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In the Spotlight: Editing our lives
by Bassem Ghamian
As a writer sits down for a writing session, they go through different levels of editing. As they begin jotting down ideas, formulating words into phrases, and phrases into paragraphs, they will cross out misspelled words and restructure sentences. This immediate correction is the first level of editing.
Once the piece is complete however, it is given to a professional editor for review. The editor will point out shortcomings and flaws that the writer may have been unaware of and will guide the writer towards improvement.
Similarly, Allah has graced us the same 3 levels of editing by which we can edit our book of deeds.
(More)
Small Kindness
by Michael Sells
Qura'nic Translation Surah (Chapter) 107 In the Name of God the Compassionate the Caring. Do you see him who calls the reckoning a lie? He is the one who casts the orphan away who fails to urge the feeding of one in need Cursed are those who perform the prayer unmindfully who make of themselves a big show but hold back the small kindness
The small kindness relates a series of activities in a way that grounds much of Islamic moral theology. (More)
What is Ihsaan:
Ihsaan is to give someone more than their due. The following ayah talks about those deserving of treatment with Ihsaan:
"And remember we took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah; Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; Speak fair to the people; Be steadfast in prayer; And practice regular charity. Then did ye turn back, Except a few among you, And ye backslide (even now).
(Surah Baqarah: 83)
Ihsaan in action means to do better than others do. The above ayah tells us to do ihsaan to parents, due to whom we exist, then to relatives, orphans and the miskeen. Ihsaan in speech means to talk not just nicely but the content of the speech should be beautiful too and true. This includes the style of talking as well. Even when you are busy, still talk with Ihsaan. Don't blame others or say things that will hurt them. Talk at everyone's level without unnecessary formalities.
Self-Confidence
Ibn Kathir reported that an influential man from Syria used to visit Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph, in Madinah regularly; then, one day, having been away for longer than usual Umar enquired after him and was told that the man had taken to drinking heavily. Umar wrote him a letter saying:
For your sake, I praise God, there is no God but He. He forgives sins and accepts repentance; His punishment is severe and His bounty is infinite. There is no God but He, and all shall return to Him.
He then turned to those around him and asked them to pray that God might accept the man's repentance. When the letter arrived, the man kept repeating the words: "He forgives sins and accepts repentance; His punishment is severe." He was heard saying: "I am being warned of God's punishment and promised His forgiveness," until he broke down sobbing, and from that day he abstained from drinking for good.
When the news reached Umar, he said: "This is what you should do when someone commits a misdemeanour. Advise him, reassure him gently, never let him lose his self-confidence, pray to God for his sake, and do not help Satan to mislead him."
Today there are professed Muslims who have all but given up on God's mercy, and whose sole preoccupation seems to be to castigate and belittle others.
Source:
"A Thematic Commentary on the Quran" - Muhammad al-Ghazali, p. 514
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MAC Youth Learn welcomes you to the 6th issue of our monthly e-newsletter; Jamada Al-Thani & Rajab. Reflect, learn and enjoy!!
Humor in Hadith
Since Islam is defined as way of life the scope of Islam and life should be fully convergent. As Islam is based on human nature, it also fully takes into account that nature, in its entire dimension. As a reflection of many different types of extremities among us as Muslims, some have divorced Islam in search of their jest and fun. Others, due to their "love" for Islam, have purified Islam and their life from any humorous dimension: So, no fun or humor. (More)
Hadith:
Narrated 'Aisha: ,
"The family of Muhammad never ate their
fill of wheat bread for three successive days from the time they
migrated to Medina until the death of the Prophet, Sal Allahu
alayhi wa sallam.
"
[reported by Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Quranic Verse:
And give glad tidings to the humble.
Those whose hearts, when
Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, who show patient
perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and
spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them
-- [22:35]
Interpretation: There are four ingredients to humility
for the sake of Allah:
1. A heart conscious of Allah;
2. Having
patience during afflictions;
3. Regular in Salah;
4. Giving
charity.
Are you missing an ingredient? Go add it today!
-- Lessons learnt: by Muhammad AlShareef.
Video:
Reminder about death
If we remember death frequently, it helps us refocus our aims in life. Watch the video to get a glimpse of life in grave.
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