I read that somewhere

Bismillahi assalamu alaikum,

                                                             WISDOM

 When the sun went down through the horizon of heart


 It ended and Only Allah knows best about the truth


                                                                      - Last verse of Mathnavi


Only Allah knows best what particular wisdom can be in a particular affair at a given time

 The main object of all knowledge is to attain divine love. Apart from that all is mere conceit.

Him on whom Allah's grace shines, one day or another he will become Allah's favourite.

                                                           
                                                         MARRIAGE

In marriage, look with eyes of mercy and integrity, for your partner's defects will be revealed to you.

Coaching centres

Bismillahi wasalaamu alaikum,

The school my son is studying at present is not up to our expectations. We have been trying for the past three years to get admission into the so called good schools but we could n't. Hubby is still on the run while I have lost hope. To make up for it we thought we should put him in some coaching centre which prepare children for the competitive exams like NTSE, Olympiad etc.,

 To enrol in these centres they conduct some sort of screening exams. I was wondering why they should conduct such exams when they need as many patrons to flourish. The exam centre was like a big carnival with a huge turnout. Now when the results are out I understand their purpose of conducting the test. They want to prove how inadequate their wards are in facing these exams, to the parents and therby hike the fees.

 My son had scored just 25 out of 225 marks which was unbelievable. I have been tutoring him all these years and I know where he stands. He is quiet intelligent and quick to grasp new concepts. He did fairly well  with the sample papers they had provided. Well, anyways we are going to enroll him in the coaching programme inshaallah.

My son was reluctant to go for this class at first, when he saw the results he was very much upset and agreed readily to go ahead. The impending academic year is going to be very hectic for him. May Allah bless him with the strength and patience he requires, Ameen.

Troublesome thoughts

Bismillahi waassalaamu alaikum

 “And say : My Lord! I seek refuge with You

from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayateen.

And I seek refuge with You, my Lord, lest they

may attend (or come near) me.”

( Surah Al-Mu`minoon 23 : 97/98 )

Allah Ta’ala created the earth as the battlefield between Adam (‘Alaihis Salaam), his children and Shaytaan and his progeny. Living in times wherein the evil elements and influences of Shaytaan are overwhelming , due to our ignorance and also our weakness we fall prey to the various ploys and conspiracies of Shaytaan. While the fussaaq (evildoers) and fujjaar (the immoral and shameless) are always attended to and accompanied by theShayateen, the pious also become the targets of Shaytaan.While it may appear difficult to contend with a foe that cannot be seen, we have been informed by Allah Ta’ala and Raslulullah(saw) as to how to recognize the enemy and how to overcome him.

What should be understood is that Allah Ta’ala has givenShaytaan the power of whispering into the heart and mind of a person. The whisperings and evil effects of these Shayateen are such, that numerous people have fallen prey to them.  what else would one expect in homes wherein so many are watching filthy videos, television programmes or listening to pop and other music. Bad elements draw bad elements. So it is important not to subscribe to what Shaytaan is whispering into our hearts.

One person says that he keeps getting this thought that the Qur`aan Sharief (Na uzu Billahi min zaalik), is an out dated book. It cannot solve our worldly problems, in these modern times. This is not one of those modernists who is asking for a reformation of the Qur`aan Sharief. This is a pious, young person. Another person is troubled by the thought that the beliefs of Jannat (paradise), Jahannum (Hell), Aakhirah (hereafter), etc. are merely fairy tales…that there is no truth in this; whereas his deep hearted belief is that there is a hereafter, a day of judgement. These are not those people who subscribe to or uphold these beliefs. On the contrary, they are extremely uncomfortable with these thoughts. In fact, they want a solution desperately. They want to know how to overcome these thoughts and get rid of them. This very feeling of discomfort and unhappiness is the sign of Imaan. There is therefore no need for so much of worry and concern.

Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur`aan Sharief :

“His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Shaytaan)…”

(Surah An-Nahl 16 : 100)

Shaytaan, however, whispers into the hearts of the good just as he does to those who are indulging in evil. In a Tafseer of Surah Naas, it is mentioned that those who are making an effort towards piety, righteousness and gaining the closeness of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (saw) should also seek protection in Allah Ta’ala from the whisperings of Shaytaan. Shaytaan makes a greater effort to mislead the pious through pride, arrogance and riyaa (show). Just as pride and arrogance destroyed Shaytaan, the same could result via his whisperings.

Allah Ta’ala states : “Verily, those who are the pious, when an evil thought comes to them from Shaytaan, they remember (Allah),and (indeed) they then see (aright).”

(Surah Al-A’raaf 7 : 201)

When those who are pious are affected by the evil, wicked promptings of Shaytaan, then their retrogression to negligence is very temporary. They recognize the influence of Shaytaan quickly and immediately remember Allah Ta’ala. In discerning the reality of these promptings, they are able to distinguish right from wrong.

 There is a Hadith which is quoted in Mishkaat Sharief : Nabi (saw)said that if a person is disturbed with the ‘wasaawis’ (whisperings)of Shaytaan then he should read : “Aamantu billahi wa rusulih” –I believe in Allah and His messengers.When the person recites this, Allah Ta’ala will protect him. This is also applicable to those evil thoughts which come into the mind and encourage a person to do something that is Haraam (the nafs too is in the forefront of this encouragement to evil).

When a person discards obedience to Allah Ta’ala and is arrogant and scornful towards the commands of Allah Ta’ala, allowing his evil nafs to lead him astray then he buys humiliation and disgrace. It should be understood that a person is led astray when he himself, chooses to go astray. Allah Ta’ala’s Sifat (attribute) of“Mudhil” (the One who Misguides) is then focussed on him. For the person who wants Hidayat (Guidance), Allah Ta’ala guides him. When a person makes a concerted effort for the same,then he will experience as to how Allah Ta’ala manifests His‘Sifat’ of ‘Haadi’ – the One who Guides. We therefore need to seek protection in Allah Ta’ala. It will be a means of being recipient to our greatest need : Hidayat. Allah Ta’ala will then inspire us on the Siratul Mustaqeem (the Straight Path).

.

Divine Will

We had planned to go on a trip last monday. Everything was perfectly planned. Hubby had finished all the week's work ahead. The driver was sent on leave.Then something happened and our trip was cancelled. Next day my son and I fell ill, then there was cyclone Thane and lots of disruptions on the train services. Alhamdhulillah, Allah saved us from lots of troubles.

I was pondering over a sad accident that took place on the Christmas day. Of all places, a christian family of  24 members chose the residence of their former employee who happened to be a young, newly married muslim girl to celebrate Christmas. After they had a sumptuous meal they had set out on a boat. suddenly their boat was capsized and all of them drowned except 3 boys who somehow managed to hold on to the upturned boat. The muslim girl died too. Her husband the only other person who survived was held responsible for the accident as he drove the boat. Imagine all the plight he has to go through before he could set himself free legally. This accident reminded me of the hadith I came across a few days before the mishap took place.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: it is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the mushrikeen, according to the consensus of the scholars whose words carry weight. The fuqaha’ who follow the four schools of thought have stated this clearly in their books… Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab that he said: “Do not enter upon the mushrikeen in their churches on the day of their festival, for divine wrath is descending upon them.” And ‘Umar also said: “Avoid the enemies of Allaah on their festivals.” Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a jayyid isnaad from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that he said: “Whoever settles in the land of the non-Arabs and celebrates their new year and festival and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/723-724).


(The above was quoted by my favourite blogger Mai)


May Allah forgive all our sins and protect us from going astray Ameen.
                

Soothing decoction for the cold weather - Chukku malli kaapi

Assalaamu alaikum,

For 3 persons, we need,

1/2 inch piece of dry ginger
1 tsp of dry corinander seeds
10 pepper corns
1 green cardomom
palm sugar - to taste
honey - to taste

Grind all the above to a fine powder ( or slightly coarse). Bring 3 cups of water to boil. Add the ground powder to the boiling water. Cover it with a lid and it simmer for 5 minutes. Filter with a fine sieve or muslin cloth and serve with honey. If palm sugar is not available, just honey will do.

This is an excellent cure for sore throat, relieves cold and is good for indigestion. More powder can be ground with the same proportion and stored in an air tight container. But I prefer to prepare it freshly ground lest the aroma is lost. It takes just a moment to put things together and grind.

There is a home remedy for dry cough also. Add a pinch of turmeric powder, pepper powder and lots of palm sugar to boiling milk, let it simmer for a while and filter. Palm sugar is a must. When had at bed time this relieves dry cough and helps to sleep soundly.

Major Sins

I would like to record in this blog what I learnt and what I want to remember. I would be glad if someone happens to read this and is benefitted just as I did.

The following is an extract from Imam Shams ud deen Dhahabi’s Major sins.

The major sins in Islam are,

 1. Ascribing Associates To Allah, The Most High (Shirk)

2. Killing A Human Being

3. Sorcery

4. Not Performing the Prayer

5. Not Paying Zakat

6. Breaking One's Fast During Ramadan Without an Excuse

7. Not Performing the Hajj When Able to

8. Showing Disrespect to One's Parents

9. Severing the Ties of One's Relatives

10. Adultery

11. Sodomy

12. Accepting Usurious Gain

13. Wrong Consuming an Orphan's Property

14. Lying About the Prophet

15. Fleeing From the Battlefield

16. The Leader Who Misleads His Followers, the Tyrant and the Oppressor

17. Arrogance, Pride, Conceit, Vanity and Haughtiness

18. Bearing False Witness

19. Drinking Alcohol

20. Gambling (Qimar)

21. Accusing a Woman of Adultery

22. Misappropriating Spoils of War, Muslim Funds or Zakat

23. Theft

24. Highwaymen Who Menace the Road

25. The Engulfing Oath

26. Taking People's Property Through Falsehood

27. Collecting Taxes

28. The Consumption of Haram

29. Suicide

30. Telling Lies

31. The Dishonest Judge

32. Bribery

33. Women Imitating Men and Vice Versa

34. The Pimp and the One Who Permits His Wife To Fornicate

35. Marrying Solely to Return to the Previous Husband

36. Not Freeing Oneself of All Traces of Urine

37. Showing off in Good Work

38. Learning Sacred Knowledge for the Sake of this World or Concealing It

39. Breach of Faith

40. Reminding Recipients of One's Charity to Them

41. Disbelieving in Destiny

42. Listening to the People's Private Conversations

43. The Talebearer Who Stirs Up Enmity Between People

44. Cursing Others

45. Breaking One's Promise or Pledge

46. Believing Fortunetellers and Astrologers

47. A Wife's Rebellion Against Her Husband

48. Picture-making

49. Loudly Lamenting For the Dead or When Afflicted With an Adversity

50. Excess Against Others

51. Overburdening and Arrogance Against Others

52. Hurting One's Neighbor

53. Hurting or Reviling Muslims

54. Harming the Servants of Allah

55. Dragging the Hem of One's Garment Out of Conceit

56. Men Wearing Silk or Gold

57. Fleeing of the Slave

58. Slaughtering in Other Than Allah's Name

59. Falsely Claiming Someone is One's Father

60. Arguing, Picking Apart Another's Words, and Quarreling

61. Withholding Excess Water From Others

62. Stinting When Weighing or Measuring Out Goods and Similar Merchandise

63. Feeling Secure From Allah's Devising

64. Despairing of the Mercy of Allah and Losing of Hope

65. Forgoing the Congregational Prayer to Pray Alone Without A Legal Excuse

66. Constantly Missing the Friday and Congregational Prayer Without A Valid Excuse

67. Bringing Loss to the Bequest

68. Deception and Evil Schemes

69. Spying on the Muslims and Revealing Their Weaknesses

70. Disparaging the Companions of the Prophet

House hunt

Assalamu alaikum,

We went on a househunting spree last saturday. We own a small piece of land with an old building which we have rented out. we were in a dilemma whether to build a new house on that piece of land or sell that and buy an apartment in the nearby posh locality. There is a sudden boom in the realty, nearly five to six apartment complexes are coming up so we thought it could be the right time to buy an apartment. So off we went on house hunting.

We live in what they call the heart of the city. the prices are really high compared to the rest of the city. A square feet of built area costs Rs.17,000/-, that's roughly about 340 dollars. So a decent apartment of about 1500 sq feet with one covered car parking costs about 2.2 crore rupees, about 22 million rupees. With 300 sq feet deducted for the common area, the floor area of an apartment is just 1200 sq feet. Subhanallah that is a huge sum.

After much thought we decided we better build our own house. Even with half of 2.2 crores we could build a nice house of about  2100 sq feet with interior decoration, 2 covered car parking and could still afford to have a terrace garden. The only drawback being how congested the locality is. One reason why we are not ready to leave this area is the proximity to mosques and madrassaa. There is a mosque around every street corner.  It  gives my son the much needed islamic environment to grow in, something I missed as a child.

One thing I hate living among muslims here is their lack of sense of hygiene. Entrance to hindus's household are swept clean, sprinkled with water, decorated with beautiful kolam. we need not have to follow their custom, at least we can keep our sorroundings clean which most muslims here don't do while Islam lays much stress on cleanliness.

Hoping things will change for the best Inshaallah, Untill next time....
Fi Amanallah.