Malcom X in 23 Quotes

Source: ciibroadcasting.com

February 21 2015 marked 50 years since the assassination of outspoken African-American Muslim stalwart Malik al Shabazz. Malcolm X, as he was also known, was gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem in 1965 while preparing to give a speech.

As an NPR blog notes, Al Shabazz can be considered as one of the great public speakers of all-time.

And while Malcolm X may have had a natural leaning toward dramatic interpretation, for him public speaking was a learned skill. At the age of 21, he was a middle school dropout and prison inmate who, “didn’t know a verb from a house.” Three months shy of his 40th birthday, he was an international media presence, a voracious reader, tough debater and a leading proponent of black nationalism.”

Below we reproduce some of al Shabazz’s iconic words, many of which may still ring a poignant bell today.

THE MEANING OF THE FIVE DAILY PRAYERS

A very beautiful and inspirational explanation.

Our 5 daily prayers are a way to curb over-attachment to anything material. The five daily prayers regulate our lives with their specific timings to teach us that indeed Allah is Greater than anything else that we might be occupied at that moment. The dawn prayer teaches us that the most beloved thing to us; comfort and sleep, should not control us- so we rise up in the cold mornings, wash ourselves and pray in an acknowledgement that Allah is Greater than our love for comfort and sleep. The midday and afternoon prayer teaches us that no matter how engrossed we are with work or the short lunch hour that we so highly value; it’s not the purpose of our existence. So we leave it for a few minutes and stand and pray testifying indeed Allah is Greater. On Friday, we dedicate if not most, all our lunch hour to attend the Friday sermon and prayer. The dusk prayer, that time when we are finally home and about to spend time with our family, eat dinner or simply relax- we get up and pray together to confirm that Allah is Greater than any of that. Finally the night prayer, Isha’- when we are tired after a long day of work and responsibilities ready to fall into bed and sleep, we pray again to prove that submitting to Allah is Greater than falling to our warm beds. All these serve as constant reminders to us that as much as we love life, we live for a higher purpose. Conversely, if we are having a terrible day, these spiritual checkpoints save us from a fatalistic outlook and serve to remind us that there’s always something more and our problems are not the permanent.

ALLAHU AKBAR..

Please share to inspire others and spread the message that our Allah is Greater. JazaakAllah Kair.

Ways to Build Self-Esteem

Source: productivemuslim.com

By: Anum Ali

Self-Esteem is the value that we give ourselves and the opinion we have of ourselves. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) blessed us with an all-encompassing way of life called Islam over 1400 years ago, and it advocates the rights of all creation (men, women, elderly, children, animals, and our own ‘self’).

Illustrated lesson: Value of Acquiring Knowledge & Teaching Quran (Video)

 An illustrated Lesson from Brother Nouman Ali Khan’s Tafsir of Surah Al Alaq.

Money or Knowledge

Source: Inter-islam.org

KNOWLEDGE

From the first moments after birth, a child begins to learn. Some children speak at the age of two and some; well before. But how does a baby learn when it doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong?

Knowledge is not only gained by mentally assigning yourself, it is also gained through features given by Allah Taa’la, i.e. the eyes and the ears etc. The correct use of these bounties that Allah Taa’la has bestowed upon us is another way of thanking Allah Taa’la for them.

Many people question the importance of knowledge. In a Hadith it states:

“It is compulsory on every Muslim to seek knowledge.”

This Hadith clarifies that to seek and obtain knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, but what knowledge is regarded here?

Each human who can afford to study, complete their studies finishing with PhDs and Masters in particular subjects, the Hadith states, “On every Muslim.” What will be the difference between a Muslim and a non-Muslim if we all acquire the same knowledge? The emphasis on, “On every Muslim” in this Hadith indicates knowledge specific to a Muslim, which infers the Deen (Religion) of Allah.

Advice on Interactions with Others

It is reported that ‘Umar b. Al-Khattab May Allah be pleased with him – said:

Whoever exposes himself to suspicion, let him blame only himself for whoever suspects him.

He who covers his secret is in a position to choose [to correct himself].

Assume the best about your brother until what comes to you from him overcomes you [and you have to change your opinion].

A mother cannot be replaced by anyone!

By: Mufti Menk

We MUST value our mothers before they are taken away. It is an obligation to be respectful towards them, say kind words to them & appreciate everything they have done & continue doing for us! A meal prepared at home by “mum” is far more valuable & blessed than tens of other meals even if it is plain & simple! Once we marry, although life changes drastically, the status of a mum should never be forgotten. Success lies in appreciating those closest to us!

To all those drowning in their attempt to please people

By: Yasmin Mogahed

Pleasing Allah is NOT dependent on pleasing people. Say this a million times, until you absorb it! We *can’t* please people. We can only do our part, as best we can, for the sake of Allah. The result comes from Allah. Not from us. If we are not successful at pleasing people, it does NOT mean we’ve failed! You have not failed. You are not a failure. You need to start to accept and value who you are. You need to value yourself. And stop trying to mold yourself into what you are not, in order to please those around you. Your goal is to please Allah and Allah did not ask you to become something you’re not. Nor did Allah expect you to please people. That’s not your job. Your job is to please Him.

Jordan to buy $15bn of Israeli gas

The Jordanian cabinet approved, last month, the recommendation of the Committee on Economic Development, calling for supplying Jordan with natural gas from the gas field discovered in the Palestinian water of the Gaza Marine

Source: middleeastmonitor.com

A memorandum of understanding is due to be signed between Israel and Jordan in the reservoir of Leviathan to export Israeli natural gas to Jordan during the next 15 years with a total value of $15 billion, an Israeli newspaper reported yesterday.