Discover Islam ...

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah's Decree, Free Will, and Our Sins[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Everything in existence is subject to Allah’s will and power. For Muslims, this goes without saying. It is an essential tenet of every Muslim's faith. Allah says: "Indeed, Allah has power over all things." [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]However, this is no excuse for human beings to evade responsibility for their own decisions. No one can argue that it was their fate to sin. We know this from firsthand experience. We know instinctively that we make our own decisions. We choose to do some things and refrain from doing other things. We carry out intentional actions. We intend, for instance, to travel or stay at home, to eat or to sleep. When we carry out these and other intentional actions, we recognize that we are doing so of our own volition. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It is on the basis of these intentions of ours that Allah judges us. We are not judged for the involuntary actions of our bodies, nor for what we are forced to do under compulsion or duress. ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-240-3542.htm

 

[Cordoba]

God's Attribute of Forgiveness

Limitless in His glory, God outlines to His servants these of His attributes that have a profound effect on their lives. Thus, He raises their hopes and fears, making them feel that they are within His grasp and can never elude what He wills. The attributes highlighted here are:

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Almighty: He is overpowering. No one can get the better of Him, while He has power over all things. When He decides something, nothing can stop this from occurring. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The All-Knowing: He conducts all affairs on the basis of perfect knowledge. Nothing is hidden from Him. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He forgives sins: He grants His forgiveness on the basis of His knowledge about those servants who deserve to be forgiven. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He accepts repentance: When sinners repent, He accepts their repentance and bestows His grace on them, opening the door for them to address Him directly. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]He is severe in retribution: He punishes the arrogant who are hardened in sin, unwilling to show regret or seek forgiveness. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Limitless in bounty: He bestows His limitless grace, multiplies the reward for good deeds and gives without reckoning. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There is no deity other than Him: He alone is the Godhead who has no partners or equals. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To Him is the ultimate return: None can evade meeting Him or escape accountability. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]These attributes provide a clear outline of the interrelation between Him and His servants. They should be clear in their feelings, thoughts and understanding of how to deal with Him. Then, they will have no ambiguity about what pleases Him or incurs His anger. ...[/FONT]

http://islamonline.com/news/articles/6/God-s-attribute-of-forgiveness.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Aspects of Islamic Faith: Attending to Urgent Matters[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Muslims offer their obligatory prayers five times every day. These prayers are spread between dawn and a few hours into the following night. The best way to offer these obligatory prayers is at the mosque, with the congregation and early in the time range allowed for each. When a prayer is offered with the congregation, everyone attending it receives its reward multiplied 27 times. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet's companions were very keen to offer their prayers with him in the mosque. After he finished the prayer, he would sit for a few minutes, glorifying and praising God. Women in the congregation would leave first. Men would stay behind, listening to anything the Prophet (peace be upon him) might want to say to them. However, this habit was changed one day, as we learn from this Hadith: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Uqbah reports: "I offered the Asr prayer behind the Prophet in Madinah. When he finished, he stood up and moved quickly, walking across people who were still seated. He went to the rooms of one of his wives. The people were alarmed at the speed of his movement. He returned shortly and realized that people were alarmed. He explained, saying: [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"I remembered that there was some gold with us, and I feared that it might hold me back. I ordered that it should be immediately distributedâ" (Related by Al-Bukhari). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet's action caused some alarm among his companions, because when we attend to worship, we are calm and eager to complete our act of worship in the best manner. In this case, the Prophet's action was uncharacteristic. While he normally sat for a few minutes after the prayer, this time he immediately went home to attend to an urgent [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]business[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]. He did not explain to his companions what he wanted to do. He left them so that they could continue with their usual glorification of God. On his return, which was not delayed, he gave the explanation. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When we read this version of the Hadith we wonder why the Prophet needed to attend so quickly to the division of the gold he had at home. Other versions tell us the gold did not belong to him or to his wives, but it was either zakah or charity given to him so that he would give it to those entitled to benefit by it. It is important to ensure that zakah, i.e. the obligatory charity, should be paid out as soon as it becomes due. It belongs to God who has clearly stated who qualifies to take a share of it. Such people, poor, needy or in debt and unable to repay their debts, are in need of it. It is theirs by God's order who gives us all that we have. Therefore, we must not withhold it for any reason. The Prophet had earlier forgotten about this gold and attended to his prayer. While praying he remembered it, so he was keen not to delay its distribution. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We also realize from this Hadith that remembering things we need to do while praying does not invalidate prayers, even though what we remember has no relation to the prayer we are engaged in. We learn that we can immediately leave after finishing an obligatory prayer if we have something urgent to attend to. This does not need to be related to religion. Any urgent legitimate business may be addressed immediately after prayer, even if we need to go across the rows of worshippers and they have to move sideways to let us through. Staying in the mosque for glorification after an obligatory prayer is not a duty[/FONT]

http://islamonline.com/news/articles/6/Aspects-of-Islamic-Faith--50-Attending-to-urgent.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]An Easygoing Approach to Faith[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Religion is human nature. Allah created religious awareness as a component of the human being. Our very natures recognize essential moral values. This is what makes those values universal. When a person acquires religious knowledge, he or she discovers something about his or her inner self, something that was always there. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]As for taking things in an easygoing manner, this leaves people with fertile ground for their innate upright natures to grow and develop naturally. It gives people leave to conduct their own affairs as long as they do not transgress against the dictates of the Islamic faith or the rights of other people. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There is an ethical basis which all human beings share, and which Islam came to perfect and bring into sharper relief. Islam did not come to strip people of their innate ethical awareness or overturn it. Rather, it came to confirm and strengthen it. ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-240-542.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ten ways to achieve lasting love [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Since marital love is prone to sickness and even death, it is imperative for couples to constantly work to revitalize and preserve it.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Husbands and wives must do the following:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]1. They have to get in the habit of saying things that are positive, like offering compliments and like making little prayers for each other.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A husband could say to his wife: “If I were sent back to the days of my youth, I would not choose for a wife anyone besides you.” Of course, the wife can easily say something similar to her husband.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Affectionate words have an effect, especially on women. They have, indeed, often been the weapons used by unscrupulous men to gain access to what is not theirs. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Sweet words arouse a woman’s heart. A husband should take care to say them to his wife before someone else does.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]2. Husbands and wives have to get into the habit of doing those little things that mean so much. If a man comes home to find his wife asleep, he can cover her and tuck her into bed. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A husband can give his wife a call from work just to say hello and to let her know that he is thinking about her.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If a wife finds that her husband has fallen asleep, she can give him a little kiss on the forehead, even if she thinks that he will not be aware of it. Indeed, on some level his senses are working even though he is asleep and he may very well be aware of it.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the value of these little things, “…even the morsel of food that you place in your wife’s mouth…” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It may very well be that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alluding to the expenditure of a man for his wife’s needs. Nonetheless, the Prophet (peace be upon him) chose to express it in the way he did for a reason. Most importantly, this is the way the Prophet peace be upon him) conducted himself with his family.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This type of behavior is governed by the tastes of the people involved. It may take some getting used to, but it really does not take a lot of effort.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A person who is not accustomed to such things may feel embarrassed just hearing about them and may prefer to leave matters the way they are rather than try to change his behavior and do things that he might see as ridiculous.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Still, we must be willing introduce new habits into our lives if we do not want our problems to go on forever.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]3. The husband and wife must set aside time to talk to each other. They should talk about the past; reminisce about the good times. Talking about them keeps them fresh in our minds as if they had happened only yesterday. They should talk about the future and share their hopes and their plans. They should also talk about the present, both the good and bad of it, and discuss different ways to solve their problems.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]4. Keeping close physical contact is good for the relationship. This is not just for times of intimacy, but at all times, like when sitting in the lounge or walking down the street. This is regardless of the fact that there are still men in our society who are ashamed to have people see them walking in public with their wives at their sides.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]5. Emotional support should be guaranteed whenever it is required. When the wife is pregnant or on her monthly period, she may need her husband to lend her a little moral support. He should take her mental state into consideration. Medical experts attest to the fact that when women go through pregnancy, menstruation, or postpartum bleeding, they suffer from psychological stress that can aversely affect their behavior. It is at times like these that a woman needs her husband’s support. She needs him to let her know how much she means to him and how much he needs her in his life.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Likewise, the husband might fall ill or come under a lot of difficulties. The wife must take these things into consideration. If people want their relationship to last, they must let each other feel that support.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]6. There have to be some material expressions of love. Gifts should be given, sometimes without there being any occasion for it, since a pleasant surprise is always welcome. A good gift is one that expresses feelings of affection. It does not have to be expensive, but it has to be appropriate for the other’s tastes and personality; something that will be cherished.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]7. The husband and wife have to learn how to be more tolerant of each other and overlook one another’s shortcomings. It should become a habit to forget about the little mistakes of daily life and not even bring them up. Silence in these trivialities is a sign of noble character ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-239-468.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Coping with an Ill-Tempered Child[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We are often surprised and hurt by the things we hear our children say in anger, their hands folded across their chests, words like: “I hate you!” and “I don’t want you!” and “I don’t love you anymore!” [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Children say such things when they are angry, and parents are often at a loss to respond with anything other than harsh words, curses, and a good smack. Most parents have no better remedy to administer and justify themselves by saying that they are disciplining their children for their bad manners. ........[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Many parents are confused about what they should do first when their child gets angry – should they focus on the cause of the anger or on the anger itself? [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In my personal estimation, it seems that seeking a solution for the cause of the anger is better than trying to remedy the anger itself. Eliminating the cause of a problem is invariably a solution to the problem[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]If we as adults fail to exhibit any self-restraint when we are angry, how can we expect our children to do so? It is important for us to raise our children to know how to stay calm and collected and deal with things in a rational manner. If we are neglectful in this, then we will have no recourse but to calm the child down when he gets angry and then try to find out how to deal with the cause of his anger ......[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-239-485.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Does God Know the Future?[/FONT]

Q: Does God know everything that is going to happen? - Does He have absolute control on the outcome of everything? - If so, how is that fair for us? Where is our free will then?

A: Allah knows everything that will happen. The first thing that He created was the "pen" and He ordered the pen to write. The pen wrote until it had written everything that would happen. And then Allah began to create the universe. All of this was already known to Him before He created it. He does have absolute and total control at all times. There is nothing that happens except that He is in total control of it at all times.

" [FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]..Allah accepts the repentance of whom He wills. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][Noble Quran 9:15] [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]" [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]..Truly He! Only He, is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise." [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][Noble Quran 12:100] [/FONT]

And Allah only, has Free Will, He Wills whatever He likes and it will always happen as He wills. We have something called, "Free choice." The difference is that what Allah "Wills" always happens and what we choose may or may not happen.

We are not being judged on the outcome of things, we are being judged on our choices. This means that at the core of everything will always be our intentions. Whatever we intended, is what we will have the reward for. Each person will be judged according to what Allah gave them to work with, how they used it and what they intended to do with it. ...


http://www.godallah.com/future.php

 

[Cordoba]

Is God Pure, Good, Loving and Fair?

If so, then where does evil, hatred and injustice come from?

Allah tells us He is Pure, Loving, and absolutely Just in every respect. He says He is the Best of Judges.

He also tells us the life we are in here is a test. He has created everything existing and He created whatever happens as well. There is nothing in this existence except what He has created. He also says in the Quran He created evil (although He is not evil). He is using this as one of the many tests for us.

Consider people who do so much evil in the earth and then live to a ripe old age in the splendor and wealth of their ill-gotten gains and die without ever being taken to task for their deeds. Where is the justice or fairness in this? Allah provides a clear answer for us in Quran as to what is in store for these most evil of people:

A brief enjoyment in this world! - and then unto Us will be their return, then We shall make them taste the severest torment because they used to disbelieve [in Allah, belie His Messengers, deny and challenge His proofs, signs, verses, etc.] [Noble Quran 10:70] ...

Reward and punishment are definitely a part of the Next Life on a very permanent basis. Those who suffer in this life and seemly have nothing to show for all their hard works, good deeds and sacrifices and maintaining the faith can look forward to a far greater reward in a place where these things will not be temporary but rather they will be for eternity. Those who corrupt, violate, injure and do evil and destruction seem to escape any justice here, yet in the Next Life they too will see the fruits of their labors, and certainly they will be paid according to what they have done as well.

As regards oppression, this is something Allah forbids for Himself to do to anyone and He hates it when anyone oppresses someone else. He does have absolute power over everything. He allows sickness, disease, death and even oppression so we can all be tested in what we do. ...

God Allah - Did God Create Evil Too?

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Vitality of Life[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Life is like water. When it stands still, it stagnates. As long as it is flowing, it stays pure and clear. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There are many subtle meanings to be learned from this truth of Allah’s Creation, lessons that can broaden the mind. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We can discern this fact from the study of history, by examining the lives of individuals, dynasties, societies, and nations. They never remained for long periods of time in lethargy and inaction without undergoing change. ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-242-489.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]“And He taught Adam the names of all things…”[/FONT]

It is from Allah’s kindness and immense favor to us that he has endowed the human being with the ability to learn. Allah has given us our unique faculties for acquiring knowledge.

When Allah created Adam (peace be upon him), the angels exclaimed in surprise: “Are you placing (on Earth) one who will do harm therein and shed blood, while we hymn Your praise and sanctify You?” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 30]

But Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, and He explained to them that the way in which Adam enjoyed superiority to them was because: “He taught Adam the names of all things.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 31]

Then Allah commanded the angels to inform the things of their names. When they were unable to do so, they replied: “Glory be to You! We possess no knowledge save what You have taught us.” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 32]

Then Allah turned to Adam and said: “Inform them of their names.”

When Adam did so, Allah addressed the angels saying: “Did I not tell you that I know what is unseen in the heavens and on Earth, and I know what you reveal and what you hide?” [Sūrah al-Baqarah: 33]

Humanity has inherited from Adam the ability to acquire knowledge. We are able to learn about the world around us and the things that it contains. We have the power of language and the ability to reason. This is from Allah’s immense favor upon us. ...

“And He taught Adam the names of all things…” | IslamToday - English

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Our Small Place in Allah’s Creation[/FONT]

People sometimes fancy themselves as being all-important, looking disdainfully from side to side, holding their noses high in the air. But if they would only regard these great and awe-inspiring creations around them, it would give them a sense of humility and they would become humble before their Lord.

Things to Consider:

1. At the time of conception, between five and six hundred million sperm cells pass through the vaginal tract, each of them capable of fertilizing the egg and becoming a human being. But Allah in His wisdom selects one from all of those millions to fertilize the egg, and this one will develop into the fully-formed human being Allah chooses to create, a being that by Allah’s grace possesses the capacity to reason and to dispose of its affairs.

This is how we were all created, so we should feel humility in recognition of the greatness and grandeur of our Lord. We should remember our humble beginnings so we can appreciate the vast difference between that little drop of mixed fluid from which we were conceived and the fully formed human beings we are today. This should compel us to glorify Allah, remain aware of Him at all times, and thank Him.

2. There are over one hundred trillion cells in the human body. Inside each of these cells are organelles, systems, complex processes, and vast stores of information. Each and every detail of the cell glorifies its Lord while carrying out its role in the cell in an exemplary manner. ...

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-242-3606.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Intuitive Guidance and Blindness of the Heart[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Moral direction is a self-propelled energy that, when unobstructed by the burden of sins, spontaneously sets in motion one's whole being toward the reminiscence of the most basic truth: the perennial existence of the One and Only God. ...[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The relentless search for God conducted by Prophet Abraham (PBUH) is a palpable example of an unblemished fitra, which prompted him to pronounce a star, the moon and the sun all unworthy of being the sought out One and Unique God (VI, 75-79). ...[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Now, if human creation is endowed with this primeval notion of the One and Only God, then Revelation becomes not only a Reminder as it is often stated in the Koran, but a further proof of the indulgence of the All-Merciful. Should the absence thereof absolve human beings from seeking the road to God? Not in the least. For there is an intimate association between individuation and knowledge of God: to be born is but to be innately held accountable toward the Creator. Hence the use, above, of the term reminiscence, which, in mystical philosophy, evokes the imperfect recollection of the Divine Idea (i.e. God) in a previously disembodied existence ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0812-3761

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Knowledge and the Heart [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In Islam knowledge is not an end in itself. It is essential, but it is not enough. Its value lies in being an aid to achieving the ultimate goal of man's life. The goal is to be - to attain a state of being that is pleasing to his Creator and Master. Thus Knowledge must go beyond itself to help us become what we need to be.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In our earthly existence each human being is constantly engaged in shaping his evolving identity and giving it its final mould. This final shape may be pleasing to Allah or may not be. We ourselves may or may not be aware that we are engaged in this activity, but there is no escape from it. Islam teaches us to always remain aware of this truth and to be on our guard, for this is a serious matter - nothing can be more serious. Our safety and success with our Lord depends on this [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The substance of our identity is a compound of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Knowledge can color and influence all these. The effect, beneficial or harmful, which knowledge has on our thoughts, feelings and actions depends entirely on the kind of heart we bring to knowledge. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The heart may be sound or sick, or as Allah calls it 'blind'.In Islam knowledge is not an end in itself. It is essential, but it is not enough. Its value lies in being an aid to achieving the ultimate goal of man's life. The goal is to be - to attain a state of being that is pleasing to his Creator and Master. Thus Knowledge must go beyond itself to help us become what we need to be.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In our earthly existence each human being is constantly engaged in shaping his evolving identity and giving it its final mould. This final shape may be pleasing to Allah or may not be. We ourselves may or may not be aware that we are engaged in this activity, but there is no escape from it. Islam teaches us to always remain aware of this truth and to be on our guard, for this is a serious matter - nothing can be more serious. Our safety and success with our Lord depends on this [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The substance of our identity is a compound of our thoughts, feelings and actions. Knowledge can color and influence all these. The effect, beneficial or harmful, which knowledge has on our thoughts, feelings and actions depends entirely on the kind of heart we bring to knowledge. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The heart may be sound or sick, or as Allah calls it 'blind'. ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC1005-4160

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah is al-Aziz (The Mighty) [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The name al-`Azîz appears seventy-two times in the Qur’ân, usually in conjunction with other names of Allah. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]For example: “the Mighty, the Wize” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 129] “the Mighty, the All-Knowing” [Sûrah al-An`âm: 96] “the Mighty, the Lord of Retribution” [Sûrah آl `Imrân: 96] “the Mighty, the Forgiving” [Sûrah Fâtir: 28] “the Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving” [Sûrah Sâd: 66] “the Mighty, the Praiseworthy” [Sûrah Ibrâhîm: 1] [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The same pattern of linking the name al-`Azîz with other names can be found in numerous hâdith. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah is the possessor of strength who faces no incapacity. Nothing can overpower Him or harm Him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) relates that Allah says: “None of you has the power to bring me any harm or benefit.” [Sahîh Muslim (2577)] [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The name al-`Azîz (the Mighty) is most often coupled with the name al-Hakîm (the Wize). This teaches us that Allah’s might is not like the might of mortal beings who abuse their power, misallocate the resources they control, and oppress those who are subject to them. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We also find the name al-`Azîz linked with al-Rahîm (the Merciful), which teaches us that in spite of the fact that Allah has such power over us, he withholds His wrath, grants us respite so we can make amends, and does not hasten to punish. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The name al-`Azîz often comes lined with al-`Alîm (the All-Knowing) to convey the idea of the precision and detail in His works and His proficiency. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It also comes linked with the name al-Hamîd (the Praiseworthy), conveying to us that Allah is worthy of praise in the laws he prescribes for us and the decrees he ordains for us. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah’s might transcends and surpasses all might and power. None can aspire to it. Allah says: “All might belongs to Allah.” [Sûrah Yûnus: 65] [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Rather, all might and power that created beings possess is bestowed on them by Him. He gives might in this world to whom he pleases ...[/FONT]

http://islamtoday.com/artshow-429-3608.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah Is The Rich, You Are The Poor[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This is a fact that none can escape, yet you go after the treasures of the world and renounce the Lord of Truth.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"Know that the life of this world is but a play and a passing delight and a beautiful show, and the (cause of) your boastful) vying with one another, and (of your) greed for more and more wealth and children." [57:20][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Look at this world with the eyes of your heart, you will find it ugly and loathsome; look at it with your physical eyes and it will lure you to the side and slaughter you.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Be content with whatever Allah has decreed for you. Fear Allah in your innermost being. Implement His commands. Once your heart complies with the Divine Decree, the Lord of Truth will grant you from sources you never imagined:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"And whosoever is conscious of Allah, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed Allah has sent a measure for all things." [65:2-3][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Beg of His mercy; turn to Him with a heart full of sincere repentance.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance." [66:8][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Stand before your Lord with humility, implore the Dispenser of Grace by His Most Beautiful Names and attributes of perfection. If He fulfills your wish, increase in your gratitude and servitude to Him. If He denies your request, then succumb to the Divine Decree of the All-Wise with a submissive heart. Do not argue or object to His will. Always remember:[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"…Allah knows and you know not." [24:19][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah disposes of everything as He wills, and commands as He wills ...[/FONT]

http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=598

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Zakah and its Uses [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The primary goal of zakah is to ameliorate the living conditions of the poor and the needy. ...[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In Islamic jurisprudence there are different opinions on the criteria of the poor and the needy. According to Hanafi jurisprudence following types of persons are eligible to benefit from zakah:

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]- Those who have nothing for their subsistence and basic necessities of life.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]- Those who own a house, furniture, means of conveyance etc., but can hardly afford their daily needs.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]- Those whose wealth is less than nisab (the minimum wealth on which zakah is payable).[/FONT]

[/FONT]Zakah and its Uses - Finance In Islam

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Sweetness of Prayer[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The prayer is one of the most beautiful acts of worship. When one does his tasleem* to end the prayer, there is a certain sense of serenity. Ibn Al-Jawzi said about the prayer:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]“We are in a garden, where our food is khushoo’ (devotion), and our drink is the tears that flow.”[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One could say that those were the people of old. No one feels this way anymore. But this isn’t true; one only has to realize the importance of prayer, and unlock the secrets of khushoo’ to taste this unique sweetness. Then the prayer becomes your refuge; the remover of your distress; something that you look forward to; and something that you wish would never end.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Let us begin to unlock these secrets and truly connect to our Lord when we pray ...[/FONT]

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/how-to-taste-the-sweetness-of-prayer/

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Guidance Through al-Fatiha[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ibn Al-Qayyim stated that the straight path we are asking to be guided upon consists of knowledge and actions, both internal and external. Yet a servant may not know all of the details, in terms of what to follow, what to avoid, and what earns Allah’s pleasure or displeasure. And what the servant doesn’t know may be more than what he does know. Thus, when we ask for guidance, we are also asking Allah to increase us in knowledge of these things...[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Amen![/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When we say “ameen” (’O Allah please respond’) at the end of the du`a’ of Surat Al-Fatiha, we should say it with all of our heart, because after knowing all of these meanings, we should have true devotion and really desire for Allah to respond to this magnificent du`a’[/FONT] ...

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/guidance-through-al-fatiha/

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Faith is Human Nature – What Does This Really Mean? [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When we believe in Allah, we are responding to our nature, and because it is in harmony with our nature, the existence or absence of faith must have a marked effect on a person's life. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Even someone left without any external influences upon his or her faith will come to a recognition of Allah's existence. Admittedly, that person's belief will not be complete with details about Allah's nature and attributes, or with any knowledge of the Law – since those are matters known only through revelation – but the awareness and recognition of a Higher Being will be there. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Some people try to explain away the instinctive nature of faith by saying it is nothing more than a symptom of human bewilderment at the world. This view is held especially by those who are opposed to religious belief. They argue that when early people saw lightning, heard thunder, and witnessed floods, volcanic eruptions, tempests, and other powerful natural phenomena, they felt in awe and ignorance of these things. According to critics of religion, it was merely the weakness and ignorance of early people that caused them to tend to a belief in a Higher Being. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]This understanding of faith is lacking. Faith is part of human experience, even for the most educated and sophisticated of people. A sense of faith is present in their lives. Ibn Qayyim describes this sense in the following way: "There persists disquiet in the heart that cannot be placated except by turning to Allah." ... [/FONT]

http://islamtoday.com/artshow-438-3454.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]You Alone We Worship[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]When we say “You alone do we worship,” we essentially declare our sincerity and remind ourselves of it. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]So we must ask ourselves – when we do something good, do we expect some kind of praise from others? Do we become bothered if we do not receive it? This means our act was not purely for the sake of God, rather for someone else too. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that the cure for this is to realize and internalize the fact that no one’s praise can benefit us, nor can their blame harm us. ...[/FONT]

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/personaldvlpt/it-is-you-we-worship-and-you-we-ask-for-help/