Seek help from Allah

How To Seek Help From Allah

When you feel alone. When everything you see is dark and grey. When you taste the bitterness of defeat. When you cannot reach out and touch your dreams. When all hope seems lost. You can either let this be your breaking point, or make it your turning point. What’s it going to be?

Do not lose hope in Allah, for He is the Creator. He will create another way for you. Never get tired of asking Allah for whatever you need.Allah says in the Quran: “And seek help in patience and prayer…” [Al-Baqarah: 45]

Way of Seek help from Allah

keep making Dua to Allah.Allah always answers prayers, but in his time not ours. He uses difficult times to teach us dependence and reliance upon Allah. He uses difficult moments to teach us humility and make us more humble.

Keep praying, keep striving, keep doing good, and keep being thankful, for indeed these qualities will improve your life in this world, and will be your means to entry into Jannah in Insha’Allah.

Seek help from Allah

THE SINCERITY OF HAZRAT ALI

Once, during Jihad, Hazrat Ali (j), having overpowered an enemy was to strike his final blow with his sword. However, just before he could do so, this enemy spat in the face of Hazrat Ali (j).

Even though this created displeasure, Hazrat Ali (j) immediately moved away, placing his sword into its sheath. Whilst he had had the upperhand and the opportunity to kill this disbeliever, he left him;

not even considering that now his life was in danger. Such strange behaviour confused the enemy and prompted him to question Hazrat Ali (j) : “What kind of behaviour is this ? After having insulted you, you should have killed me immediately. I was under your sword, and helplessly at your mercy. Why did you let me go?”

Hazrat Ali (j) replied : “All the while, I had been fighting for the pleasure of Allah. When you spat in my face, my nafs was provoked. My anger was then not sincerely for the pleasure of Allah but due to

personal injury. Had I killed you, this act would have been tainted with the anger of my nafs. Allah does not accept any deed done without sincerity. I would have then been questioned, on the Day of

Judgement, about whether I had taken your life for my pleasure or Allah’s pleasure.” Hazrat Ali (j) was prepared to become a Shaheed (martyr), but he was not prepared to accept victory whilst it was blemished with nifaaq (hypocrisy). His Ikhlaas had such an impact on the heart of this non-Muslim that he accepted Islam.

An important point had been mentioned : “…Allah does not accept any deed done without sincerity…”

TITLES: Ikhlas,Sincerity Or Purity Of Intention , Sincerity In Islam, Ikhlas In Islam,

KEEPING THE RIGHT FRIENDS

Who we keep company with is reflective of who we are

For as far back as I can remember, my parents would always admonish me and my siblings to keep good company. My Dad specially had a favorite saying, "Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are."

Needless to say, I was always very conscious, and careful about choosing the right people to surround myself with. In Islam it is doubly true and essential to surround yourself with righteous companions, because they will help to keep your feet planted on the straight path, while doing otherwise may lead you astray.

It was Ahmad ibn Harb, rahimahullaah, who said, "There is nothing more beneficial to a Muslim's heart than to mix with the righteous and to watch their actions, while nothing is more harmful to the heart of the Muslim than mixing with sinners, and watching their actions." No matter who you are, or how strong or independent you may feel, no man, or woman, is an island, and you can't make it through this life alone. This is why Islam so stresses the Jama'ah, or the congregation. The sayings that there is strength in numbers and that it is the lone sheep that gets devoured by the wolf are true.

Therefore we need to adopt correct manners, in that we try ardently never to do an action or to befriend anyone without knowing whether the pleasure of Allah is in it or not, and never loving and hating for worldly reasons. For the Prophet of Allah, sallallahu alayhi wassalaam said, "Whoever loves for Allah, and hates for Allah, gives for Allah and withholds for Allah, has completed his faith." (Abu Dawud) So who should be our companions? First of all they should be good Muslims, who believe in Allah and His Messenger. For Allah says in the Qur'an, "And who so obeys Allah and the Messenger [Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wassalaam], then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the prophets, the Siddiqun (those followers of the prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are." [4:69]

Secondly, being around them should make you want to increase in good deeds. Allah ta'ala says, "And We have sent down to you [O Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wasallam], the Book [this Qur'an] in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and Mohayminan [trustworthy in highness and a witness] over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that [He] may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you [all] is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ." [5:48] By aligning ourselves with people who do good deeds, we are then prompted to compete with them in this regard, and thus improving the character and the religion of everyone involved.

Lastly, but by no means the least, our companions should help us to remember Allah. For Allah ta'ala says, "O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does this, then they are the losers." [63:9] In this time of hustle and bustle, it is very easy for us to get caught up in the pursuit of worldly gains. This is why it is increasingly important to surround ourselves with people, who will encourage us to think of Allah, in every instance of our lives.

The superiority of the remembrance of Allah was explained by the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, who said, "The example of the one who remembers his Lord, in comparison to the one who does not remember his Lord, is that of a living creature compared to a dead one. (Bukhari)

So let us take stock of the people we spend our time with. Do they fall into the above categories? If our friends aren't doing these things, then what does being with them say about us? We should strive to love those who love Allah, and to hate those who hate Allah, and what He has sent down of guidance for humanity. For the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam said, "Whoever possesses three things will find the sweetness of eman. For Allah and His Messenger to be more beloved to him than anything else; to love a person for Allah's sake alone; and to hate to return to disbelief the way he hates to be thrown into the fire." (Bukhari)

THE MANNERS OF ATTENDING WEDDINGS

If invited, attend the celebration as if you have answered an invitation to a blessed occasion, and a delightful and acclaimed celebration, as the Prophet proclaimed you should. Dress appropriately, for the Prophet's companions used to dress properly at weddings. When initiating or sharing in discussions, make sure your conversation fits the happy occasion and does not include depressing and distasteful subject matter that could spoil the occasion. Muslims should be wise and considerate.
It is recommended that you congratulate the bride and bridegroom, by reciting the Hadith narrated by Abu Dawood and Al-Tirmidhi, and authenticated by Ibn Maja and Al-Hakim, whereby the Prophet (PBUH) said: 'May Allah bless your side and bless your counterpart and may Allah tie your union with virtue.' Do not use the commonly used phrase 'With comfort and children,' because this was the phrase used by the people of ignorance (Jahilia). The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited such a saying, and Allah, with His blessing, replaced it by the prayer of his Prophet (PBUH). Al-Bukhari reported that 'Ayisha (RA) said: 'When the Prophet (PBUH) married me, my mother led me into the house where women of Ansar were celebrating. They congratulated me with reward, blessing, and 'best of luck' wishes.
Islam permits women to celebrate a wedding by singing tasteful songs, accompanied by a drum beat. Such poems and songs should not promote lust, lewd desire, or portray physical beauty. Instead, they should sing delightful and decent songs to express their happiness with the marriage. Al-Bukhari reported that 'Ayisha (RA) said: 'A bride was led to her Ansar husband. The Prophet (PBUH) said: O Ayisha, did you not have merriment? The Ansar love fun.' He was referring to the singing and beating of drums.
Al-Hafiz ibn Hajar reported in his book Fath Al-Bari that 'Ayisha recalled that the Prophet (PBUH) asked 'Why did you not send with her [the bride] a singer girl to sing with a drum beat? I said, 'What?' He answered:

We are visiting you, we are visiting you
If you greet us, we'll greet you.
For your gold, bright and red, brought the bride to your farm
And it is your wheat, brown and tanned, that made your virgins' charm

Songs sung at weddings must be similar and have wholesome and seemly meanings. Songs of lust, passion and immorality should be avoided.

THE MANNERS OF EATING

There are certain table manners that are indispensable. Say 'Bismillah' when starting, to thank Allah and say 'Alhamdulilah' when finished. Eat what is in front of you. Eat using your right hand. A hypocrite was eating with his left hand when the Prophet saw him and advised him to eat with his right. The man falsely said 'But I cannot' The Prophet said 'May it be so' and the hypocrite was not able to lift his right hand again.
The companions of the Prophet followed his example in stressing the use of the right hand while eating. Omar was Khalifa when he saw a man eating with his left hand and similarly advised him to eat with his right. The man answered 'My right is busy' Omar repeated his request and the man repeated his answer. Omar asked him 'What is it busy with?' The man answered that it had been severed in one of the battles. Omar blamed himself for neglecting such handicap and ordered the treasurer to provide the man with a servant to help him.
If eating with your hand, use three fingers with small bites, lifting it gently with ease to your mouth. Close your mouth while eating to avoid unnecessary noises. To eat on the floor is nearer to what the Prophet used to do. However, there is no problem to eat at a table. Imam Ghazali said, 'To eat at a table is to make eating easier and there is nothing against that.' Do not start eating ahead of the elders or the nobles. If you are the elder, do not commence eating before everyone is at the table.
It is preferred that eating should not be conducted in silence. It is good manners to talk during meals. Topics should be nice stories suitable for eating. At the end of the meal, if hands are to be washed, the elder or the noble should be asked to proceed first.
At the end of a meal, thank Allah as in the Hadith reported by Abo Dawood and Nasa'i in 'the deeds of day and night.' Thank Allah who fed us and provided us with drink. It is very appropriate to make a prayer for your hosts as it is reported by Muslim that Al-Migdad ibn Al-Aswad reported that the Prophet said, 'May Allah feed those who have fed us, and provide drinks to those who provided us with it.'
Do not express your disapproval or dislike of certain foods. Either eat it or pass it over quietly. Abu Huraira reported that 'the Prophet never expressed his dislike of a food. If he liked it he will eat it. If he disliked it, he will set aside.'
Do not put in your plate more than can eat. Leftovers could be thrown out, it shouldn't, and wasted. Put smaller portions twice rather than one large portion that you will not eat. The Prophet did not approve of leaving any food in a plate since as he said 'You don't know which portion is blessed'. Food is a blessing of Allah, to misuse it is contrary to Islam. Do not forget the poor and the needy who do not have the portion you are throwing away

MANNERS OF EATING

6.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF EATING MANNERS

Eating manners are very important since it is repeated many times every day. It must be done properly whether eating alone, with family, or with friends. To avoid pretenses, you should train yourself in proper eating manners, whether alone or with your family. It will then become a natural part of your behaviour, and you will be at ease at the table.

6.2 THE MANNERS OF EATING

There are certain table manners that are indispensable. Say 'Bismillah' when starting, to thank Allah and say 'Alhamdulilah' when finished. Eat what is in front of you. Eat using your right hand. A hypocrite was eating with his left hand when the Prophet saw him and advised him to eat with his right. The man falsely said 'But I cannot' The Prophet said 'May it be so' and the hypocrite was not able to lift his right hand again.
The companions of the Prophet followed his example in stressing the use of the right hand while eating. Omar was Khalifa when he saw a man eating with his left hand and similarly advised him to eat with his right. The man answered 'My right is busy' Omar repeated his request and the man repeated his answer. Omar asked him 'What is it busy with?' The man answered that it had been severed in one of the battles. Omar blamed himself for neglecting such handicap and ordered the treasurer to provide the man with a servant to help him.
If eating with your hand, use three fingers with small bites, lifting it gently with ease to your mouth. Close your mouth while eating to avoid unnecessary noises. To eat on the floor is nearer to what the Prophet used to do. However, there is no problem to eat at a table. Imam Ghazali said, 'To eat at a table is to make eating easier and there is nothing against that.' Do not start eating ahead of the elders or the nobles. If you are the elder, do not commence eating before everyone is at the table.
It is preferred that eating should not be conducted in silence. It is good manners to talk during meals. Topics should be nice stories suitable for eating. At the end of the meal, if hands are to be washed, the elder or the noble should be asked to proceed first.
At the end of a meal, thank Allah as in the Hadith reported by Abo Dawood and Nasa'i in 'the deeds of day and night.' Thank Allah who fed us and provided us with drink. It is very appropriate to make a prayer for your hosts as it is reported by Muslim that Al-Migdad ibn Al-Aswad reported that the Prophet said, 'May Allah feed those who have fed us, and provide drinks to those who provided us with it.'
Do not express your disapproval or dislike of certain foods. Either eat it or pass it over quietly. Abu Huraira reported that 'the Prophet never expressed his dislike of a food. If he liked it he will eat it. If he disliked it, he will set aside.'
Do not put in your plate more than can eat. Leftovers could be thrown out, it shouldn't, and wasted. Put smaller portions twice rather than one large portion that you will not eat. The Prophet did not approve of leaving any food in a plate since as he said 'You don't know which portion is blessed'. Food is a blessing of Allah, to misuse it is contrary to Islam. Do not forget the poor and the needy who do not have the portion you are throwing away

6.3 THE MANNERS OF DRINKING

Drinking manners are no less important. To start in the name of Allah is a must. Use your right hand to drink. Abo Dawood and Tirmizi related that Hafsa (RA) said 'the Prophet used his right hand for eating and drinking. He used his left for other things [such as personal hygiene].' Do not pour your drink down your throat in one gulp. Drink it in three sips. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said 'Do not drink like a camel. Drink twice or thrice. Say the name of Allah before drinking. Thank Allah after finishing.
Do not exhale in your glass. This will irritate others and will smudge the glass or the cup. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet forbade exhaling in a glass or puffing into it.
Do not drink directly from the jug or the container. Beside being unhygienic behaviour, others may want to drink after you who could be irritated. Abo Huraira narrated that the Prophet forbade drinking directly from the mouth of the sheepskin or the flask.

6.4 AVOID GLUTTONY

Modesty is the crown (hallmark) of the common people. Keep this crown on your head if invited to a feast or if you are presented with food or drink. Do not be gluttonous devouring food as if you have not eaten for a long time, or as if you have not seen such excellent food before. Do not sample every dish on the table. People, even generous hosts disapprove of greedy eaters. Be reasonable and moderate in enjoying the generosity of your hosts.

6.5 GOLD AND SILVER CUTLERY

Do not eat using golden or silver plates or cutlery. This goes against the spirit of Islamic modesty. Pomposity is not an Islamic trait. Bukhari narrated that Huzaifa said the Prophet said 'Do not drink in golden or silver cups nor eat in such plates.' If you were a guest, simply ask your host to replace it with another one.

A Muslim's Daily To Do List

A Muslim's Daily 'To Do' List & confiding with a Shaykh-e-Kaamil
by Mufti Ebrahim Desai (db)

 One should always meditate and ponder that Allah Ta'ala is Samee', (One who listens to every single thing), Baseer (One Who sees every single thing even if anyone else is seeing), Aleem (One who Knows of every single thing) and in the like manner reflect on the different attributes of Allah Ta'ala. Together with that, remain engaged in the Dhikr of Allah Ta'ala at all times.

A person would be able to reach the greatest height if he confides and consults with a Shaykh-e-Kaamil (spiritual mentor) who is pious and God-Fearing. We, therefore, suggest that you should try and relate all your issues to a reliable mentor with whom you have strong confidence and compatibility with, who will be able to give you individual and personal attention. May Allah Ta'ala grant you and all of us the quality of Taqwa, Aameen.

In today's times when evil and corruption is so common and rife, every individual must take it upon himself/herself to protect and guard against the soul being corrupted. Hereunder, are some guidelines to guard one's soul and spirituality.

a. Be punctual in performing the five daily Salats. A male must ensure he performs Salat with Jamaat in the Masjid.

b. Recite some portion of the Qur'an daily. It is also important to read the translation and commentary of the Qur'an daily. We recommend the following English translations: Muhammad Pickthall (Translation); Muhsin Khan (Translation); Tafseer-e-Usmani (with commentary); Daryabadi (with commentary); Maariful Qurãn (with commentary). NB. Any translation of the Noble Qurãn must be accompanied with the Arabic text next to the translation.

c. Recite the following three Tasbeehs any time in the morning or evening, 100 times Istighfaar, 100 times third Kalimah, 100 times Durood upon Rasulullah . The above three Tasbeehaat should be read in isolation and concentration.

d. Always display good character even in front of one's enemies.

e. Avoid intermingling with the opposite gender and lower one's gaze. Do not let the mind and heart be polluted with the form and shape of the opposite gender. That is death to spirituality.

f. Stay in the company of the pious. Bad company is detrimental to one's Iman and character.

g. Be conscious of life after death and accountability in the court of Allah Ta'ala. Keep in touch with reliable Ulama. Make their Ikraam (honour) and seek their esteemed guidance.

We hope if one follows the above points, he/she will be protected from the tricks of the Shaytaan