Five Reasons why Allah gives us problems

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you – depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how Allah wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.

Here are five ways Allah wants to use the problems in your life:

1. Allah uses problems to DIRECT you.
Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? “Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.”

2. Allah uses problems to INSPECT you.
People are like tea bags…if you want to know what’s inside them, just drop them into hot ever water!
Has God tested your faith with a problem What do problems reveal about you? “When you have many
kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and
this will give you patience.”

3. Allah uses problems to CORRECT you.
Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It’s likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove…. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something… health, money, a relationship.. .. by losing it. “It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws.”

4. Allah uses problems to PROTECT you.
A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem – but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management’s actions were eventually discovered. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”

5. Allah uses problems to PERFECT you.
Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you’re going to take with you into eternity. “We can rejoice when we run into problems…they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and
helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.”

Here’s the point:

Allah is at work in your life – even when you do not recognize it orunderstand it.

But it’s much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.

“Success can be measured not only in achievements, but in lessons learned, lives touched and moments shared along the way”

Allah Knows Best…

Source: Unknown

Nature of Satan and his Method of Seduction

Surely, Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his "hizb" (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the Blazing Fire.Qur'an 35:6

The following is a Hadith from Ibn Abbas (RA), as related by Mu'dh Ibn Jabal and contained in Muhyiddin 'Arabi's book, 'Shajarat al-Kawn', (The Tree of Being). This is by information from another Hadith by Anas Ibn Malik (RA). Insh'Allah, this humble retelling will help us to do what Allah says ‘do’, and stop where Allah says ‘stop’.

The Prophet (SAW) asked the Devil, 'Tell me, who in the creation do you hate most?'

The Devil answered, 'You O Muhammad! ("And all the prophets.") There is no one in the whole creation that I hate more than your or another like you.'

"The Messenger of Allah (SAW) confirmed that the Devil was his (and all the prophets') greatest foe. He asked, Whom else do you detest, besides me?"

"Shaytan said,
'The young ones who have given up their pleasures and themselves for Allah's sake;
the men of knowledge who act upon their knowledge and who decline all that is doubtful; 

the ones who are clean, so clean that they wash thrice that which they wish to cleanse.
the patient poor, who neither ask from others the things they need, not complaining.
the thankful rich, who give alms lawfully.
the knowledgeable who act on what they know;
the readers of the Qur'an who pattern themselves on it;
those who call to prayer on time;
advisors and reformers;
abstainers from unlawful food and sex and
those who place their trust in Allah;
benefactors of the poor;
the devout busy in Allah's service.

"Then, the Prophet (SAW) asked, 'What happens to you, O Accursed One, when my people do their prayers?'
"I shake and tremble as if stricken with malaria, because I see your people raised in blessing and power each time they prostrate."

Q: "'What happens to you, O Accursed, when my people fast?"
A: 'I have my hands and feet tied until they break their fast..'

Q: 'What happens to you when they all meet on the Pilgrimage at the house of their Lord?'
A: 'I lose my wits, I go mad."

Q: 'What happens to you when they recite the Holy Qur'an?'
A: 'I melt, like lead turning to hot liquid in the fire.'

Q: 'And when they pay alms?'
A: I am torn to pieces, as if the generous donors took a saw and sawed me into four pieces, because there are four beatitudes which the donor receives: the blessing of abundance, love and respect from Allah's creatures, a shield from Hell fires, and relief from distress and troubles.'

Q: 'O Accursed One, with whom do you most like to spend your time?'
A: 'The usurer.

Q: 'And your best friend?'
A: 'The adulterer.'

Q: With whom do you share your bed?'
A: 'The drunkard.'

Q: 'Who are your guests?'
A: 'The thieves.'

Q: 'Who are your representatives?'
A: The magicians and soothsayers.'

Q: 'What pleases you most?'
A: 'Divorce.'

Q: 'Whom do you love most?'
A: 'Those who abandon their Friday prayers.'

Q: "What breaks your heart, o Accursed One?
A: 'The determination and the firm footsteps of those who march against the enemies of Allah for Allah's sake.'

Q: 'What gives you pain?'
A: 'The repentance of the penitent.'

Q: 'What makes you grimace?'
A: 'The alms given in secret.'

Q: 'What makes your eyes blind?'
A: 'The tahajjud prayer in the middle of the night.'

Q: 'What makes you bow your head?'
A: 'Prayer done in congregation.'

'Q: 'O Shaytan, according to you, who are the happiest among people?'
A: 'The ones who purposefully abandon their prayers.'

Q: 'And the best among people?'
A: 'The miser.'

Q: 'What prevents you from doing your job?'
A: 'The gathering of men of knowledge and their discourses.'

Q: 'How do you eat your food?'
A: 'With my left hand and the tips of my fingers.'

Q: 'When the sun is hot, where do you seek shade?'
A: 'Under people's dirty fingernails.'

Q: "Then the Messenger of Allah (SAW) asked the Devil what he thought of his beloved Companions.
A: About Abu Bakr (RA) he said, 'I hate him. Even before Islam, he refused to obey, nay! even to hear me. How can he now listen to me?'
About Umar Ibn Khattab he said, 'I run away whenever I see him.
And about Ali Ibn Abu Talib he said, 'Oh, if I could just be safe from him, if he would just let me be, I would let him be. But he will not leave me alone!'

"Having heard the answers of the accursed Shaytan, the Prophet (SAW) thanked Allah said, 'Praised be to Allah, who has blessed my people with such felicity and cursed you with such negativity until that appointed time.

"When the Devil heard that, he said, 'Alas for you, what felicity for your people? How can you feel there is safety for them as long as I exist? I enter their very veins, their very flesh, and they cannot even suspect, let along see or feel me. I swear by Allah Who has given me time until Doomsday, that I will seduce them all, the intelligent and the simpleminded, the learned as well as the ignorant, the devout as well as the sinner. None will be safe from me, except the true servants of Allah.'

Q: 'Who are the true servants of Allah, according to you?'
A: 'You know well, O Muhammad, that whoever loves his money and his property, Allah does not count among His servants. Whenever I see someone who does not say "mine" and me, who does not love either money or flattery, I know he is truly a servant of Allah and I run away from him. As long as one loves money, property, flattery, he obeys me, he is my servant. I need many servants and I have servants. I am not alone. I have 70,000 children, each of them with his assigned duties. Each of my 70,000 children has 70,000 shaytans serving under him, all assigned to different posts. Many are with the young, and the older women, and with the theologians and preachers and shaykhs. There are almost no difference of opinion between your young children. And some of the devout and some of the pious get along very well with my people! My devils lead the imagination of the sincerity of their devotions. Soon, they fight with each other and they don't even know what is happening to them. Then, I whisper to them, "Disbelieve", but when they disbelieve, I say,

"I am free of you. Surely I fear Allah, the Lord of the Worlds."
(Sûrah al-Hashir, Ayat 16.)

"Then, the accursed Devil told how he profited from habits of man, which he liked. About lying, he said, 'Do you know, O Muhammad, that lying is from me and that I am the first liar: Whoever lies is my best friend; whoever swears to the truth of Allah and lied to Adam and Eve.
I swore to them both, "Surely I am a sincere advisor to you." (Sûrah AL A`raf, 7:21).

I also detest loving families. If they think of rejecting each other once, the marriage bond in Allah's view is dissolved. The wife will be unlawful to the husband. When they sleep together, they will be adulterers. If they have a child, he will be a bastard. I love that.'

'O Muhammad, let me tell you about my friends who abandon prayers or delay them. When it is time for prayer, I make them imagine that there is still time, that they are busy. They should enjoy what they are doing, they can always pray later! I hope they will die before doing their next prayer. If I don't succeed again, I enter into their prayers. I tell them, "Look to the right, look to the left! Think of the past, plan your future!" And when they do, I caress their cheeks and kiss their foreheads and take the peace from their hearts. You know, O Muhammad, that the prayers of those whose attention is outside of them or who are imagiging things which do not belong in the presence of Allah are also rejected and thrown in their faces. And, if I am not successful in that, I order them to do their prayers fast, and they look like hens picking at grain. If I still don't succeed, I follow them to the congregational prayers and put bridles on their heads. I pull, and lift their heads from the prostration before the Imam, and I push their heads down before the Imam touches his head to the ground and I am overjoyed to remember that Allah will turn those unruly heads into donkeys heads on the Last Day of Judgment. If I am still not successful, I try at least to make them crack their fingers while they are making prayers. Then, they will be among those who make my tasbih, instead of Allah's ta'bih. Or at least I will blow into their noses and make them yawn and, if they open their mouths, a little devil will enter into them through their mouths and increase their love and ambition of this world. The one who loves and is ambitious for this world becomes my soldiers; he obeys me and does as he is ordered.

'O Muhammad, how can you hope and be serene about your people's salvation and felicity? I have a trap at every corner for them. I go to the poor and tell them, "What has Allah done for you? Why do you pray to Him? Prayer is for those to whom He has given in abundance." Then, I go the ones who are sick and tell them to stop praying, and remind them that even Allah said,

"There is no blame on the sick" (Surah Nur, 24:61)

I hope that they will die having abandoned their prayers, so that Allah will meet them with anger in the Hereafter.

'O Muhammad, if I have told a single lie, may scorpions bite me, and ask from Allah that He turn me into ashes. O Muhammad, do not be sure of your people. I have already converted a sixth of them, who have left their religion.'

Then Shaytan said,
" 'I asked Allah to give me a house, and He gave me the public baths.
I asked Allah to give me a temple, and he gave me the marketplace as my temple.
I asked Allah to give me a book. He gave me the book of poetry as my book.
I asked for a call to prayer, and He gave me the dancing music.
I asked for someone to share my bed, and He gave me the drunkard.
I asked Allah for helpers. Allah gave me those who believe in free will.
I asked Allah to give me brothers and sisters, and Allah gave me the squanders who spend their money on evil things. Allah said,
"surely the squanders are the Devil's brethren" (Surah Bani Isr'ail, Ayat 27).

Then I asked Allah to be able to see the children of Adam while they are unable to see me, and He accorded that to me. I wished that the very veins of the children of Adam be my routes, and it was given to me. So, I flow in their veins as I wish and enter their flesh. All these were given to me, and I am proud of what I have received. And, let me add, O Muhammad, that there are more with me than there are with you.'

" 'Then the Prophet (SAW) said, 'If you had not proven what you said with the verses of Allah's Book, it would have been hard for me to confirm what you say.'

" 'The Devil continued, 'Do you know, O Muhammad, that I have a son whose name is Atam? He urinates in the ear of the people who go to sleep without performing their night prayers. His urine puts them to sleep, otherwise, no one could have gone to bed without finishing their prayers.

Then, I have a son whose name is Mutaqadi. His duty is to publicize the prayers, the devotions, the good deeds done in secret a hundred fold. When deeds are publicized and receive credit and praise from the creatures of Allah, Allah takes away 99 of the promised one hundred rewards.

Then, I have a son whose name is Kuhayl. His duty is to put kohl on the eyes of those in the presence of wise men or preachers. The ones whose eyes he has touched start falling asleep. They are, thus, prevented from hearing the words of Allah or receiving any benefits from them.

" 'The Devil talked about women. He said, 'Whenever a woman leaves her seat, a Devil sits in her place. On the lap of every woman sits a shaytan who makes her desirable to whoever looks at her. Then, he orders the woman to open and show her arms, her legs, and her breast and with his claws, tears her veil of shame and decency.'

" 'Then the Devil started to complain. He said, 'O Muhammad, inspite of all this, I have no strength to take away the faith of the faithful. I only take away their faith when they throw it away. If I were able, there would be no one on the face of this world who could say: LA ILAHA ILLALLAH, MUHAMMAD RASULULLAH, " There is no Creator by Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger." I would not leave a single one to pray or fast. All I can do is to give the children of Adam imaginations, illusions and delusions, make the ugly appear beautiful, the wrong, right; and the bad, good. Neither do you have the power to give faith. You are only a proof of the Truth, because I know that, if you were given the power to give true faith, you would not leave a single non-believer on the face of this world. The fortunate one who is a believer is fortunate in his mother's womb, and the rebellious sinner is a rebel in his mother's womb. As you are the guide of the fortunate, I am only the cause of sin of the ones who are destined to sin. Allah is He who renders one fortunate and another rebellious.' Then he recited from Surah Hud,

"And if thy Lord had pleased He would have made people a single nation, and they cease not to differ, except those upon whom thy Lord has mercy, and for this did He create them. And the word of them altogether" (Surah Hud, Ayat 118-119.)
He recited from Surah Ahzab, Ayat 38: ' "And the command of Allah is a decree that is made absolute.' "

Then, the Mercy upon the Universe told the Devil, 'O Father of All Bitterness, I wonder if it is at all possible for you to repent and return to your Lord. I promise I would intercede for you.'

"The Accursed One answered, 'O Messenger of Allah, it is Allah's justice. The ink on the pen which wrote the judgment is dry. What will happen until Doomsday. The One who made the master of all prophets, the speaker for the inhabitants of Paradise, the One who chose you to be the beloved amongst His creation, chose me to be the master of sinners and the speaker of the inhabitants of Hell. He is Allah. O Muhammad, this which I have told you is my last word to you, and I have told nothing but the truth.' "

The ten friends of Shaytan are:

tyrants and oppressors

the arrogant

servile scholars who hide the truth for the benefit of tyrants

dishonest tradesmen

drinkers of alcohol

dealers in fraud

slanderers

those who stir up trouble among friends.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Allah says in Qur'an:

Surely Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe: Send ye blessing and salute him with all respect. 33:53

May Allah's blessing be upon Muhammad, the Beloved of Allah, and upon his household and Companions and upon those who love him. Ameen.

Source: MY JOURNEY TO ALLAAH &TO AR-RASUL(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). FB group

10 simple ways to maintain happiness in a marriage

Allah Ta’ala has made nikah itself such that it increases love between two individuals. Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said:

عن ابن عباس قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لم نر للمتحابين مثل النكاح

Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “We have not seen anything that creates love between two individuals such as nikah.” (Ibn Majha)

There are many ways of increasing love between the couple. Consider the following ten points to maintain a happy marriage and control the instinct of dispute.


1. Fear Allah: It was the noble practice of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) to make the spouses aware of the fear of Allah before performing a nikah by reciting the verses (al-Nisa 14, al-Ahzab 69, Aali-Imraan 101) from the Qur’an. All the verses are common in the message of taqwa (fear of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah.


2. Never be angry at the same time: Anger is the root cause for all marital disputes. One Sahabi came to Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) and sought some advice. Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Control your anger.”The same advice was rendered three times. (Mishkat p. 433; H.M. Saeed)


3. If one has to win an argument, let it be the other: Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Whoever discards an argument despite being correct shall earn a palace in the center of Jannah. (Mishkat p. 412)


4. Never shout at each other unless the house is on fire: Luqman (AS) while offering advice to his son said, “And lower your voice for verily the most disliked voice is that of an donkey.” (Surah Luqman 19)


5. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly: Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “A Mu’min is a mirror for a Mu’min.” (Abu Dawood 2/325 Imdadiya) Advice with dignity and silently.


6. Never bring up mistakes of the past: Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Whoever conceals the faults of others, Allah shall conceal his faults on the day of Qiyamah.” (Mishkat p. 429)


7. Neglect the whole world rather than your marriage partner: Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) confirmed the advice of Salman (Radhiyallahu Anhu) to Abu Darda (Radhiyallahu Anhu) for neglecting his wife. “Verily there is a right of your wife over you.” (Nasai 2391)


8. Never sleep with an argument unsettled: Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu Anhu) resolved his dispute with his wife over feeding the guest before going to bed. (Bukhari 602)


9. At least, once everyday, express your gratitude to your partner: Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Whoever does not show gratitude to the people has not shown gratitude to Allah.” (Abu Dawud p. 662; Karachi)


10. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness: Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “All the sons of Adam commit error, and the best of those who err are those who seek forgiveness.” (Tirmidhi 2499)


Source: unknown

Misconceptions about Hijab

Have you ever wondered why a nun can be covered from head to toe and she's respected for devoting herself to God, but when a Muslim woman covers, she's viewed as "oppressed"? Or why a Jew can grow a beard and he's just practising his faith, and when a Muslim does that, he's an "extremist"?

People in the west seem to have many misconceptions about Muslims and Islam. Many believe that the western world is advanced, enlightened and liberated, while Islam is just the opposite: primitive, ignorant and oppressed. One reason for this belief is that the media has time and again portrayed the Muslims in a way contrary to Islamic teachings. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings, and NOT some Muslims' actions. For this reason, we have felt it our duty to address the most common misconceptions.

Misconception #1 - "Hijab is oppressive"
So what exactly is hijab? To observe the hijab, Muslim women are required to cover their body (excluding face and hands) with modest clothes that don't reveal their figure in front of male strangers. However, hijab is not just about outer appearances; it is also about noble speech, modesty, dignified and righteous conduct.

There is nothing in hijab that restricts a Muslim woman's freedom to express her views and opinion, to own property, to have an education and a career, or to choose a husband. The hijab is an act of honour and dignity, an empowerment, and a guarantee that a woman will be judged according to her inner spiritual beauty rather than her outer superficial appearance. The hijab liberates and raises a woman's status, and demands that she be judged according to her intellect rather than her sexuality.

The reason Muslim women observe hijab is simply because Allah (God) made it a compulsory act of worship for them, and Allah knows what is best for His creation.

"O Prophet, tell your wives and daughters and the believing women to draw their outer garments around them (when they go out or are among men). That is better in order that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not abused..." Qur'an 33:59

The hijab gives women the freedom to be active members of society, while maintaining their modesty. The hijab is meant for the public as women do not have to observe hijab when they are at home with their family!

The hijab does not symbolize suppression, oppression or silence. Rather, it is a shield guarding against degrading remarks, unwanted advances and unfair discrimination. Of all converts to Islam, 75% are women! Would you enter a religion that oppresses you? So the next time you see a Muslim woman, know that she covers her physical appearance, not her mind or intellect!

Misconception #2 - "Islam oppresses women"
One of the most disturbing misconceptions is the negative portrayal of women in Islam - namely that Islam degrades and oppresses women. According to the teachings of Islam, the only thing that distinguishes people in the sight of God is their level of piety.

"Verily the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the most God conscious." Qur'an 49:13

This verse proves that Muslims, male and female, are equal and that the only difference between them is their level of devoutness. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn that for every male convert to Islam, four females convert.

Some reasons for this overwhelming female conversion rate are due to the following rights enshrined in Islam:

• to total control of their wealth;
• to choose their spouse;
• to keep their own surname when married;
• to own property, operate a business, study, and receive equal pay for equal work;
• to inherit property, and to have their marriage dissolved in the case of neglect or mistreatment;
• to participate in all forms of worship that men participate in.

Islam guaranteed these rights, among many others, to women over 1400 years ago - rights that women in the West are still lacking.

"Whoever works righteousness whether male or female, while he (or she) is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward (in the Hereafter) according to the best of what they used to do." Qur'an 16:97

Without doubt, there are Muslim women who are oppressed and not given their rights. However, this is not the fault of Islam. The problem is that in many places in the world, culture and traditions have come to overshadow the teachings of Islam, either through ignorance or harmful cultural practices.

While Islam recognises that men and women are equal, it also acknowledges the fact that they are not identical. Allah says: "...and the male is not like the female..." (Qur'an: 3:36) Islam has therefore ordained different roles for men and women to reflect this undisputable fact. Women have been granted the honoured role and tremendous responsibility of caring for the family and the household as the family unit is the foundation of society.

In conclusion, the noble position of women in Islam can be summarized by the following saying of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him):

"The world and all things in the world are precious, but the most precious thing in the world is a virtuous woman."

Misconception #3 - "Muslims worship a new God called Allah"

Some non-Muslims incorrectly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This might be due to the fact that Muslims sometimes refer to God as "Allah". In actuality, Muslims worship the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus --- the same God as Christians and Jews. The word "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God - an Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the one and only God. Allah is also the same word that Arabic speaking Christians and Jews use to refer to God. If you pick up an Arabic translation of the Christian Bible, you will see the word "Allah" where "God" is used in English.

However, although Muslims, Jews and Christians believe in the same God (the Creator), their concepts regarding Him differ significantly. For example, Muslims reject the idea of God having any partners or being part of a 'trinity', and ascribe perfection only to The Almighty.

Misconception #4 - "Islam permits terrorism"

This is perhaps the biggest misconception about Islam, given the constant stereotyping and bashing by the media. The question that should come to mind is: Do the teachings of Islam encourage terrorism? Certainly not! Islam totally forbids the misguided acts of targeting innocent civilians. So the teachings of Islam should not be blamed for the actions of a few emotionally driven individuals.

Of course, Islamic Law allows for war. Any religion or civilization that does not, would never survive --- but it certainly does not condone attacks against defenceless men, women and children. Allah says:
"Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. Allah does not love transgressors." Qur'an 2:190

Even during times of war, Islam lays down strict rules. For example, a Muslim is not allowed to harm or kill merchants, contractors, non-combatants, women, minors, servants, the blind, monks, the elderly, those physically incapable of fighting, and the insane or delirious. In fact, Muslims are not even allowed to damage crops and vegetation during times of war! These noble ethics were, and still remain, unheard of in any western army.

The Qur'an clearly demonstrates the seriousness of killing an innocent person, the value of human life, and also teaches Muslims how to deal with people of other faiths:
"If anyone murders an (innocent) person, it will be as if he has murdered the whole of humanity. And if anyone saves a person it will be as if he has saved the whole of humanity." Qur'an 5:32

"Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion, nor drove you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who deal with equity." Qur'an 60:8

Throughout history, we have seen many examples of two opposing sides where one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. We have seen this when India achieved independence from British rule. Some freedom fighters of India, who did not subscribe to non-violence, were labeled as terrorists by the British government. The same individuals have been praised by Indians for the same activities and hailed as patriots. A similar and well-known case occurred with Nelson Mandela. Some current conflicts involving Muslims also fall into this category.

How can Islam condone terrorism when the word "Islam" itself is derived from the word "salaam", which means achieving peace through submission to God? It is a religion of peace, whose fundamentals teach its followers to maintain and promote peace throughout the world.

Conclusion

So many untruths have been directed at Islam which try to make Islam look like something strange and foreign to Westerners. In deciding upon what to make of Islam, remember this: Would you agree to adopt this fastest growing religion if it was a harsh and inhumane way of life?


Source: MY JOURNEY  TO ALLAAH &TO AR-RASUL(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Facebook group

Islamic Online University

I came across this website and found it very interesting...run by Dr.Bilal Philips...
It is a very good way to study islam for free!


Islamic Online Universitywww.islamiconlineuniversity.com


Registration is free and you immediately commence your online studies, where you can download the videos, audios, and PDF documents to study in the best manner that suits you. Upon completion of each module there are online tests that will be graded.


You will be emailed a printable certificate upon the completion of each course, signed by Dr.Bilal Philips. There is also a diploma for those who complete all of the free courses.


This is definitely a good way to learn more about islam and spread it to others, not to mention getting closer to Jannah inshallah..

Please share this link with all your muslim brothers and sisters...and sign up!! :)


Also...if you have the ability to...please donate towards this worth cause...as it is definitely a good cause...and one that we should all support and encourage...even if we don't have the time to pursue the courses ourselves...


May ALLAH bless us all...Ameen

Celebrating the Prophet's Birthday

There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allaah and His Messenger.’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) made the day of his birth a day of worship, which is different to celebration. He was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).

Moreover, we know that the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most. Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? Was it reported that ‘Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or ‘Uthmaan, did this? Was it reported that ‘Ali, his relative and foster son, did this? Was it reported that any of the Sahaabah did this? No, by Allaah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.

Did any of the imaams – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? By Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa (i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi). The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday appeared many centuries later, when many of the features of true religion had vanished and bid’ah had become widespread.

Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31-32]

The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allaah and His Messenger. Hence Allaah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers. We ask Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us of the danger of not obeying him, and the danger of adding to what he brought. The celebration of Mawlid or his birthday is indeed an addition to what he brought – as all the scholars agree. He said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.” (Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).

We ask Allaah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allaah knows best. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Source: Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Why a muslim woman should NOT take her husband's surname

One of the ways in which the West has influenced us...to such an extent that some of us may not even realize the little daily things that we do contrary to islamic beliefs....one such issue is the issue of a woman changing her surname to Mrs.XXX upon marriage - as is done in the west...

From birth, a woman is known as the daughter of So and So...and carries her father's name as her surname. Allah says in the Quran (interpretation of the meaning):

“Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allaah…” [al-Ahzaab 33:5].

And some hadith to support this are:

As it is in this world, so it will also be in the Hereafter, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“On the Day of Resurrection, each betrayer will have a banner raised beside him, and it will be said, this is the betrayer of So and so the son of So and so.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5709, and Muslim, 3265).

Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd (may Allaah preserve him) said: This is one of the beauties of sharee’ah, because calling a person by his father’s name is more appropriate for knowing who is who and telling people apart. The father is the protector and maintainer of the child and his mother both inside and outside the home. This is why the father mixes with people in the marketplaces and takes risks by travelling to earn a halaal living and strive for their sakes. So the child is given the name of the father, not of the mother who is hidden away and who is one of those whom Allaah commanded (interpretation of the meaning):

“And stay in your houses…” [al-Ahzaab 33:33]
(Tasmiyat al-Mawlood, 30, 31).

On the basis of the above, there is no blood tie between the husband and wife, so how can she take his surname as if she is part of the same lineage? Moreover, she may get divorced, or her husband may die, and she may marry another man. Will she keep changing her surname every time she marries another man?

Furthermore, there are rulings attached to her being named after her father, which have to do with inheritance, spending and who is a mahram, etc. Taking her husband’s surname overlooks all that. The husband is named after his own father, and what does she have to do with the lineage of her husband’s father? This goes against common sense and true facts. The husband has nothing that makes him better than his wife so that she should take his surname, whilst he takes his father’s name.

Therefore, the husband has no right to force his wife to do that, and if he forces her to do it she should not obey him, because it is obedience to a created being which involves disobedience to the Creator. So she should persist in her refusal and explain to him that it is haraam, and look for Islamically acceptable means of establishing her rights from a legal point of view.

Hence everyone who has gone against this and taken her husband’s name should put matters right. We ask Allaah to put all the affairs of the Muslims right.

May ALLAH guide us all...inshallah

Source: www.islamqa.com

A career choice: An Islamic Perspective

Guidelines for students and parents on selecting a career path:

The transition from high school to college is arguably one of the most exciting times in the life of a student. A time of new beginnings, of intense emotions and perennial memories. It is also a time that demands big changes, careful planning, and important and often difficult decisions. Prime among these decisions is choosing a career path. Though many high school seniors believe they know what studies they want to pursue, surveys indicate that a college student will change major an average of three times. In this article we succinctly describe some guidelines that can be helpful in the process of making career decisions.

1. Know yourself.
Take the time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, to identify the subjects and activities you enjoy and the ones you dislike, to determine your goals and expectations. Think about the kind of work you would like to perform, the working conditions and earning level you seek, and the implications on your overall lifestyle. Discuss these issues, as well as your plans and concerns, with your parents, teachers, counselors and friends. Then, using resources like those discussed below, find out which career paths would most likely draw on your strengths, be of your liking, and meet your expectations.

2. Talk to the experts.
Career counselors, available in many high schools and most colleges, are professionals trained to guide you in the process of making career decisions. They will administer specialized questionnaires and tests to help you identify and evaluate your interests, your strengths and weaknesses, and your goals.

A valuable source of information about a specific career are people working in that field. Try to meet and talk to some of them. Inquire about the nature of their work, the working conditions, the training required, the job market outlook, and what they like and dislike about their work. Then compare their answers with your expectations.

3. Know the job market.
The availability of good job opportunities has traditionally been, and will continue to be, one of the very important elements in career decision making. The more dynamic and global character of today's economy makes it somewhat harder to accurately anticipate long-term changes in the job market. Nevertheless, there are valuable studies on employment trends that can be an important resource in assessing future demand for specific careers.

4. Consult various information sources.
In addition to educational institutions and government agencies, other sources of career information and reference material include public libraries, professional societies, companies and business firms. Much of this information, and more, is also available at your fingertips through the Internet. It is always a good practice to consult more than one source before reaching an opinion.

5. Let the student decide.
All too often well intentioned parents try to choose a career and a college for their son or daughter without much regard for the students' preferences and skills. This approach can put significant strain on family relationships and can be for the student a source of frustration for years to come. People that enjoy and use their strengths in what they do usually have more successful and fulfilling careers.

6. Keep an Islamic perspective.
Last, but certainly not least, keep always an Islamic perspective on things. More important than the successes and failures we encounter in life is the way in which we react to them. We should be thankful to Allah and humble in our achievements, and we should be thankful and patient in our defeats. Face every challenge and perform every task to the best of your abilities, and at the same time pray for Allah's help, guidance and forgiveness. Indeed, the amount of taqwa we accumulate in our hearts is a more trustworthy measure of our success in life.


Goals and Objectives of your career OR business:

After qualifying in one's career, trade etc. one should; firstly be dedicated to utilising one's expertise in the service of Islam. One can easily apply one's knowledge attained in one's field of expertise to serve; empower and advise fellow Muslims and Islam in general. This will turn your profession, career as a service to the Ummah at large and a service to Islam.This dedication to help build the economic strength of Muslims through networking and promoting cooperation, and by encouraging and helping Muslims to prosper will be highly meritorious. Not only, can one apply one's expertise to the community; but one can work to help advancement of Muslims in corporate and professional careers.

Some ways to achieve that would be:
Promote and help cooperation among Muslims and Muslim businesses.
Promote and help the establishment of new Muslim businesses.
Help in finding and developing business opportunities for Muslims.
Help advancement of Muslim employees in their careers.
Provide services that effectively utilize the pooled resources of Muslims.
Promote and help establishment of Islamic financial institutions.
Promote and help in trade and other business cooperation


Source: MY JOURNEY  TO ALLAAH &TO AR-RASUL(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Facebook group

Evidence that tattooing, plucking the eyebrows and filing the teeth is haraam

Assalamu aleikum,,,,,

Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on women reducing their eyebrows? Please quote the specific ahaadeeth if possible.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Allaah has forbidden women to remove any part of the hair of their eyebrows; this action is called al-namas in Arabic, and it is haraam because of the following evidence:

1 – Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“They (all those who worship others than Allaah) invoke nothing but female deities besides Him (Allaah), and they invoke nothing but Shaytaan (Satan), a persistent rebel!

Allaah cursed him. And he [Shaytaan (Satan)] said: ‘I will take an appointed portion of your slaves.

Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allaah.’ And whoever takes Shaytaan (Satan) as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allaah, has surely, suffered a manifest loss”

[al-Nisa’ 4:117-119]

The relevant point in this verse is that Iblees will tell people to change the creation of Allaah. Some of the mufassireen interpreted it by saying that what is meant here in this verse is tattooing, plucking the eyebrows and filing the teeth, as we shall see below.

Al-Qurtubi said in his commentary on this verse:

A group said what was meant by changing the creation of Allaah was tattooing and other things that are done for the purpose of beautification. This was stated by Ibn Mas’ood and al-Hasan.

Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 5/392

2 – It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah said: “Allaah has cursed the women who do tattoos and those who ask for tattoos to be done, those who ask for their eyebrows to be plucked, and the women ask for their teeth to be filed for the purpose of beautification, changing the creation of Allaah.” A woman from the tribe of Bani Asad whose name was Umm Ya’qoob heard of that and she came and said, “I have heard that you have cursed So and so and So and so.” He said, “Why should I not curse those whom the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed and who are mentioned in the Book of Allaah?’ She said, “I have read what is between the two covers [of the Qur’aan], and I did not find anything in it like what you have said.” He said, “If you have read it, have you not read that Allaah says,

‘And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)’

[al-Hashr 59:7]?”

She said, “Of course.” He said, “He forbade that.” She said, “I think your wife does it.” He said, “Go and look.” So she went and looked and she did not see what she was looking for. He said, “If she had been like that, she would not be with us.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4604; Muslim, 2125

Al-Qurtubi said concerning the meaning of tattooing:

Tattooing is done on the hand; it involves piercing the back of the hand with a needle and filling it with kohl or another substance so that it changes colour. [Translator’s note: this refers to the type of tattooing known at that time]

Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 5/392.

Ibn Hajar said concerning the meaning of plucking the eyebrows:

The mutanammisah is the one who asks another to pluck her eyebrows, and the naamisah is the one who does it. Al-nimaas means removing the hair of the face with tweezers. It was said that the word nimaas refers specifically to removing hair from the eyebrows in order to reduce them or make them straight. Abu Dawood said in al-Sunan: al-naamisah is the one who plucks the eyebrows in order to reduce them.


Fath al-Baari, 10/377

It was said concerning the meaning of those who ask for their teeth to be filed (al-mutafallijaat)

This refers to one who asks for her teeth to be filed or who does that. Falj means making a gap between two teeth and tafalluj means making a gap between two attached things by means of filing or the like. This was usually done to the incisor and the eyetooth for the purpose of beautification. A woman might do this if her teeth were close together so that she would have gaps between her teeth, or an old woman might have do to make it look as if she were younger, because young women usually have gaps between their teeth that disappear as the woman gets older.

Fath al-Baari, 10/372

Al-Qurtubi said:

With regard to all of these matters, the ahaadeeth indicate that those who do them are cursed and that they are major sins. But there is some difference of scholarly opinion concerning the reason why they are forbidden. It was said that it is because it is a kind of deception, or because it is changing the creation of Allaah, as Ibn Mas’ood said. This is more correct, and it also includes the first meaning. And it was said that what is prohibited is what is permanent, because it is changing the creation of Allaah; with regard to what is not permanent, such as kohl and make-up, the scholars have permitted that.

Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 5/393.


Source: www.islamqa.com

Interfaith Marriages...

This post was put up on Facebook by one of my dear friends..Aali...i just had to share it here..as it has received many responses and comments from people worldwide....absolutely beautiful post indeed...Jazakallah Khairun Aali...


INTERFAITH MARRIAGES


Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents. So Muslim men in the West should think carefully before marrying outside the faith.

Muslim men and women are told to seek faithful spouses with a strong, good belief, and not allow non-Muslim standards of selection influence them. Muslim men can marry only Muslim, Christian, or Jewish chaste women, while Muslim women can marry only chaste Muslim men.

Allah (s.w.t.) said:

This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who have received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when you give them their marriage portions and live with them in honor, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denies the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter. [Qur'an: Al-Ma'idah (5:5)].

A Muslim man is discouraged from marrying a non-Muslim woman if there is no Islamic State or if he is not living in an existing Islamic state, since the non-Islamic states do not recognize his rights as head of the family to raise the children Islamically. On the contrary, the children will most likely be brought up in their mother's religion, since the Muslim husband does not have his Islamic rights in his non-Muslim wife's country.

There are many tragic examples of Muslim men who tried to take their children to their Muslim countries after they divorced non-Muslim wives. The women in many of these cases succeeded in bringing the children back to be raised in the non-Islamic societies as non-Muslims. The fathers are referred to as kidnappers (of their own children) in the non-Islamic media. Unfortunately, even the governments in Muslim countries these days help the non-Muslim wives to get custody of the children. This is due to the absence of an Islamic state which would protect Muslim children from being kidnapped by non-Muslim wives to be raised as non-Muslims.

Muslim men should consider these issues before they marry non-Muslim women, especially when the man is strongly influenced by her physical appearance. A Muslim man should look to the future and consider his duties toward his children. The cases mentioned show clearly the damage that can be done to children in interfaith marriages, and while a personal sin may be easy to forget and repent from, one may never overcome the problems that arise because his children were raised as non-Muslims as a result of his negligence concerning providing the right spouse and community for them. Children have the right to be brought up in an Islamic environment by good Muslim parents.

The benefits of marrying a non-Muslim woman are minimal when both live in a non-Islamic state. The woman and her relatives would not see how Muslims live as a community, nor would they have close contact with family, should the Muslim man decide to marry her and live outside the Islamic State. Marrying a chaste Christian or Jewish woman in a non-Islamic state should be considered as a last resort and as the only alternative to keep him from falling into adultery. Men, however, should be aware of the fact that most women in non-Islamic societies do not qualify as chaste women in Islam, (i.e. abstention from unlawful sexual activities). Some Muslim men ignore these conditions and ignore the commands of Allah when they are misled and fooled by a smile from a non-Muslim woman.

Abdullah Ibn `Abbas, a famous companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a famous scholar, said that Muslim men should not marry Christian or Jewish women from people who are enemies of Islam.

Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi, a contemporary Muslim scholar, said that the Christian or Jewish women can be married only if the four conditions summarized below are satisfied:

She must be Kitabiyyah, i.e. Christian or Jewish by faith, and not by virtue of birth into a Christian or Jewish family. Many women who live in Christian or Jewish societies today are atheists, Buddhists or Bahai's. These women are prohibited for Muslim men. A woman who commits apostasy, by becoming a non-Muslim after being a Muslim, would not be allowed to marry a Muslim man, since apostasy is much worse than unbelief.

She must be Muhsanah, which means chaste and virtuous. Women who are involved in illicit relationships with men are prohibited for Muslim men. Most non-Muslim women these days do not qualify as Muhsanat (chaste and virtuous women who abstain from sexual activities outside marriage), and Muslim men should fear Allah and keep this condition in mind.

The woman should not be from people who are fighting Islam or are helping others to fight Islam.

There should be no threat or possible harm from marrying her. For example, if a man's children would not be raised as Muslims, he should not marry her. If the courts in a non-Islamic society would give the children to her in the case of divorce, then he cannot marry her, unless she agrees that he would have the children in the case of divorce.

Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi also said that Muslim men may not marry Christian or Jewish women if the Muslim community is a small minority in a huge non-Muslim society, and such marriages would make it impossible for Muslim women to find Muslim men to marry. This is classified under "limiting the allowed" in the Islamic jurisprudence. Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradhawi used the example that if all people grew cotton instead of wheat, the government would have the right to stop them from doing so, since wheat is a necessary food ingredient, even though growing cotton is allowed in normal cases.

Non-Muslim women who repent and accept Islam are treated as any other Muslim if their acceptance of Islam is sincere and not merely for the purpose of marrying Muslim men. Islam forgives all that was before it. Some people, however, accept Islam by name only to marry a Muslim, without showing the least change in their lifestyles to prove that they are following Islam. One should not marry from such people.

There are many Muslim girls of a marriageable age who are living in non-Islamic countries, and it is the duty of the Muslim men to protect these girls from marrying non-Muslim men, which is absolutely prohibited in Islam. If Muslim men loosely practice their right to marry Christian or Jewish women, the Muslims girls in non-Islamic societies will be forced into unwanted circumstances and Muslim men will be at least partially responsible and will get their share of the punishment from Allah.

In considering marriage to a non-Muslim woman a man should remember that marriage is more than the private marital relationship. A good Muslim woman would provide her husband with total security, comfort, trust, tranquility, and happiness, and would raise the children as good Muslims. A man would not have to see his children taken to a church every Sunday without being able to prevent it or live with the concern that his wife would teach his children un-Islamic traditions. It is much easier to trust a Muslim woman than to trust a non-Muslim woman who does not fear Allah, and know that He is watching her all the time. And certainly a woman who does not fear Allah, who sees and knows everything, will not fear or obey her husband who is only home in the evenings.

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said:

A woman is chosen as a wife for her wealth, beauty, family, and faith. Win the one that has the faith or you would ruin your life. (Bukhari and Muslim).

The following verse from the Qur'an beautifully gives us the guidelines for selecting the right wife:

Allah (s.w.t.) said:

Do not marry unbelieving women until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than a free woman who does not believe, even though the latter may appear very attractive to you. Al-Qur'an: Al-Baqarah (2:221)

The Happiness Solution - Imam Siraj Wahhaj (video lecture)

A very good, eye opening lecture...

"ALLAH has promised many things in the Quran....death, the hereafter etc...but he has never promised us happiness...so why are we so bent on thinking that we DESERVE happiness in this dunya?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp8BVMJsFUk

Derailed - Imam Siraj Wahhaj (Video clip)

Imam Siraj Wahhaj talks about how youth are falling off the path of Islam and how they need to find their way back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAGHKkkbWoQ

English (2009) - Understand Quran - online tajweed classes

very good short course for beginners to understand and learn the meaning of basic surahs, salah and basic duas...this site also has more detailed courses

http://www.understandquran.com/courses/short-course-2/english-2009.html

A Very Powerful Dua By Sheikh Mufti Ismail Menk - (audio clip)

A beautiful and powerful dua that will make you reflect....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un3A3-MAos8

MY MONEY! MY MONEY! MY MONEY!

Beloved Ummah!
No matter how much money a person earns, in reality he only utilizes a very small fraction of it. Ponder over the wise reminder from the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.
Abdullah ibn al-Shakhir reported, “I entered upon the Prophet SAAW and he was reciting: "Alhaakum al-takathur.“ Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you.” (Quran 102:1)
He said;
‘The son of Adam would say: ‘My money! My money!’
But do you have, O son of Adam, anything of your money, except that which you ate, and it was put to waste, or that which you wore, till it wore out, or that which you gave in charity, so you have sent it forth (to get its rewards in the Hereafter)?’” (Sahih Muslim)

In this hadith, the Prophet SAAW reminded us that, in reality, all of our money is utilized in only three ways.
=Firstly, the food that we eat, and this eventually is transformed into waste.
=Secondly, the clothes that we wear, and this eventually wears out such that it is unusable. =Thirdly, the money that has been given out for the sake of God, and this is the only part whose benefit remains and returns to us.

So of what benefit is it for a person to gloat over ‘his money’, and boast about it, and be eager for it, when in reality so little of it is actually spent in such a way as to provide eternal benefit? Because of these factors, the Prophet Muhammad SAAW reminded mankind that wealth is not proportionate to the amount of material possessions a person owns. True wealth is to be content with what one has, and then to use it to strive for the everlasting reward of the Hereafter. The Prophet SAAW said, “Richness is not in the quantity of possessions (that one has); rather, true richness is the richness of one’s self (or contentment).” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
He SAAW also stated, “That which is little yet sufficient is better than that which is much but distracts.”[Abu Ya’la, Ibn Adi and al-Albani authenticated it in al-Sahihah,]
And in a third hadith, “He is indeed successful who has been guided to Islam, and his sustenance was sufficient for him, and he was content with it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Lastly, “The best sustenance that you are given is that which is sufficient.”[Ibn Hibban. See al-Silsilah al-Sahihah]

From this, we can clearly see that true success and wealth is found in the peace and satisfaction which results from sincerity in faith and practice. The contentment of the heart is what makes a person realize and appreciate this true richness. The Prophet SAAW described this richness in another hadith, where he said, “Whoever amongst you wakes up, secure in his home, healthy in his body, having the bare amount of food that he requires for the day, then it is as if the entire world has been captured for him, with all that it contains!”[Al-Tirmidhi, Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Ibn Hibban. Al-Albani agreed with al-Tirmidhi in his Silsilah]

The above hadith (in part-1) has many benefits that can be obtained from it. ‘Whoever amongst you...,’ means the Muslims, indicating the first and greatest blessing, namely, that of Islam; ‘...wakes up...,’ means that one has been blessed with life; ‘..secure in his house..,’ means without fear of attack upon one’s safety or the safety of one’s family; ‘...healthy in his body...,’ means that God has saved him or her from diseases and sicknesses; ‘...having the bare amount of food that he requires for the day...’ indicates that even the minimal amount of sustenance is a great blessing from God, for this is what the body and health requires, and many people do not even have this amount; and lastly, ‘.. .it is as if the entire world has been captured for him, with all that it contains,’ indicating that this is all that a person needs of this life, and everything that is in addition to this bare minimum is an unnecessary luxury. Contentment with God’s provision, whether large or small, is contentment with life, and hence, the best wealth that a person can have.

The Prophet SAAW stated, “Verily Allaah tests His slave with what He has given him. So whoever is content with whatever he has been assigned, then Allaah will bless him in it, and give him more! But whoever is not content (with what he has been given), then he will not be blessed in it.”[Reported by Ahmad as mentioned in al-Sahihah.]

Those who are content with their own provision and lot in life will lose concern over the wealth and status of others. Such people have no concern as to how much money others have, what types of cars they drive, or the size of the houses they live in. Those with pure hearts in this respect love God, and are grateful to Him, knowing that the goods of this world cannot buy happiness, or the blessings of faith and contentment. In return, they are loved by God, and by fellow men and women.
This principle is so clearly outlined in the noble Prophetic tradition: “Give up (hope of attaining) this world, God will love you. And give up (hope of) whatever is in the possession of other people, and the people will love you.”[Ibn Majah, Al-Hakim. Al-Albani also graded it as authentic in al-Silsilah]
In another narration, a person came to the Prophet SAAW and asked him, “O Messenger of God! Narrate to me a hadith, and make it short!”
So he replied, “Pray your prayer as if it is your last, as if you are looking at Him (God), for even if you do not see Him then He sees you. And give up hope (of obtaining) what other’s possess and you will live a wholesome life. And beware of anything that you might (later) have to make an excuse for.”[Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabarani.]

So whoever sets as a primary goal the pleasure of God and the rewards of the Hereafter will be loved by God, and whoever avoids competing with fellow Muslims concerning worldly matters will be loved by the people. And this wealth - the love of God and that of mankind — is far greater than any richness that money can buy. The pious predecessors of this nation also realized this principle. Awn ibn Abdillah said, “The greatest blessing is that — when things become difficult for you — you appreciate what you have been given of the blessings of Islam.”[Ibn Abi al-Dunya, al-Qanaah wa al-Ta afuf.]
So next time you are in severe financial circumstances, instead of looking at the material and temporary pleasures that you are not able to acquire, ponder instead over the “treasure of Iman (Faith)” that God has blessed you with, and appreciate the great fortune of being a Muslim! Likewise, when you are overjoyed or distressed due to some monetary gain or loss, remember the statement of Muhammad ibn Suqah, who said, “There are two characteristics which, even though God does not punish us for them, are reason enough for our punishment: we are overjoyed at a small gain that we receive from this world, and yet God has never seen us so happy for a good deed that we do, and we are so worried about a small matter that has missed us concerning this world, and yet God has never seen us so worried about a sin that we commit.”[Ibn Abi al-Dunya, al-Qana ah wa al-Ta afuf.]

I will conclude this article by quoting the verse in which Allaah reminded the Prophet SAAW and the believers to not long for the wealth of this world — wealth that has been given to those that have rejected submission to Allaah - but rather to strive for the richness of the Hereafter: “And do not look towards that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” (Quran 20:131)

Wassalaamu alaikum, and live a stress free life!
By Yasir al-Qaadhi.

Women - sources of success! - video clip by Said Rageah

Beautiful video on how the women during the Prophet's (Swt) time were the source of their husbands/brothers/fathers or sons success

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnMTf7LZzLc

Concentration in Salah - Said Rageah (video clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKCquFJQYvs&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1EBB8215BE0C019F

The Ever-Watching God - Said Rageah (video clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqG8ASX0RH4&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1EBB8215BE0C019F

Chasing the Dunya - Said Rageah (video clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gDC-uR_JR8&feature=SeriesPlayList&p=1EBB8215BE0C019F

Hamza - young american convert to islam crying when performing hajj

This video is so touching - brought me to tears!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Le-bkMevLw&feature=related

How do we know if there is a God? - by Khalid Yasin (video clip)

Very well said...mashallah! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MWPLCUhxuk

Hilarious Conversion Story!!!

i liked these two videos...coz they were honest and didn't have anything about a SIGN showing him to the truth ...or anything supernatural...just simple truth and guidance from ALLAH... and he tells it quite hilariously too!!

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-IuJL8HgvM

Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vu_tZ4LBr0

Khalid Yasin - You will be Judged (video clip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk0AaZQOrc4

Bikini and G-String Are OK But Wearing Hijab or Veil is Bad? - Khalid Yasin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kJPAlkAJJw

Sheikh Khalid Yassin - Muslim woman have no rights? Must See!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5xAjlLm8Bg&feature=related

How to beat your wife in islam - Khalid Yasin

MUST watch video clip for all muslim guys who think that the Quran actually ALLOWS them to beat their wives!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJNU2xx83nw

The 3 stages of the journey of life... - short video clip by Khalid Yasin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNl5jCsXBqo

Desert Rose- A Glimpse of the Life of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh)

Beautiful lecture by Muhammad AlShareef talking about the tests and trials of the prophet (PBUH)...imagine if YOU were faced with these tests? How would you face them?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnwDm3k7XdQ

Yaser Birjas – The Best Plan for Our Life | Halal Tube

Beautiful lecture - he gives daily tips on how to live life pleasing ALLAH...on a DAILY basis...very informative

http://www.halaltube.com/yaser-birjas-the-best-plan-for-our-life

Over coming your desires - By Adbul Raheem Green short but beautiful talk....

http://www.thedeenshow.com/show.php?action=detail&id=1423

Al Habib - Beautiful nasheed by Talib Al Habib

This is a beautiful nasheed from Talib Al Habib from his latest album called Song of the Wayfarer...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iZlHxuub1c

His previous albums are also good...they are titled "Songs of Innocence" and "Rahma"
you can hear clips of the nasheeds on these albums and also buy them at:
http://www.nuralhabib.com/media.aspx

Dejection

I received this mail from one of the facebook groups i joined..called "MY JOURNEY TO ALLAAH & TO AR-RASUL(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)."

I mailed it to my usual distribution list and received a lot of feedback saying many people found it a good read and very thought provoking...so i'm posting it here...inshallah many of you will also find it useful and interesting...once again..do feel free to share! :)

Assalaamu 3alaykum war-rahmah!

Dejection.

Dejection is a state of sad thought, depression and a feeling of being worthless. This could be a result of anger with self or someone else, unexpressed anger, failure and frustration. Dejection is a deadly disease which can harm the body acutely or on a chronic basis. and can irreversibly destroy one's relationships. It is during this state of dejection that people have suicidal thoughts and sometimes actions. During anger, however, a person tries to manifest his verbal and physical strengthening dejection, he completely gives up, thinking he is no good. Dejection slowly builds up while anger is a more acute manifestation, which is like a moth which slowly eats away the human spirit and body.

Dejection can be the result of losses, financial or of a dear one, or even failure in work, education and business. Many times terminally ill patients, without any hope of getting better, would also be dejected. Sometimes dejection or depression is due to a chemical imbalance just like anger, whether it is a psychotropic condition with depletion of brain amines, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, or hormonal imbalance like hypothyroidism and Addison's disease. Therefore, in all cases of depression, when a physician sees them, he does and he must evaluate them for a treatable organic cause.

The way to fight dejection again is a mind-control phenomenon. We must realize that we are not in control of our destiny. Certain failures and adversity have been designed to teach us certain lessons. We must know that someone else is in control of our past, present and future. This is what believer in God is what Caliph Ali once said, that "what makes me a believer in God is the fact that I realize that after doing everything humanly possible to make certain things go right, it goes wrong unexpectedly, making me believe that someone else was in control of that situation, not me."

When we give good advice to our teenaged children, encouraging them to do good and avoiding something wrong and they don't listen, as a result they get into trouble. It is human to be sad, but it is unnecessary to be dejected, thinking that I am not a good parent. We will be questioned for things we can do that we must do, but we will not be questioned on things that are beyond our control.

The remedy for dejection is hope. God made hopelessness unlawful by saying, "Do not despair of God's mercy." Thus, no matter at what level of despair, depression and frustration we are, whether loss of a loved one or a job, or as the result of anger from someone else, we must not give up hope as there is a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel. The greatest hope is mercy from God.

Thus, whoever has lost worldly possessions, expects and hopes that God will replace his losses in a better way. The.he person who has lost a dear one hopes to see that dear one in the life hereafter.

Hope is the medicine which keeps one alive and going, which is when we say, hang on, we mean hang onto the thread of hope. It is not unnatural to be sad over situations and events. Even Prophet Mohammed (Pbuh) used to be sad, looking at the plight of Unbelievers and their rejection of his message for oneness of God, and not becoming Muslims. And God reminded him by saying, "It is not your duty to make them Muslims, but just proclaim the truth, and God gives guidance to those whom He wishes."

During dejection, there is darkness, but in hope, there is light. Therefore, one must pray for this light to illuminate the heart so that we can see beyond what is causing the suffering today. If I knew that I would not see tomorrow, I might get depressed, but the fact that I hope I will see tomorrow with all its goodness, the love of my family, my friends, dear ones, the flowers, the music, that I go to sleep in peace, turning myself to God. We must pray for God's mercy and forgiveness so that we can love and forgive ourselves and God's other creations and have peace with ourselves, our Creator and our surroundings.

We Muslims believe that all our suffering, failures and adversities are nothing but a test from God, who has said that "You will not enter Paradise until you are tested. " He has also said, "Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, a small loss in wealth and lives and the fruits (of your labors), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, when afflicted with calamities, to God we belong and to Him shall we return."' (Chapter 2:15, 5-157).

The Qur'anic Understanding of Love

For real love to be mutual, both people must love Allah with deep respect and should demonstrate those morals that gain Allah’s good pleasure

People who do not live according to the Qur'an's morals cannot love or be loved in the true sense of the word. For real love to be mutual, both people must love Allah with deep respect and should demonstrate those morals that gain Allah's good pleasure. Allah will place love in the hearts of His beloved servants and ensure that other people will love them. It should not be forgotten that Allah is the real source and owner of love. To enable someone to live with true love, which is of great value and a great blessing, a person should seek to be worthy of this blessing by adhering to the Qur'an's morals, and should pray that Allah bestows true love. People who do not adhere to the Qur'an's morals live a life bereft of true knowledge, hope, and true friends in both worlds.

Allah informs us that love is a blessing that He bestows upon us:

And affection and purity from Us-he had fear [and respect]. (Surah Maryam, 13)

As for those who believe and do right actions, the All-Merciful will bestow His love upon them. (Surah Maryam, 96)
Among His signs is that He created spouses for you of your own kind so that you might find tranquility in them. And He has placed affection and compassion between you. There are certainly signs in that for people who reflect. (Surat ar-Rum, 21)

Given below are some of the characteristics Allah considers to be worthy of true love:

To Be Self-Sacrificing 

Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel sad concerning them. And take the believers under your wing. (Surat al-Hijr, 88)

Some people who do not believe in Allah and the Hereafter judge this world to be a place of great struggle, and therefore believe that the strong will inevitably overcome the weak. This view, the product of a completely mistaken way of thinking, is based on driving people away from good morals and seeking to protect their own gains and interests. A community that is ruled according to such claims sees no need to help those who need assistance; to be self-sacrificing or concerned about another person's welfare, happiness, and ease; to put his or her interests above their own. Subsequently, such activities are avoided because they bring no benefits to those who engage in them.

Thus, these people cannot really love one another, for people cannot truly love those who think of their own welfare before they think of somebody else's. For example, people who experience another person's selfishness feel their love for that person die slowly. If a person only thinks about his own comfort, keeping a delicious meal or a comfortable bed for himself, and not thinking about his or her neighbors, this will inevitably shatter the love felt for that person. Since people regularly witness this type of behavior, they subconsciously hold a negative view point toward such people.

Some people who are far removed from the Qur'an's morality cannot ask even their closest friends to make any sacrifice. For example, a mother who has to take care of her sick child cannot ask her coworker to do her work while she is meeting her child's needs. Even if one helps his own parents, some trouble will probably arise among his siblings. On the other hand, most people, when asked, say that they love their parents dearly. However, if self-sacrificing is required and there is no real gain in sight for that person, most people will seek to avoid such obligations. However, those who truly love somebody else will make all sorts of sacrifices, and will never tire or get sick of such sacrifice.

One of the sincere believers' most identifiable characteristics is that they will freely put their own interests below those of other believers. Allah gives one such example in the Qur'an, when recounting the Makkan Muslims' emigration to Madinah, and how the Muslims in Madinah welcomed them.

The Qur'an informs us of the beautiful morals of the believers in the following verse:

Those who were already settled in the abode [Madinah], and in faith, before they came love, those who have migrated to them; do not find in their hearts any need for what they have been given; and prefer them to themselves, even if they themselves are needy. The people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves are successful. (Surat as-Hashr, 9)

You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it. (Surah Al 'Imran, 92)

[The people who guard against evil are] those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people-Allah loves the good-doers. (Surah Al 'Imran, 134)

The Makkan believers emigrated so that they could live their religion. They left behind all of their belongings, relatives, homes, vineyards, gardens, and their places of work in order to gain Allah's good pleasure. This demonstrates their superior morals and indicates the fact they have chosen Allah as their guardian and are trustworthy people. Their beautiful morals caused Madinah's Muslims to welcome them in the best possible manner with deep love, respect, and mercy.

Without considering their own needs and interests, they provided for the interests and needs of their brethren when it came to eating and living. Their self-sacrificing actions were based on their strong and sincere love for Allah and all other believers. Their beautiful morals also drew the love of other believers toward them. Allah mentions these believers in the Qur'an with love and praise, and for the past 1,400 years they have left an indelible impression in every believer's heart.

Another example is given in the following verses:

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor, the orphans, and the captives: "We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks. Truly, We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous Day." (Surat al-Insan, 8-10)

Despite being in need themselves, those who offer their food to the hungry will naturally be loved and respected. Let's expand upon this with the following example. Let's pretend that you and two other people are very tired and hungry. In front of you is enough food for just one person and only one bed. One of them decides to eat the food and use the bed without asking you for permission, while the other person, despite being hungry, offers his food to you and insists that you sleep in the bed. In this situation, you would feel quite cold toward the selfish person, but quite warm and loving toward the one who placed his needs below yours. Allah created human soul so as to be pleased with good morals and feel love and affection for such people.


To Be Forgiving 
Some people who do not live according to the Qur'an's morals easily become angry and dissatisfied with others, and get upset with those who do not live up to their expectations. Many people end long-term friendships with their "closest friends" and become their worst enemy in an instant due to relatively minor matters. This is because they do not live by the Qur'an's morals and thus cannot forgive, be patient or loving toward others, and they lead a life that is far removed from superior morals and the resulting characteristics.

Believers, who are very patient and forgiving, will not become angry and end their friendships just because of some minor mistakes and misgivings. Instead, they will give the other person another chance, remind them of the truth, and help them change their behavior. Instead of feeling anger and animosity toward their friends in public, they attempt to fix their mistakes and misgivings by giving examples from the Qur'an. In sincere love, feelings of great understanding and tolerance reign supreme. Every situation will be resolved with love, understanding, and in peace.
Allah reveals that believers should be forgiving:

Those of you who are affluent and rich should not make oaths that they will not give [anything] to their relatives, the very poor, and those who have migrated in the way of Allah. Rather, they should pardon and overlook. Wouldn't you love Allah to forgive you? Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nur, 22)

You will never cease to come upon some act of treachery on their part, except for a few of them. Yet pardon them and overlook. Allah loves good-doers. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 13)

O you who believe. Fear [and respect] Allah, and speak words that hit the mark. He will put your actions right for you and forgive you your wrong deeds. All who obey Allah and His messenger have won a mighty victory. (Surat al-Ahzab, 70-71)

The Qur'an places no limitations on how believers are to forgive others. Thus, even those people who constantly harm the believers should be forgiven. Believers will quite easily forgive another person, even if they suffer a great loss as a result of that person's actions. By forgiving a gossip, a trouble maker, or someone who causes him a serious material loss, and thus by being an excellent example of high morals, that same person may become a close friend. In fact, when a believer is forgiven, he or she will feel great love and gratitude toward the forgiver. Allah reveals in the Qur'an that one has to be able to forgive in order to develop true love:

A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better. If there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Surah Fussilat, 34)

To Be Humble

One can acquire genuine love only after conquering selfishness, working for gain, insincerity, haughtiness, and similar behaviors. On the other hand, modesty is one of the most important aspects of love, for those who see themselves as superior to others only value themselves. Viewing other people as without value and inferior, they believe that they are the most intelligent, conscious, and worthy of respect. In other words, they turn their selves into little deities. Such a person find it impossible to associate with those who are "inferior," and so cannot sacrifice for them or put their needs first. As a result, they can feel no true and sincere love for them. Thus, love and haughtiness are mutually exclusive. A person who is haughty can neither be loved nor feel a deep and sincere love towards anyone.

There are many reasons why haughty people lead a loveless life. They generally have characteristics that are conducive to making fun of people in order to increase their value in their own eyes. They think that publicizing other people's shortcomings will display their own superiorities. No one will feel a sincere love in their hearts for those who constantly ridicule and degrade others.

On the other hand, modest people are always loved, for they value the person in front of them and, because of their adherence to Qur'anic values, other people will feel at ease with them. Such people listen intently and sincerely to any advice given to them, and never argue and assert that they know better. Rather than becoming haughty, they will display a good and positive attitude. They will not dispute the truth nor repel the wrong with anger. They answer all questions with great sensitivity, and never demand that other people show him love or respect first. Even when dealing with a haughty and argumentative person, they will respond by being modest, value other people's opinions, reply to everyone's greetings in the best possible manner, and be full of love and respect toward everyone. In short, the modesty brought about by the Qur'an's morals will develop into a model person who is very harmonious, open to different views, and not haughty. In fact, they will be models of honor, care for others, and value others. For this reason, modest people are usually loved very much. Allah informs us of this, as follows:

The servants of the All-Merciful are those who walk lightly [without arrogance] on the land, and who, when the ignorant speak to them, say: "Peace." (Surat al-Furqan, 63)

In another verse, He relates that:

Your god is One god, so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-hearted. (Surat al-Hajj, 34)

Moreover, as a result of his modesty and soft nature, people gathered around our Prophet (pbuh):

It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them, ask forgiveness for them, and consult them about the matter. When you have reached a firm decision, put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (Surah Al 'Imran, 159)

To Be Straightforward

Some unbelievers feel very comfortable when telling lies. If such people do not admit their lies and stop engaging in this deceitful behavior, no one will love them. Liars often lose sight of the truth, and therefore are very undependable and untrustworthy people. People cannot love those whom they don't trust.

Believers, however, never lie, regardless of the consequences to their own interests. Thus, they are completely reliable and trustworthy, for they do not hide or distort the truth, or make promises they cannot possibly keep. For believers, there are no such things as white lies. As a result, they do not resort to lying in order to be seen as doing good, or to protect their esteem in the eyes of others, to show off, to ensure their material gain, or to cause any sort of loss to other people.

This beautiful moral value is one of the factors that turns a person's soul toward love, for soul will form feelings of true love toward a person who displays honesty and truthfulness. Our Prophet (pbuh) emphasized the importance of love between believers and stated that before this love could be developed and strengthened, sincerity and trust had to be established first:

Abu Hurayrah reported: "The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) observed: 'You shall not enter Paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things that are the articles of faith), and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I direct you to a thing that, if you do, will foster love among you: (the practice of paying salutation to one another by saying) as-salamu alaikum.'" (Sahih Muslim)

To Be Patient

Your god is One god, so submit to Him. Give good news to the humble-hearted. (Surat al-Hajj, 34)

The Qur'an reminds us that "people are prone to selfish greed" (Surat an-Nisa',128). Thus, we must strive to protect ourselves from such negative character traits so that we can attain the high morals befitting Paradise. However, despite this, people make mistakes. People who are trying to live lives of genuine love and friendship should not forget this fact. They must be very patient and forgiving toward those who they love, be patient when their friends do something wrong, and attempt to compensate for their shortcomings, for only those who are patient and unselfish can love and be loved. Patience strengthens and develops mutual love and tolerance. Believers rely on each other and, because they are believers and respect one another, bear each other's mistakes with tolerance and forgiveness. To compensate for these mistakes, they redouble their efforts to live according to the Qur'an's morals in the best possible manner, which only draws them closer to their fellow believers. For this reason, they are always patient with other people, regardless of the magnitude of their mistake.

Our Prophet (pbuh) directs the believers to cover their fellow believers' mistakes and to support them:

Every Muslim is a brother to a Muslim, neither wronging him nor allowing him to be wronged. If anyone helps his brother in need, Allah will help him in his own need. If anyone removes a calamity from [another] Muslim, Allah will remove from him some of the calamities of the Day of Resurrection. If anyone shields [another] Muslim from disgrace, Allah will shield him from disgrace on the Day of Resurrection. (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

The patience of a person who loves Allah and is constantly pleased with Him differs significantly from the understanding of patience of unbelievers. Unbelievers attempt to "endure" in some situations if they think that they will gain something from another person, or if they fear the repercussions of their community. They consider that they have the right to sulk, complain, or act badly. They will think: "I am putting up with this much trouble, so I am entitled to do as I like," or other similar statements. For example, an unbeliever who is looking after his sick friend will at some stage begin to be bored, become angry, and start to complain. He will complain that he cannot sleep, is very tired, that the job at hand is very hard, or even that nobody could possibly be as self-sacrificing as he is. These feelings will become noticeable and will cause his sick friend to feel obliged, for he will remind him all the time that he is doing him a favor.

A patient person however, responds to all of these needs with pleasure and does whatever is necessary to help him. He will never make that person feel obliged. Allah tells all believers to be patient with others, for it is one of their most beautiful character traits:

O you who believe, be steadfast. Be supreme in steadfastness and firm on the battlefield, and fear [and respect] Allah, so that, hopefully, you will be successful. (Surah Al 'Imran, 200)

To Be Faithful

[The steep ascent is] then to be one of those who believe and urge each other to steadfastness, and urge each other to compassion. (Surat al-Balad, 17)

One other characteristic that attracts the love of other people is faithfulness. Allah informs the believers that He will reward them for their faithfulness. For this reason, all believers implement this characteristic without reserve. As Allah tells us in the Qur'an:

So that Allah might recompense the truthful for their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, or turn toward them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Ahzab, 24)

Even under the most difficult of circumstances, believers will never compromise their faithfulness toward Allah and the believers. Allah mentions Prophet Musa (as) and his young followers as role models for all believers:

No one had faith in Musa, except for a few of his people, out of fear that Pharaoh and the elders would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. Musa said: "O my people. If you believe in Allah, then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims." (Surah Yunus, 83-84)

Throughout history, the believers and prophets have led lives whereby they have been killed, lost their wealth or esteem, and have been accused of various misdeeds. The believers, who have never left each other, as a result of their love for Allah and their fear, respect, and closeness to Him, have endured all of these dangers and have not yielded to them. Their heartfelt and unconditional loyalty to Allah is reason enough for the believers to feel love for one another. Allah informs us of this in the following verse:

The believers are only those who have believed in Allah and His messenger, and then have had no doubt and have striven with their wealth and themselves in the way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word. (Surat al-Hujurat, 15)

To Be Merciful

Mercy is one part of love. Therefore, one cannot have sincere love if he has no mercy for others. Our Prophet's (pbuh) mercy is an excellent example for all believers. As Allah states in the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) displayed the most superior morals possible:

A messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering is distressing to him. He is deeply concerned for you, and gentle and merciful to the believers. (Surat at-Tawba, 128)

Merciful people do not wish for the people living around them to lead miserable lives no matter how important their own lives are, how well they are doing, for those people are just the same, even more important, than their own needs. For this reason, one of the most obvious characteristics of a merciful person is that he is concerned with the issues of others and does his best to resolve their problems.

Our Prophet (pbuh) directs all believers to act mercifully toward all other people:

Those who have mercy will receive the mercy of the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on Earth, and the One in Heaven will have mercy on you. (At-Tirmidhi)

A Person Will Think of the Hereafter of Someone He Sincerely Loves

A person's real life, the eternal life of the Hereafter, only begins after death, for this world is no more than a temporary residence in which all people are tried. The believers, who are conscious of this reality, demonstrate their love for one another by preparing for the Hereafter. As much they would like to attain Allah's good pleasure, mercy, and Paradise, they would like their loved ones to share the same blessings and beauties as themselves. Knowing that one could face eternity in Hell, they behave in a manner designed to lead others toward the true path. Whenever they see a mistake in each other's behavior, they immediately will do their best to help their beloveds alter their behavior and morals so that they will gain Allah's good pleasure. They invite one another to what is good and beautiful, and withdraw from what He has proclaimed to be unlawful. Their eagerness and sincere love for one another is one of their best characteristics. Allah informs us of the believers' understanding of the strengthened love:

Believing men and women are friends of one another. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, perform prayer and give alms, and obey Allah and His messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat at-Tawba, 71)

Allah is the protector of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness and into the light. But those who do not believe have false deities as protectors. They take them from the light into the darkness. Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever. (Surat al-Baqara, 257)

In Sincere Love, the Other Person's Desires Always Take Precedence
For many people, the most important thing in their life is their own welfare. However, those who love other people sincerely forget their own desires and put those of their beloved's first. They do whatever is necessary to make that person comfortable and meet his or her needs. For example, if two people successfully complete a topic, he would rather see the person that he loves complimented. He will gain great satisfaction if his beloved is in the right, instead of himself, and would rather do the work himself instead of seeing his beloved become tired. He would never confound, belittle, or hurt his beloved, because his sole desire is to gain Allah's good pleasure and love, as well as His Paradise. As a result, he will be able to demonstrate a sincere love and understanding for the other person.

Source: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/articles.asp?ref=HY1002-4074&p=3