Today's Reminder
January 29, 2026 | Sha’ban 10, 1447
Living The Quran
Good Projects
Surah Al-Ankabut (The Spider) Chapter 29: Verse 69
"And those who strive in Our cause, We will certainly guide them to our paths. For verily Allah is with those who do right."
It is important for the Muslim minority to establish institutions of public welfare such as hospitals, poor people's homes, children's homes, orphanages, centres for the disabled, traveler's lodges, coaching centre for students etc. These are essential not only for the survival of the Muslim minority but also for non-Muslims. Keeping their doors open for non-Muslims would have manifold advantages. This would ensure not only the welfare of the minority but also endear the non-Muslims and serve the cause of helping humanity.
We often complain of the lack of resources. Obviously resources are needed for setting up such institutions. However, arranging for funds for these is not so difficult. The Muslim community which has already been sponsoring hundreds of thousands of madrasas and masjids can easily set up these welfare institutions. What is really needed is the deep realization to take up such projects. The only thing missing is to realize community and national obligations and to establish institutions which are suited best in the given circumstances. There is a pressing need for taking up these projects with single-minded devotion. For this sincere intention Allah promises that He provides ways and means for all the good projects aimed at His cause.
Compiled From:
"The Prophet Muhammad : A Role Model for Muslim Minorities" - Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi, p. 196
From Issue: 730 [Read original issue]
Understanding The Prophet's Life
Ten Days of Righteous Deeds
Even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah's forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.
Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Dhul Hijja: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing (Bukhari).
While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, Insha Allah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Traditions of the Prophet are as follows:
1. Fasting
In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijja, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafa. The Prophet used to fast on this day (al Nisai and Abu Dawud). Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim's sins for two years.
2. Dhikr
The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The Prophet upon him) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allahu akbar") during this time.
The Takbeer may include the words "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)," as well as other phrases.
Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.
3. Sacrifice
One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal and fattening it, spending money for the sake of Allah.
4. Sincere repentance
One of the most important things to do during these ten days is to repent sincerely to Allah and to give up all kinds of disobedience and sin. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds. It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.
Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families.
Compiled From:
"The first 10 days of Zul Hijjah: why they matter" - SoundVision.com
"Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah" - Salih Al Munajjid
From Issue: 504 [Read original issue]
Cool Tips!
Motivation
Charles Schwab, president of U.S. Steel and the highest-paid executive of his time, understood how to motivate men. When one of his mills wasn't producing its quota, he went to the mill manager and addressed him personally:
"How is it," Schwab asked, "that a man as capable as you can't make this mill turn out what it should?"
"I don't know," the man replied, "I've coaxed the men; I've pushed them; I've sworn and cussed; I've threatened them with damnation and being fired. But nothing works. They just won't produce."
"Give me a piece of chalk," Schwab said. Then, turning to the nearest man: "How many heats did your shift make today?"
"Six."
"Without another word, Schwab chalked a big figure six on the floor, and walked away. When the night shift came in, they saw the '6' and asked what it meant. 'The big boss was in here today,' the day men said. 'He asked us how many heats we made, and we told him six. He chalked it on the floor.'
"The next morning Schwab walked through the mill again. The night shift had rubbed out '6,' and replaced it with a big '7.'
"When the day shift reported for work the next morning, they saw a big '7' chalked on the floor. So the night shift thought they were better than the day shift, did they? Well, they would show the nightshift a thing or two. They pitched in with enthusiasm and when they quit that night, they left behind them an enormous, swaggering '10.' Things were stepping up..."
If you're looking to motivate those around you, throw down a challenge.
Compiled From:
"How to Win Friends and Influence People" - Dale Carnegie, pp. 238-240
From Issue: 868 [Read original issue]