Anger can mean things to many people. I will describe anger in just a fews simple words, and how we as young adults can try to control it, inshAllah. I believe as teen-agers that is when we are most easily bothered and annoyed. When people can easily disturb us and get us upset over nominal things that don’t really mean anything. Have you ever noticed that when we get angry we can’t think straight? That we don’t like to reason or even listen to the other side. We become hostile, and are ready to destruct almost anything. Having said that, I want you to know that anger has been around as long as man has. It is not anything new, and it is controllable should we choose to focus on how to do it.

It is reported that the Messenger of Allah said (narrated by Sulaiman Ibn Sard and reported by Bukhari and Muslim) that while Sulaiman was with the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW), two persons were blaming each other. The face of one became red and his jugular veins swelled. the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) said. I know a statement if he or she say’s it then the person with anger will cool down. The person with anger should say :

“I SEEK REFUGE IN ALLAH FROM SATAN THE OUTCAST.”

It has been narrated by Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him) That Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (SAAW) Said:

“ The strong one is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength”

“But the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”

In another narration by Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with him man said to the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) Advise me.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) Said :

” Do not become angry “

The man asked the same question again and again and the Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) Replied by in case by saying:

“ Do not become angry and furious”

As you can see anger is something that we all come across, but for my teens it has to do more with listening to authority at this age. As teens we feel as if we know everything and we don’t constantly need to be told, so it angers us, when parents, teachers, and other adults want to tell us how to lead our lives. Instead of getting angry, my advice is to listen to the adults, and think about what they say. If you agree with them, then take their advice and follow it. if you disagree with them, then keep quiet and respect that they even want to give you advice. Thank them, and be off to doing what is right. Controlling anger is a strength that is Awesome….I know that I am always working on it as well.

THE REMEDY FOR ANGER SHOWN BY OUR PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAAW)

The remedy for anger is that when a person who is angry should control his anger . In the Ahadith there are three way’s shown to control ones Anger.

1). is to say Ta’awwuz.

2). is to do Wudu (Ablution) or drink water.

3). is to lie down on the floor.

May Allah (SWT) guide us all to the right path, and help us control our anger!

“So often we go to school to have a great day, to learn, to be with our friends and to feel like we are maturing.” This was my thought and idea about high school. Yet what really happens in school is so much different. It is usually in this place that we are told who to be, what to do, and which way to think. Many people are strong and hold on to themselves and try to balance what is happening around them, but so many of us fall into the cracks and get sucked into what others expect from us. This is called Peer Pressure. “Do you really have to wear the head scarf?” “Do you really have to pray?” “Why can’t we eat at McDonald’s?” “Why is your clothes so baggy?” “Why don’t you come to the Prom, it will be so much fun?” The questions go on and on. I know that you are faced with these issues and more, and yet you want to fit in. My solution to your crises: find your identity! You’re probably saying, “that’s easy for you to say, why don’t you do it?” I did do it and since then my life has been the smoothest, Alhamdollilah. First off you’re a Muslim, be proud of it. Learn about your religion, your history and who were the greatest people who lived and made an impact on Islam. Those stories alone will show you courage, faith, and strength. Do you think when the message of Islam was first spoken about from the Prophet (SAW), people accepted it? No way, people tortured, hurt and ridiculed the Muslims for believing there is only One God! Yet, SubhanAllah, they did good deeds, they helped their neighbors, they were there for the orphans, they helped the weak, and Islam shined as a bright star that it is. You need to understand who you are, accept it and then find people who are similar to you, to become even a greater influence, inshAllah…I believe in YOU! I know that You can make it through whatever your facing, inshAllah. For remember that Allah (SWT) never gives us more than we can handle. Always keep in mind this Quranic Verse:

“Allah burdens not any soul beyond its capacity. It shall have the reward it earns, and it shall get the punishment it incurs”.
Surah Al-Baqarah (Ch. 2: V.287)

The issue that I am covering this week is Muslim Teens and Depression:

I have seen many Muslim Teens struggling with depression. Let me define depression to see if you fit in that category.

Depression is where one is in a state of mind of confusion. When one thinks life should be in a certain way, but their outcomes are different. When one has painted a picture of a certain type of life, and yet their life doesn’t resemble that. With the Muslim Youth it is harder. You are probably nodding and prodding with me right now in agreement. Therefore this becomes a major identity crisis for our Muslim Youth. They are so confused to what their roles are to be, and who they are, that they don’t feel they fit in anywhere.

My young sisters and brothers, I want you to know that you’re a Muslim, Alhamdillilah. That you should be proud of who you are. That you belong not only to a community but you are here to impact all of society inshAllah, with your presence. Your presence means a lot to the whole Muslim Ummah, if you’re in pain and sad, the whole Ummah can feel it. If your lost, and don’t know what to do, the whole Ummah can see it. We are one for all, and all for one.

Hadith: Ummah as one body
Rasullullah (PBUH) giving an example of Muslim unity is reported to have said in a Hadith:

“The Muslim Ummah is like one body. If the eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then the whole body is in pain”

There are many places that you can go and find who you are, to be part of a community that you feel is true and real. One your local Masjid and Community Center. Two, local Muslim Youth Programs in your community, or other communities close by. Three, join an online community of Muslims. InshAllah. Lastly if you need help solving major problems, call this hotline, and they will guide you, inshAllah:

Call Muslim Youth Hotline at: 1-800-550-6945 or you can read more about them on their website: http://www.myg.org/hotline.html

Style can mean many things to many people. What does it mean to me and what should it mean to you, is powerful. Style should always be a something we enjoy doing, yet something that is relevant to our modesty. Remember as you want to dress in style, dress in modesty. That we represent Islam with our clothing and our habits. Don’t do something that will weigh on your bad deed scale on the day of Judgement. If we can see your body, whether it is in tight clothing or not, modesty begins to disappear. Beaware of the wrong way to follow style.

What can I say…many teenagers now days have too much going on in their lives, that when the smallest thing annoys them they take it out on their parents or family. You have to remember to take control of your thoughts, and not let Shaytan get into your way. You have to stop and think and reflect on what your about to say, and how will the other person react. As a teenager many people act and then reflect on what they said or did. In order to have the upper hand and be successful, one has to ponder, think and reflect on the possible outcomes of their reaction, before even committing that action. I know this is hard for many of you at this age, but this is one of the steps to success in the World, as well as the Hereafter, inshAllah…..I believe in you, and know that you can do this step, should you try it.

The weekend is here, and think about using your time wisely. Most people just want to sit around or play on the weekend. It’s ok to have fun, and relax, but also have some productive time to be able to excel. Just sitting there will only make you more tired, and most likely you will want to do nothing, but waste time. I would say from the 48 hours you have for the weekend, spend the first 5 hours every morning, and be productive. Recite some Quran first and foremost, get some important school work done, and work for one hour on a project that you love. A project that can retire you, inshAllah. (For more details on how you can do this read: “9 Steps to Achieve Your Destiny”)

Today’s topic will be Friendship:

Friendship is something we all crave and need in a sense. We need to feel wanted, and loved. We need to feel as if we are important, we need to feel a sense of belonging to society. A feeling that we are needed and wanted. Especially, during the teen years. It is now that we feel we are worthy or worthless. We are looking for an identity to belong somewhere, with some group. To understand who we are. To find ourselves in the midst of the chaos. If you feel this way, don’t worry. Just about everyone who goes through the teen-age stage goes through this. It’s OK. I am here to tell you that what you belong to is important. This is the best time to discover your purpose in life. One of those purposes is the discovery of Allah (SWT)- God the Greatest. Knowing that there is a Creator of the Heavens and Earth. Knowing that we will be judged for everything that we do. Knowing that with fear of God’s wrath, and yet yearning for God’s Mercy is powerful. It drives billions of people to try to do what’s right. Sometimes, we need that message again in our lives to guide us, not Satan to guide us. Go back to Allah (SWT), and be close to his words, and what He tells us. Follow the path that His messenger’s have paved for us, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon All Of Them). Find your identity crises by discovering why you are here first of all. Upon that you will realize that life isn’t so bad and your purpose becomes extraordinary.

Asalamalakium WR WB (Peace be Upon All Of You),

This is a time of struggle, a time of change, and a time of growth in many ways. So many things happening to you that never happened before. High School, harder classes, more responsibilities, hormones changing, peer pressure, want to be accepted, negativity, opposite gender issues, etc. I will address many of these issues with in time, inshAllah- God Willing