Time Management – Tide and Tide wait for none

Blessings & favors of the Almighty upon His servants cannot be enumerated. Can’t be expressed in words; Allah says in the glorious Quran 18:109

Say, O Prophet, If the sea were to become ink to record the words of my Lord, indeed the sea would be all used up before the words of my lord are exhausted, and it would be the same if we were to bring an equal amount of ink

“Words” are meant the marvelous works, creations, the excellences and the wonders of His Power and Wisdom.

TIME an irreplaceable factor – is among His blessings

Likeness of “Time” is that of razor sharp sword. If fail to use, it will use you. Same applies for your soul, if not indulged in good activities then it will lead to sins.

If there is an irreplaceable loss in the world, then it’s the improper use of Time. Those who followed effective time management, lead a dignified life

“Time and Tide wait for none”

Those who don’t manage and use their valuable hours, will regret later. On the Day of Judgment, one will be questioned on how he spent his life. Following two verses clarifies this:

"How long did you remain on earth in number of years?" (Quran 23:112)

 

قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ

“Our Lord, let us out (from Hell) so that we may act righteously, different from what we did before.” (They will be told): “Did we not grant you an age long enough for anyone to take heed if he had wanted to take heed? Besides, there came a Warner to you. (Quran 35:37)

ربَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا نَعْمَلْ صَالِحًا غَيْرَ الَّذِي كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ ۚ أَوَلَمْ نُعَمِّرْكُم مَّا يَتَذَكَّرُ فِيهِ مَن تَذَكَّرَ وَجَاءَكُمُ النَّذِيرُ

On one hand, we see that there is no barakath in time. Year looks like a month, month as a week, week as a day and a day as an hour. People complain each other about 24 hours a day is not sufficient

On other hand, the term “Time Pass” has been in frequent usage in the recent past. People spend their time aimlessly and unproductively. Social media, television, entertainment and shopping culture attracts people a lot, which steal their valuable time

“Time is more valuable than money”

Our forefathers were very conscious in spending time than money. Money cannot buy you more time, it is irreplaceable.

Thank you!!

Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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Fulfilment of promises

Fulfilment and commitment

Honouring a promise and acting upon it is an excellent virtue, at the same time breaking a promise is a sign of hypocrisy.

Among the qualities of successful people – they (those succeeded) observe their trusts and covenants, and it’s a distinct feature

Commitment given by parents to their wards, management to their employees, rulers to their subjects should be fulfilled. Fulfilment of promise is a human right

“Anyone who does not wrong people in his behaviour towards them, does not lie in his talks with them, and does not break his promises to them; he is among those whose manliness is complete, whose justice is manifest, whose brotherhood is indispensable, and whose backbiting is forbidden.” – Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

Fulfilling promises is one of the attributes of pious men & women according to Holy Quran, and it is one of the greatest means of attaining God’ consciousness; Allah says in the holy Quran:

“Yes, whoever fulfills his pledge and fears Allah much, verily, then Allah loves those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious) – Quran 3:76

Promises will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. It’s clearly mentioned in the glorious Quran,

“And fulfill (every) commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever (that about which one will be) questioned” – Quran 17:34

Qualities of maintaining promises are the attributes of God and His messengers who were sent down to earth for teaching mankind the way of life

On the other hand, breach of promise is an offence that breaks the relation of confidence and trust. It questions one’s trustworthiness. It troubles the one who promised and also to the one whom he promised.

Thank you!!

Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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Intention > Action > Results

All the actions are undermined by our intentions, whether they are good or bad. Good intentions lead to good action; which eventually results in success, growth, happiness, prosperity and so on.

Cultivating good intentions would yield fruitful results, this goes on as per the famous saying – As you sow, so shall you reap. Intention is the foundation of every action

                                                 إنما الأعمال بالنيات

Actions are based upon intentions – Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)

Connection between actions and intentions highlight the connection between physical and spiritual components of human body. For all the physical actions, it’s important to have an intention.

“People whose hearts are like the hearts of birds would enter Paradise”- Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)

Birds are free of negative feelings such as hatred and vengeance. Looking at a bird will immediately recognize that it is an embodiment of sweetness, tenderness and innocence. That is why the dove has been universally declared as ‘symbol of peace’

Having good intention is a heavenly quality which every individual should possess, if desiring for paradise. In other words, heavenly personality is one that is completely free of all negativity. Also its not that easy to be freed from negative thoughts or intentions, as Satan / devil runs through the minds of people just like blood flows through the body. Satan vowed to deceive mankind.

But the plot of Satan is weak. As Quran says, “Indeed, the plot of Satan has ever been weak” (4:76).

We could easily overcome it

Negative intentions are the whispering of Satan, but being in good company will erase all those bad intentions  

Intentions lead to results – good ones will result in success

Thank you!!

Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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Death, a bitter truth - not a loss rather an opportunity

Death, a bitter truth – not a loss, rather an opportunity

Sounds weird? Let’s see

Indeed, the death from which you flee – indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do (Quran 62:8)

All the luxuries & pleasures will be ceased; near & dear ones will be parted; wishes & choices will be dissected

No matter wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high; none had have an exception to it; No doctor can be of any avail.

Death doesn't keel down before any one.

If there is a single matter beyond controversy in the world history, then it’s Death alone. There are religions & human race which deny existence of God and the day of recompense. But none has the courage to deny dead. Isn't it?

All the worldly research would fail to explain “death”. To understand this, human beings should know about “Soul / Spirit”, which results death.

What is death?

Soul / Spirit departing or getting out of the body is death

Then it’s the loss of body and not the soul

For the betterment of mankind, Islam conceals further about “Soul”

And they ask you, (O Mohammad) about the spirit. Say, “The spirit is of the affair of my Lord. And mankind have not been given of knowledge except a little”. (Quran 17:85)

Thousands of research carried out on “Spirit” yet no any concrete evidence arrived, bet there will not be any conclusion on it.

It’s the “Spirit” which experiences in human body all the joys and sorrows. We remain as Ahmed, Adam, Mohammad only until the spirit stays in the body, and we’re just DEAD when its departed. Body without “Spirit” is worthless

Body will ruin, but “spirit” is immortal

Body may destroy in the grave and in the hell fire. But “Spirit” won’t. As the glorious Quran says,

Every time their skins are roasted through We will replace them with other skins so that they may taste the punishment. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted in Might and Wise (Quran 4:56)

Skins and flesh can be replaced. But there is no end for “Spirit”, it’s under the affair of your Lord

Death – demonstrates strength of Creator and displays weakness of the creations. Remembering “Death” often will increase our faith in the Creator.

So for me, death is not an end but rather a chance to meet my Creator.

Incident from the life of Ibrahim (pbuh), known as خليل الله Friend of Allah, as Allah chosen to take him as His friend -

When the Angel of Death came to Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), said to him, “Allah commanded me to take your soul!” Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) responded, “What kind of friend takes the soul of his friend?” At that moment, Allah revealed to Ibrahim (pbuh), “And what kind of friend hates to meet his friend?” 

Thank you!!

Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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Ibrahim in Quran, Abraham in Bible & Torah

• Rendered his own self to the blazing fire
• Offered his beloved son for sacrifice
• Submitted his heart wholeheartedly to the Almighty

The man who gelled into 1.6 billion Muslims and their religious duties around the world

When everyone wanted to take credit of him, but openly declared that he is a Muslim

As the Quran says,

مَا كَانَ اِبۡرٰهِيۡمُ يَهُوۡدِيًّا وَّلَا نَصۡرَانِيًّا وَّ لٰكِنۡ كَانَ حَنِيۡفًا مُّسۡلِمًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الۡمُشۡرِكِيۡنَ

Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah]. And he was not of the polytheists. (Quran 3:67)

The word Ibrahim - أب رحيم in its origin which means “Merciful Father”; Nick named أبو الضيفان meaning “Father of Guests”

Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) is the father of mankind whereas Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is the father of the prophets

Relationship between prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and this Muslim ummath is very traditional and solid

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam which every affordable Muslim enjoins on face of the earth is prescribed only because of Ibrahim (pbuh); the blessed water “Zam Zam” dates back 7000 years is only due to Ibrahim, will not expire until the judgment day

About Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in Quran:

The name “Ibrahim” mentioned 69 times in the glorious Quran, and there is a separate chapter named “Ibrahim”

History of Ibrahim (pbuh) narrated in 25 chapters. 63 Quranic verses speak about him. Allah (SWT) relates greatest sacrifice of this prophet, whom He taken as His companion (referred by the title "خليل الله" / Friend of Allah) to teach a lesson to this final ummath

ان ابراهيم كان امة

Verily, Ibrahim was a nation (Quran: 16:120)

The sacrifice and religious duty of individual Ibrahim (pbuh) is equivalent to the ones done by entire nation

“Ibrahim (PHUB) was a whole community/ nation by himself” for at that time he was the only Muslim in the whole world upholding the banner of Islam, while rest of the world was under falsehood. As a pious servant of Allah, performed the mission which was to be carried out by whole nation; he wasn’t an individual but instead an institution of himself

Three trials in the lifetime of Ibrahim (phuh):

1. Tested his own self with the fire

Ibrahim (pbuh), father of rationality, started the search for his creator at the age of 10. Contemplated on the sun, moon and the star; when they disappeared, concluded that these are just objects and there will be one and only God originator of all these creations

فَلَمَّا جَنَّ عَلَيۡهِ الَّيۡلُ رَاٰ كَوۡكَبًا ​ۚ قَالَ هٰذَا رَبِّىۡ​ ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَفَلَ قَالَ لَاۤ اُحِبُّ الۡاٰفِلِيۡنَ

So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "I like not those that disappear” (Quran 6:76)

فَلَمَّا رَاَالۡقَمَرَ بَازِغًا قَالَ هٰذَا رَبِّىۡ ​ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَفَلَ قَالَ لَٮِٕنۡ لَّمۡ يَهۡدِنِىۡ رَبِّىۡ لَاَ كُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الۡقَوۡمِ الضَّآ لِّيۡنَ

And when he saw the moon rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray” (Quran 6:77)

فَلَمَّا رَاٰ الشَّمۡسَ بَازِغَةً قَالَ هٰذَا رَبِّىۡ هٰذَاۤ اَكۡبَرُ​ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَفَلَتۡ قَالَ يٰقَوۡمِ اِنِّىۡ بَرِىۡٓءٌ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُوۡنَ

And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah. (Quran 6:78)

اِنِّىۡ وَجَّهۡتُ وَجۡهِىَ لِلَّذِىۡ فَطَرَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرۡضَ حَنِيۡفًا​ وَّمَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الۡمُشۡرِكِيۡنَ

Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah. (Quran 6:79)

After this truth, invited his father towards Allah, lord of the worlds at the age of 12

In third stage, extended this invite to his society at the age of 14

Finally Ibrahim (pbuh) act angered the then King Namrud, created huge fire pit, and ordered Ibrahim to be thrown into it. Ibrahim (pbuh) aged 16 at that time

It took many days to kindle that fire and when it reached its maximum level, they thrown Ibrahim (pbuh) into it. But he wasn’t feared or worried, rather stayed calm and said,

حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل

Allah is sufficient for me. He in whom I trust

Allah (swt) saved him, by ordering the fire to be as comfort on Ibrahim. Quran relates this incident,

قلنا يانار كوني بردا وسلاما على ابراهيم

Allah said: “O Fire, be comfort and safety upon Ibrahim” (Quran 21:69)

2. Second Trial – Tested in his wealth

When Allah (swt) awarded the title خليل الله (Friend of Allah) to Ibrahim (pbuh), the angels sought to Allah, You have blessed him with children, family, and all the wealth. How can You take him as friend when he lives with all the comfort and luxury?

Don’t judge My sincere servant through external appearance, rather look at his heart, you find none other but Me alone. If want to test, go ahead.

Angel Jibrael (Gabreal) descended to earth in the form of human and met Ibrahim (pubh) whose battle dogs counted more than 12000 for safeguarding his flock of sheep. Just imagine the mighty numbers of his sheep & goat.. When Jibrael asked to whom does all the wealth belongs to? All these belongs to Allah alone, and it’s been given to me now. When Jibrael asked for one goat, Ibrahim wanted him to teach a Dhikr so that will give one third of all the goats & sheeps. Jibrael taught him سبوح قدوس ربنا ورب الملائكة والروح. Ibrahim (pbuh) wanted him to repeat so that offered to give two-third of it. Again wanted to do so, later offered all the wealth to him. When nothing left out with Ibrahim (pbuh), requested to take him as a slave in exchange of reciting that Dhikr one more time

3. Third Trial – Tested to sacrifice his son

Ibrahim (pbuh) said, “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you. So look what you think!” – He told his son that in order to make it easier for him, and also to test his patience and resolve, at a young age, in obeying Allah and obeying his father.

“Ismael said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded…” – obey the command of Allah and sacrifice me.

“if Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient.” – I will be patient and will seek the reward for that with Allah.’

On hearing this, Ibrahim (pbuh) thanked Allah for giving such a wonderful offspring. 

When Ibrahim placed razor sharp sword on Ismael neck to slaughter, Allah said to the Angels, Look at my servant, how sincere is he to My command, ready to sacrifice his own son for Me. Then Allah said, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream!- the purpose of your dream has been fulfilled by your laying down your son to sacrifice.

Ibrahim received a sheep and was called by Allah:

"O Ibrahim! You have confirmed the Vision Thus indeed do We reward those who do right This is indeed the manifest trial!" (37:104-105)

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Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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For the favours and comforts which we enjoy, shouldn't we be thankful to it?

Human beings have been conferred with numerous blessings. Health, wealth, family, safety, well being, peace are some of those. Being a Muslim, I feel that indeed it’s a greatest blessing from my Lord for being a son to Muslim parent and HE given me the Eeman.

From Dawn to dusk, birth to death, we cannot count onto the blessings of our Lord. As Allah says in His holy quran, “And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them; Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” Quran 16:18

 وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Before the birth, HE protected you in three layers of covering inside mother’ womb; provided with necessary food & nutrition intake through your mother and made to breathe through her.

After ten months, opened a new world for you; Induced care & affection onto your mother’ heart; she cares for you more than anything else in this world; even when she is fast asleep, would wake up at once on hearing you cry; knows much better the reason for your cry, whether it’s for food or even your slightest discomfort. Aren’t this mother’ love a blessing from your lord?

Made you to dwell in mother’s lap for two years in the best comfort; and there on placed you on father’ shoulder in growing age. Then provided with different modes of transport to travel in adolescent age; even after death, made four to carry you in their shoulders

Living with all these countless blessings, what are we going to do for HIM in return? Allah repeatedly asks this in holy quran.

There are ways to be thankful for His blessings

 First: Firstly, knowing and realizing the blessings

When Allah bestowed a favour and we realized that it’s a blessing, thus we’ve thanked Allah (swt).

Once, Inb Taimiya was asked about his present condition. He replied, “I’ve been living very happily with the two blessings bestowed upon me by my Lord”

1. My sins which were hidden from others. Allah saved me by hiding it so that none could be aware

2. Has placed my love in the hearts of followers, for which I don’t have any special quality. I’ll be ever thankful for these two blessings

From the moment when life hung without any balance on the mother’ womb and until the time it reaches the grave, Allah’s grace & blessings are enormous and abundant

  Second: Remembering those blessings

Allah says in His holy Quran, that to remember the grace & blessings of Allah unto you.

After elaborating all the favours He given us, advises us about what we want to do in return for these favours. The Most Beneficent just asks us to remember on those blessings

Indeed in this remembrance, there is greatest message for us.

When all the grace and favours in terms of wealth, kingdom and others were given to Prophet (PBUH), he used to remember the earlier days and once said, recollecting how Khadija (RA) helped him in troubled times. “She (Khadija RA) believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.”

When Moosa (AS) asked, Oh my Lord, You have conferred upon me so many favours. How would I express my gratitude? Lord replied, “You have now already thanked for it”. When the moment you thought about it, you already expressed the gratitude for it

Third: Being humble

Humility can guide us to Paradise, just as it’s opposite, Arrogance (kibr in Arabic) will only lead us to Hell. It’s the arrogance of Shaitan that caused his expulsion from Paradise and made to be cursed when refused to humbly obey God’ command and prostrate before Adam

Enjoying the grace of your Lord, and being humble towards Him, is a sign of success. As the Quran states, about the qualities of believers who submitted humbly to the commands of God

Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers (Quran 23:1-2)  

There are numerous sayings of Prophet Mohammad on humility –

Shall I not tell you about the companions of Paradise? They are every humble person considered weak, but if they gave an oath by Allah it would be fulfilled. Shall I not tell you about the companions of Hellfire? They are every harsh, haughty, and arrogant person. – Prophet Mohammad

Fourth: Spread the word about your Lord’ favours to others

Speaking about the blessings of Allah is gratitude and ignoring them is ingratitude – Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)

Holy Quran says,

Telling about the graces to others which your Lord given is nothing to do with being pride. Instead it’s a form of thanking your Lord. As the Quran itself asks to proclaim it.

 “And proclaim the Grace of your Lord” (Quran 93:11)

  

Thank you!!

Arabic Translation Centre (ATC)

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