The fire before the last hour
We have it under our foot in Adan in Yemen !... it is fire….the fire that, according to the Islamic literature, will drive people to their assembly place on the Last Day.
Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said: What do you discuss about? They (the Companions) said. We are discussing about the Last Hour. Thereupon he said: It will not cone until you see ten signs before and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (Allah be pleased with him), the Gog and Magog, and land-sliding in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly "Book 041, Number 6931"
We have it under our foot in Adan in Yemen !... it is fire….the fire that, according to the Islamic literature, will drive people to their assembly place on the Last Day.
Hudhaifa b. Usaid Ghifari reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to us all of a sudden as we were (busy in a discussion). He said: What do you discuss about? They (the Companions) said. We are discussing about the Last Hour. Thereupon he said: It will not cone until you see ten signs before and (in this connection) he made a mention of the smoke, Dajjal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the west, the descent of Jesus son of Mary (Allah be pleased with him), the Gog and Magog, and land-sliding in three places, one in the east, one in the west and one in Arabia at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly "Book 041, Number 6931"
![Photo: The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “If Allah has decreed a rank for one of his servants to reach, but his deeds will not suffice him to reach this rank, then Allah afflicts him with hardship with respect to his body, wealth and children. Then he perseveres through this until he reaches the high rank that Allah has decreed for him to reach.” [Ahmad]
Once upon a time two men went fishing. One was a disbeliever and the other was a Muslim. When the disbeliever would throw his fishing net he would take the names of his gods and his net would fill with fish. When the Muslim would throw his net out he would do so with Allah’s name, but no fish would get caught in his net. This state of affairs continued till sunset when, finally, the Muslim caught one fish.
However, this fish jumped out of his hands back into the water. So this poor Muslim had to return home without a single fish, while the disbeliever’s bag was overflowing with fish. On witnessing this strange and sad outcome the angels accompanying the Muslim were upset and asked Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), “O our Lord! How is it that your Momin servant, who takes Your Exalted Name returns empty handed while your disobedient, disbelieving servant returns with such success that his bag is full of fish?”
Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) showed the Muslim’s angels the beautiful palace that He had prepared for him in Paradise and asked, “O angel, after reaching this place do you think that any of the anguish and sadness that my Momin servant experienced because of his failure to catch fish will remain with him?”
And showing the horrible place prepared for the disbeliever in Hell, Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) asked: “Will those things that were granted to the disbeliever in life, be able to rescue him from the eternal punishment of Hell?”
The angel replied, “O my Lord! I swear by Your existence that this can never happen.” [Imam Ahmad]](http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/c0.94.403.403/p403x403/377695_618273428198184_2127970134_n.png)
![Photo: The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A Momin cannot have complete faith unless he gives up falsehood in his jokes and debates, though in all other matters he speaks the truth.” [Ahmed]
A person is not at the highest level of honesty till he gives us telling untruths even in jokes and debates.
Once we rid ourselves of lying to our children, lying in ordinary household matters, lying to relatives, lying in business dealings, and lying in the workplace, we need to move on to remove lying from our jokes and lying to substantiate a point that may itself be completely valid.
Eemaan does not allow a person to lie. Lies and Eemaan don’t mix.](http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.0.400.400/p403x403/482500_618831058142421_1769598583_n.jpg)
![Photo: Miracles about seas in Quran :
The holy verse:
Allah be he exalted says: (Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds, (layers of) darkness upon darkness: if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light.) [Surat An-Nur, verse: 40].
The explanation of the verse:
God be he blessed and exalted talks in this Quranic text about those who disbelieved in God's verses and denied His meeting and disclaimed the Prophet. So those people and their works that they have done in their lives are like a man that runs behind a mirage, panting behind it and when he reaches it he found nothing but his bad work. And this unbeliever is like a man living in the darkness of a deep sea and can hardly see anything because of the accumulated darkness.
Al-Imam Al-Qurtuby may Allah have mercy on him said: (in a vast deep sea) is the sea that we couldn't see its bottom and vast means the sea when the waves clash. And it was recently discovered that there are interior waves in the deep sees.
Scientific fact:
When scientists went down to the depths of the oceans, they found that deep sees have great darkness. And at the depth of one kilometer one could hardly see something and the darkness increases if the surface sea waves are high as they contribute in blocking the sunlight.
They have also found that at the depths of the deep sees, there are internal waves that no one could see unless he goes down to depths of more than one thousand meters and these waves could be harder than the surface waves.
The point of inimitability:
In this Quranic text there are two scientific signs:
1-Talking about the darkness in the deep sees and this is what scientists have recently discovered and it wasn't known at the time of the coming down of Quran.
2-Referring to the internal deep waves and it was also recently discovered by scientists and it was mentioned in the verse as Almighty God says: (overwhelmed with waves topped by waves).](http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.286.286/p403x403/544029_618902531468607_479734952_n.jpg)
![Photo: Rains and winds in Quran :
Winds have a vital role in forming clouds and descending rains, this reality was discovered only few years ago , but the Qur'an told us fourteen century ago about that fact, let us read ….
Meteorologists have made many experiments about the mechanism of forming clouds and descending of rains. After many theories they proved that winds have an important role in forming the clouds as it carries water vapor from seas and oceans to the air's upper layers, but the water atoms have to be collected and condensed to form clouds.
Here the winds start to fertilize the clouds, how does it occur? Winds carry dust atoms and fine salt and these atoms ascend to the upper layers (up to many kilometers) where temperature is very low to form drops which make heavy clouds weighing thousands of tons!!
Scientists discovered that clouds in the sky have a huge weight which is up to millions of tons. In spite of that weight clouds still there. Indeed, Allah almighty is the doer of that as He subjected all physical rules like density rule and gravity rule as without these rules clouds might be gone and life on earth will stop.
Thanks God for all of your graces.
Allah almighty had subjected all physical rules to control movement of water, its dissolving and evaporation, the disturbance of any rule may cause the water to goes inside the ground and life to end. Glory to Allah who says: (And we sent down from the sky water (rain) in (due) measure and we gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, we are Able to take it away.)(Sûrat Al-Mu’minûn- verse18).
The Qur'an tells us about the role of winds in fertilizing the clouds, God says: (And We send the winds fertilizing (to fill heavily the clouds with water), then cause the water (rain) to descend from the sky, and We give it to you to drink, and it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like].)(Sûrat A-Hijr- verse22).In this verse we can find many scientific miracles:
1. The word (send) is a precise word from the scientific point of view because sending operation should be organized and that what the scientists had found in the maps of winds distribution which were taken by satellite.
2. Winds fertilize the clouds which cause rains to descend from the sky.
3. The descended water is pure and drinkable.
4. The descended water is stored in great banks underground for millions of years.
All of these fact were summarized in only one verse, the question is: are these precise and eloquent facts a human made?
We have to admit that any disturbance in only one cause of rains will leads to scarcity of sweet water and increase in salt water, then life will be contaminated.
Fourteen years ago no one had got the knowledge about forming rains or knew anything about role of the winds in forming rains, but the new science confirmed all of that.
Hence, mentioning these facts in the Qur'an is a testimony that this book is sincere and that Islam is the religion of truth.
--------------------
References:
1- Cloud, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud
2- "cloud."Britannica Student Library.
3- Bender, Lionel. Our Planet, Simon & Schuster, 1992.
4- Ganeri, Anita. Earth Science, Macmillan, 1993.](http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c48.0.403.403/p403x403/544033_619161444776049_1764448999_n.jpg)
![Photo: The Places of the Moon (Mansions)
A real picture of the moon that shows its luminous face and from God's graces to us that He made mansions for this moon so as to know the dates, so He be exalted Said: (And the moon, We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk).
The holy verse:
God be He exalted says: (And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw there from the day, and behold, they are in darkness, and the sun runs on its fixed course for a term (appointed). That is the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing, and the moon, We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old dried curved date stalk, It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit) [Surat Yasin, verse: 37-40].
The explanation of the verse:
Allah be He blessed and exalted reminds us of His many graces like: the grace of day and night, the grace of the sun and moon, and from His mercy on His that He subjected for them the moon with its mansions, so everything is of precise order and all these creatures float in their orbits and this order never breaks down.
Ibn Kathir said: what is meant by the moon mansions is the places of the moon as the moon when first appears is small then it increases till it becomes full (full moon) then it decreases again till it returns to its first state through one month.
In the explanation of Al-kashaaf the (old dried curved date stalk) means that the moon returns to be like an old curved stem of a palm tree.
Scientific fact:
When we keep looking at the moon all over the month, we notice that every day it takes a new state and place that differs than the next day, and every day the moon rises later than the day before by 50 minutes.
And the beginning of the lunar month is the first place for the moon, and during the rotation of the moon around the earth; the moon receives an amount of sunlight then reflects it to the earth. But because of the different places that the moon takes with respect to the earth, we couldn't see continuously all the reflected light all over the month. But each day we see an amount of reflected light that commensurate with the number of days of the month.
Thus, this precise order is a way for us to know the date and calculations, therefore God be He exalted said: (It is He Who made the sun a shining thing and the moon as a light and measured out for it stages that you might know the number of years and the reckoning. Allah did not create this but in truth. He explains the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail for people who have knowledge) [Surat Yunus, verse: 5].
The point of inimitability:
The places of the moon is from God's graces to us because without those places that let the moon appears to us as a crescent then full moon then it returns back to a crescent then it disappears and without the astronomical positions of the moon that changes according to the days of the month, we could know neither the date nor the days of the month. And here appears the miracle in the Quran words about the mansions.](http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.200.403.403/p403x403/59715_611713698854157_1433263422_n.jpg)
![Photo: Roaming Angels Take Salams
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah has roaming angels who come and inform me of the blessings that my Ummah invoke on me.” [Ahmad; al-Musnad]
If you want the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) to know about you personally, ask Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) to bless him. It’s a golden opportunity to have yourself mentioned to Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam)!](http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c38.0.403.403/p403x403/532045_611866875505506_2033967136_n.jpg)
![Photo: End of the Universe
When the Quran descended, no one has known anything about the end of the universe, but the Quran referred to this definite end in His Almighty sayings: (And the Day when We shall roll up the heaven like a scroll rolled up for books. As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it) [Surat Al-Anbiya, verse: 104]. Many scientists today believe that as the universe began, it should have an end.
The verse:
God be he exalted says: (And the Day when We shall roll up the heaven like a scroll rolled up for books. As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it) [Surat Al-Anbiya, verse: 104].
The explanation of the verse:
The verse talks about the end of the universe which means that Allah be He exalted will fold up the sky like folding the books.
So God be He exalted compared the stars to the letters that are written in the books and when the book is folded (i.e., the sky), it will contain within it the letters and words (i.e., the stars, planets, and other creatures).
And this comparison is only to become close to our minds the end of the universe process, but the scene is far greater than this explanation.
Scientific fact:
Scientists have recently found and after years of research and study that the universe has a beginning and an end. The famous scientist Stephen Hawking said: we should conclude from these facts the existence of the beginning of time.
And all findings indicate that there is an end to the universe although astronomers today are divided into two teams; the first believes that there is a definite end to the universe which they call the great crunch and the other team believes that the universe will expand forever.
The point of inimitability:
But since we have faith that the Quran came with the absolute truth, and that God be He exalted told us about the end of the universe so we believe that this will happen. And as the Quran told us this, so it is a miracle of the holy Quran.](http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/48148_609890972369763_1943942308_n.jpg)
![Photo: Increase your Love
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “By Him in whose hand is my soul, none of you will enter Paradise until you believe (have eeman), and none of you will believe until you love each other. Shall I not tell you of something which if you do, will create love among you? Increase the custom of greeting each other with ‘as-Salamu alaykum.’” [Sahih Muslim]
Let us increase our love for each other with this simple formula. Loving our brothers and sisters, will help us gain eeman/belief and belief is the key to Paradise. Additional recommended etiquettes of greeting are that, "The younger person should greet the older one, and the walking person should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons." [Sahih Bukhari]](http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.0.238.238/p403x403/62352_603850509640476_1966945794_n.jpg)
![Photo: Innocent Till Proven Guilty
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Ward off hudood as much as you can. If you find any way out for a Muslim then set him free. If the Imam makes a mistake in granting forgiveness it is better for him than that he should make a mistake in imposing punishment.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmed]
The purpose of exemplary punishment is that it should be an effective deterrent. Having millions of people in jails is not the sign of a good judicial system or a healthy, moral society. In the 1300 years of the Khilafah only a couple of hundred hands were cut off for theft! The low number of thefts this signifies is the sign of a healthy society. Regarding the implementation of hudood, however, many conditions must be met, e.g. theft does not count in a famine. In addition, where evidence is not compelling the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) laid down the following principle: To free someone criminal mistakenly is better than to punish someone innocent mistakenly.](http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/73330_608299952528865_1902105355_n.jpg)
![Photo: Give a Smile Instead of Chocolate
Ibn Jaz said: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam).” (Hasan) [Chapters on Al-Manaqib: Jami At-Tirmidhi]
What do you gain when you smile? When you smile, the actual movement triggers the brain’s pleasure points. Smiling causes endorphins, which are known as the body’s natural painkillers, to be released. Not surprisingly, endorphins are also released when laughing, exercising, eating chocolate, getting massaged, meditating, to just about anything that leaves a smile on your face. A smile makes a person feel as good as eating 2000 bars of chocolate.
Research shows that after being shown pictures of smiling people, the brain and heart activity of participants is equal to that when given 2,000 chocolate bars. So the next time you think of giving someone chocolate, give a smile instead – it will do 2,000 times better.
Research has also shown that women who showed an intense happiness in their smiles indicated a happier future. When we smile our voices project a warmer tone. So if you smile while speaking you are likely to have a better conversation. Smiling is also a ticket to better health. Numerous medical and psychological studies have found that through the triggering of certain hormones, a smile promotes good overall health. This leads to lower heart rates, steady breathing and the ability to smile through stressful situations.
Smiling has been found to boost levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. It is a vital part of regulating our moods, sleep, sexuality and appetite. Thus, serotonin helps to keep us healthy and happy which in turn produces more smiles. The physical act of smiling can use as little as 5 muscles or well over 16 and just like any muscle the more you use it, the stronger it is. Body builders shape their physique so their muscles are defined without even flexing. Similarly, maintaining a healthy smile will define an expressive, happy face. Smiling is contagious; when you smile it makes others smile, so you spread the happiness and well being around!
Jarir ibn Abdullah said: “I did not see the Prophet, since I embraced Islam, without a smile on his face. I saw him smiling when he could not see me and he would smile in my presence.” [Sahih Bukhari]](http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c73.0.403.403/p403x403/555097_608572649168262_1230027133_n.jpg)
![Photo: Intelligent Retaliation
Aisha (radi Allahu anha) narrated: “The Jews used to greet the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) by saying, ‘As-Saamu alaika (i.e., death be upon you),’ so I understood what they said, and I said to them, ‘Alaikumus-saamu wal-la’natu (i.e., death and Allah’s curse be upon you).’ The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Be gentle and calm, O Aishah, as Allah likes gentleness in all affairs.’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Prophet! Didn’t you hear what they said?’ He said, ‘Didn’t you hear me answering them back by saying, ‘Alaikum (i.e., the same be upon you)?’” [Sahih Bukhari]
Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) was aware of what was being said to him. And he retaliated; but intelligently - without causing a big stir. Without using the bad words the Jews used for him, he returned their evil wishes on them. Thus, he set an example of the tone and manner in which a Muslim responds to provocation.
Think of how reactive we are. We immediately jump at the throat of whoever hurts us. Our voices are raised, our tone becomes harsh. Our reproach is not characterized by calmness or gentleness, although it is possible to retaliate in a mild manner as well. Retaliating while forcing oneself to remain in a calm state ensures that we do not transgress the limits of revenge and become sinful ourselves by overstepping the bounds of the lawful.
He who uses foul language should think of himself as a Munafiq (hypocrite) as the use of coarse and evil language, while in a disagreement, is a particular characteristic of the hypocrites. To be a hypocrite is worse than to be a Kafir.](http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c55.0.403.403/p403x403/526572_608726449152882_1755222538_n.jpg)
![Photo: Defending One’s Property
A person came to Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) and said: ‘Rasul Allah, what do you say if a man comes to me in order to appropriate my possessions?’
Rasul Allah said: ‘Don't surrender your possessions to him.’
The inquirer asked: ‘If he fights me?’
Rasul Allah remarked: ‘Then fight (with him).’
The inquirer again asked: ‘What do you think if I am killed?’
Rasul Allah said: ‘You would be a martyr.’
The inquirer said: ‘What do you think of him, if I kill him.’
Rasul Allah said: ‘He would be in the Fire.’” [Muslim]
It is our right to defend that which Allah has blessed us with. Muslims are told not to surrender their lives, properties, families or Islamic lifestyles to usurpers. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tells us to defend our families, properties and religion. If we are victorious we maintain control over what is ours. Should we die in the process of defending any one of these things, then it is the best death of a shaheed/martyr. This should be a great source of hope for us in these turbulent times when crime is on the rise and invasion of Muslim lands a source of catastrophe.](http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/149340_601917779833749_1487321367_n.png)
![Photo: Dua
“Abdullah ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) said that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) used to teach them this supplication in the same way that he used to teach them a Surah of the Quran. He would say: ‘O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of Jahannum and I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave. I seek refuge with You from the trial of the Masih ad-Dajjal and I seek refuge with You from the trials of life and death.’” [Sahih Muslim]
Firstly, this hadith tells us that the punishment of Jahannum is a reality, the punishment of the grave is a reality, the Fitnah of Dajjal (anti-Christ) is something very serious, and that there are trials in both life and death.
Secondly, this hadith also indicates the severity of various punishments and trials. The order in which the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) sought refuge from them is indicative of their seriousness. The worst that could happen to a person is that they get thrown into Jahannum. The next worst thing that could happen to them is for them to be punished in their grave. Then comes the severity of the Fitnah of Dajjal, then other trials that afflict people at different times in their lives.
Even without revelation the Arabs knew that strange things happened in graves. If their horses got stomach ailments they would take them to graveyards. The horse would jump and twist so violently that its cramps would straighten away. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) told us that the punishment of the grave is heard by all creatures except men and Jinn, and that if we were cognizant of it we wouldn’t bury our dead.
The greatest trial of the living will be at the hands of Dajjal. Other than that there are numerous trials people go through as a result of which they are purified of their sins, as metal is purified from its ore through burning.
Trials also separate the wheat from the chaff. People will be rewarded according to the level of suffering they have patiently borne, and the trials they have dealt with keeping their Eeman intact.
We should try to keep the ingredients of this Dua in our prayers.](http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c35.0.403.403/p403x403/76345_602497559775771_445543019_n.jpg)
![Photo: Focus On This Life Makes Poverty Apparent
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever is preoccupied with this life, Allah will make his poverty apparent in his eyes, and scatter his people from around him, and only what has been written for him in this world will come to him.” [Tirmidhi; Kitab az-Zuhud]
A person who is focused on this life always feels poor because of seeing all that he does not have of it; he is not focused on Jannah, nor believing in it or striving for it.
Since he believes it is he himself who has to do what he can to gather the riches of this world his outlook and behaviour are selfish. Selfishness begets selfishness. Those who are preoccupied with getting the most for themselves induce the same feelings in those around them. Thus, nobody sincere wants to be around a person preoccupied with his worldly life and its achievements.
Such a person gets in life what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) had destined for them a long time ago, but not Allah’s special blessings to be bestowed in the next life](http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/598912_602527179772809_158586833_n.jpg)
![Photo: Anas, radiyallahu anhu, related [Imam Ahmed] that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi was salam, said:
"If the last hour comes and in your hand you have a date palm seedling, then if you are able to plant it before that, then do so."
Ibn jareer related from umaarah bin khuzaimah bin thaabit who said:
"I heard umar bin al-khattaab, radiyallahu anhu, say to my father, `what prevents you from cultivating your land.' My father said to him, `I am an old man and i may even die tomorrow.' Umar said to him, `I think you should cultivate it.' [daawood said], then I saw umar bin al-khataab planting with his hands along with my father.'](http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/484877_602733859752141_630930641_n.jpg)
![Photo: What’s there to Ask Forgiveness for?
The Prophet (sal allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O people, turn in repentance to Allah! I swear by Allah that I turn in repentance to Him more than seventy times each day.” [Bukhari; Kitab ad-Da’awaat]
Do we feel grateful for everything Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) gives us every day of food, clothes, family?
We don’t constantly thank Allah, yet if the same behaviour were exhibited towards us, after one favour we would withhold any other favours. So do we need to turn to him in repentance or not?
Do we thank Him for running water coming so easily out of taps (or do we complain for having to wash dishes)?
Do we thank Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for the light and fan working with the touch of a button (or do we complain for not having air-conditioning)?
Do we thank Him for the tree outside the window which shades in summer, beautifies the view, and sheds its leaves in winter so the warm sun can come in?
Do we thank Him for having someone to talk to anytime we want in the form of sisters/brothers? People are so lonely and dependent on friends because they don’t have siblings.
Do we thank Him everyday for hands, feet, and organs that work or do we only mention them when something goes wrong.
But most of all, do we constantly thank Allah for making us Muslims, those with a fantastic future ahead of them? And do we care about the rest of His creation by trying to bring them into the mercy of Islam too? We got into the shade out of the blazing hot sun but did we care about the people we left behind and did we invite them to come in as well?
Do we not need to repent to Allah for how we behave?](http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/c0.0.396.396/p403x403/391882_603142219711305_311704607_n.png)
![Photo: Confused By Prosperity
Once when Umar (radi Allahu anhu) was in the house of Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) he looked around and saw nothing of importance except three hides. He narrated, “So I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Invoke Allah to make your followers rich, for the Persians and the Romans have been made prosperous and they have been given (the pleasures of the world), although they do not worship Allah.' Thereupon the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) sat up, as he had been reclining, and said, 'Are you of such an opinion, O son of Al-Khattab? These are the people who have received the rewards for their good deeds in this world.' I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Ask Allah to forgive me.'” [Bukhari]
Unfortunately, many Muslims today get similarly confused by the prosperity that they see non-Muslims in. They say that it is the non-Muslims who must be the beloved of Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) as they have been bestowed with His favours. It is implied that the non-Muslims should now be our role models. Rasul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) states in this hadith, as does Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) in the Quran, that whatever qualities the non-Muslims have, they will be recompensed for them in this world, since they have no share in the Hereafter. On the other hand, the main reward of the Muslims is saved for the Hereafter.
Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) says that if this world had any importance in His eyes, He would not have given the disbelievers even a mouthful of water to drink! What they are getting in this life is in no ways any kind of reward. Reward and punishment is for the next, never-ending life. This life is the examination hall. If a teacher has been teaching her students all year that 2+2=4 and she notices some students writing 2+2=6, she will not correct them during the exam. It is when they get their reports that they will be rewarded or face the consequences for their lack of effort. During the examination she will not be rewarding or punishing those who are excelling or those who are failing.
Furthermore, the prosperity of Muslim societies in this worldly life will never happen, by their only having the qualities of the Kuffar. No matter how hardworking, honest, scientifically advanced, or punctual Muslims become, their societies will not prosper if eeman and the implementation of Islam/Shariah are missing. This is because Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) holds Muslims to a higher standard. A student of Masters level and a PhD student may both be taking the same Chemistry course, but for the Masters student the 'A' may be given at 80% while for the PhD student, obtaining 90% or above will get him/her the same grade. In the same way, since Muslims have guidance with them, they are held to a higher standard.](http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.9.403.403/p403x403/550175_603143936377800_2045635106_n.jpg)
![Photo: Commitments
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "He has (really) no faith who fulfills not his trust, and he has (really) no religion who fulfills not his promise." [Baihaqi]
Always keep your word. Each time you keep a commitment you are rewarded by Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) for obeying Him. If you mix a few drops of wine in a glass full of water, it spoils the whole glass of water and makes it unfit for consumption. Similarly, dishonesty in any sphere of your life permeates and corrupts your entire nature and eeman. When a person’s words carry no weight, it only reveals his/her treacherous nature.
If you promise to be somewhere, make sure you are there on time. If you promise to call somebody back, do so on time. Don't commit what you cannot do. One minute means 60 seconds everywhere, no more. Make a habit of under-committing rather than over-committing.](http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/c0.39.403.403/p403x403/45549_603172443041616_33424553_n.jpg)
![Photo: Clinging Devils
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “When a man decides to give something in charity, a group of seventy devils clings to him and tries to put him off it.” [Ahmed]
The heaviest blow to Shaitaan and the most successful method to counter his tricks is to spend your money in the cause of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). For this reason, Shaitaan inspires man to be stingy and narrow-minded, so he may be prevented from giving generously and remain involved in the entanglements of the material world.
Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) warns us in the Quran: “The devil threatens you with poverty and bids you to lewd conduct. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties. And Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” [Surah Baqarah: Ayat 268]](http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/19008_603171123041748_1894378626_n.jpg)
![Photo: Earth’s Information
The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) recited this Ayat: “That Day it (the earth) will declare its information.” [Quran: Surah Az-Zalzalah, Ayat 4] He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) then asked his Companions: “Do you know what ‘its information’ is?” They said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “‘Its information’ means that it will testify against every man and woman about what they did on its surface. It will say, ‘On such and such a day they did such and such. That is ‘its information.’” [Tirmidhi]
Among the witnesses against a person will be the earth, and days and nights; they will testify about what was done on/in them and against them. Wealth will testify against its owner; a person’s own body will testify against him; and the angels who record deeds, both good and evil will also be witnesses. Imaam Qurtubi devoted a chapter to this subject in his Tadhkirah.](http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/556447_603303659695161_750872970_n.jpg)
