Assalam alaikum & peace to all who read this

I drift back sometimes to the days when I was not Muslim and try to think what would have happened if I had not converted?  I cannot know, and am not sure I want to know what would have happened, but Subhanallah (glory to God) that I do not have to worry about that.  I also think about all my good and bad deeds in my life, will those also be carried over to my ‘new’ life?  Islam is the Truth and a way of living life, it is a comfort to know that my previous sins are absolved and that all my good deeds have remained!

After converting to Islam, the person will be rewarded for his or her good and bad deeds according to the following saying of the Prophet Muhammad : {Your Lord, Who is blessed and exalted, is most merciful.  If someone intends to do a good deed but does not do it, a good deed will be recorded for him.  And if he does do it, (a reward of) ten to seven hundred or many more times (the reward of the good deed), will be recorded for him.  And if someone intends to do a bad deed but does not do it, a good deed will be recorded for him.  And if he does do it, a bad deed will be recorded against him or God will wipe it out.}^2[

A nice article about how to teach children to do ‘good deeds’ everyday, I thought it fitting as we are ‘reverts’ - sometimes childlike in our wonder and learning! (At least I feel that way!)

Developing Character :recording one good deed a day.

Assalam alaikum and Peace to all

We are in the hot months of summer now but my mind drifts to a few months from now when we will be in the month of Ramadan (The month of Fasting).  I thought I would post some thoughts on fasting in Islam.  Though this would be a good way to slowly introduce the topic of Ramadan.  Please take the time to read through the articles.  I will Inshallah be posting more information about Ramadan and what to do in preparation for it!

The Goals of fasting

Fasting has no equivalent

Salam and peace to you all.  I’ve been contemplating this issue in my head for about three years now, ever since I become Muslim. (yes I still have not told them… Inshallah one day I will have the courage) So, along these lines I found the article below… click the title of the article to read the rest.  Inshallah (God-willing) it will help with your questions!!

BEING A NEW MUSLIM IN A FAMILY OF NON-MUSLIMS

For some muslim converts telling their family of their decision is no problem at all. Some families of converts are very happy at the choice to become a muslim, and it is welcomed. Unfortunately though for other converts this is a difficult process, with various obstacles to face.

This page is designed to help new converts through this experience, or perhaps even ‘old’ converts who have kept their new religion hidden for some time. There is no magical answer as all families are different and will inevitably react in various ways. However, if we cannot provide exact answers, we can certainly go a long way to helping converts feel more comfortable in this situation, and by sharing with each other we will all grow stronger and more able to face problems inshaAllah.

Before we get into the possible family problems and the suggested solutions we should first emphasize that although some converts have some problems, there are many others who do not. This page is designed to help those who are met with obstacles, so may, unavoidably, come across as negative. So please remember that some families of converts are very happy that their relative has converted. Some reasons for the happy reactions are as follows:

• they are happy that the relative concerned has found God.
• they are happy that the relative concerned will be leading a moral life, especially in this day and age.
• the family have seen the happiness that the relative concerned has found and this in turn makes them happy.
• they are pleased that the relative concerned now has discipline and stability in their life.
• families knowledgable about Islam, although they may not convert themselves, realise the truth about Islam (as opposed to the propaganda).

Please remember that the anticipation of telling your family about your new religion is often worse than the reality. We find that we re-run the moment over and over in our minds, imagining the worst possible outcome. Then, when we come to actually having the discussion, things go much better than expected.

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”

Chinese Proverb

I came across this quote and thought what a wonderful way to look at how children learn and how they absorb everything around them. Islam is a way of life and so you should be trying to teach your children basic moral values and ethics. Saw this article and thought I would share it here.

15 Tips to Raising Great Children

Children are easily influenced by their surroundings. These days, it is extremely difficult to expose our children to an ideal Islamic environment given the influences from media, friends and even other members of the family.

With television, radio, Internet and forms of media mostly touting un-Islamic values, it is up to parents and adults close to the children to set the correct example.

It is impossible to shield our children from all the negative forces that can shape their minds and, ultimately, their behavior.

However, by our own example and showing them better options, we can set them on the true path, which is to obey the commandments of Allah (swt) and our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

Click here to read the 15 Tips

Assalam alaikum - Having gone through marriage, now the time comes to think about building a family - here are some prayers and thoughts on starting a family in Islam

He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Qur'an 3:6]

Du’a (Supplication)

A good dua (supplication) to make when desiring a child:
The Noble Qur’an - Al-A’raf 7:189
It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He has created from him his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. When he had sexual relation with her, she became pregnant and she carried it about lightly. Then when it became heavy, they both invoked Allâh, their Lord (saying): “If You give us a Sâlih (good in every aspect) child, we shall indeed be among the grateful.”

Dua for infertile couples:
The du’a of Zakariyya (Zakariah), ‘alayhis-salaam, which he made in his old age while his wife was barren but Allah, swt, answered his call and gave him Yahyah (John), ‘alayhis-salaam.

The Noble Qur’an Al-’Imran 3:38
“Rabbi hab li min ladunka dhurriyyatan tayyibatan innaka samee’ al-du’aa’ “
…”O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.” 

WHAT TO DO UPON BIRTH
Recite Adhan in Baby’s Ear

Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawud #5086, Narrated Abu Rafi’ 

I saw the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) uttering the call to prayer (Adhan) in the ear of al-Hasan ibn Ali when Fatimah gave birth to him.

Sweetening the Mouth of the Newborn

Hadith - Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah Anas said, “I went to the Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, with ‘Abd Allah ibn Abi Talhah on the day that he was born. The Prophet was wearing a cloak (outside) seeing to a camel. So he said to me, ‘Do you have any dates with you?’ I said, ‘Yes’ and handed them to him. He moistened them with his tongue, opened the child’s mouth, and placed the softened dates inside. When the boy showed that he liked them, the Prophet, upon him be peace, said, ‘This is the love of the Ansar for their dates.’ And then he named the boy ‘Abd Allah.”

Praying for the Newborn

Hadith - Bukhari’s Book of Manners #1260
Mu’awiyah ibn Qurrah said, “When my son Iyas was born, I invited several of the Companions of the Prophet [to a feast] and fed them. Then they prayed (for me and my son). I said, ‘You have prayed, and may Allah bless you for your prayers. Now, I am going to pray, so please say “Ameen” [to all that I pray for]. Then I prayed long for my son’s religion, his mind, and so on.”

Praising Allah for a Healthy Son or Daughter

Hadith - Bukhari’s Book of Manners #1261

Kathir ibn ‘Ubayd said, “Whenever a child was born among them, ‘A’ishah would not ask if it were a boy or a girl. Instead she would ask, ‘Is the child healthy (and without defect)?’ If she was told, ‘Yes,’ she would say, ‘Al-hamdulilah ar-Rabeel Alameen (All praise is for Allah, Lord of All the Worlds.’

Read more about Pregnancy dua’s and child raising

Assalam alaikum

Marriage is a very important step in a Muslims life, something that should not be taken lightly at all - so in keeping with Islamic tradition it is important to ‘interview’ your prospective mate - yes it is not a job interview but asking the right questions can help you in deciding if this is the right person for you.  After getting your answers to these questions it is probably a good idea to pray Istikhara prayer (guidance prayer) and ask Allah if this is the person who you are to marry and have a family with.  Inshallah this list will be a benefit to you.  I am only posting the first 20 … please click the link to see the rest.

100 Pre Marital Questions

1. What is your concept of marriage?
2. Have you been married before?
3. Are you married now?
4. What are you expectations of marriage?
5. What are your goals in life? (long and short term)
6. Identify three things that you want to accomplish in the near future.
7. Identify three things that you want to accomplish, long term.
8. Why have you chosen me/other person as a potential spouse?
9. What is the role of religion in your life now?
10. Are you a spiritual person?
11. What is your understanding of an Islamic marriage?
12. What are you expecting of your spouse, religiously?
13. What is your relationship between yourself and the Muslims community in your area?
14. Are you volunteering in any Islamic activities?
15. What can you offer your zawj (spouse), spiritually?
16. What is the role of the husband?
17. What is the role of the wife?
18. Do you want to practice polygamy?
19. What is your relationship with your family?
20. What do you expect your relationship with the family of your spouse to be?

There are certain verses in the Quran where it is recommended to prostrate.  I have always wanted a simple list that outlines which verses they are.  Well, here it is. When you come to these verses stop and prostrate then continue with the remaining reading or recitation.

1. Al-A’raf (Chapter 7, Verse 206):
   “Those who are near to your Lord, disdain not to do Him worship; they celebrate His Praises and to Him they prostrate themselves.”
2. Al-Ra’d (chapter 13, Verse 15):
   “Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah with goodwill or inspite of themselves: so do their shadows in the mornings and evenings.”
3. Al-Nahl (Chapter 16, Verses 49-50):
   “And unto Allah prostrate all that is in heavens and on earth, whether moving living creatures or the angels: for none are arrogant (before their Lord). They all fear their Lord High above them, and they do all that they are commanded.”
4. Al-Israa’ (Chapter 17, Verses 107-109):
   “Say: ‘Whether you believe in it or not’ It is true that these who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them fall down on their faces in humble prostration and they say: ‘Glory to our Lord. Truly the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled.’ They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their earnest humility.”
5. Maryam (Chapter 19, Verse 58):
   “Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah bestowed His Grace of the posterity of Adam, and of those whom We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Ibrahim and Israel - of those whom We guided and chose; whenever the Signs of Allah Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.”
6. Al-Hajj (Chapter 22, Verse 18):
   “Don’t you see that to Allah bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth - the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and a great number among mankind? But a great number are also such as are fit for punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace, none can raise to honor: for Allah carried out all that He wills.”
7. Al-Hajj (chapter 22, verse 77):
   “O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord; and do good so that you may prosper.”
8. Al-Furqan (Chapter 25, Verse 60):
   “When it is said to them: ‘Prostrate yourselves to the Most Gracious’, they say: ‘What is the Most Gracious? Shall we prostrate ourselves to that which you command us?’ And it increases their flight from the Truth.”
9. Al-Naml (Chapter 27, Verses 2-27):
   “I found there a woman ruling over them provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne. I found her and her people prostrating themselves to the sun away from Allah; the Devil has made their deeds seem pleasing to their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path - so they receive no guidance - that they should not prostrate themselves to Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you hide and what you reveal. Allah! there is no god but He! Lord of the Throne Supreme.”
10. Al-Sajdah (chapter 32, Verse 15):
    “Only those who believe in Our Signs, who, when they are reminded of them (through recitation) fall down in prostration and celebrate the praises of their Lord; nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.”
11. Saad (Chapter 38, Verse 24):
    “(Dawood) said: ‘He has undoubtedly wronged you in demanding your single ewe to be added to his flock of ewes; truly many are the partners who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are, they?’ Dawood then gathered that We had tried him: so he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down bowing in prostration and turned to Allah in repentance.”
12. Fussilat (Chapter 41, Verses 37-38):
    “And among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Don’t prostrate yourselves to the Sun and the Moon, but prostrate to Allah, who created them if it is Him you wish to worship. If however, they are arrogant, those who are in the presence of your Lord celebrate His praises by night and by day and they never flag.”
13. Al-Najm (Chapter 53, Verse 62):
    “Do you then wonder at this recital? And will you laugh and not weep, wasting your time in vanities? Rather fall down in prostration to Allah and worship Him (alone)!”
14. Al-lnshiqaq (Chapter 84, Verse 21):
    “What then is the matter with them, that they do not believe? And when the Quran is recited to them they fall not prostrate?’
15. Al-’Alaq (Chapter 96, Verse 19):
    “Knows he not that Allah does see? Nay. let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock - a lying, sinful forelock! Then let him call for help to his council (of comrades): We will call on the angels of punishment. Nay: had him not. But bow down in prostration and bring yourself the closer (to Allah).”

We all have had a time in our life when we’ve had to make a decision,
at times we’ve all felt a need to get guidance, or to be shown the correct way. 
Making a decision will affect not just us but those around us, as a
consequence we may make a good or bad choice, what we
perceive as bad maybe considered good by someone else.

In these times of uncertainty there is a specific prayer for guidance
(Salat-l-Istikhara) that you can do to ask for Allah’s help in making your decision. 
Allah knows what is best for you.
It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara [below],
with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet
(Allah bless him & give him peace), and to close it in this manner, too.
Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the qibla.

It is disliked to ‘hasten’ in seeking the answer to one’s istikhara,
like other duas, because the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace)
said, “Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying,
‘I prayed, but no answer came.’”

The way to perform Istikhara is to first pray two cycles of ritual
prayer [raka'] and after finishing prayer
[salam] then recite this (supplication/dua’) (it does not have to be
recited in Arabic but can be recited in your own language)

The Prophet Muhammad said, “If one of you is concerned about some
practical undertaking, or about making plans for a journey, he should
perform two cycles (rak’atain) of voluntary prayer.” 
Then he/she should say the following du’a:

Oh Allah! I seek Your guidance by virtue of Your knowledge, and
I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. 
You have power; I have none.  And You know; I know not. 
You are the Knower of hidden things.

Oh Allah!  If in Your knowledge, (this matter/decision*) is good for my
religion, my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then
ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. 
And if in Your knowledge, (this matter/decision *) is bad for my religion,
my livelihood and my affairs, immediate and in the future, then turn it
away from me, and turn me away from it.  And ordain for me the good
wherever it may be, and make me content with it.

Transliteration:

Allahumma inni astakheeroka bi ilmik.  Wa’astaq-diroka biqodratik. 
Wa’as’aloka min fadlikal-azeem.  Fa’innaka taqdiru wala aqdir. 
Wata lamo wala-a lam.  Wa’anta-allamul ghuyoob.

Allahumma in kunta ta lamu anna (hathal-amra*) khayul-lee fi deenee
wama ashi wa ajila amri wa’ajilah, faqdorho lee, wayassirho lee,
thomma-barik lee fih.  Wa’in konta ta lamo anna (hathal-amra*)
sharrul-lee fi deenee.  Wama ashi.  Wa ajila amri. 
Wa’ajilaho.  Fasrifho annee.  Wasrifnee anh.  Waqdur leyal-khayr haytho kan. 
Thomma ardini bih.

*When making the du’a, the actual matter or decision should be
mentioned instead of the words “hathal-amra” (”this matter/decision “).

* After doing salat-l-istikhara, you may feel more inclined toward a
decision one way or the other.  Some people report seeing dreams that
may reveal a course to follow, but it is not required to see a dream.

It is better to do istakhara seven (7) times and right after reciting
the dua, given above, sleep with ablution

Assalam Alaikum

I came across this article recently and found it amazing! Alhamduillah - this article has answered one of my long time questions (a question that I have never gotten a good answer for!) It is about the line in our Salah when we offer the blessings on the Prophet - I could never understand (did not make sense to me) why the Prophet would be sending blessings on himself? It is said that we should pray as the Prophet did, and the line is “Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah” it is spoken in the 3rd person and that did not make any sense to me at all… well this article has answered my question!!

Hope you enjoy it!

The Mu’min’s Ascension
November 8th, 2007 by nuruddinzangi

Assalatu M’iraj al-Mu’min

The greatest gift that Allah bestowed on the Muslim Ummah during the Mi’raj, or Ascent of the Prophet Muhammad, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is the 5 daily Salaat prayers.

And it is as if Allah Most High, out of His great generosity, wanted the rest of the Ummah to have their own mi’raj and so made our salaat our mi’raj. “The Salaat is the M’iraj of the Believer” is a famous Islamic teaching, attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). I want to share my thoughts on some of the aspects that make this prayer like the mi’raj.

1) The Ascent of the Messenger of Allah took him to such a nearness to Allah, that the archangel Gabriel, made of light, said that if he accompanied him to that last station he would burn up. Now, this nearness is not in a physical sense, Exalted is Allah above such a thing.

The great Imam Ibn Daqiq al-Eid, considered the greatest scholar and mujaddid of the 7th Islamic century, was asked the following question: What is the meaning of the Prophet’s saying, pbuh, “Do not say I am better than Jonah son of Amittai” despite the fact that he said, pbuh, “I am the master of the children of Adam.” He said to his questioners, “I will not tell you until you pay off the debt of this friend of mine”, for he had a friend who had a debt, and they paid it off. So he said, “What is meant by that is: My nearness to Allah Most High during my ascent to the Tree of the Uttermost End, nay to the Divine Throne, is like the nearness of Jonah when he was in three darknesses, there is no superiority between us in that.” In other words, when Jonah prayed to Allah from within the belly of a whale in the dark depths of the ocean, he was as near to Allah as the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when he was beyond the 7th heaven, where the lights were so powerful that they would burn Gabriel. There is a tradition: that an angel came from above the seven heavens, and one from below the seven earths, an angel from the far west and an angel from the far east, and they all said “I came from where Allah is”.

Thus just as the Mi’raj took the Messenger (pbuh) to the greatest nearness to Allah Most High, so does our Salaat prayer, for the Messenger peace be upon him told us, “The nearest a servant of Allah comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself”, that is, during the sujood, “so make supplications in that state.”

Click to read the rest of the article! http://riyada.hadithuna.com/the-mumins-ascension/

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/tawheed/lailahaillaAllah.html

That is Allah, your Lord! There is no god but He, the creator of all things: Then worship you Him : and He has power to dispose of all affairs.” (Qur’an 6:102)
Although all practising Muslims repeat the shahadah many times every day, only few understand its profound meaning, and appreciate its implications. For example, how many Muslims understand why the shahadah uses the negative form - La Ilaha ha Ila Allah (There is no Ilah except Allah), instead of the affirmative form - Allah is one; and why did the Qur’anic revelations stress this concept for the thirteen years which the Prophet (saas) spent in Mecca before migrating to Medina? To help us in understanding the answer to these questions, and in better appreciating the implications of La Ilaha Illa Allah, the Qur’an provides us with the following two facts:

All the prophets and messengers of Allah were principally teaching the same thing: La Ilaha lila Allah:
O my people! worship Allah! you have no other god but Him (Qur ‘an 7:59)
This is precisely what Noah said; Hud declared (Qur’an 7:65); and Salih affirmed (Qur’an 7:73). Shuaib gave the same message (Qur’an 7:85). The same doctrine was repeated and confirmed by Prophets Moussa, Issa, and Mohammad (saas)
“Say; Truly I am a warner: no god is there but Allah, the One, Supreme, and Irresistible.” (Qur’an 38:65)
“Say: Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah, and follow with sincere devotion his deen.” (Qur ‘an 39:11)
Many of the unbelievers who opposed the prophets did not deny the existence of Allah, nor that He was the sole creator of heavens and earth; and of human beings.
If you were to question them, “Who created the heavens and earth?” they would be sure to reply, “they were created by (Him), the exalted in power, full of knowledge “. (Qur ‘an 43:9)
“If you ask them, who created them, they will certainly say, Allah: how then are they deluded away from the truth)?” (Qur ‘an 43:87)

The Muslim scholar Abul A’la Maududi explains La ilaha illa Allah by using four basic terms from the Qur’an: Ilah, Rabb, Ibadah, and deen (see the table below). The four words, and their derivatives, are repeated many times in the Qur’an; the word Ilah (147 times), Rabb (975 times), Ibadah (275 times), and deen (94 times). Note that the word deen is an all encompassing concept dealing with life as an integrated whole. It is not restricted to the so called “religious” observances, practices, and rituals.

In the light of these four basic terms, La ilaha illa Allah means:

Allah is our Rabb and our Ilah; there is no Rabb and no Ilah except He. To Him alone we make Ibadah; and only His deen we adopt and sincerely follow.

In the light of this definition, it is clear that the whole dispute between the unbelievers and the Prophets centered around the uncompromising demand of the prophets that the unbelievers should recognize the very being whom they acknowledged as their creator, as their Rabb and Ilah (as defined in the table) , and should assign this position to none else.

There are many important consequences for appreciating the full meaning and implications of La ilaha illa Allah, including the following three:

Absolute freedom of the human conscience from servitude to, or subjection by, anyone or anything; and realization that one’s life, livelihood, and sustenance are all in the hands of Allah and Allah alone.
The natural urge for making ibadah to an ilah will be directed towards the true Ilah (Allah), rather than towards one or more false ilahs (false gods), whether they be humans, or material things.
Following the true deen of Allah gives a sense of direction, and a meaning to one’s life in the present world, and leads to success in the Hereafter.

We pray to Almighty Allah to help us in appreciating the meaning and implications of La ilaha lIla Allah, and in translating its meaning in our daily lives. Ameen.

Assalam alaikum & Peace to all

I have always heard so much about Ayat al-kursi… the benefits and merits of reciting it…so I thought I would post this about it…Inshallah (God-willing)
we can all learn this verse and gain peace in it.

From http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/kursi.html 

Ayat al-Kursi is verse 255 of the second chapter (Surah) of the Holy Quran, Surat al-Baqarah (The Chapter of the Cow)

Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Haiyul-Qaiyum La ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm, lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-’ard Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-idhnihi Ya’lamu ma baina aidihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhituna bi shai’im-min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a Wasi’a kursiyuhus-samawati wal ard, wa la ya’uduhu hifdhuhuma Wa Huwal ‘Aliyul-Adheem

“Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend Over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory).”
[Surah al-Baqarah 2: 255]

Ubayy bin Ka’b (radiAllahu anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Abu Mundhir! Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book is the greatest? I said: ‘Allah and His messenger know best.’
He (peace be upon him) again said: ‘Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book, according to you, is the greatest?’ I (Abu Mundhir) replied: ‘It is ‘Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum’.[2:255].
Thereupon he (peace be upon him) patted me in the chest and said, ‘ Rejoice by your knowledge, O Abu Mundhir! (i.e, may this knowledge be a source of respect, honour and benefit to you)’.”
[Muslim]

Asma’ bint Yazid (radiAllahu anhu) reported, ‘ I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say about these two following Ayahs, i.e, verses: “Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. [2:255], And, Alif Lam Mim, Allah! There is no god but He - the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal [3:1-2], That they contain Allah’s Greatest Name.”
[Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal in his Musnad]

Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who recites it after each of the obligatory prayers, then death will be the only thing preventing him from entering Paradise.”
[Ibn Sunni, Ibn Hibban]

Abu Dhar said; O Messenger of Allah, what is the greatest thing that has been revealed to you?’ He said, Ayat al-Kursi, ‘Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa’
[an-Nasa'i]

When you lie down in your bed, recite ayat al-Kursi, Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists… [al-Baraqah 2:255] until the end of the ayah, then you will have a protector from Allah and no shaytan (devil) will come near you until morning comes
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated; In Surah al-Baqaraah there is an ayah which is the best of all the ayahs of the Qur’an. It is never recited in a house but the Shaytan leaves: Ayat al-Kursi.

Everything has its pinnacle and the pinnacle of the Qur’an is Surah al-Baqarah. In it there is an ayah which is the greatest in the Qur’an: Ayat al-Kursi
[at-Tirmidhi]

Do you know the Ayatul Kursi?” Anas (radiAllahu anhu) replied “I know”. The Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “It is equal to a quarter of the Qur’an

Assalam alaikum

As new muslims we sometimes get bombarded with too much information and feel that we need to learn things instantly to be able to ‘pratice’ our religion correctly. Well, we are all human and things just do not work out that easily, we need time and patience to perform our prayers, to recite Quran, or even simply to just ‘live’ as a muslim. I am posting this thread to help with the
Dhikr - it is the remebrance of Allah ~ we must try and remember to thank God each and every day of our lives. Here are some established methods of
doing Dhikr…please keep them in mind… when your mind wanders…let it wander in the praise of God!

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The most well known dhikr is saying:

Subhanallah 33 times
Al Hamduallah 33 times
Allahu Akhbar 33 times

From this Hadith:
He (saas) is reported as saying: “Whoever glorifies Allah at the end of every Salaat 33 times (subhanallah), and praises Allah 33 times (Al-hamdulillah), and utters the word of Greatness 33 times, (Allahu Akbar) that is ninety nine, then completes it with one hundred, saying:
`Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu laa sharika lahuu lahul Mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa `alaa k ulli shay in qadeer,
his shortcomings will be forgiven, even if it is as large as the froth of the sea.” (Muslim)  

This can be done after saying your Salah ~ You finish your salah with saying of ‘assalam alaikum wa rahmatuallah’, while turning your head to the right and left. Then you may recite 3 times ‘astaghfirullah’ (I seek Allah’s forgiveness)
From this Hadith:

Quote:
Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) finished his Salat (prayer), he would beg forgiveness three times [by saying, `Astaghfirullah' (3 times) ~ ' Imam Al-Auza`i (one of the subnarrators) of this Hadith was asked: "How forgiveness should be sought?'' He replied: "I say: Astaghfirullah, Astaghfirullah (I seek forgiveness from Allah. I seek forgiveness from Allah).''
(Muslim).]
and then say the above Dhikr