Monday, August 31, 2009

Virtues of Ramadan- Yasir Qadhi- Forgiveness

Bismillah

The following hadith is related by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi in a Friday Khutbah:

One day when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was giving the Friday khutbah, he climbed up his mimbar, he climbed up the pulpit – and his pulpit had 3 steps to it. And so he climbed up the first pulpit and he said out loud Ameen. Then he climbed up the second and he said Ameen. Then he climbed up the third and he said Ameen. So the companions were confused and they said: “Oh! Messenger of Allah we have never seen you say Ameen every time you climb the pulpit; this is the first time we have heard you say Ameen. What was the reason for this?” The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “When I was climbing up the pulpit, Jibreel (AS) came to me and told me: O Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)! Anyone in your nation who manages to be alive when Ramadan comes & yet cannot get his sins forgiven, then may he perish in the fire of Hell. Say Ameen.” So the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said Ameen. Then he climbed the second step, Jibreel (AS) said: “O Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)! Anyone who manages to catch Laylatul Qadr & he does not manage to get his sins forgiven, may he perish in the fire of hell. Say ameen.” So the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said ameen. And then he climbed the third one and Jibreel (AS) said: “O Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)! Anyone of your ummah who manages to catch his parents one of them or both when they are elderly and they need his help and he is not able to service them properly and get his sins forgiven then may he perish. Say ameen.” And so he (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said ameen.

My take:

1. Make lots of dua throughout the month of Ramadan and continuously strive to gain Allah's forgiveness. This month will yield the highest returns on dua investments.

2. Search for Layatul Qadr and make sure to make lots of dua those nights.

3. Take care of your parents!

May Allah grant us the strength to fully benefit from the blessings of Ramadan and forgives all our sins. Ameen!

Be safe and take care.

Peace-

Find the rest of Shaykh Yaser Qadhi's Ramadan Reminder here:
http://ilmnotes.wordpress.com/tag/yasir-qadhi/

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Be kind to your mother

Bismillah

This hadith is first and foremost a reminder to myself.

Abu Huraira narrated, A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, "O Allah's Aposttle! Who is more entitled to treated with the best companionship by me?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Your mother." The man said, "Who is next?" The Prophet (S) said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet (S) said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet (S) said, "Your father." Related by Bukhari.

My take:
1. It is very easy to take our mothers/fathers, especially mothers, for granted. Have you spoken to your mother today? When is the last time you gave her a sincere thank you and expressed your love for her? Give them a call today or do it in person, iA.

2. This is a reminder to treat our mothers in the highest regard and with kindness. I know I need to be kinder and more patient with my parents. A mother's love is simply amazing and one that is never really appreciated until it is gone.

3. All the knowledge in the world is not useful, if our manners to our parents are not extra-ordinary. The implementation of knowledge in our actions is the actual proof of living by the tenets of this religion.

May Allah help us be the best to our mothers and fathers and grant us the strength to remember their status in our religion/life at all times. Ameen!

Be safe and peace-

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Help your fellow brother/sister

Bismillah

Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:
Verily, Allah will say to His slave as He is taking account of him on the Day of Judgment, `O' son of Adam, I was hungry and you did not feed me. He will answer, how can I feed you and you are the Lord of the worlds! He will say, did you not know that my slave so and so who is the son of so and so felt hunger, and you did not feed him. Alas! Had you fed him you would have found that (i.e. reward) with Me. O' son of Adam, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. He will say, How can I give you drink, and you are the Lord of the worlds! He will say, did you not know that my slave so and so, the son of so and so felt thirsty and you did not give him drink. Alas! If you had given him, you would have found that (i.e. reward) with Me. O' son of Adam, I became sick and you did not visit Me. He will say, How can I visit you and you are the Lord of the worlds! He will say, did you not know that my slave so and so, the son of so and so became sick and you did not visit him. Alas! Had you visited him, you would have found me with him.”

From the book, Don't be Sad, by Aaidh bin Abdullah al-Qarni.

My take on the hadith above:

1. Be good to others, feed the poor, visit the sick, and you will find your Lord.

You can find the whole book online by clicking on the following link:

http://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_books/signal/en_Do_not_be_Sad.pdf

Much love and peace-

Friday, August 28, 2009

Take it easy

Bismillah

Have you read Sura Kahf yet?


Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (peace be upon) said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons, and during the last hours of the night. (Related by Bukhari)

My take:

1. This religion is very easy to follow.

2. Remember that your family, you body, etc. have rights over you, so fulfill these rights and stay close to your Lord through prayers in different parts of the day and night, iA.

Be cool and take care.

Peace

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Three things that can help after your death

Bismillah

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
" After the death of a person, his actions stop, except three things that he leaves behind: First, continuous charity, Second, a knowledge from which some benefit may be obtained, Third, a virtuous son who make dua (pray, supplicate) on his behalf." Related by Muslim.

My take:

1. Remember that death will come to everyone.

2. This hadith advises us on investments we need to make while we are still alive that will hopefully benefit us after we die.

a) continuous charity (e.g. building/contributing to a masjd/orphanage that still serves as a place of worship or place of refuge/comfort for orphans)

b) knowledge: this advice highlights the importance of passing on beneficial knowledge to people; who knows, the possibilities for teaching are infinite (i.e. guiding one person who then guides someone else and so on and so forth). this is similar to a franchise model, and it nice to know that our Lord's mercy/rewards has no limit

c) when we are blessed with children, it is important to raise them properly, and asking them to keep us in in our prayers, God willing.

May Allah give us the ability to give continuous charity, teach others of beneficial matters, and grant us righteous children who always make dua (supplication) for us. Ameen!

Much love and peace-

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Feed the needy and Greet your brethren

Bismillah

Abdullah bin 'Amr narrated that a person asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "What (sort of) deeds in or (what qualities of) Islam are good?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you don't know."

My Take:
1. The Prophet (peace be upon him) highlights the importance of feeding the poor in this religion
2. Greeting our friends and strangers with the greetings of salam (peace) is recommended and revives the Prophet's tradition.

May our Lord make it easy for us to feed the less fortunate and give the greetings of peace to people we know and people we don't know. Ameen.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Ramadan is not just changing dietary habits

Bismillah

Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink."

My take:
1. It is not just about refraining from eating and drinking during Ramadan. Besides our eating habits, have our other daily actions changed?
2. It is important to keep this hadith in mind as we interact with people and schedule our days during Ramadan.

May our Lord help us take full advantage of this month's blessings. Ameen!

Peace-

Monday, August 24, 2009

Healthcare of the Future Model- Booz and Company Insight

Read this if you are interested in a new potential model of health care based on pilot products that are advertised as patient centric.
Specifically, the article discusses an experiment taking place in Florida that supposedly will reshape the system around the needs of patients, use best practices from science and management, offer appropriate incentives and products that bundle world class care, transparent billing, and real consumer choice.

http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/Healthcare_of_the_Future_Model.pdf

Manners- Don't envy

Bismillah

Abu Huraiaha narrated the the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Look upon one who is below in status and do not look upon one who above you in status. In this way, you will not look down upon the grace that Allah has bestowed upon you."

My take:
1. The Prophet (S) has give practical advice on how we can avoid envy towards our fellow brethren.
2. It is important to look at people who are below in status, looks, wealth, etc. in order to appreciate your Lord's blessings.
3. It is easy to to be ungrateful, and it is human nature, so, don't stress, you are going to experience feelings of ungratefulness. The bigger matter is how we deal with these feelings.
Are we going to pray for our brothers/sisters to increase them in goodness? Are we going to be grateful for all our gifts?

May Allah bless us with righteous hearts that always want the best for others regardless of our state. Ameen.

Be safe and take care.
Peace-

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Affluent Have Departed with the Rewards

Bismillah

Abu Dharr related:

Some of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to the Prophet (S): "O Messenger of Allah, the affluent have departed with the rewards. They pray as we pray, they fast as we fast, and they give charity with the superfluity of their wealth."
He (S) said, "Has Allah not made things for you to give away in charity? Every Tasbeeh (saying SubhannAllah) is a charity, every Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) is a charity, every Tahmeed (saying 'Alhamdulliah') is a charity, every Tahleel (saying Laa ilaah ill Allah') is a charity, to enjoin a good deed is a charity, to forbid an evil deed is a charity, and in your sexual relation is a charity."
They said, "O Messenger of Allah, will one of us have reward when he fulfills his sexual desire?"
He (S) said, "Do you no think that if he were to do an unlawful act that he would be sinning? Likewise, if he has done it lawfully he will have a reward." (Related by Muslim).

My Take:
1. Reciting different remembrances of our Lord, enjoining good, and forbidding evil can all act as charities and methods of giving back to our communities.
2. This religion is a complete way of life, and our actions are either bringing us closer to our Lord or further from Him.
3. It is up to us to make that sincere intention and try to be positive infuences on our communities, irrespective of our immediate means.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Power of leadership economics

http://www.bain.com/bainweb/publications/publications_detail.asp?id=26420&menu_url=publications_results.asp

Read this if you are interested in first mover advantage and a market leader position.

Ramadan is here

Bismillah

Abu Huraiha related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. " (related by Bukharee)

My take:
1. This month can be a fresh start for everyone. Make sincere intention to fast this upcoming month for your Lord's sake and find comfort in knowing that all your past sins may be forgiven. 2. We are given multiple methods to have our past sins forgiven. The importance/rewards of the night prayers are amazing. Focus on your nightly prayers!

May Allah accept our fasts and forgive all my past sins. Ameen!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Ramadan Goals/Sura Kahf

Bismillah.

Have you read sura Kahf yet?

Have you setup your Ramadan goals yet? I listened to Muhammad Alshareef's talk on how to make Ramadan unforgettable yesterday. (http://www.halaltube.com/towards-an-outstanding-ramadan)
Setting goals for Radaman is the recipe to take full advantage of the month's blessings. Lets dream big and accomplish great things this month, God willing!

I hope we all benefit from this month, become closer to our Lord, and increase in our charity in all aspects (from giving extra smiles to feeding the needy).

Abu Abdullah Jaabir ibn Abdullah al Ansaaree narrated that a man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), "Do you think that if I prayed the prescribed prayers, fasted Ramadan, treat the lawful as lawful, treat the prohibited as prohibited, and do nothing further, will I enter Paradise? The Prophet (peace be upon him replied), "Yes."

Narrated by Muslim

My take:

Our Lord has made following this religon easy and straightforward. Take care of your obligations in this life and you will be granted Paradise, iA.

May Allah help us take full advantage of Ramadan and accept all our fasts. Ameen!

Peace-

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Come closer to your Lord

Bismillah

Abu Hurayiah related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Surely Allah, the Exalted said, "Whoever shows enmity to an ally of mine, I have waged war upon him. My servant does not draw near to me with anything more beloved to me than what I have obligated upon him. My servant continues drawing upon me with the voluntary acts until I love him. Once I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he grasps, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask of Me, I would surely grant it to him. If he were to seek refuge in Me, I would surely protect him.""
(related by Bukhari)

My take:
1. Take care of the obligatory acts
2. Perform some extra voluntary good deeds
3. Once your Lord loves you, all of your actions are blessed and all of you have to do is keep your trust in your Lord.

This is a beautiful hadith reminding us how we can become closer to our Lord and how this level of God conscious will make our matters in this life easy, iA.

Some reflections from my knee surgery:

Alhamdulliah, the surgery was less severe than planned. It is remarkable how we take many of our Lord's blessings for granted. I was given local anesthesia through my spine and medicine to fall asleep during the procedure.

Typically, after the anesthesia/surgery, it takes a hour or two to gain your feelings back. In my case, it actually took 6 hours to gain the ability to completely control my legs. And, subhanAllah (glory be your Lord), it is a scary feeling, looking at your legs and feet, and not being able to move them or feel them as someone pokes at them...

I gained a new level of appreciation for the ability to walk, use the bathroom, etc. It is easy to forget about life's blessings when we are focused our own issues or not remembering our Lord. I hope we all are able to use our gifts and strengths for the betterment of our communities.

May Allah always bless us with contentment of hearts and help us be cognizant of the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Ameen.


Be safe and take care.

Peace-

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Be in this world as a Traveler

Bismillah

Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (S) said: "Be in this life as if you are a stranger or a wayfarer."

Ibn Umar used to say, "In the evening do not expect to live to the morning, and in the morning, do not expect to live to the evening."

(Related by Bukaree)

My take:
It is important to realize our priorities in this life and not become too attached to matters of little benefit. I think we should strive to come to a nice balance of working hard to accomplish our goals in this life with the firm understanding that the hereafter is very real and eternal.

May Allah help us keep our intentions sincere and be of those who are rightly guided. Ameen.

On another note, I am having knee surgery in a few hours, iA, and I hope you can keep me in your duas. I don't know if you are keeping up with the health care insurance debate, but feel free to post articles and updates on this topic.

Be safe and take care.

Peace-

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Hadith Qudsi ("I am as My servant thinks I am")

Bismillah

Abu Harayrah narrated that Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Allah the Almighty said:

"I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed."

My take:
Remember God and God will be with you. Knowing and internalizing this idea should be a source of comfort, God willing.

Even with this knowledge of God's love for his creation, we might feel lost or down at times, it is important to surround ourselves with righteous people and beneficial reminders.

May Allah always bless us with contentment of hearts. Ameen!

Monday, August 17, 2009

NYTIMES Public Option’ in Health Plan May Be Dropped

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/health/policy/17talkshows.html?hp

Virtue of Mending Ties, Justice, and Assistance amongst One Another

Bismillah

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
"Every joint of a person must do a charity each day that the sun rises. Acting justly between two people is a charity, assisting a man onto his mount, or hoisting his belongings onto it is a charity, a good word is a charity, every step you take to perform the prayer is a charity, and removing harmful objects from the roadway is charity."

(Related by Bukhaaree and Muslim)

My take:
This hadith describes various types of charity and actions that are deemed virtuous. It is amazing that the smallest good deeds can be considered charity and ways of coming closer to our Lord.

May Allah make it easy on us to perform acts of charity throughout every day. Ameen.
-peace

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Be Mindful of your Lord and He will protect you

Bismillah

Abul Abbass Abdullaah ibn Abbass narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Be Mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Become acquainted with Allah in prosperity and He will become acquainted with you in adversity... Know that help comes with patience, relief with afflictions, and hardship with ease."

(Tirmidhee).

My take:
This hadith reminds us of the type of relationship we should have with our Lord. Our biggest challenge is the struggle within oneself. Being conscious of our Allah and placing our complete faith is the prescription to inner peace.

May Allah make it easy for us to remember Him in times of ease and in times of hardship. Ameen.

Peace-

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Completing and Perfecting Eemaan (Faith)

Bismillah

Abu Hamzah Anas ibn Maalik narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"Noone of you will have Eemaan (meaning complete and perfect faith), until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself."
Related by Bukhaaree and Muslim.

My take:
Keeping this hadith in mind during our daily interactions with one another will lead to refreshing and healthy experiences, iA. Wanting good for others is very important in this deen (religion).

May Allah gives us the strength to always want the best for others no matter what state we are in. Ameen.

Peace-

Friday, August 14, 2009

Pillars of Islam

Bismillah

First and foremost, have you read sura Kahf today?


Abu Abdur Rahman Abdullah ibh Umar ibn Al Khattab narrated that the Prophet (S) said,

"Islam has been founded on five (pillars): To testify that none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allah and that Muhammad is th e Messegner of Allah, to establish prayer, to pay the Zakat, to make the pilgrimage to the HOuse (i.e. Ka'bah in Makka, and to fast in Ramadhaan." (Related by Bukaharee adn Muslim)

My take:
This hadith teaches us the basic tenets and practices of a Muslim. The religion is built on these simple practices, mA, after testifying to the oneness of God and believing in the Messenger, a Muslim's basic obligations are to pray 5 times a day, pay annual charity on his savings, make a pilgrimage to Makka, if he/she is able, and to fast in the month of Ramadan. May Allah accept our actions. Ameen.

Peace-

Thursday, August 13, 2009

National EHR database. Can you trust Google with your health info

Jeff Marion

Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, warned members at a Thursday meeting of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology that the Obama administration's health IT plan relies too heavily on outdated database technology. The current plan stifles innovation and encourages the use of proprietary, copyrighted databases that cannot easily duplicate or share information, according to Schmidt.


Allah's Forgiveness

Bismillah.
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (S) said,

"Allah, Th Exalted, has said,: 'O son of Adam, whatever you call upon Me for, and hope of Me, I shall forgive you for what have done and I shall not mind. O son of Aadam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and then you were to ask Forgiveness of me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and you were then to face Me not committing Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah) in anything, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.
(Related by Tirmidhee).

My take:

Allah is most forgiving, don't lose faith, don't lose hope, always ask for forgiveness with sincerity, and, iA, Allah will forgive your sins.

Peace-

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Good Character

Assalamu Alaikom.

Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junaadah and Abu Abdur Rahman Mu'aadh ibn Jabal (May Allah be pleased with them narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Fear Allah wherever you may be, trail a bad deed with a good deed and it will wipe it out, and treat the people with good character." Related by Tirmidhee.

My take:
A few nice pieces of advice in this hadith. First, it is important to be conscious of Allah in all facets of daily actions. Secondly, we are taught a method of clearing ourselves of bad deeds by performing good deeds/actions after committing bad/doubtful actions. Thirdly, we are reminded of the importance of treating people with good character.

May Allah make it easy to implement this hadith in our lives. Ameen.

Be safe and take care.

Peace-

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Righteousness is Good Character

Assalamu Alaikom,

An-Nawwaas ibn Sam'aan that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Righteousness is good character, and a sin is what wavers in your soul and you dislike that it is exposed to the people." Related by Muslim.)

My take on this:
This hadith is a good metric for engaging in doubtful actions. If you are not comfortable sharing your actions from last night, there is a strong possibility that it is not the best of actions. Allah knows best.

It is good to think about his hadith when engaging in dubious actions

Be safe and take care.

Peace,
Nabil

Bismillah

There are moments I feel alone,
And I feel lost, distracted, and yearning for that missing piece,
Wondering when I will find that peace of heart

Is this empty feeling coming from little sleep, from exhaustion?
Is it coming from ungratefulness, from the whispers of the unseen?

There is no doubt that there is so much to be grateful for,
Caring parents, loving siblings, thoughtful friends, precious nieces and nephews,
A job of sorts, the ability to walk and see, the comfort of knowing where I will sleep, the ability to dream

So, with these pearls in my life, why are my thoughts still drifting?
Why is knowledge not enough to overcome the feelings of emptiness?

I hope it is not a lack of faith, but a momentary lapse,
For a believes' heart is like that of fresh tender plant, from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it,
But, when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again

Maybe, how I deal with these moments will tell me what kind of person I am?
Are not everyone's tests and struggles different?

So the question becomes,
Will I meet these challenges with dignity?
Or will I succumb to the whispers and whims and despair?

I don't know, and this not knowing is scary
But, Praise be to my Lord, for letting me turn to him and place my hopes and fears in HIM

So, there are moments I transgress and feel alone,
Yearning for my companion in this life
And, then I reflect on my state,

And remember my loving family and friends
And remember my comfortable bed and warm food,

And, most importantly, realize that the affair of a believer is that he is always a winner,
For, when something good happens to him, he is grateful,
And, when adversity strikes, he is patient, and that is good for hm.

Then, there are moments where I am no longer alone,
For, I remember, my Lord is with me whenever I make mention of Him

And, so, I thank Him for his infinite blessings
And, pray that that the Most Merciful One keeps me on the straight path,
And, He allows me reflect on His majesty during moments of loneliness.

Monday, August 10, 2009

The Results of Deeds Depend on its End

Bismillah.

Assalamu Alaikom all,
Abu Abdur Rahman Abudullah ibn Mas'ood narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"Verily the creation of each one of you brought together in his mother's womb for forty days in the form of a Nutfah (mixed drop of male and female sexual discharge), then he is an 'Alaq (clot of blood) for a like period, then a Mudghah (morsel of flesh) for a like period, then the angel is sent to him who blows the breath of life into him and who is commanded about four matters: to write his means of livelihood, his life span, his actions, and whether his end is good or bad.

By Allah, Whom there is no deity (worthy of worship) other than Him, one of you behaves like the people of Paradise until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that he that which has been written overtakes him, so he behaves like the people of the Hellfire until he enters it. And one of you behaves like the people of Hellfire until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him, so he behaves like people of Paradise until he enters it." Related by Bukaree and Muslim.

Some of my thoughts on this hadith:
May Allah saves us from being of the people who behave like the people of Hellfire. Ameen. This hadith is a good reminder to be sincere and consistent in our actions, and to do perform our deeds for the sake of Allah. Some of the commentary mentioned that the people described in the first part of the hadith (ones who perform actions of Paradise till the end, when they perform actions of Hell) potentially could have been insincere about their actions, and these insincere corrupt intentions overtakes them at the end.
This hadith is definitely a bit scary, but at the same time, gives up hope, in terms of working towards receiving Allah's guidance, no matter our current state.

This hadith also reminds me not judge people, no-one knows on what type of actions will be in our end. May Allah bless us with the sincerity in our hearts. Ameen-

Be cool and take care.

Peace-

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Salam

Assalamu Alaikom all,

Abu Hurayra (R) narrated that the Prophet (S) said, "From the perfection of a person's Islam is abstaining from what does not concern him." Hadeeth Hassan by Imam At-Tirmidhee.

What does this Prophet's saying mean to me?
Limiting gossiping and avoiding conversations or topics that is of no benefit. When a group of friends don't backbite and only speak well-each of each other in and outside their friends' presence, it is beautiful, mA.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

WSJ.com - Will a Public Option Hurt Insurance Company Profits?

http://online.wsj.com/wsjgate?subURI=%2Farticle%2FSB124947013703607453-email.html&nonsubURI=%2Farticle_email%2FSB124947013703607453-lMyQjAxMDI5NDA5ODQwNzgwWj.html

Bismillah

Assalamu Alaikom.

Abud Hamzah ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"None of you will have Emaan (faith) until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself)."

Related by Bukharee and Muslim.

This is one of my most favorite prophetic sayings, and internalizing it is a very important part of being a believer. How safe and comfortable do we feel around people who are continuously trying to implement this saying? I pray that we are all blessed with hearts that always wants the best for others no matter what state we are in. Ameen.

Be safe and take care.
-

Friday, August 7, 2009

Yahoo! News Story - Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin - Yahoo! News

(nabilrab@gmail.com) has sent you a news article.
(Email address has not been verified.)
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Personal message:

Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin - Yahoo! News

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090806/hl_time/08599191485700

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http://news.yahoo.com/

Sura Kahf

Bismillah

Abu Sa`id (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays." Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi.

It is Friday, have you read Sura Khaf, yet?

Aboo Ruqayyah Tameem ibn Aws ad_Daaree (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The religion is sincerity," We asked, "To whom?". He (peace be upon him) said, "To Allah, His Book, Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their common folk." (Related by Muslim).

Benefits of the hadith from Imaam Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen's Explanatory Notes on Imam an-Nawawee's 40 Ahadeeth.

"Confining the Religion to sincerity due to the Prophet (S)'s statement, "The religion is sincerity." The focal points of sincerity are five,

a) To Allah,
b) His Book,
c) His Messenger,
d) to the leaders of the Muslims, and
e) Their common folk.

"This hadith is the encouragement of sincerity in these five instances, since if this is the religion, then there is no doubt that a person will protect his religion and strongly adhere to it."

Here are some of my thoughts. No doubt sincerity is immensely important in our relationship with our Lord. I have noticed more knowledge doesn't necessarily lead to more Iman or sincerity in actions. No doubt it is very important for us to always strive to gain a richer understanding of the religon, but it is important to continuously renew our intentions and pray that Allah keeps us on the straigth path and helps us be sincere in all our actions. Ameen.

Be cool and take care.

Peace-

Thursday, August 6, 2009

NYTimes.com: Warning From F.D.A. on Arthritis Drugs for Young Patients

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/health/05DRUG.html?emc=eta1

WSJ.com - Sen. Enzi Won't Rush Into Health-Bill Deal

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124951821554009567.html

Introduction Post

Bismilllah (In the Name of Allah)

Assalamu Alaikom (peace be upon you),

I am going to try to be consistent with this blog. First and foremost, I hope this blog will serve as a reminder for me and allow me to make my time on the web more beneficial, iA.

Second, I would like to share articles that interest me.

Third, I want to learn about the blogspace and learn how to navigate it.

I will also try to share some hadiths 9(saying/action of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and in the next forty days, I will try to post at least one hadith every day, iA.

Let me know if you have other ideas on how to make this blog more useful.

Be safe and take care.

May Allah always guide us to the straight path and give us the strength and ability to be sincere and positive influences to the ones around us. Ameen!

Peace,
Nabil

Hadith 1:

Umar bin al-Khattab said,
I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying, "The reward of actions depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. Thus, he whose migration was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration was for Allah and his Messenger, and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take a woman in marriage, his migration was for that which he migrated. " (Related by Bukharaee and Muslim)

Bit of Commentary from Imam Muhammad ibn Saalih-al Uthaymeen's Explanatory Notes on Imaam an-Nawawee's Forty Hadith:

This Hadeeth is a great foundation regarding the actions of the heart due to the intentions being from the actions of the heart. The scholars have said: This Hadeeth is half of worship because it is the scale of the inward actions.