Pop Star Plays in Masjid

An international pop star was allowed to play his music in a musjid. Though he was only given approximately a minute, the pop star got immediately on the act and used his minute to the full. His complete band played along while he sang some lines from his latest release. There was a mixed response from those present. While most of the congregation were enraged, some did not seem too bothered. After all, they also had pop bands playing …on their CELLPHONES.

This is unfortunately the tragic situation in most musjids. Pop bands have played in the houses of Allah. In fact, as unthinkable as it may have been previously, music is often played around the Ka'ba Shareef and right in front of the Rowdah Mubaruk (mausoleum) of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) , albeit from a cellphone. 

Indeed, we lament the hardships and calamities that constantly befall us. Yet, we directly draw down the wrath of Allah Ta'ala upon ourselves. In a lengthy Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) warned: "If my Ummah becomes involved in fifteen aspects, calamities and hardships will befall them." Among the fifteen aspects mentioned is when music and musical instruments will become rife in the Ummah. Therefore when even the Musjids – and the Haramain Sharifain – have not been spared from blaring music, what doubt can there be that this is a significant contributing factor in drawing down calamities? It is therefore imperative that for the sake of Allah Ta'ala we switch off all musical tones.

NA'THS

Al-hamdulillah many people have avoided musical ringing tones but have downloaded Qur'anic recitations, na'ths and nazams as ringing tones. While listening to the recitation of the Qur'an or to listen to the praises of Allah Ta'ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) are very meritorious, using these recitations as ringtones is highly inappropriate for many reasons: 

- The phone would invariably ring in places where it is not permissible to recite the Qur'an or any na'th, such as in the toilet. Even if one generally takes care to switch off the phone, one is at times likely to forget to do so. Thus one would be responsible of taking the name of Allah Ta'ala in the toilet — an act of gross disrespect.

- When the phone rings one would answer it as soon as one's hand reaches it. The recitation of the Qur'an or the name of Allah that is being recited will stop immediately. Sometimes, as a result of the sudden stop, the name of Allah Ta'ala or the name of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) which is being recited at that moment will be cut in half. This is also disrespectful.

- The most important reason is of the misuse of the Qur'an or the name of Allah Ta'ala and Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam) and reducing it to merely a sound to attract one's attention to a telephone call! The purpose of listening to the Qur'an being recited is to acquire the reward of ibadah and to increase one's Imaan. Likewise the purpose of listening to the recitation of na'ths is to imbibe the love of Allah Ta'ala and His beloved Rasul (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) into one's heart. These forms of ibadah should not be reduced to merely a ringing tone.

     

Therefore one should simply adopt a plain non-musical ringing tone. May Allah Ta'ala save us from actions that draw His wrath and from all forms of disrespect.  Aameen. 

 Link

Another Light

The darkness in which the seeker had dwelled
With the light of the guide, it was truly quelled
And the lantern that has long ago died
No longer was dark, but bright by his side

How fearful the seeker was on that day
When at last the guide had to go away
Distressed he was as his lantern grew dark
Was his life once more to be grim and stark?

To and fro he looked, amongst the darkened lane
Walk forward he did, though his heart still felt pain
And then he saw that which was his next his goal
A light in the distance, a balm for his soul

So stumble he did over roots and grass
And fell into puddles that shone like glass
And at last he reached the light that he saw
With fear and hope he looked up in awe

Behind the petals that flew by with a sigh
Shone a beautiful flame up against the sky
Its warm flickering light, a soothing sight
In the grim darkness of the forlorn night

And then it was that the seeker was to know
That though he had no choice but to go
The guide had made sure that he would not be forsaken
Another light would shine, a path would be taken

Guidance through Respect

There was once a fire-worshipper who noticed his son eating during the month of Ramadhaan in the presence of the Muslims. He was infuriated and reprimanded his son, “How could you destroy the sanctity of the Muslims during the month of Ramadhaan?”

After his death, a scholar from the neighbourhood saw him in a dream enjoying from the bounties of Jannat. He was quite surprised and asked: “Were you not a fire-worshipper?”

 

The man replied: “Yes, I was. However, as I was about to pass away Allah Ta`ala granted me the good fortune of accepting Islam due to the respect I showed for the month of Ramadhaan.” (Nuzhat-ul-Majaalis, p. 201) 

Lesson: Respect for the distinguishing features and symbols of Islam draws Allah Ta`ala’s special mercy and guidance.

*****

Taken from HERE

Why?

Article taken from HERE

*****

The human brain is indeed a wonderful organ. It is a reflection of the great qudrah (power) of Allah Ta'ala and the perfection of his creation. The progress man has made through his intellect is phenomenal. However, despite the progress man has made, and despite the capabilities of the human intellect, there is a point where man’s intelligence ceases. In fact scientists to this day and age confess of their inability to completely unravel the mysteries of the brain itself. As the Wikipedia Encyclopedia states, “Despite rapid scientific progress, much about how brains work remains a mystery”.

This in itself is a manifestation of the fact that man’s intelligence is limited, just as man’s strength, sight, etc. are limited. Thus, there are certain things that are definitely beyond the comprehension of man. On the other hand, the knowledge of Allah Ta'ala is perfect and complete. There is absolutely no comparison between His knowledge and the knowledge of His creation. To bring it closer to our understanding, comparing our knowledge to His, is far, far worse than a day old baby comparing his knowledge against the knowledge of the greatest thinker of all time. When this is our condition, it follows that we cannot completely fathom the reasons behind the decisions and commands of Allah Ta'ala. At times, we may ‘guess’ the possible underlying wisdom of His perfect command. But the real knowledge lies with Allah Ta'ala alone.

Furthermore, we belong to Allah Ta'ala and are His creation. He is our master, owner and creator. Every person has the right to utilise his possessions in whichever manner he deems correct. An owner can instruct his slave to do whatever work he wishes. Likewise, our most Compassionate and Kind Allah Ta'ala is our owner and we are His servants. We cannot ever question the reasons behind His commandments. Furthermore, His commands are NOT subject to our understanding and reasoning. Islam means ‘total submission’ - total submission to the commands of Allah Ta`ala and His Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Consider the case of a person who is in love. Without questioning the ‘benefit’ of giving a bunch of roses which will dry and wither away in a matter of days, and will eventually find its final abode in the trash, a person happily buys the roses for his wife. On the other hand, when Allah Ta'ala who has showered us with countless blessings since our birth, nay even prior to our birth, commands us with any command, then should we subject it to our feeble, weak understanding? Likewise, it is not our duty to understand the reason behind every command of Shari`ah. Rather, our duty is to learn the commands of Allah Ta`ala and fulfil them.

May Allah Ta`ala bless us all with His true love and bestow us with the ability to fulfil His every command. Aameen.

The Wolves Within

Read this story online, decided to share it.

*****

An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times."

He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way."

"But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."

"...enamored by supernatural displays..." - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

"People who are much enamored by supernatural displays, will be with Dajjal in greater numbers. I have heard this from my seniors. I have also heard that Dajjal will have the appearance of a majzoob. (A majzoob is a saint whose mind appears to be deranged as a result of his total engrossment with Allah's remembrance and love.)

This indicates that haal (a spiritual state) is not sufficient. The vital need (for rectitude) is obedience to the sunnah. those people who's attention is focused only on spiritual/supernatural states while not accepting deen as a requisite for tasawwuf, will find it very difficult to be saved from the traps of Dajjal. Dajjal will do everything, but he will not be able to act in accordance with the sunnah. Only the followers of the sunnah will be safe from Dajjal's trap."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 52
Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa

Sins & Good Intentions? - From the Malfoozat of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf 'Ali Thanwi saheb Rahmatullahi 'Alayh

"The hadeeth 'Verily actions are according to intentions' pertains to permissible acts and worship. It does not apply to sins. The hadeeth means that good deeds accompanied by good intentions are acceptable. It does not mean that sins accompanied by good intentions are transformed into virtuous deeds."

Taken from Malfoozat (Statements and Anecdotes), page 48
Compiled by Mujlisul Ulama of South Africa