Accentuate the positive!

There is a growing tendency in our Ummah to criticise others for their perceived failures.The net result is that we are riven by dissension and are growing apart.This is a genuine problem and one that needs to be tackled if we are to face the challenges and the threats posed by our enemies.I am all for healthy debate and dissent;all I ask is that we keep it civil.Taking this concept one step further, I have decided to briefly state what I admire and like about a few organisations and the people associated with them.I must hasten to add that all these movements are based in India.

1 JAMIAT-E-AHL-HADEES - A strong and uncompromising commitment to the principles of Tawheed, strict adherence to The Quran and the Sunnah, and a concerted effort to steer the Ummah away from the perils of Shirk and Bidah; all these and more have endeared this group to me. One of the few organisations whose mosques invariably allow women to pray and participate in other functions.Its leaders are very knowledgeable and can hold their own against the best.

2 JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI - It is a matter of regret that this band of dedicated volunteers gets a bad rap in the press but I have been fortunate enough to come across many of its members and can state with no hesitation that they are moderate, well educated and dedicated to the concept of inter faith dialogue and community outreach. Add to this, their constant focus on helping the less fortunate sections of society and you have an organisation that is an asset to India.

3 TABLIGHI JAMAAT- Again, a group that many other Muslims really do not understand.On the whole consists of gentle and decent individuals whose aim in life is to help Muslims understand the fundamentals of our religion. I have watched them work tirelessly among fellow Muslims , exhorting them to perform Salah and fast among other things, and am aware that the lives of many non practising Muslims witnessed a dramatic change for the better.Kudos to them for their efforts.

4 ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION- Headed by the dynamic Dr Zakir Naik, this Foundation deserves full credit for taking the message of Islam to our non muslim brethren. Has done a lot to convince our fellow countrymen that Islam is a religion of peace and seeks to dispel misconceptions, myths and lies about our wonderful faith. Responsible for starting modern Islamic schools in urban centres and inspiring others to do the same. Thanks to them, we have access to high quality Islamic television programmes on PEACE TV. They have proved that hard work, dedication and sincerity lead to success.

And finally, a word of appreciation for the many anonymous volunteers, workers and philanthropists in our community who tirelessly work for the betterment of our Ummah with no expectation of any reward except the Pleasure of Allah Wa Subhan Wa Taala.

May Allah Subhan Wa Taala grant each one of us the Hidayah to love each other, to cover our Brothers' faults and to forge a strong bond of unity.Ameen.

The importance of Zikr

Zikr means the rememberance of Allah Subhan Wa Taala and can be done very easily.There are many simple things that can be recited and for which there is great reward.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah said, "He who recites after every prayer: Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) 33 times; Alhamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) 33 times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) 33 times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.'' (Muslim).

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet said, "I love repeating Subhan Allah , Walhamdu lillah , wa La ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar (Glorified is Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and there is no God but Allah, Allah is the greatest) more than all that the sun shines upon.'' (Muslim and Tirmidhi).

There are many other forms of Zikr that are simple and can be easily memorised.All that is needed is a little effort on our part.Let us resolve to keep our tongues moist with the remeberance of our Creator.Inshallah, our lives will change for the better.

my first post

Assalamu alaikum!

After a long hiatus, I have decided to return to the world of blogging. Hopefully, I will be regular and blog on issues confronting the Ummah.

There is much that I have to say and not all of it can be easily reduced to words. I shall make a sincere effort nonetheless; this I promise.

As I blog from the city of Madras(somehow I still cannot call it Chennai;it will always be Madras to me) I remind myself that Muslims in India face certain unique challenges. My endeavour in the months to come will be to offer my perspective on this and other issues.

I look forward to your support and encouragement.

Jazak Allah