Islamic Daily Reminder

FIRST REMINDER. Monday. 14th day of Rabeeu At-thani. DO YOU TRULY LOVE THE MESSENGER AND PROPHET OF ALLAH, MUHAMMAD sallallahu alaihi wasallam? Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allah says in Quran Chapter (33) Suuratul Aḥzaab (The Combined Forces vrs 56 that): HE, Allah sends His Salaat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy, etc.) on the Prophet (Muhammad S.A.W) and also His angels too (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). So you who believe! Send your Salaat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad S.A.W), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salaamu 'Alaikum Warahmatullah). Allahu Akbar. From the above, we've learned that the best form of love we can show to the Messenger and his family is to make dua for them, to ask Allah to grant them Jannatul Firdaus, to follow their teachings by action not only by words. To send more salaams as we do in Tashahhud on each salaat. If you claim to love the Prophet S.A.W, you will strive to do ...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. INVOCATION FOR ENTERING THE RESTROOM CONTINUES. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Amongst what the Muslim scholars stated also in this regard is that the one who finishes answering the call of nature and leaves the restroom (bathroom/toilet) should say: “Ghufraanaka (I seek Your forgiveness).” That is because this was reported from the Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessing be upon him, and Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibaan and Al-Haakim deemed it Saheeh in the compilations of Imam Abu Dawood may Allah be pleased with him. It means I seek your forgiveness for such thing that made me busy from remembering You and thus one finishes it with invocation in much the same way he starts it. Also, his saying in the second Hadeeth: ("If anyone of you goes to an open space for answering the call of nature he should neither face nor turn his back towards the Qibla (i.e. the direction of Ka‘bah). As for his saying, "If anyone of you goes to an open space for answering ...

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. INVOCATION FOR ENTERING THE RESTROOM continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Let's discuss more about the ahadith quoted in the morning reminder. Firstly, his saying in the first Hadeeth, “Whenever the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, went to…” indicates adherence and keeping doing it (went to) means if he wants to enter and this is what was stated explicitly in the narration of Al-Bukhaari, may Allaah have mercy upon him: “Whenever the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, wants to enter…” It is like the saying of Allaah The Almighty: "So when you recite the Quran, [first] seek refuge in Allaah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].} [Quran 16: 89], meaning if one wants to recite Quran he should seek refuge in Allaah The Almighty. As for the open space, it refers to any place prepared for answering the call of nature such as in the bush, even if it is called water closet, toilet and the like. As for his saying (’A‘oothu billaah...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 13th day of Rabeeu At-thani. INVOCATION FOR ENTERING THE RESTROOM. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. It was narrated that Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: “Whenever the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, went to answer the call of nature(toilet), he used to say, "Allaahumma ’innee ’a‘oothu bika minal-khubthi walkhabaa’ith. (O Allaah, I seek protection in You from the male and female evil spirits). (Both Imam Muslim and Imam Bukhari narrated). It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Aiyub Al-Ansaari, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, peace and blessing be upon him, said: "If anyone of you goes to an open space for answering the call of nature he should neither face nor turn his back towards the Qiblah (i.e. the direction of Ka‘bah). (Both Imam Muslim and Imam Bukhari narrated). Scholars has given commentary to these two Hadeeths which will be discussed in my next reminders in shaa Allah. You can ask any...

THIRD REMINDER. Saturday. Islam is a way of life not like any other religions. Let's live to its teachings. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. One of the companions of the Prophet, Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who is favoured by another and says to his benefactor: `Jazak-Allah khairan (may Allah reward you well)' indeed praised (the benefactor) satisfactorily.'' [narrated by Imam At-Tirmidhi]. Meaning If one is unable to return someone's kindness with kindness, he should say, "Jazak-Allahu khairan (may Allah reward you well).'' This means: "I am unable to reciprocate your kindness. May Allah grant you the best reward for it.'' Obviously there is no match for the reward that one gets from Allah. For this reason the Prophet (PBUH) said that it was the best of the praise for a benefactor. From this teachings it's important we apply our Islamic identity for rewards ...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. JANNAT SHOULD BE OUR FOCUS. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: “A space in Paradise equivalent to the size of a foot would be better than the world and whatever is in it.” [Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6568, and Mosnad Ahmad, #13368]. He also said: “In Paradise there are things which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has thought of.” [Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2825, and Mosnad Ahmad, #8609].   If you enter Paradise, you will live a very happy life without sickness, pain, sadness, or death; Allah will be pleased with you; and you will live there forever.  Allah has said in the Quran: “But those who believe and do good deeds, I will admit them to gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow, lasting in them forever....” (Quran 4:57). Allahu Akbar. Won't you want to enjoy these promises of Allah? If you don't even fear His punishment, won't you trade in by abandoning...

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday. 12th day of Rabeeu At-thani. DO YOU PREFER TO BE HEALTHY OR WEALTHY? Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As Muslims, one of our major downfall is lack of appreciation and thankfulness to Allah for guiding us and blessing us with healthy life. Most often we react to show unhappiness due to lack of wealth but fails to be cheerful and hope for better with our healthy life. Always remember that a wealthy person lying in small hospital may not hesitate to exchange his entire wealth for your good health in poverty. So be cheerful and praise Allah all the time for your health. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him is reported to have said, “There is nothing wrong with being wealthy for one who is mindful of Allah, yet good health for one who is mindful is better than wealth. And cheerfulness is among the blessings.” Sunan Ibn Mājah 2141. May Allah keep guiding us all, increase us in good health and bless us with beneficial wealth. May Allah heal al...

THIRD REMINDER. FRIDAY. WHY ALLAH PERMIT BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN CONTINUES. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Skeptics tend to focus on the negative aspects of things and claim that evil and suffering are ugly facts of life while believers try to see the bigger picture and find an explanation for the existence of such things. It is like someone who observes two people fighting and judges that both of them are in the wrong without thinking that one of them may be defending himself or standing up for justice. Evil is, to an extent, relative. Allah says: “.....You may dislike something although it is good for you, or like something although it is bad for you: ALLAH knows and you do not.” Qur’ān 2:216 The following principle is demonstrated in the Qur’ān with the meeting between Moses and a man who was given direct knowledge from God about the unseen. Moses wanted to follow him and learn from him, but the man warned him, “You will not be able to bear with me patiently. How could you be patie...

SECOND REMINDER. Friday. WHY ALLAH PERMIT OR ALLOW SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. You might have heard it at school or work place after someone was murdered: “How could God allow this to happen?!” You see it in articles and blog posts after the bombardment of an entire village: “What kind of God would allow these things to happen” You will even find it in intellectual circles and philosophy books: “If there really were a perfectly good, all-knowing, all-powerful God, then there would be no evil and suffering in the world.” The common picture we have in our minds is of the skeptic atheist calmly presenting a logical, intellectual, and scientific argument while the religiously-inclined defendant becomes emotionally charged and tries to beat around the bush. In fact, we find the angels asking something similar even before man was created: In the Quran we read: “When your Lord told the angels, ‘I am putting a deputy on earth,’ they said, ‘How can you put someon...

FIRST REMINDER. FRIDAY 11th day of Rabeeu At-thani. THE BEST WEDDING I GUESS IN EUROPE. ENJOY THIS AND LETS EMULATE IT. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. I have shared this before but I'm repeating it to remind brothers and sisters who are planning Marriage and also for those Parents who are making it difficult for Brothers to marry their daughters. This is a true story that happened in London. It's not me please. So here it goes.. When I was planning on getting married I had in the bank a grand total of £300. The fee to get married (for the Imaam in ELM to do the nikaah) £100.. that leaves me with £200. The dowry was agreed by my wife at £200 but the Imaam insisted on the day that I raise it to £500... so agreed (but it was to be paid at a later date) I got married in East London Mosque... which was attended by around 20 males and 15 women (friends and close relatives). After the Nikaah (which was done in the prayer hall) was done... All the women (mum nani sisters aunties we...

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. PROPHET MUHAMMAD SALLALLAHU ALAIYHI WASSALLAM PROPHESIED IN THE BIBLE. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Let's continue from today's topic above. In addition, Allah has informed us that the coming of Muhammad was foretold by Jesus, peace be upon him. Allah says: Jesus the son of Mary said, “O children of Israel, I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is PRAISED and that's the meaning of MUHAMMAD OR AHMAD.” Surah As-Saff 61:6. The Book of John provides some compelling verses as evidence of the remnants of this prophecy, even though the original Aramaic spoken by Jesus has been lost. The Book of John states: This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, ...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. PROPHET MUHAMMAD SALLALLAHU ALAIYHI WASSALLAM PROPHESIED IN THE BIBLE. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Let's continue from the first Reminder. Allah has informed us that the coming of the Prophet was written in the original text of the Torah and Gospel. Allah says: They are those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him, it is those who will be the successful. Surah Al-A’raf 7:157-158. Thus, we have a clear prediction of Muhammad in the existing text of the Torah attributed to Moses, peace be upon him. The Book of Deuteronomy states: Allah says; I will...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 10th day of Rabeeu At-thani. PROPHET MUHAMMAD sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam FORETOLD IN THE BIBLE. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The coming of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was foretold by the previous prophets and some of these prophecies can still be found today in the scriptures of Jews and Christians. Before we examine some of these passages, we need to understand the proper interpretation of the Bible in Islam. Allah has informed us that some of the verses of the Bible have been corrupted and changed from their original meaning. Allah says: Do you hope that they would believe for you while a party of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort the Torah after they had understood it while they knew? Surah Al-Baqarah 2:75 Allah says again: Verily, there is among them a party who alter the Scripture with their tongues so you may think it is from the Scripture, but it is not from the Scripture. They say this is from Allah, bu...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. LET'S CONTINUE ON OUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE QUR'AN. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The Qur'an describes its other function as the presentation of the Prophetic mission, which is aimed at guidance of humanity, by delivering it from darkness and leading it towards light: Allahu Akbar. Let's find any possible means to learn the Quran. Our system has been designed to love listening to the Quran and by so doing our heart find peace within it just as water quenches our thirst so do Quran softens our heart from any kind of stress. Let's stop listening to music and concentrate on listening to the Quran if indeed we want our hearts to be in peace. May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.

SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. LET'S CONTINUE ON OUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE QUR'AN. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allah says: “And as for those who strive hard for His guidance, Allah will most certainly guide them onto the right ways”. (29:69). Which striving is greater than the endeavor to understand His Book? And which way is more straight than the Qur'an? “truly! this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright”. (17:9). The Holy Qur’an is a revelation in a book which by sound reasoning bestows insight upon man. It shows the right path to man by giving the accounts of the Prophets and the nations. It motivates human beings through parables, exhortations and admonitions. To be continued in Shaa Allah. May ALLAH keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.

FIRST REMINDER. Wednesday. 9th day of Rabeeu At-thani. JOURNEY THROUGH THE QURAN. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allah says; The Qur'an is the guidance for the worlds (3:96); and the manifest light (4:174). According to Qur’an, Allah has laid down solution of every human problem in the Qur’an very clearly. Qur’an says: “and Allah revealed the Book to you explaining clearly everything (16:89). Also He has described the Qur'an in these words: “ ....... a guidance for mankind and clear evidence of guidance and discrimination (between right and wrong)”. (2:185). The Qur'an is, accordingly, a guidance, an evidence, a discrimination between right and wrong and a manifest light for the people to guide us aright and help us in all our needs. We just need to study the Qur'an and implement it's teachings in our life and it would be enough for our success in this life and the hereafter be-iznilLah. Alhamdulillah for guiding us through the Qur'an. We pray that HE keep...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. OUR SINS CAUSES DARKNESS OF OUR HEART. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. ALLAH the Almighty​, created each of us with Pure, clean, white or clear heart and demand our return to HIM with the same way as our ticket to His Paradise. Imam Abu Huraira May Allah be pleased with him reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, when the believer commits a sin, a black spot appears upon his heart. If he repents and abandons the sin and seeks forgiveness, then his heart will be polished. If he increases in sin, then the blackness is increased. That is the covering which Allah has mentioned in His Book: "No, but on their hearts is a covering because of what they have earned.” (83:14). Sunan ibn Majah 4244. SubhaanAllah. Just as the heart may be described in terms of being alive or dead, it may also be regarded as belonging to the healthy heart; The Healthy Heart. On the Day of Resurrection, only those who come to Allah with a...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. PURIFICATION OF THE HEART CONTINUES. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As human beings Allah has given us the power of choice to act good or bad that is the reason why we are the best of Allah's creations and we must take as much advantage of that blessing as we can! Where those creations worship Allah because that is their job, we worship Allah because we want to. And the one who does the most sincerely through the Prophetic ways, will get the most acknowledgement from Allah. Our goal in life should be strive to be that one such person who strive to obey ALLAH regardless of the difficulties in achieving that.   And the only way we can do that is by purifying our hearts of all diseases of arrogance and self righteousness and instead worship Allah sincerely, the best way we can, knowing that He will hear us and have mercy on us because that is His promise to us.  Let's not let our days go by without benefit. In shaa Allah we all have to meet with Allah...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. 8th day of Rabeeu At-thani. BRIGHTNESS OF THE SOUL. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The soul of a believer is bright and there is a bright lamp in it. The soul of an unbeliever is black and blind. The polish of the soul is the obedience of Allah with opposition to passion. Sins are impurities on the soul. He who proceeds towards sins makes his or her soul dark. The successful in life are those who keep their souls bright, well-lit and polished. Such will be granted entrance to Jannah. [Quran: Surah Ash-Shuara, Ayat 89-90]. The recipe for keeping souls bright and polished are: 1. More Zikir (Quran Recitation and supplication to Allah with His beautiful attributes). 2. The obedience of Allah/ The avoidance of sins with sincerity. 3. Keeping desires in check. Very Important. If you fancy anyone else in addition to your wife then marry her instead of adultrating. Etc. When you crumble and fold paper i...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. HOW TO RESPOND TO THE KUFFAR FESTIVAL GREETINGS. BismilLah. Let's continue from the first reminder; Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not accept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says "If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you. [al-Zumar 39:7]. So congratulating them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleagues at work or otherwise. If they greet us on the occasion of their festivals, we should not respond, because these are not our festivals, and because they are not festivals which are acceptable to Allaah. Th...

FIRST REMINDER. Monday. 7th day of Rabeeu At-thani. HOW TO RESPOND TO THE KUFFAR FESTIVAL GREETINGS. BismilLah. Basically, It is not permissible to greet or congratulate the kuffaar on the occasion of Christmas, New Year or any of their other holidays, and it is not permissible to respond to them when they greet us on those occasions, because they are not festivals that are prescribed in our religion, and returning their greeting is an affirmation and approval of them. The Muslim should be proud of his religion and its rulings, and he should be keen to call others and convey to them the religion of Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted.  As a Muslim, if a non Muslim or Christian says to you Merry Christmas, use the opportunity to ask him what's the meaning of Merry Christmas? Then use the opportunity to do daawah to them that sorry you don't believe Jesus Christ was born on 25th and you don't believe Jesus is the son of God and you don't believe Jesus thought them...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. BEING A BAD NEIGHBOUR. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allaah has enjoined kind treatment of neighbours in the Qur'aan: "Worship Allaah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those slaves whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allaah does not like such as are proud and boastful." [al-Nisaa' 4:36]. Harming a neighbour is haraam because of the greatness of his rights. Abu Shurayh (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "By Allaah, he does not believe, by Allaah, he does not believe, by Allaah, he does not believe." He was asked, "Who, O Messenger of Allaah?" He said: "The one from whose harm his neighbour is not safe." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, see Fath al-Baari, 10/443) The P...

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. Wailing (at time of bereavement). BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. One of the haraam deeds that some women do is to raise their voices in screaming and eulogizing the dead, striking their faces, tearing their clothes, cutting or tearing out their hair, etc. All of this indicates that a person does not accept the decree of Allaah and is not bearing disaster with fortitude and patience. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the one who does this. Abu Umaamah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) cursed the woman who strikes her face, tears her clothes and cries out about woe and doom.(Reported by Ibn Maajah, 1/505; see alsoSaheeh al-Jaami', 5068).  Abdullaah ibn Mas'uud (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, tears his clothes and prays...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 6th day of Rabeeu At-Thaani. CURSING A MUSLIM OR SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT DESERVE THE CURSE. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Many people do not control their tongues at times of anger, and are quick to curse people, animals, inanimate objects, days, hours, etc. They may even curse themselves and their children, or a husband may curse his wife and vice versa. This is a very serious matter. Let's study something about this. Abu Zayd Thaabit ibn al-Dahhaak al-Ansari (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ". . . whoever curses a believer, it is as if he killed him." (Reported al-Bukhaari, see Fath al-Baari, 10/465). Because cursing is more common among women, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that this would be one of the reasons for them entering Hell, and that those who curse will not be intercessors on the Day of Resurrection. More serious than tha...

THIRD REMINDER. Saturday. TV MAY BE FITNAH IN OUR LIFE. BismilLah. Let's conclude on our topic today. The most dangerous instrument that is being used today to prepare mankind for the coming of Dajjal, is the television. The television networks announce their viewer ship for all major events to be in the billions, which indicates the ability to influence so many people all at once. This shows the ability of disseminating information (true or false) to billions of people. We cannot allow ourselves as Muslims to be influenced or corrupted by television if we wish to be able recognize the fitna and fasaad of the Dajjal. What should we, as Muslims, be doing? We should be spending our precious time in an environment that promotes the consciousness of Allah (S.W.T) and fulfilling our object of our existence on earth. As Allah mentions in Quran: I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. [adh-Dhariyat 51:56]. There are many methods and schemes employed by Shai...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. TV MAY BE FITNAH IN OUR LIFE. BismilLah. The life of this world is but play and amusement: and if you believe and guard against Evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you (to give up) your possessions [Muhammad:36]. The television represents one of the biggest forms of corrupting the ummah today. After looking at the moral degradation of the ummah, we need to address a major source of this degradation. The western values and the values of the kuffar are invited daily into Muslim homes. These values (via television) are being invited by us Muslims and not by the kuffar. We have an option of refusing to watch these satanic values. We, as Muslims spend hours watching television and neglect our basic duties to our Creator (S.W.T). We choose to watch television in preference to our obligatory duties like Salaah and choose to spend hours watching things that do not benefit us and also makes us unmindful of Allah (S.W.T) Continued activity of anyt...

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday. 5th day of Rabeeu At-thaani. DANGERS OF OUR TV'S. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. There is no doubt that this week is among the worse moments to watch Television bcs it is been bombarded with lies against ALLAH and HIS MESSENGER Issah Alaihi salaam. Let's learn what Allah says Angrily in Suuratul Maryam verse 90-91 that bcs the Christians saying that Allah has begotten a son, or whenever someone says Allah has a son, Allah become angry to the extend of allowing the mountains and the sky to crash us on this earth. This is how serious it is for what Chritmas is all about and some Muslims are ignorantly even offering gifts for thier kufur statements and some are wasting their time watching these shirk entertainment on TV and wishing them merry Christmas Astaghfirullah. Are we truly Muslims? Yes we can and should tolerate some things and be kind to Christians and other non Muslims but when it comes to their religious shirk, please don't compromise if ...

THIRD REMINDER. Friday. IMITATING THE KUFFAR. Bismillah. Let's continue from the second REMINDER; The second type is imitation that is permissible. This means doing something which is not originally taken from the kuffaar, but the kuffaar do it too. This does not involve a prohibition on resembling them, but one may miss out on the benefits of differing from them.  Imitating or resembling the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) and others with regard to worldly matters is permissible only when the following conditions are met:  1. That should not be any of their traditions or rituals by which they are distinguished. 2. That should not be part of their religion. A matter can be proven to be part of their religion though a trustworthy source, such as an aayah of the Qur’aan or a hadeeth of His Messenger, or via well-established reports, such as the prostration of greeting which was permitted to the previous nations. 3. That should not be anything in Islam which refers speci...

SECOND REMINDER. Friday. IMITATING THE KUFFAR. Bismillah. Imitating the kuffaar falls into two categories:  Imitation that is haraam and imitation that is permitted:  The first type is imitation that is haraam: This means knowingly doing things that are unique characteristics of the religion of the kuffaar and that have not been referred to in our religion. This is haraam and it may be a major sin; in some cases a person may even become a kaafir by doing that, according to the evidence, whether a person does that because he agrees with the kuffaar, or because of his whims and desires, or because of some specious arguments which make him feel that doing it will being him benefit in this world and the next. If it is asked, is the one who does that out of ignorance a sinner, such as one who celebrates Christmas? The answer is that the one who is ignorant is not a sinner because he was unaware, but he has to be told, and if he persists he becomes a sinner.  Let's stay away from th...

FIRST REMINDER. Friday. 4th day of Rabeeu At-Thaani. HOW TO START OVER AFTER A LIFE OF SINS? Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Quickly before today's Reminder i would like to response to few of the questions asked from our yesterday Reminder the first question i quote "what is the ruling regarding those that observe their salat outside the mosque whereas the mosque is yet to be filled?" Well my response is it's a very bad habit that needed to be stopped not for the sake of anybody but for the sake of Allah because my understanding is that people that do so probably Rush to the mosque to observe their salat which if we are to follow the sunnah and the shariah is totally wrong too so please let's not run toward the mosque with the excuse of not wanting to miss a rakaht or the salat instead we take one step at a time and if we are afraid of missing the salat then we should heed to the calling of salat Insha Allah_. And that leads to the next question and i quote ...

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. SOME WAYS TO PROTECT OURSELVES TOWARDS OUR RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT. Bismillah. Let's continue from the second REMINDER. "We can protect our religious commitments by 1. Sticking with friends who always remind us of Allah. 2. Engaging in recommended voluntary fast. Eg fasting on mondays and Thursdays, the three white days, 10days of zhul hijjah etc 3. Reciting and pondering on the meaning of the Quran daily. 4. Listening and watching islamic lectures. 5. Practicing the sunnah daily. Eg miswak, two Sunnah after wuduu etc. 6. Observing tahajjud regularly. 7. Participating in islamic discussions n islamic activities" 8. Knowledge is key so its important to learn de QUR'AN and Sunnah. 9. Ask questions if you don't know 10. Make sure you rely on ALLAH in any situation 11. Visiting the hospital and going for funerals will help you remember death as such help your obedience to ALLAH. 12. At least after every prayer ask for Allah's guidance. ...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. WAYS TO PROTECT OURSELVES TOWARDS OUR RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As mentioned in the first reminder, Satan's priority is to get us away from Allah by influencing us against our religious commitments to Allah. There are lots of ways Satan does that but we can protect ourselves through many ways. It includes the following: 1. Keeping away from any environment that will corrupt one’s religious commitment and morals. We should avoid living around the kufr, and avoid mixing with the evildoers. Whoever keeps away from anything that may lead to corruption will protect his religious commitment from being lost, by Allah’s leave. It is almost certain that living in environments of kufr and mixing with disbelievers will have an impact on the Muslim who dwells among them. We have seen and heard shocking stories of those who drifted away and sold their religious commitment for some fleeting worldly gain. That was because of being so dazzl...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 3rd day of Rabeeu At-thaani. HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SHEITAN WITH REGARDS TO OUR RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As Muslims, our enemy, whose efforts is to deviate us from our religious commitments is Shaitaan and he will never rest till he manage to deviate us on daily basis through his agents the evil jinns, fortune tellers, magicians etc. He has so many ways in doing that and many Muslims falls into his traps without even realising it. The soundness of a person’s religious commitment in this world means happiness and triumph in the hereafter. The capital of a Muslim is his religious commitment, so whoever neglects it and exposes it to trials and temptations is doomed to failure, whereas the one who preserves it and takes care to strengthen it will prosper and succeed. Our weapon is dua, seeking Allah's help with our efforts to please HIM and also avoiding religious innovations as well as imitating the non Muslims in re...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. HOW TO OFFER OUR SALAAT CONTINUES. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Let's continue from the second reminder. Please request for a copy if you missed any. Once you finish the second Rak'ah, follow the same way of sitting as above. Hold your right hand closed with its thumb and middle finger touching each other like in a circle while pointing the index finger straight in the direction of the qiblah and moving it through the recitation of the tashahhud. The Tashahhud is recited as ''Attahiyyaatu lillaahi wassalawaatu wattayyibatu. Assalaamu 'alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyi warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuh. Assalaamu 'alyna wa 'ala 'ibaadillaahis saaliheen. Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallaah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasooluh. (All compliments [Allaah is free of all imperfection, His is the dominion, Magnificence, Endless existence belongs to Him], prayers, and pure words and deeds, are due to Allaah. May Allaah grant the Proph...

SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. HOW TO OFFER OUR SALAAT AFTER WUDUU. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. 1.Intention (it is a determination in the heart that you are performing a particular salah not to be uttered). 2.Face the direction of the qiblah (Sacred House in Makkah Known as Ka'bah). 3. Raise your hands to the level of the shoulders, or earlobes, and say: Allahu Akbar with Raised Voice which means Allah is the greatest and the only who deserve my worship. 4. Place the right hand over the left on the chest or just below the chest. Looking at the place of prostration without lowering your head. 5. Recite the Opening Invocation (du'aa) for salah: ''Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika watabaaraka ismuka wa ta'aalaa jadduka wa laa ilaaha ghairuk'' Meaning (O Allaah! I declare You far removed from above all imperfection, and that You deserve all Praise. Blessed is Your Name. Your Majesty (Glory and Might) is Exalted, and there is no true God Worthy of Worship Ex...

FIRST REMINDER. Wednesday 2nd day of Rabeeu At-Thaani. OUR SALAAH, OUR KEY TO SUCCESS. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As-Salah means to worship Allaah through certain known and prescribed sayings and actions starting with takbeer saying Allaahu Akbar i.e. Allaah is the Greater, and ending with tasleem (saying: as-salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakaatuh i.e. may Allaah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you). The Merits or importance of As-Salah. 1. The Salaah Prevents us from al-Fahshaa (great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and al-Munkar (disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.). (See Quran C: 29, V: 45). 2. It is The best of deeds after the Testimony of Faith (laa ilaaha illal-laah, Muhammad rasoulul-laah). (See hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud (radiyallaahu 'anhu) in Bukhari (v. 9, p. 625) & Muslim). 3. Washes out sins (See hadeeth of Jaabir (radiyallaahu 'anhu) in Muslim v. 1, p. 1410) 4. Expiates sins...

THIRD REMINDER: Tuesday. HOW TO DEFEAT SATAN FROM HIS TRAPS. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Seeking Help with ALLAH. To ask ALLAH for HIS protection and to rely on HIM alone for help, is a tool in defeating Satan. Surah Al-Falaq and An-Nas of the Qu’ran may be used to regularly seek protection from Satan and we should recite them. We must realise that as long as we are alive, Satan will never give up attempting to mislead us. We must always be on our guard and constantly ask Allah for guidance and protection. Avoid Sinful Environments. When Allah forbade Adam from one particular tree, He did not say, “do not eat from this tree” but rather, “do not come close to this tree.” Qur’an 2:35. We must therefore distance ourselves from anything that may lead to committing sin. Keep Good Companionship. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised, “A person is on the path of his close friend, so be careful whom you befriend.” Tirmidhi. Conclusion. The battle against Satan can only...

SECOND REMINDER: Tuesday. LET'S CONTINUE WITH OUR LESSONS ON TRAPS OF SHEITAN. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Another trap of Sheitan is Gradual Deception: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained to us how idol worship originated, which highlights the gradual and patient approach of Satan. After a group of righteous people died, Satan inspired those around them to erect statues in their honour and as reminder of their righteousness. When that generation passed away and the people had forgotten why the statues were erected, Satan deceived them into believing that their forefathers used to worship them, and that through them, the rains were brought forth. People then began worshipping these statues. This gradual deception is used in many ways. For example, Satan tricks people into committing forbidden sexual acts: it begins with a look, which leads to a thought, then a smile, then a seemingly innocent conversation, then seclusion and eventually, the sin itself. Similarly, i...

FIRST REMINDER: Tuesday. 1st day of Rabeeu At-thani. SOME SERIOUS TRAPS OF SHEITAN. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. A serious trap of Sheitan to be careful about is Arousing Desires. ALLAH says; “Satan promises them and arouses desire in them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion.”Qur’an 4:120: Every human has desires and temptations. Satan plays on this and convinces man to indulge in instant gratification without considering the consequences. This inevitably leads to regret and humiliation, either in this life or on the Day of Judgement. Another trap is Wasting Time: If Satan cannot trap someone into sinning, he keeps them busy with trivial acts which have no benefit. Instead of using our time wisely, fulfilling our priorities and reaching high goals, Satan occupies us with useless actions. To be continued in Shaa Allah. We ask Allah to protect us from Sheitan. Aameen.

THIRD REMINDER. Monday. THE REWARDS OF BEEN PATIENT WHEN FACING ANY DIFFICULTIES. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allaah tells us that the desire to earn His reward and to turn away from this world and its adornments is attained only by those who are patient and are believers. Allaah says “But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allaah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient in following the truth)” 28:80. Allaah tells us that repelling evil with that which is better makes the evildoer become like a close friend. Allaah says “The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allaah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close fr...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDEN EVIL continues. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Enjoining good and forbidding evil is a very important topic worthy of attention, because welfare and salvation of the Ummah (nation based on one creed) lie in it; whereas, neglecting it causes great danger and corruption and disappearance of virtue and the spread of vice. We Muslims, particularly at the present time, are in bad need to be active in the obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil due to the prevalence of sins and forms of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) soothsaying, pride, arrogance, backbitting etc and Bid‘ahs (innovations in the religion) on earth. Let's not forget what Allah said that He Will NOT help or change our bad condition till we change our bad ways of life. So we hold our own downfall, let's get up and change our own way of life first then start talking to our family members second then to our neighbours in sh...

FIRST REMINDER. Monday. 30th day of Rabeeul Awwal. ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDEN EVIL IS ALL WE NEED TO START DOING IF WE WANT ALLAH TO HELP US. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Have we sat down to really think why we are suffering and been humiliated by the kuffar? Do we know the Prophet prophesied this happening if evil becomes dominant within the Muslims community? Lets look at our communities today, can we be proud of having majority practising brothers and sisters? Definitely not, majority of our parents, brothers and sisters have turned fornicators, thieves, gamblers, soothsayers etc throughout the world. Majority of our brothers and sisters are having children or pregnant out of marriage. These are sad realities that we must strive to stop instead of demonstrations on oppressors. Marriage is now expensive to bear, nothing like sunnah marriages any more, bid'a marriages dominate now making zina (fornication) cheap. With all these evil going on, how do we get the blessings o...

THIRD REMINDER. SUNDAY. "The Qur’an is Just Another History or Poetry Book” is another misconception about Islam. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Some people mistakenly believe that the Qur’an, Islam’s Holy Book of Scripture and God’s final revelation, is just another history book or a book of poetry. The Qur’an is actually the divine literal word of God Almighty, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), through the angel Gabriel. It is a criterion for the truth, containing rules and guidelines for humanity to live by. The Qur’an also cites lessons from preceding generations and the history of the Prophets in order that we may learn from their experiences, and learn the correct narrations of the past. It further teaches us about ourselves and our Creator, as well as the purpose of our existence. This revelation is a miracle from God, and contains within it many miracles, so that we can have no doubt about its authenticity. The best way to discover what the Qur’an is a...

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM continues. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Another crazy misconception is that Islam permits terrorism. This is perhaps the biggest misconception about Islam, especially given the constant stereotyping by the media. The media portrays as a terrorist any Muslim who fights regardless of whether they fight justly or unjustly, or whether they are oppressing others or being oppressed. So the question that comes to mind is: Does Islam encourage terrorism? Certainly not! Islam totally forbids and condemns the misguided acts of vigilantes that target innocent civilians. Of course, Islam does not remain silent in the face of oppression, injustice and humiliation. Any religion or civilization that does, would never survive but it certainly does not condone attacks against defenseless men, women and children. Allah says: “Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. Allah does not love transgressors.”Q...

FIRST REMINDER. SUNDAY. 29th day of Rabeeul Awwal. MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ISLAM. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Many non Muslims especially in the west seem to have many misconceptions about Muslims and Islam. Many believe that the western world is advanced, enlightened and liberated, while Islam is just the opposite: primitive, ignorant and oppressed. One reason for this belief is that the media has time and again portrayed the Muslims in a way contrary to Islamic teachings. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings, and NOT by some Muslims’ actions. For this reason, it's our duty to address the most common misconceptions. Have you ever wondered why a "Nun" can be covered from head to toe and she’s respected for devoting herself to God, but when a Muslim woman covers, she’s viewed as “oppressed”? Or why a Jew can grow a beard and he’s just practising his faith, and when a Muslim does tha...

THIRD REMINDER. Saturday. QURAN AND SUNNAH ARE THE LIGHTS FOR MANKIND AND WITHOUT ANY OF THE TWO IN YOUR LIFE, YOU ARE LOST IN THIS JUNGLE. lBismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. From the beginning of mankind, our CREATOR, ALLAH sent prophets to convey HIS REVELATION and to invite human beings to the path of true PEACE and OBEDIENCE to the ONE TRUE ALLAH. This is ISLAM. This message is conveyed towards generations of man through the different prophets, all inviting mankind to the same path. However all the earlier messages or revelations from ALLAH were distorted by people of later generations. As a result, pure Revelation from our Creator was adulterated and polluted with myths, superstitions, idol worship and irrational philosophical ideologies. The religion of God in a sense was lost in a plethora of religions. Human history is a testament of man's drift between light and darkness, but ALLAH out of His Abundant Love for mankind has not forsaken us. When mankind was in the depths of...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. THE LIGHT OF THE TRUTH. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. WHAT IS LIFE? Man's existence in this world and the creation of this entire universe are not mere accidents or products of a fortuitous nature. This universe, every single atom of it, manifests and leads us to the realization of a Loving, Merciful and All-powerful Creator, ALLAH by name. Without a Creator, nothing can exist. Every single soul knows that he is existing and that his existence is dependent upon a Creator he knows for sure that he cannot create him self. Therefore it is his duty to know his master, the Creator. HuMan is a unique creature. ALLAH establishes human as His representative or deputy to govern over all other creatures in this world. He is endowed with the faculty of REASON, which sets him apart from all other animals. Together with this faculty to discriminate and discern, man is given the freedom (free-will) to choose for himself a way of life worthy of his or her position ...