Yearly Archives: 2015

A handicap in one area can be compensated for by excellence in another

Posted on February 7th, 2015 · Filed under MYF News

(Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you. (Qur’an 24: 11)

Most people who are remembered today for their greatness had to overcome many obstacles on their path: their perseverance was akin to obstinacy. They felt a weakness in one faculty or area that required compensation in another. Many great scholars of Islam were actually freed slaves, such as `Ataa, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, Qatada, Bukhari, Tirmidhi and Abu Hanifah. Read more…

Gentleness helps you achieve your goals

Posted on February 4th, 2015 · Filed under MYF News

In previous chapters, I quoted revealed texts to illustrate the importance of being gentle; here we expand on the same theme by mentioning some examples. Imagine yourself driving a car on an extremely narrow road that is enclosed on either side by a wall. There is no way for a car to pass except with a great deal of care, gentleness, and caution. However, if a driver attempted to go through this street at a high speed, he would constantly crash into the wall on the right, and then into the one on the left, eventually causing his car to break down. In both of these instances ___________that of driving carefully and that of driving recklessly at a high speed – the street is the same and the car is the same, but the way of driving is different. Read more…

Signposts on the seeker’s highway

Posted on February 2nd, 2015 · Filed under MYF News

If one wants to know whether one is climbing upwards toward success, there are certain signs and indications that can help him to determine his progress.

1. As one becomes more knowledgeable, one becomes more humble and merciful to others. Think of an expensive pearl: the more heavy and valuable it is, the deeper it is in the ocean. A wise person knows that though knowledge is a gift, Allah tests the one whom He gives it to. When one is thankful for the gift of knowledge, one will be raised in ranking.

Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. (Qur’an 58: 11) Read more…

Blessings in disguise

Posted on January 27th, 2015 · Filed under MYF News

And indeed we have destroyed towns [populations] round about you. (Qur’an 46:27)

There is the tragic example of the Barmak family, a family that lived a life of opulence, comfort, and extravagance. Their end, however, has served as a lesson and example for all Arabs who came after them. Haroon ar-Rasheed, the ruler during their period, ordered an unexpected attack on the Barmak family and on their possessions. Allah’s decree came to pass over them in the morning at the hands of the closest person to them: he destroyed their homes, took possession of their slaves, and shed their blood. Their loved ones and children wept at their disgrace. There is none worthy of worship except Allah; those who know the story should especially appreciate the transitory nature of power and wealth in this world:

Then take admonition, O’ you with eyes [to see]. (Qur’an 59: 2) Read more…