First thought or After thought...?!

You know how sometimes we feel so bad because we realize that we are nothing but an after thought for people...its only when they get free from all the other things, wrap up their pending businesses that they realize that you also exist. When such a realization comes how our heart breaks and then we start feeling sorry for ourselves or start complaining...in moments of these negative thoughts and self pity have you ever reflected that whether Islam has also become an after thought for you?!

Is it so that when you finish all your other activities that you start praying even if it means praying 5 minutes before the salat gets qadha?

Or do you make time to read a dua/Quran only when you feel you have nothing else to do or no other matter to attend to?

Does it happen often that you push a religious book, text or some fiqh related reading at the back of the shelf until you get done with all the other readings?

If the answer to all such questions is "YES"...then before falling victim to self-pity and negative thoughts try to analyze why something that was supposed to be the most important thing for you has become an after thought?! An example given by a zakira once really got to me; she said that when our cell phone rings we get an urgent need to answer it at the first call BUT when we hear Adhan and we are called towards Allah(swt) we ignore it and choose the last moment to answer it. Have you ever thought why this is so? Is there someone more important than Allah(swt) that you need to answer to?
Before delving into why we have become an after thought, ponder over the fact that why has Islam become an after thought for you...!!!

10 Ways to Avoid Marrying the Wrong Person

With the current breakdown in the institution of marriage, i thought this article would be worth sharing with everyone.

10 Ways to Avoid Marrying the Wrong Person

I especially liked this part which i feel is very prevalent in Pakistan society. People are so awed by the outer appearance and the materialistic value of the person that they forget to see what truly matters.

The fact is no one looks 25 forever.  Ultimately, we love the person we marry for more than their appearance.  When we get to know someone we love and admire, we’ll love them for their inner beauty and overall essence.

Morality and spirituality are the qualities that truly define someone in addition to beauty, money, and health.  The morally upright and spiritual person will stand by your side during adversity and hardship.  If someone isn’t God-conscience and doesn’t take themselves into account with God then why should you expect them to fulfill their rights owed to you? The ideal partner is someone who considers giving a gain and not causing a loss.  Having a mutual and shared spiritual relationship will foster a successful marriage.  Furthermore, a successful marriage is one that keeps the laws of family purity which require a certain degree of self-control and self-discipline, as well as the belief that the physical side of the relationship includes the spiritual and emotional side as well.  Finding commonality and balance between the spiritual and emotional aspects of a relationship is a strong key to a healthy and thriving marriage. 

So you think you are a shia?!

This is what Imam Jaffar Sadiq(a.s) had to say about shia:

Surely, we (the Ahl al-Bayt) were created from the divine light (nur) of Allah and our Shia (followers) were created from other than this divine light (nur - of a lower grade). So then when the Day of Judgment takes place, the lower grades will be joined with the higher grades (of light).

Then he (prayers be upon him) put his two fingers together (index and middle finger) and said to him (al-Mufaddhal), “Just like this (will these two divine lights be joined together).”

The Imam (prayers be upon him) then said to him (al-Mufaddhal): “O’ Mufaaahal! Do you know why the Shia have been call Shia? O’ Mufaddhal our Shiaa (true followers) are from us (from our divine light) and we in turn are from our Shia. Do you see where this sun rises from?”.

I (al-Mufaddhal) said, “It rises from the East.”
The Imam (prayers be upon him) then asked, “And where does it return to?”
I (al-Mufaddhal) said, “It sets in the West.”
'
The Imam (prayers be upon him) then said, “Our Shia are just the same as this (the way the Sun rises and sets).
They have come from us (our direction) and thus, they will return to us (our presence).” 

ref:http://www.al-mubin.org/attachments/174_Question%20from%20Imam%202.pdf

Now ask yourself are you worthy of this definition? Can you still call your self a shia or just simply a lover of Ahlulbayt(s.a)?! Don't give yourself a title and think all those ahdith gloirfying shia are for us....those are for the shia of this definition!

Protection from Satan Series-Part I

I had read a book a while back titled "Ista'aaza;Seeking Allah's Protection from Satan" by Shaeed E Mehrab Ayatollah  Abdul Hussain Dastghaib Shirazi.

Ayatollah Abdul Hussain Dastghaib Shirazi

I have started to read it again and thought i should summarize its main points and helpful things so that others can benefit from it as well. In this first part i will outline the various duas we should recite at different times and places to gain protection.

At the time of wearing the clothes one should say:

Allahumma astarurati wa la tajal alshaitan lahu naseeba

Translation: O Allah keep my private parts hidden and save them from the interference of Shaitan

while going to a washroom one should recite:

Allahumma inni a-oozu beka min al khabeesil khabs ar rijs al khabs ash sahaitan ir rajeem

Translation: O Allah I seek Your Protection from the accursed Satan and the defiled impurities) 

Recite the following supplication at the moment of emerging out of the house:

Bismillahi wa billahi aamanto billahi tawakkalto alallaha wa la haula wa la quwawata illa billa

Translation: In the name of Allah and with His Help I am proceeding on my errand. I have absolute Faith in the Great Allah and there is no power besides Him. 

ref:Ista'aaza; Seeking Allah's Protection from Satan

Focus on your own

With so much anxiety and frustration coming one's way these days, it can be very easy to lose your akhlaq. As the world has become more fast paced, selfish and self centered it is easy to be disappointed or hurt by the behavior of people. In such times, its easy to feel if that person doesn't behave well with us, why should we? This can affect our behavior with our friends, family and even strangers. It more so effects when someone close to us hurst us or misbehaves with us.

The important thing to remember is the lesson taught to us by Ahlulbayt(s.a). To sum it up they always showed us that no matter how anyone behaves we should never shirk on our responsibilities and generosity. Once someone asked one of the Imam(a.s) that these people misbehave with you so much, yet you still answer their questions and help them? The Imam(a.s) replied that they may have forgotten that i am their Imam but i haven't forgotten that they are my followers.

Once when Imam Hassan Askari(a.s) was in the prison, a shia of the imam(a.s) managed to get 4 pomegranates to him. At that time, he was being guraded by a very cruel secuirty guard who always used to harass the imam(a.s).In those days imam(a.s) was only being fed 2 loaves of bread and cold water. After giving the fruit to the imam(a.s), the guard was giving hungry looks to the fruit. Imam(a.s) looked at the guard and told him to take one of the fruits. After sometime, the imam(a.s) notice that the guard still hadn't eaten the fruit, so he inquired. The guard replied that he was saving it for his kids. On hearing this the Imam(a.s) gave him the rest of the fruit as well so he could eat some himself and save the rest. Imagine the level of generosity...even though the guard forgot his akhlaq and responsibility, the Imam(a.s) remembered what he(a.s) had to do.

Sometimes we feel that our parents, our relatives or friends are being unfair and we start misbehaving. It is understandable more so in close family situations especially if you feel slighted or mistreated by your parents or some close relatives. At such times, we shouldn't give up hope and forget our manners. These people and relations might have forgotten their responsibilities BUT we shouldn't. Doing so will only earn us sins. We should trust Allah(swt) and preform our duties and responsibilities for HIS(swt) sake and trust only HIM to do right by us instead of basing our expectations on people.

 Keep your hand extended for the sake of Allah(swt).

Shocker!

It might seem as if i am shocked about too many things today based on my posts BUT really sometimes it gets to a point where you just cant keep quiet. Somethings are really irksome and saddening. Something like this happened yesterday. I was at a gathering and met a young girl aged around 12 or 13. When i met her she had a dupatta(scarf) on her head. I was happy to see that this young girl was covering her head whereas her parents didnt show any such inclination. My happiness turned to surprise after an hour or so when i saw her uncovered head.

I called her over and inquired as to what happened and she told me that one of her aunts told her to take off her scarf. I tried to tell her that its ok she can take it even if someone makes fun of her or forces it off her...she should remain stubborn on her stance. On this she felt that is she disobeyed her elders, even her parents might take the elder's side and scold her for covering. I was truly saddened by this. I mean what is the world coming to?! A young girl wants to be covered and feels gulity for not wearing hijab whereas the elders are forcing her on the wrong path?!

Have we forgotten the tragedy of Kerbala, the importance of Hijab taught to us by Bibi Zainab(a.s)...?! Who should be blamed when young kids are forced on the wrong path when they are just developing their character?! Please ask yourself if you are forcing someone to be on the right path or deviating them from it!!!

Measuring Worth?

Although things shouldn't surprise me but still i guess one never gets used to how the society is deteriorating and becoming more and more materialistic day by day. One of the prime examples is based on the fact how society measures the worth of individuals these days. While making friends, finding a spouse, becoming close with some family member or generally developing any form of social relationship, what would you consider as the most important factor? Faith, Akhlaq, Character OR the material wealth they possess? If you have chosen the latter then i am sorry to say you are not going to like where i am going with this post.


When people look at two people and wonder how they could be friends, be married or get along so well just because one might have more riches than the other really makes me surprised. Rather than thinking that how can these two be friends when one clearly has a greater level of eeman, they base it on money. The sad part is that society has brainwashed us so much that even we ourselves tend to judge ourselves based on our material wealth. Be honest with yourself and imagine if having more material good would make you feel better with the same level of eeman? What answer did you get? You dont need to reveal the answer to anyone, just be your own judge!


Have we forgotten the examples of Hazrat Behlool(r.a)? Who was better Hazrat Brehlool (r.a) or Haroon with all his wealth? Have you forgotten Hazrat Meesam-e-Tammar(r.a), Hazrat Bilal(r.a), Hazrat Qambar(r.a)? History has even shown some close companions of Imam Al-Asr(ajtf) to be cobblers. Do you think some wealthy people in their time were more worthy than these companions?

Qambar's name is often mentioned in the traditions. And he has been immortalised by the poetry lines of Imam 'Ali(a.s):

When I saw an unlawful thing, 

1 kindled a fire and called Qambar.

ref:http://www.al-islam.org/slavery/

Imagine Imam Ali(a.s) saying that about someone! Now compare that with how you measure someone's worth and how Ahlulbayt(s.a) did?

Let's look at another incident which led to the revelation of a Quranic Ayat.

[Shakir 80:1] He frowned and turned (his) back,
[Shakir 80:2] Because there came to him the blind man.
[Shakir 80:3] And what would make you know that he would purify himself,
[Shakir 80:4] Or become reminded so that the reminder should profit him?
[Shakir 80:5] As for him who considers himself free from need (of you),
[Shakir 80:6] To him do you address yourself.
[Shakir 80:7] And no blame is on you if he would not purify himself
[Shakir 80:8] And as to him who comes to you striving hard,
[Shakir 80:9] And he fears,
[Shakir 80:10] From him will you divert yourself.
[Shakir 80:11] Nay! surely it is an admonishment.

The occasion for the revelation of this Chapter was a historic event which took place. Once the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) was with some the rich individuals of Quraish from the tribe of Umayad. While the Messenger of Allah was preaching them, Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktoom who was blind and was one of the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) came to see him. The Holy Prophet received him with honor and pleasure and gave him the closest place to himself. However, the Prophet did not answer the question of the blind immediately Since he was at the middle of his speech with the Qurashites. Since Abdullah was poor and blind, the chieftains of the Quraish looked down upon him and they did not like the honor and the respect bestowed upon him by the Prophet (PBUH&HF). They also did not like the presence of the blind among themselves and his interrupting their conversation with the Prophet (PBUH&HF). Finally one of the wealthy Umayad frowned at Abdullah and turned his back to him.
This act of the chieftains of Quraish displeased Allah and thus He revealed the Chapter 80 (Abas) through Gabriel at the same time. This Chapter commended Abdullah's position though poor and blind. In the first 4 verses, Allah denounced the detesting attitude of the chieftain of the Quraish. And in the later verses, Allah * reminds * his Prophet (PBUH&HF) that preaching an unbeliever is not necessary if the unbeliever does not intend to purify himself and offenses a believer just because of his lack of wealth and health.

ref:http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter1b/1.html


There are many such incidents and people in history which show us how to truly measure the worth of a person. It's unfortunate that we have become so twisted in our beliefs and always look at the wrong criteria. Hopefully this can make some,if not all, realize that there needs to be a real big readjustment of attitude. Maybe it should start with ourselves first as maybe we also measure our own self worth based on the money we have. Learn to recognize the real gems!


May Allah(swt) guide us all...(ameen).

The Barzakh Series

This is the first part in the series. You can click on the link to find more videos about the journey in Barzakh.

Who are you?

Ali Murtaza Zaidi is one of the most knowledgeable and eloquent speakers in Pakistan. He has an uncanny ability to speak simply yet get his message across forcefully. Below i will be posting an excerpt from one of his lectures.

Once we enter this world we become so used to it that we start thinking that this is the place we will always be residing in. We start to love this world and grow very attached to it. It becomes very easy for us to forget about our real abode. What we easily forget is that "Dunya"(world) is the lowest stage where humans are sent. To understand this we can take the example of a clock. 12 can be taken as the highest point, a human starts from 1 goes to 2, 3,4,5 and finally falls to 6...the lowest ebb. This is the place Allah(swt) sends humans to be tested and prove themselves. This stage could be taken as a bonus round, where if you do
well you are awarded double the points BUT if you fail you face a very grave penalty. Same as the bonus round, Allah(swt) has made our stay in this world very short as compared to the other stages. Now its upon us that we can raise our level and rise back or stay stuck in this low ebb.

After death our eyes to this world close and we shed our physical body and only our soul is left. Upon dying a new reality is revealed to us, which is the reality of Alam-e-Barzakh. In that "Alam" or stage we have a soul and a "misal". This misal is unlike the physical body of this world; to understand better it could be likened to the physical existence of jinns. Its not as solid as the body of this world but more like a smoky state. The thing to note is that when we leave this world we think we might be humans, but we can't be more wrong. Upon opening our eyes in Barzakh we could take on the form of any animal which would reflect our habits adopted in Dunya. It's not so that this animal form was lacking when we were in this world, it was the veil on our eyes that prevented us from seeing the truth. Remember the example of Imam(a.s) when he showed one person that many people performing hajj((?) or umrah(?) were actually animals.

Question now arises that what would happen once we enter Barzakh. To understand clearly lets take the example of examinations. In schools we have a minimum passing level, say 50%, all the students progress who have marks greater than 50% but this does not mean that all are at the same level. In schools all such students are usually treated the same. This would not be so in Barzakh. If someone comes with 50% marks, he/she would have to get to 100% marks and then the counter would be reset to 0 for Barzakh. This person would then have to reach 100% marks for Barzakh and then progress forward. Now its upon you how short or long you make your barzakh. You do good in this world, and you pass Barzakh soon and vice versa.

People who come with negative marks, that is to say enter Barzakh in animal forms, would first have to get to 100%, i.e., take on the shape of humans and then they could progress on the barzakh marks. Now imagine how long of a journey this would be?! Imagine how short sighted we are that we extend our journey of Barzakh which could span over million years for a comparatively short life of this dunya.

It is this time that you look at yourself and analyze are you truly a human or an animal? You must be wondering how to do that. Its very easy, just look at your habits and see if you would be raised as a human or an animal. To see what habits we possess, do a little test. Look at the first action you perform. For example if answering or telling something, do you first get the urge to tell the truth or lie? If its lie, then that means that you have a habit of lying. Remember at this point that people who are raised not even as animals but as satans in Barzakh would be in trouble the most.

You must be wondering who would be raised as satan? Anyone who possess the habit of lying, manipulating and hypocrisy will be raised in the form of satan. From the incidents of Hazrat Adam(a.s) and Bibi Hajra(a.s) it could be seen that these are the three main characteristics Satan possess.

Now ask yourself who are you?

To listen to more of his lectures visit here:http://amzaidi.com/
Te become aware of and contribute to his ongoing projects visit here: http://amzaidi.org/

A Revert on Hijab

This revert gives beautiful views about hijab and its importance. Its amazing how she focuses on the inner hijab as well. Hopefully this will be able to inspire everyone... :)

Who to trust?

I am sure there is hardly anyone who hasn't been betrayed by someone they trusted, or even unintentionally someone has broken their trust. Its situations like these when the closest turn against you that the following verse is realized fully.

لا حول ولاقوة إلا بالله

There is no power nor strength with (anyone) save Allah.

Maybe its human tendency to try and always lean on someone or to search saviors in people. What we usually forget is that no one has absolute selflessness, love or mercy like Allah(swt). At one point or the other when the push comes to a shove, expectations fall flat and we are left grasping in thin air. What remains afterwards is nothing but sadness and hopelessness.
Wouldn't it be so much better that we take some pre-emptive measure and understand that no one can be trusted except Allah(swt)? You can give as much love and trust to anyone you want BUT it would be rather futile to expect the same from people in this world....after all everyone is just human. 
That's why even Imam Ali(a.s) says in this dua:

O' my Allah! preserve (the grace of) my face with easiness of life and do not disgrace my countenance with destitution, lest I may have to beg a livelihood from those who beg from Thee, try to seek the favour of Thy evil creatures, engage myself in praising those who give to me, and be tempted in abusing those who do not give to me, although behind all these Thou art the master of giving and denying.

. . . Verily Thou over all things, art the All-powerful.(Qur'an, 66:8)
ref:http://www.al-islam.org/nahj/

Given the kind of conditions prevalent in this world, place all your trust in Allah(swt). At times it may seem difficult as people can be seen, and it becomes easier to ask them of stuff...BUT then remember the consequences. There is always a chance that someone might not have the zarf to do a good deed and not shove it back in your face.


I remember this narration vaguely, sorry if i don't narrate the exact version. Once one of the Imam's(a.s) was walking and saw a man leaning on the door of some person. Imam(a.s) asked  the guy what he was doing. He replied i am needy and trying to ask for help. The imam(a.s) said let me take you to a better place, he took the man to a mosque and told him to bow down to Allah(swt) and ask for whatever he wanted.


To prevent all the heartaches, disappointments, just prostrate before Allah(swt), raise hands in dua. HE(swt) is the mighty and the powerful who can give peace and none other. InshaAllah may we all always rely on Allah(swt) and not have to bend infront of anyone.

Whose isolating?

Yesterday i was listening to this lecture by Ali Murtaza Zaidi and he said a very thought provoking thing. He said that since Satan can't deviate the Aima(a.s) or the Masoomeen(s.a), he tries to deviate the people around them. Here these people are the followers or the potential followers.

If these people get deviated that means, the Aima(a.s) are left without any followers and essentially left all alone. Look at the example of Imam Musa Kadhim(a.s), he spent most of his time in jail and yet none of his followers were able to get him free. If thats not putting the Imam(a.s) in a position of isolation than what is?
Are we doing the same to Imam Al-Hujjah(ajtf) when we let Satan deviate us, when we miss our prayers, lie, manipulate, backbite, don't do hijab, listen to music etc etc. Whose side are we helping, the Imam's(a.s) or the Satan's?!

Please think about it...the enemies have already been a source of sadness for the Ahlulbayt(s.a)...do YOU want to be as well...?!

You can listen to the complete lecture here(in urdu): Self Building - Khud Saazi - Lecture 1 - AMZ - Urdu

Priceless Treasure

The world is in a crazy race to make as much money as they want, reach the highest level of success YET i wonder at these people as they fail to recognize the true treasure. I feel it is one of the most elusive treasures of it all, its nothing other than INNER PEACE. One can have as many material things as they want, as much success as they like but can it guarantee inner peace? No!
One of the reasons the world has become such a messed up place full of anxiety, tension, worries, anger...all the negative emotions one can count is because of a lack of inner peace. As i write this i wish i could achieve that state of inner peace as well where nothing and no one affects me, no matter where i go or with whom i am, i always remain in a state of inner calm and peace. BUT *sigh* unfortunately as i said its an elusive treasure, bestowed upon those lucky few who manage to reach that state of neareness and piety to Allah(swt). We can strive for it i guess, well here are some useful things we can do to try and reach this state:


Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi writes:

A person can achieve inner peace by creating harmony and balance between his main emotions (desire and anger) and his spiritual self. In other words, between his emotions and his conscience.
Human's spiritual power or conscience is not a static phenomenon: it has the ability of growth as well as decadence. God swears by the soul of human being and says, "He inspired to it to understand what is good and what is evil. Prosperous in the person who purifies it, and failed is he who seduces it." (Qur'an; chp. 91, verse 10).

ref:An Introduction to Islam


In Ibid,. Khutab No. 220  it is written that:

He has revived his intellect and slain his self, until his body became lean and its bulkiness shrunk, and stubborness turned into tenderness (of heart). Then an effulgence, like a thunderbolt, descended his heart and illuminated the path before him, opening all the doors, and led him straight into the gateway of Peace. Now his feet, carrying his body, are firmly rooted in the position of safety (on the Sirat) and comfort because he kept his heart busy with good deeds and won the good pleasure of his God. 

As we can see the passage above talks about the self struggle against one's nafs and drowning oneself in piety and righteousness. Its one of the greater Jihad's and thats why achieving inner peace is not easy. It says in the Quran:
Indeed, the hearts are at rest in God 's remembrance.(13:28) 


When one talks about Imam Hussain(a.s) and nafs-e mutmainna, the following lines fit in perfectly to describe his sacrifice and spiritual state:
He did everything only for God, and so God also made him His own.[Ibid, Khutab No. 87]
ref: The Glimpses of Nahj al Balaghah Part III - Suluk and 'Ibadah


Piety is a very important thing which can heal an ailing heart. It sounds strange and at times we have to struggle a lot and the heart still aches BUT it takes time and is a difficult process, as the final reward is not very easy. So its all about striving continuously.


Certainly, fear of Allah (taqwa) is … the cure for the ailments of your bodies…[Imam Ali(a.s)-Ibid]
A person who has taqwa is satisfied with his limits and his rights, feels calm and confident, and has inner peace. This results in a healthier heart; tensions will not cause him to suffer from stomach ulcers and from pain in his intestines. The well-being of his body, social life, and spirit all depend on taqwa.
ref:Taqwa and Health


May we all achieve Inner Peace and tranquility and always remain on the straight path(ameen).

Priceless Pearls

There comes a time in life when a man is left with nothing, no material greatness, no sincere friends, relatives etc. At a time like this its very easy to fall into despair, to look at one's empty hands and feel worthless. It's human to look at others in their adornments and comforts and feel a sense of lowness in one's own self worth.

At times like this we forget a very important treasure which we might not be able to see but it exists nonetheless. It's the treasure of duas.  It's that hidden treasure which we forget we even have. So whenever you feel worthless and empty handed, just raise your hands, pick up these priceless pearls and realize how rich you truly are. This is one treasure that you will never run out of. Ahlulbayt(s.a) have left us with such an immense treasure that it might not even compare to the riches of the whole world combined.

Sometimes it's difficult to believe in what we don't see, or something that's intangible, but isn't that what self struggle is all about? Isn't this the path we need to take to reach a higher spiritual state? If we can truly believe in the existence of these treasures, we will never feel poor or destitute. If you just have sahifa e kamila(sahiffa e sajjadiya), mafatih ul Jinnah etc at homes, consider yourself the richest.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

This is not gonna be a long post, just a question i want to ask. Yesterday i was watching the program in which a guy has the ability to see the true nature of people. For example if someone is a killer, thief etc he is able to see. This made me think about how Islam talks about people changing into different animals to reflect their true nature after death.

Have you ever really thought about who you truly are? Are you sure that if you look into a mirror with a clear eyesight you will see a human and not an animal? even if you are fooling the world, can you fool yourself as well? Have you become so deceived yourself that when you look in the mirror you don't see your reality?!

Please be honest and truly look into the mirror to see yourself for who you are, otherwise it might be too late. Rather than being raised as a human after death, you might just be an animal.

It has been recorded from the Prophet (S) of God that some persons will be raised on the Last Day in such a mien that even monkeys and dog flies will appear better looking than that. It is also possible that several forms may be prescribed for one individual in that world. Because that world is not like this world, where one individual cannot acquire more than one form. This account itself is logical as well as self-evident. Because, the criterion of those different forms (of which human form is one) would be the state of soul at the time of death the state in which the soul departs from the body. It is in this very state and form that man's soul enters the realm of Barzakh. At the time of entering the other world, that is, the domain of the Hereafter, the first stage of which is Barzakh, in whichever state one's soul departs from the body, it assumes a form suited to it in the next world also. It is the same form in which he is perceived by the inhabitants of Barzakh and by himself, when he first opens his eyes there, if he has not lost his sight to do so. Because, it is not necessary that man may enter the next world in the same physical state as he had in this world. God Himself says that on the Last Day some of the persons will ask God that why has He raised them as blind while they possessed eyes in the world. God will answer them that as they disregarded His clear signs in the world, they are forgotten and disregarded by God today.

ref:First Hadith: On the Tradition of the Forty Ahadith

Hope

This world has become a difficult place to live in. At times it seems as if every door is closed, we are trapped in something for which no escape seems possible. At such times is their something to give us hope? I was listening to this beautiful lecture which shed light on this topic. I hope it also helps you when you feel their is no hope left.

Patience & Forebearence

I met a friend recently who has been out of Pakistan for a few years and she made me realize how frustrated and impatient we as a nation have become and therefore i felt it was relevant to write something about this topic. Its true that in current times every step is full of difficulty and calamities, it is very easy to lose patience and become frustrated. Life can seem oppressive at times and it almost seems impossible to move on. It's at these times it's important to keep certain traditions and narrations in mind to help one get over the frustrations and disappointments and be patient.  Below i am relating some of these narrations:

Beware! Your patience should not be like those of ordinary people. Instead of remaining patient, they were more concerned with their exhibition of patience. This is Riyakari. The patience of muttaqi (pious) people should be such in which there is hope of reward in the hereafter. Arifs (those who have knowledge about the qualities of Allah) should be such that at the time of patience, they should enjoy their hardships because these hardships have been given by the Beloved who is aware of its result.

Allah the Most High said: “O you who believe, seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.”

 He also said: “And give good news to the patient. Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: 'Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return.' Those are they on whom are blessings and mercy from their Lord, and those are the followers of the right course.” 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) said: “There are three kinds of forbearance: Forbearance in misfortune, forbearance in obedience and forbearance against disobedience.”

Imam 'Ali (a.s.) the Commander of the Faithful said: “The role of patience in actions is like the role of the head among the organs of the body. If the head is gone the organs become useless and if patience is gone actions are useless.”

And seek assistance through patience and prayer; and most surely it is a hard thing, except for the humble ones (2:45), who know that they shall meet their Lord and that they shall return to Him (2:46). 

Imam As-Sādiq (a. s.) said: "Whenever ‘Alī (a.s.) faced a difficulty, he used to stand up for the prayer and then recite this verse: and seek assistance through patience and prayer." (al-Kāfī) 

Yeah things can seem very difficult at times BUT just remember these traditions and keep in mind the tragedy of Kerbala. How Imam Hussain(a.s) kept on moving even after he had to carry so many bodies, face so many enemies alone, he didn't give up but went ahead with his mission with patience and forbearance.

references:
Al-Mizan-Chapter 13
Living the Right Way by Ayatullah Jawad Tehraani 
WASIYATNAMA (Last Will & Testament) Ayatullah Shaikh Abdulla Mamkani (a.r.)'s will to his children, relatives, well-wishers and friends
 http://www.al-islam.org/short/wasiyatnama/38.htm

Dua by Imam Hussain(a.s)

This is such a short BUT beautiful dua. Each line holds a very deep meaning. Whenever you feel depressed, saddened by this world and hopeless of people just think about these moving words. They will surely help you understand and feel better...:)

In the morning of the day of Āshura the horsemen of the enemy launched an attack on the ranks of the Imam. The Imam(a.s) raised his hands in prayer and said: 


"O Lord! I depend on you in every affliction and am hopeful of Your blessing in every hardship.

In every difficulty with which I am faced, You are my only remedy and resort. 


There have been many embarrassments which weakened my heart and no remedy for it was available.


The friends did not assist me and the enemies rejoiced at my misfortune.


However, when I ceased to seek assistance from everyone except You and sought the remedy only from You, You provided me solace and relief and removed the difficulty.


Every blessing and goodness reaches us from You and everything should be sought from You only".


Ref:Supplication of Imam in the Morning of Ashura

World is a Prison

Holy Prophet(pbuh) has narrated : "This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever".
No matter how lovely this world might seem to many, its nothing compared to what would be offered in the hereafter.

 Imam Ali(a.s) has narrated  : "To continue, surely, the likeness of this world is that of a snake: it is soft to touch, and deadly poisonous. The ignorant child is distracted by it, and the one with understanding and intellect is cautious of it. So turn away from what fascinates you in it, for how little of it stays with you."

Keep such narrations in mind and do not be attracted by this world. Always view it as an evil thing. Only then will you be able to bear the tests and trials of this world with patience. After all who expects comfort from a prison or soothing effect from poison, right?!

Why limit?

[Shakir 2:156] Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return.

The above verse has somehow been limited to being recited when someone dies, how is it that we have failed to understand its true meaning and just limited it to a certain area. Isn't it like the same treatment we have given to Quran? Either we recite it at someone's death or give it as a gift on weddings.


Only if this verse is applied to our lives, we'll bring a revolution within ourselves, our house and our community. The only thing is to understand its true meaning. That's the power of Quran, a single verse is revolutionary and carries an ocean of knowledge and wisdom within it.


You must be wondering how this can change our lives? Well if you truly start believing that we are from Allah(swt) and to him we shall return, would something else matter than? Would we run after this temporary world? would we give in to our desires for the sake of this temporary abode? If we know we are slaves of Allah(swt), people, things, places nothing would hold any meaning. Only the happiness of Allah(swt) would matter because we would know that's the final place we will end up in.


Therefore don't limit this great verse, keep it in your head at all times. We are like trustees of Allah(swt) in this world, so don't mishandle what you have been given. All the tangible as well as intangible are the property of Allah(swt).  Take proper care of it and return them in their true and uncorrupted form to the true Owner.


InshaAllah may we all realize our true destination...ameen.