Sunday, October 30, 2011

The virtues of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah


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"By the dawn. By the ten nights."
[soorah Al-Fajr, v:1-2]




السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Slaves of Allaah!

You are approaching virtuous days; they are the best days as the Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم   said in an authentic hadeeth: "The best days in this life are the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah".

Furthermore, Allaah swore by them in His Book, and when Allaah swears by something, it is a reflection of its great importance. Allaah says that which translates to: "By the dawn. And the nights of the ten days" (Al Fajr:1-2).

These are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and they include the day of 'Arafah, about which the Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم  said: "There is no day in which Allaah frees more of His slaves from The Fire than the day of 'Arafah" (1).

These ten days are concluded by the day of An Nahr (sacrifice); then follows the day of Al Qarr. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "The greatest days in the scale of Allaah are the days of An Nahr and Al Qarr" (2).

The day of An Nahr is the major day of Hajj and the day of 'Eed; the day of Al Qarr is the following day. Virtuous deeds have a magnified position during these days. The Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than the (first) ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah" (3), in another narration the companions asked: "Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" heصلى الله عليه و سلم  said: "Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except for a man who loses (sacrifices) both his wealth and life in a battle" (4).

What great virtues and what a great season!

What an opportunity this is to collect greater rewards than that of Jihaad, which is the best deed after sound belief and punctual salaah. This season represents a wonderful opportunity for those who want to compete in collecting rewards and a miserable loss for the idle, who shun such opportunities.
Slaves of Allaah! Compete for and rush towards the forgiveness of Allaah and paradise which is as wide as the heavens and earth and do not slacken and be unhurried, because the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "Being laid-back is best in every matter except for good deeds" (5).

One must compete and march forward when it comes to working for the hereafter as Allaah says that which translates as: "… So for this let the competitors compete" (6) and also, "…So race to (all that is) good…" (7).

In this season, the roads leading to goodness are numerous, so do not miss out on any of them. 
The intelligent ones are those who exhaust themselves during this season to gain abundantly; you see many of them joining their days with their nights, continuously doing righteous deeds and hardly sleeping in order to get the most out of this season. On the other hand, you see those who put all their efforts into the attainment of worldly gains. The sad fact is that the result of all this effort would be, at most, the doubling of their capital - if indeed they do not actually lose it.

As for the wise believers, nothing is dearer to them than increasing their efforts and righteous deeds that please the Lord, get them closer to Him and elevate their ranks; Allaah told us what pleases Him in His Book and through His messenger; Allaah will guide those who truly wish for goodness (if He Wills).
Salaah is one of the ways leading to goodness and something that Allaah loves. The slave must be keen to perform it in congregation as Allaah says that which translates to:
"…And bow (in rukoo') with those who bow" (8),

and the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said, "He who hears the Athaan (call for Salaah) and does not respond, his Salaah is not accepted, except with the congregation, unless he has a (valid) excuse" (9) The excuse is either fear, sickness or rain.

A slave of Allaah who is guided would supply himself with optional salaah in these ten days, because it is a path to goodness and something that Allaah loves. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "Salaah is the best thing that one can do, so perform as many as you possibly can" (10) and he صلى الله عليه و سلم   also said: "Two light rak'aat which you may think as insignificant to add to you deeds, is better for you than possessing the whole world" (11)

He صلى الله عليه و سلم   also said, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah, "The son of Aadam could not do anything more beneficial for himself than salaah, reconciliation (between Muslims) and being well mannered" (12).

These were three examples of good deeds that lead to righteousness, salaah, reconciliation and being well mannered which are better than anything else that the son of Aadam can do, yet you see some people slight the performance of obligatory salaah, let alone optional salaah; you see them instigating disputes between people; and you see ill-mannered people who have lost out on the great reward for having a good character. So let us repent to Allaah from our sins, reform our situation and improve our manners. 


Some of the Ahaadeeth which mention the virtues of optional salaah are as follows: 
"Prostrate as much as you can, because whenever you prostrate, Allaah elevates your rank by a degree and wipes out a sin from your record" (13)

And in another narration: "Whenever a slave prostrates to Allaah, Allaah writes a reward for him, wipes out one of his sins and elevates his rank by one degree; so prostrate as much as you can" (14).

The way to perform salaah is as the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم  described: "The night salaah is done two (rak'aat) at a time" (15) and in another narration: "The optional salaah at night and during the day is done two Rak'ah at a time" (16).

عباد الله  Slaves of Allaah!
Another of the paths to righteousness and fields of competition is reciting the Qur'aan. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "The best amongst you are those who learn the Qur'aan and then teach it" (17)

He صلى الله عليه و سلم   also said: "He who recites a letter from the Book of Allaah will get a reward and each of these rewards will be multiplied ten times. I do not mean 'Alif Laam Meem' is one letter, but rather 'Alif" is a letter, 'Laam is a letter and 'Meem' is a letter". (18)

And he صلى الله عليه و سلم   also said: "If one of goes to the masjid and learns a verse or reads two verses from the Book of Allaah, is better for him than owning two she-camels, (reading) three are better than (owning) three, (reading) four are better than (owning) four and so on". (19)

Another of the fields of goodness is fasting as the Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم   encouraged us to "Fast on Mondays and Thursdays". (20)

"Fast the day of 'Arafah". (21)

Also: "Fast like the Prophet Daawood (who fasted every other day)" (22).

I do not know of any specific reference that relates to any special virtue for fasting these ten days in particular, but, having said this I would add that one should still fast during these days because of the general texts encouraging good deeds during these ten days.
Another way is giving in charity. 'Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Saburah, radiaAllahu anhu, narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "(Every day) An Angel calls out in the heavens saying, 'O Allaah! Bless and compensate for the wealth of the one who spends (for your sake) and ruin the wealth of the one who holds back (from spending)'" (23)

Also he صلى الله عليه و سلم  said to Bilaal, radi-Allahu anhu: "Spend (charitably) O Bilaal! - and do not fear that Allaah will decrease your provision (due to your spending)"

And heصلى الله عليه و سلم   addressed Asmaa', radi-Allahu -anhaa, saying: "Spend (charitably) and don't count (i.e. don't be cautious in spending in this manner) otherwise your provisions will become limited and don't hold back (from spending in charity) otherwise your provisions will be held back" (24)

 The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم  also said: "I swear that these three things are true: That giving in charity does not decrease the wealth of the slave …..…" (25).

Giving in charity enables one to be among the seven categories of people who will be protected under the shade of the Throne of Allaah; regarding this, the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "… and a man who gave charity so secretly that even his left hand would not know how much his right hand had spent" (26)

Also, "Charity given in secret extinguishes the wrath of Allaah". One of the best forms of charitable giving is to give someone a drink of water as the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم  said: "The best form of charity is giving someone water (to drink)" (27).

O slaves of Allaah! One of the best deeds in these days is to initiate Hajj as a way of drawing closer to Allah and fasting the day of 'Arafah for those who are not performing Hajj. (Allaah willing we will talk about the virtues of Hajj in another Khutbah)

Offering a sacrificial animal is also one of the most virtuous deeds that one can perform. The Prophetصلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "He who does not offer a sacrifice while being financially able to, let him not come close to our masjid (i.e. pray with us)"

And heصلى الله عليه و سلم   also said: "When the ten days (Dhu'l-Hijjah) have begun and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, then let him not cut any of his hair or remove anything from his skin" (28)

In another narration he صلى الله عليه و سلم   said: "Let him not cut anything from his hair or nails until he sacrifices" (29).

These are examples of virtuous deeds, so take advantage of them; beware of laziness and neglect and know that Allaah has favored certain seasons over others, so let us take advantage of these opportunities and increase our righteous deeds; perhaps Allaah will forgive us for our sins and shortcomings.

و السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

By Shaykh Abdur-Rahmaan As-Sudays
Translated by Hazem Ragab

[File attachment: Dhul-Hijjah by Saykh Sudays]

=======================================================================
References:
1.        Muslim
2.        Abu Daawood
3.        Ad-Daarimee
4.        Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah, At-Tirmidhee
5.        Abu Daawood & Al-Haakim
6.        Soorah Al Mutaffifeen:26
7.        Soorah Al-Baqarah:148
8.       Soorah Al Baqarah:43
9.        Ibn Maajah
10.     At-Tabaraanee
11.     Ibn Al Mubaarak
12.     Al Bayhaqee and others
13.     Muslim
14.     Ibn Maajah
15.     Al Bukhaaree
16.     Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and others
17.     Al Bukhaaree
18.     At Tirmidhi
19.     Muslim
20.     Ahmad & Nasaa'ee
21.     Muslim
22.     Bukhaaree & Muslim
23.     At-Tabaraanee
24.     Bukhaaree & Muslim
25.     Ahmad & Tirmidhee
26.     Bukhaaree & Muslim
27.     Ahmad, An Nasaa'ee and Ibn Maajah
28.     Muslim
29.     Ad Daarimee

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Losing Identity: Dissolving in Others



Losing Identity: Dissolving in Others


In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful


All praise is due to Allah and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.
The Muslims have been migrating to and settling in western countries for a long time, and this phenomenon has been increasing in recent years. In some cases this migration may be justified according to sharee’ah, but in most cases these migrants have not settled in the west for legitimate shar’i reasons, but because of their whims and desires, or personal and social circumstances.
Narrated By ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab : I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” [Buhari Vol 1, Book 1. Revelation. Hadith 001]
One of the most prevalent phenomena in the Muslim community is the weakness or complete lack of a distinctive Islamic identity in their beliefs and conduct. The influence of the western environment is quite obvious in their case, especially among the youth who have been born, brought up and educated in the west. This phenomenon is an expected result which does not need to be examined, researched or proven. What does need to be pondered and examined is the case of the Islamic activists in particular, many of whom are not free of the influences of the negative environment.
One example will suffice here, which is the failure to adhere strongly to many rulings of sharee’ah, especially in matters pertaining to women. We are not referring to the famous differences among fuqaha’ as to whether the hands and face are ‘awrah or not; the matter is more serious than that, because unfortunately, in some cases the hijaab has become no more than a theory with no substance to it.
It is simply a form of fashion, and is now a days just a simple cloth that covers part of the hair, accompanied by the wearing of tight pants and wearing all kinds of adornments and perfumes. Mixing, shaking hands with non-mahrams, talking to them carelessly and freely are matters that have become ordinary, an everyday thing.
If anybody speaks out against such things, they will quickly be accused of being fanatical and extremist, and of being ignorant of the realities of life in the west and the social circumstances in which people live. He will be told that he is looking at America or Europe through the eyes of a simple Bedouin who has no understanding or insight. Once, there was a person waving his hands about before an audience of Islamic activists, telling them to raise their intellectual standards and be positive in their interactions with the circumstances created by modern civilization, warning them against being inflexible and falling into the mire of backwardness and darkness. He said all of that because he had heard one of them reciting the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “I do not shake hands with women” (narrated by al-Nasaa’i, hadeeth 4110)!
What is strange indeed is that you can find some of those thinkers and daa’iyahs who consider themselves entitled to issue fatwas justifying this laxity by means of distorting the daleel. There was one of the contemporary shaykhs at an Islamic conference in America opening his lecture with a heavy attack on the organizers of the conference who had segregated men and women, and criticizing this “intellectual backwardness” and “ancient thinking” which was still prevalent among us even in America! At the end of the talk, the organizer of the conference stood up to comment, and everyone would think that he would defend the way things had been organized, but instead he admitted his “mistake”, apologized to the brothers and sisters, and said that the reason for the segregation had been logistical, not intellectual. He promised to correct the matter the following day, and he kept his promise…!
When Muslims live in a western environment, it leads to an incredible degree of adjustment of the Muslim personality, a great ending of adherence towards the rulings of sharee’ah and an obvious tendency to look for concessions (the easiest options) without any understanding or insight. In many cases the description given in the Qur’aan is true, where Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And among mankind is he who worships Allaah as it were upon the edge (i.e. in doubt)…” [al-Hajj 22:11]
The irony is that new Muslims of western origin are often more courageous and more sincere in their adherence to the rulings of sharee’ah; they are proud of them and are not embarrassed to show them before the people!
There was one area of the USA where there are many people from a Christian Protestant sect called the Amish, who believe that one of the causes of the misery in which mankind is living is this materialistic civilization which is dominating western man and has led him to this swamp of immorality and corruption. Hence they have withdrawn from society and forsaken all forms of modern civilization, refraining from using all modern technological inventions. They have established their own communities, including schools supervised by their church, and they work in farming and raising livestock using the ancient means that are available to them. They also refrain from drinking alcohol and committing adultery! What is remarkable is that their women still wear long, covering dresses and scarves on their heads, and they do not mix with men. Despite the fact that some of their fellow Americans look down on them, they are proud of their principles and their ways!
Now we are not here to analyze the phenomenon of these Amish. The point here is that although these people have seen their country reach the pinnacle of modern material advancement, they have withdrawn from them and are practicing their beliefs and morals in a proud manner. Why do we Muslims - who believe with certainty, praise be to Allaah, that we are following the true religion - not have the strength to be proud of our faith and practice its principles, adhering firmly to them and holding our heads high with pride in our beliefs and morals and manners? Hence you see the opposite, many Muslims embarrassed about their deen, afraid to speak about it with people, feeling ashamed to the degree where they hide their faith in order to please the disbelievers
Being enjoined to follow the rulings of sharee’ah is one of the ways in which a man’s faith is tested.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed…”
[al-Mulk 67:2]
This religion is a serious matter, it is not a joke. The worst thing that we can commit against ourselves is to regard the laws of Islam as a game, taking only those which suit our whims and desires, or letting the realities of this deviant intellectual or social environment be the guidelines which dictate to us whatever they want. We have clear evidence in the Qur’aan in which there is no ambiguity or confusion, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision” [al-Ahzaab 33:36]
Being defeated in one’s outward appearance is a sign of being defeated at heart. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) issued a stern warning against that, when he said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood in al-Libaas, hadeeth 3512)
There is a saying: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’
When a person looks at the histories of past nations and populations, he will be amazed at the revolutions and transformations they went through.
For instance, there was a great nation (i.e., the Muslim nation) which led the world for many centuries but then, it faltered and lost its leading role; it fell in the midst of blind imitation and followed the paths of other nations in terms of manners and beliefs. Once it was at the acme of development and reached the highest level of power and glory, but it later fell to the lowest point and was afflicted with misery. It died after it had been living, weakened after it was once flourishing and withered after it was blossoming.
It was the nation that discovered the sources of knowledge and developed the Islamic civilization and sciences, which the West later obtained significantly, without having to exert the least of efforts. Thus it seems as if the gates towards progress had been shut off for the Muslims as they turned into artificial consumers of the Western civilization. They even began to adopt certain features of it, which were originally theirs but had been stolen away from them. And now the west claims that Muslims in the Middle-East are so lacking of knowledge, technology and are being deprived of their freedom that some Muslims have heard this so much that they now have begun to believe their lies. They now look down upon themselves believing the words of the corrupted western media. Doubting their own beliefs and wondering whether its their religion that has given this set back..this depression. But now so many Muslims have forgotten about the greatness of this religion and how much we can achieve by following it.
Look at the Prophet Muhammad {saws} and his companions and see how they made the Deen of Allah conquer the whole of Arabia within a few years.
The Muslims have listened to the words of the liars so much they that now have become brainwashed and are now thinking it’s the truth. How many Muslims have forgotten about the importance of coming to the masjid. Of sending your kids to learn in the masjid.
Now a days, the Muslim children are being sent to Christian private schools where this can bring doubts about their own faith. They might become adapted to their friends, believing their words and religion and questioning their own.
So there is a test for the Muslim in the upbringing of their children. Many Muslims before getting married do not even consider the religion or the emaan of the one whom they are marrying. Whether she is pious or not, whether she is religious, God-fearing or not is not even considered anymore, is not even an issue. So the Muslims have become so careless with this issue that their own children are not educated about their deen. Hence making it very easy for them to grow up corrupted and lost. Look at ourselves, living in the west, how many of us were given the full Islamic education whether that was from our parents or from schools.
Many Muslims now a days don’t even pray and most of them are dissolving within the Western society. Most of them are so lost and if they are so lost than imagine their children, and their childrens children…how lost will they be…how Americanized will they be.
The women in our Muslim homes have no barrier, no limits to what they can do. Many of them are going out, here and there and ruining their chastity and reputation.
So we will end today by mentioning what Allah has said:
“Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).” [Surah At-Taghabun: 64:15]
Be Aware of the Traps of the West and Protect Yourself and Your Family Before it is Too late!
So we ask Allah to safeguard and protect our Muslim children and to enlighten them with faith and knowledge. And to raise the ranks of the Muslim ummah and may Allah bless our prophet Muhammad, his family and companions - ameen
From missionislam.com

Sunday, October 2, 2011

A Revert Story to Remember


Assalamu alaikum all,

Allah knows best about its authenticity,but still its a good read Masha'Allah :)


~A Revert Story to Remember~

My name is Cassie, I am 23 years old. I graduated as a qualified nurse this year and was given my first position as a home nurse.

My patient was an English gentleman in his early 80s who suffered from Alzheimer's. In the first meeting the patient was given his record and from it could see that he was a convert to the religion of Islam, therefore he was a Muslim.
I knew from this that I would need to take into account some modes of treatment that my go against his faith, and therefore try to adapt my care to meet his needs. I brought in some 'halal' meat to cook for him and ensured that there was no pork or alcohol in the premises as I did some research which showed that these were forbidden in Islam.
My patient was a very advanced stage of his condition so a lot of my colleagues could not understand why I was going to so much effort for him, but I understood that a person who commits to a faith deserves that commitment to be respected, even if they are not in a position to understand.
Anyway after a few weeks with my patient I began to notice some patterns of movement. At first I thought it was some copied motioned he's seen someone due, but I saw him repeat the movement as particular time; morning, afternoon, evening.
The movements were to raise his hands, bow and then put his head to the ground. I could not understand it. He was also repeating sentences in another language, I couldn't figure out what language it was as his speech was slurred but I know the same verses were repeated daily. Also there was something strange, he didnt allow me to feed him with my left hand {I am lefthanded}
Somehow I knew this linked to his religion but didn't know how.
One of my colleagues told me about paltalk as a place for debates and discussions and as I did not know any Muslims except for my patient I thought it would be good to speak to some live and ask questions. I went on the Islam section and entered the Islamic room.Here I asked questioned regarding the repeated movements and was told that these were the actions of prayer, I did not really believe it until someone posted a link of the Islamic prayer on youtube. I was shocked.
A man who has lost all memory of his children, of his occupation, and could barely eat and drink was able to remember not only actions of prayer but verses that were in another language.
This was nothing short of incredible and I knew that this man was devout in his faith, which made me want to learn more in order to care for him the best I could.
I came into the paltalk room as often as I could and was given a link to read the translation of the Quran and listen to it.The chapter of the 'Bee' gave me chills and I repeated it several times a day. I saved a recording of the Quran on my iPod and gave it to my patient to listen to, he was smiling and crying, and in reading the translation I could see why. I applied what I gained from paltalk to my care for my patient but gradually found myself coming to the room to find answers for myself.
I never really took the time to look at my life; I never knew my father, my mother died when I was 3, me and my brother were raised by our grandparents who died 4 years ago, so now it's just the two of us.
 But despite all this loss, I always thought I was happy, content.
 I was only after spending time with my patient that felt like I was missing something. I was missing that sense of peace and tranquility my patient, even through suffering felt. I wanted that sense of belonging and a part of something that he felt, even with no one around him. I was given a list of mosques in my area by a lady on paltalk and went down to visit one. I watched the prayer and could not hold back my tears. I felt drawn to the mosque every day and the imam and his wife would give me books and tapes and welcome any questions I had. Every question I asked at the mosque and on paltalk was answered with such clarity and depth that could do nothing but accept them. I have never practiced a faith but Always believed that there was a God; I just did not know how to worship Him.
One evening I came on paltalk and one of the speakers on the mic addressed me. He asked me if I have any questions, I said no. He asked if I was happy with the answers I was given, I said yes. He asked then what was stopping me accepting Islam, I could not answer. I went to the mosque to watch the dawn prayer the imam asked me the same question, I could not answer. I then went to tend to my patient, I was feeding him and as I looked in his eyes I just realized, he was brought to me for a reason and the only thing stopping me from accepting was fear.... not fear in the sense of something bad, but fear of accepting something good, and thinking that I was not worthy like this man.
That afternoon I went to the mosque and asked the imam if I could say my declaration of faith, the Shahadah.
 He helped me through it was I was shown how to walk and guided through would I would need to do next.
 I cannot explain the feeling I felt when I said it. It was like someone woke me up from sleep and sees everything more clearly. The feeling was overwhelming joy, clarity and most of all.... peace.

The first person I told was not my brother but my patient. I went to him, and before I even opened my mouth he cried and smiled at me. I broke down in front of him, I owed him so much. I came home logged on to paltalk and repeated the shahadah for the room. They all helped me so much and even though I had never seen a single one of them, they felt closer to me then my own brother.
 I did eventually call my brother to tell him and although he was wasn't happy, he supported me and said he would be there, I couldn't ask for any more.
 After my first week as a Muslim my patient passed away in his sleep while I was caring for him. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajayoon. He died a peaceful death and I was the only person with him. He was like the father I never had and he was my doorway to Islam.
 From the day of my Shahadah to this very day and for every day for as long as I live, I will pray that Allah shows mercy on him and grant him every good deed I perform in the tenfold.
 I loved him for the sake of Allah and I pray each night to become an atoms weight of the Muslim he was.
 Islam is a religion with an open door; it is there for those who want to enter it.... Verily Allah is the Most Merciful, Most Kind.


* Note * Our sister Cassie passed away October 2010 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajayoon, after she gave dawa to her brother, who had accepted Islam
 Elhamdulileh.
 May Allah swt grant sister Cassie Paradise Ameen Ya Rabb!
 
"When you sit with People of the Dunya (This World), you become a drop in their ocean, but when you sit with People of the Akhira (The Hereafter), the dunya becomes a drop in your ocean."
 

Saturday, October 1, 2011

My Love Story -Iman






My Love Story...(A poem  by a brother)



be patient and read till end .......

She came into my life, when i needed her the most
when i had lost it all, the trust, the care, emotion.

she taught me that i could trust people again
that i could love and respect once more.

making me think different to how others would percieve.
when i felt weak, she'd empower me.


Her presence was pleasing and brought peace to my heart
the scenes of the world were colourful now, pure art

She encouraged me to ask Allah, and He would give..
So by His Mercy i'd learn patience, and to forgive. 

We'd work together and be strong.
Even though our journey was tiresome, and long..



..but time moved forward, and situations changed. The world distracted. The love didn't increase, just conflicted.

"i'm sorry" i'd say regretfully. "repent to Allah" she would reply.


but the love wouldn't rise again. Sins would rise. Our relationship began to change...
My heart was greedy, and it wanted more.


the gaze wouldnt lower when passers flaunted
the heart said no, but the desires taunted.

the heart covered itself in dirt of black.


soon.. she left, and didn't come back...



the regret hurt, and loneliness messed my head.
Couldn't go sleep, couldn't rest.

i covered the pain with sin
might remove this pain i'm in?


the pain persisted and the desire more
so i increased in rebellion,
but this feeling wouldnt go..

..i had lost myself..
my regret overpowered

i went in search 


she was with her protector, waiting to be found.
Just waiting for me to come around.
She missed me too
but i couldnt be with her, until i gave her her due.

what is your due, i humbly asked?


To pray, to obey, and be steadfast
thats the only way - our relationship lasts.

To be the friend of Allah, and think of death often.
To humble yourself, and do good action

to prepare for that moment, when we all run away
except the one who prepared for that Day

so fear Allah and be committed
to our relationship, so you're admitted, 

in the gardens of joy

don't be the people of hell
the home of destruction, a fire filled cell.

mend your ways now, its the right thing to do,
deep down, you know i care for you..


i listened attentively, understanding.. I was wrong in desiring more.



When she was enough for me, when she made me joy.
That smile of that child, who finds his toy.

The simplicity, the balance, the pact we kept.

Thats what we wanted - without regret.



i asked her Protector, who gave her me back.
This experience had put me on track.

except this time i was sure
i didnt need to exceed desires for more.

the experience gave me fresh strength

The true Joy was in being content.

...




..We're now together - together till death,
a promise we've - upto now - kept.

i hope it remains this way.
oh Allah, don't let us stray.
from your Mercy and pleasure.
since that's the only way, we'll stay together.
now you know, this was my love story.. 
except, it wasn't what you expected it to be.

this girl, her name was Imaan*.
except she wasn't a girl, she's my faith - that kept me strong.
Imaan is my joymy love, and pleasure..
the one i've tried to find - through many - in haraam, 
except this caused the least harm,
..the one I still treasure.