Assalaamu alaikum.
This poem has been my ever-green favourite since childhood.
When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision, we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
The Road Not Taken (1915)
by Robert Frost (1874–1963)
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
"This poem has been and continues to be used as an inspirational poem, one that to the undiscerning eye seems to be encouraging self-reliance, not following where others have led. But a close reading of the poem proves otherwise. It does not moralize about choice, it simply says that choice is inevitable but you never know what your choice will mean until you have lived it."
LIVE YOUR CHOICE ! Ask the Creator to Help. When one makes a decision after making istikhaara, s/he should not look back. Once we make a decision we should be confident on own selves. Rest all will come from Allah s.w.t.
___
February 23, 2008
Shirck: 'the power of your mind to create'.
Shirck (polytheism) in the name of the power of your mind to create whatever you want
Assalaamu alaikum.
You may be aware of this, but perhaps there is a need to reiterate and emphasize this point. You can do it far better than I through your talks and writing.
The Muslim belief is to supplicate and request (for all that is halaal and maroof) from Allah s.w.t., and Allah in His Wisdom may choose to grant it to you if it is best for you, or otherwise.
There is a point and merit in putting your goals in writing, visualizing and affirming the achievement of the written goals, and making dua'as to Allah s.w.t. to help you achieve these goals. Makes you focus and makes you take steps to achieve your goals. Harkat.
To this extent, David Schwartz's book titled 'The Magic of Thinking Big' is fine and acceptable (perhaps except for the word 'magic').
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788
But other literature that is spawned by the likes of Shakti Gawain and Rhonda Byrne is pure shirck and blasphemy.
They, and several other authors, ‘management gurus’, ‘motivational speakers’ and corporate trainers speak of ‘the power of your mind to convert what you think, visualize and affirm to make it manifest and grant it to in reality, for the Universe will give you what you think of and desire, if you so believe’.
Rhonda Byrne's book ‘The Secret’ as well as the so-called ‘management education / edutainment’ movie by the same name states that "You are God in a physical body". She further quotes James Ray who states ".... you have God-potential and power to create your world ....”
Paul J. Meyer blasphemes thus:
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe,
and enthusiastically act upon, must inevitably come to pass." - Paul J. Meyer
http://www.lmi-inc.com/Founder.htm
http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?authorid=39
http://www.pauljmeyer.com/booklets.php
While the programmes and methodology of LMI Inc. are effective, some of their certified facilitators/trainers, such as Mr. Ameen Merchant of India, stretch the concept of the ‘power of the mind’ to shirck. Without batting an eyelid. His twist can be attributed to his 'sufi-istic' beliefs.
Several books on 'positive thinking' have very similar themes where they elevate the ‘power of the subconscious mind’ to the status of being a Creator and/or to the status of having divine powers and potential.
Please see:
http://www.thesecret.tv/
http://www.circlesoflight.com/affirmations/shakti-gawain.html
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Visualization-Imagination-Create-Bantam/dp/0553270443
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709
http://www.wholemindbodysoul.com/acatalog/-_Hicks.html?gclid=CP-XtZG90JACFQoZewodS0C3OQ
http://www.hypnomindpower.com/
Many read such literature and/or hear such speakers.... there is a need to realize where such philosophy ultimately leads one to.
May Allah Guide and Protect us. Aameen. He is the Best to Guide and the Best to Help and Protect.
Wassalaam,
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
________
Assalaamu alaikum.
You may be aware of this, but perhaps there is a need to reiterate and emphasize this point. You can do it far better than I through your talks and writing.
The Muslim belief is to supplicate and request (for all that is halaal and maroof) from Allah s.w.t., and Allah in His Wisdom may choose to grant it to you if it is best for you, or otherwise.
There is a point and merit in putting your goals in writing, visualizing and affirming the achievement of the written goals, and making dua'as to Allah s.w.t. to help you achieve these goals. Makes you focus and makes you take steps to achieve your goals. Harkat.
To this extent, David Schwartz's book titled 'The Magic of Thinking Big' is fine and acceptable (perhaps except for the word 'magic').
http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Schwartz/dp/0671646788
But other literature that is spawned by the likes of Shakti Gawain and Rhonda Byrne is pure shirck and blasphemy.
They, and several other authors, ‘management gurus’, ‘motivational speakers’ and corporate trainers speak of ‘the power of your mind to convert what you think, visualize and affirm to make it manifest and grant it to in reality, for the Universe will give you what you think of and desire, if you so believe’.
Rhonda Byrne's book ‘The Secret’ as well as the so-called ‘management education / edutainment’ movie by the same name states that "You are God in a physical body". She further quotes James Ray who states ".... you have God-potential and power to create your world ....”
Paul J. Meyer blasphemes thus:
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe,
and enthusiastically act upon, must inevitably come to pass." - Paul J. Meyer
http://www.lmi-inc.com/Founder.htm
http://www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com/getquote.html?authorid=39
http://www.pauljmeyer.com/booklets.php
While the programmes and methodology of LMI Inc. are effective, some of their certified facilitators/trainers, such as Mr. Ameen Merchant of India, stretch the concept of the ‘power of the mind’ to shirck. Without batting an eyelid. His twist can be attributed to his 'sufi-istic' beliefs.
Several books on 'positive thinking' have very similar themes where they elevate the ‘power of the subconscious mind’ to the status of being a Creator and/or to the status of having divine powers and potential.
Please see:
http://www.thesecret.tv/
http://www.circlesoflight.com/affirmations/shakti-gawain.html
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Visualization-Imagination-Create-Bantam/dp/0553270443
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709
http://www.wholemindbodysoul.com/acatalog/-_Hicks.html?gclid=CP-XtZG90JACFQoZewodS0C3OQ
http://www.hypnomindpower.com/
Many read such literature and/or hear such speakers.... there is a need to realize where such philosophy ultimately leads one to.
May Allah Guide and Protect us. Aameen. He is the Best to Guide and the Best to Help and Protect.
Wassalaam,
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
________
Volunteerism in Islaam: New Initiatives
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
VOLUNTEERISM IN ISLAM
New Initiatives in Volunteer Management:
Attracting, Developing, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers
Assalaamu alaikum.
This article covers:
(a) Misconceptions about volunteerism amongst Muslims
(b) How volunteers should conduct themselves
(c) Causes of volunteer frustration and their solutions
(d) How should Islamic institutions manage:
(i) Their entire volunteer interface
(ii) The mobilization and utilization of volunteers
(iii) New Initiatives in Managing Volunteers, i.e. application of principles and best practices of human resource management to volunteer management, and
(iv) Attracting, retaining, developing and motivating volunteers.
Write to me and I shall InshaAllah send you this article.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
______
VOLUNTEERISM IN ISLAM
New Initiatives in Volunteer Management:
Attracting, Developing, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers
Assalaamu alaikum.
This article covers:
(a) Misconceptions about volunteerism amongst Muslims
(b) How volunteers should conduct themselves
(c) Causes of volunteer frustration and their solutions
(d) How should Islamic institutions manage:
(i) Their entire volunteer interface
(ii) The mobilization and utilization of volunteers
(iii) New Initiatives in Managing Volunteers, i.e. application of principles and best practices of human resource management to volunteer management, and
(iv) Attracting, retaining, developing and motivating volunteers.
Write to me and I shall InshaAllah send you this article.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
______
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
Assalaamu alaikum.
It is sad to note that, most of the time and with most non-Muslims, love and compassion do not come to mind when they hear or think of Islam. Non-Muslims, and perhaps some Muslims too, do not associate Islam with love and compassion.
Hence the following two articles fill in a much needed void, more so when one seldom hears Islamic speakers touch upon this theme and also when one rarely comes across any discourse, book or article on this neglected theme. (Of course, besides mere words and rhetoric, we in the Ummah also have to display love and compassion by our deeds, action and everyday living).
A speaker who speaks about this theme and the need for Muslims to be compassionate and kind, and also consider 'Love and Compassion' to be a part of Islamic teachings, is Sheikh Yassir Fazaaga. And he speaks with a lot of love, passion and humility. MashaAllah.
Yassir Fazaaga <yassirf@hotmail.com>
JazakAllah, Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani, for your well-written (MashaAllah) and much needed article on this theme.
'Love according to Islam'
Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani <alaslani@yahoo.com>
http://www.jdci.org/articles.asp (46th article)
http://www.rememberallah.com/articles.asp (46th article)
Please consider the following points that you may wish to add (if you consider them to be relevant, appropriate, suitable & beneficial):
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
1. Seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged and hurt.
Better to do it with humility, sincerity and of your own volition and willingness while you are alive and the person you have hurt is alive, rather than regretting it after the other person has died, or that you are asked about that wrong or hurt by Allah s.w.t. on the day of judgment. (why do some folks have to wait till they on the death-bed, to gather all around them and seek forgiveness? does everyone get such a chance?)
2. Forgiving the person who may have hurt you or wronged you even if he/she may not approach you seeking your pardon.
For "O Lord, please forgive them for they know not what they do" and "Let him who hath not sinneth cast the first stone". For you it’s a win-win situation. They have hurt you. And you forgive them with a tender heart. A good way to please Allah s.w.t.Each one has his own paradigm and perception that he is sincere and doing the "right thing" and wanting to please Allah s.w.t. And in that we do tend to err. Many do not hurt/wrong the other willingly in a wicked, diabolical manner. It is that in their minds and in their perception, what they are doing is 'right'. And from your perspective it is 'hurtful and wrong'.
Now "it takes two to tango, and Satan takes the mango".
3. If we believe that it is Satan who is our avowed enemy (and not the person whom we feel has hurt and wronged us), let's be charitable, forgive, ease our hearts and move on ... and defeat Satan's plotting and whispers.
4. A very common and painful sight is to see men in masaajids in India speaking roughly and rudely to the little ones, asking them to move aside or behind in the congregation, instead of gently and lovingly holding them and welcoming them to Salaah by Jamaat. Will such a child want to come back to the masjid to be humiliated ... or rather go the reverend padre and/or the atheist/rationalist who speaks to him with love?
5. Unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for each other how do we expect to get over 'grudges', petty squabbles and "be not divided amongst" ourselves? And how do we truly expect to touch the hearts and minds of others to whom we wish to do Da'wah or Islaah, unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for that person? And because of us Muslims, does anyone in the world including Muslims think of Love and Compassion the moment Islam and Muslims come to mind?
6. Love, respect and compassion for all humans
Allah s.w.t. has given all humans the free will to choose their beliefs. While we do not agree with any belief, religion and way of life other than Islam, we Muslims respect this right and freedom to believe and to choose one’s faith and beliefs. Islam teaches respect for fellow humans and their lives, property and honour. InshaAllah we shall not violate these even though we may have different beliefs.
7. Love and compassion for animals, plants and the earth’s environment and ecology:
Islam also teaches us to be kind to animals and to protect the flora and fauna, plant life and vegetation. Islam does not permit hunting for sports or “macho / manliness” or as an adventure sport. Islam only permits consumption of certain species by humans.
Let's not allow what is not in our control, to prevent us from doing what is in our control. InshaAllah.
Contemplate:
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and the Prophet p.b.u.h. is a MERCY to humankind.
This write-up needs to be polished. And appropriate references have to be added from the Glorious Qur'an, the Saheeh Hadeeth and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
JazakAllah & wassalaam, and of course, love.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
No Copyrights
This theme is important. The contributor is not.
__________
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
Assalaamu alaikum.
It is sad to note that, most of the time and with most non-Muslims, love and compassion do not come to mind when they hear or think of Islam. Non-Muslims, and perhaps some Muslims too, do not associate Islam with love and compassion.
Hence the following two articles fill in a much needed void, more so when one seldom hears Islamic speakers touch upon this theme and also when one rarely comes across any discourse, book or article on this neglected theme. (Of course, besides mere words and rhetoric, we in the Ummah also have to display love and compassion by our deeds, action and everyday living).
A speaker who speaks about this theme and the need for Muslims to be compassionate and kind, and also consider 'Love and Compassion' to be a part of Islamic teachings, is Sheikh Yassir Fazaaga. And he speaks with a lot of love, passion and humility. MashaAllah.
Yassir Fazaaga <yassirf@hotmail.com>
JazakAllah, Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani, for your well-written (MashaAllah) and much needed article on this theme.
'Love according to Islam'
Sheikh Hamadi Al-Aslani <alaslani@yahoo.com>
http://www.jdci.org/articles.asp (46th article)
http://www.rememberallah.com/articles.asp (46th article)
Please consider the following points that you may wish to add (if you consider them to be relevant, appropriate, suitable & beneficial):
Love, Compassion and Forgiveness in Islaam
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a MERCY to humankind.
1. Seeking forgiveness from those whom we have wronged and hurt.
Better to do it with humility, sincerity and of your own volition and willingness while you are alive and the person you have hurt is alive, rather than regretting it after the other person has died, or that you are asked about that wrong or hurt by Allah s.w.t. on the day of judgment. (why do some folks have to wait till they on the death-bed, to gather all around them and seek forgiveness? does everyone get such a chance?)
2. Forgiving the person who may have hurt you or wronged you even if he/she may not approach you seeking your pardon.
For "O Lord, please forgive them for they know not what they do" and "Let him who hath not sinneth cast the first stone". For you it’s a win-win situation. They have hurt you. And you forgive them with a tender heart. A good way to please Allah s.w.t.Each one has his own paradigm and perception that he is sincere and doing the "right thing" and wanting to please Allah s.w.t. And in that we do tend to err. Many do not hurt/wrong the other willingly in a wicked, diabolical manner. It is that in their minds and in their perception, what they are doing is 'right'. And from your perspective it is 'hurtful and wrong'.
Now "it takes two to tango, and Satan takes the mango".
3. If we believe that it is Satan who is our avowed enemy (and not the person whom we feel has hurt and wronged us), let's be charitable, forgive, ease our hearts and move on ... and defeat Satan's plotting and whispers.
4. A very common and painful sight is to see men in masaajids in India speaking roughly and rudely to the little ones, asking them to move aside or behind in the congregation, instead of gently and lovingly holding them and welcoming them to Salaah by Jamaat. Will such a child want to come back to the masjid to be humiliated ... or rather go the reverend padre and/or the atheist/rationalist who speaks to him with love?
5. Unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for each other how do we expect to get over 'grudges', petty squabbles and "be not divided amongst" ourselves? And how do we truly expect to touch the hearts and minds of others to whom we wish to do Da'wah or Islaah, unless we have Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care and Concern for that person? And because of us Muslims, does anyone in the world including Muslims think of Love and Compassion the moment Islam and Muslims come to mind?
6. Love, respect and compassion for all humans
Allah s.w.t. has given all humans the free will to choose their beliefs. While we do not agree with any belief, religion and way of life other than Islam, we Muslims respect this right and freedom to believe and to choose one’s faith and beliefs. Islam teaches respect for fellow humans and their lives, property and honour. InshaAllah we shall not violate these even though we may have different beliefs.
7. Love and compassion for animals, plants and the earth’s environment and ecology:
Islam also teaches us to be kind to animals and to protect the flora and fauna, plant life and vegetation. Islam does not permit hunting for sports or “macho / manliness” or as an adventure sport. Islam only permits consumption of certain species by humans.
Let's not allow what is not in our control, to prevent us from doing what is in our control. InshaAllah.
Contemplate:
Allah s.w.t. is FAIR and JUST and the Prophet p.b.u.h. is a MERCY to humankind.
This write-up needs to be polished. And appropriate references have to be added from the Glorious Qur'an, the Saheeh Hadeeth and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
JazakAllah & wassalaam, and of course, love.
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
No Copyrights
This theme is important. The contributor is not.
__________
Customer Service Quality in Islamic Centers
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH
SERVICE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER CARE FOR ISLAMIC CENTERS
Those who manage and run Islamic centers and institutions need to introspect and ask themselves:
What is the quality of services that we provide? Who is our target audience? Who are our guests and visitors (customers)? What are their needs and wants? What are their expectations? Does our Islamic Center meet or exceed their expectations?
What is our attitude and the attitude of our staff and volunteers towards the visitors? What type of treatment do our guests and visitors get from us, from our staff and volunteers at our Islamic Center? Do our guests feel welcome? Are all our systems and procedures and facilities designed to provide maximum guest satisfaction? Are these “user-friendly”? What examples do your staff members see in the behaviour and conduct towards guests, of your senior volunteers, trustees and office-bearers? (For what they see and observe, they may emulate).
Are we a “guest-friendly” institution? Are we customer-focused? What are the aims, goals and objectives of our Islamic Center? Do these clearly include guest satisfaction? Are we training our staff and volunteers on guest-orientation and sensitizing them to matters of guest satisfaction?
Would visitors or guests who step into our center feel like visiting us again, after having interacted with us, our staff and after utilizing our services? What impressions do they carry with them? Would we have repeat visits from them? Would they recommend our center and its services to others? And what impressions of Islam and Muslims do they carry with them after having interacted with us at the Islamic Center?
Who pays attention to what the guests want? At our Center, who listens to our guests and visitors? Who has got a ear to the customer? Do we care for their views, suggestions and feedback? Do we truly believe that ‘feedback is the breakfast of champions’?
What steps can an Islamic Center take to ensure that it has high levels of guest satisfaction? Are we taking conscious steps to develop guest loyalty and repeat visitors?
All these issues are related to Service Quality and the manner in which services are managed in Islamic Centers. These issues are extremely important – for only happy guests come back. And only happy guests recommend our center to others. On the other hand dissatisfied guests normally speak negatively about the institution and thereby create negative publicity for it. Beware of the danger of the silent, unhappy guest.
We have a duty before Allah to ensure that we do not cause guest dissatisfaction at Islamic institutions.
It is absolutely important for us and all our trustees, staff and volunteers to be “customer-focused”. We need to build, throughout our Islamic Centers, a culture that is dedicated to guest service and guest satisfaction.
If you want, we shall send you a power-point presentation and a word document on service quality orientation for Islamic Centers. These are is free and are not copy-righted. We hope that these are of use to you and your team, InshaAllah.
The objectives of such a workshop are to:
(a) To develop in the participants, sensitivity to guests' needs.
(b) To encourage participants to look at the services of the Islamic Center from the viewpoint of the guests.
(c) To understand how to provide delight and satisfaction to our guests and visitors.
(d) To develop the participants' skills and attitudes so that they can consistently provide efficient, courteous, compassionate and timely service to guests.
(e) To enable participants to understand the meaning of service quality, understand its components and realize how to be better service providers.
Please note that this theme and the presentation are not in any way intended to undermine the efforts required individually and collectively to develop Taqwa as also Tazkiyatul Nafs amongst all associated with any Islamic institution. For Taqwa is more important and earning the pleasure of Allah should be our sole aim.
JazakAllah Khair.
By Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
(No Copyrights)
_____________
Islaamic websites & on-line articles
http://asimiqbal.2.googlepages.com/
Christians to Islam? Muslims and Da'wah?
Latest news? Bible? Qur'an? God? Allah?
There has always been a need for a website on these topics and at last you can use our sites and share them with everyone you know and ask them to do the same thing. Get rewards, make dawah and enjoy spreading the truth of Islam:
www.ScienceIslam.com (for atheists and agnostics and people who are not sure)
www.GodAllah.com (for religious people who want to see which "god" is right)
www.BibleIslam.com (for mixed up Christians)
www.911Bible.com (more for mixed up Christians)
www.AllahsQuran.com (for new Muslims and English speaking born-Muslims)
www.IslamNewsroom.com (latest in what is important to know in the world about real Islam and Muslims)
www.ChatIslam.com (communicate, share and learn more)
www.IslamClass.com (learn from the real scholars in English - prepare for online courses in Islam)
www.ShareIslam.com (questions answered)
www.WhatsIslam.com (basics explained)
www.YouTubeIslam.com (Muslims have fun, enjoy and learn from good experiences and examples)
www.99islam.com (videos)
www.WatchIslam.com (videos and more - TV broadcasting online - choose your favorite channels - FREE: Dr. Zakir Naik's Peace TV, Huda TV, IslamChannel)
www.HearIslam.com (audios and radio broadcasting)
www.LinksToIslam.com (so many of our sites - all for you)
Ma'ashaAllah. And we ask Allah to accept from you, Aameen.
Jazakallah khairan was salam alaykum,
http://www.peacetv.tv/sp-yusuf_estes.php
Yusuf Estes
P.S.: remember to www.shareislam.com in all your emails (like this) and www.IslamNewsroom.com too!
http://quransunnah.com/recommend
http://www.radioislam.org.za/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1413&Itemid=47
___
Khomeini, Iranian Revolution & the Shi’ite Faith
Assalaamu alaikum.
Iqaamat-e-Deen and the Da'wah of Islam are important. But the ends and the means both have to be ethical, noble and righteous. Both have to be acceptable in the Sight of Allah s.w.t.
You and I cannot purse the Noble Cause while compromising on the means to achieving the Cause. Not by diluting and compromising. Never. Simply unacceptable.
How can one strive for the Noble Cause by joining hands with these Khomeini-brand Twelvers, the Ithnaashri Shi'ites, who have openly declared their KUFR time and again and who have amply demonstrated their betrayals and treachery against Islaam and Muslims during the last 1429 years?
Will Allah s.w.t. and/or the Prophet s.a.w. be happy to see Muslims hands in hands with those who curse the first three Righteous Caliphs r.a. whom the Prophet s.a.w. loved and trusted? And who also curse the mother of all believers, Lady Aisha r.a.?
Will Allah s.w.t. and/or the Prophet s.a.w. be happy to see Muslims hands in hands with those who have openly declared shirck and their enmity to the basic tenets of Islam? And to see Muslims so obsessed with the goal of establishment of deen that they compromise and co-operate with those who work actively against Tawheed? Who are 'aasteen ka saanp' (serpents up one's sleeves)? The munaafiqeen and the dajjaaleen forces? The Twelvers?
It’s getting late. There is so much work to be done. Its the Eleventh Hour. Get up everyone. The countdown has begun. This is only the tip of the emerging iceberg.
Shaikh Mohammed Manzoor Nomani has authored a masterpiece 'must-read' book titled: ‘Khomeini, Iranian Revolution and the Shi’ite Faith’ (189 pages)
http://www.amazon.ca/Khomeini-Iranian-Revolution-Shiite-Faith/dp/1871038006 http://www.kitabbhavan.com/book_detail.asp?id=125&catid=28
Printed at Nadwa press. Published and distributed by Al-Furqan Book Depot, Nazirabad, 31-Nayagaon West, Lucknow 226018, India. Also by Furqan Publications in London.
I strongly recommend this book, and urge you and all your friends to read it. Please get your copy before the Twelvers procure and destroy all copies. This book is their Waterloo! It exposes them completely, through and through. Like never before.
Please immediately read the preface at:
http://www.kr-hcy.com/statichtml/files/104156318828686,print.shtml
http://www.bookfinder.com/author/muhammad-manzur-numani/
Mohammed Manzoor Nomani, graduated from the Islamic University of Deoband and worked for over 50 years for the sake of Allah’s Deen and His pleasure.
He was a member of the standing committee of Rabta-i-Alam-i-Islami (Muslim World League), Muslim Personal Law Board in India, and of the Advisory Board of Darul Uloom, Deoband, and also a member of the Managing Committee of Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow, India.
Mohammed Manzoor Nomani has been a close associate of Shaikh Ali Mian Nadwi (S. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi), an Islamic scholar who was respected world-wide. Till his demise a couple of years back, Ali Mian Nadwi was also the President of the All India Muslim Law Board.
Ali Mian Nadwi states in his foreword to this book:
http://www.kr-hcy.com/statichtml/files/10415632362287.shtml
“…. contains so much material on the subject of 'Imaamate' ….. this book has become a most comprehensive, thoughtful and informative volume.”
I strongly recommend this book, and urge you and all your friends to read it. The Arabic rendition of this book is titled: 'Al-Thawrah Al-Iraniyah Fi Mizan Al-Islam'.
See what Maulana Manzoor Nomani and others state:
http://www.islamawareness.net/Deviant/Shia/ghadir.html
http://www.islamawareness.net/Deviant/Shia/sunni_vs_shia.html
http://www.islamawareness.net/Deviant/Shia/
Please also visit:
http://www.islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/shia_taqayyah.htm
http://www.islamicweb.com/beliefs/cults/
http://www.kr-hcy.com/index2.shtml
http://kr-hcy.com/shia/kufr.shtml
http://kr-hcy.com/shia/books/index.shtml
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Are we truly Professionals...as Muslims?
ARE WE TRULY PROFESSIONALS ..... AS MUSLIMS?
By Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
Many of us work hard at being professionals in whatever we do - in our careers and business dealings. We want to be considered as such by our bosses, colleagues and clients. But, are we "professionals" as Muslims?
What follows is a discussion that takes place with a career-minded well-intentioned Muslim brother. How much of the learning, realization and hidaayah applies to you and I?
Sure. We believe that in your school days you would have also read about the lives and achievements of Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon Bonaparte, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller, the Mughal Emperors, Shivaji Maharaj, and the Rani of Jhansi and of several others. We hope that you have also read "The Life of Prophet Muhammad", and with that also familiarized yourselves with his life-style, his philosophy, his sayings and decisions. If you have yet not, then, why not? We thought you loved the Prophet (s.a.w.) and said that you wished to be his Ummati? Or is this a mere wish or a dream, with no action?
Our company has a Business Excellence Model on the lines of the criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige Award for Quality. All employees go through an awareness programme and make efforts towards continuous improvement of quality in all aspects of our activities.
We also hope that you regularly undertake the Tazkiya of your Nafs (purification of soul) for the purpose of continuously improving yourself as a Muslim. Have you undertaken an awareness exercise to familiarize yourself with the ‘Excellence in Character’ model as exhibited by Prophet Muhammad in his lifetime? Have you studied the ‘Islamic Way of Life’ which if practiced, will help you achieve moral excellence, social excellence and spiritual excellence?
Have you studied the complete code of life that Islam prescribes for all walks of life? And this code was prescribed over 1400 years back and is still as relevant.
Our company has a compelling vision and an inspiring mission. All of us employees have been explained the vision and mission. We have to make efforts to help our company achieve its vision and succeed in its mission.
Sounds great. Brother, are you aware of your mission as a Muslim? Are you aware about the purpose of your creation? Read the translation of the Glorious Qur'an and discover and understand your reason for existence and your mission as a Muslim. What all are you doing to help the Muslim Ummah succeed in its mission?
"I want to be a true professional in my career and as a member of my organisation."
Yes, all Muslims should strive to be – truly committed to whatever they undertake. Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I professional in my approach of being a Muslim? Do I make efforts in gaining knowledge of the Glorious Qur'an and of Islam? Do I make efforts to develop my skills of being a good practising Muslim? Are we truly professionals as members of the Ummat of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)?
"I want to ensure my employability. To do so I have taken up the three years part-time MBA course which I will pursue along with my work".
Alhamdulillah, excellent. Brother, we want Muslims to succeed and excel in whatever halaal activity that they take up. And you have our best wishes for such pursuits. But dear brother, please let's also ensure our admissibility to Jannah. And for this are you also willing to later undertake a six months part-time Da'wah training course in the near future? Or a Deeni Knowledge Course? Or do you find this option tiring, or one for which your reply is "how will I find time"?
Though I am not of an engineering or technical background, I am crazy about computers – so I am a 'techie', a ‘geek’ and I am tech-savvy.
Superb. Would you not want to be 'Deen-savvy' and be fond and passionate about your Deen as well?
"I have cracked that test paper".
"I am busy slogging it out day and night preparing for GMAT / GRE, or for the Common Admission Test (CAT) for premier management institutes and business schools such as the IIM's in India, or for the Common Entrance Test (CET) for premier engineering colleges such as the IIT's".
Wonderful. Dear brother, we also want you and I to do well in the main examination – the test of our life on earth, the test for our Aakhirah. We hope that you are working as hard, if not harder, for this too.
"I am preparing for group discussions and interviews".
Please also prepare for your interview with your Creator – this interview is scheduled to be held on the Day of Judgement and will neither be cancelled nor postponed. And it is mandatory.
"I have joined a two-year full-time residential MBA course and the rules of the institute are such that it is a rigorous grind. We are given only seven days as holidays in the entire year, with no evenings or day-outs, and two hours everyday are for compulsory reading in the library".
You are truly committed, brother. We are sure that you will have the same commitment for your eternal life. Why not later be willing to take a two-year course on Islamic Studies at the Islamic University of Madeenah? And put in similar sacrifices and show a similar commitment?
"I have, at my own initiative and cost, joined public speaking classes so that I improve my presentation skills".
Wise decision. You are already on your journey in "self-managed development" and in “self-paced learning”. Are you willing to read and study more of Islamic books and the various Tafaasir of the Qur'an, and the Books of Saheeh Hadeeth, so as to improve your own behaviour, actions and character as a Muslim and also to improve your skills in presenting Islam by words and deeds? Are you willing also to enroll into the various Islamic and Da’wah training programmes conducted by Islamic Centres in your city?
"I have read voluminous management books as assignments in my management course and have given book reviews to my class".
Knowledge is important and reading is beneficial. We are sure that you must have read several academic books and volumes to reach the level of post-graduate studies. We also hope that you have read the translation of the Qur'an at least once. Have you ever thought of giving reviews and presentations on the themes and teachings of the various Suraahs in the Qur'an?
"I'd better do this and I'd better do that, and in a prompt manner, with accuracy and good quality, or else my boss will be angry with me, or else I may not get my increments, my rewards or a promotion".
This is fear of the boss and of senior management of the company. We hope you have a greater fear of Allah. It is not the thought or the desire, but actions speak louder than words and show whether we truly fear Allah, and if we do, do we fear Allah more than we fear our boss.
In our company each of us is given a clear job description. Expectations of performance and deliverables are made very clear to us. The company then demands performance.
Have you studied your "job description" as a Muslim? Do you know the expectations that your Creator has from you? It is explained in the Qur'an – do read its translation. Have you completely understood all the duties for which Allah (s.w.t.) will hold each of us responsible on the Day of Judgment?
We have a process of annual appraisals and our performance is assessed once a year.
Are you ready for the appraisal discussion (performance dialogue) with your Creator on the Day of Judgement during which your performance in terms of speech, actions and intentions during this life on earth will be assessed?
Our company undertakes a ‘Forced Ranking’ exercise of all managers and I try to be in the top 10% of the managers in my organisation.
We hope that we also make efforts at being amongst what Allah (s.w.t.) considers to be the best of Muslims.
"I have enrolled for career planning and career counselling".
A good decision. Please also plan for your ever-lasting life in a similar manner.
I consider physical fitness to be very important. I take care of my health through conscious eating habits and I do workouts for 45 minutes each day. I take brisk walks and I go the gym too.
Your body is important and we should take care of our physical well-being. But we also have to take care of our moral and spiritual fitness and build up our "spiritual stamina, spiritual strength and spiritual endurance". So how many minutes each day do you invest in building your 'spiritual fitness' and what all do you do for this?
Due to poor posture and constant sitting before the desktop and in meetings, and due to a sedentary life-style, most of us have developed chronic backache and neck-ache. Moreover dryness of the eyes is another problem that has gradually crept in due to a lot of time being spent looking at the computer screen.
Dear brother, had we offered our salaah regularly five times a day at the specified time, in not so ‘rushed’ a manner and not only the obligatory ‘fard’ salaah but also the ‘sunnah’, some voluntary nawaafil and tahajjud, the various postures in salaah would have helped us in the prevention of these back and neck related problems. Brother, how often has it happened that you were moved into tears spontaneously on reciting the Qur’an and reading the translation of the ayahs (the signs) of Allah swt? How often have you cried by reminding yourself of the impending Day of Judgement and the Aakhirah? How often have you cried while wishing to sincerely repent and while seeking the forgiveness of Allah (swt) for the various sins committed by you? For if you had cried often, your tears would have prevented the ailment of dryness of eyes.
Our company encourages employees to volunteer their time, money and talent for social causes, as a part of its overall 'Corporate Social Responsibility'.
Islam has prescribed obligatory / compulsory charity (zakaah) on all Muslims. It also encourages Muslims to give regular charity and also to help the needy be they orphans, widows, destitute or wayfarers. How often have you, dear brother, volunteered your time and talent for the sake of the Deen of Islam?
"I want to be a true professional in my career and as a member of my organisation."
Yes, all Muslims should strive to be – truly committed to whatever they undertake. Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I professional in my approach of being a Muslim? Do I make efforts in gaining knowledge of the Qur'an and of Islam? Do I make efforts to develop my skills of being a good practising Muslim? Are we truly professionals as members of the Ummat of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)?
So dear 'myself' and my dear Muslim brothers and sisters, "Let Us Be Muslims".
All of what has been stated applies to me more than to anyone else. May Allah guide me along the True Path and give me the strength and courage to be a true Muslim. Aameen.
Obaidullah NewJoy
(No Copyrights)
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A poser: "What is the Message of Islam?"
How to Give Shahadah in 10 minutes
Assalaamu alaikum.
Imagine this situation:
What would you say first? What would you say next? What would be your reply? Take a few minutes to think this over. Form your reply in your mind.
What would be your answers if they ask you further:
(1) What is so unique about the message and teachings of Islam that you choose Islam as your faith, and not any other faith?
(2) All religions teach good things. Is there anything that Islam teaches, that is not taught by other religions?
(3) Why did God create us?
(4) What does He expect of us?
(5) How has He communicated His expectations to us? Where is this communication?
(6) What are the basic themes and teachings of the Qur'an?
So, dear readers, what is your response to the question, “what is the meaning and message of Islam”? Do write down your response on a sheet of paper. Check your complete reply, which you will now frame in your mind, with what is presented subsequently.
Please pose this question and this role-play situation to your family members, relatives and friends. Ask them to explain to you, in simple words, the meaning and message of Islam. What are the different replies that you get? Keep this role-play situation and questions handy with you for easy reference and preparation.
Da'wah to non-Muslims is important and we have to be ready for any opportunity that may arise at any time. Da’wah Training Programmes should also train their participants for this reply. There exists a need to stress on the conceptual clarity required about this basic and fundamental issue. Are you ready, dear readers, with your ‘Elevator Pitch’ on this issue? (Elevator Pitch is that which you can convey in the most effective, concise and yet comprehensive manner in about three to five minutes).
This is more important than getting into the FAQs of “why are pork & intoxicants/alochol prohibited?” and “why is polygamy permitted in Islam?” and “what is the status of women in Islam”. Let’s stop beating around the bush and get to the first things first!
Remember, always keep the main thing, the main thing: our most important and basic fundamentals are: Tawheed, Aakhirat and Risaalat.
Three small booklets which describe the meaning and message of Islam in a clear, concise and excellent manner are:
These three booklets complement each other, and are 'must-read' books. Please compare your initial written response with the knowledge that you derive from these small books. You will benefit from the knowledge that these books offer on this basic issue. And you will be better prepared for Da’wah opportunities that arise.
How to Give Shahadah in 10 minutes:
http://www.almaghrib.org/curriculum.php
http://www.ilmquest.org/c-186-emanrush.aspx?skinid=4
Obaidullah NewJoy
new_joy@hotmail.com
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