Eeman Part 3: Doing Good Deeds and Remembering Death

1.Carrying out Good Deeds

Doing good deeds for others can be like switching on a light bulb in a darkened room. No matter how awful we are feeling there is just something about offering a helping hand to someone in need that lifts our spirits and brightens our Iman. We should get to the stage where we crave to do good deeds! Because our good deeds are our eternal investment which will benefit us for the rest of eternity rather than investment into this life which is very temporary indeed! So what investment sounds better? Eternal investment which will give us eternal bliss or temporary investment which has a chance of failing even though we spend our whole lives investing in it! You choose!

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: "For those who believe and work righteous deeds is a reward that will never fail”(Fussilat: 8).

Time in Islam is more than gold or any precious material thing in this world. Of all religions, only Islam guides mankind not only to the importance of time but also how to value it. Allah I the Almighty and His Messenger, the Prophet Muhammad r, very clearly tell us the value of time, why we must not waste it and how we can make use of our time wisely to increase our iman (faith) and thus attain success, especially eternal success in the life Hereafter.

Bin ‘Abbas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said,“There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good.” (Bukhari 8/421)

Abdullah Bin Masud (May Allah be please wit him) narrated: “I asked the Prophet, ‘Which deed is the dearest to Allah?’ He replied, “To offer salaat (the prayers) at their early fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I' again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)? “He replied, “To participate in jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s Cause.” (Bukhari 1/ 505) 

Abu Qatada Bin Rabi narrated that the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa salam), said, "Allah the Exalted said: ‘I made five times (daily) prayers obligatory on your people. And I took a guarantee that if anyone observes them regularly at their times, I shall admit him to Paradise. If anyone does not offer them regularly, there is no such guarantee of Mine for him." (Abu Dawood 430)

If we fear Allah for His wrath and hope for His rewards in the eternal world to come, time has come for us to give due value to the importance of time. We should try not to waste most of our time seeking worldly pleasures. It is for our guidance that we must take admonition from the following authentic hadith:

Abu Hurairah  narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa salam)  said, Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a Muslim in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening or he would be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim 213) 

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (sal allahu Alayhi wa salam said,“Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the beast and (the death) of one you or the general turmoil.” (Muslim 7039)

 

“Call then upon Allah with sincere devotion to Him even though the Unbelievers may detest it.” Qur'an 40:14

Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell-Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time. 

2.Remembering Death

Every soul shall taste death

From this verse we know that death is such a thing that you can’t escape from it even if you are in a house, which is built with metal walls, and has a massive padlock. Death will not only come when hair and the beard turn white, but it can come at any time, even when you are a baby, or an old person or a teenager or of middle age. Even if you are a king, a Prime Minister or a leader of one of the tribes. 

Merits of the Remembrance of Death 

Know that the person, who is engrossed in the world and cheated by its charming coquetries, is unmindful of the remembrance of death. They do not remember death and when they are reminded of it, they do not like it. Allah has said regarding such a man:“The deaths from which you flee away will meet you. Thereafter you will be led to the Knower of the world seen and unseen. You will then be informed of what you did.”

 Bilal bin Masoud and Umar bin Abdul Aziz (radiallahu Anhu) said, “O People! You are not created for being destroyed”. You will travel from one home to another home. For a believer, death is a gift. 

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) has said, “The gift for a believer is death".

Due to the hardship which the believer goes through in this world, death becomes easy for him and all of his anxieties disappear. Therefore, it is described as a gift in the Hadith. 

 Mahmood bin Labeed says that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, “Mankind likes two things very much. One of these things is life, though death is much better for him, and the second is wealth though poverty makes accounting easy. 

 Ibn Umar Radiallahu Anhu says, “This world is paradise for the non-believers (they are engaged in their worldly desires and aspirations). This world is a jail or prison for the faithful (mumins). They are bound by the laws of Sharia in every matter. Therefore, when the soul of a mumin leaves his body (at the time of death), it is as if a captive has been freed from the cell. He cleans himself by turning in the dust. 

Eeman part II : Ways to increase Eeman!!!

Here are 5 ways that we can brighten up our Eeman starting from today! 

1. Recognise and Repent 

As humans we all commit sins no matter how hard we try to avoid them because were created to be imperfect. Engaging in evil deeds decreases our Iman. Actions like lying, cheating and stealing, to name only a few, take a toll on the human heart and soul which makes us more susceptible to being lead astray from the Path of Allah. It is important for us to reflect upon our deeds and weed out the ones that are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S). Allah has gifted us with an innate sense of justice and the ability to reason and make sound judgements. Our fitrah (natural disposition) necessitates that we all know when we are committing a sin. And if we don't know, we certainly have a bevy of resources to find out from!

• Conditions for the acceptance of repentance 

The word tauba which is rendered as repentance in English, is not a simple term as most people believe. It is very rich in meaning and implication, and is not simply a word of mouth after which the sinner continues in his sins. Says Allah, Glorified be He: "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and then turn to Him in repentance." (Hud: 3). Do you notice how turning to the Lord in repentance has been added to the search for His forgiveness? 

It is quite in keeping with its importance, therefore, that repentance should have, as the scholars have stated, conditions attached to it for its acceptance. 

They are as follows: 

• First: Giving up of the sin itself. 

• Second: Remorse over what has been committed. 

• Third: A resolve not to repeat it, and, Fourth: Compensating those who have been wronged or obtaining their forgiveness. 

2. Perform Salah Regularly 

Completing the five daily prayers, on time and according to the Sunnah, is an excellent way to increase our Iman. Not only are we performing an obligatory deed when praying, but by doing so we have a standing audience with the Creator of this world where we can ask for help and mercy. The effect of the salah on the human soul is cooling as Muhammad (S) once said that it cooled his eyes. The salah connects us with our Creator and, along with obedience to Allah, helps us to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil. 

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an:

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses -this Qur’an- are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform salah and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” (Al-Anfal: 2-4). 

Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah (RAA) Rasulullah (SAW) said: The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily. Hasan said: No filthiness can remain on him. (Sahih Muslim Book 4, Hadith # 1411) 

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Rasualullah (SAW) said, "Martyrs are those who die because of drowning, plague, an abdominal disease, or of being buried alive by a falling building." And then he added, "If the people knew the Reward for the Zuhr prayer in its early time, they would race for it. If they knew the reward for the 'Isha' and the Fajr prayers in congregation, they would join them even if they had to crawl. If they knew the reward for the first row, they would draw lots for it." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 1, Book 11, Hadith # 688) 

For the people who don’t pray:

Informing us about the inhabitants of Hell, Allah (SWT) says "(The people in Hell will be asked:) What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer their Salât (prayers). Nor did we feed the poor. And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allah hated) with vain-talkers. And we used to belie thc Day of Recompense. Until there came to us that which is certain (i.e., death). So no Intercession of intercessors will benefit them. (Sura Al-Muddaththir, ayah 42-48) 

Rasulullah (SAW) said "The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it he has become a disbeliever." (Agreed upon by Ahmad, Tirmidhee and Nasaa'ee to be authentic) 

In an other Hadith of Rasulullah (SAW) said "What lies between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer."( Agreed upon by Muslim, Abu Dawood and Nasaa'ee as sahih authentic) 

3. Qur’anic Recitations

Medical studies have shown that simply listening to a recitation of the Holy Qur’an has a physiological effect on our bodies. Research has also proven that the Qur’an has healing qualities on the body, mind and spirit. What better way to increase our Iman than to listen to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an on an audio device! Listen to the melodious rhythm of the Qur’an and while doing so try to reflect upon the meanings of what you are listening to.We should always strive to read as much of the Qur’an as possible as reading the word of Allah especially with the meanings will significantly increase our imaan and elevate us in this world and the next!

 Abdullah bin Masud radhiyallahu anhu narrates that The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever reads one letter of the Quran receives the reward of one good deed. And one good deed is multiplied ten times.

 Abu Huraira radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever listens to one verse of the Book of Allah, a good deed that multiplies continuously is recorded. And one who reads a verse of the Quran, that verse will be a Noor for him on the Day of Judgement."

Anas radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:"Whoever reads the Quran, Allah grants that person ten good deeds for every letter. And for one who hears the Quran being recited, Allah grants a good deed for every letter, and such a person will be resurrected among those who will recite and ascend the stages of Jannat."Hazrat Ibni Abbas radhiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:"He who listens to one letter of the Quran, ten good deeds are recorded for him, ten sins are forgiven, and his status is elevated by ten stages."

4. Engage in Dhikr 

"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)

Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue.(29:46).

O ye who believe let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah . (63:10)

O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43)

When the signs of the Gracious Allah are recited unto them, they fall down, prostrating themselves before Allah weeping.(19:59)

According to these verses the attitude of those who truly remember Allah is the following:

1. Their hearts are filled with the fear of Allah because they are reminded of the status and the Glory of their God.

2. Their skins creep, i.e., the hair on their bodies rise due to their state of fear.

3. Their bodies are softened, their hearts become tender.

4. They prostrate, i.e., they start worshiping Allah .

5. They cry or weep.

Remembering Allah much through acts of dhikr brings much peace and tranquility to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa(fear of Allah), a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and that we should always strive to please Him. 

Some beneficial dhikr include: 

Subhan'Allah- 'Praise be to Allah' 

Al-Hamdullilah- 'Thanks be to Allah' 

Allahu Akbar – 'Allah is the Greatest.'

La ila ha illallah- There is no worthy of worship except Allah

Abu haraira(ra) Narrates: Prophet(saw) said: whoever says: Subhanallahi Wa Bihamdihi – (I deem Allah free of any resemblances to anything whatever in any repeat, and I glorify his praises) one hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven even though they may be as much as the foam of the sea – (Bukhari,b73:c19)

Read much of this zikr:

Subhaan-Allahi walhamdu-lillaahi, wa laa ilaa-ha illa-la ill-lal-lahu wallahu Akbar, walaa haula wala quoow-wata illa billa hil-Aliyyil-azeem. 

"Glory is for Allaah and all Praise is due to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allaah. Allaah is the greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allaah the Most High, the Great." 

5.Voluntary Fasting

Fasting can be thought of as a prescription for us, which cures the maladies of the human soul. There are innumerable benefits to fasting nawafil fasts. Fasting helps us be thankful to Allah for His Bounty, control unlawful desires, have compassion for the less fortunate and it weakens the effects of waswas, the insinuating whispers from the Shaytan. 

Here is an explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting:

1. It teaches man the principle of sincere Love: because when he observes Fasting he does it out of deep love for God. And the man who loves God truly is a man who really knows what love is. 

2. It equips man with a creative sense of hope and an optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is hoping to please God and is seeking His Grace. 

3. It imbues in man the genuine virtue of effective devotion, honest dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts he does so for God and for His sake alone. 

4. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound conscience; because the fasting person keeps his fast in secret as well as in public. In fasting, especially, there is no mundane authority to check man's behavior or compel him to observe fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own conscience by being faithful in secret and in public. There is no better way to cultivate a sound conscience in man. 

5. It indoctrinates man in patience and selflessness, as through fasting, he feels the pains of deprivation but he endures them patiently. 

6. It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and willpower. 

7. Fasting also provides man with a transparent soul, a clear mind and a light body. 

8. It shows man a new way of wise savings and sound budgeting. 

9. It enables man to master the art of Mature Adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we realize that fasting makes man change the entire course of his daily life. 

10. It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival. 

11. It originates in man the real spirit of social belonging, unity and brotherhood, of equality before God as well as before the law. 

12. It is a Godly prescription for self-reassurance and self-control.

Eeman Part I- The signs of weak Eeman!!

What are the signs of weak Eeman?

• Committing sins and not feeling any guilt. 

• Having a hard heart and no desire to read the Quran. 

• Feeling too lazy to do good deeds, e.g. being late for salat 

• Neglecting the Sunnah. 

• Having mood swings, for instance being upset about petty things and bothered and irritated most of the time. 

• Not feeling anything when hearing verses from the Quran, for example when Allah warns us of punishments and His promise of glad tidings. 

• Finding difficulty in remembering Allah and making dhikr. 

• Not feeling bad when things are done against the Shari'ah. 

• Desiring status and wealth. 

• Being mean and miserly, i.e., not wanting to part with wealth. 

• Ordering others to do good deeds when not practicing them ourselves. 

• Feeling pleased when things are not progressing for others. 

• Being concerned with whether something is haram or halal only; and not avoiding makroo (not recommended) things. 

• Making fun of people who do simple good deeds, like cleaning the Masjid. 

• Not feeling concerned about the situation of Muslims. 

• Not feeling the responsibility to do something to promote Islam. 

• Being unable to deal with calamities, for instance crying and yelling in funerals.

• Liking to argue just for the sake of arguing without any proof. 

• Becoming engrossed and very involved with dunya, worldly things, i.e. feeling bad only when losing something in terms of material wealth. 

• Becoming engrossed and obsessive about ourselves. 

In our race to Jannah, we must know the symptoms in order to find the cure. We must look within ourselves to see if we any of these apply to us and try our best to find ways to increase our eeman!!

25 Rules of being closer to Allah

1.  Start off each day with 'adhkaar al-istiyqaadh' (waking up Supplications), thanking Allah for waking up in good shape.

 2.  Put Allah first in your life.

 3.  Broaden your horizons - learn 5 new verses from the Quran every day, travel to pray far in the mosque to brighten your day,take up a booklet having supplications and read them.

 4.  Pray Salaat Al-dhuhaa (after sunrise).

 5.  If someone says something mean  ;to you, just shrug it off and dismiss it in a friendly, laidback manner, and pray that Allah shall forgive them.

 6.  When you get angry, remember Allah, and how short and worthless life is to waste in being Angry.

 7.  Remember that you can never have too many friends, but you can have few quality friends that help you fulfill the purpose of your creation (i.e. live for Allah).

 8.  When you're happy, try to share your happiness with others. Thank Allah for that, and pray its continuation.

 9.  When something bad or embarrassing happens to you, just think that it could always be worse, remember the reward of patience,and thank Allah that it's not worse than it is.

 10. Do something extra of goodness once in a while, like feeding a poor person, or caressing an orphan's head.

 11. Never stop believing that you can win Allah's love and thus work For it. Then you can win the love of Allah's slaves.

 12. Spend some time thinking of Allah's amazing creation.

 13. Always love those who love Allah unconditionally. This way you will ensure that you live for Him, love for Him, and hate for Him(those who are enemies of Him).

 14. Find the righteous ways to express yourself, and if you think that what you are about to say shall cause no benefit, maintain silence (this is tough!!).

 15. Every now and then, give yourself a break. Play sports, give time to your family, friends, but always remember Allah and watch that He is watching you.

 16. Pray for blessing to come to those being lost, and pray to Allah to guide them to the right path.

 17. Hug your parents, kiss their hands and heads and always obey but stop at Allah's orders.

 18. Smile to everyone, for your smile makes a big difference to him or her and you are rewarded.

 19. Forgive, forget and smile.

 20. Tears are not for women only... tears are for all human beings with feelings remaining in them. Don't restrain your tears when remembering Allah.

 21. When people criticize your actions and effort, revise your actions and see if they please Allah or no. If they do; then ignore and remember how the Prophet (SAAW) and the Sahaba were criticized, made fun of and even physically harmed, so have patience.

 22. Read the Quran daily and try to have a schedule for completing it as much as you could. As you open the Quran daily, read with observing not just passing your eyes through the words.

 23. Don't let popularity go to your head, for it never lasts and you may lose from it more than gain.

 24. Never look down on anybody, for, to Allah, they may be better than you.

 25. Send this to all brothers with the intention of having a healthy society living for Allah and pray.

Allah Love those Who...

Among the qualities that Allah loves:

• those who do good deeds

• those who are humble with kind manners

• those who ask Him for forgiveness

• those who purify themselves

• those who are Allah-fearing

• those who are steadfast

• those who trust Him

• those who are grateful

• those who act justly

• those who strive for His cause

• those who follow His Prophet

1. Tawbah [Repentance]

“Truly Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance”

[Al-Baqarah: 222]

Repentance is a form of detoxification: Sincere repentance cleanses and beautifies the Iman. We all commit sins but Allah loves those who after committing sins, seek forgiveness with deep sorrow and regret. This is the only way by which the past can be set right. Allah has a concern for those He loves, therefore each time we slip and relapse into the abyss of desires and sincerely repent, He leads us out of it to the summit of forgiveness and further relieves us of hardship and provides for us.

2. Taharah [Purification]

“…Allah loves those who purify themselves.”

[Al-Baqarah: 222]

This is the external purification. The secret to this is performing the acts with the intention of following the example of the Prophet . The removal of filth from the body by performing wudhu’ (ablution) and ghusl (ritual bath) and removal of filth from garment, body and place of prayer are acts that purify the body and radiates the Iman. It is a means by which Allah will wipe out our sins and raise our ranks.

3. Taqwa

“Surely, Allah loves al - Muttaqun. “

[At-Tawba: 4]

The fear of Allah is the source of pure soul - it is borne out of love and obedience. Thus a pious person is constantly driven to do good only and guard against evil. He/She is humble and does not flaunt his/her piety in front of others. The fear of Allah beautifies the Iman and is the origin of all good as one to strive to do only what pleases Allah and stay away from the things that would displeased Him. Piety is an internal quality as the Prophet said, “Taqwa is here” whilst pointing to his chest [Muslim] and it is a quality that puts us above others in the sight of Allah SWT.

4. Ihsan [Goodness]

"Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good doers).”

[Ali 'Imran: 134]

“Ihsan is to worship Allah SWT as if you see Him and if you cannot achieve this devotion, then you must know that He sees you.”

[Bukhari]

Ihsan goes beyond a noble trait; it is an integral part of Islam

It is the secret of attentive heart - knowing that Allah is watching everything. This fills the heart with respect and veneration and one becomes too embarrassed to go against Allah’s commands. It promotes performance of good deeds for the sake of Allah SWT and not show or to gain praise or fame.

5. Tawakkul [Trust in Allah]

“Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.”

[Ali 'Imran: 159]

The secret and reality of trust in Allah is the reliance of the heart on Allah alone. Therefore trusting in Allah words are different from trusting in Him with the heart.

Reliance is doing and hoping - doing everything necessary within one’s capability to achieve one’s aim and hoping with tranquility of heart and soul and putting one’s trust in Allah with firm belief that whatever the outcome is, it is a result of the Will of Allah and His Decree.

One should never feel that too much time has passed by without his/her supplications being answered; rather we should always place our hope on the One who is able to do all things.

“If you all depend on Allah, with due reliance, he would certainly give you provision as He gives to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full bellies at dusk.”

[Tirmidhi]

6. Qist [Justice]

“Verily, Allah loves those who acts justly.”

[Al Ma'idah: 42]

Justice is a prerequisite to peace which is missing in our contemporary society. It involves giving other people the rights we give ourselves, treating people the way we would like to be treated.

Justice sounds like a word meant for the leaders alone but rather, it affects us all. It means:

- To be equitable in speech and in actions - with no degree of discrimination or testifying falsely.

- It involves being fair with regards to one’s family and those who are under our care; justice between children by not giving one preference over the other.

- By not committing wrong against oneself such as engaging in sinful practices and immoral acts.

- Justice with Allah in not associating any being with Him - in worship and obedience.

7. Sabr [Patience]

“And Allah loves As-Sabirun (the patient).”

[Ali 'Imran: 146]

Patience is one of the most noble of virtues and traits. It is to endure what one dislikes with a sense of acceptance and submission and anticipating Allah’s reward.

Ali r.a. said, “patience to Iman is like the head to a body: if the head is cut off, the body perishes as well.” [Gems and Jewels].

A Muslim should adhere to patience when afflicted with calamity and should not submit either to desperation nor despondence because if we are patient, everything that was destined and preordained for us will occur and we will be rewarded. If we complain and are hopeless, then all that was destined to us will occur, but we will be blamed for our impatience at Allah’s Will.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) said:

Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him. It was related by al-Bukhari. -Hadith Qudsi