the New Jersey branch of AlMaghrib Institute.

Archive for July, 2008

Description of the Righteous

They allow their ears to listen only to that which is beneficial.

Imam Ali

Apologies

Halfhearted or insincere apologies are worse than not apologizing at all because recipients find them insulting. A good apology is like medicine whereas a bad one is like spraying perfume on a cut.

Its like this: when you give an apology, anything less than your very best, doesnt really cut it.

Everyones real issue when they apologize is humbling themself and realizing their own mistake. We’re always so busy being cynical about everyone elses shortcoming that we forget our own. Most people will sincerely appreciate your efforts, and if a person doesnt, thats not something one has control over so dont let it get to you.
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ikhlaas

Imagine thousands of content individuals, whose garments are so beautiful the human mind cannot grasp their texture, whose faces will be shone as the moon on a clear night, whose shade will be the branches of fine trees whereupon fruit dangle, whose desires will be fulfilled upon the mere thought of anything, and whose protection will be Allah (SWT). The concept of the two angels (Kiraman Katibeen – Noble Writers) that write each breath, muscle movement and action that we take has been stamped into the minds of most individuals from a very young age. It is therefore, reasonable to presume and understand that each act can be divided into two very broad categories, those that are considered acts of ibaadah (worship) and those which are not. Ibn Katheer defines worship, or ‘ibaadah, as, “…a state which combines the perfection of love, submission, and fear…” and Ibn Taymiyyah adds that ‘ibaadah is a comprehensive term, encompassing all apparent and hidden acts and statements that are beloved to Allah (SWT).” Through the infinite blessings of Allah we have been given various ways to fulfill our obligation of ‘ibaadah. Thus the first thing which a Muslim acknowledges is that he has been created for Ibaadah and that is due to his declaration of Laa ilaaha illallaaha (There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone). From amongst the different components of ‘ibaadah, (conformity and combining love, fear, and hope with each action) extreme sincerity in the action itself is essential. In a Hadeeth Qudsee the Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) said that Allah said “I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having partners. Thus, whoever does an action for someone else’s sake as well as Mine, will have that action rejected by Me to him whom he associated with Me” [Muslim]. Shaykh Ahmad Fareed defines ikhlaas as “the purification of one’s intentions in order to draw closer to Allah (SWT)” and he adds that ikhlaas (sincerity) is a condition for Allah to accept those righteous actions that are done in accordance with the Sunnah. This is blatantly obvious when Allah says, “And they have not been commanded except to worship Allah alone, having ikhlaas (purity of intention) in their religion and not setting-up partners with Allah in the worship of Him.” [Al-Bayyinah: 5].

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Description of the Righteous

They lower their gaze from everything Allah has forbidden.

Imam Ali

Majestic Illuminations

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

Indeed, mankind has been blessed with a most beautiful gift: the ability to reflect and contemplate. Immediately after relating an eloquent parable, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala says:  “Thus do We explain the Ayat  (signs) in detail for the people who reflect (Surah Yunus, 24). The believers are constantly described as individuals who consistently reflect on the many signs that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala has laid forth. In Surah Ar-Rad, He, the Most Gracious Most Merciful, reminds us once again: “Verily, in these things, there are Ayat (signs) for people who reflect.” On the contrary, those who fail to reflect are mentioned in the Qur’aan next to a most misguided group of  humans. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Ala says, “Is not He (best) Who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him and removeth the evil, and hath made you viceroys of the earth? Is there any Allah beside Allah? Little do they reflect!” (An-Naml, 27:93).
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Description of the Righteous

Their speech is truthful; their clothing is moderate; and they walk with utmost humility.

(Imam Ali)

Preparation

Dear readers,

You are about to embark on a literary journey of proportions yet unimagined.

Sit back, relax, and open your eyes.

The Durbah Blog is now available to you even when bed bugs are biting.