-
Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.
Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:- Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
- Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
- Access to private conversations with other members.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!
Spiritual Health and Purification of the Soul
- Thread starter Cordoba
- Start date
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Inner Tranquility
In more than one verse, the Quran directed believers to be keen on achieving inner tranquility, which originally emanates from having firm belief in Allahs Omnipotence and Omniscience.
It also emanates from worshipping Allah, oftly remembering Him, imploring Him earnestly. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says:
Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (13:28)
Thus, even if peace and security are lacking in society, a true believer always finds rest, peace of mind and tranquility by resorting to His Lord, depending on Him only.
Allah Almighty says:
Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrong doing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly guided (6:82)"
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545724
In more than one verse, the Quran directed believers to be keen on achieving inner tranquility, which originally emanates from having firm belief in Allahs Omnipotence and Omniscience.
It also emanates from worshipping Allah, oftly remembering Him, imploring Him earnestly. Referring to this, Allah Almighty says:
Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (13:28)
Thus, even if peace and security are lacking in society, a true believer always finds rest, peace of mind and tranquility by resorting to His Lord, depending on Him only.
Allah Almighty says:
Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrong doing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly guided (6:82)"
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503545724
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
To be Forgiving
Believers, who are very patient and forgiving, will not become angry and end their friendships just because of some minor mistakes and misgivings.
Instead, they will give the other person another chance, remind them of the truth, and help them change their behavior.
Instead of feeling anger and animosity toward their friends in public, they attempt to fix their mistakes and misgivings by giving examples from the Quran.
In sincere love, feelings of great understanding and tolerance reign supreme. Every situation will be resolved with love, understanding, and in peace.
http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/love/love_of_07.php
Believers, who are very patient and forgiving, will not become angry and end their friendships just because of some minor mistakes and misgivings.
Instead, they will give the other person another chance, remind them of the truth, and help them change their behavior.
Instead of feeling anger and animosity toward their friends in public, they attempt to fix their mistakes and misgivings by giving examples from the Quran.
In sincere love, feelings of great understanding and tolerance reign supreme. Every situation will be resolved with love, understanding, and in peace.
http://www.harunyahya.com/books/faith/love/love_of_07.php
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Generosity
For the Individual
Generosity is the opposite of stinginess. It stands for offering money, food, or any other lawful gaining out of ones free will. It is in fact the worthiest nature.
The generous is close to Allah, close to people, and close to Paradise. The stingy is remote from Allah, remote from people, and close to Hell. (Hadith)
For Society
A society cannot feel happy or tranquil unless its individuals feel the spirit of mutual sympathy and harmonize with each other in feelings and senses. Such being the case, the society will be just like a compact building.
Mutual sympathy has a bright picture that shines with beauty and brilliance. Undoubtedly, the noblest, most beautiful, and most everlasting picture of mutual sympathy is the feelings of the wealthy individuals for the poor. Such feelings will surely ease the pains of poverty.
By the application of this noble humane principal, (namely, the principals of mutual sympathy) the poor will bear the feelings of amicability towards the wealthy, and this will help the community live happily.
For the Individual
Generosity is the opposite of stinginess. It stands for offering money, food, or any other lawful gaining out of ones free will. It is in fact the worthiest nature.
The generous is close to Allah, close to people, and close to Paradise. The stingy is remote from Allah, remote from people, and close to Hell. (Hadith)
For Society
A society cannot feel happy or tranquil unless its individuals feel the spirit of mutual sympathy and harmonize with each other in feelings and senses. Such being the case, the society will be just like a compact building.
Mutual sympathy has a bright picture that shines with beauty and brilliance. Undoubtedly, the noblest, most beautiful, and most everlasting picture of mutual sympathy is the feelings of the wealthy individuals for the poor. Such feelings will surely ease the pains of poverty.
By the application of this noble humane principal, (namely, the principals of mutual sympathy) the poor will bear the feelings of amicability towards the wealthy, and this will help the community live happily.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Kindness to Parents
The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.
God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
The Quran says: Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. (17:23-4)
The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth.
God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.
The Quran says: Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. (17:23-4)
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Love and Human Perfection
Love is the most essential element in every being, and it is a most radiant light and a great power which can resist and overcome every force. Love elevates every soul which absorbs it, and prepares it for the journey to eternity.
A soul which has been able to make contact with eternity through love, exerts himself to implant in all other souls what he gets from eternity. He dedicates his life to this sacred duty, for the sake of which he endures every kind of hardship to the end, and just as he pronounces love in his last breath, he also breathes love while being raised on the Day of Judgement.
A soul without love is impossible to be elevated to the horizon of human perfection. Even if he lived hundreds of years, he could not make any advances on the path to perfection. Those who are deprived of love, since being entangled in the nets of selfishness, are unable to love anybody else and die unaware of love which is deeply implanted in the very being of existence.
http://en.fgulen.com/a.page/books/towards.the.lost.paradise/a562.html
Love is the most essential element in every being, and it is a most radiant light and a great power which can resist and overcome every force. Love elevates every soul which absorbs it, and prepares it for the journey to eternity.
A soul which has been able to make contact with eternity through love, exerts himself to implant in all other souls what he gets from eternity. He dedicates his life to this sacred duty, for the sake of which he endures every kind of hardship to the end, and just as he pronounces love in his last breath, he also breathes love while being raised on the Day of Judgement.
A soul without love is impossible to be elevated to the horizon of human perfection. Even if he lived hundreds of years, he could not make any advances on the path to perfection. Those who are deprived of love, since being entangled in the nets of selfishness, are unable to love anybody else and die unaware of love which is deeply implanted in the very being of existence.
http://en.fgulen.com/a.page/books/towards.the.lost.paradise/a562.html
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Compassion
Compassion means sensitivity to the condition or state of all creation, ie: human beings as well as animals and plants. A person cannot be compassionate unless he/she is sensitive to others needs and conditions.
Compassion towards the poor is so important that the Prophet used to say that even if one person remains hungry in a locality no angel would descend until that hungry person is fed. Also the Prophet is reported to have said that it is more meritorious to feed a hungry widow than to pray all night.
Thus one can see the intensity of the Prophets compassion towards others suffering. It was for this reason that even for expiation of one's sins the Quran requires feeding the hungry or liberating the oppressed.
http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/compassion_islamic_perspective.htm
Compassion means sensitivity to the condition or state of all creation, ie: human beings as well as animals and plants. A person cannot be compassionate unless he/she is sensitive to others needs and conditions.
Compassion towards the poor is so important that the Prophet used to say that even if one person remains hungry in a locality no angel would descend until that hungry person is fed. Also the Prophet is reported to have said that it is more meritorious to feed a hungry widow than to pray all night.
Thus one can see the intensity of the Prophets compassion towards others suffering. It was for this reason that even for expiation of one's sins the Quran requires feeding the hungry or liberating the oppressed.
http://www.crescentlife.com/spirituality/compassion_islamic_perspective.htm
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Have a Soft Heart
There are many ways through which one can become deeply devout and pious and have a soft heart. The best and most important of such ways is to have deep faith in Almighty Allah. True believers who deeply understand Almighty Allahs attributes and names revere Allah with all their hearts and show complete obedience to His teachings. ...
One of the things that help one get closer to Almighty Allah and hasten to return to Him in repentance is remembering the Day of Judgment.
http://islamonline.net/English/OnthePathofReturn/Articles/2005/07/04.shtml
All the best.
There are many ways through which one can become deeply devout and pious and have a soft heart. The best and most important of such ways is to have deep faith in Almighty Allah. True believers who deeply understand Almighty Allahs attributes and names revere Allah with all their hearts and show complete obedience to His teachings. ...
One of the things that help one get closer to Almighty Allah and hasten to return to Him in repentance is remembering the Day of Judgment.
http://islamonline.net/English/OnthePathofReturn/Articles/2005/07/04.shtml
All the best.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Heal Yourself Through Forgiveness
According to recent research, American scientists established that those capable of forgiveness are healthier in both mind and body.
Dr. Frederic Luskin, who holds a Ph.D. in Counselling and Health Psychology from Stanford University, and his team, studied 259 people living in the city of San Francisco. The scientists invited the subjects to attend six one-and-a-half-hour sessions, and aimed to instruct the subjects in forgiveness during their conversations.
The subjects of the experiments stated that they suffered less after forgiving people who had wronged them. The research showed that people who learned to forgive feel much better, not only emotionally but also physically. For example, it was established that after the experiment psychological and physical symptoms such as stress-related backache, insomnia and stomachaches were significantly reduced in these individuals.
In his book, Forgive for Good, Dr. Frederic Luskin describes forgiveness as a proven recipe for health and happiness. The book describes how forgiveness promotes such positive states of mind as hope, patience and self-confidence by reducing anger, suffering, depression and stress. According to Dr. Luskin, harboured anger causes observable physical effects in the individual.
http://www.islamonline.net/english/science/2004/11/article02.shtml
All the best.
According to recent research, American scientists established that those capable of forgiveness are healthier in both mind and body.
Dr. Frederic Luskin, who holds a Ph.D. in Counselling and Health Psychology from Stanford University, and his team, studied 259 people living in the city of San Francisco. The scientists invited the subjects to attend six one-and-a-half-hour sessions, and aimed to instruct the subjects in forgiveness during their conversations.
The subjects of the experiments stated that they suffered less after forgiving people who had wronged them. The research showed that people who learned to forgive feel much better, not only emotionally but also physically. For example, it was established that after the experiment psychological and physical symptoms such as stress-related backache, insomnia and stomachaches were significantly reduced in these individuals.
In his book, Forgive for Good, Dr. Frederic Luskin describes forgiveness as a proven recipe for health and happiness. The book describes how forgiveness promotes such positive states of mind as hope, patience and self-confidence by reducing anger, suffering, depression and stress. According to Dr. Luskin, harboured anger causes observable physical effects in the individual.
http://www.islamonline.net/english/science/2004/11/article02.shtml
All the best.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Spirituality - Two views
Australian Muslim convert Bilal Cleland contrasts Islam's holistic approach to the material and spiritual worlds with that of other philosophies and religions.
Islam is indeed a 'middle way'. It is a bridge between that 'spiritual religion' which demands what is beyond the capability of most human beings and the world of the material, what the 'spiritual' see as the world controlled by the forces of evil.
Islam teaches that, while we must spend our lives in a disciplined way and that we must observe the requirements of prayer and fasting, zakah and both inner faith and outward expressions of that faith, we can be confident that what is expected of us is not beyond our capabilities. We can also be confident that the world is a beautiful creation which is to be cared for and enjoyed, not something evil from which we must retreat.
Islam is not a way of life for a tiny devoted spiritual elite. It is a way of life that anybody can follow. It provides for both our inner spiritual needs and our needs for a decent and civilised life, free from fear of oppression, from fear of miserable poverty and from exploitation.
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
The Spiritual Path
The body has been created with the sole object of allowing the soul to use it in the exercise of its authority and the fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities.
The body is not a prison for the soul, but its workshop or factory; and if the soul is to grow and develop, it is only through this workshop.
Consequently, this world is not a place of punishment in which the human soul unfortunately finds itself, but a field in which Allah has sent it to work and do its duty towards Him.
http://www.islam101.com/sociology/spiritualPath.htm
The body has been created with the sole object of allowing the soul to use it in the exercise of its authority and the fulfillment of its duties and responsibilities.
The body is not a prison for the soul, but its workshop or factory; and if the soul is to grow and develop, it is only through this workshop.
Consequently, this world is not a place of punishment in which the human soul unfortunately finds itself, but a field in which Allah has sent it to work and do its duty towards Him.
http://www.islam101.com/sociology/spiritualPath.htm
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
The Signs of a Healthy Heart
For the heart to be heality it should depart from this life and arrive in the next, and then settle there as if it were one of its people; it only came to this life as a passer-by, taking whatever provisions it needed and then returning home. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Abdullah ibn Umar,
"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a passer- by." The More diseased the heart is, the more it desires this world; it dwells in it until it becomes like one of its people.
The healthy heart continues to trouble its owner until he returns to Allah, and is at peace with Him, and joins Him, like a lover driven by compulsion who finally reaches his beloved. Besides his love for Him he needs no other, and after invoking Him no other invocations are needed. Serving Him precludes the need to serve any other.
If this heart misses its share of reciting the Qur'an and invoking Allah, or completing one of the prescribed acts of worship, then its owner suffers more distress than a cautious man who suffers because of the loss of money or a missed opportunity to make it. It longs to serve, just as a famished person longs for food and drink.
http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?id=555&category=12
For the heart to be heality it should depart from this life and arrive in the next, and then settle there as if it were one of its people; it only came to this life as a passer-by, taking whatever provisions it needed and then returning home. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Abdullah ibn Umar,
"Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a passer- by." The More diseased the heart is, the more it desires this world; it dwells in it until it becomes like one of its people.
The healthy heart continues to trouble its owner until he returns to Allah, and is at peace with Him, and joins Him, like a lover driven by compulsion who finally reaches his beloved. Besides his love for Him he needs no other, and after invoking Him no other invocations are needed. Serving Him precludes the need to serve any other.
If this heart misses its share of reciting the Qur'an and invoking Allah, or completing one of the prescribed acts of worship, then its owner suffers more distress than a cautious man who suffers because of the loss of money or a missed opportunity to make it. It longs to serve, just as a famished person longs for food and drink.
http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?id=555&category=12
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
The Relief of the Heart
The heart cannot become firm, it cannot find satisfaction and it cannot find tranquillity except by reaching out to Him.
Everything that is loved and desired besides Him then it must be desired for other than His sake. The One Who is desired, the One Who is beloved in and of Himself, with Whom all matters find their final goal is only one. It is impossible that the final goal be to two destinations just as it is impossible that the beginning of the creation be from two sources.
http://www.missionislam.com/health/relief.htm
The heart cannot become firm, it cannot find satisfaction and it cannot find tranquillity except by reaching out to Him.
Everything that is loved and desired besides Him then it must be desired for other than His sake. The One Who is desired, the One Who is beloved in and of Himself, with Whom all matters find their final goal is only one. It is impossible that the final goal be to two destinations just as it is impossible that the beginning of the creation be from two sources.
http://www.missionislam.com/health/relief.htm
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Allah's Greatness
Ibn Al-Qayyim described Allah's Greatness, saying, He governs the affairs of the various kingdoms and He commands and forbids, creates, sustains, gives death, gives life, gives power, strips power (to and from whom He wills) and alternates the night and day.
He gives varying fortunes to people and alternates governments (and states), destroying some and bringing some into existence. His Command and Power are dominant in the heavens and their zones, the earth and all that which is on and in it, in the seas and in the air.
His Knowledge has encompassed everything and He counted everything. He hears all types of voices and they do not confuse Him. Rather, He hears each voice in its distinct language and need, and no voice will make Him busy from fulfilling the need of another, and no need will ever escape His Perfect Knowledge (and His Power to deliver). He does not become bored because of the many needs of those who need. His Sight encompasses all that which there is.
He sees the movement of a black ant on a barren rock during a dark night. To Him, the Unseen is uncovered end the secret is secret no more, "Whosoever is in the heavens and on Earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring Forth (such as giving honor to some, disgrace to some, life to (some, death to some, etc.)." [55:29]
He forgives an evil deed, makes depression vanish and brings reprieve from disasters, relief for whoever needs it, wealth for the poor, guidance for the misguided, light for the lost, help for he who is desperate, fullness for the hungry, cover for the barely clothed, cure for the ill and ease for he who suffers.
He accepts he who repents, gives reward for he who does good, gives aid for he who was dealt with injustice, destroys an arrogant person, covers mistakes, gives safety after fear end elevates some people and humiliates others. If those who inhabit His heavens and His earth and all those whom He created, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the most pious heart, His Kingdom will not increase. If all His creation, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the heart of the most wicked heart, this will not decrease from His Kingdom. Also, if all those who inhabit His heavens and His earth, all mankind and all the Jinns, the dead and the living, stand up on one strip of land and each asks Him for his need, and He then fulfils their needs, this will not decrease from what He has a bit.
He is the First, nothing is before Him, the Last, nothing is after Him, the Most High, nothing is above Him, and the Most Near, nothing is nearer than Him. He, Exalted and Ever High as He is, is the Best Whom one can and should remember, the only One Who deserves to be worshiped and thanked, the Kindest of all those who own and the Most generous of all those who are asked to give.
He is the King Who has no partner, the One Who has no competitor, the Samad (Self-Sufficient) Who has no offspring, and the Ever High, none like unto Him. Everything perishes save His Face and every kingship is bound to perish except His. He will only be obeyed by His Leave, and His Knowledge uncovers all disobedience to Him. When He is obeyed, He thanks for it, and when He is disobeyed, He grants forgiveness (for those who truly repent to Him). Every punishment from Him is just and every bounty is a grace.
He is the Closest Witness and the Nearest One with His Perfect Care. He controls the forelocks of everything and has the full records of all deeds end the books of all ages. The hearts are unmasked to Him and the secret is unveiled. His giving and punishing is merely a Command, "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, Be, and it is!" [36:82].
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=237
Ibn Al-Qayyim described Allah's Greatness, saying, He governs the affairs of the various kingdoms and He commands and forbids, creates, sustains, gives death, gives life, gives power, strips power (to and from whom He wills) and alternates the night and day.
He gives varying fortunes to people and alternates governments (and states), destroying some and bringing some into existence. His Command and Power are dominant in the heavens and their zones, the earth and all that which is on and in it, in the seas and in the air.
His Knowledge has encompassed everything and He counted everything. He hears all types of voices and they do not confuse Him. Rather, He hears each voice in its distinct language and need, and no voice will make Him busy from fulfilling the need of another, and no need will ever escape His Perfect Knowledge (and His Power to deliver). He does not become bored because of the many needs of those who need. His Sight encompasses all that which there is.
He sees the movement of a black ant on a barren rock during a dark night. To Him, the Unseen is uncovered end the secret is secret no more, "Whosoever is in the heavens and on Earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring Forth (such as giving honor to some, disgrace to some, life to (some, death to some, etc.)." [55:29]
He forgives an evil deed, makes depression vanish and brings reprieve from disasters, relief for whoever needs it, wealth for the poor, guidance for the misguided, light for the lost, help for he who is desperate, fullness for the hungry, cover for the barely clothed, cure for the ill and ease for he who suffers.
He accepts he who repents, gives reward for he who does good, gives aid for he who was dealt with injustice, destroys an arrogant person, covers mistakes, gives safety after fear end elevates some people and humiliates others. If those who inhabit His heavens and His earth and all those whom He created, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the most pious heart, His Kingdom will not increase. If all His creation, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the heart of the most wicked heart, this will not decrease from His Kingdom. Also, if all those who inhabit His heavens and His earth, all mankind and all the Jinns, the dead and the living, stand up on one strip of land and each asks Him for his need, and He then fulfils their needs, this will not decrease from what He has a bit.
He is the First, nothing is before Him, the Last, nothing is after Him, the Most High, nothing is above Him, and the Most Near, nothing is nearer than Him. He, Exalted and Ever High as He is, is the Best Whom one can and should remember, the only One Who deserves to be worshiped and thanked, the Kindest of all those who own and the Most generous of all those who are asked to give.
He is the King Who has no partner, the One Who has no competitor, the Samad (Self-Sufficient) Who has no offspring, and the Ever High, none like unto Him. Everything perishes save His Face and every kingship is bound to perish except His. He will only be obeyed by His Leave, and His Knowledge uncovers all disobedience to Him. When He is obeyed, He thanks for it, and when He is disobeyed, He grants forgiveness (for those who truly repent to Him). Every punishment from Him is just and every bounty is a grace.
He is the Closest Witness and the Nearest One with His Perfect Care. He controls the forelocks of everything and has the full records of all deeds end the books of all ages. The hearts are unmasked to Him and the secret is unveiled. His giving and punishing is merely a Command, "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, Be, and it is!" [36:82].
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=237
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
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:
"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]
Beg of His mercy; turn to Him with a heart full of sincere repentance.
"O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance." [66:8]
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:
" Allah knows and you know not." [24:19]
Allah disposes of everything as He wills, and commands as He wills:
"He is not to be questioned about what He does, though they are subject to His questioning." [21"23]
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=598
"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]
Beg of His mercy; turn to Him with a heart full of sincere repentance.
"O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance." [66:8]
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:
" Allah knows and you know not." [24:19]
Allah disposes of everything as He wills, and commands as He wills:
"He is not to be questioned about what He does, though they are subject to His questioning." [21"23]
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=598
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Make your deeds pure for His sake alone, and He will extend His mercy to you. Upload His religion, and He will extend His bounty to you. Follow the Sunnah of His beloved, and He will extend His love to you.
Look forward to your meeting with Allah. It will be very soon. Sooner than you can imagine! Make preparations for this meeting. Get rid of the love of this world from your heart; free it from everything other than the Lord of Truth. Do not buy the world and pay with the hereafter as a price. Do not sell the hereafter to acquire this world.
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=598
Look forward to your meeting with Allah. It will be very soon. Sooner than you can imagine! Make preparations for this meeting. Get rid of the love of this world from your heart; free it from everything other than the Lord of Truth. Do not buy the world and pay with the hereafter as a price. Do not sell the hereafter to acquire this world.
http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=598
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
A Glass of Milk
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Faisal Ahmed left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Faisal Ahmed was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.
Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Ahmed requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.
She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"
Signed, Dr. Faisal Ahmed
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/story/glass_milk.html
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart."
As Faisal Ahmed left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Faisal Ahmed was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.
Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Ahmed requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.
She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk"
Signed, Dr. Faisal Ahmed
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed:
"Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/story/glass_milk.html
Cordoba
Well-Known Member
Life is Like Baking a Cake
Author Unknown
A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, health problems, problems with friends, etc.
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times.
But Allah knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/story/life_cake.html
Author Unknown
A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong. School, family problems, health problems, problems with friends, etc.
Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil." "Yuck" says the boy.
"How about a couple raw eggs? " "Gross, Grandma!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times.
But Allah knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
http://www.geocities.com/mutmainaa/story/life_cake.html