THE BLISS OF THE PROPHET'S COMPANIONS

CARTOONISTS MAKE MEAN CARICATURES OF HIM.






WISE MEN REVERE HIM AS A GREAT MAN.


OVER A BILLION BEAR WITNESS HE IS THE MESSENGER OF GOD

Our Prophet Muhammad (Blessings and Peace be upon him) came to all people with a heavenly message. He was not driven by worldly ambition, he had no treasure from which to spend, no splendid gardens from which to eat, and no castle in which to live. Despite all this, his loving followers pledged allegiance to him and remained steadfast, enduring a hard life full of difficulties. They were few and weak, always in fear of being uprooted by those surrounding them, and yet they loved the Prophet (bpuh) wholly and completely.

The believers faced trials because of his message. The very ground under them was shaken violently, and yet their love for him continued to grow.

The best among their youth constantly had swords hanging menacingly over their heads.

Their men moved forward lightly across the battlefield, advancing to death as if they were upon an excursion or a holiday, for the simple reason that they loved him unconditionally.

But why did they love him, and why were they so happy with his message and content with his example? Why did they forget the pain, the suffering, and the hardship that resulted from following him?

To put it simply, he epitomized benevolence and righteousness. They perceived in him all the signs of truth and purity. He was a symbol for those who sought out higher things. With his tenderness he cooled the rancour from the hearts of people, with words of truth he soothed their chests, and with his message he filled their souls with peace.

He poured happiness into their hearts, until the pain that they endured from being at his side was made to seem insignificant. And he instilled into their souls a belief that made them forget every injury and every adversity that they had to endure.

He polished their insides with his guidance and he illuminated their eyes with their brilliance. He removed from them the burden of ignorance, the depravities of idolatory, and the evil consequences of polytheism. He extinguished the fires of malice and animosity from their souls and he poured the water of faith into their hearts. Thus, their minds and bodies became tranquil and their hearts found peace.

They tasted the beauty of life with him and they knew delight in his company. They found happiness at his side, safety and salvation in following him, and inner-richness in emulating him.

They were truly happy with their leader and so they rightly deserved to be.

O'Allah, send prayers and peace upon Muhammad, the liberator of minds from the shackles of deviation and the rescuer of souls from the cures of falsehood, and be pleased with his noble Companions as a recompense for their striving and for their efforts.

.....OF FACEBOOK AND FOOTBALLMANIA.....

30th May 2010

QUOTE

IF FACEBOOK WAS A COUNTRY, IT WOULD HAVE THE THIRD LARGEST POPULATION IN THE WORLD. MORE THAN 400 MILLION MEMBERS MAKE IT THE VERY DEFINITION OF THE 'GLOBAL VILLAGE' THAT THE WORLDWIDE WEB WAS PRACTICALLY INVENTED FOR.

- FACEBOOK'S FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE IS:

MARK ZUCKERBERG

UNQUOTE

31st May 2010

Socrates in typically elegant stride during one of the arguably World Cup's greatest matches: Brazil v Italy in 1982. He captained Brazil but lost 3-2 thriller and Italy went on to win the World Cup.

His giant frame: 1.9m

"I have three idols," says the father of six, in his husky voice: "Che Guevera, Fidel Castro, and John Lennon" in his television show in his city of Ribierao Preto, Sao Paulo.

TAKING A LEAF OUT OF THE PROPHET'S LIFE

This article was published in the Natal Mercury Paper on Thursday 27 May 2010

By: Mufti Zubair Bayat: Director of the Darul Ihsan Islamic Services Center in Durban

The recent Mail & Guardian cartoon, which attempts to depict the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) lying on a psychiatrist's couch and supposedly lamenting the lack of humour of his followers, has evoked an angry response and strong objection from the Muslim community.

Depicting images of God and the Prophet (pbuh) are strictly forbidden in Islam. The rationale for the prohibition of depicting the image of God is because He is beyond human perception. The rationale for the prohibition, inter alia, of depicting the Prophet (pbuh) is that he was too sublime to be truely portrayed. Furthermore, attempts at portraying him could result in his image being distorted. There are therefore no records of any authentic image or portrait of the Prophet (pbuh) anywhere in the world, from any period of Islamic history, which is a significant point to note.

Two things are wrong with the cartoon. Firstly, any attempt to depict him in illustration is an attempt to depict the sacrosant, which is not allowed.

Secondly, the nature of cartoons is to satirise and trivialise. This is clearly not acceptable in the case of a personality which is held in the highest esteem by over a billion people globally.

In this particular cartoon, the insinuation is that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is in need of psychiatric help - an idea which prejudiced and hostile Orientalists have always attempted to project in their works. This dimension of the cartoon adds insult to injury and serves to rub the proverbial salt deeper into the wound.

When Muslims object, the stock response is that they do not appreciate freedom of expression. The media and others view this as an infringement of the right to freedom of speech. So it is made out, George Bush style, that you are either for freedom of expression or against it! However, one aspect that is often overlooked is that no right is absolute; there are inherent limitations. Every right is counterbalanced against other rights. Every right comes with responsibility. And responsibility was certainly not displayed by the publishers of this cartoon.

Motive

Irrespective of what the motive was for publishing the cartoon- whether it was a cheap publicity stunt, a gimmick, to boost waning sales, a deliberate provocation, or sheer ignorance - it was grossly offensive and highly insensitive.

The worldwide anger and protests following the publication of the Danish cartoons of the Prophet (pbuh) made it amply clear that Muslims will not accept his depiction as a caricature or a cartoon figure.

The media has a duty to act responsibly to respect of sensitive issues and not to push the right to freedom of expression to such ridiculous levels, where the line of distinction between the profound and the profane are virtually obliterated.

Sensible leaders around the world, including the Pope, issued strong statements condemning the inflammatory Danish cartoons when they appeared.

A spokesman for the US State Department Kurtis Cooper, was equally strong with his condemnation. "These cartoons are indeed offensive to the belief of Muslims."

"We all fully recognise and respect freedom of the press and expression, but it must be coupled with press responsibilities. Inciting religious or ethnic hatred in this manner is not acceptable."

Muslims for their part, accept the principle of wholesome and constructive freedom to wantonly insult, which is sometimes deviously and deceptively masqueraded as freedom of expression. True freedom of expression is freedom from insult, not freedom to insult. Freedom to insult has ultimately resulted in hatred, bigotry and even destruction. Studies indicate that reckless use (or rather abuse) of freedom of expression contributed to a great extent to the genocide in Rwanda, as an example, leaving over a million dead. Muslim outrage is often simplistically misconstrued as a lack of humour and over-sensitivity. Yet the idea that Muslims do not appreciate humour is far from the truth.

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself would indulge in light heartedness and humour with his companions, which is clearly recorded in his biography. But humour should not descend to the point of gratuitous and senseless belittling of the religion of another. Humour that is disrespectful, insensitive and offensive, is not humour, but is in fact hubris.

Each faith community feel a deep-rooted emotional attachment to the symbols and personalities it reveres. Muslims are no different.

Respect

The value system of Islam is underpinned by respect and reverence - reverence for God, for all the messengers of God, including the Prophets Abraham, Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), the angels, the holy scriptures, the holy cities, religious symbols and place of worship, and respect for elders, teachers, leaders, religious scholars, parents, relative, all of humanity and the creation as a whole.

In our country, which has just emerged from the ugly era of racial segregation, cartoon or writings that perpetuate stereotypes and promote prejudice are unacceptable, as they malign sections of the community. Our beloved country desperately require bridge-building exercise, and not the breeding of animosity and distrust especially in the wake of the recent xenophobia and racial tensions.

With the World Cup barely a few days away, it was utterly irresponsible to publish the offensive cartoon, the anger this would provoke in the Muslim community was more than predictable. Was there a deliberate attempt to evoke a negative reaction from Muslims at this very crucial juncture? On the eve of an unprecedented international event in our country.

An act such as this endangers a negative atmosphere which certainly does not serve our national interest.

Despite this, the appeal from all Muslim religious bodies to the Muslim community is that they should not allow this provocation to lead to irresponsible action, for that is not what the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself would have approved of.

Although Muslims are outraged, it is important that any contemplated protest action be carried out responsibly through legitimate channels, and that Muslims continue to remain a law-abiding community.

The Prophet (pbuh) was the subject of vilification, abuse and mockery in his life-time, but he always tolerated, forgave and displayed magnanimity, even to his sworn enemies, a fact which is recorded and attested to by every one of his biographers.

MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS ALIKE CAN TAKE A LEAF OUT OF HIS SUBLIME EXAMPLE!

....OF HENNA AND PINE SEEDS....

I'VE GONE NUTS!!!


Everyones' nuts, for the versatile pine nut. Pine nuts aren't really nuts, but just about everyone is nuts for them. Found in the cones of pine trees, these buttery seeds are the darling of cuisines.


High in monounsaturated fats - the same heart-healthy fats in nuts and olive oil - pine nuts yield up to 14 grams of protein per serving. Eating a handful, can actually suppress appetite since they are packed with pinolenic acid, a subtance that sends a "full" signal to the brain.

Grown: in Europe and China

PRETTY DANGEROUS: THE HIDDEN RISKS IN BEAUTY TREATMENT CHEMICAL ADDED TO HENNA MIXES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A HEALTH RISK

ART

ALL THAT GLITTERS: BUNNY RABIT - 2009

Artist: FARHAD MOSHIN (Iranian)

ALL THAT GLITTERS: MOBILE TALKER - 2007

Artist: FARHAD MOSHIN (Iranian)

MISS USA 2010 - RIMA FAKIH (LEBANESE AMERICAN)

BANG THAT DRUM: Dame Evelyn Glennie: Percussion Soloist

(MY FAVOURITE - watercolour - neutral + 1 colour)

book jacket: THIS PARTY'S GOT TO STOP! A Memoir of RUPERT THOMSON

TAKE A BREAK - WILL BE BACK SOON!

SERENITY! SUNGGUH INDAH PEMANDANGAN INI!

ROH ORANG HIDUP BOLEH BERTEMU DENGAN ROH ORANG MATI

Roh-roh orang hidup dengan roh-roh orang mati, bahwa si-hidup itu kerap melihat orang yang sudah mati di dalam tidurnya, lalu dia meminta pemberitahuan daripadanya, maka dia telah diberitahu oleh mayit itu dengan berbagai-bagai berita yang tiada diketahui oleh orang hidup. Pemberitahuan itu adakalanya mengenai hal-hal yang telah berlaku, ataupun yang bakal berlaku pada masa hadapan. Adakalanya dia akan memberitahu tentang harta yang ditanamnya di sesuatu tempat, yang tiada orang mengetahuinya melainkan si mayit itu sendiri. Adakalanya dia akan memberitahu tentang hutang yang tergantung atas dirinya, kemudian, dia akan memberikan tanda-tandanya dan bukti-buktinya.

Lebih dari itu, adakalanya dia akan memberitahu tentang sesuatu perbuatan yang dibuatnya, yang tiada seorang pun di dunia ini mengetahuinya. Yang lebih pelik lagi adakalanya dia akan memberitahu orang yang mimpikannya itu, bahawa orang itu akan mati pada waktu begini dan begitu, maka hal itu berlaku sama seperti yang diberitahukan itu. Adakalanya dia akan memberitahu tentang beberapa perkara, yang tiada seorang pun dari yang hidup mengetahuinya selain dari dirinya sendiri.

AN EARLY RECOMPENSE - A GOOD STORY

'VERILY, ALLAH IS GOOD AND PURE, AND HE DOES NOT ACCEPT OTHER THAN WHAT IS GOOD AND PURE'

Ibn Rajab and others gave an account of a worshipper who ran out of resources while he was in Makkah. He became extremely hungry and was about to die from lack of nourishment. One day, as he was wandering in the precincts of Makkah, he found an expensive necklace. He put it into his sleeves and headed for the Mosque. On his way he came across a man who was announcing that he had lost a necklace. The poor man later said, "I asked him to describe it to me, and he did so perfectly, leaving no room for doubt. I gave him the necklace without taking reward from him. I said: O' Allah, I have given it up for you, so compensate me with what is better." He then went to the ocean and began a journey in a small boat. Only a brief period of time passed before a storm came with heavy winds crashing into the boat. The boat smashed into pieces and the man was forced to cling to a piece of wood. The violent winds propelled him to the left and to the right. Finally, he was washed ashore on to an island. He found there a Mosque filled with people who were praying, so he joined them. He found papers with parts of the Qur'an written on them and he began to recite from them. The people of the island asked him,"Do you read the Qur'an?" He answered in the affirmative. They said, "Teach our children the Qur'an." So he began to teach them, and he took a salary for his service. One day, they saw him writing and they asked, "Will you teach our children to write?" Again he answered in the affirmative and began teaching them for a salary.

A short time later they said to him, "There is an orphaned girl with us whose father was a good man. Will you marry her?" He agreed to the marriage and later related, "I married her and when I saw her on the wedding night, I found that she was wearing that exact same necklace. I asked her to tell me the story of the necklace. She said that her father lost it in Makkah and a man found it and returned it to him. She said that her father would always supplicate while prostrating, for his daughter to become blessed with a husband similar to that honest man. I then informed her that I was that man."

He abandoned something for the sake of Allah, so Allah compensated him with something that was better.

MENYAMPAIKAN AMANAT

HAI ORANG ORANG YANG BERIMAN, MINTALAH PERTOLONGAN KEPADA ALLAH DENGAN SABAR DAN SOLAT, SESUNGGUHNYA ALLAH BESERTA ORANG ORANG YANG SABAR.

Surah Al Baqarah - Ayat 153



DIJAMIN MASUK SYURGA

Ali bin Abi Talib r.a. mengatakan bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda:

Jaminlah bagiku dari diri kamu enam perkara, pasti aku akan menjamin untuk kamu syurga, iaitu: Berkatalah yang jujur jika kamu bercakap, penuhilah janji jika kamu berjanji, dan sampaikanlah amanat jika kamu diberi amanat.

Demikianlah beratnya menjaga amanat atau meyampaikannya kepada yang berhak menerimanya. Langit dan bumi pun enggan memikul amanat kerana merasa tidak sanggup. Akhirnya amanat itu dipikulkan kepada manusia tetapi manusia pun merasa amat berat melaksanakannya.

Mungkin kerana beratnya memegang amanat, maka besar pula ganjaran yang disediakan. Seperti kita lihat dalam hadis di atas, orang yang sanggup memegang amanat dijanjikan dengan balasan syurga. Seperti disebutkan dalam hadis, ada lima golongan yang dijanjikan akan masuk syurga, iaitu:

1. Orang yang menjaga solat yang lima waktu dengan sempurna.

2. Orang yang berpuasa pada bulan Ramadan.

3. Orang yang mengerjakan haji jika dia sanggup.

4. Orang yang membayar zakat dengan senang hati dan ikhlas.

5. Orang yang menunaikan amanat.

Walaupun berat menunaikan amanat, sebenarnya kita sanggup melaksanakannya jika kita bersungguh-sungguh. Kalau kita disuruh menyimpan rahsia, hendaklah kita simpan dengan baik. Begitu juga kalau kita disuruh menjaga sesuatu, disuruh melaksanakan sesuatu, hendaklah kita jaga dan kita laksanakan dengan baik. Kalau disuruh menyampaikan sesuatu kepada orang tertentu, hendaklah kita sampaikan, begitulah seterusnya.

SYURGA PUN IKUT BERDOA

Setelah kita mengerjakan segala yang diperintahkan Allah dan menjauhi yang dilarang Nya, hendaklah kita banyak berdoa supaya dimasukkan ke dalam syurga. Kalau kita berdoa supaya dimasukkan ke dalam syurga, ia pun (syurga itu) sebenarnya ikut berdoa menguatkan doa kita itu.

Rasulullah s.a.w. bersabda:

"Apabila sesaorang muslim meminta kepada Allah supaya masuk syurga, tiga kali, maka syurga berkata: "Ya Allah, masukkanlah dia ke dalam syurga."

Apabila dia minta supaya dijauhkan daripada neraka, tiga kali, maka neraka pun berkata: "Ya Allah, jauhkan dia daripadaku."

Bererti kalau kita memohon kepada Allah supaya dimasukkan ke dalam syurga, mungkin Allah kabulkan permintaan kita. Namun harus diingat bahawa syurga itu pun sebenarnya ikut berdoa. Syurga juga menginginkan supaya kita ikut menjadi penghuninya.

Begitu juga neraka, kalau kita berdoa supaya dijauhkan daripadanya, ia juga ikut berdoa supaya kita dijauhkan. Neraka itu sendiri menginginkan supaya kita terselamat dan dijauhkan daripadanya. Oleh itu kita perlu banyak berdoa supaya dimasukkan ke dalam syurga. Di samping itu kita berdoa supaya dijauhkan daripada neraka.

Ketika membaca zikir selepas solat ada orang yang membaca:

"Ya Allah, jauhkanlah kami daripada neraka."

Ini biasanya dibaca tiga kali. Ini memang elok dibaca tetapi mengapa orang tidak membaca yang satu lagi, iaitu mohon dimasukkan ke dalam syurga seperti disebutkan dalam hadis?

Kalau begitu elok jugalah dibaca tiga kali

"Ya Allah, masukkan kami ke dalam syurga."

SURAH 21 - LUQMAN

"Economic prosperity may come and go; that's just how it is."

"But values are the steady currency that earn us the all-important rewards."

- Peter Buffet, Son of Billionaire Investor Warren Buffet - May, 2010

THIS SURAH OPENS WITH A REFERENCE to the righteous and the rewards awaiting them.

When Prophet Muhammad was asked about Luqman he gave the Arabs of Makkah an account of a set of succinct but powerful instructions Luqman had given his son, which are rich in wisdom and sensible advice.

Luqman's account begins with God urging him to be thankful to Him. Human beings tend not to appreciate the good things they receive and always crave for more. Many a person would accept what one does for them but turn away without even a word of thanks. They are just as ungrateful towards God Almighty, the origin of their existence and sustenance!

Luqman's advice to his son begins thus: "My son, serve no other deity besides GOD". This is followed by a bidding to be kind to one's parents who are, apart from God, immediately responsible for one's existence. It is interesting to note that modern society does not care very much for the welfare of parents. The majority of them in their old age find themselves leading lonely lives in old people's homes. But this is to be expected in a society which has all but forgotten God altogether.

The advice continues: "My son, observe the prayer, enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. Endure with fortitude whatever befalls you. That is a duty incumbent on all. And turn not your cheek away from people in (false) pride, and walk not haughtily on earth: for, behold, God does not love anyone who, out of self-conceit, acts in a boastful manner."

It closes with the statement: "Be modest in your bearing and lower your voice: the harshest of voices is the braying of the ass."

The testament is a wonderful collection of profound wisdom and high religious and moral principles, which people of all generations ought to learn and observe.

The fact of the matter is that every man is a maker of his own destiny; if saved it will be because of his good deeds, or else his evil deeds will bring about his downfall.

We read elsewhere in the Qur'an that: "No soul shall bear another's burden. If a laden soul calls on another to share its burden, none would respond, not even the nearest of kin."

ANAK ANUGERAH ALLAH - LUQMAN

MUQADDIMAH

Luqman telah diberi oleh Allah ni'mat dan ilmu pengatahuan, oleh sebab itu dia bersyukur kepadaNya atas ni'mat yang diberikan itu. Ini adalah sebagai isyarat dari Allah supaya setiap ibu bapa melaksanakan pula terhadap anak-anak mereka sebagai yang telah dilakukan oleh Luqman.

NASIHAT LUQMAN KEPADA ANAKNYA

1. "Bersyukurlah kepada Allah."

2. "Hai anakku, janganlah kamu mempersekutukan Allah"
3. Allah perintahkan kepada manusia berbuat baik kepada dua orang ibu-bapanya.
4. Pergaulilah keduanya didunia dengan baik
5. "Hai anakku sesungguhnya jika ada sesuatu perbuatan sebarat biji sawi, dan ada dalam batu atau di langit atau di dalam bumi, nescaya Allah akan membalasinya. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Halus, ialah ilmu Allah itu meliputi segala sesuatu bagaimana pun kecilnya, lagi Maha Mengetahui.
6. Hai anakku dirikanlah solat dan suruhlah manusia mengerjakan yang baik dan cegahlah mereka dari perbuatan yang mungkar dan bersabarlah terhadap apa yang menimpa kamu. Sesungguhnya yang demikian itu termasuk hal-hal yang di wajibkan oleh Allah.

7. Dan janganlah kamu memalingkan mukamu dari manusia kerana sombong dan janganlah kamu berjalan di muka bumi dengan angkuh. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak menyukai orang-orang yang sombong lagi membanggakan diri.

8. Dan sederhanalah kamu dalam berjalan, dan lunakkanlah suaramu. Sesungguhnya seburuk-buruk suara ialah suara keledai."

SIGNPOSTS ON THE SEEKER'S HIGHWAY

Education commences at the mother's knee, and every word spoken in the hearing of little children tends toward the formation of character - Let parents always bear this in mind.

- H. Ballou

If one wants to know whether one is climbing upwards toward success, there are certain signs and indications that can help him to determine his progress.

1. As one becomes more knowledgeable, one becomes more humble and merciful to others. Think of an expensive pearl: the more heavy and valuable it is, the deeper it is in the ocean. A wise person knows that though knowledge is a gift, Allah tests the one whom He gives it to. When one is thankful for the gift of knowledge, one will be raised in ranking.
2. The more one performs good deeds, the more one becomes cautious and fearful, in the sense that he does not feel secure from error, such as a slip of the tongue or a change of heart. He is always in a state of watching over himself and of being wary. He is like a careful bird: each time it lands on a tree, it soon leaves it for another, afraid of the skilled hunter and his bullet.

3. The older one gets, the less covetous should one be for this world, for he comes to know with certainty that his time is soon finished.

4. The wealthier one becomes, the more generous should one be towards others. The wealthy Muslim must understand that his wealth is a trust given to him, and that Allah is testing him in that wealth.

5. The higher one's status becomes in society, the closer should he be to ordinary people, showing humility and fulfilling their needs.

But there are also signs that indicate wretchedness:

1. The more knowledge one attains, the more haughty and arrogant he becomes. Such a person's knowledge is not beneficial. His heart is empty and his company is heavy to bear.

2. The more he increases in deeds, the more proud he becomes and the more contemptuous he becomes of others. He doesn't give the benefit of the doubt to anyone except to his own self. Thus, he deems that he is the only one who achieves salvation while all others are bound for destruction.

3. The older he gets, the more avarice and cupidity become part of his character. He gathers, but he never shares. Calamities and misfortune fail to move him into becoming a benefactor to others.

4. The wealthier he becomes, the more miserly he becomes with his money.

5. The higher his position in society, the higher his level of arrogance and haughtiness.

"ALLAH TEST HIS SLAVES: SOME OF THOSE SLAVES WILL PASS THE TEST WHILE OTHERS WILL FAIL IT"

BEES

THE WORLD OF BEES IS FULL OF WONDER THAT REMIND US OF GOD'S CARE. THE TINY BEE LEAVES ITS HIVE IN ORDER TO SEEK OUT SUSTENANCE. IT LANDS ON A GOOD AND PURE SURFACE AND SUCKS OUT NECTAR. IT THEN RETURNS WITH A LIQUID THAT PROVIDES REMEDY FOR PEOPLE, ALWAYS RETURNING TO ITS OWN HIVE WITHOUT LOSING ITS WAY.

PAUSE TO REFLECT - REPENT

When the believer is overcome by misfortune, only by repenting can he truly find a way out of his difficulties. Rather than looking outward, at extrinsic influences, the believer should search inward and see that he is blameworthy and deserves what has befallen him. Only when he reaches this level of consciousness can he begin the process of correcting, or in some cases redressing his errors, and repenting to Allah for past mistakes. And when he takes care of these inner affairs of his, Allah will take care of his outer ones. These words might sound simple, but they are very few who apply them in practice.

LIFE'S PURPOSE

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold

Prioritising money over God is wrong. There is a greater purpose in our work beyond just making money, whether for ourselves or our corporations.

Those of us who are leaders of an organization should work to create a mission in which our organization's purpose is more than just making money. We can trust that serving a higher purpose will lead to a business success.

We can't minimise the struggle we may have in finding meaning and purpose in our work. Here are three suggestions to help us.

1. Find a home.

It's important to find the environment that unleashes your talent and recognise your contributions. The environment that is right for one person may not be right for another.

We are also being called to bloom - not only for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. This may mean leaving the safety of a present job and travelling into unchartered waters. It may mean staying where we are and blooming where we are already planted. Either way, it is important to connect with the environment that brings out the best in each of us.

2. Align work with passion.

Every job has its share of mundane tasks. Those tasks don't have to put out the flame that burns inside of us. It is our own responsibility to fan into flame the gift of God has placed inside us. We can't settle for the comfort zone and security of a job that we are not passionate about. We must take a leap of faith to pursue our passion.

3. Trust that God has called you to work for a purpose.

We all struggle to find the right balance between earning a living and serving a purpose. This tension is both normal and necessary because it helps shape our journey. However, don't let the obstacle stop your journey. When you find yourself caught between two masters, choose God because He wants you to succeed. "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

IMAN

Iman: Faith or belief. Suggests security for believers against untruth and misguidance in this world and punishment in the afterlife. Assumes belief in the oneness of God, angels, prophets, revealed books, and the hereafter. Faith is a matter of free choice in Islam but is also considered a gift from God; no one is to be compelled to believe. The Quran establishes the close connection between faith and action, so that true faith manifests itself in right conduct. Believers are commanded to obey God, Muhammad, and authorities; fulfill their commitments; be truthful; perform ritual prayer, spend their wealth and struggle steadfastly to do the will of God, shun drinking, gambling, and exploitative business practices; and avoid treating people condescendingly.

KIAMAT

1. "Tidak ada sesuatu pun yang dapat melembutkan hati serta meringankan beban dan persoalan jiwa kecuali seseorang itu menjadikan akhirat sebagai jaminan untuk dunianya, kematian sebagai jaminan untuk akhiratnya dan amalnya sebagai bekalan untuk keimanannya."

2. "Manusia tidak boleh hidup dengan baik jika menjauhi ilmu tentang kiamat. Akhirat ialah tempat perhentian akhir bagi kehidupannya. Namun, kehidupan itu adalah kehidupan hakiki yang abadi selama-selamanya."

3. "Dunia ini adalah ujian dalam perjalanan menuju akhirat atau bekalan menuju akhirat. Allah telah menjadikan dunia sebagai tempat ujian dan dugaan bukan tempat untuk berbahagia, bersenang-senang dan bergembira."

SEBUTAN DAJJAL, YA'JUJ DAN MA'JUJ

Di dalam kisah Israk daripada bicara Abdullah bin Mas'ud, katanya: Apabila Nabi diisrakkan, baginda telah menemui Ibrahim, Musa dan Isa salam dan selawat Allah ke atas mereka sekalian, maka mereka pun duduk bertukar-tukar fikiran tentang Saat (kiamat). Mereka memulakan dengan Ibrahim maka beliau tiada mempunyai sesuatu pengetahuan mengenainya. Kemudian mereka menanyakan pula Musa, dan beliau juga tiada mempunyai sebarang pengetahuan mengenainya. Sesudah itu, maka berkata Isa: Allah akan menyerahkan kepadaku suatu tugas untuk aku laksanakan! Lalu beliau menyebut tentang keluarnya Dajjal, maka katanya: Aku akan diturunkan (dari langit) semula ke bumi, lalu aku akan membunuhnya. Ketika itu barulah masing-masing manusia akan kembali ke negeri masing-masing. Sesudah itu keluar pula Ya'juj dan Ma'juj, dan mereka adalah suatu kaum yang mengalir seperti air dari tempat-tempat yang tinggi. Mereka tiada menemui air, melainkan mereka hirup kesemuanya, mereka tiada menemui sesuatu, melainkan habis disapu-bersih olehnya. Maka orang ramai datang kepadaku meminta pertolongan, lalu aku akan berdoa kepada Allah Ta'ala untuk menghapuskan kaum itu, maka habislah mereka mati di merata bumi, sehingga bumi pula merasa bosan dengan bau mereka, lalu orang ramai datang sekali lagi memohon pertolonganku, maka aku akan berdoa kepada Allah, sehingga Dia menurunkan hujan yang lebat menyapu segala bangkai-bangkai kaum itu serta melimparkannya ke dalam laut. Kemudian semua gunung-ganang diranapkan menjadi rata, dan pada ketika itu bumi pun dapat dilihat terentang sepanjang mata memandang, apabila semua itu ditakdirkan Tuhan berlaku pada masa ini, maka ketibaan Saat (kiamat) kepada manusia adalah laksana wanita yang sedang hamil sarat, tinggal menunggu masa saja, kaum keluarganya tidak tahu apakah dia akan menyerempakkan mereka dengan kelahiran anaknya itu pada malam hari atau siangnya.

MASUK KE SYURGA - UNTUK MUSLIMAH

BERHIJAB - Yang mesti engkau perhatikan bahawa leher, dada, atau lengan tidak boleh nampak ketika solat, kerana semua itu termasuk aurat yang wajib ditutupi oleh wanita, baik tatkala solat mahupun di luar solat.

Dalam wasiat yang agung Nabi sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam memberi batasan beberapa sebab bagi wanita yang dapat menghantarkannya ke syurga.

1.. Solat fardu yang lima

Ketahuilah wahai muslimahku, sesungguhnya Allah telah mewajibkan kepadamu agar engkau bersuci, menghadap kiblat lalu solat lima kali sehari semalam. Solat merupa tiang agama. Siapa yang menegakkannya, bererti dia menegakkan agama dan siapa yang meninggalkannya, bererti dia telah merobohkan agama. Allah telah memperingatkan agar tidak menyia-nyiakan solat.

Allah juga memperingatkan agar engkau tidak menyibukkan diri dalam pencarian harta atau disibukkan oleh anak sehingga engkau meninggalkan solat.

2. Puasa Ramadhan

Yang dapat memasukkan wanita ke syurga, iaitu puasa Ramadhan. Ketahuilah wahai muslimahku, bahawa Allah telah mewajibkan kamu agar melaksanakan puasa Ramadhan sebulan penuh secara sempurna. Puasa ini merupakan salah satu sendi Islam yang lima.

3. Menjaga Kemaluan (Kehormatan)

Yang memasukkanmu ke syurga ialah memelihara kehormatan diri, memiliki rasa malu dan memperhatikan hijab.

4. Taat kepada suami dalam hal-hal selain kederhakaan kepada Allah

Taat kepada suami termasuk akhlak yang baik, yang menjadi sendi atau dasar kehidupanmu dan inti kebahagiaan dunia serta akhiratmu.

Huraian diatas, nescaya engkau akan mendapatkan redha Allah. Jika Allah redha kepadamu, bererti DIA mencintaimu. Dan jika DIA mencintaimu, tentu DIA akan memasukkanmu ke dalam syurga-Nya dan menjauhkanmu dari neraka.

QUOTE UNQUOTE

" A life that is far removed from GOD is a sad life indeed. No matter how much money we accumulate, or how grand our house is, if GOD is not the centre of our lives then happiness will elude us forever. True happiness can only be found when we at least attempt to fulfill our purpose in life. Human beings exist to worship GOD. GOD wants us to be happy in this life and in the hereafter and HE has given us the key to real happiness. It is not a secret or a mystery. It is not an enigma or a puzzle. It is ISLAM."

Posted by Aisha Stacy @ Islamreligion.com on 12 April.

You can view more @ Islamreligion.com which is linked to BANYUEMAS

RELIEF AFTER HARDSHIP

Hardship, no matter how great and far-reaching it becomes, never endures or lasts. Rather, the harsher and more difficult one's circumstances become, the closer one comes to ease, comfort, and relief. Then help and aid are forthcoming from Allah. Is not the end of every dark night a bright morning?

BLUE SWIFT

PAUSE TO REFLECT

There are two points we should bear in mind when we think about the issues of hardship and relief:

First, when one can no longer bear a hardship, he will lose all hope in human beings, and as a result, his heart will depend upon Allah Alone.

Second, whenever the true believer feels that relief is slow in coming, and whenever he feels that his prayers are not answered; he will blame no one save his own self. He will say to his self, "I am in this situation only because of you. Had you been worth anything your prayers would have been answered." Such self-reproach is more beloved to Allah than many good deeds. When a slave of Allah goes through this process of introspection and self-reproach, he breaks down before his Lord and admits his shortcomings and confesses that he deserves the calamity that befell him and that he doesn't deserve to have his prayers answered. At this point, the answer for his prayers comes quickly and the black cloud above him dissipates.

IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT

DEAR ALL,

IF ANY OF YOU RECEIVED EMAIL MESSAGES ON 30 MARCH FROM MY PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS, PLEASE IGNORE! - WHICH IS NOT MY DOING!

IN THE MEANTIME, MY BLOG IS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO ALL.

HAPPY VIEWING ....

WITH LOVE,

AISHAH

STAY YOUNG MY FRIEND

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Keep only cheerful friends.

The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)

2. Keep learning:

Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever..

Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."

And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

3. Enjoy the simple things.

4. Laugh often, long and loud.

Laugh until you gasp for breath.

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,

Spend lots and lots of time wth HIM/HER.

5. The tears happen:

Endure, grieve, and move on.

The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.

LIVE while you are alive.

6. Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.

Your home is your refuge.

7. Cherish your health:

If it is good, preserve it.

If it is unstable, improve it.

If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

8. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a shopping trip, even a trip to the next county.

To a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

9. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend.

10. Forgive now those who made you cry.

You might not get a second chance.

And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares?

But do share this with someone.

Remember! Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.