Distinguishing Between Thoughts From Ourselves, Shaytan, and Allah

Source: seekershub.org

By: Shaykh Rami Nsour

The Spring Source of our actions

All of our actions spring forth from a thought that enters our heart and this is what makes knowing the science of thoughts (khawatir) so important [Muhammad Mawlud, The Purification of the Heart]. One of the most difficult tasks we face in our lives will be in weighing out each one of the thoughts that enters our heart and seeing which one we should follow. The scholars have given us a guideline as to how to tell the signs of the source of thoughts that enter our heart.

Unfounded doubts and fears of action

Source: imamreza.net

By: Ayatullah Shaykh Husain Mazaheri

We have categorised waswasa (repeated, unfounded doubts and fears) into two kinds: waswasa of thought and waswasa of action. We have already dealt with the first category. Today we shall talk about waswasa of action.

Sometimes people get excessive doubts about the tasks they are doing. For example: while doing wudhu (ablution), performing the ritual bath (Ghusl),performing the prayers etc. They get doubts whether they have performed these actions strictly in accordance to the set norms or not. Such doubts are very harmful for homes. A person who nurses repeated doubts about his own actions becomes an outcast from the society. He can no longer feel love for his home. Those in the audience who have the tendency of doubting their own actions should give particular attention to this talk.

The Barometer of Islamic Society

Source: blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com

By: Abdul-Baseer

In many countries, a yearly address is given to highlight the current status of society such as the State of the Union address delivered annually by the President of the USA.  These addresses tend to focus on economics as economics is the largest factor in voting and politics, as though money is not a measure of happiness in life, it correlates with political satisfaction.  Yet, as Muslims striving in the cause of Allah , we should have our own criterion to determine if our society is in a positive state or in a decline.  We should not depend on rulers or mass media which are not always honest or may be under coercive measures and far from independent, to avoid bias or false perceptions.

Modesty: An Inside-Out Approach

Source: virtualmosque.com

Think modesty (hayā’). What comes to mind? It could be wearing hijāb and dressing modestly. Or maybe it is using decent and clean speech. Or it might be conducting ourselves with dignity and self-respect around the opposite gender. If we know we’ve fallen short in our modesty, we feel the need to change in some way. So, we try to wear more loose-fitting clothes, for example, or wear less make-up. Or we might try to curse a little less, look at lewd images less often, or flirt a little less with a guy friend or girls at work. But sometimes we find it difficult to change these habits and behaviors. Why is that? Part of the reason is that we overlook the inner spiritual dimensions of modesty; we try to cure the symptoms without dealing with the problem at its root. It is almost like trying to save a dried out plant by dipping its leaves in water or fertilizer.

Recreation and Fitness in Islam

Source: alkalima.com

By: Justin Ducote

As Muslims, we believe Islam is a complete way of life, providing a foundation and framework for all its aspects. In a time when increasing emphasis is being placed upon physical fitness and recreation, we should know how to maximize our benefit from these pursuits in accordance with our Islamic values.

Recreation

Recreation has always been a part of human existence. It can be a natural break which allows people time for refreshment and clearing the mind. We read in the Qur’ân how the brothers of Prophet Yûsuf used it as a way to appeal to their father:

“Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play” (12:12).

We have many examples from the time of the Prophet during which the companions participated in many different forms of lawful entertainment and play. They engaged in sports like footraces, horseracing, wrestling, and archery. They spent time telling jokes and in lighthearted conversation. One of the Companions, Abû al-Dardâ’ is reported to have said:

“I seek recreation in something that is neither useful nor unlawful, and this makes me stronger on the truth.”

TO DEFEND OUR BELOVED PROPHET, LET US EXEMPLIFY HIS TRUE IDEALS SAY IMAMS

Source: muslimmatters.org

Following the shocking murders in Paris, condemned by Muslims all over the world, and subsequent moves to depict the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once again,Imams from around the world have come together to issue the following advice to those concerned about the depiction.

1.    For Muslims, love of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is a NECESSARY part of our FAITH. He is dearer to us than our parents and children. We prefer him to our own self.

2.    Accordingly we regret and are naturally hurt by the depiction of our Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace), a great personality held in high esteem by 1.8 billion Muslims and millions more, in such a manner.

3.    Muslims do believe in freedom of speech. And they do respect the right for people to say what they believe to be correct. However, freedom of speech should not be translated in to a duty to offend. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that absolute freedom of speech does not exist. There are laws to protect the dignity and properties of people. We urge governments, civil society and our media to foster a culture of mutual respect and unity, not one of division and disdain.

4.    Most Muslims will inevitably be hurt, offended and upset by the republication of the cartoons. But our reaction must be a reflection of the teachings of the gentle and merciful character of the Prophet (peace be upon him).  Enduring patience, tolerance, gentleness and mercy as was the character of our beloved Prophet (peace and Blessings be upon him) is the best and immediate way to respond. With dignified nobility we must be restrained, as the Qur’an says “And when the ignorant speak to them, they say words of Peace.”

Our aim is to not, inadvertently, give the cartoons more prominence through our attention. Muslims must remain calm and peaceful in their speech and actions. Repel harm with goodness is the Qur’anic imperative and by which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived. If we feel strongly, the only course of action to us is with reasoned debate, civil activism and other legal avenues, God willing.

Islam will continue to shine despite the “Clash of the two Savageries”

By: Abdullah Hakim Quick

Despite the ongoing Huge Savagery of drone strikes, Abu Ghuraib torture, Guantanamo Bay prisons, insults against Almighty Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), vicious tyrants ruling Muslim countries and daily injustice and intimidation, on one side; and the Smaller Savagery being carried out by reactionary, out of control extremists (French killings, murder of school children in Peshawar, Pakistan) on the other side; Muslims have to “hold the line” of balance and justice.

The public execution of the French Police officer Ahmed Merabet and the lack of immediate recognition by the media is just another example of what causes the pain that we are feeling. But the Qur’an was revealed for all times. Allah has informed us:
“You shall certainly be tried in your wealth and in your persons and you shall certainly hear from those who have been given the Book before you and the Polytheists, much wrong and annoying talk; but if you persevere and guard against evil with piety, that will be the most resolute of actions.” ( 3: 186)

They will never put out the true light of Allah, no matter how they try! Its like a fool trying to blow out the sun. Look at how the Abdul Aziz Mosque meets the sunrise every day in Shah Alam, Malaysia and reflect.

5 Tips on How To Be Sincere To Allah

Source: muslimlinkpaper.com

By: Abdul Rahman Chao

Every Muslim knows that sincerity is the core factor for one’s actions to be accepted. The question is how one should go about in being sincere. Here are some tips on how to be sincere to Allah the Almighty:

1.Sincere Supplication

Guidance is in the hands of Allah only. Whomsoever Allah guides will never go astray. The hearts of believers are in hands of Allah. He controls it fully. Why not directly ask the one who controls your heart to make you sincere in all of your actions? Omar Bin Khattab (RadiaAllahu Anhu) used to say: Oh Allah! Make all of my actions for your sake only!

Scientific Facts in the Qur’an – Lying & Sinning (Video)

 The Qur’an is not a book of science but a book of signs, yet it contains some undeniable facts related to science.

There is an incident described in the Qur’an over 1400 years ago about a man called Abu Jahl who was not only an enemy of the Muslims during the time of the prophet Muhammad (saws) but also a well-known pathological liar (compulsive liar). So Allah (God) sent down revelation describing the actions of this man in the following verses.

“..Does he not know that Allah sees?”
“No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock -”
“A lying, sinning forelock…” (Qur’an 96:14-16)

Here in these few verses Allah specifically points out that the forelock the front area of the head is a lying and sinning region.