Motivational and Inspirational Stories for reflection of hearts and minds. As a Life Storyteller, Sis Zabrina, author of motivational book series Life is an Open Secret writes motivational stories based on life daily happenings that are grounded in spirituality. All stories are themed as motivational and inspirational. Islam is easy to follow, simple, relevant and complete. Read your motivational stories today from your Life Storyteller.
The Story of Hunger Pang - Inspirational Story about Gratitude
A few days back, I had a very early dinner, too early in fact. And my very early dinner was actually also my very late lunch.
So, needless to say, halfway thru the night, at right about midnight, my tummy started growling and I have this sudden hunger pang. An extremely huge pang I must say.
Help!
Eating late midnight snack is something I really must avoid, really...
Although there is a proverb that said,
“He who goes to bed hungry dreams of pancakes.”
... I was lucky that I did not dream of pancakes, cup cakes and cakes that night, alhamdulillah
In the morning, after my Fajr prayers, I logged unto the internet and click on the link sent by one of my friends.
SubhanAllah.... after a few minutes watching the clip, I realized something.
That clip that was sent to me by my friend is really something related to my last night's episode of hunger pang.
At the end of the clip, I was very ashamed of myself.
The clip has humbled me to my feet.
It made me realized that last night as I was hungry but battling by restricting myself from eating the vast choice of food I had in my refrigerator, there are some people who are hungry as well but not because they purposely stopped themselves from eating.
They are hungry simply because there was really no food for them to eat!
Ya Allah...
And these people are from a small town in Ethiopia called Denan.
Denan is a small town with a camp for refugees and internally displaced persons located in the Ogaden region of remote eastern Ethiopia. It is not far from the border of Somalia and about 80 kilometers from Gode, the nearest town with electricity, sometimes. The Ogaden region is populated mostly by ethnic Somalis and has been devastated by drought, famine and an armed separatist movement. Temperatures soar daily to well over 110 degrees creating some of the most unbearable living conditions in all of Africa.
Here is the video clip, my friends. Let us watch to realize how lucky we are, and how bless we are to have food on our table every single day, every single night, alhamdulillah....
And let us remind ourselves His Words and His Reminders to us all,
Do you not see that God has made serviceable unto you whatsoever is in the skies and whatsoever is in the earth, and has loaded you with His bounties seen or unseen? (31:20),
And in another verse, Allah, our Lord, has told us,
He gives you of all that you ask Him; and if you reckon the bounties of God, you can never count them (14:34).
Alhamdulillah Ya Rabb... Alhamdulilah... indeed I am your grateful servant...
Facebook Friend Page: Zabrina A. Bakar
Facebook Fan Page : Life is an Open Secret
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Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,
The Story of Far Waters - Inspirational Story About Neighbor from Chinese Proverb
I was reading that day and came across this wonderful proverb from China that said,
Far waters cannot quench near fires
Needless to say, I was very much attracted to the simple yet accurate observation of the ancient Chinese, mashaAllah.
I realized too, that there are so many takes that we can do with this proverb.
But, let me focus on only one today.
Isn't it true?
That during any event of fire, 'far waters' is not so much of a help, you agree?
Well, at least not immediately...
It is the 'close-by water' or 'near-water' is the one that we can use immediately, although, of course, nowadays, we can easily transport 'far-away' water via our amazingly courageous firemen from the fire brigade, right?
But still, that will take a little bit of time, dont you think?
Thus, we should really start to learn to value the existence of these 'near-water' around us which we definitely would depend on in the event of 'fire', nauzubillah...
But then again, I suddenly realized that this same proverb could be used to understand further a hadeeth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blesings be upon him) when he said,
"Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should be good to his neighbours. Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his guest. Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or be silent." (Bukhari)
No wonder Prophet Muhammad told us to be good to our neighbours, you agree, my brothers and sisters?
Because at the event of 'fire' (aka trouble), these neighbors are actually our 'nearby' water!
They would be the ones who will help us immediately, comfort us, call our 'far-away' water etc etc, true?
So, yes, the Chinese are right, Far waters cannot quench near fires- only 'near-ones' (water) can!
Let me share with you a poem written by an unknown poet entitled "A Good Neighbor"
A Good Neighbor
For your neighbors, lend a hand
Show them that you understand
They have rights we must protect
Show them kindness and respect
For your neighbors try to care
When they're troubled, help repair
Lend an ear and listen too
If they're worried, help them through
For your neighbors give a smile
Spend time with them for a while
Look after your neighbor's needs
And Allaah will reward your deeds
Facebook Friend Page : Zabrina A. Bakar
Facebook Fan Page : Life is an Open Secret
Tweeter : SisZabrina
Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,
The Secret to Permanent Change - Inspirational Story about Being Continuous
That day I was reading an article about a special type of flower known as Amorphophallus Titanum.
And it seems that this type of flower would need a few years from the day its seed is planted before it can start blooming.
I couldn't help but imagine, the significant second by second growing that flower has to do for a couple of years just to be able to bloom once!
SubhanAllah! Amazing, isn't it?
That article reminded me of what T Harv Eker once said in one of his videoclips,
"Simple things, done over long period of time, on ongoing basis, will give you the best result and change who you are"
Do you want to know what else he said?
Well, let me share with you his video clip below:
It totally make sense to me what Harv said - not eating junk and eating more greens, if done over three or four days, that's what most people do in their lives. Done over three or four years, it will change your life. Keeping agreement, done over a day or two, will change your relationship with somebody, done over a decade, will change who you are.
T Harv Eker's few minutes clip has actually helped me get a deeper understanding of something Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) once said:
"The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many." (Bukhari and Muslim)
No wonder Allah said that the deeds He loved best are deeds that are continuous and consistently done, you agree my brothers and sisters.
And can you figure out why?
Coz deeds done continuously and consistently can definitely change our lives and who we are!
Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,
The Most Beautiful Names in the World - Inspirational Story of Allah's 99 Names
That day, as a Palestinian activist, I sent out text messages to all my friends asking for donation in terms of clothes, books, flower pots, magazines, handbags, shoes etc to be sold at a Palestinian Charity Bazaar organised by my NGO, Viva Palestina Malaysia.
As a response to that text message, one of my friends whom I have not been in touch for a long time called to ask for more information. In between the conversation, in the most chirpy and delighted voice, she told me that she just delivered a baby boy a few months back, alhamdulillah.
She reminded me of what Maya Angelou once said,
If I have a monument in this world, it is my son.
Of course, needless to say, my friend was excited to talk about her new 'monument'!
'What is his name sweety?' I asked
'Ahmad Anas...' came the answer
MashaAllah, what a beautiful name, you agree?
Talking about beautiful names, I suddenly remembered Allah the Al Mighty words, "He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of naught, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise." (59:24)
SubhanAllah....
Isn't that true, my brothers and sisters?
He, our Lord, has the most beautiful names ever.
Did we just say Names? Yes, Names, my dearest all.
So, how many are the names?
Here is the answer from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him),
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever ahsaha (enumerates them, believes in them, ponders their meanings, worships Allah by them and supplicates with them, and acts by them according to one's belief in them) will enter Paradise. (Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
99 names! MashaAllah...
Do you remember what they are?
Let me share with you this video clip to refresh our memories...
SubhanAllah...
Now, do you want to know the meaning of His names, my friends?
Well, I found a website with brief explanation of his names, so, here they are!
1. Ar-Rahman
* The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.
* The Most Merciful
2. Ar-Rahim
* The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers.
* The most Compassionate
3. Al-Malik
* The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.
* The King, the Monarch
4. Al-Quddus
* The One who is pure from any imperfection and clear from children and adversaries.
* The Holy one
5. As-Salam
* The One who is free from every imperfection.
* The Peace, The Tranquility
6. Al-Mu'min
* The One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him.
* The One with Faith
* The Faithful, The Trusted
7. Al-Muhaymin
* The One who witnesses the saying and deeds of His creatures.
* The Protector
* The vigilant, the controller
8. Al-'Aziz
* The Defeater who is not defeated.
* The Mighty
* The Almighty, the powerful
9. Al-Jabbar
* The One that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed.
* The all Compelling
10. Al-Mutakabbir
* The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.
* The Haughty, the Majestic
* The Imperious
11. Al-Khaliq
* The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence.
* The Creator, the Maker
12.Al-Bari'
* The Creator who has the Power to turn the entities.
* The Artificer, the Creator
13.Al-Musawwir
* The One who forms His creatures in different pictures.
* The Fashioner
* The Organizer, the Designer
14.Al-Ghaffar
* The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.
* The Forgiving, the Forgiver
15.Al-Qahhar
* The Subduer who has the perfect Power and is not unable over anything.
* The Almighty, the Dominant
16.Al-Wahhab
* The One who is Generous in giving plenty without any return.
* The Donor, the Bestower
17. Ar-Razzaq
* The Provider, the Sustainer
18. Al-Fattah
* The One who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters.
* The Opener, the Revealer
19. Al-'Alim
* The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.
* The all Knowing, the Omniscient
20. Al-Qabid
* The One who constricts the sustenance.
* The Contractor, The Restrainer, the Recipient.
21. Al-Basit
* The One who expands and widens.
* The Expander, He who expands
22. Al-Khafid
* The One who lowers whoever He willed by His Destruction.
* The Abaser, the Humbler
23. Ar-Rafi'
* The One who raises whoever He willed by His Endowment.
* The Raiser, the Exalter
24. Al-Mu'iz
* He gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him;
* The Honorer, the Exalter
25. Al-Muzil
* Degrades whoever he willed, hence there is no one to give him esteem.
* The Abaser, the Degrader, the Subduer
26. As-Sami'
* The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.
* The Hearer, The All hearing, all knowing.
27. Al-Basir
* The One who Sees all things that are seen by His Eternal Seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.
* The Seer, The discerning, the All seeing.
28. Al-Hakam
* He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.
* The arbitrator, the Judge
29. Al-'Adl
* The One who is entitled to do what He does.
* The justice, the equitable. The Just.
30. Al-Latif
* The Most Gentle, the Gracious.
* The One who is kind
31. Al-Khabir
* The One who knows the truth of things.
* The Aware. The Sagacious, one is who is aware.
32. Al-Halim
* The One who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them.
* The Gentle. The most patient, the Clement.
33. Al-'Azim
* The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolment, and Purity from all imperfection.
* The Great, Mighty
34. Al-Ghafoor
* The One who forgives a lot.
* The Forgiving, the Pardoner.
35. Ash-Shakur
* The One who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience.
* The Grateful, the Thankful
36. Al-'Ali
* The One who is clear from the attributes of the creatures.
* The most high, the exalted.
37. Al-Kabir
* The One who is greater than everything in status.
* The great, the big.
38. Al-Hafiz
* The One who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect.
* The Guardian, the preserver.
39. Al-Muqit
* The One who has the Power.
* The maintainer, The Nourisher
40. Al-Hasib
* The One who gives the satisfaction.
* The noble, The Reckoner
41. Aj-Jalil
* The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.
* The Majestic. The honorable, the exalted.
42. Al-Karim
* The One who is clear from abjectness.
* The most generous, the Bountiful.
43. Ar-Raqib
* The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence it's meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.
* The Guardian, the watchful. Watcher.
44. Al-Mujib
* The One who answers the one in need if he asks Him and rescues the yearner if he calls upon Him.
* The Responder. The respondent, one who answers.
45. Al-Wasi'
* The Englober. The enricher, the Omnipresent, the Knowledgeable.
46. Al-Hakim
* The One who is correct in His doings.
* The most Wise, the Judicious.
47. Al-Wadud
* The Affectionate, the Loving.
48. Al-Majid
* The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness.
* The Glorious, the exalted.
49. Al-Ba'ith
* The One who resurrects for reward and/or punishment.
* The Resurrector, the Raiser from death.
50. Ash-Shahid
* The One who nothing is absent from Him.
* The Witness
51. Al-Haqq
* The One who truly exists.
* The Truth, the Just.
52. Al-Wakil
* The One who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon.
* The Guardian, the Trustee
53. Al-Qawee
* The One with the complete Power.
* The powerful, the Almighty, The Strong
54. Al-Matin
* The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
* The Strong, the Firm
55. Al-Walee
* The Supporter, the Friend, the Defender the master.
56. Al-Hamid
* The praised One who deserves to be praised.
* The Praiseworthy , the Commendable
57. Al-Muhsi
* The One who the count of things are known to him.
* The Counter
58. Al-Mubdi'
* The One who started the human being. That is, He created him.
* The Beginner, the Creator, The Originator
59. Al-Mu'eed
* The One who brings back the creatures after death.
* The Restorer, the Resurrector.
60. Al-Muhyee
* The One who took out a living human from semen that does not have a soul. He gives life by giving the souls back to the worn out bodies on the resurrection day and He makes the hearts alive by the light of knowledge.
* The Bestower, the Life Giver.
61. Al-Mumeet
* The One who renders the living dead.
* The Bringer of Death. The Death Giver.
62. Al-Hayy
* The One attributed with a life that is unlike our life and is not that of a combination of soul, flesh or blood.
* The Living. The Alive, the ever living.
63. Al-Qayyum
* The One who remains and does not end.
* The Self-Subsistent, The Eternal, the Self Sustaining.
64. Al-Wajid
* The Rich who is never poor. Al-Wajd is Richness.
* The all perceiving, the Opulent, the Finder.
65. Al-Wahid
* The One without a partner.
* The One, the Unique.
66. Al-Majid
* The One who is Majid.
* The Noble, the illustrious.
67. Al-Ahad
* The only, the Unique.
68. As-Samad
* The Master who is relied upon in matters and reverted to in ones needs.
* The Perfect, the Eternal.
69. Al-Qadir
* The One attributed with Power.
* The Able, the Capable, the Omnipotent.
70. Al-Muqtadir
* The One with the perfect Power that nothing is withheld from Him.
* The Capable, The all Powerful
71. Al-Muqaddim
* He makes ahead what He wills.
* The Presenter, The Advancer, The Expediter
72. Al-Mu'akhkhir
* The One who delays what He wills.
* The Fulfiller, the keeper behind, The Deferrer
73. Al-'Awwal
* The One whose Existence is without a beginning.
* The First
74. Al-'Akhir
* The One whose Existence is without an end.
* The Last
75. Az-Zahir
* The Apparent, the Exterior, The Manifest
* The One that nothing is above Him and nothing is underneath Him, hence He exists without a place.
76. Al-Batin
* The Hidden, the Interior, the Latent
77. Al-Wali
* The One who owns things and manages them.
* The Governor, The Ruler, The Master
78. Al-Muta'ali
* The One who is clear from the attributes of the creation.
* The Exalted, The most high, one above reproach.
79. Al-Barr
* The One who is kind to His creatures, who covered them with His sustenance and specified whoever He willed among them by His support, protection, and special mercy.
* The Benefactor, The Beneficent, the Pious.
80. At-Tawwab
* The One who grants repentance to whoever He willed among His creatures and accepts his repentance.
* The Acceptor of Repentance, The Forgiver, the Relenting.
81. Al-Muntaqim
* The One who victoriously prevails over His enemies and punishes them for their sins. It may mean the One who destroys them.
* The Avenger
82. Al-'Afuww
* The One with wide forgiveness.
* The Forgiver, the effacer, the Pardoner
83. Ar-Ra'uf
* The One with extreme Mercy. The Mercy of Allah is His will to endow upon whoever He willed among His creatures.
* The merciful, the Ever Indulgent.
84. Al-Muqsit
* The One who is Just in His judgment.
* The Just, the Equitable
85. Aj-Jami'
* The One who gathers the creatures on a day that there is no doubt about, that is the Day of Judgment.
* The Collector, the comprehensive, Gatherer
86. Al-Ghanee
* The One who does not need the creation.
* The rich, the all sufficing, Self-Sufficient
87. Al-Mughnee
* The One who satisfies the necessities of the creatures.
* The Enricher, sufficer, the bestower.
88. Al-Mani'
* The Supporter who protects and gives victory to His pious believers. Al-Mu'tiy
* The Withholder
* The Preventer, the prohibiter, the defender.
89. Ad-Darr
* The One who makes harm reach to whoever He willed.
* The Distresser , The afflictor, the bringer of Adversity.
90. An-Nafi'
* The One who gives benefits to whoever He wills.
* The Beneficial Benefactor
91. An-Nur
* The One who guides.
* The Light
92. Al-Hadi
* The One whom with His Guidance His believers were guided, and with His Guidance the living beings have been guided to what is beneficial or them and protected from what is harmful to them.
* The Guide
93. Al-Badi'
* The One who created the creation and formed it without any preceding example.
* The Wonderful, the maker, Incomparable
94. Al-Baqi
* The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.
* The Enduring, the Everlasting, the eternal
95. Al-Warith
* The One whose Existence remains.
* The Inheritor, The Heir
96. Ar-Rashid
* The One who guides.
* The Rightly Guided, The Conscious, the Guide
97. As-Sabur
* The One who does not quickly punish the sinners.
* The most Patient, the Enduring.
98. Malik Al-Mulk
* The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.
* The Ruler of the Kingdom, king of the Universe
99. Zul-l-Jalal wal-Ikram
* The One who deserves to be Exalted and not denied.
* Lord of Majesty and Generosity
Indeed, these are the most beautiful names, subhanAllah...
Facebook Friend Page: Zabrina A. Bakar
Facebook Fan Page : Life is an Open Secret
Tweeter : SisZabrina
Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu 'alakum and peace to all,
Inspirational Proverb from Congo on Pride
A proverb from Republic of Congo said,
Pride only goes the length one can spit
When I first read this beautiful Congo proverb, what I understood and gathered from it was that we are in control of this feeling of pride in us.
Why?
Well, because we are the one who controls the length of our 'spit', right?
Or more importantly, we are the one who decide whether we really do want to spit or not, you agree?
And not only that, this Congo proverb shows me how yucky the feeling of pride is!
Yup, as yucky as a spit!
And that reminds me of what Allah the Al Mighty says,
"Indeed, He does not love the proud." [an-Nahl (16):23]
Indeed, He does not!
So let us all ask ourselves these questions my friends.
Do we really want to risk losing Allah's Love, my dearest brothers and sisters? Do we?
I know I sure dont!
And I am sure you dont too, right?
So now, to help us get rid of this feeling of pride, let us ask ourselves another question-
What was one of the things that we have achieved recently that gave us the feeling or sense of pride?
You got it?
Now, let ask ourselves again- do we think that it is us who make that thing possible? Or it is Allah Who gives us the strength/creativity/intelligence/idea/capability to do so?
Facebook Friend Page: Zabrina A. Bakar
Facebook Fan Page : Life is an Open Secret
Tweeter : SisZabrina
Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu alaykum and peace to all,
First Act of Love - Inspirational Story as Guidelines Entering Paradise
That day I had a meeting to attend and was searching for the area where the meeting should take place. Then, alhamdulillah, I saw the the building from far and quickly rushed towards it.
About 10 minutes later, there I was, standing right at the side of the building.
'Where is the entrance?' I mumbled as I make my way around it. 'Ah, there it is!'
But as I tried opening the door, I noticed a paper pasted on it said, 'Please Use the Other Entrance'.
'Oh my God!' my heart almost screamed. 'Now, where is this other entrance?'
After some asking around, I finally found the one entrance to the building.
Phew, alhamdulillah...
Later in the day, I recalled my 'Please Use the Other Entrance' incident.
Isn't it difficult when we only have one entrance to something or somewhere?
Just like if we have one entrance to our house? Imagine how hard it would be to go to the backyard, right? What about one entrance into the mall? One entrance into our classroom? One entrance into the car?
Won't multiple entrance be better?
Of course it would, right?
This was when I remembered one of my friends, Bro Ershad Shaikh who had send me an email that on its subject line was written - 25 Ways to Enter Jannah
25 ways?
Yup, 25 ways, my brothers and sisters!
Unlike the rigid way to enter the building, Allah has given us 25 different ways for us to enter His Paradise.
Do you want to know them?
Let me share the 25 ways with you...
25 ways to enter Jannah
1. Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah.
[Bukhari]
2. Whoever believes (has emaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah. [Bukhari]
3. Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Bukhari]
4. Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah.
[Bukhari]
5. Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.
[Bukhari]
6. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts),I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari]
7. Whoever prays 12 rakaat in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim]
8. Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Bukhari]
9. Whoever repeats after the muadhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud]
10. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two rakaat setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]
11. Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawud]
12. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise.[Abu Dawud, Saheeh]
13. Whoever says, “SubhanAllah al-Adheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah.
[Tirmidhi]
14. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]
15. Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. [Tirmidhi]
16. Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him.
[ibn Maajah]
17. Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” [Tirmidhi]
18. Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah. [Tirmidhi]
19. Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. [Bukhari]
20. Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. [Bukhari]
21. O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. [Tirmidhi]
22. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [Bukhari]
23. Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Bukhari]
24. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims.
[Muslim]
25. O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. “If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.”
[Bukhari]
SubhanAllah!
Amazing, isn't it, that Allah has given us so much entrance choices to pick from in order to gain entrance to His Paradise?
Can we feel how much He wants us to be in His Jannah? Can you feel how much He wants us to attain the eternal happiness, infinite wealth and ever lasting joy?
Most importantly, can you feel how much He loves us, my brothers and sisters? Can you?
Paul Tillich once said, 'The first duty of love is to listen.'
So, the question I asked myself is this- Do I? Do I listen to Him as the prove of my love? Or I am just mere lip service? Are my actions consistent with what He loves, or the other way around?
What about you my friends? Do you do the first duty of love by listening to Him? Or not?
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Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series- -18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Titles:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Fikirkanlah
Hidup Bukan Rahsia – Anda, Saya and Kita http://www.lifeopensecret.com
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
As Salaamu alaykum and peace to all my dearest readers,
The Pillars of Islam
I was reading Benjamin Disraeli quote that day. He said, “Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much are the three pillars of learning.”
Of course! I think he is right.
His words about pillars reminded me of something I have not thought about in quite sometime- The Pillars of Islam.
Do you remember what they are my friends?
Our beloved Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has explained for us, when he said:
“Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing regular prayer (salaah); paying the zakaah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadaan.” (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8)
As I reflect on this hadeeth, a few questions popped into my head-
How well-built are all my pillars? What have I done to ensure their strength? Did my daily activities contribute to their toughness, or the other way around?
What are your answers to these questions my dearest friends. I think it is time for us to sit and reflect, dont you?
Sis Zabrina Life Storyteller Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series: Life is an Open Secret- Think about It Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com
Facebook Friend Page: Zabrina A. Bakar Facebook Fan Page : Life is an Open Secret Tweeter : SisZabrina
-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Sis Zabrina Life Storyteller Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series: Life is an Open Secret- Think about It Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com
-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
The Story of a Friend or Enemy - A Motivational and Inspirational Story
That day I was sitting with a friend having a nice late brunch. Needless to say, we were both extremely hungry.
As we sat waiting for our food, a sweet lady came into the Diner and walked passed our table. And holding her hand was a cute little girl whom both me and my friend could tell, had Down syndrome.
‘Poor thing… having to go thru life like that…. ‘ sighed my beloved friend sympathetically.
Her words made me think.
The question that kept bugging me was ‘Is the girl really ‘... a poor thing...’ ’?
Is she?
I can’t help but felt the contrary.
In fact, I think the little adorable girl was lucky and blessed!
Lucky and blessed?
Yes, I did say lucky and blessed.
Why?
Because, didn’t Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) once said:
“The pen is lifted from three (i.e., their deeds are not recorded): the sleeper until he awakes, the child until he grows up, and the insane until he regains his sanity or regains consciousness.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood (4399); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.)
And based on that,
Ibn Hazm (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “As for the insane who have no mental faculties until they die, as we have already mentioned, they are born as ‘haneefs’ (monotheists) and believers, and they do not change their faith, so they die as believers and so they will go to Paradise.” (al-Fasl 4/135).
SubhanAllah, the girl whom me and my friend thought as being ‘a poor thing’ is really the future inhabitants of Paradise.
Paradise, my friends, Paradise!
Paradise- the place that will exist for eternity, where we will get whatever that our hearts desire, the place where rivers are made of milk and honey, the place where we are always young and never get old, the place where we get to be with our loved ones forever, the place where we get angels as servants to serve us 24/7, the place where pearls, gold and silk are our daily adornment, the place where we get to sit and chit chatting with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his friends; and most of all, the place where we get to see the face of our Creator, Allah the One and Only God.
Yes, that place my friends. That place. And that ‘poor thing’ has a guaranteed place there already!
Can you imagine?
And here I am, pitying this little ‘poor thing’, when the person who should be pitied is really, truly and honestly the one who is writing this story!
Absolutely!
Why?
Because she was told by her beloved Prophet Muhammad that,
“The believer has four enemies: a believer who envies him (hasad), a hypocrite who hates him, a devil who leads him astray and a kaafir who fights him.” (It was narrated by al-Daylami in al-Firdaws, as stated by al-Manaawi in Fayd al-Qadeer, 5/292, no. 7352, from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah)
Oh no….
Yes, indeed. This hadeeth reminded me of what Sun-tzu once said,
‘Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.’
Yikes!
So, being a definite enemy to the devil, it is a no wonder why the devil seems to be always sitting right next to me!!
Help!!!
I knew I need a way to stop this evil creature from following me everywhere I go.
So I searched for ways that I can do to avoid the devil.
And alhamdulillah, I found this beautiful advice from our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said,
“When a man leaves his house and says, ‘Bismillaah, tawakkaltu ‘ala Allaah wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (In the name of Allaah, I put my trust in Allaah, and there is no power and not strength except with Allaah), it is said: ‘You have been guided, taken care of and protected,’ and the devils turn away from him. And another devil says to him: ‘What you can do with a man who has been guided, taken care of and protected?’” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3423; Abu Dawood, 5095; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.)
Alhamdulillah, that is so simple to do. I am so excited! At the very least now, whenever I walked out of the house, no devil looking creature would be following me around, inshaAllah!
Shoo devil shoo! Stay away from me…
Let me share with you a poem written by Bro King, Slave of Allah in his Facebook Wall
A Friend or Enemy?
He wanted me to burn in hell,
He wanted me to be among those who fell,
He wished to lead me astray,
From my Lords mercy he tried to keep me away.
Was he my friend or enemy?
It was because of him I was deprived,
He had deceived so many,
He kept coming at me until I died,
I still didn’t realize amidst all the agony,
Was he my friend or enemy?
He whispered evil to me every day & every night,
He defeated me without me even putting up a fight,
I didn’t even try,
I thought I can just ignore him and let him pass by,
Was he my friend or enemy?
This is why I was drowned in sins,
All along he was sitting back and laughing at me,
Then death hit me, now I can see,
But it’s too late,
There’s no going back to change my fate.
His task had reached its end,
This was his plan all along,
He wasn’t my friend,
I understood it all wrong,
He was the Devil, my arch enemy!
JazakAllah khayran Bro King. You are absolutely right.
I know that I must consciously remember that there is always one creature lurking around awaiting every single second for opportunities and chances to lead me astray.
So, the question I must keep reminding myself is this- is this creature a friend or an enemy? A friend or enemy? A friend or enemy?
What about you, my friends? Do you think you want to join me asking the same question too so that we will all be safe from devilish evil whispers and path our way to His Paradise, joining the ‘poor thing’?
Think about it…
Copyright (c) Sis Zabrina 2010
~ Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories ~
Sis Zabrina
Life Storyteller
Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series:
Life is an Open Secret- Think about It
Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We
Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special
Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com
-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
~ Life Storyteller Blog: Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories~
Sis Zabrina, also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author of Islamic motivational book series Life is an Open Secret http://www.lifeopensecret.com She maintains an active blog at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com
That day i was in town. Boy, was the town packed! The traffic was 'patience-testing'. I took one hour for a journey that should only take 10 minutes. I was really tested that day. Not only that, the usual rude drivers overtook each other and cut queues also got on my nerves. So, i decided to listen to some soothing numbers from the car cd. Not that it helped much, but, thats the best that i could do at that moment.
Being in a such traffic havoc, my mind started to wander(As always...:)))) Why cant people learn to work together? If these queue-jumpers would only stay in-line, then , the traffic woud not be so backlogged as such. Granted, there will still be traffic. But at the very least, the queue would still move no matter how slow. Can you imagine the feelings of the drivers at the back of the lane, after spending the minute by minute crawling, only to see that some rude drivers just took the emergency lane and cut in front of them?
We should learn to help one another. We should use our disadvantages and change them into something that is better and good for us. Let me tell you a story which i personally modified...
A little boy was having a conversation with his grandpa one day and said, "Grandpa, I would like to know why some people goes to heaven and some people dont"
The grandpa amused with the question, try to think of the simplest way to answer his grandson's question.
So, he said, " Imagine that both heaven and hell has its own door. Now let us open the doors and see what is inside.."
"When we open the door of hell, we see in the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and can make anyone's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.
They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths."
"Now, my grandson, let us open the door to heaven..."
The grandpa says " It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which makes everyone's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking."
The little boy said, "I don't understand."
"It is simple" said the wise grandpa.
"It requires just one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. Help one another. Be considerate to others. Those are the people you see in the heaven. While the greedy, inconsiderate and rude ones think only of themselves. So, they go to hell."
"So, my dear grandson, that is why some people goes to heaven and some goes to hell"
There you go. Manners and character are both so critical in our lives as Muslims.
Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners # 290, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad ... Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet of Allah (saaws) said, "And what is most likely to send people to Paradise? Being conscious of Allah and good manners."
People have different character and they behave differently
Allah Almighty says, "Indeed you are truly vast in character," (68:4)
Our Prophet Muhammad SAW, however, was the kindest and gentlest person you can ever imagine. The words rude and inconsiderate had never existed in his vocabulary. Even if someone did him wrong, he has never shown his disguise thru words or action.
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, and Tirmidhi ... 'Abd Allah ibn 'Amr said, "The Prophet of Allah, upon him be peace, was never obscene or coarse. Rather, he used to tell us that the best among us were those with the best manners."
Nice,right? It is all about attitude. So, the next time you want to be selfish, greedy and rude, think of the people who sits around the large round table with long-handled spoons!
Sis Zabrina ~ Your Source for Islamic Motivational and Inspirational Stories ~
Sis Zabrina Life Storyteller Author of Life is an Open Secret Islamic Motivational Book Series: Life is an Open Secret- Think about It Life is an Open Secret- You, Me and We Life is an Open Secret- Ramadan Special Hidup Bukan Rahsia http://www.lifeopensecret.com
-18 Inspirational Stories from Ordinary life experiences-
Sis Zabrina, also known as Zabrina A. Bakar, is a Life Storyteller, motivational and inspirational writer and speaker; and author of Islamic motivational book series Life is an Open Secret http://www.lifeopensecret.com She maintains an active blog at http://www.wisdomthruwords.blogspot.com
