The Scorpion

The Scorpion

This is a parable about an old man who used to meditate each day by the river near his home.

 One morning he saw a scorpion floating on the water.

When the scorpion drifted near the old man, he reached to rescue it but was stung by the scorpion. 

A bit later he tried again and was stung again, the bite swelling his hand painfully and giving him much pain.

 A young man passing by saw what was happening to the old man and yelled at him,

“Hey, you foolish old man, what’s wrong with you?
 Only a fool would risk his life for sake of an ugly, evil creature. 

Don’t you know you could kill yourself trying to save that ungrateful scorpion?”

 The old man turned around and calmly replied,

“My young man, just because it is in the scorpion’s nature to sting, does not change my nature to save.”

Surah Al Mumtaninah

(That Which Examines)

60:7

 

It may be that Allah

Will grant love (and friendship)

Between you and those whom

Ye (now) hold as enemies.

For Allah has power

(Over all things); And Allah is

Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

 

 

Even with Unbelievers or our enemies, unless they are rampant and out to destroy us and our Faith, we should deal kindly and equitably, as is shown by the Prophet Muhammed Salallaahu ‘aliahi wa’sallam’s own example. Do good to them, and lend a helping hand to help without expecting to get anything back.

The Battle With Two Wolves

Alhamduli’Allahi Rabbil-’Aalameen wa-Salaatu wa-Salaamu ‘alaa Ashrafil-Anbiyaa-e-wal-Mursaleen, wa ba’d.

Assalaamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu

The Battle With Two Wolves

Unknown AuthorThis is a story, from an unknown source, tells us about: quote -  ”an old man who told his grandson one evening after prayers about a battle that was going on inside himself.

He said, “My child, the battle is between two wolves, one of whom is so evil, full of anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, hypocrisy, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is so good, full of rememberance of Allah Ta’ala, faith, joy, peace, love and compassion, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, and truthfulness.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,”Which wolf will win?”

The grandfather simply replied, “The one I feed.” - unquote.

~ What the grandfather said is certainly food for thought ~

Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim al Jawziyyah’s article entitled “The Ways of Satan in Leading Humans Astray”  explains that one of the ways in which Satan leads human beings astray is by ‘feeding’ them with  impressions of evil looking good. On this point, ibn ul-Qayyim wrote the following:

 

Quote: “From his strategem is that he always bewitches the mind until he can deceive the person. No one is safe from his bewitching except whomsoever Allah wills. He makes good looking to him what harms him the most, until he imagines that it is the most beneficial act for himself. And he makes him flee from the most beneficial act until he thinks it is something harmful to him. Certainly, there is no god but Allah.

 

How many humans have been tested by such sorcery? How many hearts have been kept from Islam, faith and goodness (by such sorcery)? And how many support and present falsehood in the best form and hate truth and present it in the worst form (because of his deception)? And how much falseness is adorned and shown in a desirious manner to the alert? And how much falseness is spread among the wise?

 

Satan is the one who bewitches the mind until it follows different desires and various evil opinions. He makes them follow every path of misguidance. He leads them to actions, one after another, that cause their destruction. He makes appealing to them the worship of idols, the breaking of familial relationships, the killing of daughters, marrying one’s mother and so on. And he promises them the victory of paradise with their infidelity, wickedness and acts of disobedience. He presents to them polytheism in the most honorable fashion. And he presents rejection of Allah’s attributes, of His transcendence and of His speech in the guise of anti-anthropomorphism of Allah. He presents abandoning ordering good and eradicating evil in the guise of having mercy for others, behaving with others in a good manner, and applying the verse, “O believers, you are in charge of your own souls” (al-Maidah 105). And he presents turning away from what has come from the Messenger in the guise of blindly following the Imams (taqleed) and the sufficiency of following one who is more knowledgeable. And he presents hypocrisy and compromising with respect to Allah’s religion in the guise of being flexible and mixing admirably with the people.” - unquote.

 

In another beneficial excerpt “Perfecting One’s Character from “The Magnificent Journey” Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim al Jawziyyah explains three conditions needed to acquire good manners/character, meaning proper nature, controlling one’s nafs and sound knowledge. He wrote:

Quote: “The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam used to make a number of supplications related to good character.

“O Allah, guide me to good character, none guides to good character but You…” [Muslim]

“O Allah, I seek refuge in you from bad character, deeds and desires.” [at-Tirmidhee]

“O Allah, You perfectly created me, so perfect my character.” [Ahmad]

“O Allah, I seek refuge in you from disability and laziness; from cowardice and avarice; from decrepitude and harshness; from negligence and impoverishment, from lowness and humiliation. And I seek refuge in You from poverty and disbelief; from sinfulness, disunity and hypocrisy; from notability and riyaa’ (show off)…” (Ahmad, Maalik, Bazaar, Haithami and ibn `Abd al-Barr authenticated it).

Three Conditions to Acquire Excellent Manners

This is one example of the excellent manners with which Allah (ta`aala) has equipped his Messenger (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam). He described him as,

“Verily, You (Muhammad) are on an exalted standard on character.” (68:4)

`Aa’ishah, radhiallaahu `anhu, described him as, “His character was just (a reflection of) the Qur’aan.” (Muslim, Aboo Daawood, Ahmad).

Such excellent character cannot be attained without three conditions:

1. The foundation must be good. If one has a rough and dry nature, it will be hard for him to submit to this (excellence of character) through knowledge, will, or practice. On the other hand, a mild and smooth nature will be ready and willing to receive the plowing and the seeds (to prepare it for character excellence).

2. The soul must be strong and capable of conquering calls of laziness, transgression, and desire. Those matters contradict perfection, and souls which cannot defeat them will always be defeated and conquered.

3. (One must possess) a discerning knowledge of the truth of matters, enabling one to put them in the rightful position, and to distinguish between flash and cancer – between glass and jewels.

If these three qualities are present in a man, and Allah’s facilitation helps him, then he will be among those whom the best (husnaa) has been decreed and for whom Allah’s care has been secured” - unquote. (Published by QSS). http://www.islaam.com/Article.asp?id=94

Now that you’ve finished reading the above advice, 

 which wolf would you feed?

The Farmer, the Imam and Chicken Feathers

  Alhamduli’Allahi Rabbil-’Aalameen wa-Salaatu wa-Salaamu ‘alaa Ashrafil-Anbiyaa-e-wal-Mursaleen, wa ba’d.

Assalaamu `Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The Farmer, the Imam and Chicken Feathers

This is a story about Abdul, a farmer who once unthinkingly spread tales slandering his friend. But later found the rumours to be false and hoped to make amends for the smut he had smeared on his friend’s reputation. 
He sought the counsel of an Imam, a religious man, esteemed and wise, who heard the farmer’s story through and felt he must advise. 
The kind Imam said: ”If you would have a mind again at peace, I have a plan whereby you may from trouble find release. Go fill a bag with chicken down (feathers) and to each dooryard go and lay one fluffy feather where the streams of gossip flow. 
Abdul did as he was told and to the Imam returned. Elated that his penance was a thing so quickly earned. 
“Not yet,” the old Imam said sternly, ”Take up your bag once more and gather up the feathers that you placed at every door.” 
Abdul, eager to atone, went hastening to obey, no feathers met his sight, the wind had blown them all away!!!

In her article “Smearing the Smut,” Michelle Al-Nasr wrote the following: – quote:

“Let us be realistic, everyone has gossiped to some extent. Not many can claim perfection in this department. But some of us, more than others – and you know who you are – make it a career to smear smut about everyone and to everyone.

There is a difference between idle talk and gossiping; and a big difference between gossiping and spreading smut. So first, let us sort out the who’s who in the group of the gap.

Different people, of course, fall into different categories. There are The Babblers: who like only to hear themselves talk, and never let you get a word in edgewise. I tend to be one of these types, Allah help me! Then, there are The What-ifs: people who like to contemplate what could have been. Next, there are The Reminiscers: people who like to talk about stuff that already happened over and over. You also have The Optimists and The Pessimists: their names are pretty self-explanatory. Finally, you have the last two categories, namely and by far the worst of the bunch: The Gossipmongers and The Smutsmearers.

In order to understand where people are coming from, even when looking to our own actions, we have to begin by asking the question of: why?

Why do people, or do I, hurt others by spreading gossip and slander?

To answer that question, we need to bring about some understanding. It is important to understand that The Gossipmongers gossip to fulfill a need.

Their need covers two reasons:

a) Their need for attention, or,

b) Their need for interest in their lives

That is it, these are the main reasons why people gossip, just something to talk about. Most of all, it makes someone feel important to spread gossip and stories because they are the newsmakers. This all seems harmless enough, that is, if it does not hurt others right? Well, not always and not exactly. Because, by passing on tales of others, you slowly lose your standards and sometimes just slip. Have you ever left a conversation in regret, wishing you had not told some confidential information confided to you?

Many of us have, regrettably so because it is too easy to get wrapped up in the moment. So, if you ever find yourself with The Gossipmongers – whether you are being one or listening to one – what should you do?

We know that the Prophet, Sal-Allahu alaihi wa sallam taught us that, “Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest of faith.” (Muslim). Say something, change the subject, and alter the focus-put the art of interruption into practice. If, for any reason, you can not say something then get up and walk away. You will feel better for it.

Now, let us move on to the last category, The Smutsmearers, These are the worst of the worst. The Smutsmearers make up stories, spread nasty rumors and do not care if they hurt anyone in the process-their ultimate goal is to hurt someone’s feelings.

The Smutsmearers do what they do for one reason only: they hate themselves and lash out at others to make up for their own shortcomings. There is no other reason; it comes from hurt they want to share with others. This way, in their pain, they will not be alone; and they will do anything to take the attention away from themselves so no one will notice their flaws. Take a close look at a certified Smutsmearer and you will not find a happy person, I guarantee it.

If you ever find yourself in this category, you need to take a cold hard look in the mirror and ask yourself why you would want to hurt others and spread lies, and also asks why you do not like yourself. Then you need to find a way to make some changes for the better, or it will get worse. So, how do you deal with a Smutsmearer? The answer is simple: you do not.

You do not deal with them at all. You make certain that they are not a part of your circle of friends. Why? Because, if your circle of friends contains one Smutsmearer, you too will one day enter the realm of telling fiendish fables that will inevitably do someone great emotional damage. So, which category of conversation will it be? It all starts and ends with you.” – unquote. (Source: Al Jumu’ah Vol. 14 Issue 12) 

An excerpt from the Al-Bayaan magazine, issue #152, p. 138, the author, Badr al-Suhayl wrote the following:  - quote: ”Many Muslims show a great deal of piety by refraining from eating imported meats, especially tinned meat; they are very cautious about this matter for fear that it may have been slaughtered in a manner that goes against shari’ah. This is a commendable effort, but there are other kinds of meat which are so subtle that even the pious do not detect them and the cautious do not spot them. The reason for that is that the meat which they want to avoid is visible and tangible, nothing is hidden from those who keep watch because the one who eats it will be seen doing so, whilst this is not the case with regard to the other, but both of them are described as eating. Allah says in Surah al-Hujurat 49:12 (interpretation of the meaning):

“Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” (referring to human flesh, i.e., gossip).

Yes, this is what Allah calls it: “Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” There is a great deal of evidence to show that it is haraam, to point out how dangerous it is and to demonstrate the abhorrence of being caught indulging in this sin. It was narrated  that Ibn Mas’ood said: “We were with the Prophet Sal-Allahu alaihi wa sallam when a man got up and left. Immediately another man spoke disparagingly of him. The Prophet Sal-Allahu alaihi wa sallam said to him: ‘Clean between your teeth.’ He asked, ‘Why do I need to clean between my teeth? I have not eaten any meat.’  The Prophet Sal-Allahu alaihi wa sallam said, ‘You have eaten your brother’s flesh.’” (Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani).-unquote. 

Al-Hasan Al-Basree (rahimahullaah) said, “Whoever does not guard the slips of their tongue has not understood their Deen.” So, if you find yourself unable to do three things, then you do three (other) things: if you cannot do good, then stop doing evil; if you cannot benefit people, then do not harm them; if you cannot fast, then do not eat the flesh of the people. 

If there is one thing that you remember after reading this,  let it be the following commandment of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, memorise it and teach it to at least one other person: (the translation of the meaning)

“Not a word does he utter, except there is a sentinel (angel) by him, ready (to record it).” (Surah Qaf  50:18)

Sabr or Shukr- The Worry Stops here

Muhammad Alshareef

Aasiyah, the wife of Fir’own. Her Eeman in Allah thrived under the shadow of someone that said, “I am your Lord, Most High!” When news reached Fir’own of his wife’s Eeman he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, “My lord, build for me a home with you in Paradise and save me from Fir’own and his deeds and save me from the transgressive people.” It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. The guards watched astonished, she’s being tortured and she smiles? Frustrated, Fir’own commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women till the end of time: [And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'own (Pharaoh) - when she said, "My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressive - disbelieving people.] -Tahreem 66/11 In the hadith of Jibreel, when he came to the Prophet (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) and asked him about Islam, Eeman, and Ihasan, the Prophet SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM said about Eeman, “Eeman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Final Day, and the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.” For the past few weeks we have been reflecting on this hadith, only glimpses. Today we shall conclude with the last article of Eeman: to believe in the Divine decree, the good and the bad thereof. As you and I travel though life we find ourselves in one of two situations. Either something good is happening in our lives and in which case – as Muslims- our role is to thank Allah for the blessing. Or something bad is happening to us, something we dislike and our role here is to be patient (Sabr). This is the formula for a happy life, a life cruising towards the pleasure of Allah. Sabr or Shukr, the worry stops here. The Messenger of Allah (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) said, “Strange is the affair of the Mu’min (the believer), verily all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (Saabir) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the Mu’mmin ” Ibn Al-Jowzee said, “If this Dunya was not a station of tests it would not be filled with sicknesses and filth. If life were not about hardship, then the Prophets and the pious would have lived the most comfortable of lives. Nay, Adam suffered test after test until he left the Dunya. Nuh cried for 300 years. Ibrahim was thrown into a pit of fire and later told to slaughter his son. Ya’qub cried until he became blind. Musa challenged Fir’own and was tested by his people. Eeasa had no provision except the morsels his disciples provided him with. And Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) met poverty with patience, his uncle – one of the most beloved relatives to him – was slain and mutilated and his people disbelieved in him … and the list of Prophets and the pious goes on and on.” What happens to us happens by the will of Allah. It is an article of our Eeman in Qada’ and Qadr that we are pleased with Allah’s choice, Good or seemingly bad it is all the test of this Dunya. How could we imagine that we shall not be tested when those who were better than us suffered what they suffered. They however came away with the pleasure of Allah, Subhaanahu wa Ta’Aala. Al Hasan ibn Arafah narrated, “I visited Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal after he was whipped and tortured. I said to him, “O Abu Abdillaaah, you have reached the station of the Prophets!” He said, “Keep quiet. Verily, I saw nothing more than people selling their Deen. And I saw scholars that were with me sell their Faith. So I said to myself, ‘Who am I, what am I. What am I going to say to Allah tomorrow when I stand in front of Him and He ask me, “Did you sell your Deen like the others did?” So I looked at the whip and the sword and chose them. And I said, “If I die I shall return to Allah and say: ‘I was told to say that one of Your Characteristics was something created but I did not.’ After that, it will be up to Him – either to punish me of be Merciful on me.” Al-Hasan ibn Arafah then asked, “Did you feel pain when they whipped you?” He said “Yes, I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then I lost all feeling (They whipped him over eighty times). After it was over I felt no pain and that day I prayed Dhuhr standing.” Al-Hasan ibn Arafah started weeping when he heard what had happened. Imam Ahmad questioned him, “Why are you crying? I did not lose my Eeman. After that why should I care if I lose my life?” They were better than us but this was how they were tested. Let us discuss some facts about these tests of life, the good and the bad that befalls us: § Much of what befalls us – the hard times – is the direct result of ourown sins. Allah Ta’aala says [And whatever misfortune befalls you it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.] – Sura 42/30 Muhammad ibn Seereen used to say when his debts piled up and he felt sad, “I know that the cause of this sadness is a sin I committed over 40 years ago.” § People understand that when something bad happens it is a test from Allah. But dear Brothers and Sisters, the good things that happen to us are also a test. Allah ta’aala says [And we tested them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn back] – A’raf 7/168 Abd alMalik ibn Ishaq said, “There is no one that is not tested with health and prosperity to measure how thankful he is (Shukr).” And the Companion – AbdurRahman ibn ‘Awf (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) said, “We were tested with hardship and were patient. And then we were tested with prosperity and we were not patient. Because of this Allah states: [O ye who believe! Let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.] – Munafiqun 63/9 § Patience must happen from the beginning, not three days later or one day later, at the first news of the calamity, when it first happens. The Prophet (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) said, “Verily patience (is only Sabr when practiced) at the first hit (of news).” § There are things that contradict Sabr. Tearing ones shirt, for example, slapping ones face, slapping hands, shaving ones head, and cursing and wailing. Umm Salamah narrates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAL ALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM) say, “Any Muslim that says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it – (any Muslim that says this) Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost).” – Muslim § These tests and hardships wash our sins. Aisha (RADI ALLAHU ANHA) said, “Verily fever sheds sins like a tree sheds leaves.” § The hardships that befall us distinguish the believers from the insincere. Shumayt ibn Ajlaan said, “The pious and the ungrateful are hidden by health. Yet when calamities befall the two men are separated (by how they react).” Allah says in the Quran [Alif/Laam/Meem..Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, "We believe," and will not be tested? Indeed We tested those who (lived) before them] Al-Ankaboot 29/1-3 Part II: Towards Sabr Ali (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) said, “Verily Sabr is to Eeman what the head is to the body. When the head is cut off, the body falls. (He then raised his voice) Verily there is no Eeman for he who has no Sabr (patience).” There are three types of Sabr that the Muslim must have: a. Sabr in the obedience of allah. For example, One must be patient and perform their Fajr at it’s time. b. Sabr in not disobeying Allah. Like someone might say, “I just have to insult him.” No, we are command by He who gave us our tongues to not follow the whispers of Shaytaan. And we must have Sabr in not disobeying Allah. c. Sabr in what Allah Decrees on us. For example, if our child was to pass away we should be patient and seek the reward of Allah in our patience and say only that which is pleasing to Allah. There are two keys. If we understand them we shall open the door to Sabr in our lives: The First Key: know that our souls, families and wealth do not belong to us, they belong to Allah. He gave it to us as a loan to see what we would do with it. And when he takes it back He is taking back what belongs to Him. We had nothing before the blessing and we’ll have nothing after it. We did not create the blessing from nothing, so how can we claim that it belongs to us. The Second Key: We are on a journey and the destination is the hereafter – Paradise or Hell. We shall be leaving the Dunya behind us and we’ll come back to Allah by ourselves. This is what needs our focus. And if Allah is pleased with us then no worry. If He is not pleased with us then all worry. Let me draw your attention to a verse. Listen carefully. Allah revealed: [Guard strictly the (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle Salah and stand before Allah in obedience.]- alBaqarah 2/238 The verses before this deal with divorce. The verses after it deal with divorce. Why was this verse placed in the middle? The Ulama’ have suggested, Wa Allaahu a’lam, that in the hard times that a person goes through (especially in a divorce) they should not forget the remembrance of Allah, the Salah. And it is that Salah coupled with Sabr that will pull them through. [O you who believe! Seek Help in Patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those that are patient.]-Baqarah 2/153 In conclusion, Allah ta’ala wants us to give pass on the following good news: [And give good news to the patient who, when afflicted with calamity say, "Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."/They are those on whom the Salawat (i.e. the blessing and forgiveness) of their Lord is upon them, and who shall receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones] -Baqarah 2/157 Allah promised anyone who wants to work on his or her patience three things: Forgiveness, Mercy, and guidance. Who could ask for more?