Mend Your Ways or Face Wrath of Allah

By : Abu Shazil

Though Islamic new year is not celebrated the way world celebrate the Gregorian new year but religious minded folks make it a point to remind their fellow Muslims about Islamic new year by greeting each other. The tendency of greeting has increased manifold since the emergence of cyberspace. Muslims send SMS messages on cell phones and E-cards & Emails on internet. The invent of social networking technologies has further spurred the phenomena and now billions of Muslims exchange Islamic New Year greetings with each other on Face Book, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and dozens of other such social networking sites.

While the awareness of celebrating Islamic events is on rise the negative forces are also out and about to sabotage the unity between diverse factions of Muslim community. Specially Muharam-ul-Haram is the month which experiences this sundry phenomena, the most. Since Shiite Muslims mourn the sacrifice (shahadat) of Hazrat Imam Hussain and arrange Majaalis and processions therefore they become more exposed to violence in the hands of other rival sects (where as they should have been supportive, if they abode real understanding of Islam, a complete code of life).

It is Islamic new year eve, 1^st  of Muharam-ul-Haram and killing in the name of religion has started. Two scouts, performing their duty at a Sabeel (drinking water point) have been shot dead by some unknown gunmen in Karachi. The incident erupted violence leaving 10 injured and 24 vehicles torched. Police has arrested 40+ suspects from the area.

I fail to understand that how a Muslim could indulge into killings to those innocent whom neither he knows nor have any enmity. Islam is religion of peace. Prophet PBUH, who was sent as a blessing for the entire universe never ever promoted violence, killings or even any act of misbehavior with fellow human beings then how shell we the followers will justify our irrational, illogical and brutal acts on the day of judgment.

We who are suppose to be the role model of peace, unity, discipline, tolerance and brotherhood have proven ourselves 180 degree out of sync with our religious teachings. Khalil Gibgan (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931),  a lebnon based scholar said "People will talk religion, indulge in discussions on religion, fight for religion and even resort to killings for religion but will never act upon its teachings". Today my society paints the same picture. We resorted to killings without thinking about the repercussions such killings bring to society. Remember it destroys the social fiber, disintegrates the family system, creates lawlessness, shows moral turpitude, ignites vengeance and leads to Terrorism. Now look around and you will be clear why our society is suffering from intolerance, lawlessness, moral corruption and above all terrorism.

We have to blame ourselves for all that is disturbing us because we were instrumental  in creating such society. It is said "As you sow, so shell you reap". Doesn't it fit to our society where dying values and withering ethics have converted human beings, the monsters. Survival of the fittest has become order of the day and everyone is anxiously looking for the opportunity to plunder, loot and kill his own people. We have turned into beats and still not realizing it

Folks! It's time for seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT, collectively as a nation. Wake up, mend your ways, seek forgiveness from Allah and you colleagues whom you have hurt knowingly or unknowingly otherwise be ready to face wrath of Allah as He could tolerate nonbelievers but not cruel.       

The Dalai Lama’s 18 Rules For Living

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three Rs:  1) Respect for self      2) Respect for others    3) Responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Disciple Hood

When the great Sufi mystic, Hasan, was dying, somebody asked "Hasan, who was your master?"

He said, "I had thousands of masters. If I just relate their names it will take months, years and it is too late. But three masters I will certainly tell you about.

One was a thief. Once I got lost in the desert, and when I reached a village it was very late, everything was closed. But at last I found one man who was trying to make a hole in the wall of a house. I asked him where I could stay and he said 'At this time of night it will be difficult, but you can stay with me - if you can stay with a thief'

And the man was so beautiful. I stayed for one month! And each night he would say to me, 'Now I am going to my work. You rest, you pray.' When he came back I would ask 'Could you get anything?' He would say, 'Not tonight. But tomorrow I will try again, God willing.' He was never in a state of hopelessness, he was always happy.

When I was meditating and meditating for years on end and nothing was happening, many times the moment came when I was so desperate, so hopeless, that I thought to stop all this nonsense. And suddenly I would
remember the thief who would say every night, 'God willing, tomorrow it is going to happen.'

And my second master was a dog. I was going to the river, thirsty and a dog came. He was also thirsty. He looked into the river, he saw another dog there -- his own image -- and became afraid. He would bard and run away, but his thirst was so much that he would come back. Finally, despite his fear, he just jumped into the water, and the image disappeared.

And I knew that a message had come to me from God: one has to jump in spite of all fears.

And the third master was a small child. I entered a town and a child was carrying a lit candle. He was going to the mosque to put the candle there.

'Just joking,' I asked the boy, 'Have you lit the candle yourself?' He said, 'Yes sir.' And I asked, 'There was a moment when the candle was unlit, and then there was a moment when the candle was lit. Can you show me the source from which the light came?'

And the boy laughed, blew out the candle, and said, 'Now you have seen the light going. Where has it gone? You will tell me!'

My ego was shattered, my whole knowledge was shattered. And that moment I felt my own stupidity. Since then I dropped all my knowledge ability.

It is true that I had no master. That does not mean that I was not a disciple -- I accepted the whole existence as my master. My Disciple hood was a greater involvement than yours is. I trusted the clouds, the trees. I trusted existence as such. I had no master because I had millions of masters I learned from every possible source. To be a disciple is a must on the path. What does it mean to be a disciple? It means to be able to learn. To be available to learn to be vulnerable to existence. With a master you start learning to learn.

The master is a swimming pool where you can learn how to swim. Once you have learned, all the oceans are yours."

Keep Your Eyes Open

It was a very cold winter night! A sparrow had spent two nights out with only the meagre shelter of a tree. He decided that he couldn't survive a third night, so he left the tree to find a better shelter. As he flew he got colder and colder, until his little wings froze solid and he fell to the ground. As he lay there freezing he realised that his end was near and he prayed for death to come quickly. Suddenly, in his semiconscious state, he had a feeling of being enveloped in a warm covering. He regained consciousness to find that a friendly cow had dropped a luxurious deposit all over him. The warmth gave him a new lease of life, and the sparrow's comfort made him feel very happy, so he started to sing. A passing pussycat heard the chirping, located the heap, carefully removed the excrement to reveal the little sparrow, and promptly ate him up..........

There are three morals to this sad story: -

1. If someone shits on you, they are not necessarily your enemy.

2. If someone gets you out of the shit, they are not necessarily your friends.
3. If you are in the shit and happy - keep your mouth shut.

To state the same facts in a polished manner:
1. If someone harms you unknowingly, they are not necessarily your enemy.
2. If someone tries to help you out, they are not necessarily your friends.
3. Even if you are not in very good condition but you are happy, keep your mouth shut (don't cry that I don't have this and that).

Loving a Human Being

Loving a human being is accepting the opportunity of truly getting to know them, and enjoying the adventure of exploring and discovering what lies beyond their masks and defences. It is contemplating with tenderness their deepest feelings, fears and insecurities, their dreams and joys, sorrows and aspirations. It is being able to understand that behind their shields and masks, a sensitive and lonely heart is hidden, starving for a friendly hand and a sincere smile where they can feel at home. It is acknowledging with respectful compassion, that the disharmony and chaos in which they sometimes live are the product of their ignorance and unconsciousness, and realizing that if they occasionally cause pain and sorrow, it is because they have not yet learned to cultivate happiness, and sometimes they feel so empty and such lack of sense that they can’t even trust themselves. It is discovering and honouring their true identity beyond all superficial appearances, and to honestly appreciate their infinite greatness as a unique expression of Life itself.

Loving a human being is giving them the opportunity of being listened to with deep attention, interest and respect; accepting their experience not trying to modify it but to understand it. It is offering them a space where they can discover themselves without the fear of feeling questioned, a space where they can feel comfortable sharing their feelings without being forced to reveal the things they consider private. It is acknowledging and displaying the fact that they have the inalienable right to choose their own path, even if it is different from your own. It is allowing them to discover their inner truth by themselves, in their own way. It is appreciating them without conditions, neither judging nor evaluating disapproving of them, and without asking them to adjust themselves to fit your ideals nor expecting them to act and behave according to your standards. It is appreciating them for what they are and not for what you would like them to be. It is trusting their ability to learn from their mistakes and to pick themselves back up when they fall, stronger and more mature. It is communicating your faith in them as a human being.

Loving a human being is daring to show yourself defenceless, revealing your inner truth — naked, honest and transparent. It is uncovering your own feelings and vulnerabilities. It is allowing them to get to know the person you really are, without making up an image designed to cause a favourable impression. It is exposing your desires and needs, without expecting them to be responsible for fulfilling them. It is expressing your thoughts and ideas without intending to convince them that they are correct. It is enjoying the privilege of being yourself without asking for approval, thus discovering new and different aspects of your personality. It is being truthful and, without fear or shame, being able to say: "This is who I am, at this point of my life, and I gladly and freely share it with you... if you wish to receive it."

Loving a human being is wanting to commit yourself voluntarily, and being able to actively respond to their need for personal development. It is believing in them when they doubt themselves, spreading your vitality and enthusiasm when they are about to give up, supporting them in moments of weakness, encouraging them when they feel insecure, holding their hand firmly and guiding them when they feel lost, caressing them with tenderness when they feel a burden — without letting yourself get carried away by their sorrows. It is being able to share each other in the present, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together without any ties or obligations.

Loving a human being is being humble enough to receive their tenderness and affection without pretending not to need anything. It is joyfully accepting what they offer you, without demanding what they can’t or don’t want to give you. It is feeling gratitude towards Life for the wonder of their existence, and feeling their presence as a true blessing in your path. It is enjoying the experience of being together; knowing that each day is an uncertain adventure and tomorrow is an endless question. It is living each instant as if it were the last one you will share with each other, and making each encounter as deep and intense as the first one — turning the 'ordinary' into a new and miraculous creation.

Loving a human being is to spontaneously express your love through your glance glances, your gestures and smiles, your firm and delicate caress, your vigorous embrace, your kisses, with simple and honest words. It is letting them know how much you appreciate them for who they are, how much you appreciate their inner treasures, including the qualities that are yet unknown to them. It is seeing their latent potential, helping the sleeping seed to blossom within them. It is letting them know that their personal growth is truly important to you, and that they can count on you. It is allowing them to discover their creative talents, encouraging them to live up to their full potential. It is revealing unto them their own inner treasures, and collaborating in mutual agreement to make this life a richer and more meaningful experience.

Loving a human being is also being able to establish your own limits and to firmly sustain them. It is respecting yourself, not allowing the other to transgress what you consider your personal rights. It is having so much confidence in yourself and the other that, without fear of damaging the relationship, you can feel free to express your anger without offending them, declaring whatever bothers or intimidates you without intending to hurt their feelings. It is acknowledging and respecting their limitations, seeing them with appreciation but without idealization. It is sharing and enjoying the agreements and accepting the disagreements. And if there ever came a day in which your paths diverged unavoidably, loving another is being able to part in peace and harmony, in such a way that both can remember each other with gratitude for the treasures you once shared.

Loving a human being is moving beyond their individuality; it is perceiving and appreciating them as a sample of humanity as a whole, as an expression of Mankind, as a evident manifestation of that transcendental and intangible essence called "human being", of which you are a part. It is acknowledging through them, the indescribable miracle of human nature, which is your own nature, with all its magnificence and limitations. It is appreciating the radiant and shining facets of humanity as well as its dark sides. Loving a human being, in essence, is loving human nature for what it really is. Therefore, loving a human being is loving you, feeling proud to be a note in the symphony of this world.

Be That Friend

Have you ever felt like you were all alone? That nothing in your life seemed right and there was no light at the end of the tunnel? Those who face serious illness, financial setbacks, loss of loved ones, or even roadblocks in trying to achieve their goals and dreams often feel totally alone in their darkest hour.

Usually, I write about ways that we can help ourselves through challenges like this—like calling upon God, having faith, reframing the situation, looking for the silver lining, and basically hanging on until the light comes. But today, I’d like to talk about what you can do when you have a friend or loved one who is going through these types of challenges. How can you be there to support them and back them up?

Listen To Them
Sometimes all you need in your most challenging moments is a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. Really listen to your friend or loved one. Ask them questions to help them verbalize and think through solutions to their problems. If you listen carefully, you can often find the root of the problem. By asking the right questions and letting them talk it through, they’ll be able to discover their own solutions. One of dear friend has taught me the power of the interrogative statement. He says, “I never give advice; even if a client asks for it. This may sound stringent, but I believe that giving advice is a huge disservice to my clients. I believe that clients can find their own answers and that when they find the answer, it will be infinitely better than any advice I could have given.”

Empathize
Although you may have never experienced the exact problem your friend or loved one is experiencing, you most likely have endured something similar. Your friend may be having doubts about decisions they’ve made. Your friend may have started a business that isn’t taking off, and this could be causing a lot of stress for them. Even if you’ve never had your own business, you may still have experienced similar moments in your life where you doubted yourself, doubted your decisions, and even doubted your own self-worth. You can draw upon those feelings you had in your challenges to help your friend know that you understand the feelings and emotions that they are having. If you can’t relate to their problem at all, find someone who can, and talk to them about the feelings that are associated with this type of challenge and how they worked through it so you can better understand and support your friend.

It helps to know that you’re not alone—that there is someone out there who understands your pain, that you have a shoulder to cry on, and that the feelings you have are perfectly normal.

Give A Little Push
A friend of mine told me recently that the bigger the challenge or problem you’re pushing against in your life, the more you need someone behind you pushing you along. In other words, when you’re trying to move a heavy rock, it sure helps to have an extra set of arms and shoulders to bear the load. From your objective point of view, you may be able to see answers that your friend is too close to see. In a loving, but firm way, you can give them insights into their challenges so that they can have more options for solutions. You can give them the strength to keep on going and never give up.

One word of caution, you do need to be careful when you push people that you don’t overdo it. You can’t beat people over the head with a club to get them to see their solutions; you’ll only knock them senseless. It is always darkest before the dawn, and it is in the moment of your greatest darkness that you want to give up, lose confidence and quit. It sure helps to have a friend who gently, yet firmly gives you the nudge you need to proceed into the light.

Inspire Them
I would dare say that every challenge that we face in life could be overcome with faith. Faith that tomorrow will be a brighter day, faith that this too shall pass. Stay in contact with your struggling friend. Call them just to see how they are doing, pick them up and take them to lunch. Send them inspiring quotes, notes, or cards to give them little packets of sunlight to brighten their way. Even one small star in the night can help to light someone’s way.

Love Them Unconditionally
Love them for who they are as well as for who they can become. I think the truest friend is one who knows your potential, who sees all the great things in you, and gives you the strength, courage and vision to reach your full potential. A true friend doesn’t belittle you or love you any less for your shortcomings, but points out your strengths and helps you work to overcome your weaknesses. A true friend leaves you better than they found you.

There is nothing so rewarding as helping a friend to the light. I challenge each of us to reach out to those around us. Instead of saying, “Oh, that’s too bad” when someone has a problem, actually do something about it! Be there for them, help them, love them, inspire them and get behind that load and push. Don’t be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing; just be there for them. As I told a friend the other day, we’re not living on an episode of Touched by an Angel here. God isn’t going to send Monica in a glow of light, but he does send friends who love us to let us know we are not alone. Be that angel to those around you, and not only will they be strengthened, but also your life will never be the same again.

Last Sermon

Last Sermon of the Messenger of Allah

(Sall'Allahu Alaihi Wasallam)

This Sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.

Be my witness oh Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people.

Enriching Thoughts

Below you see a pot. Cultivate the seeds for what you want to grow and follow the writings on the pot and live a wonderful life here and hereafter

The most powerful channel of communication - Prayer
The most endangered species - Dedicated leaders
The world's most incredible computer - The brain
The greatest "shot in the arm" - Encouragement
The most effective sleeping pill - Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease - Excuses
The most prized possession - Self esteem
The most satisfying work - Helping others
The two most power-filled words - "I Can"
Our greatest natural resource - Our youth
The most contagious spirit - Enthusiasm
The greatest problem to overcome - Fear
The ugliest personality trait - Selfishness
The greatest loss - Loss of self-respect
The most worthless emotion - Self-pity
The most powerful force in life - Love
The deadliest weapon - The tongue
The worst thing to be without - Hope
The most destructive habit - Worry
The most beautiful attire - SMILE
The greatest asset - Faith
The greatest joy - Giving

Mistakes

Mistakes happen. Not only do they happen, they are guaranteed! The only way you won't make mistakes is by not doing anything. Is that not a mistake again? You will never accomplish great or worthwhile things without risk and risk generally means great mistake potential.

You are probably reading this by light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison. He made over a thousand light bulbs that didn't work. The world would have called them mistakes. He said he learned a thousand ways not to make a bulb.

The way to avoid mistakes is experience. The way to get experience Mistakes!!

Many are afraid to try something new because they feel they might make an error. They are both right and wrong. Yes, they probably make errors but it is good to understand that errors go within the territory.

An expert is a man who has made all the mistakes, which can be made, in a narrow field.

Don't feel bad because you messed up with something. Don't be afraid to venture out into a new thing because you are afraid that you might mess up. While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, another is busy making mistakes and becoming superior. Remember, you don't drown because you fall into the water. You drown because you fail to get out.

Keep going; don't let the mistakes stop you.

You may only be one light bulb away!!!!!

MISTAKES ARE
M - MESSAGES that give you feedback about life.
I - INTERRUPTIONS that should cause you to think and reflect.
S - SIGNPOSTS that direct you to the right path.
T - TESTS that are designed to mature you.
A - AWAKENINGS that keep you mentally in the game.
K - KEYS that you try when unlocking the next door of opportunity.
E - EXPLORERS that allow you to journey where you've never been before.
S - STATEMENTS about your development and progress.

"The person who is incapable of making a mistake is incapable of anything."