Islamic Culture & Photo Blog – Muslim Blog

Need for time management

October 24th, 2011
by Sufia

Need for time management 480x768 Need for time management

It is always said that time is money and life has only one chance. These sayings imply that as human beings we have no choice but to organise ourselves and manage the little time we have properly for our own good. This is equally atested to in the holy book Quraan. The fact that life has only one chance can be expounded by ones death. If someone dies he would not get another chance to live. The Surah Ambiya Chapter 21 which is one of the Quraanic verses that talk about the Islamic view of time management points out this. This verse reminds mankind that this life is only one opportunity.

The current life expectancy of any man born day is very short and therefore there are a myriad of deadlines top beat by this man. We can live as those who live in the Quraanic times such as Nuh did (950yars). The average life of the current generation man is 60 years. Although the life span is very short, the current man has a vast opportunity to make the best. This purely is dependent on several factors such as what one does and how he does it and what he lives behind.

Since the life span is very short, things that we can do should not be left undone. Activities such as environmental conservation to enhance sustainable development of our water resources, assisting the needy in the society, worshipping Allah among others are basic things that we can do. Things that we also believe that are very difficult to achieve should not be left unattempted since we may eventually have a break through trials. It is possible to obtain a permanent cure for HIV AIDS just like vaccines for diseases such as small pox were found through trials.

If thorough mathematical evaluation is done it is clear that we live very few years of the 60 years. If one subtracts 15years of boyhood and 15 years of sleeping (assuming one sleeps 8 hours a day), 2.5 years spent in watching the TV (assuming one takes approximately 2.hours on the TV). This would mean that we would have 27.5 years and this call for proper planning of how to manage this time.

Time wastage should be minimized at all cost. There is need to make a list of activities that waste your time and it is also prudent to make a list of the activities that remain undone and have the potential to become a problem if they are not given immediate attention. This is spelt out in Verse 59:18 of the Quraan.

In line with Islamic teachings there is needed to engage in productive actions. Some of the actions include performance of Isha and Fajr salaah in the congregation and reception of the award of praying the whole night, doing ibadaah in the last odd nights of Ramadhan and eventual earning or reward for praying for 1000 months and keeping aside 1 hour daily for self development among others.

It is necessary to engage in productive Islamic activities such as: teaching a new believer any aspect of Islam, talking to a non-believer on Islam as a good religion, being a volunteer in social activities to assist people in the society, intercession for good cause and have a good share in it among others. These are very important for proper time management. The need to properly manage the little time available is emphasized in the Quraan and is therefore a call to all mankind across the globe as depicted in the holy Quraan.

 

Emotional disorders and the Islamic view in their prevention

Emotional disorders 480x480 Emotional disorders and the Islamic view in their prevention

Emotional disorders are common medical complication in this century. The current man is really under pressure from different factors is largely affected emotionally. Depression is very common and leads to very complicated health ailments. There is much pressure from the workplaces, academic work, and family, among others. Problems of high blood pressure are very common globally. There is need that preventive measures are prescribed for this. Emotional disorders are the disturbances of the behavior and results in disturbance of a person’s function in the society. It is evident that human life is affected by biological, social and psychological factors. These factors equally have a great bearing on the human behavior.

Religion plays a very special role in the satisfaction of our physical and spiritual needs. Islam as a religion has teachings on the code of behavior and gives a meaning for the existence for each and every one of us. It is very unfortunate that in the modern society there is a great decline in the moral standards. There are numerous cases of divorce, drugs and substance abuse, excessive indulgence in sexual activities and other unethical behaviors.  These behaviors have led to conflicts, loneliness, depression and other psychological signs. Even though there is a great advancement in sciences of behavior, there is very limited progress in obtaining solutions to the psychiatric problems.

Psychotherapy is very important in seeking a lasting solution to these problems. It is clearly known to be a form of education, which directs the patient to recognize his conduct and conform to the required standards. It helps to encourage a person with a deviant behavior to change and conform to the good ethics expected of him in the society. In the Quraan and Hadith the best principles of change of behavior are illustrated. The Muslim physicians and mental health professionals need to incorporate the Islamic values and ethics in seeking ways of treating such complications. This is indicated in Sura 41 verse 44 of the Al-Quraan.

Islam as a religion in satisfying the physical and the spiritual needs of the believers. It teaches on the ways to behave and the conservation of social values and expounds on the reason for their existence. This enables people adapt to stressful events that may lead to emotional disorders.

The family is a very important institution in shaping the life of any person. The family is therefore very important as an institution in seeking lasting solution to the problems of emotional disorders. The family is the first institution that a child interacts with upon birth. That immediate environment is very important in shaping the behavior of that child. There is therefore need to cultivate good family values in order to curb the above problems.

In conclusion, the Islamic teachings are very vital in ensuring that the problems associated with emotional disorders are controlled once and for all.

Purification of the heart and soul

October 20th, 2011
by Sufia

islam and faith 480x404 Purification of the heart and soul

Islam just like any other religion has its own teachings on the benefits of the purification of the hart and the soul. This act forms the major portion of building the Muslim personality. It is referred to as al Tazkiyah in the Quraan. Some of the virtues associated with it are very keys in the Islamic faith and include adorning and practicing the 99 attributes of Allah, applying the virtues of compassion and mercy, holding one’s brother and sister’s well being higher than one’s self, generosity, trustworthiness and piousness. The most high God had a great regard for this practice and this is illustrated by examples in the Quraan

This aspect is one of the spiritual goals of the Islamic faith and is very fundamental for all the Muslims across the globe. This is must be a practice in a Muslim’s daily living. Since the aspect is very critical to Allah, a believer must act intelligently to acquire it by staying very closely to Allah. This can be achieved by seeking closeness to Allah, reading and comprehending clearly of the words from the Quraan. It is very clear from Quraan that those who want love from Allah must practice this aspect. This is brought out in the verses 1-10 of Surah al Shams (91).

Thikru Allah i.e. the remembrance of Allah is one of the most important components of the aspect. This term is always used to reflect a collection of ways in which any Muslim remembers, resides and attains being close to Allah in his heart and him. The term has to do with more than just recollection of something in memory but it is a training institution that aids develop people Muslims with enlightened hearts, fully occupied with Allah and his attributes. This is brought out in verse 13:27-28 of the holy Quraan. A Muslim can find it easy to accomplish a change in the heart by practicing Thinkr Allah. The simplest way to achieve this is fast is to start out by attaching your heart to him and then connecting it to his guidance. Once the heart is cleansed all the other parts of the body become clean and pure.

The 99 attributes largely mentioned in the Quraan are heaven of spiritual enrichments. Each attribute is an institution that gives a clear communication about Allah. It is always said that a true believer loves Allah most. Having good knowledge in Allah makes him to delink himself totally from evil things. This practice is as a result of having a deep knowledge of Allah.

Thinkr uses the symbols of the most high God and his creations as a way of recollection and contemplation. These are signs that are well illustrated in the Quraan. It is fact that about 75 verses in the Quraan speaks about this fundamental teaching in Islamic religion. The verses are said to highlight on the teaching in a number of ways.

In conclusion it is very important for every Muslim believer to practice purification of the heart and soul as this will enhance their closeness to Allah and enable them do good deeds all the time as illustrated in the Quraan.

Hijab – A Great Way to Combine Religion with Elegance and Beauty

Hijab – A Great Way to Combine Religion with Elegance and Beauty 480x338 Hijab – A Great Way to Combine Religion with Elegance and BeautyGettyImages

Present day Muslim women are now becoming more aware of their moral values and religious teachings, thus turning themselves towards their religion. This has resulted in numerous women in covering themselves up. This dress code depicts the modesty and simplicity every Muslim woman possesses. This dress code is known as the hijab, which implies that all Muslim women cover themselves up while going out. And they should cover themselves in such a manner that only their face and hands are visible. Rest of the body should be fully covered.

As numerous women have turned towards covering themselves, it is becoming more of a trend now. It has considerably gained popularity amongst the Muslim women. Therefore, this dress is now seen in many styles, colors and designs. One thing we need to keep in mind is hijab is not only a head scarf or head gear to simply hide your hair and neck. Though these two parts are also to be covered when you wear this dress, but it is more of a complete body dress which allows you to cover up fully.

As more women now cover themselves, you can find a verity of designs and styles. Many hijabs have embroidery on them. They are adorned with beads, embroidery, lining of different colors, outlines and many more. But if you are in search for the more traditional ones, then you can buy those in plains. Same way, the more traditional colors included blacks and browns. But today, it’s not the same. You will find a verity of colors to choose from, so many colors that you will be dazzled.

There are numerous styles now available, and in different clothing material. Mostly it is found in silk clothing. All these designs not only complement your looks, but also enhance your entire outlook and add an element of elegance to your personality. From the very traditional ones for old ladies to the very classy and trendy ones for the young college or office-going girls, you will find an unlimited verity. So there’s no need for you to compromise with fashion because of your dress code that your religion asks you to wear. You can bring some style to your new outlook with the many designs that are now available.

Due to the increased demand in hijabs, many fashion designers have now responded to it by coming up with designs that not only are stylish, yet they complement the Islamic dress codes. Not only that, they are now made with material to complement different parts of the world and the climate of that particular region or place. As Muslim dressing is largely influenced by their surrounding environment, climate, culture, traditions and values. So as to show the true identity the Muslims of this world hold.

Hijab – A Source of Modesty and Not A Labeler of Fanaticism

October 15th, 2011
by Sufia
Hijab – A Source of Modesty and Not A Labeler of Fanaticism Hijab – A Source of Modesty and Not A Labeler of FanaticismGettyImages

One of the most important essentials of Islamic dress code for women is hijab. In all of Islamic regions, states, and places where Muslims reside, it is quite necessary for women to cover themselves up. This is the basic teachings of Islam and Hadith. There are many reasons to why this dress code is important and necessary in Islam. But that does not mean Islam is a backward religion. Or nowhere does it imply all those women who cover themselves up cannot think modern.

People all over the world, all those who are not a member of this beautiful religion believe that Islam remains steadfast on its principles. In their eyes, these principles seem to be quite immoral. Moreover, wearing hijab is merely part of that immorality. Because they have assumed that Islam is a male dominant religion, and women are suppressed. And their men force them to cover up. In addition, this is where they go wrong. Women cover themselves up because this is what Islam teaches them to do. This is the word of the Lord which needs to be followed. But covering oneself up solely does not mean that they are left behind in the modern world.

We have moved way out of the old, conservative age. Now, a more modern and trendier world is coming up front. Moreover, when a Muslim woman, in this modern world, covers herself up, she is considered backward and conservative. But why look at only one side of the picture? Why not the other side? As we already know that there are two sides of a picture, and one side is already before you. Now let’s take a look at the other side.

When a woman wears hijab, she is doing it out of wish, to please her Lord. Not only that, this is what satisfies her. She feels rather comfortable being in that particular dress, she feels protected. She knows that no wrong kind of men will set eyes on her or even try to do something unethical. This is the feeling she gets when she covers herself in public. A feeling that she is strong and protected and nothing can harm her. But at the same time, it does not imply that she holds a narrow minded perspective. Even while covering her, she thinks like a modern person, acts like one and performs her daily task like any modern person around the globe.

As every religion has certain rules and principles, which its believers follow, it is the case with Islam. Islam is a complete religion for humanity. Its foundations are based on morality, values, sanctuary and sacredness. In addition, every Muslim has the right to follow it in accordance to its teachings and values. And this is what any Muslim woman does. She wears a hijab because her religion tells her to do so. Only because she is following her religion does not mean she can be labeled as a narrow minded, conservative rather fanatic Muslim.

Modernization has rusted the islamic values

October 15th, 2011
by Sufia

Modernization in islam Modernization has rusted the islamic values

Islam is religion that is sent for the humanity to follow till the world ends. The religious Book of Holy Quran has guidance for every aspect of life. Our last Prophet (PBUH) has set practical example of a life that should be lead by the true Muslim. The Muslims have ruled the world when they follow the Islamic laws strictly but as they follow modern trends and become ease loving they turn into third world countries.

Modernization in the field of education and technology is well appreciated with reference to Islam. But if we take today’s modernization vulgarity is at its peak in its name.  Being modern the ladies have started wearing sleeveless dresses without dupattas. Islam preaches to cover the beauties and considered it loyalty towards their husbands. Whole body should be completely covered that the Muslim women should not look like the exposing stuff of enjoyment. Thus, Islamic values are left behind to be trendy. Muslims are too busy to perform prayers yet not busy to gossip on the mobiles, chat on internet and go at shopping malls. They have money to invest in the business, buy a new car, arrange the wedding of their kids but make excuses to go on the holy privilege Hajj which is obligatory on those who can afford it.

The media has taken up the youth a lot. They waste a lot of time watching movies. In the name of modernization the young ones imitate to be the false characters they watch. Instead of learning about the Quran and Holy Prophets, they are fans of Batman and Spiderman. Even during the month of Ramadan the sounds of music float in air. Dancing and singing is not a part of our religion but people Muslims are obsessed into it. People have started avoiding fasting because of their business meetings, matches, work burden, exams and countless reasons. Those who fast does not perform prayers or do tell lies that kill the main purpose of fasting. Muslims avoid paying Zakat for the lust of money and increase their wealth to get double. They are Muslims without following Islamic values so are doomed to be ruled by the super powers.

Islam preaches to be simple but to show off people are making their own life complicated. Dowry is not a part of the Islamic values but Muslims are giving their daughters a lot of stuff to maintain their social standard. They waste money in different wedding parties whereas Islam says to have Nikah and reception. From that sum many other girls can be married simply with little stuff necessary for household. The modernization has rusted the soles of the Muslims depriving them from following the set rules of their great religion.

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