Words I never said – Lupe Fiasco

…

I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence
Fear is such a weak emotion thats why I despise it
We scared of almost everything, afraid to even tell the truth
So scared of what you think of me, I’m scared of even telling you
Sometimes I’m like the only person I feel safe to tell it to
I’m locked inside a cell in me, I know that there’s a jail in you
Consider this your bailing out, so take a breath, inhale a few
My screams is finally getting free, my thoughts is finally yelling through

It’s so loud Inside my head
With words that I should have said!
As I drown in my regrets
I can’t take back the words I never said ..

…

[all: http://www.killerhiphop.com/lupe-fiasco-words-i-never-said-lyrics/#ixzz1CpqCBJlb]

About Hassan Al-Basri Radiallahu Anhu

“How can one ask about the difference between this world and the Hereafter? They are like East and West: the closer you move towards one, the farther you move away from the other. How can one ask about the nature of this world? Life in it begins in toil and ends in annihilation. One is accountable for that which he enjoys lawfully, and one is punished for that which he enjoys unlawfully. Anyone who becomes wealthy is tempted, and anyone who becomes poor is grieved.”

“What have we done to ourselves? We have starved our religion and fattened  our material wealth. We have worn out our morals and renewed only our clothing and furnishings. We recline at ease, feasting on wealth which we unlawfully acquire. The rich man’s food is stolen, and those who serve him do so by force. He calls for spicy food and then for sweets. First he wants cold food, and then hot food, then something cripsy, and then something soft. When he is stuffed to the point of bursting he calls his servants to bring him medicine to help him digest his food!”

“Fool! Does he not know that the only thing he has devoured is his own morality? Where is his needy neighbor, his hungry, orphaned kinsman, the disabled who can only watch him in despair? Where is all that Allah comanded him to do for others? If only he knew that he was like a number: every time the sun sets, the number decreases by one, and part of him passes on…”

This is the excerpt from the reply of al-Hassan al-Basri RA when he was asked about the nature of life in this world.

Masalamah Ibn ‘Abdul-Malik said, “How can a people go astray when they have al-Hassan al-Basri living among them?” Al-Hassan means “the handsome one” and this name was given to the son of Khayrah and Yasar by Umm Salamah RA, the widow of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and mother of all believers. Khayrah was her servant, and Yasar was the servant and friend of Zaid Bin Thabit RA. Al-Hassan Ibn Yasar was partly raised by Umm Salamah, who also breast-fed him. Then, Allah swt added barakah to the childhood of al-Hassan by blessing him with the constant presence of the widows of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, who all lived next to each other. He acquired their virtues and good qualities and benefited from their guidance. In essence, this atmosphere shaped his character. In his lifetime, Al-Hassan was impressed by Khalifah Ali Ibn Abi Talib RA more than anyone else. He was captivated by his staunch belief, his devoutness, and his lack of interest in the vanity and follies of worldly life. He modeled his style of expression on the example set by Ali RA, who had a dazzling talent for eloquence. Al-Hassan moved to al-Basrah when he was fourteen, and hence known as al-Hassan al-Basri. Al-Hassan became a student of Abdullah Ibn Abbas RA and learned Tafsir, Hadith, and Qur’an recitation. He also learned Islamic jurisprudence, literature, and Arabic language.

When Khalid Ibn Safwan asked Maslamah Ibn Abdul Malik about al-Hassan, he said the following: “He is a person whose heart is as good as his appearance. His actions are the same as what he speaks. When he commands virtuous actions he is the first one to perform them, and when he discourages vice, he’s the most abstemious of all. I have found him to be a man who is not in need of others’ services, and has no interest in profiting from their wealth, even though the whole world seems to beat a path to his door seeking him.”

Al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf (known for his cruelty and opressions), in the capacity of a governor built a palace in Wasit and invited the public to come to witness it. Al- Hassan Al-basri made the best possible use of this opportunity by giving an unanticipated public speech on spot: “… Now we have seen what this vile creature has constructed, and we have to remember that Pharaoh had structures built which were grander and more lofty, but Allah caused Pharaoh to perish, and brought all of his monuments to ruin. If only al-Hajjaj knew that he is despised in Heaven, while those on earth deceive him into being satisfied with himself.. ” When somebody advised him to keep quiet, he continued: “Allah has taken a covenant from His scholars that they proclaim the truth and not suppress it.” Al-hajjaj out of anger and humiliation ordered his execution. The moment Al-Hassan realized al-Hajjaj’s plan, he started reciting something. To everyone’s astonishment, al-Hajjaj insisted al-Hassan to sit next to him and and he inquired him about some religious matters. Al-Hassan was very calm as usual. After the conversation, al-Hajjaj said: “Abu Sa’id, you are the master of all scholars.” Then he respectfully applied a perfume on al-Hassan’s beard and dismissed him. When Al-Hassan was asked about what he was reciting earlier, he said the following: “I said, ‘O Master of my good fortune, You are my refuge in times of ill fortune. Make his vengeance towards me be coolness and peace, just as you made the fire to be coolness and peace over Ibrahim (AS)”

Al-Hassan al-Basri lived for 80 years. One of his greatest contributions was his articulate and refined sermons. When he passed away in the year 110H. on the first of Rajab, the whole city of al-Basrah was shaken. It’s been said that the whole city followed the procession, leaving the city of Basrah empty. The Asr prayer was not held in the mosque of al-Basrah because there was nobody left in the city that day to hold the prayer.

[excerpts from Suwar min Hayat at-Tabi’in by Abdur Rahman Al-Basha (Late)]

Demystifying Facebook

“Indeed, those who like that immorality be spread (or publicized) among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter.”
[Qur’an, 24:19]

 

That Day shall you be brought to Judgment: not an act of yours that you hide will be hidden.
Then He that will be given his Record in his right hand will say: “Ah here! read you my Record! “I did really understand that my Account would (one Day) reach me!” And he will be in a life of Bliss, In a Garden on high, The Fruits whereof (will hang in bunches) low and near. “Eat you and drink you, with full satisfaction; because of the (good) that you sent before you, in the days that are gone!”
And he that will be given his Record in his left hand will say: “Ah! would that my record had not been given to me! “And that I had never realised how my account (stood)! “Ah! would that (Death) had made an end of me! “Of no profit to me has been my wealth! “My power has perished from me!”… (The stern command will say): “Seize him, and bind him, “And burn him in the Blazing Fire. “Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits!”
[Qur’an, 69:18-32]

 

Poem on Jannah

Allah is my witness

Dare to claim something, but assess your honesty by proclaiming that Allah, the one who knows all the matters of the heart, is your witness. If you are not being honest and at the same time, this proclamation doesn’t make your entire physical existence to shiver out of fear of The One, then it’s about time to evaluate your eman. On the contrary, if this claim brings serenity and peace to your heart, then kudos! .. “Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim” is working for you, Praise be to Allah, the Responder to Prayer, the Source of Peace! :>

off-topic:

Would that I knew – Shaykh Ash-Shinqitee

The Goodly Life (Al Hayaat At-Tayyibah) – Shaykh Ash-Shinqitee

The preparation for submission

“One last bug and you’re almost done, keep pushing.” .. that’s what I was whispering to myself minutes before the time for salat-ul-jumah. I wanted to be there not even a second before the khutbah was scheduled. Anyways, I found a spot in the fourth row right behind the section dedicated for the elderly with chairs prearranged for their convenience.

La Tahzin, or don’t be sad, was the subject of the khutbah today .. but I wasn’t upset about anything, so the khateeb failed to grab my absolute attention, unfortunate was me. While scratching the carpet, I kept on wondering if the uncle sitting on the chair right in front of me really needs a chair.. he seemed all fit, the morning-jog type, no kidding!

So, moments after passing my judgement on him, I pushed in another victim in my stack of potential judge-able culprits. Surprisingly this time, right next to the healthy uncle is this white american “dude”! The most distinguishing feature about him – the sparkling earring. He was calm, and patiently listening to the khateeb. His body language was a true depiction of his infallible respect for everyone of us around him. I wasn’t the first to notice him.. uncles felt no fear to make an eye to eye contact, an expression of curious awe.

So anyways, “Smile is a Sadaqa”.. brought me back to attend to what was more important.

But honestly, nothing I mentioned by far is relevant to what encouraged me to share this experience. This brother (inshallah, soon-to-be Muslim if not one) did something really amazing that humbled me and triggered another serious iteration of introspection. We noticed that he didn’t stand up to pray with us, but I could see that he knew this upcoming activity to be a very sacred thingy. In fact, what he did while we were praying was even more inspirational and beautiful. He bowed his head to a max of 30 degrees when we went down for sujoods and rukooh, and he repeated it!

It was truly amazing to witness someone just beginning the preparation for submission to Allah, the Exalted. This person despite all the fitnah around him in a society where he probably grew up, decided to submit himself. This soul was ready for the eternal submission. It takes enough courage, and a lot of us born-muslims don’t realize it. And subhanallah, that’s when it hit me that I never had one such day. I never decided to submit, I was born in submission. Islam is one of the few things I took for granted.

There is no lesson to be extracted out of this post, enough of that. But I’ll post a warning here. In any of the non-muslim countries, we’ve an opportunity to give dawah. The way we walk, dress, talk, and behave is the least we can do. Don’t underestimate it and don’t assume that it’s optional – hence, a warning, wallahu’alam.

The Prophet Muhammad صلّى الله عليه و سلّم said, “How can I relax when the bearer of the Soor (horn/trumpet) has put the Soor to his lips and tilted his forehead, listening and waiting for the command to blow it?” The Muslims asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What should we say?” He (saws) said, “Say Allah is Sufficient for us and He is the best Disposer of affairs, we put our trust in Allah, our Lord.” – [Al-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet Muhammad صلّى الله عليه و سلّم said: “A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in what (activities) he spent it; and about his body and how he used it.” – [Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 148]

Don’t miss this opportunity ..

For more pictures:

• http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/severe_flooding_in_pakistan.html
• http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/continuing_pakistani_floods.html

Today, there might not be anything on the face of earth that could bring us more closer to Allah Subhanahu wa-ta’ala than to give out charity and Zakat to these people in need. If there’s an extra penny that you have, which you were about to spend to improve your lifestyle in one way or the other, think again. They are suffering out there and we must not let go this opportunity that’s come in the most blessed month of the year. For this duniya, this disaster might be the toughest test for these people, but for what we’ll be questioned about in akhirah, this is by all means the biggest test for all of us who can afford to contribute in any possible way.

May Allah Azzawajal have mercy on all of these flood victims and their families, ameen.

Somewhere up there ..

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allaah be upon Him) was speaking about the people of Paradise one day when a Bedouin was present. He described how a man of the people of Paradise will ask his Lord’s permission to grow some plants. (In Arabic, the past tense is used here to show that this will undoubtedly happen). Allaah will ask him, “Do you not already have all that you want?” He will say, “Yes, but I like to grow things.” So he will go and plant his seeds, and within the blinking of an eye they will grow, ripen, be harvested and piled up like mountains. Allaah will say, “Here you are, O son of Adam, nothing makes you satisfied!” The Bedouin said, “O Messenger of Allaah, you will find that he is either from Quraysh or the Ansaar, for they are the ones who like to grow things; we don’t like to grow anything!” The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allaah be upon Him) smiled broadly.
[Reported by al-Bukhaari, 6965]

Every once in a while, my imagination takes me somewhere up there where I catch glimpses of people enjoying certain charms known to this world as extraordinary. I don’t know many of them but what I know is that whatsoever they are enjoying is exactly what they left behind in this world because of the contamination that came along with it.

Somewhere up there, I see a brother who’s almost always chilling around with the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. I learned that he’s not one of His PBUH companions or the successors. Then, it doesn’t take long for me to recall that this brother was always the odd one out where ever I saw him. He was the strangest and to some, scariest person to roam around with. He used to ‘annoy’ us to pray on time, stay away from movies, turn the music off, and grow our beards the way the Prophet Muhammad PBUH had it. We were really fed up with his redundant alhamdolillahs and subhanallahs every now and then. His humbleness and apparent piety was really frustrating. We never saw him angry, impatient, or complaining about circumstances. We were jealous and annoyed … He was living the best moments of his life.

Somewhere up there, I see a brother surfing the blue waves of a beautiful sea that he owns while riding the most stylish Jetski, which is out of this world. Within moments a flashback roughly reminds me of the incident where the very same brother denied accompanying his friends to a beach party on a summer weekend, embarrassingly mentioning that “it’s too much” .. they ridiculed him for his lack of courage and for messing up the whole plan for his stupid ideas. But right now, I can’t stop looking at this beautiful sight; he just wouldn’t get tired surfing it.

Somewhere up there, once, I saw a few brothers cruising in some sort of vehicles. Those weren’t the cars we drive here but a lot faster than the fastest super cars I know of. They were competing in all sorts of competitions from sprints to drag races. Noticing them for a while, I realized that only a few of them were good at it, but they were all happy and content, they were loving it. One of them was a rich brother that I knew of. He was very rich but he chose to live a simple life.. we used to think that he’s a stingy person, and he’s just hoarding money. Just after he died we were shocked to know that he was not saving his money for the duniya, he was donating all of it for his akhirah. Next to him, was another brother who was almost always found around mosques and religious gatherings. He belonged to a lower middle class family, but he loved cars. He was pious, God-fearing, humble, and patient – but he just loved cars! Up there, they were enjoying together in the rides they never dreamed of.. they were happy, unlike anything!

But then I come back. I come back to find myself sitting on a couch with a bunch of worries. I find myself in midst of a chaos where every decision has the potential to lead me away from the straight path. And so we all have to come back. We all have to come back in this world which is worth nothing compared to what’s up there.

This temptation that leads us to struggle in certain matters of our lives is derived from our innate desire to achieve perfection. Unfortunately, it is not possible. It was never meant to be possible. But up there, you can let your desires drive your future. The future that has no boundaries :>

So, somewhere up there, I want to see myself enjoying everything that I must keep myself away from in this world. I want to see myself with my people. By Allah, I believe that many of us are very close to change this beautiful imagination into reality. A little more perseverance and patience, and Inshallah by means of Allah swt’s mercy, we are all set for the never ending, and uncontaminated pleasures of Jannah ..

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said (that Allaah said): ‘I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and it has never entered the mind of man.’ Recite if you wish: “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do” [al-Sajdah 32:17]
[al-Bukhaari, 3244; Muslim 2824]