The Triple filter Test

In ancient Greece , Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said,

"Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test."

"The first filter is TRUTH. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

'All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of GOODNESS. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of USEFULNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

Replied Socrates

"Well," "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

---

Advice from our beloved prophet (peace be upon him) to mankind…..

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said. 'Do you know what is backbiting?'

They (the Companions) said: 'Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) know best.

Thereupon he (the Prophet (peace be upon him)) said: 'Backbiting implies your talking about your brother (behind his back) in a manner which he does not like.'

It was said to him: 'What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of?'

He (peace be upon him) said: 'If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander!.'

Sahih Muslim HadithHadith 6265 Narrated by Abu Hurayrah

The Muslim Student Association of UC Davis presents:

Returning to Allah: Mercy & Forgiveness and Balancing between Hope & Fear

As part of MSA's Tazkiya Month, this sisters-only event is taught by:

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
of Zaytuna Institute

Friday, February 6, 2009, 7 PM

Room: Olson 205 @ UC Davis

The Almighty says, "O you who believe! Turn in sincere repentance to Allah." (66:8)

The Almighty says, "Your Lord is swift in retribution, and He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (7:167); The Seal of all prophets, Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, said "The Garden (al-Jannah) is nearer to you than your own sandal strap and it is the same with the Fire." (Bukhari)

Ever wonder about forgiveness? In this motivating talk, Ustadha Shamira will discuss the essence of tawbah, balancing between hope and fear, and the importance of striving for the Eternal Pleasure of God the Almighty. In addition, Ustadha Shamira will discuss the importance of seeking forgiveness and how to practically incorporate this important part of our Deen into our daily lives.

This event is free and open to all interested sisters. Please join us!

Allah knows Best- A Kings experience

Bismillah..

I had to share this story from qisas.com. It is very inspiring, masha'Allah!

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

A story is told about a King in Africa who had a close friend that he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) by remarking, "This is good, Allah Almighty knows best"

One day the King and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the King. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the King fired it and his thumb was blown off.

Examining the situation the friend remarked as usual, "This is good! Allah Almighty knows best."

To which the King replied, "No, this is NOT good!" and ordered his soldiers to put his friend into jail.

About a year later, the King was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured the King and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake.

As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the King was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So after untying the King, they chased him out of the village.

When the King reached his Palace, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend.

"You were right" the King said, "It was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this."

"No," his friend replied, "this is good…Allah Almighty knows best"

"What do you mean, 'this is good'! How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?"

The King's friend replied: "Remember that the Almighty knows best and if I had NOT been in jail, I would have been with you on that hunting trip."

"He knows what is before them and what is behind them: And to Allah go back all questions (for decision)"
Qur'an: Surah Al Hajj 22:76

Do Not Judge Things or Events by its Immediate Outcome!

Although the decisions of Allah Ta'alah may seem harsh to us, they are full of wisdom

Source: Qisas.com

"Mubarak New Year", 1 Muharram 1430H

Assalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah!

The new Islamic year is in, alhamdulillah. Please do not forget to fast on the 9th & 10th, or the 10th & 11th of this sacred month of Muharram. Fasting on the day of Ashura was never left by the Prophet (saw) as seen in the hadith:

Imam Ahmad and Nasa'i report from the Mother of Believers, Sayyida Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) that, 'The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) did not leave four matters: Fasting `Ashura [10th of Muharram], [during] the ten days [of Dhu'l Hijja], and three days of each month.'

According to hilalsighting.org, the young crescent Hilal of Muharram 1430H was sighted in several parts of North America, after the sunset on Sunday December 28th, 2008, thus starting the Islamic New Year -- Muharram -- one of the 4 sacred months.

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, 'The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified.'

Ibn Abbas reported: 'The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura. He asked them: 'Why are you fasting this day?' They said: 'This is a great day. Allah saved Mousa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Mousa fasted on it. 'The Prophet said: 'We have more of a right to Moosa than you.' So he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day.' [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A version narrated by Imaam Ahmad adds: 'This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Joodi, so Nooh fasted this day in thanksgiving.'

Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas (RA) said: 'When the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) fasted on 'Aashura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, 'If I live to see the next year, InshaAllaah, we will fast on the ninth day too.' But it so happened that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) passed away before the next year came.' (Reported by Muslim, 1916).

Al-Shafi and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: 'It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (SAW) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth.'

Furthermore, Rasulillah (SAW) said: 'For fasting the day of 'Aashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.' (Reported by Muslim, 1976). This is from the bounty of Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

Imaam al-Nawawi (rh) said regarding this day: 'It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins.'

Fasting During the Month

The Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.'

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

The Day of 'Ashurah'

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, Radi-Allahu anhu. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, 'We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you,' and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, has said:

'When the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it.' (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In short, it is established through a number of authentic ahadith that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be preceded or followed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is that the Jews used to fast on the day of'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura

source: http://albalagh.net/general/muharram.shtml

For further information on this blessed month of Muharram, please read Mufti Taqi Usmani's full article: http://albalagh.net/general/muharram.shtml

May Allaah SWT grant us all tawfiq in gaining His nearness and eternal Pleasure. Aameen.

Jazakum Allaahu Khayran. WasSalaam.

Omar Kamali - rahimahullah

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raajiun.

Omar Kamali, aged 26, journeyed to his Lord tonight (Dec. 19th) before 9pm. I remember Omar as a smiling, friendly and very helpful brother who had a fire in him for Allah and the Deen. May Allah (swt) reward him for all of his good actions, and meaningful intentions. After the tragic death of his good friend Omar Khairallah, about 4 years ago (may Allah have mercy on his soul) Omar dedicated his life for Allah and made a firm intention to increase in all good. Omar was generous in donating whatever money he had, his friends abroad would see him praying the tahajjud prayer in his room, and he never missed a prayer due to his firm resolve and high level of sincerity. From what I was told by his beloved mother (may Allah grant her the best of sabr), while studying in medical school in China, Omar was able to convey the message of Islam in the area he lived to the Chinese inhabitants and in response, more than a dozen people entered into the fold of Islam. Allahu Akbar! May Allah (swt) accept all of Omar's good actions and enter him into the highest levels of al-Jannah. Ameen!

Before he fell and went into a coma that he never awoke from, Omar was actually on his way to the bank to get money for the masjid that he himself was building for the Muslims in that locality. Subhan'Allah! The masjid is halfway complete, and I pray that Omar will see the house that Allah (swt) has ready for him in al-Jannah. Imagine that - Allah (swt) promises a house in Jannah for the person who builds a masjid -- even if it be a very modest sized building (the hadith mentions a "bird's nest" to indicate the humble size that qualifies -- showing the immense reward in the act).

May his soul rest in peace and tranquility in al-Jannah and may his grave be expanded and made into a garden from the gardens of Paradise. Ameen.

Omar's Janazah will be held in Lodi tomorrow (Sat. Dec. 20th) at 2pm and those who would like to meet and pray for him and his family, and offer support and comfort to his loved ones, may come to the Stockton Islamic center (downtown Stockton) at 11am tomorrow.

May Allah (swt) grant patience to Omar's family and allow this to be a means to draw closer to our Lord. After reading this, please recite Surah al-Fatiha for Omar. JazakumAllahu khayrun.

A beautiful du'aa sent in by Sister Penny:

اَللَّهُمَّ [ إِنَّ فُلاَنَ بْنَ فُلاَنٍ ] فِيْ ذِمَّتِكَ، وَحَبْلِ جِوَارِكَ، فَقِهِ مِنْ فِتْنَةِ الْقَبْرِ وَعَذَابِ النَّارِ، وَأَنْتَ أَهْلُ الْوَفَاءِ وَالْحَقِّ. فَاغْفِرْ لَهُ وَارْحَمْهُ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

O Allah! Surely Omar Kamali is under Your protection, and in the rope of Your security, so save him from the trial of the grave and from the punishment of the Fire. You fulfill promises and grant rights, so forgive him and have mercy on him. Surely You are Most Forgiving, Most Merciful, Ameen.

BBC HardTalk with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (2001)

Subhan'Allah - amazing interview.

Part 1: Watch.

Part 2: Watch.

Part 3: Watch.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Eid Al-Adha 08 Khutbah (sermon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXBk9gVgK00

The Rahmah Foundation Dec 20th Event!

Insha'Allah you've enjoyed and benefited greatly from last month's two-day seminar "Embodying the Sunnah: A Sisters' Guide to Inspiration" with Ustadha Eiman Sidky, Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and Ustadha Rania Awaad. Alhamdulillah we are blessed to have another amazing sisters' seminar this month that is not to be missed!

The Rahmah Foundation presents:
Reflections on Life & The Afterlife
with Ustadha Rania Awaad, Ustadha Mona Elzankaly & Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Saturday, December 20th, 9:45am--4:00pm

631 Jackson St. Hayward, CA 94544
Cost: $25

Register by emailing: programs@therahmahfoundation.org

Please share with other sisters who might be interested!!

www.therahmahfoundation.org

Lecture Topics:

Waking Up To The True Reality: Distinguishing Between The Means & The Goal
In this talk Ustadha Mona will discuss the reality of this world, and the veils that keep us from realizing our true purpose in life. Distinguishing between the means, that help us on our path to God, and The Goal, which is returning to Him, Glorious is He, pleased with us, is very imperative in our every day life. Simple advice will be given on how to keep things in perspective and to rectify our intention with God Most High.

Traveling the Path to Allah: Forgiveness and Intercession
Ever wonder about forgiveness? Ustadha Rania will discuss in detail the Hadith: "When God brought creation into existence, He wrote upon His Throne, 'My mercy overtakes My wrath.' She will discuss the importance of seeking forgiveness and share practical measures of how to seek forgiveness in order to incorporate this important part of our Deen into our daily lives. Lastly, she will bring to light the concept of intercession- an amazing gift given by Allah to His Beloved, the Prophet may peace and blessings be upon him, on behalf of his entire Ummah.

Living Between Hope & Fear:
Fear makes us careful in avoiding sin, while hope makes us diligent to follow after righteousness and is a motivator to do good.
The Almighty says, "Your Lord is swift in retribution, and He is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (7:167); The Seal of all prophets, Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him, said "The Garden (al-Jannah) is nearer to you than your own sandal strap and it is the same with the Fire." (Bukhari)
In this motivating talk Ustadha Shamira will discuss the reality of trusting in Ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful's) Mercy, yet at the same time fearing His punishment. The eternal abodes of Heaven and Hell will be narratively illustrated, and the diametrically opposite qualities of hope and fear in God will be discussed. Practical applications will be shared in order to create a balanced outlook on life, and emphasis laid on the importance of striving for the Eternal Pleasure of God the Almighty.


About the Teachers (in alphabetical order):

Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In England she completed the five-year, traditional alimah (Islamic studies) program, studied the ahadith collection of the Sihah Sittah and received her ijaazah (authorization) in Sahih al-Bukhari with renowned Hanafi scholars. Thereafter, Ustadha Shamira was able to continue her studies for six months in Damascus, Syria where she obtained an ijaazah in tajwid of the Hafs recitation from the eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition, she furthered her Arabic studies at the Abu-Noor Institute and took classes in fiqh, aqidah (creed) and sirah (prophetic history) at Damascus's Masjid Zaid. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2005, she was granted the opportunity to be an instructor of Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. Privately, she taught fiqh, tajwid and Qur'anic tafsir (exegesis). She recently earned her Master's degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine with her focus on the identity formation of the Muslim-American population. Ustadha Shamira gives lectures across the U.S. and currently teaches shariah sciences to women in the Southern California region.

Ustadha Rania Awaad
Raised in the U.S., Rania began her formal study of the traditional Islamic sciences when her parents permitted her to travel to Damascus, Syria at the age of 14. Her desire to continue studying the Deen resulted in multiple trips back to Damascus, interspersed between her high school and college studies. She was honored to receive Ijaazah (authorization to teach) several branches of the Shari'ah sciences at the hands of many renowned scholars, including many female scholars. She has received Ijaazah to teach Tajwid in both the Hafs and Warsh recitations from the eminent Syrian scholar, Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi. In addition completing several advanced texts of the Shafi'i madhhab, she is also licensed to teach texts of Maliki fiqh, Adab and Ihsan. Currently, she is completing a medical degree intended to compliment her in-depth study of female-specific fiqh issues. Her medical interests include addressing mental health care concerns in the Muslim community- particularly that of Muslim women. Other on-going endeavors include the compilation of a manual addressing female-related medical issues from a fiqh-oriented perspective and a manual on raising Muslim children in the West. She is both a wife and mother and has lectured, taught and counseled women extensively. Ustadha Rania has been teaching classes on Tajwid, Shafi'i Fiqh, Ihsan, marriage and raising children since 1999.

Ustadha Mona Elzankaly
Born in Cairo, raised in Moreno Valley, California, a graduate of the University of California Riverside, Mona Elzankaly began seeking sacred knowledge at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward CA. There she has studied with many eminent scholars, such as Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Khatri, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. In 2001, she joined Fajr center in Cairo, Egypt to complete a year-long program in Arabic. In 2002, Mona returned to the Zaytuna Institute where she studied full time with Shaykh Salik b. Siddina several texts in Maliki fiqh, creed, Hadith and the inward science. In 2004 Mona traveled to Damascus, Syria to continue her studies with a focus on Qur'an. While in Damascus, she obtained an Ijaazah to teach Tajwid in the Hafs style from Shaykh Shukry Luhafi. She has also obtained Ijaazah upon hearing the complete recitation of Sahih al-Bukhari, and Muwatta al-Imam Malik from Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi. In 2008, she completed the four year Zaytuna Seminary pilot program and received a baccalaureate degree in Islamic Studies. Mona has also attended the Dawra programs in Tarim Yemen where she had the opportunity to both study and teach at Dar al-Zahra. Mona has previously taught Maliki fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute, and currently teaches Islamic sciences privately.

Du'aas Answered in Middle of Night!

XX: The excellence of someone who wakes up at night and prays

1103. It is related from 'Ubada ibn as-Samit that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If someone wakes up at night and says, 'There is no god but Allah alone with no partner. The kingdom is His and His is the praise. He has power over everything. Praise belongs to Allah. Glory be to Allah. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater. There is no strength nor power except by Allah,' and then says, 'O Allah, forgive me' or makes supplication to Allah,' it will be answered. If he does wudu', then his prayer will be accepted." (Bukhari)

Irvine Sisters' Classes

Prophetic Moral Guidance
for Daily Living
-Sisters' Classes-

Reflections on Prophetic traditions

Presented by: Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed

Venue: Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI)- Multi-purpose Room

Date: Monday evenings (starting January 5th, 2009)

Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

When our bodies are hungry we nourish it with food, but when our souls are hungry, what should we do? Unite with fellow sisters led by Ustadha Shamira and soak in the wisdom and beauty of the beloved of the Almighty, the Prophet Muhammah (p.b.u.h)! This weekly inspiring course will teach you how to practically apply and recharge yourself spiritually by using the best model of creation, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), and provide a roadmap to help achieve closeness to our Lord.

Topics such as sincerity, repentance, steadfastness, truthfulness, and spiritually striving in the path of the Almighty will be discussed. Texts to be used: Riyad as-Salihin (The Meadows of the Righteous) by Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawawi Ad-Dimashqi, and Provisions for the Seekers by Shaykh 'Ashiq Ilahi al-Bulandshehri.

Come Prepared to Stroll in the Gardens of the Righteous!!