"Surely, the true religion in Allah's sight is Islam" (3:19)
Hadhrat Luqmaan Alayhis salam – who was unanimously Hakeem (wise) and a Nabi according to somewas employed as a labourer in an orchard. One day, the owner of the orchard came and asked him to bring some cucumbers. He peeled one and gave it Hadhrat Luqmaan who started eating it with relish. The owner, witnessing Hadhrat Luqmaan eating the cucumber with such relish thought that it must be rather delicious. He placed a slice of it into his mouth and
Read moreThose in positions of authority of any kind should fulfil their duties bearing in mind that the Almighty is watching. Abuse of position in any way is unacceptable and will not be let off lightly. If we cannot deliver the goods we should hand over to those more capable without delay. Many people have a habit of laying the blame of failure upon others when they are the ones responsible. Many people …also love to take up positions of authority
Read moreLIFE BEFORE ISLAM Umar (R.A.) belonged to “‘Adi” family of Quraish tribe. In the 8th generation, his lineage joins with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). Abu Hafs was his patronymic name and “al-Faruq” his title given by the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). He was born in 583 A.C., about forty years before the great Hijrah. The early life of Hadrat Umar is not known in detail. In his youth he was a famous wrestler and orator,
Read moreOnce at the time of Hajj, there was a gathering in Mecca of some friends of Allah; the youngest among whom was Junaid Baghdadi (ra). In that gathering, there was a discussion on the subject of ‘Love for Allah’ and as to who is the lover of Allah. Many of them expressed their views on the subject, but Junaid (ra) kept quiet. He was pressed to say something. With his head bowed down and tears in his eyes, he said,
Read moreDid you sharpen Yourself? Once upon a time a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason,the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work. The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees. “Congratulations,” the boss said. “Go on that way!” Very motivated
Read moreYou have been commanded not to hoard whatever wealth you have been given in this world, i.e do not be stingy. Spend it as much as possible, on condition that it is not spent on unnecessary things and in an inappropriate manner. It should be spent in the correct places upon the right recipients according to the limits ordained by Allah Ta’ala. Maulana Ilyas Dehlvi
Read moreNAME AND PARENTAGE OF HADRAT ABU BAKR(R.A.) Hadrat Abu Bakr, as-Siddiq, (R.A.) was born in 573 A.D. at Makkah. Thus he was two years younger than the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). He belonged to a respectable and noble family, the Bani Tamim, a branch of Quraish Tribe. His lineage joins with that of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) six generations before. His name was Abdullah. Abu Bakr was his patronymic name (or Kuniyah) which became so
Read moreImmediate negative presumptions towards a spouse, family member, relative, friend etc regarding situations, occurances, actions, utterances, discoveries or other matters where there is a possibility of a doubt, without giving them the benefit of that doubt or a fair chance to explain themselves, is a habit that can destroy a beautiful relation! Positive presumptions prevent many social problems. Mufti Ismail Menk
Read moreSahl Ibne Sa’ad narrated that once a person (who, perhaps, came from the class of the rich and the distinguished) passed in front of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. On seeing him the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam asked one of those who were sitting with him at that time what he thought of him. He replied, “Sir, he is one of the most respectable men, such is his eminence that if he makes an offer of marriage to the daughter
Read moreGiving acceptable gifts for the pleasure of the Almighty, with no ulterior motive, is highly rewarded. Starting with our spouses & children, parents & relatives to friends, scholars & others, a simple gift has a very positive impact. It is important to accept gifts from those we trust. If we are not going to make use of it there is no harm in giving it away. Never take back a gift once it is accepted! Mufti Ismail Menk
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