5 Difficult Sunnahs You Ought To Be Doing

1. Praying Tahajjud or the Night Prayer.

Oh yeah, this one is difficult. It’s hard enough for many Muslims to even get up for Salaatul Fajr (the Dawn Prayer) which is mandatory. It’s certainly no easy thing waking up even earlier for the night prayer. Establishing and maintaining this wonderful act takes great sacrifice and patience.
Which is why the rewards are so plentiful.

In fact, this is one of the few Sunnahs that are endorsed by Allah in the Quran as well as the hadith.

Arise to (pray) the night except for a little. Half of it or subtract from it a little.
Chapter 73, verse 2-3.

2. Making All of The Sunnah Prayers

• Two Rakaah before Salaatul Fajr; none after.
• Four Rakaah before Salaatul Dhuhr; two Rakaah after.
• Four Rakaah before Salaatul Asr; none after.
• None before Salaatul Maghrib; two Rakaah after.
• None before Salaatul Isha; two Rakaah after.
• It is also recommended that you make Salaatul Witr before going to bed. This can also be combined with Tahajjud instead.

3. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

Generally, fasting is difficult no matter when you do it. It’s difficult to do it for thirty days straight during Ramadhan. And it’s difficult to do it twice a week outside of Ramadan.

But it is an act that is loved by Allah. So, it is something you should try to make part of your life. After all, this is one action that no one except you and Allah knows about.

People can see you pray. And they can see you give charity. And they can see you read Quran.

But no one can “see” you fast. Even if you tell someone you’re fasting, no one knows the truth except you and Allah. That’s one of the reasons Allah loves this deed so much.

4. Reciting Suratul Kahf on Fridays

Suratul Kahf (the Chapter of the Cave) is a very interesting chapter. It is the 18th chapter of the Quran and includes many lessons and stories. Some of the stories included are:

• The story of the Companions of the Cave.
• The story of Musa and Khidhr.
• The story of Dhul Qarnain and Gog and Magog.

Some of the lessons included are:

• Leaving the land of disbelief if oppressed for your beliefs.
• Understanding that all pleasures in this world are temporary.
• Being patient with Allah’s decree.
• Signs of the Last Day.

Whoever reads Suratul Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays. Narrated by Al-Hakim

It’s easy to see the benefits of reciting suratul Kahf every Friday. But actually doing so is not so easy. Some reasons I think many people neglect this action:

• It’s a fairly long chapter. It takes about forty minutes to read the entire chapter in Arabic with proper Tajweed. Even someone who reads better than I do would probably take at least half an hour.
• You have to know how to read Arabic and read it pretty well. If you don’t know how to read Arabic or if you’re not very good at it, you’re going to find what takes me forty minutes will probably take you a couple of hours. Not trying to discourage you. Just keeping it real. And no, you can’t read it in English and expect the same reward.
• People forget. It’s not easy to remember to do something once a week, week in and week out. If it’s done every day, it might be easier to remember. My suggestion, program your cell phone calendar to remind you that it’s Friday and you have to read Suratul Kahf.
• People are lazy. Plain and simple.

5. Making Two Rakaahs After Every Wudu

Seriously? This one is not even all that difficult. But I’m sure many people don’t do it.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said to Bilal, “O Bilal, tell me what good deed you have done in Islam that I hear the sound of your footsteps in Paradise?” Bilal said, “That after I purify myself during the day or night, I pray with that purification as much as Allah has destined for me.” Related by Bukhari

I can understand why you might want to neglect this deed. If you work in an office building or are in school, it may not be so easy to find a place to make a two rakaah several times a day.

But this is a list difficult Sunnahs, isn’t it?

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not fulfilling any of these. Even though there is great reward in doing them, they are voluntary acts. So there is no punishment if you decide not to do them.

However, rather than neglect them altogether, pick out the ones you think you can do. And then, do it.

It’s really that simple.

Source : http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/5-difficult-sunnahs-you-ought-doing/

Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

The way you start each day is incredibly important. Whether you're a mom, a coach, a writer, a small business owner or a yoga teacher, what you do first thing in the morning matters. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that you make regarding your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms, balance the doshas and foster self-esteem alongside self-discipline. Your mind may say you have to check emails, take the dog out, get the kids out the door, that you can't be late for work or that you just don't have enough time to cultivate your own morning rituals.But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this..... Start the day out with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. It's so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore. Warm water with lemon:

1. Boosts you're immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

 
3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen AMA, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

 
5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

 
7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!

Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning for a month can radically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.

Like I said, the recipe is really simple - a cup of warm (not hot) water and the juice from half a lemon.

Ramadhan Untuk Semua

Bulan Ramadhan merupakan bulan yang dinanti-nanti bagi seluruh umat Islam di segala penjuru dunia. Kendati demikian suasana ramadhan tidak hanya dapat dirasakan pada negara-negara yang mayoritas berpenduduk muslim saja, bahkan pada negara dengan minoritas penduduk Islam dapat ikut merasakan indahnya suasana Ramadhan seperti di Amerika.

Berbagai liputan tim VOA yang menarik tentang Ramadhan di negara-negara yang kaum muslimnya hanya minoritas, contohnya liputan tentang puasa di Amerika. Jika saya harus memilih salah satu berita yang paling saya sukai, jujur akan sangat sulit karena setiap berita yang disajikan begitu mengobati rasa penasaran saya khususnya, bahkan mungkin setiap orang yang ingin tahu bagaimana kehidupan minoritas muslim yang melaksanakan kegiatan di bulan Ramadhan. 

Cukup menonton channel VOA Indonesia pada Youtube, untuk menjawab apa yang selama ini saya tanyakan dalam benak saya. Banyak informasi mengenai Ramadhan yang saya dapatkan,  dari berita: "Persiapan Ramadhan", "Awal Penentuan Ramadhan", sampai berita-berita seputar makanan halal dan kegiatan buka puasa bersama, sebagai upaya mengenalkan agama Islam kepada masyarakat sekitar. Hal yang sering diungkapkan oleh Presenter berita VOA seputar berita Ramadhan adalah: "Puasa kali ini, lebih panjang, karna kami disini berpuasa pada musim panas, berbuka jam 21.00 dan harus bangun pagi untuk makan sahur" . Benar-benar tidak terbayang kalau di Indonesia harus puasa lebih dari jam 18.00. 

Berkah Ramadhan yang dirasakan adalah, tingginya permintaan makanan halal. Beda dengan Indonesia yang dengan mudah kita temukan makanan halal, dimanapun, kapanpun. Informasi yang disajikan tim VOA seputar makanan halal, dari Resto Burger 7, Warung Mobil Yang Jual Makanan Halal, JJS's Halal Cheese Steak, Restoran Halal Malaysia di AS, sampai Supermarket Halal Co yang menyediakan kebutuhan akan produk-produk halal. 

Ramadhan Untuk Semua 

Bagi mereka yang bukan beragama Islam, dapat merasakan kegiatan yang dilakukan para muslim pada bulan Ramadhan salah satunya adalah Berbuka puasa, Seperti liputan yang disajikan oleh tim VOADuniaKita. Pada kesempatan kali ini Dunia Kita mengunjungi rumah sakit Stanford University di mana para staf menyelenggarakan buka puasa bersama bagi para pengunjung dan karyawan rumah sakit .Acara buka puasa yang diselenggarakan Di Rumah Sakit Standford yang tidak hanya mengundang umat muslim, tetapi dari berbagai Agama dan dari berbagai Negara.Bisa diintip liputan videonya:

Buka puasa yang diadakan 2 kali dalam seminggu selama bulan Ramadhan ini, tidak melibatkan panitia muslim saja, tetapi juga melibatkan panitia non muslim dari unit layanan spiritual.

Unit layanan spiritual  (perawatan rohani) adalah pelayanan kesembuhan yang menyediakan dukungan emosional dan spiritual kepada pasien, keluarga mereka, staf rumah sakit, dan sukarelawan. Para pendeta bekerja sebagai bagian dari tim penyembuhan bersama dengan dokter, perawat, dan pengasuh lainnya. Perawatan spiritual mungkin termasuk menanggapi krisis, membantu orang dalam resolusi pertanyaan etis tentang perawatan pasien, menghubungi pendeta, pastor, rabi, atau perwakilan agama lainnya seperti yang diminta, dan memberikan dukungan rohani yang terus berlangsung.

Acara ini cukup baik, untuk mengenal apa itu Ramadhan? dan apa yang dilakukan para Muslim saat Ramadhan. Merasakan berbuka puasa, yaitu salah satu Ibadah utama yang dijalankan umat Muslim pada bulan Ramadhan.

Sumber:

VOA

YouTube/voaindonesia

http://www.stjohnprovidence.org/Providence/PatientVisitor/Services/PastoralCare/

This is worded well ~ Chiam Eng Huat (Part II)

It takes only a minute to have a crush on someone

An hour to like someone
And a day to love someone
But it takes a lifetime to forget someone...

Don't go for looks; they can deceive
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away
Go for someone who makes you smile
Because it takes only a smile to
Make a dark day seems bright
Find the one who makes your heart smile!

May you have...

Enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
And enough hope to make you happy...

 

 

Always put yourself in others' shoes

If you feel that it hurts you

It probably hurts the other person, too...

 

 

 

The happiest of people
Don't necessarily have the best of everything
They just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Happiness lies for...
Those who cry
Those who hurt
Those who have searched
And those who have tried
For only they can appreciate the importance of people
Who have touched their lives...

FOODS MENTIONED IN THE QUR’AN BANANA

Bananas are mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the fruits of Paradise:
فِي سِدْرٍ مَخْضُودٍ وَطَلْحٍ مَنْضُودٍ وَظِلٍّ مَمْدُودٍ وَمَاءٍ مَسْكُوب وَفَاكِهَةٍ كَثِيرَةٍ لَا مَقْطُوعَةٍ وَلَا مَمْنُوعَةٍ

Amid thornless lote-trees, and banana-trees (with fruits), one above another. And extended shade, and water flowing constantly, and abundant fruit, neither intercepted nor forbidden. 

(Surat al-Waqi’a: 28-33)

Benefits of Banana

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. InThailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it's time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

http://beyondthebluedomes.blogspot.com/2012/03/benefits-of-banana.html
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8 Health Benefits of Bananas

Banana, the once-exotic fruit, has found its way into our daily lives. Whether sliced over cereal or blended in a smoothie, here are eight great reasons to include about four bananas a week in your diet.

Diet
One banana has 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and only about 108 calories. The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.

Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one's blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Bone Health
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body's bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine, which threatens not only the strength and general health of the bones, but also negatively affects blood clotting, proper muscle contraction, and normal nervous system function. The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one's diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.

High Nutrient Absorption
The potassium in bananas is not the only means to ensure healthy levels of calcium in the body. Bananas also contain high levels of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) that--along with insulin--promotes calcium absorption. FOS further nourishes healthy bacteria in the colon that manufacture vitamins and digestive enzymes that boost the body's overall ability to absorb nutrients.
Healthy Digestive TractBananas can diminish the uncomfortable effects of diarrhea and constipation. The high amounts of potassium in bananas can restock electrolytes that are easily depleted when suffering from diarrhea -- potassium being an important electrolyte itself. Furthermore, bananas can relieve the body from constipation and help restore regular digestion with pectin, a soluble polysaccharide that helps normalize the digestive tract.

Rugged Gut
Bananas protect the healthy constitution of the stomach in two ways. Firstly, they trigger the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides a protective barrier against stomach acids. Secondly, bananas possess protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. (Moreover, protease inhibitor also obstruct the replication of certain cells and viruses, including HIV.)

Cancer Prevention
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, though especially bananas. For instance, the probability of developing kidney cancer in female subjects decreased by 50% when eating bananas four to six times a week.

Vitamin B6
One banana has an impressive 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body's health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-beneits-of-bananas.html

Do You Possess These Seven Habits ?

This talk was based on the following hadith from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

There are seven whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade:
1: a just ruler;
2: a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic;
3: a man whose heart is attached to the mosques;
4: two men who love each other for Allah’s sake, meeting for that and parting upon that;
5: a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position [for illegal intercourse], but be says: I fear Allah,
6: a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity;
7: and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.

Related by Bukhari

1. They Remember Their Sins

Some people fall into the habit of judging others by their sins while forgetting their own. They may not even think the sins they have committed are all that bad. This is a sign of weak Muslim.

A believer sees his sins as if he were sitting under a mountain which he is afraid may fall on him, whereas the wicked person considers his sins as flies passing over his nose and he just drives them away like this.

Related in Bukhari

Of course, if you see someone doing wrong, you should advise him or her to change their behavior. But dont become arrogant or prideful because you are not committing that sin. In fact, you should reflect on the sins you have committed and turn to Allah for repentance.

Who knows? Perhaps that person is doing something else that Allah loves. And perhaps you are doing something else that Allah hates.

By constantly remembering and being mindful of the sins you commit, you will be more inclined to repent, change your behavior, and do good deeds to make up for them, Inshallah.

2. They Mind Their Business

People like to think that only women engage in gossip. I can tell you from experience, that is not true. Muslim men can be some of the worst gossipers and backbiters around. And this is unfortunate given how many warnings there are of such horrible behavior.

How do people fall into gossiping and backbiting? By not minding their own business. These people hear a rumor or a tale, and before the next prayer comes in, they have spread it to a dozen other people. And then those people turn around and do the same thing.

If only we would remember what Allah says in His book:

And do not obey every worthless habitual swearer.

(And) scorner going about with malicious gossip.

A preventer of good, transgressing and sinful.

Chapter 68 verses 10-12

These are some pretty strong words coming from our Lord condemning this behavior. So, rather than mind other folks business, and spread rumors, tales and gossip, how about we just tend to our own affairs?

Are they not complicated enough to keep us busy for a lifetime ?

3. They Say What is Good

This goes hand in hand with the previous habit. Whereas Habit #2 was just to mind your own business and not say evil, Habit #3 is encouragement to say good.

Anyone who believes in Allah and the last day, should speak good or keep quiet.

Related in Bukhari

There you have it. Advice directly from the Prophet (peace be upon him) telling us to say something good or shut up. I dont mean to put it so bluntly but thats the gist of it.

This advice doesnt just mean speak good of people. It means to speak good about everything. Here are some examples:

• Rather than complain, be grateful and praise Allah for what you have.
• Rather than be boastful, once again, be grateful and praise Allah for what He has given you.
• Rather than criticize, advise and compliment on the good someone does.

Have you ever noticed how a negative person, who always has negative things to say, also seems to always bring a negative feeling with them? It’s like negativity is contagious. They are always complaining, nagging, and criticizing.

Don’t be like that person.

When you think about it, saying something good is really not all that difficult. When you’re about to say something bad or negative, try to think of something good (or at least neutral) to say.

And if you cant, just shut up.

4. They Keep Good Company

If you want to fulfill the previous three habits, you should be around people who want the same. You’ll find yourself very ineffective if you are always surrounded by people who think they are better than others, are always minding other people’s business, and cannot say good.

So if you are serious about becoming an effective Muslim, you should take a close look at the people you spend time with. If you can convince them to change their ways, that is best. But if not, maybe it’s time to find new friends.

A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.

Related in Bukhari

Once again, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is giving it to us in a clear and beautiful manner. If you hang around good people, that goodness will rub off on you. If you hang around negative people, that same negativity will rub off on you, and may eventually lead you astray.

So if you don’t want to get burnt, find some good friends.

5. They Do Not Procrastinate (To postpone or delay needlessly).

• How many people owe days of fasting from the last Ramadan but put them off for months? Some people have to rush to get these days in just weeks or even days before the next Ramadan begins.
• How many people have money and the health to make Hajj but wait years and years to make it? Some people wait until they reach old age and have to to visit the Kaaba with multiple illnesses and difficulties.
• How many people routinely procrastinate in making their daily prayers ? The best of these procrastinators rush to get their prayer in before time is out. The worst completely miss the prayers due solely to procrastination.

Procrastinating in your daily duties is bad enough.
Please dont procrastinate with the orders of Allah.

6. They Put Their Trust in Allah

And (Allah) will provide for him from where he does not expect. And puts their trust in Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a (decreed) measure.

Chapter 65 verse 3

Well, there you got it; straight from The Creator. If you put your trust in Allah, then He is all you need.

We often fall into the trap of putting our trust in the creation. We ask help from people who cannot help us. We complain to people who have no authority. Instead, we should seek help and complain to Allah Almighty.

Of course, if you do need assistance and you know of someone who has the ability to help, it is okay to ask them for help. But understand that whatever help they can provide ultimately comes from Allah. After all, even that person may let you down. But if you put your trust in Allah, He will never let you down.

7. They Remain Mindful of Allah

This is the most important habit of them all.

• If you do not remember Allah, you will not think of your own sins and seek repentance for them.
• If you do not remember Allah, you will not try to avoid His punishment by minding your own business without falling into backbiting and slander.
• If you do not remember Allah, you will not try to seek His favor by saying what is good.
• If you do not remember Allah, you will not seek out good company who are also focused on remembering Allah.
• If you do not remember Allah, you will never be able to put your trust in Him and will always look for help from those who can do you no good.

These are not the only things we can do to become effective Muslims. I am sure you can think of many more habits that will bring you closer to Allah and improve your daily life. But these seven habits of highly effective Muslims is a great place to start.

May Allah make it easy for you and me to implement these habits every day of our lives.

Ameen.

http://islamiclearningmaterials.com/7-habits-highly-effective-muslims/

This is worded well ~ Chiam Eng Huat

 

We never get what we want
We never want what we get
We never have what we like
We never like what we have
And still we live and love.
That's life..

 

The best kind of friends
Is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with
Never say a word

And then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

 

 

 

It's true that we don't know

What we've got until it's gone
But it's also true that we don't know
What we've been missing until it arrives...

 

 

 

 

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back!

Don't expect love in return
Just wait for it to grow in his/her heart
But if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

Laylatul Qadr

In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

 

- - - THE ORIGIN - - -

Regarding this night, in a Hadith reported by Anas (Radiallaho Anho) Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said Laylatul Qadr was granted to my Ummah and not to any other Ummah before this .

Regarding the reason for the granting of Laylatul Qadr, various reasons are mentioned. One reason, according to some Ahadith is given thus: Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) used to look at the longer lives of the earlier people and was saddened when pondering over the much shorter lives of his own Ummah. If His Ummah had wished to compete with the people before them in the doing of righteous deeds, because of their shorter lives it would be impossible for them to either emulate or surpass them. To compensate for this difference in their life span, Allah in His infinite mercy granted them with this night of great blessing.

This means that if any fortunate one of this Ummah spends 1 such night in the worship of his maker, he would have gained the reward for Ibaadah of 1000 nights (approx 83 years and 4 months).


Still another report states that our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) once mentioned the names of the four most pious people from among the Bani Israel who each spent eighty years in Allahs sincere service, worshipping Him, and not sinning in the least. They were Nabi Ayyub (Alaihi Salaam),Zakariyya (Alaihi Salaam), Hizqeel (Alaihi Salaam) and Yushaa (Alaihi Salaam). The Sahabahs heard this with astonishment. The Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) appeared and recited Surah Qadr, wherein the blessings of this night was revealed.

1. All Sins Forgiven on Worshipping during this Night

Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anhu) reports (Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, Whoever stands in prayer and Ibaadah on the night of Power with sincere faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven (Targheeb from Bukhari and Muslim)

COMMENTARY
In the above Hadith "standing" refers to Salaah as well as any other form of Ibaadah, as for example Zikr, Tilaawah etc. The phrase ...with sincere hope of gaining reward means that one should be sincerely occupied with Ibaadah solely for the pleasure of Allah and to receive reward from Him. This should not be done for others to see, or to deceive them.

It will be noted that the Hadith speaks about previous sins being forgiven. The Ulama have said that this forgiveness are mentioned in the Hadith above and other Ahadith, refers only to minor sins. Major sins can only be forgiven, according to the Quran after sincere repentance, with the vow and promise never to return to such sins again. This is the reason why the Ulama are unanimous that major sins are not forgiven except by sincere repentance. Hence, whenever, forgiveness of sins mentioned in the Ahadith the Ulama specify it to be minor sins.

2. To be deprived of Laylatul Qadr is to be deprived of all Good

Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports : "Once when Ramadhan began, the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "A month has verily come upon you, wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate."

Note: Who can have any doubt as to the misfortune of the person who is either deprived or deprives himself of the great good of Laylatul Qadr ? There are those who, during their service and terms of employment, have to stay awake by night throughout the year. How easy should it be for the sake of gaining the reward of over eighty years of worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to stay awake for one night in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's service?

Because of lack of interest there is no desire in the heart. If that were present then even a thousand nights in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) would become exceedingly easy. It is this urge and desire that we must create. Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had been promised time and again that he had nothing to fear in the Akhirah and had been given good news as to his exalted position. Yet night after night he was seen in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) so much so that his feet would became swollen.






3. Descent of the Angels

Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On Laylatul Qadr, the Angel Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) descends upon the earth with a group of Angels making Dua for blessings for every servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) whom they see in worship, standing or sitting and engrossed in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's praise. Then on the day of Eid , Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) boasts about them to the Angels (who had been critical at the time of Adam ( Alaihi Salaam) 's creation), 'O My Angels, what is the reward of that worker who had done his job very well?' The reply: 'O our Sustainer, his reward should be given to him in full.' To this Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) replies, O' My Angels, verily My servants, the males among them as well as females, have today duly performed their obligatory duty, thereafter they set forth to place for Eid Salaah raising their voices in Dua to Me. I swear by My Honor, by My Grandeur, by My Grace and by My Exalted Position, that I shall surely answer the Dua 's of these people. 'Thereafter, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) addresses the people: 'Go forth, I have forgiven your sins and have replaced your evil deeds with righteous ones.' These people then return from the place for Eid Salaah in such a condition that their sins stand forgiven."



It is reported that Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam, after his descent, commands the Angels to go to the house of everyone busy with worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and greet him by shaking his hands. There upon the Angels spread forth, visiting every House, whether large or small, whether in the Jungle or on a ship, wherein a believer lives to shake his hands.

However, certain houses are not entered: The house wherein a dog of a pig is found, the house wherein there is someone who has committed adultery and is still unclean because he has not even taken a bath after it and the house wherein pictures (images) of men and animals are displayed.

How unfortunate that Muslims houses should be deprived of the blessed entry of Angels simply because there are pictures of men and animals being displayed, solely for the sake of decoration.

A single picture may have been hung by some member of the Household, as a result of which the complete household is deprived of these blessings.

4. When to look for Laylatul Qadr?

Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan".

Note: According to the great majority of the religious scholars, the last ten nights commence on the 21st night. Such is the case whether the month of Ramadhan consists of 29 days or 30. S0, one should seek Laylatul Qadr on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night.





5. Precise Knowledge of Laylatul Qadr was taken away

'Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) said "Once the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) came out to inform us of the (correct date of) Laylatul Qadr. Unfortunately, a quarrel took place between two Muslims, whereupon He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said 'I came out to inform you as to when Laylatul Qadr occurs, but because two people quarreled with each other, the knowledge of the correct date was taken away. Perhaps that is better for you. So, seek it among the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.'"

Note: Three important points are referred to in this Hadith. Firstly it tells us of a quarrel, as a result of which the knowledge of the precise night of Laylatul Qadr was lost to us. Arguments and quarrels are always the cause of loss of blessings.

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) inquired of the Sahabah: "Shall I inform you of an action that is better than Salaah, fasting and charity?" The Sahabah replied: "Certainly." Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) then said" "Maintain peaceful and good relations amongst yourselves, for verily quarrels among yourselves destroy (shave off) faith," i.e. just as a razor shaves off the hair, so does quarrelling affect the Deen.




Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said that he who severs relations with a brother Muslim for more than three days and dies in this state, will go straight to Jahannam. In another Hadith, it is stated that on every Monday and Thursday, the actions of human beings are brought before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). Then through His mercy (as a result of certain good deeds), forgiveness is granted, except to the idolaters and those who set up equals to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), However, regarding those two people between whom a quarrel has taken place, friendship having been cut off, it shall be said, "Leave their affair in suspense until such time as they become reconciled."

Another Hadith states that, when actions are produced before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) every Monday and Thursday, repentance is accepted from those who repent and forgiveness is granted to those who seek pardon. As for those who had arguments (with each other) they are left as they were.






6. Signs of Laylatul Qadr
' Ubadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) reports that he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) about Laylatul Qadr, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied "It is in Ramadhan, during the last ten days on the unevenly numbered nights, either 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the last night of Ramadhan. Whosoever stands in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear and no meteors are shot at the Shayateen on that night. It lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in its fullness. On that day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prohibits the Shayateen from rising up with the sun."

7. What One should make Dua for in Laylatul Qadr

Aisha (Radiallaho Anho) reports "I said 'O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) , should I find myself the Laylatul Qadr, what shall I ask of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) ? Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied, 'Say, "O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, You loves to pardon, so pardon me.""

source: http://www.marrymecity.com/lailatulqadr.htm

Zakat

In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"

Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.


Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu



Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.

It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat / Namaz), over seventy times in the Quran.

Allahs word commanding ".....and establish regular Salaat and GIVE regular Zakat....." are referred to in many parts of the Quran.


From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam.

Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter.


Whoever evades Zakat has been sternly warned in the Quran and Hadith of the consequences.

Linguistically, ZAKAT has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify ones possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.


There are many major benefits of giving Zakat:

It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.
Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.
Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.
Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.



Zakat is obligatory upon a person if :

He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.
He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).
It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.
It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.



The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakat is called Nisaab.


Gold 87.48 Gram 7.50Tolas 1350Grains 2.8125Troy Oz.
Silver 612.36Gram 52.50Tolas 9450Grains and 19.6875 Troy Oz.


Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal TO or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakat is due at the rate of 2.5%.


The payment of Zakat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.




TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS IMPOSED:

Gold and silver, in any form.
Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.
Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab.
Live stock.
On income derived from rental business.



DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT:

Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.
All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons.
A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat.
Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.
Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.
Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash.




TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS NOT IMPOSED:

On any metals other than gold or silver.
Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.
Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.
There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.
There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose).




RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAT:





The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows: "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom." (Quran 9:60)


FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.
MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.
AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat.
MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.
AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.
AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.
FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.
IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.




PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAT:

Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H);
Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one's children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other.




VIRTUES OF ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Quran 2:261)



It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived:

Gain the pleasure of Allah.
Increase in wealth and protection from losses.
Allahs forgiveness and blessings.
Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death.
A shelter on the Day of Judgment;
Security from seventy misfortunes.



THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAT:

Allah says in the Quran: "And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding." (Al-Quran 9:34-35)



http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6499663-concept-of-zakat-in-islam

10 Things to learn from Japan

1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly!