Story Night By Nouman Ali Khan

Story Night by Nouman Ali Khan-Musa(AS) story 

Part 1: Story Night by Nouman Ali Khan-Musa(AS) story

***********Introduction*************

-The story started with a tyrant ruler,Firawn, who destroys the weak community by killing all the male BABIES. He was killing the male babies because of the dream that he had - that a baby from the particular weak community will destroy and conquer his kingdom. 

-And, how will his dream come true because eventually, Musa(AS) will save his community & destroy the tyrant rule. - (This a most happening and typical scene that anyone wants to watch in a movie or drama series.)

- Musa(AS) is from a shia group- not the group that we are thinking now. Shia means simply a group that is AFRAID of another group. 

- So, when Firawn wanted to kill the male babies from that community, he made the community weak by not allowing them to interact with other groups. When, they became weak, he started the execution of male babies. 

Interestingly, EVEN the modernists are doing this now when they want to destroy a particular society/nation. 

-Musa (AS) story is talked about in Surah Qasas. 

******Some Interesting Gems Of The Story******

Musa's(AS) MOTHER:

Musa(as)'s mother was given a inspiration from Allah to 

1) Provide Milk

-Nobody in that situation ( male babies were being executed by the soldiers at that scene-outside her house), will be even thinking to provide milk. 

-And, this is especially APPLICABLE for the mothers.- But, there is wisdom behind it : 

-A baby after it is given the milk, what it will do? . It will go back to sleep and thus, it will not cry. Due to this, the soldiers will not KNOW there is a baby in the house.

2)To Throw The Baby in the river

Who in the right mind will think about that? -

SubhanAllah, this is indeed a divine inspiration from Allah. 

3)Asking Musa's elder sister to follow Musa(AS) 

- Musa's mother was able to compose herself, and asked THE ELDER sister to see what has happened to Musa(AS).

*This shows that inspiration from Allah is not limited to prophets. Sometime, even normal people can have inspirations from Allah. One of the example is Musa's (AS) mother.

The Musa(as) as a baby was thrown in the river by his mother because she had no choice as the soldiers were executing the babies(just outside her house)...

-However, it is also known as that the river was secured by the soldiers. Musa(AS) as a baby escaped all of those SECURITY CHECKS and landed to Firawn’s wife who was in the palace.

-Musa(AS) landed on the most secured place that anyone could imagine. 

The police chiefs/soldiers wanted to execute Musa(AS) as a baby .

 Why?

1) It is a SHAME for them

- The presence of him will remind them that they did not do their job well. 

2) RACISM

- Musa(AS) was from Israel while, the soldiers were from Egypt.

-Egyptians at that point of time disliked the Israelites and they were very racist towards them. The reason is that Israelites were slaves to them.

And, racism exist even today. We, Muslims are also racist towards each other. We tend to look down at people who have lower financial background,darker skin colour etc. 

Since, Musa(AS) was liked by the Firawn’s wife, (Asiya(RA)), he will be their ADOPTED kid.  

-This means that soldiers have to give royal respect to Musa(AS), and that is intolerable to them.

HOW did they know Musa(AS) from Israel?

-Israelites are lighter in skin tone compared to the Egyptians. And, that is how they used to differentiate each other.

-Hence, when Musa(AS) as a baby landed to Asiya(as), everyone knew that he is from Israel.

The process of Musa(AS) being ADOPTED...

-Musa(AS) gave happiness, coolness to Firawn’s wife, Asiya(RA), from the moment that he landed on her arms.

-The soldiers were not even able to talk to her as they were afraid of her. She was in a high authority which anyone could imagine.

-She brought the baby to Firawn. Firawn was discussing with all the soldiers on how to execute more babies. And, that is when she brought the baby- SubhanAllah.

-She placed the baby in front of Firawn, and said something like “ Look at him , how cute is he?”. The moment, she said that,even Firawn’s heart softened and he started to play with him.

-While , Firawn was playing with Musa(AS) as a baby, then Asiya(RA) started to ask him for favours.

1)He can be servant to us, so can we keep him

-Firawn did not answer and he CONTINUED playing with the baby

2) He can be a coolness to me and your eyes, so can we ADOPT him as our son

- Firawn did not answer, and CONTINUED playing with the baby

-And, we all know that, silence means acceptance. And, imagine the shock that the soliders, police chiefs were facing now.

Learning Point by Brother Nouman Ali Khan:

Even a rock heart can be softened by babies, and the best example is the scene described above

How did Musa(AS) landed with his mother again?

-Allah (SWT) made it haram for him to drink any other milk than his own mother's . 

-Its like the moment that he drank milk from his mother, Allah(SWT) installed a programme in his brain not to drink anyone's milk.

-And, since Musa (AS) is with Firawn’s wife,Asiya(RA), who is not his own mother, she was not able to give milk to him. 

-And, she is frantically trying to give milk to Musa(AS). But,he is refusing to drink milk from anyone.

- She is calling out the people for help

-Remember, the part where Musa’s(AS) SISTER was instructed by the mother to follow him. She is at the outside the palace now.

-She is in the scene and she heard that Asiya(RA) needs SOMEONE who can give milk to her baby brother.

-SubhanAllah, look at the wisdom of her speech, she goes to them and say “ I know SOMEONE, who can provide you help in providing milk”. And, she gives the direction of her own house. She does not even say that it is her own house or Musa’ (AS) is her brother or the lady in the house is Musa (AS)’s mother.

-And, from there, Musa (AS) is being re-bonded with his biological FAMILY.

Musa's (AS) sister:

1) She was instructed by her mother to follow Musa(AS) ONLY ONCE. 

- This does not happens nowadays.

-Mothers have to keep on calling their daughters for help if they want to get something done.

-We, as daughters/sons have to respect our mothers more. When, our mother asked us something, we should do it straight away instead of making them to remind us so many times.

2) Quality of being Independent:

-Look at the way Musa's (AS) mother do not need to give so many advices or instructions to Musa's sister. 

-She knows exactly what she is doing even at that young age.

-This is something that we are lacking now; the mothers nowadays are so choosy, over protective towards their children that they are not being independent to face the real world.. 

FUNNY Parenting Technique Story told by Nouman Ali Khan:

There were three ethnicity mothers with their sons in the playground SLIDE.

 One is an Arab mother, another one is Asian mother (particularly Pakistani/Indian/Bangladeshi), and another one is an European mother.

Each of them is having a son who is around 2-3 years old.

1) Arab Mother

-She is eating an ice-cream.

-While, her son is climbing the playground SLIDE which has at least 12 levels (it is not suitable for his age), and he reaches the top.

- Now he looks at the stairs and slide. And, he has two options for him, either jump from the stairs or use the slide. And, he chooses to jump from the stairs.

-He falls hard to the ground. And, the mother is watching everything, but she ,continues to eat her ice-cream.

-And, the son, now stands up and rubs his shoulder, and tells himself that he should do it again, and he climbs the stairs of slide again

2) Asian Mother

- Her son goes to the same playground slide which has at least 12 levels (it is not suitable for his age), and the moment that he climbed the first two stairs.

-The mother comes running towards him and says” how dare you climb here, this is not good for you” and she pulls him away. 

3) European MOTHER.

- She is reading some news-papers. 

While, her son is climbing the playground slide which has at least 12 levels (it is not suitable for his age), and he reaches the top

- Then, now he looks at the stairs , and slide. And, he has two options for him, either jump from the stairs or use the slide. And, he chooses to jump from the stairs.

-He falls hard to the ground too. And, now he is feeling very painful to stand up and he just sit down there.

-The mother is watching everything and she comes towards him and asking him “ Are you feeling very painful from falling down?”

-The son nods his head.

-Then, she says “Do you want to talk about it ?”.(LOL)

The moral of the story:

-Be a parent who is in the middle path.

-Do not be over protective,

-And, do not be a parent who let their children to do everything.  

In Quran, Musa(AS) childhood years are not elaborated much and it is being fast forward to his teenage years. **This is how, even in movies the characters are being shown. Quran only talks about the interesting/important years of the individuals.

Musa(AS) was a

-Strong Person. He was even described as someone who is as strong as the wood.

-He is rich because as he was the adopted son of Firawn.

However, he was described as someone who do everything in Ihsaan, in excellence. He will go to Israel at mid-day( where everyone are sleeping/taking short nap/rest) and he will help the needy ones. He needs to do it privately because, he was the son of Firawn who was Egyptian and Firawn ordered to oppress the Israelites.

*When, we think of a teenager who is rich and strong, we will think that they are spoilt children. And, most of the times, that is what is happening, and this kind of teenagers will be partying etc.

-However, it is a lesson for the teenagers who are well-to-do and have healthy body to help out the needy ones and have high aspiration like Musa(AS), and do everything in excellence.

-Do not over depend on your parents.

Musa(AS) turning point:

-We have learnt that he is as strong as wood and he helps the needy ones in mid-day.

-So, once he was walking on the streets of Israel, and he saw a Egyptian soldier beating an Israel man.

-Musa(AS) wanted to save this man, and he rush towards the scene and punches the soldier.

-And, he is so strong that the soldier died right away.

-The moment he realised that the soldier died, he says “This is from Shaytaan”.

-And, the Israel man who he was helping was not a good man and he exposed Musa (AS) to the crowd that he is the killer.

-And, the other Egyptian soldiers in the crowd also heard the commotion.

Plot Of Egyptian Authorities:

-Remember, that the Egyptian authorities do not like Musa (AS) and this is their perfect chance for them to do the revenge.

- The authority commands the soldiers to kill him anywhere where he can find. And, they did not even discuss this issue with Firawn.

- One of the police chief in that gathering was Musa's(AS) friend.

-And, the chief conveys the news to Musa(AS) and asked him to fled somewhere.

-And, this is when Musa(AS) fled from Egypt.

Madyan:

-Musa(AS) fled from Egypt to Madyan by travelling in a desert.

-After, he travelled to Madyan, he takes shelter in a tree which is beside a river. And, he drinks water from that river.

And, the rest of the story continues here…

Moses noticed a band of shepherds watering their sheep. He went to the spring, where he saw two young women preventing their sheep from mixing with the others.
Moses sensed that the women were in need of help. Forgetting his thirst, he drew nearer to them and asked if he could help them in any way.
The older sister said: "We are waiting until the shepherds finish watering their sheep, then we will water ours."
Moses asked again: "Why are you waiting?"
The younger one: "We cannot push men."
Moses was surprised that women were shepherding, as only men were supposed to do it. It is hard and tiresome work, and one needs to be on the alert. Moses asked: "Why are you shepherding?"
The younger sister said: "Our father is an old man; his health is too poor for him to go outdoors for pasturing sheep."
Moses (pbuh) said: "I will water the sheep for you."
When Moses approached the water, he saw that the shepherds had put over the mouth of the spring an immense rock that could only be moved by ten men. Moses embraced the rock and lifted it out of the spring's mouth, the veins of his neck and hands standing out as he did so. Moses was certainly strong. He watered their sheep and put the rock back in its place.
He returned to sit in the shade of the tree. At this moment he realized that he had forgotten to drink. His stomach was sunken because of hunger.
Almighty Allah described this event: And when he arrived at the water of Midian (Midyan) he found there a group of men watering their flocks, and besides them he found two women who were keeping back their flocks. He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take their flocks. And our father is a very old man."
So he watered their flocks for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!" (Ch 28:22-24 Quran)
The young ladies returned home earlier than usual, which surprised their father. They related the incident at the spring which was the reason that they were back early. Their father sent one of his daughters to invite the stranger to his home. Bashfully, the woman approached Moses and delivered the message. "My father is grateful for what you have done for us. He invites you to our home so that he may thank you personally."
Moses welcomed this invitation and accompanied the maiden to her father. Moses could see that they lived comfortably as a happy and peaceful household. He introduced himself and told the old man about the misfortune that he had befallen him and had compelled him to flee from Egypt. The old man comforted him: "Fear not, you have escaped from the wrong-doers."
Moses's gentle behavior was noticed by the father and his daughters. The king man invited him to stay with them. Moses felt at home with this happy household, for they were friendly and feared Allah.
One of the daughters suggested to her father that he employ Moses, as he was strong and trustworthy. They needed someone like him, especially at the water hole, which was visited by ruffians.
The father asked her how she could be sure of his trustworthiness in such a short time. She replied: "When I bade him to follow me to our home, he insisted that I walk behind him so he would not observe my form (to avoid sexual attraction)."
The old man was pleased to hear this. He approached Moses and said: "I wish to marry you toone omy daughters on condition that you agree to work for me for a period of eight years."
This offer suited Moses well, for being a stranger in this country, he would soon have to search for shelter, and work. Moses married the Midianite's daughter and looked after the old man's animals for ten long years.

Almighty Allah recounted: Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: "Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered our flocks for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said; "Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zalimeen (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers)." And said one of them (the two women): "O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy." He said: "I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be a favour from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah wills, you will find me one of the righteous." He (Moses) said: "That is settled between me and you whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say." ( Ch 28:25-28 Quran)

Learning Points by Brother Nouman Ali Khan:
-This is first time, Musa (AS) travelling and he is using desert to travel to Madyan.

-He does not even know the directions. SubhanAllah, Allah(SWT) providing divine GPS direction for him to travel to Madyan.

- Look at the healthy conversation between Musa(AS) and the two girls. Both, are not flirting and they are very direct.

-Look, at the way, the father is confident about his daughters conduct

(i) He let them travel to the river, though he knows the men around there are not good in character conduct. The reason is that he trust his daughters and he knows they will be modest.

(ii) He asked about Musa (AS) to his daughter

-He knows that his daughters will give correct description about someone

One of the girls is walking shyly towards Musa(AS):

1) She is now walking alone to Musa(AS) and she is feeling modest and uncomfortable to a certain extent

-We, Muslims should feel shy when we are talking to the opposite gender, and this is part of our haya, shyness.

2) She is having feeling for him. It is also obvious that the women will not feel shy towards men if they are not interested in them.

*And, even at this time, the father trust his daughter so much that he sent her alone to bring Musa(AS) to the house. He does not even send both the daughters and he only need to send one of them- look at his trust*

Father  & Daughter relationship:

-The moment, his daughter asked him whether Musa(AS) can be employed by him, he knows that his daughter is interested in Musa(AS). –Subhan’Allah.

- A father & daughter should have good relationship so that they can talk about marriage proposals.

-And, the father trusts his daughter’s verdict/choice.

Father  & Son-in-Law relationship:

-Look at the honesty of the son-in-law, and their healthy conversation.

-This should be the ideal conversation before any marriage.

-The reason is that a father knows the daughter’s preferences etc, and he will then tell this to his son-in-law who will be care-taker in future.

Advice To Young Men:

-If Musa(AS), who has no money, killed someone, no relative, and basically nothing much other than good characters and strong body is able to get married, you can also get married, stay positive .

-And, Nouman Ali Khan also clarifies that it does not mean you should kill someone now. No, but this is just encouragement, that if you are single do not worry much.

Musa(AS) powerful dua:

-Musa(AS) made a powerful dua when he was under the shade of the tree. What is the dua?

- “I will accept any goodness from you”- This shows that

1) Allah(swt) will help you and open you doors when you think that you are in lowest point of time. Allah (swt) gave him, employment, shelter and marriage proposal at just one time.

2) Do not be picky on your dua. Sometime, you will want this particular job, but Allah(swt) might not give you because it is not good for you. So, always thanks Allah and do not be picky!

Final Gems of the Surahs:

Musa- Root Word is from Egypt

-It is not Hebrew word according to the Jewish belief.

-And, the Egypt language has been forgotten and gone long time ago, so there was always confusion on what is the name of Musa(AS) and there are different names for him(AS) by different religions.

-Only, at the recent research by the historians, it was found that Musa is name which has Egyptian roots meaning that only Quran provides the correct name of Musa(AS).

Musa(AS) knows about Hajj/Mecca

When, Shuhaib(AS) stated that he wants Musa(AS) to work for his for 8 years, he used the word 8 hujjah. Hujjah means, 8 Hajj. And, we all know that Hajj only takes place once a year. This means that Musa(AS) is aware of Haj & Kabbah.

Wrong Belief By Jews:

Jews have a belief that your ethnicity etc. comes from mother and not the father. So, for example, your mother is Indian and your father is Pakistani, according to the Jewish system, you are actually Indian. And, this how their system works.

However, brother Nouman Ali Khan points out that during his conversation with Jewish Rabbi, he said if their system is correct, then it means, the Jews are not Israelites but Arabs. The reason is that Musa(AS) is from Israelites while his wife is from Madyan (Arab), then the they should not call themselves anymore as children of Israel/Bani Israel but children of Arab. However, the Jewish Rabbi could not answer this and not accept this.

This shows that our system of belief is valid.

Interesting Analogy of Surah Yusof and Surah Qasas(which talks about Musa(AS)):

 

No	Surah Yusuf	Surah Qasas (which talks about Musa(AS)):
1.	It begins by illustrating with FATHER’s LOVE	It begins by illustrating with MOTHER’s LOVE
2.	The father was AFRAID of his separation with his son.	The mother was AFRAID of her separation with her son.
3.	The father & son were SEPERATED for many years. -When Yusuf (AS) was captured to Egypt as a slave.	The mother & son were SEPERATED for some time. -During Musa(AS) journey to the palace etc.
4.	SIBLINGS were the cause of separation between the father & son	SIBLING was the cause of reunion between the mother & son
5.	The major turning point was in a WELL (WATER). -The siblings threw him in the river.	The major turning point was in the river (WATER). -The mother threw him in the river by placing him on the basket.
6.	He was taken into the PALACE. -As a slave	He was taken into the Firawn PALACE.
7.	The husband (also known as man of the household) had a STRONG LOVE TOWARDS HIM ON THE FIRST LOOK -Thus, BROUGHT HIM INTO THE HOUSE	The wife (Asiya (AS)) has a STRONG LOVE TOWARDS HIM ON THE FIRST LOOK -Thus, BROUGHT HIM INTO THE HOUSE
8.	Husband suggested to his wife with an idea that they should treat him either as 1) SLAVE 2) SON	Wife suggested to her husband with an idea that they should treat him either as 1) SLAVE 2) SON
9.	He was treated as a SERVANT	He was treated as a SON.
10.	He was SEPERATED from the FATHER.	He was SEPERATED from the MOTHER. -In turn, Allah gave him a new mother, Asiya (AS).
11.	Teenage years, he was blessed with 1) WISDOM 2) BEAUTY	Teenage years, he was blessed with 1) WISDOM 2) BEAUTY 3) Strength
12.	Fitnah from INDOORS. -It is in his household	Fitnah from his OUTDOORS. -The streets of Israel.
13.	INNOCENT for the crime (fornication/rape) that he was alleged. -But he WENT TO THE JAIL.	GUILTY for the crime (murder) that he was alleged. -But, he DID NOT GO TO THE JAIL.
14.	He was in the EGYPT ONCE. -In the prison.	He was in the EGYPT ONCE. -In the palace.
15.	HE CAME BACK TO EGYPT from the prison in order to save the people from drought	HE CAME BACK TO EGYPT in order to destroy the kingdom of Firawn.
16.	INITIALLY he was OUTSIDE of Egypt -but then goes back again.	INITIALLY he was INSIDE of Egypt -but then goes outside of the Egypt after destroying the Firawn Kingdom
17.	It shows, how a MAN & WOMAN should NOT INTERACT	It shows, how a MAN & WOMAN should INTERACT

Journey Towards Hereafter-Mufti Ismail Musa Menk, Dr Muhammad Salah, Dr Aslam Abu Ismaeel

Click on the picture, to hear the recordings

Notes

The Purpose Of Life- Mufti Ismail Musa Menk

Death is the reality , so we should be prepared. Prepare death during our short life span (60-65 years of age , as told/estimated by PBUH)

"Did we not give you enough for you take heed from your Warner"

The Warner:
It is our PBUH as he completed the final message from Allah.
Or, it can be our age which is increasing and we are getting older day by day.

The one who challenged Allah like Pharaoh saying that "I am God" is gone. So it is a lesson and reminder for us.

And, look at the galaxy, the universe , how detailed is that? Only Allah(SWT) knows all the details of it.

#DoNotRiskYourLife-  Obey Allah!

"I have not created mankind/jin except to worship me" 

You can have a life by working and doing other dunya related matters but at the same time do good deeds such as helping people, animals and ecosystem.

Convert your currency to the hereafter(Akhir) currency by doing halal/good/acceptable deeds for a good cause.  

Earn in a fair way! . Don't earn in a way that it creating loses for others. #NoInterest #NoRiba

"I do not want any sustenance and I do not want any sustenance fed by my creations. Instead, I will provide that to my creations."

Life can be illustrated in the form of online game. For example, in the car games, we have to score as many points , follow the game rules, and we have to unlock the game levels - This is how we should unlock the levels/ranks in our paradise.

"You want to compete? - Compete for hereafter!"

Look at the life flow, from a child to a grown up. Initially, the child is totally dependent on the parents and as time pass by, all of the parent rights upon the child is slowly being taken away from them.

You have to ask questions such as "Who am I?" , "Where am I going?" - Before you play the video game, you look at others and research more about it. This is how you should live your life too!. Look at the role models and learn from them!

When night outspread over him he saw a star and said, 'This is my Lord.' But when it set he said, 'I love not the setters.' When he saw the moon rising, he said, 'This is my Lord.' But when it set he said, 'If my Lord does not guide me I shall surely be of the people gone astray.' When he saw the sun rising, he said, 'This is my Lord; this is greater!' But when it set he said, 'O my people, surely I am quit of that you associate. I have turned my face to Him who originated the heavens and the earth, a man of pure faith; I am not of the idolaters.'

The one who ask question, will come to a conclusion that he has to worship Allah, his creator alone. #Sujood- this is what we do in Sujood.

Make the Salam the correct way:
Mufti explained that he is scared by the Malay-custom Salam where one has to kiss the hand. He said that he is not Saint or someone who should be given so much of importance that one has to kiss the hand. He also clarified that he is not looking down the custom etc, but he just feel that it is not necessary , and it looks like prostration which should only be done to Allah.

Saying "Asslamu Alaikum " is enough :) . If, there is extra reward by kissing the hand & saying salam, then it would have been reflected in Quran or Sunnah. #LaIllahaIllaLa

Instruction Manual:
Our instruction manual is the Quran. If, we are using any new gadgets, we need instruction manual. Our life has the same concept or it is much more complex, and thus we need the Instruction manual.

Quran is user-friendly and is the only authentic book. It is the word of God which is unchanged till now. The reason is that it has most number of memorizes.

Keep on asking from the book until you are satisfied- even if you are Muslim,

"We will test all of you , to improve your ranks"

Allah(swt) will test you in terms of loss lives, loss of business etc.

Our life is an examination. You are going to work, and getting hurt , all of these are your tests. All of these tests , are to prepare yourself for hereafter. For example, when you are taking an exam in school, that is not your goal. Your ultimate goal is to graduate, and our goal is the akhirah.

Adjust your life according to what you have! 

You do not need to change everything in this life, if you cannot afford it.

Bump Into Car:
When you bump into a car (in a video game), you restart again in the game. You can do this in you life- that is to ask #Taubah #Repentance.

When you are following the deen, there might be people who will laugh and distract you. #Don't get Distracted

"The criminals will laugh/scoff at you"

On the day of judgment, the believer will get a chance to laugh at those criminals by reclining in the chair. And, by that time , the game is over, and you have already unlock all the game levels. And, you have to score the maximum goal to get the best reward.

Advise From Mufti: 
1) Conscious of Allah
2) Character & Conduct of Believer

Vision In Our Life & Hereafter- Dr Aslam Abu Ismaeel

Plan, don't waste time!. Any successful event, has great plans. For example, the world cup event has been planned many years ago before the actual event takes place.

"Failing To Plan, Planning To Fail"

We all want to go paradise in the best of manner with the best of people. In order to get in there, we should plan! and think ahead, and make the best job out of it.

"Get the most of 5 things before 5 things come
1) Your youth, before you become old...
2) Your health, before you fall sick...
3) Your wealth, before you become poor...
4)Your free time, before you become busy...
5)Your life, before your death...
-Prophet Muhammad (SAW)"

If, we are not planning for the hereafter, we are actually destroying ourselves.

"Start/Plan by picturing into your mind" 

- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,  Stephen R. Covey.

Some people have vision for beautiful/handsome spouses or even houses.

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar
Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire
[2:201]

The dua teaches us to have vision to have a good life that has link with Akhira.

Time Management: 

"I did not create Jinn/Man but to worship me"

This is our mission. Some people are stuck in the mission of Dunya only.

"He is the one who created death & life in order to try which one of you are the best"

Some people don't even like to talk about death. However, Allah is addressing about death before mentioning about life.

Our mission also should include doing good deeds while we are doing the dunya matters. One of the example of achieving good deeds , it is to #SpreadSalam - You can do this easily when you are going for any Islamic event and earn many rewards, In Shaa Allah.

Surah Al-Asr:

 Whenever the Sahabas gather to do their jobs etc, they will not leave the gathering without reciting this surah and remind themselves.

Swear/An Oath:

"Indeed Human beings are in loss"
 We, Muslims only make an oath/swear by Allah and not in his creations!

Any righteous society has been prospored by Eeman & doing righteous deeds.
Enjoin Good & Forbid evil-do it with kind words & sabr.

Additional Tip on Enjoin Good & Forbid Evil:
 Sheikh said that there are three types of way of advising the people.
1) Emotionally
-If you want to increase someone's eeman, you can show an emotional video by Sheikh,

2) Intellectually
- You can show someone of speakers who talk intellectually

3) By Producing Result
- You can do this maybe by showing how many percentage/number of Muslims are following this etc.

  Ummayad Dynasty:
Initially, due to early rulers, companions of PBUH, - the dynasty & society prospered. Many people came back to Islam without any forcing etc.

Then, later on, the dynasty collapsed because their eeman & their righteous deeds were decreased.

Stage 1 -Childhood:
The sheikh said that when he was a dentist, he had to encounter  interesting incident with a mother. The mother brought her child along, and told the dentist that there is something on her child's teeth. Sheikh said that he cannot find anything wrong in the child's teeth so he told the mum that there is nothing wrong it. Then, the mum told the sheikh " You don't understand doctor, I want her to be Fashion model and there is something wrong in the teeth..."

This shows that how the parent had a vision for her child- Of course, as Muslims, our vision for the children will be different.

But, the important thing is that parents should raise their children with goals in their mind on what they want their children to be. #UpBringingWithTarbiyaat #GoodLifeInDunya

The way to raise the children
1) Providing ILM/Knowledge
2) Tarbiyaat

The sheikh told about his elder brother's sons stories. He said that his elder brother and his wife decided to make their children a Hafidh of Quran . So, they decided to coach them with Quranic studies since young, and by the time the sheikh's nephews turned the age 9 , the nephews became the hafidh of Quran - that was the period , many parents will concentrate on giving their children with dunya related matters such as sports etc.
And, now those nephews are grown-up and studying top-notch medical universities of Melbourne, and they are top scorers in those universities.

So, if you concentrate on giving your children with proper Islamic Knowledge, Allah(swt) will bless their dunya life too.

So, what is Tarbiyyat?
- For example, when your child gotten into a bad influence from others, you teach/advise them properly by mentioning about Allah.

The sheikh shared his personal story. He said that once, he brought his young, little daughter to a super market. And, later he was queuing up with his daughter to do the final purchase. And, in front of them, there was a non-Muslim Australian lady with her daughter. The daughter was giving the mother a lot of troubles by screaming, shouting to the mother as the daughter do not want to be standing on the queue. After a long struggle with her daughter, the mother finally gave up, and went out of the place. The sheikh's daughter was watching the whole scene very attentively. And, soon after that, she was doing the same thing to her mother. The Sheikh and his wife took some time before they find out on why their daughter is acting this way. So, then the Sheikh and his wife advised her in this way "Allah will not like what you are doing....". And, from the day onward, his daughter did not give any problem.

The moral of the story is that always mention about Allah whenever you are advising your child.

3 Tips To Raise Great Kids:
1) Form connection between children and Allah(swt):
-Parents make mistakes by demonstrating/teaching their children that their parents are super models. However, parents are human beings& they make mistakes too. Hence, always make Allah as supreme to kids so that they kids are always on track even if they went astray for a short while.

2)Speak to Kids in a dignified manner:
-Don't Yell At Them
-Assertive Manner but with gentleness and respect
"Son, I would like you to take....."
"Daughter, I would not like you...."

 This what PBUH did - He told Fathima(RA) "Help me by taking the cloth in the mosque"

3) Spend time  with children
- Always talk about Allah(SWT)
-Be a good role model when you are with them. For example,when you are buying something from a shopkeeper, greet him/her etc.

Lesson from the righteous ones:
-Anas Bin Malik (RA) was brought to serve PBUH by his own mother. He was serving him from the age of 10 years old.
 -He lived with PBUH till he reached the age of 20 years old. And, then he lived for 103 years. during that period, he is always known to help people. This a #GreatTarbiyyat

-The way Fathima(RA) walked is closed to PBUH. It is because PBUH spent most of his time with his children.

-PBUH spent time with his grandchildren too.

Stage 2: After Puberty to 40 years old:

This is the stage where you decide to be in either paradise or hell-fire. Serve the community & society at this stage.

How to be a best spouse?

1) Find a spouse who will share..
- Seek to find someone who is in common area of interest or someone with higher goal.
-Common ground where Akhira is your ultimate goal. So, even if you both disagree, you will both come back to your main goal.
-The main goal is Ibaadat.

2) Fulfill the needs of spouses for the sake of Allah, and in return you will be a happier person
-Remove the mentality that " I do good only if they do good"
-When you are doing good deed to your spouse for the sake of Allah in a happy manner & even when they don't reciprocate- then Allah ((SWT) will bless your life by other segments

Career:
Normally, we choose our career based on what we see in television/movies. Instead, choose your studies/job by asking yourself
(i) what is your mission?
(ii) Will this help your mission which is akhira
So, you should think about a job that have a good income & at the same that will enable you to do good deeds.

Stage 3- State Of Maturity

-This happens when you reach the age of 40 years old.
-Some of us will be worried about our wrinkles etc.
 -But ,we should still keep our mission is our mind. Your mind is fully developed at this stage.
-Don't be stressed.
-Cut down your bad habits that is not helping you to attain Jannah which is your mission

*Some of us will stop taking care of our parents at this age, and we will abandon them to the old folks home, how can we do this?. This should be the time, where we should repay the kindness back and take care of them in best of manners.

Stage 4- Elderly

-This is when you are 60 years old and more.
-Experienced and wise
-We might not have enough strength but we will have alot of knowledge
-So, give back to the society, spread the knowledge to the younger generation.

 At this age, we need other people help to do basic things..
-Stop Complaining and Being Angry- Instead do Dhikr of Allah.
-Don't feel that I am dependant on children" -Don't look down on yourself. This is the time to remind that Allah(swt) is supreme being and we are weak.

Conclusion
We as Muslims have to plan for Judgment Day unlike non Muslims who plan for Olympics & dunya life only.

                                                         Death-  Dr Muhammad Salah

-Allah is the first and the last

-He is the ever lasting

-PBUH always use/say let anyone who believes the last day, do this...

- Believing the last is a pillar of Ihsan

"Nothing what you utter but it is recorded by angels"

-And ,all of these recordings will be judged by Allah eventually.
-Any Muslim who have realized this, will be conscious of Allah and amend their behavious in a good manner.

"Every Soul Shall Test Death" 

-Every Soul Shall Test Death and this including prophets, the believers, or non-believers. 

-This is acceptable by the believers & non-believers.

-The problem is that the misunderstanding on what will happen next

-Sheikh made funny comment on how the phrase "Rest In Peace" .Because nobody knows which soul will rest in peace.

-It is either Jannah or Jahanam. The one who does not enter Jannah will experience the great loss.

"A place in the heaven is greater than the whole word & what it contains"

-Utilize the opportunites of your life before you die. It is to seek Salvation
-Mizan [make sure your good deeds will outweigh!]

-The angel of death does not seek permission or make advancements/announcements before taking your soul.
-Every human being has a fixed term. #Be Always Ready
-PBUH said "Give charity when you are young/ well-to-do etc.."

Intoxication: 

-The person who has died will be in a state of intoxication
-Death is something that everyone is avoiding but this is what everyone will experience

"When you soul reaches your throat..."

Real Example:
 -People are dying even when they are talking
-This is a sound Alarm, that we should always be ready!
-Be Always Read & Ask Forgiveness.

Homework:
Go Home , close your eyes and see that the angels of death coming to take your soul.What will you do now if you were given second chance[ second chance will not be given but this is just to improve yourself now] and do that now!

Signs of Judgement Day-Dr Muhammad Salah

 Minor Signs of Judgment Day- Click here for notes

Major Signs of Judgement Day -Click here for notes

Homework:

Memorize first 10 & last 10 ayats of Surah Khaf to get protection from Ad-Dhajjal

Judgment Day-Mufti Ismail Musa Menk

-The most important day is the day of reckoning

-The world is a unfair place. 

-Humans were taught to be forgiving, yet they will still say " let me sort it our in judgment day".

-50,000 years (Judgment Day). To read more about it ,click here

- "All of us will present our deeds" 

When the book is brought forward , they will say " what is this book?" . It is a serious day. It is the day of examination. Some people will get in right hand while others will get in their left hand.

"Oh Allah make it easy for me on the Day Of Judgment"

-The one who gets the book at the right hand, they will be excited and be ready to show-off the book

-The one whose book in the left hand, will be shy to show the book

-The one whose book is given in their left hand, they will not be able to pass through the bridge

"Do more good deeds to wipe out your bad deeds"

Abu Bakr Siddique(RA) heard about Ayisha(RA) slandering, he was thinking to cut down his zakah. Then, Allah(SWT) said " Expand your heart." "Don't you want Allah to forgive you".
- Always forgive others
-Even a drop of Eeman will admit us in paradise

70,000 will go to paradise without any reckoning.
Make us those who don't experience any reckoning.

Those who had prolong diseases, and they were/are enduring it patiently, they will say in Judgment Day " Why can't I endure more in dunya so that I can get more rewards".
-If you have more trials, Allah loves you.
-People will drink their own blood after they have burnt - when they are in hell-fire

How Allah is forgiving:

The last person to be admitted in paradise
- His first wish will be to outside Jahannam/hellfire.
- Second wish, to be at the tree of Jannah
- Third wish, to be at the door of Jannah
- Fourth wish, to be just inside the door of Jannah and Jannah.

All his wishes will be granted consecutively, and he will be admitted to paradise eventually. click here to read more.

"The one who has mustard seed of pride will not enter paradise"

On the day, each soul will be fighting with its case.
Your body parts will bear witness , So ask forgiveness, and delete those sins now

Card Story: 

-When good & bad deeds weighed out, and all the bad deeds outweigh the good deeds. Then, a card will fall out saying "La ilhaha illa la". That, card will outweigh the bad deeds and the person will be admitted into paradise.

-Look at Musa(AS) story, the magicians/sorcerers fell into sujood only once sincerely, and they were doing shirk all their life, yet they were admitted into paradise.

-Make your sujood sincere!

Why Do Bad Things Happen -Nouman Ali Khan

Click on the picture to view the video :)

Introduction: 

In today’s Kutubah in sha Allah, I just want to share with you something about a very heavy concept in our deen, something that is talked about a lot in the Qur’an, and unfortunately, at least in my own observation (Allah knows best), the average Muslim is very confused about this issue that has to do with our faith. The subject of the kutubah today is “why bad things happen?”

 If we don’t understand this properly as a matter of faith, then sometimes we can we say things to other people that really hurt them. For instance, I met with a few relatives and we were talking about our late grand mother; she had some difficulty before she passed away and one of the cousins in the family thinks she had these difficulties because when she was younger she used to be really mean to some other aunt or somebody and that’s why Allah put her through this at the end of her life. It’s very hurtful to say such things first of all, and to say Allah is punishing them, especially someone who has already passed away! And actually I came to realize that we say these kind of things to each other all the time – “you know why this is happening to you, because Allah is very angry with you” –  parents use this against their children; husbands and wives use this against each other! These are matters of Iman, so we have to really properly understand.

Some calamities may happen to us as individuals and there are also problems and calamities at a level of entire cities and towns, eg. A flood comes or an earth quake or war breaks out between nations or civil war breaks out.

I want to start at the individual level, and probably in this khutbah we’ll just get to talk only about the individual level.

The concept of Al museebah

- There are dozens of ayahs in the Qur’an on the concept of ‘Al Museebah’. ‘Museebah’ comes from the Arabic verb ‘asaabah’ , which means ‘to hit a target’.  

- So ‘museebah’ is something that hit you and hit you exactly where it was supposed to hit you. So the first thing that we learn when Allah (swt) uses this word to describe what happens to us, is that as far as His Qadar is concerned, His planning is concerned, this was like an arrow that was shot and it was supposed to hit you exactly when and where and how and how deep and how badly – it was all decided, it is perfect hit.

-  And we don’t say ‘museeb’, we say ‘museebah’, meaning ‘every single issue’ (not just one particular issue). For instance there was a brother I met who had as issue with his passport, as a result of which he lost his passport, as a result of that he lost his job and as a result of that he got into arguments with his wife and he blames the passport company “they cost me my passport, they cost me my marriage , they cost me my job, they cost me everything!” – even we do that sometimes, we tie all the events together and say all of it is because of one thing!  But Allah (swt) is calling each and every difficulty as an Individual one – they are not a result of each other, they are a result of Allah’s allowance.

- Allah (swt) allows every single one of those events to happen. There are people that go through exactly the same situations as you but the same things don’t happen – the chain of events doesn’t happen, Allah decrees something else for them. So the first thing to note about museebah – its specific, its targeted to you.

 Out of the dozens of ayahs, the two ayahs that we sure never ever forget about the word museebah are:

1) Walanabluwannakum bishay-in mina alkhawfiwaljooAAi wanaqsin mina al-amwali wal-anfusiwaththamarati wabashshiri assabireen 

                          

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient,

 

  In other words, congratulate the people who have sabr.

What strange language Allah (swt) uses! When you and I have difficulty, we are supposed to have sabr. Now you tell me, if we find someone in a situation where they are supposed to have sabr; you don’t go up to them and say “congratulations!”; it doesn’t make any sense! When there is a happy occasion, then you congratulate each other. But look at the language of Allah (swt) – wa bashirri sabireen; congratulate the people who have sabr. Subhan Allah! Why?

 This is because for a believer the attitude is entirely different. Maybe the entire ordeal you are going through, the goal of it all was one thing -   so you could have sabr. We think the goal was the thing you were going to get in dunya, but maybe to Allah, the real goal was you were going to learn sabr – that is a bigger goal than anything else. Subhan Allah! And if you got that goal, you should be congratulated.

So we have goals in our head that we think we want to accomplish, we have enough things in our heart we want to accomplish, and Allah says there is something much more valuable in your heart, if you can accomplish that , you don’t realize what its worth! And I will tell you what its worth, its worth congratulations.

2) And immediately after this congratulation, Allah says

Allatheena itha asabat-hummuseebatun qaloo inna lillahi wa-innailayhi rajiAAoon

Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return."

Whom should you congratulate? These people when a specific calamity hits them, the first thing that comes out of their mouth, the immediate response that comes out, is

“no doubt! We belong to Allah and no doubt about it, We are only going to be returned to HIM!” – meaning we are going to be returned to our Owner. The ayah teaches us that when a calamity strikes us, this response should be like an immediate reflex. Why is this statement important when something difficult happens? We have to think about the hikmah (wisdom) behind it.

IF the first thing you say is this (inna lillahi wa inna liahi rajoon) when you hear a bad news, then you have to understand there is a real gift in it for you. This is because, when Allah says  “congratulate the believers”, it is a Direct command to the Prophet (saw) to congratulate the believers. After learning this, may Allah make us among the people who will be congratulated by the prophet (saw) on the day of judgement.  

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon

Now lets go back to the phrase People get mad when they feel they are entitled to something. For instance you just bought a car and immediately it breaks down on the way home, or your phone stops working or the lights don’t turn on, You feel angry because you think YOU own these things and You payed good money for it. The moment you say ‘inna lillahi wa inna ilahi raji’oon”, you are acknowledging and reminding yourself ‘inna lillahi’ – to ALLAH We Belong. SO when we ourselves belong to Allah, we realize we don’t really own anything here, its all a gift from Allah. So if it gets taken away, you are able to accept it and say to yourself “it wasn’t mine anyways”.

When you come to the second part of the statement “wa inna ilahi raji’oon” – “to Allah is our final return”. It makes us realize that whatever problem we are having right now isn’t permanent; whether its money problems or health problems or family problems or emotional problems or physical problems, it doesn’t matter. None of them are permanent because even you and I are not permanent! We have to be returned to Allah ourselves. Forget about the problem, even I and you will leave and will be returned back to Allah. This puts things in prespective. Putting things in prespective helps you worry about what REALLY matters. And what really matters and what the bigger problem is, is that we do not truly acknowledge that we belong to Allah. 

Maybe Sometimes Allah puts us through difficulty, maybe just so that HE can put it back in our hearts that you and I belong to Allah; so that HE can give us the gift of being able to say it not jus with our tongues but also with our hearts – Inna Lillahi wa inna Ilaihi raji’ooh. And that is a gift in and of itself. And if we are able internalize it, it makes sabr easy. And if you and I can have sabr, then the congratulations of the Rasul (saw) is for us.

In the Qur’an, there are two kinds of Ayath (about difficulties)

-  In one kind of ayath Allah mentions -whatever difficulty happens, whether  in the skies or on earth, its already recorded in a book WE have decreed.  Meaning it was the qadar of Allah and it was supposed to happen. For example if some one dies young, you don’t get to say “ he had a whole life ahead of him”, because he didn’t, there is no such thing; it was done and it was decreed- this is how his journey was on this earth. My journey on this earth is already decreed, yours is decreed.

- Second kind of ayah says “no calamity will strike you, except by Allah’s permission”. And look the people of imaan, they say sucha  beautiful thing – “no calamity will hit us, except that Allah has written FOR us”. It is not said “what Allah has written AGAINST us”, but ‘FOR”.   So Allah teaches us even the calamity is written For us, and that is the attitude of a believer with regards to difficulty.

We can't put everything on Allah

- There are many ayahs in the Qur’an which say “What hit them was the evil of what they did” or  “what ever difficulty hit you it was because of what you did”. But Allah never says ‘kul’ or “tell” that it was because of your fault, except in one place is surah Ali Imran. This means when a difficulty befalls someone, we don’t get to tell them “ it was because of your sins”.

-  The only specific instance when Allah (swt) tells the Prophet (saw) to say to the people that the defeat was due to Their Actions, is during the battle of Uhud. This is because the muslims were originally winning the battle of Uhud but some of the archers left their position, which gave the opposition army an advantage. So now they don’t get to blame Allah, they needed to take responsibility for their actions.

- What we are learning from the ayah is that we can’t put everything on Allah. If we speed and get a ticket when dirving, we don’t get to blame Allah.

-  But when things happen to you that are out of your control, then it is from Allah. For instance, A flood is out of your control, somebody else’s car collides into yours is out of your control, you get diagnosed with a genetic disorder is out of your control. But if a disease comes to you because you smoke four packs a day or if you get diabetes due to consuming too much sugar in your diet – these things you cannot put on Allah.

But in either of the above cases (whether the difficulty is from Allah or not), it is a gift from Allah so that you can learn your lesson and move on in life and do better.

SO in conclusion,

1)      Firstly, when difficulty happens, train your heart and train your tongue to say “inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon”.

2)      Secondly, don’t say to other people that something bad is happening to them because of Allah. If somehting happens from the ghayb (the unseen world), you don’t get to decide why it happened – Allah never gave its explanation to you, you don’t have that license.

3)      When it comes to ourselves, reflect and decide whether it is from Allah or due to your own actions. If it is from Allah, say “inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon”.  When things are within our control, we need to take responsibility; we need to acknowledge that it was because of our own actions.

May Allah make us responsible believers, especially with regards to what we say. May Allah include us among those who are congratulated by His Rasul (SAW) as a sabireen. May Allah make us people of “inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon” from our tongues and our hearts, whenever any calamity occurs. May Allah make our hearts strong and make us among those who can navigate the tests of this life successfully. May we be among those who meet our lord with light coming from our chests and our right hands on the day of judgement! 

In Summary:

Family Life & Marital Bliss by our Sheikh Mufti Ismail Musa Menk

Click on the picture to view the video:) 
For audio click here

Notes:
Introduction:
Life today, can be considered as a BETTER life in terms of improvement in technology etc.
However, the life of past has better in terms of spirituality.

In the past, PBUH and all the righteous companions were just living with dates & water. They were contented with Allah's plan in terms of their nationality, tests/trials.

Life of Prophet Muhammad(SAW):
PBUH reached the prophet hood at the age of 40. But, even before prior to Islam, he was still exemplary role model to his society. It is when he solved the argument of carrying the black stone, read more about it here. And, he still encouraged the practices of Jahilliyah which were beneficial to the society. For example : The protecting the lives of the the orphans by making vows.

 There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.[33:21]

Refutation to the wrong accusations to Prophet Muhammad(SAW):
PBUH received the proposal from Khadijah(RA) when she was 40 years and he was 25 years old. And, bear in mind, that Khadijah (RA) has been married several times while he was not even married once. If, he was  womanizer(Astaghfirullah ), he would be finding someone who is younger because this is the age where men would want to find a pretty, young woman. And, it was easy for him to find pretty, young woman because he was well-respected in his society.

Marital Life of Prophet Muhammad(SAW):
PBUH accepted her proposal because of her uprightness .
It is a lesson for us to choose the spouse based on their deen, character , personality rather than their appearance or financial background.

And, he lived with her from the age of  25 years old to 50 years old. And, he did not marry anyone during the lifetime of Khadijah(RA).

All the children are from Khadjiah except Ibrahim who died as an infant.

PBUH rushed towards Khadjiah(RA) whenever he encountered any problem. This can be seen when he first received revelation. #LessonForUs - Do we do the same thing when we encounter any problem?

Mufti Menk Commentary: 

Don't only tell your spouse/children "I love you for the sake of Allah" . You should also say "I love you for myself" during normal times because you need them for yourself too.

There should be secrecy between family members when you encounter any problems. Don't tell your problems to everyone. If you encounter any problem,
(1) Have COMMUNICATION
(2) Be REALISTIC
-You can't change your spouse instantly, and it may take some time.

You have to prepare your family life before your leave this world. Be prepared to change your lifestyle & take more responsibilities after you have married.

After Khadjiah(RA) death:
He spent 10 years of Prophet hood with her.
He loved her so much that he used to send gifts of Khadijah's friends even after her death

Another quick reminder by Mufti Menk:
PBUH married many wives for different reasons. One of the main reason is that to have all the tribes to have connection with PBUH family. This is important because the tribes were previously were having conflicts because of tribal/status problems. PBUH attempt removed this hatred.

Patience:
What you see in public or social networking sites, as people holding hands, putting photos together etc, this does not mean that they are really happy. They might be just putting the show while they are having conflicts among themselves.

"Don't publicize your happiness" 
-If you want to thank Allah, do it privately in Salah etc :)
- There is a such thing called evil-eye. Click here to watch a short video about it -May Allah protect us from that.

#Don'tBeSelfish
- Advice for  parents to be patient with your children.
- It is okay if your children once in a while break something in the house. If, they break something, just fix it or replace it.

FUNNY Story:
There was a man who was riding a Mercedes car , and unexpectedly, he encountered a car incident. Fortunately, he was admitted in hospital and he was able to survive from the accident. The first thing he asked the doctor , "What happened to my Mercedes car". The doctor was surprised and told him "I am surprised that you did not ask about your hand, do you realize that you hand has been removed from your body?" . Then, the man frantically asked him "Doctor, what happened to my Rolex watch then?"

Choice Of Your Spouse:
This aspect must be perfect. In terms of "Looks, Wealth, Family Status, Deen", make the "Deen" as your priority. If there is Deen, In Shaa Allah, the character will come along with it.

Looks always fade away, so its up to you on how much importance that you want to give.

Don't be fooled by the family background. Sometime, the family members might be a nice people except for that particular boy/girl. So, choose wisely!

Wealth:
Parents don't be always be picky on the groom's financial background. Its rare, for you to find a extremely rich and have good deen+character husband for your daughter. Bear in mind, that someone who has good deen+character can take care of your daughter like a gold compared to the one who has only money.  #Don'tBeFooled

And, wealthy people are not always the happy people. There are many wealthy people who need sleeping pills because they are extremely stressed about their life.

Mufti's Advise:
If you know any man who is able to take care himself financially and has good deen+character, marry your daughter to him.
*Mufti said that he was not even working when he was married.*

And, after the engagement, do not prolong the marriage , marry as soon as possible to avoid your children from committing zina etc.

Messages From Luqman Al-Hakim - Mufti Menk

Click here to listen the lecture.

Click here to watch the lecture.

Notes:

Who Is Luqman?
- He is the wise as described by Allah(SWT) in Quran
- He is from the northern part of Africa (Sudan)
-Some narrations states that he was actually a slave
- He is not a messenger or prophet.

So, what is special about him?
-It is the advise/naseeha which he gave to his son. And, his naseeha is so powerful that Allah(SWT) described it in Quran as an example for us. And, it is also a dua for us.

Mufti's Commentary:
Live your life like Luqman so that people will make dua for you even after you have passed away.

How significant Luqman to his community?
- He was not a significant person to his community. However, he was significant person to the creator. And, it is a lesson for us that there will be individuals like him in our society that would be an important person to the creator but not to our eyes.

The First Advice:

Be grateful to Allah for everything that has been given to you.
Allah testifies that he has bestow  the wisdom to Luqman.

Second Advice:

(Yabunnayah)- O my beloved son

This shows that there was a bond between the father and the son before he gave the following advice. So, don't forget to show your love between your family members. And, don't hesitate to show your love between your spouses and children.

For  fathers, don't feel shy to say "I love you" to your daughters. Your children need to be assured that they are loved by their fathers. If, you don't say it, another man will say it and it will be going in a wrong way.

And, husbands , don't feel shy to compliment your wives , they are  halal for you:).

By associating partner, you are doing wrong only to yourself .

Advice for the children :
Respect your parents , no matter who they are. If, they say/command anything that is against the rulings of Allah, then excuse yourself, but still RESPECT them. Your parents are test for you by the permission of Allah, they are the ones who determine your nationality, color, race,your financial background etc.

Advice for the parents:
"Your creator commanded you...." -Look at the way Luqman, the wise has advised his son. SubhanAllah, he did not just shout or ordered his son instead he is saying that your creator has commanded you.  This is another approach to give advise to your children.

Have a bond with your child so that they will respect you. And, get rid of your bad habits so that they will listen to you. For example, if you are smoker, and you advice your children not to smoke, it is obvious that they will not listen to you.

Mufti's example : Whenever, he is travelling on the plane, he always had to watch a video of emergency preparation. And, in the video, it will feature a mother and child. The mother will be wearing the mask first and then she will wear it for her son. This is the way we should teach our children. Save yourself before you save others :)

Do not cut off your family ties, and do not make your family bond like business transactions. If, there is any conflict, you initiate to solve the problem.
1) Put down yourself
2) Ask forgiveness from them even if you are not wrong

Mufti's commentary: He said that there is nothing wrong to ask forgiveness even if you did not do anything wrong. He said, that he has done this many times and he is living happy due to that.

Saying Salam:
-You should say Salam within 3 days of conflict
-When you say peace upon you/salam - your dua might be accepted and they can become people who are loving people.
-And, please make your dua sincere and don't just say it and start to backbite about them in either through people or social networking sites.

Pornography:
Things like pornography or anything illegal/haram, people dare to do it because they think no is watching them. If , there is a ruling that government agency is tracking those who are watching pornography, people will stop doing that.

But, SubhanAllah, how can people not afraid to watch in front of their creator. He is watching them all the time! #FearAllah

Allah being Ar-Rahman/ Merciful:
People give excuse to make sins by saying Allah is being Ar-Rahman and he will not punish them during Judgment Day. However, this is totally a wrong concept .

For example: A mother will not punish/scold her child if it is doing wrong for 1 or 2 times. But, her tone will become more serious, and she might even give a punishment to her child if it is taking advantage of its mother's kindness.

So, how do you make repentance then?
You can format your hard drive (your heart) by
1) Asking Forgiveness From Allah sincerely
2) Do not commit the same mistake again

Remember to confess your sin only to Allah. You do not need to confess it to everyone. This is the beauty of Islam and it is not found in any other religion.
#QuicklyRushToAskForgiveness

"Those who ask repentance, and make GOOD DEEDS, their bad deeds will be converted to good deeds so that they can be admitted into paradise" 

Your hardships/trials will be easier for you, if you have direct connection to Allah by Salah.
For example, when you have CEO near you, how will you react?. This is how we should react when we are in a state of Salah.

Only your "DEEDS" will come to you even after your death, your children and wealth will be behind you.

Leaving Salah is a humiliating thing. Please enjoin your daily prayers if you haven't.

Enjoin Good & Forbid Evil:

A true friend is the one who will correct you even if it is a bitter truth.
Omer (RA) used to say that he will be happy when people advise him. However, take note of two things before you advise people:
1) Apply Wisdom when you are advising
2) Your advise should not make them worse than what they were when they are making the sins.

Patience:

You need to bear patience. Your hardships are tailored-made. Don't compare your hardships with others. And, don't complain about your trials to anyone . If you do, you are complaining about Allah. Instead, complain about your trials to Allah who will help you :)

Do not ever be arrogant!!!
And, contribute to your country that you are living in. Make the non-Muslims say that "Muslims are hardworking people etc". Make the non-Muslims say positive things about Muslims. Excel in whatever you are doing. And, contribute to the economy.

Lukman telling his son to treat people with correct attitude.
And , Mufti told about parrot story(extremely funny). To hear about the parrot story, click here

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"Walk moderately"- According to the scholars, Luqman actually demonstrated to his son, on how to walk humbly. #ParentingTechniques

"Lower your voice"- The worst sound is the donkey. So, make your voice humble and soft.