Discover Islam ...

[Cordoba]

Islam and Family Stability

Islam warns against following whims and desires as well as surrendering to emotions, which overwhelm and change. A husband may feel aversion towards his wife, but if he is patient, this feeling will soon change.

Therefore, it is not acceptable that a husband divorces his wife because of these temporary feelings of aversion. God says:

{And live with them in kindness. For if you dislike them - perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good} (An-Nisa’ 4: 18)

In a Hadith, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

“No believing man should hate his believing wife. If he dislikes some of her characteristics, he would surely like another.” [Muslim]

This means that a husband could hate one of his wife's characteristics while he is heedless of her other good ones...

Even if love is missing in marital life, there is still scope for cooperation, solidarity and the fear of blame for divorce which distresses the wife, the children and the husband himself in many cases.

Islam and Family Stability - Family - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Tips For Muslim Youth: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Unique Gift of Life [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Your life is a very precious gift from God.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Count back to one year before your first birthday, and then try to imagine your state - your state of nothingness. You can not...[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
With the dramatic event of your birth, you came to life with three huge realities.

[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1- You Are Unique[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Nobody else is identical to you, not even your identical twin or, in this age of cloning, even your clone, because your psychological, spiritual and energetic content is poured into your physical being in a unique way. When God blows a spirit into each individual, it manifests in a special way. You are one of a kind.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
2- You Are Immortal[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Your biological structure, which is the product of the substance of earth, will degrade and recycle in the biological cycle on earth, but your energy, soul and spirit will always be. If you appreciate your uniqueness and your immortality, your individual values, responsibility and accountability will emerge...
[/FONT]
The Unique Gift of Life - Living Islam - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

All of You Are Misguided Except Those Whom I Guide

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All Power and Strength is From God Alone [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Without God, we are nothing, without God in our lives and our hearts we are lost, alone and vulnerable. Humans need God.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]God, on the other hand does not need us. He is the All-Mighty, the Most High, and the Most Powerful. Whatever good we do does not benefit or affect God in any way neither does the bad we do. God does not need anything from us. He is the Self Sufficient Master (As Samad) whom all creatures need.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
{He is Allah (God), (the) One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten; And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.} (Al-Ikhlas 112: 1-4)...[/FONT]

All Power and Strength is From God Alone - He Said - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Concept of Worship in Islam
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Islam teaches that man has been created as God’s vicegerent on earth.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
With his honorable mission, man signifies both the climax and the epicenter of God’s act of creation and its divine purpose.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
As such, when completely submitting to the will and word of his Creator and Master – as man’s ultimate fate ought to be - man elevates himself to the highest level in the hierarchy of life’s multifaceted constituents and beings, including angels.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Man’s life, then, in its totality becomes one sweet song of worshipping, glorifying and praising God, the Lord of the universe. It becomes a form of worship where God in all the life interests and pursuits of man becomes the ultimate object of all his spiritual cravings and desires.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Life from a Muslim Perspective[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
In Islam, life is a perfectly meaningful, consequential, purposeful, beautiful, pure and wholesome affair. Thus, it is regarded as sacred, and living it in accordance with God’s guidance, which is meant for that very purpose, is synonymous with worship and submission to God...
[/FONT]
http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/understanding-islam/islam-and-the-world/455170-the-idea-of-worship-in-islam-.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Living a Legacy[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If we begin to contemplate our outer actions towards others through their eyes, maybe we can actually improve our inner state.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

Will our children remember us as patient, loving and caring?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Or will they remember the rushing, the discipline and the hours we weren’t there?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Will our parents think of us as attentive and a source of joy, or will they remember the burdens that we placed on them?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Will our neighbors comment on how hospitable we were and how we gave them a sense of security?
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Or will they not even notice our passing or worse, be grateful that we have moved on?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
I do not believe we should live with one eye on our legacy hoping that people will be struck with awe at the mention of our name, but to think occasionally about what we are leaving behind may make us more careful about how we actually live.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Once we die, of course we will have no interest in our legacies. This world will be over for us, but there are some things that benefit the dead and perhaps this is the legacy we should be aiming for.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
“When a human being dies, all of his deeds are terminated except for three types: an ongoing charity, knowledge from which others benefit, and a righteous child who prays for him.”[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] (Muslim)[/FONT]

Living a Legacy - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Four Tips for Finding Your Other Half[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For Muslims, there is no better example or precedent of an ideal husband than the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]He was the most loving, kind, humble, merciful, compassionate, loyal, trust-worthy, and generous husband to ever have existed; indeed his example in every facet of life is perfect and the list of his attributes are far too many to enumerate.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
For this reason, he is the standard every Muslim woman should use when looking for a spouse.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
For Muslim men, the standards of what to look for in an ideal wife are found in the prophetic tradition:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
“A woman is married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her family status, her beauty and her religion. So you should marry the religious woman (otherwise) you will be a loser.” (Al Bukhari)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
In addition to learning from the perfect example and advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), when considering prospective suitors it’s helpful to outline specific qualities and issues to think about. We’ve provided four important tips for you to keep in mind below:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Kindness[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
When you first meet someone, you may have instant physical attraction, but this should not be confused with love. Love is something you must work on. It has to be created and developed between the two of you.

Kindness and giving create love. A love that is giving and kind is based on an internal connection and is more lasting. Physical attraction is an external connection and will fade over time....
[/FONT]
Four Tips for Finding Your Other Half - Family - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Being Determined in Worship [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
“Determination” is showing patience about something, stopping at nothing to reach the goal, and fulfilling what needs to be done no matter what by acting with steadfastness. Allah wants Muslims not only to worship Him, but also to be determined about worship:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
"He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between them so worship Him and persevere in His worship. Do you know of any other with His Name?" (Maryam 19; 65)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Worship means being a servant. Every behavior, action, conversation, and attitude people do for the cause of Allah is an act of worship. As performing the prayer five times a day is an important and obligatory act of worship for a person, in the same way, overcoming anger, saying a nice word, warning people, not to make an assumption or not to be argumentative are also acts of worship. Therefore, God’s Command “to be determined about worship” is valid for both factual prayers and good moral values.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
However, while Muslims are commanded to be determined in the verses, there is one more important point revealed. This is the explanations revealing that Muslims’ steadfastness will be tested. Almighty Allah may test Muslims’ steadfastness to live according to the morality of religion both through events that appear to be negative and with blessings such as prosperity, health, richness or power.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
In short, Muslims are tested with both difficulty and accommodation. However, in both situations, sincere believers would experience no negative change in their behaviors, and they live the morality of Islam in every situation and environment with the same determination...
[/FONT]
What Do Muslims Pray For? - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

The Purpose of Life in Light of the Qur’an

What an individual has to remember is that he is answerable for his actions and God is watching over us all the time. God, exalted is He, keeps on reminding us that He is watching every action of ours and has informed all believers that He is All- Knowing and Wise It is our responsibility to read the Qur’an with understanding so that we can comprehend the message of God and the purpose of this life becomes clearer to us all. The Qur’an is Allah’s mercy upon His creation and we should not neglect the warning that the Book of God sends to the whole of mankind. The Qur’an has further ensured mankind that in its reading do hearts find ultimate rest and peace:

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah are hearts assured.” (Ar-Ra’d 13:28).

The main point behind this article is to remind each reader that one day we will all have to go back to our Lord. Hence, we must strive to earn good deeds in this world, as this life will be our only opportunity to present something in front of God on the Day of Judgment.

The Purpose of Life in Light of the Qur

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Toward Understanding Islam [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Benefits of Belief in Divine Decree [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Belief in the Divine Decree and Predestination is one of the pillars of faith in Islam.[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Muslim’s faith is not complete unless he knows that whatever befalls him could not have missed him, and whatever misses him could not have befallen him. Everything is subject to the Will and Decree of God.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
All the disasters and tribulations that happen on earth, or happen to the individual, or to his wealth or family, etc., were known to God before they happened, He has written them in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfoodh (the Preserved Tablet) as He says: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
{No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being — indeed that, for Allah, is easy} (Al-Hadid 57: 22)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Patience is a Virtue[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
No matter what disasters befall a person, it is good for him, whether he realizes that or not, because God does not decree anything but it is good...
[/FONT]
The Benefits of Belief in Divine Decree - Fate & Destiny - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[faheemkamran]

Allah the Almighty, Who is the Maker of the universe and of all beings in it, created the universe for very significant purposes. Quran informs this as follows:

Not for (idle) sport did we create the heavens and the earth and all that is between. (Anbiyya Surah, 21:16)

Not without purpose did we create heaven and earth and all between (Sa Surah, 38:27)

All beings glorify and magnify the Exalted Creator with their languages. They fulfill the tasks with a pleasure and enthusiasm, which are assigned to them. For example, the sun, without falling behind even a second, moves around the orbit, which has been drawn for it. Rivers enthusiastically flow into seas. Animals, which have been given under the command of man, serve him with an absolute obedience.

Besides, if the universe had not been created, the never-ending perfection and beauty of the names and attributes of Allah Almighty would have never been known. This would have only been known by Allah (SWT). By manifesting the spiritual beauties of His names and attributes, Allah Almighty, besides beholding His own Beauty and Perfection on His own works, also wished to give a share to angels, man, and jinn from this honor and bestowal.

Regarding the question of whether to create the beings or not to, Allah (SWT) made His Divine preference for creation, and this preference has become an interminable mercy for all creatures. Or else it is unthinkable that Allahs, one of Whose names is Samed (everything is in need of Him but He is in need of nothing), creation of this universe stems from a necessity.

 

[faheemkamran]

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Allah, The Most-High, has created all that exists for wise reasons and great benefits. The sound natural disposition of men and sound reason bear witness to this.
Allah, The Most-High, Said reporting the words of believers: {…"Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.}[3:191].
If we suppose that the wisdom behind the Creation was only to prove to us the Lordship of Allah, His Oneness, His Greatness and His Perfection, then this wisdom is worth this Creation.
In fact, every single creature has miraculous wisdoms in it. However, even if we have been able to discover some of these wisdoms, many more are still unknown to us.
What we do know is that Allah created human beings and Jinns to worship Him Only, Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And I (Allâh) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.}[51:56-58].
Allah also created the Angels for the same purpose, i.e. to worship Him and obey His orders, Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship). They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so).}[21:19-20]. Allah further Says in describing Angels (interpretation of meaning): {…are but honoured slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command.}[21:26-27].
Allah knows best.

 

[Cordoba]

Comfort and Contentment in Marital Relationship

Making marriage a heaven or a hell depends on us. However, many people, especially those in troubled marriages, are prone to be pessimistic and prefer to blame everyone or everything except their own ill manners and misconduct.

Some people are even more fatalistic by concluding that “a fulfilling marriage is simply a matter of luck”. However, is this really the case?

Can we live in this world with such an attitude or philosophy?

Is this not simply denying taking responsibility for our own actions?

More importantly, is it not also disobeying the commandments of God and then putting blame on Him (God) for the outcome of our own actions and transgressions?

Love, Mercy, Comfort & Contentment

In the Quran, God reminds us:

{And among His signs is this: He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may find comfort and contentment in them, and He has put between you love and mercy. Verily, in that are signs for those who reflect} (Ar-Rum 30: 21)...

Comfort and Contentment in Marital Relationship - Family - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

Inspiration for Serving Humanity

Abraham in Our World Today

God describes Abraham as a nation. One interpretation is that he was a repository of all good human traits and virtues. During his long and distinguished life, Abraham demonstrated characteristics such as chivalry, patience, honesty, loyalty, hospitality, graciousness, and most importantly, an uncompromising commitment to upholding the Oneness of God. As he was, so should we be; exert our utmost to embody these and other prophetic virtues. Furthermore, we should realize that it is our duty to call humanity to these virtues. God orders us:

“Let there arise from you a community calling to all that is good.” (Al-Imran 3:104)...

Abraham was naturally inclined towards the worship of God, and a strict monotheist. The magnitude of this characteristic is brought home to us when we realize that Abraham was alone in a world of idolatry. Despite that, he was prepared to sacrifice his life to defend and uphold the standard of the Oneness of God.

In his days, the idols that people worshiped were idols of wood and stone. Today, the idols people worship have changed. However, we should be opposed to idol worship nonetheless, especially when that worship, in its modern manifestations, is proving destructive to individuals and societies.

Idols of Today

The modern and postmodern conditions have bequeathed unto humanity an array of “idols” which are worshiped besides God. Perhaps the greatest idol arising from our condition is the individual’s worship of himself...

Abraham in Our World Today - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

Realizing Allah’s Bounty and One's Shortcomings

In his well-known book, Al-Hikam (Words of Wisdom), sheikh Ahmad Ibn `Ataa'illah As-Sakandari says:

If you want the doors of hope in Him opened, recall what He offers you, and if you want the doors of awe of Him opened, recall what you offer Him.

Sometimes our sins, forgetfulness, and lusts block our ways to Allah, and we find ourselves not feeling an overwhelming longing to Him. The Sheikh here guides us to two doors which can be opened by reason. Reason is a tool that Allah granted us and we can use anytime. The two doors are that of hope and awe...

http://208.43.71.196-static.reverse.softlayer.com/english/shariah/refine-your-heart/advice/455366-witnessing-allahs-bounty-and-your-shortcomings.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Save Family, Save Society
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
God puts a heavy emphasis on family as a unit because it is the core of a thriving society.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
If the family unit consists of weak links, then society is always vulnerable to the exploitation of the evil elements that exist within.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
However, if the family unit is strong, comprising of bolstering bonds within, then the society transforms into one indivisible nation.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
God says in the Quran: [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
{O! You who believe, save yourself and your families from Hell-fire, whose fuel are humans and stones (idols)…}[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif](At-Tahrim 66: 6)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
We are obliged by God to be responsible for our children as they are the prime fruit of a family, and God has entrusted us with nurturing them according to His teachings. If we pass this test of responsibility, then Paradise is the highest reward; otherwise, it is a straight route to Hellfire...
[/FONT]
Save Family, Save Society - Family - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

For Those Who Reflect

Throughout the Quran, humanity is called upon to think, contemplate, ponder, reflect. God challenges human beings to engage all of the faculties at their disposal to make an assessment of the universe which they experience: {Thus do We provide ayah (sign) for people who reflect} (Yunus 10: 24)

The word ayah is the word used for a Quranic verse. It is also the word used for a sign, an evidence – referring to the signs of the natural world. Thus the word ayah conveys the sense that revelation has two forms: the revealed word of God as in the Quran, and also what God reveals of His creative powers through the natural world.

Both forms of revelation work in harmony, and humanity is called to reflect on both. The Quran explicitly dedicates itself to a people who think, and so history has seen the great flourishing of science, technology, medicine, jurisprudence, and much more by those who were inspired and motivated by the Quran.

The momentum created by the Quranic paradigm of engagement with the intellect was so great that it took eight centuries for it to even begin slowing down. However, we have profoundly disengaged from the Quranic counsel to reflect and contemplate, and thus we see the results of this disengagement in the appalling poverty – economic, social, intellectual and spiritual in today’s Muslim world...

For Those Who Reflect - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

Modern Stress and Its Cure from the Qur'an

Our destiny is predetermined. We do not have control on that part.

What we have to control over is a limited free will, that is our actions, our choice to do good or bad, to believe in God or not to believe in Him, but we have no control over tomorrow's event not related to our actions, i.e. whether my wife will have a son or daughter, whether his/her eyes will be brown or black, or whether I will have an accident or not tomorrow.

Worrying over such things is of no use...

Modern Stress and its Cure from the Quran - Growing in Faith - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reliance on Allah and Self-Confidence[/FONT]

Self-confidence is bornefrom the Believer's intimate knowledge and understanding that Allah is ever ready to assist those who strive and struggle in His way. Self-confidence comes from depending upon Allah and knowing that He is there to help you, protect you and shower His mercies upon you:

{So he who gives [in charity] and fears [Allah] and [in all sincerity] testifies to the best- We will indeed make smooth for him the path to Bliss.} (Al-Layl 92: 5-7)

Self-confidence also emanates from knowing that Allah in His infinite mercy has equipped you with all that you require to undertake the tasks set before you. It is not characteristic of the One who is Most Just and Most Merciful to prepare you for a duel without equipping you with the necessary tools.

Self-confidence is thus borne of total reliance and trust in Allah. It is knowing that at every step of your journey, Allah is there assisting you. If you constantly hold yourself back believing that you are weak and incapable and blame your incompetence on minor inadequacies, then you are bound to fail. You must never allow yourself to believe or feel that Allah has treated you unfairly or that He has placed upon you a burden you cannot shoulder for {on no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear.} {Al-Baqarah 2: 286)

Reliance on Allah and Self-Confidence - Reflections - Shari`ah - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Beauty of Prayer in Islam[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Going deeper into our spiritual state during Salah requires that we have a present heart and have understood our words.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Our prayer will feel shorter, yet when we look at how much time we actually spent, we will think, “Did I just spend 10 minutes?” or even 15 and 20 minutes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
One person who began applying this said that he wished the prayer would never end.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
A feeling that Ibn Al-Qayyim describes as “what the competitors compete for… it is nourishment for the soul and the delight of the eyes,” and he also said, “If this feeling leaves the heart, it is as though it is a body with no soul.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The Love of Allah [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Some people’s relationship with Allah is limited to following orders and leaving prohibitions, so that one does not enter hell. Of course, we must follow orders and leave prohibitions, but it needs to be done out of more than fear and hope; it should also be done out of love for Allah...
[/FONT]
The Beauty of Prayer in Islam - Prayers - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

 

[Cordoba]

Islam Demands Justice, Even Under Duress

Islam is a religion revealed by God for the benefit of humankind and it wholeheartedly forbids harming innocent people in any way. This includes their bodies, wealth, or honor. Islam teaches Muslims to treat everybody, no matter their religion ethnicity color or social status, with respect and kindness.

Islam forbids oppression and safeguards rights and it commands the Muslims to live in peace and harmony and uphold justice even towards ones enemies and even in times of war...

Islam Demands Justice, Even Under Duress - Worldview - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net