Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Steadfast
Al-Rum (The Romans) - Chapter 30: Verse 60

"Therefore persevere patiently. For certain, God's promise will come true. So, let not the ones deprived of certainty trouble your mind."

Perseverance is the best policy for the believers as they go along their hard, long way that at times seem endless. They must remain confident of the fulfillment of God's promise. This will enable them to remain steadfast, free of worry and doubt. Other people may hesitate, or deny the truth, or doubt that God's promise will ever be fulfilled, because they have no true knowledge and lack the means of certainty. Believers, however, must persevere, remain steadfast and confident, even though their path may seem endless, and their goal seem concealed behind thick clouds.

History bears witness that the Prophet (peace be upon him) proved himself to be as firm and steadfast as God had wanted His last Messenger to be. If anyone challenged him, regardless of the arena of the challenger, he was unfailingly defeated by the Prophet. In the course of time, his powerful personality brought about a revolution that could not be thwarted by the combined forces of unbelief and polytheism across the Arabian Peninsula, and this despite the fact that his opponents spared no weapons available to them.

Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 13, p. 400
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi, Vol. 8, pp. 116, 117

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Supplication

If a supplication is made for someone in their presence, it convinces them of one's sincerity and love. It is aimed at seeking Allah's mercy, hence, this supplication is a practical step towards this end. Apart from seeking Allah's forgiveness and fulfilment of one's needs one should also supplicate for dear ones. One of the recommended supplication mentioned in many ahadith is: "O Lord! Increase mutual love in our hearts and help us attain self-development."

If a supplication is made with pointed reference to someone having one in their thoughts, it is likely to have a greater effect. It is the obligation that a Muslim owes to a fellow Muslim, whereby he supplicates for the other's forgiveness and for improving mutual relations. Such supplication also fosters relations. The Prophet's advice is: "When you visit a sick brother, ask him to supplicate for you as well. For his supplication is more likely to be accepted." When Umar Ibn al-Khattab was departing for Hajj, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said something to him. According to Umar the Prophet's words were more valuable to him than anything else in the world. The Prophet said to him: "O my brother remember me in your prayers."

Compiled From:
"Inter Personal Relations" - Khurram Murad, pp. 47, 48

Cool Tips!

Fight Islamophobia

1. Name the problem: Islamophobia.

If you cannot name it, you cannot fight it. That is why anti-Muslim groups are making serious efforts to persuade others not to use the term Islamophobia. The Associated Press dropped the use of the term under that pressure a couple of years ago. Make sure the term Islamophobia is used by you and others to describe all sorts of hate speech and hate crimes against Islam and Muslims.

2. Always equate Islamophobia with racism and anti-Semitism.

They all are fruits of the same tree of hate.

3. Connect with the media personally.

Letters to the Editor is often the most read section in a newspaper. Even if it is not published, your letter is read and counted. Our friends in media tell us that they receive hundreds of negative letters and calls when they have a positive story about Islam or Muslims, while hardly any Muslim calls to appreciate or respond to good articles. Note that not all media or all non-Muslims support Islamophobia. Many have actively condemned torture, bombing, and occupation.

4. Online forums: Hate is thriving on online forums.

Whenever, you see a positive article, make sure that you spend some time posting positive comments and engaging in conversations.

5. Request your local library to purchase good books about Islam and Muslims.

Does your library contain books which share your perspectives, or does it only have the hatemongers’ books only.

6. Report, report, report.

Report each incident of Islamophobia you, your family, or friends encounter. Even small ones. While Muslims are the number one victims of hate in America, we rarely report it. The result is that the FBI’s national statistics report anti-Semitism, which is equally wrong, to be a bigger problem than Islamophobia.

7. Thank those who speak out or act against Islamophobia.

A quick call, even leaving a message and/or a two-line email message are sufficient.

8. Make Dua for the enemy.

May Allah guide the hatemongers. The Prophet made Dua for the enemy, pleading with Allah to have mercy on them because they do not know, therefore, they need to be guided.

Compiled From:
"8 Ways an Individual can fight Islamophobia" - Abdul Malik Mujahid