SICKNESS: A MERCY FROM ALLAH

Sickness and other difficulties that we undergo in this worldly life should not only be seen as a misfortune or as an expression of the displeasure of Allah Ta'ala. For those servants of Allah who enjoy a very special relationship with Him, it is a mean of great blessing and a mercy. Is there anyone in this world who is free from sins and mistakes? If every soul were to be fully recompensed for its every action, then apart from the sinless Prophets of Allah, the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus salaam), nobody else would be worthy of entering into Jannah. Man commits minor and major sins all the time, but the difficulties and hardships that he undergoes in this world like illness, grief and sorrow, etc. become the atonement for his sins and in this way he is cleansed of his sins in this very world.

Allah Ta'ala is so relenting and lenient with the Ummah of his beloved Nabi Muhammad (Sallalaahu alaihi wasallam). However, it has been observed that because of a lack of proper Deeni knowledge, very often even when a Muslim becomes ill, many incorrect statements are uttered by the sick person as well as those who treat and take care of him.

To seek a cure for one's illness and to take treatment for it is certainly not forbidden in Islam. In fact it is a Sunnah. There is also no harm if a person complains about pain in the body. However, when a person becomes sick and then complains bitterly and objects to Allah Ta'ala showing disrespect and ingratitude to Him, this amounts to destroying his own rewards.Whether we are healthy or sick, we should be thankful to Allah Ta'ala in all conditions. Life and death are in the hands of Allah Ta'ala alone.

A person who is sick should regard his sickness as a gift and a special sign of mercy from Allah. When he realises this, then at every moment he will be thankful to Allah Ta'ala. Furthermore, those who take care of the sick, like doctors and nurses, should understand firstly, that the service they are rendering will certainly earn them great sawaab (reward from Allah) and secondly, that they are fulfilling a part of huqooqul ibaad (i.e. the rights of the creation of Allah).

Every Muslim doctor, nurse and sick person should learn what our Beloved Nabi, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said regarding illness and disease. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has taught us that a person is tested according to the level of Deen present in his life. If he is firm on his Deen then the test is correspondingly severe, and if he is weak on his Deen then the hardship is made easy upon him. (Tirmizi, Ibn Maajah)

Aa'isha (Radiyallaahu anha) says, 'I have never seen anybody suffering from sickness as much as Allah's Messenger (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).' (Sahih Bukhaari)

Hadrat Aa'isha (Radiyallaahu anha) also narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When the sins of a person become so much that his good deeds are unable to wipe them out, then Allah Ta'ala lets grief overcome him in order to forgive his sins.' (Musnad Ahmad)

Similarly, Hadrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallaahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When Allah Ta'ala wishes good for a person, then he becomes afflicted with sickness (or hardship).'(Sahih Bukhaari)

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SEEING THE DAY THROUGH ISLAM………

Life is beautiful, and everyone knows that this is true. But still it can be very difficult to find a way to believe it.Sometimes we can get so caught up in trying to just survive, that we can sometimes easily forget just how beautiful the things around us truly are.

When is the last time that you stopped and took the time to enjoy the smell of a tea rose, a fresh ripe cantaloupe, or some piping hot biscuits early in the morning?When is the last time that you stopped and looked at a bug do something incredible, as it went about the business of finding food for itself or materials to build for itself some shelter?When is the last time that you intentionally took a moment to listened to the rain fall on a roof, or gaze at a rainbow, or the colors created as the sunset lit up the clouds in the evening sky?

All of these are wonderful treasures that Almighty God Allah created for us, and then He graciously blessed us with the ability to appreciate them, so that we could have that sudden burst of joy in lives, as we move through the world from day to day.
We are immensely grateful for the ability to see, to smell, to feel, and to appreciate the beautiful artistry that is our world.

Look at how big this creation is, and still, at every turn there is always something to fascinate and engage that beautiful gift of life that has been placed within us.
What a blessing to have that gift that makes us see, hear, smell, enjoy, and appreciate the wonderful things that are so abundantly placed around us.We have been tremendously blessed to have been given this gift of appreciation. And no matter how much we may already appreciate the Giver and the gift, we all know that we can always appreciate the Giver and the gift even more.

The ability to know that we can always strive to do more and to give more, is built into our nature. People were designed to want to give. Little Babies love walking up to you and sticking something out for to share with you. It is natural to our nature. And that too, is an incredibly beautiful gift. Many people stay that way through out life and that is a tremendous blessing. Sometimes some people join organizations, or clubs, or religions, and they then return to becoming more and more generous. And that’s a good thing.

The world needs us. We need each other. And the only way that all of us can succeed, is that we all work together in one accord, to do the will of the Only One who has the final say.He is the One that put the ability to appreciate the good things in life within, us in the first place. And He is the One who created the things that we love to appreciate. So certainly we must remember and give thanks and appreciation to the One who is the Source of all that is appreciated.

So enjoy the warm fresh baked bread, the fragrant tea, the new spring flowers, the gentle and cool summer breeze, the radiant glowing sky of a setting sun. And enjoy the science as you watch the animals and the insects do what they do to have a good and fair life.Be reminded of the immense beauty and of the immense generosity of the One who is generous enough to give them all to us. Be reminded of the gift that lets you see that which you appreciate. Remember the One who gave us that which is appreciated. And remember the One who gave us the the ability to appreciate.
Do something good for someone who you would not normally do good for. Cross some color lines and take control of what you think.

Be a servant of the Most High God and let Him be your Witness and Your Guide. And sometimes when you see or remember the people who are less fortunate than yourself, say a prayer for them and say a prayer for the world. That will help to increase the good vibrations for us all.Do what you do for good purposes and let Almighty God Allah be the best Witness for you in this world, and in the world to come. It’s a beautiful day. May Allah have mercy on us all, insha’allah.

SOURCE: http://islampov.com/excellent1/ar

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HAPPY EIDUL ADHA

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remember ALLAH wherever you are....

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25 RULES OF BEING CLOSE TO ALLAH…….Insya-ALLAH..

Then which of the favours of your Lord will you deny?” [Surah ar-Rahman; 55:13]


1. Start off each day with ‘adhkaar al-istiyqaadh’ (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2. Put Allah first in your life.

3. Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day,take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

4. Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

5. If someone says something mean; to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

6. When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

7. Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

8. When you’re happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

9. When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience, and thank Allah that it’s not worse than it is.

10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan’s head.

11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah’s love and thus work For it. Then you can win the love of Allah’s slaves.

12. Spend some time thinking of Allah’s amazing creation.

13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him(those who are enemies of Him).

14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!!).

15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you.

16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

17. Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah’s orders.

18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

19. Forgive, forget and smile.

20. Tears are not for women only… tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don’t restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or no. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahabah were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

22. Read the Qur’an daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Qur’an daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

23. Don’t let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

25. Spreading this message to the Ummahs with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray.

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LOVE OF ALLAH

People naturally like to express their happiness towards those who show them a little courtesy or kindness. For example, he would be very happy if a person welcomes him to his home and offers him whatever he likes, especially if the host is a sensitive person who offers whatever is needed before being asked to do so.

Similarly, a person who is suffering from a serious illness and who regains his health due to a doctor’s treatment will not know how to thank him appropriately. The same is true for a pedestrian who is rescued by a stranger from an oncoming car, for he will do whatever he can to show his gratitude.

Someone who is sick and dependent upon others will constantly thank his care-taker, who ensures that his needs are being met. In recognition of this service, he will show his love and appreciation by treating him in a very respectful manner. Every person loves those who are good to them, and will try to treat them in the same manner.

However, some people forget that only Allah can make people happy, treat them with respect, offer them good sustenance and blessings, create pleasing views for them, grant them a new lease on life every morning, protect them from all dangers, cure them when they are ill, ease their pain and suffering through medicine, and that He owns everything that exists. Therefore, as all of the blessings and goodness that people experience come only from Allah, they should direct all of their love, respect, sense of obligation, loyalty, and thanks to Him. While thanking others for their help, we should never forget that our Lord has inspired them to show us mercy and help us. Allah informs us that:

To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and Earth. He gives life and causes to die. You have no protector or helper besides Allah. (Surat at-Tawba, 116)
The Qur’an also relates Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) supplication to Allah, which highlights His mercy upon humanity:

“He Who created me and guides me, Who gives me food and drink. When I am ill, He heals me. He will cause my death and then give me life.” (Surat ash-Shu‘ara’, 78-82)

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THE PLEASURES OF HEALTH

From an Islamic perspective health is viewed as one of the greatest blessings that God has bestowed on mankind. It should be noted that the greatest blessing after belief is health, as narrated in the following Hadith:

The final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mounted the pulpit, then wept and said, "Ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health."
Related in Tirmidhi

Health is indeed a favour that we take for granted. We should express gratitude to God for bestowing us with health, and we should try are up most to look after it. God has entrusted us with our bodies for a predestined period of time. He will hold us to account on how we looked after and utilised our bodies and good health.

It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"No one will be allowed to move from his position on the Day of Judgement until he has been asked how he spent his life, how he used his knowledge, how he earnt and spent his money and in what pursuits he used his health"
Related in Tirmidhi

The preservation of this blessing can only be achieved through taking good care of one’s health and taking every measure to maintain and enhance it. With this in mind every Muslim should make sure they undertake all necessary actions which are conducive to the preservation of good health. Healthy living is part and parcel of Islam, introduced with the inception of Islam more than 14 centuries ago. Furthermore, the Quran and the Sunnah outline the teachings that show every Muslim how to protect his health and live life in a state of purity. Numerous examples in Islam instruct its followers to live a healthy life, a selection are summarised below.

Daily prayer

Any health benefits derived from prayer or any other worship (fasting) are secondary in importance. The Salah or Islamic prayer comprises both physical movement and mental concentration. Performed five times a day at specific times of the day, the obligatory prayers provide a good means for the circulation of blood, breathing and general suppleness of joints. Though it is not physically over demanding, we know that anything done moderately and consistently is far better than sudden over-exertion at infrequent periods.

Ablution before Prayer & Ghusl

Before a Muslim performs their prayers, they must perform the ablution which comprises thorough washing of the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms (up to the elbow) and the feet (up to the ankle). This ritual of self-purification when carried out five-times a day, leaves the worshiper clean, refreshed and ready to face his creator. Muslims are also required to clean themselves with water after urinating or defecating. Another act of worship which also helps to maintain good health is taking a shower, or ghusl. This is compulsory when one is in the state of ritual impurity, and is compulsory at least once a week before attending the weekly Friday prayer.

Diet & Nutrition

Various verses and texts within Islam promote the eating of healthy wholesome food and eating in moderation. God clearly states in the Quran:

Eat of the good things which We have provided for you. (2:173) Eat of what is lawful and wholesome on the earth.(2:168)

A healthy nutritious diet must also be balanced, in order to maintain the balance that God has established in all things, this is addressed in the Quran when God says:

And He enforced the balance. That you exceed not the bounds; but observe the balance strictly; and fall not short thereof. (55:7–9)

As we know, eating excessively causes harm to our systems. Many aliments are related to uncontrolled eating habits such as, diabetes, vascular diseases, stroke, heart attack etc. It has been said that the ‘stomach is the home of ill health’ and is usually responsible in some way to ill health. Islam teaches us to eat moderately:

Eat and drink, but avoid excess. (20:81)

Over indulgence and wasting of food are further dissuaded in the Hadith of the of the Messenger of God:

‘ No human being has ever filled a container worse than his own stomach. The son of Adam needs no more than a few morsels of food to keep up his strength, doing so he should consider that a third of his stomach is for food, a third for drink and a third for breathing’
Ibn Maja

Fasting

Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn till dusk, is undertaken to seek the pleasure of God and to practise self control and restraint in all aspects of living, with the idea being to continue this state of God consciousness and piety after Ramadan is over. It is an ideal time to remove the impurities and shortcomings in ones life.

‘ O you who believe fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn
Taqwa (God consciousness)’

Fasting in Islam is not like crash dieting, it is adequate in calorie intake and involves no malnutrition. All foods are permissible to eat in moderation, once the fast is over. Many processed foods we eat contain chemicals which over-time can be stored by our bodies as toxins within cells. Fasting can assist our body to purge these toxins while also allowing our body and digestive system to rest. Research has indicated that fasting can lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol, suggesting it may be advisable for moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.

Prohibition of Intoxicants

Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to both mind, body and the social fabric of society. Particular schools of thought include smoking within the list of prohibitions because of its harmful affects on the body. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:

Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, will ye not then abstain? (5:90)

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THE DISEASE OF PRIDE

The disease of pride and arrogance deletes all traces of goodness and piety. This is the worst vice in causing havoc to Deen and a regrettable disease to have for the followers of this perfect and exalted religion. It launches a direct attack on beliefs and principles. If ignored and overlooked for sometime it becomes fatal and incurable, and gives rise to other spiritual maladies and vices, which are no less than four in number, as, mentioned below:


1. Being deprived of truth and truthfulness. The heart becomes blind to the verse dealing with knowledge about Allah. It is a very grievous vice in which the mind of a man becomes dull and impervious to the understanding of Deen. Allah has said in the Holy Quran:


“I shall turn away from My revelations those who show pride in the world wrongfully.” (7.146)

Allah has said in another place in the Quran:

“And in this way Allah does put a seal on every arrogant disdainful heart.” (40.35)


2. The wrath and punishment of Allah fall on the jealous person. Allah has said:

“Certainly He does not love the proud ones.” (16:23)

It is narrated that Hazrat Moosa Peace and blessings be upon him asked exalted Allah: “Oh my Lord! Who is the most deserving of your wrath and displeasure?” Allah Ta’aala told him:
“ It is he whose heart is filled with pride and his tongue is filthy (i.e. Abusive), his eyes are devoid of shame, his hands are miserly and he is of bad conduct and character.


3. Allah will put the proud to disgrace and ill-repute (dishonour) in the Hereafter.

Hazrat Hatim Asam (rahmatullahi alaihi) has said: “Do not die in a state of pride, greed and arrogance.”

Allah does not cause the proud fellow to meet his death unless he is disgraced and dishonoured by his own family, relatives and servants.

Similarly the greedy does not meet his death unless he becomes destitute for a morsel of food and a drop of water.

In the same way the arrogant person does not meet his own death unless being polluted with his own excrement and urine.


4. The proud renders himself liable to Hell in the Hereafter. It occurs in a Hadith Qudsi:


“Pride is My cloak and grandeur is my trousers. If anyone disputes with Me in any one of these (two) I shall admit him into the Hell-fire.”

In the other words, pride and grandeur are two exclusive attributes of Allah, which none is allowed to apply and ascribe towards himself.

It is imperative to refrain from such a dangerous and deadly calamity which leads to loss of knowledge of Allah, inability to understand the commands of Allah, His displeasure, disgrace in this world and the Hereafter and painful torment therein. No wise person can be neglectful in the matter of such a harmful and destructive calamity.


We should, therefore, try to save ourselves from this and seek refuge from Allah.

Pride as a sin is incorrectly considered to be insignificant and minute in comparison to other major sins, by a vast majority of the people. It may be that compared to the major sins like murder and associating partner with Allah, it is slightly inferior. But that is only because of the magnitude of those particular sins that pride is considered a lesser sin.


In a Hadith of the Holy Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him it is narrated that,

“Whosoever has in his heart, even a atom of pride he will not enter paradise.”

In observing the above Hadith, it is of utmost importance that we get rid of this spiritual malady, if we hold any illusion or hope of entering paradise.


Remember that we do claim to be the followers and believes of Islam and we claim to be Muslims, so how then can we still have pride in ourselves? For the very meaning of Islam is to submit totally and conditionally to the worship of the Supreme Being, Allah Ta’ala and as Muslims it is incumbent upon us to get rid of every drop of pride, superiority and haughtiness within us, as we are small and inferior in comparison to the Supreme Being, if such comparison can be made. So let's try and act upon the very essence of our religion and our adjective as Muslims and submit and surrender ourselves to the worship and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

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