Virtues of the best 10 days of the year...

1st Dhul Hijjah is upon us alhamdulillah (10th December), Yaum ul Arafah will inshaAllah be on Tuesday 18th December (9th Dhul Hijjah), followed by Eid ul Adha on Wednesday 19th December. May Allah grant us all the tawfiq to reap the rewards and benefits of these blessed days. May Allah also protect the Hujjaj who have travelled (or will be travelling) from every corner of every land to seek the mercy of the Almighty. May Allah grant them expiation and a Hajj Mabroor . Ameen.

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The first ten days of this month are full of blessings and are very special for many reasons, as followed:

• Allaah swears an oath by these 10 days, and when Allah swears an oath by something it indicates its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2].
  Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

• The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) testified that these are the best days of this world and Allah has preferred them over all the other days of the year

• The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) commanded us to recite a lot of Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah, example – Allahu Akbar, La elaha illallah, Alhamdulillah, Subhaanallah
  
• These days include the Day of Arafaah, on which Allaah perfected / completed the religion of Islaam and fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years
  
• These days include the pilgrims (hujjaj) performing Hajj in Mecca
  
• These days include the Day of Sacrifice – Eid ul Adhaa

The Superiority of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

By Shaykh ibn al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy on him

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Chief of the Messengers, Muhammad.

Indeed it is a great favour and blessing from Allah that He has made for His righteous servants periods of time within which they can increase in good deeds to attain great rewards and one of these opportunistic periods is the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic Calendar, in which the hajj is performed).

Superiority of the FIRST Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The excellence of these ten days have been mentioned in the Qur'ân and the Sunnah.
1. Allah says in the Qur'ân:
"By the dawn and by the ten nights … " [Al-Qur'ân 89:1-2]
Ibn Kathîr said that "the ten nights" referred to here are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and this opinion was also held by Ibn Abbâs, Ibn az-Zubair, Mujâhid and others.

2. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
"There are no deeds as excellent as those done in these ten days." They (the companions listening) said, "Not even Jihâd?" He, peace be upon him, said, "No, not even Jihâd except a man who goes forth endangering his life and wealth and does not return with anything." [Recorded by al-Imâm al-Bukhârî]

3. Allah says:
" … and remember the name of Allah in the appointed days." [Al-Qur'ân 2:203]
Ibn Abbâs and Ibn Kathîr said this means in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

4. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:
"There are no other days that are as great as these in the sight of Allah, the Most Sublime. Nor are there any deeds more beloved to Allah then those that are done in these ten days. So increase in tahlîl (to say lâ illaha illallah), takbîr (to say allahu akbar) and tahmîd (to say alhumdulillâh)."

[Reported by at-Tabarânî in al-Mu'jum al-Kabîr]

5. With regards to the noble companion Saîd bin Jubair, when the days of Dhul-Hijjah began he would strive to increase in good actions with great intensity until he was unable to increase anymore.

[Reported by ad-Dârimî]

6. Ibn Hajar says in Fath al-Bârî:
"The most apparent reason for the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah being distinguished in excellence is due to the assembly of the greatest acts of worship in this period, i.e. salawât (prayers), siyâm (fasting), sadaqah (charity) and the hajj (pilgrimage). In no other periods do these great deeds combine."

What are the recommended acts in these days?
1. The Prayer - It is highly recommended to perform the obligatory acts at their prescribed times (as early as possible) and to increase oneself in the superogatory acts, for indeed, this is what brings a person closer to their Lord. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:
"Upon you is to increase in your prostration to Allah, for verily you do not prostrate to Allah with even one prostration, except that He raises you in degrees and decreases your sins because of it." [Reported by Muslim]

2. Fasting - This has been mentioned as one of the acts of righteousness where Hanbada ibn Khâlid reports on the authority of his wife who reports that some of the wives of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
The Prophet, upon whom be peace, would fast on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Âshûra and three days in every month.

[Recorded by Ahmad, Abu Dâwûd, an-Nisâî and others]
Al-Imâm an-Nawawî said that fasting in these ten days is extremely recommended.

3. Saying allahu akbar; lâ illaha illallah and alhamdulillâh - It is found in the aforementioned narration of Ibn 'Umar:
"So increase yourselves in saying lâ illaha illallah, allahu akbar and alhamdulillâh."
Al-Imâm Bukhârî, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
"Ibn 'Umar and Abû Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with them both, used to go out to the markets in the ten days saying the takbîr causing the people to follow them in this action."
He also said:
"Umar ibn al-Khattâb used to say the takbîr in his minaret in Mina, whereupon the people of the mosque hearing 'Umar, would start to say the takbîr as would the people in the markets until the whole of Mina was locked in glorifying Allah."
Ibn 'Umar used to say the takbîr in Mina during these ten days and after prayers, whilst on his bed, in his tent, in his gathering and whilst walking. What is recommended is to say the takbîr aloud due to the fact that 'Umar ibn al-Khattâb, his son and Abû Hurayrah used to do likewise, may Allah be pleased with them all.
Strive with us O Muslims in reviving this sunnah that has become lost in these times and it was almost forgotten, even amongst the people of righteousness and goodness all of which is unfortunately in opposition to what the best of generations were upon (preserving and maintaining the superogatory acts).

There are a number of ways of making takbîr that have been narrated by the companions and their followers and from these ways is the following:
- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar kabîrun.
- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, lâ ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, wallahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd.
- Allahu akbar, allahu akbar, allahu akbar, lâ ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, allahu akbar wa lillâhil hamd.

4. Fasting on the day of 'Arafah - Fasting has been affirmed on the day of 'Arafah, where it has been confirmed from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said regarding fasting on the day of 'Arafah:
"Be content with the fact that Allah will expiate for you your sins for the year before (the day of 'Arafah) and the year after (the day of 'Arafah)."

[Reported by Muslim]
However, whoever is at 'Arafah as a pilgrim then fasting is not expected of him, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, stopped at 'Arafah to eat.

May the peace of Allah be upon his Prophet, the family of the Prophet and all of his companions

Marhaba ya Ramadhan 1428

I will inshaAllah be taking a break from this blog for Ramadhan, and will be returning with after 'Eid ul Fitr inshaAllah.
Here is some food for thought on the ADAB OF RAMADHAN (Click the link).

And a few brief reminders i posted last year:

RAMADHAN: HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES

TIME FOR REFLECTION

Zaka'h and Sadaqah

Sins of the Tongue I

Sins of the Tongue II

Fasting of the eye

Fasting of the ear

Merits of the last 10 days

Please endeavour to make the most of this blessed month, reflect, change, improve and most of all REPENT. Make your actions righteous and take steps to improve your character inshaAllah. There is no better time to change than now. May Allaah give us all the tawfiq to better ourselves and take advantage of our time left on the dunya, to prapare for our everlasting abode in the akhirra. Please remember the Ummah, our captive Muslim brothers and sisters, and myself in your dua'as.
JazakhumAllahu khairun

PS: Don't forget to come to 1Eid on Eid day if you can:

Watch the website for updates: www.1Eid.net

In preparation of Ramadhan...

Event on Sunday 9th September 2007 at 2pm

@ The IslamBradford Centre, Preston Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1JF

- (Above Day2Day Cash & Carry)

- Separate seating for Sisters & Food will be served!
For more information contact: 0783 459 4453 or email info@islambradford.com

Death is seeking YOU.....

'Every man is struck down among his people in the morning,
when death is closer than the strap of his sandal.'

(Al Adab Al Mufrad: Imam Bukhari)

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
Allah, the Lord of honour and glory, will accept the repentance of His servant till his death-rattle begins.
(Tirmidhi)

SubhanAllah the month of Ramadhan is merely days away, some of us will see it, some of us will not. How many of those who were here last ramadhan remain for the one to come? How many thought they would be here but aren't. We may be here now, and gone tomorrow, so inshaAllah watch the reminder, take heed. Do not sit idle for indeed death is seeking you... [Hasan al-Basri]

Death is close, it waits for no man, take account for yourself before your account is taken.

Ramadhan Re-runs

Another pre-ramadhan reminder... 2 weeks in counting ...

Tips for Ramadhan and beyond....

Ramadhan is approx 14 to 15 days away, yes subhanAllah that is only a matter of two weeks... are you ready? Heres some advice to help...
May Allah make it easy for us to continue our actions beyond ramadhan inshaAllah and may He help us to make Quran, Qiyam ul Layl, moderation in diet and actions, charity, and correction of character part of our daily conciousness. Ameen.

1. Eat, drink and be moderate

Almost all of us do it - once Iftar time hits, we just keep plowing food and drink into our mouths till it's hard to move afterwards. And those of us who do it know this is totally contrary to the spirit of Ramadan, through which we're supposed to learn self-control not self-indulgence. Let's try to stick to the Prophetic rule on eating: fill our stomachs with one-third food, one-third water and one-third breathing space, even in Ramadan.


2. Give a pound a day in charity...or five or ten

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was always generous but even more so in Ramadan. Let's open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even less than a dollar a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts.


3. Memorize atleast 4 new Surahs

Memorizing the Quran often seems like a daunting task. But the key is doing it in small bites. Since there are four weeks in Ramadan, try to memorize one new Surah a week. Start off with a short, easy one. Once you've started, you'll build momentum and may even want to memorize a longer one the following week.


4. Go to Tarawih prayers (Qiyaam ul Ramadhan)

Post-Iftar, the first urge is to sleep after an exhausting day. But try your best to head out to the mosque for Tarawih prayers. Praying alone is wonderful, but doing it in congregation is fantastic. The community spirit is part of Ramadan's blessings. Don't miss it this year. If going every day is not possible, try going at least one week.


5. Attend the Tarawih prayer in which the recitation of the Quran will be finished

Call the local mosque and find out which day the Imam will be finishing the recitation of the Quran in prayer. Attend to not only hear part of the Quran's recitation in prayer, but also participate in the heart-rending Duas that follow it.


6. Stop swearing and/or backbiting

With a special box It's hard not to shoot our mouths off when someone's upset us. Whether we utter those four-letter words or backbite about someone to our family and friends, we know this isn't the God-approved way of letting off steam. In Ramadan, when we want to build our spirituality, we've got to wage Jihad against our bad habits. Try this: get a box and every time you catch yourself swearing or backbiting put some money in it. It could be a buck or less. The point is to choose an amount that makes it feel like punishment. At the end of the month send the money to a charity or buy a gift for the person whom you've backbitten the most against.


7. Call/email your relatives

You'd think that given the easy access to email, competitive long-distance calling rates, phone cards, etc. these days, we'd keep in touch with family and friends more often. But the opposite seems to be the case, as we get caught up in life's "busy'ness." Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least email them a Ramadan card and ask them how their fasting is going.


8. Go on a technology diet

Even if you work in the IT industry, you can do this. Avoid checking personal email and surfing the web during your fast. After Iftar, instead of plopping yourself in front of the screen, go to Tarawih. The same goes for the television. The point is to try to give our full attention to spiritual elevation this month.


9. Read 5 minutes of Quran a day...and reflect insha'Allaah

Even if you feel you've got absolutely no time, set a timer or the alarm on your cell phone and find a relatively quiet place. You can read the first page of the Quran you open or follow a sequence. The choice is yours. The point is simply to connect with God through His revelation in the month of the Quran.


10. Forgive everyone who has hurt you

Still got a festering wound from the fight with your friend last year? Still upset about something your spouse said during a heated argument? Or are you still bitter about the way your parents sometimes treated you as a kid? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the soul. And in Ramadan, ten days of which are devoted to Allah's forgiveness, shouldn't we lesser beings forgive too? If you find it very difficult to forgive everyone, forgive at least three people.

“If You Wish to Memorise Something…”

As salaamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

Noble brothers and sisters, May Allaah guide you to your success, Knowledge is like an ocean with no shore to bound it, it is too much, so you shouldn't even think that you can comprehend it all, But an intelligent person sets the priorities and starts with what is most important. You should start slow but steady, sticking with little yet mastering it is better than getting hands everywhere but not being able to finish anything properly.

If you wish to memorize something then protect it by keep repeating it. Ibn Al-Jawzi mentions a nice story of Al-Haafith Abu Bakr An-Neysaboori,

“Once he was reading out loud and repeating the text over and over to memorize it and one of the ladies in his house said, “I have memorized it by listening to you how come you didn’t memorize it yet?” So he told her to read it and she did. After few days he asked the lady; “Can you repeat the text from that day?” She said, “I have forgotten it.” So he said, “This is the reason why I kept repeating so what has afflicted you (of forgetfulness) will not happen to me.”

Beware of satanic tricks while you are seeking knowledge.

Unfortunately we find many brothers and sisters when they start seeking knowledge they lack focus, commitment, steadiness and concentration. For instance, a person decides to memorize the Quraan, in the beginning s/he seems to be very committed, rather over excited with strong enthusiasm to memorize it all which may not remain the same after few months, illa man Rahima Rabbi.

First you decide to start from juz ‘Amma but after some time you change your mind and start from the beginning (soorah Al-Baqarah) thinking that memorizing in order is better then starting from the end. Behold!! Soon after some time you stop again and decide to memorize the soorah (chapter) which has fadhaa-il or are recommended to read on daily or weekly basis like Soorah Al-Kahf, or Soorah Al-Jumu’ah or the last verses of Soorah Al-Baqarah etc… , so the end result is not getting anything done properly.

Same thing goes when it comes to reading books, person may pick the book of fiqh and after reading few pages thinks that s/he should read books on ‘Aqeedah and then without finishing the book on ‘Aqeedah s/he jumps on to read the books of Ahaadeeth and so on. The end result is that person can’t even finish one book from cover to cover rather is always jumping from one book to another, etc.

So be careful of these obstacles and be firm and committed in your Talab al-ilm (seeking knowledge).

1 World | 1 Ummah | 1 Eid

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Pimping...

Ok, ok, whatever you thought, think again.... pop your eyeballs back in to their sockets, and pay attention inshaAllah....

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Ibn Umar (رضى الله عنه) narrated:

"Three are forbidden from entering Jannah: the alcoholic, the undutiful and disobedient person, and the cuckold or pimp who is satisfied and delighted with the evil in his family."

(Narrated by Ahmad 2/69: it is Sahih al-Jaami')

Among the forms of pimping in our time is

1) Overlooking and disregarding the unacceptable actions of a girl or a woman of a house, such as when she calls a man, who is a stranger to her and converses with him in a manner commonly known as flirting.

2) To accept and allow one of the women of his household to be alone with a strange man, or permit her to ride alone with a driver and the like.

3) To agree to women leaving the house without proper legitimate Hijaab so they become a spectacle for all to see

4) And to bring films and magazines that spread corruption and immorality into the house.

Ref: "Forbidden": Shaykh Saleh Munajjid

Just how common is this today?!?!?!!!

May Allah forgive us and guide us all

Ameen.

Cursing

Many people can not control their tongues, when they get angry and hasten to curse. This results in them cursing human beings, animals, things, days, hours, and they may even curse themselves and their children, the husband may curse the wife and vice versa!

This is an evil and serious matter, for Abu Zayd Ibn ad-Dahhak al-Ansaaree (may Allah be please with him) narrated,

"...And whoever curses a Muslim it is as if he has murdered him."

(Bukhari)

Because cursing is mostly done by women, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has shown that it is one of the causes that leads them to Hellfire. In addition, people who curse otherswill not have the right of intercession on the Day of Ressurrection. Worse still, if a person curses unjustly, the curse will rebound to him so he would then have made a supplication against himself to be expelled and removed from Allah's mercy.

Extract from "Forbidden" by Shaykh Saleh Munnajjid

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May Allah save us all. Ameen.

Recommended book:

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Just a reminder...

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "Where a person dies all his action come to an end except 3:

Sadaqa Jaria,
Knowlege that benefits,
or a righteous child that makes dua'a for him".
(Bukhari)

Let us help them while they are still living, not just when they leave us....

Drowning In My Memories ..

The Star Is Listening To My Holler ..

Would I Ever Be Able To See One Of Them Before Death ..

Come To Me ,, Don't Leave Me .. My Children ..

Ever Since You Abandon Me My Life Became A Joyless ..

Sleeping Up All Night Long ,

With My Solitude ..Hiding Some Of My Suffering And Showing Some Of It ..

My Tears Run Down On My Cheek Every Time I Rest My Head ..

Between The Walls Of Limitation And The Unlimited Sorrow ..

I've Been Forgotten By All Of My Children ,

So Is Have My Love And Affection In Spite Of My Strength ,

I Can Bear It No Longer ..Where Is Laila ??Where Is Salwa ??

When She Was Buying Sweets And Candy In Her Youth ..

Did You Forget Daddy's Love ,

You Were Laughing So Loud And Delighted ..Where Is Ahmed ?? Where Is Sami ??

Come Back , Life Is So Short ..Oh , Happy Nights Do Come Back ,

Unlock My Chains ..I Can Find No Reason For My Existence Any More ..

Save Me ,, Wipe My Tears Away ..Would I Be Able To Met One Of Them Again ..

My Tears Is My Witness , I've Been Drowning In My Own Sorrows ..

So Please Have Mercy , And Be Tolerant For The Sake Of My Age And Weakness ..

If You Forgot The Past , I Didn't Ever Forget It ..

I Wonder Around Alone ,Wishing And Hoping ..

The Long Restless Nights Broke My Body Down ..

And The Grief Is Burning My Heart ..

Every Time I Feel That My Steamy Wounds Are Awaking Again I Shout

Oh Lord Bless Me With Your Forgiveness ,

And Let The Quran Be My Supply ..Be With My Children ,

And Show Them The True Path ..

(Ahmed Bukhatir)

25 suggestions to add to your life

1. Start off each day with 'azkar al-istiyqaz' (waking up supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

2. Put Allah (swt) and then Prophet Mohammad (saw) before anything else in your life.

3. Broaden your horizons-learn 5 New verses from the Quran, travel to pray the Fajr in the mosque to brighten your day, take up a booklet having azkar-alsaba 7 (morning supplications) and read them.

4. Pray Salat Al-duha (after sunrise) and also the remaining 4 obligatory salaat of the day.

5. If someone says something mean to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive him or her. They will probably get the message that they're not triggering your anger and they will stop.

6. When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

7. Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfil the purpose of your creation (i.e live for Allah.)

8. When you're happy, try to share your happiness with others thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

9. When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience, and thank Allah that it's not worse than it is.

10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.

11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work for it. Then you can win the love of Allah's slaves.

12. Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.

13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him (those who are enemies of Him)

14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!)

15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you (Ihsan).

16. Pray for blessings to come to your enemies, and pray Allah to guide them to the right path.

17. Show love to your parents and always obey them (except orders that are against Islam, which they'll never do) especially to your mother as Junnah is under the feet of your mother.

18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to them and you are rewarded.

19. Forgive, forget and smile.

20. Tears are not for women only... tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don't restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or not. If they do, then ignore those criticism and remember how the Prophet(s) and the Sahaba (ra) were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

22. Read the Quran daily and try to have a schedule for completing it every month (or as much as you could) as long as you open the Quran daily, and read with observing, try to understand and traansform them into action, not just passing your eyes through the words.

23. Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

24. Never look down on anybody, for they may be better than you in Allah's eyes.

25. After praying the salaatul Isha and before going to bed ask yourself whether you have gained some points for the day or are you loosing. Make repentance for things you have done wrong and think of ways to improve yourself in the following day.

The Superiority of Islam

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ADAB IN ISLAM COURSE @ ISLAMBRADFORD

EVERY FRIDAY @ ISLAMBRADFORD

Teacher : Imam Imran
Time : 7pm Friday (11th May - 13th July 2007)
Event Location : The IslamBradford Centre, Preston Street, Bradford, BD7 1JP
Syllabus: http://www.islambradford.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/SyllabusAdab1.pdf
Cost: Your TIME!

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CLEANLINESS!!!

CLEANLINESS IS HALF OF FAITH!

http://adabinislam.blogspot.com/2007/04/cleanliness-and-washing.html

7 steps to protecting your Eeman

1. LEARN the deen systematically...

don't try to know everything, start with the basics, learn, implement, reflect, ponder.

2. Keep GOOD COMPANY:

We must be careful of the company we keep, for we are a true reflection of our friends. Keep company with those that will strengthen your Eeman and support you, not drag you to haraam.

3. PRAY

Get your Salaah in order, 5 daily prayers as a bare minimum. When you start to neglect your Sunnahs your Fardhs become high risk, so try to implement more rather than less.Pray Slatul Taubah and Salatul Tasbih where possible, repent at every avail.

4. DHIKR

Make Istighfar, tasbih, tahlil; for they will soften the heart.

"Verily in the Rememberance of Allah do hearts find rest". (Quran 13:28)

5. QURAN

The Quran is not just to be opened in Ramadhan and then "stored" for the other 11 months of the year. Read atleast 1 Juz/Chapter a day; reflect and learn the rulings and commands of Allah. Shaytaan will try and distract you. If you feel sleepy, make wudu/wash your face; avoid distractions; and do not get up until you have finished for shaytaan will try and entice you by every means possible from reading the Book of Allah.

6. FAST

Fast a minimum of 3 days a month (13-15th of the lunar month). Fasting deminishes desire, so control your desires and strengthen your Eeman by fasting atleast these 3 days and every Monday and Thursday.

7. Lower your GAZE

If you look right and left, you will see haram in all variations. Everyone should lower their gaze (even those that are married) for it is haram for them to cast gaze on that which is unlawful for them (due to their desires). It is not necessary to make eye contact with the opposite sex when speaking to them, so don't go there! Remain modest, lower your gaze and protect your chastity!

(Taken from notes made at "The Repenter" talk by Shaykh Al Amry 29/04/07)

Just a Reminder....

The Repenter: Shaykh Salem Al Amry

Shaikh Salim al-Amry is from the United Arab Emirates. He is a Computer Engineer by profession, however has spent a major part of his youth studying under different scholars. He has taken the effort to obtain knowledge of the different sciences of Islam including Aqidah, Usool, Hadeeth, Fiqh, Tafseer, Arabic language and more. His teachers include: Shaikh Ali Khashshan and Shaikh Mahmood 'Atiyyah, who were two of the first students of Shaikh Albani and under both Shaikh Salim studied Aqidah.
Shaikh Abdul Bari as-Salafee - hadeeth, Shaikh Hamad bin Aqeel, Judge from KSA - Fiqh Bulugh Al-Maraam, Shaikh Saad ash-Shalabi, Judge from KSA – inheritance, Shaikh Mustafa Makkee al-Azharee - Fiqh, Shaikh al-Maimoni al-Maghribi, Judge from Morocco - Arabic Language, Shaikh Ahmad Salaah al-Masri senior student of Shaikh Muqbil - Aqeedah , Shaikh Mohamad Sami Moqbil student of Shaikh Hudhaifi of Medina - Tafseer and Tajweed, Shaikh Sayed Hadi bin Ahmad al-Haddaar Mufti of Comoros - Saheeh Muslim.

29th April 1-4pm

Marriage: The Parent negotiations

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Respect the Poor

If you come accross a poor person at a gathering, or a poor person visited you at home or at work, do not look down upon him or her.

Poverty is not a defect or a fault to be ashamed of, while lack of kindness and generosity is. Treat poor acquaintances or guests with honour and respect. Talk pleasantly with them, using the best of language. Again, poverty is not a vice, many who are poor are more honourable that the wealthy, and many who are penniless are preferred to the rich.

Islamic Manners: Shk A. F. Abu Ghuddah

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Adab with the Poor

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, 'Which of you is fasting today?' Abu Bakr said 'I am'. He asked 'Which of you has visited a sick person today?' Abu Bakr said, ' I have'. He said, 'Who attended a funeral today?' Abu Bakr said 'I have'. He asked, 'Who fed a poor person today?' Abu Bakr said 'I have'.

One of the narrators added further that the Prophet (SAW) said:

These qualities are not brought together in one man on a single day, but that he will enter the Garden".

.
___________

.

Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) said:

"The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, 'Worship the Merciful and feed the people. Spread the greeting amongst yourselves and you will enter the Garden".

.

___________
.

Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) said:

"A man asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW) ' Which is the best of Islam?' He said, 'Feeding people and giving greeting to those you know and those you do not know".

.
___________

.

Extracts from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari

The best way of asking for Forgiveness.

(Extracts from Al Adab Al Mufrad: by Imam Bukhari)

___________________________

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said "Sayyid ul Istighfar (the best manner of seeking forgiveness) is:

Allahumma anta rabbi la illaha illa anta khalaqtani wa ana

abduka, wa ana 'ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata 'tu abu'u

laka bi ni'matika wa abu'u laka bi dhambi, fa'ghfir-li, fa-

innahu la yaghfiru' dh-dhunuba illa anta. Audhu bika min

sharri ma sana' tu.

--------------

O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no God but You. You

created me and I am Your slave. I follow Your covenant and

promise as much as I can. I acknowledge Your blessing and I

confess to my sins, so forgive me. Only You can forgive sins.

I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done.

________

If he says it in the evening (believing in it) and he dies, he will enter the Garden or will be one of the people of the Garden.

If he says it in the morning and dies that day - it is the same.

********************

Ibn Umar (RA) said:

"We used to count in the assembly of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that He would repeat this prayer a 100 times:

"Rabbi' ghfir li wa tub 'alayya innaka anta' t-tawwabu r'raheem"

O Lord Forgive me and turn to me (accept my repentance). You are

the One who accepts repentance, the Merciful.

*********************

May Allah subhana w'talaa give us the tawfiq to repent for our sins and mistakes (those we know of, those we don't) before it is too late. May He accept our dua'as, purify us and make us amongst those who are worthy of entering the Garden of Paradise. May He remove pride, ignorance, envy, jealousy, hatred from our hearts and help us to ask our fellow brother and sisters, parents, teachers whom we have wronged, for their forgiveness.

Ameen.

Please forgive the author if they have ever wronged you in actions or by their tongue, offended you or not fulfilled your rights.

JazakhumAllahu khairun.

Love & Hate: For the sake of Allaah

'Umar ibn al-Khattab said, 'Do not let your love be a total infatuation. Do not let
your anger be destruction.' I asked, 'How is that?' He replied, 'When you love, you are infatuated like a child. When you hate, you desire destruction for your companion.'"

(Al Adab Al Mufrad)

Love is having affection and hating is its opposite.

A person may love another for their wealth, or beauty, or honour or lineage, or for personal gain, or for a worldly desire or fleeting aim. All of these reasons are detestable in Islaam, which has laid down the reasons for loving and hating ;

The Deen.

Therefore the Muslim does not love a person except for the correctness of his Deen, and does not hate a person except for the corruption of his Deen.

He صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

"There are three characteristics whoever has them will find the sweetness of eemaan: That Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than all else; that he loves a person and does not love him except for Allaah; and that he would hate to revert to unbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into the fire."

(Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

Therefore the Muslim loves the Prophets, the righteous ones loved by Allaah, the sincere followers of the Prophets, the martyrs and the pious - since they carry out that which Allaah loves, so he loves them for Allaah and this is from the completion of his love for Allaah since loving the beloved of the one that you love is from the completion of love for the one that you love. Further, he hates the unbelievers, the hypocrites and the people of innovation and sin, since they do that which Allaah hates them for Allaah.

So whoever does this has loved Allaah and hated for Allaah and Allaah is sufficient for him and is the most excellent Protector.

Know that loving for allaah and hating for allaah is not the same as alliance (walaa') with the believers and separating oneself (baraa') from the polytheists (mushriks) but rather it differs in that:

(a) Alliance and separation (al-walaa' 'wal baraa') is the foundation and loving and hating is a matter from its completion.

(b) Loving and hating necessarily follows on from alliance and separation - and not the opposite.

Lunar Eclipse & Salat ul Kusoof

Today 3rd March 2007 between approximately 20: 18 pm (GMT) and 1:12 am (GMT) there will be a umbral eclipse.

It will inshaAllah be total between 22:44 pm and 23:58pm (according to the BBC).

As it will be visible from most parts of the world, do watch out for it , and pray

Salat ul Kusoof

follow the sunnah instead of procrastinating.

May Allah subhana wa'tala accept your prayers, supplications and repentance.

Ameen.

======================================

My View (and the pictures really don't do it justice)

SubhanAllah...

Cupid Rhymes with Stupid

This post is dedicated to all those who celebrated St. Valentines day yesterday.

May Allah guide you!

==============================

The day outside at lunch looked rather nice

So I take a walk in the park to get some exercise

When much to my surprise I see a hijabi and a guy

Committing zina openly, right under the open sky

As I walk along the path they cease with shame

After I have passed they continue all the same

Its sad though, they stopped for only human me

Yet remain aloof of the All-Seeing, Allah Almighty

Whom we will have to answer to on Judgement day

When each of our actions He will survey

The decision, to jannah or jahannam, will take place

Ask yourself now, which one is it that you chase?

You fool yourself that this maybe love

Ask them to marry and see how you get the shove

For it is only lust at your tender age

And with the devil you both engage

So stop these shenanigans and open your eyes

The true purpose of life come to realise

Yourself, from sins and evil of zina do save

Before its too late and you are already in the grave

Stop, turn to Allah and sincerely repent

Mend your ways and follow Jannah's scent!

Muslims are advised to distinguish themselves in their external appearance adopting Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs, whether worldly or Deeni. By this, it is meant that Muslims are recognised and identified by a single religious culture or code, which is purely Islamic.

Valentine's day has its origin and significance in the sacrifices of a Christian personality. This in itself will quite clearly illustrate to any Muslim with even an iota of Imaan how repugnant any involvement or recognition of such a day is and to what extent it goes against the spirit of Islam. It has always been the Christian and Jewish aim to get Muslims to forfeit their identity and take to heart un-Islamic practices, as elaborated in the words of Allah Ta'ala, "The Christians and Jews will never be happy with you until you follow their ways." (Baqarah 120)

The Islamic viewpoint and reaction to such practices is clearly and unequivocally outlined in the following Aayat, "O Believers do not take as friends the Christians and Jews … he amongst you who will befriend them is of them (and not of us Muslims)" (Maaidah 51)

By joining them in their occasions of celebration, we will fall well within the purview of the warning contained in the above Aayat. Consider the grave warning given to us by none other than our Noble Master Rasulullah ( Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), "He who will imitate a nation will be raised up among them on the Day of Qiyaamat." (Mishkaat)

About Valentine Day

The festival of love, which they celebrate on February 14 each year is an expression of what they believed in their pagan religion to be divine love. This festival was invented more than 1700 years ago, at a time when paganism was still prevalent among the Romans. Whilst their state was still idolatrous, they executed Saint Valentine, who had converted to Christianity after having been a pagan. When the Romans converted to Christianity, they made the day of his execution an occasion to celebrate the matyrs of love. This festival is still celebrated in America and Europe, to declare feelings of friendship and to renew the covenant of love between spouses and lovers. This festival now has great social and economic significance.

It seems that another practice stemmed from the concept of this feast, which is the anniversary celebrated by spouses or friends who love one another, where the couple celebrate the anniversary of their marriage each year, to confirm the love between them. This custom has passed to the Muslims because of their mixing (with the non-Muslims), so that couples celebrate the night of their marriage in a special way in many Muslim countries, imitating the kuffar.

May Allah Suhana wa'tala protect us and keep us steadfast on the Deen.
Ameen

Jumu'ah Khutbah, Muharram 1428

THE MUSLIM & THE BELIEVER

Abu Hurairah (Radiya Allahu anhu) said, I heard the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) saying in his khutbah:

"O people! The 'Abd (Allah's bondsmen) will not be considered a Muslim unless people are safe from his hand and his tongue.

And he will not attain the status of a Believer unless his neighbour is secure from his evil deeds.
And he will not be considered Muttaqi (warding off evil) until he avoids the unobjectionable out of the fear of commiting the objectionable.

O people! Whoever fears the night attack keeps moving all night, and whoever moves all night arrives safely to his destination. You will know the results of your deeds after you die.

O people! The believer's intention is better than his actions.
The sinful's intention is worse than his actions."

***************

'Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radiya Allahu anhu) narrated :
The Prophet said, 'O people! 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 Allah and His Apostle, then his emigration was for Allah and His Apostle, and whoever emigrated to take worldly benefit or for a woman to marry, then his emigration was for what he emigrated for."
(Sahih Bukhari)

***********************
LESSON

Beware of your intentions. If they are not purely and sincerely for the sake of Allaah and the greater good. Then think carefully about the consequence of that action in this life and the akhirra.

A loose tongue can often lead to a believers destruction. Be mindful of what you speak, and only speak that which is beneficial. Avoid backbiting, slander, hatred, harshness, arrogance and all the other traits that Allah (subhana wat'ala) and his beloved Messenger (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) forbade us from.

***************

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
"A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden."
(Sahih Bukhari)

***************

SIFAT AL MUNAFIQIN

The Disease

Hypocrisy is a deep rooted all encompassing spiritual disease. A persons heart could be overflowing with it yet be oblivious to it due to its hidden but subtle nature. We may frequently assume we are acting correctly but indeed be far off the mark and spreading corruption.

Prognosis

Hypocrisy is of two types: Major and Minor.
Major characteristics lead to eternal punishment in the lowest depths of the Hell, examples of which are to outwardly display faith in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day, but inwardly one is devoid of such belief and disbelieves in it. He does not believe that Allah spoke to a Man amongst men who He appointed to be a Messanger; guiding them by His permission and warning them of His punishment.

"The hypocrites are in the lowest levels of Hell and you will not find anyone to help them".
[an Nisa 4:145]

Symptoms

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet said, "Whoever has (the following) four characters will be a hypocrite, and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy until he gives it up. These are: (1 ) Whenever he talks, he tells a lie; (2) whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; (3) whenever he makes a covenant he proves treacherous; (4) and whenever he quarrels, he behaves impudently in an evil insulting manner."
(Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

The Quran & Sunnah relate many examples of those characteristics we should all be aware of and be looking to avoid at all costs....those things we need to realise in order to purify and save ourselves... those things we need to realise before it is too late:

30 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HYPOCRITE

==========================================
Indeed we all suffer to some extent or have lapse of judgement
or maybe motivation. But let this be a warning to you as it was
for me. You and I are only as strong and as pure as our Nafs and
our intentions. Only when we erradicate them of the diseases of
the accursed, will we begin to realise sweetness of Imaan and
closeness to Allah.
May Allah guide us and protect us all from the lure of shaytaan
and purify our nafs' so that we may be worthy of meeting Him
and His blessed Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
in the Akhirra as true believers.
Ameen
==========================================
Recommended Book on this Topic:
"Characteristics of the Hypocrite" by Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah

The Virtues of Hijab

1. An act of obedience.
The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur'an:`It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and HisMessenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36).
Allah also said: 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31).
Juyubihinna: The respected early scholars differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.

2.The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty).
Allah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says: 'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59).
In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

3. The hijab is Tahara (Purity)
Allah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: `And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53).
The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.' (S33:32)

4. The hijab is a Shield
The prophet (pbuh) said: "Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)."
The Prophet (pbuh) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her. "
The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness)
Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an: O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.'(S7:26).
The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).

6. The hijab is Eemaan (Belief or Faith)
Allah (swt) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed:
"If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

7. The hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness)
There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

8. The hijab is Gheerah
The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

When the wind blows....

SubhanAllah....so as todays been really windy and much has been happening, I thought i'd share a few ayaahs, hadith thoughts and pictures to serve as a reminder inshaAllah.

============================================

A'Hadith

Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet), I never saw Allah's Apostle laughing loudly enough to enable me to see his uvula, but he used to smile only. And whenever he saw clouds or winds, signs of deep concern would appear on his face. I said, "O Allah's Apostle! When people see clouds they usually feel happy, hoping that it would rain, while I see that when you see clouds, one could notice signs of dissatisfaction on your face." He said, "O 'Aisha! What is the guarantee for me that there will be no punishment in it, since some people were punished with a wind? Verily, some people saw (received) the punishment, but (while seeing the cloud) they said, 'This cloud will give us rain.' "
(Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again. Similarly, a believer is afflicted with calamities (but he remains patient till Allah removes his difficulties.) And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (uproots) it suddenly when He wishes."
(Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Ata: 'Aisha said If the Prophet saw a cloud In the sky, he would walk to and fro in agitation, go out and come in, and the color of his face would change, and if it rained, he would feel relaxed." So 'Aisha knew that state of his. So the Prophet said, I don't know (am afraid), it may be similar to what happened to some people referred to in the Holy Quran in the following Verse: -- "Then when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said, 'This is a cloud bringing us rain!' Nay, but, it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened a wind wherein is severe torment." (46.24)

(Sahih Bukhari)

Narrated Abdullah: The Prophet used to recite: 'Is there any that remember? And a furious wind (plucking out men) as if they were uprooted stems of palm trees, then how terrible was My punishment and My warnings!' (54.20-21)

(Sahih Bukhari)

Quran Ayah's on Wind

Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)? Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? High Exalted be Allah above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

( سورة النمل , An-Naml, Chapter #27, Verse #63)

So We sent upon them furious wind in days of evil omen (for them) that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life, but surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing, and they will never be helped.

( سورة فصلت , Fussilat, Chapter #41, Verse #16)

Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened! a wind wherein is a painful torment!

( سورة الأحقاف , Al-Ahqaf, Chapter #46, Verse #24)

Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allah), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning?

( سورة الملك , Al-Mulk, Chapter #67, Verse #17)

Today

Pictures outside my house where a hundred year old tree fell and narrowly missed a car...and of the hole it left as it ripped up the tarmac of the road, and of other disasters within 1 mile of where i live.

So this just got me thinking really....how easily we forget the power of Allah, how we don't really remember the warnings of the final hour....how easily something can be here one minute and gone the next. Yes we all see it on tv, the tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and worse...but how many of us actually take heed to the fact that nothing happens without the will of Allah.

How many of us remember that we are here now, but may stop breathing within seconds or minutes? And similar to this, we may leave a temporary hole in the dunya, but when the dust covers our bodies and we are buried 6ft under....how is anything we did on the dunya really going to benefit us unless we remember our true purpose now???

Then when you see just a few of the pictures of "damage" to the places we live ....how many of us can REALLY imagine how the dunya will be when the final hour strikes???

Can we even comprehend that scale of catastrophe???

Let this remind you as it has reminded me....so that we can take heed before it really is too late inshaAllah.

ARROGANCE

The Prophet (SAW) said: Whoever has pride in his heart equal to the weight of a mustard seed shall not enter paradise. Someone said ' A person likes to wear beautiful clothes and fine shoes'. he replied 'Allah is beautiful and likes beauty. Pride means rejecting the truth and looking down on other people.
Muslim

The Prophet (SAW) said: Eat, drink, give charity and wear (nice) clothes, (as long as you do so) without arrogance and extravagence. Allah loves that His blessings to be seen on His servant.
Ahmad, Ibn Majah

The Prophet (SAW) said: Indeed, Allah has saved you from the ignorant practices (of the days before Islam) and the bad habits of boasting about ancestors. A person is only a pious believer or a miserable sinner. All people are the children of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.
Ahmad, Abu Dawud

The Prophet (SAW) said: Shall I not tell you who the inhabitants of Hell are? They are the people who are stuck up, arrogant and stubborn.
Bukhari

Brick and the Jaguar

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something.

As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead a brick smashed into the Jag’s side door! He slammed on the brakes and drove the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, “What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That’s a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost me a lot of money. Why did you do it?”

The young boy was apologetic. “Please mister. . . . please, I’m sorry.

I didn’t know what else to do. I threw the brick because no one else would stop” With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. “It’s my brother. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up.”

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He’s hurt and he’s too heavy for me.”

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out his handkerchief and wiped at the fresh scrapes and cuts. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar.

The damage was very noticeable but the driver never repaired the dented side door. There are many lessons in this story; but he kept the dent to remind him of this message:

Don’t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention. Everyday we are reminded of the ‘whispers’ of our experiences around us. When our Creator has blessed us with ’sight’; then why do we continue life blindly. Sometimes when we don’t take the time to take heed, A ‘brick’ is thrown at us ; so that we may take lessons therefrom.

Listen to the ‘whisper’…….. or wait for the ‘brick’……