An Inspirational Story

Robert Davila- By Nouman Ali Khan

Gratitude

A great article capturing why its important to develop an attitude of gratitude. We should focus on the countless blessings Allah has granted us instead of focusing on the things we lack. Such an attitude can generate a positive impact that can touch many aspects of our lives.

Follow this link to read the article:
http://productivemuslim.com/the-attitude-of-gratitude-a-productive-muslims-approach-to-life/#more-9075

Be Thankful for All that You Have

We complain about everything! We tend to take things for granted, not knowing that what we enjoy is all from Allah. Allah says: “And if you would count the graces of Allah, never could you be able to count them”. We have a roof over our heads, three meals at least a day and canned food that is sufficient for three months or more. We have running water and heating systems were others are living in freezing conditions in tents without any of that. You go to the toilet everyday like clockwork. How many people do you know who suffer from constipation? The Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Look at the one who is at a lower level than you, and do not look at the one who is above you, for that may keep you from scorning the blessing of Allah. If you have a car, be grateful as others have motorcycles. If you have a motorcycle, be grateful as others have bicycles. And if you are fed up with your bicycle, there are those who walk all day and their biggest wish is to have two wheels! Walking is one of the greatest blessings of Allah as there are those who are on a wheelchair. Someone who can’t walk is more blessed in our eyes than someone who is bedridden and paralyzed. Allah has said the truth: “And if you would count the graces of Allah, never could you be able to count them”. Therefore, stop whining and wailing and show your gratitude and appreciation to Allah wherever you are before He takes it from you!

Sh Assim Al Hakeem

Recommended to fast both 9th and 10th of Muharram

‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.

Narrated by Muslim, 1916.

Al-Shaafa’i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: It is mustahabb [recommended] to fast both the ninth and the tenth, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.

Based on this, there are different ways of fasting ‘Ashoora’, the least of which is to fast the tenth only, but it is better to fast the ninth as well. The more one fasts in Muharram, the better.

(Source: Islam QA)

Fasting on the Day of 'Ashoora

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162. This is by the bounty that Allaah bestows upon us, whereby fasting one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.

What is meant by being keen to make sure he fasted it is so as to earn its reward.

Secondly:

With regard to the reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast.

(Source: Islam QA)

Productive Muslim

Listen to this lecture by Mufti Menk on how a Muslim can become productive. 

http://productivemuslim.com/productive-muslim-talk-by-mufti-ismail-menk/?awt_l=ELTE6&awt_m=3iEZO9Yi.6SbnEz