One woman’s strength is helping refugees in Macedonia (Video)

 “I’m doing this because I have never seen so many people on the street. No one is helping them.”

The smiling face that greets refugees when they get to the Greece-Macedonia border is that of Gabriela Andreevska. She welcomes them, feeds them, and sends them on their way to the EU feeling like human beings.

Filmed by Matthew Cassel

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.”

Status of the Qur’an

Source: blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com

By: Arshul Mohammed

In modern times, we have become wonted to living on our own; as if God does not exist. Many of us feel that religion is no longer apposite; books of religious teachings have been replaced by modern books of science and “progressive” thinking. The Qur’an – Is it relevant today? Or has it gone into the oblivions of the past as have many other books?

Allah  says in the Qur’an:

And the Messenger has said, “O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] abandoned.”(Al-Furqān, 25:30)

How many of us would like that to happen on the Day of Judgement? He  left behind the the word of God, the sempiternal miracle, the words of Allah  between our hands, and we have simply left it on shelves to collect dust!

After Hardship comes Ease

By: Abdullah Hakim Quick

Muslims have undergone countless trials and suffering during the past few decades. Our oppressors have tortured us, degraded us, raped our women, humiliated our leaders, subjugated our governments but still people are entering Islam, making Tawbah (repentance), reviving their faith, and holding on to the rope of Allah!!! One of the most dangerous attacks has been to our “Modesty”. But Allah is Most Merciful; for despite the pornography, indecent fashion styles, lies and scandal about our culture, Allah has strengthened Muslim women to hold on to Hijab and the Muslim family. May Allah enable Muslim men to appreciate the strength of Muslim women, cherish the gift that a pious Muslim sister gives to the Ummah and repent from ever showing disrespect, malice or ill feeling. May Allah never take this beauty away from us. Surely after hardship and suffering there will come ease, Insha Allah.

Q&A: How can I stop thinking about women?

Question:

How can I stop thinking about women? I try too fast but don’t have enough money to get married and I try to lower my gaze but it’s so difficult. Please advise.

_______________________________________________

Assalamu Alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

Thank you for your question.

Allah says in the Quran:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things)…” [Surat al-Nur: 30]

Al-Junayd (rahimahullah) was asked: “With what do we seek help to lower our gaze?”

He replied: “Your knowledge that Him looking upon you precedes whatever you look at.”

In regard to these verses Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) says: “So He (Allah) put purity after lowering of the gaze and protecting of the private parts. For this reason lowering the gaze away from the prohibited things warrants three great benefits. The first of them is the sweetness of Imaan and the pleasure that comes from it, which is more sweet and pleasing than that which he diverted his eyes away from for Allah’s sake. Verily, whoever abandons a thing for Allah’s sake, He (Subhaanahu WaTa’ala) compensates him with better than it…The second benefit is a light in the heart and quality of intuition… and the third benefit is the strength of the heart and steadfastness and courage. So Allah (Subhaanahu WaTa’ala) would give him, by His strength, the ability of wisdom and substantiation, and the devil would flee from him as it has been mentioned in the saying, “Whoever fears his whims, the devil would race out of his shadow.”

So part of the answer dear brother is recognizing that Allah is watching you and that by looking at that which He has forbidden, you risk losing the opportunity to see Him on the Day of Judgment.

As far as practical tips are concerned:

1. Install a firewall on your computer/laptop that filters lewd material
2. Enroll in a program online to help you deal with pornography. Purify your gaze is one that I would recommend.
3. Try not to put yourself in a situation that will make it harder for you. So avoid places that will cause your gaze to wander and also being alone with your computer/laptop/TV.
4. Fasting controls ones desires and builds that consciousness in Allah needed to fight this disease.
5. Remind yourself frequently of the reward of paradise for lowering your gaze.

May Allah make it easy for you and grant you strength and firmness. Ameen

And Allah knows best.

Answered by Shaykh Omar Suleiman
Hadith of the Day Imam
Director – Islamic Learning Foundation

The strength in supplication (dua)

By: Abu Muhammed

Source: eislam.co.za

As human beings, our life in this world is one characterized by fluctuating conditions that make us happy and those that are a means of causing us sadness. No one experiences perpetual bliss and neither are problems never ending. Life by its very nature is a test.

ABU USAMAH: THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN AND OTHER PAGAN FESTIVALS (VIDEO)

 Virtually all Halloween traditions are based either in ancient pagan culture, or in Christianity. From an Islamic point of view, they all are forms of idolatry (shirk). As Muslims, our celebrations should be ones that honour and uphold our faith and beliefs. How can we worship only Allah, the Creator, if we participate in activities that are based in pagan rituals, divination, and the spirit world? Many people participate in these celebrations without even understanding the history and the pagan connections, just because their friends are doing it, their parents did it (“it’s a tradition!”), and because “it’s fun!” So what can we do, when our children see others dressed up, eating candy, and going to parties? While it may be tempting to join in, we must be careful to preserve our own traditions and not allow our children to be corrupted by this seemingly “innocent” fun. When tempted, remember the pagan origins of these traditions, and ask Allah to give you strength. Save the celebration, the fun and games, for our ‘Eid festivals. Children can still have their fun, and most importantly, should learn that we only acknowledge holidays that have a religious significance to us as Muslims. Holidays are not just excuses to binge and be reckless. In Islam, our holidays retain their religious importance, while allowing proper time for rejoicing, fun and games
More lectures…

The Jinn are more technologically advanced than humans

Source: Leicester Dawah

By: Shaykh Raslan

Jinn’s can access our technology and write on social media or via mobile text messages through the possessed patient.

The jinn’s can use this way to cause fasaad/mischief/corruption and ruin reputation/honour of Muslims.

5 Yoga Poses for Back Pain That You Can Do In Just A Few Minutes

Source: udemy.com

By: Kimberly Pendergrass

If you are living with chronic back pain, good news is coming your way.  There are now several pain relieving options out there that do not include medication.  For example, have you ever thought about yoga as a way to relieve your pain?  There is more to yoga than just enhancing your spiritual well-being. The ancient practice emphasizing stretching, strength, and flexibility can be the perfect remedy for relieving back pain. Its healing qualities are known for alleviating soreness and chronic backaches by lengthening the spine and strengthening the back muscles. Yoga moves can be performed almost everywhere with just your mat.  Learn more about how toturn your home into a yoga retreat here.  If you want to take control of managing your pain without traditional medicines, we suggest trying these five basic yoga poses targeted to ease back pain.