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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:42 PM
Don't Be Sad





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








Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni



At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the Muslims that have come before us.


Don't Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.


So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah (swt).


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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:44 PM
Contents: [will keep updating everyday insha'Allaah]


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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:45 PM
Find Consolation By Remembering The Afflicted



Look around you, to the right and to the left. Do you not see the afflicted and the unfortunate? In every house there is mourning and upon every cheek run tears. How many tribulations and how many people persevere with patience? You are not alone in your troubles, which are few compared to those of others. How many sick people remain bedridden for years suffering from unspeakable pain? How many have not seen the light of the sun for years due to their imprisonment, having knowledge of nothing but the four corners of their cell?

How many men and women have lost their dear children in the prime of youth? How many people are troubled or tormented? Find consolation with those that are worse off than you; know that this life is like a prison for the believer, an abode of grief and sadness. In the morning castles are bustling with inhabitants; then in an instant, disaster occurs, and they are empty and desolate. Life can be peaceful, the body in good health, wealth abundant, and children aplenty; and yet in only a matter of days poverty, death, separation, and sickness can all take their place.

“And it was clear to you how We had dealt with them. And We put forth [many] parables for you.” Surah Ibrahim – Ayah – 45.

You must adapt like the experienced camel, which manages to kneel upon a rock. You must also compare your difficulties with those around you, and with those that have come before you: you should realize that you are in good shape relative to them, and that you have been merely pricked by tiny difficulties. So praise Allah for His kindness, be thankful for what He has left for you, seek recompense from Him for what He has taken, and seek consolation with those that are afflicted.

You have a perfect example in the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam. The entrails of a camel were placed upon his head; his feet bled; his face was fractured; he was besieged in a mountain pass until he was forced to eat tree leaves; he was driven out of Makkah; his front tooth was broken in battle; his innocent wife was accused of wrongdoing; seventy of his Companions were killed; he was bereaved of his son and of most of his daughters; he tied a stone around his stomach because of hunger; and he was accused of being a poet, a magician, a soothsayer, a madman, and a liar - all at the same time. Yet Allah protected him throughout these severe trials and tribulations.

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.” Surah Al-Baqarah – Ayah 214.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:45 PM
The Prayer The Prayer



“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer.” Surah Al-Baqarah - Ayah 153.

If you are beset with fear and anxieties, stand up on such occasions and pray: your soul will find comfort and solace. The prayer - as long as you perform it sincerely with a wakeful heart - is guaranteed to have this effect on you.

Whenever the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam was afflicted with hardship, he would say:

“O Bilal! Give us comfort and call for the prayer.”

The prayer was his joy and pleasure; it was the delight of his eye. I have read biographies of many righteous people, people who would singularly turn to prayer when they were surrounded by difficulties and hardship, people who would pray until their strength, will, and resolution returned to them.

This generation, which is raged by psychological sicknesses, must return to the Mosque, prostrating and seeking Allah’s pleasure. If we do not do this, tears will burn our eyes and grief will destroy our nerves,

By earnestly performing the five daily (obligatory) prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: atonement for our sins and an increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is also a potent remedy for our sicknesses, for it instils faith into our souls. As for those that keep away from the Mosque, away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness, and an embittered life.

“For them is destruction, and Allah will make their deeds vain.” Surah Muhammad – Ayah 8.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:45 PM
Allah [Alone] Is Sufficient For Us



By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending upon Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith and display the more prominent characteristics of the believer. When you incorporate these qualities into your character, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection, and victory.

When Prophet Ibraheem was thrown into the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” Thereupon, Allah made the fire to be cool, safe, and peaceful for Ibraheem. When the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions were threatened by the impending attack of the enemy, they said:

“Allah [Alone] is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs [for us]. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 174.

No person by himself is capable of fighting against the current of misfortune, nor can he fend off the blows of disaster when they strike. This is because man was created weak and fragile. However, when in times of difficulty, the believer places his dependency and trust with his Lord; he knows that all difficulties can be overcome.

“And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” Surah Al-Ma’idah – Ayah 23.

O’ you who wish to be sincere to yourselves: depend upon the All- Mighty, the All-Rich to save you from calamity and disaster. Live your lives according to this precept: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs. If you have meagre means, if you are deep in debt, or if you are in any kind of worldly difficulty, call out: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

If you face your enemy and are alarmed, or if you fear the misdeeds of the oppressor, say aloud: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

“But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.” Surah Al-Furqan – Ayah 31.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:46 PM
Travel Through The Earth



This is a continuation of the section (from yesterday) called – Allah [alone] is sufficient….

There is one activity worthy of mention here, because it gives both pleasure and removes dark clouds that may hang over you; namely, for you to travel through the lands and observe the open book of creation, appreciating all of its wonders. During your journeys, you can see gardens of splendour and beautiful green meadows. Leave your home and contemplate that which surrounds you. Climb mountains, traverse valleys, ascend trees, and drink sweet, pure spring water. Thereupon, you will find your soul to be free like the bird that sings and swims in the sky in perfect rapture. Leave your home and remove the black blindfold from your eyes, and then travel through the spacious lands of Allah, remembering and glorifying Him.

To isolate yourself to the confines of your own room, while passing the hours away with lethal idleness, is a certain path to self-destruction. Your room is not the only place in the world, and you are not the sole inhabitant of it. Then why do you surrender yourself to misery and solitude? Call out with your eyes, ears and heart:

“March forth, whether you are light or heavy.” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 41.

Come, recite the Qur’an beside a mountain brook or among the birds as they sing. Travelling through the land is an activity which doctors recommend, especially for those who are feeling downcast, constricted by the narrowness of their own rooms. Therefore go forth and find delight in travelling.

“And they think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! You have not created [all] this without purpose, glory to You!” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 191.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:46 PM
Patience Is Most Fitting



Only a minority of people meet hardship with a strong bearing and a patient countenance. But we must consider this, though it may seem obvious; if you or I will not be patient then what else is there for us to do? Do you have an alternative solution? Do you know of any better provision than patience?

Those that achieve greatness most likely had to surmount an ocean of difficulties and hardships before finally achieving success. Know that each time you escape a difficulty, you will have to face another. Through this constant conflict, you must arm yourself with patience and a strong trust in Allah.

This is the way of the noble-minded: they face difficulties with firm resolution and they wrestle hardship to the ground.

Therefore be patient and know that your patience is only through Allah. Have the patience of one who is confident of forthcoming ease, one who knows that there will be a good ending, one who seeks reward from his Lord, hoping, that by facing these difficulties, he will find expiation for his sins. Have patience, no matter what the difficulty and no matter how dark the road ahead seems. For truly, with patience comes victory, and with difficulty relief follows close behind.

After having read biographies of some successful people from the past, I became amazed at the amount of patience they displayed, at their ability to bear heavy burdens only to emerge as stronger human beings. Hardship fell upon their heads like the lashing of freezing rain and yet they were as firm as mountains. And then, after a short time had passed, they were rewarded for their patience with, success.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:47 PM
Don't Carry The Weight Of The Globe On Your Shoulders



In a certain class of people there rages an internal war, one that doesn’t take place on the battlefield, but in one’s bedroom, one’s office, one’s own home. It is a war that results in ulcers or an increase in blood pressure. Everything frustrates these people: they become angry at inflation, furious because the rains came late, and exasperated when the value of their currency falls. They are forever perturbed and vexed, no matter what the reason.

“They think that every cry is against them.” Surah Al-Munafiqun – Ayah 4.

My advice to you is this: do not carry the weight of the globe on your shoulders. Let the ground carry the burden of those things that happen, and do not attempt to carry them. Some people have a heart that is like a sponge, absorbing all kinds of fallacies and misconceptions. It is troubled by the most insignificant of matters, somehow being troubled by all that takes place. This kind of heart is sure to destroy its possessor.

Those who are principled and are upon the true path are not shaken by hardship; instead, their faith increases. But the reverse is true for the weak-hearted: when they face adversity or trouble, it is only their level of fear that increases. At a time of calamity, there is nothing more beneficial to you than a brave heart. The one who has such a heart is composed - he has firm faith and cool nerves. On the other hand, during the course of any given day, the coward slaughters himself many times with apprehensions and presentiments of impending doom. Therefore, if you desire for yourself a stable life, face all situations with bravery and perseverance.

“And let not those who have no certainty of faith discourage you.” Surah Ar-Rum - Ayah 60.

Be more resolute than your circumstances and more ferocious than the winds of calamity. May mercy descend upon the weak-hearted, for how often are they shaken by the smallest of tremors.

“And verily, you will find them the greediest of mankind for life.” Surah Al-Baqarah – Ayah 96.

As for those who are resolute, they receive help from their Lord and are confident of His promise.

“He sent down calmness and tranquillity upon them.” Surah Al-Fath – Ayah 18.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:47 PM
Don't Be Crushed By What Is Insignificant



Many are those that are distressed not by pressing matters of great importance, but by minor trifles. Observe the hypocrites how weak they are in their resolution. These are their sayings quoted by the noble Qur’an:

“Those who stayed away [from the Tabuk expedition] rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allah; they hated to strive and fight with their properties and their lives in the Cause of Allah, and they said: ‘March not forth in the heat.’” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 81.

“Grant me leave [to be exempted from Jihad] and put me not into trial?” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 81.

How wretched are the souls of such people!

Their principal concerns are for their stomachs, cars, houses, and castles. They never raise their eyes even once to a life of ideals and virtues. Their only concern and the extent of their knowledge is their car, clothes, shoes, and food.

Some people are distressed day and night, because of a disagreement with their spouse, son or relative, or because they have had to forbear criticism, or because of some other trivial event. Such are the calamities of these people. They have no aspiration to higher principles or goals to keep them busy, and they have no noble ambition in their lives to an end for which they can strive day and night. It has been said, when water leaves a container, it is then filled with air. Therefore reflect on that which gives you cause for concern or anxiety, and ask yourself: Does it merit your energies and toils? This is an indispensable question, because whatever it is that causes your anxiety, you are, with mind, flesh, and, blood, giving it energy and time. And if it does not merit your energy and time, you have lost much. Psychologists say that you should judge everything in proportion to its true value and then put it in its proper place. More truthful than this is the saying of Allah:

“Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” Surah At-Talaq – Ayah 3.

So pay your attention to each situation according to its size, weight, and measure. And stay away from immoderation or from exceeding the proper bounds - exaggeration.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:48 PM
Be Content



The complete title of this section is "Be content with that which Allah has given you, you will be the richest of people."

Wealth, appearance, children, house, and talents - you must be content with your share in these things:

“So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful.” Surah Al-A’raf - Ayah 144.

Most Islamic scholars and pious Muslims of the early generations of Islam were poor, needless to say they had no beautiful houses or nice vehicles, cars and grandeur. Yet, despite these disadvantages, they led fruitful lives, and they benefited mankind, not by some miracle, but because they used all that they were given, and spent their time in the correct way. Hence they were blessed in their lives, their time, and their talents.

On the contrary, there are many people who have been bestowed with wealth, children, and all forms of blessings, yet these blessings have been the very reason for their misery and ruin. They deviated from what their inborn instincts were telling them, namely, that material things are not everything. Look at those that have obtained degrees from world- renowned universities, and yet they are paragons of obscurity. Their talents and abilities remain unused. While others who are limited in the scope of their knowledge have managed to make mountains out of what they have been given, benefiting both individual and society.

If you are a seeker of happiness, be satisfied with the looks Allah has favoured you with, with your family situation, with the sound of your voice, with the level of your understanding, and with the amount of your salary. Certain educators go further than this by saying that you should imagine being contented with even less than you have now.

Here are some examples from our Islamic heritage of those who shone despite each being challenged by various disadvantages:

‘Ala ibn Rabali was a world-renowned scholar of his time. He was not only a freed slave and snub-nosed with peppery hair, but he was also paralysed.

Al-Ahnaf ibn Qais is famous for extra ordinary patience among the Arabs. Being extremely emaciated, humpbacked, with crooked legs and a fragile frame challenged him.

Therefore your value is in your abilities, good deeds, manners, and contribution to society. Do not feel grief, then, over that which has passed you by in life in terms of good looks, wealth or family; and be content with what Allah has allotted for you.

“It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world.” Surah Az-Zukhruf – Ayah 32.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:48 PM
Remind Yourself Of Paradise



The complete title for this section is “Remind yourself of Paradise, which is as wide as the heavens and earth.”

If you are hungry in this world, if you are sad, ill or oppressed, remember the eternal bliss of Paradise. If you do this, then your losses are really profits and the hardships you face are really gifts. The most wise of people are those that work for the Hereafter, because it is better and everlasting. And the most foolish of mankind are those that see this world as their eternal abode - in it reside all of their hopes. You will find such people to be the most grief-stricken of all when faced with calamity. They will be the most affected by worldly loss simply because they see nothing beyond the insignificant lives that they lead. They see and think only of this impermanent life. They wish for nothing to spoil them in their state of felicity. Were they to remove the veil of ignorance from their eyes, they would commune with themselves about the eternal abode - its bliss, pleasures, and castles. They would listen attentively when they are informed through the Qur’an and the Sunnah about its description. Indeed, that is the abode that deserves our attention and merits our striving and our toiling, so that we may achieve the best of it.

Have we reflected at length about the description of the inhabitants of Paradise? Illness does not befall them, grief does not come near them, they die not, they remain young, and their attire remains both perfect and clean, they are in a beautiful home. In Paradise is found that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has imagined. The rider travels under a tree in Paradise for one hundred years and yet he does not reach its end. The length of a tent in Paradise is sixty miles. Its rivers are constant, its castles lofty, and its fruits close-by, easily picked.

“Therein will be a running spring. Therein will be thrones raised high, and cups set at hand, and cushions set in rows, and rich carpets [all] spread out.” Surah Al-Ghashiyah – Ayah’s 12-16.

The happiness of Paradise will be absolute. So why do we not contemplate this?

If that will be our final destination then the hardships of this world are less heavy than they may seem., so let the hearts of the afflicted find solace.

O’ you who live in poverty, or are afflicted with calamity, work righteous deeds so that you shall live in Allah’s Paradise, welcomed with the words:

“Peace he upon you, because you persevered in patience. Excellent indeed is the final home!” Surah Ar-Ra’d – Ayah 24.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:49 PM
Thus We Have Made You A Just Nation



To continue: Both your conscience and your Religion demand that you be just, which means that you should neither exaggerate nor understate, neither go into excess nor do too little. Whoever seeks happiness should be just, regardless whether he is in an angry, sad, or joyful mood. Exaggeration in our dealings with others is unacceptable. The best course is the middle course. Whoever follows his desires will likely magnify the importance of any given situation, always making a big deal out of nothing. He will feel jealousy and malice toward others. Since he lives in a world of exaggeration and imagination, he will envisage everyone else to be against him, even to the extent that he feels others to be always conspiring to destroy him. Because of this, he lives under a dark cloud, constantly overcome by fear and apprehension. To quote the Qur’an:

“They think that every cry is against them.” Surah Al-Munafiqun – Ayah 4.

Living according to hearsay and superstition is prohibited in our Religion. More often than not, what you fear will happen does not actually occur. Here is something you should try; when you fear something, imagine that the worst possible outcome takes place, and then train yourself to feel prepared and contented with that outcome. If you do this, you will find that you have saved yourself from apprehensions and superstitions that tear apart your heart.

Give your attention to each matter in proportion to its importance. In any given situation do not exaggerate mountains from molehills; rather, keep in mind your objectivity and fairness. Do not follow false suspicion or the deceitful illusion of the mirage, but be balanced. Listen to the balance of love and hate as explained by the noble and kind Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam, he said:

“Love the one who is beloved to you in due moderation, for perhaps the day will come when you will abhor him. And hate the one whom you detest in due moderation, for perhaps the day will arrive when you will come to love him.”

And the Qur’an informs:

“Perhaps Allah will make friendship between you and those whom you hold as enemies. And Allah has power [over all things], and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Surah Al-Mumtahinah – Ayah 7.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:50 PM
Being Sad Is Not Encouraged In Our Religion



Allah has asked us not be sad. He says:

“So do not become weak [against your enemy], nor be sad…” Surah Al-Imran - Ayah 139.

“And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.” Surah An-Nahl - Ayah127.

“Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” Surah At-Taubah - Ayah 40.

We are informed in the following verse about the believers that:

“…upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Surah Al-Baqarah - Ayah 38.

Sadness enervates the spirit’s will to action, paralysing the body into inactivity. The secret of this is that sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart benefits nothing through grief. The most beloved thing to the Devil is to make the worshipper sad in order to prevent him from continuing on his path. Allah says:

“Secret counsels [conspiracies] are only from Shaytaan (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers.” Surah Al-Mujadilah – Ayah 10.

In the following hadith, the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“In a company of three, it is forbidden for two to hold secret counsel while excluding the third, as this will be a cause of sadness for him.”

Contrary to what some believe (those who have an extreme ascetic bent), the believer should not seek out sadness, because sadness is a harmful element that afflicts the soul. The Muslim must repel sadness, fighting it in any way that is permissible in our Religion. There is no real benefit in sadness; the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam sought refuge from it in the following supplication:

“O’ Allah, I seek refuge in you from anxiety and grief.”

Grief is coupled with anxiety in this hadith. The difference between the two is that if a bad feeling that pervades the heart is related to what is going to happen in the future, then it is anxiety. And if the cause of this feeling concerns the past, then it is grief. Both of them weaken the heart, causing inactivity and a decrease in will power.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:51 PM
Being Sad Is Not Encouraged In Our Religion (2)



Grief may sometimes be both inevitable and necessary. When they enter Paradise, its dwellers will say:

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has removed from us [all] grief.” Surah Fatir – Ayah 34.

This verse implies that they were afflicted with grief in this life, just as they were afflicted with other forms of hardship, both of which were out of their control. So whenever one is overcome by grief and there is no way to avoid it, one is rewarded, because grief is a form of hardship, and the believer is rewarded for going through hardship. Nonetheless, the believer must ward off grief with supplication and other practical means.

As for the saying of Allah:

“Nor [is there blame] on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said: ‘I can find no mounts for you’, they turned hack, while their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend.” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 92.

They were not praised for their grief in itself but for what that grief indicated and pointed to - namely, strong faith. This occurred when they remained behind during one of the Prophet’s expeditions, due to their inability to find the necessary resources needed to make the trip. Hence the hypocrites are exposed, because they did not feel grief when they remained behind.

Therefore the good kind of grief is that which is occasioned when one misses out on an opportunity to do a good deed, or when one performs a sin. When one feels sad because he was negligent in fulfilling the rights of Allah, he shows a characteristic of a person who is on the right path.

The last of the Prophets Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Whatever befalls the believer in terms of anxiety, hardship or grief, Allah will make it an atonement for (some of) his sins.”

This indicates that grief is a trial with which the believer is afflicted, and through which some of his sins are atoned for. However, it does not indicate that grief is something to be sought after; the believer should not seek out means of finding grief, thinking that he is performing an act of worship. If this were the ease, then the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam would have been the first to apply this principle. But he didn’t search for misery; rather; his face was always smiling, his heart was content, and he was continually joyful.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:51 PM
Being Sad Is Not Encouraged In Our Religion (3)



Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:

“There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever-Forbearing, the All-Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Heavens, the Lord of the earth and the Lord of the Noble Throne. O’ Ever-Living, and O’ One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your mercy do we seek Your aid.”

“O’ Allah, Your mercy do I hope for; so do not leave me to myself not even for the blinking of an eve. And make well for me all of my affairs. There is none worthy of worship except You.”

“I seek forgiveness from Allah: none is worthy of worship except Him. He is the Ever-Living and the One who sustains and protects all that exists, and I turn to Him in repentance.”

“There is none worthy of worship except You, and how perfect You are; verily, I was among the wrongdoers.”

“O’ Allah, verily I am your slave, the son of your slaves; my forelock is in your hand, your order concerning me will be executed and just is Your judgment upon me. I ask you by all of Your names that you have named Yourself with, have revealed in your book, have taught to one of Your creation, or is in Your knowledge only (from the matters of the unseen): make the Qur’an the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the remover of my sadness and the purger of my anxiety.”

“O’ Allah. I seek refuge in you from anxiety and grief, from inability and laziness, from avarice and cowardice, from being engrossed by debt, and from being overpowered by men.”

“Allah (Alone), is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:52 PM
Smile (1)



Laughing moderately can act as a cure or therapy for depression and sadness. It has a strong influence on keeping the soul light and the heart clear. Abu Darda’ said, “I make it a practice to laugh in order to give rest and comfort to my heart. And the noblest of people, Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam, would laugh, sometimes until his molars became visible.”

Laughing is an efficacious way to achieve comfort and light heartedness, but keep in mind that, as in other things, you should not be immoderate. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Do not laugh excessively, for verily, excessive laughter kills the heart.”

What is called for is moderation.

He Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam further said: “And if you smile in the face of your brother, then this is a form of charity.”

Allah tells us: “So he, Sulayman, smiled, amused by her speech.” Surah An-Naml – Ayah 19.

Among the pleasures of Paradise will be laughter:

“But this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers.” Surah Al-Mutaffifin – Ayah 34.

The Arabs would hold in high esteem the one known for his smile and laughter. They believed this to proclaim a generous personality, a person with a noble disposition and a clear mind. The truth is that the principles of Islam are based on moderation and on good measure, whether it be in matters of belief, worship, manners, or conduct. Islam does not condone a rigid, frowning expression, nor does it condone a constant playful giddiness; rather what it does promote is seriousness when it is called for.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:52 PM
Smile (2)



Bearing a gloomy mien and a frowning countenance are marks of a lowly character, a troubled nature, and hot-headedness.

“Then he frowned and he looked in a bad tempered way…” Surah Al-Muddaththir – Ayah 22.

The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam advised the people:

“Do not disparage (underestimate) any good deed (no matter how small it is), even if that deed was to meet your brother with a friendly countenance.”

Ahmed Ameen said in his book Fayd al-Khaatir:

“People who are always smiling not only make their own lives more joyful, but what is more, they are more productive people in their work and have a greater ability to live up to their responsibilities. They are more prepared to face difficulties and to find expedient solutions for them. They are prolific workers who benefit themselves and others.”

If I were given a choice between having status in society and plentiful money, or between having a happy, radiant, smiling self, I would choose the latter. For what is great wealth if it begets misery? And what is high position if what comes with it is constant gloominess? And what good is the most beautiful wife if she transforms her house into a living hell? Much better than her - a thousand times at least - is a wife who has not reached such a pinnacle of beauty, but nonetheless has made her house to be a paradise.

The human being by his very nature is a smiling entity, were it not for those things that counteract this natural disposition, such as greed and selfishness, evils that contribute to his frowning. As such he is an anomaly and at odds with the natural harmony of all that surrounds him. Therefore the person whose heart is sullied cannot see things as they truly are. Every person sees the world through himself, by his actions, thoughts, and motives. So if our action is noble, our thought is clean, and our motive is honourable, then the spectacles through which we see the world will be clean, and the world will appear as it really is - a beautiful creation. If the spectacles become dirty, and their lenses stained, then everything will seem to be black and morbid.
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- Qatada -
12-14-2006, 04:53 PM
Smile (3)



There are those souls that are able to turn everything into misery, whilst there are those that are able to make from everything happiness and contentment. There is the woman in the house whose eyes fall upon nothing but mistakes. Today is black because a piece of fine china broke or because the cook put too much salt in the food. Then she flares up and curses, and no one in the house escapes from her execrations. Then there is the man who brings misery upon his own self and through his disposition heaps it upon others also. Any word that he hears he interprets in the worst possible way. He is affected gravely by the most insignificant of things that occur to him, or that have occurred to him by his actions. He is drawn into misery by profits lost, by profits expected that went unrealized, and so on. The whole world from his perspective is black, and so he blackens it for those around him. Such people have much ability to over-exaggerate the trifles that occur to them. Thus they make mountains out of molehills. Their ability to do well is negligent, and they are never happy or content with that which they have, even if what they had was plenty. No matter how great their possessions, they will never feel any blessings from what they have.

Life is like an art or a science: it needs to he learned and cultivated. It is much better for a person to plant love in his life than to glorify money, using all his might to help it ease its way into his pocket or into his account. What is life when all its energies are exploited and used for the sole purpose of accumulating wealth, an existence where no energy is directed toward the cultivation of beauty, splendour, and love?

Most people do not open their eyes to the beauty of life, but open them only to gold or silver. They pass by a lush and luxuriant garden, a beautiful bed of roses, a flowing river or a group of singing birds, yet they are unmoved by such scenes. All that moves them is the coming and going of money into or out of-their pockets. Money is but a means to a happy life. They have reversed this fact, have sold their happy existence, and have made money to be an end in itself. Our body has been equipped with eyes to see beauty with, yet we have trained them to look on nothing but money.

Nothing can cause the soul or the face to frown as does despondency. If you want to be a smiling person, wage war with despondency and hopelessness. The door to opportunity is always open to you and to others, and so is the door to success. So indoctrinate your mind with hopes of prosperity in the future.
Reply

syilla
12-19-2006, 02:42 AM
MashaAllah.........thank you so much

i really loves this book...

but i bought it....and give it as a present to others (my father and my father inlaw)...

unfortunately i don't buy to keep one imsad

and e book will make my life happier....lol
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:39 PM
Smile(4)


If you believe that you are inconsequential and have been created for things of only minor importance then your achievement in life will never surpass this initial goal. And if you believe that your calling in life is to achieve extraordinary feats, you will feel in you a determination that can destroy all kinds of barriers. This can be exemplified as follows. Whoever enters a 100 metre race will feel tired the moment he completes it, whereas anyone that enters a 400 metre race, will not-feel fatigue after passing the 100 or 200 metre mark. Therefore the soul gives resolution and will power in proportion to your goal. Thus you must identify your goal, and let it be high and difficult to achieve. And never feel despondency as long as you are taking a new step in its direction everyday.

What blocks the soul, making it frown and placing it in a dark prison? The answer is despondency, hopelessness, seeing everything as being evil, searching for faults in others and in constantly speaking about the evilness of the world.

Blessed is the one who has a teacher that helps him to develop his natural abilities and broaden his horizons. The best teacher is the one that instils kindness and generosity into his pupil, and teaches that the noblest of pursuits that one can strive for, is to be a source of goodness to others, in accordance with one’s abilities. The soul should be like the sun, radiating light and hope. The heart should be filled with tenderness, virtue, benevolence, and a genuine love for spreading good to all those that are connected to it.

The smiling soul sees difficulties, and loves to surmount them. When it sees problems, it smiles. It solves them, overcomes them, and smiles. The frowning soul, when faced with a problem, magnifies it and belittles its own determination, while spending all its time justifying. What is the age or times that it curses except its own self and upbringing. It loves success in life, but is not willing to pay its price. On every path, it sees a grinning lion. It waits only for gold to shower down upon it, or to chance upon some treasure in the ground.

Difficult things in life are only relative, for everything is difficult for the ordinary person, while there is no great difficulty for the remarkable person. While the remarkable person increases in worthiness by overcoming obstacles, the weak person increases in meanness by running away from them. Problems are comparable to a vicious dog. When it sees you scared or running away, it barks and follows in pursuit. However, when it sees your scorn, your lack of concern, and when you shine your eyes in its direction, it gives way and recoils within itself.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:40 PM
Smile(5)


How much in need we are of a smile, a friendly face, easy-going manners, and a gentle, generous soul. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Verily, Allah has revealed to me that you should be humble, so that none of you should transgress upon another, and none of you should be arrogant and proud to another.”

Smile - Pause to reflect

Do not be sad: when you experienced sadness yesterday, you were neither benefited nor consoled. Your son failed, and you became depressed, yet did this depression change the fact that he failed? Your father passed away, and you became downhearted, yet did this bring him back to life? You lost your business, and you became saddened. Did this change your situation by transforming losses into profits?

Do not be sad: You became despondent due to a calamity, and by doing so, created additional calamities. You became depressed because of poverty and this only increased the bitterness of your situation. You became gloomy because of what your enemies said to you, and by doing so, you unwittingly helped them in their attack upon you. You became sullen because you expected a particular misfortune, and yet it never came to pass.

Do not be sad: Truly a large mansion will not protect you from the effects of depression; and neither will a beautiful wife, abundant wealth, a high position, or brilliant children.

Do not be sad: Sadness causes you to imagine poison when you are really looking at pure water, to see a cactus when you are looking at a rose, to see a barren desert when you are looking at a lush garden, and to feel that you are in an unbearable prison when you are living on a vast and expansive earth.

Do not be sad: You have two eyes, two ears, lips, two hands, two legs, a tongue, a heart, peace, safety and a healthy body.

“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both [jinn and men] deny?” Surah Ar-Rahman – Ayah 13.

Do not he sad: You have the true Religion to live by, a house to live in, bread to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear, a wife to find comfort in; why then the melancholy?
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:40 PM
The Blessings Of Pain



Pain is not always a negative force and it is not something that you should always hate. At times a person benefits when he feels pain.

You might remember, that at times when you felt a lot of pain, you sincerely supplicated and remembered Allah. When he is studying, the student often feels the pangs of heavy burden, sometimes perhaps the burden of monotony, yet he eventually leaves this stage of life as a scholar. He felt burdened with pain at the beginning but he shined at the end. The aches and pangs of passion, the poverty and the scorn of others, the frustration and anger at injustices - these all cause the poet to write flowing and captivating verses. This is because he himself feels pain in his heart, his nerves, and in his blood, and as a result, he is able to infuse the same emotions into the hearts of others. How many painful experiences does the writer undergo, experiences that inspire brilliant works, works that posterity continues to enjoy and learn from.

The student who lives the life of comfort and repose and who is not stung by hardships, or who has never been befallen by calamity will be an unproductive, lazy, and lethargic person.

Indeed, the poet who knows no pain and who has never tasted bitter disappointment will invariably produce heaps upon heaps of cheap words - absolute humdrum. This is because his words pour forth from his tongue and not from his feelings or emotion, and though he may comprehend what he has written, his heart and body have not lived the experience.

More worthy and relevant to the aforementioned examples are the lives of the early believers, who lived during the period of revelation and who took part in the most important religious revolution that mankind has seen. Indeed, they had greater faith, nobler hearts, more truthful tongues, and deeper knowledge: they had all of these because they lived through the pain and suffering that are necessarily concomitant to great revolutions. They felt the pains of hunger, of poverty, of rejection, of abuse, of banishment from home and country; of abandonment of all pleasures, of the pains of wounds and of death and torture. They were in truth chosen ones, the elite of mankind. They were models of purity, nobleness, and sacrifice.

“That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allah, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy, but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allah wastes not the reward of the doers of good.” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 120.

In the history of the world there are those that have produced their greatest works because of the pain or the suffering they experienced. Al-Mutanabi, when afflicted with a severe fever, wrote some of his best poetry. An-Naabighah was threatened with death by An-Nu’maan ibn Mundhir, contributed the classic poem with the opening couplet:

“Verily, you are the sun, while other kings are the stars: when the sun rises, no star in the sky is visible.”

There are many such examples who prospered and became legends because of the sufferings they experienced. Therefore, do not become excessively anxious when you think of pain, and do not fear suffering. It might well be that through pain and suffering you become stronger. And furthermore, for you to live with a burning and passionate heart that has been stung is purer and nobler than to live the dispassionate existence of a cold heart and a short-sighted outlook.

“But Allah was averse to their being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said (to them), ‘Sit you among those who sit (at home).’” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 46.

The words of a passionate sermon can reach the innermost depths of the heart and penetrate the deepest regions of the soul, usually because the one who gives such sermons has himself experienced pain and suffering.

“He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakeenah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory.” Surah Al-Fath – Ayah 18.

I have read many books of poetry, yet most are passionless, without life or soul. This is because their authors never endured hardship, and because they were composed among surroundings of comfort. Thus the works of such authors were cold, like blocks of ice.

I have read books filled with sermons that do not shake a hair on the body of the listener and that lack an atom’s weight of impact. The orator is not speaking with feeling and sentiment, or in other words, pain and suffering.

“They say with their mouths, that which is not in their hearts.” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 167.

If you wish to affect and influence others, whether it be with your speech or with your poetry, or even with your actions, you must first feel the passion inside of you. You must be moved yourself by the meanings of what you are trying to convey. Then, you will come to realize that you have an influence upon others.

“But when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth).” Surah Al-Hajj – Ayah 5.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:41 PM
The Blessing Of Knowledge



“And Allah taught you that which you knew not. And Ever-Great is the Grace of Allah unto you [O’ Muhammad].” Surah An-Nisa – Ayah 113.

Ignorance kills one’s conscience and soul.

“I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant.” Surah Hud – Ayah 46.

Knowledge is a light that leads to wisdom. It is life for the soul and fuel for the character.

“Is he who was dead [without Faith by ignorance and disbelief] and We gave him life [by knowledge and Faith] and set for him a light [of Belief] whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness [of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy] from which he can never come out?” Surah An’am – Ayah 122.

Happiness and high-spiritedness come with enlightenment, because through knowledge, one may fulfil his goals and discover what was previously hidden from him. The soul, by its very nature, longs for the acquisition of new knowledge to stimulate the mind.

Ignorance is boredom and grief, because the ignorant person leads a life that never offers something new, something that is mind-provoking. Yesterday is like today which, in turn, is like tomorrow. If you desire happiness, then seek out knowledge and enlightenment, and you will find that anxiety, depression, and grief will leave you.

“And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge” Surah Ta-Ha – Ayah 114.

“Read In the Name of your Lord, Who has created [all that exists].” Surah Al-Alaq – Ayah 1.

The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Whoever Allah wishes for him good, He gives his an understanding of the Religion.”

Therefore if someone is ignorant and has no knowledge, let them not be proud of either their wealth or their status in society: their life is lacking in meaning, their achievements are woefully incomplete.

“Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you [O Muhammad] from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind?” Surah Ar’rad - Ayah19.

Az-Zamakhshari, the well-known commentator of the Qur’an, said in the couplet form:

“The sleepless nights I spend in learning the sciences, is more beloved to me than the company or caresses of the enchanting woman. My rapturous exhilaration when understanding a difficult concept, is more delicious to me than the most exotic drink. More delightful to me than the sound of a woman’s hand on the drum, are my hands on my papers in order to remove dust. O’ who tries to attain my level by wishful thinking, how much difference there is between the one who finds the pain of climbing to be too much and between the one who climbs and reaches the summit. Do I toil through the night, while you sleep through it, yet you hope to surpass me?”

How noble is enlightenment! And through it, how happy the soul!

“Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord, like those for whom their evil deeds that they do are beautified for them, while they follow their own lusts [evil desires].” Surah Muhammad – Ayah 14.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:42 PM
The Art Of Happiness



Among the greatest of blessings is to have a calm, stable, and happy heart. For in happiness the mind is clear, enabling one to be a productive person. It has been said that happiness is an art that needs to be learnt. And if you learn it, you will be blessed in this life. But how does one learn it? A basic principle of achieving happiness is having an ability to endure and to cope with any situation. Therefore you should neither be swayed nor governed by difficult circumstances, nor should you be annoyed by insignificant trifles. Based on the purity of the heart and its ability to endure, a person will shine. When you train yourself to be patient and forbearing, then hardship and calamity will be easy for you to bear.

The opposite of being content is being short-sighted, being concerned for no one but one’s own self and forgetting about the world and all that is in it. Allah described his enemies as follows:

“Thinking about themselves [as how to save their own selves, ignoring the others and the Prophet]...” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 154.

It is as if such people see themselves as being the whole universe, or at least at the centre of it. They think not of others, nor do they live for anyone but themselves. It is incumbent upon you and I to take time out to be preoccupied with more than just ourselves, and to sometimes distance ourselves from our own problems in order to forget our wounds and hurts. By doing this we gain two things: we make ourselves happy, and we bring joy to others.

Basic to the art of happiness is to bridle our thoughts and to restrain them, not allowing them to wander, stray, escape, or go wild. For if you were to leave your thoughts to wander as they wish, then they will run wild and control you. They will open the catalogue of your past woes. They will remind you of the history of your misfortunes, beginning from the day that your mother gave you birth. If your thoughts are left to roam, then they will bring to you images of past difficulties and images of a future that is frightening. These thoughts will shake your very being and will cause your feelings to flare. Therefore bridle them, and restrain them by directing them to the concentrated application of the kind of serious thought that begets fruitful and beneficial work.

“And put your trust in the Ever-Living One Who dies not.” Surah Al-Furqan – Ayah 58.

Also among the principles of the art of happiness is to value life on this earth according to its true merit and worth. This life is frivolous and does not warrant anything from you except that you turn away from it. This life is filled with calamities, aches, and wounds. If that is the description of this life, then how can one be unduly affected by its minor calamities, and how can one grieve over such material things as have passed by? The best moments of life are tainted, its future promises are mere mirages, the successful ones in it are envied, the one who is blessed is constantly threatened, and lovers are struck down by some unexpected misfortune.

There is a hadith:

“Verily, knowledge is only acquired by the practice of learning, and tolerance is acquired by the practice of tolerating.”

If one were to reflect and attempt to apply the meaning of this hadith to the topic under discussion, then he could go one step further and say that happiness is acquired by assuming it. It is acquired by constantly smiling, by hunting for the reasons that make one happy, and even by forcing it onto one’s self; however awkward that may seem. One does all of these things until happiness becomes second nature.

The truth of the matter is that you cannot remove from yourself all remnants of grief. And the reason for this is that life is created as a test:

“Verily, We have created man in toil.” Surah Al-Balad – Ayah 4.

“That He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds.” Surah Hud – Ayah 7.

But the message that I wish to convey to you is that you should, as much as possible, reduce the amount and intensity of your grief. As for being completely free from grief; this is for the inhabitants of Paradise in the Hereafter. This is why the dwellers of Paradise shall say:

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has removed from us [all] grief.” Surah Fatir – Ayah 34.

This is considered to be a proof that grief was not removed from them except in Paradise.

So when a person knows the nature of this world and its qualities, he will find it to be dry, deceitful, and unworthy; he will come to understand that this is its nature and its description. One of Arab poets said:

“You have taken an oath not to betray us in our pacts, and it is as if you have vowed that in the end, you shall deceive us.”

If the description of this world is as I have described it, then it is worthy of the intelligent person not to help it in its onslaught, not to surrender to depression and anxiety. What we should do is fight and defend ourselves from all feelings that may spoil our lives, a war that we must wage with all the strength that we have been endowed with.

“And make ready against them all you can of power; including steeds of war to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy...” Surah Al-Anfal – Ayah 60.

“But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allah’s Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves.” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 146.

A pause to reflect: Do not be sad. If you are poor, then someone else is immersed in debt. If you do not own your own means of transportation, then someone else has been deprived of his legs. If you have reason to complain concerning the pains of sickness, then someone else has been bedridden for years. And if you have lost a child, then someone else has lost many children, for instance, in a single car accident.

Do not be sad. You are a Muslim who believes in Allah, His Messengers, His angels, the Hereafter, and in Preordainment - the good and the bad of it. While you are blessed with this faith, which is the greatest of blessings, others disbelieve in Allah, discredit the Messengers, differ among themselves concerning the Book, deny the Hereafter, and deviate in their understanding of Preordainment and Predestination.

Do not be sad, because if you are, you disturb your soul and heart, and you prevent yourself from sleeping.

One of the Arab poets said:

“How often is the young man overcome with despair when afflicted, and with Allah is the way out. The situation becomes unbearable, and when its rope tightens, it snaps, and throughout, he never thought that he would be saved,”
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:42 PM
Controlling One's Emotions



Emotions and sentiments flare up for two reasons: (1) joy and (2) affliction. In a hadith, the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Verily, I have been prohibited from emitting two foolish and wicked sounds, one that is emitted when something favourable happens, and the other that is expressed when calamity strikes”

“In order that you may not he sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you.” Surah An-Hadid – Ayah 23.

For this reason, the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Verily, true patience is that which is displayed during the initial shock.”

Therefore, when one contains his emotions upon both the joyful and the calamitous occasion, he is likely to achieve peace and tranquillity, happiness and comfort, and the taste of victory over his own self. Allah described man as being exultant and boastful, irritable, discontented when evil touches him, and niggardly when good touches him. The exceptions, Allah informs us, are those who remain constant in prayer. For they are on a middle path in times of both joy and sorrow. They are thankful during times of ease and are patient during times of hardship.

Unbridled emotions can greatly wear a person out, causing pain and loss of sleep. When such a person becomes angry, he flares up, threatens others, loses all self-control, and surpasses the boundaries of justice and balance. Meanwhile, if he becomes happy, he is in a state of rapture and wildness. In his intoxication of joy, he forgets himself and surpasses the bounds of modesty. When he renounces and relinquishes the company of others, he disparages them, forgetting their virtues while stamping out their good qualities. On the other hand, if he loves others, he spares no pains in according them all forms of veneration and honour, portraying them as the pinnacles of perfection. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“Love the one who is beloved to you in due moderation, for perhaps the day will come when you will abhor him. And hate the one whom you detest in due moderation, for perhaps the day will arrive when you will come to love him.”

And in another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“And I ask you (O’ Allah) to make me just, both while being in a state of anger and while being in a state of joy.”

So when a person curbs his emotions, when he controls his mind, and when to each matter he gives according to the weight of its importance, he will have taken a step toward wisdom and true understanding.

“Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance [justice] that mankind may keep up justice.” Surah Al-Hadid – Ayah 25.

Indeed, Islam came as much with balance in morals, manners, and dealings as it did with its straightforward, holy, and a truthful way of life.

“Thus We have made you a just [the best] nation.” Surah Al-Baqarah – Ayah 143.

Being just is an end that is called for in both our manners and in matters of jurisprudence. In fact, Islam is founded on truth and justice - truthfulness in all that we are told through revelation, and justice in rulings, sayings, actions, and manners.

“And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice.” Surah Al An’am – Ayah 115.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:43 PM
The Bliss Of The Companions



Our Prophet, Muhammad Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam 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 him wholly and completely.

They were besieged in the mountain pass, and during that time, they had little or no food. Their reputations were attacked, their own relatives waged war against them, and yet their love for him was perfect.

Some of them were dragged over the hot sands of the desert, some were imprisoned, and others were subject to inventive and innovative ways of punishment - all of which the disbelievers inflicted upon them. Having to endure all of that, they still loved him unreservedly with heart and soul.

They were deprived of home, country, family, and wealth. They were driven out from the playing fields of their childhood and from the homes in which they were raised. Despite all of this suffering, they loved him unequivocally.

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.

One of them was charged with the duty of carrying his message to a king in a foreign land and that person knew that it was a mission from which he would not return. Yet he went and fulfilled his duty. One of them was sent on a mission, knowing that it would be the cause of his death, and he went happily, for he loved the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam with unmitigated love.

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 simple, 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 in 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 feel insignificant. And he poured into their souls a belief that made them forget every injury, every harm, and every adversity.

He polished their insides with his guidance and he illuminated their eyes with his brilliance. He removed from them the burdens of ignorance, the depravities of idolatry, 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 relaxed 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:

“And We have sent you [O’ Muhammad] not but as a mercy for all that exists.” Surah Al-Anbiya – Ayah 107.

“And verily, you [O’ Muhammad] are indeed guiding [mankind] to the straight path.” Surah Ash-Shura – Ayah 52.

“And He brings them out of darkness [by Allah’s will] unto light…” Surah Al-Ma’idah – Ayah 16.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:44 PM
Repel Boredom From Your Life



The person who lives a life of repetition and routine will almost inevitably become a victim of boredom, especially since the human being by his very nature tires from a lack of change. For this reason Allah gave us variety in times and places, in food and drink - diversity in the many forms of creation: night and day, valley and mountain, white and black, hot and cold, shade and sun, sweet and sour. Allah mentioned this diversity in His book:

“There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour.” Surah An-Nahl – Ayah 69.

“...And date-palms, growing out two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise…” Surah Ar-Ra’d – Ayah 4.

“And crops of different shape and taste [its fruits and its seeds] and olives, and pomegranates, similar [in kind] and different [in taste].” Surah Al-An’am – Ayah 141.

“And among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colours…” Surah Fatir – Ayah 27.

“And so are the days [good and not so good], We give to men by turns.” Surah Al-Imran Ayah 140.

Al-Ma’moon would alternate between reading, standing, sitting, or lying, and he said:

“The soul is ever so prone to boredom.”

“Those who remember Allah [always, and in prayers] standing, sitting and lying down on their sides...” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 191.

Were you to contemplate the different kinds of worship, you would find wonder at its variety and diversity. There are deeds of the heart, of the tongue, of the limbs, and of wealth, by spending it for a good cause. The prayer, alms-giving, fasting, pilgrimages to Makkah, fighting in the way of Allah - these are only some examples of worship. The prayer involves standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. If you desire relaxation, vitality, and continued productivity, then bring diversity into your work, your reading, and your daily life. In terms of reading, for example, read a broad range of topics: the Qur’an, its explanation, the biography of the Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam and his Companions, hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, history, literature, books of general knowledge, and so forth. Distribute your time between worship and between enjoying what is lawful, from visiting friends, entertaining guests, playing sports, or going on excursions: you will find yourself to be a lively and bright person, because the soul delights in variety and things that are new.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:44 PM
Cast Off Anxiety



Do not be sad, for your Lord says:

“Have We not opened your breast for you [O Muhammad]?” Surah Ash-Sharh – Ayah 1.

The message of this verse embraces all those who carry with them the truth, who see the light, and who tread the path of guidance.

“Is he whose breast Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is in light from His Lord [as he who is non-Muslim]? So, woe to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah.” Surah Az-Zumar - Ayah 22.

Therefore there is a truth that causes the heart to he opened and a falsehood that causes it to harden.

“And whosoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam.” Surah An’am – Ayah 125.

So the acceptance of and adherence to this religion is a goal that cannot be achieved except by the one who is blessed.

“Be not sad [or afraid], surely Allah is with us.” Surah At-Taubah – Ayah 40.

This is spoken by all those that have faith in Allah’s Care, Guardianship, and Mercy.

“Those [i.e. believers] unto whom the people [hypocrites] said, ‘Verily, the people [pagans] have gathered against you [a great army], therefore, fear them.’ But it [only] increased them in Faith, and they said: ‘Allah [is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs [for us].” Surah Ali-Imran – Ayah 173.

His being Sufficient for us rids us of dependence upon others and His Guardianship protects us.

“O’ Prophet [Muhammad] Allah is Sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.” Surah Al-Anfal – Ayah 64.

And everyone who follows this path will achieve this great blessing.

“And put your trust in the Ever-Living One Who dies not…” Surah Al-Furqan – Ayah 58.

All beside Him are dead and not alive, fleeting and not permanent, weak and not mighty.

“And endure you patiently [O’ Muhammad], your patience is not but from Allah. And grieve not over them [polytheists and pagans, etc.], and be not distressed because of what they plot. Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him [keep their duty unto Him] and those who are good doers.” Surah An-Nahl – Ayah 127-128.”

Allah being with them in this verse means a special blessing for his obedient worshippers, in terms of protection, care, support, and guardianship. This is in proportion to the level of their faith, actions, and efforts.

“So do not become weak [against your enemy], nor be sad, and you will be superior [in victory] if you are indeed [true] believers.” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 139.

You will superior in the worship of Allah and in your ranking with Him.

“They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance and if they fight against you, they will show you their backs, and they will not be helped.” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 111.

Don’t be sad: live today as if it were the last day of your life. With this frame of mind and outlook towards life, there is no reason to allow for sadness or anger to steal the little time you have. The Prophet Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam said:

“When the morning comes upon you, then do not expect to see the evening, and when you see the night, then do not expect to see the morning.”

In other words, live with heart, body, and soul for today only, without dwelling upon the past and without being anxious about the future.

An Arab poet said:

“The past is lost forever and that which is hoped for is from the unseen. So, all that you have is the present hour.”

Being preoccupied with the past and dragging past woes into the present - these are the signs of an unstable and unsound mind.

A Chinese proverb says:

“Do not cross the bridge until you reach it.”

In other words, be anxious over events only when they arrive. One of the pious predecessors said:

“O’ the son of Adam, verily, you have only three days: Yesterday and it has forsaken you; tomorrow and it has yet to arrive; and today, so fear Allah and obey Him in it.”

How can one truly live who carries with him the concerns of the past, the present, and the future? How can one find peace, while constantly recollecting that which has already occurred? One plays it back in his mind, feels its pain, yet benefits nothing from the process.

The meaning of, ‘when the morning comes, do not expect to see the evening, and when the evening comes, do not expect to see the morning,’ is that we should not have lofty or long-term hopes for this world. Expect death and do your best in doing good deeds. Do not let your concerns and ambitions surpass the limit of that day in which you live, a code that will allow you to concentrate and spend all of your energies on being productive each day. Use time efficiently and concentrate all of your efforts on achieving something today, by improving your manners, taking care of your health, and improving your relations with others.

Cast off anxiety – A pause to reflect:

Do not be sad, because that which has been preordained has already been decided upon and will take place though you may not like it. The pens are dried, the scrolls have been rolled up, and every affair is firmly established. Therefore your sadness will not change your reality in the least.

Do not be sad, because, with your sadness, you desire for time’s suspension: for the sun to stop in its place, for the hands of the clock to stand still, for the steps of your feet to move backwards, and for the river to flow back to its source.

Do not be sad, because sadness is like a hurricane that violently tosses the waves, changing the atmosphere and destroying the blooming flowers of the luxuriant garden.

Do not be sad, because the one who is sad is like a person who pours water into a bucket that has a hole in it. He is like a writer who uses his finger to write on water.

Do not be sad, because the true span of life is measured by the number of days that you are content in. Do not then spend your days in grief, do not waste your nights in sorrow, and do not be extravagant in squandering your time; for truly, Allah loves not those who are extravagant and wasteful.
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- Qatada -
01-10-2007, 01:45 PM
Your Lord Forgives Sins



The complete title for this section is “Do not be sad, for in truth, your Lord forgives sins and accepts repentance.”

When you read the following verse, does not your heart feel calm, are not your worries driven away, and does not happiness permeate your whole being?

“Say: O’ My slaves who have transgressed against themselves [by committing evil deeds and sins!] Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Surah Az-Zumar – Ayah 53.

He Allah, addressed them with ‘O’ my slaves,’ to tame their hearts and souls. He specifically mentioned those who transgress, since they are more disposed to perpetrating sins and evil deeds. How much greater then will be the Mercy of Allah for others! Thus He forbade them from despairing and from losing hope of attaining forgiveness. And He informed them that He forgives all sins of the one who repents, whether they are big or small, important or unimportant.

Do you not then rejoice upon reading the following verses?

“And those who, when they have committed Fahishah [illegal sexual intercourse etc.] or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins - and none can forgive sins but Allah. And do not persist in what [wrong] they have done, while they know.” Surah Al-Imran – Ayah 135.

“And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah’s Forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Surah An-Nisa – Ayah 110.

“If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your [small] sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance [i.e. Paradise].” Surah An-Nisa – Ayah 31.

If they [hypocrites] when they had been unjust to themselves, had come to you [Muhammad] and begged Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had begged forgiveness for them: indeed, they would have found Allah All-Forgiving [One Who accepts repentance], Most Merciful.” Surah An-Nisa – Ayah 64.

“And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, [till his death].” Surah Ta-Ha – Ayah 82.
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syilla
02-26-2007, 02:58 AM
:sl:

*bump

anything else? i know the book is quite thick :D
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'Abd al-Baari
03-03-2007, 01:38 PM
Alhamdulillah i've got the book at home and Mashallah its a great read

Jazakallah for sharing
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ilm.seeker
04-16-2007, 09:30 AM
Here is the scanned copy of the book
http://www.archive.org/download/folder12/1132.rar
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syilla
06-01-2007, 02:57 AM
http://www.islamictube.net/video-,is...3a28583d3.html
Reply

tryinghard
06-06-2007, 04:13 AM
Thank you for posting this. I greatly appreciate it. I suffer continually from depression and anxiety, and sometimes I wonder why. I have a good family and am doing successfully economically. I guess sometimes I feel very lonely and feel as if I have no one to talk to. And I have had some minor problems like neglection by family and friends, but still they are not major enough for me to feel constantly depressed. And, sometimes I wonder if I'm being selfish? any suggestions would be appreciated.
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jzcasejz
06-07-2007, 10:57 AM
^ Sorry to hear that. I'm sorry I can't give a good reply to you...but just keep making Du'a to Allaah (SWT) InshaAllah. :)

And JazakAllaah Khayr for this thread...
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.: Jannati :.
06-11-2007, 06:41 PM
..sometimes you can't help it but be sad...

Jazaak Allahu Khayr for the beneficial reminders...

WaSsalaamuAlaykum
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Protected_Diamond
08-14-2007, 07:02 PM
Jazahka Allah loving this book.
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*~Sofia~*
09-04-2007, 03:12 PM
Salams,

I just recently bought this book, and am currently reading it, i have to say it is a reallllllly reallllllly gud book :D
I wud deffinatly recommend it to everone :)

Jazahka Allah loving this book.
^ Me too :D :D

w'salam
Reply

helenstam85
09-13-2007, 07:03 AM
Hello, dear Muslim friends. I am a new member of this forum and i am very glad to meet everybody here. My name is helen and I am a 22 girl from USA.
I like reading books, singing,swimming,and also read some articles when i am free. I heard from one of my friends that there are quite many Muslim blogs at www.muslimonly.com, I have read some articles there too. Now i have know more about Muslims.
If you are interested to check one of my blogs too, you can visit : http://www.MuslimFriends.com/blog/helenstam
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-Sabrina-
09-15-2007, 07:05 PM
thnx for the e-book ill read it :)
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AnonymousPoster
09-22-2007, 12:29 AM
I go to college away from home and I often feel strange and isolated as one of the only Muslims. I'm beginning to feel depressed. Can anyone help me? Perhaps offering some ayahs from the Quran. Every time I become depressed, I feel selfish and I hate myself for thinking these thoughts. But, I cannot help myself.
Reply

Miss Palestine
10-15-2007, 12:27 AM
yupp itsz a great book...my teacher got it 4 mee cz i used 2 alwaysz tell him "life sucks!" gosh i miss him so much =( he was the best teacher everr!
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syilla
11-20-2007, 07:39 AM
Our Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam came to all people with a heavenly message. He was not driven by worldy 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 sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam wholly and completely.

They were besieged in a mountain pass, and during that time, they had little or no food. Their reputations were attacked, their own relatives waged war against them and yet their love for him was perfect.

Some of them were dragged over the hot sands of the desert, some were imprisoned, and others were subjected to inventive and innovative ways of punishment - all of which the disbelievers inflicted upon them. Having to endure all of that, they still loved him unreservedly with heart and soul.

They were deprived of home, country, family and wealth. They were driven out from the playing fields of their childhood and from the homes in which they were raised. Despite all this suffering, they loved him unequivocally.

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 holiday, for the simple reason that they loved him unconditionally.

One of them was charged with the duty of carrying the Prophet's message to a king in a foreign land, and that person knew that it was a mission from which he would not return. Yet he went and fulfilled his duty. One of them was sent of a mission knowing that it would be the cause of his death, and he went happily, for he loved the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam with unmitigated love.

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 epitomised 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 the 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 they had to endure.

He polished their insides with his guidance and he illuminated their eyes with hsi brilliance. He removed from them the burdens of ignorance, the depravities of idolatry 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 and emulating him:

"And we have sent you [O Muhammad] not but as a mercy for all that exists." (Qur'an Al-Anbiyaa' 21:107)

"And verily you [O Muhammad] are indeed guiding [mankind] to the straight path." (Qur'an Ash-Shoora 42:52)

"And He brings them out of darkness [by Allah's will] unto light..." (Qur'an Al-Maa'idah 5:16)

"He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger [Muhammad] from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them [from the filth of disbelief and polytheism] and teaching them the Book and Al-Hikmah [As-Sunnah: legal ways, orders, acts of worship, etc. of Prophet Muhammad]. And verily, they had been before in manifest error." (Qur'an Al-Jumu`ah 62:2)

"He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the fetters [bindings] that were upon them." (Qur'an Al-`Araaf 7:157)

"Answer Allah [by obeying Him] and [His] Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life." (Qur'an Al-Anfaal 8:24)

"And you were on the brink of a pit of Fire and He saved you from it." (Qur'an Ale-`Imran 3:103)

They were truly happy with their leader and they so 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 curses of falsehood, and be pleased with his noble Companions as a recompense for their striving and for their efforts.

Sheikh `Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni's "Don't Be Sad"
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------
05-23-2008, 06:07 PM
:salamext:

Book can be downloaded here inshaaAllaah. (Right click and 'Save As')
Reply

WomanOfJihad
09-16-2008, 11:29 PM
:sl:

This book is great mashallah it really brings a person from a gloomy dull dark side towards a bright side.
:thumbs_up
:w:
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Adiva
10-22-2008, 09:47 PM
:sl:
Such a beautiful book. I started reading it at my friends..it was a present to her mum who was suffering from cancer (may allh be pleased with her and may she rest in peace) I couldnt put it down..
Reply

Adiva
10-24-2008, 05:31 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by AnonymousGender
I go to college away from home and I often feel strange and isolated as one of the only Muslims. I'm beginning to feel depressed. Can anyone help me? Perhaps offering some ayahs from the Quran. Every time I become depressed, I feel selfish and I hate myself for thinking these thoughts. But, I cannot help myself.
:sl:
Do you pray? When i was in Madinah..one of the sisters out there said..we read wazeefah and ayats not realising that the greatest wazeefah is namaaz..it truely cures..surah Fatiha..is known (correct me if im wrong) as the mother of the Quran..
Reply

MO783
10-24-2008, 05:57 PM
:sl:

Inshallah may Allah give me the strength not to be sad

Ameen
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Danah
10-28-2008, 07:17 PM
I read that book in its Arabic version, its so helpful alhumdulilah when I feel down
jazak allah khair brother
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Zahida
11-01-2008, 10:43 PM
:sl: I have had the book for a few years........pg62 Be content with that which Allah has given you;you will be the richest of people..........

MahshAllah a gem of a book, but honestly how many of us can say that we follow example......... I refere back to it from time to time and it helps.....:w:
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Liberty
11-04-2008, 01:07 PM
awww good message!
keep smiling :)
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Raizins
02-11-2009, 09:30 PM
Aww yeah I'm currently reading this book. It's good so far mashAllah I haven't gotten far into it though. But the words are so powerful and comforting. <3
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AnonyMouse~
02-13-2009, 02:34 PM
wow this looks really good..i wanna buy it wen i get a job :P
Reply

1989_2008
06-17-2009, 02:10 PM
Sadly, I've almost lost faith a couple of times... happily, this book has rescued me many times.
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- IqRa -
06-17-2009, 02:50 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by AnonyMouse~
wow this looks really good..i wanna buy it wen i get a job :P
Book can be downloaded here inshaAllah
Reply

liya
06-27-2009, 01:49 AM
salam ...
i love this book really !!!... and i like another book for this sheikh too called the happiest woman on earth ...
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fatin munirah
07-20-2009, 03:53 AM
thanks a lot. i/allah i wont be sad anymore. hopefully allah will always be with me....and with all of us...god willing...
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Beardo
07-20-2009, 04:18 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Danah
I read that book in its Arabic version, its so helpful alhumdulilah when I feel down
jazak allah khair brother
Wow. Arabic Version? I've only read the English. :X Consider yourself lucky. I wish I could read the Arabic version. You must have access to some great books then. :skeleton:

It's a good book Masha'Allah. It's an uplifting book. Though, in one of the chapters (can't remember exactly which one), but he puts down Imam Ghazali. I was a bit offended by that. imsad
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Na7lah
07-20-2009, 04:19 AM
I really want to buy the arabic version for myself, its a lot more 'eloquent' than the english one even though they are both really amazing mashallah..
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Nora.
08-15-2009, 08:11 PM
I have read the Arabic version ..
it's really an interesting book ..
( Aydh al-qarny) is one of my best Authers
he has a book (The happiest woman) ..you can't get bored while reading it


Thank you
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CosmicPathos
09-03-2009, 10:42 AM
wooow, mashAllah. I just bought this book from Makkah and here you have a post about it. I love it, it gets repetitive sometime but I guess that is the point of it, to drive home the message it contains no matter what! mashAllah.
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OurIslamic
11-08-2009, 08:17 PM
Looks like an interesting book to read :D
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Insecured soul
12-03-2009, 03:07 AM
This thread has helped me a lot
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AabiruSabeel
02-08-2010, 09:58 PM
:sl:

Found this on the back of a prayer time table page (taqweem).



It is said that Ibrahim bin Adham once passed by a sad man and told him, “I want to ask you about three things, so answer me. Does anything in this universe happen against the will of Allah?”

The man denied and Ibrahim said, “Does your daily bread decrease from what Allah has decided for you?”

The man again denied and Ibrahim said, “Will your life end even one second earlier than Allah has decided for you?”

And again, the man denied. So Ibrahim said, “So why is the sadness?”
Reply

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