Accommodative ..!!

Ibn Hisham tells of a group of women from the tribe of Banu Ghifar, who came to the Prophet (peace be upon him), as he was about to depart to Khaybar. They asked to accompany him so as to attend the wounded, and help the Muslims in any way they could. The Prophet told them to do so, with God's blessing.

One of these women was quite young, and the Prophet took her on the back of his saddle. When they stopped next morning to pray, there was menstrual blood in the saddle where the young girl had been sitting. She clinched to the camel's back trying to hide it. The Prophet saw her and understood the cause of her embarrassment. He said, 'put some salt in the water and wash it, and continue your ride with me.'

Such was the character of the Prophet (peace be upon him) easy, natural and quite accommodative to other people. No wonder, he was so dearly loved by the Muslims, and by anybody who happened to meet him. His way with women and young people was most impressive: he needed no time to win over their hearts.

Compiled From:
"War and Peace In The Life of the Prophet Muhammad" - Zakaria Bashier, 214, 215

Wealth & Property

"Say: My Lord gives in abundance, or gives in scant measure, to whomever He wills; but most people do not understand."

The question of wealth and property, and how much someone has of the means of luxury and pleasure, is one that many people wonder. They are troubled when they see that the wicked, the corrupt and the perpetrators of evil have whatever they wish for of wealth and power, while those who are virtuous, good and honest are deprived of it all.

Some tend to think that God only gives in abundance to someone who enjoys a privileged position with Him. Others may even doubt whether goodness, honesty and virtue have any real value, since they often go hand in hand with poverty and deprivation. Therefore, the Quran separates the riches and luxuries of this world from the values which God approves of. It states that God grants sustenance in abundance or scant measure to whomever He wills, and this has nothing to do with Him being pleased or displeased with anyone.

A person's wealth, position or offspring in this life bear no indication of that person's standing with God. Such standing is determined on the basis of how people behave.

Compiled From:
"In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 14, p. 169-171

Forgiveness (Hadiths)

1. Punishment expiates sins

The Prophet added: "Whoever among you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for that sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)." - Volume 1, Book 2, Number 17: Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit:

2. Sincere prayers result in forgiveness of sins

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven." , Volume 1, Book 2, Number 34, Narrated Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said: "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven." - , Volume 1, Book 2, Number 36, Narrated Abu Huraira

3. Fasting and sincere prayer result in forgiveness

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." - Volume 1, Book 2, Number 37, Narrated Abu Huraira.

Sabr - Patience

Allah surely loves those who are the Sabireen (patient).” (3:146)

Hardships and ease are a trial for you. Everything Allah chooses for you; from good or evil, is for your benefit. Whatever occurred to you could not have missed you and what missed you could never have reached you. Rewards are only for those who are patient with the Decree of Allah.

Panic and impatience cannot prevent Allah’s Decree. Shakwah (complaining) is contradictory to Sabr (patience). Allah alone can protect you from harm and ease your difficulties. Sabr is obligatory!
If the affliction results from acts of obedience to Allah, such as injury on the battlefield, losing money during Hijrah(migrating for the sake of Allah), losing a job because of accepting Islam or because one attempts to follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (Salal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) like growing the beard, wearing the lower garment above the ankles, etc, then the affliction is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded and whoever exhibits annoyance may invoke the wrath of Allah upon himself.

If the affliction befalls due to sinful actions, such as illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and using drugs etc, then the affliction is a punishment from Allah. Hasten to avoid all sinful acts and turn towards Allah in repentance and ask his forgiveness. Otherwise, know that the punishments of the Hereafter are far more severe and unbearable.
If the affliction is neither connected to neither a good deed nor a sin, such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business, then you should evaluate your actions. If you are involved in some kind of disobedience to Allah then the affliction is a punishment for you and a reminder to leave your evil deeds. Otherwise, Allah has caused this affliction to test your patience.

The Messenger of Allah (Salal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “One amongst the inhabitants of Hell, who had lived a life of ease and pleasure in the world, would be made to dip in the Hell Fire only once on the Day of Resurrection. Then he would be asked: ‘O son of Adam, Did you find any comfort. Did you get any blessing?’ He would say: ‘By Allah, no, my Lord!’ Then a person, from the inhabitants of Paradise, who had led the most miserable life (in the world), would be made to dip once in Paradise and it would be said to him: ‘O son of Adam, did you face any hardship or experience any distress?’ he would say: ‘By Allah! No never have I experienced any hardship or distress’.” (Saheeh Muslim, No. 6738)

The Lessons from Death...!!

Life slips away second by second. Are you aware that every day brings
you closer to death or that death is as close to you as it is to
other people?

As we are told in the verse "Every soul shall taste death in the end;
to Us shall you be brought back." (Surat al-'Ankabut: 57) everyone
who has ever appeared on this earth was destined to die. Without
exception they all died, every one. Today, we hardly come across the
traces of many of these people who passed away. Those currently
living and those who will ever live will also face death on a
predestined day. Despite this fact, people tend to see death as an
unlikely incident.

Think of a baby who has just opened its eyes to the world and a man
who is about to breathe his last. Both had no influence on their
individual birth or death whatsoever. Only God possesses the power to
inspire the breath of life or to take it away.

All human beings will live until a certain day and then die; God in
the Qur'an gives an account of the attitude commonly shown towards
death in the following verse:

Say: "The death from which you flee will truly overtake you: then you
will be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He
will tell you (the truth of) the things that you did!" (Surat al-
Jumu'ah: 8)

The majority of people avoid thinking about death. In the rapid flow
of daily events, a person usually occupies himself with totally
different subjects: what college to enroll in, which company to work
for, what color of clothing to wear next morning, what to cook for
supper; these are the kinds of major issues that we usually consider.
Life is perceived as a routine process of such minor matters.
Attempts to talk about death are always interrupted by those who do
not feel comfortable hearing about it. Assuming death will come only
when one grows older, one does not want to concern himself with such
an unpleasant subject. Yet it should be kept in mind that living for
even one further hour is never guaranteed. Everyday, man witnesses
the deaths of people around him but thinks little about the day when
others will witness his own death. He never supposes that such an end
is awaiting him!

Nevertheless, when death comes to man, all the "realities" of life
suddenly vanish. No reminder of the "good old days" endures in this
world. Think of everything that you are able to do right now: you can
blink your eyes, move your body, speak, laugh; all these are
functions of your body. Now think about the state and shape your body
will assume after your death.

While all this is taking place in the world, the corpse under the
soil will go through a rapid process of decay. Skin and soft tissues
will completely disintegrate. The brain will decay and start looking
like clay. This process will go on until the whole body is reduced to
a skeleton.

However, our beloved prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), was reported to have
said that the dead body of prophets, pious people and martyrs would
not decay in the grave and that there is enjoyment in the grave just
as there is punishment in it.

There is no chance of going back to the old life again. Gathering
around the supper table with family members, socializing or to having
an honorable job will never again be possible.

In short, the "heap of flesh and bones" to which we assign an
identity faces a quite nasty end. On the other hand, you - or rather,
your soul - will leave this body as soon as you breathe your last.
The remainder of you - your body - will become part of the soil.

Yes, but what is the reason for all these things happening?

If God willed, the body would never have decayed in such a way. That
it does so actually carries a very important inner message in itself.

The tremendous end awaiting man should make him acknowledge that he
is not a body himself, but a soul "encased" within a body. In other
words, man has to acknowledge that he has an existence beyond his
body. Furthermore, man should understand the death of his body, which
he tries to possess as if he is to remain eternally in this temporal
world. However this body, which he deems so important, will decay and
become worm-eaten one day and finally be reduced to a skeleton. That
day might be very soon.

Despite all these facts, man's mental process is inclined to
disregard what he does not like or want. He is even inclined to deny
the existence of things he avoids confronting. This tendency seems to
be most apparent when death is the issue. Only a funeral or the
sudden death of an immediate family member brings this reality to
mind. Almost everybody sees death far from himself. The assumption is
that those who die while sleeping or in an accident are different
people and what they face will never befall us! Everybody thinks it
is too early to die and that there are always years ahead to live.

Yet most probably, people who die on the way to school or hurrying to
attend a business meeting shared the same thought. They probably
never thought that the next day's newspapers would publish news of
their deaths. It is entirely possible that, as you read these lines,
you still do not expect to die soon after you have finished them or
even entertain the possibility that it might happen. Probably you
feel that it is too early to die because there are many things to
accomplish. However, this is just an avoidance of death and these are
only vain endeavors to escape it:

Say: "Running away will not profit you if you are running away from
death or slaughter; and even if (you do escape), no more than a brief
(respite) will you be allowed to enjoy!"(Surat al-Ahzab: 16)

Man who is created alone should be aware that he would also die
alone. Yet during his life, he lives almost addicted to possessions.
His sole purpose in life becomes to possess more. Yet, no one can
take his goods with him to the grave. The body is buried wrapped in a
shroud made from the cheapest of fabrics. The body comes into this
world alone and departs from it in the same way.

Dreams and Wishes..!~

Islam is the religion of rational and critical minds. This is why one of its fundamental goals is to make man aware of the paramount significance of gradation, fortitude, and maturity. Haste is an inherent characteristic of man in general and of the young in particular. Indeed, haste is an outstanding characteristic of our own age. It has made our youth eager to sow the seeds today and to harvest the next day. But Allah's will in His own creation does not allow that: a tree goes through stages of growth, short or long, before it bears fruit. The very creation of a human being illustrates this very clearly. A child is born, breast­fed and weaned, then he/she gradually grows from childhood to maturity. Similarly, life gradually moves from one stage to another until Allah's sunan (patterns) are realized.

Islam began as a simple religion, then gradually the obligatory duties were introduced, the prohibitions prescribed, and legislative matters detailed. Gradually, the structure took full shape, and Allah's favours and blessings were diffused everywhere. Such development and stages are plain enough, but they are rarely, at all, observed or acknowledged.

The enthusiastic young people are outraged by the corruption that surrounds them as they witness, and live, the rapidly worsening condition of the Islamic Ummah. The common concern initiates group meetings they undertake to put things right, to salvage what is worth keeping. But in their haste and enthusiasm, they lose clarity of vision, they begin to daydream and build castles in the air, believing that they can blot out all forms of corruption and falsehood in addition to establishing the ideal Islamic state overnight.

They underestimate or disregard the incalculable obstacles and pitfalls that exceed their means and potential. Their dilemma is like that of the man who asked Ibn Sirin to interpret a dream for him: he dreamed that he was swimming on dry land, flying without wings. Ibn Sirin told him that he too was a man of too many dreams and wishes. Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) warned his son: " . .and beware of relying on wishes, for they are the goods of fools."

Compiled From:
"Islamic Awakening Between Rejection and Extremism" - Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

Obligations of Employers and Employees..!!

As an employer, you have an obligation to care for your staff; provide the most suitable working environment; and ensure that they are fully compensated punctually, for all their services rendered: 'Give the labourer his wages before his sweat dries'. (Ibn Majah.) The Prophet also said that one of the persons he shall be against on the Day of judgment is the man who does not pay the right wages to his employees after their labours.

As an employee, you must perform your job with diligence and proficiency. `Verily, Allah loves that when anyone of you does a job he should perfect it' (al-Bayhaqi). Know that the best food is that which comes from your own efforts: `No one eats better food than what he earns by the labour of his own hands'. (Bukhari.)

Compiled From:
"In The Early Hours" - Khurram Murad

LESSONS ON LIFE

There was a man who had four sons.

He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly.

So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral: Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

Don't judge life by one difficult season.

Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.

Day of Arafah

Jabir reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “There is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of Arafah. On this day Allah, the Almighty and the Exalted One, descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven, ‘Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair dishevelled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy, even though they have not seen My chastisement.' Far more people are freed from the Hellfire on the Day of Arafah than on any other day.” [Ibn Hibban]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spent the day at Arafah until almost sunset. Then he said, “O Bilal, ask the people to be quiet and listen to me.” Bilal stood up and asked the people to be quiet and listen to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When the people were quiet, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O people, a little while ago Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to me. Gave me salutations from Allah and informed me that Allah has forgiven those who spend the Day at Arafah and those who stop at Al-Mashar Al-Haram, and that He has guaranteed their debts.”

At this Umar ibn Al-Khattab stood up and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger, is this for us only?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “This is for you and for all those who will come after you until the Day of Judgment.” Umar exclaimed, “How plentiful and blissful Allah’s bounties are!” [Ibn Al-Mubarak]

Abu Ad-Darda reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “On no other day does the Satan feel so belittled, humiliated, and angry as he does on the Day of Arafah. The reason for this is the mercy of Allah that descends (this day) and the forgiveness that He grants to people for major sins, except the day of the Battle of Badr, which witnessed a far greater mercy of Allah descending upon people, which caused great sadness to Satan."

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked, “O Prophet of Allah, what did Satan see on the day of the Battle of Badr?” “He saw Gabriel leading the troops of angels,” he replied (Reported by Malik and Al-Hakim).

Compiled From:
"Fiqh-us-Sunnah" - Sayyid Sabiq

Lip Service

Commitment is a promise made with no expectation of return. It is the willingness to make a promise independent of either approval or reciprocity from other people. This takes barter out of the conversation. Our promise is not contingent on the actions of others. As long as our promise is dependent on the actions of others, it is not a commitment; it is a deal, a contract.

Saying no is a stance as useful as a promise. Both offer clarity and the authentic basis to move forward, even if there is no place to go at the moment. Lip service is another story. Nothing kills transformation faster than lip service. The future does not die from opposition; it disappears in the face of lip service.

Lip service sabotages commitment. It offers an empty step forward. It comes in the form of "I'll try." It is an agreement made standing next to the exit door. Whenever someone says they will try hard, agree to think about it, or do the best they can, it is smart to consider that a no. It may not be a final refusal, but at that moment there is no commitment. We can move forward with refusal; we cannot move forward with maybe. Whether it is a response to feeling coerced, a sense of internal obligation, or just a desire to look good, it is really a way to escape the moment and hijacks commitment.

Compiled From:
"Community: The Structure of Belonging" - Peter Block, p. 136, 137

Abomination

"he who slays a soul unless it be (in punishment) for murder or for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind."

The Guidance:

No human being has any right by himself to take human life in retaliation or for causing mischief on this earth. Therefore it is incumbent on every human being that under no circumstances should he be guilty of taking a human life. If anyone has murdered a human being, it is as if he has slain the entire human race.

The Prophet, may God's blessings be on him, has declared murder as the greatest sin only next to polytheism. The Tradition of the Prophet reads: "The greatest sins are to associate something with God and to kill human beings."

In the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet the word 'soul' (nafs) has been used in general terms without any distinction or particularization. Therefore the injunction to not kill does not refer only to the persons belonging to one's nation, the citizens of one's country, the people of a particular race or religion. The injunction applies to all human beings and the destruction of human life in itself has been prohibited.

The Reason:

The survival of human life depends on everyone respecting other human beings and in contributing actively to the survival and protection of others. Whosoever kills unjustly is thus not merely guilty of doing wrong to one single person, but proves by his act that his heart is devoid of respect for human life and of sympathy for the human species as such. Such a person, therefore, is an enemy of all mankind. This is so because he happens to be possessed of a quality which, were it to become common to all men, would lead to the destruction of the entire human race. The person who helps to preserve the life of even one person, on the other hand, is the protector of the whole of humanity, for he possesses a quality which is indispensable to the survival of mankind.

The Abomination:

The terrorist attacks that have taken place recently are an abomination. We feel great pain and sorrow for the innocent victims of these attacks. We also feel great sorrow for the sake of our religion. Islam has been treated unjustly by these attacks. Islam's global reputation has been severely wounded. We need to fear Allah and not disgrace our religion. The Prophet Muhammad – whom Allah sent as a mercy to all humanity – refrained from causing any harm even to the hypocrites who were plotting against the Muslims while living right in their midst and under his authority. He could have dealt with them easily in any manner he chose – and he chose to show them peace and mercy. He explained: "It will never be said that Muhammad killed his companions."

When will we wake up and see reason? When will we face up to our responsibility towards our religion? When will we start acting like we realize there are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world who share with us this religious identity? Does it make any sense to wipe their faces with mud or disgrace them?

Compiled From:
"Human Rights in Islam" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi, Vol.2, 155-156
"Mumbai - Islam's Reputation is at Stake" - Salman al-Oadah

:::::::::7 Common mistakes usually we make in prayers:::::‏

Listed below are the 7 Common mistakes usually we make in prayers.

Mistake 1: Reciting Surat al-Fatiha fast without pausing after each
verse.

The Prophet (SAW) used to pause after each verse of this surah. (Abu
Dawood)

Mistake 2: Sticking the arms to the sides of the body, in
rukoo' or sujood, and sticking the belly to the thighs in sujood.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Let not one of you support
himself on his forearms (in sujood) like the dog. Let him rest on
his palms and keep his elbows away from his body.' (Sahih Muslim) .
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to keep his arms away from his
body during rukoo' and sujood that the whiteness of his armpits
could be seen (Sahih Muslim).

Mistake 3: Gazing upward during prayer.
This may cause loss of concentration. We are commanded to lower our
gaze, and look at the point at which the head rests during sujood.
The Prophet (SAW) warned: 'Let those who raise their gaze up during
prayer stop doing so, or else their sights would not return to them.
i.e. lose their eyesight].' (Muslim)

Mistake 4 : Resting only the tip of the head on the floor during
sujood.

The Prophet (SAW) said: 'I am commanded to prostrate on seven bones
the forehead and the nose, the two hands [palms], the two knees, and
the two feet.' (Sahih Muslim) Applying the above command
necessitates resting the forehead and the nose on the ground during
sujood.

Mistake 5 : Hasty performance of prayer which does not allow
repose and calmness in rukoo' or sujood.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) saw a man who did not complete his
rukoo' [bowing], and made a very short sujood [prostration] ; he
(SAW) said: 'If this man dies while praying in this manner, he would
die upholding a religion other than the religion of Muhammad.' Abu
Hurairah (RA) said: 'My beloved friend, Muhammad (SAW) forbade me to
perform postures of prayer copying the picking of a rooster;
(signifying fast performance of prayer), moving eyes around like a
fox and the sitting like monkeys ( i.e. to sit on thighs).' (Imam
Ahmad & at-Tayalisi) The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ' The worst
thief is the one who steals from his own prayer.' People
asked, 'Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own
prayer?' He (SAW) said: 'By not completing its rukoo' and sujood.'
(At Tabarani & al-Hakim).To complete rukoo' is to stay in that
posture long enough to recite 'Subhana rabbiyal Adtheem' three
times, SLOWLY, and 'Subhana rabbiyal-a'ala' three times, SLOWLY, in
sujood. He (SAW) also announced: 'He who does not complete his
rukoo' and sujood, his prayer is void.' (Abu Dawood & others)

Mistake 6 : Counting tasbeeh with the left handThe Prophet (SAW)
used to count tasbeeh on the fingers of his right hand after salah.
Ibn Qudamah (RA) said: ' The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used his right
hand for tasbeeh.' (Abu Dawood). The above hadeeth indicates clearly
that the Prophet (SAW) used only one hand for counting tasbeeh. No
Muslim with sound mind would imagine that the Prophet (SAW) used his
left hand for counting tasbeeh. Aa'ishah (RA) said that the Prophet
(SAW) used his left hand only for Istinjaa', or cleaning himself
after responding to the call of nature. He never used it for
tasbeeh. Yasirah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) commanded women to
count tasbeeh on their fingers. The Messenger of Allah (SAW)
said: 'They (the fingers) will be made to speak, and will be
questioned (on the Day of Resurrection. )' (At-Tirmidhi) .. The
above Hadeeth indicates that it is preferable to count tasbeeh on
the fingers of the right hand than to do so on masbahah (rosary).

Mistake 7 : Crossing in front of a praying person.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) warned: 'Were the one who crosses in
front of a praying person to know the consequences of doing so, he
would have waited for *forty better than to cross in front of him.'
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim). *The forty in the tradition may be days
months or even years. Allah knows best. Common Errors in Prayer That
MUST Be Avoided.

100 Question Answers "Qur'an"‏

Q) What is the meaning of the word "Qur'an"?
A) That which is Read.

Q) Where was the Qur'an revealed first?
A) In the cave of Hira (Makkah)

Q) On which night was the Qur'an first revealed?
A) Lailatul-Qadr (Night of the Power)

Q) Who revealed the Qur'an?
A) Allah revealed the Qur'an

Q) Through whom was the Qur'an revealed?
A) Through Angel Jibraeel (Alaihis-Salaam)

Q) To whom was the Qur'an revealed?
A) To the last Prophet Muhammed (Sallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Q) Who took the responsibility of keeping the Qur'an safe?
A) Allah himself

Q) What are the conditions for holding or touching the Qur'an?
A) One has to be clean and to be with wudhu (ablution)

Q) Which is the book which is read most?
A) The Qur'an

Q) What is the topic of the Qur'an?
A) Man

Q) What are the other names of the Qur'an according to the Qur'an itself?
A) Al-Furqaan, Al-Kitaab, Al-Zikr, Al-Noor, Al-Huda

Q) How many Makki Surahs (chapters) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 86

Q) How many Madani Surahs (chapters) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 28

Q) How many Manzils (stages) are there in the Qur'an?
A)7

Q) How many Paara or Juz (parts) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 30

Q) How many Surahs (chapters) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 114

Q) How many Rukoo (paragraphs) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 540

Q) How many Aayaath (verses) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 6666

Q) How many times is the word 'Allah' repeated in the Qur'an?
A) 2698

Q) How many different types of Aayaath (verses) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 10

Q) Who is the first 'Haafiz' of the Qur'an?
A) Prophet Muhammed (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Q) At the time of the death of Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) how many Huffaz were there?
A) 22

Q) How many Aayaaths (verses) on Sajda (prostation) are there in the Qur'an?
A) 14

Q) In which Paara (part) and Surah (chapter) do you find the first verse about Sajda (prostation)?
A) The 9th Paara, 7th Chapter-Surah-al-Araaf, Verse206

Q) How many times has the Qur'an stressed about Salaat or Namaaz (prayer)?
A) 700 times

Q) How many times has the Qur'an emphasized on alms or charity?
A) 150

Q) How many times in the Qur'an, is the Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) addressed as Yaa-Aiyu-Han-Nabi?
A)11 times

Q) Where in the Qur'an has Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) been named 'Ahmed'?
A)Paara 28, Surah Saff, Ayath 6

Q) How many times has the name of Rasool-ullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) been mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) - 4 times Ahmed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) - 1 time.

Q) Name the Prophet whose name is mentioned and discussed most in the Qur'an?
A) Moosa (Alahis-Salaam)

Q) Who were the Kaathibe-Wahi (copyists of the revelations) of the Qur'an?
A) Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu), Usman (Radhiallahu Anhu), Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu), Zaid Bin Harith (Radhiallahu Anhu) And Abdullah bin Masood (Radhiallahu Anhu)

Q) Who was the first person who counted the Aayaath (verses) of the Qur'an?
A) Ayesha (Radhiallahu Anha)

Q) On whose advice did Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu) decide to compile the Qur'an?
A) Omer Farooq (Radhiallahu Anhu)

Q) On whose order was the Qur'an compiled completely in written form?
A) Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu)

Q) Who confined the recitation of the Qur'an on the style of the Quraysh tribe?
A) Usman (Radhiallahu Anhu)

Q) Out of the copies of the Qur'an compiled by Usman (Radhiallahu Anhu), how many and where are they at present?
A) Only 2 copies. One in Tashkent and the other in Istanbul.

Q) Which Surah of the Qur'an was Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) reciting while praying, that Hazrat Jabeer Bin Muth'im Listened to and embraced Islam?
A) Surah Thoor

Q) Which was that Surah of the Qur'an which the Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had recited when one of his enemies Utba after listening to it fell in Sajda (prostation)?
A) The first five Ayaaths of Ham-Meem-Sajda

Q) Which is the first and the most ancient Mosque according to the Qur'an?
A) Kaaba.

Q) In Qur'an mankind is divided into two groups. Which are those two groups?
A) Believers and disbelievers.

Q) Who is the man about whom, Allah has said in the Qur'an that his body is kept as an admonishing example for future generations to come?
A) Fir'aun. (Pharaoh)

Q) Besides the body of Pharaoh, what is that thing which is kept as an admonishing example for future generations to come?
A )Noah's Ark.

Q) After the wreckage of Prophet Noah's Ark, which is its place of rest mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) Cave of Judi.

Q) In the Qur'an the name of which companion of Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is mentioned?
A) Zaid Bin Harith.

Q) Who is the relative of the Prophet Muahmmed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) whose name is mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) Abu Lahab

Q) In the Qur'an there is a mention of a Prophet who has been called by his mother's name. Who was he?
A) Jesus Prophet (Isa Alahis salaam) is mentioned as bin Maryam.

Q) Which was the agreement that was titled Fath-hum-Mubeen' without fighting a battle?
A) Treaty of Hudaibiya.

Q) What are the different names used for Satan or Devil in the Qur'an?
A) Iblees and Ash-Shaitaan.

Q) Which category of creature does the Qur'an put 'Iblees' into?
A) Jinn.

Q) What were those worships and prayers that were ordered by Allah to the community of Bani Israeel and which were continued by the Muslim Ummah also?
A) Salaat and Zakaat. (Al-Baqarah:43)

Q) The Qur'an repeatedly warns of a certain day. Can you say which day it is?
A) Youmal Qiyamah. (Doomsday)

Q) Who were those people with whom Allah was pleased and they were pleased with Him, as mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) Companions of Prophet Muhammed. (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Q) In which Holy Book of Non-Muslims the Qur'an mentioned repeatedly?
A) In the Holy Book of Sikh Community-Granth Saheb.

Q) In which year were the vowels inserted in the Qur'an?
A) 43 Hijri.

Q) Who were the first serious students of the Qur'an?

A) As-haabus Suffah.

Q) Which is the first Residential University where the faculty of the Qur'an was established for the first time?
A) Masjid-e-Nabvi. Mosque of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Q) By what name did the Qur'an address those noble and pious people who were selected by Allah to convey His message to mankind?
A) Nabi (Prophet) and Rasool (Messenger).

Q) What type of a person does the Qur'an want to make?
A) A Momin.

Q) What is the scale or measure of one's dignity according to the Qur'an?
A) Thaqwa. (Piety)

Q) What according to the Qur'an is the root cause of the evil?
A) Alcohol.

Q) What are the two most important types of kinds of Aayaaths (Verses) found in the Qur'an?
A) Muhakamaat and Muthashabihaath.

Q) Which is the longest Surah (Chapter) in the Qur'an?
A) Surah-al-Baqarah.

Q) Which is the smallest Surah in the Qur'an?
A) Surah-al-Kausar.

Q) What was the age of Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when the Qur'an was first revealed to him through aeel (Alaihis-salaam)?
A) 40 Years

Q) How long did Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) receive the revelation of the Qur'an in Makkah?
A) 13 Years.

Q) How long did Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) receive the revelation of the Qur'an in Madinah?
A) 10 Years.

Q) Where was the first Surah revealed?
A) In Makkah.

Q) Where was the last Surah revealed?
A)In Madinah.

Q) How many years did it take for the complete revelation of the Qur'an?
A) 22 years, 5 months and 14 days.

Q) Which Surah (Chapter) of the Qur'an is to be read compulsorily in each raka'at of the Sallat (Namaaz)?
A) Surah-al-Fatihah.

Q) Which is the Surah, which Allah taught as a Du'a(Prayer)?
A) Surah-al-Fatihah.

Q) What is the reason of keeping Surah-al-Fatihah in the beginning of the Qur'an?
A) It is the door to the Qur'an

Q) What is the Surah (Chapter) revealed completely and found first place in the Qur'an?
A) Surah-al-Fatihah.

Q) Who was the only lady whose personal name is found in the Qur'an?
A) Bibi Mariam (Alaihis-salaam).

Q) In which Surah (Chapter) of the Qur'an do you find maximum instructions?
A) Surah-al-Baqarah.

Q) When and Where did the Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and Jibraeel (Alaihis-salaam) meet for the second time?
A) On Friday,18th Ramadan,in the Cave of Hira.

Q) What was the interval between the first and the second revelation?
A) 2 years and six months.

Q) Which is the Surah (Chapter) that does start without Bismillah?

A) Surah-al-Taubah or Bara'ath.

Q) In which Surah (Chapter) of the Qur'an is Bismillah repeated twice?
A) Surah-al Naml.

Q) How many Surahs (Chapters) in the Qur'an have the titles named after different Prophets?
A) 6 Surahs (Chapters)

Q) How many Surahs (Chapters) in the Qur'an have the titles named after different Prophets?
A) 6 Surahs (Chapters)
1- Surah-al-Yunus. 2- Surah-al-Hood. 3- Surah-al-Yusuf. 4- Surah-al-Ibraheem. 5- Surah-al-Nuh. 6- Surah-al-Muhammed.

Q) In which part of the Qur'an do you find 'Ayat-ul-Kursi' (Verse of the Throne)?
A) In the beginning of the third Part. (Chapter 2-55)

Q) How many different names of Allah are mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) 99.

Q) Who were the three non-prophets whose names are mentioned with due respect in the Qur'an?
A) Luqman, Aziz of Egypt and Zulqarnain.

Q) At the time Abu Bakr (Radhiallahu Anhu) how many companions had compiled the Qur'an in the form of a book?
A) 75 companions.

Q) Which is that only book which is completely memorized by millions of people in the world?
A) Al-Qur'an.

Q) What did the Jinns who heard a few Aayaaths (Verses) of the Qur'an say to each other?
A) We have heard a unique discourse which shows the right path, verily we believe in it.

Q) Which are the most popular transalations of the Qur'an in English?
A) Transalation by Muhammed Marmaduke Pickthall and by Allama Yusuf Ali.

Q) Into how many languages of the world has the Holy Qur'an been transalated?
A) Nearly 103 languages.

Q) Who was the first transalator of the Holy Qur'an into Urdu?
A) Moulana Shah Rafiuddin Muhaddis Dehlavi.

Q) What will be our condition on 'The day of the Judgement' according to the Qur'an?
A) Everybody will be in a state of anxiety.

Q) Who was the Prophet mentioned in the Qur'an whose three generations were prophets?
A) Ibraheem (Alaihis-salaam).

Q) What is that book which abolished all old rules and regulations?
A) Al-Qur'an.

Q) What does the Qur'an say about property and wealth?
A) They are tests of one's faith.

Q) According to the Qur'an who is "khaatamun Nabiyyeen" (the last of the Prophets)?
A) Prophet Muhammed (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

Q) What is the name of the book that tells us clearly about the reality of the beginning and the end of the world?
A) Al-Qur'an.

Q) In the Qur'an what other name is given to the city of Makkah?
A) Bakkah and Baladul Ameen.

Q) According to the Qur'an what other name is given to the city of Madinah?
A) Yathrib.

Q) Whose Generation is known as "Bani Israeel" according to the Qur'an?
A) The generation of Prophet Yaqoob (Alaihis salaam) who is alsoknown as Israeel.

Q) Which are the 5 mosques that are mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) 1- Masjid-ul-Haram. 2- Masjid-ul-Zirar. 3- Masjid-ul-Nabawi. 4- Masjid-ul-Aqsa. 5- Masjid Quba.

Q) Which are the 4 angels that are mentioned in the Qur'an?
A) 1- Jibraeel Ameen. (Alaihis salaam) 2- Meekaeel. (Alaihis salaam) 3- Haroot. (Alaihis salaam) 4- Root.(Alaihis alaam)

Inner Voices

Due heed must be paid to small voices (or inner voices) that sometimes challenge the interpretations offered by those who are considered to be speaking authoritatively. Many Muslims have a strong internal conviction that God is just and fair, and that any Quranic interpretation that conflicts with their sense of justice and fairness, even if it is considered authoritative, demands, at the very least, further scrutiny. To this end, stories like the following can encourage ordinary Muslims to feel confident enough to voice their reservations or discomfort with certain interpretations of the Quran.

Zaynab bint Muayqib was a woman of Madina, who, along with thousands of others, went out to attend the funerals of two great men - one a religious scholar and one a poet - who died on the same day at the beginning of the second century of Islam. Zaynab was among a large group of women who were gathering behind one of the coffins. A prominent Sayyid, Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Ali ("al Baqir" - who would be identified by the Shiites as their fifth "Imam"), tried to approach the coffin. Blocked by the crowds of women who would not part to let him through, Abu Jafar began to snap his cloak at them saying, "Enough, you companions of Joseph!"

In response to Abu Jafar's insult, Zaynab called out, "O son of the Messenger of God, you are correct that we are the companions of Joseph - and we treated him better than you!" After the funeral was over, Abu Jafar sent someone to bring Zaynab to him. The narrator of the story says that Zaynab arrived "as though she were a spark of fire." Abu Jafar asked what she had meant when she said that "(We) women are better than (you) men." Zaynab responded to him: "We women, O son of the Messenger of God, invited (Joseph) to the delights of food and drink, and to enjoy and be comfortable. But you men threw him in the well, sold him for a miserable price and locked him in prison - so which of us was more tender and kind to him?"

When Abu Jafar used the Quran to dismiss the women who got in his way, Zaynab knew this was not fair. Her knowledge was not based on an academic study of the Quran, nor on the claim that she had any special spiritual status that gave her unique insight to the meanings of the Quran. Zaynab, rather, had confidence in her intuitive sense of fairness which allowed her to tell Abu Jafar how she perceived misogyny in his words (for his part, Abu Jafar is said to have expressed admiration at Zaynab's spirited defense). As a woman, Zaynab also had a different perspective than Abu Jafar on the Quranic story of Joseph. In her eyes, the story clearly shows a male propensity for violence and acquiring power at any cost.

Compiled From:
"The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life" - Ingrid Mattson, pp. 226-228

Greatness through Gratefulness

There is much more to gratitude and Shukr (thankfulness) in Islam than a mere “Thank You” that our ears have become so used to ignoring. Discover how you can be more thankful to Allah and His creation.

1. Say “Al-hamdulillah” (All thanks and praise belongs to Allah) often: A constant utterance of this phrase reminds you of the source of all blessings and happiness in this life. This practice of attributing all good actions to Allah keeps you humble and content and has a positive effect on your relations with people.

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has instructed us to say “Al-hamdulillah” on daily basis: “Allah is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something he thanks Allah for it” (Muslim).

2. Recite and memorize the Duas of Prophet Muhammad: The most natural and beautiful way to thank Allah is the words of the Prophet himself.

The Prophet told Muadh, “By Allah, I love you, so do not forget to say at the end of every prayer, ‘O Allah, help me to remember You and to give thanks to You and to worship You well’” (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhî).

3. Use and display Allah’s blessings moderately: Part of being grateful to Allah is to look presentable and clean, and spend money on yourself with moderation.

Abul-Akhwas narrated that his father said: “I came to the Messenger of Allah looking dishevelled and scruffy. He asked me, ‘Do you have any possessions?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He asked me what sort, and I told him, ‘I have all sorts. Allah has given me camels, horses, slaves and sheep.’ The Prophet said: ‘If Allah has given you all of that then let Him see His blessing on you.’”

4. Thank people for littlest things: People like to be appreciated for little favours they do for us, which often get ignored in our busy routines. When was the last time you thanked your little son for taking care of simple chore for you? Has your husband heard a compliment from you lately?

Take the time to thank them for their thoughtfulness. As the Prophet stated, “The one who does not give thanks for a small blessing will not give thanks for a great blessing, and the one who does not give thanks to people will not give thanks to Allah” (Abu Dunya).

Compiled From:
"18 Ways to Achieve Greatness through Gratefulness" - Taha Ghayyur

Equal Footing

"For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward."

Initially, Quranic verses used only the masculine plural form to refer to the women and men in the new faith community. For years, "believers" (al-muminun), and "the truthful" (as-sadiqun), either referred specifically to men or to the men and women who constituted the Prophet's first Companions. Once, a woman (or several, according to the different traditions) asked the Prophet why women were not explicitly mentioned in the revealed message. The Book - which, while revealing a universal message, also included responses to the questions asked by the Men around the Prophet - was later to mention women and men distinctively, as in the above verse.

This evolution of the message is part of divine teaching in the process of revelation carried out over twenty-three years: the faithful are thus led to evolve in their understanding of things and critically reconsider some of their cultural or social practices. The status of women, who were sometimes killed at birth because of the shame they might bring, was to be reformed in stages, as verses were revealed.

It thus appeared more and more clearly that the Quran's message and the Prophet's attitude were apt to free women from the cultural shackles of Arab tribes and clans and from the practices of the time. The Creator addresses women as being on an equal footing with men, their status as beings and believers is the same as men's, and the requirements of worship are absolutely identical.

Compiled From:
"Radical Reform: Islamic Ethics and Liberation" - Tariq Ramadan, pp. 209, 210

Waters of Divine Knowledge

What is the origin or source of a sense of "universal goodness" or "universal truth" in an individual? If it is true that God created human beings with an innate sense of right and wrong (fitra), it is also true that the Quran and the Sunna teach that this inner sense can be corrupted by persisting in sin, and that one can easily be led astray by one's selfish desires. It is for this reason that revelation is a theological necessity - to help guide us back to what is right. But how do we attain a true understanding of revelation if we are already emotionally and spiritually wounded people?

If we reflect upon the story of Hajar (wife of Abraham, peace be upon them) we find a way out of this dilemma. The spiritual matriarch of Islam shows us that we must first trust in God, and then struggle, using all means God has given us, to find the pure waters of Divine knowledge. Hajar found the holy water only because she was confident that God would provide for her, and then exerted all her energy and resources to find her provisions.

Thus, in the first place, we must use all the intellectual resources God has given us to attempt to understand the true meaning of the Quran. God gave Hajar two legs which she used to run back and forth between the mountains, and two eyes with which she looked for a source of water. God gave Muslims, individually and collectively, sight, hearing, and intellect to put at the service of studying the linguistic and historical context of the Quran. It is impossible for any one individual to master all these aspects of Quranic learning, even in a lifetime of study. A serious effort to understand the Quran, therefore, necessarily includes a deep engagement with the extensive scholarly tradition of Islam.

The second necessary condition for understanding revelation is the proper intention - to sincerely wish to be guided by God. This does not mean that non-Muslims and even atheists cannot contribute to the factual body of knowledge useful to contextualizing the Quran; but you cannot attain what you do not set out to find. The meaning of the revelation can only be accessed by those who believe that ultimate meaning is beyond the limited understanding of any human being and who sincerely turn to the Quran for the purpose of finding that meaning. However, attaining the state of humility that is characteristic of a sincere intention is not easy. How many individuals are confident of the purity of their intentions and the soundness of their hearts, yet clearly are deceiving themselves?

Compiled From:
"The Story of the Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life" - Ingrid Mattson, pp. 229-231

The Inner Power

Intention is the first step in the rational method of developing our innate power of free will, because it is intimately related to our freedom of choice and action and as such forms the very basis of our accountability. Intention is an inner power that abhors imposition of any limitation on its freedom.

One's intention is an integral part of one's life and no other man, however powerful, has any power whatsoever over another person's intention. The last resort of a Muslim when he is overwhelmed by difficulties is to save himself from the displeasure of Allah, the Exalted, by submitting his every intention to Allah.

In a sound hadith we read that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever among you sees an evil should try to change it with his hands. If he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is unable to do even that, then with his heart, and this is the weakest form of faith." [Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasai, Majah]

By understanding and following this psychological or inner mode of behaviour, a Muslim is able to achieve two things. He can:

1) Hold fast to the strong unbreakable rope of Allah, and
2) Preserve his freedom of choice and abide by his cherished beliefs.

Compiled From:
"Freedom and Responsibility in Quranic Perspective" - Hasan Al-Anani, pp, 170, 171

Overindulgence

"The unbelievers shall one day be brought before the fire of hell and be told, 'You have squandered away the good things in your worldly life and enjoyed them to the full and today you shall be rewarded with ignominious punishment...'"

It is reported by Ibn Atiyyah that this verse had left a strong impression on Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph. As the head of an expanding Muslim state Umar was a model of simplicity and austerity. On entering Syria with the victorious Muslim army, he was greeted by the leader of the expedition, Khalid ibn al-Walid, who offered him a sumptuous meal. His immediate response was: "If this is what we eat, what about the destitute Muslims who died without having had their fill of barley bread?"

Khalid replied: "They shall have Paradise!" Umar, it was said, broke down crying, saying that in that case the poor Muslims were the winners!

It is true to say that God does not forbid the enjoyment of the good and lawful things, but seeking luxury and affluence could lead to a life of extravagance and overindulgence resulting in preoccupation with one's pleasures and desires and negligence of one's duties and responsibilities.

Compiled From:
"A Thematic Commentary on The Quran" - Muhammad al-Ghazali, pp. 559, 560

Faith

Faith means believing in something you can't see. It comes in all varieties. you can have faith in yourself, faith in others, or faith that through hard work good things will happen. For example, you have faith that by cutting out junk food and exercising you will lose weight. Faith causes you to act. Without it, there's nothing to hope for.

There's yet another kind of faith that's increasingly important to many teens - faith in spiritual things.

Did you know that your brain is hard-wired to connect spiritually? Babies yearn to be held and teenagers hunger for meaning and spirituality. At least that was the conclusion of 33 experts from the nonpartisan Commision on Children at Risk, which researched why kids today are in crisis. In their report, "Hard-wired to Connect," they concluded that our brains are yearning for spiritual meaning, and listed spiritual and religious development as one of the ten marks of an ideal community. Interesting, huh?

Of course, everyone believes differently and that's okay. But study after study has shown that faith or religious involvement of some sort can build self-worth in teens. Why's that? Faith can:

• help you connect to something bigger than yourself
• provide you with standards to live by
• help you overcome negative peer pressure
• give you a sense of identity and belonging

Compiled From:
"The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make" - Sean Covey, p. 280

Ten Days of Righteous Deeds

Even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.

Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Dhul Hijja: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing (Bukhari).

While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, Insha Allah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Traditions of the Prophet are as follows:

1. Fasting

In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijja, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafa. The Prophet used to fast on this day (al Nisai and Abu Dawud). Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim's sins for two years.

2. Zikar

The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The Prophet upon him) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allahu akbar") during this time.

The Takbeer may include the words "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.

Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.

3. Sacrifice

One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.

4. Sincere repentance

One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.

Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families.

Compiled From:
"The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter" - SoundVision.com
"Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah" - Salih Al Munajjid

Window of Hope

"It is those who do not believe in the life to come who are suffering torment as they have gone far in error."

The torment may refer to their punishment in the life to come. Since it will inevitably overtake them, then it is as if they are already in it, just like they have gone irremediably into error.

But the statement may be understood in a different way, which suggests that those who do not believe in the life to come live in torment just as they live in error. This is a profound statement. A person who spends his life without belief in a second life suffers mental torment, as he lives without hope of justice, fair reward or compensation for what happens in his life.

Indeed human life is full of situations and trials which man cannot face properly unless he looks up with hope for justice and reward for good action and punishment for those who do evil. There are things that one cannot do or bear without looking up to God, hoping to earn His pleasure in the life to come, when nothing large or small is overlooked. Whoever is deprived of this window of hope, which brings comfort and satisfaction, undoubtedly lives in torment as well as in error. Such a person suffers all this in the present life, before suffering punishment in the hereafter for his misdeeds which brought about his present life's suffering.

Compiled From:
"In The Shade of The Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 14, p. 139

Ways to increase your Eiman..!!

1. Pray in the last third of the night.
2. Go to Fajr and Isha in congregation.
3. Say Adhkaar in the morning and evening.
4. Remember Death often.
5. Contemplate over the creation of Allah and how vast and beatiful his creation is.
6. Gain some knowledge of the Deen daily.
7. Remember the purpose of life
8. Fast Voluntarily
9. Pray as if it is your last prayer
10. Read Quran
11. Give sadaqa
12. Do dhikr
13. Listen to Quran recitation
14. Read Seerah/Listen to lectures about it (esp by Shaykh Anwar al Awlaki)
15. Read about the sahabah/Listen to lectures about them
16. Say often, "Laa ilaha illa Allah".
17. When you have gained knowledege, inform others of it
18. Try to go to regular circles to have discussions about Islam
19. Smile for the sake of Allah
20. Reading Surah Khaf with deep thought and understanding, until it awakens u to the dajaalic system that we live in.
21. Alaways think about allah, thinking is a faridah in islam
22. Learn about science in light of Quran and Islam.
23. Call friends and tell them you love them for the sake of Allah.
24. Protect ourselves from Shaitan
25. Make sincere Dua 4 the Ummah
26. Try to help others as much as you can
27. Make reading Qur'an regular
28. Read certain surahs at specific times, i.e. Surah Mulk at night
29. Thank Allah(swt) witthin your heart everday till the day you die , then thank him yourself for everything ! Allah hu akbar
30. Make Dua' for your bother/sister
31. Love for your brother what you love for yourself
32. Discuss Islamic matters with believing brothers/sisters - share knowledge, educate each other
33. Choose obedience over disobedience
34. Uttering "Inna Lillahi wa inna Ileyhi raji'oon - To Allah we belong and to Allah we return" whenever you are afflicted with anything whether it be small or big.
Allah(SWT) says: "Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who, when misfortune strikes them, say: 'Indeed we belong to Allah and to Him is our return. Those are the ones upon whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord and it is those who are rightly guided." [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 155]
The Prophet (peace be upon him)said:"No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm or sadness afflicts any Muslim, even to the extent of a thorn pricking him, without Allah wiping out his sins by it." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]
35. Look at how complex our bodies are (circulatory system, nervous system, etc), and realize that only Allah (SWT) could have made something like that.
36. Love for your brother what you love for yourself
37. Smile, make people happy.

Eight lies of a mother ..!!

I came across this particular pieace, and found it very heart rendering.

1. The story began when I was a child; I was a son of a poor family in Africa. We did not even have enough food. Whenever meal times came, mother would often give me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry". That was Mother's First Lie.



2. When I was growing up, my persevering mother gave her spare time to go fishing in a river near our house, she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could gave me a little bit of nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook some fresh fish soup, which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the rest of the fish, which was still on the bone of the fish I had eaten. My heart was touched when I saw that. I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her. But she immediately refused and said "Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish." That was Mother's Second Lie.



3. Then, when I was in Junior High School...... to fund my studies, mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-match boxes that would need to be stuck together. It gave her some money to cover our needs. As the winter came, I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awake, supported by a little candlelight and with perseverance she would continue the work of sticking some used-match boxes. I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late, tomorrow morning you still have to go to work." Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, dear. I'm not tired." That was Mother's Third Lie.



4. The final term arrived.......mother asked for leave from work in order to accompany me. While the sun was starting to shine strongly, my persevering mother waited for me under the heat for several hours. As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished, mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a cup of tea that she had brought in a flask. Seeing my mother covered with perspiration, I at once gave her my cup and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty ! ” That was Mother's Fourth Lie.



5. After the death of my father due to illness, my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent. She had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. No days without suffering. Our family's condition was getting worse, a kind uncle who lived near our house assisted now and then. Our neighbours, often advised my mother to marry again. But mother was stubborn and didn't take their advice; she said "I don't need love." That was Mother's Fifth Lie.



6. After I had finished my studies and got a job, it was the time for my old mother to retire. But she didn't want to; she would go to the marketplace every morning, just to sell some vegetables to fulfill her needs. I, who worked in another city, often sent her some money to help her, in fulfilling her needs, but she would not accept the money. At times, she even sent the money back to me. She said "I have enough money." That was Mother's Sixth Lie.



7. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I then continued to do a Masters Degree. It was funded by a company through a scholarship program, from a famous University in America. I finally worked in the company. With a good salary, I intended to bring my mother to enjoy her life in America. But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son. She said to me, "I'm not use to it." That was Mother's Seventh Lie.



8. In her old age, mother got stomach cancer and had to be hospitalized. I, who lived miles away, across the ocean, went home to visit my dearest mother. She lay in weakness on her bed after having an operation. Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep thought. She tried to spread her smile on her face...but it was a noticeable effort. It was clear that the disease had weakened mother's body. She looked so frail and weak. I stared at my mother with tears flowing. My heart was hurt,….. so hurt, seeing my mother in that condition. But mother with the little strength she had, said "Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain." That was Mother's Eighth Lie.



After saying her eighth lie, my Dearest mother closed her eyes forever !