢開口說出來。聽錄音帶時，不要看教材，應先試著「聽」看看自己能懂多少。然後再看教材了解其中的意思，最後再一邊聽一邊跟著唸且不看教材。語言是活的東西，如果太依賴教材就不能真正學到語言，教材只是學習語言的參考，而不是最終目的。在說的方面，要常自言自語，自問自答、自設情境，說的時候不要怕文法錯誤，先試著讓自己敢開口說出來，等你學了更深的文法後再慢慢修正。成功的學習，除了有好的方法之外，最重要的是學習者自己本身的學習意願。
A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one
A long time ago in China , a girl named Li-Li got married and went to live
with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found
that she couldn’t get along with mother-in-law at all. Their personalities
were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’ s
habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.
Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped
arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that,
according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law
and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing
Li-Li’s poor husband great distress.
Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law’ s bad temper and dictatorship
any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father’s
good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked
if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for
all.. Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, ‘Li-Li, I will help you solve your
problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.
Li-Li said, ‘Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do.Mr. Huang went into
the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li,
You can’t use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that
would cause people to become suspicious.
Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison
in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these
herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspect you,
when she dies, you must be very careful to be actively friendly towards her.
Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.
Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start
her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.
Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially
treated food to her mother-in-law. . She remembered what Mr. Huang had said
about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law,
and treated her like her own mother.
After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practiced
controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset.
She hadn’t had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now
seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.
The mother-in-law’ s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like
her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best
daughter-in- law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now
treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li’s husband was very
happy to see what was happening.
One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again She said,
Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law.
She’s changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother.
I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.’
Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head.. ‘Li-Li, there’s nothing to worry about.
I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve
her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her,
but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.’
There is a wise Chinese saying: ‘The person who loves others will also
be loved in return.’ God might be trying to work in another person’s life through you.
A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one.
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow
weary - Paul The Apostle LIVE well …. LAUGH often … LOVE much.
http://yuxie.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/a-candle-loses-nothing-if-it-is-used-to-light-another-one/
with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found
that she couldn’t get along with mother-in-law at all. Their personalities
were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’ s
habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly.
Days passed, and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped
arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that,
according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law
and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing
Li-Li’s poor husband great distress.
Finally, Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law’ s bad temper and dictatorship
any longer, and she decided to do something about it! Li-Li went to see her father’s
good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked
if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for
all.. Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, ‘Li-Li, I will help you solve your
problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.
Li-Li said, ‘Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do.Mr. Huang went into
the back room, and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-Li,
You can’t use a quick-acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that
would cause people to become suspicious.
Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison
in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these
herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspect you,
when she dies, you must be very careful to be actively friendly towards her.
Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen.
Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start
her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.
Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-Li served the specially
treated food to her mother-in-law. . She remembered what Mr. Huang had said
about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law,
and treated her like her own mother.
After six months had passed, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had practiced
controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset.
She hadn’t had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months because she now
seemed much kinder and easier to get along with.
The mother-in-law’ s attitude toward Li-Li changed, and she began to love Li-Li like
her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best
daughter-in- law one could ever find. Li-Li and her mother-in-law were now
treating each other like a real mother and daughter. Li-Li’s husband was very
happy to see what was happening.
One day, Li-Li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again She said,
Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law.
She’s changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother.
I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.’
Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head.. ‘Li-Li, there’s nothing to worry about.
I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve
her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her,
but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.’
There is a wise Chinese saying: ‘The person who loves others will also
be loved in return.’ God might be trying to work in another person’s life through you.
A candle loses nothing if it is used to light another one.
And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow
weary - Paul The Apostle LIVE well …. LAUGH often … LOVE much.
http://yuxie.wordpress.com/2008/12/18/a-candle-loses-nothing-if-it-is-used-to-light-another-one/
2010年3月22日 星期一
The language of the Torah
Moses (peace be upon him) was of Hebrew blood. He was a descendant of Abraham through Isaac. Moses was born in Egypt and spent his formative years at the court of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The reason for this is that at the time of Moses's birth, Pharaoh has ordered the death of all male children born to the Hebrew people. So, when Moses was born, his mother hid him away for three months. Then Allah commanded her to cast the baby floating upon the Nile river, from where he was later retrieved by Pharaoh's daughter.
The baby refused to nurse at any woman's breast until a certain Hebrew woman was brought to nurse him. This woman, unbeknown to Pharaoh's household, was of course the child's mother.
Allah says: " And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until (His sister came up and) said: 'Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"
Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand." [Sûrah al-Qasas: 12-13]
After he was weaned, his upbringing was taken over by Pharaoh's court. Moses (peace be upon him) remained at Pharaoh's court until he was 30 years old. Then, after being charged with murder, he fled to Midian, where he was to remain for the next ten years before returning to Egypt, and from whose people he was to marry. He was clearly able to converse with the people of Midian from the time he arrived there, and the language of Midian was very close to Hebrew.
This means that Moses was clearly conversant in both the Coptic language of Egypt and the Hebrew language of his forefathers.
As for the term "Torah" is used to refer to the Five Books of Moses (or Pentateuch), namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It constitutes the first of the three parts of the Hebrew sacred book, the Tanakh, which includes 24 Books between its three sections.
It is also recognized in Christianity as being the first five books of the Old Testament, which contains 39 books altogether. These five books were originally in Hebrew. However, they were recorded later in various languages. Therefore the Torah was originally in Hebrew, but was later recorded in Greek and Latin. And Allah knows best.
The baby refused to nurse at any woman's breast until a certain Hebrew woman was brought to nurse him. This woman, unbeknown to Pharaoh's household, was of course the child's mother.
Allah says: " And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until (His sister came up and) said: 'Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"
Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand." [Sûrah al-Qasas: 12-13]
After he was weaned, his upbringing was taken over by Pharaoh's court. Moses (peace be upon him) remained at Pharaoh's court until he was 30 years old. Then, after being charged with murder, he fled to Midian, where he was to remain for the next ten years before returning to Egypt, and from whose people he was to marry. He was clearly able to converse with the people of Midian from the time he arrived there, and the language of Midian was very close to Hebrew.
This means that Moses was clearly conversant in both the Coptic language of Egypt and the Hebrew language of his forefathers.
As for the term "Torah" is used to refer to the Five Books of Moses (or Pentateuch), namely Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It constitutes the first of the three parts of the Hebrew sacred book, the Tanakh, which includes 24 Books between its three sections.
It is also recognized in Christianity as being the first five books of the Old Testament, which contains 39 books altogether. These five books were originally in Hebrew. However, they were recorded later in various languages. Therefore the Torah was originally in Hebrew, but was later recorded in Greek and Latin. And Allah knows best.
2010年3月18日 星期四
Japanese Language
1. 箸で ご飯を 食べます
2. 鉛筆で 絵を 描きます
3. 木で イスを 作ります
4. じゆう滞で 会社に 遅れました
5. 風で 窓が 閉まりました
6. 私は 風で 頭が 痛いです
7. 地震で 電車が とまりました
8. それは 二つで 五万円です
9. 家族と いつしょに 温泉へ いきます
10. 日曜日は 母は でかけました
2. 鉛筆で 絵を 描きます
3. 木で イスを 作ります
4. じゆう滞で 会社に 遅れました
5. 風で 窓が 閉まりました
6. 私は 風で 頭が 痛いです
7. 地震で 電車が とまりました
8. それは 二つで 五万円です
9. 家族と いつしょに 温泉へ いきます
10. 日曜日は 母は でかけました
2010年3月17日 星期三
The Believing Woman is Alert
One of the most prominent distinguishing features of the Muslim woman is her deep faith in Allah (SWT), and her sincere conviction that whatever happens in this universe, and whatever fate befalls human beings, only happens through the will and decree of Allah (SWT); whatever befalls a person could not have been avoided, and whatever does not happen to a person could not have been made to happen. A person has no choice in this life but to strive towards the right path and to do good deeds – acts of worship and other acts – by whatever means one can, putting all his trust in Allah (SWT), submitting to His will, and believing that he is always in need of Allah’s (SWT) help and support.
The story of Hajar offers the Muslim woman the most marvellous example of deep faith in Allah (SWT) and sincere trust in Him. Ibrahim `May peace be upon him’ (PBUH) left her at the Ka`bah in Makkah, above the well of Zamzam, at a time when there were no people and no water in the place. Hajar had no-one with her except her infant son Isma`il. She asked Ibrahim, calmly and with no trace of panic: “Has Allah (SWT) commanded you to do this, O Ibrahim?” Ibrahim (PBUH) said, “Yes.” Her response reflected her acceptance and optimism: “Then He is not going to abandon us.” Reported by Bukhari in Kitab al-Anbiya
Here was an extremely difficult situation: a man left his wife and infant son in a barren land, where there were no plants, no water, and no people, and went back to the distant land of Palestine. He left nothing with her but a sack of dates and a skin filled with water. Were it not for the deep faith and trust in Allah (SWT) that filled Hajar’s heart, she would not have been able to cope with such a difficult situation; she would have collapsed straight away, and would not have become the woman whose name is forever remembered night and day by those who perform hajj and `umrah at the house of Allah (SWT), every time they drink the pure water of Zamzam, and run between the mounts of Safa’ and Marwah, as Hajar did on that most trying day.
This deep faith and awareness had an amazing effect on the lives of Muslim men and women: it awoke their consciences and reminded them that Allah (SWT) witnesses and knows every secret, and that He is with a person wherever he may be. Nothing gives a clearer idea of that consciousness and fear of Allah (SWT) at all times than the story of the young Muslim girl related in Sifat al-Safwah and Wafiyat al-A’yan and cited by Ibn al-Jawzi in Ahkam al-Nisa’ (pp. 441, 442):
“Narrated `Abdullah ibn Zayd ibn Aslam, from his father, from his grandfather, who said: `When I was accompanying `Umar ibn al-Khattab on his patrol of Madinah at night, he felt tired, so he leant against a wall. It was the middle of the night, and (we heard) a woman say to her daughter, “O my daughter, get up and mix that milk with some water.” The girl said, “O Mother, did you not hear the decree of Amir al-Mu’minin (chief of the believers) today?” The mother said, “What was that?” The girl said, “He ordered someone to announce in a loud voice that milk should not be mixed with water.”
The mother said, “Get up and mix the milk with water; you are in a place where `Umar cannot see you.” The girl told her mother, “I cannot obey Him (Allah) in public and disobey him in private.” `Umar heard this, and told me: “O Aslam, go to that place and see who that girl is, and to whom she was speaking, and whether she has a husband.” So I went to that place, and I saw that she was unmarried, the other woman was her mother, and neither of them had a husband.
I came to `Umar and told him what I had found out. He called his sons together, and said to them: “Do any of you need a wife, so I can arrange the marriage for you? If I had the desire to get married, I would have been the first one to marry this young woman.” `Abdullah said: “I have a wife.” `Abd al-Rahman said: “I have a wife.” `Asim said: “I do not have a wife, so let me marry her.” So `Umar arranged for her to be married to `Asim. She gave him a daughter, who grew up to be the mother of `Umar ibn `Abd al-`Aziz.’”
This is the deep sense of awareness that Islam had implanted in the heart of this young woman. She was righteous and upright in all her deeds, both in public and in private, because she believed that Allah (SWT) was with her at all times and saw and heard everything. This is true faith, and these are the effects of that faith, which raised her to the level of ihsan. One of the immediate rewards with which Allah (SWT) honoured her was this blessed marriage, one of whose descendants was the fifth rightly-guided khalifah, `Umar ibn `Abd al-`Aziz `May Allah be pleased with him’ (RAA).
The Aqeedah (faith) of the true Muslim woman is pure and clear, uncontaminated by any stain of ignorance, illusion or superstition. This Aqeeda is based on faith in Allah, (SWT) the One, the Most High, the Eternal, Who is able to do all things, Who is in control of the entire universe, and to Whom all things must return:
(Say: `Who is it in Whose hands is the governance of all things – Who protects [all], but is not protected [by any]? [Say] if you know.’ They will say, `[It belongs] to Allah,’ Say: `Then how are you deluded?’) (Qur’an 23:88-89)
This is the pure, deep faith which increases the character of the Muslim woman in strength, understanding and maturity, so that she sees life as it really is, which is a place of testing whose results will be seen on the Day which will undoubtedly come:
( Say: `It is Allah Who gives you life, then gives you death; then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgement about which there is no doubt’: but most men do not understand.) (Qur’an 45:26)
(Did you then think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be brought back to Us [for account]?) (Qur’an 23:115)
(Blessed is He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things has Power – He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.) (Qur’an 67:1-2)
On that Day, man will be brought to account for his deeds. If they are good, it will be good for him, and if they are bad, it will be bad for him. There will not be the slightest injustice:( That Day will every soul be requited for what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day, for Allah is Swift in taking account.) (Qur’an 40:17)
The Balance (in which man’s deeds will be weighed) will measure everything with the utmost precision, either in a person’s favour or against him:
(Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it.) (Qur’an 99:7-8)
Nothing could be hidden from the Lord of Glory on that Day, not even if it were as insignificant as a grain of mustard seed:
(We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be [no more than] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it [to account]: and enough are We to take account.)(Qur’an 21:47)
No doubt the true Muslim woman, when she ponders the meaning of these ayat, would think about that crucial Day and would turn to her Lord in obedience, repentance and gratitude, seeking to do as many righteous deeds as she is able, in preparation for the Hereafter.
The story of Hajar offers the Muslim woman the most marvellous example of deep faith in Allah (SWT) and sincere trust in Him. Ibrahim `May peace be upon him’ (PBUH) left her at the Ka`bah in Makkah, above the well of Zamzam, at a time when there were no people and no water in the place. Hajar had no-one with her except her infant son Isma`il. She asked Ibrahim, calmly and with no trace of panic: “Has Allah (SWT) commanded you to do this, O Ibrahim?” Ibrahim (PBUH) said, “Yes.” Her response reflected her acceptance and optimism: “Then He is not going to abandon us.” Reported by Bukhari in Kitab al-Anbiya
Here was an extremely difficult situation: a man left his wife and infant son in a barren land, where there were no plants, no water, and no people, and went back to the distant land of Palestine. He left nothing with her but a sack of dates and a skin filled with water. Were it not for the deep faith and trust in Allah (SWT) that filled Hajar’s heart, she would not have been able to cope with such a difficult situation; she would have collapsed straight away, and would not have become the woman whose name is forever remembered night and day by those who perform hajj and `umrah at the house of Allah (SWT), every time they drink the pure water of Zamzam, and run between the mounts of Safa’ and Marwah, as Hajar did on that most trying day.
This deep faith and awareness had an amazing effect on the lives of Muslim men and women: it awoke their consciences and reminded them that Allah (SWT) witnesses and knows every secret, and that He is with a person wherever he may be. Nothing gives a clearer idea of that consciousness and fear of Allah (SWT) at all times than the story of the young Muslim girl related in Sifat al-Safwah and Wafiyat al-A’yan and cited by Ibn al-Jawzi in Ahkam al-Nisa’ (pp. 441, 442):
“Narrated `Abdullah ibn Zayd ibn Aslam, from his father, from his grandfather, who said: `When I was accompanying `Umar ibn al-Khattab on his patrol of Madinah at night, he felt tired, so he leant against a wall. It was the middle of the night, and (we heard) a woman say to her daughter, “O my daughter, get up and mix that milk with some water.” The girl said, “O Mother, did you not hear the decree of Amir al-Mu’minin (chief of the believers) today?” The mother said, “What was that?” The girl said, “He ordered someone to announce in a loud voice that milk should not be mixed with water.”
The mother said, “Get up and mix the milk with water; you are in a place where `Umar cannot see you.” The girl told her mother, “I cannot obey Him (Allah) in public and disobey him in private.” `Umar heard this, and told me: “O Aslam, go to that place and see who that girl is, and to whom she was speaking, and whether she has a husband.” So I went to that place, and I saw that she was unmarried, the other woman was her mother, and neither of them had a husband.
I came to `Umar and told him what I had found out. He called his sons together, and said to them: “Do any of you need a wife, so I can arrange the marriage for you? If I had the desire to get married, I would have been the first one to marry this young woman.” `Abdullah said: “I have a wife.” `Abd al-Rahman said: “I have a wife.” `Asim said: “I do not have a wife, so let me marry her.” So `Umar arranged for her to be married to `Asim. She gave him a daughter, who grew up to be the mother of `Umar ibn `Abd al-`Aziz.’”
This is the deep sense of awareness that Islam had implanted in the heart of this young woman. She was righteous and upright in all her deeds, both in public and in private, because she believed that Allah (SWT) was with her at all times and saw and heard everything. This is true faith, and these are the effects of that faith, which raised her to the level of ihsan. One of the immediate rewards with which Allah (SWT) honoured her was this blessed marriage, one of whose descendants was the fifth rightly-guided khalifah, `Umar ibn `Abd al-`Aziz `May Allah be pleased with him’ (RAA).
The Aqeedah (faith) of the true Muslim woman is pure and clear, uncontaminated by any stain of ignorance, illusion or superstition. This Aqeeda is based on faith in Allah, (SWT) the One, the Most High, the Eternal, Who is able to do all things, Who is in control of the entire universe, and to Whom all things must return:
(Say: `Who is it in Whose hands is the governance of all things – Who protects [all], but is not protected [by any]? [Say] if you know.’ They will say, `[It belongs] to Allah,’ Say: `Then how are you deluded?’) (Qur’an 23:88-89)
This is the pure, deep faith which increases the character of the Muslim woman in strength, understanding and maturity, so that she sees life as it really is, which is a place of testing whose results will be seen on the Day which will undoubtedly come:
( Say: `It is Allah Who gives you life, then gives you death; then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgement about which there is no doubt’: but most men do not understand.) (Qur’an 45:26)
(Did you then think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be brought back to Us [for account]?) (Qur’an 23:115)
(Blessed is He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things has Power – He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving.) (Qur’an 67:1-2)
On that Day, man will be brought to account for his deeds. If they are good, it will be good for him, and if they are bad, it will be bad for him. There will not be the slightest injustice:( That Day will every soul be requited for what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day, for Allah is Swift in taking account.) (Qur’an 40:17)
The Balance (in which man’s deeds will be weighed) will measure everything with the utmost precision, either in a person’s favour or against him:
(Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it.) (Qur’an 99:7-8)
Nothing could be hidden from the Lord of Glory on that Day, not even if it were as insignificant as a grain of mustard seed:
(We shall set up scales of justice for the day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be [no more than] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it [to account]: and enough are We to take account.)(Qur’an 21:47)
No doubt the true Muslim woman, when she ponders the meaning of these ayat, would think about that crucial Day and would turn to her Lord in obedience, repentance and gratitude, seeking to do as many righteous deeds as she is able, in preparation for the Hereafter.
2010年3月14日 星期日
Oh Ummah , We Need To Change Ourselves First!
We have corrupt people as our leaders today but instead of blaming them for the
condition our Ummah is in, we need to fix ourselves first.
Allah has told us in theQur'an that :
"He will not fix our condition until we fix what is within ourselves."
We need to ask Allah to purify our hearts and to grant us the ability to implement
Islam in our daily lives.
We must return to our Deen and adhere strictly to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Once we've done this, everything else will follow smoothly insha'Allah.
We'll be a stronger Ummah and we'll have the best leaders
insha'Allah. Allah does not change the circumstances of any people
until they have changed what is within themselves" [Surah Ar-Ra'd: 11]
condition our Ummah is in, we need to fix ourselves first.
Allah has told us in theQur'an that :
"He will not fix our condition until we fix what is within ourselves."
We need to ask Allah to purify our hearts and to grant us the ability to implement
Islam in our daily lives.
We must return to our Deen and adhere strictly to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Once we've done this, everything else will follow smoothly insha'Allah.
We'll be a stronger Ummah and we'll have the best leaders
insha'Allah. Allah does not change the circumstances of any people
until they have changed what is within themselves" [Surah Ar-Ra'd: 11]
2010年3月10日 星期三
love && affection towards your wife as a Muslim
And among His (God's) Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.
[Qur'an Surat 30 Verse 21]
Acknowledge, appreciate && apply the Sign of Allah subhana wa ta'ala : Love.
Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said, "The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behaviour, && the best of you are those who are the best to their wives".
[At-Tirmidhi].
Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (Radi Allahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said, "The world is but a (quick passing) enjoyment; && the best enjoyment of the world is a pious && virtuous woman".
[Muslim].
Above Hadith clearly indicates the qualities of a virtuous woman && stresses the fact that if one wants success in this world && the Hereafter, he should select a pious wife. Such qualities the Muslimah possesses is that when her husband looks at her, she pleases him; when he orders her, she obeys him; && when he is absent, she guards herself (chastity) && the property of her husband.
[Abu Dawud and Nasa'i]
Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said, "A believer must not hate (his wife) believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another". [Muslim].
Mu`awiyah bin Haidah (Radi Allahu Anhu) reported: I asked Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) "What right can any wife demand of her husband?''
He replied, "You should give her food when you eat, clothe her when you clothe yourself, not strike her on the face, && do not revile her or separate from her except in the house".
[Abu Dawud].
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGBLElOujdY
2010年3月9日 星期二
Aqeedah at Tawheed – The Meaning of Reliance (Tawakkul) on Allah
All praise be to Allaah, Lord of the all that exists, and may Allaah send His peace and praises on His Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, as well as on all of his family members and Companions, and those who follow his guidance, tread his methodology and adhere to his Sunnah until the Day of Recompense.
To Proceed: Relying on Allaah (tawakkul) is one of the greatest forms of worship. Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23] So He made relying upon Allaah (tawakkul) a condition for Eemaan (Faith).
Allaah said to His Prophet: “So when you have made a decision, then put your trust in Allaah.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 159]
So He ordered His Prophet to put his trust and reliance on Allaah.
Allaah says: “O Prophet! Allaah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 64]
And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He makes a way out for him (from every difficulty). And He will provide for him from places he never could imagine. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, Allaah has set a measure for all things.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 2-3]
And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He will make his matter easy for him. That is the Command of Allaah, which He has sent down to you. And whoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins and enlarge his reward.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 4-5]
Furthermore, Allaah has linked this reliance (tawakkul) to worship ( ‘ibaadah), as occurs in His statement: “So worship Him and put your trust in Him.” [Surah Hood: 123]
Allaah orders us to put our trust in Him, and He praises those who do it. He also states in many verses of the Qur’aan that He loves those who put their reliance in Him. All of this indicates and shows the importance of putting one’s trust in Allaah.
Relying upon Allaah is from the actions of the heart – so it is an act of worship of the heart. Therefore, putting one’s trust in Allaah is not to be done with one’s limbs and body parts. Rather, it is found in the heart, just like fear (khawf), awe (khashyah), longing (raghbah), dreading (rahbah) and dutifulness (taqwaa) of Allaah – all of these are acts of worship of the heart.
The position of tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) is as some of the scholars have stated:“The position of tawakkul in the Religion is like that of the head on a body.”
So a person that does not have tawakkul does not have Religion, just like a body that has no head. It is well known that if a body is missing its head, it will cease to live. This is the same case with the Religion – if it lacks tawakkul, it lacks correctness – meaning that one will not have a correct religion.
Therefore, relying on Allaah has a great standing amongst the stations of servitude to Allaah. Allaah uses it to distinguish His believing servants from everyone else. So whoever doesn’t put his trust in Allaah at all is a disbeliever. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah and also on others besides Allaah (at the same time) is a polytheist. And as for the one who puts his trust in Allaah alone – he is a monotheistic believer whom Allaah loves and whose actions and statements He is pleased with. This is since he has established his actions and statements upon a correct foundation.
So what is the meaning of this tawakkul (reliance on Allaah), which holds such importance and high position in the Religion?
The Meaning of Reliance (Tawakkul) on Allaah
Tawakkul on Allaah means: Entrusting one’s affairs to Him and relying on Him in all matters. Entrusting one’s affairs to Allaah entails not turning to someone else for unseen (ghaibi) support or help.
So reliance (tawakkul) upon Allaah can be with regard to matters of Creed, such that the servant’s heart does not turn to anyone else besides Allaah. Therefore, he is always putting his reliance in Allaah, entrusting all of his affairs to Him.
The pagans did not fall into polytheism and disbelief except due to the fact that they put their reliance in other than Allaah, entrusted their affairs to other than Him, and believed in their hearts that someone besides Allaah was able to grant their requests, alleviate their worries and repel harms from them. So they relied on statues, idols, trees, stones, graves, shrines and the deceased.
They put their trust in created beings to grant them things that only Allaah could do. So they began to ask them for help, offer sacrifices to them, make oaths to them, and directed various forms of worship to them. This is since they have relied on them apart from Allaah, thinking that they have the power to benefit them, harm them or grant their requests. Due to this, when they put their reliance in other than Allaah and directed their beliefs and worship to other than Him, they disbelieved in Him.
The foundation of Shirk is: Entrusting one’s affairs and putting one’s reliance on other than Allaah. This is why Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23]
The scholars say: The object of the verb here “upon Allaah” denotes limitedness. Thus the ayah means: “Put your trust in Allaah alone and not anyone else.” So Allaah has restricted tawakkul to Himself alone apart from others. Upon Allaah” means not upon anyone else. The ayah continues: “…put your trust if you are truly believers.” Allaah has made tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) here a sign of one’s Faith in Him and proof of one’s Tawheed.
As for the one who claims to be a believer and an adherent of Tawheed, but yet then goes on to put his trust in other than Allaah, such as stones, trees, statues, graves, the deceased, and so on, then this person’s claim is false. And he is not a believer since he has entrusted his affairs to someone besides Allaah.
By: Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan,
Haqeeqat-ut-Tawakkul ‘ala Allaah
http://dailyreminders.org/aqeedah-at-tawheed-the-meaning-of-reliance-tawakkul-on-allah/
To Proceed: Relying on Allaah (tawakkul) is one of the greatest forms of worship. Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23] So He made relying upon Allaah (tawakkul) a condition for Eemaan (Faith).
Allaah said to His Prophet: “So when you have made a decision, then put your trust in Allaah.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 159]
So He ordered His Prophet to put his trust and reliance on Allaah.
Allaah says: “O Prophet! Allaah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 64]
And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He makes a way out for him (from every difficulty). And He will provide for him from places he never could imagine. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, Allaah has set a measure for all things.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 2-3]
And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He will make his matter easy for him. That is the Command of Allaah, which He has sent down to you. And whoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins and enlarge his reward.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 4-5]
Furthermore, Allaah has linked this reliance (tawakkul) to worship ( ‘ibaadah), as occurs in His statement: “So worship Him and put your trust in Him.” [Surah Hood: 123]
Allaah orders us to put our trust in Him, and He praises those who do it. He also states in many verses of the Qur’aan that He loves those who put their reliance in Him. All of this indicates and shows the importance of putting one’s trust in Allaah.
Relying upon Allaah is from the actions of the heart – so it is an act of worship of the heart. Therefore, putting one’s trust in Allaah is not to be done with one’s limbs and body parts. Rather, it is found in the heart, just like fear (khawf), awe (khashyah), longing (raghbah), dreading (rahbah) and dutifulness (taqwaa) of Allaah – all of these are acts of worship of the heart.
The position of tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) is as some of the scholars have stated:“The position of tawakkul in the Religion is like that of the head on a body.”
So a person that does not have tawakkul does not have Religion, just like a body that has no head. It is well known that if a body is missing its head, it will cease to live. This is the same case with the Religion – if it lacks tawakkul, it lacks correctness – meaning that one will not have a correct religion.
Therefore, relying on Allaah has a great standing amongst the stations of servitude to Allaah. Allaah uses it to distinguish His believing servants from everyone else. So whoever doesn’t put his trust in Allaah at all is a disbeliever. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah and also on others besides Allaah (at the same time) is a polytheist. And as for the one who puts his trust in Allaah alone – he is a monotheistic believer whom Allaah loves and whose actions and statements He is pleased with. This is since he has established his actions and statements upon a correct foundation.
So what is the meaning of this tawakkul (reliance on Allaah), which holds such importance and high position in the Religion?
The Meaning of Reliance (Tawakkul) on Allaah
Tawakkul on Allaah means: Entrusting one’s affairs to Him and relying on Him in all matters. Entrusting one’s affairs to Allaah entails not turning to someone else for unseen (ghaibi) support or help.
So reliance (tawakkul) upon Allaah can be with regard to matters of Creed, such that the servant’s heart does not turn to anyone else besides Allaah. Therefore, he is always putting his reliance in Allaah, entrusting all of his affairs to Him.
The pagans did not fall into polytheism and disbelief except due to the fact that they put their reliance in other than Allaah, entrusted their affairs to other than Him, and believed in their hearts that someone besides Allaah was able to grant their requests, alleviate their worries and repel harms from them. So they relied on statues, idols, trees, stones, graves, shrines and the deceased.
They put their trust in created beings to grant them things that only Allaah could do. So they began to ask them for help, offer sacrifices to them, make oaths to them, and directed various forms of worship to them. This is since they have relied on them apart from Allaah, thinking that they have the power to benefit them, harm them or grant their requests. Due to this, when they put their reliance in other than Allaah and directed their beliefs and worship to other than Him, they disbelieved in Him.
The foundation of Shirk is: Entrusting one’s affairs and putting one’s reliance on other than Allaah. This is why Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23]
The scholars say: The object of the verb here “upon Allaah” denotes limitedness. Thus the ayah means: “Put your trust in Allaah alone and not anyone else.” So Allaah has restricted tawakkul to Himself alone apart from others. Upon Allaah” means not upon anyone else. The ayah continues: “…put your trust if you are truly believers.” Allaah has made tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) here a sign of one’s Faith in Him and proof of one’s Tawheed.
As for the one who claims to be a believer and an adherent of Tawheed, but yet then goes on to put his trust in other than Allaah, such as stones, trees, statues, graves, the deceased, and so on, then this person’s claim is false. And he is not a believer since he has entrusted his affairs to someone besides Allaah.
By: Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan,
Haqeeqat-ut-Tawakkul ‘ala Allaah
http://dailyreminders.org/aqeedah-at-tawheed-the-meaning-of-reliance-tawakkul-on-allah/
JUSTE UN INSTANT (Just a moment)
pas se mentir et à observer ce qui nous entoure. L’angoisse de cet instant car la peur de prendre du recul et de voir nos erreurs. Juste un instant pour être, enfin, conscient de ce qui nous freine et nous entraîne dans des choses néfastes dans l’évolution de notre vie. Un doute, un silence dans la parole, une preuve que l’on ne sait pas ce que l’on croit savoir. Un instant, une minute, une journée, une pensée, un regard, un mot, une parole, un partage, un sourire…
Parfois le temps est comme suspendu, sous le choque d’un événement nous sommes comme figés, comme arrêté dans notre cheminement. La vie va si vite et nous passons notre temps à vouloir rattraper le temps mais le temps nous rattrape. On passe notre temps à courir sans voir ceux qui nous entourent, et un jour on pleure le temps passé, on pleure ceux qui ne sont plus. Juste un instant suffit pour écouter, entendre son cœur. Cinq fois par jour, le musulman se voit offrir un instant, une pause, une recharge, qu’en fait-il ?
La lecture de ce texte est déjà une pause pour toi, un instant que tu t’accordes, que tu accordes à Dieu, à ta conscience, à ton essence, à ta foi, à ton cœur. Sache qu’à l’instant où tu lis ces mots, leur poids me pèse encore car nos émotions ne s’effacent pas, elles se dissimulent pour réapparaître…
Juste un instant pour te remercier d’avoir fait l’effort de me lire. Je te demande cher lecteur, un instant pour pardonner à ceux qui t’entourent, pour revenir à Celui qui maitrise la Création toute entière, pour offrir du temps à ceux qui en ont besoin, pour t’effacer là où tu pourrais laisser ta place à celui qui n’ose pas, pour partager ces mots, pour dévoiler ce que contient ton cœur à ceux qui méritent de l’entendre.
Just a moment, a pause to discover, learn to know ourselves, not to lie and watch the world around us. The anguish of that moment for fear of stepping back and see our mistakes. Just a moment to be finally aware of what hinders us and leads us into bad things in the evolution of our life. A doubt, a pause in speech, proof that we do not know what one understands. One moment, one minute a day, a thought, a glance, a word, a word sharing a smile ...
Sometimes time is suspended under the shock of an event as we are frozen, as agreed in our path. Life goes so fast and we spend our time trying to catch up but time is catching up. We spend our time running around without seeing those around us, and one day we spent the time crying, you cry those who are not. Just a moment just to listen, hear his heart. Five times a day, the Muslim is offered a moment, pause, reload, what is it?
Reading this text is already a break for you, a moment that you grant you, that you grant to God, to your conscience, your essence, your faith, your heart. Know that the moment you read these words, their weight still weighs on me because our emotions do not disappear, they reappear in disguise ...
Just a moment to thank you for making the effort to read me. I ask you dear reader a moment to forgive those around you, to return to that which controls the whole creation, to give time to those who need to t'effacer where you could leave your place to him who dares not to share these words, to reveal what's in your heart to those who deserve to hear.
2010年2月22日 星期一
How to be successful in life
(In the light of the Glorious Qurân and the Sunnah)
By:
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Question:
How to obtain success and prosperity in this world and hereafter? What kind of success or prosperity that Islam wants the Ummah Islam gain in this world?
Answer:
Praise be to Allah.
Peace of mind, contentment, happiness and freedom from worries and anxiety… these are what everyone wants, and these are the ways in which people can have a good life and find complete happiness and joy.
There are religious means of achieving that, and natural and practical means, but no one can combine all of them except the believers; although other people may achieve some of them, they will miss out on others.
There follows a summary of the means of achieving this aim for which everyone is striving. In some cases, those who achieve many of them will live a joyful life and a good life; in other cases, those who fail to achieve all of them will live a life of misery and hardship. And there are others which are in between, according to what the means he is able to attain. These means include the following:
1 – Faith and righteous deeds:
This is the greatest and most fundamental of means. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)} [Quran, 16:97].
{مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحاً مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ
مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ}
Transliteration: Man `Amila Şāliĥāan Min Dhakarin 'Aw 'Unthá Wa Huwa Mu'uminun Falanuĥyiyannahu Ĥayāatan Ţayyibatan Wa Lanajziyannahum 'Ajrahum Bi'aĥsani Mā Kānū Ya`malūna
Allah tells us and promises us that whoever combines faith with righteous deeds will have a good life and a good reward in this world and in the Hereafter.
The reason for that is clear: those who believe in Allah – with sincere faith that motivates them to do righteous deeds that change hearts and attitudes and guides them to the straight path in this world and the Hereafter – follow principles and guidelines by means of which they deal with everything that happens to them, be it the causes of happiness and excitement or the causes of anxiety, worry and grief.
They deal with the things that they like by accepting them and giving thanks for them, and using them in good ways. When they deal with them in this manner, that creates in them a sense of excitement and the hope that it will continue and that they will be rewarded for their gratitude, which is more important than the good things that happen to them. And they deal with bad things, worries and distress by resisting those that they can resist, alleviating those that they can alleviate, and bearing with goodly patience those that they cannot avoid. Thus as a result of the bad things they gain a lot of benefits, experience, strength, patience and hope of reward, which are more important and which diminish the hardships they have undergone and replace them with happiness and hope for the bounty and reward of Allah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) expressed this in a saheeh hadeeth in which he said: «How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone but the believer» [Narrated by Muslim, no. 2999].
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that the believer is always gaining and the reward for his deeds is always multiplying, no matter what happens to him, good or bad.
2 – Being kind to people in word and deed, and all kinds of doing good.
This is one of the means of removing worry, distress and anxiety. By this means Allah wards off worries and distress from righteous and immoral like, but the believer has the greater share of that, and is distinguished by the fact that his kindness to others stems from sincerity and the hope of reward, so Allah makes it easy for him to be kind to others because of the hope that this will bring good things and ward off bad things, by means of his sincerity and hope of reward. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{لاَّ خَيْرَ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّن نَّجْوَاهُمْ إِلاَّ مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلاَحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ ابْتَغَاء مَرْضَاتِ اللّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْراً عَظِيماً}
Transliteration: Lā Khayra Fī Kathīrin Min Najwāhum 'Illā Man 'Amara Bişadaqatin 'Aw Ma`rūfin 'Aw 'Işlāĥin Bayna An-Nāsi Wa Man Yaf`al Dhālika Abtighā'a Marđāati Allāhi Fasawfa Nu'utīhi 'Ajrāan `Ažīmāan
{There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward} [Quran, 4:114].
Part of that great reward is relief from worry, distress, troubles, etc.
3 – Another of the means of warding off anxiety that stems from nervous tension and being preoccupied with disturbing thoughts is to occupy oneself with good deeds or seeking beneficial knowledge, for that will distract one from dwelling on the matters that are causing anxiety. In this way a person may forget about the things that are making him worried and distressed, and he may become happy and more energetic. This is another means that believers and others have in common, but the believer is distinguished by his faith, sincerity and hope of reward when he occupies himself with that knowledge which he is learning or teaching, or with the good deeds that he is doing.
The work with which he occupies himself should be something that he likes and enjoys, for that is more likely to produce the desired results. And Allah knows best.
4 – Another thing that may ward off worry and anxiety is focusing all one’s thoughts of the present day, and not worrying about the future or grieving about the past. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sought refuge with Allah from worry and regret, from regret for things in the past which one cannot put right or change, and worry which may come because of fear for the future. So one should focus only on the present day, and focus one's efforts on getting things right today. For if a person is focused on that, this means that he will do things properly and forget about worry and regret.
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said a du’aa’ or taught a du’aa’ to his Ummah, as well as urging them to seek the help of Allah and hope for His bounty, he was also urging them to strive to attain the thing they were praying for through their own efforts and to forget about the thing which they were praying would be warded off from them. Because du’aa’ (supplication) must be accompanied by action. So a person must strive to attain that which will benefit him in worldly and spiritual terms, and ask his Lord to make his efforts successful, and he should seek His help in that, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
«Strive for that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not be helpless. If anything (bad) happens to you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such-and-such, then such-and-such would have happened.’ Rather you should say, ‘Qaddara Allah wa ma sha’a fa’ala (Allah decrees, and what He wills He does),’ for (the words) ‘If only’ open the door to the Shaytaan» [Narrated by Muslim].
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) connected the matter of striving to achieve good things with the matter of seeking the help of Allah and not giving in to feelings of helplessness which are a harmful kind of laziness, and with the matter of accepting things in the past which are over and done with, and acknowledging that the will and decree of Allah will inevitably come to pass. He described matters as being of two types:
1 – Matters which a person may strive to achieve or to achieve whatever he can of them, or to ward them off or alleviate them. In such cases a person must strive and make the effort, and also seek the help of Allah.
2 – Matters where such is not possible, so he must have peace of mind, accept them and submit to Allah's will.
Undoubtedly paying attention to this principle will bring happiness and relieve worry and distress.
5 – One of the greatest means of feeling content and relaxed and of acquiring peace of mind is to remember Allah a great deal (dhikr). That has a great effect in bringing contentment and peace of mind, and relieving worry and distress. Allah says:
{الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ أَلاَ بِذِكْرِ اللّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ}
Transliteration: Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Wa Taţma'innu Qulūbuhum Bidhikri Allāhi 'Alā Bidhikri Allāhi Taţma'innu Al-Qulūbu
{Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest} [Quran, 13:28].
Remembering Allah (dhikr) has a great effect in achieving this aim because it has a special influence and because of the hope that it brings of reward.
6 – Another of the means of bringing happiness and relieving worry and distress is striving to eliminate the things that cause worry and to achieve the things that bring happiness. That may be done by forgetting about bad things in the past which cannot be changed, and realizing that dwelling on them is a waste of time. So a person must strive to stop himself from thinking of that, and also strive to stop himself from feeling anxious about the future and the things that he may imagine of poverty, fear and other bad things that he thinks may happen to him in the future. He should realize that the future is something unknown, he cannot know what good or bad things are going to happen to him. That is in the hand of the Almighty, the Most Wise, and all that His slaves can do is to strive to attain the good things and to ward off the bad things. A person should realize that if he diverts his thoughts from worrying about his future and puts his trust in his Lord to take care of his situation, and puts his mind at rest concerning that, if he does that, then his heart will be at peace and his situation will improve and he will be relieved of worry and anxiety.
One of the most effective ways of dealing with worries about the future is to recite this du’aa’ which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to recite:
«Allaahumma aslih li deeni alladhi huwa ‘ismatu amri, wa aslih li dunyaaya allati fiha ma’aashi, wa aslih li aakhirati allati ilayha ma’aadi, waj’al al-hayaata ziyaadatan li fi kulli khayr, wa’l-mawta raahatan li min kulli sharr (O Allah, correct my religious commitment which is the foundation of my life, and correct my worldly affairs in which is my livelihood, and grant me good in the Hereafter to which is my return. Make my life a means of accumulating good, and make death a respite for me from all evil)» [Narrated by Muslim, 2720].
And he said: «Allaahumma rahmataka arju fa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘aynin wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu, laa ilaaha illa anta (O Allah, for Your mercy I hope, so do not abandon me to myself even for a moment. And correct all my affairs. There is no god but You)» [Narrated by Abu Dawood with a saheeh isnaad, no. 5090; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Kalim al-Tayyib, p. 49].
If a person utters these du’aa’s, which ask that his spiritual and worldly affairs may be set right or corrected, with proper presence of mind and sincerity of intention, whilst striving to achieve that, Allah will grant him what he has prayed for, hoped for and striven for, and He will turn his worry into joy and happiness.
7 – If a person experiences anxiety and distress because of a disaster, then one of the most effective means of relieving himself of that is to think of the worst scenario to which that may lead, and try to accept that. When he has done that, then he should try to alleviate it as much as possible. By means of this acceptance and these efforts, he will relieve himself of his worries and distress, and instead of worrying he will strive to bring about good things and to deal with whatever he can of the bad things.
If he is faced with things that cause fear or the possibility of sickness or poverty, then he should deal with that by striving to make himself accept that, or something even worse, with contentment, because by making himself accept the worst-case scenario, he lessens the impact of the thing and makes it seem less terrible, especially if he occupies himself with efforts to ward it off as much as he can. Thus as well as striving to achieve something good which will distract him from his worries about calamity, he will also renew his strength to resist bad things, and put his trust and reliance in Allah.
Undoubtedly these matters are of great benefit in attaining happiness and peace of mind, as well as bringing the hope of reward in this world and in the Hereafter. This is something which is well known from the experience of many who have tried it.
8 – Steadfastness of heart and not being disturbed about the imaginary things that bad thoughts may bring to mind. For when a person gives in to his imagination and lets his mind be disturbed by these thoughts, such as fear of disease and the like, or anger and confusion stirred up by some grievous matter, or the expectation of bad things and the loss of good things, that will fill him with worries, distress, mental and physical illness and nervous breakdowns, which will have a bad effect on him and which causes a great deal of harm, as many people have seen. But when a person depends on Allah and puts his trust in Him, and does not give in to his imagination or let bad thoughts overwhelm him, and he relies on Allah and has hope of His bounty, that wards off his worries and distress, and relieves him of a great deal of mental and physical sickness. It gives indescribable strength, comfort and happiness to the heart. How many hospitals are filled with the mentally sick victims of illusions and harmful imagination; how often have these things had an effect upon the hearts of many strong people, let alone the weak ones; how often have they led to foolishness and insanity.
It should be noted that your life will follow your train of thought. If your thoughts are of things that will bring you benefit in your spiritual or worldly affairs, then your life will be good and happy. Otherwise it will be the opposite.
The person who is safe from all of that is the one who is protected by Allah and helped by Him to strive to achieve that which will benefit and strengthen the heart and ward off anxiety. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
{And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him} [Quran, 65:3]
{وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ}
Transliteration: Wa Man Yatawakkal `Alaá Allāhi Fahuwa Ĥasbuhu
i.e., He will be sufficient for all that is worrying him in his spiritual and worldly affairs. The one who puts his trust in Allah will have strength in his heart and will not be affected by anything he imagines or be disturbed by events, because he knows that these are the result of vulnerable human nature and of weakness and fear that have no basis. He also knows that Allah has guaranteed complete sufficiency to those who put their trust in Him. So he trusts in Allah and finds peace of mind in His promise, and thus his worry and anxiety are dispelled; hardship is turned to ease, sadness is turned to joy, fear is turned to peace. We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound, and to bless us with strength and steadfastness of heart, and complete trust, for Allah has guaranteed all good things to those who put their trust in Him, and has guaranteed to ward off all bad and harmful things from them.
If bad things happen or there is the fear of such, then you should count the many blessings that you are still enjoying, both spiritual and worldly, and compare them with the bad things that have happened, for when you compare them you will see the many blessings that you are enjoying, and this will make the bad things appear less serious.
See al-Wasaa’il al-Mufeedah li’l-Hayaat al-Sa’eedah by Shatkh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Sa’di
Ibn al-Qayyim summed fifteen ways through which Allah may dispel worries and regret. These are as follows:
1- Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah (belief in the Oneness of Divine Lordship).
2- Tawheed al-Uloohiyyah (belief in the Oneness of the Divine nature).
3- Tawheed of knowledge and belief (i.e., Tawheed al-Asma’ wa’l_Sifaat, belief in the Oneness of the Divine names and attributes).
4- Thinking of Allah as being above doing any injustice to His slaves, and above punishing anyone for no cause on the part of the slave that would require such punishment.
5- The person’s acknowledging that he is the one who has done wrong.
6- Beseeching Allah by means of the things that are most beloved to Him, which are His names and attributes. Two of His names that encompass the meanings of all other names and attributes are al-Hayy (the Ever-Living) and al-Qayyoom (the Eternal).
7- Seeking the help of Allah Alone.
8- Affirming one's hope in Him.
9- Truly putting one’s trust in Him and leaving matters to Him, acknowledging that one's forelock is in His hand and that He does as He wills, that His will is forever executed and that He is just in all that He decrees.
10- Letting one's heart wander in the garden of the Qur’aan, seeking consolation in it from every calamity, seeking healing in it from all diseases of the heart, so that it will bring comfort to his grief and healing for his worries and distress.
11- Seeking forgiveness.
12- Repentance.
13- Jihad.
14- Salah (prayer).
15- Declaring that he has no power and no strength, and leaving matters to the One in Whose hand they are.
We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound from worries and to relieve us of distress and anxiety, for He is the All-Hearing, Ever-Responsive, and He is the Ever-Living, Eternal.
See Alhomoom – Dealing with Worries and Stress, in the Books section of this site.
And Allah knows best. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
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