Don’t despair, He is with you

Source: virtualmosque.com

By: Jinan Yousef

Sometimes it feels like it’s just too much – these fluctuations in our iman, the repeated sinning, the feeling that “I just don’t deserve Allah’s mercy.” The tests always feel like punishments. There is a constant worry about the future: my marriage, my money, my career, my ummah (community)… And some difficulties just feel like they are too great to overcome. We know we’re not supposed to ask this, but the question at the back of our minds is, “Why me?”

We have all heard that we should never despair of Allah’s Mercy. And on the surface, we try not to, butShaytaan (the Devil) has a trick. We tend to despair of ourselves and our incapacity to change things, especially the inner turmoil that we feel. And the effect of this is basically the same as despairing of Allah’s mercy. We do not always accept that Allah can take us out of the situation we are in and we don’t need to ‘deserve’ the trouble; Allah isn’t punishing us and we don’t need to be perfect.

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.

Rapper releases handcrafted beard creams

Source: philly.com

By: Sofiya Ballin

Philly rapper Freeway has invested in a product close to his roots, literally.

The 36-year-old rapper has debuted his contribution to manscaping with the release of his All Natural Best Beard cream.

Packaged in silver tins, the handcrafted creams come in an assortment of scents, from sweet blueberry to the limited-edition holiday spice that smells like nutmeg.

As of late, men have been saying so long to the chin strap, the goatee, and the soul patch as more have been growing full-on thick beards of glory.

Donning a “Beards R Us” T-shirt as he peruses the apparel in Status Shop on South Street, Freeway has been a source of beard-spiration since he exploded onto the hip-hop scene in the early 2000s.

“I’ve always been known throughout the music industry for my beard,” said Freeway, 36.

Nicotine Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking nicotine, check with your doctor immediately:

Less common

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever with or without chills
• headache
• nausea with or without vomiting
• runny nose
• shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, trouble with breathing, or wheezing
• skin rash, itching, or hives
• tearing of the eyes

Book of Deeds: Fill It With Whatsoever You Wish

Source: http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com

By: Nasmira Firdous

Imagine this: You’ve just written one of the most amazing books, making it shoot into the best-selling list. You have your name plastered all across the world. You have just been given the most coveted literary award, after being generously appreciated by some of the world’s famous literary giants. The feeling of excitement and joy is palpable. (If you can’t imagine any of this, just think of yourself as J.K. Rowling :P)

But, stop. Just for a moment. What if I told you that one day you will indeed read a book which you and solely you were responsible for writing? What if I told you, on that Day, that book will have a record of ALL your words, thoughts, intentions, actions, every unspoken word and every wrong reaction? What if that book holds the keys to your eternal abode? Would you be eager to open it and gasp with happiness or would be perspiring and hoping you had righted the wrongs?

Japanese Broadcaster feeling after listening to the Quran (Video)

 Ikegami akira With Dr. Muhammad Al Arifi.

Q&A: Feeling Introverted and Withdrawn

By: Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid

Source: http://islamqa.info/en/47026

QUESTION: I am a Muslim alhamdulillah but I have some problem with me? I have come to realize that I love being myself and I feel that only a few can understand me so I really love privacy in all that I do…I dont like to tell people about me or my background; I love to be by myself. For instance, if I want to do something I can’t tell anyone no matter how close we are or even some believers. But I really love those who follow the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic teachings). I really love the scholars of Islam; al-Imam al-Bhukari, Muslim, al-Albaani, al-Shafee etc. For me, I want to be like them. Please advise me what to do.

ANSWER: Praise be to Allaah.  The issue that you are complaining of has to do with your personality type and is not regarded as a true psychological disease. What is needed to treat this problem is the development of social skills, which can be done, but it requires persistence, patience and ongoing social training.

This training program may be summed up as follows:

1 – Preparing yourself intellectually, mentally and physically to mix with people, put up with them and try to be in harmony with them as much as possible.

2 – Playing any kind of team sport such as soccer – for example – which involves some kind of conscious and unconscious contact and interaction.

3 – Joining charitable and voluntary associations, attending Qur’aan study circles and halaqahs (circles of knowledge).

4 – Try to visit a trustworthy psychiatrist who can tell you some useful ways of dealing with this problem.

5 – Avoid feeling isolated from society. Try to forget all things that exacerbate these feelings in you, for the cause of this introversion may be a situation in which you found yourself or a trial that you have gone through. Seek the help of Allaah in dealing with it and forgetting it.

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Will Marriage Solve My Problems?

By: Ubah

Source: http://www.suhaibwebb.com/

After engaging more with the Muslim community through activities like da`wah (calling to Islam), conferences, and halaqat (study circles), I have observed something intriguing: there seems to be a fascination—even obsession—with the topic of marriage. Regardless of whether a particular lecture is dedicated to something other than gender relations, the topic of marriage somehow always creeps up.

Feeling Helpless – What Muslim Ummah can do to help during times of war

Source: http://1000gooddeeds.com/2012/11/19/feeling-helpless-what-muslim-ummah-can-do-to-help-during-times-of-war/

1. Hope: At this critical juncture when war is the buzz word of the War Mongers, many Muslims are left in despair and in a state of hopelessness. It may seem that the death of millions of innocents is now inevitable, but we must continue to strive our utmost to defend them and to spread the truth about this immoral war. Above all, we must remember that Allah Most High has control over all things and can provide help in ways we do not even understand. Not even the ‘greatest’ superpower can overpower Him! No falsehood is to remain forever. No oppression is to remain forever. After hardship comes ease. The bitter reality of the Muslim nation will come to an end, and tomorrow will be definitely better than today. We should have HOPE in the ALL encompassing MERCY and HELP of Allah Most High under all circumstances, whether it be in victory, defeat, happiness or sadness.
2. Remember Allah:  Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that : ” I was (once) behind the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) when he said to me: ‘O son ! I shall inform of a few things: Remember Allah, and He will protect you. Remember Allah, and you will find Him close to you. When you have to ask for something, ask of Allah Most High. When you require aid, seek His aid. Believe firmly that if all the creation desires to benefit you in anything, they can never benefit you, but, that which Allah has decreed for you. If they ALL unite to harm you, they will not be able to harm you in anything, but that which Allah has decreed for you.” (Tirmidhi)
3. Supplication (dua):  Dua is the weapon of a believer. Make ernest, sincere supplication (dua). Try to shed tears and beg Allah Most High to alleviate the suffering of the Muslims in Palestina, Syria and other places where Muslims are oppressed, not forgetting to make supplication (dua) for the brave ” Children “. Beg Allah Most High with sincerity. (like a child begging his mother). Also, conscientise the family and the children at home to also make supplication (dua).
4. Voluntary Prayer: Even if one is not a regular performer of night vigil (tahajjud) prayer; at least for the sake of the lives of the innocents; get up at the time of night vigil (tahajjud) and perform two rakaats of prayer; contemplate on the sufferings, that the Ummah is facing today; beg Allah Most High for His Divine Help and assistance. Shed some tears; Ask for Forgiveness and help for the Abstention from sin and for Allah Most High’s Divine Solution.
5. Participate:  in Peace Rallies and Anti -war campaigns: keeping in mind the Shariah injunctions , reading salaah on time, of good character, proper conduct, hijab, peace etc.
6. Charity (Sadaqah): Give some charity (sadaqah) on behalf of the Muslims in Palestine, Syria; on behalf of the orphans; the widows; the martyrs and those that are the victims of oppression. This charity may even be a loaf of bread or bottle of milk to a needy person in your area.
7. Fast: Keep a voluntary fast on any day of one’s choice. At the time of breaking one’s fast ;Beg Almighty Allah Most High, to alleviate the sufferings of the Muslim Ummah in Palestine, Syria,  and other parts of the world where Muslims are unjustly being oppressed.
8. Relief and Financial Aid: The lives; homes and infra-structure of the people of Palestine, Syria have been devastated over the last 12-15 years. Assist by aiding financially to a legitimate Relief agency in your area. Spare ourselves from over indulgences and financially aid our Brothers and sisters in this hour of need.
9. Make News outlets Aware: Keep a vigilant eye on the news outlets; magazines etc. and respond timeously to their bias comments and views. Participate in phone-in sessions on the Radio. If one is unable to do so; make those who are able to do so; aware of such comments; articles etc. so that timeous responses are made. Forward pertinent and relevant articles you come across to the International and local media outlets.
10. Qunoot-e-Naazilah: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) encouraged the Ummah to read Qunoot supplication (dua) at the time of distress and calamity. Encourage family members to recite Qunoot  (dua) daily; example of a Qunoot – (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1213; al-Nasaa’i, 1725; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwa’, 429)

      11.Surah Yaseen: At these trying times, it would be beneficial to recite Surah Yaseen daily and beg through it’s    blessings for the Help of Allah Most High

12. Useful Spiritual Practices : One may read these beneficial dhikrs 100 times daily (or more or less) during times of calamity and distress.

(i) “Hasbun allaahu wa ni’mal wakeel”: Allah is sufficient for us and our Guardian.

(ii) “La ilaaha illa anta subhaanaka inni kuntu minaz zaalimeen”: There is none worthy of worship except You. Certainly I am amongst the wrongdoers.

13. Repent and make istigfaar

Hazrat Anas (Allah be pleased with him) describes that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said that Allah Most High says that sometimes, He intends to send a calamity to a land; but the idea is given up; seeing those men who populate His houses (masjids) and recite “ISTIGHFAAR” in the late hours of the night; and He withholds the calamity. (BAYHAQI)

14. Help the oppressed : Hazrat Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Abu Talha(Allah be pleased with him) reported that Rasulullah (sallaaahu alayhi wassallam) has said that whosoever helps a Muslim at the time of loss of honour and humility; will receive Helpfrom Allah when he is in need of help.( ABU DAWOOD)

This is a time for unity and solidarity with the innocent people who are under attack. We are urged to do whatever we can for them, from the smallest action to the greatest.

LET US PARTICIPATE IN SOME HUMBLE WAY – FOR THE SAKE OF PEACE AND SANCTITY OF LIFE.

Prepared by AL-Islaah Publications( www.everymuslim.com )

15. Dua Taif 

Remember how the Prophet Muhammad(SAW) reacted during his hardships in Taif. Reflect deeply  upon the Prophet’s supplication in Taif. This is the dua he recited with shoes full of blood, wounds all over his body and after having been insulted, ridiculed and abused by the people of Taif to whom he had taken recourse seeking a place of refuge. Moreover, this occurs after three years of suffering a boycott at the hands of the Quraysh as a result of which Muslims were reduced to eating grass and leaves off of trees. Also after he had lost his 2 greatest supporters Khadija(RA) and Abu Talib his uncle.
The Prophet (s) as he walks out of Taif: