Secrets of Surah Al Kahf

Surah Al Kahf is the 18^th chapter of the Quran, the chapter from the Quran that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked us to recite every Friday.

 

WAKE UP TO BELIEVING AND BELIEVERS

The first story is about believers who hid in a cave to get away from people who did not believe.  Later on they woke to a world of believers. There is a time for everything including being among those who believe. 

 

CUSTODIANSHIP
At most we are custodians of what we have. We may think we own things but the reality is that they can disappear in an instant for many reasons.  A custodian has charge over something for a period of time and that is the reality of what we have.

Never forgot to thank your creator for what you have because if you don’t then what you have may be destroyed.  But a thankful heart will see the blessings in everything. 

Sadly the owner of two beautiful gardens forgot this lesson and regretted after the destruction. Regret is not thankfulness either.  

 

WHO IS THE FASTER DRAW?
When I was younger I used to watch cowboy films about the Wild West of America.  I learnt that however good you are there will always be a faster draw. In gun fights who could draw their gun the fastest would win the fight but all the fighters knew that sooner or later they would meet a faster draw and that would be the end of them. 

Likewise with knowledge, however much we learn there will always be someone who knows more or who has a better interpretation.That is exactly what happened to Musa (aka Moses).  Perhaps we should get away from fairy tales of who is the most beautiful of them all and accept the reality of life that we should develop ourselves to the best and not compare ourselves with others in an arrogant way.  

Moses also had to learn that Divine Wisdom can sometimes be disguised in matters that we perceive as bad. It is another lesson that we need to have greater understanding and we must be patient until we have reached that level of greater understanding. 

Divine Wisdom from Surah Al Kahf.

1. Keep good company.   “And keep they soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening.“
2. Reality of life: “Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45)

Six States of Mind you need.

SIX STATES OF MIND TO DEVELOP

STATES OF MIND

If you are legally trained or if you have watched enough cops and robbers shows you will know that sane people can have moments of insanity.   

We can be sane but behave insanely at times.

Another word for country is state. Your state of mind is a state of being and a world in itself. It is key territory for you; thus cultivating and maintaining the right state of mind is one of the purposes of your life.  

Here are 6 states of mind to develop and be in 24/7.

REMEMBERING AND DOING WHAT IS IMPORTANT

1.  Work on having a state of mind that remembers the important things.

Every Friday Muslims should read the 18^th Surah of the Quran entitled Surah Al Kahf.  This Surah (chapter) contains the answers revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after the Jews had asked for the answers to three questions.  

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

2.  Have a state of mind that never gets into controversies that don’t matter.

The Christian version and the Muslim version of a story about people in a cave differs, but Allah has an answer to that and that is don’t get into controversies that don’t matter.  It matters not how many people were in the cave and whether there was a dog, or where is the specific location. “Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers. [18:22]

This is great advice for both business and personal life. 

REMAIN THANKFUL

3.  Have a state of mind that is eternally thankful.

A man had two beautiful gardens and began to boast about them.  He was warned to be thankful but he refused.  Subsequently the garden was destroyed. 

The garden owner thought he was superior in terms of wealth but these things are often temporary. 

ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE
4.  Only Allah has absolute knowledge but do work on being as knowledgeable as humanly possible.

Only Allah has absolute knowledge.  Everything we have is imperfect in comparison.  Even Moses had to be reminded by Allah and was told that there was someone more learned than him.  To Moses credit, Moses wanted to meet this person.  The man he met was humble and never said he knew it all.  This man’s name was Al-Khidr.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

5.  Developing a state of mind that is eternally patient is a life-long purpose.

There are so many people in worldly prisons because they could not hold their tongues and be a little bit more patient.  There are times when patience can be a lifesaver and we should exercise greater patience concerning the things we do not understand.  In fact, we should have a default action and that is the moment we don’t understand something we should say to ourselves – let me be patient.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

6.  Have the state of mind to help even if the other has not been nice.

This sixth point is almost superhuman but such help may bring its own rewards at some point of time. Moses and Al-Khidr had asked the inhabitants of a village for food but the villagers refused. However they saw that a wall was about to collapse and Al Khidr repaired it.

SIX STATES OF MIND TO DEVELOP

1.  Work on having a state of mind that remembers the important things.

2.  Have a state of mind that never gets into controversies that don’t matter.

3.  Have a state of mind that is eternally thankful.

4.  Only Allah has absolute knowledge but do work on being as knowledgeable as humanly possible.

5.  Developing a state of mind that is eternally patient is a life-long purpose.

6.  Have the state of mind to help even if the other has not been nice. 

Word to the Wise: Wise Blessings for You

Gifts of gorgeous blessings are garnered when you grace your thoughts with the greatness of blessings. Savor these blessings and watch your blessings grow.

TAP INTO THE WISDOM OF THE WISE

B:  Blessings from the wisest people are yours if you reflect and act upon their wise ways.

L:  Let blessings bless you and liven up your fate for the better.

E:  Entertain the wisest thoughts and wisdom of the ages at all times.

S:  Super blessings are enveloping you when you think wisdom and wise ways.

S:  Sink deeper into your mental thinking and decision-making processes, and draw out all the wisdom that is in you and in the universe.

Y:  You are blessed, totally blessed when you accept sincere blessings from wise beings. You are at your wisest when you open up to wise blessings and wise ways.

O:  Open up, open up to the wisest of blessings and look around at all the things helping you to be better and better, and wiser and wiser.
U:  Up your wisdom and urgently think about how you benefit from the wisdom zone.

THE WHERE YOU ARE BLESSING

B:  Be proactive today because today is a good day to get moving on your dreams and plans of actions.
L:  Let go of concerns and proactively press on.
E:  Examine what you have and even think about skills you have not used in awhile. Examine what can be engines of growth for you.
S:  Start where you are and do what you can.
S:  So much can be done with what you have: brains and brawn, skills and scrutinizing other resources.
I:  Imagine as high as you can and get cracking on the infinite possibilities.
N:  Nature is something you should capitalize upon: your nature and the forces of nature in man, mind, and universe.
G:  Go ahead with what you have and do things to move what you have.

S:  Seek to see the great value, potential and opportunities that are waiting to be unearthed by you.

PACK IN MORE INTO YOUR LIFE

B:  Become more blessed by being more accepting of all that is, and intentionally expand your capacity to do whatever you love.
L:  Life is experienced through you so make sure you experience the best by loving more what you are and do.
E:  Everywhere in the universe are lovable things, so tap into everything that can be adored, admired and appreciated – enormously energizing emotions.
S:  Send love and forgiveness to your past self. Send love and forgiveness to the past, present and future.
S:  Sincerely forgive yourself and step up to a better way of life.
I:  I invite you to reflect upon what you could do to invite more abundance into your life. I ask you to open your mind and link with other like-minded people, energies and entities in your networks.
N:  Nurture everything you have got in you and your resources, and love it as it grows.
G:  Gifts of gorgeous blessings are garnered when you grace your thoughts with the greatness of blessings.
S:  Sending blessings, love and good luck to you today – use it wisely. Stay Blessed.

Making time work for you (Lesson from Surah Al Kahf).

Why do I take the time to read Surah Al Kahf from the Quran every Friday?

1.  THE BLUEPRINT:  I read the Quran because it is the Holy Book of God. When I was younger I was exposed to Christian religious work that said the Bible was the blueprint for living.  I also believe the Quran is a blueprint for living so I recommend both. 

These books bestow self-improvement, enlightenment and knowledge, and we can spend a lifetime learning to understand the depth of knowledge here.

2. TIMELY LESSON:  Why Surah Al Kahf and why every Friday? This book  is supposed to be read every Friday so I follow that advice.  The benefits of doing so are that you see something new every week.  

3. THE BENEFITS OF FAITH: Faith is cumulative so the more you read, the more dimensions will be revealed to you.  If you follow the advice of reading this chapter every week,  in one year you will have read this chapter over 50 times and in 10 years, 500 times.  Each step of faith leads higher and higher. 

4. TIMELY ASSISTANCE:  The Quran teaches us not to fret if others are not as receptive as us. Do not fret means do not worry.  This chapter shows that Allah can work wonders beyond our understanding. 

5. CAN YOU SEE TIME STRAIGHT?: The other interesting lesson in this chapter is that our idea of time may be defective.  

6. THE PASSAGE OF TIME:  How many times have you rejected a person because you thought they were too old or too young for you? 

7. TIMELESS TIME:  One of the great things I experienced when I studied English at school was that we were to find the oldest people in the area we lived and interview them.  I managed to find people in their 90s and 100s who were very intelligent, knowledgeable and a joy to be with.  Their liveliness was so refreshing that if I shut my eyes and just listened, I thought they could even be around the same age as me.

8. TINY TIME:  Likewise now as a teacher I am sometimes so amazed at the depth of intelligence, wisdom and knowledge some of the very young children display in class. 

9. DOES IT MATTER?: Don’t be fooled by time.  If you see a prejudice arising, think deeply and say to yourself – does the difference of time matter here? 

10. GENERAL TIME: Society in an attempt to operate as a society set society norms regarding age that are just generalisations. There are exceptions to every rule. 

11. TIMELY DIMENSIONS:  My law teacher taught me that when we are prejudiced we miss out so much on life. So please be guided by the Quran and realise that time does not always work in seconds, minutes, hours, months and years -  at least not how society has taught it to us.  Of course, the time values indicated by society do have some validity but not in all areas, so it is up to you to be discerning and really think whether it matters in the situation you are facing.

12. PERSONAL TIME: Time is related to our own personal experiences and how we perceive it can be a very individual thing.  

New Year Blessings

Blessings for the Best Year Ever

 

SOME THINGS ARE TOO LATE TO CHANGE

January 1 is the start of a new year for Christians because this is the calendar based on the year when Jesus was said to be born.

Worldwide it has been adopted as the first day of the year for commerce, industry and general living purposes, and this calendar is definitely too ingrained to be changed now.

 

OTHER NEW YEARS

We do know other cultures and religions celebrate their new year at other times. As this day is just the start of the calendar perhaps we can avoid religious niceties and wish each other a blessed time in the forthcoming period. Let us wish everyone peace and blessings which is consistent with the Sunnah (way of life) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

 

Here are blessings that are for everyone.

BEGINNING AGAIN EVERY DAY

 

B:  Best years are what we make of them, so may this be the very best year ever for you.
L:  Live each of your days as the best person you can be and this year will turn out to be the best or one of your best.
E:  Entertain thoughts of determination at all times that you will make this period the greatest you can. Elbow grease is what you need to employ to empower yourself to extremely effective experiences.
S:  Swerve around rocks along the way by saying: “I persevere, I overcome, I do well and I prosper.”
S:  Say to yourself often:  “I live each day with purpose, integrity, grace, compassion and richness.”
I:  I use determination as a driver to make the most of all the amazing opportunities that are around. In every situation, I will marshal all my resources and make the best of this situation.
N:  “Noticing Opportunity,” is my mantra.
G:  Get up, gear up and get out there is what I am going to do every day.
S:  See the magic everywhere even in ordinary moments.

BUMP UP THE BLESSINGS

B:  Be decisive and more proactive in how you live your life.
L:  Life will have more solid results when you step up to the plate of living each day with resolution, determination and taking responsibility for your actions.
E:  Eagerness can move mountains and events will more often unfold in your favor. Explore and revisit opportunities with the greatest fervor.
S:  Step up your resolve to succeed.
S:  Step up your resolve by stepping up your enthusiasm, meeting each day with positive and eager expectation.

Y:  Your positive contributions will comeback to you again and again.
O:  Open up opportunities by pulling out the best in each situation. Opportunities may be lurking in a nook or cranny if you would just look a bit more deeply.
U:  Use every moment to fill your thoughts and actions with substance, and your life will be immersed in the richness of being and overflow with treasure.

Love and loss. 10 strengtheners

Love and loss by Jehanzaib Younis. 10 strengtheners

The pervading power of love, its wonders and its impact on our lives. Touching quotes about love, life, friends and where we stand in the greater scheme of things!

1. START THE WAY OF SUCCESS
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.
Success is simple: Do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.

 

2. SUCCESS GOES TO THOSE WHO FIND WAYS OVER THE HURDLES
STRENGTH FROM HURT,
LESSONS FROM MISTAKES,
SUCCESS FROM FAILURE

You will never be brave if you don't get hurt.

You will never learn if you don't have mistakes.
You will never be successful if you don't encounter failure.

3. WISE WINNINGS

THE TRUE NATURE OF SUCCESS

Who wins in love wins the life but who fails in love can win the world.
But what’s the use of winning a world when you lost your life?

4. WHEN TEARS ARE NOT THE ANSWER

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile...

5. WHEN SMILES ARE THE ANSWER

Never cry for the person who hurts you. Just smile and say
"Thanks for giving me a chance to find someone better than you."

6. PAIN IS A FACT OF LIFE
WHERE DOES THE PAIN COME FROM?

Why does Love hurt? 
It’s because we like someone more than our self?
NO
It’s because we trust them so much that we forget to trust our self!

7. SOME FRIENDSHIPS JUST DON’T WORK!
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THIS WHO NEEDS ENEMIES?

I won’t even pretend that I still know you.
Maybe you’re the one that’s lost

But you’re not looking for a way back.

Can’t you see our friendship was the cost?

8. AVOID EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD

Don't let people bring you down,
Stand up for your right,
Show them what you’ve got...
You have the right to do what you want.
But be careful to choose what you think is right,
so that at the end of the day you will not blame yourself..

9. OVERBOARD IN LOVE

Real love cannot be deceived because it wants nothing outside of itself but
When you start giving too much importance to someone in your life, you tend to loose your importance in their life – strange but true.

10. WHERE MONEY FITS IN

Some people don't work for money ...

For some people money is the primary aspect, for some passion is the primary. My point is that the reason to live is not to collect money. Some good deeds lead you to success.

Text credit: various sources

Allah's Comfort (JYK)

Never lose faith, says Jehanzaib Younis. 7 faith strengtheners

1. ALLAH IS HERE FOR US

I won’t ever lose faith because Allah is with me. Pain and the failure will not destroy my faith. Quotes that strengthen my faith, comfort me and guide me, and I hope they will do the same for you as they do for me.

2. ALLAH’S ROLE IN MY LIFE

‎"It is Allah Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me;
And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.
"And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink..."
And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);
"And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)" ( Surahالشعراء Al Shuara)

3. Victory LESSONS FROM GREAT MEN

“I learned from Hazrat Imam Hussain R.A how to achieve victory while being oppressed.” Mahatma Gandhi

4. FOR YOUR OWN GOOD

Your money and children are a test, and GOD possesses a great recompense.
Therefore, you shall revere GOD as much as you can, and listen, and obey, and give (to charity) for your own good.
Anyone who is protected from his own stinginess, these are the successful ones.
If you lend GOD a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. GOD is Appreciative, Clement.
The Knower of all secrets and declarations; the Almighty, Most Wise.

5. THINK, THINK, THINK AGAIN

Life is a Gift....
Today before you think of saying an unkind word 
- Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food 
- Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you complain about life
- Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you argue about who cleans up your dirty house
- Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive
- Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job
- Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
- Remember that nobody is perfect are without faults.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
- Put a smile on your face and be thankful you're alive and still around.

6. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FIRST MONTH OF THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR

Month of Muharram (The month of Muharram marks the beginning of a new Islamic Year)
Allah created Hazrat Adam in this month and pardoned him of his mistake.
Hazrat Noah’s Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this time centuries ago.
Hazrat Ibrahim was saved from fire and Hazrat Musa rescued from the Pharaoh during the month of Muharram.
The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) used to fast during the days of Ashura (the 9th and the 10th of Muharram) as a remembrance of the incident when Allah saved Prophet Musa (A.S) and the Children of Israel.

7. PEARLS OF WISDOM
Postings by Jehanzaib Younis

http://abetoday.com/2010/12/25/for-millions-quaid-e-azam-is-revered-as-the-father-of-a-nation-his-legacy-also-includes-some-of-the-best-philosophy-to-live-by-says-jehanzaib-younis/

http://abetoday.com/2011/01/01/last-word-of-nabi-kareem-muhammad-s-a-a-w/

Text credit: various sources