Soul Scripture

Asalamualaikum wahrehmatullah

So having lived in Wales for like too long - aka (13 months)...I finally discovered my first HMC outlet!!!!

And they truly deserve a mention because not only was the food "LUSH" as they say down these ends...but the service was great, everything was halal, meat products were all HMC, they had great service, Halal Pick n Mix!!! there were sisters serving us, and well...frankly the list goes on....

I ordered Mango Sorbet with fresh cream on top (left pic), my friend ordered a fresh belgian waffle with ice cream and cream, and that brown stuff you see there is choc sauce :-)

I didn't leave the HMC chicken panini on my plate long enough to take a picture, but I can tell you I don't think I've tasted anythng quite like it...for those of you who have eaten at "Hally Allys" in Manchester...(that is nothing compared to this!)

Anyway, they get all their chicken from Leicester (which is reknowned for it's numerous HMC butchers mashaAllah), and frankly you will not taste anything better than this this side of the border...

Address: 142 Clare Road, Grangetown, Cardiff

Tel: 02920 397682

For sure you should check it out if your ever down these ends...it's been the highlight of my stay here so far!

Wa'alaikum asalam wahrehmatullah!

'Abd Allah Ibn Umar (RA) said, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to me:

"Be in this world as a stranger or a wayfarer and count yourself amongst the dead. If you wake up in the morning, don't think of the evening, and if you stay alive to the evening, don't think of the morning. Save from you health to anticipate your sickness. And from your youth to your old age. And from your life to your death. And from your wealth to your poverty. Indeed! You do not know what you will be called in the future." (i.e you do not know if you will be called a righteous or evil, believer or unbeliever, in the Hereafter).

Ok, so subhanAllah....time out.... Take a minute, re-read the above and reflect on it a moment....

.... Ahem...so the big question is, what are we doing! Are we really living for our akhirra as obedient slaves of Allaah....or are we slaves to the dunya and best friends of shaytaan (may Allah swt protect us and forgive us...) So we all have these great plans...for the future and our perfect little lifes on the dunya...but are we really travellers....or are we building our mansions on the dunya and leaving our akhirra as little more than a pit in the hellfire? Think about it...how much to we hoard, in anticipation of that rainy day, or that brighter future...how much time and effort do we spend on things that really do not concern us.... Are we really mindful of death or our accountability? Spending our lives in neglect...and then having the nerve to doubt the will of Allah when a calamity strikes....Can we really, truly call ourselves believers???? Take Heed, refect and really analyse your purpose, your existance, your way of life....are you living for the dunya, or are you living for your akhirra..... Are you a slave of Allah or a slave to your desires. May Allah swt protect us from the lure of shaytaan and our nafs, May we die as true righteous believers and May Allah swt grant us the best and purify our intentions. Ameen

Abu Musa al-Ashar'i (RA) said, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

"Do not curse wordly life! It is indeed a good vehicle for the believer through which he can do good deeds, and through it he will be safe from evil. If the 'Abd (Allah's bondsmen) says, 'God damn this life.' Life will say, 'May God damn the one of us who is more disobedient to his Lord."

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In the midst of this everyday life, all encompassing, of deeds (for the akhirra) and activities.... how many of us, have turned and said oh we're sick of this, or sick of that...through thick and thin, are we really true to Allah and His commands? Are we really grateful for the blessings He (SWT) bestows on us, every hour of every day? Are we really taking advantage of the little time we have left on this dunya? Are we really fulfilling our duty as Muslims? Are we really carrying and spreading the message of Islam far and wide? Have you ever spoken to your neighbours about Islam? Have you ever raised your hands and showed your gratitude for each breath that leaves your body so effortlessly?

We're all too quick to curse and be ungreatful....when we subhanAllah, have so much to be thankful. Even if we spent our lifetimes on our knees repenting before Allah.....we would not appreciate how blessed we truly are. So strike a balance...take heed...and make the most of the few hours/minute/seconds you have left...don't wait till tomorrow....as you can not gaurentee you will survive tonight.

May Allah (SWT) soften our hearts and guide us.

Ameen

Abu Hurairah (RA) said, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

" Beware of the excess of food; indeed, the excess of food hardens the heart, and slows the limbs from obedience to Allah, and deafens the mind from hearing the admonition. Beware of the excess of looking; indeed, it sows lust in the heart and creates foolishness. Beware of being greedy because greed fills the heart with strong avidity and seals the heart with the seal of the love of this world, and it is the key for bad deeds and the cause for foiling good deeds"

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.

 (George MacDonald)

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every son of Adam makes mistakes, and the best of those who make mistakes are those who repent.”

(Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2501; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4/171).

But the question is, when it comes to humans....

Do you love all those you trust?

Do you trust all those you love?

Do you forgive those who break your trust - easily?

Do you expect to be forgiven?

Thoughts in the comments box please...

There are certain qualities one must consider however when a man is choosing whom he wants to be his life partner and the mother of his children. The most important qualities are:

Righteousness:

Good Character:

One should seek a wife who is known to be a good character and has been raised in a good moral atmosphere.

A woman is (usually) married for one of three qualities: she is married for her wealth; she is married for her wealth; she is married for her beauty; or she is married for her religion. So take the one of religion and manners-may your right hand then be prosperous.
(Verified authentic by al-Albani)

A woman of low moral standards (i.e. loose and promiscuous in dealing with men, dubious conduct and questionable chastity) should be avoided, even if she had other attractive qualities such as wealth and beauty.

There are three individuals that, when they supplicate to Allah (aswj), their supplication is not answered: A man who has a woman of bad character(dayuyuth) and he does not divorce her, a man to whom another man owes money and he does not have witnesses over him, and a man who gives money to a weak minded person
(Verified authentic by al-Albani)

Virginity:

Virginity is not a condition for marriage but is a recommended quality provided that one has both options and that the women he is considering are equal in other respects. Virginity then becomes a weighing factor for a number of reasons.

Jabir Bin Abdullah (RA) reported that when his father died, he left behind 9 girls that Jabir had to look after. Soon after that, Jabir married a non virgin, and when Prophet (SAW) met him he asked him ?Have you married, O Jabir?? He replied ?Yes?. He asked him ?Is she a virgin or a non virgin?? He then said: ?Shouldn?t you have considered a virgin who plays with you and you with her, and she laughs with you and you with her.? Jabir replied ?Indeed my father ?Abdullah died leaving many daughters. I did not want to add to them another young girl like themselves, so I married a grown woman to take care of them and look after them.? Allah?s Messenger (SAW) then said: ?Indeed you have made a good decision. May Allah bless that tremendously for you
(Bukhari, Muslim and others)

Ability to bear children:

Since one of the important purposes of marriage is reproduction, it is recommended to marry a younger woman who would normally be more likely to bear many children. In turn, this is more likely to apply to virgins than non virgins.

Marry virgins, because they have sweeter mouths (talk) and more fertile wombs, and are easier to be satisfied with little wealth.
(Tabarani, Verified hasan by al-Albani)

A man came to Allahs Messenger (SAW) and said I have encountered a woman of honour and beauty, but she can not bear children. Should I marry her?? He said: No. After asking two more times, Allahs Messenger (SAW) said:
Marry the woman who is living and can bear many children, because I will boast of you numbers (on the Day of Resurrection).
(Abu Dawud, An Nasai, Verified authentic by al-Albani)

Loving Attitude:

One should seek to marry a woman who is expected to have a loving and caring attitude toward her husband. This is normally possible to sense from the environment she lives in and her familys reputation.

The best of your women are those who are bearers of many children, loving 9to their husbands), comforting and tolerant ? provided that they have taqwa of Allah.
(Al Bayhaqi, verified authentic by al-Albani)

Your woman who will be of the people f Jannah are those who are loving (to their husbands), bearer of many children and concerned (about their husbands).
(Ibn Asakir, Tammam ar Razi, verified hasan by al-Albani)

Contentment:

This is an important quality to be sought in a wife. A dissatisfied wife would make her husband miserable and push him to do anything to please her.

Seek (in marriage) virgins, because they have more fertile wombs, sweeter mouths, less slyness, and are easier to be satisfied with little wealth
(At-Tabarani, verified authentic by al-Albani)

Marry virgins! They have sweeter mouths, more fertile wombs, and are more satisfiable with little
(Ibn Majah, verified to be hasan by al-Albani)

Naivety:

Naivety, simplicity, and innocence of heart are commendable qualities to be sought in a wife, and are more present with lesser experiences in the ways of life.

Beauty:

A woman is sought in marriage for four reasons: wealth, social status, beauty, and deen. So seek the one with deen: may you then be successful
(Al Bukhari & Muslim)

Beauty, wealth and prestige are all mentioned as secondary qualities especially beauty. The Prophet (SAW) said:

The best of women is that who please him (i.e. her husband) when he looks at her, obeys him when he orders, and does not subject her person or money to what he dislikes.
(Ahmed, An-Nasai, Al-Hakim, verified authentic by al-Albani)

The best of women is that who pleases you when you look at her, obeys when you order her, and safeguards you during your absence in regard to herself and your wealth.
(At-Tabarani, verified to be authentic by al-Albani)

A womans appearance being pleasing to her husband applies first to pleasing him when he observes her righteousness and obedience to Allah. But it may also apply to pleasing him with her physical beauty. That is why it has been ordained to look at a courted woman.

Compatibility:

A man should seek a wife who is compatible with him, and a woman should seek a husband compatible with her.

Make a (good) choice for your sperm (i.e. offspring): marry those who are compatible, and get married to them.
(Ibn Majah, al-Hakim, verified authentic by al-Albani)

Compatibility has two major requirements: deen and character. These two are among the require qualities for a wife. Deen and character may not be compromised and are the focal point for compatibility. A man or woman who is lacking in either of this is a poor candidate and should not be considered. Other secondary compatibility factors are age, language, financial status, family status, national background etc, but none of these can be considered mandatory.

Qualities sought in a good husband:

Deen and Good character
The Prophet (SAW) instructed the guardian of women to marry them to men of good deen and character. When a man of known righteousness and good character seeks to marry a woman, he should be seriously considered.

If one comes to you seeking marriage, and you are satisfied with his deen and character, marry him: otherwise, a fitnah (harm) and great destruction will become rampant on earth.
(at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, verified hasan by al-Albani)

Wealth
Unfortunately, when looking for a husband, a womans family or wali first lok at his bank account, instead of his iman, taqwa and aqidah (creed).
Many Muslim women in both Islamic and western countries have been affected by the perverse ideologies of the west. They do not look for a man who possesses taqwa and character, which would guarantee or them a lasting loving relationship. Rather, they look for a man who has a strong buying power, owns a house, or possesses a higher degree of education all at the cost of religion, morals and eventually, happiness.
This is not to say all Muslims should live in poverty, but emphasising that wealth is a minor factor and should never be compared to deen and character.

?Marry the unmarried among you and the righteous of your male and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His favors. Allah is bountiful and knowing.?
(An-Nur 24:32)

Allah gives such a generous and true promise to the righteous, there is absolutely no guarantee that he will not, in the blink of an eye, take away the wealth of a man who is non-religious and ungrateful to Him.

No Comparison
When a woman marries a man possessing din and good character, she will not lose out in any respect: if he keeps her, he will do so in a good manner; and if he releases her, he will do so in a good manner. A man of deen and good character will be a blessing for her and her children and they will all help each other learn and improve in their deen and righteousness.
A woman should strongly avoid a man who does not have these attributes, especially if he neglects her prayers, drinks alcohol, commits zina or any other major sin. Wealth and social status should never be her main criteria in deciding for or against a husband.

Once while the Prophet (SAW) was sitting with some of his companions, a man passed by them. The Prophet (SAW) asked one of the companions, ?What do you think of this man?? some of them said, ?This is from among the noble people. By Allah if he seeks marriage, he deserves to be married; if he intercedes, his intercession deserves to be granted.? The Prophet (SAW) did not say anything. Another man passed by them, and the Prophet (SAW) asked, ?What do you think of this man?? Some of them said ?This is one of the poor Muslims. It is expected that if he seeks marriage, he will not be married; and if he intercedes, his intercession is not granted; and if he speaks, no one listens to him.? Allah?s Messenger (SAW) then said: ?This man is better than an earth-full of the likes of the other man.?
(Bukhari &Muslim)

You make a hundred resolutions
to journey somewhere,
He draws you somewhere else,
He turns the horse's bridle in every direction
So that the untrained horse may know there is a rider
The clever horse is well paced
because it knows a rider is mounted upon it.
He fixed your heart on a hundred passionate desires,
dissapointed you, and then broke your heart.
Since He broke the wings of your first intention,
how do you doubt the existance of the Wing-Breaker?
Since His ordainment snapped the cord
of your contrivance,
how can you remain blind to His Command?
Your resolutions and aims now and then are fulfilled
so that through hope your heart
might form another intention
which He might once again destroy.
For if He were to keep you completely from success,
you would despair:
how would the seed of expectation be sown?
If your heart did not sow that seed,
and then encounter barrenness,
how would it recognize its submission to Divine will?
by their failures lovers are made aware of their Lord.
Lack of success is the guide to Paradise:
Pay attention to the tradition,
"Paradise is encompassed with pain"

Maulana Rumi (RA), MATHWANI III, 4456-67
("the pocket Rumi reader" edited by Kabir Helminski)

M. T. Soul

666 Lost Lane

Anytown

Sinshire

LO5 ERS I

Saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray Fajr. As a matter of fact, you didn't even say Bismillah before your meals, or pray Isha before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living, Fool, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet.

As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate Allah. I am only using you to get even with Allah. He kicked me out of heaven, and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back. You see, Fool, ALLAH LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way, we'll be together twice. This will really hurt Allah.

Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life with all of the good times we've had. We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people, out stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, Being judgmental, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults, and those in leadership positions, No respect for the Mosque, bad attitudes. SURELY you don't want to give all this up. Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us.

This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in - HA HA, HA, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, get drunk or drink while under-aged, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.

Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, repent for your sins, and live for Allah with what little bit of life that you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning; it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you. IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR ALLAH.

 Yours Sinfully, SHAYTAN

P.S. If you really love me, you won't share this letter with anyone.