A Christian Minister's Conversion to Islam - Dr Jerald Dirks

Cat Stevens' Transition to Yusuf Islam

View his website, Mountain of Light, where he shares his thoughts about Islam, his contributions, etc.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 30

Imam Suhaib Webb gives helpfull reminders of how to take the benefits of Ramadhan throught the entire year.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is about the completeness of Taqwah and in the Quran, it is:
1. In relation to worship (ibadah)
2. In relation to daily actions (mu'amalat)

In summary, we need to apply At Taqwah in every aspect of our everyday life and be God-conscious. Have Taqwah wherever we go and follow-up a bad deed with a good deed and have the best manners when dealing with people of all race and religion.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 29

The Guest Speaker, Mohammad Aftab Diwan discusses evaluating ourselves and our relationship with Allah in these last days of Ramadan.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that it is important to continually introspect and assess myself on a daily basis in order to secure my relationship with Allah SWT. In everything I do, am I pleasing Allah SWT? Will my salat be accepted? With hope and fear in our hearts, may we be blessed with the hereafter and in dunia, may we be a calmer community and live in a more serene environment, insya Allah.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 28

Marwan Marouf talks about how the small things (good and bad) sometimes have a much larger impact than we may think.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Taqwah means that we should constantly be watchful of Allah SWT. When we sin, we do not look at how minute the sin is, rather we look at the fact that we have sinned againts our Creator, the Maginificent! Vice versa, when we do hasanah or good deeds, we are dealing with the Al Karim, Al Syakur, Al Khaliq. We have 2 choices - the good or better deed; the bad deed is never an option for the true Muslim.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 27

Mohammad Aftab Diwan discusss the importance of forgiveness during this blessed month. He addresses seeking forgiveness from the Creator and forgiveness amongst ourselves.

[Source: MAS]

Aspects of forgiveness include:
1. Between the Creator and his creation
2. Between the creation

To be an exemplary man of Jannah as illustrated by Hadith Qudsi, we are encouraged to forgive and forget immediately or at least at the end of the day before we retire to bed. And always seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah SWT in everything that we do. May we be protected from the hellfire, insya Allah.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 26

Guest Speaker Mohammad Aftab Diwan reminds us that worshiping Allah is not limited to the rituals of Islam. He tells about how anything we do can be an act of worship.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that worship/ibadah is not just the act of charity or salat. The criteria for worship include:
1. Must be beneficial
2. Cannot be haram
3. For the sake of Allah SWT

In the Shade of Ramadhan 25

Dr. Imad Bayoun continues his talk on optmism. He discusses how and why we should be optimistic of those around us and the situations we face.

[Source: MAS]

Aspects of optimism in others include:
1. Don't hold grudges
2. Learn active listening
3. Don't reduce people to their shortcomings
4. Think positively of others (benefit of the doubt)

In the Shade of Ramadhan 24

Dr. Imad Bayoun reminds us that even with all that could be wrong, to be optimistic. He outlines some practical steps towards being optimistic about ourselves.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that having optimism helps us maintain our tranquility and the aspects of optimism include:

1. Optimism in oneself
Enjoying life, focus on oneself, set goals, be achievement-oriented, learn new things, use positive language or practise good speech.

2. Optimism with others (will be covered in subsequent vodcast)

3. Optimism with situations (will be covered in subsequent vodcast)

In the Shade of Ramadhan 23

Marwan Marouf discusses how doing good deeds benefits us not only in the hereafter but also in this world.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Allah bestowed upon us rewards in the hereafter (Al Jannah) as well as here on earth (dunia) whenever we do good deeds (hasanat). The benefits of good deeds include:
1. Light (Nur) will enter the heart
2. The face will shine (with Nur)
3. The body will be strong
4. Others will love you
5. Wealth would increase

In the Shade of Ramadhan 22

Sister Purmul discusses the importance of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. She brings up the benefits for the those recieving the charity and those giving charity

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that fasting is the shield against bad deeds and sadaqah is like water, extinguishing the sins. Allah SWT has promised that those who give in the way of charity, not only develops greater compassion for mankind but the amount used for charity is put on loan and would multiply and be returned to the donor in Al Jannah. Making sadaqah a part of our habit to improve our akhlaq allows us to detach ourselves from earthly material wealths. Having consistency in giving small amount is preferred versus once off large amount as we are encouraged to lead our lives in moderation.

Let's reap the benefits of charity:
1. Shaded by Allah SWT during the day of Judgment
2. Reckoning (hisab) becomes lighter
3. Scale (mizan)becomes heavier
4. Cross the path (As sirat) to paradise (Al Jannah)
5. Elevated your level in paradise (Al Jannah)

In the Shade of Ramadhan 21

Sister Purmul reminds us that fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink. She discusses the sources of ill speech and how they can be countered.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that the one who does not leave false speech or false action, Allah SWT does not need anyone to leave his/her food and drinks. So backbiting could ruin our fast. 3 roots of ill speech are:
1. Not to be suspicious or not to spy (ill thoughts whispered by syaitan) so do not transgress your muslim brother/sister in thought or action

2. Unnecessary talking (cultivate good speech as there is no vain speech in Jannah)

3. Not intentionally practise good speech in regular conversation

May Allah SWT bestow upon us 'clean tongues' (good speech all the time), insya Allah!

In the Shade of Ramadhan 20

Dr. Imad Bayoun discusses the significance and importance of the last 10 nights of Ramadhan and laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power). He reminds us that it is not too late to begin or continue benefiting from Ramadhan especially in these last 10 nights.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that the Prophet SAW would focus on the last 10 nights (Iktikaf) to attain the Lailatul Qad'r, which usually happens on odd nights, most likely on the 27th night. If you encounter that night, say "Oh Allah, You are all Forgiving, You like to forgive so forgive me". So plan such that all your energy are focused to reap the barakah of this Ramadhan.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 19

Marwan Marouf brings to light sometimes underappreciated verses of suratul Fatiha (The opening). He discusses it's importance and the many lessons and reminders that can be learned from this short yet powerful chapter that begins the Quran.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Al-Fatihah (Umul Kitab) is the key to our Salat. It reminds us of:
1. The ni'kmat (bounty) of Allah Azza Wa Jallah (Alhamdulillah, thank you Allah)
2. Asma ul Husna (the magnificent qualities of Allah SWT)
3. The straight path we have to stay on (tauhid)
4. The Akhirat (there is a day we would be questioned, make no mistake about it)
5. The importance of Doa (guide us to the straight path; we seek your help)
6. The unity of this Ummah (only you we worship and we seek your help)
7. The concept of Ikhlas (ONLY you we worship and seek help; not anyone else)

And as we recite this surah in our Salah, we are having direct communication with Allah SWT as we thank Allah, we get a response, as we glorify Allah, we get a response and as we seek refuge in Allah, Allah says this affair is between Allah and us. If only we knew this, many would prostrate and supplicate to Allah SWT readily.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 18

Sister Purmul reminds us to always remember Allah and His blessings.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Dzikir is remembrance of Allah SWT. In times of need, we instinctively remember Allah and Dzikir, like the human heart is what water is to fish. Why? Because Allah is the Best protector and the Best to help us in all our affairs. When you remember Allah, Allah will remember you and on its own Dzikir extends this honour to us to be so close to our Creator. Only in the remembrance of Allah do hearts truly find rest. Subhan Allahi wa bihamdi Subhan Allahil A'zim.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 17

Sister Purmul sheds light on evaluating one own self for self improvement. She offers some practical steps of muhasabah (self evaluation).

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Muhasabah is deliberate self-evaluation and self-development process, which is tied to time and time management. Practical ways towards Muhasabah include:
1. During the daily prayer, during sujud is the best time to self-reflect
2. During istighfar, reflect on what we are repenting for

Bottomline is to have goals to:
1. Increase our spirituality
2. Increase our knowledge
3. Increase brotherhood/sisterhood
4. Increase islamic/community's activism
5. Increase family relationships
6. Improve our health

May we be among those who self-reflect and follow a bad deed with a good deed on a daily basis.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 16

Sister Purmul discusses the benefits of reflecting on Allah and His creations.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that Ramadhan is the month for tafakkur (reflection) and muhasabah (self-evaluation). So reap the full benefits of this month which is full of barakah (blessings).

In the Shade of Ramadhan 15

Marwan Maroud relates a hadeeth (saying) of RasululLah SAW describing what true bankruptcy is.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that a bankrupt from the Ummah, during the day of Judgment, would have to release his hasanah/rights to the person who he/she has wronged in life. And when there is not enough rights to take, the person who is wronged would put his bad deeds to the person who did the bad deed. Simply, its not worthwhile to fast and do Ibadah and at the same time do bad deeds to others. So Ramadhan is the time for forgiveness.

In the Shade of Ramadhan 14

Marwan Marouf relates a hadeeth of Mohammad (sws) regarding setting a plan for our lives. He applies it to setting goals for Ramadan.

[Source: MAS]

What I've learnt is that the a hadith outlines the strategy of life:

1. Set goals in life (even in Ramadhan)

2. Set priorities (evaluate what is really worth it)

3. Aim high (enter the highest level of Al Jannah along with the Prophet SAW)

4. Indulge in As-Salah as it is in the sujud that one is closest to Allah SWT

In the Shade of Ramadhan 13

Marwan Marouf Discusses how our Iman shifts and changes before durring and after Ramadan. He offers advice on how to maintain an stabel Iman.



Source: MAS

What I learnt is that humans are expected to have natural ups and downs (flip flop) in our Iman. The month of Ramadhan is our opportunity to charge up our Iman. Ways to sustain our Iman at an expectedly high level are to:

1. choose the right friends (as our mirrors)

2. practice the rituals of Islam moderately (balanced according to the Sunnah)

3. learn about your deen (religion)