18 Answers of the Holy Prophet – MUST READ

September 27, 2008 at 7:43 am (Easy Good Deeds)
Tags:

A traveler once came to the Masjid to see the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) after greeting the Prophet, he was asked where he was from. The traveler replied that he came from very far just to get a few questions answered. Following is the dialogue between the traveler and the Prophet.

Traveler         : I do not want azhab (punishments) to be written in my account.

Prophet         : Behave well with your parents

Traveler        : I want to be known amongst people as an intelligent person.

Prophet         : Fear Allah (Jalla Jalal Ho), always.

Traveler        : I want to be counted amongst Allah’s favorites.

Prophet         : Recite Qur’an every morning and evening.

Traveler        : I want my heart to always be enlightened. (Roshan and Munawer)

Prophet         : Never forget death.

Traveler        : I never want to be away from Allah’s blessing.

Prophet         : Always treat fellow creatures well.

Traveler        : I never want to be harmed by my enemies.

Prophet         : Always have faith in only Allah.

Traveler        : I never want to be humiliated.

Prophet         : Be careful of your actions.

Traveler        : I wish to live long.

Prophet         : Always do sile rahm. (Goodness towards blood Relations)

Traveler        : I want my sustenance to increase.

Prophet         : Always be in Wudhoo.

Traveler        : I wish to stay free of azhaab in the grave.

Prophet         : Always wear pure (paak) clothes.

Traveler        : I never want to be burned in hell.

Prophet         : Control your eyes and tongue.

Traveler        : How do I get my sins forgiven?

Prophet         : Always ask forgiveness from Allah with a lot of humility.

Traveler        : I want people to respect me always.

Prophet         : Never extend your hands of need at people.

Traveler        : I want to always be honored.

Prophet         : Never humiliate or put down anyone.

Traveler        : I don’t want to be squeezed by Fishare Qabr. (Squeezing in the grave)

Prophet         : Recite Surat El Mulk (The Dominion) often.

Traveler        : I want my wealth to increase.

Prophet         : Recite Surat El Waqiah (The Inevitable) every night.

Traveler        : I want to be safe and at peace on Day of Judgment.

Prophet         : Do Zikr (Praises) of Allah from dusk to night.

Traveler        : I want to be in full attention and concentration during prayers.

Prophet         : Always do Wudhoo with concentration and attention.

2 Comments

50 Qualities of the Pious

September 20, 2008 at 1:33 pm (Ramdan Special)
Tags:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you,

that you may attain taqwa.” (Qur’an 2:183)

So Fasting is to attain Taqwa. Here are 50 qualities of a person who have taqwa.

May Allah help us be those who learn good and implement them in life. Ameen.

1) They do not commit shirk
2) Do not want to show their acts of worship to people
3) Hastening for forgiveness whenever a sin occurs.
4) They always gives alms and spend their money for good.
5) They always speak truthfully, rightly and to the point.
6) Their way of living is based upon moderation.
7) Their mode of dealing with other men is founded on their good will, fellow feeling and courtesy towards them.
8) They deny themselves the things prohibited by God.
9) They concentrate their minds upon knowledge of things which will bring them eternal bliss. 10)They bear hardships and sufferings as happily as they enjoy comforts and pleasures.
11)They have visualized mentally the glory of God in such a way that beyond him nothing in this world alarms, frightens or awes them.
12) Everything other than His might appears to them as insignificant and humble.
13) They believe in the Heaven and its blessings like a person who has been there and has actually seen everything of the Heaven with his own eyes. Similarly, their faith in the Hell and its torments is as strong as that of a person who had passed through its sufferings. They feel that the tortures of the Hell are around them and very near to them.
14)The ways of worldly people make them sorry.
15)They harm nobody.
16) They do not indulge in excessive eating and pleasure seeking.
17) Their wants are limited. Their wishes are few.
18) They have accepted patiently sufferings and adversities in this mortal and transitory life for the sake of eternal bliss which by the grace of God proved for them a very profitable transaction. The vicious world desired their fellowship but they turned their faces away from it. It wanted to snare them, but they willingly accepted every trouble and discomfort to free themselves from its clutches.
19)Their nights they spend in carefully studying the Quran, because, of their weaknesses and short-comings, and try to find ways from this Holy book for improvements of their minds.
20) In the study of the Quran when they came across a passage describing the Heaven they feel highly attracted towards it and develop such a keen desire to reach it; that the Heaven with all its blessings is visualized by their minds, while a passage about the Hell frightens them and makes them feel as if they are seeing and hearing the raging fire and the groans and lamentations of those who are suffering the tortures of the Hell.
21)Nights they spend in praying before the Lord and requesting and beseeching Him to deliver them from the Hell.
22)Days find them occupied with such works that clearly indicate their wisdom, depth of knowledge, virtuousness, and piety. Constant fasting, simple diet: avoidance of every aspect of luxury and regular hard work make them look lean and haggard, but they possess very sound and robust health.
23) When people hear them discussing various problems of life they often take them to be whimsical fanatic or even half-witted. But it is not so, they are not satisfied with the quality and quantity of the work done by them in the cause of religion and humanity .The more they work the less they feel satisfied. Having set up a very high standard of efficiency for their work they fell nervous that indolence may not make it impossible for them to attain those heights.”
24) If anyone of them is praised for piety, virtuousness and the good deeds done by him, he does not like to be so complimented; he is afraid that such praise may not allure him towards vanity, self flattery, and self glorification. He says, I know my mind and my work more than others, and God knows much more than me. O Lord! Please do not hold me responsible for what they have said about me. You know very well that I did not instigate them for such praises. Please Lord! Grant me excellence far greater than what they complimented me for. And Lord! Please forgive those of my sins short-comings which they do not know.”
25) You will find every pious person possessing the following attributes. He is resolute though tender-hearted and kind. He is unwavering in his convictions and beliefs. He is thirsty for knowledge. He forgives those who harmed him, fully knowing that they have wronged him. Even when owning wealth his ways of life are based upon moderation. His prayers are models of humility and submissiveness to God. Even when starving he will maintain his self-respect. He will bear sufferings patiently.
26) He will resort only to honest means of living. Leading others towards truth and justice, will give him pleasure. He disdains avarice and greed.
27) Though he does good deeds all the time, yet he feels nervous of his short-comings.
28) Every night, he thanks God for having passed one more day under His Grace and Mercy.
29) Every morning finds him starting the day with the prayers of the Lord. Of nights he is cautious that he may not carelessly waste those hours in comfort and ease. He starts his days happy with the thought the Lord has given him another day to do his duty.
30) If his mind wishes for something unholy and impious he refuses to obey its dictates. He desires to achieve eternal bliss. Worldly pleasures do not interest him. His wisdom is mixed with patience. His deeds reciprocate his words (he does what he says).
31)Inordinate desires do not trouble him. He has few defects in him. He is courteous to others. He possesses a contended mind. He eats little, he does not harm anybody. He is easy to be pleased. He is strong in his faith. His passions are dead. His temper is controlled.
32) People expect good out of him and consider themselves immune from his harm. Even if he is found among godless people his name will be written in the list of Godly persons. If he is in company of those who always remember God, naturally his name will not be included amongst those who forget Him.
33) He forgives those who harm him. He helps those who have forsaken him and have refused to help him. He is kind to those who have been cruel to him. He does good to those who do evil to him.
34) He never indulges in loose talks. He has no vice in him, and his good qualities are outstanding, noticeable, and prominent, when facing dangers and disasters he is calm and undisturbed.
35) In sufferings and calamities he is patient and hopeful.
36) In prosperity he is thankful to God.
37) He would not harm his worst enemy.
38) He will never commit a sin even for the sake of his best friend.”
39) Before anybody has to bear testimony to his fault he accepts and owns it.
40) He never misappropriates anything entrusted to him.
41) He never forgets what he has been told.
42) He does not slander anybody.
43) He does not harm his neighbors.
44) When misfortunes befall any person he does not blame him, neither is he happy at the losses of others. He neither goes astray from the right path nor follows a wrong one.
45) His silence does not indicate,. his moroseness nor his laughters are loud and boisterous. He bears persecution patiently and God punishes his oppressor.
46) He is hard to himself and very lenient to others.
47) He bears hardships in this life to attain eternal comfort and peace.
48) He never wrongs a fellow being. If he avoids anybody it is to retain his piety and uprightness.
49) If he forms contract with anybody it is on account of his kindness and clemency.
50) He does not avoid anybody because of his pride and vanity, and he does not mix with others with ulterior motives of hypocrisy, pretense, and vile.

May Allah Accept

Leave a Comment

Judge yourself before you are judged

September 20, 2008 at 1:15 pm (Ramdan Special)
Tags:

Assalamualaikum.

Ramadan is getting ready to leave us. The final 10 more days to go.
Time to keep aside all our idleness and to get back to the race towards forgiveness and rewards.

Attached is an excel sheet which would help us to keep track of yourself during day and night for the next ten days.

For each point, give either 1 (if you did it) and 0 (if you didnt). Use the attached document to evaluate yourself out of 10.

So, every day and night for the next 10 days, you can rate yourself out of a scale of 10.

mylifeevaluation
May Allah Accept.
Dawah Guide

Leave a Comment

How to Give a Shahada in Ten Minutes

June 22, 2008 at 3:37 am (Dawah)
Tags:

How to Give (and Get) a Shahada in 10 Minutes

By Kamal El Mekki (former Imam at George Mason University)

Great Reward; Nabi Allaah ” were you to guide one person through you it is better for you than the red camels.” So if you teach one person to pray you get the reward, as well if those people teach 10 or more people. If we keep on doing these things Nabi Allaah (sal Allaahu 3layhi was salaam) gets the reward for it as well until Yawmu Deen.

And you can not guide the blind from their straying….

Two Types of Guidance
1.) Hidayatul Irshaad: Verily you do not guide those whom you love, but Allaah gives guidance to whom he wills.You can give dawah to the same person more than once, some people will take longer than others but the dawah is still our duty.2.) Hidayatul tawfiq: This is from Allaah, this is when Allaah opens a persons heart to Islam. Our duty is to only let people know where the truth is. Allaah puts the hidaya in the heart the da’ee (caller) does not do that.

This type of guidance is from Allaah, and when you know that this is true, nothing can stand in your way. In the end direct them and the rest is up to Allaah. Allaah guides whom He wills, and Allaah is the one whom places guidance in the heart.

Obstacles on the Path of Getting a Shahada:

1.) Expecting Instant Results, you can not expect instant results, if they do not take the message right away do not give up.2.) I don’t have enough Knowledge, As long as you are Muslim you have enough knowledge. They will not ask complicated questions, so go with what you know.3.) I myself am in need of Allaah, Who’s heart is 100%, that is a mental obstacle. If your intent is good then you will find that you will get results. This type of thinking are just excuses, no one is all knowledgeable of Islaam, but the effort and the intentions is what get results.

4.) Not knowing who you’re talking to, We need to fund out who we are talking to, what obstacles they have. Many times we assume they are Christians, and that they believe in the Trinity. You must let the person talk and find out where they are coming from, this helps the dawah a lot.

Umar (ra) when he first became Muslim he brought a lot of people to Islam, 10 of which were giving the glad tidings from Allaah. The non Muslim that you are calling will not ask you questions that are so hard, thus, your knowledge of Islaam does not have to be at the level of a scholar.

The reality is like having a scarf that you wash, in the end are your hands clean, yes, but the intent in the start was not to wash your hand’s, it just happened in the process.

Not knowing who you are talking to, do not assume everyone you are talking to is Christian. As well as there are obstacles from the prospect, sometimes people are looking for a sign. In the bible it talks about a clear sign like a vision, so people are looking for a sign. Allaahs says; ‘ Verily these things are signs for those who contemplate/ or for those who consider” in another ayat. Sometimes people already have their vision, but they are waiting for the deep voice or a light. If you love Islam from studying then become Muslim. Sometimes you may only get one sign from Allaah, so you have to let people know the signs of Allaah are subtle. Asking what the person dislikes about Islam, may save you a lot of time. So tell them if you are waiting for a sign would you like a big neon sign (to show them how silly this thinking is). So again, the signs of Allaah are subtle, if Allaah puts you in a position then take advantage of that. Allaah is choosing you, and putting you in this moment over everyone else. Go over the 5 pillars, it may take some time but it is worth it, and they may remember what you said for the rest of your life.

Excuses for Not taking Shahada:

1.) Looking for a Sign: The signs of Allaah or subtle and sometimes often Allaah puts you in a situation to receive hidaya.

Soorah Ra’d: In these are signs for those who consider.

2.) Misconceptions about Islam/Muslim/Religion: Thinking that problems and misconceptions apply to Islam as well as Islam, when this is not the case at all. Sometimes people have misunderstandings about Islaam, and religion as a whole. Do away with these misconceptions. 3.) Problems are caused by Islam: Thinking that Islam will cause a problem in their life and in their daily dealings.Some people feel that religion causes problems, well this Is not correct, find the problem and apply the medication. 4.) Influences of family and society: Feeling that they will be shunned by the people and get negative feed back because of their new found faith.

Rejection from friends and family, we cover every thing with a person and they still refuse. Ask them what is stopping them from becoming a Muslim at that moment.

5.) Problems apply across the board: For instance the actions of the people can not be used to view Islam, that is that individual person, not Islam and His prophet (saw).

Some people have a Big problem with Christianity and think this applies to all of the religions. This is not the case, and many people do not know all religions. Say Christianity if that is what you mean, because the majority of people do not know about All the religions to generalize like that.

Some people think the problem with their religion applies to All religion’s.

The Various Dawah Methods:

1.) Pamphlet Pushing: Setting Areas with heavy traffic. Make sure you bring enough material, as well as make sure that you get as many people as possible and that time allows.Pick and area with heavy traffic, have a plan you and another sister/brother on both ends. Get as many pamphlets out as possible. Have a catch phrase, you either take it or you hear it. ” Free information on the purpose of Life” Catch phrase get people to stop.2.) Goal is to hand out as much material as possible, get as many coming in and out as possible.

3.) Requires a plan for canvassing the area:

4.) Not much talking:

5.) Cover the entire pathway so you don’t miss a single person:

6.) Have a catch phrase to arouse interest! Take it or hear it. Either the person takes the sheet or they get a long drawn out talk from you and they wont like that because it will take up time.

7.) Know what you are handing out. Maybe read the material ahead of time so you can properly facilitate.

Do not make Islaam sound like Christianity or Judaism that is not how it works.

One on One

1.) Time is of the essence. Be efficient! You will not have much time to get into a long discussion on Islam, so make sure you are clear and concise. Two or three people is good enough, do not make the people or person feel like you are ganging up on them.2.) Travel in groups or pairs, Take others with you so that you may all get the point across, as well as in case there is more than one person.3.) Take security into consideration!

Walk with me**One on One/ Sit Down
A detail oriented theological discussion; usually pre-planned

1.) Begin with how much the person knows on Islam, diagnose to find a problem2.) You have time, but still use it wisely3.) Listen, do not interrupt and let them finish

4.) If the person has studied Islam: find the core issue that keeping him/her from Islam.

Find out what the sickness is and apply the medication. Find out what bothers them or confuses them about Islaam.

Do’s/ Dont’s 1.) Do Be patient, be prepared to come across people who do not want to hear your dawah.Going to give dawah you have to be patient, All the prophets were rejected denied, accepted. Keep going and being patient.

2.) Do be straight forward, Allaah is straight forward in the Qur’an so do the same, Allaah says; ” They ask you about” He is direct. “Say”

Allaah is direct and to the point so be straight forward with the people. Do not let people think you are trying to trick them.

3.) Do aviod unnecessary confrontations. Arguments…simply move on. Some people just like to argue, and they have no intention of having a civil conversation, so go on. Focus on Tauhid, if they do not want to keep them on this issue.Unnecessary talk unrelated to the dawah end it. Keep your eye on tauhid. This is why having a partner is a good idea, because that person will keep you on track and you will keep him focused. Remain on tauhid, you want to take that person through the process of negating the Trinity. One must train themselves to remain on the subject at hand. If they do not get tauhid they will not get the rest.

4.) Keep your eyes on the ball and keep the ball rolling; Some people like to get off the subject and they will divert you from the main point. If they go into talking about meat animal rights, cut them off that has nothing to do with Tauhid.

5.) Have a partner with you; If you have another person with you the other person may have another view, or may see something that you missed, and will be able to interject, and add to the missed issues. As well as for a precaution.

6.) Use simple language, use small word, do not go into large words the person is un-clear about. DO not speak in another language or use big ambiguous words that they do not understand.

8.) Understand needs, obstacles and issues:

9.) Listen with your eyes and your ears 70-80% of communication is non-verbal. Listen for the needs and concerns of this person, find out what they are lacking in understanding about Islam.

Our job is not to corner them, to try and refute each point they make. Do not argue with them.

Tell them that only you (meaning themselves) are the one that can convert you, I will not convert you.

10.) Try to coin statements into a positive manner, highlight words like “good” & “yes”11.) Be neat and clean in appearance.12.) Get your prospect to listen: Nod, say I hear you and understand your point that way they feel you are listening to them as well, so that they may give you the same respect. Remain eye contact.

It is important that you get them to listen, by doing so you must listen to them.

13.) Use open gestures: Smile, Laugh, lean into them, maintain eye contact but do not stare.14.) Find points to agree upon: Present them with concepts that will get you a “yes” , They may think that you are laughing at them but keep a smile on your face, that way they feel easy with you. As well as smiling at your brother and sister. Nabi Allaah (saw) “Do not belittle any of the good deeds.”

If you have 99 differences with a person and you find one to agree upon, then you build on that one point.

15.) Acknowledge their questions as intelligent: Ask this person in simple terms that is it possible that Allaah not send messengers, then ask is it logically possible that Allaah could have sent many messengers, they will say yes, if Allaah wants He can send whom he wills. Do not ask if they believe it, ask them if it is possible. If the person does not have a problem with this then give him his/her shahadah. GO in order establish the Oneness of God, and that He sent messengers one after the other.Ask this person is it logical that someone like Jim Jones whom instructed many people to commit mass suicide a prophet, they will for sure say no.Ask the person is it logically possible that Isa was not the last Prophet, that He sent another? Do not ask them if they believe it, but if it is logical.

“That’s a good question”
“I’m actually glad you brought that point up”
“I can see why you understood it that way”

You may explain something to some one and you ask them to become Muslim, and they still say no. They need to know what they are getting into. Explain the five pillars, and other small things related to Islaam may keep them away from Islaam, so explain the five pillars. Sometimes the major things are ok, but the lesser points will push them away.

Cover the Main things.16.) Ask for a name: Be personable, get to know the person, be on a first name basis. Makes it appear you do care.Nabi Allaah (sal Allaahu 3layhi was salaam) said to Uthman ibn Af’an: Verily I am the Messenger of Allaah sent to You, and to the rest of humanity.

17.) Find out the beliefs of your prospect: Do not assume that this person believes in the trinity, educate them about the oneness of Allaah, and His tauhid.. As well as how He send messengers (saw). As this person.

18.) Avoid human obstacles (partner), do not let other distract you from the prospect whom is interested. If someone calls you away do not let them interfere, tell them one moment, do not let anyone get between you and the prospective shahada.

Often another Muslim will interrupt you giving the shahada to a non-Muslim, do not let human obstacles get in the way. Let your partner if you are a pair deal with the obstacles. Remove obstacles away from you and your prospective shahada!

Focus the talk on what their misconceptions are.

GOLDEN RULE: Ask for the SHAHADA [/B]Close the deal, do not let the person get away with out that shahada (if you can help it, and without being pushy), the person can die after they leave your company. Doing this is like a sales, be the care salesman, go for the close ask for the business. Tell the person you are not asking them to change their entire life, but rather asking them to believe in what they already know. The person will be a bit hesitant in the beginning. Do not think the person will change right away. Nabi Allaah, he did not get the ayat about alcohol until later on, let the Imaan sink in. One must ask for the shahada, other wise it does not work! ” The Home-Team religion.”95% of All sales that do not go through, it’s because the salesman did not ask for the sale (i.e, the shahada) Ask for the shahada, go for the goal. Even when you think the person is not ready. They will know that one of their obligations is to accept Islaam.!


Don’ts:
19.) Don’t start by attacking or being aggressive people become defensive and put a mental block.This is a bad idea, because the people will become upset. Example: Ahmed Dedaat debate, some Muslims are passing them on to their Christian friends, it is not a good way to be. Aggressiveness is always shunned by non-Muslims. Sometime this way is to harsh. This person may never become Muslim after being insulted. Do not be the reason why someone never becomes Muslim until they die.20.) Don’t use an approach that may annoy people. Like using a mega-phone, do not annoy and aggravate people. You will be attacked. Do not be aggressive, do not agitate people.

Aggressive Dawah! Annoying Approaches Should Be abstained from!

21.) Don’t be evasive: The prospect feels that this is a bad religion and that you have cornered him, and they will then not respond. Do not give people hardcore dawah, so much so that the person feels almost like they were forced and had to submit.

22.) Never use the ‘lets not push him’ technique: Saying oh let’s give him 10mins. Making the person feel like they can not leave with out taking shahada, almost so much so that you put fear in their heart. The person has to have knowledge of what they are saying. Do not tell them to repeat behind you in arabic, and they do not know what they are saying then tell them that they have just taken shahada. Allaah (swt) says: “They wish that you would compromise with them so that they can compromise with you.” Make sure you remove this type of person.

Don’ts:

23.) Never interrupt a person giving dawah unless VERY GOOD reason or you have a good point your partner overlooked.

If it is an experienced person, do not interrupt unless it is dyer need. If you see your partner having a hard time, then you can step in and affirm his words, or pick up where that person (your partner) left off.

24.) Don’t Begin a sentence with “No” or “What you need to understand.”

25.) Don’t use “but” it erases all that was said before it. Instead use ” I agree”

People erase everything before the “but” Do not negotiate!

When something in Islaam is haraam, all the avenues that lead to it are forbidden as well! When the Jews came to Nabi (saw) and said worship our god for one day I will worship your God for one Year !Allaah revealed” Soorah Qalam, “They wish that you would compromise with them so that they can compromise with you.”26.) Give up if the person seems uninterested or makes fun of you. If the person seems to be making fun or laughing that you then you may wan to give up but keep trying. They may try to make fun of you but keep going. Be patient with these types of people be firm and do not make up things.27.) Do not Falsify nor exaggerate information. Do not make things look false, like saying oh it is just your average American life, tell them that there is a difference. Do not feel sorry about Islam, do not do this trying to make Islaam comfortable for them.

28.) Misrepresent Islam’s position regarding the other party ” Don’t make the kafir comfortable with his Kufr”! If you do this they do not feel the need to become Muslim. If you dumb down the religion then they do not feel the need to become Muslim.

Do not mis-represent Islaam, if you go to a Jew or Christian and they say what does Islaam say about them, tell it to them plainly. ” You are going to Hell”, tell them what Allaah says. Do not make them comfortable with their kuffar.

29.) Make a Judgment based on Looks. If the person seems or appears to be off mentally, or seems to be not wanting Islam, then leave them alone. However, looks may be deceiving someone may be interested and you miss out due to first looks.


Methods and Techniques:

1.) Avoiding Handshakes: There is no need to shake the hands, {coughing and sneezing in your hand does not work}. Simply say I do not shake hands. Occupy your hands so much so that you do no have room to shake the persons hand. Do not free your hand.2.) Using the name “Allaah” Do not be afraid to do this: Use the name Allaah, this sets you apart from the other deviant sects out their, You have to submit to God, this sounds like all the other religions out, Allaah is just the name of Allaha in Arabic. That is all it is, they are the same God, using Allaah set you apart. Make it a disclaimer.3.) Clothing: thobe vs. pants: The only difference is that the people think you are clergy and as well it brings you dawah. As well as making yourself stand out from the non-Muslim and seeming to be a minister for the religion is keen.

4.) Using aggression appropriately : Nabi Allaah (saw) was this way as well, because you have to wake people up, they must know the reality. Let the person have it. Let them know that all their money and everything that only your good deeds and your family is with you, and even they leave you. Let them know of the punishment of Allaah, because they, the prospects tend to joke. You want to take them away from the laughter, and get to the seriousness. Nabi Allaah (saw) sometimes he would say something harsh even though he was gentle. In different ethnic groups some people can take harsh dawah. However, let them know that the bible has been altered and that the Qur’an has not changed. The bible is not a reliable source, and show them, because they will challenge you.

Jeremiah 8/8.

Why is it that the Trinity is the Most important issue in the Bible, They say ” There are three that bare in heaven.” How can this be the case when Jesus never said that he was a god, it never says that because it was invented in the 4th century, Constantine gathered the people after he became Christian and he waned to unite the people under one dogma. 325 AD, they wrote out the doctrine of the trinity the term (Oma Usi)…. of the same substance. {Athinisus}

How do you go from asking someone is something logically possible to say the shahada? The idea of what you believe is logically possible and what you believe is not that big of a gap. Other’s who claim to be a prophet had no mention or made no mention of the rest of the prophets, and did not come with the same message even as the other messengers. Nabi Allaah saw came with the very thing that other’s came with before him (saw).

Walk-away point: Depends on the type of Dawah;

When to know you are wasting your time, the thing is you will not know, and maybe you are not wasting your time. Some time people believe inwardly and disbelieve outwardly.

Never give up on a person, continue to talk and you may get result’s. The person may be affected years later, and even if they do not take their shahada, they may understand and sympathize with Islaamic causes.

When people are acting in a strange behavior and seem to be out of their mind, and show that they are not listening. Or if you run out of time. Why do you cover/ Why do you not cover, it is something which is natural, this is the first thing that Adam/Hawa did when the understood their nakedness. Why do you grow the beard, why not, why do you shave it is something which is natural.

Part II
Understanding Dawah from the Qur’an:” Call to the way prescribed by your Lord with wisdom and with fine admonition, and debate with them in the best manner (Soorah an Nahl 16:125” And do not debate with the People of the Book except with the Best WORDS , (calling to Allaah by means of His signs and by drawing attention to the proofs He has provided)……Soorah al Ankaboot (20:46)Understanding Dawah from the Qur’an:

” Say, O Muhammad, this is my way: I call to Allah (alone), upon certain knowledge myself and those who follow me, and Allaah is free from all imperfections and partners, and I am free from those who associate anything in worship along with Him.” (Soorah Yusif 12:10 8)

Using the best words, and debating in the best manner…

Make sure the dawah is for Allah it is not for you, when you do it for Allaah if you are insulted you do not care, when it is for you, you feel hurt and want to attack back. As long as you have the basics you can go and call others to the way of Allaah. And do not call to something from which Allaah and His messenger did not perscribe.
Knowledge: ” Whoever calls to guidance then there is for him a reward like the rewards for those who follow him and that will reduce nothing from their rewards, and whoever calls to misguidance will have sin upon him like the sins of those who follow him, and that will reduce nothing from their sins.”Patience:Indeed messenger before you, Muhammad were denied and rejected buy they patiently bore the denial, rejected and harm of their people until Our aid came to them.

Patience:


“Indeed it is We who have sent down this Qur’an to you, Gradualy.”” So be patient with what your Lord has decreed”The simplicity of the Matter:1.) They said: ” Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Ibrahim” He said: ” Nay, this one, the biggest of them did it….”) referring to the one he had left alone and had not broken.

Most people think problems with their religion automatically apply to others.

2.) (Ask them, if they can speak). He was hoping that why would admit of their own volition that these idols could not speak and that this idol would not say anything because it was inanimate.3.) So they tuned to themselves and said: ” Verily, you are the wrongdoers.” Then they turned to themselves: “Indeed you know well that these speak not!’) He said: ” Do you then worship besides Allaah, things that can neither profit nor harm you”) Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allaah! Have you then no sense.)What we are trying to do is get people to think outside of their BOX. Because people are within a certain way of thought and only by them getting out of their box will they then see the error within. One must take a step back and see the flaw to understand the error in their ways. By Ibrahim doing what he did he got them to think outside the box.

4.) The Questionnaire: Ask people what is the purpose of life, to work, make money, get them to think out side the box. They will for sure ponder their creation. Some people will reply and or respond to this question if you ask them, with to get money pursue a certain dream. This can be your clue to give them the answer.

5.) Questions you can ask: What is the Purpose of Life? Gods in Thailand: They feed fresh food the idols in this country, they do not think and ever ponder why the food is not being eaten. They can not see something that is so clearly flawed. If the purpose of life is to make money look around the world, Japanese work to hard, so he explored the Saudi culture and he discovered about Islam. One needs to contemplate the purpose of life.

Most people think problems with their religion is automatically apply to others. Main advantage we have is Tauhid, their main disadvantage is the Trinity.
Thinking Outside of the BOX: 6.) Trinity: three in one or one in three? If they say it is one in three then they are worshipping three gods.1+1+1, How can this equal one? This equation does not make sense, how does this mathematical problem still equal one? So they must be worshipping three gods! Whenever you find something that is not logical make a comparison to the Dunya. If you take three water bottles and ask them how many are there, they will not say 1+1+1, they will say three. They will not ask you “Oh are we multiplying”. Isa gave many sermons on the mount, not once does he mention, or explicitly say this. All the terms that were Used are ambiguous! John 3/16How can this be the most important message that Isa was sent with. That is like saying you are going to teach someone French and then giving them a Spanish book. When Isa “said” I and my father are one, did this mean literally?

How many gods were there when Jesus died for three days? Because he had to die for three days (according to them) ? Most Christians do not know, and can not answer this question.

Your main advantage in giving dawah to non Muslims is that we believe in the Tauhid and they do not. Is the trinity three in one/ one in three? If you ask them this question, they will be confused themselves. If they say it is one in three they worship three gods.

7.) How many Gods where there when Jesus died for three days? God the son on earth, god the spirit between the two, then god the son whom died for three days and raised form the dead, during these three days how many gods were there. 1+1+1, this equation is not logical, the result will be three. To make people think logically give them a comparison to the dunya.

How can this be the most important part of the religion, when it is never spoken about. If we are the children of God, then we are all gods. But they will say will he is the begotten son. Psalms/John Chpt. 2.” You are my son, and this day I have begotten you”

God says to Israel you are my first born son, we do not take this literally, so why then do we take it literal about Isa (saw).

8.) Why never an explicit mention of the Trinity in the bible since it is the crux of the religion? If this is the main issue of the trinity that Allaah or god sent his son to die for us, since the fall of man until the descending of Isa, God has been upset with humanity. Bible “The parent is not responsible for the sin of the parent nor the child for the sin of the baby, or child”. How can this be the Most Important issue and Isa himself never spoke about it. Why is it when a praise is made of Isa it is divine, but when another prophet is mentioned it is ignored. Jesus said I am the word, does this negate that it means he is god, unless you bend it and force it you will not understand it that way. Where was Isa before he came on earth, so did he know he would be sent down to expiate the sins of all of humanity? If Isa did not know what was going on then he was not a god, when he was about to die, he said let this cup pass from me? Or how about when he was placed the cross why did he say ” Why has God forsaken me”? This is a religion where it is logical and there is no confusion therein. Our religion has signs which do not contradict themselves. If you look at the start of the gospel of John, is says kids not born of natural will but of god, then we all are children of god. But they say well it is not children like Isa, but in the lesser sense. Psalms 2: God speaks directly to David, and; “says you are my son, this day I have begotten you.”

Some people are emotionally attached to this belief of trinity, they do not logically believe in them. They also say well my father, mother, brother, as well are Christians. “The Home Team Religion”. So you will see most times that some people do not think it makes sense they have emotional feelings for it.

When you come to them from this angle, they make excuses like it being a mysterious thing, the bible said “God is not the author of confusion.”

Trinitarian Analogies:

The Egg One egg, the yoke, the and the shell. The minute you separate these things they are not the same thing anymore, it is no longer an egg. You can be a wife, sister, daughter, however, each of these things have their own attributes and you can not be the daughter of your husband. The trinity was physically separated so how were they one.

So how could it be the son was physically separated form god. If they were physically separated they are not one anymore. Act, God will say to Isa come sit at my right hand. The author says this is not set in stone. Even in the heavens they are separated.

The flame: The fire, the heat, and this is three things, but if you separate these things it will not be a flame, which makes the fire.

Water: one substance that can be a gas, liquid, or solid____ Water one substance in three forms, you can not use an example of three things to explain three in one. How do you use an example of one thing that can be three things at once, to explain something that is three in one? The concept does not make sense. No one will logically comprehend, if Jesus is god in the flesh and god is the spirit then, ask them for the daleel? They will say it is inferred. If they are co-equal whom is worshipping whom? Bring them into the truth kindly! What about those people who say believe, and then you will understand. This is one argument that they put forward. This is like a doctor giving you a sugar pill and being told it will help you thinking it is medication. But if you were told in the beginning then you would not have took it. You are comparing it to something deceptive any way, it is a method used to trick people.

Before Isa was sent down to earth did he have a say so in the heavens? Did he know he was doing to die? Why then did he make sujood in the garden of Yosemite?

The problem is a lot of people focus on the emotion because like Mormons they always go back to saying our book is the truth. The fact that you are comfortable with something does not make it ok. Like the monk who sits in the temple does not make It ok. This means we need to remove emotional feelings with regards something being the truth. I saw, I felt does not mean you are right. We have to get them away from that feeling.

Using Stories and Analogies: When doing this make sure you utilize the following guidelines:

1.) Begin with the most simple explanation first, and the more complicated as the situation necessitates.2.) Make comparisons to the dunya. What happens to someone who spies on USA, so why is it hard for them to understand that the same thing will happen when leaving the religion of Allaah. If they do not take this argument, Deuteronomy 30-8-9: Here it says the one who leaves his religion, he should be killed. They do not even know this is in their book. If this does not work then go into another detail, 73 Ali Iram Allah (Swt) says: ” A group from the people of the book would say believe in Islam, and leave it at the end of the day.” This is what the non-Muslim used to do, Jews become Muslims in the morning and leave at the end of the day, so this goes on and on, what will happen to the mentality of the people seeing this. Will this deter people from becoming Muslim, so Allaah legislated this and how many Jews did this the next morning, NONE!However, the bigger issue is Tauhid and that must be focused on. The punishment on top of jail is being abused physically and mentally. We have the truth, do not apologize for the religion of Allaah. Deuteronomy 8-9, 73 Al-Imran, for the one whom leaves his religion (Islaam).


Using Stores and Analogies:

1.) Put the religion under the microscope.We invite people to put Islam under the microscope, you will not find a mistake therein, we are very confident about Islam, we tell them ok, it’s either true or false. We invite others to find flaws in Islaam.2.) Human value system

Every society or community will determine what is wrong and what is good. In some society it is not wrong to still, “We borrow and forget to ask”. By law if you catch someone stealing you have to go to the jail and see them taking them food and drink. Some things that are good in the society are bad in the sight of Allaah. So when you say I am just going to be good, and you have a boyfriend that is not good.

3.) Evil and the Jar of darkness

If God is good and loving why does bad things happen to people. You respond by saying one way is that it expiates your sins. Darkness does not exist in and of it self, it only shows up when there is no light. When people do not follow these rules then this is the result. Heat and cold: There is no such thing as cold it only occurs as a result of lack of heat.

4.) Religion and violence

Most of the violence on earth is because of religion, well lets count and do the math and see if this claim is correct. WWII alone 23million people died, this was for land, oil and that war did not have anything to do with religion, there was an ideology involved but it was not the main theme of the war. Any act of violence or religion was, was it motivated by someone reading scriptures. Example, If some one a Palestinians blows himself up, was it because he saw an ayat about this? No, it was a pursuit over land. Even the best example the crusades had nothing to do with religion, they drew images of Muslims desecrating holy Christian sites. There are other factors that come into play here. The verses were revealed in the time of war in the Qur’an relating to killing the non-Muslims at that time.

a.) most violence not because of religion
b.) Media, politics vs. pure teaching to kill

5.) Women polygyny 1+1=2

If you do not understand you will not get a an algebra equation, why would one focus on 4 wives and not tauhid. One must focus on one God, and He is the only creator and that worship is only for Him, then this is when they will understand everything else, they will understand. Why does Allaah care if you eat a ham sandwich, no, it is how you are going to obey Allaah. When Allaah says do something does not matter how much bug or small it is. Allaah owns your body as well, and it is His to make commandments.

6.) Concept of Justice and resurrection.

How do you explain that there is a god but no resurrection, how do we refute this person. Describe this god to me, and they will say he is wise, all knowing fair, and just. Ok, now if you say he is all of this lets say that one person is good and been this way off his life, and he does lie cheat or steal, and you say there is no resurrection he is done and buried and it’s it. Then you have a guy that is the opposite and did bad deeds, dies and is buried and is not brought back. These two people are in the same place, is this fair. Infants have this understanding better than adults that there is a reckoning, they know even at this age they know retribution. How is it that Allaah will not or cant do this and understand punishment and reward. Islam is the abrogation of Jewish Christian religion.

7.) Prophet continuation chart

The Jews come and believe in all the Ambiya but Isa, Christians come believe in all prophets but Muhammad, Islam comes and we believe in all of them one in the same. We believe in the same angels and that heaven is the same.

Some people have no idea that the prophets have or had the same belief. We believe in All the messengers, believing in them all. The Jews deny Isa, the Christians deny Muhammad.

8.) Organized religion/Disorganized religion

If you do not want organized religion do you believe in the opposite, disorganized religion? With life everything must be organized, ones own self wants things to be organized. You will not find someone wanting this in dunya so why for Allaah?

9.) Fun and Happiness

People confuse fun and happiness, They feel like they have to play all the time and do the things that non-Muslims do. The body eats, sleep, but what about the soul. Even Atheist believe in something. Everyone has some type of system. When they play to the max, they see this emptiness. Investing your time in something that when you look back will only feel like moments, isn’t it worth it then to leave this life-style. So what is the use of this, this is one way to get people to think of something different.

10.) The names of Jesus and Moses mentioned in the Qur’an more than Muhammad

Emphasized the names of Isaa and Musa (as) more than the prophet Muhammad. If you want fame and fortune go to this man, is this self promotion? If we assume that he did this for himself would he pump himself up, instead of Musa and Isaa, and would he make himself a regular human being, “I am a human being like you.” You would find contradictions in what he said, “The senseless evasion of the Islaamic equation.”

If he were not a real Prophet (saw) he would have had senseless solutions that did not make sense. If he got money he would have not lived in poverty. He was not in it for the wealth and the status.

If Muhammad was not a real Messenger, he would not have mentioned Isa and Musa more than himself. IF he wrote the Qur’an then for sure he would have out of wanting popularity mentioned himself more in the book than other prophets and messengers. This is one way that we know he was a real messenger (sal Allaahu 3layhi was salaam).

11.) Tauhid nor partner mention children, wives, friends helpers, ridiculous

When you mention grandchildren or wife, or cousins. You ask people if they have a problem with this. Explain the logical and ask them if they have a problem with that. So, Allaah sends Prophets, so out of His fairness he send messengers to warn them. Is this logically, is what you could ask them.

Why was Muhammad the last messenger (sal Allaahu 3layhi was salaam) Because Allaah protected and prefected His religon.

12.) Explain concept/logic then ask if there is a problem with that logic. Is it logically possible that this happen or could be?
Why do people convert:13.) Agrees with human nature and makes senseThe concept of Islam makes sense, when you come to Islam it agrees with human nature and it makes sense. Others are impressed at how Muslims are devoted to Islam it self. Often times the best dawah is example, because we are so dedicated they find this to be good and it impresses them. The conversion of Hamza: Nabi Allaah (saw) was making tawaf around the kaba, and it ended with them attacking him, Abu Bakr came to his aid, and Nabi went back the next day to make tawaf and abu jahal would insult him every time he (saw) came around. A woman saw this and when she got up and left out of the harshness of this, she told Hamza if you would have seen what this person did to Muhammad. Hamza said you curse Muhammad while I am upon his religion. He went home and the Qurash hear this, Hamza said he could not sleep that night, do I go back on my words, or do to embrace it. So made dua, O Allaah if this religion is for me keep me upon it, if not keep me away from it. Hamza said a word that brought him into Islam. We must create the sense of urgency.14.) Prayers

15.) Solutions to Social ailment

16.) Devotion of Islam’s followers

Create the Sense of Urgency:

17.) Uqbah ibn abi Mueet

He was a leader of Qurash and when tension grew between Nabi and them, he invited Nabi to his home and asked him to eat, Nabi said I will not eat until you testify there is no God but Allaah (worthy of worship) I am the messenger of Allaah. So he said I will not eat, so Uqbah said his shahadah, and the next day Waleed ibn Mughria his friend from childhood, said either me or Muhammad. So he goes back and spits on the face of Nabi. Allaahs says: ” The day when the un-just person bite his entire hand saying I wish I had not taken this person, but this person. But his shahadah kept him as a muslim until pressure from dunya made him leave.

Allaah (swt) says: “We have not become believer but rather we have submitted!”

18.) Omar ibn Al Khattab

Nabi saw grabbed him and said is not it time for you to be Muslim. Then the news they got was that Umar was coming to the house, he knocked on the door, Hamza said let him enter and I will kill him with his own sword, he became Muslim.

19.) Abu Sufyaan

Ibn Abbaas raced him and gave him protection until he got to Nabi (saw), then Nabi said is not it time for you to testify, he said I have not problem with Allaah being one, but you I have a problem with. Imaan did not enter his heart at this point however. Imaan entered his heart the next day, when Bilaal was sitting next to the kaba, and said may Allaah save my father from seeing this black man on top of the kaba. Abu Sufyaan, did not say one word, on three occasions at this time Imaan had entered his heart. He became Muslim on the eve of them entering Mekkah/Bakkaah

Abu Sufyan said as for Allaah being one, I have no problem with that. But as for you being the Messenger of Allaah I have an issue with that. He said after when he took his shahada, even though imaan did not enter his heart. The incident occurred when a black man (Bilal) entered and desended the kabah, Abu Sufyan did not say anything, at this point he said Imaan entered my heart.

20.) Say ” La ilaha ilalah

He created a sense of urgency, he did not make it a stipulation that one had to have imaan, they just wanted them to submit. There is a differnce between submitting and having Imaan. One must create the sense that this issue of them saying their shahada is of extreme importance. The imaan will come later by being among the Muslims and studying on the religion. Explain to them that one is not promised tomorrow, that they can not put it off, get the shahada, they do not have time and express this to them.

Many times Nabi Allaah (saw) said Ya Fulan, qul la illaah ila Allaah!

How to approach people: Direct/Indirect approaches

Indirect approach:

1.) Dawah through manners and behavior.

Show them Islam through indirect measures, through your actions. But, we must not abuse this. One must as well work and propagate the religion as well. We have to give dawah.

2.) Having a discussion with a friend or partner intending for non-Muslims to hear.

So we do this a lot taking a bus, elevator and start a chat with a friend. Seem as if you are making dawah to your friend, and have him reply to your questions. And that way all who are around will receive the message. We can do this is school, work any where.

3.) Performing acts of worship in Public

The girl whom became Muslim was at the airport, three middle eastern men look at their watch and then go to the bathroom. She said then they came out and the other advanced forward, and they began to make beautiful movements. She got on her plan and I close my eyes and saw them bowing and prostrating. Just as the man washing his foot in the bathroom at work, this is also dawah to the non-Muslim. It starts a curiosity in them. Someone made shahada after seeing a picture of a kaba.

a.) Prayer at Airport
b.) Foot in the sink
c.) Picture of the Kaba

4.) Leaving pamphlets on train and bus seats/bus stations/doorsteps/hotel rooms/ Dr. office etc.

5.) Bumper stickers

6.) Other methods
Direct Approach:7.) If you have a dawah table8.) In street dawah approach is very straight forward.9.) But in an elevator or store? How? What ways are there to strike up a conversations?

10.) Are you a Muslim? Why not?/ From this response you see how far or close they are to Islam.

Ask, if they say no, say why not? Ask inquire get them thinking as to why they are not Muslim. You have to save time so get right to the point.

As well you will yourself find ways to strike up conversations with a non-Muslim. They have this calm look to their faces, and you can see that they will make good Muslims. Start about little things, just find something to talk about with this person. Again Allaah puts you in the path of someone whom wants to be Muslim. By Allaah’s fairness He sends messengers, ask them if they believe this, the prophets are saying the same message, and Muhammad was sent as well. Ask them if they know how to become a Muslim? Tell him/her the English version of the shahada. Then later stress the importance of the beard, and the clothing…..etc. Logic is very digestible.

Scenario…… Someone believes in God but not organized religion?

1.) Disorganized?

Explain to them the concept of evil, good and bad.

2.) Fallacy of religion and war.

Explain the Wars of the world

3.) Evil in the world/Jar of darkness.

4.) What is good and what is bad?

Explain Islam’s take on good /evil as well as oppose to other religions

5.) Science & Qur’an6.) Islam fastest growing religion for a reason7.) All claim to have the truth/ put religion under a microscope

All religions under a microscope and when we find wholes discuss and eliminate it. It could be possible that the person was not able to tell the difference between the two. Analyze each of them go through the mistakes in all of the religions. The one that stand through the test, then this one must be the truth.

Atheist:

1.) Building in desert watch in the woods. Ridiculous to come from nothing.

The chair did not create it self, if you see a cabin you will not assume that these things created themselves. You can not get something from nothing. Allaah only refuted them with one ayat ” Were they created form nothing or did they create themselves, or the heaven and earth”. Does the universe have a creator from outside of it self. How does Allaah if He never announce His presents then how or why do so many people believe in Him (swt). Soorahtul Tur. Were they created out of nothing or did they create themselves. The humans have a creator outside the earth.

2.) How did we hear of creator?

3.) Fairness/sending prophets

4.) Justice

5.)Authored a Book

6.) Sit-down

7.) Fastest growing religions

Two Theories:

So are they basing their whole life off of a theory, rather than a proven fact. And or a hypothesis which you can set up an experiment and test and analyze it’s results.If they feel like the Big Band theory was the reason behind the creation of the heavens and the earth, then tell them to get the liver, heart, lung’s, kidney’s, spinal cord and other tendons and ligaments that make up the human body and cause an explosion and see if a human being can be extracted from this. Why would the earth (logically) be created out of chaos, but it take the coming together of a man and a woman in a union of marriage to create a human being. So why can there not be a creator of all of this.1.) Strong faith, shake the foundations, when they reel back then show Islam (Mormons) Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith

2.) Weaker faith don’t get into biblical debate unless necessary, just present Islam, it makes more sense and is more acceptable in it’s theories.

Mormons will not tell you but their book use to say god used to be a human being, and then he became good. If they can not tell you the main core belief from day one, there is some wrong. DO not get into a biblical debate avoid that, you may have to end up teaching them what you are telling them. Just talk about Islam and focus on that.

“You don’t need to know their religion Know yours”

Follow-up Methods:

Dawah Talk/ Muslim Talk

Talk to the person afterward exchange numbers, tell them to participate in the Islaamic community. As Nabi Allah (saw) said wolf devourers the lone sheep.

1.) Brotherhood System

Introduce the new Muslim to other brother/sisters. Get all the brothers together at a easy time, give them one brother to keep in touch with and get to know. One person take charge and be responsible for one new Muslim etc.

2.) Commitment System

Buddy System Method. Get the person to commit as well, tell them of all the daily doing’s in the community and have them choose which ones they can attend. They will see what fit’s their schedule, and they will have made their own commitment. When you get them to make this promise themselves they will more likely want to follow through.

**Community Challenge :
If someone becomes a Muslim provide her with a list of stores where she can go buy Hijab, Jilbab Qur’an. Where she can be provided for until she is able to maintain herself. Teach her Fatihah the salaah, and basics of aqeedah.

Leave a Comment

TIPS FOR MUSLIM YOUTH

June 8, 2008 at 7:55 am (Youth)

from SoundVision

Why should you, a young Muslim, be helping to bring your friends closer to Allah?

After all, you’ve got your own struggles to deal with: trying to explain why you pray to hostile teachers, Hijab discrimination, standing up in class when the professor attacks Islam, dealing with parents who think you’ve gone nuts because you’re growing a beard, or all the other difficulties faced by a number of practicing Muslim youth?

Islam was never meant to be an individualistic faith, reserved for the ‘chosen few’. Muslims have a duty to spread the Deen, and practicing Muslim youth, whether beginners, activists or leaders have a crucial role to play.

“Allah has put them in a position that perhaps no one else is in,” notes Sheema Khan, former Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) advisor for eastern Canada. “They have the means to communicate with their peers, they have an understanding of what they’re going through plus they have the guidance of Islam.”

Who is your childhood friend, who would rather spend Fridays at MacDonald’s than the Masjid, or your classmate who is Muslim in name and only knows that ‘Muslims don’t eat pork’ going to listen to: the nice Imam of the Masjid who would freak out if he saw the way they were dressed and talked or you who may have grown up with them, joked with them, or see them everyday in school?

The answer is obvious: you!

Don’t panic. Here are some tips and advice which can help from other Muslims, many of whom have been there and done that:

Tip 1:  * Make your intention sincere *

All work we do should ideally be for the sake of Allah. That includes the task of bringing someone closer to Allah. That of course means this should not be connected to arrogance, thinking you’re the teacher and everyone else should be lucky you’ve embarked on a crusade to save them. Guidance is from Allah. Make Dua and make sincere efforts and remember Allah can also misguide you if He wills (we seek refuge in Allah from that).

Tip 2:  * Practice what you preach *

Not practicing what you preach is wrong and you will lose the confidence of anyone, young or old, once they figure you out. Don’t do it. Allah warns us many times in the Qur’an: “Why say you that which you do not?”

Tip 3:  * Use the Qur’an and Seerah (biography of the Prophet) as Dawa guides *

Read and understand those chapters of the Qur’an which talk about how the Prophets presented the message of Islam to their people. Read the Seerah to see especially how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) brought Islam to so many different people, including young people.

As well, talk to Dawa workers, and check out manuals they may have written, like Yahiya Emerick’s “How to Tell Others About Islam”.

Tip 4:  * Talk to people as if you really don’t know them *

Don’t assume you know someone just by looking at them. You don’t know that the Muslim girl in your homeroom who walks through the school’s hallways as if they were fashion show catwalks is not someone you can talk to about Allah because she looks like a snob. Or that the Muslim guy who you’ve never seen at Juma at your university is a ‘bad Muslim’. Maybe he was never really taught Islam and has no idea what importance Friday prayers have in Islam, especially for Muslim men.

Tip 5:  * Smile *

Did you know the Prophet was big on smiling? But many ‘practicing’ Muslims seem to have ‘their faces on upside down’ as one speaker once said-frowning and serious.

Smiling, being polite and kind are all part of the manners of the Prophet, which we must exercise in our daily lives. If we want to approach others with Islam, we have to make ourselves approachable. Smiling is key to this.

But note that being approachable does not mean being flirtations with the other gender. There are Islamic rules for how men and women should deal with each other which have to be respected. Dawa is no excuse to have long and private conversations and meetings with the other sex, for example. Set up a system where someone expressing an interest in Islam is referred to someone of the same sex.

Tip 6:  * Take the initiative and hang out with them *

Take the first step and invite someone you may have spoken to a couple of times to sit at lunch together, to check out a hockey game or invite them over for Iftar in Ramadan. Also, share difficulties, sorrows and frustrations. Help with homework, be a shoulder to cry on when depression hits, or just plain listen when your friend is upset, discuss common problems and keep their secrets. There are few things as annoying as a snitch and backstabber. But an important note: if the problem is of a serious nature, (i.e. your friend is thinking of committing suicide or is taking drugs), notify and consult an adult immediately.

Tip 7:  * Show them Islam is relevant today, right here, right now *

Young people may think Islam is too ‘old fashioned’ and not in tune with the modern age. Prove this wrong. Show how Islam is really about relating to Allah, which any human being can do, anywhere, anytime. Allah is always closer to you than your jugular vein and He hears and knows everything. Encourage friends to ask Allah’s help during tests, exams, and in dealing with problems at home with parents and siblings. Also point out how Islam relates to teenagers: Islam gives you focus and an understanding of who you are and where you are going, which ‘teen culture’ does not.

Tip 8:  * Get them involved in volunteer work with you *

If you are already involved in the community, get your friend to help out. Ask them to make a flyer for one of your youth group’s events or brainstorm for ideas about activities to hold this school year. This involvement makes them feel part of the Muslim community and deepens your friendship, since you are now working together on something beneficial for both of you. Make sure you thank them for their contribution.

Tip 9:  * Ask them 4 fundamental questions *

As your friendship develops, you will notice the topics you discuss may become more serious. You may be discussing, for instance, future goals and plans. Khan recommends four questions to ask that can steer the topic to Allah and Islam:

    i) Where am I going in life and what would make me really happy deep down inside?
    ii) What do I believe?
    iii) Who should I be grateful to?
    iv) Did I get to where I am today without the help of anyone?

Tip 10:  * Emphasize praying five times a day before any other aspect of Islam *

A person’s main connection with Allah, on a daily basis, is through the prayer five times a day. Don’t emphasize any other aspect of Islam until your friend starts making a real effort to pray five times a day. Emphasize the direct connection one has with Allah in prayer. If they are facing a problem, tell them to pray, and to ask Allah for help in Salah and outside this time. When possible, make it a point to pray together during your ‘hang out time’. If your friend begins to pray, that is the first step to other aspects of Islam like giving up swearing, treating parents with respect or dressing Islamically.

Tip 11:  * Help instill confidence in adults *

Adults, like Bart Simpson’s dad Homer, are considered bumbling idiots in the eyes of ‘teen culture’. Your job as a young Muslim is to help turn the tables on this false and un-Islamic belief. All you have to do is this: when a Muslim adult does something good (i.e. saving someone’s life, donating money to a worthy cause, the Imam gives a good speech, taking good care of his/her family) bring it up in the course of your conversations with your friend and praise the adult in question. Doing this regularly may not only change your friend’s perspective, but could lead to them seeing their own parents in a more respectful way.

Tip 12:  * Support them even when they become more practicing *

Remember, just because a person starts practicing Islam more regularly, this does not mean everything will be okay from this point onwards. There will still be hard times, difficulties. There may be times when your friend may have doubts about his or her newfound practice of Islam. Be there to reassure them.

(courtesy of http://www.soundvision.com)

Leave a Comment

TIPS FOR TEENS ON HOW TO HANDLE PORNOGRAPHY

June 8, 2008 at 5:18 am (Character)

by SoundVision

It’s hard, especially when you’re a teenager and bombarded with images of sexuality: that hot-looking scantily clad guy or gal in the magazine, grinning at you and luring you; or the persistent emphasis on sex in the movies (even Toy Story!); or the pervasive links to pornography and ad banners that pop up while you may simply be checking your e-mail or researching something for school. How does a young Muslim protect him or herself from all of this?

Below are some tips that can help:

Tip 1 – Know what is Halal and what’s not

We may think only hard core pornography is Islamically unacceptable. This is not true. Improperly dressed men and women, sexual situations, foreplay, kissing, touching, dirty jokes: none of these are Islamically acceptable. Talk to a trusted Muslim friend, family member of the same gender or an Imam about this. Bring it up and ask them to give you the Islamic perspective.

Tip 2 – Remember your accountability to Allah

In America and some other countries, you’re fully responsible for your actions when you turn 18. In Islam, you’re fully accountable as soon as you understand these things. So that means that from that point onwards, you cannot assume looking at this stuff is no big deal. Your eyes will testify about what you looked at on the Day of Judgment. Remember that Allah is always watching. He is Most Just and Merciful, and He rewards us for the good and punishes us for the bad we do.

Tip 3 – Become conscious of the Haram

Too often, it’s easy to dismiss that billboard with the spandex-and-bikini-top-clad blonde girl advertising gum, or the guy in tight leather pants and no shirt advertising perfume. When you see it, remember the Islamic perspective, your accountability to Allah, and lower your gaze. Do the same for television and the internet. If you keep doing this, insha-Allah, it’ll become a habit, and eventually an automatic reaction.

Tip 4 – If feeling overwhelmed, remember Allah

In situations where you feel overwhelmed and can’t get yourself to switch the channel, close the browser window or turn your eyes away from the billboard, ask Allah’s help. You don’t necessarily need any heavy duty, long Du’as. “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” (there is no power or ability except with Allah) is short, simple, and reminds you who is really in control and can help you out of this.

Tip 5 – Seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan

Shaytan lured you into this mess. Seeking refuge in Allah (saying awthu billahi minash Shaytan ir rajeem), will help you resist him and his whisperings to continue looking at the material.

Tip 6 – Get up and leave

If you feel unable to control looking at the screen or the magazine, leave the situation. Get out of the living room, your bedroom where the internet is, or where you’ve been reading the magazine. Take a walk. Just do something to physically get out of the situation.

Tip 7 – Avoid those involved in pornography

If one of your friends is into pornographic magazines, websites, dirty jokes etc. either help him or her change through gentle and sincere advice, or abandon frequent contact with them. Their compulsion will affect you, so it’s best to stay as far away as possible, by remembering the danger to yourself, your Deen, and your relationship with Allah.

Tip 8 – Stay away from places where it’s found

Sometimes it’s on a billboard on a highway and you can’t miss it. But often times, you’ll notice certain parts of your city (the seedier ones) tend to be filled with this kind of material (where there are usually strip joints, for example). Avoid these places as much as you can. If it’s on your way to school, try to change your route. Also, in summer, stay away from the beach.

Tip 9 – Surf or watch TV when others are around

The temptation to sneak a look at dirty pictures or that bikini-clad babe is heightened when you’re alone in your room watching television or surfing the internet. Try to avoid late night TV and internet surfing. Instead, watch or surf when others are around so you can resist the urge to sneak a peek, thinking no one’s watching (and remember Allah is always watching). It is a good idea not to have TV or computer in the bedroom anyway. Living room or study room are better place for this stuff.

Tip 10 – Remember your example

If you have younger brothers and sisters, think of the bad example you’re setting for them. What message will they get if they barge into your room and catch you watching Baywatch or flipping through Playboy.

Tip 11 – For brothers, remember your mom and sister

Disgusting right? Exactly. No one in his right mind would look at his mom or sister the way many of us look at the Baywatch babes or the girls on the internet or in magazines. Remember mom and your sister, and that should sicken you enough to stop, insha-Allah.

Tip 12 – Have someone watch over you

If you really feel you’re becoming addicted to this kind of material, try to watch TV, surf the internet with someone else. You don’t have to tell them why you’re doing this, but this method can perhaps keep you in check and help you avoid looking at pornography or other similar material. After all, Shaytan tempts us most easily when we’re alone. Sitting in the company of a family member or good Muslim friend will insha-Allah, help.

Tip 13 – Fast

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised us to fast to cool passions. This should be a method we use to handle the desire aroused by pornography and similar material.

Tip 14 – Do Tawba and return to Allah

If you do end up watching the bad stuff, repent to Allah. Seek His forgiveness, reaffirm your faith in Him, and do good deed to compensate for that sin. He is All-Forgiven as long as you are sincere.

Tip 15 – Repent again and fine yourself

If you lapse, do tawba again. Allah is All-Forgiving as long as we mean it. But then you need to discipline yourself by promising to yourself that if I did it again, I will pay this much in charity or fast for a day.

The message is that don’t give up on yourself. Keep trying. Struggle is life. Shaytan could be creative. And with the help of Allah, you will be the winner insha-Allah.

(courtesy of http://www.soundvision.com)

2 Comments

How to Be a Good Muslim

March 13, 2008 at 4:49 am (Character)

Topic : Be a Good Muslim
Question: Salaam wa leikum Lately I have not been performing my prayers regularly. My heart is never content and I am always faced with many problems. I want to know how I should make myself become a better muslim and also become successful in this life as well. Sometimes my focus goes into education and becoming successful, unfortunatly leaving behind my purpose in this life. I struggle and struggle to become a better muslim but my problems always keep me from doing so. Please tell me how I need to set my mentality so I can successfully achieve the best of both worlds. Most of all I want to make Allah(swt) proud of me. I dont want to be among those that gone bad. Please help me, cause sometimes I feel so weak. Thank you…w/Salaam
Answer: Dear Sr. N. As-salaamu alaykum. There are many things you can do to be more satisfied in your life with your relationship with Allah. We can only suggest few ideas, but the solution that best works for you is always the one that best caters to your condition and environment which we may not know.  Try to join a Muslim study group that meets on a regular basis or be in the company of good and genuine Muslims. Being with the Jamaa (the Muslim group) is extremely important. Every person goes through fades in life when other things may start pre-occupying him/her from remembering Allah, but the best way to decrease this is to be active in Islamic activities, to be in the presence of Muslims, and to learn something new and fulfilling on a regular basis.  Also, set a period during the day (such as half an hour before you sleep or when you wake up) when you can read the QurÕan, or pray extra prayers, or make supplications to Allah, but this time should be free from any worries or disturbances. Make for yourself an Islamic program that you can stick to, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, or reading the QurÕan every night, or doing charitable work, etc. What matters is to be consistent, i.e., it is better to do an Islamic activity everyday for half an hour, than to do it once a week for two hours. Also, for your prayers, try to memorize one new verse of the QurÕan each day or each few days and repeat it during your prayers. This will break the routine and will increase your concentration and enjoyment in the prayer. But it is also very important to understand what you are memorizing. Good luck. Thank you for asking and God knows best.

 

9 Comments

Low Self Esteem: A Disease Amongst The Youth

February 29, 2008 at 2:47 pm (Character)

By: Sr Aysha Khanom 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Most Kind

It’s a silent one, but the affects are at large. It is one of the main causes of depression in the youth. It could be one of our closest friend, colleagues that suffer from it, or someone in our household, whether it is siblings or our own children. It’s hard to recognize it in some, and in others it is easier. We could be the ones who are impacting on it, without realizing, not that it is of any fault of our own, but it’s something which is rarely brought to attention, and rarely admitted by those that suffer from it. Those that haven’t experienced it, will have difficulty understanding it, or relate to it. It stems from a form of irrational thought. It is a major barrier or an obstacle that one suffers from, and there are no set solutions you can give to people that have low self esteem because it’s all what they have developed in their own mind, or in their ‘own world’.

The effects of it many of us underestimate, for some it has a lesser degree of affect, they may not interact well with people, may want to be alone a lot, lack confidence or lack of self belief, or low educational attainment, for some it leads to drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, and committing crimes, many of which Islam condemns. One that suffers from it, takes negative comments to heart, and receptive to what others think of them. They always evaluate themselves- which is praiseworthy in Islam – yet it is a lot of negative evaluation, which blinds them from the good they have, which causes a veil for them to see their inner good, and leads to a vicious cycle. Some aim to please people, and this can affect a person’s deen, as we should intend to please Allah only in all that we do. It varies depending on what age they are.

Alhamdulilah, we know Islam is a cure for all things, especially on individual reformation. Relating it from personal experience, I hope this can benefit us all insh’Allah, and see the beauty of Islam. Also recognize its dangers so we can prevent what leads to self destruction.

Before dealing with the effect, one needs to deal with the cause. Although the cause cannot be usually rewound and changed, knowing its causes can lead to its solution. The causes are many, without going too much into detail.

From childhood, a child may be criticized negatively with those around them, which leads to lack of self worth. A child needs to be praised and told that they have done well for them to recognize their abilities and the praise gives them their confidence. Many parents have full time jobs, and cannot devote their time enough to their child. This lack of attention is another cause. Children need a lot of time and especially love. The more you speak to a child, you will find them more talkative from a young age and their language is very rich. Playing with children, with their toys, and encouraging them to play with other children, helps them have better social skills. The ages between 2-10 is a crucial time for kids and affects them for majority of their life. Finally, it could be from traumatic events which took place earlier in life, which put insecurities in them and put their confidence low. The crucial issue lies with the parenting style.

If we look deep into it, it’s what leads to a lot of sins. As mentioned before, it can lead to drug abuse, and crime. A dangerous one for women, especially the younger ones, is the attention of the opposite sex, the attention of the opposite sex makes their esteem feel a little higher, and so their beauty is taken advantage of. They may feel loved and seek a lot of attention, and also get attention, and feel somewhat uplifted from their insecurities, whereas in reality, it’s feeding the low esteem in a bad way, which only leads to more self damage.

Without getting psychological about it all, inshAllah I am putting forward how Islam came about to bring its cure, for me and it will for inshAllah many others.Believing that turning to the deen was a way out of it, I began posing questions about how to deal with low esteem on Islamic forums, and how it was affecting me in my everyday life. I found many came forward and also had said they had the same issue, and in different forums people were asking the same question.

It really is a battle you have everyday within you, no matter how much a person tells you how good you are or what potential you have, you will never think that of yourself. Anytime you receive any negative remarks, all you think about is that, and you then feel more worthless. I looked at the Prophet’s (saw) character; he was an outgoing and friendly person, just perfect in every way. Suffering from low esteem will get you nowhere near implementing his character. I have many ambitions, whether I get there or not is up to Allah, but having this problem I thought to myself, I can’t get anywhere being the way I am. You feel trapped within yourself. I didn’t worry too much about the cause, but I knew it had to be dealt with. I found no way to get help for it, as many say see psychologists etc. Alhamdulilah that was a blessing in itself that I had no access to any. Many times I suffered from depression, it got pretty bad. Du’a was my first step, asking Allah to help me overcome it. I read a lot about purifying the heart and the Akhlaq of a good Muslim, using Prophet’s (saw) example as my practical guide.

It takes courage and motivation; you can do anything, as long as you are not your own barrier, because that is the only barrier. I used the Prophets (saw) example and over time my confidence grew, I put myself out there and aimed for sincerity. Constant dua was what gets one through and remembering the ayat where Allah says Allah doesn’t change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. In whatever we do, we have to make the effort as a way for the barakah to come through.

How do we prevent this from happening to our children? Giving children time and love, teaching them both negative and positive criticism. Not expecting too much from our child, but help guide their steps slowly in each stage of their life. Parents have high expectations from children, some expect too much and it becomes a burden on them feeling that they may fail. Not that we shouldn’t aim high, but going easy on them and helping- rather than making- them make their decisions.

This is a critical issue, and although briefly mentioned the effects are what sometimes may feel impossible to overcome. One needs determination and sincere intention. We have the Prophet (saw) as a practical guide, we have Islam and Allah as our Wali (protector), which gives us hope in all situations. There will be some that aren’t aware that this is the root of their problems, and maybe those close to them can help tackle it. Alhamdulilah, there is much potential out there, and it needs to be spread. It needs to be spread by interaction, channeling and filtering ones contribution through all walks of life.

I pray Allah gives us strength and the ability to overcome our inner struggles and shortcomings. Ameen

Let Allah be the ruler of your hearts, not the duniya (World). 

Sr Aysha Khanom is a contributing writer to www.suhaibwebb.com

1 Comment

The Deeds for Which People Will Deserve to Enter Paradise

February 3, 2008 at 3:39 am (Increase Imaan)

 

The people of Paradise are the believers and strict monotheists. All those who associate others with Allah or disbelieve in Him, or deny any of the principles of faith will not be allowed to enter Paradise. Their destination will be Hellfire.

The Qur’an often states that the people of Paradise are the believers who do righteous deeds, to quote one of many examples:

“But whoever comes to Him as a believer [in tawheed] and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks [in the Hereafter] – ‘Adn [Eden] Paradise [everlasting gardens [under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves”. [20:75-76]

* Believers may earn Paradise through their eemaan and Islaam:

“My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve – [you] who believed in Our aayaat and were Muslims, enter Paradise you and your wives in happiness” [43:68-70]

* Or because they were sincere in their devotion to Allah:

“Save the chosen slaves of Allah [al-Mukhliseen] . For them there will be a known provision, fruits and they shall be honoured, in the gardens of delight.” [37:40-43]

* Or for the strength of their relationship with Allah, their longing for Him and worship of Him:

“Only those who believe in our aayaat who, when they are reminded of them fall down prostrate, and glorify the praises of their rabb, and they are not proud. Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Rabb in fear and hope, and they spend [charity in Allah’s Cause] our of what We have bestowed on them”. [32:15-16]

* Or for their patience and reliance upon Allah:

“..Excellent is the reward of the workers, those who are patient and put their trust [only] in their Rabb” [29:58-59]

* Or for their steadfastness in faith:

“Verily those who say “Our Rabb is Allah” and remain firm [on that path], on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the Companions of the Garden dwelling therein: a recompense for their good deeds”. [46:13-14]

* Or for their humility:

“Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves [in repentance and obedience] before their Rabb – they will be dwellers of Paradise to dwell therein forever” [11:23]

* Or for their fear of Allah:

“But for him who fears standing before his Rabb there will be two Gardens” [55:46]

* Or for their hatred of the kuffaar and mushrikeen and their refusal to befriend them:

“You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His messenger, even though they were their fathers, or their sons, or their brothers, or their kindred [people]. For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Ruh [proof, light and guidance] from Himself. And We will admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein [forever]. Allah is pleased with them and they with Him”. [58:22]

Some aayaat discuss in detail the righteous deeds for which a person may deserve Paradise; for example, Surah ar-Ra’d states:

“But it is only the men of understanding who pay heed, those who fulfill the Covenant of Allah and break not the mithaaq, those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined, [i.e. good to relatives and not severing the ties of kinship], fear their Rabb and dread the terrible reckoning, and those who remain patient, seeking their Rabb’s Countenance, perform as-Salaat, and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good, for such there is a good end ‘Adn [Eden] Paradise which they shall enter and [also] those who acted righteously from among their fathers and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate [saying] Salaamun ”alaykum for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!” [13:19-24]

And at the beginning of Surah al-Mu’minoon, Allah explains that success is for the believers and then described the deeds that will qualify them for success:

“Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah with khushoo’, and those who turn away from al-laghw [dirty, false, evil, vain talk, falsehood and all that Allah has forbidden], and those who pay the zakah, and those who guard their chastity, except from their wives or those whom their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; but whoever seeks beyond that then those are the transgressors; those who are faithfully true to their amaanah [all duties that Allah has ordained: honesty, moral responsibility, and trusts] and to their covenants and those who strictly guard their prayers [at the fixed times]. These are indeed the inheritors who shall inherit al-Firdaws. They shall dwell therein forever” [23:11]

The Prophet (saw) also said, “The people of Paradise are three: a ruler who is fair and just; a man who is compassionate and gentle towards every relative and Muslim; and a man with a large family who is proud and does not beg” [Muslim, see Sharh an-Nawawi ‘alaa Muslim, 17/198]

 

Leave a Comment

Thinking about ourself

February 2, 2008 at 10:28 pm (Self-Evaluation)

By: Harun Yahya 

Have you ever thought about the fact that you did not exist before you were conceived and then born into the world and that you have come into existence from mere nothingness?

Have you ever thought about how the flowers you see in your living room everyday come out of pitch black, muddy soil with fragrant smells and are as colorful as they are?

Have you ever thought about how mosquitoes, which irritatingly fly around you, move their wings so fast that we are unable to see them?

Have you ever thought about how the peels of fruits such as bananas, watermelons, melons and oranges serve as wrappings of high quality, and how the fruits are packed in these wrappings so that they maintain their taste and fragrance?

Have you ever thought about the possibility that while you are asleep a sudden earthquake could raze your home, your office, and your city to the ground and that in a few seconds you could lose everything of the world you possess?

Have you ever thought of how your life passes away very quickly, and that you will grow old and become weak, and slowly lose your beauty, health and strength?

Have you ever thought about how one day you will find the angels of death appointed by God before you and that you will then leave this world?

Well, have you ever thought about why people are so attached to a world from which they will soon depart when what they basically need is to strive for the hereafter?

Man is a being whom God furnishes with the faculty of thought. Yet, most people do not use this very important faculty as they should. In fact, some people almost never think.

In truth, each person possesses a capacity for thought of which even he himself is unaware. Once man begins to use this capacity, facts he has not been able to realise until that very moment begin to be uncovered for him. The deeper he goes in reflection, the more his capacity to think improves, and this is possible for everyone. One just has to realise that one needs to reflect and then to strive hard.

Someone who does not think will remain totally distant from truths and lead his life in self-deception and error. As a result, he will not grasp the purpose of the creation of the world, and the reason for his existence on the earth. Yet, God has created everything with a purpose. This fact is stated in the Qur’an as follows: 

We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them as a game. We did not create them except with truth but most of them do not know it. (Surat ad-Dukhan: 38-39)

Did you suppose that We created you for amusement and that you would not return to Us? (Surat al-Muminun: 115)

Therefore, each person needs to ponder the purpose of creation, first as it concerns him himself, and then as it pertains to everything he sees in the universe and every event he experiences throughout his life. Someone who does not think, will understand the facts only after he dies, when he gives account before God, but then it will be too late. God says in the Qur’an that on the day of account, everybody will think and see the truth:

That day Hell is produced, that day man will remember; but how will the remembrance help him? He will say, “Oh! If only I had prepared in advance for this life of mine!” (Surat al-Fajr: 23-24)

The truth can be told to a person in many different ways; it can be shown by the use of details, pieces of evidence and by every means. Yet, if this person does not think over this truth on his own, sincerely and honestly with the purpose of comprehending the truth, all these efforts are useless. For this reason, when the messengers of God communicated the message to their people, they told them the truth clearly and then summoned them to think.

While God has given us a chance in the life of this world to reflect and derive conclusions from our reflections, to see the truth will bring us great gain in our life in the hereafter. For this reason, God has summoned all people, through His prophets and books, to reflect on their creation and on the creation of the universe:

Have they not reflected within themselves? God did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them except with truth and for a fixed term. Yet many people reject the meeting with their Lord. (Surat ar-Rum: 8)

A man who reflects grasps the secrets of God’s creation, the truth of the life of this world, the existence of hell and paradise, and the inner truth of matters. He gets a deeper understanding of the importance of being a person with whom God is pleased, and so he lives religion as is its due, recognizes God’s attributes in everything he sees, and begins to think not according to what the majority of people demand but as God commands. As a result, he takes pleasure from beauty much more than others do, and does not suffer distress from baseless misapprehensions and worldly greed.

These are only a few of the beautiful things a person who thinks will gain in the world. The gain in the hereafter of someone who always finds the truth by thinking, is the love, approval, mercy and the paradise of our Lord, which are above everything else.

Harun Yahya is a pen name used by Mr. Adnan Oktar. Born in Ankara in 1956, Adnan Oktar is a prominent Turkish intellectual. Completely devoted to moral values and dedicated to communicating the sacred values he cherishes to other people, Oktar started his intellectual struggle in 1979 during his education at Mimar Sinan University’s Academy of Fine Arts.

Leave a Comment

« Older entries