Why do we read Noble Qur'an, even we can't understand Arabic?

An old Muslim lived on a farm with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Noble Qur'an.
His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Noble Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Noble Qur'an do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."
The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.
Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.
The Grandfather said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.
The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.
Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The Grandfather said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Noble Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read the Noble Qur'an, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah (SWT) in our lives."
The best way to learn is to share what you have learned and practice it in your life

In Islam every day is Mother's Day

One day a man came to see the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny. It seemed that he was trying to solve something but couldn't quite work it out. So he asked the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny. "Tell me, O Prophet of Allah! I have many relatives and many friends whom I love, and whom I wish to care for and help. But I often find it difficult to decide which of them has the greatest claim upon me? Which of them should come first?" The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny replied immediately, "Your mother should come first and before all others."
The man was very pleased to have this clear guidance from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny. But of course there were all his other relatives and his friends, so he asked again: "And after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me?" The Prophet Muhammad's, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny reply this second time surprised him. "Your mother!" he said again.
The man wondered why the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny was repeating himself. Perhaps he had not spoken clearly, the man thought, so he asked the question again, "What I want to know is, after my mother, who has the greatest claim upon me? Again the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny said "your mother!"

How to stay happily married?

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They shared everything. They talked about everything. They kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoebox in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.
For all of these years, he never thought about the shoebox, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoebox and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the shoebox.
When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $25,000. He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."
The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the shoebox. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness "Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?" "Oh," the little old woman said, "That's the money I made from selling the dolls."

Role as Mother

Apart from her role as a wife, the Muslim woman has a very important role as mother. The status and value attached to parents in the Muslim world is very high. A woman becomes complete when she becomes a mother. Enjoying her power of creativity and grade of superiority over man, she experiences those precious feelings and senses, which nature gives only to woman. There is no doubt that as a mother, she is superior to man and is the nucleus of her family!
Noble Qur'an says:
"And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) "Ugh" nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little." Noble Qur'an (17:23-24)
Again Noble Qur'an says:
And We have enjoined man in respect of his parents - his mother bears him with faintings upon faintings and his weaning takes two years - saying: Be grateful to Me and to both your parents; to Me is the eventual coming. And if they contend with you that you should associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, do not obey them, and keep company with them in this world kindly, and follow the way of him who turns to Me, then to Me is your return, then will I inform you of what you did. Noble Qur'an (31:14-15)

Asabiyyah is a Disease of the Soul

So you think you are superior to others because you belong to a different ethnic group, or you speak a different language, or you are from a different country or you belong to a specific family, group, clan or race.
And you will support others on the basis of their language, ethnicity, relationship, origin.even though they do injustice, commit crimes, in the name of tribalism, racism, nationalism or any other ism, other than their moral superiority, good qualities or for justice.
And you will not help or support other human beings because they do not belong to 'your' group, country, clan, race, family. Even though they are oppressed, denied their rights, they deserve to be supported, they are on truth.
Are you aware that this type of fanatic behavior is known as Asabiyyah or Prejudice?
Do you know what Islam says about Asabiyyah or Prejudice?
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Whosoever possesses in his heart Asabiyyah even to the extent of a mustard seed, God will raise him on the Day of Resurrection with the (pagan) Bedouins of the Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era)."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Whosoever practices Asabiyyah (against someone), Allah (SWT) shall wrap around him a fold of Fire."
Imam Ali (as) said: "Almighty Allah (SWT) will punish six groups of people for six kinds of sins: .He will punish the Arabs for Asabiyyah..."
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "One who calls towards Asabiyyah is not from us, one who fights for Asabiyyah is not from us and the one who dies on Asabiyyah is not from us."
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Best among you is the person who defends his tribe till they do not commit a sin."
Imam Ali (as) said: "If it becomes unavoidable for you to be among those who practice Asabiyyah, then do Asabiyyah to uphold the truth and support of the oppressed."
Imam Ali (as) said: "The one whose deeds lower him, his family background or ancestry cannot elevate him."
Thus, remember that the superiority is only on the basis of pure intentions and sincere and lofty deeds. Asabiyyah is a dangerous condition for an individual and the society. It is an evil trait, inspired by satanic forces. One must ponder seriously about its consequences in this world and hereafter.
A true believer annihilates his own will in the Will of his Lord. He is free from all traces of ignorant Asabiyyah's and thick and dark curtains of blind Asabiyyah's would not obstruct his vision.
When called to deliver justice and utter the word of truth, he puts a firm foot on the head of all associations and ties, sacrificing all ties of kinship and customary affinities at the altar of the aims and orders of his Lord. He supports truth and justice under all circumstances.
So if you love or hate someone, or support or are against a group of individuals or a nation, think wisely for a while, what has motivated you for it. If it is other than promoting truth and justice or help of oppressed or preventing aggression and tyranny, than give up your support of the people you are associated with. It will be certainly difficult for you to take a bold step and give up love, friendship, and affinity of your relatives, friends and colleagues. But your decision to give up blind Asabiyyah will not only save you from the fire of hell, but also motivate others to do the same.

Why are Gheebat and Tohmat Haraam?

They are Haraam because they spoil people's names and characters. When you speak badly of someone, you make others think badly of them. Another reason why it is bad is because the people are not there to defend themselves. If you hear wicked things about others, you should give the others a chance to defend themselves by explaining, before you believe what you hear.
Gheebat and Tohmat are a result of Jealousy. If a person is respected, has done good, has helped others, there will always be people who are angry and bitter that such a person is respected by all. The result is to try and slander and destroy this reputation by sowing seed of venom in their character, by telling the world lies so that the respect turns to outrage and shame. Such people are cursed by Allah (SWT), and are referred to as the evil whispers of mankind.
Allegation is more severe sin than backbiting. It is clear from traditions that anyone who levels allegations against a believer is condemnable.
Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) declared, If a person levels an allegation against a believing man or woman for an act, which he/she has not done, then on the Day of Judgment, Allah, the Almighty, shall put him on a piece of fire until he is chastised for leveling that allegation.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates, When a believer levels an allegation against another believer, his faith dissolves just as salt dissolves in water.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said further, If a believer accuses another believer (while the latter is innocent), then the honour and dignity that exists between two believers will vanish.
That is why we have been instructed in traditions to restrain ourselves to the best of our ability from thinking evil of a believer.
Rely on the positive points of your believer brother's conduct until you don't get confirmed evidence which prevails upon your existing knowledge of the brother. Do not think evil about the words of a believer in whose defense you can find at least one good fact.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) exhorts, Consider the word or action of a believer brother to be good, even if you are offended, and always think optimistically (about him) to the utmost. Do not think bad about him. If you do not get excuse in good actions, search for it over and over again, until the number (of excuses) reaches 70, if you still cannot find it, then think that we ourselves cannot think good about him.
Many times we find that our conversation with somebody about another believer turns out to be completely false. A person asked Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), What is the distance between right and wrong? Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, 'Four fingers'. Imam Ali (a.s.) then placed his four fingers between the eye and ear and said, 'that which is seen by the eye is true and that which is heard by the ear is mostly wrong or false.'
That is why before accusing anybody we should ponder on this fact.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) reveals, Happy is that person who is busy in searching for his own defects and is unaware of the defects of others.
Make your intellect suspicious (accuse yourself) of your own defects, for in most cases, self-confidence and self-reliance are the chief causes of mistakes.
In another tradition it is narrated, One who calls himself bad, is saved from Satan's deception.
Just as leveling allegations against someone is prohibited, in the same way a person should refrain from going to places where he may become the target of accusation.
Imam Ali (a.s.) advises: Refrain from the assemblies of allegation and suspicion because the companion of bad people is often deceived by them.
Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) said, He is more accused of Tohmat (allegation) who sits with the gathering of accusers.
Imam Ali (a.s.) revealed, He who sits in a place where Tohmat (allegations) are leveled, should not blame those who entertain bad ideas about him.
The one who is seen in the assembly of dubious and suspicious characters will find himself a target of accusations and allegations. These traditions highlight that even sitting or being seen with evil people can be harmful for our reputation (even if we don't participate in their evil).
Ridiculing others - a despicable trait: Satan rules when the hearts are constricted and thoughts are perverted. Then man tends to exaggerate even the smallest of matters. Under Satan's domination, he begins to humiliate and ridicule his friends and colleagues. He brands this ridiculing as bravery and courage and prides himself on it. As a matter of fact, he even expects praise and acclaim for this.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates on the authority of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.): O Ali, there is no poverty greater than ignorance and there is no wealth superior to intellect.
According to the prophetic tradition narrated above, the most ignorant of all people today are the Muslims because we have lagged the others in pursuit of knowledge. We have embraced this world as if earning money is the sole objective of life. To acquire money we are prepared to forego religion, faith, certainty and intellect, while the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) has made intellect the most superior wealth. Indeed we must reflect on the fact that with the wealth of intellect, the world will be at our feet and we will not have to chase the world.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) relates from Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), Pride and egotism are signs of weak intellect.
It is a fact that arrogance, pride and egotism may apparently make a man seem very successful in this world, but these very traits are the root cause of his destruction. Pride and conceit are the best indicators of a weak intellect and a person with a weak intellect is capable of initiating a step that can prove ruinous for him socially and/or personally. This is the disease that afflicts most Muslims. We have been split into so many groups and sects because of these evil traits. The soul of Islam has been torn apart due to this and what little dignity and honour is left in it also seems to be waning fast. That is why it is important for us to maintain its (soul of Islam's) dignity and nobility.
The Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) declared, The most humiliating of men is the one who ridicules others.
These words of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) highlight the fact that there is no place for narrow-mindedness, prejudice and bias in Islam. On the one hand, Islam emphasises the Majesty and Glory of Allah and on the other hand highlights brotherhood and fraternity between the creatures. The level of ethics and morals in Islam can be gauged from the saying of the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) when he (s.a.w.s.) calls the ridiculing person as the most degraded of people. That is why as believers and Muslims, it is important for us to respect and uphold the dignity and honour of others around us.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) exhorts the Shias: Fear Allah! Be a source of ornamentation for us and do not be a source of disgrace for us.
These words of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) not only are an invitation towards goodness and virtue, they are also an indication of the standard of love and Wilayat of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Being Shias of Ahle Bait (a.s.), it is important that we always keep these standards in mind.
The true Shia of Ahle Bait (a.s.) always abstains from sins and abominable acts (makroohat). At the same time, they always hasten towards the obligatory and recommended (mustahabbat) acts. That is why if we truly love the Ahle Bait (a.s.), we must observe the laws of Shariat at all times and try to be a source of pride and happiness for them. With this, even the people of the world will be able to appreciate the true greatness of the Ahle Bait (a.s.).

Muslim Relation with Non-Muslim Parents: Mother's Rights in Islam

It was for some time that Zakariyya, son of Ibrahim, felt attracted towards Islam although his father, mother and all the family members were Christians and he too was the believer of Christianity. Both his conscience and heart were inviting him towards Islam. At last, against the liking of his father, mother and family-members, he accepted Islam and surrendered himself to the commandments of Islam.
The Hajj pilgrimage season commenced. Young Zakariyya left Kufa, Iraq with the objective of performing Hajj pilgrimage and had the honour of meeting Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) in Madina. Zakariyya narrated to Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) the incident of his acceptance of Islam. Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) enquired:
"What virtue of Islam attracted your attention?" Zakariyya replied: "I can only say that it was Allah's words in Noble Qur'an which impressed me and holds true in my case. Allah says to his Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny in Noble Qur'an: "O Prophet! Earlier you didn't know what the Book is and didn't know what the faith is, but We revealed to you this Qur'an and made it a light by which We guide whomsoever We wish."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "I confirm Allah has guided you."
Then Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said thrice:
"O Allah! You Yourself be a guide to him."
Afterwards Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
"My son, now whatever questions you have, asks me".
The Youngman said: "My father, mother and family-members, are all Christians. My mother is blind. I am associated to them and I am compelled to eat with them. What am I supposed to do in such circumstances?"
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as): "Do they eat pork?"
Zakariyya: "No, O son of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny! They don't even touch pork."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as): "Then, there is nothing wrong in your association with them."
Then Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Be careful about your mother's health. Be kind to her till she is alive. When she dies, don't give her body to anyone else. You personally take charge of her corpse." Here, don't tell anyone that you have met me. I will also come to Makkah. Insha Allah (Allah willing), we will meet in Mina.
In Mina, the Young Zakariyya went in search of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as). There was a huge crowd around Imam Jafar Sadiq (as).
The people, like the children surrounding their teacher and asking questions one after the other without giving any time, were asking questions one after the other from Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) and were listening to his replies.
The Hajj pilgrimage season came to an end and the Young Zakariyya returned to Kufa, Iraq. He had kept in mind Imam Jafar Sadiq's (as) advice. With firm determination, he started serving his mother and never failed to be kind and loving to his blind mother. Zakariyya served food to her with his own hands. He even used to check her clothes and head to see that no lice might be present. This change in the behavior of the son, mainly after his return from Makkah, was surprising for his mother. One day she asked her son:
"Dear Son! Earlier, when you followed our religion Christianity, you were not so kind to me. Now what has happened to you that though I and you are not the same in respect of religion, you are more kind to me than before?"
Zakariyya: "Dear mother! A person from the descendants of our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny has told me to do so."
Mother: "Is he himself a Prophet?"
Zakariyya: "No, he is not a Prophet. He is the son of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny."
Mother: "My son! I think he himself is a Prophet as this type of advices and preaching's not given by anyone except the Prophets."
Zakariyya: "No mother! Be sure that he is not a Prophet. He is the son of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny. Basically, no Prophet is supposed to come to earth after our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny."
Mother: "My son! Your religion Islam is very good. It is better than all the other religions. Teach me your religion Islam to me."
The Young Zakariyya told his mother the 'Shahaadatayn' (meaning: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad (pbuh) is his Messenger").
Thus, the mother became a Muslim. Then the Young Zakariyya taught his blind mother the process of reciting salat (prayer). The mother grasped it and recited the Zuhr (noon) and the Asr (afternoon) salats. It became night. She succeeded in reciting both the Maghrib (evening) and the Isha (night) salats. Suddenly, late in the night, the mother's condition (of health) changed; she fell sick and got bed-laid. She called her son and said:
"My son, once more teach all the things you had taught me."
Once again, the son taught his mother the Shahaadatayn and all the principles of Islam, that is, belief in Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), angels, the Divine Books and the Ma'ad (Day of Resurrection). The mother repeated all these as a symbol of her belief and acceptance and offered her life to the Creator.
In the morning, the Muslims gathered for giving her Ghusl-e-Mayyat (obligatory bath to the dead) and her burial. The person, who recited Salatul Maiyyat (prayer for the dead) and buried her, was none but her young son, Zakariyya.

Your mother, your mother, your mother!

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny had now said it three times. Slowly, the man realized why he had done so. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny means that my mother is extremely important, so much so that my duty to her must be stressed over and over again. Even so, the man's thoughts ran on, "what about all the others I love and wish to care for?" Still uncertain and wanting to know more, he once again turned to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny and said, "and after my mother, who comes after her? Is there anyone besides her?" The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny then replied "after your mother, your father." And then? asked the man. "Then people who are nearest to you," said the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny.
In universal religion Islam, mother has three times more rights over her off springs than their father because of her significant and crucial role in their birth, brought-up and home education.
In another hadith the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny has said: "Paradise lies at the feet of mothers." In other words Paradise awaits those who cherish and respect their mothers.
The Muslim mother has consequently a great feeling of security about the type of care and consideration she can expect from her children when she reaches old age. As the verse of Noble Qur'an quoted above indicates, thankfulness to parents is linked with thankfulness to Allah, and a failure in either of these respects is indeed a major failure in one's religious duties.
The principles of Islam made explicit in Noble Qur'an and hadith are belief and good conduct, and good conduct begins at home with one's closest relatives. A Westerner who has had close contact with a Muslim society cannot fail to be struck by the love and respect given to parents and the honour shown to old people in general, both men and women, as a direct application of these principles of Islam.

Mother's order

A mother's order is to be respected, even in comparison with Allah's command, on the condition that the action concerned does not fall within the imperative and obligatory injunction. An example of that is Jihad, in the way of Allah, or recommended prayers.
"A man came in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny and said: I like to perform Jihad in the cause of Allah, but my mother is not at all inclined towards my doing so. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny replied: Go back and remain with your mother. I swear by the Lord that has sent me on a true mission that to remain with one's mother for one night (and serving her and doing good to her) is better than performing Jihad in the cause of Allah for a year."
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny said, "If you are performing recommended prayers and your father calls for you, do not break your prayers. But if your mother calls you, do break your prayers".
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny said: "A creature is not to be obeyed when it involves disobedience to the Creator."

NB: Happy 60th  birthday to my mom,Badariah Husin Reminton. We love you,mom.
       May Allah always bless you. Amin.........

Forty Ethical (Akhlaq) Points on Interacting with your Child

By: Abbas and Shaheen Merali
1. Give gifts to your daughter(s) first.
2. Play with your children.[389] This has an important effect in the training and nurturing of your child. Our leaders in Islam have stressed the importance of this issue, and recommended it highly to Muslims.
It is narrated from the Prophet (s): “The person who has a child, should behave like a child with him.”[390] It is also narrated from Imām ‘Alī (as): “Anybody who has a child, should, for his/her training, bring themselves down to their level of childhood.”[391]
3. Do not hit your child when they cry, because it is narrated from the Prophet (s): “Do not hit your babies since their crying has a meaning. The first 4 months of crying is professing the unity of Allāh (swt), the second 4 months of crying is sending blessings upon the Prophet (s) and his family and the third 4 months of crying is the baby praying for the parents.”[392]
4. Kiss your child. It has been narrated from one of the Imāms that: “Kiss your children a great deal because for every kiss, you will be granted a Divine heavenly rank which would otherwise take 500 years to achieve!”[393]
It is also narrated that a man once came to the Prophet (s) and said: “I have never kissed my child.” The Prophet (s) said: “Surely a man like this will be a resident of the fire of hell.”
5. By saying Salām to your child, build their sense of personality and character. If youngsters say Salām, it is obligatory for elders to reply; however, it was a characteristic of the Prophet (s) to say Salām first, whether to elders or youngsters.[394]
6. Do not ridicule the actions of your child, nor call them silly.
7. Do not order or forbid your child too much, as this emboldens them and leads to rebellious behaviour when older.
8. Build your children’s characters by respecting them. We read in traditions that the Prophet (s) prolonged his sajdah until his grandson came down from his shoulders, and at other times he recited Salāt al-Jamā’at faster as he heard children of praying mothers crying. Likewise, Imām ‘Alī (as) used to ask his children questions about religious matters in the presence of others, and even passed on people’s questions to them to answer.
When parents don’t satisfy the natural urges and desires of the child, the child then resorts to wrong ways and means (often linked to sin) to try and give himself the necessary push to build his sense of self and importance. Personality, independence, will, self-trust, and likewise, weakness, baseness and lack of self-trust are all characteristics the foundations of which are in the lap of the father and bosom of the mother. A child who has not been treated like another human being or a valuable member of the family cannot be expected to have a well formed personality in adulthood.
9. Keep your promises. Keeping promises in Islam is a sign of one’s faith, and Allāh (swt) mentions it in the Qur’an.

وَأَوْفُوا بِالْعَهْدِ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْؤُولاً

“And fulfil the covenants; indeed all covenants are accountable.”[395]

وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِأَمَانَاتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَاعُونَ

“And those who keep their trusts and covenants.”[396]
Keeping promises is one of the pillars of the prosperity of mankind and one of the best qualities of one’s Akhlāq, its base lying in one’s raising and training. It is narrated from the Prophet (s): “Like your children and treat them with affection and kindness. When you make a promise to them, you must keep it, because children consider you their sustainer.”[397]
10. For the sexual training of children, the parents must first teach their children not to enter their bedroom without asking permission. Allāh (swt) has pointed to this important point in Surat Nūr, Verse 58:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِيَسْتَأْذِنُكُمُ الَّذِينَ مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ لَمْ يَبْلُغُوا الْحُلُمَ مِنكُمْ ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ مِن قَبْلِ صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ وَحِينَ تَضَعُونَ ثِيَابَكُم مِّنَ الظَّهِيرَةِ وَمِنْ بَعْدِ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاء ثَلاَثُ عَوْرَاتٍ لَّكُمْ

“O you who have faith! Let your permission be sought by your slaves and those of you who have not reached puberty three times: before the dawn prayer, and when you put off your garments at noon, and after the night prayer. These are three times of privacy for you.”
It is also recommended to keep a close watch and control over their actions with others and prevent those actions that increase one’s sexual instinct (e.g. going out in mixed gatherings). It is important to mention that their curiosity is very high in childhood. In addition, they are very sensitive to what they watch and see, and fearlessly want to put it into action and try it out for themselves, without knowing or thinking that what they are doing may not be right.

Some useful points to be noted
a. Mothers should be careful that when tending to the cleanliness of their children (e.g. giving them baths), even newborns, other children are not present, especially those who are of a different gender.
b. From childhood, parents should not play with the child’s genital organs, or even their chest and thighs.
c. Never leave children alone or in private for long periods of time and when they are going through an inquisitive phase. It is also not recommended to leave them unattended with someone else during this time, especially a brother or sister.
d. Do not let girls of 6 years sit on a non-mahram man’s lap or be kissed by non-mahram men.
e. Do not let girls be naked in front of others. In particular, their chests and thighs should be covered.
f. Create love for Salāt in your child, as Allāh (swt) clearly states in the Noble Qur’an that Salāt makes one far from ugly acts.

إِنَّ الصَّلاَةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ

“Indeed the prayer prevents indecencies and wrongs.”[398]
11. Spoiling a child creates weakness, and a lack of will and determination. These types of children trouble their parents in their childhood, and make them encounter many problems.

The spoilt children themselves face two types of problems
a. They have expectations that the rest of society will, like their parents, comfort and respect them no matter what, and carry out their wishes without any questions. When they realise that people will not only not do this, but will also ridicule these expectations, they become upset and feel humiliated and debased.
b. Such experiences form the base of contempt and make them angry, aggressive, lacking patience and weak. They become the type of people who think low of others and treat them with harsh words and actions.
12. Nothing silences the sense of self-trust in a child more than forcing him to do things they may not have the capability of doing. This is especially the case when, if the child is unsuccessful, it is followed by belittling statements like: “Don’t bother trying, you can’t, you don’t have the capability.”
13. Pray for your children, both during pregnancy and afterwards.[399]
14. Reminders and requests should be given with gentleness and softness so as not to create a barrier between parents and child. One day, Imām Husain (as) called his children and his brother’s children together and said to them: “All of you are the children of today’s society and, it is hoped, the leaders of tomorrow’s society. So learn and make efforts in the acquisition of knowledge, and whoever does not have a good memory and cannot memorise the subjects taught by the teacher in teaching sessions, (should) write them down and keep them at home.” Thus we see that the Imām created the love of acquiring knowledge in them without using techniques like scaring or forcing them, but by making them understand that knowledge is the path to honour and esteem.
15. If your child is respected, he/she is less likely to rebel against the rules of the house. Respect and good interaction between parent and child are the bases in forming the child’s character. It is narrated from the Prophet (s): “Respect your children and talk to them with (good) manners and a likeable method.”
16. A good role model is someone who adjusts their children’s desires wisely and with the correct techniques.
17. Foster the faith of your child. Children that have been raised from the beginning with faith in Allāh (swt) have a strong will and powerful soul and from their early years are mature and courageous; this is easily observed by their actions and words. The readiness of the soul of a child to learn faith and Akhlāq is like fertile ground in which any type of seed can grow. Therefore, parents should teach their child love for Allāh (swt) and the Ahlul Bayt (as) and leaders of Islam from the earliest opportunities.
It is narrated from Imām as-Sādiq (as): “Teach traditions to your children as soon as possible, before opposers (to your beliefs) reach them before you do.”[400]
In traditions, parents who do not take the future life (aakhirat) of their children into consideration are reproached. It is narrated that the Prophet (s)’s gaze fell on some children and he said: “Woe upon the children of the end of time (before the coming of the 12th Imām) because of the disliked methods of their fathers.” It was asked of him: “Oh Prophet (s) of Allāh (swt)! Because of their polytheistic fathers?” He replied, “No, because of their Muslim fathers who didn’t teach their children any religious duties. They were content with worthless material things for them. I am weary and exempt of such people…”[401]
It is said that in communist Russia, they used to eliminate the existence of God from the ground roots level; for example, when a child was hungry or thirsty their parents would let them cry and say to them, “Ask God to provide for you.” When the children would do this, and still remain hungry and thirsty, they used to say to them, “See, you cried to God he gave you nothing! Now ask Lenin (the Russian leader) to provide for you!” When the children would do this, then only would they give them food and drink. The effect of this was that it was instilled in the children from childhood that God doesn’t exist through this very deluded manner. This same concept is condemned in Surat Yāsīn, Verse 47:

قَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنُطْعِمُ مَنْ لَّوْ يَشَآءُ اللٌّهُ أَطْعَمَهُ إِنْ أَنْـتُمْ إِلاَّ فِي ضَلاَلٍ مُّبِينٍ

“The faithless say to the faithful, ‘Shall we feed (someone) whom Allāh (swt) would have fed, had He wished? You are only in manifest error.’”
However, this is a wonderful lesson to us as to how Allāh (swt) should be introduced to a child from young age. Whenever a child gets to that age that he understands that whenever they desire something they need to ask their parents, their parents should ask them first to ask from Allāh (swt). Then when they provide the desired object, they should stress that it reached them through the blessings of Allāh (swt). Thus, as they grow up, they will be able to see Allāh (swt) as the underlying principal behind every action.
18. Stay away from wrist-grabbing and bossy behaviour with children.
19. One of the duties of parents is to foster the innate nature of telling the truth in children. Their behaviour in the house should be such that this becomes a habit. However, this is one of the more difficult areas of raising a child and attention to knowledge and action is very important.
It is narrated in a tradition from the Prophet (s): “May Allāh (swt) have mercy on the person that helps his child in (doing) good.” The narrator of the tradition asked: “How?” In his reply, the Prophet (s) gave 4 instructions:
a. Whatever the child has in his power and has carried out, accept it.
b. Don’t expect that which is hard for him.
c. Prevent him from sin.
d. Don’t lie to him, or do silly things.
20. Do not use fear as a method of raising your child, as this causes damage to their personality and leads to psychological problems. In particular, excess punishment by the mother weakens the relationship and value that the child has for his mother in his heart. Often a look or silence can be more effective in making the child understand their mistake than hitting them or scaring them.
21. Cuddling and kissing a child is one of their soul-foods, and it is necessary that enough of this is given to them. One of the reasons that a child is crying may be that they are thirsty for this expression of love. Children who grow up with plenty of love have confident personalities which are not swayed by the difficulties that crop up in life.
It is narrated from Imām as-Sādiq (as): “Certainly Allāh (swt) shows mercy upon His servants who have strong love for their offspring.”[402] It is also narrated from the Imām: “Prophet Mūsā (as) said the following to Allāh (swt) when he was on the mountain of Tur: “O Allāh (swt)! Which act is the best one according to you?” Allāh (swt) replied: “Loving children is the best act.”“
22. Parents have a responsibility to make their children understand the indecency of sin and create an aversion for people who partake in this, and likewise, to reproach the bad and encourage the child’s good actions. However, reproach and admiration has its time and place and should not be overdone as this itself can corrupt a child.
23. The beds of children of 6 years and above should be separated from each other, even if they are both daughters or both sons.[403]
24. As well as the natural characteristics that the child inherits from his parents, the environment and Nurture of the child have a profound effect. It is highly unlikely that in a family that does not function properly, a normal and natural child is raised.
In particular, the instructions of parents only have an effect if the parents lead by example. The first step of raising children is the Nurture of the self. Somebody who does not possess good Akhlāq cannot guide another to this, and similarly, hot-tempered parents cannot usually raise a calm and patient child.
Children need to be taught that characteristics such as lying, back-biting, bad language, etc. are disliked, and naturally, the child will refrain from such when the parents themselves have set such examples.
25. There should be a difference in the order and expectations of the behaviour of a child inside the home, and out. At home, allow the child to play freely.
26. Always bear the unexpected behaviour of your child to a limit and do not always take the mistakes of your chid to be unforgivable, so that you are not always compelled to punish. Patience, coping and forgiveness are a must when raising children. If your child has a quality that you do not like, it should be corrected in a wise manner without displaying contempt of the child, and the correct manner of doing things should be shown at the same time as stopping him/her from old ways.
When parents constantly tell the child off, they are belittling the child and not only are they not going to be successful in reforming the child, but are also going to create stubbornness in them. It is narrated from Imām ‘Alī (as): “Excess reproach fuels the fire of stubbornness.”[404]
27. When instructing your child, don’t mention the names of other children constantly, or compare them with others.
28. Stories are a useful and important method of encouraging good qualities and characteristics, and discouraging bad ones, such as the rights of friends, faith, etc. The Noble Qur’an uses this method to do the same as mentioned in Surat Yūsuf, Verse 111:

لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الأَلْبَابِ

“There is certainly a moral in their accounts for those who possess intellect.”
It is important to keep the following in mind when selecting stories:
a. They should mention Allāh (swt) in some form or the other, and be narrated with the intention of Nurturing the personality and characteristics of your child.
b. Attention should be paid to the child’s age, intelligence and mental state when choosing a story.
c. There shouldn’t be extremes, or lies or rumours far from the truth in the stories.
d. They should contain answers to the questions of the child.
e. The best stories should be chosen, just as Allāh (swt) has stated in Surat Yūsuf, Verse 3:

نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ أَحْسَنَ الْقَصَصِ

“We will recount to you the best of narratives.”
f. Truth and righteousness should always prevail in the stories.
g. The main character (who is the role model) of the stories should not possess deviations or bad characteristics.
h. The stories should not be too lengthy or tiring for the child.
29. The mischievousness of your child in the early years is a sign of increased intelligence in the older years, so you shouldn’t be too worried or punish it too much.
30. Make your children perform Salāt from 7 years, and fast from 9 years, either half day or more or less, depending on their abilities.
It is narrated from Imām as-Sādiq (as): “When our children reach 5 years of age, we tell them to pray Salāt, so you tell your children to do this when they reach 7 years of age; and we tell our chidren at the age of 7 years to fast however much they have the ability to, half a day, or more, or less, and to break their fast when they become hungry or thirsty so that they get used to fasting and develop the ability for it, so you tell your children at the age of 9 years to fast however much they have the ability for, and when thirst overcomes them, to break their fast.”[405] and [406]
It is also narrated in a tradition: “We command our children to (do) the tasbih of Hadrat Fātima, just like we command them to (pray) Salāt.”[407]
It is important to remember that in acts of worship, just like everything else, there should be moderation. It is narrated from the Prophet (s): “Islam is the firm religion of Allāh (swt). Go forth with moderateness and don’t do something that will make your heart pessimistic to the worship of Allāh (swt).”[408]
31. Do not be quick to accuse your children of lying because until 5 years, real lying or lying out of self-interest is rare; rather it is due to their active imagination, related to playing or creating astonishment in others, or to the child’s exploration of the self.
32. Do not condemn a child who has tired you with their questions, as this weakens their sense of curiousity.
33. Try not to quarrel, especially in front of the child, as this troubles them greatly and affects their personality.
34. Children have a particular fear of the word death, especially death of their mother or father. Therefore, where it is not necessary, don’t speak constantly of your death, or the like. However, do teach your child the truth about death, clearly and calmly and without eliciting fear.
35. Find out about your child’s talents and develop these as much as possible.
36. In terms of wordly aspects, do not over-saturate your child so that they go on the wrong path, nor under do it, as both these methods are dangerous.
37. The single most important cause of the happiness of the child is the kindness of the parents. No other quality can create happiness and calmness in a child like love, and likewise, no other quality can disturb and trouble a child like the lack of affection from the parents.
Children of parents who are successful in this area try their best to please their parents and stay away from actions that will displease and trouble them, both in their childhood and when they are older. Therefore, love and affection not only satisfies the needs of the child but ensures their obedience.
Allāh (swt) has referred to this impact of kindness in the Noble Qur’an, in Surat Āli-‘Imrān, Verse 159:

فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللٌّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لاَنفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ

“It is by Allāh (swt)’s mercy that you are gentle to them; and had you been harsh and hardhearted, surely they would have scattered from around you.”
It is important to note that there should not be extremes; too much love, just like too little, is destructive to the child; therefore practise the middle path and raise your child in such a manner that they are able to stand on their own two feet when older. It is narrated from Imām as-Sādiq (as): “The worst fathers are those who, in their goodness and love towards their child, go over the limits and incline to excesses.”[409]
38. It is important that the parents give freedom and independence to their children according to their capabilities, so that they develop their initiative, innate independence and self-trust. At the same time, one must be careful not to exceed the limits so that children bring harm to themselves.
Some parents, either to free themselves of their responsibilities or because of misplaced love, leave their children completely to their own devices; however, before long, the child grows up without knowing anything of their responsibilities in the house, or otherwise. It is at this point parents try to instil this in their children, not surprisingly without any effect.
Other parents however, do the opposite and do not give their children enough opportunities to lead their own activities, constantly interfering in what their children are doing and how. Both are wrong and have negative consequences.
39. Raising your child properly is one of the responsibilities of a parent, and lack of attention to this responsibility is a cause of reproach of the Imāms.[410] One should try their best through various ways to create the love of Allāh (swt) and the Ahlul Bayt (as), so that the child follows the right path. Insofar as the requisite of love is acquaintance and knowledge, one should try their best to instil this in their children.[411]
40. Teach your children the Qur’an. Recitation of Qur’an in the home spreads the superior words of the truth and reality of Islam. Being in an environment where one is familiar with the Noble Qur’an, listens to the recitation of the Noble Qur’an and acts upon the instructions of the Noble Qur’an, has a strong effect on the child’s life. Every time parents recite Qur’an, children are encouraged to do the same and follow them in this habit. In particular, those children who have a naturally strong memory and are talented can easily memorise the Qur’an, which will benefit them forever. [412]

Beauty Tips

For attractive lips,
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise,
Walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows.

A Parent's Prayer

--Written by the late Dr. Gary C. Myers, the founder of "Highlights for Children".

Oh, God, make me a better parent.

Help me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly. Keep me from interrupting them, talking back to them and contradicting them. Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me. Give me the courage to confess my sins against my children and to ask them forgiveness, when I know that I have done them wrong.

May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children. Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame and ridicule as punnishment. Let me not tempt a child to lie and steal. So guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do that honesty produces happiness.

Reduce, I pray, the meaness in me. May I cease to nag; and when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.

Blind me to the little errors of my children and help me to see the good things that they do. Give me a ready word for honest praise.

Help me to treat my children as those of their own age, but let me not exact of them the judgements and conventions of adults. Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves, to think, to choose, and to make decisions.

Forbid that I should ever punish them for my selfish satisfaction. May I grant them all of their wishes that are reasonable and have the courage always to withhold a privilege which I know will do them harm.

Make me so fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children that they will have a genuine esteem for me, fit to be loved and imitated by my children.

With all thy gifts, O God, do give me calm and poise and self-control.

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?

Aromatherapy: It worths to try

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a holistic treatment approach.

Aromatherapy Oils:

-Bay laurel.............Antiseptic, diuretic,sedative, etc.(Digestive problems,
bronchitis, common cold,influenza, and scabies and lice. CAUTION: Don't use if pregnant.)
-Clary sage.............Relaxant, anticonvulsive,antiinflammatory, and antiseptic (Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, burns, eczema,and anxiety. CAUTION: Don't use if pregnant.)
-Eucalyptus..............Antiseptic, antibacterial,astringent, expectorant,and analgesic (Boils, breakouts, cough,common cold, influenza,and sinusitis. CAUTION:
Not to be taken orally.)
-Chamomile...............Sedative,antiinflammatory,antiseptic, and pain reliever (Hay fever, burns, acne,arthritis, digestive problems, sunburn, and
menstrual an menopausal symptoms.)
-Lavender................Analgesic, antiseptic,calming/soothing (Headache, depression,insomnia, stress, sprains,and nausea.)
-Peppermint..............Pain reliever (Indigestion, nausea,headache, motion
sickness, and muscle pain.)
-Rosemary................Antiseptic, stimulant,and diuretic (Indigestion, gas, bronchitis,fluid retention, andinfluenza. CAUTION: Don'tuse if pregnant or have
epilepsy or hypertension.)
-Tarragon................Diuretic, laxative,antispasmodic, and stimulant (Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, gas, and indigestion. CAUTION:
Don't use if pregnant._
-Tea tree................Antiseptic and soothing (Common cold, bronchitis,
abscesses, acne, vaginitis,and burns.)
-Thyme...................Stimulant, antiseptic,antibacterial, and antispasmodic Cough, laryngitis,diarrhea, gas, and intestinal worms.CAUTION: Don't use if
pregnant or have hypertension.)


Aromatherapy offers diverse physical and psychological benefits, depending on the essential oil or oil combination and method of application used. Some common medicinal properties of essential oils used in aromatherapy include: analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative. Essential oils are used to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin conditions, menstrual pain and irregularities, stress-related conditions, mood disorders, circulatory problems, respiratory infections, and wounds.

As a holistic therapy, aromatherapy is believed to benefit both the mind and body.
Depending on the condition or specific reason for using Aromatherapy, a custom blend of essential oils can be mixed to help promote different things. An Aromatherapist can provide information on this process, and also help find the particular blend that will work for a specific condition or a variety of uses.

Before making any decisions, it is advisable to consult with an Aromatherapist, as it is also possible to continue this treatment at home. This, however, may not be a good idea unless you completely understand what it is you are trying to treat and how to best treat it.

Some people may be allergic, or have sensitivities, to certain smells or oils used in aromatherapy. If you have any concerns that you may be allergic or sensitive, you will want to start off very slowly and for short periods of time. If you do not have any negative reactions, you can then increase the therapy's intensity.

Cultural Chameleons / Split Personalities

Praying at home or the Masjid and then sneaking out to party. Wearing Hijaab around family and then turning into a fashion diva at school. One person, two worlds and a desperate struggle to juggle them both.

This is the reality which many Muslims living in. We can call them "cultural chameleons" or describe them as having "split personalities." Whatever the label, the situation is the same… with often tragic consequences. We are not just referring to your community brother or sister's devastating death, but rather we refer to the many grievous examples of teens running away from home, getting into drugs and much more - the worst of which is turning away totally from Islam, rejecting it completely. We are not exaggerating. It's a reality and those who deny it are either willfully blind or pitifully naive.

It is time that we addressed the situation seriously. First there must be awareness of the reality and knowledge of its causes. The next step is to know what to do when faced with it directly. And finally, we need to know how to nip the problem in the bud - because an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Causes:
Although each situation is different, there is a general list of what can cause this worst nightmare of any Muslim parent.
•Lack of strong Islamic foundation in the home: As with most things, it begins in your own backyard. If you aren't raising your children as Muslims with a strong understanding of what it means to be a Muslim, then you can't expect them to be happy about having to follow strict rules all the time. It's also important to note the difference between Islam and culture. If you don't pray five times a day or encourage your kids to pray, yet freak out if a female family member walks out with her head uncovered, then you really need to straighten out your priorities.

•Double standards: Related to the first point, here we're talking about when parents are setting a double standard for themselves and their children: in public they seek to ingratiate themselves within Western society, to achieve the Western societies dream of big house, fancy car and being best friends with the Joneses next door; yet at home they are obsessed with their children following cultural practices that aren't even necessarily Islamic. It should be no surprise, then, when the children follow in their parents' footsteps and start living a double life themselves.

•Lack of personal understanding/ conviction of Islam: This is another major factor in youth straying from Islam. Again related to the first point - if you don't have a strong Islamic foundation in the home, then there will be most likely a lack of understanding of what exactly it means to be a Muslim. If you don't know the reason behind something, how likely are you to do something if you view it as restrictive and interfering? If you tell your children to pray because if they don't they will burn in Hell, then trust me, they won't be doing it out of love for Allah (SWT) - they will be doing it out fear and not even fear of Allah (SWT), but fear of you.

Similarly, if you tell a girl she has to wear Hijaab because otherwise she will "stain the family's honour" or some-such rubbish like that, then once she's exposed to the Western mentality of freedom (and total lack of anything resembling honour) she won't give two hoots about the Hijaab or your notions of honour. On the other hand, if your child has a personal relationship with Allah (SWT) and knows exactly why we do some things and stay away from others, they will be far more willing to tough it out and continue to obey Allah (SWT).

•General teen rebellion: Sometimes, teens can just be idiots. Common sense is a rare thing amongst youth these days and it shows… sadly, some take it too far - beyond the streaked hair, Tattoos and pierced bellybutton (hey, as long as it's covered up by Hijaab, be cool with it!) - and make some really bad choices. Being intoxicated by the passions of youth we never ponder for a moment that we shall we questioned by Allah (SWT).

•Insecurity: This is something which affects people everywhere, regardless of their race, religion or even age. The desire to want to "fit in" and become an accepted member of the crowd is human nature - sometimes it can be a good thing; other times it can be so harmful and detrimental. For girls, the issue is often about body image and beauty, which is why Hijaab becomes such a struggle. For guys, it can be about proving their "manliness" (by pursuing other girls or getting involved in 'tough guy' activities like drinking alcohol, drugs etc). Build your child's self-esteem at home and let them know that they don't need to seek approval from anyone except Allah (SWT).

Compliment your children, praise them, let them be confident in their faith and in themselves. Tell your son that he's cool. Tell your daughter that she's beautiful. Don't demean them or belittle them; honour them as the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) honoured his daughter Hazrat Fatimah (sa) by giving her his sitting place.

•Bad companions: The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad one is the bearer of musk and the worker on the bellows. A bearer of musk would give you some, you might buy some from him, or you might enjoy the fragrance of his musk. The worker on the bellows, on the other hand, might spoil your clothes with sparks from his bellows, or you get a bad smell from him."(Hadith Al-Bukhari and Muslim).Undoubtedly, the kind of people your kids hang out with will have a huge influence on them - especially at school, which is what a teen's life pretty much revolves around.

Non-Muslims (and even so-called "Muslims") who have totally different standards morality-wise will definitely make life difficult for your kid: challenging Islam and belittling all that it stands for. While we know that many will say it's a great Da'wah opportunity or that it builds character and can be a way to strengthen emaan, the reality is that not all youth are strong enough to emerge the company of such people unscathed. Sadly, we have lost too many of the younger generations to Shaytaan's misguided lifestyle and we can't use a minority of successful young Muslims to deny that reality. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informed us that : "A man follows his friends religion, you should be careful whom you make friends with." (Hadith Abu Dawud/Tirmidhi)

•The "Adolescent" Myth: This mentality is one of "I'm young, let me have fun and then I'll be religious when I'm older!" It's an attitude of irresponsibility, immaturity and misunderstanding of Islam and the purpose of our lives. By absolving oneself of responsibility, it's easier for teens to indulge in the Haraam without feeling so guilty about it. Thus, it's obviously very important to instill a sense of responsibility and dutifulness to Allah (SWT) in our youth - basically, to abolish this kind of mentality. The Holy Prophet (sallallaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said : "An intelligent person is the one who calls himself to account and and does deeds to benefit him after death and a foolish person is he who follows his desires and hopes from Allah (SWT)." (Hadith Tirmidhi)

Symptoms:
How do you know if your child, your sibling or your friend is a "cultural chameleon"? It can be difficult to spot it, but however much a kid can try to sneak around, those closest to them can usually figure out what's going on. Here are some of the symptoms of the double-life syndrome.

•Change of attitude - Increased rebellion, aggression and disrespect are major red flags. If they're behaving like that towards you, do you think they won't behave like that towards Allah (SWT)? In fact, if they are acting like that with you, then already they're showing their defiance of Allah! Taqwa and good behaviour to parents go hand-in-hand: "And your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents." (Quran - Surah al-Israa 17, verse 23)

•Shows dislike of Islamic practices ("Yuck, Hijaab is so old-fashioned," "What's the point of praying? It's stupid!" etc.) This is particularly obvious in a household that is generally religious or has more than just a tentative connection to the religion.

•Secretive, sneaky. It's important for parents to keep an eye on their kids and know where they are and what they're doing. If you notice that your child is being secretive, sneaky and generally deceptive about their activities, then it's a major red flag that your son or daughter isn't doing the right thing. This goes for pretty much all families, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, but for us Muslims it means more than just that your kid is with bad company or doing bad things: it means that they're losing their connection to Allah (SWT) and to Islam, and this in itself is far worse than whatever sinful activities they're engaged in.

Solutions:
An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Educate your child from a young age, build a strong (but loving) Islamic environment within the home. Make them aware of their identity as Muslims, emphasize pride in their Muslim identity. However, we can't say that prevention is the only thing that we can do - the reality is that even children who were raised in a strong Islamic environment can be "lost" in the materialistic world… and this is the reality we have to deal with, not deny.
Having said that, here are some practical solutions on dealing with such situations.

•Do not react angrily or violently. If you find out your kid is lying to you and is leading a double life, do NOT freak out at them, scream at them, hit them, etc. This will :
1) scare them,
2) reinforce their belief that "Islam/ Muslims are evil/ violent", and
3) not be productive in any way, shape, or form.

•Take some time to cool off after you find out. Pray a Naafilah (voluntary salaah), and make lots of dua i.e. ask Allah (SWT) to grant you the patience and strength to deal with the situation.

•Talk to them. Ask them what has led them to do the things they've done, what their state of belief is (cases differ drastically: some teens still have emaan and are just confused; others go to the point where they deny Islam completely), and how they feel about their situation in general. Try not to judge them; the key is to listen to them and know where they're coming from. This will give you information on how to best approach them when the time comes to try and "fix" things.

•Serious counselling may be needed. If you feel as though you are unable to deal with the situation correctly yourself, contact a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and understanding person, Moulana or Shaykh in your area. It's best to have someone involved who not only knows the Islamic perspective of things, but can also relate to and understand your child. There must be someone whom your child can feel comfortable enough to work with/ talk to if they don't feel they can open up to you (the parents).

In this stage, there has to be a lot of give-and-take, questions-and-answers. If you already had a long talk with your child previously and asked them all those questions, then now is the time to bring forth your feelings. If you haven't had the talk, then now is the time to initiate it.

Counselling is a long and sometimes painful process, and only one step forward towards healing. One cannot expect things to change overnight and it will be very difficult - all I can say is, trust in Allah (SWT) and look to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and Ahlul Bayt (as) for help. Have emaan, taqwa and lots of patience and forbearance. Constantly turn to Allah (SWT) in Du'a (prayer). Indeed, this is something that should be done at all times… it is a means of prevention, as well as part of the path to the cure.

Allah (SWT) Most Wise and Most Merciful says:
"No one despairs of Soothing Mercy from Allah except for those who are unbelievers" (Quran - 12:87)

Seven Habits

Here are at least seven habits indispensable for highly successful Muslim youth, derived entirely from the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and Ahlul Bayt (peace and blessings be upon them).

1. Be Truthful

Being truthful is not always easy, especially when we make a mistake. We fret over whether or not to disclose exactly what happened. We sweat, we are afraid, we feel nervous and anxious. We are often afraid that if we tell the truth about what we have done or said, we will be in trouble with our parents or friends. What we forget is that whether we tell the truth or not, Allah Most High knows exactly what took place, even those things that were never manifest or visible to people around us. Despite how burdensome telling the truth might seem, all of us are aware of the feeling of relief we experience when we tell the truth, even if the consequence of telling the truth is punishment. Casting the telling of truth and the fate of the truthful in terms of profit and loss, Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an

[This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath - their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah. That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).] (Al-Ma'idah 5:119)

So much is to be gained from being truthful as opposed to escaping punishment or blame because of not being truthful. Not being truthful, in fact, leads us down a slippery slope, guaranteeing that with one lie, more lies must be told. Being truthful is not an option for Muslims, but rather an obligation, because our goal in being truthful is Paradise. The beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said, Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al-fujur [wickedness, evil-doing], and al-fujur leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar." (Sahih Bukhari)

Ultimate success is therefore achieved by living one's entire life - the youthful years, the adult years, and the elderly years - being truthful.

2. Be Trustworthy

Who do you rely on? Of course, Allah (SWT). He is indeed the Most Trustworthy. But among humans, who do you rely on? Who can you trust to come through for you all the time? Do people rely on you? Are you considered trustworthy? Moving ahead in life, achieving ultimate success, requires that people consider you trustworthy and reliable. Being trustworthy should not be an arbitrary activity but rather a habit so that you can be relied upon in all instances, big or small, convenient or inconvenient, easy or difficult.

In colloquial terms, we often hear "I've got your back," implying, in the most literal sense, that people cannot see what is behind them so they need to rely on their friends to cover that angle, just in case a threat occurs from the back. Just imagine what it would be like if a friend were climbing a tree and was heading out onto a very thin branch to get a kite that got stuck there. He asks you if you "have his back." In this instance, he is relying on you entirely to hold on to him in case the branch breaks. There is no room for joking around or for being distracted: your friend is trusting you with his life.

When we say Allah is the Most Trustworthy, we are coming to terms with the fact that Allah Most High will never let us down, will never leave our side. He, Most High, says about someone who willingly accepts Islam,

[Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah Heareth and Knoweth all things.] (Al-Baqarah 2:256)

Practice daily developing the habit of being trustworthy. Accept responsibility and then fulfill it. When others trust you, do not betray their trust.

You can read in the beautiful biography of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) how people used to entrust him with their valuables, knowing that upon their return they would find their valuables safe and unharmed. His personal and business practices were commendable to the degree that he was known for it in his community, even before he became aware that he was the Prophet of Allah, literally one who is most truthful and trustworthy.

3. Have Self-Restraint and Be God-Conscious

Perhaps the most difficult challenge while navigating adolescence is to restrain oneself from falling victim to one's desires - especially one's lower desires.

Our success in life depends to a great extent on how well we are able to restrain ourselves and to be moderate in what is permissible, as well as how capable we are of distancing ourselves from what is impermissible.

Why is self-restraint so critical? Satan's goal is to make you a slave of your desires to the extent that you eat until you are actually uncomfortable; that you consume without restraint beverages made of caffeine, sugar, and artificial flavors; that you find yourself longing for sleep more than prayer; and that you yearn to satisfy your sexual desires. Developing self-restraint as a habit entails making self-restraint your second nature - something which is done almost without thought, without too much effort. We are reminded by Allah Most High,

[And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.] (Fussilat 41:5)

In seeking to be highly successful Muslim youth, that is, youth deserving of the greatest fortune, it is imperative that you develop self-restraint. How awesome will it be if you can look back at your life and say to yourself, all praise is due to Allah that I did not succumb to my lower desires and instead exercised self-restraint consistently!

4. Be Thorough

Look around your room. How many unfinished projects do you have? When you work on homework, are you likely to rush through the assignment just so you can be done with it or are you more likely to take your time, to check your work, and most importantly, to be thorough?

Often teachers will grade a report based on how well and to what extent the student covered the topic at hand. Being thorough is not a habit that is developed overnight. The opposite of being thorough is being incomplete, being rushed, and working in haste without any regard for accuracy or quality. The most perfect is Allah Most High, Who perfected creation, Who perfected our religion, and Who guided His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be the most perfect among humans in behavior and in character.

Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'I was sent to perfect good character'.

To be thorough stems from a desire to be perfect to the extent that this is humanly possible. Seeking perfection in our actions and speech from an early age helps us to develop a keen eye, not only for thoroughness in our own life, but also for thoroughness in the lives of those around us. Being thorough in prayer, for example, teaches us to be patient and to concentrate upon the words we are reciting and the different positions of the prayer.

5. Be Focused

One thousand ideas go through your head the moment you stand up for prayer. Is that you? Really? What do you make of those ideas? Do you process them? What about when you are sitting in class? Do you find your mind wandering, daydreaming, and unable to focus on the lecture at hand? Are you likely to use any excuse whatsoever to leave what you are doing?

Developing the habit of being focused ensures that you are awake, alert, and totally motivated to work on and complete the task at hand, whatever it may be. Being distracted early on in childhood by video games or constantly changing scenes on television shows contributes to an inability to concentrate, to focus. Among the best ways to develop focus is to practice praying with deep concentration to the extent that you are almost unaware of your surroundings. Allah Most High tells us in the Qur'an that the believers are

[those who humble themselves in their prayers] (Al-Mu'minun 23:2)

The humility referred to here results from total focus and concentration on the fact that one is in the presence of Allah, standing before Him, Most High. Do your best to develop focus, no matter what activity you are engaged in - whether in prayer, in academics, in athletics, or some other pastime.

6. Be Punctual

Stop saying over and over again that you are late because of "Muslim standard time," or the "standard time" of your particular ethnicity. The last thing we should attribute to Islam is the notion that its teachings somehow make us late, slow, slugging, and anything but punctual. What a sad state of affairs, indeed, that we attribute our own weaknesses to our religion or ethnicity!

Highly successful individuals, be they Muslim or not, understand and appreciate the value of not only their time but the time of everyone else with whom they interact. Keeping people waiting for hours on end is neither something to be proud of nor a habit that has a place in the mindset of a person who tries to be successful.

One of the central pillars of Islam is prayer, and Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have given us clear reminders that we are to establish prayers at their due times.

When Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked "which deed is the dearest to Allah?" the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." (Sahih Bukhari).

If indeed your day is to be considered successful, you must have prayed all the obligatory prayers at their established times and as many voluntary prayers as possible. If your day is planned around the times of prayer, you should not pray exactly at the time when you are to pray but then come late to all other appointments. Being punctual is a habit which, when perfected, demonstrates to others the tremendous value that Islam places on time - not only ours but that of everyone else with whom we interact.

7. Be Consistent

Apart from all the habits listed above, perhaps the one that is sure to help you become a highly successful Muslim youth is that of being consistent. One cannot be truthful one day and a liar the next; one cannot be trustworthy in one instance and totally unreliable in the next; and so on for each of the other habits. A Muslim understands from an early age that it is easier to do something once or whenever we feel like it but much harder to do something regularly and consistently.

Indeed, the Mother of the Believers A'ishah narrates that "the most beloved action to Allah's Apostle was that which is done continuously and regularly" (Sahih Bukhari).

Regular and consist actions show that a person has thought about it, has intended to do it, has planned to do it, and therefore does it.

We urge you to be as consistent as possible, especially in those areas of your life which need constant improvement, such as your prayers, your fasting, your manners, your studying habits, etc. Do not say, I am going to pray all day every day, or fast voluntarily all of the days of every month, or study all night every night, because such actions cannot be humanly sustained over a long period of time. Say on the other hand, I am going to be sure to read at least one part of the Qur'an every day, or I will strive to help my parents with at least one household chore every day, or I will try to study at least one new item every week so that I can be ahead of the lesson plan.