| Living \r\n the Quran |
\r\n Al-Tawba (Repentance) Whose Donations and \r\n Deeds are not Accepted? \r\n These verses are referred to the hypocrites \r\n (Munafiqeen), i.e. those Muslims who may have outward appearance or actions of Islam, \r\n but inside they are weak and resent real efforts to practice Islam in \r\n their private life. \r\n Though a general allusion is made to \r\n the organized body of hypocrites of Madinan society, as Imam ar-Razi documented, \"Ibn \r\n Abbas has said that the verse was revealed in reference to Jadd b. Qays \r\n who wished to stay away from Jihad on a pretext, but who offered \r\n monetary help to the cause.\" Hence they took the position \r\n that while they would like to be exempted from actual struggle, in \r\n order to find a way an easy escape, they would be willing to make financial \r\n contribution to the Cause in public. \r\n Reasons for Rejection \r\n Yusuf Ali notes, \"Three reasons are specifically given for their rejection: \r\n (1) they did not believe in God and His Messenger; (2) their prayers \r\n were not earnest, but mere show; (3) in reality, their hearts were not \r\n behind the contributions they offered. Nothing is acceptable to Allah \r\n that does not proceed from a pure and sincere heart.\" \r\n Syed Qutb puts it in a beautiful, concise \r\n manner: \"Such is the condition of the hypocrites \r\n of ALL times: fear and appeasement, a heart twisted and a conscience disturbed, \r\n appearances devoid of spirit and putting up a show against what the soul \r\n conceals.\" \r\n Half-Hearted Prayers \r\n Every now and then, everyone feels lazy and \r\n sluggish about their daily prayers; this condition is natural and can \r\n be improved. However, many people do the Prayers with \r\n fervor (making sure they pray every bit of Sunnah and Nafl \r\n prayers) when in a gathering or congregation, but abandon the same acts of \r\n worship when in privacy. This is precisely the implication \r\n of the word 'Kusala', used in verse 54, which \r\n stems from hypocrisy and a weak faith. \r\n Syed Iqbal Zaheer, in his encyclopaedic work \r\n of Tafseer, Ishraq al-Ma'ani, clarifies, \"The \r\n above does not absolve, rather only warns. The obligations of Islam, of \r\n whatever nature they may be, must be performed, whatever the condition \r\n of the heart, and forgiveness must be asked for deficiencies.\" \r\n \r\n \r\n |
| Understanding \r\n the Prophet's Life |
His \r\n Morning Program \r\nProphet of Allah, peace be upon him, went \r\n to the Masjid after the call of the Fajr Adhan. \r\n After the prayer, he would sit with his companions and converse with them, \r\n instructing them on various aspects of Din. \r\n He would answer questions on religious or personal matters. These early \r\n morning gatherings were occasions for open discussion as well, and were \r\n by no means limited to religion alone. Stories of the past were recalled, \r\n and poetry was recited. Charity, war booty, and land tax was also distributed \r\n at this time. \r\nSometimes the companions related their \r\n dreams to him. He interpreted their dreams and told them their meanings. \r\n Once in a while, he would describe his own dreams to the companions. His \r\n dreams were always meaningful. They were the media through which Allah \r\n showed him the events to come. \r\nAfter Sunrise, Prophet of Allah prayed \r\n four or eight Raka'at of the morning prayer (a voluntary prayer). Then \r\n he went home to participate in the household work. \r\nSource: |
| Poetic \r\n Reflection |
Passage of Time \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n "Each day that \r\n passes, a portion of me it takes away, "Years pass by with \r\n beloved ones in happiness, "Man rejoices as long \r\n as the nights continue to pass by, "We take delight in \r\n every day that we have lived, Source: \r\n \r\n "Time in the Life of a Muslim" - Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi |
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