REDUCING THE INTAKE OF FOOD !

QILLAT E TA'AAM.  REDUCING THE INTAKE OF FOOD.

Qillat-e-Ta’aam (Reducing food) !

Allah Ta'ala states: "Eat and drink, but do not waste. Verily, Allah does not love those who transgress the limits." Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said: "Tasbeeh and Taqdees which are sufficient for those of the heaven will suffice for them (people) too." (Mishkaat)

This Hadith means that like Tasbeeh (reciting the Glories of Allah) and Taqdees (reciting the Holiness of Allah) are sufficient for the Malaa’ikah (Angels) in the heavens so will it suffice as nourishment for Muslims. It is narrated that certain saints remained without food for long periods in solitude engaged in Tasbeeh and Taqdees.

It is clear from this Hadith that at times Zikr and Tasbeeh are sufficient as nourishment. However, it is not possible to adhere to the methods of food reduction practiced in former times. The people of those days were endowed with great physical strength and despite the great reduction in food they suffered no ill effect and maintained their full concentration in their Ibaadat activities.

Their physical strength could be gauged from the type of spiritual exercises (Ashghaal) which they practiced. Some of their Ashghaal were of such a severe nature that if anyone attempts to practice them today he will find his back breaking.

Such an example is Salaat-e-Ma'koos which consists of one suspending oneself upside down and in this inverted manner carry out some Shaghl (singular of Ashghaal)

. In reality Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam did not prescribe Taqleel-e-Ta'aam, but altered the routine times of eating and in this way made the intervals between eating times longer. This change of habit (in eating times) and the longer intervals (between eating times) which are difficult upon the nafs, have been considered by the Shariat to be representative of Taqleel-e-Ta’aam.

Among the various forms of Mujaahidah, fasting is the best. Hence, the Shariat has given Taqleel-e-Ta’aam the form of fasting. In the Shariat, reduction of food will therefore be fasting. The other forms of Taqleel-e-Ta’aam adopted by the people of Mujaahidah have no original basis in the Shariat. Eating less and remaining hungry are not forms of Mujaahidah of the Shariat.

The significance (Fadheelat) of hunger mentioned in the Hadith does not refer to voluntary (i.e. self-imposed) hunger, but refers to involuntary hunger - hunger which comes one's way uninvited. The Hadith consoles such persons of poverty by explaining the virtues of hunger so that they do not worry and suffer unduly. Patience in the face of such divinely imposed hunger, occasions thawaab and elevation of spiritual ranks.

This significance of hunger is similar to the significance of sickness explained in the Hadith. The Hadith mentions thawaab for even sickness, but this does not mean that one has to voluntarily induce sickness. The method of Qillat-e-Ta’aam mentioned in the book, "Tableegh-e- Deen" by lmaam Ghazaali Rahmatullah Alayh, has been forbidden because reduction in food is not the intended purpose of the Shariat, also because the physique of people of today is unlike that of the people of earlier times.

Qillat-e-Ta’aam is not an end in itself, but is a means of acquiring an in- tended aim. This intended aim and purpose is to weaken the animal urge in man, and the aim in weakening this urge is to prevent the nafs from sin. Therefore, if the nafs could be controlled and restrained from sin without reducing food then Taqleel-e-Ta'aam is not necessary. Further- more, cheerfulness and joy in Ibaadat are experienced if the body is in the state of health and strength.

Experience shows that nowadays the health in most cases suffers as a result of Taqleel-e-Ta’aam. But, at the same time one must abstain from excessive eating and adhere to moderation. The capacity of people differs, hence moderation will differ for different persons. The guide line in this matter is to eat when hungry and to stop eating when you feel that you can yet eat a few more morsels. In other words, one is allowed to eat to one's stomach fill, but not to satisfy one’s desire.

COIRTESY: ISLAM.ORG.

THINGS YOU NEED TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

 Things You Need to Teach Your Child(ren)

Here is a list of things you need to teach your Child(ren) at early age:

1: It is always advisable you go through any new Material like cartoons you just bought for them before they start seeing it themselves.

2: Avoid Getting Dressed in front of your child once he/she is 2 years old. Learn to excuse them or yourself.

3. Never allow any adult refer to your child as 'my wife' or 'my husband'

4. Whenever your child goes out to play with friends make sure you look for a way to find out what kind of play they do, because young people now sexually abuse themselves.

5. Never force your child to visit any adult he or she is not comfortable with and also be observant if your child becomes too fond of a particular adult.

6. Once a very lively child suddenly becomes withdrawn you may need to patiently ask lots of questions from your child.

7. Carefully educate your grown ups about the right values of sex . If you don't, the society will teach them the wrong values.

8: Once your child complains about a particular person, don't keep quiet about it. Take up the case and show them you can defend them. 

9. Ensure you activate parental controls on your cable networks and advice your friends especially those your child(ren) visit(s) often.

10. Teach your 3 year olds how to wash their private parts properly and warn them never to allow anyone touch those areas and that includes you (remember, charity begins from home and with you).

11: Blacklist some materials/associates you think could threaten the sanity of your child (this includes music, movies and even friends and families).

12. Let your child(ren) understand the value of standing out of the

crowd.

13: Warn your Girl Child Never to sit on anyone's laps no matter the situation including uncles.

Remember, we are either parents or parents-to-be.

Have a Nice day and Great Week Ahead

And possible forward to all friends who have children's

__._,_.___

RESTRICTING THE MEETING WITH THE PEOPLE

QILLAT E IKHTILATH MA'AL ANAAM! ! !

Qillat-e-Ikhtilaat Ma’al Anaam (Reducing association with people)

Unnecessary association with people should not be augmented. Remember that besides Allah, there are three kinds of association. Praiseworthy association. The Shariat commands this type of association, for in itself it is an association with Allah Ta'aalaa. Ending such association is not permissible. Detestable association.

The Shariat prohibits such association. Ending such association is Waajib (compulsory). Permissible association. This association is neither lbaadat nor sin. It is not necessary to end such association. Although permissible, there is a need to reduce such association.

The instruction to discontinue association refers to detestable and permissible association and not to praiseworthy association. However, in so far as detestable association is concerned, the discontinuance must be total, i.e. such association is to be compulsorily ended, and in regard to permissible association the meaning is reduction or limiting such association.

As long as the relationship with the Creator is not well-established and grounded, association with the creation is extremely harmful. The ostensible reason advanced for association with people, viz., fulfillment of their obligations, can be truly fulfilled only it the relationship with the Creator has been firmly grounded, If the relationship with Allah has not been firmly established then neither is the duty to creation fulfilled nor the duty to the Creator

. This fact has been proven by the experience of thousands of Auliyaa, Solitude is permissible, in fact best and advisable (Afdhal) for one who has no worldly or Deeni duty pertaining to himself or others to discharge. Such solitude is of greater merit during times of strife and mischief when it becomes difficult to have patience (sabr) in the face of anxiety, agitation, confusion and anarchy.

The Ahaadith have extolled solitude during such circumstances. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said in this regard: "… a man who takes to solitude on the peak of a mountain. He has goats, he fulfills their right and makes the Ibaadat of Allah." In another Hadith it appears: "Soon a time will dawn when the best wealth of a Muslim will be goats. He will go with them to a peak of a mountain and to places where rain-water accumulates. He will flee from mischief taking along his Deen."

Bukhaari Solitude (i.e. total dissociation from people) is not permissible for one who has some duties and obligations to discharge, whether such duties pertain to others or oneself, and whether it be obligations, e.g. providing maintenance to one's family when one does not have the ability of Tawakkul (trust in Allah), or Deeni obligations, e-g- the acquisition of necessary Deeni knowledge.

Certain Ahaadith which prohibit solitude refer to these two states just mentioned. Such an example of prohibition is the case of Hadhrat Uthmaan Ibne Maz'un Radhiyallahu Anhu. He was forbidden from adopting solitude since he was yet in need of acquiring knowledge of the Deen. At the same time Muslims also were in need of him regarding matters of the Deen, especially in the fields of spreading the Word of Allah and developing Islam

. The above explanation pertains to solitude which is adopted permanently. However, temporary solitude (Khalwat) of a few days is necessary for the Mubtadee (beginner in Tasawwuf) in the majority of cases.

THE TREE OF EEMAN IN THE GARDEN OF ISLAM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If someone gives you a plant to take care of..how do you think you will do it? Wouldn't you try your best to not to let that plant die? And of course, to do that you are going to make sure that all the things that plant need, you provide it and keep it away form all the harmful things. At the same time you will try to find out about the basic elements that plant is consisted of and the basic things those elements need to grow properly.

Believe me or not but all of us have one, very delicate and at the same time very strong tree to take care of given to us by our Lord. Allah (SWT) has given us this tree that is planted in our hearts, called "shajarat-ul-Iman" (Tree of Iman). Allah (swt) describes that tree in Quran: "Have you not seen how Allah coined a similitude (of parable) a good word like a good tree, the root of that tree is firmly established in the ground and the branches reach the heavens."

At another place in Quran Allah (swt) said: "(this particular tree by the permission of its Lord), gives fruits (all kinds of fruits) anytime Allah (swt) wants it to give fruits. Allah (swt) also said: "Allah coin similitude for the human beings (for you and I), so that perhaps we may reflect (we may think)." Science say there are trees in other plants than earth

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Allah (swt) created seven heavens and earth other than this planet. Some people say that there are trees and some say there are not. There is proof in Quran and Sunnah that there are trees in Jannah (heaven). One of them is called "Toobaa", the tree for the "ghurab'a" (strangers). The shade of that tree is one month journey and this is where the believers will take their clothes from. Most Important Tree in this World

: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The most important tree in this dunya (world) is the Tree of Iman (shajarat-ul-Iman). The tree that Allah (swt) has planted in our hearts. The tree that we all should be worrying about day and night. We all must know what that tree of Iman is made of so that we can take good care of it.

What Does the Tree of Iman Have:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Almost all the trees that Allah (swt) has created/originated, almost all of them have three very basic things: 1. Root (O'rooq) The roots of the most important tree on this earth are: a) Knowledge (I'lm) b) Certainty (Yaqeen) The tree of Iman is the basic belief of Islam "La ilaha illal lah" "There is no God worthy of worship except Allah (swt)" So the root for us of the Tree of Iman, is the KNOWLEDGE of the meaning of "la ilaha illallah". It covers every single aspect of our life.

When we know that there is no God other then Allah (swt), we totally surrender to Him alone and we take everything that He gave us through the Quran and the Sunnah of Rasul of Allah (saw). The other half of the root of this tree is the certainty, meaning the certainty of everything what "la ilaha illallah" brings. When implementing Islam in our lives, or when accepting a matter which we were not aware of before, we should do it with firm belief and certainty, as long as it is from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah of Rasul and his Companions.

2) Trunk: (Saaq) The tree of Iman, like the other trees, also has a trunk, which is Purity of Intention: (al-Ikhlas) We must have the purity of intention for our tree to be firm and unshakable and immovable. Abdullah Ibn Sahl at-tuzkuri (ra) (scholar from the taba'een) was asked: "What is al-Iman?", he said: "Iman is statement, is action, is nyyah (intention) and is Sunnah. If it is a statement without actions then it is Kufr (disbelief), if it is a statement and action with out intention then it is Nifaq (hypocrisy), if it is a statement, action and intention without the Sunnah, then it is Bid'ah (innovation)." To keep a healthy trunk of our tree, we must have a pure intention of our actions. Our every righteous deed is divided into two parts. The first half of a righteous deed is the purity of intention.

The nyyah has to be pure for the pleasure of Allah ONLY! 3) Branches & Fruits: This tree should also has branches and fruits. And these are: a) Righteous deeds b) Honorable/Noble Character At several places in Quran, Allah (SWT) has distinguished the people of Jannah from the people of Hell as Indeed those who believed and did righteous deeds.... Those people who believed and did righteous deeds have also been given the glad tidings of Jannah at several places in Quran: Every righteous deed consists of two parts. First part is the purity of intention (for the sake of Allah only!). Second half of the righteous deed is that the action has to be in conformed with Shariah (Quran and Sunnah of Rasul (SAW) and the Companions(May Allah be pleased with them)).

If the action is not conformed with Shariah, it is not considered a righteous deed! When a tree has firm roots and healthy trunk and branches, it automatically produces good fruits. Similarly, when we establish firm roots of Iman in our heart and keep healthy trunk and branches of the tree the fruits will prosper. If we have the knowledge of our deen and certainty of whatever knowledge we have, and we do righteous deeds with pure intentions, we will automatically develop an honorable and noble character.

Things that will Make Our Tree Die:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1)Kufr: If we allow kufr to come into our tree, it will destroy the tree. 2) Shirk: If we allow shirk to come into our tree, it will also destroy the tree. 3) Bid'ah: If we allow Bid'ah (innovations) of all types to come into our tree, it will demolish our tree. Our tree will become yellow, our tree will become dry and our tree will eventually die! Note: Muslims nowadays are involved in so many "religious practices" thinking that they are pleasing Allah (swt), though in reality they are getting themselves involved either in bid'ahs or sometimes even to the extant of shirks.

Muslims, intentionally or unintentionally, either add or remove stuff from how a certain act was originally practiced by our pious predecessors and hence making it a bid'ah. And since the act was not practiced according to the "Shari'ah", it will not be considered a righteous deed. To avoid from getting ourselves involved in these dangerous things, it is extremely important to have the "knowledge" of the deen and to refer back to our pious predecessors in every single thing we do or say.

What is AL-Iman:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Al-Iman is: 1) Belief: Iman is a belief in our hearts. It is to have a firm belief of "la illah illallah" in our hearts and all the thing that it brings. Every thing that we find from Quran and Sunnah, we must have a sincere and firm belief on that without having any doubts. 2)Statement: Iman is a statement by our tongue. We must state "la illaha illallah" by our tongues. Meaning what ever believes we have, we cannot just keep them in our hearts, but we must say them out. 3) Actions: Iman is to carry out our believes and our statements by our bodily limbs. After believing in "la illaha illallah" and stating it, we must imply it in our actions. And the way we imply "la illaha illallah" in our actions is by modifying our every action and deed according to the Quran and Sunnah of Rasul and our pious predecessors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A general example of the above could be wearing hijab. If one has a firm belief in Allah (swt) and whatever He revealed, will definitely believe that wearing hijab is a command of Allah and it is mandatory. Then only believing is not enough, we must have to admit by stating by our tongues the fact that hijab is necessary and inform other people about it in a nice pleasing way (not in a displeasing or complaining manner). But still our Iman is not completed until we start wearing it ourselves. To think that Iman is in our hearts only, is one of the tricks of Iblis (satan). We shouldn't be fooled by the shaytans (satan) of the Ins wal Jin (Humans and Jinns) by thinking that Iman is in our chests only and as long as we have a firm belief, our Iman is completed Rather we HAVE to show our believes by our statements and by our actions

Highest and Lowest of Iman: ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rasul of Allah (saw) said: "Iman has 70 branches. And the highest of al-Iman is the statement "la illaha illallah" (It is the most sublime, the most magnificent and the most superior of all Iman). The lowest of the Iman is to remove some harmful thing from the street. And modesty is a part of al-Iman."

Iman Wears Out:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We all go through high and low levels of Iman. As Rasul of Allah told us:"al-Iman wears out in each and everyone of you and me like a "thaub" (garment) wears out (like our clothes wears out...and they become shabby eventually. Iman wears out like that "thaub"). So Rasul of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advised us (since our Iman wears out) "So all of you Muslims, should ask Allah (swt) to RENEW the Iman in our hearts."

Courtesy:JANNAH ORG.