Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Al-Rad (Thunder)
Chapter 13: Verse 23 (Partial)

Together in Eden
"Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring."

Parents, spouses and the offspring, although righteous, might not deserve the same rank and level of Paradise, but in honour of the exemplary soul, would be allowed in the same rank and level.

In fact, Ibn Abbas has said that they could be very ordinary believers. Wahidi has pointed out that if they happen to be believers of the same quality, then their entry would be on their own merits and cannot be considered a favour shown. Therefore, they would have to be of lower status granted a Paradise of higher rank, for the pleasure of the higher rank of the person in discussion. Further, as Razi has pointed out, the rule is both for man and woman, husband and wife: whichever is of higher rank will have the other with him or her in Paradise in honour of his or her true faith and righteous deeds.

Source:
"Tafsir Ishraq Al-Ma'ani" - Syed Iqbal Zaheer, Vol 6, pp. 101, 102

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Destroyer of Pleasures

"Remember the destroyer of pleasures - death - often. Verily, no one remembers it during straitened times in his life except that it makes the matter easier upon him. And no one remembers it during times of ease except that it makes the matter tighter upon him." - Al-Bayhaqi

When one feels disappointed by the lack of comforts in this world and then remembers death, he will realize that there is no real comfort or joy in this world for one to be depressed about. Hence, his affair will be made easier by remembering death. And, during times of ease and material comfort, when one remembers death, one keeps oneself from getting overly attached to and fond of these worldly items. The person will realize that such things are not necessities but it is faith and good deeds that are needed.

The believer must always be conscious of the fact that he is living in the shade of death. At any moment, death may overtake him. When this realization is clear in the person's mind, he will constantly be preparing for his death. And there is only one way to actually prepare for death: by performing good deeds and abstaining from evil deeds.

Source:
“Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi” – Jamaal Al-Din M. Zarabozo, Vol 3, pp. 1548-1549

Cool Tips!

Top 5 skills to teach your kids this summer

While we want our kids to relax after a grueling school year, it's important their brains don't turn to mush while school's out.

There are many productive things kids can do, but here is our list of top five skills they should learn to succeed in school and beyond.

1. Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

"And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people...." (Quran 5:32)

What could be a more useful skill than one that helps preserves life itself? Check out your local Red Cross to find out where and when the next CPR class is being offered.

2. Writing a letter to the editor

This teaches assertiveness, clarity in thought, and basic writing skills all in one. All it requires is being able to write simple English. Find an article that your child feels strongly about in the local newspaper. Discuss it first, then put your thoughts down on paper. Then help him or her compose a letter to the editor and send it off. If it gets published, post it up on the fridge!

3. Swimming

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, emphasized teaching children how to swim. It is not only great exercise and fun, but it could also save your life. Check out your local park district or gym for lessons.

4. Managing money

Help your kids avoid problems like debt, impulsive shopping, and overspending by teaching them money management skills this summer. If you already don't, start giving your child a weekly allowance. Then, help him or her draft a budget of how to spend and save. Also, make sure they give to charity.

5. Volunteering for a cause

Giving and not receiving any monetary return is a skill critical in our increasingly materialistic culture. Assess your child's skills, talents, and interests, and find a volunteer opportunity for him or her this summer. Some ideas include: helping peace and justice groups; helping younger kids learn English; making and delivering meals to an elderly person who cannot get out much; writing articles for a non-profit organization's website or helping with its technical aspects; answering phone calls, etc. 

Source:
"Top 10 skills to teach your kids this summer" - Samana Siddiqui