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Characteristics to be Avoided: Envy

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Aug 22, 2009 at 12:43 pm

A. Envy (Hasad) is desiring the removal of a blessing from one truly deserving it. Al-Munawi, al-Tawqif الحسد تمني زوال نعمة عن مستحق لها – المناوي A.1. The Relationship Between Envy and Miserliness Envy and miserliness are related in that their possessor desires to deny…

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Characteristics to be Avoided: Love of the World

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Aug 17, 2009 at 1:47 pm

A. Love of the World in a blameworthy sense is to love it to such an extent that it moves from being a means to Paradise and becomes an end, the obsession with which leads to Hell. A.1. Three Types of Praise for Allah 1. Verbal praise is that of…

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Characteristics to be Avoided, Part Four: Iniquity (Baghi)

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Aug 05, 2009 at 5:32 pm

A. Iniquity (al-Baghi) is to desire exaltation without right. Al-Munawi Iniquity is seeking to exceed the limits demarcating moderation in what is sought. Al-Raghib A.2. Texts from the Qur’an and the Sunnah Concerning Iniquity Wicked is what they have sold their souls for, disbelieving in what…

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Characteristics to be Avoided, Part Three: Hatred

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Aug 02, 2009 at 10:24 am

A. Hatred (al-Bughd) is the inclination of the soul to flee away from things it finds repulsive. Raghib al-Asfahani, al-Mufradat Unsanctioned hatred occurs when the repulsiveness the soul finds is unjustified and leads to forbidden actions against the object of ones hatred. A.1. Negative Consequences of…

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Characteristics to be Avoided: Wantonness (Batar)

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 29, 2009 at 2:46 pm

Wantonness (Batar) A. Wantonness (Batar) is not properly bearing the responsibility of wealth, which means a severe shortcoming in terms of appreciating it, and seeing the blessing in it. Along with excessive mirth (unrestrained happiness) it leads to oppression. Al-‘Izz bin ‘Abd al-Salaam A.1. Four…

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Characteristics to be Avoided: Miserliness (Bukhl)

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 27, 2009 at 12:59 pm

I. Basic Concepts A. Miserliness (Bukhl) Bukhl is denying those in need an established right they have in one’s wealth, or earnings. A.1. Texts From the Qur’an and the Sunnah Let not those who are miserly with what Allah has bestowed upon them from His bounty think that it is…

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Good Character Part Two: Etiquette, Shyness, Modesty, and Freedom

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 25, 2009 at 2:23 pm

A.1. Etiquette/Courtesy (Adab) Adab involves good comportment, whether one is standing or sitting; maintaining good character, and manifesting praiseworthy traits. Its essence involves knowing all the things to be avoided in order not to commit errors in dealing with self and others. A.2. Bashfulness or Modesty or Shame (Haya’) Haya’…

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A New Direction

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 23, 2009 at 10:59 pm

There is a time for everything. The time has come to change the format of this blog and the articles that appear on this site. My political writings and social commentary will be done through other media from now on. This site will be used for strictly religious teachings. Whoever…

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Now What?

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 13, 2009 at 7:17 am

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Cynthia McKinney, a former United States Congresswoman, and a recent presidential candidate, was taken prisoner, along with a group of noted human rights and peace activists, including a Nobel laureate, while sailing in international waters, headed for the Gaza Strip. Their abduction was carried out…

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A Moment in Your Love (Expanded)

BY IMAM ZAID SHAKIR

Jul 12, 2009 at 12:45 am

To spend a moment in your love, beyond this world of strife. To know the beauty of your face, beyond the realms of life. To pay the price you ask of us O Lord of life sublime! …

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