Why fast tomorrow, the Day of Arafah?

2009 November 25
by AbdelRahman

Because your sins are forgiven for a total of two years, that’s why.1166689619

“It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, ‘It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.‘ Narrated by Muslim.”

Also, make a lot of du’aa, prayers, and send plenty of peace and blessings to the Prophet Muhammad [saw] on this day, because it is the last of the blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

Some awesome facts about the Day of Arafah:

read more…

Rest In The Shade 4 – Surah Al Baqarah 2:281

2009 November 23

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

2_281

“And fear the Day when you shall return to Allah, and every soul shall be compensated for what they earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.” 2:281

The day to be feared is awesome indeed. Believers’ hearts dread the events of that day when all will be made to stand in front of God to face the reckoning of their deeds. This verse serves as a fitting comment on a passage devoted to the liquidation of past unfair dealings.

This fear is the powerful ‘voice within’ which Islam kindles in the deepest recesses of people’s minds and hearts to act as a potent guiding force in life. Thus Islam proves yet again how vigorous, well-integrated, practical and merciful it is, and demonstrates that its overriding aim and objective is the happiness and well-being of man as an individual, and human society as a whole.

[In The Shade Of The Qur'an, volume 1, page 468]

Rest In The Shade 3 – Surah Ibrahim 14:24-25

2009 November 21

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

14_2414_25

“Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded.” 14:24-25

read more…

Rest In The Shade 2 – Surah Al Baqarah 2:207

2009 November 12
by AbdelRahman

In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful2_2071“And there is the type of man who would sell his life to earn the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Most Compassionate towards His devotees.” 2:207

These people are willing to dedicate their souls and bodies to Allah, for nothing in return other than His pleasure. It is a deal they conclude without a moment’s hesitation, desiring nothing else but divine blessing and approval.

read more…

Rest In The Shade 1 – Surah Ibrahim 14:3

2009 November 10
by AbdelRahman

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

14_3

“Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, who hinder (humankind) from the Path of Allah, and seek therein something crooked: they are astray by a long distance.” 14:3

Giving preference to the life of this world puts a person in a position of conflict with the requirements of faith, and on a collision course with the “path of Allah.” The situation is reversed when preference is given to the life to come. For then, this life is set on the right course. People enjoy it with moderation, always keen to earn Allah’s pleasure.  Hence there is no conflict between their preference for the life to come and their enjoyment of this life with the pleasures that it offers.

read more…

Marriage And Family Life

2009 September 26
by AbdelRahman

Given at the Islamic Center of Naperville – Ogden