PATIENCE

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          Allah (swa) will weigh all our good deeds except for being patient in this transient life due to trials, for being patient due to trials is something that which Allah (swa) will give the reward to that person. It is said that the people of the Paradise will see the rewards given to the people who were patient in this world and they will ask why they are given superior rewards than them. Then they will be told that they are given superior rewards because they were patient to the different trials they faced in this world. Then these people will feel sad because they didn’t go through similar trials in the world of those who were given superior rewards in the Paradise due to their patience. If you read the Quran you will come across different verses that spoke about being patient and its benefits.

QURAN

            In the Mohsin Khan's Quran translation the word patience appears 33 times in 33 verses. These verses shows us that patience is quality a pious person should possess and also these verses indicates that in this worldly life we will face trials  and the cure for this is having strong faith in Allah (swa), performing prayers and bearing the trials with patience.

            And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi'un [i.e. the true believers in Allah - those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)]. 
(  سورة البقرة  , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #45)

         Verily I have rewarded them this Day for their patience: they are indeed the ones that are successful. 
(  سورة المؤمنون  , Al-Mumenoon, Chapter #23, Verse #111

           Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect. 
(  سورة الفرقان  , Al-Furqan, Chapter #25, Verse #75)

            "O my son! Aqim-As-Salat (perform As-Salat), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma'ruf - (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allah with no exemption). 
(  سورة لقمان  , Luqman, Chapter #31, Verse #17)

            And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah. 
(  سورة الشورى  , Ash-Shura, Chapter #42, Verse #43)  

 FROM SUNNAH

         Then the Prophet (PBUH) said "Whatever wealth I have, I will not withhold from you. Whosoever would be chaste and modest; Allah will keep him chaste and modest and whosoever would seek self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient; and whosoever would be patient, Allah will give him patience, and no one is granted a gift better and more comprehensive than patience".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

          The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said "How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him".
[Muslim].

        The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said "Allah, the Exalted, says: 'I have no reward other than Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who remains patient for My sake when I take away his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world".
[Al-Bukhari].

       

STORY OF AYOUB (AS)

         The Prophets who delivered the revelations of the Almighty Allah (swa) to the mankind are the perfect examples of the people who were patient in the face of calamities. If you look at the story of Ayoub  (as) you will see that Ayoub (as) was among most patient Prophets of Allah (swa).

         It is said that Ayoub (as) had everything that a Human being wants in this worldly life. Ayoub (as) had an obedient wife, children, gardens, slaves, health and wealth. But Allah (swa) took everything from Ayoub (as) within a short period. It was said that Satan heard the Angels talk about the piety of Ayoub (as) and the Angels proclaimed Ayoub (as) as the most pious person in the world at that time. Due to jealousy the Satan invoked Allah (swa) saying that if Allah (swa) removed all the wealth of Ayoub (as) that he will not be loyal to Allah (swa). So Allah (swa) wanted the Satan to see the piousness of Ayoub (as). So Ayoub (as) wealth was taken form him within no time. Then Satan came in a form of a man and tried to mislead Ayoub (as) and said; 

"All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah (swa). Others say that Allah (swa) has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah (swa) had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth." To this Ayoub (as) said "What Allah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills." Next Ayoub (as) prostrated to Allah (swa). The Satan didn't give up and invoked again to Allah (swa) by saying that if Allah (swa) take Ayoub (as) children he will disobey Allah (swa). So all fourteen children of Ayoub (as) died within one day due to an accident. Again the Satan came to Ayoub (as) in a form of a man and gave condolence to Ayoub (as) and said "The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers." Ayoub (as) again told Satan  "Allah (swa) sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator." Then again Ayoub (as) prostrated to Allah (swa).
          The Satan was very irritated, but the Satan didn't give up yet. This time Satan invoked Allah (swa) to take away Ayoub (as) health. So Ayoub (as) was afflicted with a skin disease which disfigured Ayoub (as) and was bedridden. All his family members, friends and slaves deserted Ayoub (as ) except for Ayoub (as ) wife. But it didn't stop there ! Ayoub (as ) was exiled from the town too. But yet Ayoub (as) persevered and was firm on the path of Allah (swa). Ayoub (as) who lived a prosperous life for eighty years went through this hardship for eight years.
            It is said that Ayoub (as) wife  labored to feed Ayoub (as) after all their wealth was lost. But the people of the town stopped giving her work. In this desperate moment the Satan  tried to mislead Ayoub (as) wife by reminding of her the prosperous times she had when they were not afflicted by these trials. This made her depressed and the wife of Ayoub (as) complained to Ayoub (as) by saying "How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah (swa) to remove this suffering? Ayoub (as) was very angry with her and said "In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand.Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases."  These words hit her very hard and she left Ayoub (as). In this bitter moment Ayoub (as) invoked to seek Allah (swa) mercy but not to complain.The words which came out of Ayoub (as) mouth were  " Verily ! distress has seized me and You are the most merciful of those who show mercy."  Then Allah (swa) removed all his afflictions. It is said that Ayoub (as) got his health back, his wife came back, he got wealthier than before and Ayoub (as) wife bore fourteen children after the trials were lifted. So my Brothers and Sisters if we are inflicted by trials try to remember the trials Ayoub (as) went through and the rewards he achieved by being patient.

 NOW 

     Statistics says that every 40 second  a person commits suicide in the world. If you look at the statistics of number of suicides for the countries and the statistics of atheists living in that countries you will be amazed to find out that most of the suicide are occurring in countries were there are dense populations of atheists. Since the  atheist doesn't believe in the Hereafter they tend to get depressed easily when their dreams and ambitions die in this world.So they are more likely to commit suicide. That is the reason why Islam pays a huge importance for spirituality. If a Muslim is afflicted with hardship he believes that it is a test from Allah (swa) and that this world is a temporary resident. He believes that there is a better life after death and if he was patient in the path of Allah (swa) he will be rewarded with everlasting blessings with all his dreams full filled. So improve your spirituality by constantly  remembering Allah (swa).

LAST WORDS

      My brothers and sisters be firm in the path of  Allah (swa). Hold on to the Quran and the Sunnah. That is the only cure for satisfying your soul. If you choose a path other than this, you will fail miserably. Be mindful that Paradise comes with a cost. That cost is being afflicted by trials and hardship in this world. Allah (swa) tests those who Allah (swa) loves. This is to check their firm belief in Allah (swa) and how thankful they are when they are deprived of their worldly blessings. When these people are afflicted by hardship and deprived of their worldly blessings they will praise Allah (swa) and be patient. If they are given any blessings they will thank Allah (swa). These are the qualities of a true believers ! For a pious person this world is a prison, he will be freed from this prison when Allah (swa) takes his soul away from his body and pass it on to the world of the unseen. So brothers and sisters be patient and praise and thank Allah (swa) when faced with hardships. May Allah (swa) shower all of you with patience and steadfastness ! Ameen !   

RIGHTS OF OUR PARENTS

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       Being dutiful and kind to our parents is a religious obligation upon every Muslim. Hence Allah (swa) had revealed several verses in Quran  relating this matter.

FROM QURAN

       And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.
(  سورة الإسراء  , Al-Isra, Chapter #17, Verse #23)

       And  We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.
(  سورة العنكبوت  , Al-Ankaboot, Chapter #29, Verse #8)
 
       And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship. And she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my offspring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."
(  سورة الأحقاف  , Al-Ahqaf, Chapter #46, Verse #15)

         If you look at these verses you will see that after worshiping Allah (swa) the next thing Allah (swa) commands us is to be dutiful and good to our Parents. This shows us that disobeying our parents and hurting them is the second biggest sin after disobeying Allah (swa) and His Messenger Muhammad (saw).

FROM SUNNAH

          Bahz ibn Hakim's grandfather said, "I asked, 'Messenger of Allah, to whom should I be dutiful?' 'Your mother,' he replied. I asked, 'Then whom?' 'Your mother,' he replied. I asked, 'Then whom?' 'Your mother,' he replied. I asked, 'Then to whom should I be dutiful?' 'Your father,' he replied, 'and then the next closest relative and then the next.'"
 
           Abu Bakra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Shall I tell you which is the worst of the major wrong actions?" "Yes, Messenger of Allah," they replied. He said, "Associating something else with Allah and disobeying parents." he had been reclining, but then he said up and said, "And false witness." Abu Bakr said, "He continued to repeat it until I said, 'Is he never going to stop?'"

          Abdullah ibn 'Amr said, "A man came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, 'I have come to make you a pledge that will do hijra although I have left my parents in tears." The Prophet said, 'Go back to them and make them laugh as you made them cry.'"

 SHORT STORIES

          Being unkind to your parents is the only sin that you will face its consequences in this world and the hereafter. There are many true stories which is a witness to this.
          There once was a son who spent his entire youth in serving his old Father. As time passed this youth became tired of taking care of his father and decided to kill him finally. One night he lifted his father and took him on top of a Mountain to throw him of the cliff. The Father in a sad voice said to the son" Son I know that you are trying to kill me by throwing me off the cliff,but don't throw me off this Mountain ! Throw me off that Mountain ! That is the Mountain I threw off your Grandfather !
          In another story a man once traveling saw in a town an old women being chased by her children. The children were scolding her with vulgar language and throwing sand at her. Behind them there was another man shouting out " Don't stop them ! don't stop them ! I saw with my own eyes this old lady doing the same to her old Mother !
          A Family consisting of five members gathered to dine. The family consist of a Grandfather ( from Fathers side), Father, Mother and two Boys.The Grandfather being very old and due to his weakness dropped a plate and broke it. The Son of this old man (the Father of two Boys) scolded his Father angrily in front of the boys and humiliated his Father.The next day the Son of this old man brought a big coconut shell instead of a plate for the old man to dine. The Boys puzzled asked their Father " Why is Grandpa dinning on a Coconut shell". The Father of the Boys said "How can we buy plates everyday for your Grandfather, you have seen what he did yesterday". The boys said  "Alright ! Once Grandpa passed away we will keep the coconut shell to feed you when you grow old !". These words spoken by the Boys penetrated the heart of their Father which made him realize that old age will set upon himself too. From that day onwards he stopped treating his Father like that.
           These stories tells us that we will face the consequences of treating our parents unjustly in this world. Also the reality is that we might be young and strong now but one day our body will be covered with wrinkles and our head will be covered with grey hair. That day your children will be left to take care of you. If you were kind to your Parents and Children they will take good care of you. If you were unkind to them you will despair in both worlds.

NOW

           The Mother and Father who worked so hard to raise you, who nourished you, who clothed you, who fed you, who educated you and who gave you shelter are thrown out of their houses once they reach old age. In the West the children abandon their Parents once they grow up and get employed because the state have arranged retirement scheme's and all shorts of benefits which are given to old people. Due to this the children most of the time doesn't have to financially support them or be around to help them. So the children leave and seek their dreams abandoning their Parents. But will these retirement schemes and benefits replace the touching care and love of a Son or a Daughter? Or do you think you don't need love and care of your children ? Because of this unethical behaviors the Western countries mark and celebrate days like "Mother's day" and "Father's day" just to please these old abandoned Parents. But even then some children just send a card to greet them on this occasion. What they don't realize is that the same fate awaits them. Even we have seen and heard stories of Parents being taken to old age homes or nursing homes because they don't have time to take care of their Parents. These children will face the same fate and they will face the harsh punishments in the hell fire.
            The children are so busy deluded in the worldly desires they forget the commands of Allah (swa) and the Parents who made them who they are in this world. Another very sad thing happening is that after our Parents die most of us think that our obligations to our Parents are over. But reality is that they need our supplications to give them steadfastness in the grave. Apart from this its a pity that we don't find time to visit the graves of our Parents and that we appoint foreigners to keep their graves clean. Also it is common among us that we raise our voice and speak rudely to our Parents. Arguing our Parents and raising our voice is a very serious sin we commit and we should repent to all of these unlawful acts we commit. For once ask your self if you would like your children to do the same thing to you when you grow old and need their care !

BENEFITS OF KINDNESS TO PARENTS

           Moosa (as) once made dua to Allah (swa) to show Moosa (as) the closest companion who will accompany him in the Paradise. Allah (swa) revealed Moosa (as) the whereabouts of this companion. So Moosa (as) traveled and  found the house of this person and went there and called out the Salaam to enter the house of this companion. This companion didn't reply Moosa (as) and went on serving two pigs he had with him. One of these pig was a female and the other was a male. He showered and fed both of the Pigs and then replied the Salaam to Moosa (as). Because of this rude behavior Moosa (as) was puzzled and thought how can such rude person who doesn't reply the Salaam and who doesn't take care of travelers be the closest companion in Paradise of him. So to clear everything Moosa (as) asked about the actions of the companion. The companion told Moosa (as) that the two Pigs are his Parents. Allah (swa) cursed them due to their transgression. But even then he is obliged to pay the rights of their Parents,so he is full filling his rights upon his parents. Then only Moosa (as ) realized the virtue  of this companion. So brothers and sisters strive hard to be dutiful to your Parents.

  LAST WORDS

            Our Parents are our path to eternal bliss. If our Parents are alive and living with us it is a great opportunity for us to attain the love of Allah (swa) by being kind and dutiful to them. Unlike the Western world for us Muslim's everyday is a Mother's day and a Father's day. We are obliged to treat them well, greet them well, take care of them well and pray for them everyday.
           May Allah (swa) bless our Parents who labored their whole life to raise us. May Allah (swa) save our Parents eyes from hell fire which were kept open on long nights without sleep to take care of us.May Allah (swa) save our Parents hands from hell fire which worked tirelessly serving us. May Allah (swa) save our Parents faces from hell fire which smiled and cheered us, May Allah (swa) save our parents feet from hell fire which walked miles to get us what we needed and May Allah (swa) save our Parents bodies from hell fire which sheltered us from harm and cuddled us with warmth. 
                                    
                                        DEDICATED TO MY MOM AND DAD