ummtaalib

Wa'alaykumus salaam Shaykh Sudais! I just love his recitation!

Who is the Greatest Champion of Human Rights? Even a cursory glance at the life of Allah’s Beloved Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam gives clear answer to this. The life of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam brims with kindness, compassion and love for all of Allah’s creation. Whether it was the nobility of the time or the lowliest of servants, the Prophet’s example was always one of unrivalled mercy and compassion. Even the animals and insects were not overlooked by his encompassing nature of mercy. Perhaps the ultimate display of this mercy was at the Conquest of Makkah. The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, standing as victor and conqueror over his greatest of enemies who for 20 years did all they could to destroy the Prophet and the religion of Islam, does not unsheathe the sword, rather he bestows general forgiveness and amnesty. Such forgiveness was and is without similitude in human history. Profound was his example and profound are his words: § The best of men is he who brings the greatest benefit to Mankind. (Musnad Shihaab) § Those who are merciful will be afforded mercy by Rahmaan (the Most Merciful). Show mercy to the dwellers of the earth and the One in the heaven will be merciful to you. (Abu Dawud) § The creation is the family of Allah. Thus the most loved person by Allah is the one who is the best to His family. (Shuabul Imaan) May Allah grant us the ability to follow in the Prophet’s Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam noble footsteps, Ameen. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians 223 Alpine Road, Overport, Durban

Friday today!

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال صلوا علي فإنها زكاة لكم واسألوا الله لي الوسيلة فإنها درجة في أعلى الجنة لا ينالها إلا رجل وأرجو أن أكون أنا هو (مسند أحمد رقم 8770) Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Recite durood upon me, for certainly it is a form of purification for you. And ask Allah Ta’ala to grant me the position of “Waseela”, which is a rank in the highest stages of Paradise which is reserved for only one person, and I hope that I am blessed with this honour and position. Face being Transformed to a Swine In Nuzhatul majaalis, the following incident is recorded: “A man and his son were on a journey. On the way, the father passed away and his face was transformed to that of a swine. The son, seeing this, cried bitterly and made duaa to Allah Ta’ala for the welfare of his father. Soon the son fell asleep and saw a man telling him, “Your father used to consume interest, for this reason you now see his face in this condition. But rejoice for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has interceded on his behalf, for whenever he heard the blessed name of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he recited durood upon him. Through the intercession of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), his face has now been changed to its original form.” (Fazaail Durood) يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّم دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Protection before sleeping: 1 Sleep in Wudhu 2 Recite Ayatul-Kursi [2:255] before sleeping وأخرج البخاري في صحيحه من حديث أبي هريرة قال : وكلني رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم بحفظ زكاة رمضان ، فأتاني آت فجعل يحثو وذكر قصة ، وفي آخرها أنه قال له : دعني أعلمك كلمات ينفعك الله بها ، قلت : ما هي ؟ قال : إذا أويت إلى فراشك فاقرأ آية الكرسي ، فإنك لن يزال عليك من الله حافظ ، ولا يقربك شيطان حتى تصبح ، فأخبر أبو هريرة بذلك رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم فقال : أما إنه صدقك وهو كذوب ، تعلم من تخاطب يا أبا هريرة ؟ قال : لا ، قال : ذلك شيطان كذا Sayyidina Abu Huraira (RA) said, "Allah's Apostle (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) put me in charge of the Zakat of Ramadan (i.e. Zakat-ul-Fitr). Someone came to me and started scooping some of the foodstuff of (Zakat) with both hands. I caught him and told him that I would take him to Allah's Apostle (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)." Then Sayyidina Abu Huraira (RA) told the whole narration and added "He (i.e. the thief) said, 'Whenever you go to your bed, recite the Verse of "Al-Kursi" (2.255) for then a guardian from Allah will be guarding you, and Satan will not approach you till dawn.' " On that Allah's Apostle (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said, "He told you the truth, though he is a liar, and he (the thief) himself was the Satan." [bukhari] 3 Recite 3 Quls, blow on the hands and rub it all over the body. عن عائشة رضي الله عنها : ( أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ إِذَا أَوَى إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ كُلَّ لَيلَةٍ جَمَعَ كَفَّيهِ ثُمَّ نَفَثَ فِيهِمَا فَقَرَأَ فِيهِمَا ( قُل هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ) و ( قُل أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الفَلَقِ ) و ( قُل أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ) ، ثُمَّ يَمسَحُ بِهِمَا مَا استَطَاعَ مِن جَسَدِهِ ، يَبدَأُ بِهِمَا عَلَى رَأسِهِ وَوَجهِهِ وَمَا أَقبَلَ مِن جَسَدِهِ ، يَفعَلُُ ذَلكَ ثَلاثَ مَرَّاتٍ ) رواه البخاري ) It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (RA) that when the Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) went to bed every night, he would hold his hands together and blow into them, and recite into them Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad, Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-naas. Then he would wipe them over whatever he could of his body, starting with his head and face and the front of his body, and he would do that three times. [bukhari] 3 Recite the following duas before sleeping and then after waking up respectively: a "Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya," ‏ ‏اللهم باسمك أموت وأحيا b "Al-Hamdu lil-lahi al-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana, wa ilaihi an-nushur," الحمد لله الذي أحيانا بعد ما أماتنا وإليه النشور ‏ ‏حدثني ‏ ‏موسى بن إسماعيل ‏ ‏حدثنا ‏ ‏أبو عوانة ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏عبد الملك ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏ربعي ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏حذيفة ‏ ‏رضي الله عنه ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏كان النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏إذا أخذ مضجعه من الليل وضع يده تحت خده ثم يقول ‏ ‏اللهم باسمك أموت وأحيا وإذا استيقظ قال الحمد لله الذي أحيانا بعد ما أماتنا وإليه النشور ‏ Narrated Sayyidina hudhaifa (RA) : When the Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) went to bed at night, he would put his hand under his cheek and then say, "Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya," and when he got up, he would say, "Al-Hamdu lil-lahi al-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana, wa ilaihi an-nushur."" [Muslim] central-mosque

Leaving the home with the left foot Question Is there a hadith which says we should exit the house with the left foot? Answer There are numerous narrations which state that Nabi (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would use his right limbs for putting on clothes and carrying out honourable things like eating, combing his hair, wudhu etc. and his left limbs for removing his clothes and carrying out lowly, despicable things like istinja, entering the toilet etc. (See Sahih Bukhari, hadith: 168) Based on these hadiths, it is sunnah to do all honourable and respectful things with one’s right limbs and despicable things with one’s left limbs. The ‘Ulama have recommended entering the home with the right foot and leaving the home with the left foot based on the above principle, although they don’t quote any clear hadith stating this. (Fatawa Hadithiyyah of Ibn Hajar Al Haytami pg. 117 and Dalilul Falihin of Ibn ‘Allan, vol. 3 pg. 186) And Allah Ta’ala Knows best Verified by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar & Moulana Muhammad Abasoomer Hadith Answers

The Manner of Correcting People There is a procedure in correcting a person. If we go against the procedure then it will only create fitnah and problems. Going against the procedure and adopting a hard approach is only for those who are divinely assisted, for if they adopt a harsh approach then through the aid of Allah Ta‘ala there will be no fitnah that will come about. The problem nowadays is that we like to spectate and look to see who is being insulted and smashed down. Hence, we should ask ourselves, are we reading these articles for deeni reasons or for enjoyment? Will we ever enjoy reading about our father being disgraced? The correct procedure of correction is to address and speak to the person directly. If you have no authority and you make it public then you can face a lawsuit. If taken out in public then the public will get confused and they will lose confidence in the ‘Ulama, and this is what is happening nowadays. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also corrected others, but he did not use vulgar language and lose his akhlaaq. As a senior, one is not supposed to be chasing people away, but to bring them closer. This was the way of our elders. They avoided causing any split in the Ummah. Source: Al-Haadi

A beautiful new compilation of the teachings of our respected Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullah. words_to_treasure.pdf at tazkiyah

Wa'alaykumus salaam ww Jazaakillah!

: ) I've never seen a discussion on this topic without emotions getting the better of people... There would be jealousy as its a natural instinct however I believe it would work if everyone concerned (men and women) kept the laws of Allah ta'ala in the forefront. There are many examples of women quite happily sharing a husband...as seen here and here ...

Contact Details of Scholars The following qualified Scholars of Islam may be contacted for help and advise. Mufti Zubair Dudha (Hafizahullah) Islamic Tarbiyah Aacdemy Contact Page 45 Boothroyd Lane, West Town, Dewsbury, WF13 2RB Tel-Fax: (01924) 450422 Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Islamic Da'wah Academy Advise & Information Contact Page 120 Melbourne Road Leicester, England United Kingdom LE2 0DS Tel +44 116 262 5440 Fax +44 116 242 5016 Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Al-Haadi - Madrasah Taleemuddeen Contact Page Ispingo Beach South Africa Mufti Ebrahim Desai AskImam.org Contact Page Mufti A H Elias Al-Islam Contact Page Shaykh Faraz Rabbani Contact Page

References, Useful Links, and Further Reading The following resources are full of very beneficial advices which would be impossible to incorporate within the topic. We hope readers find them useful and become a means of finding tranquillity of the heart and peace of mind inshaAllah. Reading Material "Tafweez" - A Must Read! Shaykh Yunus Patel The Cure for Depression The Virtues of Patience Inter-Islam Suicide as seen in Islam Inter-Islam Don't be Sad Download Aaed ibn Abdullah al-Qarni At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the Muslims that have come before us. Don’t Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world. Patience & Gratitude By Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah This work deals with the closely-related topics of patience and gratitude. Although often translated as “patience”, the Arabic word sabr has a broader and deeper meaning than the English. Depending on the context, it may mean fortitude, patience, equanimity, forbearance, patient endurance, etc. Shukr may be translated as “gratitude” or "thankfulness". As is shown in the book, patience and gratitude are two sides of the same coin, closely-related attitudes which the Muslim should seek to foster in every aspect of his or her life. This kind of spiritual advice is something that today’s Muslims so desperately need. Far from being a set of empty rituals and nit-picking legal technicalities, or a set of words to be repeated or chanted ad nauseam, Islâm is a holistic way of life: if it is applied only partially, imbalance will result. Patience_and_Gratitude.pdf Cure for Depression For steps to help cure depression and other beneficial reading material Vicious Cycle of Depression Info-Vicious Cycle of Depression.pdf Audio Shaykh Hasan Ali The Solution to all your Problems Part 1 & 2 - MUST LISTEN!! http://www.mediafire.com/listen/lyd3245d3hrbcd4/The_Solution_to_all_your_Problems_-_1-2_-_Shaykh_Hasan_Ali.mp3#sthash.h2bha21I.dpuf http://www.mediafire.com/listen/q13895inc9l2w4a/The_Solution_to_all_your_Problems_-_2-2_-_Shaykh_Hasan_Ali.mp3#sthash.h2bha21I.dpuf Shaykh Sulaiman Moola Why You are Depressed and The Cure! Depression is one of the most contemporary and paramount issues present in the world today — Whether it is in the Muslim or the Non-Muslim World. The psychiatric industry shows depression research as the largest budgetary item, totaling nearly a third of NIMH's $604-million annual expenditures. Muslims have been given the best cure, for depression 1400 years ago, however, unfortunately most of us Muslims are unaware of it. Many of the Muslim youth are flooded with depression in their lives, and since the youth make up more than 50% of the total Muslim population, thus, the Muslims in general are greatly impacted. "Truly in the heart there is a void that can not be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that can not be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it there is an emptiness that can not be filled except with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness" [Not a Hadith]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aY-QRHPWuk Depression vs Contentment Q&A Sheikh Sulaiman Moola http://www.mediafire...aiman_Moola.mp3 Suicide the Killer Shaykh Sulaiman Moola Mufti Abdurrahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera Dealing with Depression and the Realities of Patience Mufti Ismail Menk DEPRESSED Stay Calm Because Life is a Test http://www.mediafire...e_is_a_Test.mp3 Do you have problems in life-Watch This http://www.mediafire..._Mufti_Menk.mp3 Nouman Ali Khan I feel Ugly and Depressed, Help http://mfi.re/listen/uw2diad9fuh4afh/I_FEEL_UGLY_AND_DEPRESSED,_HELP_-_ISLAMIC_LECTURES_-_NOUMAN_ALI_KHAN.mp3 Depression and Grief-A Result of Our Sins Imam Mohammad Khalid

أنا لله و أنا اليه راجعون Contemplating on its meaning will Remove all Grief Shaikh Mohammad Kaleem (Allah preserve him) a senior khalifa of Arif billah Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi (Allah have mercy on him) said to a brother who lost his twenty three year old son suddenly, ‘It is only in Islamic teaching that we find a definite contentment from grief and loss. It is very effective and well tested. At the times of grief and loss we recite, أنا لله و أنا اليه راجعون “We certainly belong to Allah, and to Him we are bound to return.” (2:156) However, it is a pity that we do it without contemplating on its meaning. In fact the reality revealed in this verses is so immense that contemplating on its meaning will remove all grief. In it Allah conveys , that in relationships this (lost one) maybe your mother, wife, father or son, etc., however, all these relationships are temporal (majazi) and temporary. They have been created for effective functioning of the society in this world. Whereas, in this verse Allah makes it explicitly clear that nothing in this universe belongs to anyone. It all belongs to Allah alone. Why is it so? It is because Allah is the creator. They are all created. He created them from nothing. He is their Sustainor. They all belong to Him. They can not comprehend the rationality behind His commands and magnanimity of His decrees. They have been instructed with these temporal relationships of being a father, mother, wife, etc. In reality they all belong to Allah and He alone owns them. Hence, He has full right to deal in their affairs as He desires. No one can question or forbid Him. Moreover, it is His mercy that He has informed us in advance that we are going to be afflicted with grief and loss either in financial issues or in status or with death of a dear one. And in these circumstance if we observe the patience that is required, that is, the proclamation of His Divinity and acknowledgement that every thing belongs to Him alone, then we will be rewarded with a compensation that is beyond our imagination. Moreover, we will receive His special mercy, salutations and be from the perfectly guided individuals. An immense reward indeed for patience. How can a person grieve when he acknowledges that everything belongs to Allah alone, He has full right to do whatsoever and He does so with absolute wisdom.’ Shaikh Mohammad Kaleem sahib db’s residence. Darul Uloom Karachi, Sunday, noon, 18th December 2012.

Preventative Measures From the advices and prescriptions mentioned in previous posts we have compiled a list of preventative measures which if adopted when faced with any form of hardship, worry, anxiety. fear etc., there is very little chance of the development of depression. As soon as one is struck by any Affliction Adopt Tafweedh Do not say, "If Only" . Adopt Patience & Turn to Prayer: Turn to Allah with Du'a Increase Repentance Adopt Tawakkul Seek Advice from Reliable Muslim Scholars Seek Medical help when Necessary

General Advices of Islamic Scholars for Sufferers of Depression The solution to all our anxieties, depression and worries Depression cannot be dealt with in Isolation The Importance of Seeking Both Professional and Spiritual Help Be grateful: Focus on the abundant good in your life. There are many worse off Excuse Me! You are Not Running the World, HE is. In Financial Worries Staying Positive and Staying Productive Be Proactive Do not Zero in on your Worries Have Confidence One Step at a Time This life is Temporary, the Hereafter is forever Make the Quran and the Remembrance of Allah your Partner How should we as Muslims deal with life's ups and downs?

Whatever the Problem, do not Despair, Find Comfort & Remedies from the Qur'an and Sunnah! The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, said: "There is a remedy for every malady, and when the remedy is applied to the disease it cures it with the permission of Allah, the Exalted and Glorious." (Muslim) The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Qur'an." (Tirmidhi) For the Depressed there is Peace: For the Sick there is Cure For Debts there is Relief For the Hopeless, there is Hope For the Lost, there is Guidance: For those who fear they are under the influence of Black Magic/Jinn

Specific Du'as from the Qur'an & Sunnah for Anxiety, Worry, Distress, Affliction, Calamity..... Prescription for Distress given by Allāh Ta’ālā Himself Protection from Worry & Depression When Struck by any Affliction When in Distress Du'a for Protection from Worry, Grief & Debt Du'a for when in Distress Du'a for when in anxiety or grief Repentance a means of Alleviation of Difficulties, Hardship & Debt Medicine for 99 Ailments Allah is Sufficient The Verse of Honour

I lovvve the way the Ahlullaah explain these things!!!! Jazaakillah for these inspiring and very beneficial posts! May Allah ta'ala make them a means of our attaining His everlasting pleasure for all of us, aameen

Suicide | No Solution Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem By Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) Despite severe suffering, persecution and torture, not a single Sahabi (companion) of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) nor a single Wali (friend) of Allah Ta’ala, throughout history, ever committed suicide. Their trials were borne with patience, perseverance and fortitude, which strengthened their Imaan (faith) in Allah Ta’ala. The large number of suicides that occur every day in the world is due to disbelief or weak faith in Allah Ta’ala. Those who commit suicide think that they are going to escape the difficulties, pains and problems of this world, but they will be severely punished for taking their lives. And how will they then escape the pain of the punishment that is meted out for taking their lives? We should, however, not pass judgment regarding the person who has taken his or her life. Judgment should be left to Allah Ta’ala, for we do not know in what mental state the person was in – for example, severe depression – to have snapped and committed suicide. Source

Suicide is not the Answer nor is it an Escape! Committing Suicide (as we are all aware) is strictly forbidden in Islam and can never be justified. No matter how miserable and depressed one becomes, one must not kill oneself. Allah Most High says: Do not kill yourselves, for indeed Allah is Most Merciful to you. (Surah al-Nisa, V. 29) A person, who commits suicide, does so believing it an escape from his crisis so he ends his life willing to bear a moment of pain and may throw himself of a cliff or drink a poisonous substance. Yet the following hadith shows that he actually brings upon himself that pain not just momentarily but again and again in Hell-fire. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: Whoever intentionally throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in the fire (of Hell) falling down into it and abiding therein eternally forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the fire (of Hell) wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the fire (of Hell) wherein he will abide eternally forever. (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) The following are advices of Scholars Impermissibility of Suicide Rather than take life... Suicide is the result of... Is suicide permissible under extreme circumstances? There is no Escape Do not Despair! Further Reading: Suicide as seen in Islam Audio Suicide the Killer Shaykh Sulaiman Moola

Recall the Trials of Prophets When you are hurt by people who share blood relations with you, Recall Yusuf (a.s) who was also betrayed by his brothers When you find your parents opposing you in deen Recall Ibrahim (a.s) and his father When you are stuck in some problem and find no way out, Recall Yunus (a.s) who was stuck in a fish's stomach When you fall ill and your whole body cries in pain, Recall Ayub (a.s) who was more ill than us When you see some physical fault in yourself, Recall Musa (a.s) who could not properly speak When you feel lonely Recall how Adam (a.s) would have felt when he was sent to this earth alone. When you can't see any logic in whats going on & your heart asks why is this happening Recall Nuh (a.s) who made the biggest ship in the desert without questioning. SUBHANALLAH! ALLAH HU AKBAR! Allah put all those great personalities in trials so that someday someone like you and me, if being faced by any calamity should not question, "Why Me?" Recall the Trials of Rasoolullaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam and the Sahabah/Sahaabiyaat When you are mocked and abused by your own relatives just because you adopted deen over dunya, Recall Rasulullah (s.a.w) who faced the same situation When your child dies Recall Ibraheem (r.a.) death When your grown up children die Recall our beloved Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam burying two of his daughters When your daughter is divorced Recall our beloved Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam having back two of his daughters When your beloved and supportive wife (or relative) dies Recall the loss of his wife Khadeejah (r.a.) who supported him throughout his first years of prohethood When you're made to leave your homeland Recall our beloved Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam turning toward Makkah and sadly bidding it farewell when he made the Hijrah When someone slanders you Recall Aisha (r.a) who was also slandered through the whole city

Tears will Fall & Hearts will Break! To feel grief is beyond one’s control and to shed tears is not against the concept of patience. If patience is in the heart, the body will remain in control and one’s actions will be those that please Allah. One’s tongue will not utter that which displeases Allah and one will continue to fulfil one’s duties to Allah and the Creation. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? I pray the five Salaat and still Allah did this? These statements, made when afflictions and calamities strikes are contrary to Sabr (Patience). Words of complaint and anger directed at Allah ta'ala, impatience, despair etc. cannot change or prevent the decree of Allah ta'ala. Grief and heartache are present at some calamity or loss of a loved one however Muslims are taught not to say that which is contrary to Sabr. At the death of his beloved son Ibrahim, our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam started shedding tears at which a Companion, ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf said, “O Allah’s Apostle, even you are weeping!” He said, “O Ibn ‘Auf, this is mercy.” Then he wept more and said, “The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim ! Indeed we are grieved by your separation.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #23, Hadith #390) When Prophet Ya'qoob AS despaired of ever seeing his son Yusuf AS, he turned to Allah, and the Qur'an tells us that he beseeched Him for relief. “He said: ‘I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God, and I know from God that which you know not.’” (Quran 12:86) The Qur'an also tells us that Prophet Ayyoob AS turned to Allah begging of His mercy. He was impoverished, stricken with disease, and he lost his family, friends, and livelihood yet he bore all this with patience and forbearance and turned to Allah. “And (remember) Job, when he cried to his Lord, ‘Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’ So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us (God).” (Quran 21: 83-84) Reading and pondering over the hardships suffered by our Prophets 'alayhimus salaam., the Sahaba Radhiyallaahu 'anhum and the Awliya ra; reflecting on the hardships suffered by those worse off than us, those with heart rending diseases, those in war torn countries, those made homeless, hungry and bereaved by natural disasters; one will be left with a firm conviction that no matter how grave one’s situation is, there is still much to be grateful for. This will help one to come to terms with one’s grief quickly and the depressing mood will not be allowed to continue. Peace will enter the heart and despair will turn to hope. So let the tears fall but let the heart be filled with patience! With humility and submission acceptance of the decree of Allah ta'ala will bring peace.

How can Trials & Tests Benefit a Muslim? Calamities benefit the believer because reward is stored up for him/her in the Hereafter thereby he/she is raised in status and his/her bad deeds are expiated. Hadith books are full of promises of such reward by which a Believer can take comfort. Greatest Reward comes with the Greatest Trial “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396) and Ibn Maajah (4031) Good for the Believer in Peace and Adversity Man is tested with both trials and tranquillity both of which are a way of attaining the pleasure of Allah and everlasting peace. The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam said, “How amazing is the case of the believer; there is good for him in everything, and this is only so for the believer. If he experiences something pleasant, he is thankful, and that is good for him; and if he comes across adversity, he is patient, and that is good for him.” [Muslim] Sorrow/Grief Wipes away Sins Hadrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When a Mu'min experiences any fatigue, disease, sorrow, grief, hurt or distress, even to the extent that if a thorn has to prick him, Allah Ta'ala wipes away some of his sins for that.' (Sahih Bukhaari) Sickness Compensates for our Sins Hadrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whenever a Muslim experiences any hardship like sickness (etc.), Allah Ta'ala wipes away his sins just as a tree sheds its leaves during autumn.' (Bukhaari and Muslim) Affliction leads to Sins Falling Away Hadrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Afflictions continuously fall upon the lives, wealth and children of those men and women who have Imaan as a result of which, their sins keep falling off from them until such time that they (die and) meet Allah in the state that none of their sins remain.' (Tirmizi, Maalik) Hardship leads to High Ranks Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has also said, '(Sometimes) a very high rank (in Allah's sight) is decreed for a Mu'min which he could never have attained by virtue of his deeds, so Allah Ta'ala lets him experience some hardship, whether it be physical, material (financial, etc.) or concerning his children. Then, He makes him patient and lets him attain the position decreed for him.' (Ahmad, Abu Dawood) Therefore, although it is bitter to bear calamities and misfortunes with patience, we should consider it sweet in view of the great bounty attainable through it. The difficulty and hardship of only a few days will be followed by a life of eternal happiness, Inshaa Allah. Angels Continue writing good deeds for the Sick Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When a (righteous) person (who dutifully performs his ibaadah) becomes sick, the angels appointed to record his deeds are instructed by Allah Ta'ala: Continue recording in his Book of Deeds those actions which he used to perform when he was healthy, until he either gets better or I call him unto Me.' Angels Continue writing good deeds for the Sick and those on a Journey Hadrat Abu Moosa (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'When a person becomes sick or goes on a journey, then those (good) deeds are written down in his favour which he used to perform when he was at home and in good health.' (Sahih Bukhaari) Reward as Compensation for Enduring Hardship Hadrat Jaabir (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'On the Day of Qiyaamah, when people will be given their sawaab (reward) in compensation for their suffering and difficulties in the world, then those people who had always lived a life of ease and comfort will (regretfully) wish that their skins were cut with scissors in the world.' (Tirmizi) Glad Tidings for the Blind Hadrat Anas bin Maalik (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that he heard Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying that Allah Ta'ala said, 'If I deprive My slave of his two beloved possessions (i.e. his eyes) and he bears it patiently, I will let him enter Jannah in compensation for them.' (Sahih Bukhaari) Fever Wipes out Sins Once Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) went to the home of Umm Saa-ib (Radiyallaahu anha) and asked her, 'What is the matter? Why are you shivering?' She replied, 'I have a fever. May Allah not bless it!' Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Do not curse fever since it wipes out the sins of the Children of Aadam just as a furnace removes dirt from iron.' (Sahih Muslim) Shaykh al-Islam [ibn Taymiyah] (may Allah have mercy on him) said: A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah.” Sufyaan said: What a person dislikes may be better for him than what he likes, because what he dislikes causes him to call upon Allah, whereas what he likes may make him heedless.

The Purpose of Trials & Tests Trials and tests are a sign of Allah’s love for a person, because they are like medicine: even though it is bitter, despite its bitterness you give it to the one whom you love. The Divine Wisdom Behind Suffering

Trials are a part of Life & we WILL be Tested As we have seen, the causes of depression are many, often with more than one factor contributing to it. Stressful situations like divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, etc. can become contributing factors to depression. Such trials are common place in the lives of both Muslims and non Muslims. We are, by the grace of Almighty Allah, Believers, and as Believers in every situation we turn to the true and eternal faith. As Believers we know we shall be tested as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, we believe, and will not be tested? And indeed We tested those who were before them” (Ankaboot, 2-3) "Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, but give glad tidings to those who are steadfast, who say when afflicted with calamity: 'To Allah we belong and to him is our return..' They are those on who (descend) blessings from Allah and mercy and they are the once that receive guidance." (Al-Baqarah: 155) Why the Tests? Is it due to our Sins? Allah knows we can Handle it Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'an, ‘Allah does not impose a soul except according to its capability…’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286)