I'm the kind of person who worry too much. Every little single thing matters to me. Sometimes I take things wayyyy too seriously. And I'm definitely a thinker. I like to think and think and think. Analyzing is my middle name. Hehe.. and I'm the curious and inquisitive kind of person. Dear hubby always tell me, "Sayang, curiousity kills the dog, u know.." Haihhh...
When I was first diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder, dear hubby bought me a book entitled 'How To Stop Worrying and Start Living' by Dale Carnegie. Dear hubby knows that I love reading so much, and he gathered this is one of the things he can do to help me. TQ Honey (^*^).
So today I'd like to share some points that I got from the book.
Fundamental Facts You Should Know About Worry
1. Live in "day-tight compartments" to avoid worry. Don't stew about the future, and don't fret about the past. Just live each day until bedtime.
2. Next time trouble comes:
a) Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that can happen?"
b) Prepare youself mentally to accept the worst.
c) Calmly try to improve upon the worst, which you have already mentally agreed to accept.
3. Remind yourself the price you have to pay for worry in term of your health. "Those who do not know how to fight worry die young."
How To Break The Worry Habit Before It Breaks You
1. Keep busy. Plenty of action is one of the best therapies.
2. Don't fuss about trifles. Don't care about little things that can ruin your happiness.
3. Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries. Ask yourself, "What are the odds against this thing's happening at all?"
4. Co-operate with the inevitable. If you know that something is beyond your power to change or revise, say to yourself, "It is so, it can't be otherwise."
5. Put a "stop-loss" order on your worries. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth, and refuse to give it anymore.
6. Let the past bury its dead.
Seven Ways To Cultivate A Mental Attitude That Will Bring You Peace And Happiness
1. Fill our minds with thoughts of peace, courage, health and hope for "our life is what our thoughts make it."
2. Let' never try to get even with our enemies, because if we do, we will hurt ourselves far more than we hurt them.
3. Instead of worrying about ingratitude, let's expect it. Just give for the joy of giving.
4. Count your blessings, not your troubles!
5. Let's not imitate others. Be ourselves, for "envy is ignorance".
6. When fate hands us lemon, let's try to make a lemonade!
7. Let's forget our own unhappiness, by trying to create a little happiness for others. "When you are good to others, you are best to yourself".
Those are the things that we should always keep in mind. But speaking from experience, knowledge is a very different thing from practical. Hence, I'm still suffering from the disorder..hehe.. :D Let's pray to God that I will overcome this thing yeah...God's will..Insya-Allah
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The Miracle of Isra' Mi'raj (The Night Journey)
Today is 27th Rejab in Muslim Calendar. It's the day when a historic event took place almost 1400 years ago. It is on this day that Muslims commemorate our Prophet’s Isra' and Mi'raj, a one-night journey from Makkah, to Jerusalem, and subsequently, to the heavens.
This event is recorded in Surah al-Israa’, verse 1:
“Glory be to Allah who has taken His servant on a journey in the night, from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, whose precincts We have blessed, so as to show him some of Our Signs: for He sees and hears all things.”
I found an interesting article on the event.
Before the Prophet took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was staying was opened, and Jibril descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammad and washed that open area with Zamzam water. Then he emptied something from a container into the chest of the Prophet to increase his wisdom as well as the strength of his belief. This was done to prepare the Messenger of Allah for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of the creation of Allah.
Al Isra'
After the Prophet performed the Evening Prayer (^Isha'), Jibril came to him with a white animal, slightly larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. This animal was the buraq,--one of the animals of Paradise. Jibril held the buraq by his ear and told the Prophet to mount it. When the buraq was mounted, the Prophet set forth.
The buraqis a very fast animal; the length of the buraq's stride is the farthest distance it's eye can see. The Prophet and Jibril arrived to a land with palm trees. Jibril told the Prophet to dismount and pray, so the Prophet dismounted the buraq and prayed two rak^as. Jibril asked him, "Do you know where you prayed?" and the Prophet answered, "Allah knows best." Jibril told him, "This is Yathrib; this is Taybah. "." (These are two names for the city of al-Madinah.) Before the Prophet emigrated to al-Madinah, it was called Taybah and Yathrib. It earned the name al-Madinah after the Prophet emigrated to it.
The buraq continued with the Prophet and Jibril until they reached another place. Again Jibril told the Prophet to get down and pray. The Prophet dismounted there and prayed two rak^as. Jibril informed the Prophet of the name of that place; it was Tur Sina'.
Once again the buraq took off with the Prophet and Jibril. Once again it stopped, and the Prophet dismounted and prayed two rak^as. This was in Bayt Lahm, where Prophet ^Isa (Jesus) was born. Then the buraq continued with the Messenger of Allah until they entered the city of Jerusalem. There the Prophet went to Masjid al-Aqsa. Outside was a ring used by the Messengers of Allah to tie their animals. The Prophet tied his buraq to this ring. Then the Prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled for him all the Prophets--from Adam to ^Isa. Prophet Muhammad moved forward and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet is higher in status than all the rest of the prophets and messengers.
1- On Prophet Muhammad's journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, Allah enabled him to see some of His wondrous creations. Allah enabled the Prophet to see the world (dunya) like an old woman. However, this old woman was wearing a great deal of jewelry, and in this there is an indication signifying the reality of the world.
2- Allah enabled the Prophet to see Iblis. The Prophet saw something on the side of the road which did not dare to stand in his way or speak to him. What the Prophet saw was Iblis. Originally, Iblis was a believer and lived with the angels in Paradise. When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate (sujud) to Prophet Adam, Iblis was ordered to prostrate to him as well. The angels prostrated to Adam in obedience to Allah, because angels do not disobey Allah. However, Iblis did not obey, and he objected to the order of Allah. He said, "You created me out of fire, and You created him out of clay. How do You order me to prostrate to him?" So this objection by Iblis to the order of Allah was the first blasphemy he committed.
3- On his journey, the Prophet smelled a very nice odor. He asked Jibril about this pleasant scent and Jibril informed him this good smell was coming from the grave of the woman whose duty used to be to comb Pharaoh's daughter's hair. This woman was a good, pious believer. One day, as she was combing Pharaoh's daughter's hair, the comb fell from her hand. At this she said, ""Bismillah. "Pharaoh's daughter asked her, "Do you have a god other than my father?" The woman said, "Yes. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allah." Pharaoh's daughter told her father what had happened. Pharaoh demanded this woman blaspheme and leave Islam, but she refused. At that, Pharaoh threatened to kill her children. He brought a great pot of water and built a great fire under it. When the water boiled, Pharaoh brought her children and started to drop them into that pot one after the other. Throughout all this, the woman remained steadfast to Islam, even when Pharaoh reached her youngest child--a little boy still breast feeding--but she felt pity for him. At that, Allah enabled this child to speak. He said to his mother, "O Mother, be patient. The torture of the Hereafter is far more severe than the torture of this life, and do not be reluctant, because you are right." At this the woman requested Pharaoh collect her bones and the bones of her children and bury them in the same grave. Pharaoh promised her that--then dropped her into that boiling water. She died as a martyr. The good odor the Prophet smelled coming from her grave is an indication of her high status.
4- During his trip, the Prophet saw people who were planting and reaping in two days. Jibril told the Prophet, "These were the people who fight for the sake of Allah (mujahidun). ")."
5- The Prophet also saw people whose lips and tongues were clipped with scissors made of fire. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the speakers of sedition (fitna) who call people to misguidance."
6- He also saw a bull which exited a very small outlet, then was trying in vain to return through that small outlet. Jibril told the Prophet, "This is the example of the bad word--once spoken, it cannot be returned."
7- The Prophet saw people grazing like animals, with very little clothing on their private parts. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones who refused to pay zakat. "."
8- The Prophet saw angels smashing some people's heads with rocks. These heads would return to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again--and so on. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer--the ones who used to sleep without praying."
9- On his journey the Prophet saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat--ignoring meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are people from your nation who leave out that which is permissible (halal), and consume that which is forbidden ((haram). "This reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and committed sins (fornication).
10- Also, the Prophet saw people who were drinking from the fluid coming from the bodies of the fornicators, (water mixed with blood). Jibril indicated to the Prophet these were the ones who were drinking the alcohol which is prohibited in this world.
11- The Prophet saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Jibril said, "These are the examples of those who commit gossip ((ghibah). ")."
Al-Mi'raj
1- After the Prophet took this night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, he ascended to the upper heavens. The Prophet ascended to the heaven on stairs, called al-mirqat, in which one step is made of gold and the next of silver, and so on. These stairs are veiled from us. The Prophet ascended these stairs until he reached the first heaven. When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, "Who is with you?" Jibril answered, "It is Muhammad." The angel asked Jibril, "Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?" Jibril said, "Yes." So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.
There, Prophet Muhammad saw Prophet Adam. To Adam's right, the Prophet saw some bodies, and to Adam’s left, other bodies. If Adam would look to his right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he would cry. Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants who would die as believers and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non-believers.
Then the Prophet ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where Prophet Muhammad saw Prophets ^Isa and Yahya. ^Isa and Yahya are cousins; their mothers were sisters. They welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. The Prophet ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was extremely handsome. Allah bestowed half the beauty on Yusuf. Yusuf received the Prophet with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Idris welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. In the fifth heaven, the Prophet encountered Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet Musa. Each of these Prophets received Prophet Muhammad with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a')') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the best of the prophets after our prophet, Muhammad. The Prophet saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against al-Bayt al-Ma^mur. To the inhabitants of the skies, al-Bayt al-Ma^mur is like the Ka^bah is to us, the inhabitants of the earth. Every day 70,000 angels go there; then exit from it, and never return. The next day another 70,000 angels go, come out, and never return. This will continue until the Day of Judgment. In this, there is an indication as to the greatness of the numbers of the angels--their numbers are far more than the numbers of the humans and the jinns together.
In the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad saw Sidrat al-Muntaha--a very big tree of sidr. Each of the fruits of this tree is as large as a big jar. The leaves of this tree are similar to the ears of the elephants. Sidrat al-Muntahais an extremely beautiful tree. It is visited by butterflies made of gold. When these butterflies gather on this tree, its beauty is beyond description.
Then the Prophet ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered Paradise. He saw examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people .
The Prophet saw other things on the night of his ascension. He saw Malik, the angel in charge of the Hellfire. Malik did not smile at the Prophet when he saw him, and the Prophet asked why. In answer to the Prophet's question, Jibril said, "Malik did not smile since the day Allah created him. Had he smiled for anyone, he would have smiled for you."
In Paradise, the Prophet saw some of the bounties Allah prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise. He saw the Hur ul-^In: females Allah created who are not humans or jinn. They are in Paradise and will be married to those men Allah willed them to marry.
The Prophet saw the wildan ul-mukhalladun: creations of Allah who are not human, jinn, or angels. They are a very beautiful creation of Allah whose appearance is like laid-out pearls. They are servants of the inhabitants of Paradise. The least in status of the People of Paradise will have 10,000 wildan ul-mukhalladun to serve him. Each one of them would carry a tray of gold in one hand and a tray of silver in the other hand.
The Prophet saw the Throne (^Arsh), which is the ceiling of Paradise. The Throne is the largest creation of Allah in size; Allah did not create anything bigger in size than it. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursiyy, are like a ring thrown in a desert, and the Kursiyy in comparison to the Throne, is like a ring thrown in a desert. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Throne are like a seed of mustard compared to the ocean. Allah created the Throne as a sign of His Power and He did not create the Throne to sit on it.
Allah created the Throne to show His Power. It is carried by four angels, and on the Day of Judgment, it will be carried by eight. The Prophet said he was permitted to speak about one of these angels who carry the Throne. In describing this angel, the Prophet told us the distance between his ear lobe and shoulder is the distance a fast-flying bird would cover in 700 years.
Then the Prophet ascended beyond Paradise. He reached a place where he heard the creaking of the pens used by the angels who are copying from the Preserved Tablet. It is at that location Prophet Muhammad heard the Kalam of Allah, which is an attribute of the Self of Allah. He heard the Kalam of Allah which does not resemble our speech--so it is not something that occurs bit after bit. It is not letter after letter or a word that comes after another word. Rather, it is an attribute of Allah which is eternal and everlasting. It does not resemble our attributes. The Kalam of Allah has neither silence nor interruptions. It is an attribute of Allah, and it does not resemble the attributes of the creation.
The Prophet understood several things from hearing this Kalam of Allah. He understood the obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, Allah obligated fifty prayers. When Prophet Muhammad encountered Musa, Musa told him to make supplication (du^a') to his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Musa said, "I have experience with the people of Israel, and I know your nation cannot bear that." So the Prophet asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once again, Musa told the Prophet to ask Allah to lessen the number of prayers. Allah did. Nine times the Prophet made supplication to Allah to lessen these prayers--until these prayers were lessened to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa was a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter for us.
From the Kalam of Allah, the Prophet also understood that a good deed would be written for the person who intends to do a good deed, even if he did not do it. Also, the good deed performed would be registered for he who performs it as at least ten good deeds--up to 700 good deeds. For some people, Allah would multiply the reward of their deeds more than that. Additionally, if one performs a bad deed, it is registered for him as one bad deed; yet for he who inclines towards committing a bad deed and then refrains from committing it, a good deed would be registered for him. Here one should note the difference between two matters. If a thought crossed a person's mind about doing something sinful, and this person wavered in this thinking, i.e., considered whether he should do it or not, then he refrained from doing this for the sake of Allah, this is written as a good deed. However, if a person has the firm intention in his heart that he wants to commit a sin, it would be written for him as a sin, even if he does not do it.
The Prophet Returns to Makkah
After all these matters took place with the Prophet, he returned to the city of Makkah. Some scholars said the Prophet's journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah The next day the Prophet told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the Prophet and mocked him, saying, "We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to have done all this in one night?" They said to Abu Bakr, "Look at what your companion is saying. He says he went to Jerusalem and came back in one night." Abu Bakr told them, "If he said that, then he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens--that an angel descends to him from the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time--when these are on earth?" At that, the Companion, Abu Bakr, was called "as-Siddiq"--because of how strongly he believed all what the Prophet said.
The blasphemous people questioned the Prophet: "If you are truthful, then describe to us Masjid al-Aqsa and its surroundings." They asked this because they knew Prophet Muhammad had never been there before the previous night. Allah enabled the Messenger to see Masjid al-Aqsa, and he described the masjid and its surroundings in exact detail. Moreover, the Prophet said, "On my way back, I saw some of your shepherds grazing their animals in a particular location. They were searching for a camel they had lost." The Prophet continued by giving the description of the camel. When these shepherds came back, they told their people what happened to them--precisely as the Prophet had already told them.
These blasphemers admitted the Prophet's description was exact. Despite that, they were still stubborn and rejected the faith. They did not accept Islam. Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe--regardless of how much explanation or how many proofs he is shown. The person whom Allah willed to be guided, surely he will be a believer. Many people witnessed miracles and still did not believe. Many people witnessed the miracle of the Prophet's splitting of the moon. Those who refused to embrace Islam said, "This is magic. Muhammad played a magic trick on our eyes." They even asked the people of a faraway land who witnessed the moon split in two. Despite this, they still did not believe. They said, "The magic of Muhammad is powerful; it even reached the faraway lands!" This was their response to witnessing a miracle--instead of believing and becoming Muslims.
We ask Allah that we would all die as Muslims. We ask Allah to bestow on us the bounty of entering Paradise without torture.
And Allah knows best.
Credit to Islamic Miracles.
This event is recorded in Surah al-Israa’, verse 1:
“Glory be to Allah who has taken His servant on a journey in the night, from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, whose precincts We have blessed, so as to show him some of Our Signs: for He sees and hears all things.”
I found an interesting article on the event.
Before the Prophet took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was staying was opened, and Jibril descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammad and washed that open area with Zamzam water. Then he emptied something from a container into the chest of the Prophet to increase his wisdom as well as the strength of his belief. This was done to prepare the Messenger of Allah for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of the creation of Allah.
Al Isra'
After the Prophet performed the Evening Prayer (^Isha'), Jibril came to him with a white animal, slightly larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. This animal was the buraq,--one of the animals of Paradise. Jibril held the buraq by his ear and told the Prophet to mount it. When the buraq was mounted, the Prophet set forth.
The buraqis a very fast animal; the length of the buraq's stride is the farthest distance it's eye can see. The Prophet and Jibril arrived to a land with palm trees. Jibril told the Prophet to dismount and pray, so the Prophet dismounted the buraq and prayed two rak^as. Jibril asked him, "Do you know where you prayed?" and the Prophet answered, "Allah knows best." Jibril told him, "This is Yathrib; this is Taybah. "." (These are two names for the city of al-Madinah.) Before the Prophet emigrated to al-Madinah, it was called Taybah and Yathrib. It earned the name al-Madinah after the Prophet emigrated to it.
The buraq continued with the Prophet and Jibril until they reached another place. Again Jibril told the Prophet to get down and pray. The Prophet dismounted there and prayed two rak^as. Jibril informed the Prophet of the name of that place; it was Tur Sina'.
Once again the buraq took off with the Prophet and Jibril. Once again it stopped, and the Prophet dismounted and prayed two rak^as. This was in Bayt Lahm, where Prophet ^Isa (Jesus) was born. Then the buraq continued with the Messenger of Allah until they entered the city of Jerusalem. There the Prophet went to Masjid al-Aqsa. Outside was a ring used by the Messengers of Allah to tie their animals. The Prophet tied his buraq to this ring. Then the Prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled for him all the Prophets--from Adam to ^Isa. Prophet Muhammad moved forward and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet is higher in status than all the rest of the prophets and messengers.
1- On Prophet Muhammad's journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, Allah enabled him to see some of His wondrous creations. Allah enabled the Prophet to see the world (dunya) like an old woman. However, this old woman was wearing a great deal of jewelry, and in this there is an indication signifying the reality of the world.
2- Allah enabled the Prophet to see Iblis. The Prophet saw something on the side of the road which did not dare to stand in his way or speak to him. What the Prophet saw was Iblis. Originally, Iblis was a believer and lived with the angels in Paradise. When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate (sujud) to Prophet Adam, Iblis was ordered to prostrate to him as well. The angels prostrated to Adam in obedience to Allah, because angels do not disobey Allah. However, Iblis did not obey, and he objected to the order of Allah. He said, "You created me out of fire, and You created him out of clay. How do You order me to prostrate to him?" So this objection by Iblis to the order of Allah was the first blasphemy he committed.
3- On his journey, the Prophet smelled a very nice odor. He asked Jibril about this pleasant scent and Jibril informed him this good smell was coming from the grave of the woman whose duty used to be to comb Pharaoh's daughter's hair. This woman was a good, pious believer. One day, as she was combing Pharaoh's daughter's hair, the comb fell from her hand. At this she said, ""Bismillah. "Pharaoh's daughter asked her, "Do you have a god other than my father?" The woman said, "Yes. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allah." Pharaoh's daughter told her father what had happened. Pharaoh demanded this woman blaspheme and leave Islam, but she refused. At that, Pharaoh threatened to kill her children. He brought a great pot of water and built a great fire under it. When the water boiled, Pharaoh brought her children and started to drop them into that pot one after the other. Throughout all this, the woman remained steadfast to Islam, even when Pharaoh reached her youngest child--a little boy still breast feeding--but she felt pity for him. At that, Allah enabled this child to speak. He said to his mother, "O Mother, be patient. The torture of the Hereafter is far more severe than the torture of this life, and do not be reluctant, because you are right." At this the woman requested Pharaoh collect her bones and the bones of her children and bury them in the same grave. Pharaoh promised her that--then dropped her into that boiling water. She died as a martyr. The good odor the Prophet smelled coming from her grave is an indication of her high status.
4- During his trip, the Prophet saw people who were planting and reaping in two days. Jibril told the Prophet, "These were the people who fight for the sake of Allah (mujahidun). ")."
5- The Prophet also saw people whose lips and tongues were clipped with scissors made of fire. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the speakers of sedition (fitna) who call people to misguidance."
6- He also saw a bull which exited a very small outlet, then was trying in vain to return through that small outlet. Jibril told the Prophet, "This is the example of the bad word--once spoken, it cannot be returned."
7- The Prophet saw people grazing like animals, with very little clothing on their private parts. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones who refused to pay zakat. "."
8- The Prophet saw angels smashing some people's heads with rocks. These heads would return to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again--and so on. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer--the ones who used to sleep without praying."
9- On his journey the Prophet saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat--ignoring meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are people from your nation who leave out that which is permissible (halal), and consume that which is forbidden ((haram). "This reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and committed sins (fornication).
10- Also, the Prophet saw people who were drinking from the fluid coming from the bodies of the fornicators, (water mixed with blood). Jibril indicated to the Prophet these were the ones who were drinking the alcohol which is prohibited in this world.
11- The Prophet saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Jibril said, "These are the examples of those who commit gossip ((ghibah). ")."
Al-Mi'raj
1- After the Prophet took this night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, he ascended to the upper heavens. The Prophet ascended to the heaven on stairs, called al-mirqat, in which one step is made of gold and the next of silver, and so on. These stairs are veiled from us. The Prophet ascended these stairs until he reached the first heaven. When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, "Who is with you?" Jibril answered, "It is Muhammad." The angel asked Jibril, "Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?" Jibril said, "Yes." So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.
There, Prophet Muhammad saw Prophet Adam. To Adam's right, the Prophet saw some bodies, and to Adam’s left, other bodies. If Adam would look to his right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he would cry. Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants who would die as believers and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non-believers.
Then the Prophet ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where Prophet Muhammad saw Prophets ^Isa and Yahya. ^Isa and Yahya are cousins; their mothers were sisters. They welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. The Prophet ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was extremely handsome. Allah bestowed half the beauty on Yusuf. Yusuf received the Prophet with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Idris welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. In the fifth heaven, the Prophet encountered Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet Musa. Each of these Prophets received Prophet Muhammad with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a')') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the best of the prophets after our prophet, Muhammad. The Prophet saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against al-Bayt al-Ma^mur. To the inhabitants of the skies, al-Bayt al-Ma^mur is like the Ka^bah is to us, the inhabitants of the earth. Every day 70,000 angels go there; then exit from it, and never return. The next day another 70,000 angels go, come out, and never return. This will continue until the Day of Judgment. In this, there is an indication as to the greatness of the numbers of the angels--their numbers are far more than the numbers of the humans and the jinns together.
In the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad saw Sidrat al-Muntaha--a very big tree of sidr. Each of the fruits of this tree is as large as a big jar. The leaves of this tree are similar to the ears of the elephants. Sidrat al-Muntahais an extremely beautiful tree. It is visited by butterflies made of gold. When these butterflies gather on this tree, its beauty is beyond description.
Then the Prophet ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered Paradise. He saw examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people .
The Prophet saw other things on the night of his ascension. He saw Malik, the angel in charge of the Hellfire. Malik did not smile at the Prophet when he saw him, and the Prophet asked why. In answer to the Prophet's question, Jibril said, "Malik did not smile since the day Allah created him. Had he smiled for anyone, he would have smiled for you."
In Paradise, the Prophet saw some of the bounties Allah prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise. He saw the Hur ul-^In: females Allah created who are not humans or jinn. They are in Paradise and will be married to those men Allah willed them to marry.
The Prophet saw the wildan ul-mukhalladun: creations of Allah who are not human, jinn, or angels. They are a very beautiful creation of Allah whose appearance is like laid-out pearls. They are servants of the inhabitants of Paradise. The least in status of the People of Paradise will have 10,000 wildan ul-mukhalladun to serve him. Each one of them would carry a tray of gold in one hand and a tray of silver in the other hand.
The Prophet saw the Throne (^Arsh), which is the ceiling of Paradise. The Throne is the largest creation of Allah in size; Allah did not create anything bigger in size than it. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursiyy, are like a ring thrown in a desert, and the Kursiyy in comparison to the Throne, is like a ring thrown in a desert. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Throne are like a seed of mustard compared to the ocean. Allah created the Throne as a sign of His Power and He did not create the Throne to sit on it.
Allah created the Throne to show His Power. It is carried by four angels, and on the Day of Judgment, it will be carried by eight. The Prophet said he was permitted to speak about one of these angels who carry the Throne. In describing this angel, the Prophet told us the distance between his ear lobe and shoulder is the distance a fast-flying bird would cover in 700 years.
Then the Prophet ascended beyond Paradise. He reached a place where he heard the creaking of the pens used by the angels who are copying from the Preserved Tablet. It is at that location Prophet Muhammad heard the Kalam of Allah, which is an attribute of the Self of Allah. He heard the Kalam of Allah which does not resemble our speech--so it is not something that occurs bit after bit. It is not letter after letter or a word that comes after another word. Rather, it is an attribute of Allah which is eternal and everlasting. It does not resemble our attributes. The Kalam of Allah has neither silence nor interruptions. It is an attribute of Allah, and it does not resemble the attributes of the creation.
The Prophet understood several things from hearing this Kalam of Allah. He understood the obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, Allah obligated fifty prayers. When Prophet Muhammad encountered Musa, Musa told him to make supplication (du^a') to his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Musa said, "I have experience with the people of Israel, and I know your nation cannot bear that." So the Prophet asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once again, Musa told the Prophet to ask Allah to lessen the number of prayers. Allah did. Nine times the Prophet made supplication to Allah to lessen these prayers--until these prayers were lessened to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa was a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter for us.
From the Kalam of Allah, the Prophet also understood that a good deed would be written for the person who intends to do a good deed, even if he did not do it. Also, the good deed performed would be registered for he who performs it as at least ten good deeds--up to 700 good deeds. For some people, Allah would multiply the reward of their deeds more than that. Additionally, if one performs a bad deed, it is registered for him as one bad deed; yet for he who inclines towards committing a bad deed and then refrains from committing it, a good deed would be registered for him. Here one should note the difference between two matters. If a thought crossed a person's mind about doing something sinful, and this person wavered in this thinking, i.e., considered whether he should do it or not, then he refrained from doing this for the sake of Allah, this is written as a good deed. However, if a person has the firm intention in his heart that he wants to commit a sin, it would be written for him as a sin, even if he does not do it.
The Prophet Returns to Makkah
After all these matters took place with the Prophet, he returned to the city of Makkah. Some scholars said the Prophet's journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem, then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah The next day the Prophet told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the Prophet and mocked him, saying, "We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to have done all this in one night?" They said to Abu Bakr, "Look at what your companion is saying. He says he went to Jerusalem and came back in one night." Abu Bakr told them, "If he said that, then he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens--that an angel descends to him from the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time--when these are on earth?" At that, the Companion, Abu Bakr, was called "as-Siddiq"--because of how strongly he believed all what the Prophet said.
The blasphemous people questioned the Prophet: "If you are truthful, then describe to us Masjid al-Aqsa and its surroundings." They asked this because they knew Prophet Muhammad had never been there before the previous night. Allah enabled the Messenger to see Masjid al-Aqsa, and he described the masjid and its surroundings in exact detail. Moreover, the Prophet said, "On my way back, I saw some of your shepherds grazing their animals in a particular location. They were searching for a camel they had lost." The Prophet continued by giving the description of the camel. When these shepherds came back, they told their people what happened to them--precisely as the Prophet had already told them.
These blasphemers admitted the Prophet's description was exact. Despite that, they were still stubborn and rejected the faith. They did not accept Islam. Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe--regardless of how much explanation or how many proofs he is shown. The person whom Allah willed to be guided, surely he will be a believer. Many people witnessed miracles and still did not believe. Many people witnessed the miracle of the Prophet's splitting of the moon. Those who refused to embrace Islam said, "This is magic. Muhammad played a magic trick on our eyes." They even asked the people of a faraway land who witnessed the moon split in two. Despite this, they still did not believe. They said, "The magic of Muhammad is powerful; it even reached the faraway lands!" This was their response to witnessing a miracle--instead of believing and becoming Muslims.
We ask Allah that we would all die as Muslims. We ask Allah to bestow on us the bounty of entering Paradise without torture.
And Allah knows best.
Credit to Islamic Miracles.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Taebo
I had a quick chat with Alfian yesterday..he gave me some tips on how to overcome my anxiety disorder. One of them is to exercise regularly. Haihh..I realize that I haven't been exercising for nearly one year! The last time I went to a gym was July 2007. I was a member in the Clark Hatch Danga Bay then. But life got so busy, and in the end, the membership expired just like that. There went my RM2k..kappooff!(*sigh*)
Anyway, I decided that I should start exercising again right away. Actually I have dozens of exercise CDs..be it aerobics, belly-dancing, salsa etc.etc.etc. But they all sit very quietly, gathering dusts. Hehehe.. But my favourite of all is Taebo. I had a Taebo's CD once...by the Guru himself, Billy Blank..but I've lost it. Tried to find a new one in the stores but to no avail. I'll be sure to look out for it in LA next month. But I do have another Taebo CD by a gymnast from Indonesia. So, at 5p.m. yesterday, yours truly did some kicks! Have to agree, eventhough it was very very tiring..I did enjoy myself and it felt really good to work out.
Ok..for those of you who doesn't know what Taebo is, you can watch these basic Taebo steps by Billy Blank. It's a snippet from the CD that I've lost.
Anyway, I decided that I should start exercising again right away. Actually I have dozens of exercise CDs..be it aerobics, belly-dancing, salsa etc.etc.etc. But they all sit very quietly, gathering dusts. Hehehe.. But my favourite of all is Taebo. I had a Taebo's CD once...by the Guru himself, Billy Blank..but I've lost it. Tried to find a new one in the stores but to no avail. I'll be sure to look out for it in LA next month. But I do have another Taebo CD by a gymnast from Indonesia. So, at 5p.m. yesterday, yours truly did some kicks! Have to agree, eventhough it was very very tiring..I did enjoy myself and it felt really good to work out.
Ok..for those of you who doesn't know what Taebo is, you can watch these basic Taebo steps by Billy Blank. It's a snippet from the CD that I've lost.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Yippie...My Oh My
Yippie! Dear hubby just called to say that he is on his way to the airport (LAX). He's going to Finland for a one week training. He'll be back in LA on Friday and will straight away catch a plane home to Malaysia. I can't wait! He has been away for almost two months now. Me and the kids miss him dearly although we chatted and video conferenced almost every day.
As usual I looked our for latest news on the latest issue in Malaysia. What else..the case of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's alleged sodomy. I received a text from KeADILan's HQ about the doctor's report on the case. Looked for it and found it here..Malaysia Today.
Juicy thing is...the doctor has reported that Saiful Azlan has never been sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim or anybody else for that matter. And the police wanted him to change his report. However he refused to do so. And now the doctor and his whole family has gone into hiding.
First, the private investigator went missing. And now the doctor.
Haihh...my oh my...what is happening to my beloved country???
As usual I looked our for latest news on the latest issue in Malaysia. What else..the case of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's alleged sodomy. I received a text from KeADILan's HQ about the doctor's report on the case. Looked for it and found it here..Malaysia Today.
Juicy thing is...the doctor has reported that Saiful Azlan has never been sodomised by Anwar Ibrahim or anybody else for that matter. And the police wanted him to change his report. However he refused to do so. And now the doctor and his whole family has gone into hiding.
First, the private investigator went missing. And now the doctor.
Haihh...my oh my...what is happening to my beloved country???
Anxiety Disorder Plus Panic Attack
I had another attack yesterday. I was at Busu's house when it happened. I had to take a walk in the garden to get some fresh air. Of course Busu didn't notice it..and I kept quiet about it. :)
It started about four months ago when all of a sudden, I had a dizzy spell, and difficulties to breathe. Then, my hands and legs started to feel numb. Dear hubby rushed me to the Puteri Specialist Hospital..however the doctor couldn't found anything wrong with me. So they sent me home. One week later I had another similar attack. I went to a clinic and the doctor diagnosed me with 'Anxiety Disorder Plus Panic Attack'.
What is it anyway... I found this definition in a medical website.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, or before taking a test or making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:
Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
Nightmares
Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
Problems sleeping
Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
An inability to be still and calm
Dry mouth
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Nausea
Muscle tension
Dizziness
Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms: "Racing" heart , Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy, Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers, Sense of terror, of impending doom or death, Feeling sweaty or having chills, Chest pains, Breathing difficulties, Feeling a loss of control
Phews...there we go. My deepest and darkest secret. Am I having mental problem? Hehe..yeah..I might. The doc said it started about 4 or 5 years ago. I was facing sudden death among my family members. My grandma passed away, and nine months later my dad followed her. I was forced to take over the responsibilities...dealing with the lost, and dealing with my mother who was suffering the most. I had to push aside my own grief. A year I later, I lost an aunt..and the year after that..I lost another aunt. Now, almost five years later when it first started, it has come back to haunt me. It started with my mind, and it corrupted my body.
I'm trying my best to fight this. I'm lucky that I have the support of my dear hubby as well as my dear best friend, Gee. And my dear aunt, Busu..is always there to listen to me. I try my best to keep my mom out of this...I don't want to make her sad. In front of her, I behaved as though everything is normal.
But you see...while I suffer with this so-called disorder, I've discovered something truly wonderful and beautiful. Being lost, I turned to the only One that I know I can rely on...God. When I feel lost, and everything seems so dark and gloomy, I know He is there for me. I talked to Him..and I cried..and He is always there to listen. Honestly, I wasn't a truly good Muslim then. But I'm trying to change myself now. Typical human being..we only remember God when we're down in sorrow. Yes..shame on me. In a way, I'm glad that He gave me this test...it means that while I've kind of forgotten him back then, HE has never forgotten about me. He calls me back to him...slowly..and lovingly...and I feel very much loved and blessed.
Thank you God..Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Alhamdulillah..
It started about four months ago when all of a sudden, I had a dizzy spell, and difficulties to breathe. Then, my hands and legs started to feel numb. Dear hubby rushed me to the Puteri Specialist Hospital..however the doctor couldn't found anything wrong with me. So they sent me home. One week later I had another similar attack. I went to a clinic and the doctor diagnosed me with 'Anxiety Disorder Plus Panic Attack'.
What is it anyway... I found this definition in a medical website.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, or before taking a test or making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life.
What Are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:
Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness
Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
Nightmares
Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
Problems sleeping
Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
An inability to be still and calm
Dry mouth
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Nausea
Muscle tension
Dizziness
Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms: "Racing" heart , Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy, Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers, Sense of terror, of impending doom or death, Feeling sweaty or having chills, Chest pains, Breathing difficulties, Feeling a loss of control
Phews...there we go. My deepest and darkest secret. Am I having mental problem? Hehe..yeah..I might. The doc said it started about 4 or 5 years ago. I was facing sudden death among my family members. My grandma passed away, and nine months later my dad followed her. I was forced to take over the responsibilities...dealing with the lost, and dealing with my mother who was suffering the most. I had to push aside my own grief. A year I later, I lost an aunt..and the year after that..I lost another aunt. Now, almost five years later when it first started, it has come back to haunt me. It started with my mind, and it corrupted my body.
I'm trying my best to fight this. I'm lucky that I have the support of my dear hubby as well as my dear best friend, Gee. And my dear aunt, Busu..is always there to listen to me. I try my best to keep my mom out of this...I don't want to make her sad. In front of her, I behaved as though everything is normal.
But you see...while I suffer with this so-called disorder, I've discovered something truly wonderful and beautiful. Being lost, I turned to the only One that I know I can rely on...God. When I feel lost, and everything seems so dark and gloomy, I know He is there for me. I talked to Him..and I cried..and He is always there to listen. Honestly, I wasn't a truly good Muslim then. But I'm trying to change myself now. Typical human being..we only remember God when we're down in sorrow. Yes..shame on me. In a way, I'm glad that He gave me this test...it means that while I've kind of forgotten him back then, HE has never forgotten about me. He calls me back to him...slowly..and lovingly...and I feel very much loved and blessed.
Thank you God..Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Alhamdulillah..
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Video Roh Sembrani
This is the act when the main character 'Miskon' was dancing 'Kuda Kepang' for the first time. He was possessed by the spirit of 'Kuda Sembrani'.
This is the act when the two characters which portrays the originator of the dance' Kuda Kepang'. The characters represented two princes from Java.
The theatre was a joint-collobaration between Dewan Bahasa Pustaka Wilayah Selatan and Persatuan Teater Kesuma-I Johor Bahru.
This is the act when the two characters which portrays the originator of the dance' Kuda Kepang'. The characters represented two princes from Java.
The theatre was a joint-collobaration between Dewan Bahasa Pustaka Wilayah Selatan and Persatuan Teater Kesuma-I Johor Bahru.
Money...money...money
I went to the morning market with RM100 in hand, and came home with only RM20 left. Haihh...
Looking at the things that I bought...there're not that many though. Breakfast stuffs, some stocks, a pack of rice, and Harith's milk.
Arghhh...
I pity those people who earn very much less than me. I wonder how they would adjust themselves to the current economic situation.
Looking at the things that I bought...there're not that many though. Breakfast stuffs, some stocks, a pack of rice, and Harith's milk.
Arghhh...
I pity those people who earn very much less than me. I wonder how they would adjust themselves to the current economic situation.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Photo Funia
I found this site the other day.. http://www.photofunia.com/
It's an online software to edit pictures. Had some fun playing around with it. Dear hubby's pictures was the victims. Hehe..sorry honey.
A friend of mine actually thought that Zul is running for congress and that I am his campaign manager. Hehe...LOL
Anyway, go ahead and have some fun!
Roh Sembrani...Again
My mom wanted to watch the theatre again..(*sigh*) and I can't believe that I actually went along with that idea! (*double sigh*). This time, we brought the two angels, and also our Bibik. Well, having watched last night, I'd have to admit that I was able to follow the story lines better. I enjoyed the dancing acts. Our Bibik, who's actually an East Javanese Ponorogo woman, watched the theatre excitedly, I might say (*chuckled*). However, Harith spent his time whining all the way ("Ummi...I want to go home.") and Hannah spent her time hiding behind her 'Tom' (Tom is what she calls her pillow).
After the theatre, Mom wanted to go the Floral Festival. There's an International Floral Festival here in Johor Bahru. The 'Agong' and the Prime Minister were here this morning to launch it.
Me and the kids in front of the Float representing Kelantan. Harith was pinching his nose all the time we were there because he couldn't stand the smell of too many flowers. I would have to agree with him.
These are all the hard-working crews who have done a tremendously good job. Kudos to Persatuan Teater Kesuma-I Johor Bahru.
After the theatre, Mom wanted to go the Floral Festival. There's an International Floral Festival here in Johor Bahru. The 'Agong' and the Prime Minister were here this morning to launch it.
Me and the kids in front of the Float representing Kelantan. Harith was pinching his nose all the time we were there because he couldn't stand the smell of too many flowers. I would have to agree with him. The Float Representing Langkawi
Roh Sembrani
Last night, I went to watch a theatre called 'Roh Sembrani'. Well, actually Mom was the one who insisted on watching it. So, I just had to go along to avoid her sulking if I don't bring her there. :P
Being my first time watching a theatre, I think it was quite enjoyable..at first. But then, the story took a turn when I wasn't sure what is the background time anymore. Anyway, the theatre is about 'Kuda Kepang', a traditional dance in Johor (mainly among Javanese people) which originated all the way from Ponorago, Java.
Friday, July 25, 2008
First Entry
I'm making history today.
After reading so many blogs on the web, I've finally decided to have a blog of my own.
Anyway, I don't know what to write about. We'll see as time goes by.
Oh yeah...me and my kids are counting down the days. Dear hubby is coming home soon. :)
After reading so many blogs on the web, I've finally decided to have a blog of my own.
Anyway, I don't know what to write about. We'll see as time goes by.
Oh yeah...me and my kids are counting down the days. Dear hubby is coming home soon. :)
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