Inspirational Islamic Moments

Willingly to be put in hell

2010-09-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

Once upon a day, Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was wandering aroung while seeing his followers. Then, he saw a worshiper with age more than 500 years.

Moses approached him and talk to him for a while. Then, the worshiper asked, "O Moses, I've worshiped to Allah for 350 years without doing any sin. Where will Allah put me in His paradise? Please ask this question to Allah for me."

Moses granted the wish and prayed to Allah to let him know where will this follower be put in the hereafter. The Lord said, "O Moses, tell him that I will put him in the deepest pit of My Hell."

Moses then told the worshiper of what has been said by the Lord. The worshiper was shocked. With sadness in his heart, he walked away from Moses. At night, the worshiper thought about himself. He also thought about his relatives, friends and many people who had just worshiping for 200 years, 300 years, and those who hadn't pray as much as him. He wondered where will be their place in the afterlife.

The next day, he met Moses again. He then said to Moses, "O Moses, I'm willingly accept that Allah will put myself in His Hell but I want to ask one wish. I wish after my body has been placed in Hell, please make my body enormously huge so that the Hell's door will be closed by it and no one will enter."

Moses prayed to Allah and send the message to the Lord. Then, Allah said, "O Moses, tell to your follower that I've placed him in the highest place in My Heavenly Paradise."

Angels and Salawat

2010-09-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

It is said:

The Angel of Jibrail [Gabriel], Mikail [Michael], Israfil [Raphael] dan Izrail [Azrael] (peace be upon them) have told Rasulullah:

'The Archangel Jibrail said: "O Rasulullah, for those praise salawat [blessing] upon you every single day & 10 times each day, I will guide his hand and I will take him across Siratul Mustaqim bridge as fast as lightning."

'The Angle Mikail then said: "O Rasulullah, for those who praise salawat upon you, I will give them drink from your well."

'The Angel Israfil said: "O Rasulullah, for those who praise salawat upon you, I will prostrate to Allah S.W.T and I will not lift my head until Allah S.W.T has pardon him for his sins."

'Izrail then said: "O Rasulullah, for those who praise salawat upon you, I will take their soul as soft as I take prophets' soul."'

Hadith of the day - # 7

2010-08-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

On the authority of Abu 'Abdullah al-Nu'man bin Bashir, radiyallahu 'anhu, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, say:

"Truly, what is lawful is evident, and what is unlawful is evident, and in between the two are matters which are doubtful which many people do not know. He who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and honour blameless, and he who indulges in doubtful things indulges in fact in unlawful things, just as a shepherd who pastures his flock round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Beware, every king has a preserve, and the things Allah has declared unlawful are His preserves. Beware, in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart."

[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

The army of Devil is chained during Ramadan

2010-08-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked the Devil about fasting in Ramadan, "O Iblis! When my ummah is fasting in the name of Allah, what do you feel?"

Iblis answered, "O Prophet of Allah, this is a great dangerous disaster upon me, as Ramadan comes, light will shine right from Arasy and Kursi and all angels will glorify in happiness.
For those who are fasting, the will be granted the biggest benefit from Allah and the Lord will forgive every sins they have committed and replaced them with large reward and every small mistakes will not be written as long as they are fasting.

What makes my heart so smashed is when every creature in the sky, moon, stars, angels, birds fish of the seas and rivers, and every single living soul on Earth are praying day and night asking for forgiveness on behalf those who are fasting.

Another greatness and glory of those who are fasting is that they will be freed by Allah each day of Ramadan, a thousand of freedom from hell and every doors of hell will be close tightly and all eight gates and doors of paradise will be opened. And wind with the name "Syirah" will be blown below Arasy. The wind is so soft and smooth and it will pass through in paradise.

On the beginning of the day for your ummah to fast, violent angels with fierce and furious face, by Allah's command, will come to me and seize me and all my armies from the race of jinn, satan and afreet. Then, our hands and feet will be chained with hot iron and we will be condemned in the deepest level below the Earth with painful tortures. We have to painfully wait until your ummat finished their fasting month and after that, I will be released. All of that is done in avoiding me to disturb your ummat in enjoying the easiness of fasting in Ramadan as they will work to eat in the middle of the night without fear unlike the other nights."

Prophet David and a worm

2010-08-04T06:29:00.000-07:00

In a book written by Al-Ghazali, there is a story about Prophet David (on him be peace). While he was sitting in his praying corner while reading Psalms, he suddenly saw a red worm on a dust.

He said to himself, "What does God want with this worm?"

Right after David said the words, Allah made the worm to speak. Hence, the worm spoke to David, "O Prophet of Allah! Allah inspire me to read:

'Subhanallah, Walhamdulillah, Wa La ilaaha illallah, Wallahu akbar'
سبحان الله والحمد لله ولا اله الا الله والله اكبر
Glorious is God, And Praise to God, And no god but God, And God is Almighty

1000 times each day and

'Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin annabiy al ummiyyi wa ala alihi wa sohbihi wassallim'
اللهم صلي على محمد النبي الأمي و على آلــــه و صحبه وسلم
O Allah, send your peace and blessings upon our Master Muhammad, the Illiterate Prophet, and upon his family and companions.

1000 times each night.

After the worm said them, he asked David, "What can you say to me so that I can get the benefit from it?"

David realized of his wrongness because he underestimated the worm. Hence, he feared of Allah and repented to God.

The story shows how the prophets of Allah would do right after they realized of their wrong-doing even it was a small matter. They would repent and submit themselves to God. So, we have to follow these good example of these chosen people of Allah and never underestimate other creation of Allah in this very same world.

Muhammad's Last Sermon

2010-02-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' (in Mecca).

After praising, and thanking Allah, he said:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, say your five daily prayers (Solah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these, you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people".

The Death of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

2010-01-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Start of the Disease

On Monday the twenty-ninth of Safar in the eleventh year of al-Hijra, he participated in funeral rites in al-Baqee'. On the way back he had a headache, his temperature rose so high that the heat effect could be felt over his headband. He led the Muslims in prayer for eleven days though he was sick. The total number of his sick days were either thirteen of fourteen.

The Last Week

When his sickness grew severe he asked his wives: "Where shall I stay tomorrow?" "Where shall I stay?" They understood what he wanted. So they allowed him to stay wherever he wished. He moved to 'Aishah's room leaning - while he was walking - on al-Fadl bin al-'Abbas and 'Alî bin Abî Tâlib. Head banded as he was, he dragged his feet till he came into her abode. It was there that he spent the last week of his life.

During that period, 'Aishah used to recite al-Mu'awwidhat (Chapters 113 and 114 of the Qur'ân) and other supplications which he has already taught her.

Five days before death

On Wednesday, five days before he died the Prophet's temperature rose so high signalling the severness of his disease. He fainted and suffered from pain. "Pour out on me seven Qirab (water skin pots) of various water wells so that I may go out to meet people and talk to them." So they seated him in a container (usually used for washing) and poured out water on him till he said: "That is enough. That is enough."

Then he felt well enough to enter the Mosque. He entered it band-headed, sat on the pulpit and made a speech to the people who were gathering together around him. He said: "The curse of Allâh falls upon the Jews and Christians for they have made their Prophets’ tombs places of worship." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 1/62; Muatta' Imâm Malik, p.360] Then he said: "Do not make my tomb a worshipped idol." [Muatta' Imâm Malik, p.65]

Then he offered himself and invited the people to repay any injuries he might have inflicted on them, saying:

"He whom I have ever lashed his back, I offer him my back so that he may avenge himself on me. He whom I have ever blasphemed his honour, here I am offering my honour so that he may avenge himself."

Then he descended, and performed the noon prayer. Again he returned to the pulpit and sat on it. He resumed his first speech about enmity and some other things. A man then said: "You owe me three Dirhams." The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Fadl, pay him the money." He went on saying:

"I admonish you to be good to Al-Ansar (the Helpers). They are my family and with them I found shelter. They have acquitted themselves credibly of the responsibility that fell upon them and now there remains what you have to do. You should fully acknowledge and appreciate the favour that they have shown, and should overlook their faults."

In another version: "The number of believers would increase, but the number of Helpers would decrease to the extent that they would be among men as salt in the food. So he who from among you occupies a position of responsibility and is powerful enough to do harm or good to the people, he should frilly acknowledge and appreciate the favour that these benefactors have shown and overlook their faults."

And said: "Allâh, the Great, has given a slave of His the opportunity to make a choice between whatever he desires of Allâh’s provisions in this world, and what He keeps for him in the world, but he has opted for the latter."

Abû Sa’id Al-Khudri said: "Upon hearing that, Abû Bakr cried and said: ‘We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake.’ We wondered why Abû Bakr said such a thing. People said: ‘Look at that old man! The Messenger of Allâh says about a slave of Allâh who was granted the right between the best fortunes of this world and the bounty of Allâh in the Hereafter, but he says: We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake!’ It was later on that we realized what he had aimed at. The Messenger of Allâh was the slave informed to choose. We also acknowledged that Abû Bakr was the most learned among us." [Mishkat Al-Masabih, 2/546]

Then the Messenger of Allâh said:

"The fellow I feel most secure in his company is Abû Bakr. If I were to make friendship with any other one than Allah, I would have Abû Bakr a bosom friend of mine. For him I feel affection and brotherhood of Islam. No gate shall be kept open in the Mosque except that of Abû Bakr’s." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 1/22,429,449, 2/638; Misbkat Al-Masabih, 2/548]

Four days before his death

On Thursday, four days before the death of the Messenger of Allâh he said to people, though he was suffering from a severe pain:

"Come here. I will cause you to write something so that you will never fall into error." Upon this ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab said: "The Prophet of Allâh is suffering from acute pain and you have the Qur’an with you; the Book of Allâh is sufficient unto you." Others however wanted the writing to be made. When Muhammad heard them debating over it, he ordered them to go away and leave him alone. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/637]

That day he recommended three things:

1. Jews, Christians and polytheists should be expelled out of Arabia.
2. He recommended that delegations should be honoured and entertained, in a way similar to the one he used to do.
3. As for the third, the narrator said that he had forgotten it. It could have been adherence to the Holy Book and the Sunnah. It was likely to be the accomplishment and the mobilization of Osamah’s army, or it could have been performance of prayers and being attentive to slaves.

In spite of the strain of disease and suffering from pain, the Prophet used to lead all the prayers till that Thursday ��" four days before he died. On that day he led the sunset prayer and recited:

"By the winds (or angels or the Messengers of Allah) sent forth one after another." [77:1] [Misbkat Al-Masabih, 1/102]

In the evening he grew so sick that he could not overcome the strain of disease or go out to enter the Mosque. ‘Aishah said: The Prophet asked: "Have the people performed the prayer?" "No. They haven’t. They are waiting for you." "Put some water in the washing pot." Said he. We did what he ordered. So he washed and wanted to stand up, but he fainted. When he came round he asked again "Have the people prayed?" Then the sequence of events took place again and again for the second and the third times from the time he washed to the time he fainted after his attempts to stand up. Therefore he sent to Abû Bakr to lead the prayer himself. Abû Bakr then led the prayer during those days [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 1/99]. They were seventeen prayers in the lifetime of Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

Three or four times ‘Aishah talked to the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam to exempt Abû Bakr from leadership in prayer lest people should despair of him, but he refused and said: "You (women) are like the women who tried to entice Joseph (Yusuf) into immorality. Convey my request to Abû Bakr to lead the prayer."

A Day or Two prior to Death

On Saturday or on Sunday, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam felt that he was well enough to perform the prayer; so he went out leaning on two men in order to perform the noon prayer. Abû Bakr, who was then about to lead the prayer withdrew when he saw him coming; but the Prophet made him a gesture to stay where he was and said: "Seat me next to him." They seated him on the left hand side of Abû Bakr. The Prophet led the prayer, and Abû Bakr followed him and raised his voice at every 'Allâhu Akbar' (i.e. Allâh is the Greatest) the Prophet said, so that the people may hear clearly. [Sahîh al-Bukhârî 1/98,99]

A Day before his Death

On Sunday, a day before he died, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam set his slaves free, paid as a charity the seven Dinars he owned and gave his weapons as a present to the Muslims. So when night fell ‘Aishah had to borrow some oil from her neighbour to light her oil-lantern. Even his armour was mortgaged as a security with a Jew for thirty Sa’ (a cubic measure) of barley.

The Last Day Alive

In a narration by Anas bin Malik, he said: "While the Muslims were performing the dawn prayer on Monday, led by Abû Bakr, they were surprised to see the Messenger of Allâh raising the curtain of ‘Aishah’s room. He looked at them while they were praying aligned properly and smiled cheerfully. Seeing him, Abû Bakr withdrew to join the lines and give way to him to lead the prayer. For he thought that the Prophet wanted to go out and pray." Anas said: "The Muslims, who were praying, were so delighted that they were almost too enraptured at their prayers. The Messenger of Allâh made them a gesture to continue their prayer, went into the room and drew down the curtain." [ibid. 21640]

The Messenger of Allâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam did not live for the next prayer time.

When it was daytime, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam called Fatimah and told her something in a secret voice that made her cry. Then he whispered to her something else which made her laugh. ‘Aishah enquired from her after the Prophet’s death, as to this weeping and laughing to which Fatimah replied:

"The first time he disclosed to me that he would not recover from his illness and I wept. Then he told me that I would be the first of his family to join him, so I laughed." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/638]

He gave Fatimah glad tidings that she would become the lady of all women of the world [Rahmat-ul-lil’alameen, 1/282]. Fatimah witnessed the great pain that afflicted her father. So she said: "What great pain my father is in!". To these words, the Prophet remarked:

"He will not suffer any more when today is over." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/641]

He asked that Al-Hasan and Al-Husain be brought to him. He kissed them and recommended that they be looked after. He asked to see his wives. They were brought to him. He preached them and told them to remember Allah. Pain grew so much severe that the trace of poison he had at Khaibar came to light. It was so sore that he said to ‘Aishah: "I still feel the painful effect of that food I tasted at Khaibar. I feel as if death is approaching." [ibid, 2/637] He ordered the people to perform the prayers and be attentive to slaves. He repeated it several times. [ibid. 2/637]

The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam breathes his last

When the pangs of death started, ‘Aishah leant him against her. She used to say: One of Allah’s bounties upon me is that the Messenger of Allâh died in my house, while I am still alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against me. Allâh has mixed his saliva with mine at his death. For ‘Abdur Rahman - the son of Abû Bakr - came in with a Siwak (i.e. the root of a desert plant used for brushing teeth) in his hand, while I was leaning the Messenger of Allâh against me. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak, so I asked him - for I knew that he wanted it, "Would you like me to take it for you?" He nodded in agreement. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him "Shall I soften it for you?" He nodded in agreement. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it (on his teeth).

In another version it is said: "So he brushed (Istanna) his teeth as nice as he could." There was a water container (Rakwa) available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said:

"There is no god but Allah. Death is full of agonies." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/640]

As soon as he had finished his Siwak, brushing, he raised his hand or finger up, looked upwards to the ceiling and moved his lips. So ‘Aishah listened to him. She heard him say: "With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace with the Prophets and the Truthful ones (As-Siddeeqeen), the martyrs and the good doers. O Allâh, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me to the Companionship on high." [ibid, 2/638-641] Then at intervals he uttered these words: "The most exalted Companionship on high. To Allâh we turn and to Him we turn back for help and last abode." This event took place at high morning time on Monday, the twelfth of Rabi’ al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of Al-Hijrah. He was sixty-three years and four days old when he died.

The Companions’ concern over the Prophet’s Death

The great (loss) news was soon known by everybody in Madinah. Dark grief spread on all areas and hoirizons of Madinah. Anas said: "I have never witnessed a day better or brighter than that day on which the Messenger of Allâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam came to us; and I have never witnessed a more awful or darker day than that one on which the Messenger of Allâh died on." [Mishkat-ul-Masabih, 2/547]

When he died, Fatimah said: "O Father, whom his Lord responded to his supplication! O Father, whose abode is Paradise. O Father, whom I announce his death to Gabriel." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/641]

‘Umar’s Attitude

‘Umar, who was so stunned that he almost lost consciousness and stood before people addressing them: "Some of the hypocrites claim that the Messenger of Allâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam died. The Messenger of Allâh did not die, but went to his Lord in the same way as Moses bin ‘Imran did. He stayed away for forty nights, but finally came back though they said he had been dead. By Allah, the Messenger of Allâh will come back and he will cut of the hands and legs of those who claim his death." [Ibn Hisham, 2/655]

Abû Bakr’s Attitude

Abû Bakr left his house at As-Sunh and came forth to the Mosque on a mare-back. At the Mosque, he dismounted and entered. He talked to nobody but went on till he entered ‘Aishah’s abode, and went directly to where the Messenger of Allâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was. The Prophet was covered with a Yemeni mantle. He uncovered his face and tended down, kissed him and cried. Then he said: "I sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. Allah, verily, will not cause you to die twice. You have just experienced the death that Allâh had ordained."

Then he went out and found ‘Umar talking to people. He said: "‘Umar, be seated." ‘Umar refused to do so. People parted ‘Umar and came towards Abû Bakr, who started a speech saying:

"And now, he who worships Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Muhammad is dead now. But he who worships Allah, He is Ever Living and He never dies. Allâh says: ‘Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.’ " [3:144]

Ibn ‘Abbas said: "By Allâh it sounded as if people had never heard such a Qur’anic verse till Abû Bakr recited it as a reminder. So people started reciting it till there was no man who did not recite it."

Ibn Al-Musaiyab said that ‘Umar had said: "By Allâh as soon as I heard Abû Bakr say it, I fell down to the ground. I felt as if my legs had been unable to carry me so I collapsed when I heard him say it. Only then did I realize that Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam had really died." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 2/640,641]

Burial and Farewell Preparations to his Honourable Body

Dispute about who would succeed him broke out even before having the Messenger of Allah’s body prepared for burial. Lots of arguments, discussions, dialogues took place between the Helpers and Emigrants in the roofed passage (portico) of Barn Sa’ida. Finally they acknowledged Abû Bakr (RA) as a caliph. They spent the whole Monday there till it was night. People were so busy with their arguments that it was late night, just about dawn of Tuesday, yet his blessed body was still lying on his bed covered with an inked-garment. He was locked in the room.

On Tuesday, his body was washed with his clothes on. He was washed by Al-’Abbas, 'Alî, Al-Fadl and Qathm, the two sons of Al-’Abbas, as well as Shaqran, the Messenger’s freed slave, Osamah bin Zaid and Aws bin Khauli. Al-’Abbas, Al-Fadi and Qathm turned his body round, whereas Osamah and Shaqran poured out water. 'Alî washed him and Aws leant him against his chest.

They shrouded him in three white Sahooli cotton cloth which had neither a headcloth [Sahîh al-Bukhârî, 1/169, Sahîh Muslim, 1/306] nor a casing and inserted him in.

A sort of disagreement arose with regard to a burial place. Abû Bakr said: "I heard the Messenger of Allâh say: ‘A dead Prophet is buried where he dies.’" So Abû Talhah lifted the bed on which he died, dug underneath and cut the ground to make the tomb.

People entered the room ten by ten. They prayed for the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The first to pray for him were people of his clan. Then the Emigrants, then the Helpers. Women prayed for him after men. The young were the last to pray.

This process took Tuesday long and Wednesday night (i.e. the night which precedes Wednesday morning). ‘Aishah said: "We did not know that the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was being buried till we heard the sound of tools digging the ground at the depth of Wednesday night." [Mukhtasar Seerat Ar-Rasool, p.471; Ibn Hisham, 2/649-665; Talqeeh Fuhoom Ahl M-Athar, p. 38, 39; Rahmat-ul-lil'alameen 1/277-286]

By: Shaykh Safi ur-Rahman Mubarakfoori
From Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtoom

Why the Angel of Gabriel and Michael cried...

2009-12-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

In a book narrated by Imam al-Ghazali, it has been told that Iblis (the Devil) had been called as al-Abid (the worshipper) in the first heaven, as the second heaven called him az-Zahid (the asceticism). The third heaven called him al-Arif (the Wise). The fourth heaven named him as al-Wali (the Governor), while the fifth heaven called him al-Taqi. The sixth heaven named him al-Kazin and the seventh heaven called him Azazil, while in Luh Mahfuz, his name is Iblis.

He might be the one who was so perfect in his worship but he forgot on who he really was.

After the creation of Adam as the first human, Allah command him to prostrate himself before Adam. He said, “Are You making him better than me, while I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him from clay” Then, Allah said, “I do what I want.” As Iblis seeing himself full with glory and pride, he disobeyed to prostrate before Adam. He stood still while all the angels prostrating before Adam.

When the angels lift up their head, they noticed that Iblis still didn't prostrate while they had already done. After that, the angles prostrate again as a sign of grateful, whereas Iblis still proudly stood and refused to do it. He looked at the angels whom were prostrating and he, the only one who did not join them and even did not feel regret on his disobedience.

Then, the Lord changed Iblis' face which originally beautiful and dazzling into boar. Allah shaped his head just like camel head, his chest is like bumpy flesh at the buttock, his face which is between chest and head become identical to monkey face, and his eyes splitted along his face. His nostrils opened up like a cupping kettle, his lips identical to bull's lips and his fang becoming like boars' and having beard only 7 strings of hair.

After that, Allah expelled him from paradise, even from the heaven, from the earth and onto some peninsula. He can't crawl back to the earth in any way except in secrecy. Allah condemn him until the end of time for being blasphemous. Even Iblis was in the condition of beauty, having four wings, having a lot of knowledges, doing a lot of worship and becoming a pride of the angels, and even became a leader to some group of angles but still not guaranteeing him from becoming like that.

When Allah condemning the deceit of Iblis, the angel of Gabriel and Michael cried. Allah said, “What makes you cry?” They answered, “O Allah, we are not safe from your manipulation.” Allah said, “So do I. You are not safe from my manipulation.”

After being expelled, Iblis plead, “O my Lord, You have expelled me from the Paradise because of Adam, and I am not empowering him except with Your power.”

Then, Allah said, “You are given power upon him, which is their sons, as the prophets are impeccable.”

Iblis said again, “Give me more.” Allah said, “They will not be given a child except your are given two.”

Iblis said again, “Give me more.” Allah said, “Their chest will be your house, you will walk within their vein.”

Iblis said again, “Give me more.” Allah said, “And befool them gradually those whom you can among them with your voice (i.e. songs, music, and any other call for Allah's disobedience), make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, mutually share with them wealth and children (by tempting them to earn money by illegal ways usury, etc., or by committing illegal sexual intercourse, etc.), and make promises to them.”

Hadith of the day - # 6

2009-12-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

From Sahih Bukhari, narrated 'Abdullah bin Mus'ud:

Allah's Apostle, the true and truly inspired said, "(The matter of the Creation of) a human being is put together in the womb of the mother in forty days, and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period, and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his (i.e. the new creature's) deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him.

So, a man amongst you may do (good deeds till there is only a cubit between him and Paradise and then what has been written for him decides his behavior and he starts doing (evil) deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire. And similarly a man amongst you may do (evil) deeds till there is only a cubit between him and the (Hell) Fire, and then what has been written for him decides his behavior, and he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise."

Hadith of the day - # 5

2009-12-06T23:33:00.000-08:00

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: The son of Adam causes Me pain as he says: Woe be upon the Time. None of you should say this: Woe be upon the Time, as I am the Time (because) I alternate the day and the night, and when I wish I can finish them up.

Iblis the Condemned and the Residents of Hell

2009-12-06T22:54:00.000-08:00

In a hadith, it has been described when the residents of hell arrive in the inferno, there will be a mimbar or a pulpit that was made from fire, decorated with fire and crowned with fire, and the Devil (Iblis) is tied with fiery rope.

Then, there is a voice speaking to the devil: “O Devil, ascend yourself onto the mimbar and speak to the residents of hell.” After the devil obey, he step up onto the mimbar and say: “O residents of hell.” everyone in the hell listening and looking to their current leader.

Then, the devil continue: “O the disbelievers and the hypocrites, indeed Allah has promised to you a true promise that each of you would die, expelled and judged and then, divided into two groups of people. One group who enters the Paradise and the other into the Hell of Sa'ir.”

The devil speak again: “Everyone of you thought that you will never leave the world, and even expecting to stay alive in that world. There is no power unto me upon you apart from misleading you. Finally, all of you are following me, hence, the sins are unto you. So, don't rattle on me, don't smear me, instead, slam yourself because it is you who deserve to rattle on rather than me.

“Why did you worship other than your Lord while He created everything?

“Today, I can't save you from Allah's torment, and not even you can save me. Verily, on the day I escaped from what I've been said, I've been expelled from Allah's patronage, Lord of the universe.”

After hearing the words of the Devil, they condemned him with all their might. After that, the devil is beaten by the angel of Zabaniah with the spear of fire and and fell down into the most bottom pit in the hell, and he will abide forever with other followers.

And the angel of Zabaniah said: “There will be no death for you, and no pleasantness either, and stay yourself inside forever."

Hadith of the day - # 4

2009-11-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

Anas (ra), a companion of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told them: 'Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Collection of Imam Abu Dawood and Nasai)

Prophet Yahya and the Devil

2009-11-17T22:44:00.000-08:00

One day, when Prophet Yahya (also known as John the Baptist, son of Zechariah) was alone in the desert, then an old man with long white beard came to him.

“Peace be upon you, O Prophet of Allah,” said the old man, smiling.

Yahya recognized the old man. He is none other than Devil (King of Satan). By knowing the fact, Yahya answering the old man's word in the tone of furious, “ O the Damned One, what do you want?!”

Devil was shocked with Yahya's word and curious on how Yahya could recognized him while he came in the shape of human.

“How do you know who I am?” ask the Devil.

“Don't you know that Allah is All-seeing and All-hearing. He is the One who reminding me about who you really are. On what purpose you come here?”

“O Yahya, I come here to disturb you even for a second to take you away from remembering Allah. The heat from your worship is so great even it potentially could burn my face and keep me away from you. There was many time I tried to trick on you but it's so hard to come nearer towards you. Every sons of Adam repent, you are not only sabotaging my work, but even all my lies, tricks and conspiracy that have been planned all this while was ruined. I felt every effort of mine is worthless.”

Then, Yahya asked again to Devil, “O the Condemned, who is your friend and who is your enemy?”

Devil answered, “O Yahya, if you are not the one who asking this, surely I will not answering it. Verily those who are believe but cruel and miserly, that are my friends. However, those who are generous and kind-hearted even they're in disbelieve, they still be my enemies.

Yahya was shocked with the answer. So, he asked again for an explanation, “O Devil, how a believer can be your friend but a disbeliever can be your enemy?”

With pride, Devil said, “O Yahya, know this. I have an advantage to mislead the faith of a man who believe but cruel and miserly. I will put inside the feeling of worry of his wealth inside his mind. Sooner or later, this feeling will make his remembrance to Allah fade bit by bit from his mind and then, will be lost from his heart. Then, I will fill his mind and his heart with gluttony so that he will never satisfy with what he has.

“Lastly, he will do anything to become richer until there is no forbidden deed that he is not done to increase his wealth. Then, I will bring him to do greater sin until he himself will be burned in the hell of fire.

“Instead, the disbeliever who are so generous are still my enemy because he still have praised character inside him. The good character that he has is enough to make him believe that everytime he forgive any debt that he gave, his deed will be watched by Allah and one day, Allah will forgive his sins and will open the door of faith for him.

“So, greed that belongs to a believer is enough to make him mine but generosity of a disbeliever will make me scared that one day, he will repent from his sins and Allah will accept his repentance and make him as His friend.”

Right after that words, the Devil was gone from Yahya's sight.

“All praises to Allah,” Yahya cried out loud, “He the One who teach his creation in the way beyond natural”. Then, he continued his pray.

Hadith of the day - # 3

2009-11-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

From Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah…—or according to another version, When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) begin and any of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain (from cutting) his hair and nails” (Ahmad and Muslim).

Five Weird Things

2009-10-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Abu Laits as-Samarqandi was a famous fiqh master. There was a time when he said that his father has told him that Prophets who were not Messengers got their revelation in the form of dream or hearing sound. One of the Prophets receive the revelation through his dream, and one night, he was asked in his dream, "Tomorrow, you have to get out from your house and move west. You are required to do, firstly, what ever you face, eat it; secondly, hide it; thirdly, take it; fourthly, don't you give up its hope; and fifthly, run away from it."

The next day, the Prophet got out from his house and moved to west and coincidentally, the first thing he faced was a large black hill. The Prophet was in confusion and said, "I was told to eat the first thing I see but it was so weird that it can't be fulfilled." However, the Prophet still walked to the hill to eat it. While he was approaching it, suddenly, the hill shrunk itself and became a bread. So, the Prophet took it and ate it. When he swallowed it, the taste was so sweet like honey. Then, gratefully he said, 'Alhamdulillah'.

Then, the Prophet continued his journey and the he found a golden bowl. he remembered his dream, so he dug a hole and threw the bowl into it. Then, he buried and left it. Suddenly, the bowl appeared from the ground. Then, he buried it three times consecutively. Then, the Prophet said, "I've done what You asked me to do." Then, he continued his journey without knowing that the golden bowl appeared again from where it was buried.

While he was walking, he found an eagle chasing a small bird. Then, he heard the small bird plead, "O Prophet of Allah, help me." Hearing the bird, he felt pity and took the bird and put it in his cloth. He had done the third task.

After that, the eagle approached the Prophet and said, "O Prophet of Allah, I'm so hungry and I chased the bird since this morning. Please don't make me despair from what I've been provided." The Prophet remembered his dream that he should not give up its hope. He didn't know what to do. Then, he decided to take his sword and cut a bit of his flesh from his thigh and gave it to the eagle. Hence, the eagle flew away and the small bird was released by him. So, he continued his journey.

Not long after that, he found died animal and the smell was so stink, so, he ran away since he could not stand the smell. After facing all five phenomena, he went back to his home. At night, he prayed, "O Allah, I'd done what You asked me to as what have been told in my dream, so, please explain those things to me."

In his dream, he was told by Allah, "Firstly, what you ate was anger. In the beginning, it seemed so big but if you have your patient and can control and resist it, the anger will be small and sweeter than honey.

Secondly, every good deeds, even it was hid, it still could be seen. Thirdly; if you have someone's trust, don't you betray it. Fourthly, if someone asked from you anything, try to fulfill it even if you want it as well. Fifthly, the smell was ghibah (the gossip monger). Do run away from people who sit together and do gossipping."

Welcoming Ramadhan

2009-08-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

A Quick preparation for Ramadhan:

Start reading Quran daily after Solat al-Fajr.
Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.
Train yourself to go bed early so that you can wake up for Qiyam o Allayl (Prayer at midnight) & Solat al-Fajr.
Keep yourself in a state of Wudu (Ablution) most of the time.
Evaluate yourself daily before going bed.
Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.
Start giving Sadaqah daily , no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.
Find time to pray extras, such as Tahajjud prayers.
Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.
Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents. For example, By telling them a short sentence like: Keep saying Astaghfir Allah (Oh Allah forgive me) All the time.
Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
Associate with Muslim scholars / ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them.
Train yourself to do good, render free service to others to seek the pleasure of Allah.
14. Prepare Niyyah (Intention) for everything you do, just to change all your habits to Ibadah (Worshipping), for example :

Before going to bed: Say: Oh Allah I will sleep to wake up with full power to worship you well and to perfom my work perfectly.
Before you walk, Jog, Run or doing exercise, say: Oh Allah, I will do that to build my mussels to be strong muslim.
Before you eat or drink, say: Oh Allah, I will do that to build my body to worship you better.
While you are looking at the beautiful creature and nature, say: Oh Allah, How amazing is your creature. Sobhan Allah.
Before you go to toilet, say: Oh Allah, I want to take care of the body you gave me to worship you better.
Before you take a shower, say: Oh Allah, I am cleaning my body because the cleaning is part of Iman (Faith).
Before you fill the petrol in your car’s tank or your Motor bike, say: Oh Allah, I will fill it to go to Masjid, help my brothers and sisters.
Before you speak to anyone, Say: Oh Allah, Make my nice words and smile with my brother a continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). Because Mohammed Salla Allah Alyhi wa Sallam said: the nice word is sadaqah.

Beautiful Idea to perform Khatam (Read the whole Quran):

There are 5 prayers a day.

If you read 4 pages after each prayer which takes 5-10 minutes to perform, you will finish one juzu' (1 out of 30 parts of the Quran).

Ramadhan contains 30 days.

So, by the end of Ramadhan you will finish one Khatamah.

What to avoid:

Avoid/reduce watching TV; instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literature.
Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether magazines, department store catalogs or otherwise.
Spend free time in Masjid, Islamic organizations and make that a daily habit.
If you smoke, try to reduce daily usage; otherwise Ramadan will be very difficult for you to observe.
If you have friends who do not practice the teaching of Islam, try to avoid socializing with them.
If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local business, so you can be more closer to your family and community.
If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to bed earlier, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.

To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day more; tomorrow may not come. So hurry and benefit from blessings and rewards from Allah.

Remember: "Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it."

A Quick Checklist:

Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Dua and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
Try to recite some Holy Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan!
Study the Tafseer (commentary of Quran) every morning.
Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftaar, at least once a week (Weekend). You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life..
Donate generously to the Masjid, and any where people are in need or oppressed. "Because Ramadan, is a month of sharing!"
Share month of Ramadan and its teachings of peace and patience with your neighbors.
Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of the night better than 1000 months (Laylatul-Qadr / Shab-e-Qadr ).
Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: Ramadan is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's (PBUH) warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the Ramadan fast!
Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the Itikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

The Night of Mid Shaaban

2009-07-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

In the night of 15th Shaaban (or alson know as Nisf Shaaban or Mid Shaaban) is one of the most celebrated night for Muslim and it is said that the night is filled with blessings. The speciality of Nisf Shaaban within Shaaban almost the same with Isra and Mi'raj in Rajab and Lailat al-Qadr in Ramadhan.

In the night of Nisf Shaaban, Gabriel came to the Prophet p.b.u.h and said, "Put your face to the sky because this is the night when the heaven door is opened."

In the book of Iq'na also said that the Gabriel came to the Prophet for the second time and said, "O Muhammad, cheer up as Allah has forgiven every people of yours who do not attributing a partner to Allah (syirik), face up to heaven." Then, the Prophet p.b.u.h. face up and every single heaven door is opened.

At the door of the first heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who ruku' (bow down to Him) that night.
At the door of the second heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who sujud (prostrate to Him) that night.
At the door of the third heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who doa (pray) that night.
At the door of the fourth heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who do the zikr that night.
At the door of the fifth heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who cries because afraid of Allah that night.
At the door of the sixth heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who do the good deeds that night.
At the door of the seventh heaven, the Angels summon for the victory of the people who ask for wishes and then the wishes are granted.
At the door of the eighth heaven, the Angels said "Do the people who ask for the forgiveness is forgiven?

The Prophet asked Gabriel, "Until when these doors will remain open?". Then, the Gabriel answeres, "Until dawn", and he also said, "In this night, Allah frees every single Muslim from men and women from the fire of hell as much as the hair of the sheeps of Bani Kilab (which owns the most number of sheeps). In some saying, Allah frees His people from hell as much as the stars in the sky and as many as dyas and night in this world. In that night also, Allah sends Gabriel to the Paradise to decorate it.

The Prophet p.b.u.h. also said, "Allah sees His people in the night of Nisf Shaaban, the He forgive all sins of every creation except the people who shirik and who doesn't speak to its brotherhood."

He also said, "In the night of Nifs Shaaban, stay awake and pray at that night, and fast in the day."

Allah said, "Does the people who ask for forgiveness and I forgive, does the people who has been in accident and I heal, does the people as for rezki and I give. That the questions until dawn."

Prophet Abraham and his daughter-in-law

2009-04-20T05:29:00.000-07:00

One day, prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) visited his daughter-in-law while his son, Ishmael, not at home. Wife of Ishmael had never seen his father-in-law, Abraham. Then, they both met at Ishmael's house.

Abraham : Who are you?
Ishmael's wife : I am Ishmael's wife.
Abraham : Where is your husband, Ishmael?
Ishmael's wife : He's out for a hunt.
Abraham : How's your family life?
Ishmael's wife : Oh, we are living in difficulty and (sigh) never been able to be free.
Abraham : Fine. If your husband is home, send my regards to him. Say to him to change the door jamb of his house (as a metaphor to divorce his wife).
Ishmael's wife : Alright.

After Ishmael got home, her wife straightly told him what the old man said.

Ishmael : Was there anything that had been asked by that old man?
Ishmael's wife : He asked about our life.
Ishmael : What's your answer?
Ishmael's wife : I told that our life is hard. Our life always in agony and never free.
Ishmael : Did he tell something?
Ishmael's wife : Yes, he did. He asked me to send his regards to you and asked you to change your door jamb.
Ishmael : That is actually my father. He asked us to breakup. Now, go and live with your family.

Hence, Ishmael divorced her grumbling wife who was so ungrateful to God's destiny and revealed her marriage secret to other people.

Soon after that, Ishmael remarried and Abraham came again to Mecca to visit his son and his daughter-in-law once again. Thus, the meeting between the in-laws whom did not know each other happened again.

Abraham : Where is your husband?
Ishmael's wife : He's not home. He's hunting.
Abraham : How's you family life? Hopefully, everything is well?
Ishmael's wife : Thank God, we live happily without any insufficiency.
Abraham : If that so, it good then.
Ishmael's wife : Please have a seat for a while. May I serve some meal?
Abraham : What are you going to serve?
Ishmael's wife : There is some meat. Please wait for me to serve the drink first.
Abraham : (Pray) O Allah! My God! Bless them in their foods and drinks.
Abraham : Alright, when your husband return, send my regards to him. Tell him to keep his door jamb.

When Ishmael came home from his hunting, as always, he asked if there was anyone looking for him.

Ishmael : Was there anyone here while I'm not at home?
Ishmael's wife : Yes, there was. There is an old man who has a good look and a good manner just like you.
Ishmael: What did he say?
Ishmael's wife : He asked abour our condition.
Ishmael: What's your answer?
Ishmael's wife : I said that our life is good without any insufficiency. I asked him to have some meal and drink.
Ishmael : Did he tell anything?
Ishmael's wife : Yes, he gave his regards to you and asked you to keep your door jamb.
Ishmael: Oh, is that so. Actually, he my father. The door jamb that he said meant you that has been asked to be kept.
Ishmael's wife : Alhamdulillah, thank God.

"And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." (Quran 14:7)

Hadith of the day - # 2

2009-03-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

From The Book of Drinks Sahih Muslim: Abd Ayyub Ansari reported that when food was brought to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) he ate out of that, and sent the remaining part to me, and one day he sent to me the left-over; (I found that he) had not taken from it at all for it included garlic. I asked him whether that was forbidden, whereupon he said: No, but I do not like it because of its odour. He (Abu Ayyub Ansiri) said: Then I also do not like what you do not like.

Hadith of the day - # 1

2009-03-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

From Sahih Bukhari and narrated by Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "When your servant brings your food to you, if you do not ask him to join you, then at least ask him to take one or two handfuls, for he has suffered from its heat (while cooking it) and has taken pains to cook it nicely."

Abu Zar al-Ghifari Converted into Islam

2009-03-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

Before becoming a Muslim, Abu Zar Al-Ghifari was a trader even he didn’t have a lot of fortune. From his village miles away, he came to the city of Makkah every week with a variety of merchandise and goods. In the city, he dwelled in his best friend’s house, Abu Jahal, the main enemy of Islam. However, Abu Jahal was so pleased every time he met Abu Zar even he didn’t make any good to him.

Because of the friendliness, once in a while, Abu Jahal also helped Abu Zar in the business.

One day, Abu Zar revisited Makkah without any merchandise. Abu Jahal felt so weird and he asked, ‘Are you not trading anymore, dear Abu Zar?’

‘I'm fed up with business.’ Abu Zar answered it straightforwardly.

‘Do you want to die?’

‘Hopefully, I’m not dying because I stop trading. I just want to seek a pure happiness.’

‘Meaning…?’

‘I’m so eager to meet Muhammad.’

‘Muhammad son of Abdullah?’ asked Abu Jahal in shocked.

‘Yes. Isn’t he one of your nephews?’

‘But I hope you cancel what you wish for.’

‘Why are you holding me back from meeting him?’

‘I’m afraid that you’ll be attracted by him because everyone who has met him will be attracted by his warmth. Surely you’ll be fascinated as well. Evermore when he read the revelations of God, you’ll have goosebumps.’

The details by Abu Jahal made Abu Zar stunned. At that moment, he thought Abu Jahal had converted to Islam. Then, he asked for a confirmation, ‘If that so, are you already a Muslim?’

‘For what I convert to Islam?’

‘But… haven’t you heard the revelation that has been delivered?’

‘Everything is true.’

‘And you sure that Muhammad receives the revelation.’

‘If he’s not, can’t he be that great?’

‘Are you sure Muhammad is a prophet?’

‘I’m so confident.’ answered Abu Jahal firmly. ‘Muhammad is a prophet and the messenger of God. Since he was a kid, he has had good personality. And no one who resides here who didn’t believe in him. We called him once Al-Amin (the trusted one).’

‘Then, why don’t you convert to Islam?’

‘I don’t want to be a slave.’

‘But Muhammad does not enslave anyone.’

Abu Jahal silent for a moment, then he said, ‘I don’t want to be the slave of Muhammad. When I’m being a Muslim, the people of Makkah will call me as the slave of Muhammad.’

‘What you think is not true.’ said Abu Zar.

‘Of course… what I think is not true.’ replied Abu Jahal.

‘You’ll lose. Muhammad will win because he stands up the truth.’

‘Definitely, Muhammad will win. And surely I will be defeated. But I will stand still even I’m in the wrong side.’ said Abu Jahal again.

‘If that so, here we will part. I have to see Muhammad. I’ll follow his campaign to the end. I appreciate the details you give that have strengthened my believe.’ said Abu Zar.

Abu Jahal felt so sad seeing his best friend walk way from him. In his heart, there was a bit of desire to follow his friend. He was sure that Muhammad is truly the messenger of Allah. And he believed, sooner or later, Muhammad will win. However, his heart desire was sunk by his ego.

That was the story of two best friends; they were met and parted for ever. Abu Zar then met Muhammad as he believed in the truth of Islam. Abu Jahal instead, invited all Arabs to fight against Islam even he knew that one day, he would lose.

Nile River Obeyed Umar Al-Khattab

2009-03-08T00:14:00.000-08:00

There was a time when Egypt was conquered by Muslim militaries, Caliph Umar Al-Khattab put Amru Al-As as the governor of that new Muslim territory. Amru Al-As was famous as a valiant commander and an efficient and wise administrator.

When Amru Al-As became the Governor of Egypt, there was news foretelling that the river of Nile soon would be dry, and hence, the Egyptians planned to do an ancient ceremony which was to sacrifice a girl for the river. They pushed Amru to do the ceremony but Amru insisted to not doing it as it opposed to Islam tradition.

Time flew by and the river truly drying up as was foretold. Since farming in Egypt really depended on the river, the Egyptians started to panic and moved to other new verdant land.

That situation forced Amru to write upon Caliph Umar in Medina for his opinion. Amru himself felt terrible on how to solve the problem. Then, Caliph Umar replied his answer in a letter.

When the letter was received by Amru, he noticed that the letter was not for him but instead for the Nile itself. Before he threw the letter into the drying Nile, he read the letter and it wrote:

“This letter is sent to the river of Nile by Umar, servant of Allah and Commander of the Believers. O river of Nile, if the water is flowed on your will, behold that we do not need it. But if it flows in the will of Allah, thus, we pray to Him to let flow the water in the river.”

After the letter was thrown into the river, the river was filled with water up to forty-eight feet deep in the same night. Since then, the pagan ceremony for the river has been disappeared.

A 10-year-old Representative

2009-03-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in Umayyad era, there was a king who was famous with his generosity, kindness, just and humble. This king who had been respected by his people was Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz.

There was a day when delegations from all over his kingdom came to see him to update any news from their respective territory. Hijaz territory was the largest Muslim territory at that time. On the day itself, Hijaz sent a boy as their representative.

When everyone was present, a palace officer invited the king to speak. After the speech was finished, he asked the representative from Hijaz to make the speech first.

Hence, the representative of Hijaz rose up gracefully to speak. But, when the king saw the boy, then the Caliph Umar asked, 'O boy, please let the elders to speak first.' After hearing the advice, the boy answered, 'O Commander of the Believers, every human is actually seen for two things, the heart and the tongue. So, when Allah bestows someone a fluent tongue and a wise heart, then the person has a right to speak. If someone is seen by age, please know O Commander of the Believers, there is someone who is better to sit on your throne.'

After hearing the reply from the Hijaz representative, he was shocked by those wise words until he realized of his mistake. 'Your words were right, O respectful representative. Now, how was your territory.' said the king. Hence, the boy continued his speech.

'O noble Commander of the Believers. We are the delegations who got peace and not humiliation. We come forth to speak of an affair about our turmoil territories. But, we come here because we felt the pleasantness of peaceful and abundant life under Your Highness' impartial reign. We actually had attained what we want.'

Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz felt so strange looking at the fluent and intelligent boy to speak as a representative. Hence, he asked 'How old are you, dear wise representative?' 'Ten years old, Your Highness.'

A Beautiful Bowl, Honey and a Single Hair

2009-03-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Muhammad SAW and his companions, Abu Bakar, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, gathered in Ali's house. In the house, Ali's wife, Fatimah, princess of the Messenger served honey in a beautiful bowl, and when a bowl of honey was served, a single hair was found in that bowl. Muhammad SAW then asked all of his friends to make a comparison to those three things, the beautiful bowl, honey and the single hair.

Abu Bakar r.a. said, "Faith is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, a man with faith is sweeter than honey, and protecting faith is harder than walk on a single hair".

Umar r.a. said, "A kingdom is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, a king is sweeter than honey, and govern justly is harder than walk on a single hair".

Uthman r.a. said, "Knowledge is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, a man who learn knowledge is sweeter than honey, and practice with knowledge owned is harder than walk on a single hair".

'Ali r.a. said, "A guest is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, serving guest is sweeter than honey, and to please the guest until he return home is harder than walk on a single hair".

Fatimah r.ha. said, "A woman is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, woman with veil is sweeter than honey, and to have a woman who’s never been seen by anyone but her muhrim is harder than walk on a single hair".

Muhammad SAW said, "Someone who got taufik to put into practice is more beautiful than this beautiful bowl, practice with good deeds is sweeter than honey, and practicing sincerely is harder than walk on a single hair".

Angel Gabriel said, "Raise up pillar of religion is more beautiful than the beautiful bowl, submit self, treasure and time for religion is sweeter than honey, defending religion struggle is harder than walk on a single hair".

Allah SWT said, "My Paradise is more beautiful than that beautiful bowl, the pleasantness of My Paradise is sweeter than honey, and walking towards My Paradise is harder than walk on a single hair".

Soils for Adam's Creation

2009-03-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

Allah commanded the Angel of Gabriel to go down to the Earth to take some soil as a substance to create Adam. But, when he arrived on Earth, the Earth didn't allow him to take her soil for creation of Adam, and even swore in the name of Allah because she afraid of Adam might do bad deeds. Hence, Gabriel returned to Allah as he couldn't do anything when he heard the vow of Earth.

Then, Allah commanded the Angel of Michael to go down to the Earth for the same reason. After hearing the same words from Earth, as what Gabriel experienced, he couldn't do anything as well and return to Allah with nothing.

After that, the Lord commanded the Angel of Raphael to go down to take soil from Earth. But, same as before, he couldn't do anything after hearing the vow of Earth.

Lastly, Allah ordered the Angel of Azrael to go down to the earth and take the soil. Allah said, "O Azrael, now I command you to take soils. Even if the Earth swears, don’t you ever retreat. Say that you do it in My Command and My Name."

After Azrael arrived on Earth, he said, "O Earth, know that I'm here as what Allah command and in the name of Allah. If you oppose my job, it will mean that you are against Allah. Of course you don't want to be a disobedient creation to Allah, do you?"

After the Earth heard the words of Azrael, she couldn’t do anything but letting Azrael to take her soil.

After he took some types of soils, he returned to Allah. the Lord said, "O Azrael, firstly, I asked you to take the soil. After this, I will order you to take the soul of human."

"I’m afraid that I’ll be detested by the sons of Adam because of this task." said Azrael. "No," Allah answered, "They will not detest you. I’m the One who arrange it. Hence, I will make the cause of their death as murder, burn, illness and many more."

According to the scholars, the soils are:
1. The soil of Jerusalem
2. The soil of Sinai
3. The soil of Iraq
4. The soil of Aden
5. The soil of Al-Kautsar
6. The soil of Mecca (the one stand the Kaaba)
7. The soil of Paris
8. The soil of Khurasan
9. The soil of Babylon
10. The soil of India
11. The soil of Paradise
12. The soil of Taif

According to Ibn Abbas:

The head of Adam was created from the soil of Jerusalem because it lays human brain and mind.
The ears were from the soil of Sinai, because it is a hearing tool and for accepting advices.
The forehead was from the soil Iraq, because that is the one which bow down to Allah.
The face was from the soil of Aden, because that is the place for decorating and beauty.
The eyes were from the land of Al-Kautsar as a place for attraction.
The teeth were from the soil of Al-Kautsar, the place for sweetness.
His right hand was from the soil of Kaaba as a tool to find necessities and cooperation among humans.
His left hand was from the soil of Paris as a tool to istinja’ (cleansing).
His stomach was from the land of Khurasan, the one with hunger and thirst.
The genitals were from the land of Babylon, as a sex organ and as a tool of Satan to trick human.
Bones were from the land of Sinai to support the human body.
His two feet were from the land of India as a tool to stand and walk.
His heart was from the soil of Heaven of Firdaus because there lays faith, confidence, knowledge, needs and so on.
The tongue was from the land of Taif as a place to pronounce Shahadah, to express gratitude and to pray.