tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88502072024-03-08T02:53:11.807-08:00Oh You Who Believe...Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1140721349908925772006-02-24T18:47:00.000-08:002006-02-26T14:11:46.623-08:00Worshipping & Sinning<div align="left">I begin in the name of Allah The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />My intention in writing this post is not to offend you neither is it to critisize or pass blind judgements. But rather, I hope to inform you of a misunderstanding that we have adopted with how we practice Islam.<br /><br />It is indeed very true that we pray and hope to become amongst the pious and accepted servants of Allah (swt). However I ask you, what course of action are we actually taking for this?<br /><br />We go to the mosques or at home pray our daily Salaahs, Alhamdulilah may Allah (swt) reward us for this deed.<br />When the Month of Ramadhan comes, we fast with sincerity, Alhamdulilah may Allah (swt) reward this deed also.<br />We desire and when given the means, we endure every form of hardship and perform Hajj, Alhamdulilah, may Allah (swt) reward this deed too.<br />Occasionally, we recite the Quran, we do Dhikr, May each of these deeds be accepted by Allah (swt)<br /><br />However, we do not realize that just as it is important to perform Ibaadah (worship) of Allah (swt) it is equally important to stay away from sin.<br />Let me give an analogy to explain to you, the severity of not avoiding sin.<br /><br />If an individual desires to enter a garden but the gate of the garden is preventing him from doing so, then he will have to seek the key for the gate of the garden, and once it is open, he will be able to enter in with ease.<br /><br />Similarly, one can assume that a gate exists between a servant and his Lord. If the gate is open then the servant can easily attain the nearness and acceptance of his Allah (swt). If the gate is closed, he shall be void of receiving Allah (swt)'s nearness and acceptance.<br />This gate represents an individual's sinning. If one exerts himself to eradicate sin from him then this gate is wide open and the path to reach his Lord has now been eased.<br /><br />Likewise, the individual who continues with his sinning, who does not keep his gaze down, does not avoid intermingling in person or on the internet, who does not save himself from listening to music, who is involved in watching improper films and shows, who backbites and slanders, involved in every other kind of sin, then know that this gate that reaches you to Allah (swt) Who is always waiting to forgive our sins and soothe our sorrows is closed.<br />If your death was to come when the gate of Mercy was closed, what would be the consequence?<br /><br />Shaytaan has succeeded in fooling us into thinking that as long as we are performing our worship we are counted as Allah (swt)'s accepted servants. How can Allah (swt) accept us when we continue to disobey him by sinning and make no intention of instantly repenting and refraining from the sin? When will we remove such folly from our minds?<br /><br />I will end by giving you an example given by a respected Shaikh.<br />On the one hand there is an old man who is travelling and is telling all his companions to perform Dhikr (remembrance of Allah swt) and is involved in such Dhikr himself. However, this man is not keeping his gaze down, but sinning by looking at women passing by.<br />On the other hand, there is a young gentleman who is involved in no such Dhikr and neither is he telling anyone to do Dhikr, however, when women pass him by he ensures that he does not look at them even though he is desperately inclined to do so.<br />This act of suppressing his unlawful desire of gazing at the women has earned him a very high status.<br /><br />Know, that the latter even though he was not involved in any form of optional Ibaadah (worship) is far far greater and superior in rank than the former individual.<br />Moreover, the former individual has gained nothing through his optional worship because he disobeyed Allah (swt)'s command.<br /><br />If we are still involved in sins then let us not become dissapointed or lose hope. This is because Allah (swt) will accept our repentance. Our task is to repent, with sincerity, and make a firm intention that I shall not do such a sin again.<br />The respected Shaikh states that by holding on firm to our obligatory duties like praying daily salaah etc. Aswell as staying away from sins, one becomes a very dear and loved servant of his Lord.</div><div align="center"><br /><em>Oh Allah (swt) forgive our past sins and save us from committing any more sins in the future. Oh Allah (swt) help us to perform our obligatory duties to the best of our ability and forgive our shortcomings. Oh Allah (swt) make us Your close, accepted servants. Oh Allah (swt) when the angel of Death comes to take our souls, ease our pain and call us towards You like a dear friend calls another.<br />Ameen.<br /></div></em>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1132956703003534212005-11-25T23:10:00.000-08:002005-11-25T15:11:06.876-08:00DesireI begin in the name of Allah , The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />It is a plain fact that when one desires doing any act, the effort and struggle towards accomplishing such an act becomes bearable. One does not have to be supervised and constantly instructed to carry out the task.<br />Let me give you a simple example: when one feels hungry, the desire of the individual is to satisfy that hunger and therefore food will be sought. Another person does not need to remind the individual to fulfil his hunger.<br /><br />Similarly, our desire towards obeying Allah (swt) should be likewise. We must feel hunger in fulfiling the commands that Allah (swt) has prescribed for us. Another person should not be needed to constantly remind us about our duties to Allah (swt).<br /><br />Just as the stomach aches and rumbles upon feeling emptiness, our hearts must also ache when the obedience and remembrance of our Merciful Lord is forsaken. Upon the stomach being filled with food, the body feels satisfaction and strength, similarly, when the heart is filled with devotion and submission to the Lord, a spiritual satisfaction and strength is also felt.<br /><br />Such a desire can be created by avoiding becoming too attached to this temporary world. By thinking of our actual and eternal place of dwelling in the gardens of Paradise, one begins to feel detached from this false temporary world.<br /><br />Sadly, our state has become on the contrary. The example of our behaviour in this world is clealy illustrated by Shaikh Rumi in a story. And with this story I shall end:<br /><div align="left"><br />Shaikh Rumi explains a story about a crocodile who possesses large gaps between his teeth. So, when this reptile eats meat, peices of meat become trapped between these gaps in his teeth.<br />When the crocodile begins to feel hungry again, he moves near the water, opening his mouth very widely and remaining motionless. Upon seeing such a sight, an ignorant bird comes near and picks a peice of meat from the mouth of the crocodile and flys away. The bird does this several times and falsely assuming that danger is not near, decides to remain near the peices of meat inside the mouth of the crocadile. Other birds see this bird and flock in the same space for food. Now that the crocodile has fulfiled his aim, he conveniently closes his mouth, eating the many birds that had climbed into his large mouth!<br /><br />The sly, luring crocodile represents the world of temptations that we live in. The foolish bird is an example of the way we behave in this world. We become deeply engrossed in the world, deeply attached and deluded by the temptation of this temporary world, behaving like we will remain in the world forever. When death strikes, we are woken from such a fallacy, but then, the moment of remorse is too late.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><em>Oh Allah (swt) create in us a deep desire and yearning to practice Your every Command. Create in us a desperate hatred with every form of sinning. Oh Allah (swt) save us from becoming attached to this temporary world. Oh Allah (swt) make us desire our abode in Paradise, hence easing the task of working towards attaining Paradise. Oh Allah (swt) give us death when we are prepared and when are heart are filled with love for You.<br />Ameen.</em></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1130152172193493302005-10-24T21:17:00.000-07:002005-10-24T13:17:20.493-07:00Passing moment<div align="left">I begin in the name of Allah (swt), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.<br /><br />We have heard this many many times yet we remain irresponsive. We hear and read the words from the Scholars of Islam yet we ignorantly dismiss everything we are told. Perhaps we do not understand? Or perhaps we are simply behaving like stubborn individuals who insist on following the path of the accursed Shaytaan?<br /><br />Dearest Readers, we must understand that our stay in this world is extremely short. In approximation, we may live for up to sixty or seventy years, maybe less. Throughout these years we are given the opportunity to worship our Lord and live our lives in accordance with the Islamic Law.<br /><br />Pause a moment to think about this. For worshiping our Most Benevolent Creator and living our lives as Islam has commanded for a very short span of time, we have been given the glad tidings of eternal bliss in the hereafter!<br /><br />Do we remotely understand this simple concept? We have been given this passing moment which we call life, to strive against our unlawful desires and strive towards what Allah (swt) has commanded. The result of which is ever-lasting joy in the gardens of paradise.<br /><br />On the contrary, if we spend these very few years of our lives, away from the beautiful teachings of the Prophet (saw), away from what Allah (swt) has commanded, and instead succumb to the temptations laid out by our nafs and Shaytaan, then this short moment of so called 'pleasure' shall result in unendurable hell fire.<br /><br />Ask yourselves, is it worth it?<br /><br />By following the commands of Allah (swt) and resisting unlawful tempatations we will attain peace and tranquility in this life and most definitely in the eternal hereafter.<br />But if we follow our nafs and Shaytan, yeild in to false unlawful pleasures of this temporary world then we shall receive utter dissatisfaction in this world and most certainly in the hereafter.<br /></div><div align="center"><br />I end by making a supplication: <em>Oh Allah (swt) aid us in follow Your Commands and in practicing the teachings of your Beloved Prophet (saw). Oh Allah (swt) save us from every act that incurs your displeasure. Save us from every type of sin. Oh Allah (swt) grant us undeserving servants, Paradise. Oh Merciful Allah (swt) protect us from the hell fire, for it is a fire we are unable to endure. Oh Forgiving Lord, truly you love to forgive. Forgive us. Ameen.</em></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1127324008948485892005-09-27T16:30:00.000-07:002005-10-10T07:55:04.583-07:00Transgressing<div align="left">I begin in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />There is a misunderstanding that we possess regarding the Month of Ramadhan, through which we continue to deceive ourselves into thinking that we have earned good deeds in this Month when we have in actual fact earned nothing but the Wrath of the Almighty.<br />It is for this reason that when the blessed Month comes to a close, and the day of Eid-ul-Fitr arrives, many of us are engaged in major sins. Such sins taking place are a form of proof that we did not utilize the Month of Ramadhan efficiently and were unable to gain the nearness and Mercy of Allah (swt).<br /><br />We are aware that we must utilize this Month by remaining steadfast on our prayers, fasting with abstinence, keeping our tounges busy with the remembrance of Allah (swt), reciting the Quran and so on. However, are we aware that it is even more vital that we strive to keep away from every type of major and minor sin? Do we realize that just as we abstain from eating and drinking we must be abstaining from every other type of sin (For example: in particular zina of the eyes, backbiting, slandering, telling lies etc)<br /><br />Hazrat Abu Hurayra (ra) has related the following hadith from the Prophet (saw): (to the nearest meaning) </div><div align="center"><br /><strong>'Many of those who fast obtaining nothing through such fasting except hunger, and many a one performs salaat by night but obtains nothing by it except the discomfort of staying awake.'</strong></div><strong><div align="left"><br /></div></strong><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Let us ask ourselves, are we amongst this unfortunate group, who, despite fasting and engaging themselves in nightly prayer, receive no reward whatsoever?!<br />The reason behind this is that even though we fast and pray salaah, we simultaneously continue to sin. Whilst we are in the state of fasting, we are also engaged in swearing, talking ill of others, lying, gazing at non-mehram men/women etc.<br />To put it simply, even though we are refraining ourselves from eating and drinking, we are not refraining from sinning and carrying out those deeds that incur the displeasure of Allah (swt).</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I end by providing a few words of advice, which will Inshallah allow us to become amongst those who are accepted and forgiven by the Merciful Lord.<br />Remember that just as we strive to do Ibaadah in this Month, we must try even harder to avoid sinning. As an example, sins of the tounge which are easily done (such as backbiting, lying, speaking disrespectfully to one's parents, etc.) can be prevented by observing silence or keeping ones self occupied with Ibaadah.<br />By renouncing our desires to sin in this Blessed Month, not only will we gain the nearness and acceptance of our Lord, but it shall also become easier to avoid sin in the remainder months through the Mercy of Allah (swt).</div><div align="center"><br /><em>Oh Allah (swt) forgive our sins and cleanse our hearts. Prepare us for the coming Month of Ramadhan. Give us the ability to perform extra Ibadaah as well as to avoid every type of sin. Oh Allah (swt) save us from backbiting, save us from slandering, save us from lying, save us from every form of zina, save us from jealousy, save us from pride and every other sin that we do. Oh Allah (swt) forgive our sins that have been done in the past. Oh Allah (swt) make this Month a means of gaining Your nearness, make us Your beloved and Oh Allah (swt) make us live every moment in accordance with Your Law.<br />Ameen</em>.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1123523875536940542005-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:002005-08-08T11:21:32.096-07:00Treatment towards the creation of Allah (swt), Part II<div align="left">I begin in the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />This post will only consist of one hadith which has been related by a particular Shaikh. However, this single hadith is enough to instill in our hearts fear regarding the way we treat others. One should atleast read the following article, regardless of whether the hadith has been heard before or not.<br /><br />To the nearest meaning this hadith is being related:<br /><br />(Note- a Muflis is one who is a pauper. On the day of judgment, the currency that will make a person rich or poor will depend on ones deeds. If one has led a righteous life, doing many good deeds, then this individual will be considered rich and wealthy)<br /><br />The blessed Prophet (saw) asked his noble companions (ra) that, do you know who will be a Muflis on the Day of Judgment?<br />The noble companions (ra) replied that according to our understanding, a Muflis will be that individual who never engaged himself in good deeds.<br />(i.e. that person who never remembered Allah (swt) and dismissed the Laws set by Islam. That person, who did not fast, pray his daily Salaah etc.)<br /><br />The Prophet (saw) said that a Muflis will be that individual on the Day of Judgment whose book of deeds will be filled with abundant good deeds!<br />However, this individual will have oppressed the rights of many beings. Different kinds of people will come to this Muflis and demand that they be compensated.<br /><br />One will say to the Lord that this individual spread lies and slandered about me, another will say to the Lord that the person unjustly consumed my wealth, dealt with me harshly, another will say: this person swore at me, abused me, grieved me, etc.<br />In return, all these people will be given the oppressor's good deeds as a form of compensation.<br /><br />Finally, this Muflis, will not have any good deeds left and still many people whose rights had been abused in the world by this individual, will be waiting. These people in waiting will be told to put their load of sin on that Muflis. This will continue untill every individual will be compensated for his/her rights that were abused.<br />This Muflis, who at first came with surplus good deeds will become a person with no good deeds - a pauper, and the person will carry the burden of the sins of other people, resulting in him being thrown into hellfire<br /><br />In conlusion, I ask you dearest readers, on the Day of Judgment when every person will only be concerned about their own good deeds, when not even a mother will be willing to spare her child a single good deed, when even those pious people who spent their whole lives in worship of Allah (swt) will be worried about the lack of good deeds that they did, on that Day, Are we willing to have our deeds given away to the people we have hurt, spread rumors about, spent time backbiting about, thinking badly of etc. Are we willing to carry the burden of other peoples sin whose rights we oppressed in some way or the other? Surely not. Let us wake and respond to this warning that the Prophet (saw) has given us in the above hadith before it becomes too late.<br />Be very cautious in how you treat others, be very cautious in how your words can wound others, be extremely cautious in avoiding backbiting and slandering others. For, these are actions that can be very easily done, and if we do not make an effort to avoid them, then it will be on the Day of Judgment that we will have to compensate those we oppresed.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><em>Oh Allah (swt) we beg You to not make us a Muflis on the Day of Judgment. We beg you to aid us in fulfilling the rights of Your servants. Forgive all our major and minor sins and grant us satisfaction in both worlds. Oh Allah (swt) we beg You to save us from backbiting, slander and every other type of bad deed which abuses the rights of Your servants. We beg you to forgive us and give us death with Imaan.<br />Ameen.</em></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1120675259865962822005-07-18T20:18:00.000-07:002005-07-23T11:08:24.256-07:00Treatment towards the creation of Allah (swt)<div align="justify">I begin in the name of Allah: The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />Dearest readers, I do not wish to make a long post however the topic in discussion is extremely important. I request you to read the article by devoting your complete attention towards it and thereafter one must attempt to bring the teachings into practice.<br /><br />One of the biggest misunderstandings that we have adopted towards Islam is that we believe that Islam is based wholly on ibaadat (worship of Allah (swt)). Yes indeed, a part of Islam does concern the worship of the Lord and these acts are vital, for example: praying our daily salaah, fasting in the month of Ramadhan etc.<br />However the problem arises when we begin to believe that by fulfilling only one part of Islam we have fulfilled our entire obligation as muslims.<br /><br />Ibaadat is one part of Islam and the other parts of Islam are concerning the way we live which is in relation with the creation of Allah (swt). We have completely dismissed this part of Islam that instructs every individual to be extremely vigilant when dealing with the creation of Allah (swt)<br /><br />A well-respected Sheikh has related the hadith about a woman who use to be very mindful of her ibaadat. She use to offer her prayers in abundance and wake in the dark of the night, sacrificing her sleep to perform her tahajjud prayers. However, it was the habbit of this woman to cruelly tie her cat up and not provide the cat with any source of food or drink. This cat being unable to move or seek its own food, died very soon.<br />Due to the suffering and torment that this woman had subjected her cat to, she was thrown into the fire of hell.<br /><br />Readers, let us not fool ourselves into thinking that due to the fact that we dress ourselves in islamic attire, due to the fact that we pray our salaahs, we have fullfilled our duty. No! This is not the case. We pray our prayers but simultaneously we utter words from our mouths that offend others, we subject others to great discomfort, we scar the hearts of others without even realizing that such a deed will result in severe punishment.<br /><br />A Muslim is known by his kind treatment towards others. His treatment should be such that even those who do not believe in Islam feel obliged to marvel at the teachings of such a religion. I conclude by saying that yes surely we must be watchful about our ibaadat, we must ensure we perform our daily prayers etc. But at the same time we must ensure that we have reformed our characters, and that any creation of Allah (swt) does not feel threatened, insulted or even discomforted by our presence, our words or our actions.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><em>I end by making a supplication to Allah (swt): Oh Allah, we beg You to make us people who do not oppress any of Your creation. If we have done so in the past we ask You to grant those we have oppressed satisfaction in this world and the Hereafter. Oh Allah, we beg you to not make us Muslims just by name but make us firm muslims by actions, make us people who strive to follow Your command, Oh Allah, make our characters like that of your beloved Prophet (saw) who endured pain from his enemies and in return gave them supplications of goodness.<br />Ameen.</em></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1118340102357479132005-06-09T19:56:00.000-07:002005-06-20T09:50:13.940-07:00Death<div align="left">I begin in the name of Allah (swt), The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />Readers, if you were informed that your death was very close by and that very shortly you would be meeting your end, what would be your reaction?<br /><br />Most of us would be thrown into pools of utter horror and dread. Internally and externally we would begin to tremble with pangs of fear and remorse. To put it simply, our desire would be that death be averted in order for us to <strong>prepare</strong> for the hereafter.<br /><br />Dearest readers, it is extremely vital that this moment of preparing takes place now. For, tomorrow may never arrive, and if death was to overtake us when we have not yet reformed ourselves and renounced our life of sin then indeed, we shall have to suffer the consequences of our disobediences.<br /><br />It is only when we have become like those individuals who have become favourable to the Lord (those who follow the commands of Allah (swt) and stay away from the temptation of sinning) that we will begin to <strong>desire death</strong> rather than fear it.<br />We will view death, not as the termination of a life but rather like a meeting with the Merciful Lord. A well-respected Sheikh states that just as a bride, eagerly awaits the hours until she is united with her groom, similarly a believer awaits his death with greater desire and greater eagerness until the individual is united with the Lord.<br /><br />In conclusion, we must continuously remind ourselves that the enjoyment and satisfaction we derive from this world is merely temporary. Death is sure to greet us very soon, but how death greets us depends on ourselves. Would you rather desire to be in a state wherein you are fleeing from the agony and torment of death or would you rather be welcomed by an angel of beauty, presenting glad-tidings of entry into paradise. The decision is ours.<br /></div><div align="center"><br />I end with a supplication: <em>Oh Allah (swt) grant us the ability to constantly remember death and create in our hearts the desire to meet You. Oh Almighty Allah (swt) grant us the ability to not become attached to this temporary world. Oh Allah (swt) it is the world of the hereafter that we desire, grant us Paradise and save us from Hellfire. Oh Allah (swt) forgive our sins, help us in staying away from sinning and also enable us to become practicing sincere Muslims.<br />Ameen.</em> </div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1114795865358129582005-04-29T18:14:00.000-07:002005-04-29T11:38:13.716-07:00DhikrI begin in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />Often in life we are faced with numerous problems, and often we find ourselves complaining of a life wherein we do not seem to be remotely satisfied. For example, some people are complaining of problems between their spouses and of an unhappily married life, or they happen to be annoyed with their disobedient children, what ever be the cause, there lies only one solution.<br /><br />The reason why such a topic is being explored is because a well-respected Shaikh has reported that these problems that people are experiencing are not only from those muslims who do not fulfill their obligatory duties but also from those muslims who are practising and can be considered as amongst the <strong>dhakireen </strong>(i.e. those people who engage themselves in the remembrance of the Almighty)<br /><br />I will be referring to two specific terms in this post: <strong>dhikr-e- qalbi, </strong>which is the remembrance of Allah (Swt) in ones heart and <strong>dhikr-e-lisaani</strong>, which is the remembrance of Allah (swt) which is done by the usage of the tounge i.e. literal remembrance of Allah (swt)<br /><br />Readers, indeed we have attained that stage which is dhikr-e-lisaani wherein we remember the Almighty by prayers and praises to Almighty Allah (for example, praying subhanallah, alhamdulillah, praying the quran etc) Truly this is great and we must continue with such an act.<br /><br />Those readers who do not recite such dhikr-e-lisaani must make it a habbit and incoperate daily remembrance of the Almighty into their daily lives. Whatever you may be doing, at work or in the car, shopping or even attempting a task, busy your tongues with the remembrance of Allah (swt) and inshallah the blessing of such Dhikr will be visible not only in the hereafter but also in this world.<br /><br />Moving onto my main point of discussion which is regarding the first type of dhikr: dhikr-e-qalbi. Having the remembrance and fear of Allah (swt) <strong>constantly </strong>in our hearts is what we must strive to attain. The situation must become such that when one is in the presence of another fellow being than the third presence that must be felt in the heart of the individual is Almighty Allah.<br />By comtemplating such a thought, one will immediately be cautious of the laws and rights that Islam has declared about treating other fellow beings. (For example the individual will refrain from mocking/taunting/teasing/backbiting/slandering or any such act which is prohibited in Islam)<br /><br />In such a case, where ever an individual is and what ever task he/she is engaged in, the fear of disobeying Allah (swt) will <strong>always be present</strong>, then I ask you dearest readers, how can one possibly even contemplate upon sinning and behaving in a way which is against the pleasure of the Almighty?<br /><br /><div align="center">I end by making a supplication: <em>Oh Allah (swt) we beg You to instill in our hearts the fear of sinning and incurring Your displeasure, Oh Allah (swt) we beg You to create dhikr-e-qalbi in our weak tainted hearts, Oh Allah (swt) we beg You to forgive our past sins and we beg You to give us the ability to ask for genuine forgiveness when we do sin, Oh Allah (swt) we beg you to make us amongst those that have become the beloved of You and You're Prophet Muhammed (saw).</em></div><div align="center"><em>Ameen</em></div>Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1109792770808710072005-03-09T20:28:00.000-08:002005-04-29T11:44:34.256-07:00The Pleasure of ImaanI begin in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.<br /><br />Have we ever questioned ourselves as to why we have to constantly <strong>force </strong>ourselves to carry out good deeds, transforming it into a daunting task. Why do we make it sound like an uphill struggle and feel as though the only reason we are doing the deed is because it is compulsory?<br /><br />Dearest readers, the answer to this lies in the very fact that we have ceased to experience joy in serving our Merciful Lord, we no longer feel delight and our hearts no longer ache to carry out good deeds. (For example: praying salaats, reciting the Quran, doing dhikr etc)<br /><br />Therefore, I intend to present to you two specific ways through which we can attain this yearning and satisfaction in our Imaan. Through this, not only will our hearts desire and turn towards doing good doings, but we will also experience true pleasure in carrying out these deeds.<br /><br />The first way is through <strong>dhikrullah </strong>which is the rememberance of the Almighty. This may be considered as a very easy task, wherein we are merely busying our tounges with the remembrance of our Lord, yet the results are immense.<br /><br />The second way is through<strong> </strong>constant remembrance of <strong>Death. </strong>Such an act will immediately wipe out any love for this world.<br /><br />(Inshallah I shall talk about these two aspects in greater depth later on)<br /><br />However, we must remember that as we adopt these two practices into our lives, simultaneously, we must prevent ourselves from sinning. And when we do sin, we should immediately resort to repentance. Inshallah, this simple procedure will create a close bond between the Almighty and ourselves, resulting in utter satisfaction in this world, and the hereafter Inshallah.<br /><br />I end with a supplication: Oh Allah (swt) we beg you to shower your infinite mercy upon us and instill in us great satisfaction upon doing good deeds. Oh Allah, wipe out the love for this world from our hearts and forgive our past transgressions. Ameen.Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1106771055367426502005-02-03T10:48:00.000-08:002005-03-09T12:30:17.170-08:00Striving Against ones Nafs.I begin in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most merciful.<br /><br />Mujahada, which means 'striving' <strong>against</strong> ones unlawful desires and promptings (nafs) is an aspect that we have greatly confused ourselves with.<br /><br />What is striving/mujahada in Islam? Firstly, let me point out, that some people believe that by praying many many surahs and countless paras of the quran one is striving. Yes, indeed such a deed is very rewarding and very beloved to the Lord, and yes, when we pray continuously, for countless hours, it does seem as though we are exerting our physical efforts and <em>striving</em> to the utmost limit. However, dearest readers, this is not what is considered as striving. Like I stated before, indeed praying, doing zikr, optional worship is very blessed and invokes the pleasure of Allah (SWT) but it is not considered as a form of striving.<br /><br />So...What is striving in the path of Islam? To answer this in short, it is the process wherein we surpress our unlawful desires that are placed before us by shaytan and our nafs.<br /><br />Let me give you an example; when we encounter a person from the opposite sex, from whom we should be keeping our gaze down, yet desire to look at, and despite the evil promptings by our nafs, we do not yeild to our desire and remain steadfast against our desire, then we are 'striving.'<br />The reason for this, is that, we are going against what is unlawful, even though we personally desire it, through our own difficulty and displeasure we struggle for the pleasure of our lord.<br /><br />After we have adopted such a habit, it is then and only then, can we consider ourselves to be true Muslims. When one restrains their nafs, and<strong> </strong>then prays merely one surah, he/she experiences such pleasure and such a deed is wholly accepted.<br /><br />Let me conclude with an analogy which will Inshallah emphasis what I have said, with greater clarity:<br /><br />Consider the foundation of a building as our Imaan and the many accessories and luxuries that are placed in the building as the optional good deeds that we carry out.<br />Firstly, the foundation is always inspected carefully to ensure that there are no cracks and the area is safe to build on. Similarly, our foundation, which is our Imaan, has to be made firm and strong. This is done by not giving in to our unlawful desires (nafs) and instead constantly <strong>striving</strong> to avoid anything which is forbidden in Islam.<br />Let us first and foremost ensure the rigidity of our Imaan, by avoiding everything that Islam has prohibited and making sure we carry out our compulsory duties e.g Salaah. After that, when we carry out other nafl (optional) worship, then our Imaan will grow only stronger.<br /><br />I end by making a supplication: Oh Allah, we beg you to help us to struggle efficiently against our Nafs which is constantly leading us astray. We beg you to make us righteous and obedient Muslims. Ameen.Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1105558948579752972005-01-12T19:42:00.000-08:002005-01-13T03:12:23.650-08:00Natural DisastersI begin in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
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<br />Very recently, did a natural disaster strike the world, the enormity of the ruin and destruction that it created, left many millions in utter shock.
<br />We may have come across many sources that have given us a representation of the condition of this Tsunami calamity. We may have been informed about the nature of the geographic disaster, the rising death toll, the social and economic ruin, and indeed, the feelings of despair and desolation that exists amongst that.
<br />However do we know of the islamic understanding towards such a calamity? In this post, I hope to target this aspect.
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<br />The wrath of Allah (SWT) gradually descends upon the ummah, when the amount of sins that are being committed are drastically increasing, when the amount of people enagaging themselves in prayer and rememberance of their Lord is contrastingly diminishing.
<br />However, I stress, that this does <strong>not</strong> mean that all those, upon whom this disaster has taken place, are being punished. For those who died with faith in the Lord are given the status of matyrdom and those who are left desolate, and endure their situation with patience and hope in Allah (SWT) become the beloved of their Lord and in-turn are raised many ranks higher in piety.
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<br />Let me emphasis, that we must not look upon such a disaster and think that the same situation can not happen with us. Truly it can. And this must not appear as a doubt in any of our minds. We have seen and read with our own eyes the scale of such a disaster, does this then not create an awareness? Does it not convince us that our constant disobediences are incurring the displeasure of our Merciful Lord? <strong>Such a calamity should create greater fear and obedience in Allah (SWT).</strong> We must tremble at our past transgressions and repent with sincerity.
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<br />In conclusion, yes, we must help those who are in need and yes we must make abundant duas for them, however, at the same time, we must also think about reforming ourselves and fear that such destruction can descend upon us.
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<br />I end by making a supplication. Oh Allah, we beg you to grant all those who are suffering, patience, and the ability to endure and rebuild their lives, and to restore joy into their lives, who feel as though this destruction has driven away their joy. We beg you to forgive our many sins that we have commited and to give us the ability to practice upon Islam in every step of our lives. Ameen.
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<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1103660601103428212004-12-24T19:58:00.000-08:002004-12-26T08:23:08.343-08:00HumilityI begin in the name of the Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful
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<br />In this post, I shall be talking to you about a specific spiritual illness, which alone, is responsible for damaging ones imaan. Just as cancer destroys the human body, similarly this spiritual disease acts in the same way. It attacks ones imaan, making it weaker and weaker, until God forbid, it proves fatal for the individuals imaan. Hence, I present to you this topic, so that I may practice upon what is said, as well as create an awareness of the dangers of such a disease.
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<br />It is narrated in Sahih Muslim, on the authority of Ibn Mas'ud (ra) that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasaalam said: (to the nearest meaning) :
<br /><div align="center"><strong>'He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise'</strong></div><div align="left">Yet, despite such a warning from the most blessed of beings, one would be astonished to know the amount of pride and arrogance we have massed into our hearts. Ask yourselves, have you or rather, can you eradicate every atom of pride from your hearts, that would make you worthy of Paradise?
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<br />However, the matter becomes worse when one does not acknowledge the pride that remains within them. One way to determine this, is to look at our actions and behaviour with other people. If we happen to be constantly backbiting, pointing out the misfortune of <em>others</em> and critising <em>others</em> without creating the slightest bit of reform in ourselves, then we should know that we have become proud beings. The reason for this is that by talking about the weakness and flaw of another person, we are indirectly saying that we are superior over them even though we may not say this in clear words.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This can be considered as the worst form of judgement ever, as it is only Allah (swt) who knows the status of each of His servants. A woman who covers her hair may consider herself superior over another woman who does not cover her hair, or a man who dresses in the sunnah-way may consider himself superior over another man who does not. However, who knows? the latter may be better than the former. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In conclusion, when we do a good deed e.g. pray our daily salaah, naturally there will be a feeling of satisfaction and of joy that we were able to fulfil such a task. However, do not transform such a feeling into pride and think yourself to be better than another fellow muslim who for e.g. does not pray their daily salaah. After we have done a good deed, we should thank Allah (swt) that He gave us the ability to do so, instantly, every feeling of pride will leave, Inshallah.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I end by making a supplication to the Almighty that, Oh Allah, we beg you to eliminate any form of pride within our character and to instill in us such humility, that allows us entry into Paradise. Ameen.</div><div align="left"></div>
<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1101151894886045752004-11-22T18:14:00.000-08:002004-11-27T12:51:11.650-08:00Acquiring the pleasure of Allah (SWT)I begin in the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.
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<br />In this post I intend to talk about two ways in which one can gain the nearness to Allah (swt) There are many ways by means of worship however I will put forward to you two specific ways, which, if practiced will inshallah prove very effective for us.
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<br />The first way is the main route through which one can attain the pleasure of Allah (swt). This is to save ones self from sinning and struggling with ones inner desires to save ones self from what is forbidden in Islam. (An example can be, preventing yourself from commiting zina, not backbiting/slandering about another person, or ensuring you carry the compulsory duties of Islam i.e salaah, saum etc.)
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<br />The second way is the side route through which one can gain the nearness of Allah (swt) and this is by repenting when a sin is carried out. When we transgress the bounds set down by Allah (swt) we should immediately resort to asking our Lord for forgiveness and shedding tears in remorse of the sins carried out, as well as trying our utmost best to never carry the sin out again.
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<br />The reason we have been blessed with this second way of attaining the pleasure of Allah (swt) is because we are beings that are not free from sin. Truly, there will have been times wherein we have disobeyed Allah (swt) by sinning. Therefore we have been given another route through which we can gain Allah (swt)'s pleasure, and this is by repentance.
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<br />Allah (swt) says in the Quran that, truly Allah loves thoes who save themselves from sin. Allah (swt) on another place in the Quran also says that Allah loves thoes who repent. Showing that both these aspects should be continuously resorted to throughout our lives.
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<br />I end by giving you a short example of how this can be done. When a person goes outside and encounters a person from the opposite sex whom they desire to look at, but are aware that this deed is a sin then by not looking and ensuring they keep their gaze down one can attain the pleasure of Allah (swt) by the first way.
<br />However if the person is unable to keep their gaze down, then he/she should immediately ask the Almighty for forgiveness and ensure that they never do this sin again and even if this is transgressed, then again one should repent. We should make a habbit of this continual process in our lives.
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<br />Jazakallah for reading, let us make an effort to practice upon what we have read.
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<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1099840424051501672004-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:002004-11-27T12:51:53.493-08:00Mis-using MSNI begin in the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful,
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<br />This post is specifically directed at MSN users. To be more precise I am referring to the chatting between non-mehram men and women that takes place on MSN. Or to be more exact, the chatting between men and women (who can marry) that takes place out of mere pleasure and which is not necessary.
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<br />It is a plain fact and you all must be aware of it. To speak to a non-mehram man or woman, in particular on MSN (without a necessity) is islamically not right. The reason why I have targetted the usage of MSN is because this has become the <strong>most common and</strong> <strong>easiest</strong> form of prohibited communication bewteen men and women that is taking place.
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<br />Having a conversation on MSN between a non-mehram man or woman (without a necessity) is zina. Yes this is such a strong word and you may object at such a word being used. But readers, this is no extreme way of putting it, it is a fact whether we approve of it or not. Chatting on MSN to a non-mehram for ones own pleasure is commiting zina of the hands, eyes as well as the mind. How? You may ask. Zina of the hands is commited when one types in a message to send to the person they are chatting to. Zina of the eyes is reading any message from the person and lastly zina of the mind is thinking about the person.
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<br />Readers, read carefully about how seriously zina affects ones imaan. It is said that whilst one is commiting zina, Imaan- the most precious thing a muslim can possess- is taken away from the person. God forbid, if one was to die in the state of commiting zina, what do you think would be the status of their imaan?
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<br />However let me stress, I do not wish to dishearten any of you. If you have used MSN or are using it for the purpose of chatting to guys/girls whom you are not suppose to, then this is your chance to repent and seek forgiveness. Allah (swt) is the most merciful and truly you shall be forgiven if your repentance is sincere. However, also remember that you must make the intention of not continuing with this sinful act in future.
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<br />To put it simply, this MSN chatting with non-mehram guys/girls (that takes place without a necessity) is not going to benefit us <strong>at all</strong>. Not in this world or the hereafter, but instead this sin is going to create the displeasure of Allah (swt) which will destroy any form of joy and satisfaction in this world and in the hereafter. Are we willing to sacrifice our personal, false pleasure for the pleasure of our Lord? Are we willing to sacrifice our temporary pleasure for eternal bliss in Paradise?
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<br />I shall end by saying that the next time you are confronted by a non-mehram man/woman on MSN whom you must not be chatting to then control your inner, worldly desires by not responding and instantly deleeting such a person from your list. Yes, it is hard and surely you will have to struggle for it but keep in mind that this sacrifice is solely for your own benefit.
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<br />Jazakallah for taking you time out to read, it now lies upon yourselves whether you choose to practice upon what has been said.
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<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1099313108490407212004-11-01T13:47:00.000-08:002005-10-12T04:57:58.600-07:00Intermingling of the sexes IIAssalamualaykum readers.<br /><br />In this post I will be continuing with my previous topic regarding the intermingling of non-mehram men and women that takes place in person as well as on the internet.<br /><br />I was specifically targetting the 'chatting' that is taking place in todays age that has become the norm. We no longer consider it to be an evil but instead it seems to be encouraged.<br /><br />However, there is a type of communication in Islam that is permitted. This is the contact between a non-mehram man and woman who communicate for the sake of Islam. But please note only in extreme cases of necessity. Those whose sole purpose is to gain knowledge for the betterment of their own imaan, as well as the entire ummah.<br />Truly, this can be seen taking place at the time of the Prophet (saw) and his blessed companions. The Mother of the Believers hazrat Aishah (ra) has related many hadiths to inform the ummah of the blessed ways of our Prophet(saw) These hadiths were asked by the noble companions of the Prophet (saw) upon which hazrat Aisha use to reply behind a screen in the most modest manner. Yes, indeed this is a perfect example that clearly shows such communication is permitted in Islam.<br /><br />However, I ask you, what has become of us today? We use this very excuse of propagating Islam and instead misuse it to suit our desires. Yes, once in a while an Islamic issue may crop up but other times? Other times, readers we are involved in deep conversations be it MSN or any other way, we are involved in many hours of zina. What is the need in speaking to a non-mehram about personal issues, about petty issues which are simply not necessary.<br /><br />Ofcorse one may say 'my intentions are pure' truly I do not doubt that for one moment. However, all would agree that Shaytan makes it a duty upon himself to convert these intentions to please him. Muslims are urged 'Believing men and women keep your gazes down' This shows that despite having pure intentions one can easily fall into the trap of shaytan, therefore even the slightest bit of temptation is prohibitted from the start. Before any thing even takes place. Id like to apply this same aspect to internet chatting. Readers do not even go near <strong>unnecessary</strong> chatting between non-mehrams on the internet for this is the path leading to zina. We are mere mortals, we can not always control our desires, it may begin as an 'islamic issue' but result in zina.<br /><br />I would like to conclude by saying that yes you may find the views outlined in my entries very extreme. However as is often said 'the truth is bitter' An ill person has to undergo severe treatment and drink bad tasting medicine as a cure. Similarly this post is being put before you regardless of how bitter it sounds. I apologise for anything said that may have caused offence.<br /><br />Jazakallah for readingUmmatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1098977430226906202004-10-29T14:40:00.000-07:002005-01-23T05:59:30.236-08:00Intermingling of the sexes II begin in the name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful.
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<br />The topic in discussion is one that will surely create some controversy amongst the minds of many. Some of you may read the first paragraph and decide you would like to read no further. Others may read the entire post and quietly dismiss what is said. However I place a small request before you: <em>please</em> do ponder upon what is said. Jazakallah.
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<br />You may all agree that having a physical relationship with a non-mehram is totally forbidden in Islam. And if one was to trangress these boundaries then punishment would be the inevitable consequence. However, if one was to put it simply then we would agree that <strong>any</strong> form of communication that is likely to lead to ones carnal desires being aroused, is strictly forbidden. One does not know whether one's desires will be aroused or not- though there is always a possibility, hence such communication is forbidden.
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<br />By communication I mean conversations between a non mehram man and a woman in person, or via the phone, even by a mere look and yes, let me utter the deadly words, the most common form of communication amongst non-mehrams is taking place on the internet. It is the most easiest form and sadly it is succeeding beyond measure in corrupting our minds and leading us astray.
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<br /><strong>(Let me stress, this form of contact I am referring to is one that is kept</strong> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">unnecessarily,</span> there are instances where non-mehrams can communicate, these shall me mentioned later on inshallah)</strong>
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<br />One specific ploy used by people who want to make an excuse to chat to the opposite sex, is to refer to them as their 'brother' and 'sister.' Does this really convince you that what you are doing is islamically acceptable? Yes, every muslim is a brother and sister to one another, but these so called brothers and sisters of ours are people who we can marry, hence the ruling of it being forbidden.
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<br />Neither does the excuse of being 'friends' work because such a thing as friends between a non-mehram man and a woman exist in Islam.
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<br />I would like to end by asking, what do we derive from an hours long conversation or even merely keeping in contact with a guy/girl? Yes, it is a form of pass-time, or maybe we think it to be 'fun' and lastly, and most definitely we derive pleasure out of it. I ask you, what is our pleasure in comparison to that of the displeasure of Allah (swt)? What is our comfort in comparison to that of the discomfort and pain of the Blessed Prophet (saw)?
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<br />Is it fair, that this very Prophet who experienced such hardhship and pain for the sake of his ummah to remain strong on his/her Imaan, so that Allah may grant his ummah salvation from hell, this very Prophet's teachings are being torn to shreads. Do we feel even the slightest bit of remorse?
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<br />In conclusion I would like to say that this post is not directed at a specific individual, but rather to the entire ummah as a whole. I would like to apologize if I may have said anything that has caused any one of you readers to feel offended. This is not my attempt to be judgemental but rather I am placing a genuine concern before you, I pray that this entry creates an awareness of the evils of men and women chatting online. I pray that Allah gives me and all you readers the hidayah to practice upon what has been said.
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<br />Jazakallah for reading.
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<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850207.post-1098567240245512182004-10-23T22:33:00.000-07:002004-11-27T12:57:28.963-08:00IntroductionAssalamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
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<br />One of the aims of this blog is to impart islamic knowledge to others so that every one can benefit from what is being said. I pray we will all be able to implement what ever is said,into our lives.
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<br />I would like to make it known to you all that whatever is produced by form of a post on this blog regarding islamic values, and what is prohibited and encouraged, is directed at me first and then others. I intend to practice upon what I lecture, and Inshallah I pray you all shall benefit and practice upon what you learn.
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<br />Any form of commucication between me and the reader is strictly prohibited. Upon browsing over some blogs, I realised that blogs have become a source of fitnah. I hope to not offend any that read but this is the sad truth. Therefore my identity shall remain unknown as my one and only purpose of this blog is to pass on to others what litte I know.
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<br />Jazakallah for taking your time out to read.
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<br />Ummatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259764389345882771noreply@blogger.com