LOVE ISLAM

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg comes in 100th richest persons of the world. He was just 19 years old when he launched facebook which beats several professionally runned social websites like orkut and others having billion dollars of budget with proper team. Had he thought he was too young to start something innovative, he would have been never known today… The messenger of Allah ( peace be upon him) would view youth as a opporunity to spread the Islamic guidelines to future generations. Scholars write that teaching youth was his utmost priority this was because he’d view them as future scholars leading the nations. Ibn Abbas got special dua from the messenger himself despite the fact he was just a kid. Aisha r.a was just 18 years old when the messenger of Allah passed away, yet she had learned so much by that time. Her knowledge was above and superior to many old companions..and there are so many other companions who were young but were on religious and social front leading the nation, one prominent example is of osama bin zaid r.a leading an army during one of the battles.. Amongst the finest examples of youth playing a significant role is the example of people of cave mentioned in Surah kahf verse 13 ” Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.” Many people consider their age to be a stumbling block to success. Islamic essence doesnt consider it to be a stumbling block rather views it as an opporunity to sucess.. This is very much evident from the quotation of Az-Zuhri who addressed the youth saying: “Do not look down upon yourselves due to your young age for ‘Omar ibn al-Khattab used to call for the youth seeking their consultation due to their sharp minds when a new matter came to him.” For all the young ones out there, smell the coffee and yeild the best of it in all the domains of life either it’s social, religious or academic… .. fareedahmad

Since this month is so important, we need to make a check list which we can follow throughout the month. Here is a sample check list for every one. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems.” We might never get this month again in life, every second is important. Here are some questions you can include in your self analysis check list: Self analysis questions: Yes/no Did I offer all prayers on time today? Did I do morning and evening adhkaar? Did I read Quran along with meaning? Did I try to help any muslim/ or removed his problem? Did I give iftaar to any fasting person? Did I repent to Allah for the mistakes I made today? Did I offer the late night prayer (tahajjud)? Did I remember death/hereafter today? Approximate sins I committed today? Did i convey a good message (could be a hadith/Quranic verse)? Did I forbid evil today? Did I control my anger? Did I indulge in back biting? Did I treat my parents nicely today? (helped them, made du’a for them, took care of their needs and emotions, gave them gift, gave them time, talked to them etc) Did I ask Allah for Jannah thrice and sought His refuge from the Hell, thrice? Did I do any sort of bid’ah (innovation) today? Was I selfish in any way today? Add more questions. Take it upto 50. Final comment: Strive for the Hereafter according to how long you shall remain there, & strive for this world according to how long you shall remain here.

Al Hasan Al Basri was a great eminent scholar of his time. Masses would often approach him with their problems seeking his advice. According to few narrations, once someone came to him, and asked his advice regarding growth of grain and wheat, "What should I do so that Allah makes my land fertile, increase my output in terms of farming?", the questioner asked. He replied: do repentance! Another time, a man came to him, seeking guidance to flourish his business, the reply was the same: do repentance. Then came a man with a question, about his children, yet the reply remained the same which was doing sincere repentance! Once his slave asked him, "I see different people coming up to you with their different problems, yet your answer remains the same. Seek repentance. Why is that so? He replied: Haven't you read the verses of Surah Noah: "Seek repentance from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; 'He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children." ( ch. 71 verse 10 - 11) Even in the era we live today, problems are the same, and so is that ultimate solution. 1. With regards to rain, soil gets fertile, there's tremendous increase in grain, forests, shipping, supply gets more than local demand, and as a result export increases...and the list goes on. With regards to wealth, on an individual level, everyone wants to earn more money and honestly even I want to do that, for we all have been instilled with love for wealth. When it comes to children, everyone wants to have more children, who can take care of them when they're in need of them. On deeply pondering, we analyze most of our problems originate from above three reasons...which can be very easily solved by sincere repentance. The deal is open, but the question is when are we going avail it to get both the worlds? Author : Fareed Ahmad. [Admin edit: links removed. Leads to unnecessary picture]

Have you heard about the new wave of feminists seeking to liberate women from the shackles of Islam by telling us to take part in a war against Islam! What do they want to free us from? Is it our Dignity they want to free us from? The fact that our creator didn’t just want us to be treated as mere sex-objects but protected us by commanding us to cover ourselves? That He made us sacred, so that if a man wants to be close to us he has to commit to us? Nudity only objectifies women further - when confronted with a topless woman, the last thing men are thinking about is how much they respect their cause and intelligence! Is it our History they want to free us from? That we were given the right to inheritance, to property, to be spiritual equals to men over a thousand years before women in Europe were? Is that what they want to liberate us from? Is it our Creator they want to free us from? Who knows us better than we know ourselves, who taught us to live not according to the whims and desires and subjective views of men whose moral lens keeps changing, but according to timeless moral principles that protect our interests and the interests of society? Is it our Messenger they want to free us from? Who, upon whom be peace, gave us as mothers three times more rights than fathers? If that is the case then they can keep their version of freedom. I am a slave - not to societal constructs, not to the subjective ideas of man, not to the morality of a materialistic society, but to Allah - my creator.

Meaningful Ramadan OK folks so Ramadan is just around the corner & with all that Ramadan hype surrounding us, let's revise some tips for a better Ramadan ahead. Hints & tips for meaningful fasting: *The Qur’an declares Ramadhaan as the month to program our minds towards taqwa. It is not a month of eating & shopping. It's a month when Allah forgives multitudes of people - Muslims should know very well whether sins are forgiven in malls and eateries or ibadah. How right has Allah said: Wama adraka maa laylatul qadr? And what do you know what is Laylatul Qadr? Only if we knew what really is Laylatul Qadr?! *Remain Cheerful in spite of hunger, thirst and fatigue due to long travel, office work or exams. Don’t look as if Ramadhan is a burden on your appetite. Expressing love and affection in hardship is a display of a strong personality, where as nagging for petty things reflect your weak character. Implementing patience, tolerance (sabr) and (overlooking people’s faults) gives a fantastic charm to your face that no makeup or face pack can match. *There Has To Be No "because it's still 5 hours to go till iftaar, don't mess with me" attitude! How to look fresh? Don’t throw shouts at people rather be normal and join household chores as if you have just woke up and ready for a long day, even if you have just returned from a hectic day. Do you know it is possible? Go back to the glorious history of Islam. The great day of Badr. It was a hot summer of Ramadhaan, and yet the 313 soldiers of Islam ignored their hunger, thirst, broken weapons and went deep inside the enemy only to come out victorious. *Reveal the real-you: What did you do this Ramadhan? Is this year’s Ramadhan as past year if compared to your ibdadah and other virtuous deeds or a little faded one? Did you give up any deed that was a barrier between you and taqwa? Were your fasts a shield strong enough to protect you from the fire of hell? Or was your Ramadhan just a month of festival of food and shopping and more rest and little work? * Ponder this: "So that you may become people having Taqwaa." So Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, when He commands His believing servants, or obligates them with some Legislation, (then He) usually just mentions the command, without explaining the wisdom for it. This is because the general wisdom behind Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic¹s, placing duties upon His servants is that He should test them by it, so that it should become apparent (as to) those who will obey Him and those who will disobey Him, the Exalted and Most High. However in this aayah, He mentioned something that is not found frequently in the NobleQuraan, which is that He mentioned the reason for the order to Fast, by His Saying: So that you may become people of Taqwaa. So the wisdom behind the Believers to fast is not just that they should prevent themselves from enjoyable and permissible and good things, even though this is an obligation upon the fasting person - but this is not the only thing that is required and intended by this Fasting. So Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, concluded His command to fast by His Saying: So that you may become people of Taqwaa. Meaning: that the wisdom behind the prescription of Fasting is that the Muslim should increase in obedience to Allaah, the Exalted and Most High, in the month of Fasting, and become more obedient than he was before it. *Fasting is a great act of worship for the Muslim which he performs by neglecting his desires to please his Lord and hopes for His Reward. It just common sense that the one who would not give up desired things except that it would be for something more desirable. In this case the pleasure of Allah is the most sought after desire. Knowing this will make fasting more easy and pleasant! *Maximize your connection with the Book of Allah as much as you can this Ramadan. and increase your dua's to Allah. Ramadan has a strong connection with duas. *He who does not pray, or does not stop lying, or does not stay away from indecency but still fasts need to read the meaning of fasting once again. Don't just stay hungry, FAST! > Renew your connection with Allah's Speech. Try to understand the meaning. > While fasting don't just abstain from food & drink, but majorly from sins. > Plan for itikaaf. > Work on some inner self improvement program. > Be generous. Cough up some cash for worthy causes. Building a mosque, funding some dawah event, helping a deprived person? Options are endless. Think! End of Ramadan - words of wisdom: *If you cannot get your act together even in Ramadaan, there is no good in you. Almost every one changes in Ramadan, one way or the other. You see people frequent the masajid more, more Qur'an being recited, more charity, etc. Now look at yourself, do you see some positive change in yourself too? The answer hopefully is yes. This means that we all are actually capable of being good. We all are capable of doing more, of leaving the evil desires behind, of obeying Allah, of being a Muslim. Yes, we are capable. The change in us that we feel, the more number of people in the masajid is a proof of that. So O Muslims, know that you can become a better version of yourself. Don't let anyone stop you. Don't become what you thought you were. Become what you are capable of becoming (pious) and SOAR. *What are we going to do once Ramadaan is over? Get back to the old routine? The routine of music in bed, interest (riba) in dealings, gossip in gatherings, flirting in streets? The same old routine of neglecting salaah? Or have you decided to change, to really change, this time? A sign that our efforts have been accepted in Ramadaan is that we continue to do good even after Ramadaan. It does not mean that we fast every single day even after Ramadaan. We all know we will not be going to the masjid for naafil prayers outside of Ramadaan that often. Our recitation too would decrease. That's the reality. But still there must be (there should be!) some steps up the ladder that you took in Ramadaan. Let's say you have come up 100 steps. Now after Ramadaan, yes we might go down a few steps, say 30 steps down. Yes, that happens. Sure. But the point is: don't go crashing down. Don't go back to the initial zero state. Ramadaan is a time we change ourselves. We get freed from the prisons of our making; the prison of loss, of desires, of obsession, of blameworthy attachments, of addictions, of being a slave of our whims. Don't lose your freedom after Ramadaan. And how tragicit is when people acknowledge Allah only in Ramadaan... *We all tasted the sweetness of imaan in Ramadaan. More recitation, more Qur'an, more brotherhood, more frequenting the masajid, more prayers, more du'a. And we all rediscovered the beauty of Islam. We were reintroduced through fasting, through taraweeh, through charity, through long sujood at night that there is nothing more sweet than worshipping Allaah. Now that we know the other side of the story, now that we know where true peace lies, what are we going to do after Ramadan? Would we want to taste this sweetness of iman over and over again or would we prefer the bitter, restless, dark life of pursuing every sinful desire? Bottom line: Well, happy fasting!

Happiness is in your emaan, in reading the Qur'an, in your daily Salah, in pleasing Allah, in loving Allah, in helping others, or even in making others smile. When you have no one, you have Allah with you. If you call on Him, He listens to you even if it’s in the middle of the night. If you have lost something or someone in life, know that Allah SWT will grant you something much better and there will be someone good in your life again. He takes and He gives. When you are in need, He is the first one who comes to your aid. He has truly blessed you with guidance and that's where the beauty lies. The beauty of Islam that shines inside of you. Loving Allah gives you so much peace. When you obey Him, you will find tranquillity. This is where your happiness lies, in being close to Allah. You need nothing else. You have Him - you have everything.

Every one of us is tested in different ways. For some of us, it might be the excess of wealth, for others, the lack of wealth. For some, it might be in the avoidance of alcohol, for other, guarding one's tongue from speaking evil. Think long and hard about the struggle you are going through and then try to pass this test. Because if Allah tests you with the same trial again and again, there must be a lesson He wants you to master.

So who is cooler and who makes more sense?! You decide! So this first guy is your typical everyday 19-year-old Pakistani guy living in Islamabad and Lahore or any other major city in Pakistan. He gets up every morning, shaves.. Because all ‘young’ people have to shave right ?! Because EVERYONE does it and says so right? .. The scratches, the itchiness, the stress on the face is all worth it because then he’ll get looked at by mates at Uni and if lucky, a pretty girl will stare at him and fall in love with him, yeah?! Hmmm.. Spends over 2 hours getting ready, combing every strand of his hair to perfection..! Creams his face.. Stares at the mirror almost asking the question.. “Mirror mirror on the wall..”!! He wears his tight jeans ’cause you know that’s the ‘in’ fashion nowadays! Doesn’t matter if they are uncomfortable.. Gotta look good ! Gotta look sharp!! Puts on his best shirt, perfumes himself, bye to the family, catch the ‘wagon’.. Maybe stare at the pretty girl! You know, cheap thrills, yeah! Hoping she would look back! But no she doesn’t!! Oh well, plenty more fish in the sea (Uni), he thinks. Gets to campus.. Meets his mates! High fives as if they are Americans – accidentally happen to be in Pakistan(!). Gets invited to a party or 2.. Then talk about cricket.. “What a shot, what a chakka!!”.. Followed by “The government is so messed up man.. Followed by “Did you see that girl in that lecture?” .. Followed by “Let’s go Munchies/Savour/McDonald’s later yaaaaaaaar!!”.. Followed by “Oh this amazing song in that Aamir Khan movie.. Wow yaaar!” or “Have you downloaded that new track by Radiohead/Rihanna/Atif Aslam?!” He misses all the prayers because none of his ‘friends ‘ are going to pray.. Plus he thinks he has got all his life to pray right?! Go Hajj when aged 40 and then pray regularly.. But right now I’m young! I’m cool! Wanna enjoy life! Death doesn’t come to youngsters at all right(!) right?! Then he talks about exams stress. Lack of money.. Wish he had a Bollywood-type girl friend, had a car.. And just complain about life.. Go to the lectures.. Chill out with mates.. Go home.. More studies.. Sleep.. But before he sleeps he thinks what a boring life.. Everyday a let-down.. Why am I not at peace..? Everyday I try hard to impress the people but the demands get higher! Next day he goes through the same routine. Excited in the morning followed by disappointment towards the end of the day.. Same conversations. Same complaints.. Same have-to-get-this-and-that-but-can’t-get-it thinking! Frustration.. Lack of peace.. Working hard to please people.. Neglecting his duties towards the ONE that made him and therefore risking… HELLFIRE! OR This other guy, who is also 19, that wakes up every morning to worships his Creator. He also goes to Uni dressed nicely, clean, without the intention of impressing his mates. HE decides what he wears and not be dictated by some freak obscure designer in Lahore, Milan or New York. He has a beard because he wants to emulate the greatest human being that ever lived! He goes to Uni and studies hard.. Greets his friends with greetings of peace and hand-shakes! The kind of mates he meets are those that are thinking deeply about life! The type of conversations he engages in are: “There is an Islamic lecture organised by YC [Youth Club].. Shall we go? We could all chip in for the taxi ride.” Followed by “Do you have any suggestions for concentrating during Salah [prayer]?” Followed by “Did you listen to that beautiful recitation by Qari so-and-so?”.. Then discuss a few points raised by a closet atheist. Conversations but intellectual productive ones. He prays his Salah.. He attends amazing thought-provoking, inspiring lectures after Uni. He has a vision for life based around worshiping the Creator. He is young, has feelings.. Wants a beautiful girl.. Some money.. Nice house.. To chill and relax.. But he knows not yet.. Not in this life.. He knows he needs to struggle and follow the commands of Islam on a daily level. His focus is excellence in worship because he knows that the wealth, the women, the fame, the compliments from people, the good food will either be given to him in this life, or better still, in.. Sure, he will try for some of these pretty things but in a halaal way and by not making it the sole purpose of his life.. JANNAH! So which guy do you want to be? The one that tries hard to please this world and tragically doesn’t get what he wants and potentially loses his hereafter? Or The guy who is at peace, looking beyond what the people think and more concerned about what the creator of those very people thinks and is aiming to get to Paradise?

"Guide us to the straight path," (Surah Fatiha 1:5) Explanation: There is only one Surah we are required to recite every day a minimum of seventeen times a day (in the five daily Salah) and that is Surah Fatiha. The central verse of Surah Fatiha is a dua which Allah promises to accept and that dua is a dua for guidance. Guidance is the single most important thing a believer could ask for! It is more important than health, wealth and all worldly things, as without guidance we are lost in both worlds. Furthermore, guidance is not a once-off thing, we are constantly in need of Allah's guidance as we always slip and make mistakes, thus praying and reciting Surah Fatiha with concentration and understanding in every Salah every day is vital for keeping us on the straight path. So what about those of us who don't pray with understanding? Even worse, what about those of us who don't pray at all? How will we achieve success if we shun Allah’s guidance? Indeed it is a gift from Allah that he has given us this beautiful dua and opportunity to have it accepted so many times a day, how many of us appreciate and take advantage of this gift? #MeaningfulPrayer

If we really wanted to wake up for Fajr, we would. If we really wanted to pray our prayers with utmost Khushoo’ and if we wanted to pray the Nawafil prayers, we would. If we really wanted to wear the appropriate hijaab and stop listening to music and start reciting the Qur’aan and obey our parents, we would. If we really wanted to learn Islam and make an effort for our Creator, we would. We really would. If we wanted to do anything, we would. I just don’t think we want it bad enough. Because when you value it, you find a way. When you don't, you find an excuse. Reflect.

“’So her Lord accepted her well and made her grow up well, and put Zakariya in charge of her. Every time Zakariya entered her sanctuary, he found food by her. He asked, ‘Oh Maryam, How did you get this?’ She replied, ‘It is from Allah. Surely, Allah provides for whomever He wills without measure,” (Surah Aal Al-Imraan 3:37) Explanation: In this verse, the chosen woman Maryam (peace be upon her) teaches us all a very important lesson about Rizq (sustenance) and Tawakul (putting your trust in Allah). While her receiving this food was a miracle, it however teaches us to always remember that nothing is impossible for Allah and if we find ourselves in situations which it seems only a miracle can save us, then trust Allah and pray to Him for such a miracle. Look at the example of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) who was old and childless when this incident happened. Yet when Maryam told him this, he went and made dua for a child and Allah provided him with a son, the Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him). We should have the same reaction when reading and hearing of such miraculous providing from the One who controls the universe, and immediately ask Him for things which no human can assist us with. Tawakul and understanding Allah’s attribute of being the provider can have the following benefits for us, among others: 1) It can protect us from depression and despair, and increases patience and hope 2) It can keep us optimistic and motivated in the most difficult of tests 3) It keeps us content with what we receive in sustenance after working hard, knowing full well that Allah provides for us what we need and will not test us with that which we can’t handle

A wooden branch is limited in its uses. Presumably, it can be used for firewood or put to use as a cane or staff to lean on, or as something to point with. When found lying on the side of a road, one's curiosity would generally not be aroused by it, nor would one covet its possession. Yet, this lifeless piece of wood was previously a living branch to a breathing plant. It bore leaves, fruits and flowers and provided sustenance and shelter for those who sought shade under it. Being cut away from the tree rendered it hollow, lifeless and worthless. Such is Sin. Sin (ʿiṣyān), 'rebellion' and 'wilful sinfulness', originates from this same concept. Equally then, in your lives bear in mind that you are whole and your sins destroy this 'wholeness' and pollute your existence. Sincere repentance, however, brings you back from the brink of being a lifeless piece of wood, a description with which Allāh, the Most High, designates the hypocrites: كَأَنَّهُمْ خُشُبٌ مُّسَنَّدَةٌ “[The Hypocrites are] as if they were pieces of (dead) wood propped up.” –Sura Al-Munafiqun [63:4] In your life always aim to seek maximum benefit, even from precarious situations that may outwardly appear a complete loss and even from objects that others would overlook. Think outside the box and be industrious and remain open to new, innovative, possibilities.

Three Types of Ṣabr: Ṣabr is of three types. 1. Ṣabr in the face of a calamity. Death of a loved one, car accident, loss of a job, muṣībah happens. How do we do ṣabr at that point in time? We act Islamically. We don't say what we shouldn't say. We don't move our hands and wail and cry. We act responsibly and sensibly. This is the first category of ṣabr. 2. Restrain ourselves from committing sins. If we see some alcohol and temptations come to drink it, some of us may have a problem with this, but they have ṣabr and control it. This ṣabr is generally more difficult than the first category because in the first category, you can't help it if you are in an accident and have to be patient. If somebody dies, what are you going to do? You are forced into it. In the second category, you have the will to do a sin, but ṣabr comes in and you restrain yourself. The highest category of ṣabr is: 3. Restrain yourself from permissible things and put yourself into worship of Allāh constantly. Allāh says, be extra patient as you worship Him. Praying five times a day is a sign of patience. Fasting is a sign of patience. Why? Because you are withholding and restraining yourself in order to do these good deeds.

‘O My slaves, I have prohibited Myself injustice; and have made oppression unlawful for you, so do not oppress one another. O My slaves, all of you are liable to err except the one whom I guide on the Right Path, so seek guidance from Me so that I will guide you to the Right Path. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except the one whom I feed, so ask food from Me, I will feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I clothe, so ask clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins night and day and I forgive all sins, so seek My forgiveness and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you can neither do Me any harm nor can you do Me any good. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any man of you, that would not increase My domain a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you, and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any man of you, that would not decrease My domain in a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to stand in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decrease the sea if put into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I reckon for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good (i.e., in the Hereafter) praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.”‘ [Muslim: 2577] On one hand, it makes you feel so little and so helpless that you start to doubt your own self. But on the other hand, it makes you feel so special because you’re a slave of the Almighty. Because He guides you, feeds you and clothes you. And He’s the One who forgives your sins every time you ask Him for forgiveness. So O [the one] whose sins increase with his age, and as his burdens (sins) increase, his istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) decreases; and O [the one] who is not appalled at what he sees and hears, when will you wake up? And when will you stand at the door of your Lord, the Almighty, the Forgiving, the Merciful? And this is what struck me most. After knowing all that about Allah, how can we still not knock at His door? How can we still be sleeping – sinning and only sinning, but not repenting? How can the signs of Allah – of what we hear and see – around us not stir anything inside of us? How can we be such losers – not willing to derive benefit from Allah’s Mercy? When will we wake up?

Islam is not a religion of equality but of Justice! There are some people who speak of equality instead of justice, and this is a mistake. We should not say equality, because equality implies no differentiation between the two. Because of this unjust call for equality, they ask, “What is the difference between male and female?” So they have made men similar to women. The communists said, “What difference is there between the ruler and the subject? No one has any authority over anyone else.” Not even the father over his son?! So they said the father has no authority over his son and so on.Instead, if we say justice, which means giving each one what he or she is entitled, this misunderstanding no longer applies, and the word used is correct. Allah does not say in the Qur’an that He enjoins equality. He said (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, Allah enjoins Al‘Adl (i.e. justice)” (Qur’an, 16:90) “And that when you judge between men, you judge with justice.” (Qur’an, 4:58) Those who say that Islam is the religion of equality are lying against Islam.Rather Islam is the religion of justice, which means treating equally those who are equal and differentiating between those who are different. No one who knows the religion of Islam would say that it is the religion of equality. Rather what shows you that this principle is false is the fact that most of what is mentioned in the Qur’an denies equality, as in the following verses: “Say: Are those who know equal to those who know not?” (Qur’an, 39:9) “Say: Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light?” (Qur’an, 13:16) “Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah, with those among you who did so later.” (Qur’an, 57:10) “Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives.” (Qur’an, 4:95) Not one single letter in the Qur’an enjoins equality, rather it enjoins justice. You will also find that the word justice is acceptable to people, for I feel that if I am better than this man in terms of knowledge, or wealth, or piety, or in doing good, I would not like for him to be equal to me. Everyone knows that it is unacceptable if we say that the male is equal to the female.

So far what have you been filling your heart with? Ponder this: If tawheed is not set firmly in your heart, your speech, your actions; you will forever try filling that void with people & this Dunya...

Even when life is being too painful and it all isn't just making sense - remember still whatever is happening is good for you. Yes when you couldn't marry that person, yes when you ended up with a broken knee, yes when that mother lost her baby, yes when you lost your favorite cell phone, yes that thing in your mind - ALL GOOD. It was good for you. And some day in sha Allah you'll know it and you'd thank Allah for it.

It's love when your spouse wakes you up for Fajr prayer. It's love when your spouse reminds you of Allah. It's love, when a wife makes tea for husband and takes a sip before him to see if it tastes right. It’s love when a husband helps his tired wife in the kitchen even though he worked all day. It's love, when a mother gives her child the best piece of cake. It's love, when your friend holds your hand tightly on a slippery road. It's love, when your brother messages you and asks if you reached home safely. Spread the love.

DO MORE THAN JUST EXIST! The moment we get home, we can't wait to hit the internet! Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter...oh and the need to check the email! Then we have a great plan ahead to hang out with our friends at this new cafe, then the much-anticipated shopping spree for the cousin's wedding...of course now you're tired and it's time to call it a day and hit the bed! There - you have successfully spent one entire day of your life! ... Or have you? To be honest, you've not "spent" it, you've 'wasted' it. And no 'wasted' is not a harsh word. Let me explain - I am not conveying that having fun is 'haraam'. But to make 'fun' the sole purpose of your life - now that's unhealthy! Primarily Allah sent us into this world for one and only one reason: To get to know Him and to try to please Him in every way we possibly could. Now take a deep look into your daily life and see how much youremember Allah, your Creator? Where and when you try to please Him? Is your life 'all about me, myself and I'? Or is it about 'Allah'?! You can please Him by learning about your religion (internet is a great source!), by being good to others, by offering your prayers, reading a small passage from the Quran daily, giving good time to your parents, having fun the halaal way to keep yourself fresh... At least 'try'! There are a lot of elements which are bent on trying to malign Islam. They are painting a false picture of Islam. In the midst of all this darkness, what role have we played to put an end to this all? We have a responsibilty. Life is not just about finishing a video game, or keeping up with the latest fashion or updating the FaceBook profile. Life has more to it. Start scheming. Defend Islam. Learn Islam. And most importantly, IMPLEMENT ISLAM IN YOUR OWN LIFE FIRST! Play your part. Live Islam and start with YOURSELF! You love Allah and His religion? Prove it...! I mean, we are here in this world to please our Creator; it would be the MOST shameful thing if we NEVER make it! STAND OUT!

Misconception # 1. When you're the only one trying to maintain your hijab in some place and all the other women are looking odd at you... Suddenly one of them comes up with a big friendly smile on her face and chats you up. And after a while she comes to the point and asks what's on every one else's mind too: "So, you've been wearing all this veil and stuff ever since you grew up?" "No, just a few years back." "Oh, so before that you're normal like us?" It's really sad to hear comments like these made by our own Muslim women. Since when have blatantly going against the Quranic verses become "normal?" Folks, wearing hijab and veil INFRONT of non related men (non mahrams) is OBLIGATORY for women, it's not optional. So don't look down on those who stick to the Islamic dress code, they're normal. Trust me. Islamic values don't change just because the people stop following them. Right remains right even with NO ONE doing it! “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab 33:59] Appearing in front of non related men without hijab is something "abnormal" in front of Allah, His Messenger and all the Companions. And my those sisters who are ridiculed for wearing hijab, be strong and be of a good cheer! Allah appreciates you even if the world doesn't. *Islam started as something strange and will return to being strange. So glad tidings to the strangers.*

The Imam, the follower, the scholar, the student, and the layman all ask Allah for guidance in prayer at least 17 times a day as the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) did. Thinking you've already arrived is a sign you've lost your way. Oh Allah guide us to the straight path and keep us guided upon it. Trying to be a good Muslim is a life long process; the moment you think you've 'reached it', you've fallen into Shaytan's trap.

DO MORE THAN JUST EXIST! The moment we get home, we can't wait to hit the internet! Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter...oh and the need to check the email! Then we have a great plan ahead to hang out with our friends at this new cafe, then the much-anticipated shopping spree for the cousin's wedding...of course now you're tired and it's time to call it a day and hit the bed! There - you have successfully spent one entire day of your life! ... Or have you? To be honest, you've not "spent" it, you've 'wasted' it. And no 'wastes' is not a harsh word. Let me explain - I am not conveying that having fun is 'haraam'. But to make 'fun' the sole purpose of your life - now that's unhealthy! Primarily Allah sent us into this world for one and only o e reason: To get to know Him and to try to please Him in every way we possibly could. Now take a deep look into your daily life and see how much youremember Allah, your Creator? Where and when you try to please Him? Is your life 'all about me, myself and I'? Or is it about 'Allah'?! You can please Him by learning about your religion (internet is a great source!), by being good to others, by offering your prayers, reading a small passage from the Quran daily, giving good time to your parents, having fun the halaal way to keep yourself fresh... At least 'try'! There are a lot of elements which are bent on trying to malign Islam. They are painting a false picture of Islam. In the midst of all this darkness, what role have we played to put an end to this all? We have a responsibilty. Life is not just about finishing a video game, or keeping up with the latest fashion or updating the FaceBook profile. Life has more to it. Start scheming. Defend Islam. Learn Islam. And most importantly, IMPLEMENT ISLAM IN YOUR OWN LIFE FIRST! Play your part. Live Islam and start with YOURSELF! You love Allah and His religion? Prove it...! I mean, we are here in this world to please our Creator; it would be the MOST shameful thing if we NEVER make it! STAND OUT!

Please read this with an open heart as it is not meant to be a rant but a sincere advice to my brothers and sisters. First look at this - the new norm: In addition to a plurality who now approve of same-sex marriage, Americans overwhelmingly support basic civil liberties and freedom of expression for gays and lesbians, in contrast to sharp division on such issues in the 1970s. U. CHICAGO (US) — American attitudes toward gays and lesbians are rapidly changing to reflect greater acceptance, with younger generations leading the way, a new survey shows. Taken together, the results show a clear “trend toward greater tolerance regarding homosexuality,” says Tom Smith, director of the General Social Survey (GSS) at NORC at the University of Chicago and author of the report, “Public Attitudes toward Homosexuality.” We as Muslims take this as...? The days are very near that disagreeing with homosexuality will be just as bad as being a racist. As we live in a time where people increasingly have no problem disagreeing with their own scriptures which they consider divine, we must remember that as Muslims we cannot reject one letter of the book of Allah. When Allah describes homosexuality as a repugnant shameless sin and details his punishment of a people that practiced sodomy, how can anyone who believes in Allah not find it immoral? Quran 7:80-83 "And (remember) Lut, when he said to his people; "Do you commit the worst shameless sin such as none has preceding you committed among mankind and jinn? Verily, you approach men lustfully instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds. And the answer of his people was only that they said: 'Drive them out of your town, these are indeed men who want to be pure (from sins)! Then (Allah) saved him and his family, except his wife; she was of those who remained behind (in the torment)." Notice that the answer from the people of Lut (as) was to expel and threaten those who called them away from their sin. If as Muslims we don't take a clear stance on this, we will be forced to conform and watch this disease destroy our children. We will also start to see that the people who are supposed to be leading us will start to adopt strange baseless opinions and interpretations in order to steer clear of controversy. Don't let the decaying standard of morality and rising neglect of faith cause you to lose your own faith and standard of morality set by Allah, His Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa salam), and all of the companions and scholars over the last 1400 years. *None of you (truly) believes until his desire or inclination is in accordance with what Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) has brought or subservient to what he came with.* Final comments: The ethical/moral values of the US/West are not constant; they change. What was immoral and looked down upon a decade ago is now suddenly 'freedom of rights'. Best course of action is to stick to the steady, flawless teachings of Islam. PROUD MUSLIMS!

Quick reminder: We have been given these, what we can call, the 'Muslim responses' to be applied in our day to day life. And they ahve been given to us by Allah for a reason! We feel connected to Him all the time but that's not all; we keep feeling human! Don't get it? We are constantly reminded of our place by doing these little adkhaars like before going to sleep, after sneezing, when it rains, before entering the bathroom, when you see something that pleases you, upon receiving a blessing, etc,. We don't get carried away by feelings of self-pride and stuff, rather when we say "Alhmdulilaah" we attribute all thanks to Allah and feel human. When we say "Allahu Akbar", we attribute all greatness to Him and feel human. So make these 'Muslim responses' a part of your life. #TheBeautyOfIslam

True story with some changes. *Because we were created by Allah and for Him and unless we understand that, life will NEVER make sense.* Tears kept flowing from her eyes. She was shattered. She could not believe history was repeating itself for her. I mean it's one thing to go through a heart break once, but to experience it for the tenth time...? Unbelieveable! Gradually her tears stopped. The pain subsided. But only to be replaced by anger. Suddenly, she was furious. Furious at herself, for allowing this to happen to her again. Furious at the world for breaking her once more. And furious even at the decree...why did not God help her? But with this thought, she felt guilty and contaminated. Putting aside all the ugly thoughts, she did the only thing she could think of in the midst of all the suffocating heartache: she cried and she prayed to Allah. She decided she was going to get her lost love back. She was going to pray and pray. But at the same time, she knew something was wrong. I mean when: *Allah makes you go through the same kind of trials again and again, there must be a lesson He wants you to master.* And this was like the tenth time or so she had become so close to someone. This is a type of a relationship when at first two people like each other. Then the friendship grows. And then, you don't realize when, but soon it grows into obsession. And you no longer can live without that person. You want to spend each second with him/her. And anyone who does not let you is immediately seen as a hindrance, a rival. Envy grows. And you can do anything and every thing for your beloved. Every second spent apart is agony. And this is no exaggeration! You even forget to keep in mind the Islamic limits when this beloved comes around; all you can literally see is this one person and his/her benefits! Your happiness and sadness becomes tied with this person and revolves around him/her. It's dependant like in a math equation. This beloved says something, you do it. In short, literally, this beloved becomes your new 'ilaah'! She was not experiencing this for the first time. She had done this before. Many times. And each time as promising as the relationship looked, it always ended up collapsing. Like a snow man; no matter how much you try to beautify it, it melts in the end. It always melts... She knew all these years, she had been over using her mind. No wonder her brain was numb now. She was so drained, she felt quite emotionless. Comfortably numb. She did not know where she did wrong each time? She always gave it her all; she would be selfless, loving, caring, honest and would sacrifice. So why could she never make the love stay? But then maybe she knew all along what was wrong. Don't they say you are born on this 'natural disposition' (fitrah) and so you just know when you devaite from living la ilaha ilaaAllah? She had to do a deep analysis of her life; she could not handle to let the history repeat again. She just could not. She was sure something had been done wrong by her, time and again - she just did not know what - yet. But she planned to find out. She was going to change. *Because sometimes Allah removes people from our lives for a reason. And we need to think about it before we go running after them.* *Months later* - She now knew where she had been wrong all along. She now knew why she had to suffer one loss after another of loved ones. She was hurt but now there was another pain in her heart, more overwhelming than any other: she had wasted her entire life going against the very purpose of her existence. She had not been living la ilaha illaAllah, she had spent her love, her emotions, feelings, her heart - all in the very wrong places. This love did not belong there and that is why it never reciprocated. *Because the moment we love *anything* more than our creator, that very thing we love more will become the cause of our greatest pain.* But she had a positive side to it as well. Despite all the wasted years, she had learned something. Something productive. She won't be forgetting it anytime soon. She now knew: *that one does not need to be heartless; you just need to use your heart less.* She was now ready to embrace the solution which she had been running away from all along. The solution of 'letting go'. Instead of holding on. As painful as it does sound, sometimes it becomes the only way out. But many are too coward to admit it, even to themselves and they keep on holding on with so much strength that it hurts - all the while they ignore the answer in front of them; JUST LET GO. Sometimes because the picture we've made into our minds of what will happen if it does work & we don't have to let go is so vivid, so beautiful that in order for it to be true, we just don't want to look at any other scenario. But we fail to realize that reality is real than our fantasy and we live in this reality, so there's no good in making a fantasy bubble & hiding in it. Because when that bubble would explode, the only one going to be hurt is you. Or because we keep on telling ourselves 'One more time, it might just work', although there's nothing really left there to work on. As much as it might hurt, there's no point in hanging on when there's nothing left... There's sometimes no point in thinking about the past memories. 'What once was' is not anymore. It's gone. Once what was beautiful has now gone and is now ugly. Accept that despite the heartache because the other option is dwelling in a non-existant painful world. Once you do walk away, you set yourself free from a lot of invisible chains which were otherwise binding you. You see a new world to which you were blind before. When Allah has promised to come to us running when we go to Him walking, who wants who more? I mean it's like: *if the full moon loves you, why worry about the stars?* Allaah has placed in everyone that He has created, a heart which must be filled; either with enslavement to Allaah, or to other than Allaah. Every single heart has feelings, desires and inclinations. The question is: will those feelings, desires and inclinations be directed to and for Allaah alone, or will they be directed to other than Allaah! *Because Shirk occurs when we humans love, trust or fear the creation more than the Creator. * But sometimes what happens is that our love takes a wrong turn and directs itself someplace it was not supposed to go. Someplace dangerous. Just like when you lose your way and turn on the wrong road. What happens? You lose your way. Likewise, the hearts loses its way, and goes haywire...it enters a love crisis state. How so? It happens when we direct all those above mentioned feelings of obedience, servitude, sacrifice, intense love etc towards somewhere unworthy. * Never love someone too much because that too much can hurt you so much.* If being ‘in love’ means our lives are in pieces and we are completely broken, miserable, utterly consumed, hardly able to function, and willing to sacrifice everything, chances are it’s not love. Despite what we are taught in popular culture, true love is not supposed to make us like drug addicts. The moment you hand over your heart - your most precious organ - to some human, you've ended up in the worst situation. You've made the worst bargain. Because this human, no human, cannot take care of your heart. He'll waste it. Dear the one, your feelings, your emotions, your love is too precious - don't waste it all on humans, it's not worth it. It's just not. Your all love should be and is for Allah alone. It was always meant to be for Him alone. He will never let you down. He will take care of you and your feelings. Please understand this before it's too late, before your heart breaks in the most painful manner: love your Creator because these humans? They don't know how to be loyal and how to love back. The humans don't have it in them. The amount of love, the intensity, the level of attachment, the quality of care, the hours that you crave from these humans, they can never fulfill your demand. They will get tired of you. You see, you were created to love Allah. With as much intensity as you want. How could you ever let yourself believe some human could give you that love? By creating you as His slave, He created you free. Completely free. You had freedom; freedom from fears, heartaches, rejection from the creation, dependence on humans, begging them for love and care... By turning away from this gift of freedom, you enslaved yourself. You entered into this prison of desires, pain, fear, hope and trust in the humans, by choice. In just being a slave of Allah, you have freedom and security. In being a slave of every creation, there is fear of loss and restlessness. Remember bearing witness to la ilaha illAllah has two parts: A negation first. Then an affirmation. First you say and believe la ilaha. By doing so, you free your heart of every enslavement. Then you affirm: illAllah. Now you are a slave of Him alone.You were born free. Don't die a prisoner.. So don't even think that by loving someone that crazily, by that amount of infatuation & obsession, you'll get what you want. No, it won't ever work out. You'll have to return bruised, hurt, broken, in pain and disappointed. Besides, you'll lose that loved one. So don't even try to try...what's the point? No matter how much you love that person, he won't return back tht much love. Love Allah, only He will take care of you. * Because we'll suffer every time we lose sight of this simple truth: we were born to love Allah. * So after all, is not Jannah *the* place? That place where you can really have all you could possibly ever desire? Where there exists happiness ever after, for real. We all want ever lasting happiness, we just become foolish enough to look for it on the wrong side of death. In complete silence, sitting alone at night, she thought. Once again, she thought. Going through her past, she once again felt the silent, crushing pain of her mistakes. Soon, it took over her already aching heart and the pain became agony. Images of her past flasing before her eyes, her mind whirled. She closed her eyes. And two simple, transparent tears dropped down her cheeks; the only quiet reflection of her broken soul. But she wipes away those tears. And tightened the scarf around her. She was going to walk away from all the shirk and infatutaion. She was going to live for Her Creator, Who had given her another chance. She locked the door and began to walk in the silent, cold night. With each step she was leaving behind her wasted past. She was doing it for Allah. She was walking away. *Because your peace of mind and stillness of heart must be based on your relationship with God, and not the world or anyone or anything in it. If you are right with God, you are right.*