Worst of Ummah

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The worst of my Ummah are those who indulge in delights; those who eat all different kinds of food, and wear all different kinds of clothing, and are loose in their speech.” [Al-Jaami as-Sagheer min Hadeeth al-Basheer an-Nadheer by Imaam As-Suyooti]

Why?

A country sends an ambassador to another country to improve bilateral relations, enhance trade ties, and so on. Suppose the ambassador becomes engrossed in sightseeing and enjoying the local cuisine and culture, at the cost of his official duties, while the whole time on his government’s expenditure. What do you think will happen to him when he returns to his country?

Similarly, if we don't fulfill the duties we were sent to earth for, then we will not be appreciated by Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) when we return to Him. That is why the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) mentioned what he did about the worst of his Ummah – because, their focus is not on fulfilling the responsibilities of the office they were entrusted with, but on enjoying themselves.

Life Bakes a Cake

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "If Allah loves a people, then He tests them.” [Al-Jaami as-Sagheer by Imaam As-Suyooti]

A little boy was telling his Grandma how "everything" was going wrong – trouble at school, problems with relatives, health, friends...

Meanwhile, Grandma was baking a cake. She asked her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he did.

"Here, have some cooking oil."

"Yuck" said the boy.

"How about a couple of raw eggs?"

"Gross, Grandma!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

Grandma replied: "Yes, all those things taste bad on their own, but when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!”

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But each of life’s troubles and each period of affliction is an ingredient that will prepare the most wonderful Paradise. As the raw cake needs to be baked, we need to exercise patience, and steadfastness on Allah’s chosen religion, in order to harvest the fruit of the trouble.

This hadith has been sent to me by dailyhadith.adaptivesolutionsinc.com

Smile to Make Your Children Happy

Lines from the diary of a child speaking about his happy childhood,

"My father was always cheerful and his smile never left his face, even in the most difficult situations. This smile meant a great deal to us as it revealed how much our father loves us. This smile used to force us to behave properly and avoid mistakes so as not to anger our father and miss his smile even for a second. My father’s smile was the source of our psychological balance. It provided us with warmth, confidence, frankness and courage in the face of hardships. May Allaah reward him with the best."

Protagonists of the frowning approach:

Some parents and educators adopt the frowning method in dealing with their children. Hence, they avoid speaking with them cordially or smiling at them. They believe that there should be strict limits between parents and their children so that they can succeed in their upbringing.

A Feast for Clothes

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The worst of food is the food at the wedding feast from which one who comes is turned away, and he who refuses it is invited.” [Muslim]

Once upon a time in the city of Shiraz there lived a famous poet, Sheikh Saadi. Like most other poets, Sheikh Saadi was not a rich man. He led a very simple life. A rich merchant of Shiraz invited Sheikh Saadi along with a lot of other big businessmen of the town to his daughter's marriage which was to be a grand affair. Sheikh Saadi accepted the invitation and decided to attend.

On the day of the wedding, the host and his family were receiving the guests at the gate. They were ushering them towards the dining hall. All the rich people of the town had come, in their best attires. Sheikh Saadi had simple clothes on which were neither grand nor expensive. He waited in a corner for someone to approach him but no one gave him as much as a second glance. Even the host did not acknowledge him and looked away.

Top 10 Most Precocious Children

I love my kids. I think they’re great. They can do some stuff, like counting to 20 and waving bye-bye. But that’s nothing compared to some kids – there are children out there who can recite the Qur’an, or win Olympic medals when they’re still in high school. This kind of success doesn’t come easily, and behind every outstanding child, there tends to be a pushy parent. And in front of every outstanding child there tends to be a difficult adulthood. So, who can blame those pushy parents for shoving their children into the spotlight before they turn into rebellious adults? Find out which tots and teens are currently enjoying their moment in the sun in our Top 10 Most Precocious Children.


10. Suri Cruise

Let’s start with the most high-profile 7-year-old in the fashion world. Born to Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, she was famous at first for never being seen in public, so protective was Cruise over the baby. How things have changed – not only is Suri regularly snapped in public, in a number of on-trend outfits, but she is now launching her own fashion range.. At the age of 7, yes.

It’s not impossible that the fashion range is a result of her famous parentage, rather than her childrenswear expertise, but it’s said that she has a good eye for design and has been sketching out ideas. There may also be a stylist involved in the project somewhere. But, at an age where most girls are still traipsing around in their mother’s high heels, Suri is making money from fashion. Remarkable, hey?