A Dangerous Drug- Are you addicted to it? Fight against the ‘p’ word.
Disclaimer: Parent supervision required, keep away from searching such terms mentioned in the video. Please share with those affected/ with everyone who could benefit.
Please don’t ignore this message dear brothers and sisters, as awkward as the topic is, it really needs to be talked about so we can put a stop to it once and for all, by the permission of Allah.
How to break the cycle too:
1) having awareness that Allah is watching over us… we are going to be held to account. TAQWA
2) The p word, it’s a waste of time activity, it leads to a person’s destruction, so we should lower our gaze and spend time remembering Allah and doing productive activities instead.
3)Fasting, suppresses the desires.
4)Marry (get rid of the addiction ASAP, as you don’t want to ruin someone else’s life with the corrupt thoughts such vices have polluted your mind with.)
5) Give your spouse their full rights.
6) Make sincere tawbah, every single day
7) PRAY ON TIME! It will help keep one away from immorality.
8) Work out, exercise releases bad chemicals and improves mood and keeps you healthy.
The Porn (filthy images/videos of naked/undressed people) is a dangerous drug, a drug of the mind, consumed through the eyes. It contaminates the heart and the brain and the character. It destroys families, marriages, innocent minds, innocent souls… please pass this on to someone who needs this reminder. We’re going to fight it, in sha Allah.
Sometimes we are too ashamed to talk about this, and end up not helping those who may desperately need a solution to this addiction. Please don’t pass it off. The time to help is now. Share this post.
If you are affected by this horrible thing, please follow through with this post, and share it with others. Remember too we are in the sacred month of Rajab, let’s guard our faculties for Allah alone sincerely.
Allah protect us from satan’s plots and help us make a sincere tawbah and keep away from the devils plots. Allah make us of the muttaqeen. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina muhammad .amin
Advice for us first, Allah accept and guide us and forgive us and protect us always. wasallallahu ala nabiyina muhammad .amin
EID PRAYER GRAYS THURROCK UPDATE: Eid-ul-Fitr 1445/2024 10th April 2024- TALEEM MOSQUE , GRAYS MOSQUE, Thurrock, Tilbury, C100, Basildon, Stanford Le Hope, Purfleet, Lakeside Centre, MEN and WOMEN invited & Children-
Asalamu alaykum.
By His Mercy, Allah (The Most Generous Al-Kareem) has gifted us with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr following a month of fasting in obedience to His command, Exalted and Majestic is He. Subhanallah
It is with great joy that we announce that the first day of Shawwal will be 10 April 2024 which in sha Allah will console us for the departure of Ramadan- The Month of Mercy.
May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you. ameen
Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum
ANNOUNCEMENT- LOCAL EID PRAYER ARRANGEMENTS BELOW**
EID PRAYER AT TALEEM MASJID, THURROCK, GRAYS TOWN CENTRE, 21 CLARENCE ROAD RM17 6QA– MEN, WOMEN, KIDS WELCOME
Arrival at 630am , 730AM & 830am & 930am & 1030am – 5 jamat. MEN AND WOMEN AND KIDS
*Eid Prayers Times at Taleem Mosque*
Eid Ul-Fitr will be tomorrow Wednesday 10th April 2024.
Let us work hard to maintain TAQWA of Allah and try our hardest not to undo all the good we done in Ramadan! Remember Ramadan is training for the year round, so we remind ourselves to keep onto the good habits of fasting and prayers including night prayer. Allah grant us tawfiq and jannat al firdaus! May Allah bless our beloved Rasool Muhammad peace be upon him, amin!
Some top tips (see above links for references from Qur’an and sunnah):
1- Make sure you’ve paid zakat-ul-fitr, before the Eid salat.
2- Keep pronouncing the takbeer (starts on night of Eid until the imam emerges to lead the Eid prayer.) The Takbeer is:
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, There is no true god worthy of worship, except Allah. Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great and all praise be to Allah.)
3-Have ghusl in the morning before going out to pray
4- Ensure you have eaten something before the prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr. Try eating an odd number of dates, as the prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam did.
5- Men should go out wearing their finest clothes, perfume etc.When going out or in the presence of non-mahram men, women should avoid perfume. Women can wear their fine clothes so long as it is concealed by a full and complete, unadorned Hijab. When in female only environments, or among their mahram relatives, women may adorn themselves appropriately. My dear readers, let us remind ourselves that obedience to Allah takes precedence over all else. We have just fasted Ramadan to gain Taqwa, let us keep working on it for Allah alone!
6- Pray the Eid prayer in congregation
7- Congratulate one another! Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you)
8- Go out to pray one route, and return by another.
Check out the links above for more!
May Allah subhanahu wa ta’alaa grant us mercy from Him in this world and the next, may He accept our good deeds, expiate our sins and make us adhere to the Qur’an and sunnah of the beloved messenger Muhammad peace be upon him. May Allah unite us in jannat al firdaus. May Allah abundantly bless His final prophet Muhammad upon him be peace. ameen!
Remember us in your duas too in sha Allah!
MAY ALLAH HELP US REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS AND REMIND EACH OTHER, ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALAA MUHAMMAD! AMIN
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)[] (1) And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? (2) The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months) (3) Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibril (Gabriel)] by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees, (4) (All that night), there is Peace (and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.[] (5)
And if you are a lady on your menses, you can ibadah other than prayer: see this
Some reminders from our respected lecturers in the Ramadan Revival, this night, increase in Qiyam (standing in prayer at night), reading Qur’an, making dua- lots of it, pour our hearts out to Allah! We can also give zakah if one lunar year passed on the wealth which reached the nisaab, and do other good deeds, like istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah –click to see amazing this dua) sadaqah, reminding each other of Allah, dhikr- remembering Allah, salat and salam on rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam!
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon.
Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam taught ‘Aisha radi Allahu anhaa what to say on laylat-ul-qadr:
Let’s revive the sunnah and flee to Allah! please remember us in your duas, and like and share this in sha Allah!
NOTE: Congregational prayers are being held around Thurrock and Grays, don’t miss out!
Isha and taraweeh prayers:
Taleem Masjid has facilities for men, women and children (families welcome). Special guest Sheikh Qari Ayman from Egypt (21 Clarence Road, next to Job Centre, Grays, RM17 6QA)
(Wudu/ablution facilities available at Taleem Masjid, and parking in secure car park, arrive earlier)
Grays mosque has facilities for men and boys, and now women. (in Grays Park, Grays)
Basildon has prayer facilities for families: organised by South Essex Islamic Trust
Stanford le-Hope and Tilbury masjids also have jamaat.
Arrive with wudu (facilities available) and make sure you park responsibly 🙂 (let’s be better neighbours in sha Allah).
Special note: Taleem Masjid is offering daily prayers, jumuah, taraweeh with Sheikh Qari Ayman of Egypt, daily iftar for brothers, weekly sister’s iftars and special community iftar, programmes for women throughout this blessed month, plus tons of Islamic seminars and community events year round. This Masjid is truly fulfilling its purpose of uniting the community in Allah’s cause, and the growing congregation testifies to its benefit.
Prominent shuyukh countrywide are supporting this excellent effort and proudly advocate for Taleem Masjid.
Here’s a message from East London Mosque respected Imam Muzzamil Ahmed.
Here’s a message from respected Shaikh Kazi Ashiqur Rahman.
Please donate generously for Taleem Masjid urgent appeal! Let’s build Masjids upon Tawhid and Qur’an and Sunnah in our town and beyond. May Allah help us spend sincerely in His cause and help us purchase Taleem Masjid swiftly and make it our sadaqah jariyah for generations to come.
May Allah grant us sincerity, and success and jannat al firdaus, May Allah guide and have mercy on us, forgive all of us who believe and admit us to paradise, by His mercy. Allah abundantly bless rasoollullah. Ameen
In short, Easter is a Christian festival with remnants of Pagan traditions. Christians celebrate the alleged crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, this is the essence of Easter. The holiday has become rather commercial, with increase in sales of confectionary, chocolate and popular toys. (1)
Christians believe in the Trinity (father,son, holy spirit), which essentially means that they direct their worship to God, Jesus and the Holy spirit. So today, Christianity has polytheistic dimensions and is not a faith of complete monotheism.
Easter and Islam
Islam is absolutely Monotheistic. Muslims worship One God alone (Allah), without rivals. The Islamic narrative about prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) is simple. Jesus is not the son of God (as mentioned above, Christianity purports him to be). Muslims believe that God (Allah) is The Supreme Creator of all, The Self-Sufficient Master, He does not have children or a wife, and He does not need these things. It makes perfect sense, we are servants of The One Supreme Master- Allah. We go to Allah for all our needs, we don’t need any intermediaries! We need Allah, but Allah does not need us. That is the truth. And the truth makes sense.
We believe Jesus (‘Eesa) (peace be upon him) was a mighty prophet of God (Allah), born from the virgin Mary, who was pure and chaste. God does not need children. It’s the creation, humans and animals who need children. If God can create Adam without a father and mother, Eve without a mother, than surely it is easy for God to create Jesus without a father. Jesus’ story is mentioned in detail in Chapter 19 of the Qur’an, called ‘Maryam’.
If you remember the Christmas post a few months back and a few other blogs on Islam Explained, you’ll remember that as Muslims, we MUST believe in Jesus in order for our faith to be complete. Jesus never claimed divinity. Rather, Jesus peace be upon him was a messenger and prophet of Allah.
Jesus was not crucified, rather Allah (The One True God) took Jesus up to Him, while he was still alive, and another man was made to resemble Jesus and that man was killed. Jesus will return to earth, under Allah’s command, during the end times to fight the Anti-Christ (The Dajjal).(2)
Conclusion- Why Muslims don’t celebrate Easter
The Islamic narrative on monotheism and beliefs about Jesus are so markedly different to the Christian narrative. Thus, it’s no surprise Muslims do not commemorate a Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, as these didn’t happen in the first place!
Incidentally, there are various members of society and other faiths who do not partake in such festivals either, each with their own reasoning.
Be wise and kind, there’s no need to offend or be offended. Let your peers know gently and respectfully, it’s not the diet that makes you turn down their chocolate treats, it’s your freedom of personal choice and more importantly, your religious belief which you must hold onto with integrity, because a Muslim must be truthful, first and foremost to Allah. Being truthful in word and deed is important in Islam.
Islamic monotheism is our focus, we worship Allah alone.
Just as we cannot force others to believe, we cannot be forced to disbelieve.
The truth is apparent, falsehood is apparent. May Allah guide us all to the truth. Amin.
Let’s fulfil the 3rd pillar of Islam: ZAKAT, obligatory charity tax.
Zakat or Zakaah/Zakah, means purification or growth.
In Islam, it is paying 2.5% of all your wealth (if it reaches the nisaab/thresholdat which you become eligible to pay Zakat) to those who are entitled to receive Zakat, including the poor and needy, in obedience to Allah. Charity is an integral teaching in our faith.
DID YOU KNOW? Zakat is such an important pillar in our religion, Allah has mentioned it in the Qur’an multiple times, and the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him taught us about it.
There are multiple References in The Qur’an and in Sahih Hadith.
‘Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.‘
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, “Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.” Sahih al Bukhari
How to tell if you owe Zakat? Keep a regular check of your assets, then the moment your wealth reaches the Nisab level (minimum threshold at which you have to start paying Zakat), then you calculate your Zakat each year accordingly.
Example: On 21st Ramadan 1440 (May 2019), you acquired £500 through the full lunar year (Islamic Hijir calendar). The nisab level was approximately worth £250 (based on silver weight prices). Therefore, you must pay 2.5% of £500 in charity as Zakat to fulfil your obligation to Allah. So £500×0.025= £12.50 as Zakat
So in 21st Ramadan 1445, (year 2024) 1 year on, and you have £700. The nisab value is around £350, you own that and more. So you will pay Zakat on this day at 2.5% of £700. so £700x 0.025= £17.50 as Zakat
And you note in your calendar next year on the 21st Ramadan 1446ah (in year 2025) you will schedule calculation and payment of Zakat again. In sha Allah
Therefore, your annual Zakat date, or Zakat anniversary is 21ST RAMADAN each year, and it’s your personal deadline by which you must calculate and pay Zakat.
If you need help calculating, lots of Muslim charity organisations can help you out, lots of charities have Zakat calculators, Islamic relief calculator, or you can try National Zakat Foundation’s (NZF) calculator, it’s UK-based and they’ve set up an organised step-by-step calculation system on their website, have a look here: NZF Zakat calculator
Assets are not limited to money, it includes gold, silver and more if you have businesses/shares, rental income/ property and what such. You also factor in your deductible assets, consider debts and bills (check the NZF calculator link above).
If you have gold or silver jewellery, you need to weigh it and calculate the price on the current market value of gold or silver on the day.
So if you have 50g of 24carat gold, the market value today right now is £45.61 per gram. Thats 45.61GBP x 50grams = £2280.50
You pay zakat on 2.5% of £2280.50, or simply 2280.50 x 0.025= £57.03 Zakat (rounded up).
Also, it doesn’t have to be Ramadan when you’re Zakat is due, you may be paying it in another month, depending on when your wealth reached the Nisab value. To read more about Zakat, check out the links at the end of this post. **
Keep it organised in sha Allah and you can fulfil your obligation to Allah, have blessings in your wealth, be stress free and aware of your assets. By the way, everything ultimately belongs to Allah, we are just being tested with what we’ve been entrusted with!
Purify what Allah gave us and spend in His path, in sha Allah , Allah will increase us in good.
Many times we may have been falling short, so be sure to do your best to make up for any short fall as soon as possible. And if you are tested with a shortage in wealth, you only have to pay less Zakat , and by trusting Allah, making tawbah, in sha Allah we will see better days again.
Never think zakat will decrease your wealth, believe Allah will purify it and increase it.
Of us are those with poor and needy relatives, let’s not forget them in sha Allah when paying Zakat and Sadaqah.
Give and Allah will increase you. Let’s take this opportunity to give Sadaqah too, we only have a few days left of this blessed month.
Dua- Remember to say Ameen to our supplication! Alhamdulillah for everything.
May Allah, The Ever-Living, The One True God, The Rich, The Merciful, The Most Powerful, forgive all our errors and guide us to the straight path. May Allah grant us the sincerity and ability to obey Him and fulfil His commands and may He enable us to follow the perfect example of His final Messenger and Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Allah protect us from all evil and grant us all good and may Allah help us to remember Him always. May Allah not make Ramadan leave us, except that we are forgiven and guided and may Allah bless and increase us in good, Allah preserve our religion, our worldly life, our hereafter, our health, our family, our wealth, youth, ability, time, our safety, our ummah, our community, our neighbours our nation, our countries our world. Allah guide all of us to His love and mercy. May Allah unite us with the prophets peace be upon them, Allah make us pious and the inheritors of jannat al firdaus, paradise. Allah forgive us and our parents, our grandparents, our predecessors, our families , future generations our successors and all of us. Allah help us to worship Him alone, with perfect understanding of His Oneness, Tawhid, and Allah protect us from major and minor sins. Allah make us true followers of the sunnah of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, like the companions of the prophet, may Allah be pleased with them. May Allah, The One without partners, forgive us and grant us cures and mercy and lift the calamities and bring peace to all of us. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad. Oh Allah accept, Amin.
Please keep us in your generous duas, today, tonight, during laylatul Qadr, on Friday, all the special times. wa jazakumullahu khairan
Join our community and be part of the ongoing mission to serve Allah alone. Just enter your email address!
Please contact us, give us feedback, or join us and support our efforts here: contact
Caring for a child with special needs brings its own set of unique challenges and joys. It’s a demanding role that requires endless dedication and love. But while focusing on the needs of the child, it’s crucial not to neglect oneself. In the spirit of sustaining one’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being, this guide by Amanda Henderson (Safe Children) aims to provide actionable steps to help parents establish a self-care plan that can serve them well in the long run.
Identify the Root of Fatigue
The weariness that comes with caregiving often has several contributors, from sleep deprivation to emotional stress. Identifying these triggers is the first crucial step in tackling fatigue. Healthline points out that understanding the root cause of exhaustion can provide an avenue for seeking specific remedies or adjustments to your routine.
Tune Into Your Body
Before exhaustion leads to burnout, it’s essential to listen to your body. BetterUp notes that developing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, can help in becoming aware of fatigue levels throughout the day. These practices provide an opportunity for checking in with oneself, thus helping to prevent physical and emotional exhaustion from setting in.
A clutter-free environment often equates to a stress-free mind. Focus on keeping your living spaces, especially children’s bedrooms and playrooms, organized and clean. Simplifying cleaning routines or using easily manageable storage solutions can make this task less daunting. A clean home can work wonders in lowering stress levels, contributing to a healthier emotional state.
Rekindle Professional Aspirations
Investing time in professional endeavours, like launching a small business, can act as a positive counterbalance to the emotional toll of caregiving. Research various business formation services thoroughly before diving in — plus, create a robust business plan and understand the rudiments of marketing. Learn the basics of setting up a company structure. A constructive diversion like this can rejuvenate your spirit and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Goal-setting can serve as a motivational tool, giving parents a measurable way to track their progress and celebrate achievements. Goals don’t have to be monumental; they can be simple targets like taking a walk three times a week or reading a book every month. Setting realistic and achievable milestones contributes to improving your quality of life.
Practice Self-Care
Amid the demands of caregiving, carving out “me time” is imperative. Whether it’s a simple bubble bath, a brief morning jog, or even a hobby you love, find what brings you peace and make time for it. Different self-care strategies appeal to different people; the key is to find what rejuvenates you and make it a part of your routine.
Take a Walk
Taking a walk in an area with a high Walk Score can offer numerous benefits for individuals and communities alike. It promotes physical health by encouraging regular exercise and reducing the reliance on cars, leading to improved cardiovascular health and weight management. Additionally, it enhances mental well-being by providing opportunities for relaxation, stress reduction, and social interaction with neighbours, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and community cohesion.
A high Walk Score area often signifies easy access to essential services, businesses, and public transportation, reducing commuting time and expenses, as well as decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution. Furthermore, it supports local economies by boosting foot traffic for businesses and contributing to a vibrant urban environment.
Look for More Flexible Work
The nature of your job can profoundly affect your caregiving experience. If possible, consider jobs that offer more flexible hours or work-from-home options. It’s a significant change that comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but for many, the pros outweigh the cons, especially when it helps balance the challenges of caregiving and self-care.
Seek Professional Help if Necessary
At times, despite best efforts, external intervention becomes necessary. Be vigilant about recognizing signs of emotional exhaustion or severe stress, as they may indicate the need for professional assistance. Whether it’s a counselor or a medical specialist, knowing when and how to seek help can make a meaningful difference.
Taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a necessity, particularly when you are responsible for a child with special needs. The actionable steps outlined in this guide aim to help parents create a self-care plan that is sustainable and well-suited to their unique challenges. After all, a happier, healthier you will undoubtedly result in a more enriching caregiving experience for your child.
Written by Amanda Henderson, Safe Children USA
Thurrock Muslim Community connects, supports, inspires, educates and unites the Muslims in Thurrock and beyond. Contact us today to learn more!
Thank you to our guest poster, readers, writers, editors, contributors and supporters.
Please note, views are authors own except that which aligns with ThurrockMuslims.com ethos. We are not responsible for any external content or any consequence of following such advices.
According to Britannica Encyclopaedia, Christmas has become a Christian festival where Christians believe they are celebrating the birth of Christ, or Jesus. Historically, however, the date coincides with pagan Roman festivals which celebrated the winter solstice. It is believed that early Christians wanted to celebrate the 25th to coincide with the pagan festival. There is no clear statement in the New testament supporting the celebration of Jesus’ birth on the 25th. Nevertheless, it is still widely celebrated in that manner.
So basically in a nutshell, Christmas day has pagan origins!
And did you know, there are many groups and sections of society who do not celebrate Christmas, such as Jewish people, some atheists, and even some Christians.
So do Muslims celebrate Christmas? In Islam, the MOST IMPORTANT belief is that of Islamic monotheism. That is, we are commanded to submit to and believe in Allah (The One True God), and attribute complete Oneness to Allah as He deserves in His Lordship, Names and Attributes and right to be worshipped alone.
Consequently, as a Muslim, i.e. one who submits to Allah (The One True God), we believe that we must abandon and turn away from anything that contradicts the principles of Islamic monotheism. Polytheism, idolatry and ascribing partners to Allah are MAJOR SINS! The biggest sin which Allah will not forgive, is ascribing partners to Him !
‘Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills; and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.’ [Qur’an, chapter 4, verse 48- English interpretation]
Allah is so self-sufficient, it does not befit His Majesty to take a son or wife, or to beget or be begotten. He does not resemble His creation, for He is the uncreated Creator, and there is no similitude to Him.
In fact, a remarkably concise description of Allah can be found in chapter 112 of The Noble Qur’an, which is the verbatim words of Allah, and Allah’s final revealed book to mankind.
Have a listen to this chapter here:
Regarding Jesus (peace be upon him), in Islam we believe he was a mighty messenger of Allah. Jesus, or Isa in Arabic, was born a miraculous birth, from the virgin Mary. We refer to Jesus as ‘Isa ibnu Maryam, which means Jesus son of Mary. Jesus did not have a father, and he is not the son of God/Allah, because as we mentioned earlier, it does not befit the majesty of Allah to beget. Allah decreed that Jesus would be born miraculously without a father from the pure chaste virgin Mary. We respect them very much and we know that Jesus never claimed divinity, rather Jesus called his people to worship Allah alone, the same message each prophet and messenger of Allah called to. Jesus’ (peace be upon him) story can be found in the Qur’an in numerous places. (for more information, please see the upcoming post on chapter 19 of the Qur’an entitled Maryam!)
Incidentally, Paganism supports polytheism. Polytheism means worshipping multiple deities. Therefore, the Christian Trinity is essentially polytheism. And as previously mentioned in this blog, Islam means submission to the One True God, Allah, and our purpose in life is to acknowledge Allah’s complete Oneness, to uphold Islamic monotheism, and to attribute absolute Oneness to Allah in His Lordship, names and attributes and right to be worshipped alone.
In honesty, Muslims don’t really party on Christmas. But despite that, we still spread peace and justice the best we can with everyone, regardless of our differences.
Because the truth is, as Muslims, the most important One to us is Allah, and the only reason we are alive is for Allah, to serve Him, to worship Him, because we need to worship Him and He doesn’t need us to do that. Whether or not we worship Him, it does not detract or add to His majesty at all. Rather He is The Self-Sufficient, The Majestic, The Rich, Free of all needs. The Lord of all that exists, He is Allah.
Besides, our kind behaviour and gifts to you is not supposed to be limited to a certain day of the year, as Muslims we are required to deal with everyone in a just manner at all times, exhibiting the best character. If we have fallen short in fulfilling our rights towards you as our neighbours, please do forgive us. We make mistakes, after all we are human. Although, we endeavour to follow the best example of excellent moral conduct, as taught to us by Allah’s final prophet and messenger, Muhammad peace be upon him.
I’ll leave you with a verse from the Qur’an to get you thinking.
‘Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God – i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” ‘
[Qur’an, chapter 18: v110, english interpretation]
STOP the genocide in Gaza and Palestine! The 75+ year old land struggle in the Middle East is only getting worse. 10,000+ Palestinians killed. ICU units destroyed. Desperate mothers giving birth amidst chemical bombs. Newborns living no longer than a few hours. Ailing and terminally ill patients deprived of medicine because hospitals no longer have supplies, some hospitals are no longer-many have been bombed to ruins.
Israeli forces have being murdering and bombing Gazans relentlessly for over a month. The apartheid state has been targetting homes, schools, hospital,shelters, Mosques, Churches, UN buildings, and every last person in the genocide cage that is Gaza. People, elders, men, women, children & babies are being collectively punished, bombed, starved, deprived, disconnected and destroyed. The occupying Zionist force has a clear intention: ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians. The world’s largest open air prison turned catastrophic mass cemetary is on the brink of extinction, so long as the humane and just among us cease to speak up.
We cannot be complicit with the aggressors as they continue the butchery before our eyes. The criminals must be held to account and stopped.
This is 2023.
We haven’t forgotten Iraq- 1 million killed unlawfully. Remember also Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Bosnia, Xinxang Uiyghurs, Burma Rohingyas and many more nations whose people were destroyed by occupying forces, with the help of blood-thirsty governments’ unlawful provision of homicidal weaponry.
So we say STOP. STOP IT NOW.
Stop the killing of innocents around the world.We as Muslims, of the Thurrock community, as British residents/citizens, as members of the global community, we reject, oppose and vehemently denounce the brutal genocide and terrorism inflicted by the apartheid Israeli regime upon our fellow human beings in Gaza and Palestine.We along with millions of conscious, peaceful citizens call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and Palestine, we demand peace and an end to the oppression, seige, apartheid, ethnic cleaning and displacement.Stop aiding war-hungry nations like the illegal apartheid Israeli state, stop selling them arms and weapons. Stop aiding terrorism. We taxpayers don’t want our money spent on murder, taking lives and destroying people.
We’ve seen enough horrorific imagery of bleeding, injured babies, now missing limbs and needing amputations. We’ve seen concrete-dusted infants with their heads blown off, lying lifeless in the hands of medics. We’re tired of seeing the pain, the panic, the trauma and destruction. We’ve seen groups of men desperately rescuing bodies trapped beneath rubble. We’ve seen mothers and fathers mouring over their precious children, newborns, infants and teenagers. We’ve seen traumatised children recounting their recent orphanhood as they stare blankly into the camera. We’ve seen paramedics bravely smiling and comforting rescued babies, whose names they don’t even know, breaking down in tears themselves from overwhelm with the gravity of the situation. We’ve seen journalists reduced to tears of frustration, fed up of the deliberate targetting of their people. We’ve seen lines of hungry and thirsty people , queing up with containers hoping they’ll get some water for the day, hoping they’ll get some food, facing death by either bombings or forced starvation. The utter chaos has to stop. Mercy must prevail.
If Britain was in the position of Gaza today, God forbid, surely we would not want the world to turn a blind eye to the suffering and calls for aid. Therefore, we cannot bare to witness the calculated decimation of innocent civilians, elders, men, women, children, babies and their homes and buildings. What happened to humanity? Is not life to be preserved?
Narrated Anas:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”
Enough is enough, we cannot turn a blind eye to oppression. Speak up and do the right thing, be honest and champion the rights of the oppressed. Be the voice for the weak. Be on the right side of history. Stop the violence. The world needs faith, peace, justice, love and harmony. Let’s not be of those who, for years to come, will wallow in guilty regret for enabling murder.
Being persecuted on account of faith in Allah, is a pattern in history. Eradicating Muslim populations, will not eradicate Islam. Allah will preserve His religion. It is through submission to Allah that we will find true peace. May Allah protect Masjid-al-Aqsa, its inhabitants and all of us in the ummah. Wasallallahu ala nabiyina Muhammad. Amin
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
‘And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).'[Qur’an 21: 107]
The final messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdillah, peace be upon him, the best man who ever lived and walked on the face of this earth. With no comparison, he is known as the most successful man in history and beyond, the best leader, the best warrior, the best businessman, the best husband, the best father, the best companion, the trustworthy, the dignified, the chaste, the modest, the courageous, the morally upright, the epitome of exemplary character…The prophet of Allah, Muhammad, upon him be peace.
Allah says in the Qur’an, (English interpretation) :
‘And Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are on an exalted (standard of) character.’ (Qur’an, 68:4)
Muhammad, peace be upon him, had great concern for his nation- he was swift to help those in need, he was gentle and mild tempered, patient and forbearing.
He was ready… ready to listen to the unheard, ready to defend the weak and oppressed, ready to advise sincerely those seeking advice… ready to convey the truth.
He strove through periods of great difficulty to convey the lofty message- a message conveyed by all prophets and messengers, upon them be peace- a message which resonates with the natural disposition of mankind, the message ‘laa ilaha ilallah ‘ – There is no true god worthy of worship except Allah alone.
The final messenger of Allah, Muhammad peace be upon him, did not fail in his task in the least bit. He succeeded. Far and wide, the mesage is known, and the message is followed.
I bear witness that there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah who is alone without partners or associates, and I bear witness that Muhammad peace be upon him is the servant and messenger of Allah.
His teachings, actions, descriptions, sayings and instructions are revered and adhered to, cherished and conveyed. Muhammad peace be upon him taught us to have high moral character and good manners with The Creator (Allah) and the creation. He taught us how to conduct ourselves in the best and most decent manner. He, upon him be peace, said (English interpretation): I have only been sent (by Allah) to complete the good manners [Al-Hakim].
He was a mercy for mankind. He peace be upon him taught us (English interpretation): The merciful ones are granted mercy by the Most Merciful . Show mercy to those who are on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you. [Ahmad]
Muhammad peace be upon him conveyed the message which would lead to our peace and salvation in this world and for the life to come. Our purpose in life is clear, to worship exclusively The Supreme Self-Sufficient Creator, Allah, and this is the only way to attain peace and eternal bliss.
Only the fair-minded will emancipate themselves from bigotry and ignorance. Those who mock this mighty messenger, are full of hate today, but tomorrow, will be full of regret. This occurred at the time of the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, he had enemies, mockers and haters. They intended by their vicious, slanderous profanity and abuse to dissuade the messenger from conveying the message, whilst they knew that all they attributed to him were but fabrications. In the end, these haters failed. They were surely humilated, and what’s to come in the hereafter of humiliation is an unimaginable and inevitable reality. Haters will be haters, but they’ll also be losers. Their true colours have shown, they are what they say, uncivlised, bigoted, hateful, anarchist, slanderous, wretched… deluded…and confused. Drawing from the wisdom exhibited by the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him throughout his lifetime, we learn that we must deal with all people justly. These people, i.e. the mockers, need help and guidance. Let’s keep unsolicited violence out of the equation. Pity is little we can offer them, but education is far more powerful. May Allah guide us all, ameen.
Isn’t it time we educated ourselves about this remarkable man whose call to Islamic monotheism has been received and accepted by discerning people from all walks of life? Isn’t it time we searched for the real, unadultered truth? Isn’t it about time we learnt who he was, what he stood for, and Whom he called to…
Oh Allah may Your peace and blessings be upon Your final prophet muhammad peace be upon him in great abundance, upon his family and companions and those who follow them in righteousness! Ameen! May Allah make us of Muhammad’s followers, peace be upon him, for indeed Allah commanded us to obey and follow the messenger, and this is the only way to true success.
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.” {Al Ahzaab: 21}
Want resources? Start to read the book entitled ‘The Sealed Nectar’ (Ar-Raheequl-Makhtum), a biography of the Final messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, by Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri.
Of the best ways to love the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, is to follow his sunnah. May Allah grant us ability to follow the sunnah of the final messenger Muhammad peace be upon him.
Embark on this journey to discover #WhoIsMuhammad (peace be upon him), with the following series:
May Allah forgive us, for He is the Oft-Forgiving, The Most Merciful. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen
Thurrock Muslim Community 