Rashid Reja's invitation is awaiting your response

Rashid Reja would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond? Rashid Reja IT Management at Mohana Confirm you know Rashid You received an invitation to connect. LinkedIn will use your email address to make suggestions to our members in features like People You May Know. Unsubscribe If you need assistance or have questions, please contact LinkedIn Customer Service. © 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

Rashid Reja's invitation is awaiting your response

Rashid Reja would like to connect on LinkedIn. How would you like to respond? Rashid Reja IT Management at Mohana Confirm you know Rashid You received an invitation to connect. LinkedIn will use your email address to make suggestions to our members in features like People You May Know. Unsubscribe If you need assistance or have questions, please contact LinkedIn Customer Service. © 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn

Rashid Reja IT Management at Mohana Bangladesh I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn. - Rashid Confirm that you know Rashid You received an invitation to connect. LinkedIn will use your email address to make suggestions to our members in features like People You May Know. Unsubscribe Learn why we included this. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact LinkedIn Customer Service. © 2014, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA

Salat-l-Istikhara

Anytime a Muslim is making a decision, he or she should seek Allah’s guidance and wisdom. Allah alone knows what is best for us, and there may be good in what we perceive as bad, and bad in what we perceive as good.

If you are ambivalent or unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a specific prayer for guidance (Salat-l-Istikhara) that you can do to ask for Allah’s help in making your decision. Should you marry this certain person? Should you attend this graduate school? Should you take this job offer or that one? Allah knows what is best for you, and if you are not sure about a choice that you have, seek His guidance.

Salat al-Istikhara is a powerful tool that Allah has given us to ask His guidance in all matters. We should not hesitate to pray Istikhara before making any choice in our lives, big or small.

It’s important to do this prayer with sincerity, knowing in our hearts that only Allah can give us the guidance we seek, and resolved to follow the guidance He gives us, even if it clashes with our own desires.

We should also say the dua with firm conviction, not begging or pleading, but asking Allah clearly for guidance.

And we should not be impatient after our dua. We do not put Allah on a timetable. And we should not expect some sort of miracle, or a dream full of signs and symbols. These things are not necessary. We simply say our prayers and trust that Allah has heard us and will answer us in the way that is best.

Salat-l-Istikhara is described in the Hadith narration below.

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah: The Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam used to teach us the way of doing istikhara (istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters as he taught us the Surats of the Quran. He said, “If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ ارْضِنِي بِهِ

‘Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi’ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as’alaka min fadlika al-’azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta’lamu Wala a’lamu, Wa anta ‘allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta’lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or ‘ajili amri wa’ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma’ashi wa’aqibati amri (or fi’ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu kana Thumma ardini bihi.’

(O Allah! I ask guidance from Your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter–(or said: If it is better for my present and later needs)–Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter–(or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs)–Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, And make me satisfied with it). The Prophet added that then the person should name (mention) his need.

Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 21 Hadith 263

* When making the dua, the actual matter or decision should be mentioned instead of the words “hathal-amra” (“this matter”).

What needs to be noted is that the answer to one’s istikhara prayer does not come simply in the form of dreams and feelings but in how Allah facilitates and unfolds events for an individual after he or she genuinely strives to do what is best.

Take the most effective means, which includes consulting those whose knowledge and wisdom one has confidence in, and place your trust in Allah.

Lastly, one needs to be patient in terms of receiving the answer to their prayers. Remember the words of our Prophet salallahu alaihi wasallam, “The supplication of everyone is granted as long as he does not show haste and does not say that he made a supplication but it was not accepted.” [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

And Allah knows best, He is the All-Seeing, All-Hearing, the best Planner. May He guide us and ease all our difficulties. Ameen.

Be the best

The Ten Most Common Misconceptions about Islam

Islam is probably the least understood and most demonized religion today. The critics of Islam have created this persona based primarily on misconceptions, ignorance and malice. You’ve probably heard of some of the following common misconceptions about Islam.

Misconception # 1: Violence and Terrorism is the Muslim Creed

Islam and Muslims have become synonymous with terms like terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism. The involvement of some so-called Muslims in the acts of terrorism in the past few decades does not justify the labeling of a whole faith and its people as terrorists. Nobody called Timothy McVeigh a Christian terrorist after the Oklahoma bombing in the 90’s, neither is the IRA labeled as a Christian terrorist group, so why is it that when a Muslim does something wrong it is the fault of his religion?

Apparently, logical arguments do not carry any weight in this debate, which is fueled by sensationalism and vested interests at the highest levels of governments. Citing verses of the Qur’an out of the context is the favorite tactic of the proponents of this misconception. There are several verses in the Qur’an that clearly state the opposite of this misconception. For example, “Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.” (Qur’an 2:190). Another verse says, “If they seek peace, then seek you peace.” (Qur’an 8:61)

Misconception #2: Jihad Means Killing Non-Muslims

If opposition to Islam can be summarized today in one word, it is ‘Jihad’; the all-inclusive term for Islam bashing. Disregarding its true meaning and historical perspective, jihad is decisively equated with the violence that has been perpetrated in the last few decades in the name of Islam by individuals. There are several forms of Jihad; an armed struggle which may involve killing the enemy is ‘Qital’, which is considered by most non-Muslims to be the only form of Jihad. However, according to Islam, one of the most important types of ‘Jihad’ is ‘Jihad bil nafs’ (struggle against the self), every other struggle stems out of this. Jihad bil nafs involves constantly struggling to overcome and control our animal desires.

Misconception #3: Women are Oppressed in Islam

Saving Muslim women from the ‘tyranny’ of Islam is one of the favorite rallying cries of the people who consider Islam an evil force. Just like many other misdeeds wrongly attributed to Islam rather than to the individuals who commit them, unfair treatment of women is also considered to be the Islamic way of treating women. Setting aside the malicious propaganda, the reason behind this misconception is probably the fact that Islamic teachings about the role, responsibilities, status and treatment of women are judged according to the western practices and beliefs. If anything, Islam liberated the women in Arabia by giving them rights that were unheard of at that time in most nations. The stereotype of veil wearing, home-bound Muslim woman is used to argue that women are oppressed. However, this viewpoint is completely devoid of the knowledge of the status and rights of Muslim women. If we look into how other major religions look at women, we will find surprising revelations. In the New Testament, St. Paul declares, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I don’t permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.”In contrast, this is what Qur’an has to say, “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him/her we will give a new life that is good and pure, and we will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (16:97)

The right to hold property is considered to be fundamental for human beings, yet no major religion other than Islam actually allowed women to have property. Not only this but Muslim women have full control of their property and their husbands have no share in it. 

Misconception #4: Muslims don’t Believe in Jesus

Many Christians are made to believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) and other prophets are not considered by Muslims as God’s messengers. A cursory reading of Qur’an or other Islamic literature shows that Muslims remember all of the prophets mentioned in the Christian and Judaic scriptures with great respect and reverence. Jesus has been mentioned in Qur’an in several places such as “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.”(Qur’an chapter 3)

Misconception #5: Propagation of Islam is the result of Force

This misconception may be the result of making wrong inferences from the early Islamic history about the expansion of the Muslim state up to the time of Caliph Umar Farooq. The Muslim state indeed spread very quickly in the early years, but the conversion to Islam was never forced upon the people of the conquered territories. If anything, the Qur’an instructs Muslims to deal with them in a kind and just manner “God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just.” (Qur’an 60:8). The most clear-cut statement against conversion by force or coercion comes straight from the Qur’an, “There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam)” (2:256)

The comments of T.W. Arnold on this matter are evidence of the folly of this misconception “… of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain ….So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of the Mohammedan governments towards them.”

Another historian De lacey O’Leary also negates this myth, “History makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated.”

Furthermore, it must be pointed out that Muslims ruled and fully controlled India for 800 years and Egypt for even longer than that. Yet the vast majority of the population in India remains Hindu till today, and a small minority of Coptic Christians remains in Egypt today. If Muslims practiced forced conversions there is no way such communities could have survived for over a millennium.

Misconception #6: Islam is Intolerant of Other Religions

Religious intolerance is high on the charge-sheet against Islam and Muslims. Many non-Muslims believe that Islam does not tolerate other religions and it instructs Muslims to kill all the infidels. Equating the actions of a handful of bad apples with the teachings of Islam about people of other faiths is a grave injustice. There are numerous examples throughout Islamic history that clearly show the extent of religious tolerance in Islam. What could better exemplify it than the verses from the Qur’an and ahadith of Muhammad (pbuh).

“There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam)” (2:256)

“Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I (Prophet Muhammad) will complain against the person on the Day of Judgment.” (Sunnan Abu Dawud)

Misconception #7: Muslims are Savages with no Regard for Culture and Civilization

Many texts portray Muslims as uncivilized and barbaric people but nothing could be further from the truth. Even a cursory glance at history proves otherwise. War is one instance where showing no mercy is considered to be a tactic. Islam, on the other hand, does not allow Muslim armies to mutilate the dead, kill children or elderly, destroy crops, trees, livestock etc., demolish buildings, harm civilians and break agreements/pacts. With clear rules of engagement like these for war, it would be grossly unfair to call Muslims barbaric.

The influence and contributions of Muslims towards culture and science are widely known and acknowledged by scholars. “It is highly probable that but for the Arabs, modern European civilization would never have arisen at all; it is absolutely certain that but for them, it would not have assumed that character which has enabled it to transcend all previous phases of evolution,” Robert Briffault, a social anthropologist.

Misconception #8: Islam was founded by Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Despite an abundance of literature on Islam, there are some who believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) founded Islam and Muslims worship him as well as Allah. Any serious attempt to learn about Islam will right away debunk this misconception. In order to enter into the fold of Islam, a person must pronounce the Shahadah (the testimony of faith); the meaning of which is

“I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and messenger”..

Also in chapter 33 of the Qur’an it is stated, “O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminating lamp.”

Misconception #9: At least Four Wives for Muslim Men

Some aspects of Muslim culture have been universally accepted as the defacto standard such as four wives for Muslim men. Most westerners believe that every Muslim has a ‘harem’ with at least four wives. First of all, it should be clearly understood that it is an option not a compulsion. There are social and cultural reasons behind the practice of polygamy which can only be understood with the knowledge of Arab society at that time. There are strict conditions that must be met such as equal treatment of the wives. It surprises me that the people who make a huge fuss about polygamy in Islam, have no issue with promiscuity in western cultures where extra-marital relationships and children born out of wedlock are accepted with open arms.

Misconception #10: The Crescent and Star is the Symbol of Islam

It is a common misconception even among Muslims that the crescent moon and star is the official symbol of Islam. However, in the days of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Muslims did not have a symbol and they used solid-colored flags. In fact, the crescent was adopted as a symbol by the Turks during Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople

Allah is Enough

Love

Bismillaah walh'amdulillaah!

Allaah, Al-Wadud (the Most-Loving), mentions in His Divine Book:

"O you who have believed! Protect yourselves and your families from the Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels harsh and severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allaah, but do that (only) which they are commanded."

[Al-Qur'aan, Surah At-Tahreem, Chapter# 66, Verse# 6]
. . .

Allaah, Al-Hakeem (the All-Wise), acknowledges in His Diving Book:

"Friends on that Day will be foes to one another except Al-Muttaqun [i.e. the pious believers in Islamic Monotheism (see 2:2)]."

[Al-Qur'aan, Surat Az-Zukhruf, Chapter# 43, Verse# 67]
. . .

Reported Abu Hurayrah (ra) that Allaah's Messenger, Muh'ammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"On the Day of Rising (i.e. on the Judgment Day of Resurrection), Allaah, the Exalted, will say: 'Where are those who loved one another for the sake of My Majesty? Today, on this day, when there is no shade but My Shade, I will shade them.'"

[Sahih Muslim]

The Significance of FRIDAY

Creator Allah

Allah Loves

Reciter

Who is your favorite reciter of Qur'an? Aren't you often amazed, shocked, or even blown away by the beauty of their recitation? Now imagine this:

Jubayr ibn Mut'im said, "I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) reciting Surat At-Tur while praying maghrib. Without a doubt, I have never heard a more beautiful voice or recitation than his recitation." [Bukhari & Muslim]

help us against kafirun

Bismillah-Hir-Rahman-Nir-Raheem ... ... ...
Surat:''Al-Baqarah'' (The Cow)
Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake! Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us! Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear! And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy on us. You are our Master , so help us against the people of the kafirun. (2: 286)

Best

Best Father,
Best Husband,
Best Leader,
Best Teacher,
Best Preacher,
Best Ruler,
Best Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad S.A.W The Role Model

I said and Allah said

I said: My sins are so many.
Allah said: "And who can forgive sins
except Allah? " [3:135]

I said: Do not leave me.
Allah said: "So remember Me; I will
remember you." [2:152]

I said: I'm facing a lot of difficulties in life.
Allah said: "And whoever fears Allah ?
He will make for him a way out." [65:2]

I said: I have many dreams that I want to come true.
Allah said: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." [40:60]

Ya Allah forgive me and my parents and (all) the believers on
the day when the reckoning will be established.
Ameen Ya Allah

Dear Allah

Dear Allah - Forgive me for my weaknesses & shortcomings. Remove from my heart the love of everything that You do not love.

Gift in Islam

Reported by Ibn `Abbas (RA): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "He who gives something (to someone) as a gift and then gets it back (from him or her) is like a dog which eats its own vomit.'' [Bukhari & Muslim] A gift which is insincere or comes with strings attached is not really a gift!

Role of Khadija (peace be on her) as wife

Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was there to believe in her husband (Muhammad peace be upon him) when he doubted himself, and supported him with everything she had when others doubted him. So too should you believe in your husband and express that to him and support him with everything gifted to you. In such moments true love is revived.

If you want a wife like Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), ask yourself, how close are you to being like our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and vice versa.

Gentleness

"Gentleness is not included in anything except that it beautifies it." - Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Deeds

Your deeds today are the bricks of your home tomorrow. Build your eternal home wisely!

Despair

Time to repent

The time to repent is NOT when you get older. It is NOT in a year, NOR a month, NOR tomorrow, NOR EVEN in a second! THE TIME TO REPENT IS NOW! NOW! Do not hesitate for even an INSTANT! For delaying taubah only leads to hardening of one's heart. If you delay, you never know if you will be able to repent in the future.

Our Lord said

Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

Shahada (Testimony, Witness)-The first of the Five Pillars of Islam
''I testify that there is no deity but Allah,who is without partner and I bear witness that Mohammad (Peace be upon him) is His worshipper and His Messenger''
Ash hadu An Laa ilaaha illal lahu wahdahoo laa shareekalahu wa ash hadu anna Mohammadan abdu hoo wa rasoolu

Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad [Sallal laahoo alaihi wassallam] is Allah's Apostle.

2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) .

4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)

5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 7

Success

Success

Do you want to SUCCEED in all aspects of life?
Before you seek success, SEEK ALLAH and success will seek you. Instead of following your desires and running after this world, you should strive to gain the pleasure of Allah. DO WHAT ALLAH LOVES and He will Give you what you love. 

Nothing can defeat us if we truly follow Islam in its essence.
According to a hadith, when we leave something for the sake of Allah, ALLAH replaces it with something much better than what we left for His sake.
RUN after this WORLD and you gain NOTHING.
Run after ALLAH and you will gain EVERYTHING.

He is The One Who is in control of everything. Only He can Grant your wishes.
PLEASE ALLAH and Allah will please you. 

Dua for SUCCESS:
''Our Lord! grant us mercy from Thee and provide for us a right course in our affair''
رَبَّنا ءاتِنا مِن لَدُنكَ رَحمَةً وَهَيِّئ لَنا مِن أَمرِنا رَشَدًا 
Rabbanaa aatina min ladunka rahmatan wahayyi lanaa min amrinaa rashada
SURAH AL-KAHF ,VERSE 10

May Allah help us all, ameen

Dua for Distress

Dua to protect yourself from the fitnah of the opposite gender:

"My Lord,And unless You turn away their plot from me,I might incline towards them and [thus] be of the ignorant."
Rabbi waillaa tasrif 'annee kaydahunna asbu ilayhinna waakun minal-jaahileen
Surah Yusuf ,verse 33
This is the supplication of Prophet Yusuf alaihissalaam.

Accept certain commands of Allah and rejects others

So you accept certain commands of Allaah and reject others !! So what else can be the punishment for this people, that they will get disgraded in this world and will face the worst punishment in the Hereafter ..''

[Qur`aan, 2:85]