Post Ramadan: Rewards for Voluntary Fasting

As Ramadan is over, there are two ways we can keep up with the habit of fasting, that is after Ramadan and during the winter period. But do we know the tremendous reward we can gain from act of worship and the benefits that come with it? Click this video to watch as Dr. Omar Suleiman talks about this in details.

Read Also: Maintaining Fasting as Habit After Ramadan

The post Post Ramadan: Rewards for Voluntary Fasting appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/rewards-for-voluntary-fasting/

How to Get a Beautiful Life!

In this video, Shaykh Wahaj Tarin reminds about the importance of accepting Allah (SWT), and the blessings that comes with it. Whoever is grateful and accepts Allah (SWT), and also obeys Him will get a beautiful life. Watch this video to get more insight on this!

Read Also: Does Doing Good Deeds Lead to a Longer Life?

The post How to Get a Beautiful Life! appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/https-youtu-be-34ybym2rtie/

Love in the Age of Social Media

Editor’s note: Since the appearance of social media, our ways of connecting with each other have undergone a huge change.

We meet and date online, keep in touch, and even marry online.

The possibility of crossing geographical boundaries when looking for like-minded souls certainly has its advantages. But what about the contras?

This article was written a few years ago, when Facebook started to impact our relationships with love and the search for marriage.

What do you think about these changes? Do you benefit from social media, or does it prevent you from having real-life encounters?

Share your thoughts with us!

***

I remember the first time I heard the popular Malaysian song by a local singer titled “Facebook Love”. The lyrics were perhaps catchy for teenagers, but certainly not for a young adult like me.

In fact, I was a bit surprised that such a song could be approved and admired by so many.

There is no real substance, but merely an empty narrative on how the singer thinks she has fallen in love with a guy whom she knew only through Facebook.

With so little knowledge about this guy and his background, the singer went on and on about how thrilling the relationship was and how the new love she found has given her so much happiness.

The singer openly confessed in the lyrics that “her brain tells her not to do so’”but “the heart says yes”. They got worse when the singer finally sang, ‘Need to close my eyes and try anything!’

I Want to Cut Off Social Media, But Not Lose Friends; Help!

While such a song may appear innocent, cute, and funny to some people, there is indeed a real need for society to be more critical towards whatever is feeding the minds of young people today.

Adults often express their shock when teenagers become wild and manifest various inappropriate attitudes and behaviors, but they turn a blind eye to the gradual, cumulative effects of the seemingly mild daily engagements of their children.

Perhaps we have forgotten that any sudden, shocking event is usually the outcome of various factors that happen gradually with time.

A New Kind of Love

‘Love’ today has become widely and terribly misunderstood.

The love relationship that is supposed to be associated with purity, tenderness, and affection has turned into sexual, titillating desires and erotic-emotional ties, which in reality have nothing to do with love.

After watching Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ and Rihanna’s ‘Diamond’ video clips, I became baffled and even disgusted that such meaningless and demeaning depictions could actually be confused with love.

And this is the kind of misleading message our teens are getting each day!

With the advent of social media, love has become even cheaper and easier to buy.

Girls and boys, men and women, begin to fall in love so often with people whom they barely know, whose existence they assume, and whose characters they imagine.

Images of cute guys and pretty girls easily deceive them, and they forget that the pictures look so good only because they are taken from the best angle (to cover a growing pimple), edited, simulated, or do not belong to the person in the first place!

Many unbelievable stories have been documented as a consequence of the unwise use of social media.

A couple breaks up on their wedding day only because they have never met before, and the guy finds out for the first time that his wife-to-be is not as pretty as the images he saw on her Facebook pages.

A girl gets broken-hearted when she discovers that her virtual boyfriend does not look like ‘David Beckham’, whose picture he uses to reflect himself on social media.

A married couple getting divorced only because the husband has a ‘cyber affair’ with a beautiful woman whose existence is yet to be confirmed.

All such narratives tell us that even though it is ‘just’ Facebook, social media can have powerful and negative impacts on how humans behave and perceive emotions.

Love Is a Process

‘Love’ today has become widely and terribly misunderstood.

The young today perhaps need to unlearn some of the concepts they have subconsciously internalized.

Love is one of them.

Love is not about getting hyped up and excessively thrilled about someone when you barely know them. That is infatuation.

And love has nothing to do with that roller coaster emotional ride you have when you are around that ‘special one’. That is being hormonal.

In reality, real love is about actions and sacrifice, not ‘dry mouths’ and ‘butterflies.’ Love is a verb, not a feeling.

To achieve love, it requires a process. The more you know and appreciate a person, the stronger your love will be.

On the contrary, love that appears in a few seconds or minutes will rarely last for more than a year or even a month.

If you suddenly make a firm oath that a guy you just saw a few minutes ago is your soulmate forever and that it was ‘love at first sight’, it is very likely that you are out of your mind.

Debunking Myths of Love

On another occasion, if you insist on loving the ‘bad guy’ hoping that he will eventually change for you, even when everyone else who cares about you disagrees, you are again out of your mind.

It is not wrong to treat the social media, songs, and movies around us with a critical mind.

In fact, it is wise to do so, for what we watch and read every day becomes the ingredient that determines who we are, what we think, and how we behave.

Today, people move fast, work fast, and get things done quickly.

We love speed, we desire an immediate outcome, and we eat instant food.

But there is one thing that cannot be instant, lest its value diminish and its pleasure be lost. That is love.

The article is from the archives.

The post Love in the Age of Social Media appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/family-life/youth-4-the-future/love-in-the-age-of-social-media/

The Path to the Light: Healthy Hearts

Sometimes everything seems dark. We look around and wonder what has happened to our world. Innocent people are being killed, families are being torn apart, and so many are suffering. The aches in our hearts and the lumps in our throats linger into the night.

At such times we might forget that darkness doesn’t exist on its own. Darkness is merely the partial or total absence of light. This series, The Path to the Light, aims to help us illuminate whatever darkness we find ourselves in. It is meant as a reminder for all of us that we are in control of the light we let into our lives, and that light—both physical and spiritual—are gifts from our Creator.

In the previous article, we introduced some of these concepts. We remembered how in every unit of our prayers, we ask for guidance to the straight path. And we also discussed how the path may be very clearly marked, but we will not be able to follow it in the darkness. We need a source of light.

Just as we can distinguish physical darkness and light with our eyes, we too can distinguish spiritual darkness and light. Not with our eyes, but with our hearts.

The Importance of the Heart

Your Salah is Your Oxygen

Almost universally, religious traditions have stressed the importance of the heart. Numerous examples in the Judeo-Christian tradition,[1] in various eastern traditions,[2] and even among the ancients,[3] discuss the heart as the vehicle used to connect to the Divine.

In contemporary discussions, we often refer to the heart when talking about human behavior. For example, when someone has a shift in their attitudes or actions, we call it a “change of heart.” When we want to convey sincerity, we speak “from the bottom of our hearts.” Someone who has a “heart of gold,” is extremely kind and helpful, while their opposite, a person with a “heart of stone,” is cold, stern or cruel.

We’re told by society to “follow our hearts,” but usually warned that doing so will get us hurt. The heart is devalued by virtue of it being emotional, impassioned and impulsive. Logical reasoning, thinking, and comprehension, we are told, are faculties reserved for the brain.

But Islam says otherwise. Islam teaches that the heart is the most valuable possession of the believer, best able to know and love the Creator, distinguish between good and evil, and derive meaning from life’s circumstances.

The Quran tells us that with our hearts we “know” and “comprehend” (Quran, 22:46), “see” (Quran, 7:179), and find peace (13:26). The heart is a vessel, a container meant to be filled with faith, light, and guidance. Its soundness is equated with soundness in speech, thinking, and action.

Prophetic Guidance

Gratitude – The Way to Happiness

One of the most famous of the hadith about the heart is as follows:

“There lies within the body a piece of flesh. If it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Verily this piece is the heart.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Interestingly, this is only part of a much longer hadith. This first part of this hadith states:

“That which is permissible is clear and that which is not permissible is clear, and between them are matters unclear that are unknown to most people. Whoever is wary of these unclear matters has absolved his religion and honor. And whoever indulges in them has indulged in that which is not permissible. It is like a shepherd who herds his sheep too close to preserved sanctuary, and they will eventually graze in it. Every king has a sanctuary, and the sanctuary of Allah is what He has made not permissible.” (Bukhari and Muslim)[4]

When we put these ideas together, we see that there is a direct connection between the states of our hearts and our ability to withhold from doing the wrong things, from violating the sanctuaries of our King.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, also said:

“Indeed if a believer sins, a black spot covers his heart. If he repents, and stops from his sin, and seeks forgiveness for it, his heart becomes clean again. If he persists (instead of repenting), it increases until it covers his heart…” (Ibn Majah)

The Quran references this idea as well, mentioning a seal, veil, or stain that covers the hearts of those who knowingly deny the truth once it has come to them (83:14). Like a blindfold, this covering prevents the heart from “seeing” by the degree to which it covers it. A heart enveloped in darkness will not perceive light.

Keeping Our Hearts Healthy

It thus follows that one of the best ways to ensure our hearts are illuminated is by safeguarding our actions. The Quran tells us to {Do good to others, surely Allah loves those who do good to others} (2:195). Speaking truth, helping others, enjoining what is good and advising against what is not are all actions that contribute to the health and light of our hearts.

None of us is perfect, and we undoubtedly make mistakes. But when we do, let us turn in humility to our Lord, Sustainer, Master and Cherisher, and ask forgiveness. Repentance ensures our hearts remain pure, healthy, and full of light.

The Quran tells us that the person who {repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, Allah will change the evil of such persons into good} (25:70). And over and over again, the Quran emphasizes Allah’s Mercy towards His servants: {Surely Allah forgives the faults altogether; surely He is the Forgiving the Merciful.} (Quran 39:53)

As we said previously, the straight path of Islam is not a single spot. It is a series of infinite spots all connected together to form a way. Finding the path doesn’t mean we’ve arrived at our desired destination. It just means that we’ve now found the way there. We begin at the path by recognizing the importance of our hearts and committing ourselves to improving our actions. We also seek forgiveness for the times we’ve erred.

At a time when there is much darkness around us, we can all benefit from increasing the spiritual light in our lives and sharing it with others. In the next articles, we will, God-willing, discuss more ways of doing so.

References:

[1] https://ift.tt/oXBawu7

[2] https://ift.tt/TaJ6Hps

[3] : https://ift.tt/53hv0xp

[4] https://ift.tt/f0L79Ok

(From Discovering Islam archives)

Read Part 1 – Part 3

The post The Path to the Light: Healthy Hearts appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/spirituality/path-light-2/

As Saboor – Discover God’s Inexhaustible Patience

Comfort of the Heart vs. Comfort of the Body

In this month of Ramadan, we are reminded that this blessed month is a gift from God.

As the days progress we are able to draw strength from our devotion and we realize that are spiritual batteries are being recharged due to our focused devotion.

We are renewing our faith and consolidating our ability to be patient.  Patience is a very big part of Ramadan.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (Quran, 2:153)

Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account. (Quran, 39:10)

And it (Ramadan) is the month of sabr (patience); and for sabr (patience), the reward is Paradise. [1]

In this series we have learned that God must be referred to in the way He referred to Himself, or in the way Prophet Muhammad referred to Him. 

God has described Himself in great detail and during this series of articles we have pondered many of His Names.

Your Salah is Your Oxygen

As Saboor – The Most Patient

We have also learned to call upon God by the Name that suits our needs.  Now, in Ramadan we come to the name As Saboor, the Most Patient.

In this time when the fasting person abstains, during the daylight hours, from things that would be permissible at any other time, such as eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual relations patience is a essential trait.

Those who are fasting try to avoid confrontation of any kind, as well as lying, cheating, and idle talk. 

Under these circumstances we must be patient, with ourselves, and with each other. Could we learn patience from any one better than As Saboor? God the Most Patient.

God – There is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names. (Quran 20: 8)

The most excellent Names belong to God: use them to call on Him, and keep away from those who abuse them– they will be revenged for what they do. (Quran 7:180)

In the Ocean of the Dunya - Seeking Pearls or Drowning

Saboor comes from sabr (patience), and the root meaning is to confine or contain. We contain our feelings and thus accept delays, problems, and suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.  

It also has the following connotations. To endure trials and afflictions in a good manner, to be contented without complaint, to bear and persevere calmly, to be steadfast, constant, restrained or able to confine oneself, including thoughts and feelings.

Prophet Muhammad informs us that:

No one is more patient in bearing the offensive things he hears than God.  He hears people saying that others are associated with Him, or that He has a son, yet He still grants them good health and provision. [2]

Learn Patience from the Most Patient

God is the Most Patient; He is not quick to punish the heedless or the sinful. He is not impatient when we are slow to find our way to the right path, and He is patient if we stray, always keeping our path accessible. 

As Saboor is The One who is the most patient, steadfast, and enduring. He does not hurry to carry out any action before its proper time.

We are able to derive a moral code from pondering God’s Name As Saboor. If we keep in mind God’s patience, and His way of dealing with people, we are able to be patient under all circumstances.

God is patient in the face of rudeness and disobedience yet He keeps on giving respite, and bestowing His blessings.  

Emulating this attribute over and over becomes a habit whereby we are able to face even the direst circumstances with patience and fortitude.

Waiting patiently for a single day in the path of Allah is better than this world and all that is in it. [3]

The renowned scholar of Islam Sheikh ibn Taymiyyah said:

Me-Time is Time For Allah

“Patience through the performance of righteous acts is better and higher in status than patience in avoiding sins, for the benefit that comes from the performance of a righteous deed is dearer to God than the benefit that comes from abjuring sin.”

Ponder and Practice

When contemplating As Saboor, and the concept of sabr (patience), we will discover the beautiful patience of the prophets of Islam. There are many examples of their patience in the Quran and in the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

When Prophet Jacob was grief-stricken over the loss of his sons Benjamin and Joseph, he was patient but that did not mean that he was not heartbroken. He said:

I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah. (Quran 12:86)

Luqman advised his son with the words:

O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong and be patient over what befalls you…. (Quran 31:17)

Prophet Muhammad said that God said:

O son of Adam! If you remain patient restraining yourself and expecting my reward at the initial shock, I will not be happy without rewarding you with Jannah. [4]

Prophet Job was impoverished, stricken with disease, and without his family, friends, and livelihood yet he bore all this with patience and forbearance and he turned to God.

And (remember) Job, when he cried to his Lord, ‘Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’  So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us (God). (Quran 21: 83-84)

The people those who ponder and then practice patience will be rewarded magnificently. When they enter Paradise, the angels will greet them saying:

Peace be upon you for the Sabr you practised. Excellent indeed is the final home. (Quran 13:24)

Remembering God and contemplating His Names and His Greatness is one of the keys to practicing patience, and patience is a key to Paradise. Those who call on upon As Saboor asking for patience will be granted the ability to be patient.

Whoever tries to be patient, God will help him to be patient. [5]

Note: Names Related to As Saboor

Sabr is the patience that arises from self-restraint, enduring something without complaint. Hilm on the other hand is the patience that arises from deep serenity, lenience, and calm deliberation

Al Haleem – The Most Forbearing

… certainly, God has pardoned them; surely God is Forgiving, Forbearing (Quran, 3:155).

Al Haleem is derived from the root word hilm which means: taking the necessary time to do something, care, attention, and sensibility.

God postpones chastising those who deserve to be chastised, giving them time to repent and thus He delays a penalty for some of those who deserve it. After that, He may penalize them or overlook their faults.

Al-Haleem may also overlook sins and cover up shortcomings.

---

[1] Ibn Khuzaima

[2] Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim

[3] Saheeh Bukhari

[4] Ibn Majah

[5] Ibn Qayyim al jawziyyah, 1997, Patience and gratitude, English translation, United Kingdom, Ta Ha Publishers. P15

(From Discovering Islam archive)

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source https://aboutislam.net/spirituality/as-saboor-discover-gods-inexhaustible-patience/

Harm Must Be Removed: Islamic Legal Maxims

Scholars mentioned that one of the main objectives of Islam is to achieve humans’ wellness. In this context, the legal maxim discussed in this episode, “Harm must be removed”, plays a great role.

In this video, Sheikh Kutty highlights the meaning, foundations and applications of this 4th maxim of the grand Islamic legal maxims, al-qawa’id al-fiqhiyah.

Islamic Legal Maxims (Al-Qawa`ed Al-Fiqhiyah) Series

• Islamic Legal Maxims: Overview
• What Are the Five Grand Maxims?
• Islamic Legal Maxims: Intentions and Actions
• No Reward without Good Intention
• Doubt Cannot Overrule Certainty
• Hardship Begets Facility
• Harm Must Be Removed
• Custom Is Arbiter

The post Harm Must Be Removed: Islamic Legal Maxims appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/shariah/shariah-and-humanity/shariah-and-life/harm-must-be-removed-islamic-legal-maxims/

What Are the 8 Qualities Allah Loves in the Believer?

Who Does Allah Love?

In the Qur’an, Allah mentions 8 types of believers whom He loves.

Who are they?

This short video produced by About Islam.net lists a total of 13 verses for these 8 types of believers…

Starting with repentance …

Those Who Are Constantly Repentant

Allah loves those who are constantly repentant …

All Power and Strength is From God Alone

They are mentioned once in the Qur’an in verse (2:222)

Allah (SWT) says:

{And they ask you about menstruation. Say, “It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.}  (2:222)

Those Who Purify Themselves

Allah loves those who purify themselves (Al-Mutatahereen)

They are mentioned twice in the Qur’an.

Once in the same verse (2:222)

{Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.}  (2:222)

And the second time (Al-Mutahereen) in verse (9:108)

{Do not stand [for prayer] within it – ever.

A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in.

Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.} (9:108)

The Doers of Good

Becoming Better Muslims: Path of Ihsan

Allah loves Ihsan in all matters, and He loves the doers of good (Al-Muhsineen)

They are mentioned three times in the Qur’an.

The first time is in verse (2:195)

Allah (SWT) says:

{And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.} (2:195)

The second time they are mentioned is in verse (5:13)

Allah (SWT) says:

{So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.} (5:13)

The third time they are mentioned is in verse (5:93)

Allah (SWT) says:

{There is not upon those who believe and do righteousness [any] blame concerning what they have eaten [in the past] if they [now] fear Allah and believe and do righteous deeds, and then fear Allah and believe, and then fear Allah and do good; and Allah loves the doers of good.} (5:93)

The Righteous (who fear Him)

Allah loves the righteous (who fear Him) (Al-Muttakeen)

They are mentioned three times in the Qur’an.

The first time is in verse (3:76)

Allah (SWT) says:

{But yes, whoever fulfills his commitment and fears Allah – then indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.} (3:76)

The second time is in verse (9:4)

Allah (SWT) says:

{Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended].

Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].} (9:4)

The third time is in verse (9:7)

Allah (SWT) says:

{How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allah and with His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid al-Haram?

So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them.

Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].} (9:7)

Those who rely upon Him

Stories on Tawakkul - Letting Allah Take Hold

Allah loves those who rely upon Him (Al-Mutawakeleen)

They are mentioned once in the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says:

{So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them.

And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.

So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter.

And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].} (3:159)

Those who act justly

Allah loves justice and those who act justly (Al-Muqsiteen)

They are mentioned three times in the Qur’an.

The first time is in verse (5:42). Allah (SWT) says:

{[They are] avid listeners to falsehood, devourers of [what is] unlawful. So if they come to you, [O Muhammad], judge between them or turn away from them.

And if you turn away from them – never will they harm you at all.

And if you judge, judge between them with justice.

Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.} (5:42)

The second time is in verse (49:9)

Allah (SWT) says:

{And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two.

But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah.

And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly.

Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.} (49:9)

The third time is in verse (60:8)

Allah (SWT) says:

{Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them.

Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.} (60:8)

The Steadfast

Istiqamah – 6 Steps for Keeping Straight in the Journey to Allah

Allah loves patience and He loves the steadfast (Al-Sabireen)

They are mentioned once in the Qur’an.

Allah (SWT) says:

{And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars.

But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or submit.

And Allah loves the steadfast.} (3:146)

Those who fight in His cause as one row

Allah loves those who fight in His cause as one row

They are mentioned once in the Qur’an.

Allah (SWT) says:

Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly. (61:4)

May Allah (SWT) make us among those whom He loves

Ameen

(From Discovering Islam archive)

The post What Are the 8 Qualities Allah Loves in the Believer? appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/reading-islam/who-does-allah-love/

World Muslims Mourn Melodious-Voiced Qur’anic Reciter

Sheikh Abdullah Kamel, a famous Quran reciter and scholar whose melodious and sincere recitation of the Book of Allah touched everyone, passed away at the age of 38 earlier this week in New Jersey.

The news of his sudden death spread on social media, with Muslims across the globe grieving his loss and paying tribute to his life and contributions to the Islamic community.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Shaykh Abdullah Kamel, who led us in Taraweeh prayers last year and Eid salah this year,” the Al Tawheed Islamic Center wrote in a post on Facebook.

Read Also: My Journey Through the Quran

“He was a world-renowned reciter of the Quran, and his voice filled our hearts with the love of Allah. We will always cherish the memories of his beautiful recitation.”

Tributes Flow

Why Was It Important to Compile the Holy Quran?

Mohammad Elshinawy, a Muslim scholar in the US, also paid tribute to the late Sheikh saying, “Can’t believe he was having iftar in my house a few weeks ago, and leading Taraweeh in my masjid. O Allah, we know what You promised the visually impaired and the bearers of the Qur’an.”

“Grant him all that and more. Allow him to see his mansions and gardens immediately and be with his newborn and loved ones in this difficult hour. O Allah, gather us with him around Your throne as you’ve gathered us with him around Your great book.”

The name of Sheikh Abdullah Kamel topped the communication platforms and Google Arabic after announcing his death, and a large number of readers, visitors to his mosque, his fans and followers on social media mourned him.

The reader, Mishary Al-Afasy, mourned Sheikh Abdullah Kamel, saying “Oh God, forgive your servant, the reciter, Sheikh Abdullah Kamel, raise his rank, widen his entrance, wash him with water, snow and hail, and heal the affliction of his family and loved ones.”.

Sheikh Muhammad Al-Barrak also paid tribute to the late sheikh, saying “O God, forgive and have mercy on your servant Abdullah Kamel, pardon him, honor him, expand his entrance, wash him with water, snow and hail, and purify him from sins as a white garment is purified from dirt. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return”.

Orphaned Children

Benefits Of Having a Close Relationship With The Quran!

Seeking to help the sheikh orphaned children,  Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy started a Launchgood campaign to raise $100,000.

“This campaign is collecting donations on behalf of Sh Abdallah Kamel to be given to his family.  We Ask Allah to accept him in the HIGHEST level of Jennah,” the campaign read.

Sheikh Kamel was born blind in 1985 in Fayoum governorate in Egypt. Memorizing the entire Holy Qur’an from childhood on the Braille method. He graduated from the Faculty of Dar Al-Uloom, Fayoum University in 2005.

Sheikh Kamel was famous for his sweet voice while reciting the Noble Qur’an. He wrote many poems. He has many recordings on his official YouTube channel, followed by more than a million people.

The post World Muslims Mourn Melodious-Voiced Qur’anic Reciter appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/n-america/world-muslims-mourn-melodious-voiced-quranic-reciter/

Should Muslims Attend Interfaith Events?

Oftentimes, Muslims get confused as to the permissibility of attending interfaith events in their community. In this video, Imam Tom Facchine speaks about two types of these event and how they affect us. What then is expected of Muslims in this instance? Watch this video to learn more about this!

Read Also: How to Build a Successful Interfaith Marriage?

The post Should Muslims Attend Interfaith Events? appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/should-muslims-attend-interfaith-events/

Self-Development: Prayer As Productive Habit

You should aim to develop the following seven spiritually productive activities into habits so that you can hopefully continue benefiting from them throughout your life.

I consider these activities the spiritual ‘bread and butter’ of any productive Muslim.

To develop them as habits is the essence of embarking on your journey towards the love of Allah and constantly increasing in your faith:

1) Keep the Sunnah Prayers

5 Practical Tips to Find Sweetness of Prayer

I know it’s easier to just pray the obligatory prayers and rush out of the mosque!

However, when we realize the rewards we’re missing from not praying these Sunnah prayers, we won’t leave them.

Over the years, I have learnt there’s only ONE way to get yourself to pray these Sunnah prayers constantly: get into the habit of praying them!

They’ll soon become part and parcel of your prayers.

2) Remembrance of Allah After Prayers

Again, it’s easy to rush out after prayers due to your busy lives, though if we are honest, how long does it take to recite the supplications after prayers? (The answer: 5-7 minutes!)

If you’re not sure what I’m referring to, you may find the supplications online.

Nowadays, you’ll find pocket notebooks or phone applications with these supplications.

Get into the habit of reciting them daily after each prayer to enrich your spiritual experience.

3) Morning/Evening Remembrance of Allah

Step 2 is also included in this habit.

There exists a beautiful set of duas, or remembrances, from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which he used to say before sunrise and after sunset.

They are true stress relievers and energy boosters that never fail to make my days and evenings feel blessed.

4) Night Prayer

During Ramadan we have the wonderful Taraweeh prayers to attend. However,after Ramadan there are many opportunities to still obtain the reward of the night prayer.

If you’re new to night prayer or you don’t pray it constantly during the year, make sure you try to attend prayers each and every night in congregation at the mosque (particularly brothers), and give yourself a ‘no-excuse’ policy.

Develop a habit of praying Tahajjud and continuing to pray them for an entire 30 days. This will set you on a better footing to continue with the Night Prayer for the rest of the year.

5) Duha Prayer

Here’s a Productive Muslim’s top secret to a productive day: Two rak’ahs are known as the Duha prayer, which you may pray at any time between after sunrise and before the sun reaches its zenith (around 30 minutes before Dhuhr).

The reward of this prayer is similar to giving charity on behalf of every bone in your body, and the energy and buzz you feel during the day are amazing.

6) Supplications Before You Sleep

Is an Empty Prayer Better than No Prayer?

You’ve just had a long day, and you’re super tired.

You climb into bed, and you want to hit the sack… but wait! Before you do, can you give yourself just 10 more minutes to recite the supplications before sleeping?

That’s all. Try them and let yourself experience the most beautiful sleep ever and waking up for Fajr easily.

For more information on waking up for Fajr, constantly, every day, without fail check How to Wake up for Fajr.

7) Reciting One Hour of Qur’an Each Day

Notice: I said here recite one hour of Qur’an each day and not one juz’ or one Surah.

The amount of Qur’an you read is not as important as the quality of your understanding.

If you spend one hour reciting one verse but understand it fully, that’s more important and beneficial then reciting lots of Qur’an at break-neck speed yet not understanding a word.

So there you go, seven spiritually productive habits you can develop throughout the year, starting today!

The article is from our archives and was originally published at ProductiveMuslim.com.

Read more:

• One Week After Ramadan – Now What?
• Why Do Extra Worship? 5 Advantages of Nawafil
• The Most Repeated Dua the Prophet Used to Recite
• 7 Instant Ways to Thrive Spiritually, All Year Round!

The post Self-Development: Prayer As Productive Habit appeared first on About Islam.

source https://aboutislam.net/family-life/self-development/self-development-prayers-productive-habit/

The Most Repeated Dua the Prophet Used to Recite

How many people were in the straight path but eventually deviated away from Allah?

I hope you’re not that person and I hope you’re not a person when you see a sinner sinning, you make fun of them and you mock them while you think you’re so holy and you’ll always live upon the Straight Path.

There was a man who was known to be practicing at least externally speaking, performed Umrah, used to pray and he used to be his Islamic teacher right hand in everything that he does.

After several years, and I’m telling you this story because I witnessed it personally, heard it with my own ears and seen it with my eyes, that brother kept leaving Islam and the teaching of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the extent that one time he was passing by a poster that has the Name of Allah on it. As he was passing by, he looked at it and said: “Who put my name here!” We seek Allah’s refuge from such an attitude.

There are many lessons that can be taken from this story but I want to take one lesson which you never know where will you die, and how will you die, and at what state will your heart will be at. We shall not take Allah’s guidance to us for granted.

When Umm Salamah, the Prophet’s wife and the Mother of the Believers, was asked what was the most common dua that the Prophet has ever said, she replied:

“The most dua I have ever heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) make was:

O turner of the hearts hold my heart steadfast upon your deen.

This is a dua of a man who was promised the highest level of Paradise, the man who was promised that Allah will forgive and overlook any shortcoming or any sin that he has done in the past, had he ever done any, and every shortcoming that he will ever do in the future is already forgiven.

With all of this, he still made that dua asking Allah to hold his heart steadfast upon the deen.

So brothers and sisters, what about the poor people like me and you who sin day and night?

We ask Allah to allow us to be steadfast and the only time me and you are to be confident we’re going to Jannah (as narrated in sahih Muslim) is when the angel of death comes right by your head and is about to extract your soul from your body and the angel of death says to you:

O safe and believing soul return back to your Lord while you are pleased with Him and He is pleased with you. And enter among my righteous slaves and enter my Paradise. (Quran 89: 27-30)

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Vitamin E: A Natural Gift From Allah

The Qur’an (Surat Al-A’araf 7:160) recommends that we “eat of the good foods We have provided for you.”

However, previous studies showed that only about 25% of the general population globally eats whole foods while the other 75% subsists mostly on processed and devitalized “modern” foods (Diet and Disease, Raskin).

This fact has resulted in the ironic reality of a population that is “nutrient-starved” in the face of abundance.

Read Also: Health Benefits of Saying “Alhamdulillah”

Vitamin E is one nutrient that is often found lacking in diets. Although a diet of whole foods is the ideal way to replenish the body with vitamin E as well as many other missing nutrients, vitamin supplements can serve as a useful temporary solution for people who are attempting to repair their dietary habits.

They can also provide a nutritional boost to people with chronic illnesses, in rigorous training programs, or exposed to extreme conditions such as heavy pollution.

However, vitamins should be taken according to individual needs with the knowledge of how to take them, and with precaution in certain cases.

Vitamin E is an important nutrient for the body because it is vital for the formation, maintenance, and longevity of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying life-giving nutrients and oxygen throughout our bodies.

It can also protect cells against destruction by poisons in the bloodstream; it protects the adrenal and pituitary hormones; reduces blood pressure; removes cholesterol deposits from artery walls, and is involved in the breakdown of body fats.

Vitamin E is essential for a healthy heart and a healthy head of hair. Its deficiency can result in irritability, destruction of red blood cells, shortness of breath, sterility, cancer, muscle weakness, miscarriage, kidney and liver damage, and palpitations.

The British Medical Association recommends Vitamin E supplements as a preventive therapy for many people as well as in the treatment of some illnesses such as internal or external injuries, tissue damage, migraines, visual problems, skin problems, hair loss, muscular diseases, scars, and lung damage.

It is recommended for people who consume large amounts of polyunsaturated cooking oils, pregnant women, women who take birth control pills or estrogen, premature babies, those exposed to second-hand smoke or who smoke, those with impaired intestinal absorption, and women who are susceptible to keloids, high blood pressure, breast cancer, and arthritis.

Read Also: Health Benefits of Prophetic Condiments

Harmful Over Dosage Like All Other Vitamins

Despite its numerous benefits and uses, vitamin E supplements are not safe for everyone.

Although it is an essential fatty acid that is excreted into the urine if taken in excess, large amounts can still be harmful to some people.

Use exceeding 250mg a day over a long period of time can cause nausea, abdominal pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Large doses can also prevent Vitamins A, D, and K and the mineral iron from being absorbed by the stomach. People taking anticoagulants should not take it without medical supervision as it may duplicate their effects and cause complications.

Read Also: Miracle Foods from Allah: Where Are They?

Dosages over 300mg can interfere with the immune system, and dosages above 600mg can cause depression and fatigue. Women with diabetes should be aware of hypoglycemic attacks if taking large doses of Vitamin E, and blood pressure can increase with high dosages.

Food sources such as apples, brown rice, bananas, cornmeal, cantaloupe, cabbage, carrots, corn, egg yolk, fowl, grapefruit, hyssop, mustard greens, oranges, peanuts, prickly pear, parsley, rice flakes, spinach, wheat germ, ice cream, and cream are probably the most reliable sources considering the many factors associated with taking the supplement.

However, for those using supplementary Vitamin E, it should be taken no less than 8 hours apart from iron supplements. It works best when taken with selenium, manganese, inositol, phosphorus, and Vitamins A, B, and C.

However, Vitamin E can be “canceled out” by contraceptive pills, chlorine, mineral oils, polyunsaturated fats, the sugar in ice cream, or smoking cigarettes.

In summary, Vitamin E is a valuable nutrient that is readily available in food but is still often lacking in the diet of the average person. There are many diseases and conditions that respond well to Vitamin E treatment.

Taken with caution and supervision, it can provide numerous health benefits. If we “eat of the foods Allah has provided,” we will certainly reap these benefits as well as others.

This article is from our archive, originally published on an earlier date

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source https://aboutislam.net/muslim-issues/science-muslim-issues/vitamin-e-natural-gift-allah/

Hope for the Best Without Doing Your Best?

What’s does it mean to hope for the best without doing the best? Shaykh Yahya Ibrahim takes us through the importance of commitment, and that whoever lacks it will never attain his goal. It’s just like wishing for Allah’s forgiveness without taking steps into achieving that forgiveness. It’s certainly a wishful thinking, delusion or self-deceiving tactic….etc

Read Also: Cutting Bad Habits to Become a Better Young Muslim

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source https://aboutislam.net/multimedia/videos/hope-for-the-best-without-doing-your-best/

One Week After Ramadan – Now What?

What happens after Ramadan? In a natural sense, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall; similarly, we experience fluctuating phases in our spirituality.

When Ramadan ends, many of us are consumed with the innate fear that our spirituality may diminish, oftentimes accompanied by a sense of sadness to see Ramadan go.

We find ourselves asking, “Will we be here next year? Will we be granted another opportunity to enjoy this month with all its blessings? Will everything just go back to the way it was before Ramadan?”

More than just the requirement to fast, we long for Ramadan and all its beauty. We long for the spirit of togetherness, sharing, betterment and heightened spirituality to linger post-Ramadan.

Read Also: Dr. Brown Recounts His First Experience with Quran

Does Renewed Spirituality End with Ramadan?

No. There is no reason for us to stop whatever good habits we achieved or expanded upon during Ramadan.

Fact is, habits are hard to alter, and that’s why developing a good habit is really worth the struggle.

Some researchers claim we need just 21-days, while others assert establishing a good habit can take up to two months.

Your Toolkit to Stay on Track After Ramadan (In-depth)

No one knows really, I guess. However, once you have fully implemented a newly established habit into practice, maintaining it does not generally require extended self-discipline.

We just spent many days polishing our act, so-to-speak, and trying in one way or another to improve upon the habit of making worship our number one priority.

If you want to keep good habits, you’ve got to make sure they remain part of your daily schedule.

Despite the different atmosphere outside the holy month, there remain countless ways to keep the Ramadan spirit alive.

Engaging in good deeds at all times is a character of upright people and acts of obedience do not have a specific time.

Through, the month of Ramadan worship is normally more than any other time. Yet, worshipping Allah the Almighty should not be restricted to Ramadan alone. There is no end to a believer’s worship until he dies.

Here are spiritual tools to help maintain our spiritual fitness in the face of so many challenges and distractions.

Offer Supplications

It was Allah the Almighty who gave us the strength and ability to keep the good habit in Ramadan, and only He can help us maintain it afterwards. Supplicate that you not only keep the habit, but that it is accepted.

“Oh transformer of hearts! Make my heart steadfast on your Deen.”

Shahr bin Haushab reported:

“I asked Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her), “O Mother of the Believers! Which supplication did the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) make frequently when he was in your house?”

She said that he (Peace be upon him) supplicated frequently this dua. (At-Tirmidhi)

Remember, no one is safe from misguidance. So remember to constantly ask Allah to keep you on the straight path.

Read and Learn to Recite Quran

10 Special Offers After Ramadan

The first step to maintaining momentum is to continue nurturing the relationship with the Qur’an. Maybe we can’t keep up the exact amount but we could try at least reading two pages a day.

`Abdullah Ibn `Amr Ibn Al-`As (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The one who is devoted to the Qur’an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: Read and ascend (in ranks). Recite as you used to recite when you were in the first life (dunia). Your rank will be at the last verse (ayah) you recite.” (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

Fast

The main difference that distinguishes Ramadan from other months is fasting. Without doubt fasting is beneficial for both our spiritual and physical well being.

Make fasting a routine throughout the rest of the year. Why not start with the 6 recommended days in Shawwal?

Hadith tells us of the great reward for fasting in Shawwal:

“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted the year through.“(Muslim)

It is also highly recommended to fast on Mondays and Thursdays when our deeds are offered to Allah the Almighty.

Charity

You Can Get Continuous Reward Even After Passing Away... Here Is How

Ramadan always brings out the best in people. Continue to give to those less fortunate just as you did during the blessed month. The needy exist year-round and charity benefits both the person who gives and the one who receives.

It’s not how much you give but how you give. The summer months are here; buy a cold bottle of water and hand it over with humility. Remember, it could have been us performing that tiring, menial job. Give anything. Just give. You will be abundantly rewarded.

Allah the Almighty says:

{O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession.} (Al-Baqarah 2:254)

Ramadan Fruits

During Ramadan we were, insha’Allah, able to attain piety. It was a time of renewal and re-establishment of our commitment to Allah the Almighty. Now is a crucial time to put it into practice all year round. Bear in mind though, these actions should not be a burden, but done happily and readily.

{For such of them as do right and word off (evil), there is great reward.}

(Aal-`Imran 3:172)

Ramadan is Over

Remain consistent in the performance of good deeds and refrain from undesirable acts and words.

The Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said

“The most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it is little.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Performing a devotional act of worship persistently and abidingly is the real worship. Obviously, it is not possible unless it is done with moderation, shunning both laxity and excess.

Whatever you were doing, keep it going even if it is less; the key is to stay connected. It doesn’t matter how little we are doing, what matters is that we continue to do something on a daily basis, so long as we continue to grow and maintain our closeness to Allah the Almighty.

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