Guidance

When we read the Qu'ran in a language that we can understand, we realize what great lessons there are to be learned and followed.  Allay says,

"O believers! Remember Allah as a frequent remembrance, and glorify Him morning and evening. It is He Who sends His blessings on you (believers) and so do His angels, that He may bring you out of  darkness into light, for He is Merciful to the believers.  On the Day of their meeting with Him, their greeting will be "Salaam (peace), and He has prepared for them a generous reward.  Qu'ran:  33: 41-44


Photo by Shahnaz at home.

Modesty

Muslim men and women have been told to act and dress with decorum and modesty.  The Qu'ran states:

"O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, daughters and the believing women that they should draw their outer garments over their persons. That is more proper, so that they may be recognized and not bothered.  Allah is Forgiving, Merciful".  Qu'ran 33: 59

Photo by Shahnaz in Slough, England.

Father's Advice

Luqman was a wise man. He advised his son, " O my son! Establish Salah, enjoin good and forbid evil. Further endure with patience whatever befalls you, surely this shows your determination in conducting your affairs. Do not speak to the people with your face turned away in pride, nor walk proudly on earth, for Allah does not love any self-conceited boaster. Be moderate in your pace and lower your voice, for the harshest of voices is the braying of a donkey." Quran 31 17-19.

The Hereafter

A lot of times we get so involved in the activities of this worldly life, we forget the Hereafter.  Allah reminds us in the Qu'ran:

"Every soul shall taste death, then to us you shall all return.  Those who embrace true faith and do good deeds shall be lodged in the mansions of paradise beneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever.  What an excellent reward for the doers of good deeds, the ones who have shown patience and put their trust in their Rabb".  Qu'ran  29:57. 

Further, Allah reminds us, "The life of this world is nothing but a pastime and play .  It is the life of the hereafter that is the real life, if they but knew it".  Qu'ran 29:64

Qu'ran

"Surely, this Qu'ran is a revelation from the Rabb of the worlds.  The trustworthy Spirit (Angel Gabriel) brought it down upon your (Prophet Mohammed) heart so that you may become one of those who are appointed by Allah to warn the people in a plain Arabic language.

This fact was foretold in the scriptures of the former people.  Is it not sufficient proof for the people that the learned men of the children of Israel knew about it".  Quran 26: 191-197

How can any one possibly doubt the authenticity of the Qu'ran! May Allah guide us to read the Qu'ran with its meaning, and to follow its directions.  Ameen.

Photo by Shahnaz in Seattle.   

Real Success!!

After receiving this revelation, Prophet Mohammed, PBUH, said, "On this occasion ten such verses have been sent down to me that the one who measures up to them will surely go to paradise (related by Urawah bin Zubair, Sayyiduda Umar). These are those verses:

"Indeed! Successful are those believers, who are humble in their Salah (prayer), who are punctual in payment of Zakat (charity), who guard their private parts except from their spouses---, who are true in their trust and covenants and who are diligent in their Salah.  These are the heirs who will inherit paradise, and live therein forever".  Quran 23: 1-11

How blessed are we, that we have been provided clear directions on how to lead our lives?  May Allah help us to follow these commands.

Islam - A Single Religion

Allah had clearly said in the Qu'ran, "Verily this religion of yours is a single religion and I am your only Rabb, therefore worship Me alone.  But the people have divided their religion into sects between them.  To Us they shall all return".           Quran: 21:92

There is clearly no reason for us to differentiate into different groups, like Shia's, Sunni's and other factions.  We all belong to Islam, alone. May Allah guide us.

Photo by Shanni at home.

The Best Advise

"Do not strain your eyes in longing for the worldly benefits We have bestowed on some among them (human beings), for with these We wish to test them.  The (lawful) provision of your Rubb is better and more lasting.

Enjoin Salah (prayers) on your family and be patient in its observance.  We demand nothing of you;  indeed We provide you sustenance.  

Good shall be the end of the righteous".                       Qu'ran 20:131

Photo by Shahnaz at Hyde Park, London