So I decided to bite the bullet, try to forget about my past and look to the future (it's 2007 afterall...). So when someone introduced me to a revert, I thought to myself... okay... give it all you have got, yet all the while I still felt like I was commiting injustice to Bibi.
We spoke on the phone and exchanged pictures. To my demise, I wasn't attracted to him, but almost convinced myself that beauty is only skin deep - then the devil in me would take the micky and laugh about his geekiness. Not to mention the complete mismatch, superficial as it may seem, but 5'3 v's 6'3. Opposite's in this case did not attract but I attempted to stick with it, but I don't think I gave this relationship as much attention as I possibley could, and didn't really find common ground to discuss other then Islam.
MashaAllah a fantastic brother, whom I think will go very far in the deen InshaAllah.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
The Moon
A bit of old news, but it's been playing on my mind since Thursday. If anyone else saw the moon on Thursday, send me a wave... It was sooooo Beautiful, and Big and shiney! I was in Oxford Street, and every corner I turned, I caught a glimse of it. And when I got home where pollution is a little less dense - the nights sky was full of stars. How romantic! *sighs* :o)
Film: The Pursuit of HappYness
WOW! What a fantastic film. Will Smith played the part really well, and his son Jaden is sooooooooo cute! I would definitely advise anyone to see this, a very inspiring film about a man chasing a new beginning, proving that honesty, sincerity, hardwork and nobility can get you places.
Hey! What's happening?
It's been a while since I've put up a blog and kind of missed it. Decided to come out of the wood work & make it available for all to see... So, welcome :O) Hope ya'll had a fab new year and an even better Eid! It's Feb now, so I guess all the above don't really count. Hmm.... Oh yeh, Valentine's around the corner, I wonder if I'll get a card - oh yeh, forgot - us Muslims don't 'participate' with that do we.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
CLOSE GUANTANAMO PETITION
SIGN SIGN SIGN!!!
Following the events of the last few years, I don't really believe Petitions or Marches have a great amount (if any!) impact. However, as a Muslim body, this is the only way (in current time) we can show any kind of strength - strength by numbers.
Just a thought - how would it look if there were no signatures?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Vlog #10: How did you convert to Islam? (season finale)
I know you're watching.. what did you think?
Have I packed my bags?
Here's something one of my students gave me. Very basic, but it certainly hits the spot!
When we pack our bags to go on holiday, or visit far away friends, we remember to pack our clothes, shoes, bathroom necessities and other little things...
Since we could understand right from wrong, we have started packing our bags and will finish when our souls leave us.
When we pack our bags to go on holiday, or visit far away friends, we remember to pack our clothes, shoes, bathroom necessities and other little things...
Since we could understand right from wrong, we have started packing our bags and will finish when our souls leave us.
- Have I packed my Salah 5 times a day?
- Have I packed my Fasting?
- Have I packed my reading and memorizing Qur'an?
- Have I packed those little things we do for Allahs' sake and get Ajr for?
- Have I?
My bags are called Life. I have to pack everyday because I don't know when Allah will call me back to him, so I have to be ready to go all the time, anywhere.
And on the way up to Allah, I don't have any U-turns so that I could go back and get the things I forgot to pack. So I must start packing if I haven't, and don't forget, there's no such thing as too many bags when I'm packing for my Ultimate trip... to Allah.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Quote: Leave a Trail
"Don't go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path & leave a trail"
Quote: Beautiful Smile
"No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through tears"
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart"
Read Salah
Sometimes, we get lazy and tend to miss the odd Salah. MSN seems to revive our energy, whilst we can spend ours chatting to our friends, and sociallising. Maybe it's time we concentrated a little more on Allah too.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Food: Halalainos'
Pizza and Milkshake with the Red Topi crew et al. Celebrating Eid Al-Adha and New Years Eve. The evening started off with the boys and girls seperated, later on however, the groups split and realigned into groups of friendships. As I always say tho, it's not where you eat - but who you're with that matters!
I guess Halalainos' is a spoof of the infamous Tinsel Town, with a variety of Milkshake flavours including the likes of Snickers, Twix and Oreo as well as some fruity flavours such as Peach and Pineapple, or the more traditional, Strawberry.
Walking in, first impressions are of a classy Pizzeria. Upstairs, you're invited by huge leather couches, dimmed lighting and louder music - perfect to kick back, chit chat, and take in a puff or two of the Arabian Penninsulas' gift to London - Shisha. As the starters came rolling in, I couldn't but imagine myself back in the days of college, sitting in the common room whilst watching the likes of MTV Base. A kind of bar-esc atmosphere without alcohol. Not exactly my cup of chai, so not sure if I'll be visiting again any time soon.
Good value for money, at £10 per head you get a milkshake and a large pizza which is clearly way too big for one person. Not to mention the magic word 'HALAL', and the service was good too.
Beware however, a Calzone is a stuffed pizza - as oppossed to topped. Still, it tastes the same although a little undercooked, so I spent the evening removing the dough, and eating what would have been the topping.
Overall the great night, a nice close to 2006.
I guess Halalainos' is a spoof of the infamous Tinsel Town, with a variety of Milkshake flavours including the likes of Snickers, Twix and Oreo as well as some fruity flavours such as Peach and Pineapple, or the more traditional, Strawberry.
Walking in, first impressions are of a classy Pizzeria. Upstairs, you're invited by huge leather couches, dimmed lighting and louder music - perfect to kick back, chit chat, and take in a puff or two of the Arabian Penninsulas' gift to London - Shisha. As the starters came rolling in, I couldn't but imagine myself back in the days of college, sitting in the common room whilst watching the likes of MTV Base. A kind of bar-esc atmosphere without alcohol. Not exactly my cup of chai, so not sure if I'll be visiting again any time soon.
Good value for money, at £10 per head you get a milkshake and a large pizza which is clearly way too big for one person. Not to mention the magic word 'HALAL', and the service was good too.
Beware however, a Calzone is a stuffed pizza - as oppossed to topped. Still, it tastes the same although a little undercooked, so I spent the evening removing the dough, and eating what would have been the topping.
Overall the great night, a nice close to 2006.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Eid Mubarook!!
Now I've had my moan and groan...
Eid today was somewhat like a normal day, but with weird occurrences:
Eid today was somewhat like a normal day, but with weird occurrences:
- Should Eid be today or tomorrow? - This discussion has never occurred for Eid Al-Adha, it was generally understood that Eid is celebrated the day after Hajj
- Saddam Hussein's execution
Other then the above, I spent my time:
- Cleaning the house
- Getting clothes ready for tomorrow, whilst doing so relaying my opinion that Eid should have been celebrated today.
- Having my car washed, and having an Eid date, and Saddam Hussein discussion with a few brothers who also decided to have their car washed
- Shopping at Tesco - brought a trampoline!!! I'm gona have soooooo much fun!
- Going back to Vali's (car wash place) to change my magic tree from a men's Cologne fragrance, to what I refer to as 'the pink one'; the rose fragrance one :O)
Other then that, my brother has fallen ill. Fever - the works!
- Still haven't plucked my eyebrows
- Still haven't waxed my arms
- Still not decided what to wear tomorrow
- Oh crap!
Do I sound like a pessimist BTW?
In the News: The Execution of Saddam Hussein
No matter Who we are, Where it happens, or How it happens.
Firstly, might I stress the following facts:
"To Him we belong, to Him we shall return"
Firstly, might I stress the following facts:
- It was Eid today
- This should have taken place within 30 days of his trial
- This execution occurred between 30-40 days of the trial
- The West used to be sh*t scared of Saddam!
I have mixed feelings regarding the demise of Saddam Hussein. When I looked at him over the lest few years, I saw a helpless old man unable to say or do anything to clear his name. He around was the age of my grandfather, and was most likely suffering from the pangs of oldage. What if his intentions to make Iraq a prosperous country were true? What if he was carrying out punishments from within the Shariah? Is he still a tyrant?
This execution should not have occurred on Eid, a day of celebration. Isn't this againt the Islamic Shari'ah? Below is the link of a dialogue of the Judge Haddad who oversaw the execution of Saddam.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6220087.stm
"US President George W Bush hailed the execution as "an important milestone" on the road to building an Iraqi democracy, but warned it would not end the deadly violence there"
[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6219861.stm]
How many innocent civilians have died as a result of their initial invasion for the so-called 'Weapons of Mass destruction'? Which was later deemed a 'mistake'.
Eid Al-Adha: Celebrating Hajj and distributing Qurbani
Was Hajj yesterday, which makes it Eid today. Doesn't it? According to many Mosques around London (namely the Pakistani Mosques, apparently), around 28 in number - v's two others (RPM and LMC - only the main mosques?!), Eid should be celebrated on tomorrow. Hayes Islamic Cultural and Community Centre (The HICC) have in fact permitted Eid Jumu'ah to take effect on both days, Saturday for the Somalians, and Sunday for the rest of the community.
I spent the best part of yesterday trying to figure out when Eid should be celebrated. In my heart, I felt it should be today, but according to brother-dear, we should go with the majority. Firstly, I didn't understand why this may be the case, and anyone who listened got an ear full of whats about to come next, so you may as well get an eye-full!
Hajj Friday = Eid Saturday! It's not rocket science is it? Maybe it's not so straight forward? Apparently the moon didn't show itself at the beginning of the month until a day after Saudi. Okay, I get that. But surely, Eid Ul-Adha is a celebration of Hajj right? I've been wrecking my brains all day over this, how could this be? HOW COULD THIS BE?
Conclusion: Maybe the Greenwich meantime isn't the 'centre of the earth'. As Muslims we pray towards the Ka'ba right? Every single muslim faces towards the Qibla. And as we travel there for our pilgrimage, and it is the Ultimate House of Allah (swt), maybe, just MAYBE... the day begins there. So when it's 12am 10 Dhul Hijjah in Medina, it's 9pm 8 Dhul-Hijjah in the UK (draw a circle here for diagrammatic ease, write 'UK' at 11 o'clock, and 'Medina' at 1 o'clock, then draw an arrow from Medina to UK around the circle) - so the sun rotates around the world for the rest of the day... few hours later... Pakistan 10 Dhul Hijjah, then Australia 10 Dhul-Hijjah, then USA, then UK. If that is the case, why are Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrating Eid on Monday?!
*Note, comments in this article are unauthenticated opinions.
I spent the best part of yesterday trying to figure out when Eid should be celebrated. In my heart, I felt it should be today, but according to brother-dear, we should go with the majority. Firstly, I didn't understand why this may be the case, and anyone who listened got an ear full of whats about to come next, so you may as well get an eye-full!
Hajj Friday = Eid Saturday! It's not rocket science is it? Maybe it's not so straight forward? Apparently the moon didn't show itself at the beginning of the month until a day after Saudi. Okay, I get that. But surely, Eid Ul-Adha is a celebration of Hajj right? I've been wrecking my brains all day over this, how could this be? HOW COULD THIS BE?
Conclusion: Maybe the Greenwich meantime isn't the 'centre of the earth'. As Muslims we pray towards the Ka'ba right? Every single muslim faces towards the Qibla. And as we travel there for our pilgrimage, and it is the Ultimate House of Allah (swt), maybe, just MAYBE... the day begins there. So when it's 12am 10 Dhul Hijjah in Medina, it's 9pm 8 Dhul-Hijjah in the UK (draw a circle here for diagrammatic ease, write 'UK' at 11 o'clock, and 'Medina' at 1 o'clock, then draw an arrow from Medina to UK around the circle) - so the sun rotates around the world for the rest of the day... few hours later... Pakistan 10 Dhul Hijjah, then Australia 10 Dhul-Hijjah, then USA, then UK. If that is the case, why are Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrating Eid on Monday?!
*Note, comments in this article are unauthenticated opinions.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Uncle Siddique
With Lala gee passing away just a month ago, and others just before him including:
All I can recall is a really tall guy, tight curly hair - not sure about a bald patch? A tash like Adolf Hitler and quite firm in speech towards his family. No one has ever said a wrong word about him. MashaAllah, a good man.
Must have done something right in his lifetime to have passed away whilst placing his Ihram at Hajj! SubhaanAllah, what a way to go. Having just performed Wudu, Ihram already in place. Wow, can you imagine the Janazah? Millions of Muslims praying for you as you depart!
To Him we belong, & to Him we shall return. May Allah the Almighty grant Uncle Siddique a high place in Jannah Al-Firdous. Ameen.
(Question: Would he still be in need of a ghusal?)
- Baji Farah - Aug 00
- My Dad - Oct 04
- My grandmothers brother Jan 05
- Mami Naat (Obaids' Zakias' Mum) 05
- Auntie Syria - June 06
- Lala G - Nov 06
- Uncle Siddique - Dec 06
All I can recall is a really tall guy, tight curly hair - not sure about a bald patch? A tash like Adolf Hitler and quite firm in speech towards his family. No one has ever said a wrong word about him. MashaAllah, a good man.
Must have done something right in his lifetime to have passed away whilst placing his Ihram at Hajj! SubhaanAllah, what a way to go. Having just performed Wudu, Ihram already in place. Wow, can you imagine the Janazah? Millions of Muslims praying for you as you depart!
To Him we belong, & to Him we shall return. May Allah the Almighty grant Uncle Siddique a high place in Jannah Al-Firdous. Ameen.
(Question: Would he still be in need of a ghusal?)
Sunday, December 24, 2006
BEST KIDS' EID SHOW ON UNITY TV!!!
MashaAllah, The Red Topi Team have put in so much effort. May Allah reward them. Look out for Imran's bit (I did the research)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Phases in Life
Yesterday was the day that marked the rest of my life. It was my last day at EDS. EDS was a massive part of my life that I won't ever forget. It was my first full-time job after Uni, and my step into HR as well as my 3rd job. In the midst of this was my 8 months at United Biscuits, which I think was a stepping stone for me. I'm not sure it was the best move for my career to return to EDS. But I guess now, as a rule... I won't ever return to anything I've left, not at least in exactly the same capacity (that goes for Mr. B too! - Unless ofcourse he comes back with his parents this time... like.. yeh right!!). But again, it's the people that lured me back, oh and Subway! And the 10 min drive in... Alhumdulillah tho, I've met two new great people - Satti and Saima, with whom I hope I'll remain good friends.
At first, Saima comes across as a typical Slough girl. Straightened hair, make-up... And the facial attitude to match. But upon conversing with her, you will find sensitivity to culture, an interest in Islam and high principles. She will do whats right, and slap the wrong. A very strong minded individual, full of smiles and much love for her family and friends - oh and Amar!
With Satti, what you see is what you get. Very level headed. You can see how her level headedness, and calm nature obtained her the position of 2nd Tier Advisor at the salary she is currently receiving. She speaks very professionally yet in a very soft tone, and loves compliments! (who doesn't?) ;o)
I met many people whose character will stay with me, and have in some ways formed a part of me - in my memories, in my own character. Of course, there are those who will remain with me (as above).
This year has been a bit of a wierd one. First and foremost was my relationship with Mr. B. On.. Off... On... Off.... It's odd that I met Mr. B on my 1st EDS leaving do, and we finished around the same time I left EDS 2nd time round. The turning point of the year would be my return to EDS - higher salary, better benefits. But now that I'm leaving, I somewhat lost. Altho I'm anxious about finding a new job, its not a great worry for the moment Alhumdulillah. And yes, I would like to get married - but again it's not a great necessity.
For once in a long time, I have no worries. I'm not thinking about something. My brain is resting! I have nothing to moan about, to talk about. I'm bored!
It's like I'm in limbo. Like I should have felt like between Uni and getting a job, but I didn't really get a chance. So InshaAllah, I'll make the most of this time. This is my time.
At first, Saima comes across as a typical Slough girl. Straightened hair, make-up... And the facial attitude to match. But upon conversing with her, you will find sensitivity to culture, an interest in Islam and high principles. She will do whats right, and slap the wrong. A very strong minded individual, full of smiles and much love for her family and friends - oh and Amar!
With Satti, what you see is what you get. Very level headed. You can see how her level headedness, and calm nature obtained her the position of 2nd Tier Advisor at the salary she is currently receiving. She speaks very professionally yet in a very soft tone, and loves compliments! (who doesn't?) ;o)
I met many people whose character will stay with me, and have in some ways formed a part of me - in my memories, in my own character. Of course, there are those who will remain with me (as above).
This year has been a bit of a wierd one. First and foremost was my relationship with Mr. B. On.. Off... On... Off.... It's odd that I met Mr. B on my 1st EDS leaving do, and we finished around the same time I left EDS 2nd time round. The turning point of the year would be my return to EDS - higher salary, better benefits. But now that I'm leaving, I somewhat lost. Altho I'm anxious about finding a new job, its not a great worry for the moment Alhumdulillah. And yes, I would like to get married - but again it's not a great necessity.
For once in a long time, I have no worries. I'm not thinking about something. My brain is resting! I have nothing to moan about, to talk about. I'm bored!
It's like I'm in limbo. Like I should have felt like between Uni and getting a job, but I didn't really get a chance. So InshaAllah, I'll make the most of this time. This is my time.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Book: Sword of Allah | Khalid Bin Al-Waleed
A Biographical study of the Greatest Military General in History
"Women will no longer be able to give birth to the likes of Khalid bin Al-Waleed" Abu Bakr (ra)
I've just started reading this book, looks like a good read & guess what? the author of the book doesn't live far from my home village in Pakistan. Lieutenant General A.I Akram wrote this book to fill in a 'void' in history books - A detailed description of the famous battles of Islam written by a Trained Military Mind. He travelled to the lands where KBW fought, and may have even tread in the exact same spot as the Sword of Allah. Can you imagine that? Or even in the same spot as the Prophet (saw) once stood, or even gave a Khutbah!! [wowee... I'm so excited!]
The book although historical, reads pretty much like a novel. It tells the story allowing the reader to create an image in their minds. A bit of a break from the norm. InshaAllah, I might even finish reading all 458 pages of it! [takes deep breath...] Here goes!
"Women will no longer be able to give birth to the likes of Khalid bin Al-Waleed" Abu Bakr (ra)
I've just started reading this book, looks like a good read & guess what? the author of the book doesn't live far from my home village in Pakistan. Lieutenant General A.I Akram wrote this book to fill in a 'void' in history books - A detailed description of the famous battles of Islam written by a Trained Military Mind. He travelled to the lands where KBW fought, and may have even tread in the exact same spot as the Sword of Allah. Can you imagine that? Or even in the same spot as the Prophet (saw) once stood, or even gave a Khutbah!! [wowee... I'm so excited!]
The book although historical, reads pretty much like a novel. It tells the story allowing the reader to create an image in their minds. A bit of a break from the norm. InshaAllah, I might even finish reading all 458 pages of it! [takes deep breath...] Here goes!
Islam: Strengthening Emaan
A really good article looking at bettering ourselves for the sake of Allah & all those around us. Points 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 really hit home; as they reflect upon controlling ourselves against spare of the moment thoughts and ideas. I.e. Emailing and bugging Mr. E?!
I'll get there in the end. And I'll InshaAllah be a much better person then I was before. In losing Emaan, there is much else to lose, including; Yourself, your sanity, the people you love around you, the protection of Angels and if you go too far... Allah himself.
Strengthening the Motive of Reason & Religion
By Imaam ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Taken from: Uddat as-Sabirin wa Dhakhirat ash-Shakirin Translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattaab (Abridged Translation)
In the battle between reason/religion and whims/desires, we have the following weapons at our disposal:
1. We should remember the glory and greatness of Allaah, and feel that He is too great to be sinned against as He is All-Seeing and All-Hearing. Whoever thinks of the greatness of Allaah will never be at ease in committing wrong actions.
2. If we claim to love Allaah, then we should not disobey Him, because of that love. A person should be obedient to the One he claims to love. Those who refrain from committing wrong action out of their love for Allaah are of the highest status in His sight, as are those who worship Him out of love for Him. There is a great difference between the one who obeys Allaah and abstains from wrong action Out of love, and the one who does so out of fear of punishment.
3. We should think of the blessings and favours of Allaah, as a decent and noble person would never act against the one who has been treating him kindly - Only base and ignoble people do such a thing. If we think of the blessings and favours of Allaah, we will realise that we should not respond by going against His commands and committing wrong action.
4. We should think of the wrath and punishment of Allaah, as He will be angry with the person who persists in committing wrong action. Nothing can stand in the way of the consequences of His anger, least of all this weak slave of His.
5. We should think of what the person who commits wrong action has to lose, in this world and the next. It should be sufficient to think of the loss of Eemaan (faith), of which the smallest amount is worth much more than everything in this world. How can anyone be willing to lose his Eemaan in return for some brief moment of pleasure the consequences of which might last forever? In a saheeh hadeeth, the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “No adulterer is a believer at the time when he is committing adultery.” Commenting on this hadeeth, one of the Sahaabah said: “His Eemaan will be dragged out of him until it goes over his head like a cloud. If he repents, then his Eemaan will return to him.”
6. We should relish the idea of defeating the shaytaan and being victorious over him, because overcoming him, and our whims and desires, is a thing of joy and carries a great reward. It is like taking medicine and being rewarded with restoration to good health.
7. We should bear in mind the reward and compensation which Allaah has promised to those who control their whims and desires, and abstain from that which is haraam.
8. We should think of the special companionship of Allaah, as He has told us:
“Allaah is with those who patiently persevere.” (Al-Baqarah 2:153)
“For Allaah is with those who restrain themselves and those who do good.” (An-Nahl 16:128)
“For verily Allah is with those who do right.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 69)
9. We should be ever mindful of death, which could come upon us at any time, suddenly and without warning
10. We should stop thinking of falsehood and bad ideas. Even if bad thoughts cross our minds, we should not let them stay, otherwise they may become hopes and wishes which we may act upon, and harm ourselves and others in the process.
11. We should gradually strengthen our religious motive in fighting whims and desires. Once we have tasted the joy of defeating those whims and desires, then our determination and willpower will grow stronger.
12. We should direct our thoughts towards contemplation of the signs of Allaah which He has encouraged us to think about, whether they are in the Qur’aan or in the universe around us. If such thoughts are constantly in our hearts and minds, this will help us to shun the whispering of the shaytaan. There is no greater loser than the one who, instead of thinking of Allaah, His Book, His Prophet and his Sahaabah, dwells on shaytaan and the ideas of shaytaan.
13. We should remember how short our stay on this earth is. No-one would want to feel that all he has achieved in this life is the worst kind of deeds, except a person who has no spiritual ambition, whose heart is dead and who is careless. Such a person will ultimately regret his deeds when he realises that, far from benefiting him, they will lead to punishment. Even the person who has many good deeds to his credit will feel that sense of regret when he realises that he could have done even more.
14. We should know that Allaah has created us to live an eternal life with no death, a life of pride and ease with no humiliation, a life of security with no fear, a life of richness with no poverty, a life of joy with no pain, a life of perfection with no flaws. Allaah is testing us in this world with a life that will end in death, a life of pride that is accompanied by humiliation and degradation, a life that is tainted by fear, where joy and ease are mixed with sorrow and pain. So many people are mistakenly seeking an easy life of power and pleasure in this world, but most of them never manage to achieve it, and those who do, enjoy it only for a brief time before it vanishes. The Prophets called people to an eternal life of plenty, and whoever answers their call will have the best life in this world, better than the life of kings and their followers, for zuhd in this life is true richness. This is something which the shaytaan greatly envies the believers.
Merely knowing the facts that we have outlined above is not enough. We have to strive and do our utmost to achieve our aim and attain perfection. The best way to do so is to put a stop to the habits that are controlling our lives, as these are the main obstacles which prevent us from succeeding. We should avoid places of fitnah and temptation, as the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us: “Whoever hears of the Dajjal should keep away from him.” The best way to protect ourselves from wrong is to keep away from anything that could lead to it. One of the favourite tricks of the shaytaan, which deceives everyone except those who are clever enough to see it, is to show a person some goodness in a wrong thing, and call him to go towards what is good; when the person gets close to it, he falls into the trap.
I'll get there in the end. And I'll InshaAllah be a much better person then I was before. In losing Emaan, there is much else to lose, including; Yourself, your sanity, the people you love around you, the protection of Angels and if you go too far... Allah himself.
Strengthening the Motive of Reason & Religion
By Imaam ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Taken from: Uddat as-Sabirin wa Dhakhirat ash-Shakirin Translated by Nasiruddin al-Khattaab (Abridged Translation)
In the battle between reason/religion and whims/desires, we have the following weapons at our disposal:
1. We should remember the glory and greatness of Allaah, and feel that He is too great to be sinned against as He is All-Seeing and All-Hearing. Whoever thinks of the greatness of Allaah will never be at ease in committing wrong actions.
2. If we claim to love Allaah, then we should not disobey Him, because of that love. A person should be obedient to the One he claims to love. Those who refrain from committing wrong action out of their love for Allaah are of the highest status in His sight, as are those who worship Him out of love for Him. There is a great difference between the one who obeys Allaah and abstains from wrong action Out of love, and the one who does so out of fear of punishment.
3. We should think of the blessings and favours of Allaah, as a decent and noble person would never act against the one who has been treating him kindly - Only base and ignoble people do such a thing. If we think of the blessings and favours of Allaah, we will realise that we should not respond by going against His commands and committing wrong action.
4. We should think of the wrath and punishment of Allaah, as He will be angry with the person who persists in committing wrong action. Nothing can stand in the way of the consequences of His anger, least of all this weak slave of His.
5. We should think of what the person who commits wrong action has to lose, in this world and the next. It should be sufficient to think of the loss of Eemaan (faith), of which the smallest amount is worth much more than everything in this world. How can anyone be willing to lose his Eemaan in return for some brief moment of pleasure the consequences of which might last forever? In a saheeh hadeeth, the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “No adulterer is a believer at the time when he is committing adultery.” Commenting on this hadeeth, one of the Sahaabah said: “His Eemaan will be dragged out of him until it goes over his head like a cloud. If he repents, then his Eemaan will return to him.”
6. We should relish the idea of defeating the shaytaan and being victorious over him, because overcoming him, and our whims and desires, is a thing of joy and carries a great reward. It is like taking medicine and being rewarded with restoration to good health.
7. We should bear in mind the reward and compensation which Allaah has promised to those who control their whims and desires, and abstain from that which is haraam.
8. We should think of the special companionship of Allaah, as He has told us:
“Allaah is with those who patiently persevere.” (Al-Baqarah 2:153)
“For Allaah is with those who restrain themselves and those who do good.” (An-Nahl 16:128)
“For verily Allah is with those who do right.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 69)
9. We should be ever mindful of death, which could come upon us at any time, suddenly and without warning
10. We should stop thinking of falsehood and bad ideas. Even if bad thoughts cross our minds, we should not let them stay, otherwise they may become hopes and wishes which we may act upon, and harm ourselves and others in the process.
11. We should gradually strengthen our religious motive in fighting whims and desires. Once we have tasted the joy of defeating those whims and desires, then our determination and willpower will grow stronger.
12. We should direct our thoughts towards contemplation of the signs of Allaah which He has encouraged us to think about, whether they are in the Qur’aan or in the universe around us. If such thoughts are constantly in our hearts and minds, this will help us to shun the whispering of the shaytaan. There is no greater loser than the one who, instead of thinking of Allaah, His Book, His Prophet and his Sahaabah, dwells on shaytaan and the ideas of shaytaan.
13. We should remember how short our stay on this earth is. No-one would want to feel that all he has achieved in this life is the worst kind of deeds, except a person who has no spiritual ambition, whose heart is dead and who is careless. Such a person will ultimately regret his deeds when he realises that, far from benefiting him, they will lead to punishment. Even the person who has many good deeds to his credit will feel that sense of regret when he realises that he could have done even more.
14. We should know that Allaah has created us to live an eternal life with no death, a life of pride and ease with no humiliation, a life of security with no fear, a life of richness with no poverty, a life of joy with no pain, a life of perfection with no flaws. Allaah is testing us in this world with a life that will end in death, a life of pride that is accompanied by humiliation and degradation, a life that is tainted by fear, where joy and ease are mixed with sorrow and pain. So many people are mistakenly seeking an easy life of power and pleasure in this world, but most of them never manage to achieve it, and those who do, enjoy it only for a brief time before it vanishes. The Prophets called people to an eternal life of plenty, and whoever answers their call will have the best life in this world, better than the life of kings and their followers, for zuhd in this life is true richness. This is something which the shaytaan greatly envies the believers.
Merely knowing the facts that we have outlined above is not enough. We have to strive and do our utmost to achieve our aim and attain perfection. The best way to do so is to put a stop to the habits that are controlling our lives, as these are the main obstacles which prevent us from succeeding. We should avoid places of fitnah and temptation, as the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us: “Whoever hears of the Dajjal should keep away from him.” The best way to protect ourselves from wrong is to keep away from anything that could lead to it. One of the favourite tricks of the shaytaan, which deceives everyone except those who are clever enough to see it, is to show a person some goodness in a wrong thing, and call him to go towards what is good; when the person gets close to it, he falls into the trap.
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