Tag Archives: Dios

El concepto de Dios en el Cristianismo

13 Aug

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 Alá (azzawajal) dice en el Coran (a lo que se puede traducir al español):

“No hay nada que se Le asemeje.”

(42:11)

Sin embargo, ¿porqué los cristianos dicen que Dios es Jesús o que Dios engendró un hijo?

Los atributos de Dios son distintos a los del ser humano. La única similitud que existe entre los nombres y atributos de Dios y aquellos de los seres humanos son en nombre, pero jamás en grado.

Los atributos de Alá (el nombre árabe para decir Dios) son libres de cualquier deficiencia humana. Como musulmanes, a Alá lo podemos referir sólo como Él se ha descrito en el sagrado Corán o como el Profeta Muhammad (salalahu alaihi wa salaam) lo ha descrito.

Inclusive, los nombres an-Naasir y ar-Rasheed son nombres que no le debemos de dar a Alá (azzawajal), ya que no se encuentran en el noble Corán ni en los auténticos hadices. Sin embargo, estos y otros nombres se encuentran en las listas de los 99 nombres de Alá, pero desafortunadamente, estos hadices no son auténticos.

El estudio de tawjeed o la unicidad de Alá es un estudio fundamental en cualquier musulmán. Te alejará de las innovaciones en la religión y te ayudará a entender mejor quién es Alá, conforme a lo que Él nos ha revelado con sus profetas.

En el estudio del tawjeed al-asmaa was sifaat, o lo que se puede traducir a la unidad de Alá en sus atributos y nombres, debemos de entender lo siguiente: que nos referimos a Alá sólo como son son mencionados en el Corán y los hadices auténticos, pero sin atributos de su Creación.

Sabemos que los cristianos y los judíos creen que Alá pasó 6 días creando el universo y en el 7mo descansó (Génesis 2:2) Es por esto que los cristianos y los judíos se toman el sábado o el domingo como día libre y consideran trabajar en uno de estos días como un pecado.

Este atributo es meramente humano; todos sabemos que nosotros hacemos trabajo pesado y debemos de descansar para recuperarnos. Decir que Alá se cansa como su creación es atribuyéndole una acción solamente de su Creación y no digna para su Majestad.

Además, en la Biblia y la Torá, Dios se arrepiente de sus malos pensamientos en la forma como lo hacen los humanos cuando nos damos cuenta de nuestros errores. “Entonces el Señor se arrepintió del mal que dijo que había de hacer a su pueblo.” (Éxodos 32:14)

Además de esto, los cristianos han pintado, moldeado y creado figuras innumerables con apariencia humana y las han llamado “imágenes de Dios.”

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Si pueden atribuir características y acciones meramente humanas a Dios, no es de ningún asombro que los cristianos aceptan a Jesús (paz y bendiciones) como Dios, o que Dios haga un acto animal de “engendrar” un hijo, cosa que solo se hace en la Creación.

Una vez que las grandes multitudes acepten el concepto de Dios siendo como su Creación y teniendo una figura humana, no es de ningún problema para ellos aceptar a Jesús como Dios.

Es más, me encuentro casi segura que lo hacen sin darse cuenta. Primero, por experiencia propia. Mis días como cristiana fueron una gran mentira en la que me introdujeron sin derecho a preguntar ni cuestionar las creencias que ni en la misma Biblia se mencionan. Por ejemplo, la trinidad nunca es mencionada en la Biblia, ni lo es el signo de una cruz. Nunca Jesús utilizó una cruz sobre su cuello ni le dijo a sus seguidores que lo hicieran.

Hoy escuché un comentario y la mujer le decía a mi mamá: “Recuerde a Dios siempre, y repita: Jesús, Jesús, Jesús…” Yo me preguntaba, ¿Jesús o Dios? Y me recordé que los cristianos creen que los dos extrañamente pueden ser uno. Que el Creador puede ser la Creación. Que lo infinito puede ser lo finito. Que el ignorante (ya que vienen varias partes en la Biblia donde Jesús no conocía de algo) puede ser el Conocedor del Universo.

Ilógico, pero lamentablemente es una falsedad en la viven los cristianos.

Nosotros como seres finitos no estamos en ninguna posición para definir al infinito Señor de todas las creaciones.

Puede parecer un punto muy relevante o simple, pero se debe de definir y mantener firme para prevenir cualquier descripción falsa a Alá (el nombre  árabe para Dios y el que utiliza Alá para si mismo en el Corán).

Si buscas conocer sobre la verdad, no hace falta asistir a una mezquita o hablar con un musulmán o musulmana para conocerlo. Simplemente leyendo el Corán encontrarás tus respuestas.

Yo sé que yo las encontré, después de tantos años de confusión y de ignorancia. Alá es el más Misericordioso, el más Beneficioso: ar-Rahman, nir Raheem y nunca es tarde para conocer el mensaje de Él, el cual vino con cada profeta y mensajero de Dios; con Abraham, con Noé, con Moisés, con Jesús, con Muhammad (paz y bendiciones estén sobre todos ellos) y muchos más.

Insha’Allah te haya beneficiado. Que Alá (azzawajal) nos tengan siempre en el mejor estado de fé (imaan), de salud, que siempre le agradezcamos todas sus bendiciones, que lo alabemos solo a Él, el único digno de adoración, y que nos abra el corazón y nos ilumine con el Corán. Ameen.

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Beneficial Reminder from someone insha’Allah in Jannah now…

8 Aug

This brother passed away yesterday.. He was stabbed, and his last words were “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar” and taking his shahada.. It makes me so devastated to see someone this pure and with such a good, clean heart leave this worldly life; but at the same time it makes me feel in peace to know that Allah helped us benefit from him.

This is a video of his, along with the story of how he died. SubhanAllah… And we still argue over the silliest things, yet we fail to make Salat on time and to stay away from haram.. May Allah make us of those that rest in Jannah, and may Allah take us from this dunya in the healthiest of spiritual iman. Ameen.

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151770234664834&set=vb.121661129123&type=2&theater

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La verdadera belleza de una mujer

29 Jul

As-salam alaikum (la paz esté contigo). Una de las preguntas más comunes que se hacen las mujeres no musulmanas es, ¿por qué deben las mujeres musulmanas cubrir su cuerpo y cabello? Si vivimos en un mundo “civilizado” y modernizado, donde cualquier mujer puede andar por las calles como se le antoje, ¿por qué entonces es necesario vestir modestamente?

Vivimos en un mundo donde la imagen física de la mujer vale más que su inteligencia y forma de ser. Para una mujer latina, su cuerpo, su forma de vestir y su atracción naturalmente hermosa es de más importancia que cualquier otra cosa.

Desde niñas somos enseñadas a ser coquetas, a vestirnos decentemente, es decir, no salir de la casa sin antes peinarnos y andar ropa coqueta y femenina, y luego en nuestra juventud somos reforzadas a atraer al sexo opuesto con ropa provocativa. Sin embargo, es importante dejar claro que esto es parte de nuestra cultura. Para muchos países la cultura latina no es de gran prestigio debido a la forma en que somos representados por las novelas, películas y en las noticias, sin embargo, la belleza exterior es una parte normal y común en las familias latinas y ha llegado hasta no verse incorrecto que una mujer se vista (o en realidad se desvista) de esta forma.

La cultura occidental es considerada muy “liberal.” Pero yo les hago la siguiente pregunta: ¿Somos libres realmente como mujeres en esta cultura?

En la cultura “civilizada” de hoy en día, cada mujer es “objetizada,” es decir, se utiliza su cuerpo para vender desde carros hasta mangueras jardineras (no se burlen, ya que lo he visto anunciado en televisión). Es común ver en las revistas y anuncios por las calles partes del cuerpo de una mujer para vender productos; unos labios para vender licores, los ojos para vender maquillaje,  la parte trasera para vender jeans o pantalones ajustados, etc.

Una mujer cristiana puede ir a misa son vestidos cortos, pantalones ajustados, blusas que se deje al expuesto sus pechos y curvas, y tacones altos y llamativos, sin ser rechazada por la sociedad ni vista como vulgar o provocativa. Aunque así no sea el caso en otros países o regiones más conservadores, esto es muy común en Costa Rica y si vas con ropa modesta es considerada una monja o desarreglada.

Para la mujer musulmana, nuestro cuerpo no es algo que queremos lucirle al resto del mundo. No necesitamos llamar la atención del sexo opuesto o de las demás mujeres de esta forma para sentirnos aceptadas o bonitas. Sabemos que la belleza no está en nuestro cuerpo, cara o cabello. Sabemos que tarde o temprano, todo esto desvanecerá con el tiempo; se nos cae el pelo, se nos hace arrugas y aumentos o bajamos de peso.

Cuando atraes a un hombre con su físico, él no te respetará si eres inteligente o no, si eres amable o no, o si lo respetará a él en el futuro. Simplemente le interesa su cuerpo, sus curvas y si dejas tu belleza femenina al expuesto, le estarás dando la iniciativa de que para usted es permisible que te vean como un objeto sexual meramente.

Yo, como mujer musulmana y representante del Islam en mi país, al igual que las demás mujeres musulmanas en mi país con dignidad, respeto a sí mismas, y orgullo, te diremos qué es la verdadera belleza de una mujer.

No necesito cambiar el tono de mi piel para que otros me admiren. No necesito modificar el contorno de mis ojos, ni el color de mi cabello, ni la altura que tengo para sentirme bonita, cuando sabemos que todas estas modificaciones son falsas y temporales. Somos felices de ser como Alá (exaltado sea su Majestad) nos trajo al mundo; somos una creación perfecta en Sus Ojos, una admiración sin defectos para Él (exaltado y glorificado sea Él).

No necesito lucir mi silueta al público para sentirme atractiva, ni andar con vestimentas caras y llamativas cuando sabemos como mujeres musulmanas, que millones de niños y mujeres como nosotras se mueren de hambre porque no tienen ni siquiera boronas de pan en sus mesas.

La atracción y belleza verdadera la llevamos dentro de nuestro ser; somos dignas de ser admiradas y dignas de ser tomadas como ejemplo para las demás mujeres. Somos las que cualquier niño desearía como madre, y las que cualquier hombre con piedad y temor a Alá desearía como esposa, con respeto hacía nosotros mismas y orgullo de cubrir la belleza que Alá (exaltado sea su Majestad) nos ha dado.

Les daré un ejemplo muy sencillo y simple. La perla es conservada en su concha, sin ser expuesta a los demás. A pesar de que nadie puede verla, no quiere decir que su belleza y valor no se disminuya. Es más, por estar conservadas y no expuestas a los demás, su valor sube y es de mayor admiración.

¿Andarías por tu casa luciendo su dinero, oro y cosas de valor a los demás? Por supuesto que no. Sabemos que las cosas de valor son guardadas en un depósito donde no todos lo vean. Esto es porque son cosas de mucho valor para nosotros, y lo cuidamos como merece.

Una mujer musulmana es mucho más valiosa, y digna de ser cuidada como tal. Somos más valiosas que el dinero o el oro o los diamantes, o una perla. Nos damos el respeto y puesto que merecemos, uno de prestigio y de honor.

Inclusive ni necesitamos luchar por nuestros derechos femeninos, ya que se nos fueron otorgados hace más de 1400 años, con la revelación del Sagrado Corán.

Las verdaderas víctimas de opresión y explotación femenina son las no musulmanas, que son constantemente molestadas por su apariencia sexual. ¿Por qué creen que se vende tantos productos para adelgazar, hayan tantas operaciones de aumento de busto, liposucción, y otras operaciones meramente físicas en los países occidentes? ¿Por qué creen que los salones de belleza pasan llenos todos los días?

Hay tanta atención para nuestra apariencia física, pero tanta negligencia hacia lo que realmente importa, lo que llevamos por dentro. ¿Te has preguntado alguna vez si te llevarías todo esto contigo cuando mueras? Por supuesto que la respuesta es no.

En el Islam, la mujer tiene los mismos derechos que el hombre. No somos oprimidas como dicen falsamente en las noticias y en muchos países occidentales. La falta de conocimiento y el impedimento a educarse son factores de esta ignorancia en muchas personas.

¿Quién nos puede decir que somos oprimidas simplemente por querer cubrir nuestro cuerpo y protegernos, cuando tenemos un capítulo entero en el Sagrado Corán dedicado a las mujeres (Sura o capítulo 4, “Las mujeres”)? Además, se le tiene un Sura entero a la Virgen María, el número 19. Si fuéramos tan oprimidas como las noticias y prensa quieren que nos veamos, no tendríamos ni voz ni derechos.

Sin embargo, con la revelación del Noble Corán, fue la primera vez que se les daba derechos a las mujeres y siguen siendo derechos por los cuales mujeres de nuestra sociedad “modernizada” y “civilizada” han tratado de luchar para adquirirlos y no logran ganar sus derechos; siguen siendo vistas como una atracción sexual carente de inteligencia.

Por esto y muchos motivos más, debemos sentirnos orgullosas de ser mujeres musulmanas, que nos respetamos y somos respetadas por los demás. Yo elijo quién me mira con deseos sexuales – y este debería ser solamente nuestros esposos – y quien no me ve de esta forma. Camino libremente por las calles porque sé que no necesito quedarle bien a nadie, ni que me juzgan por mi físico. Me enfoco en lo que realmente es la belleza de una mujer, mi taqwaa (piedad o temor en Alá), mi forma de ser, mi espiritualidad, y en beneficiar a los demás con mis actitudes y carácter.

Di, ¡Alhamdulillah que soy una mujer libre de estas ataduras mundanas, que soy libre de cualquier deseo de este mundo, y que cada día le agradezco a Alá por ser como soy! Lo único que quiero modificar y cambiar es mi relación con Alá (glorificado y exaltado sea su Majestad), en acercarme a Él ya que es el Único digno de mi adoración, y en beneficiar a las demás mujeres el gran regalo que tenemos, de ser mujeres musulmanas libres de estas cosas materiales que no nos dan nada a cambio!

Insha’Allah (si Alá lo permite) esto te haya beneficiado, ya seas musulmana, o una mujer con creencia en Alá (exaltado sea su Majestad). A mí el Islam me libró y me ha hecho la mujer que siempre quise ser, una mujer digna de respeto, con humildad, paciencia, sabiduría y taqwaa (temor a Alá); y sé que estas y muchas más cualidades seguirán creciendo en mí, tal como lo deseo para mis hermanas en Costa Rica y demás países leyendo esto, ¡insha’Allah!

Y Alá sabe mejor.

Chaíto.

Fasting Week Two Thoughts

21 Jul

As-salam alaikum. About two weeks ago the entire Muslim ummah began our fasting. SubhanAllah, it’s been great and I’ve been able to pass through the days and take full advantage of them.

One of the things that concerned me the most wasn’t the fasting, but how I would manage my time in regards to reading the Qur’an, reading other Islamic books and reciting and trying to memorize parts of the Qur’an.

Surprisingly it’s gone quite well and I’ve succeeded so far in reading one juz of the Qur’an daily as well and having plenty of time for other things. What I like to do is read some Qur’an before or after my prayers, so that way I can have more dhikr or remembrance in Allah throughout the day.

Since I’m the only Muslim in my household, I was worried if I would be able to wake up every morning for suhoor. I wasn’t much of a morning person before reverting and even as a Muslim we all struggle to wake up for fajr. But Alhamdulillah I have woken up every morning on time, and have been able to have my suhoor or breakfast every day.

A week ago my father came to visit us. My parents are divorced and he lives about 4 hours away, so he always tries to visit us every 2 weeks. I was really hoping he would have come the Sunday before Ramadan began, but he ended up coming right in the middle of it all. I wasn’t concerned about having to fast and going with them to eat, but how was I going to tell him I was fasting? He doesn’t even know I’m Muslim, and quite frankly I’m not prepared to tell him it all just yet. My relationship with my father isn’t the best and since we barely see him, I don’t like to share much with him.

The smells were tantalizing. We decided to go to a mall in San José and I do have to admit my mouth was watering the whole time. However, after a while I got used to it and even forgot about the hunger. He was really worried why I wasn’t eating; he offered me everything there was, from chicken to chili to ice cream to even some mangos at a food stand there.

Finally, I told him in front of my brother, who didn’t know I was fasting, either. You see, I’m not going to go around telling everyone that I am. It’s something very personal and we fast to get closer to Allah, to control our bodily desires and to remember the poor and needy. It’s not to tell the entire world that you are fasting. Besides, they won’t understand, especially if they’re Christian. I did have to tell my mother as I knew she would get worried seeing me not eat all day (especially since I love to cook and make really delicious meals at lunchtime hehe).

So there I was, trying to explain to my father I was fasting.

Nobody really fasts here. There’s this so-called “fasting” during lent in Catholic religion where you abstain from meat for one entire day. Oh, and you can eat fish if you want instead. So, it’s not fasting for me. It’s just a day where you decide to be a vegetarian, but then decide not to and have fish instead.

So I was really worried what he would think. Would he think I was crazy? Or would he scold me and start blaming my mom about all this? I mean I’m 21 but he still doesn’t see me like an adult. But Alhamdulillah he took it quite well and even made a joke about it, how fasting was only for healthy people since he is a diabetic and wouldn’t be able to fast for too long.

Once I got home my mom asked right away what he said. I guess she has this idea in her mind that he would get angry at me or something. I didn’t mention to her that I hadn’t told him I was Muslim. I mean I did say quite clearly “in Islam…” but I don’t know if he associated that with his daughter being a Muslim or not. He didn’t ask any questions, so I didn’t bother to explain to him my personal decisions.

So Alhamdulillah Allah has truly been listening to my du’aas. Of course He always have, but I had taken it all for granted until past experiences that have shown me the mercy of Allah. We are truly blessed to be Muslim, if only others could realize this.

The rest of my fasting has gone quite well. Please share your own personal experiences on the comment section if you’d like.

Strangely, I really don’t get hungry when maghrib comes. I know it’s strange, as everyone is gorging themselves with food, but I don’t know why I don’t get hungry. Maybe it has to do with the fact that maghrib here is at 6:00 p.m. and everywhere else it’s around 8:00 or 9:00. But honestly I don’t feel hungry even at that time. Do you get really hungry when maghrib comes? Let me know if it’s not just me that this happens to.

One night a cousin came, so I broke my fast with some water and started to prepare some food afterwards. We ended up having dinner around 8:30 p.m. and I really wasn’t feeling like extremely hungry. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I have my mind on other things and not so concerned about the hunger.

May Allah reward you this Ramadan and bless us and protect us from the evils of Shaytaan. May Allah accept our fasting and our salat, and insha’Allah may He reward us Jannah. Ameen.

Chao!

Fasting Day Two thoughts

10 Jul

Happy Ramadan to all! I myself started fasting yesterday, so today’s fasting quite surprisingly has felt a bit more difficult. Maybe due to the fact that my cousins from the states came over yesterday and spending all afternoon with them made me forget about the hunger and thirst.

It was only during that last hour before breaking my fast that I got a bit light headed and really started to feel the effects of not eating.

What really bothered me the first day were the headaches during the afternoon. I’ve read that’s due to dehydration, so today I drank two cups of water instead of just one to ensure that I don’t get them that badly today. Insha’Allah.

Needless to mention, my mother wasn’t very supportive about this yesterday. I was helping her cook last night, and it was only about 10 minutes till I could break my fast that she had to ruin it all for me. I was telling her what a sacrifice it is to fast and all the reward you get from it.

Her reply, you may ask? “I don’t find the logic in it. For me it’s useless.”

Way to go mother. Way to kill all my happiness for ikftar. Seriously, couldn’t you have saved that answer until after I had eaten?

I felt so sad, like a huge knot in my throat, after seeing her reaction. She has never fasted a day in her life, how can she ever know what it’s like to fast and all the hunger pains you go through?

Even when I told her that she didn’t know what it’s like to fast, she answered the contrary and said, “Oh, I have.”

Yes, let’s think for a moment you have, I thought to myself, but not for this many hours a day. And especially not for the sake of Allah. Maybe you’ve done if for a doctor’s appointment, or to lose weight, but I knew she has never done it for God. She even said to me how silly it is to fast for God.

I broke my fast with some water, ate enough to get me a bit full, and left to pray Maghrib. Alhamdulillah I didn’t say anything to her, even though the tears were inevitable. Her attitude towards me is pretty hard to deal with to be honest, but I know she speaks out of her ignorance towards Islam.

Paradise lies at the feet of your mother. No matter what your mother may say, what insult she may throw at you, or what nasty comment is directed to you, just keep your cool and remain silent. You don’t want to end up fighting with her over something only you can truly feel inside.

Well enough about that.

What I really wanted to concentrate on is the mental part. Instead of making it a fasting focused on the hunger (and all the whining you do internally), I’ve organized my time on spending as much of it on the Qur’an.

Seeing all these posts about the physical part of Ramadan, which is abstaining from food and drink and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours, I’ve felt there isn’t enough emphasis on our own selves about the main purpose of Ramadan.

Today I’m on the 3rd juz (section) of the Qur’an. I started reading the Qur’an on Monday, began my fasting Tuesday, and now I’m on the third part as planned Alhamdulillah.

Yesterday’s part was very intriguing. It talked about fasting and what is prescribed for us.

This morning, right after fajr I sat down and read about 8 pages of the first juz. The ayat that I liked was Ayat ul Kursi. The message behind it is incredible;  it is the basic understanding of who is Allah and where is Allah. I’m no scholar on this, but if you’d like to find a tasfeer on this ayat please do, as it is very important to understand what we are saying as we recite.

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Also, there is a tasfeer on Surah al Mulk on SistersOfSunnah.org today at 2:00 p.m. Costa Rican time (4:00 p.m. EST) if you’d like to join.

May this Ramadan be an opportunity for you to ask Allah (subhana wa ta’aala) for forgiveness and seek his refuge from Shaytaan.

Ameen.

What are your goals for this Ramadan?

9 Jul

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Ramadan Mubarak to all! As opposed to what the masjid here has confirmed of Ramadan beginning tomorrow, it has been approved by numerous organizations here in the American Continent and other parts of the world that the moon sighting was last night and that Ramadan has officially started on our side of the world. Subhanallah!

I really pray to Allah that we can take the most out of this Ramadan, whether you were raised a Muslim, or have reverted to Islam, Ramadan is still the same sacred and holy month worldwide. I think that many reverts learn to really appreciate this month because we know what it’s like to not be Muslim, and to not worship Allah (subhana wa ta’aala) often. As a Christian, I used to skip attending church on Sunday just out of laziness because I knew there wasn’t any bad outcome of it if I didn’t go. As opposed to this belief, Muslim men are obliged to attend Jummah prayer at the masjid because of the great reward there is behind it.

We all should learn to not take for granted Ramadan. Sometimes we want to do so much that we can’t really stick to our goals. As a means to facilitate this for you, I’ve decided to write down the three main goals you should stick to during this Ramadan.

Of course we must remember that we have to accomplish our obligatory actions, which is salat (prayer) and sawm (fasting).

But why should we keep these goals for Ramadan? Why shouldn’t we just lay on the couch all day watching TV or playing video games? Why should we keep goals if I’m fasting anyways?

We must learn to not be like the hypocrites, that are a certain way with certain people, and then are different when they are alone and no one is watching. Also, we must remember what is said in the Qur’an:

Whoever brings a good deed shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed shall have only the recompense of the like thereof, and they will not be wronged [al-An’aam 6:160].

So if our good deeds are multiplied by ten during any time of the year, imagine the reward we will get out of them if we accomplish good deeds in Ramadan! Subhanallah. This verse is also a sign of mercy from Allah (swt), as he does not multiply our evil deeds, but does so only with our good deeds.

  • Goal # 1: Read the entire Qur’an

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The first and foremost goal we should all set for ourselves this Ramadan is to read the Qur’an. As I mentioned in my previous article, Ramadan is not about fasting, but instead it’s about the Qur’an. If we keep it a habit to read the Qur’an during Ramadan, we will seek the guidance of the Qur’an after this month as well.

Reading the entire Qur’an during Ramadan is also Sunnah. The sahaabah (followers of the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salaam) would read the Qur’an a great deal during Ramadan. For example, some would even complete the Qur’an every seven nights, and during Ramadan every three nights, and then every two nights during the last ten days of Ramadan.

So if they could complete the Qur’an in this time period, why can’t we complete one reading of the Qur’an in an entire month?

There is great benefit in the reading of the Qur’an. At-Tirmithee states:

Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten.

Also, the Qur’an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet (saws) said:

The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

There are many more benefits on reading the Qur’an. The reasons to read it this Ramadan are more than enough.

  • Goal # 2: Memorize an entire Surah

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I had mentioned this on my previous article, and it is a goal I plan to accomplish. A great way to help you stick to it is by finding yourself a friend that can help you achieve this challenge.

One way I learn things by memory is by reciting it about 8 or more times until I can finally recite it without having to look at it. I gues this is because I have photographic memory and everything I see I will remember. If you are someone that learns faster by hearing it, then playing it on your iPod or phone as many times as possible will help you memorize it.

Start by learning one ayat per day. As you advance throughout the month, remember to always recite the previous ayats as to not forget them.

  • Goal # 3: Read a book of beneficial knowledge this Ramadan

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My final goal is to read a book that will help me be a better Muslim. A good book can be 40 Hadiths on the Islamic Personality by Shaykh ‘Alee Hasan ‘Alee ‘Abdul Hameed. If you read one hadith every day, reflect on it, and think about how you can practice this in your daily life, the benefits of it will be more than beneficial for you.

Again, I recommend you find someone that you can share this with you. Whether it be your husband, a sister or a family member that can help you, you will both be getting the rewards out of it and benefiting one another insha’Allah.

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I know the list is rather short, but it is better to stick to short, simple goals than to create a huge list of things that you won’t be able to achieve and end up feeling bad with yourself. The following hadith also explains the virtues of doing something consistently.

Indeed, the Mother of the Believers `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that “the most beloved action to Allah’s Apostle was that which is done continuously and regularly” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #76, Hadith #469).

Insha’Allah this was beneficial for you. If you have any other goals please add them to the list on the comment section and share with other your goals for this Ramadan.

May Allah bless us this Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!

Chao

Ramadan is just 1 week away! Why fast?

1 Jul

For the Body

(Part Two of Two)

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As-salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Just a little less than a month ago I wrote the first part of this mini-series, and I feel like it was just yesterday I was putting the post up. Time flies by so quickly, subhanallah.

Finding information about some of the health benefits for fasting was a a bit harder than I thought, since there is so much controversy out there in regards to fasting in general.Some non-Muslims believe fasting is bad for your body, and others consider it to be beneficial. So it took me a while to finally gather up authentic, valid websites and documents that could help us benefit from them.

In the end, Allah is Allah. He is the Creator of the Universe, the Creator of the Earth, of you and me and of every single thing we can see. So who are we to judge whether or not something Allah ta’aala, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful, has prescribed for us?

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

(2:185) Qur’an

Some articles get into heated debates about the negative side effects for the elder, for women that are breast feeding, and so on. Alhamdulillah! Allah has made fasting obligatory, except for those that cannot perform fasting, including the elder, the ill, women that are pregnant, breastfeeding and so on. If only we knew how easy Allah wants this Holy month to be for us, we would realize how Just Allah ta’aala is.

The importance here is how we can benefit from this month. I strongly believe the true benefits are for our soul. Health benefits are additional, and you shouldn’t fast for anything else that isn’t for the sake of Allah.

Muslims fast for the tawqaa (God-consciousness, piety, fear of Allah) we have towards our Creator. When you fast, you realize you have nothing without Allah. It’s also to help you remember the poor, those that are in difficult situations and that cannot have even a drop of water to drink throughout the day.

So let’s see some health benefits that come from fasting during Ramadan.

Leaving poor habits behind

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One of the preparations for Ramadan is to leave any bad habits behind. This can include anything from smoking, to watching too much television, to eating too much fast food.

How many times have we gorged ourselves with food out of anxiety, or have led ourselves to obesity or other health conditions because of our poor diet? When was the last time you committed yourself to actually stop smoking and spend that money on something beneficial for yourself?

The truth is that we as humans will fall into bad habits constantly. From stuffing ourselves with food, to not drinking enough water daily, to smoking, to any other bad habit that harms our body.

This also includes actions that don’t benefit us, besides dietary ones. For example, watching too much television, playing too many video games, being on the Internet for too long and other time consuming things that will limit us from performing beneficial actions. These can include reading and studying the Qur’an and Sunnah, watching videos that can help strengthen our emaan, spending time with our friends and family, and others.

Ramadan is a month of self-restraining and also of self-training our body and mind to control these needs inside us. As it says in the Qur’an:

O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

(2:183) Qur’an

I strongly believe Ramadan is a month of benefit for our health, as it helps us cleanse our bodies and have awareness of what it’s like to be hungry and thirsty and not be able to have food or water for long periods. It’s not the same to feel empathy for someone that is going through hunger, then to actually go through hunger yourself and realize how important it is to help others.

Alhamdulillah that we have such a beautiful month to make us realize these things and learn to control our desires and needs.

Body Cleansing

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Ramadan has so many benefits, so this is why I decided to divide this article in two: one for the soul and one for the body. You can read my article For the Soul here.

Not only do we restrain from foul language, learn to help the needy and understand what our true intentions are as humans during Ramadan, but it is also a month where our body can take a break from all the bad things we’ve put it in.

If you’re someone that likes to eat tons of fast food, or fried foods, your digestive system will finally be able to cleanse itself.

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Anas b. Mâik narrates that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to prayer. When fresh dates were unavailable, he would break his fast with dried dates. When dried dates were unavailable, he would take a few sips of water.

[Sunan Abî Dâwûd (2356)]

It is Sunnah (the prophetic way) to break your fast with dates or water if you can’t find dates. Also, for your suhoor or early morning breakfast just before praying fajr, it is recommended to have a balanced, healthy meal full of proteins and vitamins, to stay away from fried foods and salty food such as cheese as they will make you thirsty, to not drink tea as it will make you want to go to the bathroom too often, and to drink at least 2 cups of water or more so that your body remains hydrated during the day.

Ramadan should not be a month to make diets, or to lose weight as some people consider it to be. Also, it shouldn’t be a month where you sleep all day and wake up at night to break your fast. Not only is this incorrect since you should be spending as much time possible reading Qur’an and remembering why we fast, but it will also make you gain weight.

We must remember that fasting in the month of Ramadan is the month for Allah (subhana wa ta’aala).

Imam al-Sadiq (A) said:

“God-Almighty said: ‘ Fasting is for Me and I bestow its reward upon the fast observer.”‘

(Wasail al-Shi’a, vol. 7, p-290)

Let’s also remember that fasting is a benefit for us, and not a burden for our ummah. During the month of Ramadan, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed, as is mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (salalahu alayhi wa salaam).

The Holy Prophet (S) has said:

“The Fasting is a shield for protection against Hell’s fire.”

(Wasail al-Shi’a, vol. 7, p-289)

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May Allah guide us in this Holy Month that is soon to come. May our hearts be full of emaan and tawqaa, and may we always worship Allah ta’aala in any circumstance we may be, as He is the all Hearer, the all Knower, and the only one that can hear and answer our prayers. Ameen.

And Allah truly knows best.

Chao

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The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The child of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. Sufficient for the child of Adam are a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2380) and Musnad Ahmad (17186) and authenticated by al-Albânî in Sahîh al-Jâmi`]
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Sabr (The Virtues of Sabr) – Mufti Menk Lecture

23 Jun

As-salaam alaykum,

I leave you with a wonderful lecture from Mufti Menk, about being patient, practicing restraint, and so on.

“Seek assistance through sabr…”

And Allah knows best.

Ramadan is just a month away! Why fast?

9 Jun

For the Mind and Soul

(Part One of Two)971674_380318762074924_544895805_n

As-salaam alaykum everyone. As a recent convert (Allahu Akbar) I’ve been thinking about Ramadan these days more than ever; what will it be like? Will my body last an entire month of fasting? How can I make this experience even more profitable?

I’ve been looking around some website and books on Ramadan, including Hadiths and quotes from the Qur’an. The benefits of Ramadan are just so many Alhamdulillah! Although we may not see them.

So I’ve decided to write a quick post on some of the benefits of this sacred month, not just physically, but mentally the amount of blessings and good things come out of it insha’Allah.

There is a great reward for those who fast

Brookes-Ramadan

Abu Huraira, radhiya Allahu `anh reported:

The Prophet said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” [Bukhari]

Allah, the Most High, the Most Beneficent, will reward a person that fasts for His sake only. Think about it. It is indeed a sacrifice. I don’t think fasting is all that easy, given the many hours without food or water. Insha’Allah there will be reward in our fasting and Allah will accept it.

Our supplications are granted

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Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: “There are three people whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks the fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed”. [Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban]

Our dua’s are accepted when we indulge in this action intended only for the sake of Allah. We must remember constantly why we are fasting, for what purpose we are doing so and to always thank Allah (subhana wa ta’aala) for giving us the strength and patience to fast.

Just think for a minute how many people out there starve to death because they can’t eat even a loaf of bread or drink a drop of pure, clean water. Think how privileged you are as a Muslim to be able to fast! So many people don’t have food at their tables, and cannot have this “luxury” of fasting for the sake of Allah.

It is a means of forgiveness for us

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Abu Huraira narrated that Allah’s Messenger said : “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari]

Subhanallah, how merciful our Rabb truly is. If you fast just 30 days of the 365 days of the year, with devotion, purity in your heart and sincerity, Allah will forgive any sins you have had in your past. Whether you are a new revert – like myself – or you have grandchildren and have retired, it is never too late to ask Allah for forgiveness and to repent to our Lord, to the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. May Allah always guide us.

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Prepare-for-Ramadan-ProductiveMuslim

So these were the brief benefits that we have when fasting during Ramadan. Imagine how wonderfully merciful and forgiving our Lord is that He has given us this “tool” or action to use for our own benefit, and of course always for the sake of Allah.

You won’t find these benefits in other religions. They have deviated from the straight path of monotheism – Judaism and Christianity – and now follow practices that were never accepted during the time of the Prophets (peace be upon them all). We as Muslims are benefited in so many ways and take them for granted, that we don’t even have time to sit down and think about this and thank Allah (swt) for all that He has given us.

Insha’Allah I’ll be writing about the physical benefits of fasting during the month of Ramadan in a new post. So keep tuned for a new article on how not only your mind, but your body can benefit from this sacred and blessed month of Ramadan.

Allahu Akbar. May Allah safeguard us from Shaytaan, may Allah reward us and may Allah protect us and guide us from any evil. Ameen Rabb.

And Allah, our Lord, most Beneficent and most Merciful, knows best.

Chao.

Thoughts on Christianity being a monotheistic religion

21 Apr

As-salaam alaikum (May the blessings of Allah be upon you) 

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We are taught that Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all monotheistic religions. Christianity, I think personally, is not.

As I sit here typing down these few ideas, my family has gone out to attend a Christian church. So now, I face two hours alone, with my own thoughts before we all walk out to grab from lunch.

I’m quite honestly not thrilled about attending the get-together at lunch, as I know I will be bombarded with multiple questions and interrogations as to why I don’t assist the church as well next Sunday. Also, hearing my family chat on about the wonderful shirk –or idolatry- they’re in, will be excruciating for my ears to hear.

You see, my brother was indulged into the religion of this Christian sect a while back from my uncle, my sister went on account of my brother and his friend’s influence, and now finally my mother has decided to join them on account of her non-practicing Catholic faith and has thought she’ll “give it a go.”

So that leaves me out of the picture, as I strongly resist going; not because I “fear” being trapped into their cobweb, but because I have stable reasoning behind my decision.

First and foremost, I have reverted to Islam not too long ago, at the beginning of this year, after many months of research and understanding of the religion Subhanallah. Although, there isn’t much to “get your head around” about Islam. Worshiping One God is quite simple for human nature to accomplish as it comes so naturally to us.

After I reverted, I think I’ve faced very minor but significant changes both internally and externally. For one, as a Muslim revert, your identity (your previous one) is rather washed away, because you find yourself not liking the person you once used to be. You benefit from the religion, alhamdulillah, because you find yourself healthier both spiritually and physically speaking.

Do they not think deeply (in their ownselves) about themselves (how Allah created them from nothing, and similarly He will resurrect them)? Allah has created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, except with truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the Meeting with their Lord. (Ar-Room, 30, 8)

As I began to read the Qur’an, my thoughts on life changed radically. What was before a ritual of praying to God is now something I do with understanding behind it. I see the truth that is Islam; submitting to God – Allah in Arabic – to our Creator, and not submitting to the creation.

Which is what Christians and Muslims differ from. Despite being tagged as a “monotheistic” religion, unfortunately modern day Christians have deviated from traditional Christianity, where only God was worshiped according to the prophetic way of Jesus (peace be upon him).

Now, Christians worship Jesus as if he were God himself, walking on the face of this Earth. How silly to imagine even the slightest appearance of Allah. There is even a hadeeth stating that a slight portion of Allah was shown to a mountain, and it crumbled into pieces when exposed to Allah.

Nobody has even seen Allah. All prophets (peace be upon them all) have never stated that they are God, or have seen God. However, Christians believe that Jesus was God on Earth, or the son of God. This is in fact a form of “shirk” or associating partners or others with Allah, the gravest sin of all in Islam, and the only sin that will not be forgiven.

So no, I don’t think Christianity is a monotheistic religion. Not anymore at least. Maybe years ago it was, but now it has changed. And to know that my mother, brother and sister are all clapping and dancing and singing at a church worshiping Jesus as their “savior” is quite saddening.

“Oh People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a messenger of God, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers. Say not, ‘Trinity.’ Desist! It will be better for you, for God is One God, Glory be to Him! (Far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God as a Disposer of affairs” (4:171).

Despite these moments that I may consider tragic descended down on them, I know that these are tests sent from Allah (subhana wa’taala). What I might consider an “evil” thing is actually there for the good that will come from that evil. We may never know what that good is, but insha’Allah we can pass these tests of faith.

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A proper way to spread Islam is not by preaching about it, but by your actions. Most people revert to Islam because of how correct and respectful Muslims are. Never insult a religion, or speak angrily towards anyone. Do not disrespect your parents; a mother is truly valued and respected in Islam.

I try to show my humbleness and respect in my manners and actions at all times, and I’ve found that my mother quite likes the “new” me. She’s even said that I am far different from my siblings, that I respect her and others and was quite surprised to hear me, out of all people, wake up at 4:30 a.m. each morning for fajr – or morning prayer – when I usually would struggle to wake up in the mornings, like most people do.

These types of things should be for pleasing Allah only. Don’t indulge in something to show off, or make a point. Quoting a Spanish saying, “The best words said are those unsaid.”

I ask Allah to guide my family, my close friends and all those seeking for the truth, to the righteous path of Islam. I ask Allah to bless us Muslims in our faith, to surpass us in wisdom, patience, humbleness and emaan for us to come closer to Allah.

If any mistakes were made during this publication, I accept any faults, and please forgive me if I do, as Allah is perfect and Islam, whereas we Muslims and humans are not perfect.

And Allah knows best.

Chao.