The Night of Power: laylatul Qadr

Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The Night of Power or Laylat al-Qadr is an extremely important night for Muslims. This is a night of unique honor, dignity and glory, so much so that it is better than a thousand months. It is the most blessed night of the year. Laylat al-Qadr is the night that the first verse of Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no.185 Allah says:

2:185. “Ramadan is the (month) in which it was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you, who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”
Muslims believe that the month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the year, the month when worshipers are closest to their Creator, and the Night of Power (Laylat Al-Qadr) is the holiest night of Ramadan as well as of the year.
 In Lailat-ul-Qad’r or the Night of decree, the decisions are conveyed for the year to the concerned angels about the life and death, continuance and soon occurring in the lives of people. The Prophet (SAW) said; “Explore the (occurrence of) night of decree in the odd nights of the last Ashra (1/3rd) of Ramadan.” -- (Bukhari)
The 23 rd, 25 th, or 27 th night of Ramadan, as well as other odd nights, have been suggested as the Night of Power. This Night is better than a thousand Months. Here, a thousand must be taken in an indefinite sense; as denoting a very long period of time. This does not refer to our ideas of time, but to ‘Timeless Time.’
One moment of enlightenment under Allah’s light is better than thousands of months or years, and such a moment converts the night of darkness into a period of spiritual glory. The night that a massage descends from Allah is indeed a blessed night like a day of rain for a parched land.
When the Night of spiritual darkness is dissipated by the glory of Allah, a wonderful peace and a sense of Security arise in the soul. And this lasts on until this life closes, and the glorious day of the new world dawns, when everything will be on a different plane, and the chequered night and days of this world will be even less than a dream.
The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown (the Night of Power), but it is known to have occurred in one of the last ten nights of Ramadan;. The Almighty made the Prophet forget the exact date of the night of decree, he told. “The identification of the night of decree has been withdrawn and it is perhaps better for you.” -- (Bukhari)
The popular belief is that the night falls on 27th of Ramadan but in the books of Hadith, there are different versions favouring different nights.

“Narrated Abu Saeed Khudri that the Prophet (Pbuh) said; I was shown the night of decree but later I forgot it. (I only remember that) on the morning after the night. I prostrated on water and mud. Now that I have forgotten, you should seek it among the odd nights of the last 1/3rd of Ramadan.

The narrator further says that (the Prophet meant that ) it rained on the night of Qad’r (that year). As the roof of the Mosque was made of date-branches, the water seeped through (resulting in mud on the floor). My eyes observed that there was mark of mud and water on the forehead of the Prophet (SAW) on the morning following the 21st night.” -- (Bukhari)

Most of the time in Shab-e-Qad’r should preferably be devoted to reciting and trying to understand the meaning of the Qur’an as the glory of the Night is associated with the revelation of Qur’an. Qur’an is Afzal-uz-Zikr (The best of remembrance).

Muslims are encouraged to seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion including performing voluntary salah (ritual Prayer), reciting Qur’an, and supplicating. The Prophet Muhammad said, “He who spends the night in prayers on the Night of Power as a sign of his devotion and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.”  --  (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Allah has also described about laylatul Qadr (in Ramadan) in many places in the Qur’an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.
Laylatul Qadr (in Ramadan)—From the view of The Al-Qur’an:
In Surah Ad- Dukhan verses no. 2- 5 Allah relates:
44.2. “By the Book that makes things clear;-
44.3. We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil).
44.4. In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom,
44.5.    By command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations),
In Surah Al- Qadr verses no. 1- 5 Allah mentions:
97.1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
97.2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
97.3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
97.4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah.s permission, on every errand:
97.5. Peace!...This until the rise of morn!”

It is said that when one seeks the Laylat al-Qadr, his/her sins will be erased, and it will be as if he/she has just been reborn. Many hadiths also affirm the great value of praying during Laylat al-Qadr. So let us now take a look at what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said for the believers.

Some  Hadith about Shab-e-Qad’r:

1. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “He who spends the night in prayers on the Night of Power as a sign of his devotion and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.”-- (Al-Bukhari)

2. It is reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward) and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins.”-- (Bukhari & Muslim)

3. Muslims believe that the Lord has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so they would worship Him fervently during the whole month of Ramadan. It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” -- (Al-Bukhari)

4.  “Reported Abdullah Bin Anees that he requested the Prophet (SAW) to inform him of that night so that he could stay inside the Mosque on that night, as he lived in the forest (and could not come on alternate nights). The Prophet told him to stay awake for the 23rd night. Later, enquiries were made of his son about his father’s routine. He confirmed that his father entered the Mosque after the As’r prayer on 22nd of Ramadan and did not come out for anything until the Faj’r Salat of the next morning. After the Faj’r he found his horse at the doorstep of the Mosque and went to his house in Jungle.”- (Abu Dawood)

5. “Reported Zir bin Hubaish that when he asked (the companion) Ubai Bin Ka’ab he replied that the night is 27th. Then he swore and did not say Insha Allah and said; indeed, it is the night of 27th. I asked him what made him so sure and Ka’ab replied; On the basis of that sign which the Prophet (SAW) had told us. The morning following the night, there are no sun-rays at sun-rise.” -- (Muslim)

6. There also are some prayers specially recommended by the Prophet (SAW) for The night. One of them is following;

“Narrated Aisha that she asked the Prophet (SAW): If I find the Night of Decree, what should pray in it? He replied, say: Allahumma innaka Tuhibbul Afwa Fa’fu A’nne; O Allah thou art Forgiving and loves the Forgiver, so forgive me.” -- ( Ahmad, Ibne Majah, Tirmidhi)

7. Narrated Abdullah ibn Unays:

I was present at the gathering of Banu Salamah, and I was the youngest of them.

They (the people) said: Who will ask the Apostle of Allah (SAW) for us about Laylat al-Qadr? That was the twenty-first of Ramadan. I went out and said the sunset prayer along with the Apostle of Allah (SAW). I then stood at the door of his house.

He passed by me and said: Come in. I entered (the house) and dinner was brought for him. I was prevented from taking food as it was scanty.

When he finished his dinner, he said to me: Give me my shoes. He then stood up and I also stood up with him. He said: Perhaps you have some business with me.

I said: Yes. Some people of Banu Salamah have sent me to you to ask you about Laylat al-Qadr. He asked: Which night: Is it tonight?

I said: Twenty-second. He said: This is the very night. He then withdrew and said: Or the following night, referring to the twenty-third night.  

-- (Abu-dawud  Book-6  Hadith Number 1374)

8. Narrated Abdullah ibn Unays al-Juhani:

I said to the Apostle of Allah: I have a place in the desert where I live and in which I pray, with the praise of Allah; but give me command about a night when I come to this mosque.

He replied: Come on the twenty  third night.

I (a sub-narrator, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim) said to his (Abdullah ibn Unays’s) son: How would your father act?

He replied: He used to enter the mosque when he had offered the afternoon prayer, and did not leave it for any purpose till he prayed the morning  prayer. Then when he had prayed the morning prayer, he found his riding beast at the door of the mosque, mounted it and got back to his desert. -- (Abu-dawud  Book-6  Hadith Number 1375)

8. Narrated Abu Sa’id al-Khudri:

The Prophet (SAW) said: Seek it (laylat al-Qadr) in the last ten days of Ramadan. Seek it on the ninth, seventh and fifth night. I (Abu Nadrah) said: You know counting better than us, Abu Sa’id. He said: Yes. I asked: What do you mean by the ninth, seventh and fifth night? He said: When the twenty-first night passes, the night which follows it is the night; when the twenty-third night passes, the night which follows it is the seventh; when the twenty-fifth passes, the night which follows it is the fifth.

-- (Abu-dawud  Book-6  Hadith Number 1378)

9. Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud:

The Apostle of Allah (SAW) said to us: Seek it (laylat al-Qadr) on the seventeenth night of Ramadan, and on the twenty first night, and on the twenty-third night. He then kept silence. -- (Abu-dawud  Book-6  Hadith Number 1379)

10. Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven." --(Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol 1).

Traditions of the Final Prophet (SAW) mention that, in this night Allah the Al- Mighty directs His mercy towards His slaves, supplications made by His servants are granted and the Al-Mighty forgives large number of people who repent. This night is meant for developing a special connection with one’s Creator, for making contact with the Lord of the universe.

So please your Lord so that He is pleased with you, and there is surely nothing better than the pleasure of your Lord. This is amongst the many bounties that Allah the Most Glorious has blessed us with, we should grasp this opportunity and ask for guidance from the All Forgiving and All Merciful, from which we will achieve a good life in earth and more importantly a better life in the hereafter.

Moreover whole month of Ramadan is a time of renewal and reflection. As the month winds to a close, we pray that the spirit of Ramadan, and the lessons learned during it, last for all of us throughout the year.

(This article have published in the ‘Editorial page’ of ‘The News Today’ on

October 20, 2006)

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Audio Translation of The Holy Qur'an In 23 Languages

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More about happiness

My literature review of anything linked to happiness. I have been reading some French authors on the subject, but they have nothing much to add. Probably the best synopsis is from a French scientist - Matthieu Ricard - who became a Buddhist monk. He wrote a book called "Plaidoyer pour le bonheur" ("arguing for happiness"). He says that a) Happiness is an internal state of mind that allows us to perceive things in a positive state of mind b) This internal state of mind is only possible if one has knowledge of reality c) This internal state of mind can be destroyed by negative emotions like anger, jealousy and so forth ..... I basically agree with everything Matthieu Ricard writes except that I disagree with his source of knowledge.

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DEMOCRACY, MONARCHY AND CALIPHATE – PART 1

 by mthago

DEMOCRACY

Democracy, Monarchy and Caliphate are systems which are used by men to select from among themselves, their leaders. Democracy is a system which was developed and used by the ancient Romans to choose their leaders. In order to become a leader in a democratic country, majority of the peoples must votes for him or her to become their leader. It is natural that a person will vote for someone he or she likes to become his or her leader. In democratic system, a person who wants to become a leader must express his or her desires to become a leader by standing for an election. Everyone in a democratic country has the right to vote or not or to stand for an election. In case there is only one person who wants to become a leader and willing to stand for the election, he or she will automatically wins the election and become the leader of the community. When there are two persons who wish to become the leader, the one that wins the majority votes will become the leader. Irrespective whether that person who wins the majority votes is qualified or not to become a leader, is not important in a democratic system. Whoever wins the majority votes even by only one vote will become the leader in a democratic system. In other words, in democracy the truth and the best are decided by the majority and the main principle in democracy is; majority rules. Majority rules are a principle in democracy, which is entirely against Islam and the Quran. In Islam, the truth is the Quran and one can only rules with the laws of the Quran. Majority is the main icon in democracy and to become a leader in democratic countries, a person needs to become popular in the society.

The more popular a person is, in democratic countries, the better chance he or she stands to become a leader. Many famous actors, actress and artists in democratic countries turn to become politicians and later on become the leader of their countries. Irrespective whether a person has or has not the quality of a leader, the one who obtain the majority of votes in democratic countries will become a leader. Democracy is directly opposite to the Islamic system in choosing a leader. In Islam, we are not allowed to choose someone to become a leader, who has in his heart a wish to become a leader. In democracy we are choosing leaders from among those who want to become leaders and willing to contest between each other to become a leader. Democracy places the voices of the majority as the basis to choose a leader while in Islam base on the qualities of the person and not on majority as in democracy. In democracy a person who wants to become a leader must convince others to votes for him or her to become a leader. In order to convince others to vote for him or her, he or she must give promises to the people, such as, that he or she or the party will be able to give them almost anything they want in case she or he or the party wins the election. In Islam this is strictly forbidden. Allah has ordered us to love Allah and not power and wealth. Allah forbids us to love power and wealth more than to love Allah. Allah has ordered us to make Allah as our lover, as our objective and as our goal and not power and wealth as the objective and  goal of our life. There is no one who can give promises to the peoples other than Allah. When we give promises to peoples, we are trying to become God to the peoples and this is strictly non-Islamic.

In democracy, leaders are selected on the basis on how many people like them to become  leaders. The more peoples who like him or her to become a leader, the more chances that the person in a democratic system to be chosen as a leader. In democracy, the decision to choose someone to become a leader is on the hand of the majority but in Islam the decision to choose someone to become a leader is on the hand of the leader of a group who has been assigned to choose the leader. In democracy, the person who wins the majority of votes is regarded as the most suitable person to become the leader and each person in a democratic system carries only one vote irrespective whether that person is an intellectual or an ordinary person. When the majority of the peoples vote for a person to become a leader, he or she will automatically become the leader of the country. In other word in democratic system, the majority rules, and that is the reason why Anwar Ibrahim says in Malay; “Suara rakyat, suara keramat”. When a person who stand for an election, can convince the majority of the voters that he or she is good, he or she will has the greater chance to obtain majority votes and to become the leader of the country. In democratic system, it is not the quality of the leader that become the determining factor in selecting a leader, but the ability of the person to convince others that he or she is good. A person who can deliver convincing speeches to the public is the person most likely in democratic system to be chosen as a leader. In order to convince others that a person is suitable to be chosen as a leader, another quality required in democratic system is the ability to portray a good image.

All of us know that a person who can portray a good image does not necessarily a good person. In order to become a leader in a democratic country, one need to portray a good personal image and the party that he or she belongs and this is extremely important in securing power. In democratic countries the political parties need to spend millions of dollars in trying to potray a good image of their candidates who are contesting in any elections and spend millions of dollars in trying to potray a bad image of their opponents. In order to portray good images, all political parties in democratic countries have their own newspaper, and all the news in the newspaper are aiming in portraying  good images of their candidates . In order to remain in power, most parties which rules in a democratic country will use all the available media in the country to portray their parties’ good image. In democracy, power to decide who should rule lies in the hands of the majority and the majority will choose the party that portrays good images. In order to portray good images of their leaders, newspaper own by the particular political parties will only published stories that will upgrade the good images of their leaders and would not published stories that will degrade their images. In the system of democracy, a person will not be able to become a leader, unless he or she wishes to become a leader and be a member of a particular political party. In democratic system a person who is having a very good quality as a leader, but he does not wish to become a leader and he does not join any political party, he will never be able to be elected as a leader.

In order to become leaders in countries that practice democracy, a person must convince the peoples that he or she is a person of good quality and in case he or she is chosen to become the leader, he or she will be able to accomplish all the wishes of the peoples. In other words in democratic system a person who wants to become a leader, he or she must be able to act as a God to them, who is able to solve all their problems and to bring them to everlasting happiness. In order to win an election in a democratic system a candidate of an election must makes many election promises. The more promises the candidates can give, the more popular the candidate will become. The more popular the candidate is the more chances the candidate will be chosen as a leader. In order to rule a country in a democratic system, the party must have majority seats in the parliament. All political parties in democratic countries want to have more seats in the parliament. The party that has more seats in the parliament will rule the country. Laws are passed by the parliament in democratic countries. Laws are pass according to the wishes of the majority. In democratic countries, laws are made according to the opinion of the majority of the parliamentarians. In democratic system, the party that has two third (2/3) majority in the parliament will be able to made laws according to the wishes of the party. This is against Islam, as in Islam laws are from the Quran and Sunnah and the basis of all laws being formulated in Islamic countries must come from the Quran and Sunnah.

Democracy gives the power to choose leaders and to pass laws in the parliament to the peoples. In democracy the wishes of the majority of the peoples will determine the leaders and the laws of the country as Anwar Ibrahim often says in Malay; ” Kuasa ditangan rakyat, suara rakyat suara keramat”. In Islam, the wishes of Allah will determine the leader and the laws of the country. Anwar believes in democracy and Anwar wants to portray his image as a good leader but Umno and Barisan National would not let Anwar to have the image of a good leader. All the weaknesses of Anwar will be revealed in the newspapers, radio and television channels own by UMNO and BN, and because of that Anwar will be having a very hard time trying to portray his image as a good leader. Anwar on the other hand will use all other means available to portray his good image and to tarnish the image of Dato Seri Najib, the president of the ruling party. The ruling party will make promises to the peoples and Anwar on the other hand will make better promises than the ruling party. The ruling party will try to discredit all the promises made by Anwar. Whoever read newspapers belong to the ruling party, will be influenced by the stories that meant primarily to upgrade the images of the government and whoever read the newspapers own by the opposition parties will be influenced by the stories that meant primarily to upgrade the image of the opposition parties. Newspapers, radio and television plays a very important role in portraying good images of leaders and parties in countries that practice democracy. However with the introduction of internet, when news can no longer be the ownership of only the ruling parties, the task of portraying good images of politicians has become more difficult to accomplish.

With internet, the world has entered an era where there is no border to the spread news. The world has becomes borderless. With internet there is no limit to the sources of news. With the introduction of internet, all peoples are able to know the truth, which previously were kept as secrets by some peoples who are interested in maintaining power. With internet, peoples can read news from newspaper in the internet owns by independent bodies and with internet, peoples can write about anything they like and spread it all over the world. With internet, many can read the other side of the stories and know about the real truth by reading many blogs in the internet. With internet, either good or bad news can spread all over the world in matters of minutes. Governments in the so call democratic countries in this world can no longer portray themselves as good, because all the news whether bad or good about the government can be read by all the peoples in all over the world on the internet.

Many governments in the Arab countries claim to be practicing democracy. In reality they are not practicing democracy but monarchy. In order to show to the world, that they are democratic they pretend to hold general elections but the result of the general election is already known to them. They hold general elections but they will make sure the winner of the general election is their own party which is currently in power. In the name of democracy some of these governments had ruled the countries for more than 30 to 40 years. In democratic system, the power lies in the hands of the peoples and many governments had manipulated the system in order to remain in power. In democracy, the more seats the party wins in the general elections, the more powerful the party becomes and the party that wins the majority seats in the parliament will rule the country. In democracy, the wishes of the peoples are translated in the form of ballot papers. Each ballot paper represents the wishes of each individual in a democratic society. In order to know which party wins, they counts the number of ballot papers and the party which has the majority of the ballot papers will win the election.

Counting ballot papers as a method to determine which party wins in an election is a very weak system and can easily be manipulated. Ballot papers can be changed or altered according to the wishes of the government which is in power. Which government does not want to win an election and to remain in power? None of the government in the world wants to lose an election, which mean to lose power. Government in power will try to remain in power. They will do whatever it takes to remain in power. In democratic system which uses the counting of the ballot papers as a mean to know which party wins, can easily be manipulated by the government in power. Government in power can increase the number of ballot papers on the government side and decreases the number of ballot papers on the side of the opposition. Basically all men, love power and material wealth. Democratic system of selecting leaders is a weak system and highly prone to manipulations of those who are in power. I would say with certainty that the result of all the previous general elections in the so call democratic countries in the Arab world is a manipulated result. In case all the governments in all the Arabs countries win the election by such a large majority, why there is an Arab spring in all the Arab countries? Democracy is a system developed by men and it is full with weaknesses. The results of the elections conducted using the democratic system can easily be manipulated by those men who love power and love to maintain power within their cronies, party or families.

Allah says in the Quran that men love power and material wealth. Because of power and wealth men are willing to do anything. Men love power and love to maintain power within their clans, cronies, parties or families. Democratic system can easily be manipulated by those who want power to be maintained within their clans, parties and families. As for an example, power to rule India, has remained basically in only one family, known as Ghandi. Nehru Ghandi started the hierarchy of power by becoming the first Prime Minister of India after independence. After the death of Nehru Ghandi the power was passed down to his daughter, Indra Ghandi who was in power for more than a decade. Later on, the power was snatched by the BJP but return back to the family of Ghandi, when Rajiv Ghandi became the Prime Minister of India. Now India is ruled by the Congress party headed by the wife of Rajiv Ghandi, Sonia Ghandi. Sonia is planning to pass down the power to her son by the name Ruhul Ghandi. India is supposed to be a country with the largest population in the world that practice democracy. Although India is supposed to practice democracy in selecting their leaders but due to human weaknesses, men manipulate the system of democracy and turn the system into the system of monarchy. A monarchy is a system of selecting leaders only from within a certain family or clans or parties.

One other example is in so call democratic country of Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, basically there are only two families that determine the hierarchy of power. One family belongs to Hasenah Wajid the daughter of the late Mujibulrahman, the father of Bangladesh and the other family belongs to Khalidah Zia the wife of one of the late President of Bangladesh by the name of General Zia. Bangladesh is supposed to practice a democratic system in selecting their leaders but in reality the leaders in Bangladesh can only comes from so call the two royal families of Bangladesh. Although the system supposes to be a democratic system but it has slowly turned to become a monarchy system. One other example is in Malaysia which supposes to be practicing democracy. In Malaysia, the power to rule the country in the last 56 years remain with the members of only one party, known as UMNO. In reality Malaysia is practicing monarchial system in selecting leaders and not democracy. Suharto, Ghadafi and Hosni Mubarak remain in power for a very long time in the so call democratic countries which in reality are practicing monarchy.

Prof. Dr. Nasoha Saabin
June 2012
Dean of Faculty of Optometry
International University College of Technology Twintech
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Source http://mthago.com/

• About Prof. Dr. Nasoha Saabin

  Prof Dr Nasoha Saabin is a professional academician and qualified as an Optometrist with a Master degree in Optometry from Melbourne University, 1978. He currently serves as Dean, Faculty of Optometry, Twintech International University College, Damansara, Malaysia while receiving patients for various kinds of illnesses at his clinic, Integrative Holistic Wellness Centre located in Gombak, Selangor. He preaches Islam daily to none-muslim and muslim in his locality, writes books and produces song lyrics. His ideas, views and critics on various topics can be viewed at his official blog www.mthago.com

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Bride Can't Stop Laughing During Vows!

Her husband accidentally pronounces 'lawfully' as 'wawfully,' and she cracks up so much that they had to take a break in the ceremony.

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G Dragon - Bigbang .

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Quality of a leader in Islam

BY KHANDAKER  NAZNEEN  SULTANA

Professor of American Chicago University Judom Masserman in his book ‘ Who is the greatest leader of world’ point out that Mohammad (SAW) is the greatest leader of the universe for all time.

The greatest historian Sir William Mur said, He (Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was the master mind not only of his own age but all ages.   He posses all the good qualities like, modesty and kindness, self-denial and occupied the affection of others.

A knowledge-based leader is a pre-requisite for effective leadership. It has already been universally accepted that knowledge is the most priced capital. A leader should no longer be dependent on his subordinates. He is expected to know himself. As the Prophet Muhammad said, "All Muslims must pursue knowledge, pursue knowledge from the cradle to the graves".

This hadith stresses the importance of being knowledgeable. A leader must also be able to articulate and be eloquent in what he does. As a leader, he is expected to make decisions, and decisions could only be made with information and a sound knowledge of the job.

People should be able to freely voice their views or objections and have their questions answered. Obviously this can be seen from the famous inaugural speech by the first Caliph Abu Bakr, "O people! You have selected me as your leader although I am not the best among you. If I do right, support me; if I am wrong set me right. Obey me when I obey God and His Messenger. If I go against the injunction of God and His Prophet, then no obedience is due from you."

Such is the quality that leaders should all strive for. They should strive to create an atmosphere of freethinking, healthy exchange of ideas, criticisms and mutual advises so that the people feel very comfortable to discuss any matters or issues arising. Therefore, leaders must accept criticism.

If we look at the successful people who really made accomplishments in their lives, we can see that they truly persevere in facing challenges.

For instance, Thomas Edison had 1,350 unsuccessful attempts at creating the light bulb and yet persevered. As the famous Einstein said, "I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right." In other words, an effective leader has the self-confidence and vision in facing any kind of risk. The best example of all is the Prophet Muhammad himself. Although his own tribes and relatives had isolated him, yet he made Islam a universal religion.

Good leadership moves people in a direction that is truly in their long-term best interest. An honest leader is one who leads and not the one who manipulate to lead. A successful leader is one who attains his ends in the best possible manner, with the least inconvenience to the team, at the minimum cost, in record time and with a high quality performance. With modern techniques, there are several ways of doing this but the path adopted by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the best, for it was with the divine guidance of Allah that he became the supreme leader of the human race.

Allah has also described about leadership in many places in the Qur’an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Leadership is very much important in Islam—From the view of The Al-Qur’an and hadith the quality of a leader in Islam is given below.

Hope is in Allah:

A leader should have the psychology of the believers, god-fearing attitude, led by the pattern of leader Muhammad Al-Mustafa.

In Surah Al-Ahzab verses no. 21 Allah says:
33:21. Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.

Ability:

A Leader has aptitude, skill, capability, facility, talent, and knack. He must make his work meaningful. The root idea is attainment of desires.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 104 Allah informs:
3:104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.

Calmness:

A Leader has to serenity, quietness, stillness, coolness, tranquility, and composure. In hadith we find that,

The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who, though angry, controls himself.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Dependability:

A Leader has to have reliability, steadiness, loyalty, fidelity, steadfastness, constancy, soundness, and unreliability. He must have to guard him from any bad works and bad habits.

 In Surah Al- Muminun verses no. 8, 9 Allah mentions:

23:1. The believers must (eventually) win through,-
23:2. Those who humble themselves in their prayers;
23:3. Who avoid vain talk;
23:4. Who are active in deeds of charity;
23:5. Who abstain from sex,
23:8. Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;
23:9. And who (strictly) guard their prayers;-
As a leader in Islam the person must be a Muminun so he has to have the above qualities.

Fairness:

Leader should have the quality of justice, equality, evenhandedness, sprite, and unfairness.

In Surah Al-Hadid verses no. 25 Allah states:

57:25. We sent aforetime our apostles with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice; and We sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His apostles: For Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce His Will).

Genuineness:

A Leader has to have the quality of authenticity, realness, substance, legitimacy, and validity.  In hadith we find that,

“A person is perfect in his religion (Islam) when he leaves alone that which does not concern him.”
[At-Tirmidhi]

Honesty:

Leader should have the quality of sincerity, truthfulness, integrity, frankness, candor, and openness.

In Surah At-Tauba verses no. 119Allah says:

9:119. O ye who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).
In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 172 Allah announces:
3:172. Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward;-

 Leader must not be a hypocrite. In hadith we find that,
There are three signs of a hypocrite: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he does not keep it; when he is trusted, he betrays.
[Abu Huraira narrated]

Initiative:

Leaders also should have the quality of plan, proposal, scheme, idea, program, project, project, inventiveness, ingenuity, resourcefulness, originality, creativity, invention, and cleverness. In hadith we find that,
  “Every magnificent and important project not begun with the praise of Allah, remains defective.”
[abu Dawud]

Judgement:

Whenever you judge between people, you should do so with fairness. Leader should have the quality of ruling, making decision, finding goods, verdict ness, drawing conclusion, and creative opinion.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 58 Allah reports:

4:58. Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things.

Knowledge:

Leaders must be knowledgeable in order to enable them to develop effective strategies. He should be a thinking man, and be engaged in lateral and innovation thinking. Leader should acquire adequate information, facts, data, acquaintance, awareness, understanding, and comprehension.
 

In Surah Ta-Ha verses no. 114 Allah notices:

20:114. High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."

Modesty:

 A leader has to be diffidence, reserve, humiliated and reticence.

In Surah An- Nisaa verses no. 36 Allah tells:

4:36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;-

Nobility:

Leader should have the quality of dignity, graciousness, decency, goodness, nobleness, aristocracy, and be upper class.

In Surah Al- Hujurat verses no. 13 Allah says:

49:13. O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

Responsibility:

A leader has to be millstone has accountability, dependability and conscientiousness. In hadith we find that, 

“Each one of you is a Guardian and responsible for those of whom he is in charge. The Ruler is a Guardian and thus responsible for his subjects. A man is the Guardian of his family and is responsible for those under his care. In like manner, each one of you is a guardian and is responsible for what he is entrusted with.” --[related by Umar]

Sacrifice:

Leader should have the quality of give up, forgo and forfeit.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 92 Allah express:
 

3:92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.

Teamwork:

Leader should have the quality of cooperation, collaboration, joint effort, solidarity, assistance, support, mutual aid, partnership and alliance.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 103 Allah announces:

3:103. And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favors on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

In hadith we find that,  “Faithful believers are to each other as the bricks of a wall, supporting and reinforcing each other. So saying, the Prophet Muhammad clasped his hands by interlocking his fingers.” -- [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Understanding:

Leader should have the quality of sympathetic, considerate, caring, kind, accepting, indulgent, perceptive, sensitive, insightful and awareness.

In Surah Al-An,am verses no. 155 Allah remarks:
 

6:155. And this is a Book, which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:

Versatility

A leader has to have the quality of adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness, usefulness, helpfulness, convenience, efficacy, effectiveness, suppleness, litheness, elasticity, plasticity, ingenuity,

and inventiveness  .

In hadith we find that, When you see a person seeking an object earnestly, assist him to attain his ends. And never ask for a reward except that given by Allah. -- [hadith of Ash-Shifa]

Zeal:

Leader should have the quality of enthusiasm, passion, fanaticism, fervor, keenness and eagerness.

In hadith we found that, “When three people set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as a leader.” -- [abu Dawud]

Kindness:

Leader should have the quality of compassion, sympathy, gentleness, kindheartedness, benevolence, thoughtfulness, humanity, consideration, civilization, charity and compassion.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 159 Allah reports:

3:159. It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for ((Allah)'s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).

Faith:

Leader should have the quality of confidence, trust, reliance, assurance, conviction, certainty, belief and devotion.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 59, 173, 175 Allah informs:

4:59. O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.
4:173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,- and more, out of His bounty: But those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty; Nor will they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.
4:175. Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.
In Surah Al-Maidah verses no. 5 Allah relates:
5:5. This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time,- when ye give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues if any one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
In Surah Al-An,am verses no. 155, 158 Allah informs:
6:155. And this is a Book, which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy:
6:158. Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or thy Lord (Himself), or certain of the signs of thy Lord! the day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: "Wait ye: we too are waiting."

Iman:

Leader should have the quality of believe ness of God, His messengers, faith of hell and heaven after death, faith in last day of judgments, Kalema , Namaz, Ramadan, Hajj, Zakat and all rules and regulation of Islam  accept as true.

In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 125 Allah reports:

3:125. "Yea, - if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels Making a terrific onslaught.

In Surah Al-Kahf verses no. 88, 107 Allah remarks:

18:88. "But whoever believes, and works righteousness,- he shall have a goodly reward, and easy will be his task as We order it by our Command."
18:107. As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,
In Surah At- Taqabun verses no.13 Allah explains:
64:13.Allah. There is no god but He: and on Allah, therefore, let the Believers put their trust.

War Strategy:

Leader should be skilled in war strategy, hostilities, approach and line of attack. He has to control the battlefield and war costume.

In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no. 249 Allah mentions:

2:249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "(Allah) will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, He goes not with my army: Only those who taste not of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused." but they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river,- He and the faithful ones with him,- they said: "This day We cannot cope with Goliath and his forces." but those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah.s will, Hath a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere."
In Surah Al-i-Imran verses no. 121- 125 Allah notices:
3:121. Remember that morning Thou didst leave Thy household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things:
3:122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
3:123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when ye were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah. thus May ye show your gratitude.
3:124. Remember thou saidst to the Faithful: "Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (Specially) sent down?

Patience:

Leader should be endurance, tolerance, lack of complaint, persistence, fortitude and serenity.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 120 Allah tells:

3:120. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah Compasseth round about all that they do.
Aim full Target:

A leader must have to poses right and specific target. His arrow may not miss to hit the target or mark. His strategies have to be soft and flexible. A leader who does not know his destination, purpose, objective and intention cannot really lead.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 153 Allah express:
3:153. Behold! ye were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that ye do.
Braveness:
Leader should have the quality of courageousness, spiritedness, valiant ness, fearlessness, plucky ness, intrepidness and unafraid ness.
In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 122 Allah announces:
3:122. Remember two of your parties Meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the faithful (Ever) put their trust.
Economical:

A leader should be inexpensively, cheaply, cost-effectively, reasonably, efficiently, expensively, thriftily, and carefully about his expenses.

In Surah Al-i- Imran verses no. 92 Allah notices:

3:92. By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love; and whatever ye give, of a truth Allah knoweth it well.
In Surah An- Nisaa verses no. 5, 37 Allah remarks:

4:5. To those weak of understanding Make not over your property, which Allah hath made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.

4:37. (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which Allah hath bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt;-
In Surah An-Nur verses no. 22 Allah says:
24:22. Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in Allah.s cause: let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

To conclude, the qualities of the best leader are many. No leader can have all of them. Suffice if some of these qualities are found in or are internalized by our present leaders. It is equally important that the leader eschews bad qualities, unconsciously or consciously.

All prophets’ was also the leader of their period. They led the kingly power, the gifts of wisdom, justice, psalmody and prophet’ hood were bestowed on him as a trust.

The qualities of leadership are actually the gift of Allah. Islamic leaders are holding strongly the massage of Al-Quran and Hadith. They believe the revelation, which commands well and forbids evil, justice, which gives to that person his due and the strong arm of the law. 

(This article have published in the monthly magazine ‘Life Today’ of ‘The News

Today’ on the issue of January, 2007)

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The Last Sermon Of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) + Prophet Muhammad’s Last Days

The Last Sermon Of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)

This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. ( 623AD) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Mecca. It was the occasion of annual rites of Haj. It is also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage.

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) began with the words:

"O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today."

"O People! just as you regard this month, this day ,this city as sacred ,so regard the life and property of every Muslim a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds."

"Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep .You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn 'Aal-Muttalib be waived."

"Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah."


"O men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban."

"Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things so beware of following him in small things."

"O People it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste."

"O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat .Perform Haj if you can afford it."

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly."

"Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone."

"O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore O People! and understand words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray."

"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly."

"O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people."

As part of this sermon, the prophet recited to them a revelation from Allah, which he had just received, and which completed the Quran, for it was the last passage to be revealed:

This day the disbeliever's despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you, your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion. (Surah 5, Ayah 3)

The sermon was repeated sentence by sentence by Safwan's brother Rabiah (RA), who had powerful voice, at the request of the Prophet and he faithfully, proclaimed to over ten thousand gathered on the occasion. Towards the end of his sermon, the Prophet asked "O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?" A powerful murmur of assents "O Allah! yes!"arose from thousands of pilgrims and the vibrant words "Allahumma Na'm," rolled like thunder throughout the valley. The Prophet raised his forefinger and said: "O Allah bear witness that I have conveyed your message to your people."

Source : http://www.iium.edu.my/deed/articles/thelastsermon.html

 Prophet Muhammad’s Last Days
In his great speech on the day of ’Arafat, during his pilgrimage, the Prophet recited to the Muslims:

“This day I have completed your religion for you, perfected My grace on you, and approved Islam as your religion” [Al-Ma’idah 5; 3], the last verse to be revealed.

One or two of the Prophet’s companions, endowed with keen insight, recognized that it was an announcement of the completion of the Prophet’s mission realizing that when perfection has been achieved, only imperfection can creep in.

No one, however, could imagine that the Prophet’s life was approaching its end. But the Prophet was a human being, distinguished only by the fact that God had chosen him to convey His message to mankind. When the message has been delivered, his role is fulfilled.

Late in the month of Safar, the second month in the Islamic calendar, of the eleventh year of the Islamic era, the Prophet asked Abu Muwayhibah, a servant of his, to accompany him one night to the graveyard of Madinah known as Baqi’ al-Gharqad. He stood there praying to God to forgive those who were buried in that graveyard, as they had served Islam during their lives. It was an act which showed the Prophet’s love and compassion for those who recognized the truth of Islam and moulded their lives according to it.

 Please click here toRead more :http://www.onislam.net/

 Illness and preaching
Sirat p. 679
Then Muhammads illness worsened and he suffered much pain. He said: "Pour seven skins of water from different wells over me so that I may go out to the men and instruct them." We made him sit down in a tub, and we poured water over him until he cried: "Enough, enough!" A millenium before the coming of meaningful medicine, superstition will have to do. Doesn't work too well, though. Muhammad went out with his head bound up and sat in the pulpit. The first thing he uttered was a prayer over the men of Uhud asking Allah's forgiveness for them and praying for them a long time; It appears that what nags Muhammad the most from his entire life is the fact that a large part of the Muslims retreated before the battle of Uhud, contributing to the defeat they suffered. The idea of asking Allah's forgiveness contradicts the strict fatalism of Islam expressed elsewhere. then he said: "Allah has given one of his servants the choice between this world and that which is with Allah, and he has chosen the latter." Interesting wording. Since Allah never was described as being in Paradise, one may wonder where Muhammad will be spending his eternity. Abu Bakr perceived that he meant himself, and he wept, saying: "Nay, we and your children will be your ransom." He replied: "Gently, Abu Bakr," adding "See to these doors that open on to the mosque and shut them except one from Abu Bakr's house, for I know no one who is a better friend to me than he." Perceptive as always, Abu Bakr correctly guesses that Muhammad talks about himself. The issue of successing Muhammad was delicate. Muhammad didn't explicitly appoint anyone, but quite a few hints that his father-in-law had the favorite role. Ibn Ishaq, being Sunni and sponsored by the Sunni caliph, did remember to include the appropriate hadith about this.

Please click to read more http://realmuhammad.info/FinalDays.html
 

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Forgive Me - Ahmed Bukhatir (English Subtitles).avi

AHMED BUKHATIR FORGIVE ME WHEN I WHINE LYRICS

Today, upon a bus,
I saw a girl with golden hair.
And wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and wore a crutch.
But as she passed, she smiled.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I `d go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have blessed indeed, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy.
The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
If I were late, it `d do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind.
You see," he said, "I `m blind"
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I `d go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have blessed indeed, the world is mine.


I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play.
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew. He couldn't hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I `d go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd know.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
I have blessed indeed, the world is mine

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Infographic: The Centenarian Lifestyle

Did you know that there are more than 50,000 centenarians (people who are 100 years and older) living in the U.S. and the number is growing? Please take a look at this fascinating group of people and what we can learn from the centenarian lifestyle. Here are some interesting highlights
Via: TermLifeInsurance.org
By mail from Muhammad Saleem

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The shortest road to happiness

In February 2012, I conducted an experiment with 122 management students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). At the beginning of the semester, I measured their spiritual intelligence (SI) using an instrument developed by a British psychologist. Throughout the semester, students were asked to listen to listen to at least one religious talk on the Internet. At the end of the semester, they were re-tested. In their end-of-semester, the majority of them reported that their negative behaviour (anger, depression, …) were minimized throughout the semester. Clearly, I collected lots of data. There were 24 items on the questionnaire and all except one improve throughout the semester. One question stood out. It was "My ability to find meaning and purpose in life helps me adapt to stressful situations" In the 1st round, the average was 3.69 / 5. By the end of the semester, it had jumped to 4.16 / 5. Those who have been following this blog will know that happiness is easy when things are going smoothly. But the real test is when you face difficulties. Do you keep your optimistic attitude or do you become a pessimist? Well, it seems that if you listen to Islamic talks on a weekly basis, you will keep a smile on your face. Trying to understand why this was the case, I re-read some books on the purification of the soul (tazkiyah). One book is in English is a compilation of words of wisdom taken from classical Muslim scholars like Ibn Rajab, Ibn Qayyim and Al Ghazali. One statement stood out. It said, "Seeking knowledge is the shortest road to Allah and the Garden. I have modified this statement. After doing this research and collected data from 474 students, I can say that, "Acquiring Islamic knowledge is the straightest road to happiness"

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