Fr. Corapi’s Conversion Story – Condensed Version

Father John Corapi’s Weekly Wisdom Promo

Wake Up America!

Death Wish Part 1

Death Wish Part 2

Eleventh Hour Election Alert Part One

Eleventh Hour Election Alert Part Two

Eleventh Hour Election Alert Part Three

Fr. Corapi and Corruption in the Church

Attack on Life and the Catholic Church – Stem Cell Research

New War/Old War

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2PsB5T5Ndo 

Fr. Corapi on Notre Dame Scandal

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear: Reading and Heeding the Signs of the Times with Fr. John Corapi

Background Articles and Videos

Father John Corapi

http://www.fathercorapi.com/

Father John Corapi

“…Father John Anthony Corapi (born 20 May 1947) is an American Catholic priest. He has both television and radio ministries, and has conducted speaking tours in North America.^[1]

Corapi was born in Hudson, New York. In high school he was a football player and considered a career in professional sports.^{[citation needed]} He joined the US Army desiring to become a Green Beret, but suffered a shoulder injury during the Special Forces Qualification Course, thus medically disqualified.^[2] After being largely disappointed he couldn’t he couldn’t serve in the Vietnam War, especially when others were being forced to,^{[citation needed]} he served the army in Heidelberg, Germany as a clerk and typist during that same era.

After his discharge, he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pace University in 1973. Corapi became a financial advisor to Tropicana in Las Vegas, then moved to Los Angeles and became a real estate agent.^[1] At this point, Corapi’s life began to descend into the underworld of drugs. He began to attend parties involving illegal drug use and group sexual activity.^{[citation needed]} At the height of his “success”, as measured in conventional terms, Corapi lived in a house in Malibu, drove a Ferrari, and owned a personal yacht.^{[citation needed]} After being introduced to cocaine, however, his success dwindled, sometimes spending $10,000 per week on drugs. He also had several (lucky) encounters with police, including a time where after a high speed police chase, he was stopped by a roadblock with enough cocaine in his trunk to get him up to forty years in jail.^{[citation needed]} He would later refer to his drug use of this time as an encounter with a demon, and his lifestyle eventually led to a mental breakdown and homelessness following a stay at a VA psychiatric hospital.^[3]

At this point, Corapi spent three years wandering the streets as a vagrant.^{[citation needed]} His mother sent him a prayer card with the Hail Mary prayer and asked him to pray it once a day. He eventually changed his life, escaping homelessness and illicit sex and drugs.^[3] At this point, his mother sent him a one-way airline ticket back to New York. He then lived with his mother for some time, coming to God on June 24, 1984.^[4] He then entered the seminary, and on 26 May 1990, was ordained a deacon, by the Bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas.^{[citation needed]}

On 26 May 1991, Pope John Paul II ordained Corapi to the priesthood. Corapi served as a parish priest in Hudson, New York and Robstown, Texas.^{[citation needed]} He was the Director of Catholic Faith Formation and of the Bishop’s Project on the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Sacramento, California. Corapi is now a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. He has received a Masters degree in Sacred Scripture from Holy Apostles Seminary, Cromwell, Connecticut, and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the University of Navarre in Pamplona, Spain.^{[citation needed]}

In 2005, Corapi resolved litigation in connection with what he claimed was unnecessary heart surgery.^[5] Due to serious health problems suffered in 2008, Corapi has curtailed his public appearances and for the time being broadcasts his message worldwide solely from his studio in Montana.^{[citation needed]}

He is the author of a series of sermons called “The Darkness Will Not Prevail”.^[6]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Corapi

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A man was walking through the marketplace one afternoon when, just as the
muathin began the prayer, his eye fell on…a woman’s back.

She was strangely attractive, though dressed in fulsome black, a veil over head and face…and she now turned to him as if somehow conscious of his over-lingering regard…
and gave him a slight but meaningful nod before she rounded the corner into the lane of silk sellers.

There are many kinds of vows that allow you to celebrate your relationship, promise your love and affirm your commitment.

The most important thing is to make sure your vows are truly meaningful to you both, and that you select a way to express them that is comfortable.

Neither of you should feel forced to speak, or pressed to write vows if writing will stress you. Vows should not be a source of discomfort, they are meant to be a celebration of your love and promises to one another.

Khalid bin Safwan saw a group in the mosque of Basrah, and he said, “What is this gathering?”

He was told, “There is a woman who informs men about women who are available for marriage.”

He went to her and said,”I want to marry a woman.”

She said, “Describe her to me.”

He said, “I want her to be a virgin who is wise like a married woman, or a married woman who is innocent like a virgin; she should be sweet when she is near, splendid when she is at a distance, she should have lived a life of luxury and then became afflicted with poverty — so she has the manners of the rich and the humility of the poor. When we gather wealth we should be as the people of the world, and when we become poor, we should be as the people of the Hereafter.”

She said, “I know of such a woman for you.” He said, “And where is she?” She said, “In Paradise, so work to achieve her!”

A question was asked on  Islam-QA :

Could you tell me some of the verses and ahaadeeth that speak of the virtue of patience?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Allaah has made patience like a horse that never gets tired, an army that can never be defeated and a strong fortress that can never be breached. Patience and victory are twin brothers, for victory comes with patience, relief comes with distress and ease comes with hardship. Patience is of more help to the one who has it than men, as it helps without any need for equipment or numbers and its relationship to victory is like that of the head to the body.

In the Qur’aan, Allaah has guaranteed those who are patient that He will give them reward without measure.

He tells them that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Surely, Allaah is with those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient)”

[al-Anfaal 6:46]

Allaah has made leadership in terms of religion conditional upon patience and certain faith, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)”

[al-Sajdah 32:34]

Allaah tells us that patience is better for those who are patient, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As‑Saabiroon (the patient)”

[al-Nahl 16:126]

Allaah tells us if we are patient and pious, the plot of the enemy cannot do any harm, even if he is powerful, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allaah surrounds all that they do”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:120]

Allaah tells us that the patience and piety of his Prophet Yoosuf brought him to a position of power and strength, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, he who fears Allaah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allaah makes not the reward of the Muhsinoon (good‑doers) to be lost”

[Yoosuf 12:90]

Allaah has connected success to patience and piety, and the believers understand that. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allaah, so that you may be successful”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:200]

Allaah tells us that He loves those who are patient, and that is the greatest encouragement. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Allaah loves As-Saabiroon (the patient)”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:146]

Allaah has given glad tidings of three things to those who are patient, each of which is better than that for which the people of this world envy one another. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“but give glad tidings to As‑ Saabiroon (the patient).

156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’

157. They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones”

[al-Baqarah 2:155-157]

Allaah exhorts His slaves to seek help with patience and prayer when facing calamities that may befall a person. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And seek help in patience and As-Salaah (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khaashi‘oon [i.e. the true believers in Allaah — those who obey Allaah with full submission, fear much from His punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)]”
[al-Baqarah 2:54]

Allaah states that the victory of attaining Paradise and being saved from Hell will be won only by those who are patient, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful”

[al-Mu’minoon 23:111]

Allaah tells us that the desire to earn His reward and to turn away from this world and its adornments is attained only by those who are patient and are believers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allaah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient in following the truth)”

[al-Qasas 28:80]

Allaah tells us that repelling evil with that which is better makes the evildoer become like a close friend. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allaah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend”

[Fussilat 41:34]

But this is something that “none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient — and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e., Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world” [Fussilat 41:35].

Allaah tells us, and reinforces it with an oath, (interpretation of the meaning):

“By Al‑‘Asr (the time).

2. Verily, man is in loss,

3. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al‑Ma‘roof) which Allaah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al‑Munkar) which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allaah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad)”

[al-‘Asr 103]

Allaah will divide His creation into two categories: those who are on the right hand and those who are on the left hand (cf. al-Waaqi’ah 56:8ff); those who are on the right hand are those who recommend one another to patience and mercy.

Allaah has chosen the people of patience and gratitude to benefit from His signs and be distinguished by this great good fortune. He says in four places in His Book (interpretation of the meaning):

“Truly, therein are Ayaat (evidences, proofs and signs) for every patient, thankful (person)”

[Ibraahem 14:5; Luqmaan 31:31; Saba 24:19; al-Shoora 42:33]

Allaah has made forgiveness and reward conditional upon doing righteous deeds and being patient, and that is easy for the one for whom He makes it easy. Allaah says:

“Except those who show patience and do righteous good deeds: those, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise)”

[Hood 11:11]

Allaah tells us that patience and forgiveness are among the things recommended by Allaah and those who pay heed to this will never lose, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allaah”

[al-Shoora 42:34]

Allaah commanded His Messenger to wait patiently for His Decision, and told him that his patience is not but from Him, and by virtue of patience all calamities become easy, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“So wait patiently (O Muhammad) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes”

[al-Toor 52:48]

And He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And endure you patiently (O Muhammad), your patience is not but from Allaah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans), and be not distressed because of what they plot.

128. Truly, Allaah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinoon (good‑doers)”

[al-Nahl 16:127]

Patience is the foundation of the believer’s faith which has no other foundation. The one who has no patience has no faith, and if he has any, then it is only a little faith and it is very weak, and such a person worships Allaah as it were upon the edge (i.e. in doubt): if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts to disbelief after embracing Islam). He loses both this world and the Hereafter (cf. al-Hajj 22:11). All he gets from them is a losing deal.

The best life is attained by the blessed through patience, and they rise to the highest degrees through their gratitude. So they fly on the wings of patience and gratitude to gardens of delight (i.e., Paradise). That is the bounty of Allaah that He bestows upon whomsoever He will, and Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.  End quote from ‘Uddat al-Saabireen by Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 3-5.

With regard to the ahaadeeth which speak of the virtue of patience, they include the following:

Al-Bukhaari (1496) and Muslim (1053) narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “…whoever is patient Allaah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more generous than patience.” And Muslim (918) narrated that Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (S) say: “There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allaah has enjoined – ‘Verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allaah will compensate him with something better.”

And Muslim (2999) narrated that Suhayb (may Allaah be pleased with him)said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.”

For more ahaadeeth about the virtue of patience and exhortation to be patient, please see al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb by al-Mundhiri (4/274-302).

‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Allaah has not bestowed any blessing upon His slaves then taken it away and replaced it with patience, but what He has compensated them with is better than what He has taken away.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

‘Abdullah ibn Hakeem reported that Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu delivered the following sermon:

“To proceed, I indeed advice both myself and you to fear Allah, to praise Him as he deserves to be praised, to combine hope and fear, and to unite persistency with supplication (and prayer). For indeed, Allah praised Zakariyyah and the members of his household by saying:

“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.” (Qur’an 21:90)

And know, O slaves of Allah….that Allaah has taken covenants from you, and that He has purchased (from you) that which is little and fleeting for that which is plentiful and everlasting. Here among you is the Book of Allah, whose wonders never run out, and whose light never extinguishes. Believe in Allah’s speech, be sincere to His Book, and seek light from it for the Day of Darkness. Indeed, you have been created only to worship (Allah). And Allah has entrusted you to noble scribes [the blessed angels who record our deeds] who know what you do. Also know, O slaves of Allah, you come and go (on this earth) for an appointed time, and when it is that your time will come you do not know. If your are able to coincide your appointed time with a deed that you are performing for the sake of Allah, then do so. But you will not be able to do so except with Allah’s help…There are people who spent their lives for others, all the while forgetting themselves (i.e. their duties towards their Lord); I forbid you from becoming like them. So hasten, hasten (to perform good deeds), and then there will be salvation, salvation! Verily, you are being pursued from behind by that which travels with greet speed (ie, the time of your life).”

According to another account, Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu also said,

“Where are the brothers you once knew? Where are the companions you once knew? They have reached where they were meant to go, having been met by the deeds they performed in their days gone by. They reside there (in the Hereafter) either in misery or happiness. Where are the arrogant tyrants who built the townships and encircled them with walls? They are now underneath stones and wells. Where are those whos faces were beautiful and full of light, those who were impressed by their youth? Where are the kings? Where are those who were granted victory on the fields of war? Time has caused them to decay, and they are now in the darkness of their graves. There is no goodness in saying that which is not spoken for the countenance of Allah, There is no goodness in wealth that is not spent in the path of Allah. There is no goodness in a person whose ignorance has overcome his forbearance. And there is no goodness in a person who, when it comes to doing something for the sake of Allah, fears the blame of a blamer. Between Allah and any person there is no familial relation, and so none can hope to receive anything from Him through such a relationship ( i.e. since no one is related to Allah, none can hope for the kind of help they receive from relatives on this earth based on family loyalty and love), nor can one hope that Allah will save him from evil (based on the same reason.) He gives goodness and saves from evil only through obedience to Him and the following of His commands. there is no such thing as something that is good if it leads to the Hellfire, and there is no such thing as something that is evil if it leads to Paradise…Because you are needy and poor (to Allah), I advice you to fear Allah, to praise Him as He deserves to be praised – and to ask for His forgiveness; for indeed, He is oft-forgiving. I have said what I needed to say, and I ask Allah for forgiveness, for both myself and you.”[1]

“There are five dark matters and five lamps (to illuminate them (or in some cases, to counteract them)). Love of this world is darkness, and At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, the fear of Allaah) is its lamp. Sin is darkness, and its lamp is repentance. The grave is darkness, and its lamp is (the phrase) ‘None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’ The Hereafter is darkness and its lamp is the good deed. The Siraat (the bridge over Hellfire that every person will have to cross in the Hereafter) is darkness, and its lamp is certainty of Faith.”[2]

Ausat ibn Ismaa’eel (may Allah have mercy on him) reported that, one year after the Prophet’s Death, he heard Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu deliver the following sermon:

“The messenger of Allah stood among us the previous year just as I am standing here before you today.”

Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu then began to cry; according to one account, he cried so uncontrollably that he was not able to speak for a while. Finally, after a long pause, Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu continued,

“O people, ask Allah for well-being (physical, but especially spiritual well-being; and also, well-being in the hereafter), for with the exception of certainty of Faith, there is nothing better that He gives to anyone than well-being. Always be truthful for truthfulness is the companion of piety – and both of them are in Paradise. And beware of lying, for it is indeed the companion of wickedness, and both of them are in the Hellfire. Do not break off ties of family relationships; do not plot against one another; do not despise one another; do not be jealous of one another – but instead be slaves of Allah, brothers unto one another.”[3]

Az-Zubair ibn Al-’Awwaam radiyallaahu `anhu reported that Abu Bakr radiyallaahu `anhu said during one of his sermons,

“O group of Muslims, be shy of Allah (the Possessor of Might and Majesty), for by the one Who has my soul in His Hand, I seek cover when I go out to relieve myself in the wide-open desert by using my robe as a veil. I do so out of shyness to Allah, the Possessor of Might and Majesty.”[4]

—–
[1] The chain of narration receives a Hasan (good, acceptable) grading not because of its inherent strength, but because of other narrations that attest to and strengthen it. it is related in Musannaf ibn Abee Shaibah (7/144). Refer to Saheeh At-Tautheeq Fee Seerat Wa-Hayaat As-Siddeeq (pg.181)

[2] Faraaid Al-Kalaam Lil-Khulafaa Al-Kiraam, by Qaasim ‘Aashoor (pg.29).

[3] Saheeh At-Tawtheeq Fee Seerat Wa-Hayaat As-Siddeeq (pg.179)

[4] Saheeh At-Tawtheeq Fee Seerat Wa-Hayaat As-Siddeeq (pg.179)

Have you ever thought of time? Have you ever thought of this concept that is continuously on the move without a glance in anyone’s direction. Time is something shared by all but yet held by none. Time is always with us but yet is always in constant movement. Time is such a valuable commodity that can be neither purchased, rented out or stored for later use. Sometimes we feel as if time has stopped while at other times the whole day flashes by in a flash. If you were to sum up your entire life and all that you did, your story will not be more than a couple of minutes.

Thus we should spend our lives working towards that which will be perpetual and not ephemeral. Why focus entirely on the life of this world when the life of the hereafter is racing towards us with each passing second? Can you imagine a person racing towards that which is leaving him- this world, while ignoring that which is hastening towards him-the hereafter?

If an entire day passes you by without accomplishing something
praiseworthy, then know that this will be a cause for regret on the Day you will be brought to account. Those minutes that don’t seem like a big deal add up to hours, days, weeks then years and finally a lifetime.

Indeed it is in the time frame of life that our deeds are registered,
our every action accounted for and ultimately our rewards dependent
upon. The hustle and bustle of our daily routines will continue to keep
us occupied until we are finally in our graves; only then will we
realize how fast and deceptive this life really was. And what is the
worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion? Have you not heard the
statement of Allah:

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and
adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of
wealth and children…” Surah Hadid (57:20)

Thus we should all try to start fresh today and make a resolution to
make the most out of our day. Live in the moment and do not look forth
to tomorrow for tomorrow never comes.

Abdullah Ibn Umar narrates: one day I was with the Messenger of
Allah (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam). He then turned to me, held my
shoulders with both of his blessed hands, and said:

“Be in this life like a stranger or a traveler.”

And whenever Ibn Umar narrated this to his disciples he would add:
If you reach the evening, do not await (to be alive) by dawn, And if
you reach dawn, do not await (to be alive) by evening. Take advantage
of your Health before you fall sick. And take advantage of your life,
before you die. Bukhari {Volume 8, Book 76, Number 425}

Do you not see your life is just a number of events that unfold one
after another. We start class and say ‘can’t wait till its over.’ We
start work and say ‘can’t wait till its over’ and our life runs its
course like this until we realize that years have passed and we have
nothing to show for. Live in the moment and make ready all you can for
the most important day of your entire existence!

“[And take a provision (with you) for the journey; verily the best provision is Taqwa (piety and righteousness).] “

Al Baqarah 2:197

]]> http://shadows15.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/a-goodly-tree-2/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:33:03 +0000 shadows15 http://shadows15.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/a-goodly-tree-2/

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
 

(A Brief Reflection of Surah Ibrahim verse 23)

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللّهُ مَثَلاً كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاء

“ See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high).”
 

Plant a seed and watch it be,
Growing high for all to see,
Uncontained and truly free,
Branching out … A Goodly Tree,
 
Start anew and plant a seed,
A little rain is all we need,
Growth is surely to proceed.
Change is near and gaining speed
 
Plant a seed deep in your chest,
It will quickly manifest,
Into speech that is the best
Laying other words to rest,
Large returns once you invest,
 
Heavy spoken is THIS WORD,
Whose focal point is in the verb,
Far removed from absurd.
High above it is heard.

Accidental Reflections: Imagine a believer who plants a seed (i.e. the word “No deity to be worshipped but Allah”) deep with firm roots in his heart. This seed then manifests itself into branches reaching to the sky (i.e. good deeds and good statements). No matter the season, the believer remains like a tree always giving “fruit”………May Allah sprout a forest of Goodly Trees throughout.

Recently I came across a beautiful quote by a man named Robert Kiyosaki and decided to write a small blurb. He says:

“If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who has already been there.”

What is interesting concerning this quote is its validity to our beautiful religion of Islam. As Muslims we are constantly striving to attain Jannah and the pleasure of Allah and we use the example of our beloved Messenger (saw) to arrive at that destination. So the one who desires Jannah can only get there by following the example of the Prophet (saw) and by no means shall he get there except by treading this path. Allah says in the Quran:

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

(3:3)1: Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Since we desire Jannah, then according to Robert Kyosaki, we should find someone who has already been there since they took that desired path already. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) has been guaranteed Jannah along with his companions so it only makes sense that we follow the exact same path they took and not deviate even slightly from it.

لَقَد تَّابَ الله عَلَى النَّبِيِّ وَالْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالأَنصَارِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ فِي سَاعَةِ الْعُسْرَةِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا كَادَ يَزِيغُ قُلُوبُ فَرِيقٍ مِّنْهُمْ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّهُ بِهِمْ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

(9:117): “Allah has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhajireen and the Ansar…”

So if the issue is as simple as that, then why are there so many people who innovate things in the religion and call to their innovation? Why all the confusion?

“…The soul is a temptress and loves to look at beautiful forms and the eye is the guide of the heart. The heart commissions its guide to go and look to see what is there and when the eye informs it of a beautiful image it shudders out of love and desire for it. Frequently such inter-relations tire and wear down both the heart and the eye as is said:

When you sent your eye as a guide
For your heart one day, the object of sight fatigued you
For you saw one over whom you had no power
Neither a portion or in totality, instead you had to be patient.

Therefore when the sight is prevented from looking and investigating, the heart finds relief from having to go through the arduous task of (vainly) seeking and desiring…” – Imam bin al-Qayyim (‘al-Muntaqâ min Ighâthatul Lufhân fî Masâyid ash-Shaytân’ [pp.’s 102-105])

While living in the West, many of us are frequently tried with the sight of indecently dressed women and it becomes a never ending battle from the moment we leave our houses till when we finally arrive back to our families. Here Imam ibn al-Qayyim mentions the relief derived from lowering one’s gaze by pointing out the devastating consequences of not lowering one’s sight. When the sight is not lowered, the person becomes attached to that impermissible object which clouds his judgment, making him take illogical decisions and irrational ideas. The person then may begin to fantasize over the object of desire which may lead to haram actions which could all have been diverted had he first lowered his gaze. Lowering the gaze provides strength for the heart and does not allow desire to overtake oneself regardless of the situation because one is blocked from seeing things, hence tackling the root of the problem.

Once ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azîz (rahimahullâh) was advised,

“O ‘Umar, beware of being the ally of Allâh in open, while being

His enemy in secret. If one’s nature in open and secret do not

equate then he is a hypocrite, and the hypocrites occupy the lowest

level in the Hellfire.”

From amongst the most difficult things one can acquire is sincerity and because of this, the pious predecessors ( as-salah as-salih) would try to block off all their acts of worship from riyaa (showing off) by hiding their good deeds just as they would hide their evil deeds.

They would advise each other with words such as “Do not be an enemy to Shaytaan in public and his friend in private”; or in other words, make sure you are the same person in public as you are when in seclusion. Because of this, they loved to be alone and busy in acts of worship wherein only Allah could see them.

As for those deeds which were public, then the following story would suffice: a student of Abdullah bin Masoud once hosted a blind man for a meal and decorated his meal as if he could see. When the people inquired as to why he was decorating the food to for a man who couldn’t even see, he replied by saying “But Allah can see!”

Because of this, one of the best definitions of sincerity is to forget about the creation by constantly looking at the Creator (in terms of gaining admiration for your deeds); thereby not caring whether or not the people see any single act of worship. So when a man gets up to worship, he does not think about the people’s thoughts and does not care whether they praise him, or if they criticize him because he only sees Allah in front of him, thereby reaching the level of ihsan.

…Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, and even though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” – Muslim

So when one reaches ihsan, he does not become like those who Ali bin Abi Talib said regarding the insincere: “The one who shows off has three characteristics: he is lazy when by himself, he is lively and energetic when with others and he increases in his actions when he is praised and decreases in them when he is criticised.”

Because of the difficulty of sincerity, they (as-salaf) considered themselves to be hypocrites as it was said that a Tabi’e met thirty companions of the Prophet (saw) and all of them feared hypocrisy for themselves. These were the companions of the Prophet, those men and women who Allah was pleased with and who were pleased with Allah, so how about someone lower than them, people like us who act as if we have been granted Paradise while living on earth. And what is even more astonishing than this is Umar bin al-Khattab’s asking Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman if he (Umar) were among the hypocrites!

So one can never be sincere if he thinks himself to be sincere; since sincerity is to lose the vision of sincerity in oneself. And because of the greatness of sincerity, they (as-salaf) would say “whoever had a single instance in his lifetime which was purely and sincerely for the sake of Allah will be saved” since it has the capacity to purify you from all your sins. One of the salaf once remarked on how happy he would be if he only knew Allah accepted even two rakaat of salaah from him!

Because of their sincerity they lived a pure life, free from anxiety and grief since it was to Allah that they turned to in both good and bad times. And perhaps ibn al-Qayyim reflected on this when he said: Ikhlaas and Tawheed are a tree in the heart, its branches are good actions and its fruits are a good life in this world, and eternal comfort in the Hereafter; and just like in Paradise where the fruits whose supply is not cut off, nor are they out of reach, likewise are the fruits of Tawheed and Ikhlaas in this world.

[Ibn al-Qayyim – 'al-Fawaid' 292]

So be sincere O servants of Allah and leave the inner cravings for attention for indeed the short-term pleasure attained from people’s admiration is not worth the anger and wrath of Allah and He is not unaware of what you do. And if you were to reflect on the people of insincerity, you would realize how pathetic their situation is, for indeed the one who is insincere cannot see anything except for what is in front of them, thereby unable to have high aspirations and unable to undergo hardship for anything worthy.

{30:7} They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter.

And if they could see beyond the outside appearance of this world, they would know with certainty that the only thing that separates them from looking up at the face of Allah is death; and they would never risk insincerity for a miserable gain such as fame in this world for how quick is the passing of this world and how forgetful do people become of each other and finally how useless is the deed that is bereft of sincerity; for indeed the only one Satan is able to lead astray is the one who is insincere.

82: [Iblees] said, “By your might, I will surely mislead them all

83: Except, among them, Your sincere and chosen servants.”

The most striking examples of righteousness are from the early generations of Islam,; not surprisingly we are commanded to take our Din from them and follow their example. They epitomized piety and taqwa, while never ceasing in their acts of worship and selfess contributions towards their society throughout their entire lives. Because of their hard work and efforts, Allah granted them dominion over the entire world, making them leaders in this world and in the hereafter.

All that work however, started off with a single step, the intention to make any act, whether religious or wordly, purely for the sake of Allah. They kept their gazes fixed on the hereafter, hence enabling them to walk through the gardens of paradise with their hearts while their bodies remain fixed in this world, eagerly waiting for the day wherein they will take their first step into everlasting bliss. Here is a beautiful story of a student of Abdullah bin Masoud, ar-Rabee’ ibn Khutai, who once fed a blind man, but took extra measures in decorating the food as if in preparation for the arrival of a king. The people then asked him, why are you decorating the food so much when he cant even see? He then replied with words that bring tears to one’s eyes and said: “But Allah can see!”

Like most Muslims, hearing the storiesof reverts fills us with inspiration and Eman. Each story is unique, distinct from its peers by the different paths that were taken on the road to al-Islam. Here is a short story of a sister who became Muslim through a righteous brother (This is how we see him and we do not sanctify him before Allah).

Story of a convert sister:
When she was not a muslimah yet, she saw this muslim man working out at the gym.
She found him quite different than other non-muslim men and tried to make eye
contact with him. But he moved his glance. Then she saw him praying. When she
asked what he was doing he explained it her. She asked if he would like to go for
dinner with her. But he refused. She asked, “Am I not your type?” But he told her that
the he refused for a different reason. Then he took out a lighter and lit it up. She started saying,
“Oh you smoke? No problem”. But he told her that in the after-life, he will end up in
fire for this type of behavior. He keeps the lighter to remind himself about this. So she
thought it was over the top of her head. And she started to learn about islam and later
accepted islam. But she never saw that young man again.

This righteous brother was the medium to her accepting Islam, he probably didnt even know that she later accepted Islam and that he was getting each and every act of worship she did for the sake of Allah. This just goes to show that we don’t know how Allah will guide people and neither should it be any of our concern. All we have to do is stay steadfastness to this religion and we will then reap the fruits inshallah.

Here is a beautiful quote on the value of not just our day, but each and every breath we take. I remember hearing in a lecture that each and every breath that is not taken for the sake of Allah will be a cause for regret on the Day of Judgement. If that is the case, then how about our entire lives that are wasted in pursuit of trivial things of no benefit in dunya and akhira?

“Each of your breaths is a priceless jewel, since each of them is irreplaceable and, once gone, can never be retrieved. Do not be like the deceived fools who are joyous because each day their wealth increases while their life shortens. What good is an increase in wealth when life grows ever shorter? Therefore be joyous only for an increase in knowledge or in good works, for they are your two companions who will accompany you in your grave when your family, wealth, children and friends stay behind.”

-Imam Ghazali

Sometimes you might ask someone “How is your day?” to which some will reply by answering “same thing, different day!” This is a response that is truly astonishing because these people have clearly not understood the importance of their time, hence their belitting the value of their day. They see the passing of days as insignificant, thus their lack of enthusiasm to better themselves and their surroundings. Each day should be looked at longingly,it should be seen as a day of opportunity, a day in which one can either free himself from the pits of the fire or earn himself the gardens of paradise. If someone does not see his day in this way, then soon will come a time wherein his soul will be snatched away, leaving him no time to do good deeds and he will cry out:”My Lord, Return me to my life prior so that I may do good!”

Once while reading a book, I came across this quote and thought I would share it. This incident shows the huge disparity between the mindset of the early generations of Muslims and the latter ones.

 ‘Uqbah ar-Rasibi said: I entered upon al-Hasan while he was eating, and he said: “Come eatwith me.” I said: “I have already eaten until I can eat no more.” He said: “Subhan Allah!Does the Muslim eat until he can eat no more?!”” 

So the advice towards the Muslims is taken from the same book, where the author prescribes gradually reducing one’s intake of food until he (or she) arrives at a moderate level, and the best of affairs are the moderate ones. He should cut himself down to just enough so that he is not prevented from worship, and is able to preserve his strength. He should feel neither hungry nor full. Only then will his body become healthy, his aspirations high, and his conscience clear. If he eats any more than this,he will be driven to sleep more, and will have lower intellect.” 

One method I personally use is that I stop eating all heavy meals after 9 pm and only eat light meals such as fruits and vegetables. Eating heavy meals prior to sleep decreases the quality of one’s sleep and leaves one drained out of energy on waking up, despite having slept for 8-10 hours.

However when you eat a light meal before you go to sleep, you will feel refreshed and ready to go for a whole new day of productivity after only 6-7 hours of sleep.

A poet said:

“Consider the case of a person who possesses

the whole world, can he take with him in the grave more

than cotton and a shroud?”