Something To Reflect On

A hadith I came across recently:

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah `azza wa jall said: ‘Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by being inflicted with poverty, and were I to enrich him, it would surely corrupt him. Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by wealth and affluence, and were I to deprive him, it would surely corrupt him. Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by good health, and were I to make him sick, it would surely corrupt him. Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by disease and illness, and were I to make him healthy, it would surely corrupt him. Verily, from amongst My slaves is he who seeks worship by a certain act but I prevent that from him so that self-amazement does not enter his heart. Certainly, I run the affairs of My slaves by My Knowledge of what is in their hearts. Certainly, I am the All-Knower, All-Aware.‘”

[Reported by al-Tabarani.]

If anyone comes across an explanation for this hadith in more detail, please do post in the comments.

Jazakallah khair. :)

Campaign Against Draw Muhammad Day

I'm sure many of you have heard of this campaign and even though the woman who originally thought of the idea regrets ever bringing it up, some people are using the idea to defend their hatred by trying to hurt Muslims. Instead of targeting and opposing violent acts committed by a few, a facebook group & website is promoting open hatred against Muslim's beloved Prophet (saw).

Unfortunately, we cannot remove the hatred from the hearts of everyone but we can try to enlighten people and remove their ignorance and one sided view about Islam and Prophet Muhammad (saw) and let Allah (swt) guide their hearts and their conscience.

There is campaign started by some Muslims and I found the following videos on youtube.

It is very beautiful, mashaallah.

Also read this response from CAIR regarding this day.

It is important to understand that by joining these groups and stooping to their level, we would not be achieving anything but inspiring more to try and annoy us. Recollect the hadith that the one who controls is the stronger person and the following:
Abu Umamah al-Bahili reports: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
I guarantee a house in the lower portion of Jannah for whoever gives up arguing even if he is right, and a house in the middle of Jannah for whoever gives up lying even if he is joking, and a house for in the highest level of Jannah for whoever perfects their akhlaq. [Abu Dawood]

Instead of reacting, we should increase our efforts to promote the truth behind Islam and become more active in dawah.

Patience/Sabr

I'm trying to collect hadith and ayahs on Sabr and patience, please comment if you know of more.

Jazakallah khair.

Here's what I have so far:
"O you who believe! Endure and be more patient..". (3:200)

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient)". (2:155)

"Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.'' (39:10)

"And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.'' (42:43)

"Seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer). Truly, Allah is with As-Sabirun (the patient).'' (2:153)

"And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allah) and As-Sabirun (the patient)'' (47:31)

Recite Surah Kahf Every Friday

Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
"The person who recites Surah Kahf on Fridays, a nur will appear for him from below the arsh as high as the skies. This light will help him in the darkness of the day of resurrection . And all the sins which he may have committed from the last Friday till this Friday will be forgiven . "
(Sharh Sifrus-Sa'aadah) The ulama have written that this Hadith refers to minor sins because major sins are not forgiven without making taubah.

It is recommended to recite Surat al-Kahf completely the night before Friday, and it is also recommended to do so Friday itself, before Maghrib time. Ibn Abidin said, And it is best to do so early on Friday, in order to rush to the good and to avoid forgetting. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, Bab al-Jumu`ah]

Hadith related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id (Allah be pleased with him), Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays. [Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al-Habir]

Computers, Birds and Working Towards the Straight Path

Here's what's been happening. I've had major computer problems so I have been trying really hard to get that fixed. Plus, I've had so many things on my mind lately, I've had no time whatsoever to even think about blogging. I apologize for that.

Regarding my wisdom tooth, alhumdulillah, it seems to be healing well. Initially a lot of food was getting stuck in there but the hole seems to have become more shallow now although I haven't looked at it all that carefully but I don't feel like things are piling up. So, that's good. But there's definitely still a hole.

I still am getting birds. I had started getting a different pair of bulbuls. These ones have white cheeks and a yellow bottom. And guess what? They had twins! MashaAllah. The babies are totally cute! They are greyish brown and slightly smaller than their parents. Slightly bigger than a sparrow. They've become quite friendly and don't run away when they see me. Last week they were begging their parents to feed them and this week, they come to my balcony and start tweeting. I open the door and throw crushed biscuits and they gobble it up. They come really close. About a foot away from me. MashaAllah.

Other than that, I've been trying to make some positive changes in my life such as:
1. Try to pray tahajjud regularly. I can't wake up to pray it so it's a good thing, it's okay to stay and pray it and sleep. Although, that's pretty exhausting as well.
2. Reciting Surah Kahaf every Friday.

InshaAllah, I'll post details on that

Sorry For the Absence

I'm sorry for being away for so long. Unfortunately I had some computer issues which I am still trying to get fixed.

InshaAllah, I will try to stay more up to date with this blog.

Anyone tried the blogger in draft as yet?

Stitches out and follow up

Alhumdulillah, I had a very easy 1st week. My biggest issue was finding it hard to open my mouth fully without making a lot of effort. Plus, I'd hear my jaw click everytime. I was supposed to go back to the surgeon to get my stitches out but thursday (exactly 1 week later) I decided to go to a different dentist. Ahumdulillah, she was very nice and pulled the stitches out painlessly. She put a pack in my wound, which I think defeated the purpose of having stitches to close the gap, coz she said there was slight inflammation and it'll help reduce it. And 24 hrs later, I could open and close my mouth without a problem. I was so happy! Alhumdulillah. :D Also, she recommended I do salt water gargling as it helps keep the inflammation down.

It's been 2 weeks later, she's put the pack twice and I got it removed today. She said there's flesh/tissue over the bone now so I won't have any pain. So, inshaAllah, no chance of dry socket. I need to continue doing salt water gargles but with every meal. And I have a hole in my gum because of which I'm trying to avoid eating on that side, especially things like rice so it doesn't get stuck inside.

Alhumdulillah, even though the actual procedure was a nightmare, the post-op period has been very smooth and I had to take minimal medications. In order for the wound to heal, I believe it'll take a month or so. The bone can take upto 6 months. I'll follow up every now and then regarding this.