Monday, July 30, 2007

I-Card for International Students

Assalamoalaikum Wrt Wbh
Dear My Bros/ Sisters
I have one news for all of us which is I-Card for International Students.Check it

All International Students may now apply for Internbational Students Card(i-card).

Date: 6th August 2007(Monday)
Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm
and
Date: 7th August 2007(Tuesday)
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Venue: Mini Auditorium, ITD
Attire: Dark coloured shirt (brothers)
Dark coloured scarf (sisters)

Plaease bring along your matric card and passport/passport copy.
Thanks For further information you can get leaflet from ISO office.
Wassalam
Harun

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Wednesday, July 25, 2007

*27th Aug the Whole World is waiting for.............*

Planet Mars will be the brightest in the night sky starting August.It will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. This willcultivate on Aug. 27 when Mars comes within 34.65M miles of earth. Be sureto watch the sky on Aug. 27 12:30 am. It will look like the earth has 2moons. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287.Share this with your friends as NO ONE ALIVE TODAY will ever see it againMore info. http://www.new.meastroindia.com/mars_view.html

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Monday, July 23, 2007

A slice of Myanmar in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

Summary: this article is from STAR online newspaper

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A slice of Myanmar in the heart of Kuala Lumpur

Photos by SAMUEL ONG

A WALK along the five-foot-ways of a main street at Pusat Bandar Utara Selayang in Kuala Lumpur behind Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur can make one forget that one is actually in Malaysia.

It was an interesting discovery as, during the busy hours of the day when offices and banks are busy operating, the scene at the corridor of Jalan 2/3A is a depiction of Myanmarese community life.

Snack time: One of the Myanmarese restaurants in the area.
The sight of children running around and playing, elderly people chatting and women shopping for vegetables and daily sundry items is common there.

The presence of numerous female peddlers selling various petty items like betel leaves and nuts, snacks almost synonymous to the Myanmarese is too obvious to be missed.

Intense preparation: A trader preparing betel leaves for a customer.
A tip-off resulted in the interesting discovery of the place which can be called Little Myanmar in the midst of Kuala Lumpur.

At the colony, one can find people selling all kinds of items including clothing, imitation jewellery, fruits, vegetables and sundry items.

The businesses on the street, including its back alley which separates the three-storey building and the Kuala Lumpur Wholesale market, have been conquered by the enterprising Myanmarese community in order to serve the daily needs of thousands of people who reside in the blocks of shophouses.

“Seven Myanmar restaurants that fully employ or are operated by foreigners can be found here.

“Almost all the retail and service orientated businesses like textile shops, tailoring outlets, internet cafes, snooker centres and even a hotel in the street are also serving this population.” said a local businessman who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In fact, he claimed they even had the services of an unofficial bank through which money is channelled back to Myanmar.

Another man who wished to be unidentified told StarMetro that the Myanmar population in the area was too big and they practically lived in their own world.

“They feel very at home here since they have businesses that support their daily needs,” he said.

While their men worked in the market and other places in the area, he said the womenfolk were involved in various kinds of petty businesses.

On display: A Myanmarese trader arranging fruits at a stall on the five-footway.
He said the Myanmar nationals have created such an impact that their businesses were being conducted round the clock.

“The backlane comes alive at night with stalls selling snacks, drinks, phone cards and various other items until 7am,” he said

In recent years, the man said the Myanmar community had taken over many of the food businesses and he felt the situation was threatening.

He said their presence was too strong and many locals had been forced out of business.

“We wonder if foreigners are allowed to operate retail businesses, and also on how many of them have legal travel documents or permits to work here.

“Local businessmen are also worried over the rising crime rate in the area and we hope the authorities will step in before it is too late,” he said.

When contacted, Sentul OCPD Asst Comm K. Kumaran confirmed that Police have detained several drug peddlers in recent raids on the Myanmarese.

He said they have also recovered weapons like swords and knives from them on several other incidents related to violent crime such as assaults and murder.

“We have been monitoring the area very closely and welcome information from the public if they know of any illegal activity taking place there,'' he said.

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Friday, July 20, 2007

"U Razak of Burma:" Online Version Book

A rare booklet paying tribute to U Razak, o­ne of the Burmese leaders assassinated alongside Gen Aung San in 1947, was issued o­n Thursday, the anniversary of his death and commemorated in Burma as Martyr’s Day.

The collection of 10 articles, "U Razak of Burma: A Teacher, a Leader, a Martyr," is distributed by his grandson, Myat Htoo Razak.

Although a Muslim, Razak won the high regard of many Burmese nationalists, including Gen Aung San, father of the detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

"Writings in English about Burma and related to U Razak usually say something along the lines of ‘Razak, a Muslim politician,’” said Myat Htoo Razak. “That is not an incorrect description, but alone it does not do justice to the rich contribution U Razak made to our country and to future generations.”

The book is translated from a Burmese language version, "Sayagyi U Razak As Retold By His Pupils,” published in September 1995 by the Mandalay Association.

The original book in Burmese contains 28 articles, each written by a former pupil of U Razak, who was headmaster of the Central National High School in Mandalay.

The o­nline version of the book is available at http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/U_Razak_of_Burma.pdf

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Monday, July 16, 2007

The Eating Habits & Diet Of The Prophet

The Prophet’s guidance with regard to food is perfect guidance.
It was described by Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah as follows:
1. When he put his hand in the food, he would say, “Bismillaah (in the Name of Allaah), and he told people to say this when eating. He said, “When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allaah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allaah at the beginning, let him say Bismillaahi fi awwalihi wa aakhirihi (in the name of Allaah at its beginning and at its end).” Saheeh hadeeth, narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1859) and Aboo Dawood (3767).
The correct view is that it is obligatory to mention the name of Allaah (say Bismillaah) when eating. The ahaadeeth which state this are saheeh and are clear, with no contradictions in them.
2. When he raised the food to his mouth, he would say, “Al-hamdu Lillaahi hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan fihi ghayri makfiyyin wa laa muwadda’ wa laa mustaghni ‘anhu Rabbanaa ‘azza wa jall (Allaah be praised with an abundant, beautiful, blessed praise. He is the One Who is Sufficient, Who feeds and is never fed, The One Who is longed for, along with that which is with Him, and the One Who is needed. He is Our Lord, may He be glorified). Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5142).
3. He never criticized food at all. If he liked it, he would eat it, and if he did not like it, he would leave it and not say anything. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3370) and Muslim (2064).
Or he would say, “I do not feel like eating this.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5076) and Muslim (1946).
4. Sometimes he would praise the food, as when he asked his family for food, and they said, “We have nothing but vinegar.” He asked for it and started to eat it, saying, “What a good food is vinegar.” Narrated by Muslim (2052)
5. He used to talk whilst he was eating, as is seen from the report quoted above about vinegar.
And he said to his step-son ‘Umar ibn Abi Salamah when he was eating with him: “Say Bismillaah and eat from that which is in front of you in the dish*.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5061) and Muslim (2022). [*At the time of the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam people used to eat together from one dish, and children would sometimes forget the correct etiquette. - Translator]
6. He would repeatedly urge his guests to eat, as generous hosts do, and as is seen in the hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah, narrated by al-Bukhaari, about the story of drinking milk, where he repeatedly said to him, “Drink!” and he kept telling him to drink until he (the guest) said, “By the One Who sent you with the truth, I have no more room for it!” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6087).
7. When he ate with others, he would not leave until he had made du’aa’ for them. He made du’aa in the house of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Bisr, and said: “O Allaah, bless for them that which You have provided for them, forgive them and have mercy on them.” Narrated by Muslim (2042).
8. He commanded people to eat with their right hands and forbade them to eat with their left hands. He said, “The Shaytaan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.” Narrated by Muslim (2020). This implies that eating with the left hand is haraam, and this is the correct view, because the one who eats with his left hand is either a shaytaan (a devil), or he is imitating the Shaytaan.
It was also reported in a saheeh hadeeth that he told a man who was eating with his left hand in his presence, “Eat with your right hand!” The man said, “I cannot.” He said, “May you never be able to!” – and the man never lifted his right hand to his mouth after that. Narrated by Muslim (2021). If it was permissible (to eat with the left hand), he would not have prayed against him for doing so. It was the man’s stubborn arrogance that made him refuse to obey the command, and this is the utmost disobedience which deserved this prayer against him.
9. He commanded those who complained that they never felt full to eat together and not separately, and to mention the name of Allaah (say Bismillaah) over the food so that He might bless it for them.” Narrated by Aboo Dawood (3764) and Ibn Maajah (3286).
See Zaad al-Ma’aad, 2/397-406
10. It was also reported that he said, “I do not eat reclining.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5083.
11. He used to eat using the first three fingers (of his right hand), which is the best way of eating.
See Zaad al-Ma’aad, 220-222.
The Prophet’s guidance regarding diet:
1. The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to know what he was eating.
2. He used to eat what was good for him.
3. He used to eat enough to keep him going, but no so much as to make him fat. Ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said: “The believer eats in one stomach whilst the kaafir eats in seven.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5081) and Muslim (2060).
4. He taught his Ummah something to protect them from diseases caused by eating and drinking. He said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one third with food, one third with drink and one third with air.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1381), Ibn Maajah (3349); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (2265).

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Friday, July 13, 2007

Rebellion Is Not An Option

But Some Teens Choose It
You remember the scene all too well. Each weekend, the Islamic school class starts off slowly, with the teacher reading from his notes about the importance of learning, of believing, and of practicing what we learn and believe. No problems yet. Then the teacher asks the students for their homework assignments and a young girl exclaims that homework is just another technique to extend the teacher’s control outside the classroom and into her private life. She says if Allaah is in charge, then He would have made her get up and do her homework. The teacher is always troubled by her comments and reacts in exactly the same way, telling her to fear Allaah and to seek refuge in Allaah from the devil. The other students giggle nervously and she feels emboldened to take on the teacher and to further frustrate him.
The teacher, an uncle in the community who is very passionate about Islam, is visibly upset because he is always being interrupted by the young girl who keeps questioning the existence of Allaah and the teachings of the Qur`aan. He is a sincere individual but has little or no formal training either in teaching or in dealing with youth. She is 14 years old, wears the hijaab in the masjid because her mother tells her to do so, and has managed to get her ear lobes, nose, and tongue pierced. When the teacher looks away, she proudly tries to show the other students the nightclub stamp on the back of her hand from the night before, when she attended a punk Muslim concert. Welcome to the world of rebellion, alienation, and isolation.
All is not well in the Muslim community, at least when it comes to the state of a portion of our youth population. Various studies indicate that the population of young Muslims, those under the age of 25, is rising all over the world (Pew Forum). And yet there is little indication that the Muslim community at large has either prepared for this demographic shift or has a realistic assessment of the challenges confronting these youth as they come of age. Beyond anecdotal, sensationalized exchanges at social gatherings, our community seems not to want to admit that youth who do not fit in because they are struggling with their faith and beliefs have no outlet, no comfort zone, where they can sit, be themselves, and explore out loud what they are feeling and experiencing.
Left with few or no options to socialize within the circles of young practicing Muslims, some youth choose to rebel, and at great cost to their personal, spiritual, emotional, financial, and social lives. While the majority of Muslim youth do emerge from their teenage years unscathed and with a firm conviction in Islamic beliefs and teachings, we focus our attention in this essay on those few youth who seem to fall between the cracks and choose rebellion as their coping technique.
Simplistic Blame
The first reaction, which you must be much too familiar with, is that we adults blame you the youth, for rebelling and essentially giving Islam a bad name. We find it detestable that you do not heed the advice of your other well-meaning young Muslim friends, who remind you of your Islamic obligations not to date, drink alcohol, consume drugs, or listen to music. We suggest often that the Muslim community is doing everything it possibly can and more to help you, but that you are in fact beyond receiving help, and it is you who are to blame.
Some of us confuse our cultural practices for Islamic teachings and end up attempting to have you conform to culture as if doing so was the equivalent of being a good Muslim. Some of us interpret Islamic teachings very narrow-mindedly, and the result is that we are harsh and unforgiving towards you. Sometimes you are asking questions about Islam because you are sincerely seeking out clarification, trying in earnest to understand why it is you who are being asked to do this and to not do that. Sometimes you are experimenting with clothing styles, hairstyles, your sexuality, and even your mannerisms, and we simply do not have the patience and the wherewithal to allow you some latitude within the Islamic framework.
And you react, saying that what drives you to rebel and to seek to isolate yourself from the Muslim community is that many of the Muslim youth, and most of the elders, tend to reflect a “holier than thou” attitude. You feel pushed away by us and seek out friends who do not judge you and who accept you for who you are. And in the process of moving away from us, you are tested by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala with opportunities to befriend young people, some of them Muslims who have similarly felt rejected by the Muslim community and who have sought to carve out their own groups, formed along special interests like hip-hop music, punk music, all-black clothing, funky hairstyles, and body piercing, just to name a few (Fariborz).
Some of the choices you end up making are clearly not permissible according to Islamic teachings. You know that and we know that. However, in your attempts to find friendships and companionships, and to feel a sense of belonging, you place less value on following Islamic teachings and more value on fitting in. And sooner or later, you do come to your senses and realize on your own the beauty of Islam, away from all of the cultural corruption that we have imposed upon it.
On the one hand, we are being overly simplistic by blaming you and not calling ourselves to account for not having the foresight and vision to anticipate your random behavior. On the other hand, you are being unrealistic by choosing to rebel, because the temporary gain you feel by being accepted and appearing to fit in, does not justify the long-term consequences of your choices such as dropping out of school, a negative impact on your health and mind, broken family ties, and, of course, punishment from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala should you choose not to repent for your youthful indiscretions.
Virtual Communities
The latest fad is that when you are left with no options to find like-minded friends in your own community, you join virtual communities and develop friendships online. While in principle there is no problem with your having an online presence, there are few if any safeguards to ensure that you are not exposing yourself to emotional or physical harm through your online friendships. Virtual identities are impossible to verify. Some people with ill intentions could pose as Muslim youth wanting to rebel just like you, wanting to act out against their parents and the Muslim community. Being vulnerable and feeling alienated from your own parents and community, you might incline eagerly towards these individuals, only to find your trust violated. Think twice, be careful, and exercise caution so that you are only maintaining an online presence with people whose identity you have been able to verify independently.
Final Thoughts
Rebellion is not a 21st century phenomenon. Young people have rebelled against their families, their friends, and their communities throughout time. However, for some unknown reason, whenever and wherever young people rebel these days, the adults almost always treat youthful rebellion as if it has never happened before in history and as if the world is about to end. As the population of Muslim youth around the world continues to increase, young people and adults alike should be thinking ahead to ensure that extra special attention is given to those youth who seem least likely to fit in and who might choose to rebel. If you are reading this essay and you are either one of those youth who are in the midst of a rebellion or are considering rebelling, think again.
Hating those who misunderstand you and trying to act out against those who seem to limit your search for an identity might seem like viable options at the moment they are conceived. But if you pause and reflect, you will realize that Islam has so much to offer you — much more than the narrow-minded interpretations sometimes provided by our families, friends, and, yes, sometimes even religious leaders. This religion of yours is beautiful and Allaah Most High has blessed you by willing that you be born into the religion. Now all you have to do is to get to the message of Islam, to internalize it, and to live your life according to its teachings.
If you are reading this essay and you are friends with someone who is rebelling or acting out, be there for them, win their trust and confidence, and reassure them that they can always count on you for support. And then, be there so that in sha’ Allaah, your friend will not choose rebellion as an option


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Thursday, July 5, 2007

Our role is the same as the messagers of 5 & 6

Fifth: Correcting Misguidance and Corruption in the Life of the People
When people live in ignorant societies that are not ruled by the Deen of Allaah and are not guided by the legislation of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, their societies get corrupted, and this corruption reaches the depth of their dealings. So, it is a must that someone reforms these societies and makes them live according to the Deen of Allaah the Almighty.
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala made this difficult task from the tasks of the great messengers, that they uprooted corruption that spread in the societies and fought it because it is a transgression and oppression. So, every messenger that Allaah sent used to call his people to follow the straight path, the path of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. And to clarify it to them and guide them to it. This is common among all the messengers; their first slogan was, "O’ People submit yourself to Allaah only, surely you don’t have a Lord other than him."
After this call and based on it, we find every messenger uprooting all kinds of corruption in his society.
We see the Prophet Hood (Hud)`alayhissalaam denying his people the arrogance on the earth and oppression. So, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala said in Soorat Ash-Shu’araa, (Verses 128-131) that Hood`alayhissalaam said, what can be translated as, "Do you build high palaces on ever high place, while you do not live in them? And do you get for yourselves palaces as if you will live therein forever. And when you seize, you seize as tyrants. Now fear Allaah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me."
We see the Prophet Saalih`alayhissalaa m denying his people the corruption on the earth and following those who do mischief. So, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala said in Soorat Al-Araf, (Verse 74), what Saleeh said to his people, what can be translated as, "…So remember the graces from Allaah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth." And Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala also says in Soorat Ash-Shu’araa, (Verses 150-153), what can be translated as, "So fear Allaah, keep you duty to Him, and obey me. And do not obey the command of Al-Musrifen (i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners against the law of Allaah). Who make mischief in the land, and do not reform.
We see the Prophet Loot (Lot)`alayhissalaam denying his people the despicable act of homosexuality that spread among them. So, He Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala said about this story in Soorat Al-Ara’f, (Verses 80-81), what can be translated as, "And (remember) Loot when he said to his people: "Do you commit the worst sin such as none preceding your has committed in the Alameen (mankind and jinn)? Verily, you practice you lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds (by committing great sins.)." Also Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-Ankaboot, (Verse 29), what can be translated as, "Verily, you perform sodomy with men, and rob the wayfarer (travelers etc.)! And practice Al-Munkar in your club…"
We see the Prophet Shu'ayb`alayhissala am denying his people the crime of cheating when using the weight scale. So, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala said in Soorat Ash-Shu’araa, (Verses 181-183), what Shu’ayb`alayhissalaa m said to his people, what can be translates as, "Give full measure, and cause no loss (to others). And weigh with the true and straight balance. And do not defraud the people by reducing their things, nor do evil, making corruption and mischief in the earth."
We see the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam denying his people the crime of killing innocent children, and legislating for themselves what Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has not permitted. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-An’am, (Verse 140), what can be translated as, "Indeed lost are they who have killed their children, from folly, without knowledge, and have forbidden that which Allaah has provided for them, inventing a lie against Allaah. They have indeed gone astray and were not guided." He, Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala also says to them in Soorat Al-Maa`idah, (Verse 103), what can be translated as, "Allaah has not instituted things like Bahira (a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) or a Sa’iba (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods), or a Wasila (a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel with its second delivery) or a Haam (a stallion-camel freed from work for their idols, after it had finished a number of copulations assigned for it, all these animals were liberated in honor of idols as practiced by pagan Arabs in Pre-Islamic times). But those who disbelieve invent lies against Allaah, and most of them have no understanding. "
The sixth task is to run our affairs as Muslims according to the laws of Allaah
If the people accept and embrace the message of the messengers, they become one Jama’aah (group of people) and this Jama’aah progress and develop to become an Ummah, and this Ummah needs someone who can run its affairs and lead it. The great messengers were the ones who took on this great responsibility and ruled the people with the rules of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and His legislations. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says in Soorat Al-Baqarah (Verse 213), what can be translated as, "Mankind was one Ummah (nation) and Allaah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed…"
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala proclaims the mission of the Prophet Dawood (David)`alayhissala am on earth, so he said in Soorat Saad, (Verse 26), what can be translated as, "O’ David! Verily! We have placed you as Khaleefah (a successor) on earth, so judge between people in truth and do not follow the desire - for it will mislead you from the Path of Allaah…"
The Prophets of the children of Israel used to rule their people with the Torah. The Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam says in a Hadeeth reported by Imaam Bukhaari, Muslim and others, "The children of Israel used to be ruled by the prophets; when a prophet perished, another prophet arose (to rule them)." Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala speaks about this in Soorat Al-Maa`idah, (Verse 44), what can be translated as, "Verily, We did send down the Torah (to Moses), therein was guidance and light, by which the prophets, who submitted themselves to Allaah’s Will, ruled the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests (too ruled the Jews by the Torah after those prophets) for to them was entrusted the protection of Allaah’s Book." Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala also says about the Christians; the people of Injeel in the same Soorah in (Verse 47), what can be translated as, “Let the People of the Gospel rule by what Allaah has revealed therein. And whosoever does not rule by what Allaah has revealed (then) such (people) are the Fasiqoon (disobedient) .”
Then, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says to the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam in the same Soorah, (Verse 48), what can be translated as "And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur`aan) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allaah has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, diverging away from that which has come to you…" He also says to the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, in Soorat An-Nisaa’, (Verse 105), what can be translated as "Surely, We have sent down to you (O’ Muhammad) the Book (this Qur`aan) in truth that you might judge between people by that which Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala has shown you…"
Finally, we summarize that our role today is the same as the role of the blessed messengers of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, because we are their successors till the day of judgment:
First - conveying the message of Islam in the clearest way.
Second - calling all people to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
Third - giving glad tidings and warnings, which were given to us by Allaah.
Fourth - reforming and purifying the souls of the people.
Fifth - correcting misguidance and corruption in the life of the people.
Sixth - is to run our affairs as Muslims according to the laws of Allaah.

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How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem

It is hard to be good, kind, and tolerant when you feel bad about yourself. It is so much better to face life with a positive attitude, but how can you do that if you feel negative? Can you imagine a happy, self-confident, positive person being violent? No! So the importance of having good self-esteem is very clear. But how can you improve your self-esteem?
First of all, tell yourself “I like you.” Look in the mirror and say this. Keep doing this until you believe yourself, but make sure you do it when you are thinking good things and have been behaving nicely in the recent past.
Believe in yourself; that whatever challenge you face you can deal with, with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's help. Do not talk negatively to yourself. Don’t use words like “you are stupid,” “Why did you do that,” and so on.
A friend of mine used to tell me that if I do not talk well about myself, who else will? People will evaluate me like I evaluate myself.
Keep the following points in mind:
Do Not Isolate Yourself
Perhaps you tend to be a loner and prefer to keep away from the crowd. If you do it too much, this can leave you open to negative thoughts and feelings and you will find no one to bounce these thoughts and feelings off. When you talk about things to friends and family, it helps to put things into context and perspective. If you keep something to yourself, you often perceive it as bigger and more complicated than it really is. So keep with the crowd, but make sure it is a good crowd. It takes a brave person to mix with people, especially if you tend to be shy, but try, because it is important for your health and development.
“Verily Shaytaan is the wolf of a man just as the wolf is (the enemy) of the flock. He seizes the solitary sheep going astray from the flock or going aside from the flock. So avoid the branching paths, it is essential for you to remain along with the community.” (Imaam Ahmad)
Keep Good Company
Hang around with friends who encourage you and do not put you down. At the same time, do not be afraid to accept criticism (positive criticism) and do not feel ashamed to acknowledge that you have shortcomings— we all have them. It is a part of life, and what makes life so interesting and challenging is the fact that we can rise above the challenges and the weaknesses within ourselves.
Failing Is a Part of Life
If you happen to fail at something, it does not mean you are weak or bad or stupid. Everyone fails at things from time to time and that is how we learn. My friend told me that her father used to say to her, “If people learn by their mistakes, you should be a genius by now!” Allah tests us on how we handle failure. Do we get back up if life knocks us down? How easily do we give up when the going gets tough? I heard in a film once, Katherine Hepburn said, “The world stands back and makes way for the person who knows where they are going.” Now that person will fail from time to time but will keep going and never give up. That is how we should try to be.
We need to accept that sometimes we will fail. It reminds us of our limitations of being a human being. We might get carried away with this worldly life and we might become arrogant or snobbish, so sometimes Allah lets us fail, to keep us humble and to develop good character in us. Everything is for the good of the believer.
Make Realistic Goals
Set realistic goals for yourself. Do not be ambitious about achieving everything at the same time and then kicking yourself when you are not able to.
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala says that He will give us back what we give out to others and this is proven so often in life. You will find that if you are positive and encouraging to other people, most times people will be the same to you. This is very important to developing and maintaining our self-esteem.
The Importance of Good Self-Esteem?
If you do not have good self-esteem—that means feeling good and hopeful about yourself—Satan will take advantage of the situation and feed us with negative thoughts and feelings until we reach for anything that will make us feel better: that can be alcohol, drugs, suicide, or being violent to people. So you see, low self-esteem is a road that leads to nowhere. It leads to destruction and misery for the person and the others around him/her and Shaytaan laughs because he has won another foolish human being and he will not be lonely in the Afterlife; he’ll keep the company of those who followed him and listened to his destructive, evil whisperings.
Do Not Be a Statistic
Make up your mind not to be a statistic. You know the world today keeps records of just about everything we do, when we are born; when we die; who takes drugs; who marries when, where, and who; who dies of a drug overdose; who commits suicide; and who commits crimes and how long they stay in jail. Do not be a statistic in someone’s computer file, of a young person who did not make it through adolescence because they thought negatively about themselves.
Everyone Has Potential
Every human being is born with great potential, with deep, unfathomable insight, but few unfortunately achieve their true potential. Why? Because they give up too soon and too easily because they do not realize they have this potential; or they listen to people tell them they are useless, lazy, or whatever, and so hide their heads in the sands of life like ostriches. Life passes these people by and they live their lives as failures and die as failures. This may seem a sad and depressing note in this article, however, I write it because I know for sure that it is easy to be a failure and it is also easy to be a success. It does not take a lot of time and energy to talk to yourself so negatively that you actually believe yourself, but if you simply choose to look at life from a positive angle and believe in yourself, trust in Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, and follow His Commands, you will find that the tables will turn and you will succeed.
It is up to you to take the first step!


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