Power of “Istighfar” (A moving story)

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the "Sheikh ul-Islam" or the "Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah". During his old age, Imam Ahmed was travelling and stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in town. Out of his humbleness, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people. Having not recognized Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to host him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant act of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications) , except one. On asking what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal. On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah not only had listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7] This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let’s remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states: A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and he said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.” Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: “Pray to Allah to forgive you.” Another man said to him: “Pray to Allah to bless me with a child.” He said: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.” Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.” He was asked about it and he said: “This is not my personal opinion, for Allah says in Surah Nooh (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302) One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about the manner in which forgiveness is to be sought to which he answered: "The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say: `Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.” [Sahih Muslim]

Lam Yati Nazeero Kafi in the voice Saeed Hashmi

A Na`at (Arabic: نعت‎) is a poetry that specifically praises the Islamic prophet Muhammad(S.A.W). Many of the famous scholars in the earlier days of Islam wrote Naat. People who recite Naat are known as Naat-Khua'an or Sana'a-Khua'an.
Amazing naat by Moulana Ahmed Raza Khan in inimitable voice by Saeed Hashmi

The naat is composed in 4 language.First line is in Arabic, followed by Farsi then brij bhasha and finally Urdu. Must heard for all

Aminah assilmi - May Allah grant this extraordinary woman a place in the highest stations of Jannah!

Aminah assilmi was a renowned female scholar of Islam  she traveled around the United States to give lectures , her personal story has admired hundreds of individuals ,she was also President of  International Union of Muslim Women , the organization that  has many achievements  under its belt. 

"I am so very glad that I am a Muslim. Islam is my life. Islam is the beat of my heart. Islam is the blood that courses through my veins. Islam is my strength. Islam is my life so wonderful and beautiful. Without Islam I am nothing, and should Allah ever turn His magnificent face from me, I could not survive." Aminah Assilmi

Misinterpretation of Islam - Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

(Published in Daily News, Pakistan on 08-04-2011 & earlier in The News International,Pakistan)

1.Spread by the Sword:

Jihad of Muslims for spreading Islam is a popular allegation created by Medieval European Christian clerics as a justification for that series of horrible war called the Crusades. Islam, being as equally concerned about the quality of this life and that of the hereafter, has regulated Jih’ad. Qur’an says:

“Fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight you, but do not disobey limits; Allah does not love transgressors” (2:190).

War is permissible only in self-defense, and under well-defined limits. Its main aim is to restore peace and freedom for the people; women, children, the elderly and the infirm should not be molested, nor trees and crops cut down, nor peace withheld when the enemy comes to terms. A Hadith expresses this golden principal:

“Do not oppress, and do not be oppressed”.

Islam - The Easy Way by Khurram Murad

Introduction

One of the terms used by the Qur'an during the early Makkan period to describe Islam was Al-Yusraa, or 'The Easy Way'. This is simply because Islam was, and is the natural way of life. Indeed, whatever is natural for human beings should be easy for them in every way, hence cause them to gravitate towards it easily, and consequently bring harmony, peace and tranquility to their lives. Since the Quran is the book upon which the Islamic way of life is built, then the Quran has to be easy to understand and follow-it is 'The Easy Way'.

The letter form Hajj - Macolm X (Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)

While on Hajj, Malcolm X -who now was known as Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, wrote a letter to his assistants in Harlem where he expressed his heart felt feelings. Thanks to Adam Sedat a transcript of the letter is given below.
Enjoy the read.

Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors. I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Makkah, I have made my seven circuits around the Ka`bah, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad, I drank water from the well of the Zamzam. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. `Arafat.
There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white.

ISLAM

ALLAH is great