Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Hatred in Islam, Diseases of the Soul, Islam and Hate, Human Vices, Moral Virtues and Vices

Hatred in Islam, Diseases of the SoulHatred is an emotion of intense revulsion, distaste, enmity, or antipathy for a person, thing, or phenomenon, generally attributed to a desire to avoid, restrict, remove, or destroy the hated object. Hatred is also among the most common emotions that human's experience. It can be based on fear of an object or past negative consequences of dealing with that object. Hatred is often described as the opposite of love or friendship.

Often the verb "to hate" is used casually to describe things one merely dislikes, such as a particular style of architecture, a certain climate, one's job, some particular food, or people who claim to hate something when they in fact merely dislike it.

"Hatred" is also used to describe feelings of prejudice, bigotry or condemnation against a person, or a group of people, such as racism, and intense religious or political prejudice. The term hate crime is used to designate crimes committed out of hatred in this sense.

Religion Islam has been accused unjustly of being a religion of hate by those who never made a true effort to understand even the basic teachings of Islam. We all know that ignorance is the worst enemy of the truth, and Allah (SWT) asked us to learn the truth as there is nothing after the truth except falsehood.

This then is Allah, your true Lord; and what is there after the truth but error; how are you then turned back? Noble Qur'an (10:32)

Let us present the simple truth about Islam and the Noble Qur'an that proves that Islam is not a religion of hate but rather a religion of love, tolerance, understanding, and social justice.

Many people are not aware that Islam is the religion of Prophet Abraham, not the religion of Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Abraham, being the founder of Islam, with all its beautiful and peaceful teachings and rituals, passed his religion to all the prophets who came after him, including all the Israeli prophets, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhammad. Those attacking Islam, out of ignorance, or deliberately, are attacking Prophet Abraham who is their prophet as much as the prophet of the Muslims.

Islam and Hate, Human Vices, Moral Virtues and VicesNoble Qur'an explains clearly this fact,

And strive hard in (the way of) Allah, (such) a striving a is due to Him; He has chosen you and has not laid upon you an hardship in religion; the faith of your father Abraham; He named you Muslims before and in this, that the Messenger may be a bearer of witness to you, and you may be bearers of witness to the people... Noble Qur'an (22:78)

Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian but he was (an) upright (man), a Muslim, and he was not one of the polytheists. Most surely the nearest of people to Abraham are those who followed him and this Prophet and those who believe and Allah is the guardian of the believers. Noble Qur'an (3:67-68)

Then We revealed to you (O Muhammad): Follow the faith of Abraham, the upright one, and he was not of the polytheists. Noble Qur'an (16:123)

In that simple sense, how can Islam which is the religion of Abraham promote hate when it is the same religion passed down to the Jews and Christians before reaching Muslims? How can the Jews and Christians claim different standard when we are talking about the same religion with different names but all go back to Abraham.

Noble Qur'an, the final Testament, made a special mention of the relationship that controls the social and daily life with other people including but not limited to Jews and Christians. In it Noble Qur'an urges the Muslims to be loving, caring, friendly, patient, tolerant, advocates of freedom, democracy, and social justice. Islam never advocated hate or promoted it. People, who promote hate, do so on their own terms and misunderstanding. By doing so they do not represent Islam or the teachings of Islam in the scripture.

We need to remember that hate is a man made crime that we should not blame on any religion. Any claim of hate in a religion is no more than man made innovation that has nothing to do with God or His scripture. Planting hate only produces hate. Planting love, will produce love. Our God is Almighty, all loving.

Hatred in Islam, Diseases of the Soul, Islam and Hate, Human Vices, Hatred (Nafrat)

Hatred in Islam, Hatred (Nafrat)In the time of a caliph, a rich man bought a slave whom he treated, from the beginning, like a gentleman, giving him the best of food and clothes, and money exactly like his own child or even more lavishly. But the slave noticed that his master always felt uneasy.

Eventually the rich man made up his mind to set him free and provide him with some capital. One night as they were sitting together, the master said: "Do you know why I have treated you so well?" The slave asked the reason. The master said: "I have one request to make which if you fulfill, you would enjoy all I have given and will give you! But if you refuse, I will be discontented with you." The slave said: "I will obey whatever you ask. You are my benefactor who has given me my life." The master said: "You must promise me in good faith to do it, for I am afraid you may refuse it."

The slave said: "I promise to do what you want." The master said: "My proposal is that you must behead me at a specific time and place." The slave exclaimed: "What? How can I do that?" The master said: "That is what I desire." The slave said: "That is impossible." The master said: "I have got your promise. You must do it."

One midnight, he awakened the slave and gave him a sharp knife and a bag full of money and climbed up a neighbor's roof, and told the slave to behead him there and then go wherever he liked. The slave asked the reason for such an act. The rich man answered: "I hate this one man and prefer death to seeing his face. We have been rivals but he, my neighbor has gone ahead of me and excels me in everything, and I am burning with hatred. I desire my neighbor to be jailed for this fake murder and this idea is a relief to me. Everyone knows him to be my rival, and so my neighbor will be condemned to death for this act." The slave said: You seem to be a foolish man and deserve this death."

So he beheaded the rich man and ran away, His rival neighbor was consequently arrested and imprisoned, but no one believed that he would have killed his rival on his own roof. It had become a mystery. At last, the slave felt a prick of conscience, went to the authorities and confessed the truth. When they understood the matter, they freed both the slave and the neighbor.

This is a fact that Hate is a disease of the soul. The Noble Qur'an says in Chapter "The Sun" (Shams 91:9-10). "He will indeed be successful who purifies it, and he will indeed fail who corrupts it." Thus, the first proposal of the Noble Qur'an is purification of the self from ailments, complexes, ignorance, deviations and metamorphoses.

You could have heard that in the past there were people who, because of excess of sins, were cursed by the Prophets of their time and were thus metamorphosed, that is, they were transformed into animals such as a monkey, a wolf, a bear etc.

Someone said: "We had made a pilgrimage to Makkah along with Imam Sajjad (as) and when we looked down at the Desert of Arafat it was full of Hajis (pilgrims). There were so many of them that year. The Imam Sajjad said: "There is much uproar, but few are true Hajis (pilgrims)." The man says: "I don't know how Imam Sajjad gave me the insight, but when Imam Sajjad asked me to look down again, I saw a desert full of animals, like that in a zoo, among whom a few human beings were moving about." The Imam Sajjad told him how things looked to those who had a clear sight and were concerned with the inward concept of things.

Prejudice and Islam, Muslims and Racism, Asabiyyah is a Disease of the Soul

Prejudice and Islam, Muslims and RacismSo you think you are superior to others because you belong to a different ethnic group, or you speak a different language, or you are from a different country or you belong to a specific family, group, clan or race.

And you will support others on the basis of their language, ethnicity, relationship, origin.even though they do injustice, commit crimes, in the name of tribalism, racism, nationalism or any other ism, other than their moral superiority, good qualities or for justice.

And you will not help or support other human beings because they do not belong to 'your' group, country, clan, race, family. Even though they are oppressed, denied their rights, they deserve to be supported, they are on truth.

Are you aware that this type of fanatic behavior is known as Asabiyyah or Prejudice?

Do you know what Islam says about Asabiyyah or Prejudice?

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Whosoever possesses in his heart Asabiyyah even to the extent of a mustard seed, God will raise him on the Day of Resurrection with the (pagan) Bedouins of the Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era)."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Whosoever practices Asabiyyah (against someone), Allah (SWT) shall wrap around him a fold of Fire."

Imam Ali (as) said: "Almighty Allah (SWT) will punish six groups of people for six kinds of sins: .He will punish the Arabs for Asabiyyah..."

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "One who calls towards Asabiyyah is not from us, one who fights for Asabiyyah is not from us and the one who dies on Asabiyyah is not from us."

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Best among you is the person who defends his tribe till they do not commit a sin."

Imam Ali (as) said: "If it becomes unavoidable for you to be among those who practice Asabiyyah, then do Asabiyyah to uphold the truth and support of the oppressed."

Asabiyyah is a Disease of the SoulImam Ali (as) said: "The one whose deeds lower him, his family background or ancestry cannot elevate him."

Thus, remember that the superiority is only on the basis of pure intentions and sincere and lofty deeds. Asabiyyah is a dangerous condition for an individual and the society. It is an evil trait, inspired by satanic forces. One must ponder seriously about its consequences in this world and hereafter.

A true believer annihilates his own will in the Will of his Lord. He is free from all traces of ignorant Asabiyyah's and thick and dark curtains of blind Asabiyyah's would not obstruct his vision.

When called to deliver justice and utter the word of truth, he puts a firm foot on the head of all associations and ties, sacrificing all ties of kinship and customary affinities at the altar of the aims and orders of his Lord. He supports truth and justice under all circumstances.

So if you love or hate someone, or support or are against a group of individuals or a nation, think wisely for a while, what has motivated you for it. If it is other than promoting truth and justice or help of oppressed or preventing aggression and tyranny, than give up your support of the people you are associated with. It will be certainly difficult for you to take a bold step and give up love, friendship, and affinity of your relatives, friends and colleagues. But your decision to give up blind Asabiyyah will not only save you from the fire of hell, but also motivate others to do the same.

Dua: Supplication and Invocation in Islam, Supplication Meaning, Supplication Definition

Dua: Supplication and Invocation in IslamDua is an Arabic term which means to 'call out' or to 'summon' or to 'invoke' and in the Islamic terminology, it means a humble prayer by a modest person to a superior. Muslims use this term and call out to Allah (SWT), and Muslims regard this as one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam.

Supplication definition and meaning in Islam: Supplication is petitioning Allah (SWT) for fulfillment of ones legitimate desires. It is therefore necessary that the supplicant should be conversant with the meaning of the prayer and the etiquette of reciting the prayer. He must recite the supplication with dedication of heart and his attitude should be equally submissive if not more than what he adopts for asking a favor from a fellow human being.

The Holy Prophet of Islam (saw) has said: "Shall I introduce to you a weapon which will protect you both from the evils of enemies and increase your sustenance? They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. The Holy Prophet of Islam (saw) replied: Call your Lord day and night, for "Dua" is the weapon of a believer."

Imam Ali (as) says: "Dua" is the shield of a believer. If you keep on knocking the door of Divine Mercy, it will be opened to you."

Imam Sadiq (as) says: "Dua is more forceful than a sword."

Imam Musa Kazim (as) says: "Dua reverts both what has been destined and what has not been destined."

Supplications in IslamSupplications in Islam, Supplication Prayer, Supplication in Noble Qur'an and Hadith

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. Noble Qur'an (2:186)

And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer): but those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell - in humiliation!" Noble Qur'an (40:60)

In this Holy verse, Allah (SWT) considers Dua as prayers, that is to say, if someone speaks to his Lord, he has performed prayer and those who do not pray are considered as unbelievers.

Say: My Lord would not care for you were it not for your prayer; Noble Qur'an (25:77)

Imam Ali (as) says: "Allah (SWT) doesn't answer the prayer of a person whose prayer doesn't come from his heart." Therefore, one should pray from the depths of his heart and should have a conviction that Allah (SWT) will fulfill his wish.

Imam Sadiq (as) says: when a person wants Allah (SWT) to help him in times of difficulty, he must make it a habit to supplicate to Allah (SWT) before any such difficulty arises. He should not present himself to Allah (SWT) as a total stranger when he needs help.

Imam Sadiq (as) says: the creature nearest to Allah (SWT) is one who, while prostrating in prayer, cries and if he has lost hope of his prayer getting answered he should raise his hands towards the Heaven as if importuning Allah (SWT) for granting his wish.

When God grants your prayers ...

Yes, it is wonderful when you pray fervently for something and you get it! It is a very nice feeling to be sure that even if no one else does, there is one being who never fails to listen to you and grants you whatever you want. Wait, there is a catch here. God does give you what you want but very rarely does He give when you want it and in the way you want it.

For instance, highest scores in an examination are got but best friend has got alienated in the process; you get to buy the beautiful dress you were eyeing from many days and find that it doesn't suit you at all but suits your sister perfectly; lot of wealth and fame is earned but when the parents are no longer there or are not capable of accompanying the child to his celebratory parties; the perfect house with the garden gets readied but the children want to go abroad and settle there ... You get the trend.

The Holy Prophet of Islam (saw) has said, 'Desire is the root cause of all evil'. Hence you think 'Let me not desire for anything. I will accept whatever God gives me'. But ... hasn't Allah (SWT) said, 'Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)' Doesn't that mean that unless you ask, you won't get anything? As the saying goes, unless the baby cries, the mother doesn't feed it. So should the baby cry or keep quiet? Probably the answer could be that the baby should cry when it feels hungry and keep quiet after it is given something, no matter whether it is milk or water or watery milk.

Stress in Islam, Stress Management Techniques, Stress Relief Strategies, Stress in Children


Stress in IslamMuslims can deal with prolonged stress better when they understand where it comes from. Stress, doctors say, usually stress comes from fear of the unknown, the future, and death. However, Allah (SWT) has already provided us with prevention against those fears. "And We will most certainly try you with somewhat of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient" (Noble Qur'an, 2:155). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, "Your most ardent enemy is your evil self which resides within your body. If this soul is not checked, it will lead to unusual stress." (Bukhari)

Furthermore, since Muslims are told in the Noble Qur'an that humans are on this earth only as passengers, we should not have this fear of loss. A Muslim's destiny is predetermined, so worrying about it is fruitless. We only have "limited free will" to believe in Allah (SWT) or not, or to chose good deeds or bad ones.

Rejecting faith in Allah (SWT), though, is against nature and a sign of disease. "In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increases their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie" (Noble Qur'an, 2:10). Having no one to turn to during a crisis, the non-believer can become violent or turn to alcohol.

An Islamic perspective: Cursing (08) Islam and Cursing, Abusive Language

Islam and CursingCursing is also another factor that corrupts the tongue. Whoever curses others is pushing them away from the circle of Allah's Mercy. This issue has been referred to in several verses of Noble Qur'an. Allah (SWT) has cursed many and has deprived them of his Mercy. An important case is that of Satan:

"And My curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment." [Sura Sad 38:78]

Those who conceal the truth are also damned in Noble Qur'an:

"Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, - on them shall be Allah's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse."[Sura Baqarah 2:159]

Those who lie were also damned as in the following verse of Noble Qur'an:

"If anyone disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: "Come! Let us gather together, - our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!" [Sura Al-E-Imran 3:61]

Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Imam Ali (as) cursed several people. Imam Ali (as) has been narrated to have quoted on the authority of Prophet Muhammad (saw):

There are seven groups of people who were cursed by Allah (SWT) and His Prophet Muhammad (saw):

1- Those that change the Divine Book

2- Those who deny divine decrees

3- Those that change the Prophet's traditions

4- Those who allow to my family what Allah (SWT) has forbidden

5- Those who use their power and rule to belittle one whom Allah (SWT) has honored, and those who use their power and rule to honor one whom Allah (SWT) has debased

6- Those that make lawful what Allah (SWT) has forbidden

7 - Those those are haughty in worshipping Allah (SWT)

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "A believer shall not curse others."

It is even forbidden to curse animals in Islam. Overall, we can conclude that cursing men, animals and objects is forbidden, except for some instances of the infidels, the hypocrites and those who have usurped the rights of Imam Ali (as) and his descendants.

09 - Lustful Songs

The next factor that corrupts the tongue is listening or singing to lustful songs. Consider the following verses of Noble Qur'an:

"Such (is the Pilgrimage): whoever honors the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the Sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exception): but shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false." [Sura Al- Hajj 22:30]

"Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honorable (avoidance)." [Sura Al-Furqan 25:72]

The Arabic expressions that are translated into "shun the word that is false" and "witness no falsehood" in the above verses of Noble Qur'an have been interpreted by Shuham and Ibn Abi Amir and Abi Basir (in Kafi) and others as implying lustful songs.

However, there are two groups of traditions regarding poetry. Religious poetry is considered to be good in one group of traditions. Other traditions consider lustful poetry to be bad

An Islamic perspective: Arguing (04) Islam and Arguing, Offensive Insulting

Islam and ArguingArguing and teasing are factors that will corrupt the tongue. Islam has ordered us not to argue since it is blameworthy. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Do not argue with, tease, or break the promise you have made to your brethren."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: "You cannot attain full faith unless you quit verbal arguments even if you are right."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: "Whoever knows he is right but quits arguing shall be given a residence in a high heavenly place. Whoever knows that he is wrong and quits arguing shall be given a residence in a low heavenly place."

5 Simple Tricks to Help You Win Any Argument

We all get into arguments from time to time. But how do you deal with those people who consistently want to fight and act like they are always right? Contradicting them just feeds their desire for conflict and will frustrate and cause strife. Here are five alternative methods for dealing with this type of difficult person.

1. Smile: Deflect the anger. Ask questions designed to get the other person to think about why he or she is upset. It's very difficult to argue with someone who is smiling and conversing without resistance.

2. Let them think your point of view is their own: To do this requires some subtlety but is very powerful against extremely stubborn people who will never admit they are wrong. The trick is to ask questions designed to manipulate the person into arriving at your conclusion "on their own."

3. Admit your mistakes: If you did something wrong or made a mistake, just be humble and admit it. This sound like you're conceding defeat, but actually this wins immediately since it takes the combative person completely off guard. One of two things usually happens next: either the other person will feel bad for even bringing up the issue and will suddenly be very helpful, or they won't know how to respond immediately which gives you the opportunity to say something leading the conversation into a more productive direction.

4. Shut up: This is an especially strong technique when you know you're right and you suspect the other person knows it but isn't ready to admit it. Let the person fumble and squirm around while you just listen.

"One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say." ~ Will Durant

5. Do Not Attack: Whatever you do, do not attack the other person. Sure, you might know the exact thing to say to hit 'em where it hurts. You might be cold and calculating with your logic and reduce the argument (and the person's self-esteem) to dust. Or you could follow the techniques above and come away from the argument with an ally instead of a foe. Your choice.

05 - Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse or expression of animosity to get one's right or property is another factor that corrupts the tongue. Abu Hurairah quoted on the authority of Prophet Muhammad (saw): "Whoever expresses animosity without true knowledge shall remain subject to Allah's wrath until he dies."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: "There are rooms in Heaven which are transparent. Allah (SWT) has prepared them for those who feed the hungry ones, use nice words in their speech and avoid bad talk and verbal abuse."

Thus, Prophet Muhammad (saw) instructs all Muslims to be polite in speech, and not to use bad or obscene language. Muslims are instructed to attract other people's love and friendship by using good words.

06 - Excessive Eloquence

The Blessed Fatima Zahra (sa) quoted on the authority of her noble father, Prophet Muhammad (saw): "The most wicked people in my nation are those who are feeding off divine blessings by eating various dishes and wearing colorful clothing, but speak using an excessively eloquent language."

We can realize that we should not overburden ourselves by using excessively eloquent language when talking with others. Rather we should try to use nice words and expressions to express important topics.

07 - Swearing

Swearing is considered bad in Islam. It is one of the factors that corrupt the tongue. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Avoid swearing since Allah (SWT) does not like swearing and those who are used to swearing."

In another tradition we read that Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Heaven is forbidden to whoever is used to swearing. He cannot enter it."

Swearing is one of the very bad characteristics. Whoever gets used to swearing should try to treat himself. Swearing is defined to be the expression of vulgar things. One who swears is trying to hurt the other person, and hurting others is certainly forbidden. It may be the result of associating with bad people who use obscene language. This has also been declared to be bad in Islam.

An Arab went to Prophet Muhammad (saw) and said: "Please give me some advice." Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "I advise you to fear Allah (SWT). If someone blames you for what is in you, do not blame him for what you know that may lie in him. Thus, he will suffer from the ill consequences of his deeds and you will prosper from your good deeds. Also never swear at any of Allah's creatures."

The man took the Prophet's advice and never swore at anyone. We learn from this tradition that we should never use our knowledge of other people's weaknesses to harm their honor. Ayaz ibn Samar told Prophet Muhammad (saw): "O' Prophet of Allah (SWT)! A relative of mine who is lower than me in rank swears at me. Should I swear at him in defense?" Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Whenever two people swear at each other they are like two Satan's that are helping each other."

An Islamic perspective: Triple Filter Test Mind Your Own Business

Islam and LyingDuring the Abbasid period, one of the scholars in Baghdad, the capital of Muslim caliphate at that time, was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great scholar and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," the scholar 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," the scholar 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 the scholar. "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," the scholar 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..."

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

Allah (SWT) the Exalted said in Noble Qur'an: "O' ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it. But fear Allah: For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful." [Sura Hujurat 49:12]

An Islamic perspective: What corrupts the Tongue?


An Islamic perspective: What corrupts the Tongue?Researchers in ethics say that there is a cause of corruption for everything. The tongue is not an exception to this. Many things will corrupt it. Nearly sixteen causes have been cited for the corruption of the tongue.

01 - Talking in vain or useless

Talking in vain will only waste our time and is one of the causes of corruption of the tongue. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "One of the signs of goodness of a Muslim man's submission to Allah (SWT) is avoiding vain talk."

Ibn Abbas (RadhiAllahu Anhu) said: Achieving the following five matters is more beneficial than owning the best types of horses:

(1) - Not involving yourselves in conversations that do not concern you, as there is no guarantee that you would not sin therein.

(2) - Not talking about things that do concern you, until you find the proper time; as a person may talk about a matter that does concern them but at the wrong time and therefore produce a bad consequence.

(3) - Not arguing with a wise or a foolish person, as the wise person would desert you and the foolish person would humiliate you.

(4) - Mentioning your brother, in his absence, with things with which you would wish him to mention you with in your absence and forgiving him for that which you would wish him to forgive you for.

(5) - Performing the actions of one who is certain that he would be rewarded for the good and punished for the bad that he does.

It is a fact that the majority of those who take the lead in vain talk during sinful gatherings talk so much that one who listens to them comes to realize that they themselves are not aware of what they are saying and that there is no thought process behind their words.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "No servants of Allah's (SWT) belief will be correct until his heart is corrected, and his heart will never be corrected until his tongue is." The first phase of achieving this correctness is for a person to give up that which does not concern them and not to involve themselves in things that they were not asked about.

Islam has dispraised frivolities and idle talk as they are immaterial and evil. In fact, the more a person stays away from them, the higher their rank becomes with Allah (SWT). Conversely, the more a person indulges in them, the more their punishment will be with Allah (SWT).

Islam and Greed: Islamic Sayings on Greed (What is Greed?)


Islamic Sayings on GreedGreed is the excess fondness of money and fortune. It is one of the bad manners that draw to various evils and sins. Greed is selfish excessive or uncontrolled desire for possession or pursuit of money, wealth, food, or other possessions, especially when this denies the same goods to others.

Amir al-Muminin (as) said: "Know with certainty that you cannot achieve your desire and cannot exceed your destined life. You are on the track of those before you. Therefore, be humble in seeking and moderate in earning because often seeking leads to deprivation. Every seeker of livelihood does not get it, nor is everyone who is moderate in seeking deprived."

Amir al-Muminin (as) said: "A greedy man will always find himself in the shackles of humility."

Amir al-Muminin (as) said: "Greed is the key to trouble and carries man to hardship. It causes him to commit sin."

Imam Hasan Mujtaba (as) said: "The annihilation of people lies in three things: Arrogance, Greed and Envy. Arrogance causes destruction of the religion and because of it Shaitan (Satan) was cursed, and Greed is the enemy of one's soul, and because of it Adam was expelled from Paradise, and Envy is the guide to wickedness, and because of it Qabil (Cain) killed Habil (Abel) - the two sons of Prophet Adam (as)."

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) said: "In his love for the world, the greedy is like the silkworm: the more it wraps in its cocoon, the less it has of escaping from it, until it dies of grief."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "If son of Adam were to possess two valleys of gold and silver, he would long for a third. Son of Adam, your stomach is but an ocean or a valley that cannot be filled in with anything except dust."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "The destruction that the fondness of fortune leaves on a man is more effective than the deed of two ravenous wolves that attack a shepherd less herd, one from the front and the other from the back. The Muslim's honor, however, lies in his religiosity."

Is Lying ever justified? Why Islam always encourages telling the truth?


Is Lying ever justified?There are no absolute justifications in Islam and the Prophet has asked us to tell the truth even under the harshest circumstances of oppression. However, one may choose not to tell the truth in the following situations:

a). He is under oppression and there is danger of losing his life if he told the truth. Shaikh Saadi narrates a story, "A cruel king ordered an innocent man from village present in his court to be killed because of his lack of manners. Hearing this, the villager started to curse the king in his native language. The king asked the prime minister, who understood that villager's language, to tell him what that villager was saying. The wise minister, instead of telling the truth, told the king this villager is sorry for his conduct, praising his greatness and asking for his mercy. The king was affected and he spared the life of that innocent villager." Shaikh Saadi calls this a "lie with wisdom."

b). To promote mutual relationship between spouse, i.e., if wife asks you, "Am I beautiful?" or "Do you love me?" there is nothing wrong with saying "Yes," even if this is not the case. While these types of lying are tolerated, it is crucial not to step over the bounds of what is and is not acceptable. For instance, if a wife asks her husband if he is having an affair and the husband lies and says that he isn't (when he is) to make her 'happy' is not a permissible lie. This scenario is not what the above hadith permits. This is a deceptive lie which the husband is engaging in to serve his own agenda.

c). this also applies during war. If a prisoner is captured by the enemy and perhaps asked how many soldiers are with his army, he can lie about the number in order to protect his own fighters.

d). While making peace between two quarreling parties, instead of igniting them against each other, i.e., "He said such and such bad thing about you," just say, "He says such and such good thing about you." Tradition: He is not a liar who tries to bring peace between two people by trying to tell the truth.

e). to make unbelievers realize the truth as described in Surah al-Anbiya (21:62-65) When Prophet Abraham (pbuh) broke all the idols except the biggest one, the unbelievers entered the temple. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) hid and put his ax in the hand of the chief idol. They asked, "Who broke our gods?" Prophet Abraham (pbuh) said, "Ask the chief idol, he has the ax." They said, "Don't you know he can't speak or do anything?" Prophet Abraham (pbuh) said, "That's what I have been telling you, so worship Allah (SWT), rather than these stones that cannot harm or profit you."

Lies often roll off the human tongue just as fast as the moths are attracted to an open flame. The consequences of both are sometimes equally flammable. Being truthful is an endearing quality that we all would be blessed to attain in our lifetime and is a commodity that is becoming more and more scarce in this present world as the hands of time relentlessly spin round and round.

Islam and Lying: Why Islam always encourages telling the truth?


Islam and Lying

There are as many advantages for truthfulness as there are disadvantages for lying. Truthfulness is one of the most beautiful traits and lying one of the ugliest. The tongue translates man's external feelings to the outside. Therefore, if lying stems from envy and or enmity, it is one of the most dangerous sign of anger. If it stems from stinginess or habit, it is from the effects of burning lusts of man.

If a man's tongue becomes poisoned with lying and its filth appears on him, its effects are like the effects of the autumn wind on the leaves of trees. Lying extinguishes the light of man's existence and lights the fire of treachery in him. It also has an amazing reaction in terminating the ties of unity and harmony between and spreading hypocrisy.

As per the saying of Prophet Mohamed (pbuh): "The three signs of a hypocrite are: lying, betraying trust and going back on his word (not fulfilling a promise)." Therefore hypocrites are liars, because they lie to themselves. Noble Qur'an says about them: "In their heart, there is a disease and Allah increases their disease and they shall have a painful chastisement because they lie." (2:10) "When the hypocrites come to you, they say: We bear witness that you are most surely Allah's Messenger; and Allah knows that you are most surely His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are surely liars." (63:1)

For people with evil intentions lying is an open door for them to reach their selfish goals by concealing the facts behind their magical words and capturing innocent people with their poisonous lies.

Liars have no time for them to think or reflect. They rarely consider the possible conclusions, claiming that 'no one will ever discover their secrets'. In their words we find many mistakes and contradictions. Liars will eternally become covered with shame, failure and disgrace. Therefore, it is true to say that 'liars have bad memories'.

Islam and reason command that if a Muslim's soul, honor or essential belongings are endangered, it is his obligation to defend them by any means possible, including lying.

Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) said: "Lying is not permitted except in three cases: a man speaking to his wife to make her happy; lying in times of war; and lying in order to reconcile between people." (Tirmidhi)

Necessary lying has its limitations. It must stop on the border of necessity. Nevertheless, we should not ignore the fact that lying is a great evil, and that if some harm is removed by lying (when permitted) it is with the view of countering the greater evil with the lesser one.

An Islamic perspective: Joking Around (10)

An Islamic perspective: Joking AroundJoking around is considered to be bad in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Avoid arguing with your brethren and abstain from excessive joking around."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: "I tell jokes, but never excessively tell jokes and never say what is not right."

Prophet Muhammad's (saw) Jokes:

Prophet Muhammad (saw) told some nice jokes. As an example, consider the following. One day an old lady went to see Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "An old lady does not go to Heaven." The old lady started to cry. Then Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "On that day you will not be old. You will be young." Allah (SWT) said the following in Noble Qur'an: "We have created (their Companions) of special creation, and made them virgin - pure (and undefiled)." [Sura Al-Waqiah 56:35-36]

Imam Ali (as) said: "Jokes that make you laugh will take away the intellect and make you look bad."

Imam Sajjad's (as) views on Clowns:

A clown once pulled off Imam Sajjad's (as) cloak. Imam Sajjad (as) did not say anything. The people followed the clown and took back the cloak. They brought it back and put it on Imam Sajjad's (as) shoulder. Imam Sajjad (as) asked: "Who did that?" The people said: "It was a clown who makes the people laugh." Then Imam Sajjad (as) said: "Tell him that there is a day for Allah (SWT) in which those who waste their life and make others laugh will not gain anything but loss."

11 - Making Fun of others:

Scholars in ethics have considered making fun of people as one of the factors that corrupt the tongue. Allah (SWT) said in the following verse of Noble Qur'an: "O' ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong." [Sura Al-Hujraat 49:11]

The first principle referred to in this verse is respecting the Muslims. Muslims should respect each other in social encounters. Materialists have a different world outlook than Muslims. Materialists respect one for his physical beauty and financial stability, but Muslims respect man's moral values. In the above verse, making fun of others is forbidden. Men are unaware of each other's inner thoughts and feelings. It may be that an ugly man has a very beautiful character. He might be made fun of for his looks, but if others knew him well they would never make fun of him. That is why it is not allowed to make fun of anyone and it is forbidden to make fun of the crippled.

Envy is a dangerous Heart Disease, Envy, Jealousy (Hasad) (Jinn (Genie) Magic story)


Envy is a dangerous Heart Disease, Envy, Jealousy (Hasad)This legendary story is well known. Yet, it is worth repeating. Once a person went through a rigorous process of penance to please Jinn (Genie) and he succeeded. Jinn (Genie) appeared and said, "What is your wish, my dear?" The person prayed, "My Jinn (Genie)! Kindly promise that you would grant whenever I wish for any thing!" The Jinn (Genie) agreed, "All right, you will always get whatever you wish for, but there was a condition to your wishes your - that whatever you wish for, your neighbour will get just the double." And the person went home, happy.

Next morning, he wished for a palatial house. KAZAM He got one, and his neighbour got two! Then, he wished for a luxury car. KAZAM He got that also. Again, the neighbour got two luxury cars! Desires are self-feeding. So, they multiplied manifold in his case too. He wished for more and more. The gracious Jinn (Genie) granted all his wishes. He became very prosperous. But the neighbour becomes twice as prosperous! Now, the person was very jealous and envied. What to do!

He found a clever solution. He prayed Jinn (Genie) to take one of his eyes. KAZAM The wish was granted. He lost one eye and his neighbour lost both eyes. He further asked the Jinn (Genie) to take one of his hands and then one of his legs. In this way, he lost one eye, one hand, and one leg. And the neighbour lost both eyes, both hands, and both legs. Now, the person felt contented and said, "It is wonderful, indeed. Thanks a lot, the great Jinn (Genie)!"

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person is not satisfied until the blessing (from the person he envies) is lost

Envy in Islam, Jealousy and Islam, Hasad (Destructive Jealousy), Sickness of Soul and Heart


Envy in Islam, Sickness of Soul and HeartSo you don't like a person because he/she possesses some thing you imagine to be good that you don't have? You feel 'sick' whenever you see him/her; hear people talking about him/her or even when you think of him/her while you are alone. This is because he/she is smarter or wealthier or more knowledgeable or intelligent or virtuous than you are. And you are not able to appreciate his/her unique talent or possession or popularity. And by your behavior you try to downgrade, avoid, or defame him/her, feel happy when he/she suffers a loss or is in a difficulty. But you hide this feeling inside yourself. Do you know that this condition is a sickness of soul and heart and it also harms your physical health is called as Envy, Destructive Jealousy (Hasad)?

Hasad (destructive jealousy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human being. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. On the other hand, what Islam permits in contrast to Hasad (destructive jealousy) is Ghibtah (envy that is free from malice), which means neither loving the loss of the blessing nor hating for it to remain with the person, but desiring the same for oneself without the removal of the blessing from others.

The Prophet of Allah (SWT)said: Beware of envy because indeed envy destroys good deeds in the same manner as fire destroys wood

Imam al-Baqir (as) said: Verily envy destroys faith like fire destroys wood

The Prophet of Allah (SWT) said: Envy appears to take over destiny

The Prophet of Allah (SWT) said: Allah (SWT) the Almighty said to Musa bin Imran (as), Oh son of Imran, don't be envious of what I have given to people from my grace and don't enchant your eyes with the blessings and don't put your soul in search of them, because the envious person is unhappy at my blessings that I have distributed among my servants

The Prophet of Allah (SWT) said: Beware! Don't be enemy of blessings of Allah (SWT). (He was asked: Oh Prophet of Allah (SWT) "who are those who keep enmity with the blessings of Allah (SWT)?" The Prophet of Allah (SWT) replied: "Those who are envious."

The Prophet of Allah (SWT) said: Beware! Indeed a disease that afflicted past nations before you has reached you like an ant and that is envy because it doesn't eat hair but eats away (your) religion

The Prophet of Allah (SWT) said: Don't be desirous of achieving blessings except from two: A person whom Allah (SWT) has bestowed wealth and he spends it (in the way of Allah (SWT)) day and night and the other person is the one whom Allah (SWT) has given knowledge of Noble Qur'an and he keeps it up with him day and night

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is a disease without remedy

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is worst of diseases

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person is permanently sick

Imam Ali (as) said: The health of body is in absence of envy

Jealousy and Islam, Hasad (Destructive Jealousy)Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is prison for spirit

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is an exhausting ride

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is the great trap of Shaitan (Satan)

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy is the source of humiliations

Imam Ali (as) said: The one who loves envy, is loved by the troubles

Imam Ali (as) said: The fruit of envy is the misery of world and the hereafter

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy weakens the body

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy dulls the complexion

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person cannot get relief (from envy)

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person cannot be a leader

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person is angry over the destiny

Imam Ali (as) said: An envious person is a bad companion

Imam Ali (as) said: The one who gives up envy is loved by the people

Imam Ali (as) said: Expecting good advice from envious is fruitless

Imam Ali (as) said: It is enough for you that the envious person is sad at your happiness

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious is fast to leap in an attack while slow in showing kindness

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person is sick although he (apparently) possesses healthy body

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person has many unfulfilled desires and his sins are double

Imam Ali (as) said: Envy doesn't bring anything other than harm and anger and weakens your heart and makes your body sick

Imam Ali (as) said: May Allah (SWT) deal with envy! For what an enemy it is! It kills the one who has it

Imam Ali (as) said: The one who is envious imagines that the blessing possessed by envied will be lost and reach him

Imam Ali (as) said: The envious person looks like a loving friend by his speech, but hides malice behind his actions, he is friend only by name but by his characteristics, he is an enemy

Imam Ali (as) said: I have not seen an oppressor so similar to oppressed like an envious person, (because he is) with permanently sick soul, disturbed heart and inseparable sorrow

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: The envious person harms himself before he harms the envied, like Iblis who because of his envy left the legacy of curse on himself and for Adam (as) became the source of God's selection (over himself)

Jealousy and Islam, Hasad (Destructive Jealousy)Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: There is no tranquility for the envious

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: There is no prosperity for envious

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: Calamities for one's religion are envy, self-admiration and pride

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: Satan (Iblis) says to his gang: 'Instill envy and disobedience among them (human beings) because these two are equal to shirk (polytheism)'

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: Beware of envying each other for indeed the basis of disbelief (kufr) is envy

Hazrat Luqman (as) said to his son: The envious person has three signs: backbiting behind them (whom he envies), flatters them in front and is happy when they are in trouble.

So what should a believer do when he/she observes a blessing that he/she lacks is possessed by another servant of Allah (SWT)?

He/she should desire that the blessing possessed by another servant of Allah (SWT) should remain as such and increase and may Allah (SWT) bestow him/her with the same blessing.

He/she must not desire that the blessing be lost from the servant of Allah (SWT). He/she must appreciate that Allah (SWT) has bestowed the blessing to His servant by His own grace and he/she should be happy with Allah (SWT).

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: A believer desires (to achieve) a blessing and avoids envy while a hypocrite envies and is not desirous of (achieving) the blessing

O Allah, Bless Muhammad and his Household and provide me with a breast safe from envy, such that I envy none of Thy creatures and in anything of Thy bounty and such that I see none of Thy favors toward any of Thy creatures in religion or this world, well-being or reverential fear, plenty or ease, without hoping for myself better than it through and from Thee alone, who hast no associate! Imam Zainul Abideen (as)

Islamic Sayings on Anger (Ghadab), Prophetic Sayings on Anger, Diseases of the Soul


Islamic Sayings on Anger (Ghadab), Prophetic Sayings on Anger, Diseases of the SoulThe Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Anger corrupts faith in the same way that vinegar destroys honey."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) narrated on the authority of his father Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) that a Bedouin came to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and said: "I live in the desert; hence, I want you to instruct me the comprehensive of speech." The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "I instruct you not to be angry." As the Bedouin repeated the same request three times, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) repeated the answer three times. The Bedouin commented: "I will not ask you for anything any more. Certainly, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has instructed me the best."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Anger is the key (that opens the door) to all kinds of vices."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "A Mu'min (believer) is the person who when angered, his anger doesn't lead him away from that which is true."

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) said: "A man often becomes so angry that he is never pleased until this causes him to be in Hell."

Anger in Islam, Anger (Ghadab), Bad Temper, Human Vices, Anger Management in Islam


Anger in Islam, Anger (Ghadab), Bad Temper, Human VicesThose who spend (freely) whether in prosperity or in adversity; who restrain their anger and pardon men; And Allah loves those who do good. (Noble Qur'an, 3:134)

Anger is a mental condition that provokes the excitement of man in words and deeds. Because of the dangers and sins such like mocking, gibe, obscenity, beating, killing, and the like evildoings - that are resulted from anger, it has been considered as the door to every evil.

According to Ibn Maskawayh, Anger, in fact, is an inner psychic movement due to which a state of agitation is produced in the heart's blood, arousing a desire for vengeance. And when this agitation becomes more violent, it intensifies the fire of anger. A violent commotion in the blood seizes the heart, filling the arteries and the brain with a flurry of dark smoke, on account of which the mind and the intellect lose control and become powerless.

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as)said: "Verily, anger is a spark ignited by the Shaitan (Satan) in the human heart. Indeed, when anyone of you gets angry, his eyes become red, the veins of his neck become swollen and Shaitan (Satan) enters them. Therefore, whosoever among you is concerned about himself on account of it, he should lie down for a while so that the filth of Shaitan (Satan) may be removed from him at the time."

Anger is one of the conditions of the soul, and possesses three states.

1. The state of excess, which is defined as what would put one outside the bounds of religion and its laws.

2. The state of deficiency, which is defined as the state in which one fails to take a violent action even though it is necessary for his self defense.

3. The state of moderation, in which anger is stimulated in appropriate and permissible circumstances. Thus it is clear that the first and the second states are amongst the vices of the soul, while the third is amongst ethical virtues produced by courage.

Excessive anger is a fatal disease, which can be considered as a type of temporary madness. When it subsides, it is immediately followed by remorse and repentance, which represent healthy responses of a rational person.

Amirul Muminin, Imam Ali (as)said: "Anger is a stroke of madness, since the afflicted later feels remorse and regrets. If someone does not feel any remorse after anger, it means that his madness has become fixed."

Amirul Muminin, Imam Ali (as) said: "Protect yourself from anger for its beginning is insanity and its end is remorse."

Moreover, absolute absence of anger is also a vice, which drags man into humiliation, subjugation and inability to defend his rights. In order to cure excessive anger, one must first remove its causes. These may be pride, selfishness, stubbornness,greed and other such vices. One must also consider how unseemly excessive anger is, and how evil its consequences may be. Secondly, he must examine the benefits of forbearance and self-restraint, and associate with people who possess these qualities. He must also realize that Allah's power is supreme, and everything is under His command, which would make him realize his own weakness compared with the infinite power of Allah. Thirdly, he should know that a person in a state of anger is not loved by Allah; moreover, he may do something in anger, of which he will be ashamed later on.

The opposite of anger is mildness and forbearance characteristics which count amongst perfect qualities of the soul. They make a person forgiving and merciful, although he may have complete power to take revenge.

Keep to forgiveness, and enjoin what is fair, and turn away from the ignorant. (Noble Qur'an, 7:199)

And the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Forgiveness raises a man's station; forgive so that Allah (SWT) may honour you."

Islamic Sayings: Involving Parents in the Education of Their Children (Muslim Parenting)

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: A virtuous child is a fragrant flower from the flowers of Heaven.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Be kind to your children, and excel in this kindness.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Have your children to learn swimming and shooting.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Train your children in three things: The love of your Prophet, to love the Ahlul Bayt, and the recitation of Noble Qur'an.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: When your children are grown up to seven years, teach them the prayers, and when they are ten years old, seriously admonish them for it (in order that they establish prayers); and separate their sleeping beds from each other.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The child is the master for seven years and a slave for seven years and a vizier for seven years; so if he builds a good character within 21 years, well and good, otherwise leave him alone because you have discharge your responsibility before Allah.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Among the rights of the child over the parent are three: To give him a good name, to teach him to write and to marry him when he comes of age.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: When a person's son matures and he has the financial ability to marry him but does not do so, the boy will commit sin and the sin will be on the father.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: May Allah have mercy on the one who helps his child towards righteousness by being good to him, appealing to him, teaching him knowledge, and training him.

Islamic Sayings: Involving Parents in the Education of Their ChildrenImam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: The right of a child upon his father is that he should give him a nice appellation, train him well and teach him the Noble Qur'an (with its rules).

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: No milk is greater in prosperity than the mother's milk for the baby to suck from.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: Do not force your children to behave like you, for surely they have been created for a time which is different to your time.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: Mould clay as long as it is pliable and plant seedlings while they are still supple.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: A child that has to be restrained is like an extra finger: if you let it be, then you dislike it, and if you cut it off, then it is painful.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: It should be your aim to display more kindness towards your child than the kindness that he displays towards you.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: If you scold a child, then leave him room to turn away from his wrong action, so that you do not leave him with obstinacy as his only way out.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: Since you sat down wherever you wished when you were small, sit down where you do not want to now that you are grown up.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: The first things that children should learn about are the things that they will need to know when they become men.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: The more forceful the pretence is in the beginning, the harder it will be to keep up the pretence in the end.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: Surely the heart of a child is like fallow ground: whatever is planted in it is accepted by it.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) said: When a father beats his child it is like putting manure on a young crop.

Imam Sadiq (as) said: Take action in teaching traditions (of Ahlul Bayt) to your children before the corrupted persons precede in corrupting them.

Imam Sajjad (as) said: The right of your child is that you know that he has emerged from you in this world; his right and wrong are attributed to you. You are responsible of his fine teaching and training, guiding him to his Lord, Almighty and Glorious, and, assisting him to obey Him. Therefore, be sure that if you do a favour to your child, you will obtain it; and if you act viciously against him, it will come back to you, too. Tarbiyat-e-Aulad


Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and Loving Children

Muslim ParentingOnce a companion (Sahabi) visited theMessenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when he was engaged in caressing his two grandchildren, Hasan and Hussain. Being surprised at this act, the companion said:

"O Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Do you also caress children, I have ten children but I have never fondled even one of them."

Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) raised his eyes and remarked: "It seems mercy and kindness has left your heart."

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was very kind to children and loved them very much. He used to carry them on his shoulders. The children would become very happy and laugh. Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), too, would become happy at the pure happiness and laughter of the children and a smile would appear on his face.

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to give his Salaam (greetings) to children and would tell hiscompanions (Sahaba): "I give my Salaam to children and respect them, and Muslims should follow my behavior and always be warm and loving with children."

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to speak about children - boys and girls - and Say: "O Muslims, O fathers and mothers, O my followers, be kind and compassionate towards children, for someone who is not kind to children has no place amongst the Muslims."

Children are blessings: (Muslim children, Islam and children, Qur'an and children, Muslim Parenting)

Muslim ParentsAllah (SWT) says in Noble Qur'an: "Kill not your children for fear of want. We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is great sin." Noble Qur'an (17: 31)

Once a Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) submitted to the Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "O Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which is the greatest sin?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "Polytheism"

The Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) again submitted: "And what next?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "Disobedience to parents"

The Companion, Sahabi (Allah be pleased with him) submitted for the third time: "And which sin is the greatest next to it?"

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed: "To kill your children fearing that they will share your sustenance."

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) and Loving Children (Rights of Children in Islam, Muslim Parenting)

Parents and ChildrenImam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) was very kind to children, especially to orphans. If he ever saw an orphan crying, he would stop whatever he was doing, bend down, give the child his Salaam (greetings), wipe away the child's tears, put his hand on the child's shoulder and say, "My child, why are you crying? Has someone hurt you? Come; let me take you to my house."

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) would take the child home and treat him better than any father. He would bring the child sweets, cakes and honey and put them in the child's mouth himself.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) used to tell his followers to love and be kind to orphans, especially the orphans of martyrs killed in the path of Allah. "They have lost their loving fathers," he used to say. "So cheer them up and look after them just like a father. Their fathers were martyred in Jihad and for the sake of Islam and they have rights on you. Make their souls pleased with you by cheering up their children and looking after them."

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) was always attentive to orphans especially to those of the martyrs. He used to visit them and sit, chat and play with them He used to take care of their education and training. Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) would strive to solve their difficulties and always offered them guidance and advice. He would bring them gifts and, if they were poor, he would respectfully provide their expenses.

Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as) was so kind to orphans and laid so much stress on them in his teachings that one of his companions (Sahaba) said: "How I wish that I too was a young orphan so that I would receive kindness and love from Imam Ali son of Abu Talib (as)."