5 Ways to Achieve Happiness in Life

 Life is such that we are constantly experiencing times of difficulty and upset. We find ourselves in situations that pull us into moments of deep darkness. We sometimes wonder how we ended up in such places.

Islam teaches us to have hope; through this teaching we are able to find understanding for the feelings and emotions we go through. Islam has the power to remove us from sadness and into a light full of happiness, even if the external environment is one that does not appear to be perfect.

The world is not perfect. Dunya was made to be a test for the believer. If dunya was perfect, why would be we striving for Jannah? We would want to stay here forever but we know that there is something much better than this:

Narrated Abu Huraira, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The dunya is a prison for the believer and Paradise for the disbeliever.” (Sahih Muslim, vol.4, 7058)

Our life in this dunya is a journey to Jannah, where we will be ultimately happy. However, this does not mean we cannot find peace and happiness while we live our lives here.

Happiness is a feeling of contentment in any given situation, even the bad. There is a blessing and reason for all situations because, as we know, all that happens is written and is known to Allah. This idea alone helps us accept our difficulties, and seek out the blessings.

Some may ask “why do we struggle to find this happiness?” It is all about our mindset. If we deem happiness to be in the form of material goods or within only particular situations, we will always be waiting to find it.

We will never feel we have enough. There is always another cell phone that is better than yours. There is always someone who earns more money than you. And there is always someone whose life appears more perfect than you. Changing the way we think and looking for the hidden blessings in our world is the start to finding and feeling happiness.

Here are some tips for you to ponder over:

Know Your Lord

Everything comes from Allah. By increasing your knowledge of Allah and His attributes, a personal can begin to have a better relationship with Him. This ultimately helps a person accept the situations they are in.

By remembering Him often, through dhikr, difficulties and problems can become distant, allowing you to see your situation in a different light.

Allah says:

Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (Quran 13:28)

Make Dua

If we want something in this life, making dua is the best tool we have for ensuring it enters our life. When you want to feel happy, be relieved of difficulties and experience contentment in your life then turn to Allah.

Be it for something small or big, Allah is the one that can make it happen. Make sincere dua, especially during the times of dua acceptance such as the last third of the night and between Asr and Maghrib on a Friday.

Good Deeds

Spend your time doing good deeds. Why? Because actions that are liked by Allah will lead you to have stronger Imaan, a better relationship with your lord and this will help to relieve you of the difficulties you may be facing in your life.

There are so many things that fall into this category. Direct acts of worship such as fasting, praying increased nafl and sunnahs and reading Quran are some ways of increasing your deeds. You can also spend time with family, volunteer to help others, give in charity as other ways to increase the deeds you are doing. Always remember to keep your intentions pure and Insha’Allah, you will be rewarded accordingly.

Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab:

I heard Allah’s Messenger saying:

The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Seek Forgiveness

Sometimes, our sadness comes from dwelling over mistakes in the past. We all do things that we are not proud of and sometimes these can haunt us.

Firstly, we should try not to recall such events, especially if it something that we are not happy to remember. Rather, we should spend our time making dua and seeking forgiveness from Allah that we did those things. Forgiveness from Allah is the way to rectify past sins and mistakes, not torturing ourselves that they happened in the first place.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar:

We counted that the Messenger of Allah would say a hundred times during a meeting:

My Lord, forgive me and pardon me; Thou art the Pardoning and forgiving One. (Sunan Abi Dawud 1516)

Always Remember it Could Be Worse

Whatever situation you are in, remember that it can always be worse. There are so many stories on the news and internet that demonstrate people in difficulties. While our hardships may affect us deeply, by looking at others and appreciating that we are not in those situations, we can find some peace in the life that we have.

Allah has placed us on this earth for a set period of time; it will come to an end, as will the sadness and difficulty. By accepting our life could be worse, we should be happy with what we have and grateful for that which we do have, not what we do not have.

- aboutislam.net

About Aishah

Aishah is a medical doctor, weight loss coach and personal trainer. She has a keen interest in promoting a healthier lifestyle for Muslim women and blogs regularly on health, fitness and personal development. Aishah provides as unique service, both online and face-to-face , offering fitness coaching to Muslim women all over the world. Visit her blog here (www.grainsandgains.com) and follow on social media: instagram and twitter (@grainsandgains)

How Can We Come Together for the Sake of Allah?

Nowadays, so many things are meant for us to hate each others and discriminate against each others.

‘How Can the Muslims Stop Hating Each other?’…. In this short but powerful and rich video, Mufti Menk is explaining how we can achieve peace without compromising our faith, but rather applying tolerance and keeping our beliefs near to our heart at all times.

Transcription:

We are not asking you to give up something to make people happy! No! You don’t just shave off your beard! You don’t just remove your hijab because you want to fit in! Because fitting in will never ever end

[…] believe what you have to, let others do what they have to as well thank Allah, that Allah has blessed you with respect with honor, with dignity, with calmness. We don’t drink!  We are not intoxicated. We are not people who abuse anything! Subhan’Allah … we don’t do that which is haram.

We seek the forgiveness of Allah constantly. We continue encouraging each other to be able to achieve the peace

Mufti Menk illustrates the greatness of our difference and what we are meant to do, as well as what are these difference made for? Why aren’t we simply all the same? He has a witty way of breaking it to us (see from 2m04sec)

[…] the differences we have […] as human beings […] is not there to discriminate against one another! It’s not there in order for one to think that “I’m above” […] it’s there for recognition purposes so that you can recognize one another.

[…] I always say we would meet number plates on our foreheads […]

Allah knows!

Learn to love people, learn to respect them learn to honor them.

A very important reminder as a Muslim: the most honored in the eyes of Allah from amongst you is he or she who is the closest to Allah in piety.

Mufti Menk explains how thinking that we are better and trying to demonstrate it, is just about to backfire! (with his usual entertaining practical examples J  )

[…] anyone who thinks “oh I’m pious! I am a pious person!”… That’s the beginning of the end of their piety because piety makes you humble it makes you concerned!

[…] when people think others are going to hell, I always say “perhaps you are already there?! That’s why you can see who’s there, who’s not there??!! How can you tell?

[…] May Allah forgive us, may Allah subhanahu wa’ta’ala grant us ease … We don’t need to think that way, we need to rectify ourselves

Friendship for the Sake of Allah

- aboutislam.net

Why is the Kabah Covered in Black?

 

‘Al-Bait Al-Ateeq’- another name of the Kabah – which means the ‘The Ancient House’ is visited by Muslims from all over the world for the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

It is because of the significance of the Ka’bah that great importance is given to the majestic curtain, which covers it. The curtain is known as the ‘Kiswah’.

The Kiswah has come from many different places since the Kabah was built. And regardless of the social and economic factors which may have played their roles in this, what has been consistent throughout is that the Kiswah was, and is, considered to be a symbol of reverence and divinity on the ‘Bayt Al-Haram’- another name for the Kabah which means the ‘Sacred House‘. All are parts of expressions of closeness to God.

First Cover of Kabah

As for the origin of the tradition of the ‘kiswah,’ history offers two options.

First that it was Prophet Ismael or one of Prophet Muhammad’s grandfathers, Adnan, who first covered the Kabah. The tradition of covering the Ka’bah is an ancient one since the Ka’bah was for centuries used as an important religious center by more than one polytheistic religion, all of which have now disappeared.

Initially the Kabah cover was brought from everywhere and in all colors and types of materials.

Covering the Kabah was considered to be an honor and a privilege; thus there was much competition between important families and groups to do so.

Tribes from the Arabian Gulf as well as other parts of the Middle East collaborated to ensure that the Kabah was never uncovered. Different materials from different parts of the world were brought to cover it.

During the Prophet Muhammad’s time, the Kiswah was made of cloth from Yemen and it was changed and renewed twice a year – before Ramadan and then during Hajj.

Later during the reign of the Caliphs, providing the Kiswah was formally undertaken as part of state or ‘governmental’ obligation.

At that time, Egypt whose people were famous for their intricate weaving of complex designs in all sorts of materials became responsible for supplying the Kiswah.

During the Ottoman Empire, great care was taken in selecting the best embroiders and weavers in Tinees, an Egyptian city famous for its facility and excellence in design.

In those days, the Kiswah was made of black silk on which were various complex designs and embroidery. The Kiswah has remained black since then and it is still black today.

In the earliest days, the Kiswah was never removed from the Kabah, the new one was simply draped over the old.

In the year 160 H, Al-Mahdi Al-Abbasi ordered that the Kiswah be limited to a single layer due to fears that over time the cloth might actually damage the Kabah.

From that time, the Kiswah was always one layer with used ones being bestowed as gifts in carefully cut and framed squares.

When King Abdul Aziz entered Makkah in 1343 H, he accepted full and total responsibility for the Kabah which included providing the Kiswah.

3 Parts of Kiswah

The actual ‘kiswa’ is in three main parts: the Sitaar (curtain) of the Kabah door, the inner-lining curtain inside the Kabah and the ‘Hizam’ (the belt) of the Kabah.

All are made in an exclusive and specialized Kabah Kiswah Factory where the most accurate and skillful levels of production are employed whether in the actual material from which the Kiswah is made or the embroidery that is used on it.

The Sitaar, 6.5 meters high and 3.5 meters wide is made of black silk with a thick green silk lining. Verses from the Quran are written on it and Islamic designs are prominently embroidered upon it and all are covered in silver wiring plated with gold.

The curtain lining the inside of the Kabah is hand-woven and thus calls for accuracy and skill as well as genuine artistry. Its making consists of several phases beginning with dyeing the silk green.

Verses and designs are drawn and printed onto the green silk for the embroidery that is to follow. Among the most delicate and longest processes is the embroidery, which is stitched in white over the intricate designs and printed verses.

The green silk is then spread and draped over the inner walls of the Kabah as well as on its ceiling. This part of the inner lining is changed every 3 to 5 years.

The third main part of the Kiswah is the ‘Hizam’ or the belt of the Kabah. It is an exquisite work of art. Placed two-thirds of the way between the ground and the top of the Ka’bah, the Hizam crowns the Ka’bah with golden beauty and radiance.

The ‘Hizam’ is a belt woven of verses and Islamic designs embroidered in thick silver wiring, densely coated in gold. It is 47 meters in length and 95 cm wide.

Kiswah Factory

Because of the spiritual significance of the Kabah, an official ‘kiswah’ factory was established during the reign of King Abdul Aziz in 1346H with Sheikh Abdul Rahman Muzhar as its first manager.

The factory produced its first ‘kiswah’ that same year and the work was later expanded from three sections into a total of six.

Making the Kiswah is divided into five stages.

Dyeing

First there is the dyeing phase which begins with the raw silk material soaked and bathed in hot water mixed for 24 hours with soap as well as other elements.

The silk then turns a dazzling white and is then dyed black or green depending on which part of the Kiswah it is for. Any threads to be used for lining are also dyed in the appropriate color.

Weaving

Then there is the second stage which is weaving. Previously most of the weaving was done by hand; however, for the larger parts of the Kiswah which do not require great artistic delicacy, the weaving is done mechanically. Hand-weaving is still used for the final touches that can only be added by human artistic touch.

Printing

The next phase is the printing of all designs and calligraphy that will be placed on the ‘Hizam’ or on parts of the Kiswah which are embroidered.

Embroidery

The fourth phase is the actual embroidery and it is the longest and most strenuous stage. All the designs and calligraphy are embroidered by hand in silver and gold wiring.

The verses and designs are filled with cotton stuffing and then covered in cotton threads of yellow and white in adjacent positions. Then it is covered in golden silver wired embroidery which protrudes from the Kiswah up to 2 centimeters which is why this process cannot be mechanically done.

Dressing the Kabah

The final phase is the preparation process for dressing the Kabah, which involves coordinating and locating the corners of the Kiswah so that the proper designs and verses can be displayed in their specified places. Additional lining may be added to some areas.

For Muslims there are two ‘Eids’- two special days which are celebrated. One is at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and the second one is at the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage.

And each year by the 9th day of Dul Hijjah, the month of Haj, the new Kiswah is ready and prepared to dress the Kabah.

Source: http://www.arabnews.com.

How Did Hajj Look Like in 1950?

Have you ever imagined how Hajj looked like back in the old days? Watch this video to take a quick look at these very old photos of hajj in 1950. Very amazing! - aboutislam.net

Why Do We Walk Around A Stone in Makkah?

 

First of all, we can sense the humbleness and sincerity in the way you posed your question, which is highly commendable.

Second of all, the question reflects that you are absolutely on the right track of knowing that human beings should only direct their worship to the All Powerful and Incomparable Creator and not to anything or anyone of the creations.

This is the proper fitrah (innate God given nature) to believe in the Supreme Being and not equate anything or anyone with Him.

This is exactly what the beautiful religion of Islam (which means submission to the Will of the Creator) is all about. We submit our hearts, minds, and souls to The One who created them in the first place.

Now, to respond to your question, do Muslims ‘worship’ a stone in Makkah or equate it in any way, shape, or form with their Creator? Absolutely Not!

Then why is it there? The answer is that the Kaaba in Makkah is only a direction towards which all people should pray. This is to emphasize on the unity of mankind in facing the same direction of worship.

Islam emphasizes the unity and equality of all mankind and The Oneness of their Creator.

This one direction is a reminder for us every day through the prayers we perform wherever we may be around the world that we are all united (rich or poor, black or white, men or women), all are equal before Allah, all facing the same direction, and facing the same destination eventually.

But do we worship it or does it benefit us in any way in and of itself? Absolutely Not.

The only One we pray to and the only One we worship is Allah alone, and He is with us wherever we may go.

{It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.} (Quran 1:5)

{And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.} (Quran 2:115)

Now, why do people circumambulate the Kaaba during Hajj and Umrah?

If you reflect on it, you will find that the planets orbit (or circumambulate) around the sun. The solar system orbits around the center of the galaxy.

Even the electrons orbit around the atom … you’ll find the phenomenon of orbiting, moving around, circumambulating highlighted significantly in the cosmic law from the smallest atoms to the mighty galaxies, all are orbiting around one center.  

{And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] in an orbit are swimming.} (Quran 21: 33)

The Kaaba, or stone you are referring to, is simply the one center around which people circumambulate. It is NOT an object of worship it itself.

Now it is in this location for a great wisdom. This same place is believed to be the place the first Man (Adam peace be upon him) prayed to The Creator on earth.

{Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds.} (Quran 3:96)

It is also the same place the father of the prophets (Abraham peace be upon him) built the Kaaba via an instruction from His Creator.

{And [mention, O Muhammad], when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.

And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass –} (Quran 22:26-27)

It is a place carefully chosen by the All Knowing Creator from Him Divine wisdom, and not something that follows the whims and desires of any human being on earth.

The harmony one feels while circumambulating this center of the universe is truly unrivaled. Maybe when you go one day you will witness this immensely powerful feeling.

All human beings, men and women, rich and poor, black and white, strong and weak … all united orbiting, in humility, the same center of all mankind.

The circumambulation starts and ends at the same point … and similarly we all come from the same Source and to Him we will all return.

{Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.} (Quran 2:156)  

So, to wrap up, make no mistake thinking Islam in any way, shape, or form calls for associating anything or anyone with the Mighty Creator. This simply doesn’t make sense for us.

The One we worship is beyond His creation. His Throne alone extends over the entire heavens and the earth. We can call upon Him whenever and wherever we may be, as He said:

{And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.} (Quran 40:60)

In His Infinite Wisdom He called us to direct ourselves in worship towards a unified one direction and to orbit the one and same center, and this is what we do out of submission and obedience to The Most High, The All Knowing.

We ask Allah to strengthen you in faith and increase you in love and awe and sincerity to your Creator and service to this beautiful deen.

- aboutislam.net

About Dina Mohamed Basiony

Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.

The Woman Who Founded Hajj Rites

 

The days of Hajj are a remembrance of great events – The Hajj rites have their roots deep in the history of God’s noble Prophets from the time of Abraham to the time of Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

Our Hajj, as a consequence, affirms in our hearts the strong connection that exists between all of the Prophets while reminding us of the great sacrifices they all had made for the guidance of the world’s people.

We see this clearly in the story of Abraham and Hajar, which we find narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Abraham (peace be upon him) set off with his wife Hajar and newborn son on a long journey. They arrived at Makkah. Hajar looked around her. She could see nothing but a barren wasteland in all directions. There was no life. The silence was unbearable.

In the distance, the land met the sky without any movement breaking the terrain anywhere. This alien landscape grew even stranger in Hajar’s eyes as she recalled that her husband Abraham was intending to leave her here, without a doubt, and return to his people.

Hajar’s mind was beset with all kinds of thoughts: What was she getting herself into?

How can she survive among these sharp crags?

How will she bear the impenetrable darkness of the night?

This was certain death. What husband would leave his wife and child to die in the desert?

The Power of Trusting in God

When she turned to her husband, her conduct was impeccable. Her manners were perfect and her countenance was calm. Nevertheless, whenever it seemed to her like he was about to leave, her heart would make an involuntary jump.

The time came when Abraham resolved to depart. Hajar was not going to disobey her husband, for he was a Prophet of God and this was something about which she had no doubt. He did not take but a few steps before Hajar rushed over to him, the full force of her being left alone in this wilderness bearing upon her.

She asked:

“O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this barren, empty valley?”

Abraham did not turn around to face her, though she asked again and again. Finally, she asked:

“Did Allah command you to do this?”

Abraham said: “Yes, He did.” Then her heart calmed down.

She said: “Then, Allah will certainly not ever neglect us.”

Her words were so certain, so sure, that it added reassurance to even Abraham’s heart in his carrying out what he knew for certain God had commanded him to do.

In this, we see how a woman is able to shoulder great hardships that a man would be unable to bear, as long as she is a firm believer in the task that she is undertaking. When a woman believes in a cause that is noble, she is able to sacrifice her safety, her stability, and even her entire life aspiring for what she recognizes to be a greater and mighty purpose.

This is how our mother Hajar was able to remain in that desolate wasteland until the water that was with her ran out without losing heart and without succumbing to despair. Nor did she sit down and await her fate.

Though Hajar put her trust fully in God, she was not complacent. She was actively in the search for water for herself and her baby, and she did not let herself weary under the relentless heat of the sun. She scanned the valley that she was in.

Nothing stirred. So she headed for the nearby mountains. Perhaps from its summit she would spot some signs of life. She climbed to the top of Mount Safa and looked in every direction.

Nothing

Without despairing for even a moment, she descended into the valley and headed for the small mountain on the other side of the valley, Mount Marwa. Perhaps there was something on the other side. She made her way to the other mountain.

Sometimes she walked at a hurried gait. When fatigue beset her, she would slow down for a while. She kept going, spurred on by the idea that behind Mount Marwa she might spot some sign of life. She ascended the peak.

Again, nothing.

She kept up the search, ultimately going between the two hillocks seven times, hoping she would spot some travelers or some caravan passing by. She continued to pray to God and beseech His help.

After her latest descent into the valley from the top of Mount Safa, she looked to where she had gently placed put her child, Ishmael, on the ground. Water was springing forth from beneath his feet.

This was the help of God. God’s help did not come with a dramatic thunderclap. There was no lightning; there were no storm clouds, no heavy rains, no floodwaters. Instead there was a spring quietly bubbling up from under from the earth – the very thing which could promise a permanent source of life-giving water.

God had answered Abraham’s prayers and had proven Hajar’s words to be true – never did God neglect her.

With the life that Hajar established in Makkah with her son Ishmael, a nation was born that would last until the end of time.

The story of this nation begins with a woman who was willing to bear great burdens to establish it. To honor her, the efforts that she made are repeated in the rites of hajj every year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“This is why the people walk back and forth between Safa and Marwa.” (Al-Bukhari)

Republished from Islam Today

Gratitude Equals Happiness

 

In life, some people are rich but not happy, while others are poor but very happy, why is it so? The secret is in gratitude, as Brother Ali Hammuda explains in this video what true gratitude actually means Very powerful! - aboutislam.net