Advice To Muslims: A Parable Of A Horse In A Well
There once was a horse that fell into an abandoned well. His owner wanted to get him out but when he calculated the cost and effort and contemplated what he would have to do and everything the task would involve and the result of that, he came to a conclusion. He figured that the horse is too old and the well is abandoned. So, it would be easier just to buy a new horse and fill up the old well. Therefore, the plan was made.
The man went around to his neighbors and asked them to help him. So, they all gathered at the well and began shoveling dirt onto the horse. Well, the horse started going crazy, whining and sreaming and stomping. Suddenly, the sound dissappeared. The horse’s owner leaned over the well and looked down. He was amazed at what he saw.
Everytime a person dumped dirt onto the horse, he shook it off, when the dirt fell to the ground he stomped it . The more dirt they dumped on him the more he shook it off and stomped, rising up. The horse continued doing that until he finally made it to the top and jumped out of the well.
Brothers and sisters, this is exactly like life. This is exactly what Muslims have to go through. People are dumping dirt on you all the way from A to Z and you continue to rise by shaking it off and ignoring it. People have nothing but to bury you. It could be from your own family, friends, or your enemies. As long as you are with Allah (SWT) you will run into people who will definatley do that. And what is your job?
Your job is to be patient. Your job is to ignore. Your job is to shake it off like nothing happend. When someone insults you, when someone says something negative about you, know that you are with Allah (SWT). No one can do anything to you and the more people attack you the more you rise up.
And also remember that, people don’t attack a tree without fruit. They attack the tree with the fruit. They throw the stones to get the fruit out of that tree.
So, there is some benefit in that when you have something good, people will attack you. When you don’t have anything good, why should they talk about you? Why should they demean you? Why should they put you down? You are nothing. But when you are someone people will attack that.
Leave all the worries and burdens everything you you have and remember every calamity and problem you face is like a handful of dirt. Shake it off and rise with your actions and you will find yourself on top. The best time to find yourself on top is the Day of Judgement. Make your heart free of worries. Make your mind free of stress and live your life simple.
watch the full lecture here: http://www.sunnahfollowers.net/multimedia/detail.php?pid=984
Taken from a Khutbah by Shaykh Hasan Khalil @www.sunnahfollowers.net. Slightly modified to make the story flow in print form.
David
Showing posts with label mohammed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mohammed. Show all posts
Monday, 17 October 2011
Monday, 10 October 2011
The Truth about Islam.
ISLAM-Explained
Islam is based on the worship of One God (Allah). Muslims believe that everything in the world was created by God and that as the creation of God, it is our duty to worship our Creator. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (may peace be upon them all). With more than 1.2 BILLION followers world-wide, Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion.
The Basis of Islam
The belief in Allah is crucial to Islam. Allah is Perfect and not in the need of his creation. Allah is not in the need of a parent, grandparent, uncle, cousin, sibling, daughter or a SON! Allah was not born to anyone, nor does Allah have any children as the Holy Quran states, “Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him” (112:1-4).
Muslims worship Allah alone as Islam is truly monotheistic! There are no intermediates in Islam. Worship of Prophets (e.g. Jesus or Muhammad), saints, or idols is strictly prohibited. To get to Allah, one goes directly to Him without the use of a priest or prophet.
Jesus in Islam
Jesus is greatly loved and respected in Islam. The belief in Jesus in Islam is that he was a Prophet of God, not the son of God. Jesus’ birth was a miracle as his mother was the Virgin Mary. Mary was a righteous servant of God and is considered one of the best women in history. Jesus preached the truth, the belief in One God as his message was distorted after his birth. In fact, Jesus mentions the coming of Muhammad by name in the Gospel of Barnabas. In Islam, the concept of one person dying for another person’s sins in unacceptable as Muslims don’t believe in ‘original sin’ as the Holy Quran states “No bearer of burden can bear the burden of another” (53:38).
What is the Quran?
Every Prophet had miracles. For example, Moses parted the Red Sea and Jesus could cure. Muhammad’s greatest miracle was the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book. The Quran is the word of God and is recorded in Arabic. Even today, the Quran has not changed even one word from its context. The Quran is considered to be the Quran only in Arabic as people can differ over words and meanings lost when translated as has been the case with the Bible in the past. English versions of the Quran are often referred to as the translation of the meaning of the Quran.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of faith as one has to sincerely believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Prayer as Muslims pray to Allah five times a day.
3. Charity to those less fortunate.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from food, water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk.
5. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca to commemorate Prophet Abraham. Hajj is only required to be done once in a lifetime if one has the means and ability to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell?
A.Yes, Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell and they believe that those who are righteous and follow the truth will be rewarded with
Who is Muhammad?
There have been hundreds of Prophets sent to mankind over time including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets. Just as Moses and Jesus were from the descendents of Abraham (through his son, Isaac), Muhammad is also from the descendents of Abraham (through his other son, Ismail). Some might claim Muhammad was just a very creative human being propagating himself. However, the Quran actually mentions Jesus and Moses more than it mentions Muhammad. Muhammad was known as a very humble and righteous man in the Arab worlds even before he received prophethood at age 40.
So No Trinity?
The belief in One God is innate in mankind. If you were to ask a three year old girl, “Who is your creator?” She would respond with her name for Allah or attempt to describe this One Supreme Being. No one would come up with the idea of the trinity unless they would be taught such a belief.
The oneness of God was also the original belief in Christianity as Jesus never stated he was the son of God. The belief that Jesus is the son of God did not come to surface until more than three hundred years after Jesus’ death. Ask yourself, is the trinity 1 in 3 or 3 in 1? The Bible itself never explicitly mentions the trinity, rather only subtly hints at it in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” However, this verse was added in the sixteen century and still the verse does not mention the trinity explicitly. David also mentions he is the child of God in the Bible. Why then do we not accept David as the son of God? No other prophet has been known to have preached or mentioned the trinity, including Moses.
Also, consider the belief of Jesus as the son of God. If this were the case, ask yourself, was Jesus around before time and did he know of the future and want to die for the sins of people then? The answer would have to be yes. Then, ask yourself, why were Jesus’ last words while at the Cross, “Oh God, why have You forsaken me?” Also, when Jesus died for three days, how many gods were there? Jesus, like Muhammad and Moses, was a human being and a prophet, who had human tendencies that included eating and sleeping ,going pee poo is that action of a god?
ISLAM-Explained
Islam is based on the worship of One God (Allah). Muslims believe that everything in the world was created by God and that as the creation of God, it is our duty to worship our Creator. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (may peace be upon them all). With more than 1.2 BILLION followers world-wide, Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion.
The Basis of Islam
The belief in Allah is crucial to Islam. Allah is Perfect and not in the need of his creation. Allah is not in the need of a parent, grandparent, uncle, cousin, sibling, daughter or a SON! Allah was not born to anyone, nor does Allah have any children as the Holy Quran states, “Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him” (112:1-4).
Muslims worship Allah alone as Islam is truly monotheistic! There are no intermediates in Islam. Worship of Prophets (e.g. Jesus or Muhammad), saints, or idols is strictly prohibited. To get to Allah, one goes directly to Him without the use of a priest or prophet.
Jesus in Islam
Jesus is greatly loved and respected in Islam. The belief in Jesus in Islam is that he was a Prophet of God, not the son of God. Jesus’ birth was a miracle as his mother was the Virgin Mary. Mary was a righteous servant of God and is considered one of the best women in history. Jesus preached the truth, the belief in One God as his message was distorted after his birth. In fact, Jesus mentions the coming of Muhammad by name in the Gospel of Barnabas. In Islam, the concept of one person dying for another person’s sins in unacceptable as Muslims don’t believe in ‘original sin’ as the Holy Quran states “No bearer of burden can bear the burden of another” (53:38).
What is the Quran?
Every Prophet had miracles. For example, Moses parted the Red Sea and Jesus could cure. Muhammad’s greatest miracle was the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book. The Quran is the word of God and is recorded in Arabic. Even today, the Quran has not changed even one word from its context. The Quran is considered to be the Quran only in Arabic as people can differ over words and meanings lost when translated as has been the case with the Bible in the past. English versions of the Quran are often referred to as the translation of the meaning of the Quran.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of faith as one has to sincerely believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Prayer as Muslims pray to Allah five times a day.
3. Charity to those less fortunate.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from food, water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk.
5. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca to commemorate Prophet Abraham. Hajj is only required to be done once in a lifetime if one has the means and ability to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell?
A.Yes, Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell and they believe that those who are righteous and follow the truth will be rewarded with
Who is Muhammad?
There have been hundreds of Prophets sent to mankind over time including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets. Just as Moses and Jesus were from the descendents of Abraham (through his son, Isaac), Muhammad is also from the descendents of Abraham (through his other son, Ismail). Some might claim Muhammad was just a very creative human being propagating himself. However, the Quran actually mentions Jesus and Moses more than it mentions Muhammad. Muhammad was known as a very humble and righteous man in the Arab worlds even before he received prophethood at age 40.
So No Trinity?
The belief in One God is innate in mankind. If you were to ask a three year old girl, “Who is your creator?” She would respond with her name for Allah or attempt to describe this One Supreme Being. No one would come up with the idea of the trinity unless they would be taught such a belief.
The oneness of God was also the original belief in Christianity as Jesus never stated he was the son of God. The belief that Jesus is the son of God did not come to surface until more than three hundred years after Jesus’ death. Ask yourself, is the trinity 1 in 3 or 3 in 1? The Bible itself never explicitly mentions the trinity, rather only subtly hints at it in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” However, this verse was added in the sixteen century and still the verse does not mention the trinity explicitly. David also mentions he is the child of God in the Bible. Why then do we not accept David as the son of God? No other prophet has been known to have preached or mentioned the trinity, including Moses.
Also, consider the belief of Jesus as the son of God. If this were the case, ask yourself, was Jesus around before time and did he know of the future and want to die for the sins of people then? The answer would have to be yes. Then, ask yourself, why were Jesus’ last words while at the Cross, “Oh God, why have You forsaken me?” Also, when Jesus died for three days, how many gods were there? Jesus, like Muhammad and Moses, was a human being and a prophet, who had human tendencies that included eating and sleeping ,going pee poo is that action of a god?
Friday, 30 September 2011
Islam a complete code of life
Islam a complete code of life
Islam is an all-embracing way of life. It extends over the entire spectrum of life, showing us how to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome manner. It does not allow a hierarchy of priests or intermediaries between Allah and human beings, no farfetched abstractions and no complicated rites and rituals.
Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet , to the best of his or her ability, assured by Allah that He will accept the deeds that each soul has the ability to offer (what means): "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." [Quran 2:286]
When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life: political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international. These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom: supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.
To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim's life in all its aspects. This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.
Islam does not believe in wishful thinking. It clearly states that righteous conduct must be followed by belief in Allah. The Quran says (what means): "For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never (fail)." [Quran 41:8]
And (what means):"Those who believe and work righteousness, joy is for them and a blissful place of (final) return." [Quran 13:29]
Islam, as the revealed Religion from Allah, is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Quran, is the most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance and nothing has been omitted from it.
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allah has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allah has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad , for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam.
As we mentioned above, when we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life. The following are some Quranic verses and Ahaadeeth (traditions), which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic, social, religious and cultural values.
Hakim bin Hizam narrated that Allah’s Messenger , said: “The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost.” [Al-Bukhaari]
‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger , saying: "Fornication will not appear among any people without their being punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without their being punished by terror.” [At-Tirmithi]
Kindness to the Family, Parents, Relatives, Orphans, the Poor, the Needy and the Weak
Allah Says (what means): “...Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give zakaah (poor due)...” [Quran 2:83]
Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet , to the best of his or her ability, assured by Allah that He will accept the deeds that each soul has the ability to offer (what means): "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." [Quran 2:286]
When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life: political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international. These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom: supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.
To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim's life in all its aspects. This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.
Islam does not recognize any kind of separation between religion and life.
It openly rejects the Western saying: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's"; for everything should be dedicated to God alone and a Muslim is required to submit himself completely to the Will of Allah in all his affairs (what means): "Say: ‘Truly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. No partner has He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit to His Will.’" [Quran 6:162]Islam does not believe in wishful thinking. It clearly states that righteous conduct must be followed by belief in Allah. The Quran says (what means): "For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never (fail)." [Quran 41:8]
And (what means):"Those who believe and work righteousness, joy is for them and a blissful place of (final) return." [Quran 13:29]
Islam, as the revealed Religion from Allah, is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Quran, is the most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance and nothing has been omitted from it.
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allah has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allah has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad , for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam.
As we mentioned above, when we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life. The following are some Quranic verses and Ahaadeeth (traditions), which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic, social, religious and cultural values.
Fair, Honest Dealing in Trading, Buying and Selling
Allah Says (what means): “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [Quran 5:8]Hakim bin Hizam narrated that Allah’s Messenger , said: “The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Weighing and Measuring of Goods for Business
Allah Says (what means): “Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even (i.e., honest) balance. That is the best (way) and best in result.” [Quran 17:35]Prohibition of Bribery
Allah Says (what means): "And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that (they might aid) you (to) consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know (it is unlawful).” [Quran 2:188]‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger , saying: "Fornication will not appear among any people without their being punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without their being punished by terror.” [At-Tirmithi]
Avoidance of Hoarding and Monopoly
The Prophet, sallallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Do not withhold your money by counting it (i.e. hoarding it), (for if you did so), Allah would also withhold His blessings from you.” [Al-Bukhaari]Paying Salaries, Wages of Employees and Laborers on Time
The Prophet , said: “Allah says: ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: 1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous; 2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price; and 3. One who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.’” [Al-Bukhaari]Prohibition for Fighting, Murder and Other Crimes
Allah’s Messenger , said: “When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords, both the murderer as well as the murdered will go to Hell-fire.” It was said: “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right for the murderer but what about the murdered? Allah’s Messenger, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “He surely had the intention to kill his companion.’” [Al-Bukhaari]Peace and Reconciliation
Allah Says (what means): “The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah; for Allah loves not those who do wrong.” [Quran 42:40]Respect and Kindness to Women
Allah Says (what means): “O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity if you take a disliking to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” [Quran 4:19]Kindness to the Family, Parents, Relatives, Orphans, the Poor, the Needy and the Weak
Allah Says (what means): “...Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give zakaah (poor due)...” [Quran 2:83]
Respect to Non-Muslims (People of the Book)
Allah Says (what means): “And dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way; unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say: ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam).’” [Quran 29:46]Conclusion
This compilation, although far from being complete, proves that Islam as the perfect religion for the whole mankind is indeed complete. Allah Almighty has chosen Islam as the only religion acceptable to Him. Islam is the best way of life for all. It serves as the best solution to all sorts of problems no matter how perplexing they may be. Islam is the absolute answer to those who seek a perfect religion and a complete way of life. It guides us to a well-balanced life, one that makes us happy and contented in this world and in the life Hereafter. It is the way to attaining supreme success in the everlasting world to come. In short, Islam, as the complete way for all, is Allah’s Mercy to the whole of mankind.
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