Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Names

"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 fools who are joyous because each day their wealth increases while their life shortens. Be joyous only for an increase in knowledge or in good works, for they are your two companions who will accompany you on your journey to the Hereafter."
Al Ghazali

To the degree that you remember Allah, your heart will be calm and cheerful. His remembrance carries with it the meaning of total dependence upon Him, of turning to Him for aid, of having good thoughts and of awaiting victory from Him.
Truly He is near when supplicated. He hears when He is called and He answers when asked for. Humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful blessed names. Mention Him as being alone worthy of worship. Ask forgiveness from Him. Happiness, peace and illumination will then be yours. The remembrance of Allah is His Paradise on earth, whoever does not enter it here, will not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter. Remembrance of Allah is NOT only a safe haven from the worries of this world, but it is also the short path to achieving ultimate success.
The Quran planted the seeds of awareness of Allah's Beautiful Names by mentioning this concept in the following verses:
1. Call upon Allah or call upon Rahman. By whatever Name you call upon Him it is well. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. (17:110)
2. The Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah. Call on Him by them. (7:180)
3. Allah! There is no god but He! To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. (20:8)
4. He is Allah the Creator, the Evolver, the bestower of Forms. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth does declare His Praises and Glory. (59:24)

The Prophet (peace) said: "Allah, the Most High, has ninety-nine names. he who remembers them will enter Paradise."
May Allah draw us close to Him. This proximity or closeness is not one of location but one of qualities and attributes. May our character shine on brightly.

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