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Islam Advocates Peace, Justice, and Equality

The religion of Islam is much more than worships and prayers. It is a religion which dictates the personal, social as well as professional lives of its believers. Contrary to the popular belief, Islam is a religion which teaches peace, justice, and equality in all aspects of lives.

Peace:

Peace is the essence of Islam. The root word of the term “Islam” is “salaam” which means “peace.” The blessed religion requires all its followers to be peaceful at all times and in all situations. Even if someone speaks rudely to a Muslim, he is instructed not to respond in a similar manner. In Holy Qur’an, Allah says about believers:

“When they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say: For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace be upon you, we seek not the way of ignorance.” [Qur’an 28:55]

Very often, people believe Muslims to be a war people. Islam, however, encourages peace. In war situations, too, Muslims are advised to adopt peace whenever possible. Following verse of Qur’an says it all:

“So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause for fighting against them.” [Qur’an 4:90]

This verse states that if the enemy backs out of a fight and offers peaceful terms, Muslims should not fight them and should resort to peace.

Justice:

No society can prosper without justice. Islam stresses the importance of justice. Whether it is a household situation or a matter of society, Muslims must remain just and fair. In Qur’an, Allah says:

“Verily, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and He forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” [Qur’an 16:90]

The believer must be firm and not favor anyone who is at fault even if it is an influential individual or one whom they love. Also, one is not allowed to abstain from giving testimony to save a culprit.

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Forgiveness Of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)

Prophets of Allah were messengers as well as leaders. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the last link of the chain of prophets. He proved to be an outstanding leader, and history does not show any other leader as successful, as compassionate, and as kind as Muhammad (P.B.U.H). He set forth such outstanding examples of mercy, forgiveness, and good governance, the likes of which haven’t been witnessed ever again.

Allah (S.W.T)’s words for him are:

“We have sent you as a mercy for all the worlds.” [Quran 21:107]

There are innumerable incidents in the life of Allah’s Last Messenger which manifest his forgiving nature. We are discussing two incidents here:

An Attempt To Assassinate:

A Non-Muslim woman sent a piece of poisoned meat to the Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) with the intention to kill him. The incident has been narrated in hadith:

Anas reported that a Jewess came to Allah’s Messenger with poisoned mutton and he took of that what had been brought to him. (When the effect of this poison were felt by him) he called for her and asked her about that, whereupon she said:

‘I had determined to kill you’. Thereupon he said:

‘Allah will never give you the power to do it.’

He (the narrator) said that they (the companion’s of the Prophet) said:

‘Should we not kill her?’ Thereupon he said:

‘No.’

He (Anas) said: ‘I felt (the effects of this poison) on the uvula of Allah’s Messenger’.” [Sahih Muslim]

Even after the woman admitting to her criminal intention, Allah’s kind Apostle (P.B.U.H) forgave her and did not allow his companions to punish her.

Full Article here: https://quranschool.com/forgiveness-of-prophet-muhammad-p-b-u-h/

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The Door to Eternal Paradise

Muslims have a firm belief in the Day of Judgement and in the Hereafter. We know this life is a test and we will be judged according to what we do in this life. Every human being who believes in the life after death wishes to go to heaven, the eternal Paradise. Questions of how to get there and what deeds are required of us then arise. To answer these questions, Allah says in Qur’an:

“And give good news (O Muhammad) to those who believe and do good deeds, that they will have gardens (Paradise) in which rivers flow…” [Qur’an, 2:25]

Another verse, very accurately, calls it a great achievement:

“Verily, those who had faith and had done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great achievement.” [Qur’an, 85:11]

Faith:

As both the above verses mention, the foremost requirement is the faith. Faith, itself, has many branches. Islam requires you to firmly believe in the One God, His angels, His messengers, His books, the Day of Judgement, and Providence. Most of these are unseen. We must have faith, without any trace of doubt, in all of these.

“O you who believe, have faith in Allah and His messenger and the book that He revealed to His messenger and the scripture which He revealed before. Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.” [Qur’an, 4:136]

Faith means a complete submission of heart, affirmation of tongue, and the true actions of the limbs. All three aspects are equally important.

Full Article here: https://quranschool.com/the-door-to-eternal-paradise/

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Rewards and Benefits of Reciting Holy Quran

Allah (S.W.T) created human beings with free will. We may choose our ways but He hasn’t left us without any guidance. All through the history of mankind, the Lord of the worlds has sent Messengers and Holy Scriptures to help His creations distinguish between the right and the wrong. The last of Prophets is Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) on whom Allah (S.W.T) revealed the Book to light the ways for all humankind till the end of the time.

“A Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.” [Qur’an, 38:29]

The above verse tells us that our Holy Book helps us identify the correct path as well as receive the blessings from our Creator.

Let’s have a look at a few of the benefits of reciting Holy Quran every day.

Cleanses Hearts: Quran is Allah’s word. He purifies our heart and soul through His words and lights them with His guidance.

“O mankind! There hath come to you an admonition from your Lord and a healing (for the diseases) in your hearts and, for those who believe, a Guidance and Mercy.” [Qur’an, 10:57]

  2. Distinguishes Right From Wrong: The Book helps us choose the right path and the correct ways:

“This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious]” [Qur’an, 2:2]

It teaches the lifestyle as is liked by our Rabb. The teachings of Holy Qurancover all aspects of our lives and present to us the most appropriate choices in every situation.

Full Article here: https://quranschool.com/reciting-holy-quran/

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Islam Emphasises on Balance in Life

Islam is a complete lifestyle. The teachings of Islam do not separate the spiritual and worldly aspects of an individual’s life; it states laws which cover lives from all angles. The beautiful religion of Islam never stresses on hardships or giving up on social life; rather a balanced life is encouraged and taught.

“….Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…..” [Qur’an, 2:185]

Spiritual life:

We are blessed with a religion which teaches us spirituality in such a beautiful way that helps us stay close to our Creator. Apart from the five prayers, a month’s fasting, annual charity, and once in a lifetime hajj, you may offer nafl worships, too. These nafl are dear to Allah and the rewards are huge.

But, balance is more important. One is not supposed to leave his home or ignore his health or family in order to perform nafl worships. It is, in fact, encouraged to have a healthy social and family life. An example of this can be seen in the following hadith:

Prophet (P.B.U.H) once asked one of His companion Abdullah ibn ‘Amr” R.A

“Have I heard right that you fast every day and stand in prayer all night?

Abdullah replied:

“Yes, O Messenger of God (P.B.U.H)”

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:

“Do not do that. Fast, as well as, eat and drink. Stand in prayer, as well as, sleep. This is because your body has a right upon you, your eyes have a right upon you, your wife has a right upon you, and your guest has a right upon you.” [Bokhari]

Secular Life:

It is common that we transgress in our worldly affairs. At times, we get so immersed in our social lives that we neglect our relationship with Allah. We need to keep a check on this. Islam encourages us to keep a balance and not lose ourselves in this temporary world.

“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters)” [Qur’an, 28: 77]

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Quran is the Ultimate Source of Contentment

We live in a fast-paced world. Technology has made our lives easier and worlds smaller. We can stay in touch with more people, do more things in less time, and enjoy the access to luxuries like never before. But even then, most of the people complain about an empty feeling. It feels like something from life is missing. Human beings are always in search of contentment. The million-dollar question is: where would one find contentment and satisfaction?

Humans, today, look for happiness and satisfaction in material things. But a matter of fact is such happiness does not last long. If you buy a new house, for example, it will bring you happiness but after a while, even a thing on you which you spent a fortune and that has stayed so close to you, will lose its charm. We need something that will bring lasting peace to our hearts.

Quran gives an answer to this question:

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” [Quran 13:28]

Quran provides solace through its recitation and the guidance. It is a light which illuminates our hearts and makes us see the path of the righteous. The peace of being close to Allah is immense and only those who have experienced it can bear witness. Even if the life presents one with turbulence, the contentment attained through Quran and Allah’s guidance keeps one strong and depression at bay,

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Umrah in Ramadan

Umrah is a voluntary act of worship which can be performed at any time of the year. It pleases Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and is immensely rewarding. It also serves to expiate the sins of a believer. Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) said:

“Performing two Umrahs expiates the sins committed in the interval between them.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Performing Umrah in Ramadan has added benefits. During this month, the rewards for Umrah are multiplied greatly. The rewards for Umrah in any other month are huge but not equivalent to those of the obligatory mode of worship, Hajj. But if Umrah is performed in Ramadan, the thawaab is as much as that of performing a Hajj.

Ibn ‘Abbaas (R.A) recounts that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked Umm Sinaan Al-Ansaariyyah, (R.A), “What prevented you from embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage with us?”

She replied: “We had two camels. My husband and child took one and left the other for the rest of us to ride on.”

Muhammad (P.B.U.H) then told her: “When the month of Ramadan arrives, go for ‘Umrah, because Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent (in reward) to performing Hajj once with me.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Full Article here: https://quranschool.com/umrah-in-ramadan/

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Tips to Raise Good Muslim Kids in a Non-Muslim Country

Islam makes it parents’ responsibility to inculcate the correct teachings of the religion in their children. Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said:

“Allah (SWT) will ask every caretaker about the people under his care, and the man will be asked about the people of his household.” [Nasa’i, Abu Da’ud]

In a verse of Qur’an, Allah says:

“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” [Qur’an, 66:6]

In Muslim countries, it is easier because children are surrounded by their Muslim friends and Islamic traditions. They grow up seeing Ramadan observation, Eid festivities, and studying Islamic studies in schools. But, when the children are in a non-Muslim country, it can be little more challenging for parents to guide them and make them confident about their religion. It is, however, not impossible. Here are a few tips that might help such parents:

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Virtues of Shaban: The Month of Voluntary Fasts

Each of the months of the lunar calendar holds its own importance. Although all the acts of worship done with pure intentions are rewarded well at all times, for some acts, certain periods are more favored than others.

Ramadan is the blessed month in which Holy Qur’an was revealed and fasting has been made obligatory for all Muslims, while Rajab is one of the four sacred months. Between these two blessed months is the month of Shaban. This month used to get neglected. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), however, used to fast on many days during this month. It is narrated by Usamah bin Zaid:

“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban.’ He said: ‘That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be taken up when I am fasting.” [Nasai]

Fasting in this month is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H). Hazrat Aisha (R.A) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast until we would say, ‘he never breaks his fast (i.e. he never stops fasting)’, and he would abandon fasting (at other times) until we would say that he never fasts. I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fast for a complete month except for the month of Ramadan, and I never saw him fast in a month more than he did in the month of Sha’ban.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting is a worship which is especially appreciated by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. In a hadith Qudsi, the Lord of the Worlds says:

“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it…” [Bukhari and Muslim]

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The Miraculous Night of Isra and Meraj

Allah is All-Powerful. He can do anything He wants. Although everything in the universe works in a set pattern, every now and then, Allah shows a miracle to amaze us and to increase the faith of believers.

Especially during the eras of different prophets, Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala showed His signs through miracles to help the prophets’ noble work of preaching.

One of the miracles the Last Prophet, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), was blessed with was the nightly journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then all the way up to the skies and back to Mecca again.

This night is regarded as the night of Isra (nightly journey) or Meraj (ascension). The Qur’an bears witness to the events of the night in the following words:

“Glory to (Allah) Who did take His Servant for Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts We did bless – in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the one Who heareth and seeth (all things).” [Qur’an, 17:1]

The events of the night (Shab e Meraj) as observed in hadith and history are as follows:

The Lord of the Worlds sent the angel, Jibreel (A.S), with a horse-like creature, Buraq, from Paradise for the Prophet (P.B.U.H) to ride on. Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was taken to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and then, in such a short span, was ascended to heavens.

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Charity in Islam and its Rewards

Islam is the religion which stresses on the universal brotherhood among its believers. This brotherhood encourages social justice, equality, compassion, unity, and sharing. In a world where the wealth is not equally distributed, Islam inspirits charity to help increase equity among the people.

An interesting point is that charity is not only about helping someone financially; any help or even a kind word is counted as charity in Islam. Kindness is loved by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and He wants His creations to be kind to each other.

Here are a few of the rewards for a person who gives charity with a pure intention:

Charity does not reduce wealth, rather increases it: Although when we take out some amount from our wealth, we seem to have a drop in our riches. But, in the long run, the exact opposite is true. A person who gives charity will receive wealth in unexpected ways and is likely to experience an increase in his overall wealth.

Charity expiates sins: Human beings make mistakes and fall for sins, sometimes knowingly while at other times without realization. Charity is an act which helps us atone for our sins.

Charity helps against hardships: This life is a test and we all are bound to be tested with hardships. But, no matter what, we do not like these tough times. To lower the magnitude of these, Allah has given us a solution: charity. Charity helps alleviate them.

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Du’as Every Muslim Should Memorize and Recite Everyday

“The house in which remembrance of Allah is made and the house in which Allah is not remembered are like the living and the dead.” [Muslim]

Du’a is the weapon of a believer. It is not the means to ask for something but also a way of remembering Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. It is advisable that Muslims say du’as for everyday acts as well. This increases the believer’s Tawakkul in his Lord and adds barakah in all his acts no matter how trivial they are.

Some of the regularly performed acts and their supplications are listed below:

Sleeping and Waking Up:

After the day’s chores, when we lie down to sleep, we should remember our Creator, all His blessings, and thank Him for them. We should acknowledge His power and praise Him before we go to bed.

Transliteration: Bismikallahumma amootu wa-ahya

Translation: In Your name O Allah, I live and die. [Muslim]

A believer should remember Allah as soon as he wakes up. It is Allah who gave him another day and only He can make the day go well.

Transliteration: Alhamdulillaahilladhi ahyaanaa ba’da maa amaata-naa wa ilaihinnushuur

Translation: All praise to Allah (SWT), Who revived us to life after giving us death, and to Him, we shall return. [Bokhari]

Traveling

The vehicles or animals we are blessed with for transport are provided by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. He made the facilities possible for us.

Transliteration: Subḥaan-alladhee sakh-khara lanaa haadhaa, wa maa kunnaa lahu muqrineena, wa innaa ilaaa rabinaa la-munqaliboon

Translation: Glory to Him who has brought this [vehicle] under our control, though we were unable to control it [ourselves], and indeed, to Our Lord, we will surely return. [Muslim]

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Teach Qur’an to your children at an early age

Muslims turn to the Holy Qur’an for guidance in all matters of life. The book teaches the correct ways of life as prescribed by Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala. Every Muslim must learn to read and understand, either by learning Arabic or reading translations in an understandable language, to be able to grasp the message of Islam. We must learn Qur’an ourselves and also teach it to our family members:

When it comes to teaching Qur’an, it is recommended that children are taught Qur’an at an early an age as possible. There are many benefits of early learning. Some of them are:

Young children are attached to their parents. Their entire lives revolve around the parents, so it is easy to teach them; they will be quite eager to learn from parents.

As children grow up, their interests widen. It is difficult for children to concentrate on learning around adolescence. It is advisable that the teaching of Qur’an commence at a young age so they learn the basics before puberty.

Young children have minds like sponges. They absorb very quickly and it is the best time to guide them in learning the Holy Qur’an.

Children have to learn to read Arabic to be able to recite Qur’an. And any new language, taught at a young age, boosts cognitive development. Hence Qur’an teaching helps improve their IQ.

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Rights of a Wife in Islam

In the blessed religion of Islam, family is an institution of utmost significance. It stresses on a peaceful and loving environment in the family. The individuals who influence the environment of and bonding among the family most are the husband and wife. Therefore, Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala commands the pair to treat each other with respect and give each other their due rights.

Women are more often suppressed in the world and people around the world have a perception of Islam that Muslim women are supposed to be suppressed. Which is not true. Some of the rights that women have on their husbands are:

Mahr:

Women, at the time of marriage, are entitled to receive a certain amount of money from their husbands. It is set at the time or before the marriage contract and can be given either at the time of marriage or sometime later. Allah says in Qur’an:

“And give to the women (whom you marry) their Mahr (obligatory bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) with a good heart” [al-Nisaa’ 4:4]

Financial Support:

It is the responsibility of the husband to bear the expenses of the wife’s food, clothing, and other necessities. Providing a livable home for her is also her right. Even if the wife is wealthy, the man should spend on her necessities in as good a way as he can.

Kind and Loving Treatment:

A wife is a homemaker. It is her right to be treated with love and care. One must not be harsh or abusive towards her. Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) said:

“The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the most excellent character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Look for her good qualities:

No one is perfect. A woman may have qualities that her husband dislikes. The man should try to ignore her faults and look for the positive traits of her personality.

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Status of Mothers in Islam

The most important person in the life of a child is his mother. But as we grow up, we tend to forget the importance and value that she holds in our lives and the sacrifices she had made for us. But our beautiful religion does not allow us to neglect the women whose sacrifices are innumerable. We may never be able to thank them, but we must respect them as much as they deserve.

Muslims are instructed to be kind, obedient and gentle to both the parents. One is required to be patient with them, respect them, provide for them, and serve them. On multiple occasions, Allah has mentioned the orders of being kind to one’s parents immediately after those of servitude of Allah.

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say, ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.’” [Quran 17:23-24]

A mother’s rights are much more than that of a father’s.

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Points to keep in mind while reciting Qur’an

Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala sent His messengers to guide the mankind to the right path. All the messengers were sent for specific eras and nations with the only exception of the last of them, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). To Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), the Lord of the worlds revealed the Holy Quran which is the last book with instructions for all the nations and all the generations to come.

“And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in guarding their prayers.”[Qur’an, 6:92]

Since the Holy Qur’an is the last and unaltered message of Allah Subhana wa Ta’ala, it deserves to be held in the highest esteem. There are some points that must be followed when one picks up the Noble Qur’an.

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Ayat-ul-kursi: A Blessing for Believers

Ayat-ul-kursi is the most popular and most recited verse of the Holy Qur’an. It is the 255th verse of the second chapter, Surah al Baqarah. The verse describes Allah’s glory, His power, and His kingdom in very beautiful words. Before we take a look at its importance, let us first know the translation:

“Allah — there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”

To realize the importance of this verse, let us have a look at what Prophet of Allah (P.B.U.H) said about it:

“Everything has its splendor, and the splendor of the Qur’an is Surah al-Baqara. In it, is a verse which is the greatest verse of the Qur’an: Ayat-ul-Kursi.” [Tirmidhi]

Key to Paradise:

Ayat-ul-kursi is beautiful, powerful, and beneficial in many ways. It can be a gateway to Paradise. After all the obligatory prayers, one should recite this splendid verse. As Allah’s Apostle (P.B.U.H) said:

Whosoever recites Ayat al Kursi after every Prayer then nothing can stop him from entering Paradise except for death (i.e. he will for sure enter paradise after death) [Sunnan Nasai’i al Kubra, At-Tabrani]