It is related that a noted Muslim scholar Abdullah bin Mubarak, had a dream while he was sleeping near the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
Abdullah bin Mubarak saw two angels' descend from the sky, and start talking to each other.
One of the angels asked the other: "Do you know how many people have come for Hajj this year?"
The other angel replied: "Six hundred thousand have come for Hajj."
Abdullah bin Mubarak had also gone for Hajj that year.
The first angel asked: "How many people's Hajj has been accepted?"
The second angel replied: "I wonder if anyone's Hajj has been accepted at all."
Abdullah bin Mubarak was grieved to hear that. He thought, "So many people have come from all over the world, crossing so many obstacles like rivers, jungles, desert and mountains, suffered so many hardships, and meeting so many expenses. Would their effort be wasted? Allah (SWT) does not let anyone's effort go to waste."
Abdullah bin Mubarak had thought only so far when he heard the other angel speak: "There is a cobbler in Damascus. His name is Ali bin al-Mufiq. He could not come for Hajj, but Allah (SWT) has accepted his intention of Hajj. Not only will he get the reward for Hajj, but because of him, all the Hajjis will be rewarded."
When Abdullah bin Mubarak woke up, he decided he would go to Damascus and meet that cobbler whose Hajj intentions carried such a lot of weight.
On reaching Damascus, Abdullah bin Mubarak inquired if anyone knew a cobbler named Ali bin al-Mufiq. The town people directed him to a house. When a man appeared from the house Abdullah bin Mubarak greeted him and asked his name. The man replied "Ali bin al-Mufiq."
Abdullah bin Mubarak asked: "What do you do for a living?"
Ali bin al-Mufiq replied: "I am a cobbler." Then Ali bin al-Mufiq asked the stranger's name that had come looking for him.
Abdullah bin Mubarak was a very well-known scholar of Islam, when Abdullah bin Mubarak introduced him self, the cobbler was anxious to find out why such a well known scholar was seeking him out.
When Abdullah bin Mubarak asked Ali bin al-Mufiq to tell him if he had made any plans to go for Hajj. Ali bin al-Mufiq replied, "For thirty years I have lived in the hope of performing the Hajj. This year I had saved enough to go for Hajj, but Allah (SWT) did not will it, so I couldn't make my intention translate into action."
Abdullah bin Mubarak was eager to find out how could this man's Hajj be accepted and blessed for all the people who went for Hajj that year when he didn't go for Hajj in the first place. While talking to the cobbler he could feel certain purity in his heart. Islam regards greatness not in wealth or in power, but in civility, in good manners and the goodness of heart.
Abdullah bin Mubarak further asked: "why could you not go on Hajj?" In order not to disclose the reason, Ali bin al-Mufiq again replied "it was Allah's (SWT) will."
When Abdullah bin Mubarak persisted, Ali bin al-Mufiq revealed: "Once I went to see my neighbour's house. His family was just sitting down for dinner. Although I was not hungry I thought my neighbour would invite me to sit down for dinner out of courtesy but I could see that my neighbour was grieved about something and wanted to avoid inviting me for dinner."
After some hesitation the neighbour told me: "I am sorry I cannot invite you for food. We were without food for three days and I could not bear to see the pain of hunger of my children. I went out looking for food today and found a dead donkey. In my desperation I cut out some meat from the dead animal, and brought it home so that my wife could cook this meat. It is Halal (lawful or permitted) for us because of our extreme condition of hunger, but I cannot offer it to you."
Ali bin al-Mufiq continued: "On hearing this, my heart bled with tears. I got up and went home, collected the three thousand dinars I had saved for Hajj, and gave my neighbour the money. I too had to go hungry but that was to save money for Hajj, but I thought helping my neighbour during his difficult times was more important. Although I still desire to go for Hajj if Allah (SWT) wills."
Abdullah bin Mubarak was greatly inspired by the cobbler's story and told the cobbler of his dream.
Allah (SWT) is merciful and shows mercy to those who do likewise to his creatures. This act of compassion on the part of the cobbler was so pleasing to Allah (SWT) that it not only earned him the reward of Hajj but was extended to all the people who came for Hajj.
Hajj is a journey that can ignite the soul to be reminded of the time it was created and takes it beyond the dimensions of this life to the time it will meet the creator.
The sincere performance of Hajj can transcend a person's day to day life into a spiritual awakening of the highest magnitude. A successful Hajj experience connects us to our creator and the greater compassion of humanity.
The Pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the essential elements of the Islamic faith. It is obligatory on all believers provided they have the financial capability and physical ability to endure the challenges of the pilgrimage.
According to Islamic tradition the Holy Kaaba, a simple square cube structure in Makkah, was the first house of worship established to remind humanity of the One Supreme God. The structure was reconstructed by Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as) and his son Prophet Ismail / Ishmael (as) more than 3000 years ago.
And when We made the House (at Makkah) a destination for humankind and a sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship). Holy Quran (2:125)
The gathering of millions of faithful in Makkah during the days of annual pilgrimage, Hajj is a fulfillment of Prophet Abraham's prayer.
And remember Abraham said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." Holy Quran (2:126)
The Pilgrimage to Makkah is a sign of supreme significance. It was Prophet Ibraham's unconditional commitment to Allah (SWT) that led him to leave his wife Hagar and his infant son Ismael in this desolated desert. Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as) was reward for his unwavering submission to Allah (SWT), by a promise from Him to make this uninviting land into a place of promise and plenty.
Muslims who visit Makkah for Hajj become part of Allah's (SWT) promise to Prophet Ibrahim / Abraham (as). Like any other article of faith, the pilgrimage can become meaningless if it is regarded as an end in itself rather than a means for the attainment of a meaningful life.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Understanding the Earth Better
A) Why was the Earth created?
The Holy Qur'an in Surat TA-HA (20:53) says: "He who appointed the earth to be a cradle for you."
Allamah Tabataba'i in his Al-Mizan says: Thus Allah stationed man in the earth to live an earthly life, so that he may earn a provision for his heavenly and exalted life, in the manner that a baby is stationed in the cradle, and is brought up for a more sacred and developed life..." (Vol. 14, pg. 171)
From this we come to realize that the earth was created as a preparing ground & means for human perfection and the purity of the heart. Sadly, however, many a people, instead of maintaining it for a good Hereafter, tend to destroy it for selfish gains.
B) Do the human beings employ the earth for the purpose it was created?
The Holy Qur'an in Surat AL-ROOM (30:41) clearly talks of a people who instead of practically thanking Allah (swt) by utilizing the earth for its sacred purpose cause mischief therein and subsequently face its evil consequences: "Corruption has appeared in the land and sea, for that men's own hands have earned, that He may let them taste some of that which they have done, that haply so they may return."
And in Surat AL-ARAF (7:10), Almighty Allah says: "Indeed We made you live in the earth and made therein for you the means of livelihood; little is it that you thank."
In this verse, "little is it that you thank" should not merely taken as "verbal thanks," for the reality of "shukr" is to use the gift for the purpose it was created.
C) What is our duty towards the Earth today?
From the above discussion the answer is evident: Because the earth was created for achieving human perfection, we should make a firm resolve to utilize it solely for that. This however should not mean that we stop scientific advancements, for such ventures are also a means to help the creation of the earth. But making a resolve in utilizing the earth as a means for achieving human perfection requires us to have a good understanding of how to go about utilizing the earth and its resources properly. Revelation is the best source for guiding us here.
We should first try to study the elements that are responsible for mischief both in the physical as well as the spiritual world. So long as we have not searched for the root problem, our resolve to change, however firm it may be, would be futile. And as we make a firm resolve we should humbly pray to Allah (swt) to enable us maintain our resolve so that we have done our duty and removed ourselves from the group that is responsible for the earth crisis.
THE ROOT CAUSE:
Different seminars and discussions on the issue of the earth crisis have been, are being, and will be held in different parts of the world. Days like "the Earth day" is also celebrated to make the people realize the dangers facing the earth. The earth lovers mention several problems. The brevity of this speech however does not allow me to enumerate all. Some of the problems they cite are:
1. The depletion of the ozone layer [which acts like a sunscreen shielding the earth from harmful ultra violet radiation]. This is due to the usage of goods that contain CFC gases. Some dangers of ozone depletion are: skin cancers, eye disorders, global warming, etc.
2. The contamination of water. This is due to throwing industrial wastes in the water bodies. The Capitalistic and egoistic attitudes of the producers & manufacturers have no concern about the health risks of those using the waters. It is evident that using contaminated water has great health risks and dangers.
3. The contamination of air through Industrial wastes and other factors. Those who would like to know the details of the environmental problems may look at encyclopedias and the Internet.
But, we ask a fundamental question to ourselves: What is the ROOT CAUSE of the senseless attitude towards environmental pollution? If we answer that, we would then be able to respect the earth and lessen and perhaps even eradicate the ecological crisis that transpires in this oppressed earth.
The fundamental reason for such a crisis is an incorrect world-view or a narrow outlook towards this world. So long as the human being has not understood the meaning of this life, the purpose of his creation, the link between the Creator and the creation, he would never be merciful to himself, let alone the earth. The earth is merely a means for the aim of creation, which is the nearness and proximity of Allah (swt). It is due to ignorance of this fact or the lack of obedience on the part of us that causes the chaos in this transient earth. In fact why should the activists that struggle for bettering the physical environment forget the spiritual environment? The spiritual pollution is more grave than the physical one. Rather, the spiritual pollution is the cause of the physical pollution. In conclusion, two reasons may therefore contribute to the chaos that exists in the earth:
1. A wrong outlook towards the reality: disbelief in God, Revelation, the Hereafters, or having a concocted belief that is against the innate nature of the human being. These kinds of trends are followed by wrong judgments, which come about as a result of ignorance of the correct method of getting to the truth. And when one has a wrong outlook, and does not know the meaning of life, he would do whatever his ego wants. He would tend to forget the serenity of others.
2. Disobedience on the part of the believer: If a believer who has convictions about his true faith remains steadfast in following what Allah (swt) commands, the earth would be a place of serenity. Contrarily if he allows his desires to rule over his intellect, and is lax in his belief, he would cause great dangers not only for man, but the entire creation that lives on this earth.
The Holy Qur'an in Surat TA-HA (20:53) says: "He who appointed the earth to be a cradle for you."
Allamah Tabataba'i in his Al-Mizan says: Thus Allah stationed man in the earth to live an earthly life, so that he may earn a provision for his heavenly and exalted life, in the manner that a baby is stationed in the cradle, and is brought up for a more sacred and developed life..." (Vol. 14, pg. 171)
From this we come to realize that the earth was created as a preparing ground & means for human perfection and the purity of the heart. Sadly, however, many a people, instead of maintaining it for a good Hereafter, tend to destroy it for selfish gains.
B) Do the human beings employ the earth for the purpose it was created?
The Holy Qur'an in Surat AL-ROOM (30:41) clearly talks of a people who instead of practically thanking Allah (swt) by utilizing the earth for its sacred purpose cause mischief therein and subsequently face its evil consequences: "Corruption has appeared in the land and sea, for that men's own hands have earned, that He may let them taste some of that which they have done, that haply so they may return."
And in Surat AL-ARAF (7:10), Almighty Allah says: "Indeed We made you live in the earth and made therein for you the means of livelihood; little is it that you thank."
In this verse, "little is it that you thank" should not merely taken as "verbal thanks," for the reality of "shukr" is to use the gift for the purpose it was created.
C) What is our duty towards the Earth today?
From the above discussion the answer is evident: Because the earth was created for achieving human perfection, we should make a firm resolve to utilize it solely for that. This however should not mean that we stop scientific advancements, for such ventures are also a means to help the creation of the earth. But making a resolve in utilizing the earth as a means for achieving human perfection requires us to have a good understanding of how to go about utilizing the earth and its resources properly. Revelation is the best source for guiding us here.
We should first try to study the elements that are responsible for mischief both in the physical as well as the spiritual world. So long as we have not searched for the root problem, our resolve to change, however firm it may be, would be futile. And as we make a firm resolve we should humbly pray to Allah (swt) to enable us maintain our resolve so that we have done our duty and removed ourselves from the group that is responsible for the earth crisis.
THE ROOT CAUSE:
Different seminars and discussions on the issue of the earth crisis have been, are being, and will be held in different parts of the world. Days like "the Earth day" is also celebrated to make the people realize the dangers facing the earth. The earth lovers mention several problems. The brevity of this speech however does not allow me to enumerate all. Some of the problems they cite are:
1. The depletion of the ozone layer [which acts like a sunscreen shielding the earth from harmful ultra violet radiation]. This is due to the usage of goods that contain CFC gases. Some dangers of ozone depletion are: skin cancers, eye disorders, global warming, etc.
2. The contamination of water. This is due to throwing industrial wastes in the water bodies. The Capitalistic and egoistic attitudes of the producers & manufacturers have no concern about the health risks of those using the waters. It is evident that using contaminated water has great health risks and dangers.
3. The contamination of air through Industrial wastes and other factors. Those who would like to know the details of the environmental problems may look at encyclopedias and the Internet.
But, we ask a fundamental question to ourselves: What is the ROOT CAUSE of the senseless attitude towards environmental pollution? If we answer that, we would then be able to respect the earth and lessen and perhaps even eradicate the ecological crisis that transpires in this oppressed earth.
The fundamental reason for such a crisis is an incorrect world-view or a narrow outlook towards this world. So long as the human being has not understood the meaning of this life, the purpose of his creation, the link between the Creator and the creation, he would never be merciful to himself, let alone the earth. The earth is merely a means for the aim of creation, which is the nearness and proximity of Allah (swt). It is due to ignorance of this fact or the lack of obedience on the part of us that causes the chaos in this transient earth. In fact why should the activists that struggle for bettering the physical environment forget the spiritual environment? The spiritual pollution is more grave than the physical one. Rather, the spiritual pollution is the cause of the physical pollution. In conclusion, two reasons may therefore contribute to the chaos that exists in the earth:
1. A wrong outlook towards the reality: disbelief in God, Revelation, the Hereafters, or having a concocted belief that is against the innate nature of the human being. These kinds of trends are followed by wrong judgments, which come about as a result of ignorance of the correct method of getting to the truth. And when one has a wrong outlook, and does not know the meaning of life, he would do whatever his ego wants. He would tend to forget the serenity of others.
2. Disobedience on the part of the believer: If a believer who has convictions about his true faith remains steadfast in following what Allah (swt) commands, the earth would be a place of serenity. Contrarily if he allows his desires to rule over his intellect, and is lax in his belief, he would cause great dangers not only for man, but the entire creation that lives on this earth.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A Perfect Muslim Child
Table Manners
The religion of Islam teaches us the noblest ethics and manners of daily life and contains programs for us to live in the best way. If we put all these programs into practice, we will live in happiness and bliss forever. It has even explained the best way for us to eat and drink.
Table Manners:
1. Before eating, wash your hands with clean water. for it is possible that your hands are dirty and are carrying germs and if the germs enter your body, you will become ill.
2. Begin your meal in the name of Allah. and say "Bismillahir- Rahmanir- Rahim."
3. Take your food in small mouthfuls and chew it till it is soft and smooth, for the smoother food is chewed the sooner and better it is digested, and this assists the body's health.
4. Always take the food that is in front of you. and don't stretch your arm to reach the food that is in front of someone else.
5. Stop eating when you are nearly full and don't eat too much.
6. After finishing the meal, be grateful to Allah and say: "Alhamdu-lillahi Rabbil-'alamin" (Praise be Allah's, Lord of the Universe).
7. We think about the poor and those who are hungry. and we help them. We begin our food with the name of Allah and thank Him when we have finished.
Being Clean
We all know that particles of dirt are harmful for our health. and that we must be careful of them. For example, the urine and faeces of human-beings are dirty. and the religion of Islam calls these "najis", meaning impure. Islam tells us: "If these pollute our body or clothing, we must wash our body and clothes with water in order to make it clean. It is also important that the body and the clothes of a person wishing to perform the prayer must be perfectly clean.
TO eat food that is impure is forbidden and sinful.
Whenever we go to the toilet, we must sit in such a way that drops of urine do not get on our clothes, for drops of urine, however small, make clothing and the body impure. We must also clean the outlet of faeces, too. This we do either with three pieces of paper or with water (pouring the water with our right hand and washing with the left.) After coming out from the toilet, it is good that we wash our hands with soap and water.
To pass urine or faeces while facing the qibla. or with one's back to the qiblh, is forbidden and sinful. We must squat to pass urine. and not do it standing. Our Holy Prophet has told us: "Don't pass urine while standing."
And we mustn't go to answer the call of nature next to rivers and streams. nor under fruit trees, nor streets or lanes. The religion of Islam is a clean religion, and tells us: "Cleanliness is a part of religion." A young Muslim works hard to keep his body and clothes pure, and he is always clean.
Salam, The Word of Kindness
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was sitting one day with his Companions and they were talking together.
A person came in without asking permission and didn't even Offer his salam.
"Why didn't you say salam?" questioned the Prophet.
"Why didn't you ask permission to come in?!"
"Go back. Ask our permission and greet us with your salam before you come in, he instructed. Regarding salams. the Holy Prophet has told us:
"O Muslims! you will not enter Paradise unless you are kind to each other. unless you warmly say salam to each other whenever you meet.
"Always say saIam in a loud voice and reply in the same way.
God loves most the person who says saIam first and gives him better rewards and blessings."
"First give your salam, then say whatever you have to say."
Do You Know His Name?
Perhaps he is one of your friends. Lie works hard to learn Islamic manners and puts them into practice. He greets others warmly with his salam. saying, "Salamun'alavkum. and he returns his salam smilingly to whoever says salam to him, whenever he sees one of his friends he becomes happy and, with a smile, he shakes hands, says his saJa!m and asks about his health and wellbeing.
Whenever he is asked about himself he says "al-hamdu lillah, I am well." He enters the house, he greets his parents and all the household with his salam, and he says goodbye whenever he goes out. He thanks whoever is kind to him, and if he can, he repays that person's kindness with kindness.
Whenever he enters a gathering. he says his salam in a clear voice and sits wherever is appropriate. He never puts his finger in his nose in front of anyone. nor spits, nor stretches his legs. He never interrupts anyone and never speaks too much. He never gets upset without reason , and always speaks nicely and politely. When he sneezes he puts his hand over his mouth and nose, and afterwards says, "al-hamdu lillah".
Do you know this boy? Do you know his name? His name is Nasir. His behavior is very good and Allah loves him for it and will give him a beautiful reward. Good people also like him and respect him. Do you like him too? Why?
Behavior With Parents
A young man went to see Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s.). "O Son of the Prophet, "he said to him.
`I have a father who is very old and feeble. He cannot do any work. He cannot walk. He cannot even put food into his mouth. I am obliged to help him in everything he does."
"Fortune has smiled on you" al-Imam al-Sadiq told him. And blessed are you, that you serve your father so compassionately in this way. Try to do as many of your father's tasks as you can. Wash his clothes. Wash his face and hands. Carry him to the bath. Feed him by hand, and maintain his respect at all times.
When you are free. sit down beside him and cheer him up. Listen to him when he speaks to you. an d try' to give him peace of mind. God forbid that you should ever treat him with disrespect. God forbid that you should ever speak harshly to him, and God forbid that you should ever do something that makes him uncomfortable or unhappy.
"He took great pains for your sake when you were a child" al-Imam al-Sadiq continued.
"Now it is your duty to be his helper and serve him. "Give thanks to Allah" al-lmm al-Sadiq told him. "that He has given you the strength to serve your father and attain bliss in this way. Allah wanted to forgive your sins like this. save you from the chastisement of the fire, and give you a beautiful reward in Paradise."
God has told us to worship only Him and always be kind and helpful to our parents.
The Race
That afternoon, it was agreed that we would all walk from our school to a nearby village famous for its flowers. The plan was that we would race each other. The whole class was ready.
We were supposed to reach the mosque of the village before sunset. The mosque of that village was built near a tall tree and the mosque's minaret was also very tall; we could see it from our own village. We were all waiting for our sports teacher to announce the start of the race. When he did so, we quickly set off. Some of the boys ran, others said that at the beginning it was better to walk.
We were happy and merrily we chatted amongst ourselves. On the way, we came to a stream that flowed from the same village we were going to. We became very happy and sat down at the side of the stream to wash ourselves and drink some of its fresh, cool water. "Children", our teacher called out loudly, "if you are thirsty and want to drink, don't drink too much.
Otherwise you might get a stomach-ache and lag behind." Upon hearing this, those of us who are bright and alert left the side of the stream and continued our walk. But some of us said that they were very thirsty, and that if they didn't quench their thirsts they wouldn't be able to go on. So they decided to drink a few handfuls more...
Our teacher was running harder than all of us. Slowly, slowly the sun began to set. Our teacher was the first to reach the mosque of that village. I and some of my friends also reached the mosque before the sun had completely set.
The following morning the teacher announced the winners. "Dear children", he said, "yesterday these pupils tried very hard and are the winners of the race. Today I am going to give them their prizes and you should congratulate them.
"This world is also a competition ground. We all struggle and race each other. Our race is in good deeds and in helping and working for others. "Those who succeed in this race are those who give more benefit to God's servants and worship God the best. God gives these people a prize and reward in the Hereafter, and puts them in Heaven.
"However, those who do not strive in doing good deeds and turn to ugly, unworthy deeds will be ashamed of their ugly deeds in the Hereafter and will regret them bitterly. They will not go to Heaven but will go to Hell and receive the recompense of their ugly deeds. "Those who do good and those who do bad are not the same before God. God recompenses each person according to the goodness or badness of that person's deeds.
"If God didn't give to those who do good a beautiful, eternal reward, what would induce us to do good deeds9 "And if God didn't punish those who do bad deeds, what would be the difference between them and those who do good?"
Life Eternal
The light of Spring falls on the park, With the passing of winter-the season of dark. Branches in bud, once more glowing, Violets by the stream, once more growing. Sitting there, so beautifully arrayed, Under the willow tree, in its shade. God, the Creator, with his power, gives existence, once again, to the flower.
To the dead earth, where nothing grows, a fresh, new life, He bestows. Our death is for our bodies but autumnal, The Resurrection is our spring and life eternal. The just reward of each sinner and liar, Is the darkness of Hell, the pain of its fire. While the rewards of those who do good and right, are the joys of Heaven, and Celestial Light.
Are Good and Bad the Same?
We all understand the meaning of good and bad, and it is easy to distinguish a good person from a bad one. A good person has good manners, good behavior, is honest and truthful, loves justice and is polite and trustworthy.
But a bad person has bad manners and bad behavior, tells lies and bullies. Other people, and is impolite and deceitful. Do you think that good and bad people are the same? Like most people you probably like good people, and don't like bad ones. Allah loves the people who do good, and He hates the people who do wrong. For this reason He has sent His prophets to tell the people to do good deeds and stop doing bad deeds. Now, answer these questions.
(1) Will Allah reward the people who do good deeds?
(2) Will He punish the people who do bad deeds?
(3) Is it in this world that good people are rewarded?
(4) Is it in this world that bad people are punished?
(5) Where do people receive the recompense of their actions? Allah has another world that we call the Hereafter. In that world the good people are separated from the bad ones and each group receives the recompense of its actions. If there was no Hereafter, good people would have no motive and reason to perform good deeds, and no motive to refrain from bad deeds.
If there was no Hereafter, the call of the prophets would be futile and pointless. Good and bad would have no real meaning. If there was no Hereafter, our lives would be of no use and our creation would be purposeless. Do you think that Allah has created us just to live in this world for a few days, just to eat and drink, to sleep and to wear clothes, and then to die, with nothing more?
Do you think that this is all we should live for? And that Allah, Who does nothing in vain, has created us merely for this? In the Qur'an we are told: "Your creation was not in vain, you have been created to live in this world and perform the best kind of deeds, and to strive towards goodness and perfection.
Then, after your life in the world, you will be taken to the Hereafter, where you will receive the result of your deeds." The Hereafter is the place where the good are separated from the bad. The people who have performed acts of goodness in their lives will be allowed into Paradise, where they will live in happiness and bliss.
Allah is pleased with them, and they too are pleased with the many blessings of Allah. But the bad and irreligious people are sent to Hell, where they receive the punishment for their evil deeds. Allah is angry with them and they live in suffering and pain, and that is the result of their own deeds, and what they deserve.
Household Chores
Mahmud was writing the following essay: My name is Mahmud. I have two sisters. Zaynab and Fatimah. They both go to school. In all, there are six of us in our family and we have divided the house hold chores between us.
Father does the shopping and the other jobs outside the house. I help my father. I buy bread. milk. vegetables and fruits. My sisters help mother with the housework. and they keep the house clean and tidy. Fatimah does some chores and Zavnab does others.
In our house we all have special jobs to do. We all know our duties and carry them out, and it is not very often that we have to be reminded. In these chores. we all help one another. Only my little younger brother, Rida!. doesn't have a job to do, and he is only ten months old. My mother says that Rida's only jobs are crying! drinking milk, sleeping and laughin2.
She says that we will find a job for him when he is older. My father believes that each member of the family must accept some chore and do it regularly. because housework is a way of learning through experience. He believes that a person who doesn't work doesn't learn anything. My father tells us that the Prophet (SA) has said:
"Allah doesn't like people who put their responsibilities on the shoulders of others, and will not let them share His loving kindness. A good Muslim is one who is helpful around the house". Besides doing our own tasks, we also help one another. One day I came home and found my father was sweeping the courtyard with a broom. "Father!" I asked: "Why are you sweeping"?"
My father replied: "Do you not see that your mother is very busy? We must help her. We are the followers of Imam `Ali (AS) and we must follow him in piety. Imam `Ali (AS) always used to help his wife in the household work and sometimes he used to sweep the house too".
Really, I can honestly `say that we never have any arguments in our house. If ever I have a disagreement with my sisters, we either settle it with smiles or we take the matter to my mother, or we wait until father comes home, and one of them always settles it for us. When my father comes home from work, he sits down and talks to us about our lessons. He looks at our school books and guides us.
Later. when we are all free. We go to the little library we have and we study the books that father has bought for us. Father studies one of his book!. and even little Rida! goes with us to the library, but instead of reading a book sometimes he tears the book mother is reading. I thank Allah that I have such good parents and sisters, and I try my best to do what is expected of me and help more in the household chores.
Mahmud handed over the essay to his English teacher. When he got it back, the teacher had written: "Mahmud! You have written clearly and well. This is the best essay and you have received top marks. I enjoyed reading your essay and I thank the Almighty Allah that I have such a good student." You too must be grateful to the Almighty Allah that you have such understanding parents. How good it would be if all families helped one another and worked together the way you all do, and if all boys were friendly and helpful the way you are. Well done!
The Status of the Teachers
Our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.) tells us: "I am the teacher of the people and I give them lessons in religion." Imam `Ali (A.S.) tells us: "Rise from your place in respect for your father and your teacher." The Fourth Imam, Imam Zain al-'Abidin (A.S.), tells us: "A teacher has certain rights over his students: First- that the students treat their teacher with great respect. Second- that they listen carefully to what he says.
Third- that they constantly face towards him. Fourth- that their wits are totally engaged in learning the lesson. Fifth- that they appreciate and are thankful for their lesson." We follow all this guidance. We like our teacher, we respect him, and we know that, like our parents, he has many rights over us.
An Important Health Instruction
A Christian physician once asked Imam Sadiq (A.S.) "Is there anything concerning health in your Quran and in the instructions of your Prophet?" Imam Sadiq (A.S.) told him, "Yes! In the Quran man is told: `Eat and drink, but in eating and drinking don't be immoderate.' and our Prophet has told us: Don't eat until hungry for it is the source of all illnesses. while eating little and wisely is the source of all cures.'''
The Christian physician stood up and said, `What good and perfect health instructions your Quran contains! And what a sensible recommendation your Prophet has made about health."'
Allah Tells us: "Eat and Drink; But Don't be Immoderate."
A Public Duty
Can you be indifferent to the actions of other people? Can you exist in "isolation" and as totally cut off from the rest of the society? Can you exist without any relations with other people? What effect does the goodness or badness of the society have on the individual?
What kind of individuals grow up in a religious society? When a person grows up in an evil, corrupt and perverse society, to what evils is he led? What responsibility does the Muslim have towards the society he or she lives in? In Islam, everyone is responsible before Allah towards the society and no one can be indifferent to the actions of his neighbors. Each person must realize that he is linked to the rest of society, and that the society is like a single body of which he is a part.
Therefore, the true Muslim strives with all his might for the benefit and good of his society. Islam teaches Muslims that the heaven-sent programs of Islam lead the society to perfection and happiness provided that those programs are properly carried out and followed by all the people in the society.
Therefore, in order that all the aspects of the laws and regulations of religion be properly carried out, Islam places the responsibility of ensuring the proper implementation of the Islamic teachings upon two factors. Firstly, the legal Islamic authority, that is, the legitimate Islamic government. It is the duty of the government in Islam to put into practice all the Islamic laws, regulations and programs.
Islamic government has the duty of leading the individuals of the society towards good deeds, and it must put an end to all instances of injustice, oppression, corruption and perversion. It must severely punish those who are guilty of these crimes, and must constantly encourage those who are religious and benevolent. These are some of the most important duties of the Islamic government.
Secondly, each and every Muslim is considered in Islam to be responsible for the society and for practicing the divine laws. Each person is counted as a kind of guardian and policeman. In Islam, every Muslim must pay attention to the actions and behavior of the people of his society, and must do what he can to prevent corruption.
A Muslim must himself be good and must also encourage others to do good, and he must strive for the welfare of society. Islam calls this duty "aI- amr bilma'ruf', which means enjoining the right. A Muslim must also refrain from sins and from breaking the laws of Islam and the Islamic government (if it is truly Islamic), and as far as he can, he must try to prevent sins and corruption from occurring in the society.
Islam calls this duty "al-nahy `an al-rnunkar". which means forbidding the wrong. Al'amr bilma'ruf and al-nahy `an al-munkar together form one of the most important public duties in Islam, and one of the foremost duties of every Muslim. It is obligatory for every Muslim to defend the laws of his religion in this way, and to strive to safeguard them and have them carried out. Allah tells us in the Qur'an: "You are the best nation (O Muslims) brought out for mankind, because you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and you have faith in Allah... (3:109)."
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam has said: "Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. for as long as you do so your society will be strong and happy; but when the Muslims would fail in this, their society will be dominated by oppressors and no matter how much they pray to Allah for deliverance from the oppressors, Allah will not answer their prayers and they will find no justice anywhere, neither in the skies nor in the earth.'
Now that you know about this great and sacred duty, what programs will you draw up for the rest of your life? How will you cooperate with your friends in performing this great duty?
The religion of Islam teaches us the noblest ethics and manners of daily life and contains programs for us to live in the best way. If we put all these programs into practice, we will live in happiness and bliss forever. It has even explained the best way for us to eat and drink.
Table Manners:
1. Before eating, wash your hands with clean water. for it is possible that your hands are dirty and are carrying germs and if the germs enter your body, you will become ill.
2. Begin your meal in the name of Allah. and say "Bismillahir- Rahmanir- Rahim."
3. Take your food in small mouthfuls and chew it till it is soft and smooth, for the smoother food is chewed the sooner and better it is digested, and this assists the body's health.
4. Always take the food that is in front of you. and don't stretch your arm to reach the food that is in front of someone else.
5. Stop eating when you are nearly full and don't eat too much.
6. After finishing the meal, be grateful to Allah and say: "Alhamdu-lillahi Rabbil-'alamin" (Praise be Allah's, Lord of the Universe).
7. We think about the poor and those who are hungry. and we help them. We begin our food with the name of Allah and thank Him when we have finished.
Being Clean
We all know that particles of dirt are harmful for our health. and that we must be careful of them. For example, the urine and faeces of human-beings are dirty. and the religion of Islam calls these "najis", meaning impure. Islam tells us: "If these pollute our body or clothing, we must wash our body and clothes with water in order to make it clean. It is also important that the body and the clothes of a person wishing to perform the prayer must be perfectly clean.
TO eat food that is impure is forbidden and sinful.
Whenever we go to the toilet, we must sit in such a way that drops of urine do not get on our clothes, for drops of urine, however small, make clothing and the body impure. We must also clean the outlet of faeces, too. This we do either with three pieces of paper or with water (pouring the water with our right hand and washing with the left.) After coming out from the toilet, it is good that we wash our hands with soap and water.
To pass urine or faeces while facing the qibla. or with one's back to the qiblh, is forbidden and sinful. We must squat to pass urine. and not do it standing. Our Holy Prophet has told us: "Don't pass urine while standing."
And we mustn't go to answer the call of nature next to rivers and streams. nor under fruit trees, nor streets or lanes. The religion of Islam is a clean religion, and tells us: "Cleanliness is a part of religion." A young Muslim works hard to keep his body and clothes pure, and he is always clean.
Salam, The Word of Kindness
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was sitting one day with his Companions and they were talking together.
A person came in without asking permission and didn't even Offer his salam.
"Why didn't you say salam?" questioned the Prophet.
"Why didn't you ask permission to come in?!"
"Go back. Ask our permission and greet us with your salam before you come in, he instructed. Regarding salams. the Holy Prophet has told us:
"O Muslims! you will not enter Paradise unless you are kind to each other. unless you warmly say salam to each other whenever you meet.
"Always say saIam in a loud voice and reply in the same way.
God loves most the person who says saIam first and gives him better rewards and blessings."
"First give your salam, then say whatever you have to say."
Do You Know His Name?
Perhaps he is one of your friends. Lie works hard to learn Islamic manners and puts them into practice. He greets others warmly with his salam. saying, "Salamun'alavkum. and he returns his salam smilingly to whoever says salam to him, whenever he sees one of his friends he becomes happy and, with a smile, he shakes hands, says his saJa!m and asks about his health and wellbeing.
Whenever he is asked about himself he says "al-hamdu lillah, I am well." He enters the house, he greets his parents and all the household with his salam, and he says goodbye whenever he goes out. He thanks whoever is kind to him, and if he can, he repays that person's kindness with kindness.
Whenever he enters a gathering. he says his salam in a clear voice and sits wherever is appropriate. He never puts his finger in his nose in front of anyone. nor spits, nor stretches his legs. He never interrupts anyone and never speaks too much. He never gets upset without reason , and always speaks nicely and politely. When he sneezes he puts his hand over his mouth and nose, and afterwards says, "al-hamdu lillah".
Do you know this boy? Do you know his name? His name is Nasir. His behavior is very good and Allah loves him for it and will give him a beautiful reward. Good people also like him and respect him. Do you like him too? Why?
Behavior With Parents
A young man went to see Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s.). "O Son of the Prophet, "he said to him.
`I have a father who is very old and feeble. He cannot do any work. He cannot walk. He cannot even put food into his mouth. I am obliged to help him in everything he does."
"Fortune has smiled on you" al-Imam al-Sadiq told him. And blessed are you, that you serve your father so compassionately in this way. Try to do as many of your father's tasks as you can. Wash his clothes. Wash his face and hands. Carry him to the bath. Feed him by hand, and maintain his respect at all times.
When you are free. sit down beside him and cheer him up. Listen to him when he speaks to you. an d try' to give him peace of mind. God forbid that you should ever treat him with disrespect. God forbid that you should ever speak harshly to him, and God forbid that you should ever do something that makes him uncomfortable or unhappy.
"He took great pains for your sake when you were a child" al-Imam al-Sadiq continued.
"Now it is your duty to be his helper and serve him. "Give thanks to Allah" al-lmm al-Sadiq told him. "that He has given you the strength to serve your father and attain bliss in this way. Allah wanted to forgive your sins like this. save you from the chastisement of the fire, and give you a beautiful reward in Paradise."
God has told us to worship only Him and always be kind and helpful to our parents.
The Race
That afternoon, it was agreed that we would all walk from our school to a nearby village famous for its flowers. The plan was that we would race each other. The whole class was ready.
We were supposed to reach the mosque of the village before sunset. The mosque of that village was built near a tall tree and the mosque's minaret was also very tall; we could see it from our own village. We were all waiting for our sports teacher to announce the start of the race. When he did so, we quickly set off. Some of the boys ran, others said that at the beginning it was better to walk.
We were happy and merrily we chatted amongst ourselves. On the way, we came to a stream that flowed from the same village we were going to. We became very happy and sat down at the side of the stream to wash ourselves and drink some of its fresh, cool water. "Children", our teacher called out loudly, "if you are thirsty and want to drink, don't drink too much.
Otherwise you might get a stomach-ache and lag behind." Upon hearing this, those of us who are bright and alert left the side of the stream and continued our walk. But some of us said that they were very thirsty, and that if they didn't quench their thirsts they wouldn't be able to go on. So they decided to drink a few handfuls more...
Our teacher was running harder than all of us. Slowly, slowly the sun began to set. Our teacher was the first to reach the mosque of that village. I and some of my friends also reached the mosque before the sun had completely set.
The following morning the teacher announced the winners. "Dear children", he said, "yesterday these pupils tried very hard and are the winners of the race. Today I am going to give them their prizes and you should congratulate them.
"This world is also a competition ground. We all struggle and race each other. Our race is in good deeds and in helping and working for others. "Those who succeed in this race are those who give more benefit to God's servants and worship God the best. God gives these people a prize and reward in the Hereafter, and puts them in Heaven.
"However, those who do not strive in doing good deeds and turn to ugly, unworthy deeds will be ashamed of their ugly deeds in the Hereafter and will regret them bitterly. They will not go to Heaven but will go to Hell and receive the recompense of their ugly deeds. "Those who do good and those who do bad are not the same before God. God recompenses each person according to the goodness or badness of that person's deeds.
"If God didn't give to those who do good a beautiful, eternal reward, what would induce us to do good deeds9 "And if God didn't punish those who do bad deeds, what would be the difference between them and those who do good?"
Life Eternal
The light of Spring falls on the park, With the passing of winter-the season of dark. Branches in bud, once more glowing, Violets by the stream, once more growing. Sitting there, so beautifully arrayed, Under the willow tree, in its shade. God, the Creator, with his power, gives existence, once again, to the flower.
To the dead earth, where nothing grows, a fresh, new life, He bestows. Our death is for our bodies but autumnal, The Resurrection is our spring and life eternal. The just reward of each sinner and liar, Is the darkness of Hell, the pain of its fire. While the rewards of those who do good and right, are the joys of Heaven, and Celestial Light.
Are Good and Bad the Same?
We all understand the meaning of good and bad, and it is easy to distinguish a good person from a bad one. A good person has good manners, good behavior, is honest and truthful, loves justice and is polite and trustworthy.
But a bad person has bad manners and bad behavior, tells lies and bullies. Other people, and is impolite and deceitful. Do you think that good and bad people are the same? Like most people you probably like good people, and don't like bad ones. Allah loves the people who do good, and He hates the people who do wrong. For this reason He has sent His prophets to tell the people to do good deeds and stop doing bad deeds. Now, answer these questions.
(1) Will Allah reward the people who do good deeds?
(2) Will He punish the people who do bad deeds?
(3) Is it in this world that good people are rewarded?
(4) Is it in this world that bad people are punished?
(5) Where do people receive the recompense of their actions? Allah has another world that we call the Hereafter. In that world the good people are separated from the bad ones and each group receives the recompense of its actions. If there was no Hereafter, good people would have no motive and reason to perform good deeds, and no motive to refrain from bad deeds.
If there was no Hereafter, the call of the prophets would be futile and pointless. Good and bad would have no real meaning. If there was no Hereafter, our lives would be of no use and our creation would be purposeless. Do you think that Allah has created us just to live in this world for a few days, just to eat and drink, to sleep and to wear clothes, and then to die, with nothing more?
Do you think that this is all we should live for? And that Allah, Who does nothing in vain, has created us merely for this? In the Qur'an we are told: "Your creation was not in vain, you have been created to live in this world and perform the best kind of deeds, and to strive towards goodness and perfection.
Then, after your life in the world, you will be taken to the Hereafter, where you will receive the result of your deeds." The Hereafter is the place where the good are separated from the bad. The people who have performed acts of goodness in their lives will be allowed into Paradise, where they will live in happiness and bliss.
Allah is pleased with them, and they too are pleased with the many blessings of Allah. But the bad and irreligious people are sent to Hell, where they receive the punishment for their evil deeds. Allah is angry with them and they live in suffering and pain, and that is the result of their own deeds, and what they deserve.
Household Chores
Mahmud was writing the following essay: My name is Mahmud. I have two sisters. Zaynab and Fatimah. They both go to school. In all, there are six of us in our family and we have divided the house hold chores between us.
Father does the shopping and the other jobs outside the house. I help my father. I buy bread. milk. vegetables and fruits. My sisters help mother with the housework. and they keep the house clean and tidy. Fatimah does some chores and Zavnab does others.
In our house we all have special jobs to do. We all know our duties and carry them out, and it is not very often that we have to be reminded. In these chores. we all help one another. Only my little younger brother, Rida!. doesn't have a job to do, and he is only ten months old. My mother says that Rida's only jobs are crying! drinking milk, sleeping and laughin2.
She says that we will find a job for him when he is older. My father believes that each member of the family must accept some chore and do it regularly. because housework is a way of learning through experience. He believes that a person who doesn't work doesn't learn anything. My father tells us that the Prophet (SA) has said:
"Allah doesn't like people who put their responsibilities on the shoulders of others, and will not let them share His loving kindness. A good Muslim is one who is helpful around the house". Besides doing our own tasks, we also help one another. One day I came home and found my father was sweeping the courtyard with a broom. "Father!" I asked: "Why are you sweeping"?"
My father replied: "Do you not see that your mother is very busy? We must help her. We are the followers of Imam `Ali (AS) and we must follow him in piety. Imam `Ali (AS) always used to help his wife in the household work and sometimes he used to sweep the house too".
Really, I can honestly `say that we never have any arguments in our house. If ever I have a disagreement with my sisters, we either settle it with smiles or we take the matter to my mother, or we wait until father comes home, and one of them always settles it for us. When my father comes home from work, he sits down and talks to us about our lessons. He looks at our school books and guides us.
Later. when we are all free. We go to the little library we have and we study the books that father has bought for us. Father studies one of his book!. and even little Rida! goes with us to the library, but instead of reading a book sometimes he tears the book mother is reading. I thank Allah that I have such good parents and sisters, and I try my best to do what is expected of me and help more in the household chores.
Mahmud handed over the essay to his English teacher. When he got it back, the teacher had written: "Mahmud! You have written clearly and well. This is the best essay and you have received top marks. I enjoyed reading your essay and I thank the Almighty Allah that I have such a good student." You too must be grateful to the Almighty Allah that you have such understanding parents. How good it would be if all families helped one another and worked together the way you all do, and if all boys were friendly and helpful the way you are. Well done!
The Status of the Teachers
Our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.) tells us: "I am the teacher of the people and I give them lessons in religion." Imam `Ali (A.S.) tells us: "Rise from your place in respect for your father and your teacher." The Fourth Imam, Imam Zain al-'Abidin (A.S.), tells us: "A teacher has certain rights over his students: First- that the students treat their teacher with great respect. Second- that they listen carefully to what he says.
Third- that they constantly face towards him. Fourth- that their wits are totally engaged in learning the lesson. Fifth- that they appreciate and are thankful for their lesson." We follow all this guidance. We like our teacher, we respect him, and we know that, like our parents, he has many rights over us.
An Important Health Instruction
A Christian physician once asked Imam Sadiq (A.S.) "Is there anything concerning health in your Quran and in the instructions of your Prophet?" Imam Sadiq (A.S.) told him, "Yes! In the Quran man is told: `Eat and drink, but in eating and drinking don't be immoderate.' and our Prophet has told us: Don't eat until hungry for it is the source of all illnesses. while eating little and wisely is the source of all cures.'''
The Christian physician stood up and said, `What good and perfect health instructions your Quran contains! And what a sensible recommendation your Prophet has made about health."'
Allah Tells us: "Eat and Drink; But Don't be Immoderate."
A Public Duty
Can you be indifferent to the actions of other people? Can you exist in "isolation" and as totally cut off from the rest of the society? Can you exist without any relations with other people? What effect does the goodness or badness of the society have on the individual?
What kind of individuals grow up in a religious society? When a person grows up in an evil, corrupt and perverse society, to what evils is he led? What responsibility does the Muslim have towards the society he or she lives in? In Islam, everyone is responsible before Allah towards the society and no one can be indifferent to the actions of his neighbors. Each person must realize that he is linked to the rest of society, and that the society is like a single body of which he is a part.
Therefore, the true Muslim strives with all his might for the benefit and good of his society. Islam teaches Muslims that the heaven-sent programs of Islam lead the society to perfection and happiness provided that those programs are properly carried out and followed by all the people in the society.
Therefore, in order that all the aspects of the laws and regulations of religion be properly carried out, Islam places the responsibility of ensuring the proper implementation of the Islamic teachings upon two factors. Firstly, the legal Islamic authority, that is, the legitimate Islamic government. It is the duty of the government in Islam to put into practice all the Islamic laws, regulations and programs.
Islamic government has the duty of leading the individuals of the society towards good deeds, and it must put an end to all instances of injustice, oppression, corruption and perversion. It must severely punish those who are guilty of these crimes, and must constantly encourage those who are religious and benevolent. These are some of the most important duties of the Islamic government.
Secondly, each and every Muslim is considered in Islam to be responsible for the society and for practicing the divine laws. Each person is counted as a kind of guardian and policeman. In Islam, every Muslim must pay attention to the actions and behavior of the people of his society, and must do what he can to prevent corruption.
A Muslim must himself be good and must also encourage others to do good, and he must strive for the welfare of society. Islam calls this duty "aI- amr bilma'ruf', which means enjoining the right. A Muslim must also refrain from sins and from breaking the laws of Islam and the Islamic government (if it is truly Islamic), and as far as he can, he must try to prevent sins and corruption from occurring in the society.
Islam calls this duty "al-nahy `an al-rnunkar". which means forbidding the wrong. Al'amr bilma'ruf and al-nahy `an al-munkar together form one of the most important public duties in Islam, and one of the foremost duties of every Muslim. It is obligatory for every Muslim to defend the laws of his religion in this way, and to strive to safeguard them and have them carried out. Allah tells us in the Qur'an: "You are the best nation (O Muslims) brought out for mankind, because you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and you have faith in Allah... (3:109)."
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam has said: "Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. for as long as you do so your society will be strong and happy; but when the Muslims would fail in this, their society will be dominated by oppressors and no matter how much they pray to Allah for deliverance from the oppressors, Allah will not answer their prayers and they will find no justice anywhere, neither in the skies nor in the earth.'
Now that you know about this great and sacred duty, what programs will you draw up for the rest of your life? How will you cooperate with your friends in performing this great duty?
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