Self Esteem : Win The Lucky Ummah Award

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Win The Lucky Ummah Award

By Anum Ali

The quest to find your self-worth has its essence; its success, in only one answer. This answer is to the question, “What makes you special?” and if it is answered with a concrete, undoubted answer then you can celebrate your existence because you would find your self-worth. And the answer to an even more specific question, “What makes the Muslim ummah special?” is easy. It is the miracle of the glorious Quran. The mere realization of the valuable, sacred gifts we have been given directly by Allah through this beautiful scripture would boost self-esteem to astonishing levels.

The Best for the Best 

Man; human beings in general, have been titled Ashraf ul Makhlooqat i.e. Best Among Creations. And it is only towards the best that Allah subhaana wa ta’aala sent His direct word. The blessed prophets, from Prophet Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaaq (Issac), Yaqoub (Jacob), Yousuf (Joseph), to prophets Daud (David), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), may peace be upon them all, and finally, our beloved Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, were all sent to man. There are other creations as well, such as the animals, the plants, the jinns,  etc. but none of these were gifted with the word of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. Only man received the noble scriptures; the Book of Psalms, Torah, Bible and the Quran. 

         Furthermore, what sets the Muslim ummah a rank higher in esteem is that we have been gifted with the most pure of words from our Creator, Allah subhaana wa ta’aala that He has protected from any possible alteration, unlike the previous scriptures that were changed by human hands. The Quran affirms the previous scriptures and corrects the changes made within them. It comes then as the final definite truth that no human hand can change. With this Quran, leadership has been passed from the Children of Israel to the Muslim ummah. When we hold this book; the glorious Quran in our hands, we should stop for a second and think about what we are holding. It is the biggest prestige symbol; greater than any known award in the world that we could ever receive. 

A Prestigious Heritage

Have you ever observed what makes the royalty so royal and prestigious? Why are the kings and princes and queens and princesses held in high regard? There is always a royal past they take pride in and that reinstates their royal heritage. If you think about it, the Muslim ummah too has a very prestigious lineage to take pride in. We too are, Alhamdulillah, no less than sacred royalty. [From the very beginning of time, from our origin from our primal parents; the prophet Adam alayhi salaam and his wife Hawwa (Eve) alayhaa salaam, we share a sacred bond with them and the chain of prophets who all descended from them.] 

        The Quran narrates the story of our glorified past, the beautiful present we live today as the ummah of Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and the blissful eternal future that has been promised to us in Paradise if we live truthfully. 

Heroic Mentors and Spiritual Guides

Self-esteem is like a flower that blossoms best when watered with exemplary mentoring and nurtured with spiritual guidance. The Quran is the ultimate provision of spiritual nutrition. The stories of the prophets and their divine lives mentioned in the verses of the Quran are actually heroic legends of the faithful; how they did not let their guard down to Satan and his human accomplices. One could immerse oneself in these truthful tales and extract valuable gems of self esteem to stud his or her character with. 

        There is the story of Prophet Abraham alayhi salaam who did not bow down before the king who ordered him to be cast into the fire in order to test his prophetic miracle. And Prophet Moses alayhi salaam too did not kneel before the Pharaoh who compelled Moses to prostrate before him and accept his false godliness. There is the beautiful tale of Prophet Joseph (Yousuf) alayhi salaam who chose imprisonment in the dungeons of Egypt over surrenderring his pious self-worth to the seduction of the minister’s wife. Years later, when Prophet Yousuf alayhi salaam was released, he demanded that the case be reopened and the perpetrator identified so as to officially restore his damaged honor. This, he demanded to be done before he took on the appointed role as Egypt’s Minister of Finance. Such are the stories of the righteous and how they stood firm for their worth as the chosen ones of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala. 

The Science of Life

The Quran is not only about stories but is a book of lessons; a manual for the Muslim Ummah to follow in order to lead a successful and prestigious life. The limitations of halal living are basically wise strategies of life in themselves. Each lesson learnt, adds to our quota of knowledge and most definitely the possessor of knowledge feels his own worth within his heart. Allah subhaana wa ta’aala teaches us, through the Quran, ways to honor our existence. Speaking for oneself, speaking nothing but the truth to keep the soul worthy, feeling nothing but the good for oneself and the other to keep the heart clean and worthy, and dealing in truthful ways to keep one’s character worthy of respect; it teaches us all that is needed to increase our self-worth. If you understand the wisdom of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala in His words in the Quran, you would definitely gain access to the secrets of living and the ideology of a successful life. 

Harbinger of Good News

Allah subhaana wa ta’aala mentions the abundant bounties and luxuries He has provided for us in this world to enjoy in the Quran. There are mentions of foods and fruits and drinks and mates that have been made lawful unto us so that we may enjoy the life of this world. We’ve been gifted and we, the Best Among All Creations (Ashraf ul Makhlooqat) are indeed worthy in deserving these gifts. He considers us worthy of even greater gifts in the Hereafter i.e. the life in Paradise. So, we should know our worth. He promises us eternal life of happiness and enjoyment if we remain truthful. And there are gardens under which rivers flow that have been guaranteed for us if we stay loyal to His word. We are to transform ourselves so as to make ourselves worthy of these gifts. And so, developing of self-esteem includes making oneself worthy of Paradise.

Effective Means of Winning The Lucky Ummah Award

The Quran is the greatest award a person could win for himself. From its reading to its analysis and exegesis, reflecting upon its beautiful narratives, to its implementation in practical life; all these result in boosting one’s self-esteem. And only by developing a close relationship with this beautiful scripture can you win this award, inshaAllah. 

Having comprehensively spoken about the beauty of the Quran, here are some clear-cut routines and strategies you can adopt to increase your self-esteem  by loving the Quran, inshaAllah.

1. Develop the habit of starting each day with the recitation and translation of Quran’s verses.
   Result: It would give you a “worthy” start to your day.
2. Read the exegesis (tafseer) of the Quran.
   Result: It would increase your knowledge about Allah subhaana wa ta’aala’s word and make you aware of the right and the wrong. This empowerment of knoweldge will boost your self-esteem inshaAllah.
3. Make a habit of reflecting upon the morals found in the heroic stories of righteous prophets mentioned in the Quran.
   Result: There are great lessons, as mentioned earlier, for you to take examples from. You can learn how to value your own worth and also fight in your defense should somebody attack it.
4. Make du’aa when you recite the word of Allah subhaana wa ta’aala
   Result: When you recite the Quran, you connect with your Creator, and at that moment, I believe, He holds you close too. This is your chance to make du’aa for Him to increase your belief, your virtuosity, and your self-worth i.e. the value of yourself in your own eyes.

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A short poem regarding death

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It was early in the morning at four,

When death knocked upon a bedroom door,

Who is there? The sleeping one cried.

I'm Malkul Mawt, let me inside.

At once, the man began to shiver,

As one sweating in deadly fever,

He shouted to his sleeping wife,

Don't let him take away my life.

Please go away, O Angel of Death!

Leave me alone; I'm not ready yet.

My family on me depends,

Give me a chance, O please prepense!

The angel knocked again and again,

Friend! I'll take your life without a pain,

This your soul Allah requires,

I come not with my own desire.

Bewildered, the man began to cry,

O Angel I'm so afraid to die,

I'll give you gold and be your slave,

Don't send me to the unlit grave.

Let me in, O Friend! The Angel said,

Open the door; get up from your bed,

If you do not allow me in,

I will walk through it, like a Jinn.

The man held a gun in his right hand,

Ready to defy the Angel's stand.

I'll point my gun, towards your head,

You dare come in; I'll shoot you dead.

By now the Angel was in the room,

Saying, O Friend! Prepare for your doom.

Foolish man, Angels never die,

Put down your gun and do not sigh.

Why are you afraid! Tell me O man,

To die according to Allah's plan?

Come smile at me, do not be grim,

Be Happy to return to Him.

O Angel! I bow my head in shame,

I had no time to take Allah's Name.

From morning till dusk, I made my wealth,

Not even caring for my health.

Allah's command I never obeyed,

Nor five times a day I ever prayed.

A Ramadan came and a Ramadan went,

But no time had I to repent.

The Hajj was already FARD on me,

But I would not part with my money.

All charities I did ignore,

Taking usury more and more.

O Angel! I appeal to you,

Spare my life for a year or two.

The Laws of Quran I will obey,

I'll begin SALAT this very day.

My Fast and Hajj, I will complete,

And keep away from self-conceit.

I will refrain from usury,

And give all my wealth to charity,

Wine and wenches I will detest,

Allah's oneness I will attest.

We Angels do what Allah demands,

We cannot go against His commands.

Death is ordained for everyone,

Father, mother, daughter or son.

I'm afraid this moment is your last,

Now be reminded, of your past,

I do understand your fears,

But it is now too late for tears.

You lived in this world, two score and more,

Never did you, your people adore.

Your parents, you did not obey,

Hungry beggars, you turned away.

Your two ill-gotten, female offspring,

In nightclubs, for livelihood they sing.

Instead of making more Muslims,

You made your children non-Muslims.

You ignored the Mua'dhin Adhaan,

Nor did you read the Holy Quran.

Breaking promises all your life,

Backbiting friends, and causing strife.

From hoarded goods, great profits you made,

And your poor workers, you underpaid.

Horses and cards were your leisure,

Moneymaking was your pleasure.

You ate vitamins and grew more fat,

With the very sick, you never sat.

A pint of blood you never gave,

Which could a little baby save

O Human, you have done enough wrong,

You bought good properties for a song.

When the farmers appealed to you,

You did not have mercy, it is true.

Paradise for you? I cannot tell,

Undoubtedly you will dwell in hell.

There is no time for you to repent,

I'll take your soul for which I am sent.

The ending however, is very sad,

Eventually the man became mad

With a cry, he jumped out of bed,

And suddenly, he fell down dead.

O Reader! Take moral from here,

You never know, your end may be near

Change your living and make amends

For heaven, on your deeds depends.

If this poem inspires you,

It can help someone too.

**********************************************

What do you have for your END?

Take Care with: The END

The End

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES & ADVICES

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MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES & ADVICES

Why You Should Do Hifdh

As Allaah Subhaanahu wa ta`Aalaa tells us in the Qur’aan, we have been created to worship Him (alone).[1] As such, our every action should be done seeking to earn His Pleasure. You should know that the Qur’aan is the Speech of Allaah and that it was retained in the hearts and memories of those whom you should seek to emulate; namely, our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi was-sallam), his companions and the pious predecessors. There are many aayaat and ahaadeeth which highlight the importance of learning the Qur’aan, reciting it, acting according to it, and reflecting on its meanings.

From the Qur’aan:

اللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَاباً مُّتَشَابِهاً مَّثَانِيَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَى ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلْ اللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ هَادٍ

Allaah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Qur'aan), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allaah. That is the guidance of Allaah. He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever Allaah sends astray, for him there is no guide. (Surah Az-Zumar 39:23)

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَاناً وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

The believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); (Al-Anfal 8:2)

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاء لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur'aan, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers. (Yunus 10:57)

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ

And We have indeed made the Qur'aan easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? (Al-Qamar 54:17)

From the Ahaadeeth:

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم said, "Keep on reciting the Qur'aan, for, by Him in Whose Hand my life is, Qur'aan runs away (is forgotten) faster than camels that are released from their tying ropes." [Al-Bukhaaree, Book of the Virtues of the Qur'aan]

An-Nawwas bin Sam`an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, "The Qur'aan and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Soorah Al-Baqarah and Soorah Aal-`Imraan arguing on behalf of those who applied them.'' [Muslim]

The Prophet (Sallallahu `alayhi was-sallam) said: “Whoever reads one letter of the Book of Allaah will have one hasanah (reward) for doing so, and every hasanah will be multiplied by 10. I do not say that ‘alif, laam, meem’ is one letter, but ‘alif’ is a letter, ‘laam’ is a letter and ‘meem’ is a letter.’” [at-Tirmidhee - classed as hasan]

`Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`Aas (May Allaah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "The one who was devoted to the Qur'aan will be told on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Aayah you recite.’'' [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

‘Aa’ishah (May Allaah be pleased with her) relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Verily the one who recites the Qur’aan beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then for him is two rewards.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

When you understand the importance and merits of reading and memorizing the Qur’aan, you will be motivated to achieve your goal of memorizing the Words of Allaah. Indeed it is the way of the companions and the way of the Salaf of this Ummah.

The Importance of Tajweed

Striving to recite the Qur’aan with correct pronunciation is an obligation upon each and every one of us. The science of tajweed is very noble as this is the way that Jibreel (`alayhis-salaam) taught the Qur’aan to our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu `alayhi was-sallam), and the way that he taught it to his companions. Those who are skilled in the recitation of the Qur`aan have been given a high status as they will have the reward of being in the company of the obedient and noble angels (Bukhaaree and Muslim). For this reason, you should learn to read the lesson (suwar/aayaat) that you are memorizing with proper tajweed. You can listen to a skilled Qaari (recitor) in order to learn the correct pronunciation. This can also aid non-Arabic speakers to ascertain places where one can stop. It should be noted however that this advice is not intended for one to be unnatural in his recitation by trying to be ‘another recitor’. Additionally, if you are able to recite to a qualified teacher, the problem of memorizing with tajweed errors would be avoided inshaa’Allaah, and you would not be ignorant of the correct pronunciation which you could then work to implement and apply to your new hifdh lessons and recitation.

How to Memorize & How Much to Memorize

As Muslims who are sincerely striving to please Allaah, hifdh of Qur’aan should be a part of our daily lives. We are all at different levels of knowledge of Arabic and the Qur’aan, so one person’s daily portion may vary from another’s. The guidelines of Al-Haafidhoon wal-Hafidhaat program are that you memorize at least one aayah per day. However, students who are proficient in Arabic and Tajweed are encouraged and expected to do more. The important thing is that you specify a daily portion and do not decrease from it. Decreasing from your daily set portion means that the Shaytaan is whispering and then you will start claiming laziness. If you are able to participate in a Hifdh class and/or have a study partner with whom you compete, it will keep you motivated and consistent.

You should also keep a chart so that you can remind yourself how much you do on a daily basis and it would also enable you to see the days when you lapsed in your daily portion. (Click to download your customizable blank charts). Having a set daily portion allows you to set a target goal for your completion of hifdhul-Qur’aan. If you are consistent in memorizing one line each day, you will complete the entire Qur’aan in 24 years. Whatever you set for your daily portion, you will find that when you persevere with it, it will become easier and easier for you to increase upon it, by Allaah’s Mercy. 

A program to memorize the Qur’aan in 2.5 years

One model program (ideal for one who is proficient) is to complete hifdh of the entire Qur’aan in 2.5 years by memorizing one page daily, half after Salaatul-Fajr and half in the evening (spending approximately one hour in each sitting). You should also spend twenty minutes reviewing five pages before the current page being memorized daily, as well as stick to what you have memorized and recite it in your salaah. No matter what your level, it will serve best to memorize after Fajr or early in the morning when the brain is soft and fresh.

If the aayah is long, you should break it up into smaller sections for the purpose of memorizing it and then say the entire aayah several times by connecting the parts as well as applying the correct stops. Reading a tafseer or translation is recommended as it would aid you in sequencing the aayaat. For example, you may know an aayah well but are unable to recollect which aayah comes after it; by knowing what Allaah is speaking about this would aid in sequencing the aayaat in your memory.

Ways to Retain What Has Been Memorized

There are some simple techniques you can apply to help you retain what you have memorized. First and foremost you must ask Allaah to help you and be confident that He answers your du’aa. You should use your time spent for memorizing wisely, and remember that reciting Qur’aan is a superb way to remember your Rabb. When you want to do hifdh, try to sit in the same place each time – a place that is free from distractions and people walking hither and thither. Read from the same Mushaf each time so that you may have a mental picture of the words on the page that you have memorized. Whether you use tapes, CD’s, iPods or the computer, ensure that you listen as well as read and these would aid in making your hifdh well rooted. It is important to pay attention to those aayaat which resemble one another. Ideally, the teacher who you choose should remind you of the similar aayaat when you recite your hifdh to him/her. For example, if you arrive at aayah 61 in Soorah Al-Baqarah and then when reading Aali `Imraan you come to aayah 21 or 112, you should be able to cite the semblance in the words. If the teacher does not point out the mutaashaabihaat (resembling verses), then you should try to read some books which deal with this subject matter. It is also recommended that you read your hifdh in your salaah as it would aid in reinforcing what you have memorized. Ideally you should memorize with the verses flowing smoothly in your memory. If there is problem sequencing the aayaat, then you should spend some more time reviewing and Inshaa’Allaah the little hiccups will be ironed out with more and more reviews.

How to Review and How Often to Review

In the model program mentioned above, it was advised to review five pages before memorizing one page. Whether you are memorizing one page a day or one aayah a day, it is essential that you review a portion of your hifdh every day. The review is an indispensable component of your hifdh program that makes the verses flow smoothly in your memory and effortlessly from your tongue. A particularly effective method of reviewing is to recite your hifdh in the Tahajjud prayer. You can have the Mushaf open and set in a place where you can glance at it so that if you stumble on a word, you may look at it on the page. You can do this in all your voluntary prayers repeating the portion in each raka’h until it flows smoothly.

These were some benefits gleaned from several books that deal with memorizing the Qur’aan as well as personal advices received from our hifdh and tajweed teachers. You may find the books listed under Our Sources. We hope it will benefit you. And Allaah Ta`Aalaa knows best.

[1] Adh-Dhaariyaat 51/56

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