By Asma bint Shameem

 
 

I sit with you all day …I spend all my time with you
I reach out to you when I am bored…or have nothing to do
 
I call you to have fun or just hang around
I call you when I need a shoulder….I call you when I am down
 
But are you really my friend? That’s my question to you
Something you need to answer….if you are really true
 
Do you stop me from all evil and prevent me from all vice…
Or do you assist me in it with your immoral advice?
 
Do you take me to the Masjid and remind me it’s time to pray…
Or do you say, ‘You can pray later….it’s perfectly okay’?
 
When we spend time together… are there angels in the room…
Or do we trespass limits where only devils dare to loom?
 
Is our talk filled with that which pleases the Most High…
Or is it that which angers Him….something sure to annoy?
 
Do you ask me to sin along with you….not leave you to sin alone?
Have I mastered through you the ways of sin? Has my evil grown?
 
If I start to backbite, do you stop me midway
Or do you add a word or two, adding spice to what I say
 
Do you encourage me….when I try to be good
Or do you make FUN of me….just as a Kaafir would?
 
When I walk with you in Hijaab….am I a source of embarrassment…
Or when I pray in public places, is that your predicament?
 
Do you remind me of the importance…of the Qur’aan and Sunnah?
Do you guide me to the Way of Success….Salvation…and Jannah?
 
Do we fast while others eat and drink…do we pray while others sleep…
Or are we the ones whose company no Pious would like to keep?
 
Have you taught me what I need to know…or have you pushed me away
From the very things that can save me on Judgment Day
 
When my deeds will be shown to me….when I see my final end
Will I then thank Allah for having you as a friend?
 
Will I curse you when it is time…to get up from my grave
“I wish I never met you!” ….Is that what I will rave?
 
“Oh woe to me! Had I not taken you as a friend!”
“What evil company…..to lead me to such an end!”
 
On the Day of Judgment….amid chaos, confusion and disgrace
You too, will run away from me….you too, will turn your face
 
Will I then know…..to my dismay….the bitter reality
Will I then realize ….that you are in fact my enemy?
 
If you really are my friend….if that’s what you really say
Then you will care about my ‘book’….the one I’ll hold that Day
 
You will help me to fill it….with goodness and piety
And from sin and transgression….to keep it empty
 
You will aid me to do good…..advise me if am wrong
You will assist me in righteousness…You will make my Deen strong
 
You will not take offence if I enjoin what is good
And forbid what’s evil…..That’s the right of Brotherhood
 
And if, truly, for the sake of Allaah….we love one another
Under the shade of His Throne is where we will meet each other
 
I will then, thank you for your company, advice and good counsel
And the time we spent together…for all that I will be grateful
 
Then, if I were to enter Heaven I would look for you and ask…
“Where is my companion….my true friend of the past?
 
In Jannah we will abide…there we will be together
For…you were MY TRUE FRIEND….for ever and ever.
 
  “And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world, and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.” (Surat Al-Kahf: 28)

taken from www.farhathashmi.com

 

http://www.farhathashmi.com/dn/Portals/0/Latest-Events/Valentine09/val09.html

Have you taken a long hard look in the mirror lately?

by Asma bint Shameem

Have you taken a long, hard look in the mirror, lately?? 
Have you ever thought WHY all this is happening to the Muslims all over the world??
Have you ever thought WHY we are being disgraced, humiliated, beaten and killed ?

Everyone is pointing fingers at the Muslims…Islam is being given a bad name…Muslims are being accused. 
Yeah, sure, it is very easy to blame the terrorists, the ’war in Iraq’ or simply ‘them’ for all our woes and worries.

But IS IT SO EASY to look in the mirror and point the finger at ourselves?

Look at us and our pathetic….pathetic state. 
We have totally abandoned our Salaah…or we delay it… or we rush through it. 
We are too miserly to even think about Zakaat….so forget about optional charity. 
We prefer to go for a vacation than to go for Hajj or Umrah.
We drink alcohol….we deal in ribaa….we steal….we cheat. 
We EAT Haraam, SELL Haraam…. in fact we LIVE Haraam.

We love to dress the latest, revealing fashions, yet we are ashamed to put on the Hijaab.  
We are quick to spend on ourselves in luxuries but don’t even think about the orphans and the needy. 
We waste our entire lives watching movies and television, and then complain that we don’t have enough time to read, educate ourselves and become better Muslims. 
We are too addicted to music and video games to find time to listen to or memorize the Qur’an. 
We are too busy in fun and games to fulfill our responsibilities as true slaves of Allah. 

In other words….

WE HAVE JUST SIMPLY FORGOTTEN ALLAAH!

And after all this, we have the audacity to wonder why Islam is being misrepresented? And why Muslims are humiliated?? And yet, we wonder why Allah’s Victory does not arrive???

After the horrific terror attacks in London, after the shock and hurt and after all the denials and all the condemnations of these attacks….what next?

Does life go on as usual for the rest of us Muslims?? Or are we to take a lesson from all these happenings? Don’t we see that in it are signs for people to understand and reflect?

“Surely, in that there are signs for those who contemplate.” (Surah 15: 75)

It is just not enough that we, Muslims, speak out and condemn these acts of violence and terrorism and dissociate ourselves from such evil people…There is another step that we have to go to, in order to restore the honor of Islam, to re-establish the mark of distinction a Muslim deserves to enjoy.

We need to come back to Allaah!

We need to remember that the cause of all good in this world and the Hereafter is the obedience to Allaah and the cause of all evil is His disobedience.
We need to repent!

Remember, whenever a calamity afflicts a community, the first step to take is to have sincere repentance. The repentance of every individual brings greater good and reduces calamities on the Muslims.

Allaah says, 

“And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.”

(Surah An-Noor:31)

Victory or defeat, honor or disgrace, reverence or contempt, and successes or setbacks are not decided by money, resources, numbers or skills. Rather, they are decided by the balance of obedience and disobedience of Allah. The more we obey Allah, both individually and collectively, the more we hasten the Victory of Islam. The more we disobey Allah, the more we delay the Victory of this great religion of ours.

When Umar bin Al-Khattab dispatched his army to the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah, he advised: 

“Fear your sins more than you fear the enemy as your sins are more dangerous to you than your enemy.”

One Muslim’s sins can affect the whole Ummah. 
Every sin we commit delays the arrival of Allah’s Victory. 
Every Salaah we delay allows another Qur’an to be flushed down the toilet.
Every ‘Hijaab-less’, immorally dressed Muslimah is another cause of disgrace to the Ummah.
Every penny of ribaa we deal in…every drop of alcohol we sell….brings dishonor and humility to our Deen. 
Every haraam we commit…every sin we indulge in…every law of Allaah we break…we bring on the Wrath of our Lord, Almighty….we place an obstacle in the path of Allah’s Help and Assistance.

Every sin we commit is one more reason why Allah should not grant us relief, safety and victory. Rather, it is one more reason for shame, disgrace and dishonor.

Remember, one sin can make the difference between victory and defeat. 

“But whoever helps Allah shall be helped by Him. Allah is the Strong, the Almighty.” (Surah 22: 40)

Allah has made a Promise to the Believers:

“Surely, We shall help Our Messengers and the believers both in this world and on the Day when the witnesses rise.” (Surah 40: 51)

And He also says:

“So do not weaken and do not grieve, for you will indeed be superior if you are truly believers.”

He promises us relief, support, supremacy and victory, but based on the condition that we are TRUE believers.

But the question is…..are we truly believers?

If we are suffering humiliation and disgrace today then it is definitely not because Allah’s Promise is false. It is because of our own doings….what our own hands have earned.

“Corruption has appeared on land and sea with what the hands of the people earned. Therefore, they taste some of what they did in order that they return.” (Surah 30: 41)

O Muslims, at times like these, we need to repent….we need to be patient….we need to be united…we need to truly come back to Allaah.

“Is it not time that the hearts of the believers be humbled to the Remembrance of Allah and the truth which He has sent down?” (Surah 57: 16)

So……

“Turn to your Lord and surrender yourselves to Him before the punishment overtakes you, for then you will not be helped.” (Surah 39: 54)

 

Got the Winter blues? Make the most of it!

 by Asma bint Shameem

 
Ah…Alhamdulillaah! Winter is here. 
The nights are long and the days are short….. the temperatures have dropped and the weather is really cool!
What a perfect time to take advantage of the weather and utilize it to your benefit. You can increase your good deeds, take care of your obligations and earn the Pleasure of Allaah all at the same time!
 
How? One might ask…
Its simple. Make the most of winter by fasting during its short days and praying Qiyaam during the long nights. 
The smart Muslim is always looking for opportunities and ways to increase his good deeds, seek forgiveness from his Lord, and improve his Deen. He values each and every moment of his life, observing his duties to the best of his ability because he is preparing…..Preparing for that ultimate, inevitable meeting with Allaah, Rabbul ‘Aalameen.
And the winter season is one perfect and easy way to do just that.
 
‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab  said: “Winter is booty for the devout worshippers.”
Meaning, it is easy to gain rewards from Allaah by  striving in worship during winter through fasting and praying than in the summer, which is like gaining easy warbooty without the hardships of war.
 
Fast during the day
Since the days are short, it is easy to fast. How many of us have days of fasting that we have to make up, either because of sickness, traveling, or just plain neglect and laziness? (May Allaah to protect us from that).
And how many sisters have to make up their fasts due to feminine reasons, either from this past Ramadhaan or even before?
We all know that making up the days of fasting is fardh on every adult Muslim man and woman and not doing so is a sin. Straight forward, its an order from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala. Allaah says: 
“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Koran was sent down, a guidance for people, and clear verses of guidance and the criterion. Therefore, whoever of you witnesses the month, let him fast. But he who is ill, or on a journey shall (fast) a similar number (of days) later on. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you. And that you fulfill the number of days and exalt Allah who has guided you in order that you be thankful.” [Surah al-Baqarah:185] 
 
Thus, we should hasten to fast the number of days we missed. And what better opportunity than this?
How much easier could it get? The days are short and the weather is cool, so you don’t really get thirsty or even feel hungry. Allaah, in his Infinite Mercy, is providing us with an easy opportunity to seek rewards from Him. So shouldn’t we take it up?
 
Abu Hurayrah RA  said to some people: “Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds?” They asked, “And what is that O, Abu Hurayrah?” He replied, “Fasting in winter.”
 
Pray Qiyaam ul Lail at night
As for the winter night…..it is quite….it is long and it is peaceful. 
What more could one ask? 
A night so calm and so long….. to stand in front of our Lord and beg Him for forgiveness…..ask Him for guidance…..beseech him for His Mercy.
 
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Aliyhi wa Sallam) said: “Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says, ‘Who will call Me that I might answer him, who will ask of Me that I might give him, who will ask My forgiveness, that I might forgive him?’” (Bukhaari)
 
And he (Sal Allaahu Aliyhi wa Sallam) said:
“You should pray qiyaam al-layl, for it is the custom of the righteous who came before you and it brings you closer to your Lord, and expiates sins and prevents misdeeds.”  (al-Tirmidhi- hasan by al-Albaani) 
 
 What better chance than this to pray Tahajjud and to read Qur’aan? 
 
‘Ubayd b. ‘Umayr RA said: “It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Qur`aan, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.”- (Abu Nu’aym, Hilyat Al-Awliyaa`)
 
Yazeed al-Riqaashi said: “A lot of Tahajjud brings delight to the worshippers, and a lot of thirst (i.e., fasting), brings joy when they meet Allaah.”
So when the cold hits you and the weather gets you down, don’t get discouraged. Instead of sleeping away the night and wasting away the day, look on the bright side and make the most of it. Put this time of year in a whole new perspective. Remind yourself of the many acts of worship and benefits that this time of the year brings with it rather than just focusing on how cold it is. 

One of the righteous used to say: “I have never heard the adhaan except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection, and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day), and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day.”

And actually, if you think about it, the winter is a big blessing from among the innumerable, uncountable blessings of Allaah. He is honoring us by the bounty of His Giving, His gracious Blessing and His great Favor, so that we may be able to pray qiyaam, fast during the day and worship Him. 

May Allaah enable us all to make better use of our winters. Ameen.

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” [Surah al-Nahl 16:97]

salam

the videos from TDC 2008 are up Alhamdulilah

http://ashken786.blip.tv/posts?view=archive&nsfw=dc

1- Surah An-Nur: 31

Asalamualaykum

My Lord, Expand for me my breast and make my work easy for me and loosen the knot from my tongue so they may understand my speech (Quran)

Bismillah

Soo I tried sleeping after Fajr, but I failed. And I think it’s because of an issue I started thinking about. An issue that we KNOW exists, but we tend to ignore it at times and then strictly enforce at other times. I don’t really know why, but we do. The issue that I am talking about is free-mixing. 

I’m going to take some parts of an article written by Sister Asma Bint Shameem. If anyone wants to look at more articles by her, check out www.farhathashmi.com

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams 
Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’.  Allaah says:”. . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [al-Ahzaab:32]
So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

‘Chatting’ on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either
There is no such thing as “we’re just friends”. Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. Allaah says: 
“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

I also wanted to stick in a reminder about friends. “Friends on that Day will be foes; one to another except Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”
[al-Zukhruf 43:67]

Do our friends remind us of Allah? Do they remind us to remember Him? Or do they go crazy delete us from their lives if we kindly (ok, sometimes a little harshly) point out the fact that they are doing something haram? Be very careful when selecting friends. I’ve learned it the hard way. In my opinion, being alone is more beneficial than being with a bunch of “friends” who wind you up in nothing but fitnah. You think they’re gonna help you out of that fitnah? You better think again.

I’ve noticed that hijab has become a sort of “costume.” Why? because I see hijabis with tight pants, skirts, and shirts. On top of that, they’re talking openly with non-mehrams (who somehow end up becoming their “bhaiyas”) So here’s a reminder for all of us about proper hijab

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it
You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this isHijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it.” (Muslim)

states: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent and to draw their khumur over their juyub and not to reveal their adornment except to their husband’s fathers, or their sons or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex.” 
The word ‘Khumur’(plural of khimar) is used for a head cover in Arabic. Alcohol is also called khamr because it overcomes or covers up the senses of a person. Before Islam, women would tuck this head dress behind their ears and throw its ends over their shoulders to leave their ears, necks and bosoms uncovered. So it was clearly ordained here to extend the head dress (or scarf or dupatta) over the bosoms so they serve their actual purpose of covering a woman’s attraction.Then women are explicitly told about the people before whom they may reveal their adornment. It is vital to pause here and think, “What was the need of mentioning every mahram by name if there was going to be no difference in the woman’s attire before them and everyone else?” Not only the clothes but even the manner of walking should not be provocative or such that it draws attention to the women. “And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (An-Nur; 31)

3-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 59,

Allah Ta’ala ordains “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their jilbabs (cloaks) all over themselves. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as to not be annoyed. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” The word ‘jilbab’ refers to an outer garment to be worn over the khimar and clothes when going out of the house. Beyond the security of the house, this dress will hide a Muslim woman’s adornment (face, body, clothes and jewellery) and also act as a mark of distinction to prevent any wrong advances. Here, it is not the face that is meant to be a mark of recognition for any individual because this meaning would be inconsistent with the context and meaning of the rest of the ayah. Rather it is this attire that will help a woman be recognized as a Muslim woman about whom no evil hopes can be harboured.

 

 

Asalamualaykum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuhu!

salam

haha im doing really bad with this blog

there’s an ilminar tomorrow, InshAllah! “Hikmah~Using Wisdom In Trying Times” sign up at www.ilminar.com

Be Careful During the Sacred Month of Muharram

by Asma Binte Shameem

 

 

 

Soon, insha Allaah, the month of Muharram is coming upon us and we will begin another Hijri year. 
Just as the devout Muslim eagerly awaits any chance to earn good deeds and gain Allaah’s Good Pleasure, and is careful not to transgress any boundaries, we should prepare ourselves for the coming of the month of Muharram.

This is because Muharram is one of the four months that are SACRED in the eyes of Allah.
“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve (in a year): It was so ordained, by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

These four months, according to the Prophet (pbuh) are Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. (Bukhaari)

Be EXTRA CAREFUL about SINS this Month

 

Due to its sacredness, any bad deeds done during the sacred months are WORSE than in other months. 
Qutaadah said concerning the ayah (so wrong not yourselves therein…) that “Wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He wants….” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

Do EXTRA GOOD DEEDS this Month

 

Similarly, good deeds during this month bring a greater reward than in other months.
Ibn ‘Abbaas said in the tafseer for the above Ayah, that good deeds done during the four sacred months bring a greater reward. (Ibn Katheer)

Pay special attention to FASTING:

 

Fasting during the month of Muharram has special meaning and the Prophet (pbuh) has highly encouraged it.
Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said: ‘The best of fasting after Ramadaan is fasting Allaah’s month of Muharram.’” (Muslim).

Fast on the Day of ‘Aashooraa(10th Muharram)

 

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Prophet (pbuh) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Aashooraa’. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Moosa fasted on this day.’ He (pbuh) said, ‘We have more right to Moosa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” (Bukhaari)

If one fasts on the 10th of Muharram, Allaah will forgive the sins of the previous year.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “For fasting the day of ‘Aashooraa’, I hope that Allaah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Muslim)
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Aashooraa’.” (Bukhaari).

It is Mustahabb to fast the 9th of Muharram as well

 

It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (pbuh) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth. But, it is OK to fast only the 10th as well.
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) fasted on ‘Aashooraa’ and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, insha Allaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) passed away before the next year came.” (Muslim).

Some Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

 

There are many wrong traditions associated with the Day of Aashooraa and Muharram, which have nothing to do with the Shariah. We have to guard ourselves from falling into these wrong traditions and bid’ah because this is also sin.

1) Some other people attribute the sanctity of Aashooraa to the martyrdom of  Husain, RA. No doubt, the story of Husain, RA is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of ‘Ashura’ was established during the days of the Prophet (pbuh) , much earlier than the birth of  his grandson Husain.

2) Some people consider Muharram an evil or unlucky month, for Husain, RA was killed in it. So they don’t hold weddings, and other celebrations during this month. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. Having superstitions, such as this, is committing a kind of shirk since one associates a particular event or person with having power to harm or do good and only Allaah is the One Who has power over all things.

3)Some people think it is Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the 10th, and they hold big gatherings for this purpose. This, again has no basis in the Sharee‘ah.

4) Some people mourn and lament over the death of Hussain RA and hold special ceremonies for this very purpose.
However, the Prophet (pbuh) has forbidden us from holding mourning ceremonies on the death of any person, which was the practice of the people of jahiliyyah (ignorance). 
“He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah.” (Bukhaari) 
And if you really think about it, it is the greatest merit and reward that Hussain RA received, when he attained martyrdom for the sake of Allaah.

5) Some people go to the other extreme and dress up and cook special dishes, etc. as a kind of celebration for this Day and that is ALSO against the Quraan and Sunnah.

6) Others hold special prayers or offer sacrifice or visit the graves, specifically on the 10th of Muharram, thinking that there is special reward or meaning for doing so in the Sharee’ah and this is also a kind of bid’ah that one should stay away from.

In Conclusion:

Our behavior during this month should be like the behavior of the Sahabah, not one of mourning, neither one of celebration. Rather, we should value Muharram as one of Allaah’s sacred months in which we should strive to do good deeds and be extra careful of sinning. We should try and fast as much as we can in this month, especially the 9th and 10th. We should not be superstitious about it (or for anything else, for that matter) and if someone wants to get married during it, they may. We should not cook special meals on the 10th and if someone invites us for such a meal, we should not go.

Asalamualaykum

Err..i don’t really know where to start, lol. I believe this is my third attempt at blogging? My brother got me started with this wordpress thing so maybe I’ll keep up with it this time! I have the intention to make this blog a place where I can post Islamic articles that I find will benefit myself and others, InshAllah. I’m pretty bad at introductions, so just comment if you have any questions!

FRIENDSHIP IN ISLAM 

“Close friends, that Day will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous.” (Quran 43;67) 

“And the day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands (in regret) he will say, “Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.” (Quran 25:27) 

Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend. He led me away from the remembrance after it had come to me. And ever is Satan to man a deserter.”(Quran:25;28,29)

THE 2 MAIN REGRETS 
ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT 

Not following the Prophet (s.a.w) on the path of guidance
Befriending a person who diverted one from the truth

Friendship is every person’s need. 

Without loving and being loved , our personality can never be complete.

HOWEVER, ALL FRIENDSHIPS that.. 

Lead you away from the remembrance of Allah
Make you deviate from the straight path
Affect your ability to differentiate between halaal and haraam
Overpower your mind to the exclusion of all else
Make you neglect your obligations

ARE FORBIDDEN IN ISLAM

They are unreal and transitory 

HADITH 
The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

“A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.”(Abu Dawud ) 

“ Everyone will be with those he loves.”(Bukhari) 
“Keep company with a believer only and let your food be eaten only be the righteous.” (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi) 

In A Good Friendship, there is : 

- Common love for Allah 
- Increase in Taqwa, Allah-consciousness 
- Increase in emaan in each other’s company 
- Urging each other to do good deeds and – stopping each other from sinning 
- No wastage of each other’s time, energy, wealth or abilities 
- Discouragement of aimless talk, sinful or senseless speech or bad behavior 
- Drawing towards Allah and not towards each other

WHEREAS A WRONG FRIEND will.. 

Pose a danger to your eeman
Draw you to herself and not towards Allah
Distract you from Allah’s remembrance
Draw you into sinful activities and make them feel enjoyable
Waste your time and energy
Justify your mistakes and faults rather than focusing on improvement
Be possessive and resent the time you spend elsewhere
Contd.. 

A WRONG FRIEND will.. 

Contd..

Flatter you even when you don’t deserve praise
Make you a slave of whims and fancies
Make never ending demands on you and expect them to be met
Not be happy when you say ‘No”
Abandon you in your troubled times
Be selfish and seek to fulfill her own agenda
Forget you when you are out of sight

SUCH A FRIENDSHIP IS NOTHING BUT A DECEPTION! 

There are Satans amongst both Jinn and humans

Beware of the enemy in the garb of a friend!

Hadith 
The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

“The example of a good pious companion and an evil one is that of a person carrying musk and another blowing a pair of bellows. The one who is carrying musk will either give you some perfume as a present, or you will buy some from him, or you will get a good smell from him, but the one who is blowing a pair of bellows will either burn your clothes or you will get a bad smell from him.” (Bukhari) 

ASSESS YOUR FRIENDSHIP.. 

What do you talk about when you are together? Is it about Allah, the Prophet (s.a.w) or other people?
What do your do together? Obey Allah’s commands or your own desires?
Do you help each other in righteousness and piety and and stop each other from sin and aggression?
When you spend money on each other, is it to please Allah or to impress each other or other people?

ASSESS YOUR FRIENDSHIP.. 

Do you waste each other’s time and energy?
Do you point out each other’s faults in a sincere and wise manner and accept the criticism constructively ?
Does your friendship advance you spiritually? 
When you look at your friend, does it bring Allah to mind?
Most Importantly…Do you love each other for the sake of Allah?

HADITH 

The Prophet (saw) said:

“O people, listen and understand. Allah has slaves who are neither prophets nor martyrs, but both the prophets and martyrs envy them for their closeness to Allah. They are from various peoples and tribes who have no ties of relationship between them. They love each other purely for the sake of Allah. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will present them pulpits of light for them to sit on. Their faces will be light and their clothes will be light. The people will be scared on the Day of Resurrection, but they will not be scared. They are the friends of Allah who will not have any fear upon them nor will they grieve.”(Ahmad)

HADITH 
The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

“On the Day of Judgment. Allah the Most High will announce, “Where are those persons who love each other for the sake of My Pleasure? This day I am going to shelter them in the shade provided by Me. Today there is no shade except My shade.” (Muslim)

HADITH 
The Prophet (s.a.w) said;

Allah has decided: It is incumbent upon Me to bestow My love on those who love one another for My sake, meet one another for My sake , visit one another for My sake and spend for each other for My sake. (Malik)

HADITH 
The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

In Paradise there are pillars of rubies on which there are rooms of emeralds with open doors shining like sparkling planets.” He (s.a.w) was asked who would occupy them and he replied: “Those who love one another for Allah’s sake and those who visit one another for Allah’s sake.” (Baihaiqi) 

VALUABLE ADVICE..

Be moderate in your friendship
Keep reasonable expectations from each other

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Quran 5;2)

There are 3 types of ‘friends’.. 

Those that are necessary like nourishment and you cannot live without them; those that are like medicine and are beneficial, so you need them sometimes; and finally, those that are like a sickness and you do not need them at all!

DU‘A 
Allahumma innee as’aluka hubbaka wa hubba main yuhibbuka wal ‘amal ladhi yuballighunee hubbak 

O Allah ! I ask of You Your love and the love of whoever loves You and the love of of the deed which will draw me in attaining Your love.

Ameen