Muslim Students in Universities - Part 1 - Intention and Acceptance

Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, many of us are studying in various universities across the globe in widely varying fields. Whether these studies are purely Islamic or seemingly unrelated to Islam, irrespective of our field of education, as Muslim students (or soon to be students) of universities, we have our own unique set of responsibilities which separate us from the rest of the flock. Recently I've been listening to some lectures by respected scholars of Islam about the duties and responsibilities of Muslim university students. I'll share some of the things I've learned in this post. 

• Intention matters most:  First point is to make a firm, pure intention (Niyyah) for the studies. Intention is what sets apart a true Muslim student, from an average student who doesn't understand Deen. 


• • We should always keep in mind that the studies that we're doing is not our goal, but only a means to achieve the goal, which is the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in the Duniya and the Hereafter.  Zaid ibn Thabit Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates, I heard Rasulullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying, "He whose objective is the world, Allah (SWT) scatters his affairs (he faces worries and anxieties in every aspect) and places the fear of poverty before his eyes; and he receives only that which has been preordained for him. And he whose intention (objective) is the Hereafter, Allah makes all his affairs easy, and  enriches his heart, and the world comes to him humiliated." (Ibn Majah) 
• • The best intention -  to benefit all humanity. 
  • Intention to provide for self, family and neighbors.
  • Our intentions must never be to earn respect from people. Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (S) said, "He who seeks worldly things, though in a lawful way, to boast, to acquire too much, and to show off, will meet Allah (SWT) such that Allah (SWT) will be very angry with him. And he who seeks worldly things in a lawful way, to keep away from begging, and striving for his family and behaving kindly towards his neighbours, will meet Allah (SWT) on the Day of Resurrection with his face shining like the full moon. (Baihaqi) 

• Seek acceptance from Allah (SWT): Some of us maybe studying in a field in which it doesn't seem possible to benefit humanity like some other fields like medicine. If we make a strong intention to benefit humanity through the knowledge Allah (SWT) has given us, but we don't know how to use it in a beneficial way, we must keep praying to Allah, and be steadfast on Deen. Allah will make a way for us Insha-Allah. 


• • Two things (words) come from the same root, Qaabiliyyah (ability) and Qubooliyyah (acceptance). We must strive to achieve both, but the latter is more important. 
  • The Pharaoh (during the time of Prophet Musa 'Alayhis Salaam) had the ability, but he didn't have acceptance, so he was humiliated. 
  • Prophet Muhammad (S) prayed to Allah (SWT) so that Allah serves Islam through one of the two 'Amr's, meaning Hazrat Umar (R) and Abu Jahl, which shows that they both had ability. But Umar (R) also had acceptance, so he was chosen by Allah (SWT) for the service of Islam, while Abu Jahl was defeated and humiliated, like the Pharaoh. 
  • We must pray to Allah (SWT) that He accepts our abilities. The proof of acceptance would be that Allah (SWT) would make it possible for us to use those abilities for the benefit of the world surrounding us. And that includes ourselves, our families, neighbors, general muslims, non-muslims and even animals.

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• Insha-Allah we will discuss about the importance of productivity in the life of a Muslim student in the next part. May Allah (SWT) give us the Tawfique to practice upon whatever we've learned, and also to spread the message to our brothers as well. 

My Favorite Lectures on YouTube

Assalaamu alaikum! Hope you're in fine Imaan and health. Just wanted to share the link to my YouTube channel with you today. No, I don't have any uploads of my own. The only purpose of my channel is to share some great lectures from various respected Shaykhs. Personally I've found these lectures to be very much beneficial for myself in learning about our Deen directly from the Shaykhs. I would love to attend their gatherings in person instead of watching a video, may Allah (SWT) give me that chance soon and often. But till then, YouTube must do!

Here's the link to the channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AsifTheWizard/videos. Insha-Allah I'll gradually add more lectures as I discover them. 

Don't Misrepresent Islam

On the last day of a 3-day Jamaat at the Tongi Ijtema Maidaan Masjid in Dhaka, the respected Imaam of the masjid gave some short but invaluable advice for those who are returning home after spending some time in the path of Allah.

To the young guys he said that after returning home, they should try their best in serving their parents. They should wash the clothes for them, and if they say, 'No son you don't have to', they should insist and say, 'No mom, please let me. This is Deen'. And those who are in a responsible position in the family, i.e. the husbands, fathers, elder brothers, upon returning to their families, they should never live among them as Zaalims (oppressors), but should live as the Mazlums (oppressed). They should never treat their family members with scolding, should never be ignorant to their children. And if anyone has any sort of bad relation with another family member, they should learn to forgive them, for the sake of Deen.

He quoted Maulana Enamul Hasan (R) who said that 'No one has any right to misrepresent the Deen (Islam) with their bad behavior'. For those to whom Allah has given some sense of Deen, and have given the privilege to spend time for the sake of Islam, should always try to represent Islam correctly with their attitude, with their behavior towards others.

May Allah give us the strength to act upon these important words. 

Hadith Sanad of Maulana Tariq Jameel

Mashallah, Maulana Tariq Jameel Saab (DB) describes the complete sanad (line of narrators) of Hadith.

Hadith: Balance in Life and Worship

In our youth, there's always an added sense of enthusiasm in whatever we do. So when a Muslim brother in his youth gives much time in learning the Deen and the ways of The Prophet (S) and the Sahaba (R), he becomes prepared to strive for the cause of Deen and go through any amount of hardship. The spirit of Islam drives away their sleep, they stay up each night in Salat, many fast regularly and keep themselves involved in Deeni works all day. Many young muslim brothers become so much enthusiastic that they lose all sorts of interest in worldly matters like studies, jobs, business, family affairs etc. But it's the Sunnah of The Beloved Prophet (S) to maintain a fine balance between all these things, not to abandon them totally. This can be clearly understood from a beautiful hadith from the Sahih Bukhari:

Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that a group of three (men) came to the house of the wives of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam asking about the worship of Allah by Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. So when they were informed, it seemed less (than their expectation). They said: Where are we, compared to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam when Allah has forgiven his past and future sins. So one of them said: As for me, I will offer Salat throughout the night forever, and another said: I will fast forever and I will not break my fast. And another said: I will forsake woman, never to marry. Then Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam came to them and said: Are you the ones who have said such and such? Behold. By Allah! Indeed I am the one who fears Allah most amongst you, and the most pious amongst you. Yet (is spite of that) I fast, and break fast, and offer Salat and I sleep (at night) and I marry women, so whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me! (Bukhari)

On the Path of Revival - Part 2

Ibn Abbas Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said: Today you listen to me about Deen; tomorrow you will be heard. And then it will be heard from those, who heard from you. (Abu Dawud) 

 Although I’ve been acquainted with Tabligh for several years now, but only after going in this jamaat that I finally got to see and participate in the Dawah activities in full swing. The effort that is going on in the name of ‘Dawat-e-Tabligh’ in every corner of the globe now is the effort to re-establish the missing bond among Muslims. Deen cannot be rejuvenated in the hearts of the Muslims without the proper understanding of Allah Subhanu Ta’ala. So our Dawah consisted of just that, to remind the people of Allah’s identity as the controller of the whole creation. The goal of the Dawah is not to preach to others and give Hidaayat, but to acquire Hidayat from Allah for ourselves by preaching the very words that we want to set in our own hearts. Once this purpose of Dawah is clear, you’ll never be disappointed or grow tired in calling people towards Allah. The urge to improve your own Imaan and set your Yaqeen straight will drive you onwards.
So wherever we went in Khulna, we got totally blended in with the local people. We stayed in a total of twelve masjids in and around the main Khulna town, so that’s a dozen different localities. In the period of forty days, me and my Saathis (it’s a norm in Tabligh to call another fellow Tablighi a ‘Saathi’ which means companion in the dialect of the subcontinent) got acquainted with numerous people, and we truly got acquainted with them. I mean we didn’t only get to know their names and whereabouts, but they truly became our brothers. Even when we changed a masjid and went over to the next one, the connection with the people of the previous area were not hampered, we would often visit them, keep in touch over the phone, and often they would come over to our current masjid to join us for lunch or dinner. Even now after almost two months, I call many of them back in Khulna regularly, and they call me as well.
In each of the areas we visited, there was a great stir in the place due to our work there. Thanks to Allah, all the members of our jamaat spent a lot of time in Gasht (preaching walks), talking to people in all sorts of places. Houses, tea stalls, shops, student dorms, you name it, we’ve been there. So within the very first day of our arrival at an area, the local people were well aware of our presence. And I must admit, I loved the people of Khulna. The hearts of the people are much softer compared to the stone cold people of Dhaka that I’ve come to see for all these years. In attitude they are much more cordial and polite, and more importantly they are eager to listen whenever the words of Allah and Islam are spoken to them. The foundation of our bond with the people of those areas was the Dawah towards Allah, and when you love someone for the sake of Allah alone, the bond that’s created is the strongest. So we totally blended into the lives of those people, who were just a few days ago total strangers to us. This is indeed a very basic necessity of Dawah, to create a true brotherly connection with the Ummah. Once that happens, the work of Dawah becomes much easier and fun, and the effect becomes more prominent. Thanks to Allah, through our work there, twenty four people returned with us to Kakrail for the purpose of spending time on the path of Allah at the end of our time in Khulna. Among them were brothers from varying levels like students, businessmen, government officers and even a renowned Mufti of Khulna. So, we went to Khulna sixteen men, and came back forty!

On the Path of Revival - Part 1

How can we correct ourselves if we don’t know what to correct? How can we adhere to Deen Islam if we don’t know what it asks from me? How can we follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (S) if we don’t understand its importance? How can we obey Allah if we don’t love Him? How can we love Allah if we don’t even know Him?

It’s not possible to understand the value of something if there’s no effort behind it. Those who are brought up in rich families don’t understand how precious food is, because they never had to struggle for it, they never knew hunger.

We claim nowadays that just because we have recited the Kalima we’ve become Mu’min. But how strange is our Imaan that it cannot prevent us from an action which we ourselves know is a grave sin, in what level is our Imaan that it cannot improve our behavior, doesn’t make us humble, kind and soft hearted. What kind of Imaan do we posses that makes us arrogant and selfish? What sort of Imaan do we have that it cannot take us to the masjid when the muazzin calls? It is thus evident that the faith that we claim to have is not enough to keep us in the path of Deen, in the path of Allah’s satisfaction. The reason behind this miserable frailty of our Imaan is the simple fact that we have never struggled for it, never put effort for its betterment. Striving in the path of Allah, struggling against diversities to uphold the order of Allah makes our Imaan stronger, and that’s the very thing that we lack. And that’s why it is absolutely necessary now to spend some time in the path of Allah for the improvement our own faith and correct the concepts that we have towards Allah and the Deen Islam.

Since I’m acquainted to Tabligh for several years now, I’ve been raring to go out on a Jamaat for a long period for quite a while. The completion of my BSc presented the opportunity I was looking for. So after getting over my exams and dealing with the thesis papers, I left home for the sake of Deen on 22 March.
The first step is always the most difficult one. And I felt it on the early morning of that day. I got to Kakrail Masjid, which is the Markaz (center) of the Tabligh movement in Bangladesh (and one of the three major centers of the world), and enlisted myself in a Jamaat of 16 men. I have never met any of the other guys in my life, so the first moments were a bit uneasy I must admit. Our Jamaat was designated to work in Khulna city, due south.

Mathematical Miracles of The Quran - Tested in Video

I've read about many mathematical miracles that can be found on The Holy Quran, but I've never actually seen a video or presentation that actually tests them. These two videos test some of the mathematical miracles in ways that you can perform yourself.





I would like to draw particular attention to the last example of the 2nd part. That one proves that addition or removal of any Ayat (verse) from The Holy Quran would hamper the code. So those who dare to say that The Quran has some Ayats that have been added by man, are proved wrong. Subhanallah.

A Boy Against the Bandits

Ghabah was a small village at four or five miles from Madinah. The Prophet's (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) camels were sent to that place for grazing. Abdur Rahman Fazari, with the help of a few disbelievers. killed the person looking after the camels and took them away. The bandits were riding their horses and all of them were armed. Salmah bin Akwah (Radhiyallaho anho) was going on foot in the morning with his bow and arrows, when he happened to see the bandits. He was only a boy but he ran very fast. It is said that he could beat the fastest horse in race. He was also a very good archer. No sooner did he see the bandits than he climbed up a hill and shouted towards Madinah to raise an alarm. He then chased the bandits and, on approaching near them, started sending arrows one after the other. He did this so swiftly and incessantly that the I bandits thought they were being chased by a large number of people. If any of the bandits happened to turn his horse towards him, he hid behind a tree and inflicted wounds on the animal with his arrow. The bandits at once retreated at full speed to escape from being captured. Salmah (R) says:
"I kept on chasing the bandits till all the camels taken away by them were behind me. Besides, in their flight they left behind 30 spears and 30 sheets of cloth of their own: Meanwhile, Uyainah bin Hisn (another bandit) and his party arrived on the scene to reinforce the bandits. They had meanwhile come to know that I was all
alone. They now chased me in large concentration and I was compelled to climb up a hill. As they were about to approach me I shouted, 'Stop. First listen to me. Do you know who am I? I am Ibnul Akwah. By Him who has given glory to Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), if anyone of you chases me, he cannot catch me. On the other hand, if I run after any of you he cannot escape me.' I kept on talking to them in that strain to beguile them till, I thought, help would reach me from Madinah. 1 looked anxiously through the trees, as I talked to them when at last, I noticed a group of riders headed by Akhram Asadi (R) coming towards me. As Akhram approached the bandits, he attacked Abdur Rahman and cut one leg of his horse. Abdur Rahrnan, as he fell down from the horse, attacked Akhram and killed him. Abu Qatadah (R) had meanwhile arrived. In the combat that ensued. Abdur Rahman lost his life and Abu Qatadah his horse."
It is written in some books of history that when Akhram was going to attack Abdur Rahman, Salmah advised him to wait till the rest of his people had joined him. But he did not wait saying: "I wish to die as a martyr in the path of Allah."
He was the only person killed from among the Muslims. The bandits lost a good number of their men. Then more reinforcement reached the Muslims, and the bandits took to their heels. Salmah (R) sought the Prophet's (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) permission to pursue them saying: "O Prophet of Allah! Let me have one hundred men, I shall teach them a lesson." But the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: "No. They would have by now reached their bases."
Most of the historians say that Salmah (R) was hardly 12 or 13 at that time. Look how a boy of such a small age was able to chase so many bandits single-handed. He recovered all the plunder and besides took a considerable booty from them. This was the outcome of Imaan and Ikhlaas, with which Allah had imbued the hearts of those blessed people.

[From Hikayat-e-Sahaaba]

No Place for Salaat

Last Friday I had Iftar with a couple of varsity friends and three of their school friends. We went to a recently popular and expensive place in Dhaka. One thing really hurt me in that place. They have made arrangements for Iftar, so that people can break their fast after having their stomachs empty for the whole day for the sake of Islam, while we were sitting there, recitation from the Holy Quran was playing, how religious minded this all may seem. But shockingly, they have no place for Salaat (Namaaz). The Maghrib azaan went off, everyone started eating, they've stayed hungry all day to fulfill a Farz of Islam, and yet 3 rakaats of Farz Salaat was going away begging, and no one seemed to care. Me and my friend had to take an almost 10 minute walk to the mosque to perform our prayers. Really shocking to see the lack of knowledge and negligance about the Salaat within the common people. That only brings back the blame on us, those who understand, because it was our duty to make them understand, and we're not even trying.

A Remarkable Conversation

The following post is taken from Hikayat e Sahaba, part of Fazail e Amal. This conversation is one of my favorite reads of all time. It shows the steadfastness of the righteous upon the path of Allah, even in the face of imminent death, and the truthfulness even in front of the sword of the executioner.

The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said: "To utter truth in the face of a tyrant is the best Jihad."
This is a story of Jihad of that type. At that time, Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the notorious blood-shedder was in power.
Hajjaj's harshness and tyranny are well known in human history. The rulers in those days, in spite of their
shortcomings, never lagged behind in propagating the faith, yet we treat them as the worst among rulers
because of the contrast with the just and God-fearing rulers. He was the viceroy of king Abdul Malik bin
Marwan for Hijaz and Iraq. The king lived in Damascus and Hajjaj had his headquarters at Koofah. Saeed
bin Jubair had fought against Hajjaj on the side of Ibnul Ash-ath. After the defeat, Saeed (Rahmatullah alaih)
ran away and took asylum in Mecca. The Government posted a very stern person as the Governor of Mecca,
with instructions to' arrest Saeed. The Governor assembled all the people of Mecca and read before them the
order of Abdul Malik, which said:
"Any person who gives shelter to Hadhrat Saeed [Rahmatullah alaih) shall meet the same fate as Hadhrat
Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) himself."
He then announced to the people:
"By Allah, I must kill the person who gives shelter to Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullah alaih). His and his
neighbours houses shall be razed to the ground."
Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) was arrested with great difficulty and sent to Koofah. When he was
brought before Hajjaj, the following conversation took place:

Hajjaj: "What is your name?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "My name is Saeed (lit. auspicious)."
Hajjaj: "What is your father's name?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "Jubair (lit. Trimmed)."
Hajjaj: "No, you are in fact Shaqi (lit. wretched) son of Kusair (lit. a broken thing)."
Hadhrat Saeed: "My mother knew my name better than you do."
Hajjaj: "You are wretched and your mother is also wretched. "
Hadhrat Saeed: "The Knower of the hidden things is someone else"
Hajjaj:"Look! I am putting you to sword."
Hadhrat Saeed: "Then my mother was right in giving me this name. "
Hajjaj: "I shall send you to Hell."
Hadhrat Saeed: "If I knew that you had that power. I would have taken you as my god. "
Hajjaj: "What is your belief about the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "He was an apostle of Mercy and a Prophet of Allah, sent with the best Guidance for the
whole creation."
Hajjaj: "What do you say about the Khalifas?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I am not a' warder over them. Everybody is responsible for his own actions."
Hajjaj: "Who is the most exalted of the four Khalifahs?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "The one who had been able to please Allah more than the rest. "
Hajjaj: "Which of them had been able to please Allah more than the rest?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "This is known only to Him Who knows what is hidden in the bosoms and what the hearts
conceal."
Hajjaj: "Is Ali in Paradise or in Hell?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I can answer only after I visit the two places and meet their dwellers."
Hajjaj: "How shall I fare on the Day of Judgement?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I am not fit to receive the knowledge of the unseen"
Hajjaj: "You do not intend to tell me the truth."
Hadhrat Saeed: "But I did not tell a lie either."
Hajjaj: "Why do you never laugh?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I do not see anything to laugh at; and indeed why should one laugh, who is created from
dust, who has to appear on the Day of Judgement, and is always surrounded by tribulations.
Hajjaj: "But I do laugh."
Hadhrat Saeed: "Allah has created us with different temperaments. "
Hajjaj: "I am now going to kill you."
Hadhrat Saeed: "The time and mode of my death have already been decreed."
Hajjaj: "Allah has preferred me to you."
Hadhrat Saeed: "Nobody can be proud of his relation with Allah unless he knows his position; and Allah is
the only knower of the unseen."
Hajjaj: "Why should I not be proud of my relation with Allah. when I am with the Amir-ul Mominin and you
are with the rebels."
Hadhrat Saeed: "I am with the other Muslims. I myself shun mischief. but nobody can change the decree of
Allah."
Hajjaj: "What do you say about what we collect for Amir-ul-Mominin?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I do.not know what you collect for him."
Hajjaj sent for gold, silver and dresses from the treasury and showed these to Saeed.
Hadhrat Saeed: "These are useful, provided you are able- to obtain with them the things that may provide you
peace on the Day of Consternation (Day of Judgement), when every nursing mother will forget her
nursing, and every pregnant one will be delivered of her burden, and when nothing but good will be of any
avail."
Hajjaj: "Are our collections not good?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "You have collected them, and you are the best judge."
Hajjaj: "Do you like any of these things for yourself?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "I only like the things which Allah likes."
Hajjaj: "Woe to you!"
Hadhrat Saeed: "Woe is for the person who is deprived of Paradise and is made to enter Hell."
Hajjaj: (Annoyed): "Say how should I kill you?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "As you would like to be killed."
Hajjaj: "Should I forgive you?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "Allah's forgiveness is real. Your forgiveness is of no value."
Hajjaj: (To the executioner): "Kill this man."
Hadhrat: Saeed laughed while he was being taken for execution. Hajjaj was informed of this. He called him
back.
"What made you laugh?"
Hadhrat Saeed: "Your boldness with Allah, and His clemency to you."
Hajjaj: "I am killing a person who has caused dissent among the Muslims. (To the executioner) Kill him in
front of me."
Hadhrat Saeed: "Let me say my Salaat of two rakaats."
After finishing Salaat, he faced Qiblah and recited:

"Verily, I have turned my face toward Him Who created the heavens and earth, as one by nature
upright, and I am not of the idolaters" (VI: 80).

Hajjaj: "Turn him from our Qiblah and let him face the Qiblah of the Christians, who also caused dissension
and dispute among their community."
His face was immediately turned to the other direction.
Hadhrat Saeed:

"And wither-so-ever you turn, there is Allah's countenance" (11: 115), Who is knower of the hidden
thoughts.

Hajjaj: "Make him lie on his face. We are only responsible for appearance."
Hadhrat Saeed (Rahmatullahi alaih) was made to lie on his face.
Saeed:

"Thereof We created you, and thereunto We return you, and thence We bring you forth a second
time." (XX: 55).

Hajjaj: "Kill him"
Hadhrat Saeed: I call you to witness what I recite:
"I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, who is all alone and Who has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is His slave and His Prophet."
He was then beheaded (lnna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaj-oon).
After the execution, too much blood came out from Hadhrat Saeed's (Rahmatullahi alaih) body. Hajjaj
himself marvelled greatly at it. He inquired the reason from his doctors, who said:-
"His tranquillity and composure at the time of death had kept his blood in its original form. Generally, people
to be executed are so much scared and afraid of death that their blood curdles and does not flow profusely."
There are many such incidents in the annals of the Taabi'een. Hadhrat Imam Abu Hanifa, Hadhrat Imam
Malik, Hadhrat Imam Ahmad bin Harnbal and other divines had to undergo trials and tribulations because of
their truthfulness; but they remained steadfast in the righteous path.

Which is The Right Path?

Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat: The majority of Muslims who adhere to the Holy Prophet (S) and that of His Blessed Companions (R).

The Holy Prophet (S) said,

"My Community will split into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the fire except one group. They asked: Who are they, O Messenger of Allah? He said: Those that follow my way and that of my companions." (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, al-Darimi)

The Muslim world is now divided into numerous sects or divisions, as predicted in the above mentioned Hadith. But success belongs only to them, who follow the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and His Companions (R). Now, commonly the question arises that almost each and every sect claim that they are the true followers of The Prophet (S) and the Sahaabis (R), and the other sects are not. So under these circumstances, how can we identify which group is following the Right Path? Which one is the only sect which will be saved from the fire? The following Hadiths show us that it is the group or congregation consisting of the majority of Muslims.

1. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Allah will never allow my Ummah to unite upon misguidance and incorrect beliefs. Allah's mercy, blessings and protection are with the largest group of Muslims. And he who deviates from this largest group of Muslims will be thrown into Hell." (Tirmizi)

2. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who deviates from the largest group of Muslims, even as much as a hand span, has himself cut off his connection with Islam". (Abu Dawud)

3. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Follow the way of the largest group of Muslims! For, he who deviates from this group will be thrown into Hell!" (Ibn Majah)

4. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "In the period prior to the Day of Judgement, false and deceitful groups will emerge. They will say things to you, which neither you nor your forefathers will have ever heard before. Stay away from these deceitful people and do not let them come near you! Do not be misguided by them and do not let them cause strife amongst you!" (Sahih Muslim)

It is also mentioned in the Hadiths that the majority of the Muslims will not agree on a wrong conception:

1. "My Community shall never agree upon misguidance, therefore, if you see divergences, you must follow the greater mass or larger group." (Ibn Majah)

2. "You have to follow the Congregation for verily Allah will not make the largest group of Muhammad's Community agree on error." (Ibn Abi Shayba)

3. "Verily Allah will not make my Community agree on error." (Tirmidhi)

In the current time of deviation and misguidance among Muslims, The Blessed words of The Beloved Prophet (S) show us the Right Path, so that we may save ourselves from being diverted away from the Path to Jannat. These diversions and sects are all conspiracies of Satan, who is always looking to guide us away from Heaven. But Allah Subhanu wa Ta'ala has given us exact directions so that we may not get lost on the way. May Allah keep us among the Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat and may we not stray away from the Right Path. Ameen.

How Islam Arrived in Bangladesh

This article has been taken from Sunni Forum. Through this article I was delighted to find some historical record that some of the Blessed Sahaabis (R) did indeed set foot on our soil. I was really gratified to find this information.

Introduction:

Islam arrived in this land in the same process as the land itself has been formed - in a conituous process of accumulation of silts. Islam was preached by generation after generation before the establishement of Muslim rule through a period of six centuries. As a result, a favoiurable place for Islam along with basic knowlegde about it was created in the hearts of the people. If formed an excellent psychological base that kept the inhabitants of this area firm upon Islam neglecting all sorts of obstacles, attacks and conspiracies.

Islam entered Bangladesh through the following three ways:

1. The Chittagong port was one of the major ports for entering the eastern region including China, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Many merchants used to anchor at the Chittagong port and go to China using land roads. The Arab merchants had been using this port since pre-Islamic period and continued to do so after they embraced Islam. They used to preach Islam along with their business activities. Islam began to spread from that time.

2. King Cherumol Perumol of Tamilnadu coastal kingdom Malabar embraced Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet Mohammad (PUH). As a result that area turned into a centre for preaching Islam. Preachers used to come to Bangladesh from that region.

3. After the conquest of Sindh by Muhammad Bin Kashem, many preachers used to come from the Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey on their feet to preach Islam here.

The silent preaching of Islam that went for more than six centuries remained hidden due to lack of historical evidences. Modern researcher are finding evidences are being found from the books written by Arab Muslim historians, geographers and Muhaddises. For example, it is proven from the narratives of Muhaddis Imam Abadna Marwazi that a group of Sahabis (R) including Abu Oakkas Ibn Ohaib came to Chittagong in the year 618. The narratives of many Arab geograpics of eleventh century including Abul Kasem Obaidullah Ibd Khurdadbih, Al Idrisi, Al Masudi, Yaqub Ibn Abdullah mention the business relations and settlement of Arab merchants in Chittagong seaport, Chandpur river port, Ramu, Coxesbazar etc. These are verified by recently discovered archaeological evidences. A gold coin of the period of Harun-ur-Rashid (788) was found in Paharpur, Rajshahi another set of coins of Abbasia period were found in Moinamoti, Comilla. An ancient Masjid that was built in the seventh century (689 BC, 69 Hizri) has been discovered recently in Lalmonirhat district.

The folk stories and songs provide substantial hints about many Islam preachers and saints. There are signs of their tombs and Dargahs. We find many mosques built by them. These indicate that Islam had been spreading in Bangladesh for six centuries before the Muslims conquered Bengal. The repressed anti-Aryan people of Bengal began to adore Islam from that time.

The conquest of Bengal started in 1204. Islam began to receive patronisation from the rulers. The barriers for the people of this region for embracing Islam was removed. As a result they began to enter into Islam in large numbers. Islam did not come here with the help of swords, rather the people of Bangladesh embraced it through love and profound understanding.

Before Conquest of Bengal:

People of this land were familiar with Islam before the conquest of Bengal. Arab merchants had links with Chittagong port since pre-Islamic period. It has been proven in recent studies that a group of Sahabis (R) including Abu Oakkas Malik, Quyes Ibn Sairadi, Tameem Ansary, Urrah Ibn Assasa, Abu Quyes Ibn Harisa came to Chittagong in 618 during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (PUB). They preached Islam there for few years and then went to China.

The following Sahabis (R) came to Bangladesh through Chittagong seaport after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PUB):
- Abdullah Ibn Utban
- Assem Ibn Amr Tameemi
- Sahel Ibn Abdi
- Suhael Ibn Adi
- Hakim Ibn Abeel Assaqafi

Later five delegations of the Tabeyees including a group of Muhammad Mamun and Muhammad Mohaimen came here to preach Islam.

In 712 Muhammad Bin Kasem conquered Sindh. It paved the way for Muslims to come to Bengal.

In 778 a group of Muslims fell into a storm in the Bay of Bengal. They were taken to the King of Arakan Ma-ba-toing. The king became very pleased with them due to their behaviour and intellects. He gave them several villages to settle. As a result, an Islamic society was developed in the course of time.

During 866 to 874, the famous saint of Iran Baezid Bostami preached Islam in Chittagong. Although most of the historians say that he returned to his homeland, many people believe that he died and was buried in Chittagong. His shrine is still in Chittagong.

In 954, the Muslims of Arakan became so powerful that they established Muslim rule in a part of Chittagong. King San-da-ya could not tolerate the Muslim rule and defeated them.

In 1053, Shah Muhammad Sultan Balkhi reached Harirumpur of Manikgonj through river way. He later established an Islam preaching centre around Mohastangar of Bogra. He established mosques and Islamic schools. During this time, he had to fight with King Parshuram of Mohastangar. The king was killed in the battle. Later the Army Chief Surkhab and captive princes Ratna Moni embraced Islam. Shah Muhammad Sultan Balkhi arranged their marriage and nominated Surkhab as the new king.

In 1053, Shah Muhammad Sultan Rumi came to Netrokona with a group of preachers. He invited the king of Madanpur for embracing Islam. The king refused first but accepted the invitation later and entered into Islam.

In 1179, Baba Shah Adam came to Bikrampur with a group of preacher to preach Islam there. Later he was martyred in a battle with king Ballal Sen.

In 1184, Shah Makhdum Ruposh came to Rajshahi as the first Islam preacher there. He was one of the preachers who built the base of Islam in Bangladesh in a completely hostile environment. He turned Rajshahi into an Islamic locality. His activities were centred around Rampur and Boalia.

Islam as Victor in Various Places:

It took two centuries to establish complete Muslim rule in Bengal. Muslim rule started from Rajshahi and completed in Khulna by Khan Jahan Ali.

1. North Bengal (Nadia, Gaur, Rangpur, Dinajpur: 1204)

After Delhi and Bihar was conquered by Muslims, King Lakxan Sen of Bengal anticipated Muslim attacks there. He was afraid that a Muslim battalion would suddenly attack him to free the people of this region from his oppression. Moreover, the astrologists told him that he would be defeated by the victor of Bihar, Bakhtier Khilji. As a result he employed strong guard in all conventional entrances of his temporary capital Nadia. However, in 1204, Bakhtier Khilji entered Nadia in a completely unconventional and difficult way and attacked the palace with a battalion of only 18 advanced soldiers. Lakxan Sen thought that the capital had fallen and escaped through the backdoor. It was the starting of Muslim rule in Bengal. Bakhtier Khalji conquered the whole North Bengal including Gaur, Bogra, Rangpur and Dinajpur.

2. Eastern-Southern Area (Sonargaon, Dhaka, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Barishal: 1274-1290):

Sultan Mugisuddin Tugril of Lakhnauti became active to establish Muslim rule in entire Bengal. He defeated the last Sen king Madhu Sen and brought Eastern Bengal under Muslim rule. As a result Sonargaon, Dhaka and Faridpur came under Islam. He build a fort at a place called Larikal 25 miles south to Dhaka and named it 'Killa-e-Turgil'. Bughra Khan was appointed ruler of Bengal in 1281. He ruled Bengal until 1290. Meanwhile, he brought Mymensingh and Barishal under Muslim Rule.

3. Sylhet (1303):

Sylhet was being ruled by a tyrant king named Gaur Gavinda. In 1301, Sultan Shamsuddin Feroz Shah sent forces against him twice in the commands of his Army Chief Sekander Gazi. It failed. He sent a group of soldiers again in 1303 in the leadership of Sayed Nasiruddin. Sekander Gazi too fought against Gaur Gavinda in this battle. Famous saint Shah Jalal assisted the force with his 313 companions. Gaur Gavinda escaped after being defeated. Shah Jalal stayed in Sylhet till his death in 1446 and preached and established Islam there.

4. Chittagong (1340):

Although Islam reached Chittagong much earlier, it took time to establish Muslim rule there. Sultan Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah was thorn in Soanargaon in 1338 and extended the area of his rule to southeast. During that period Ali Qadar Khan, Ali Mubarak Khan and Shamsuddin Mubarak Shah were in power in North Bengal. Fahkruddin Mubarak Shah brought Chittgaong under Muslim rule for the first time in 1340 and built a road from Chandpur to Chittagong.

5. Khulna Division (1418-1449):

Khan Jahan Ali played a remarkable role in preaching and establishing Islam throughout Khulna Division. Few Hindu Zaminders were ruling a small portion of the area and the remaining vast land was occupied by jungle. Khan Jahan Ali was engaged in building habitants, preaching Islam among non-Muslims and carrying out humanitarian activities. He built 360 mosques, dug 360 ponds for drinking water and constructed numerous pukka roads. He started building mosques, digging ponds and constructing roads from Barabazar of Jhenidah and reached Bagerhat. There he settled and build famous Shat Gambuj (Sixty Domes) Mosque. He established Quranic rule there in the name 'Khalifatabad' meaning the place of God's representatives.

For the Sake of Deen

On the 26, 27 and 28 March, I've been out on a 3 day Jamaat of Tabligh. I've been on a Jamaat before, but never for 3 days completely. My father wouldn't allow me to stay over because he cared a little too much for me. This is the first time I've traveled on the path of Allah with my bed on my shoulders and slept in the mosque. The independence day of our country have marked a different sort of independence for me. I've wondered how much difference there can be in staying over and not. Well, I've just found out that there's a huge gap. Whenever you want success, in any aspect of life, there needs to be some sacrifice, the more the sacrifice, the more closer you get to your goal. It goes for studies, profession, everything. Same theory applies for Imaan as well. The more hardship you go through for the sake of Deen, the better is your Imaan and steadfastness on the guidelines of Islam. There needs to be a great amount of hardship and sacrifice to attain the Imaan, which can inspire us to do good deeds and stay away from all evil from within our hearts. That's why it took our Prophet Muhammad (S) and his Blessed Companions (R) 13 years of hardship and effort to attain the eligibility of the complete Deen Islam, and only after that the guidelines of Islam was implemented on them. The noble work of Tabligh is nothing but the same effort as that of the Prophet (S) and the Sahabis (R), to acquire the Imaan which can keep us on the right path. By treading the path of Allah, with our beds and baggages on our shoulders, by leaving the luxurious life we used to live, by leaving our cozy air conditioned rooms, and sleeping on the floor of the mosque with people of all classes, by eating from the same plates and glasses with others, by preaching to people we consider to be low class, by being patient despite the many teases and pushes of the negligent, overall by struggling for the betterment of our Faith, all the diseases by which our hearts and minds have been filled, will slowly but surely be washed away, and in that place dependence on only Allah will be rooted. This is the goal of the work which is called as Tabligh. The blessed person through which this effort has been started again, Maulana Iliyas (Ra) didn't name it Tabligh. He said that if would name it, it would be 'Tahreek e Imaan' or, 'Revolution of Imaan'. Indeed it is so. Due to the strict adherence of the Quran and the Sunnah, this noble work has reached all corners of the globe within just a few decades. By spending some time in Allah's path, ultra moderns youngsters who are used to living life on the fast lane, are taking up the Sunnahs of the Rasul (S), becoming conveyors of the message of Allah, and thus are improving their own Imaan and that of others. If you want to understand how this effort can be such a life changing one, there is only one to find out, and that is by going out yourself.
Two of my friends from AUST, Ruhu and Fahad were with me in this Jamaat. I'm glad that they were there. Most importantly they weren't there only to pass the time of the semester break, but they have indeed learned the how important it is for us to work for the sake of Islam, and they are ready to do the work in their own community with their local mosque.
May Allah accept our efforts for the betterment of Imaan, and may Allah give all of us the understanding and the Tawfiq to give our effort, money and time for the sake of Deen, as we are suppposed to. Ameen.

An Eye-Opening Poem

I received this poem on my profile a long time ago. To me it seemed like a real eye-opening poem. I don't know who the author of this poem is, if anybody knows, please drop a comment.

I wonder……………………

If Prophet Muhammad visited you
Just for a day or two,
If he came unexpectedly,
I wonder what you would do?
Oh I know you would give your nicest room,
To such an honored guest,
And you would serve him your very best.

You would be the very best,
Cause you’re glad to have him there,
That serving him in your home
Would be a joy without compare.

But…when you see him coming,
Would you meet him at the door
With your arms outstretched in welcome,
To your visitor?

Or…would you have to change your clothes
before you let him in?
Or hide some magazines and put
The Qur’an where they had been?

Would you still watch those movies,
Or your T.V. set?
Or would you switch it off,
Before he gets upset.

Would you turn off the radio,
And hope he had not heard?
And wish that you did not utter
your last loud hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music,
And instead take out Hadith books?
Could you let him walk right in,
Or would you rush about?

And I wonder…if the Prophet (saw) spent, a day or two with you,
Would you go on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on and say the things You always say?
Would life for you continue
As it does from day to day?

Would your family conversations,
Keep up their usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal,
To say a table grace?

Would you keep up each and every prayer?
Without putting on a frown?
And would you always jump up early,
For Fajr at dawn?

Would you sing the songs you always sing?
And read the book you read?
And let him know the things on which,
Your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take the Prophet with you,
Everywhere you plan to go?
Or, would you maybe change your plans,
Just for a day or so?

Would you be glad to have him meet,
Your very closest friends?
Or, would you hope they stay away,
Until his visit ends?

Would you be glad to have him stay,
Forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief,
When he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know,
The things that you would do.
If Prophet Muhammad came,
To spend some time with you

Ijtema 2008: Flooded with rain, Flooded with Blessings

The days of Ijtema are the most eagerly awaited days of the year to me. Since I came to Uttara I didn't miss attending this grand event. It's a huge opportunity to listen to the elders of Tabligh who come here from all the corners of the globe, inspiring us to work on Allah's path, spread the words of Quran and Sunnah. This year I knew I wouldn't be able to attend all three days, as the classes and exams were too heavily scheduled as we are heading towards the end of the semester. But man desires and Allah decides. Due to continuous rain and chilling winter cold, the Ijtema was cut short into just one day. I saw a glimpse of the misery of the people at Ijtema on Thursday. I went there at Asr and the scenario was totally miserable. It was raining from above, the water dripping down through the canopies. The clay roads were all muddy, making it a huge task to move around. People were finding no place even to put their luggage. At several spots I saw men removing mud using bottles and pots from the ground where they are supposed to stay for three days. I couldn't stay for much longer and headed back home. As I was returning, I could here our very own Maulana Zubair speaking about patience through the hurdles in life. He referred to the Sahabis (Ra), saying that they never prayed for their troubles to be gone, instead they prayed that they would face tougher challenges, so that they can prove themselves in the test of Imaan.
At Friday, the situation was getting even worse. So after the Maghrib prayers, the seniors of Tabligh and two people from each Zilla was called on an emergency meeting, from which the decision came to halt the proceedings of this year's Ijtema after the Isha prayer. The eagerly anticipated so called 'Akheri Munajat' was held at about 8:00 pm.
Apparantly it seems as though the Ijtema has been foiled, that it has failed its purpose. But it might not be so. Maybe this years Ijtema would be far more successful in achieving its goals than recent years. Allah tests the steadfastness of His subjects through all states and conditions, to see how strong they stand on the path of Allah, despite the state they are in. India's Maulana Saad said at the bayaan after Maghrib, that this seemingly failed congregation would bring many times more blessings from Allah than any other, and the far reaching positive effect of this Ijtema would be seen very shortly Inshallah. I guess what he meant is that through this turn of events, people will find new inspiration, encouragement and spirit to work for the sake of Deen Islam.
One immediate example of what Maulana Saad said was observed in the representation of the Ijtema by the media. Most of the times, when the electronic media covers this event, they hugely fail to bring out the true purpose of Ijtema, which is to send out Jamaats of Tabligh throughout the country and the world, to call people towards Allah. This year I was surprised to see a clear difference. I saw the report made by private broadcasters Channel-I on their news after the day Ijtema was terminated. I was really delighted to note that the true goal of Ijtema was indeed brought out clearly enough. In the papers as well, I saw similar changes. Pamphlets distributed by the government sponsored by Grameen Phone, which contained the map of the Ijtema ground, also mentioned the necessity of the work of Tabligh. These things are quite different from the previous years.
So in the same tone as all the Muslims of the country, I pray to Allah that this Ijtema which is apparently flooded by the rain, is in fact flooded by the Blessings of The Almighty.

Obedience to the Prophet (S) - According to The Holy Quran

For the guidance of all mankind until doomsday, The Almighty Allah has given us The Holy Quran. He has chosen Islam as the lifestyle for mankind, and as a living example of the Islamic life, He has sent the Last Prophet Muhammad (S). We as Muslims believe in this and yet many of us have a wrong conception that following the orders of The Holy Quran is compulsory and following the ways of Muhammad (S) is optional is Islam and a totally separate thing. Well, this conception can only be the result of lack of knowledge about The Holy Quran. Because The Quran itself orders mankind to follow the Last Prophet (S).

In the character of Muhammad (S), Allah Subhanu Wata’ala has poured down all the properties of a perfect human being, a role model which should be followed by every person If he wants peace in this life and the next. In The Holy Quran, Allah says:

“There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah – for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.”

– Chapter 33- Surah Al-Ahzab:21.

According to the most accepted explanation (tafsir), Maariful Quran, this verse was initially revealed in context of the battle of Ahzab, to remind the hypocrites that they should have followed the example of the Holy Prophet (S) who stood firm in the battle, but by the unique style of The Holy Quran, the direction is given in generic terms to lay down a universal rule that Muslims should follow the ways of their Prophet (S) in all aspects of life.

Elsewhere in The Quran, The Almighty Allah describes the personality of Muhammad (S) as one who always wants only the good for mankind, and wants to save us from all sufferings:

“Surely, there has come to you a Messenger from amongst you, hard on whom is your suffering, for the good of you he craves and for believers he is kind, merciful.”

– Chapter 9 – Surah At-Tauba: 128.

So it is clear that Prophet Muhammad (S) is the role model for mankind.

Now, the following verses explain more clearly, that it is in fact not an option, but an order from Allah to follow Muhammad (S), to do what He tells us, to keep way from what He forbids. Allah Ta’ala says in The Quran :

“Say (O Prophet): “if you do love Allah, follow me; Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”

Say:”Obey Allah and the Messenger.” Then, should they turn back, Allah does not love the disbelievers.”

- Chapter 3 – Surah Al-Imran: 31, 32.

In the explanation of the above verses, it is stated in Tafsir Maariful Quran : “...In other words, if a person living in the world of today claims that he loves his Creator and Master, then, he must test it on the touch-stone of his obedience to the Messenger, that is, match it against the frequency and quality of where and how he has been following him. Once this is done, the genuine and the fake of it will be exposed right there. How much true a person turns out to be in his claim will be visible from how much he makes it a point to follow the noble Prophet (S), using the guidance brought by him as the guiding force in his life. The same test will show that the weaker a person is in his claim, so equally weak he shall be in his obedience to the Prophet (S).”

In another verse of The Holy Quran, The Almighty Creator states:

“Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys Allah and whoever turns away, then, We did not send you to stand guard over them.”

–Chapter 4 – Surah An-Nisaa: 80.

The meaning of the above verse is as clear as it gets, that following the Prophet (S) and obeying his commands is actually the same as obeying the commands of Allah. Again, turning to Maariful Quran for the explanation: “Here, the obedience to the Prophet (S) has been equated with the obedience to Allah. From this it follows that whoever disobeys the Prophet (S), invariably disobeys the command of Allah. Since, obedience to Allah is obligatory, even rationally – so, obedience to the Prophet (S) also turns out to be equally obligatory. “

In the light of the above stated verses from The Quran and the explanations, there needs to be no further proof for the fact that, it is indeed the command of Allah that we follow the Sunnah of the Messenger (S) of Allah. Our Creator knows best what is best for us, and He has sent the Last Prophet Muhammad (S) as the role model for the entire mankind. So it is nowhere else but in the ways of the Prophet (S) that we can find true success. Henceforth we shall try to renew our efforts to adopt The Sunnah in every aspect of our life. May Allah keep us in the Straight Path. Ameen.

On Allah's path, with my father

This day was pretty memorable. The Jamaat from our mosque are staying at a mosque in Kuril for three days, starting from Friday. Last night, by Allah's will, my dad suddenly decided to go there and join the great work for a day. I didn't expect him to make such a decision. But no one knows what Allah wishes. So today after lunch, me and my father went to that mosque and joined our Jamaat. After Asr we went out for Gasht (to invite people to the mosque), and my father was there with us. I did the part of inviting. After Maghrib we listened to the discussion. And then after Isha we came back home.
It might not sound much to you, but I know how big this is for me. It teaches me a lesson. We always think that we can predict everything. We judge the future with reference to the present situation, and we forget that Allah can do whatever He wants. He can bring about things we never even imagined, He can make changes to the world within a blink of an eye. All we have to do is have some faith, and never stop praying and trying. May Allah open up our eyes to the Truth. Ameen.

The Wonderful Gathering

From 31 January I had the privilege of being present at the second largest Muslim gathering after the Hajj. Yes, I'm talking about the Tongi Ijtema. I anticipated it since the last one. I didn't stay at night, but I regularly attended the lectures of the elders. The place is huge, infact, if you haven't been there yourself, you have no idea about the magnitude of the place. The huge space is actually not enough for the magnitude of people who stay there. When I look around there, I see people from all over the country, from all fields of work. I see people who work in huge multinational companies, who earn tens of thousands, at the same frame I see people who live from hand to mouth. I see students, doctors, engineers, politicians, beggars, businessmen. But they are all living in the same state there. They are having food from the same plate, drinking water from the same glass, standing in lines to get to the toilet. They are living the same life there. The rich have left their luxurious apartments, their multi-million taka bathrooms and have come here to live the same life as a begger who's sleeping right next to him. People speaking in their various dialects, but speaking the same things, speaking about Tawheed, Risaalat, Aakhirat, encouraging each other to go out in Allah's path. It is assumed that about 20 lakh people gathered there to stay, but there's no hassle, no quarrel, no mismanagement. Everyone has a tendency to listen to others. By being there one actually gets an idea about
how the Muslim brotherhood should've been like. Muslims from rest of the world also were there. Everyone was there sacrificing there time, their luxury, their money only to be there and listen to the advices of the elders and prepare themselves to dedicate their lives for the Deen. I look around, amazed, and feel that yes, this is where I belong, this is where Muslims belong.
Last month I also had the opportunity to work for the Ijtema. There is no particular leader in this massive task. Everybody is a leader, everybody is a worker. All working together, ordinary people, make this huge task possible without any hassle. It shows the power of unity that we lack in our everyday life, which makes our life harder. Listening to the bayaans of the elders of Tabligh is really an opportunity that I cannot afford to miss when it comes by. Their words inspire us to obey the Deen that Prophet Muhammad (S) has shown to us, the Deen which the Sahaabis (R) practiced perfectly. It's not like they tell us to leave everything worldly and only to pray and weep. They preach the actual Islam, which says that anything we do in our life, if we do it according to Quran and Sunnah, it will be counted as worship of Allah. It's about trying as hard as you can and depending only on Allah and not on your efforts. It's possible to write volumes on this issue so I'm not writing any more. These bayaans inspire us to stay on Allah's path 24x7. May Allah give Tawfiq to us all to stay on Allah's path till death.
Ameen.

Beautiful Advices

Hazrat Abu Zar (Radhiallahu anhu) related that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had said to him, "I advise you to fear Allah, as this is the root of all virtues; remain engaged in the recitation of Holy Qur'an and in Zikr of Almighty Allah, which will earn you an appreciation in the Heavens and serve you as a light in this world; keep silent for most of the time, so that you speak nothing but good, as this will keep the devil away from you and make it easy for you to perform your religious duties; abstain also from too much laughing, for laughing weakens the heart and deprives the face of its spiritual glow (radiance); always take part in Jihad as this is the sign of piety for my Ummah; like the poor and keep their company; compare your lot with persons lower than you, and never look up to those higher than you, otherwise you will forget the bounties of Almighty Allah and become ungrateful to Him; try to retain ties with your relatives though they may try to break them; do not hesitate to speak out the truth, though it may be bitter for others; always obey Almighty Allah in spite of adverse criticism; find fault with your own self, and never with others; do not criticize others for the shortcomings that you suffer from. O! Abuzar (Radhiallahu anhu), there is no wisdom better than farsightedness, abstinence from the unlawful is the best act of piety, and good manners constitute true nobility."

(From Fazail-e-A'mal)