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Today very effective treatments for OCD are now available to help you regain a more satisfying life.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Worries, doubts, and superstitious beliefs are common in everyday life. However, when they become so excessive such as hours of hand washing or driving around and around the block to check that an accident didn't occur then a diagnosis of OCD is made. In OCD, the brain gets stuck on a particular thought or urge and just can't let go. People with OCD often say the symptoms feel like a case of mental hiccups that won't go away. OCD is a medical brain disorder that causes problems in information processing. It is not your fault or the result of a "weak" or unstable personality.
Before the arrival of modern medications and cognitive behavior therapy, OCD was generally thought to be untreatable. Most people with OCD continued to suffer, despite years of ineffective psychotherapy. Today, luckily, treatment can help most people with OCD. Although OCD is usually completely curable only in some individuals, most people achieve meaningful and long-term symptom relief with comprehensive treatment
What are the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD involves having both obsessions and compulsions. A person with OCD may sometimes have one or the other.
Common obsessions are: contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc., imagining having harmed oneself or others, imagining losing control or having aggressive urges, intrusive sexual thoughts or urges, excessive religious or moral doubt, forbidden thoughts, a need to have things "just so," and a need to tell, ask, or confess. Common compulsions are: washing, repeating, checking, touching, and counting.
OCD symptoms can occur in people of all ages. Not all Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors represent an illness. Some rituals (e.g., bedtime songs, religious practices) are a welcome part of daily life. Normal worries, such as contamination fears, may increase during times of stress, such as when someone in the family is sick or dying. Only when symptoms persist, make no sense, cause much distress, or interfere with functioning do they need clinical attention
Obsessions
Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control. The person does not want to have these ideas. He finds them disturbing and intrusive, and usually recognizes that they don't really make sense. People with OCD worry excessively about dirt and germs and become obsessed with the idea that they are contaminated or contaminate others. They may have obsessive fears of having inadvertently harmed someone else even though they usually know this is not realistic. Obsessions are accompanied by uncomfortable feelings, such as fear, disgust, doubt, or a sensation that things have to be done in a way that is "just so."

Obsessions often have themes to them, such as:

 

Fear of contamination or dirt

 

Having things orderly and symmetrical

  Aggressive or horrific impulses
 

Sexual images or thoughts

OCD symptoms involving obsessions may include:

 

Fear of being contaminated by shaking hands or by touching objects others have touched

  Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove
 

Thoughts that you've hurt someone in a traffic accident

  Intense distress when objects aren't orderly or facing the right way
  Images of hurting your child
 

Impulses to shout obscenities in inappropriate situations

 

Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands

 

Replaying pornographic images in your mind

 

Dermatitis because of frequent hand washing

 

Skin lesions because of picking at your skin

 

Hair loss or bald spots because of hair pulling

Compulsions

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to perform. People with OCD try to make their obsessions go away by performing compulsions. Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain "rules .These repetitive behaviors are meant to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress related to your obsessions. For instance, if you believe you ran over someone in your car, you may return to the apparent scene over and over because you just can't shake your doubts. You may also make up rules or rituals to follow that help control the anxiety you feel when having obsessive thoughts.

Compulsions typically have themes, such as:

 

ashing and cleaning

  Counting
  Checking
 

Demanding reassurances

  Performing the same action repeatedly
  Orderliness

OCD symptoms involving compulsions may include:

 

Hand washing until your skin becomes raw

  Checking doors repeatedly to make sure they're locked
  Checking the stove repeatedly to make sure it's off
 

Counting in certain patterns

  Making sure all your canned goods face the same way

People with an obsession about contamination may wash constantly to the point that their hands become raw and inflamed. A person may repeatedly check that she has turned off the stove or iron because of an obsessive fear of burning the house down. She may have to count certain objects over and over because of an obsession about losing them. Unlike compulsive drinking or gambling, OCD compulsions do not give the person pleasure. Rather, the rituals are performed to obtain relief from the discomfort caused by the obsessions.

Other features of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCD symptoms cause distress, take up time (more than an hour a day), or significantly interfere with the person's work, social life, or relationships. Most individuals with OCD recognize that their obsessions are coming from  their own minds and are not just excessive worries about real problems. They realize that the compulsions they perform are excessive or unreasonable. When someone with OCD does not recognize that their beliefs and actions are unreasonable, this is called OCD with poor insight. OCD symptoms tend to wax and wane over time. Some may be little more than background noise; others may produce extremely severe distress.

When does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder begin ?

OCD starts at any time from preschool age to adulthood (usually by age 40). One third to one half of adults with OCD report that it started during childhood.

Unfortunately, OCD often goes unrecognized. On average, people with OCD see three to four doctors and spend 9 years seeking treatment before they receive a correct diagnosis. Studies find that it takes an average of 17 years from the time OCD begins for people to obtain appropriate treatment.

OCD tends to be underdiagnosed and undertreated for a number of reasons. People with OCD are secretive about their symptoms or lack insight about their illness. Many healthcare providers are not familiar with the symptoms or are not trained in providing the appropriate treatments. Some people don't have access to treatment resources. This is unfortunate because earlier diagnosis and proper treatment, including finding the right medications, can help people avoid the suffering associated with OCD. This lessens the risk of developing other problems, such as depression, marital and work problems.

Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Inherited?

No specific genes for OCD have  been identified.  Research suggests that genes do play a role in the development of the disorder. Childhood-onset OCD runs in families (sometimes in association with tic disorders). When a parent has OCD, there is a slightly increased risk that a child will develop OCD, although the risk is still low. When OCD runs in families, it is the general nature of OCD  that is inherited, not specific symptoms. Thus a child may have checking rituals, while his mother washes compulsively.
What causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ?

There is no proven cause of OCD. Research suggests that OCD involves problems in communication between the front part of the brain (the orbital cortex) and deeper structures (the basal ganglia). These brain structures use the chemical messenger serotonin. It is believed that insufficient levels of serotonin are involved in OCD. Drugs that increase the brain concentration of serotonin often help improve OCD symptoms.

Pictures of the brain at work also show that the brain circuits involved in OCD return toward normal in those who improve after taking a serotonin medication or receiving cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Although it seems clear that reduced levels of serotonin play a role in OCD, there are no laboratory tests for OCD. The diagnosis is made based on an assessment of the person's symptoms. When OCD starts suddenly in childhood in association with strep throat, an autoimmune mechanism may be involved, and treatment with an antibiotic may prove helpful.

What other problems are sometimes confused with OCD?

Some disorders that closely resemble OCD and may respond to some of the same treatments. They are trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), body dysmorphic disorder (imagined ugliness), and habit disorders, such as nail biting or skin picking. While they share superficial similarities, impulse control problems, such as substance abuse, pathological gambling, or compulsive sexual activity, are probably not related to OCD in any substantial way.

The most common conditions that resemble OCD are the tic disorders (Tourette's disorder and other motor and vocal tic disorders). Tics are involuntary motor behaviors (such as facial grimacing) or vocal behaviors (such as snorting) that often occur in response to a feeling of discomfort. More complex tics, like touching or tapping tics, resemble compulsions. Tics and OCD occur together much more often when the OCD or tics begin during childhood.
Depression and OCD often occur in adults, and, less commonly, in children and adolescents. However, unless depression is  present, people with OCD are not sad or lacking in pleasure. People who are depressed but do not have OCD rarely have the kinds of intrusive thoughts that are characteristic of OCD. Stress can make OCD worse. Although most people with OCD report that the symptoms can come and go on their own.
OCD is easy to distinguish from a condition called posttraumatic stress disorder, because OCD is not caused by a terrible event. Schizophrenia, delusional disorders, and other psychotic conditions are usually easy to distinguish from OCD. Unlike psychotic individuals, people with OCD  have a clear idea of what is real and what is not.  OCD may worsen or cause disruptive behaviors  in children and adolescents, exaggerate a pre-existing learning disorder, cause problems with attention and concentration, or interfere with learning at school. In many children with OCD, these disruptive behaviors are related to the OCD and will go away when the OCD is successfully treated.

Individuals with OCD often have substance-abuse problems,  as a result of attempts to self-medicate. Specific treatment for the substance abuse is usually  needed. Children and adults with pervasive developmental disorders (autism, Asperger's Disorder) are extremely rigid and compulsive.  They have stereotyped behaviors that often resembles very severe OCD.  Those with pervasive developmental disorders have extremely severe problems relating to and communicating with other people, which do not occur in OCD.
Only a small number of those with OCD have the collection of personality traits called Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). Despite its similar name, OCPD does not involve obsessions and compulsions, but rather is a personality pattern that involves a preoccupation with rules, schedules, and lists; perfectionism; an excessive devotion to work; rigidity; and inflexibility. However, when people have both OCPD and OCD, the successful treatment of the OCD often causes a favorable change in the person's personality.

When to see a doctor

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be so severe and time-consuming that it literally becomes disabling. You may be able to do little else but spend time on your obsessions and compulsions — washing your hands for hours each day, for instance. With OCD, you may have a low quality of life because the condition rules most of your days. You may be very distressed but feel powerless to stop your urges. Most adults can recognize that their obsessions and compulsions don't make sense. Children, however, may not understand what's wrong.

If your obsessions and compulsions are affecting your life, see your doctor or mental health provider. It's common for people with OCD to be ashamed and embarrassed about the condition. But even if your rituals are deeply ingrained, treatment can help

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dr.Sanjay Mongia, M.S , M.Ch, FAIS , FICS (USA)
Consultant Neurological & Gamma Knife Surgeon

Email : ocdinfo@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.neurodoc.in/

                 http://www.gammaknife.in
 
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WHEN DOES LOVE EXIST?
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If you love someone because you think that he or she is really gorgeous... then it's not love...
it's ~* Infatuation *~
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If you love someone because you think that you shouldn't leave him because others think that you shouldn't...then it's not love...
it's ~* Compromise *~
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If you love someone because you cannot leave him thinking that it would hurt his feelings...then it's not love...
it's ~*Charity*~
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If you love someone because you share every thing with him ... then it's not love...
it's ~*Friendship*~
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BUT IF you feel the pain of the other person more than him even when he is stable and you cry for him...
that's ~* LOVE *~
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Bismillah hir Rehman nir Rahim
Allahumma salli ala sayyidina wa maulana muhammadinw wa alaa aalihi wa sallim.
Assalamu alaikum wa rehmatullahi wa berkatahu. 
 
 
 

 
 
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People naturally like to express their happiness toward those who show them a little courtesy or kindness. For example, he would be very happy if a person welcomes him to his home and offers him whatever he likes, especially if the host is a sensitive person who offers whatever is needed before being asked to do so. Similarly, a person who is suffering from a serious illness and who regains his health due to a doctor's treatment will not know how to thank him appropriately. The same is true for a pedestrian who is rescued by a stranger from an oncoming car, for he will do whatever he can to show his gratitude.

Someone who is sick and dependent upon others will constantly thank his care-taker, who ensures that his needs are being met. In recognition of this service, he will show his love and appreciation by treating him in a very respectful manner. Every person loves those who are good to them, and will try to treat them in the same manner.

However, some people forget that only Allah can make people happy, treat them with respect, offer them good sustenance and blessings, create pleasing views for them, grant them a new lease on life every morning, protect them from all dangers, cure them when they are ill, ease their pain and suffering through medicine, and that He owns everything that exists. Therefore, as all of the blessings and goodness that people experience come only from Allah, they should direct all of their love, respect, sense of obligation, loyalty, and thanks to Him. While thanking others for their help, we should never forget that our Lord has inspired them to show us mercy and help us. Allah informs us that:

To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and Earth. He gives life and causes to die. You have no protector or helper besides Allah. (Surat at-Tawba, 116)

The Qur'an also relates Prophet Ibrahim's (as) supplication to Allah, which highlights His mercy upon humanity:

"He Who created me and guides me, Who gives me food and drink. When I am ill, He heals me. He will cause my death and then give me life." (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 78-82)

ALLAH IS THE SOURCE OF EACH PERSON'S BEAUTY

Allah provided life to everybody from nothing, and created the world in the most beautiful and beneficial form possible. For example, people can breathe with ease, for, out of His mercy, He created the correct proportion of atmospheric gases needed for people to breathe. We all know that it is very hard to breathe in a closed environment, and that as the amount of available air decreases, the resulting pain felt by a person increases. We could have been born into a world where breathing was difficult. However, due to Allah's will and mercy, this was not the case. In fact, the air on our planet relaxes and pleases us.

Allah has filled the world with unlimited varieties of vegetables, fruits, grain cereals, and plants. If He had willed, He could have created just one type of very unpleasant-tasting food and made it vital to our survival, so that we would be forced to continue producing and consuming it. However, as part of His infinite mercy and love, Allah created a wide variety of fruits and vegetables with different flavors. Allah has created people in such a way that they must eat in order to survive, and, because of His mercy, has made eating an enjoyable experience.

In addition, all animals have some hidden beauty. Such domesticated animals as horses, camels, and dogs are able to help people, while other house-bound animals like birds and cats have characteristics that make them loveable. For example, He has given parrots the ability to mimic human speech and has clothed them in aesthetically pleasing feathers of blue, yellow, green, and other varied tones, and made them able to respond to human affection. In other words, Allah created this little creature as a source of love and amusement for people.

From the air we breathe to the rain that falls, from the products that grow on top of the land and beneath it, from the animals we like to water, the cornerstone of our survival, everything in nature reaches us without us exerting any effort. For people to live and continue to live, the most detailed workings take place and the most sensitive ratios are continuously maintained throughout the universe.


He sends down water from the sky, from which We bring forth growth of every kind, and from that We bring forth the green shoots. From them We bring forth close-packed seeds, and from the spathes of the date palm date clusters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and olives and pomegranates, both similar and dissimilar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and ripen. There are signs in that for people who believe. (Surat al-An'am, 99)

Non-human creatures are unaware of their specific characteristics. A rabbit lives without knowing how loveable it is; a butterfly has no awareness of its wings' symmetry, designs, and coordination; and a peacock, a most exquisite example of color, design, and symmetry, remains unaware of why it has been created and cannot comprehend beautiful things. In fact, the peacock's designs and colors of its tail, one of the world's most beautiful spectacles, is enough to remind people to thank Allah and is just one of the blessings that shows His power and ability to create.

Allah presents all of these beautiful creatures as a blessing to humanity. Thus people who see the aesthetics, symmetry, and colors of these animals should acknowledge Allah's power and thank Him, the Creator of all of these beauties.

Allah's creations are beyond numbering. For example, there is an unmatched aesthetic beauty in each rose. Its petals have an absolute symmetry and have been arranged with particular care. The top of each petal resembles a very expensive material that is almost as soft as velvet. Despite being planted and raised in muddy black soil, its lively colors are never dirtied or distorted. On the other hand, people using the most advanced technology available still cannot reproduce the specific characteristics of its perfume. Even the most expensive perfume becomes unbearable over time; however, each rose constantly delivers the same magnificent fresh aroma. And yet it is totally unaware of any of its remarkable characteristics, and no other plant or creature was created to enjoy its pleasures. But Allah has allowed people to enjoy each rose as a blessing.

We built seven firm layers above you. We installed a blazing lamp. We sent down cascading water from the clouds so that by it We might bring forth grains, plants, and luxuriant gardens. (Surat an-Naba', 12-16)

Every beauty is a blessing from our Lord and a reflection of His infinite beauty. For this reason, every conscious, thinking person should thank Allah with great gratitude and love, for He owns all of this beauty. Allah informs us that all of His creations contain many proofs on which people should reflect:

And also the things of varying colors He has created for you in the earth. There is certainly a sign in that for people who pay heed. (Surat an-Nahl, 13)

We have mentioned only a few of the blessings He has bestowed on people. However, reflecting on just one of these examples is enough to understand Allah's mercy on all people. Those people who, due to Allah's will, have some degree of understanding and can therefore make decisions, should use this capacity to understand and love Allah properly. By using their conscience, people who acknowledge this magnificent system of creation will see that the world is full of reasons for increasing their love for Allah.

And [in it are] grains on leafy stems and fragrant herbs. So which of your Lord's blessings do you both then deny? (Surat ar-Rahman, 12-13)

Many Qur'anic verses call upon people to reflect on the many blessings bestowed upon them and remind them of some of these blessings:

He created humanity from a drop of sperm, and yet it is an open challenger! And He created livestock. There is warmth and various uses for you in them, and some you eat. There is beauty in them for you in the evening when you bring them home, and in the morning when you drive them out to graze. They carry your loads to lands you would never reach except with great difficulty. Your Lord is All-Gentle, Most Merciful. And horses, mules, and donkeys both to ride and for adornment. And He creates other things you do not know. The way should lead to Allah, but there are those who deviate from it. If He had willed, He could have guided every one of you. He sends down water from the sky. From it you drink, and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds. And by it He makes crops grow for you, as well as olives, dates, grapes, and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a sign in that for people who reflect. He has made night and day subservient to you, and the Sun and the Moon and stars, all subject to His command. There are certainly signs in that for people who use their intellect. And also the things of varying colors He has created for you in the earth. There is certainly a sign in that for people who pay heed. He made the sea subservient to you so that you can eat fresh flesh from it and bring out from it ornaments to wear. You see the ships sailing through it so that you can seek His bounty, and so that, hopefully, you will show thanks. He cast firmly embedded mountains on the Earth so it would not move under you, and rivers and pathways so that, hopefully, you would be guided. (Surat an-Nahl, 4-15)

These blessings are only a sample of the blessings given to humanity, for in a following verse, Allah proclaims: "If you tried to number Allah's blessings, you could never count them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Surat an-Nahl, 18). Even if a person reflected on the blessings recalled in these verses, this would be enough for him to understand Allah's infinite benevolence, compassion, and mercy. Allah endowed us with life, ensured our livelihood, made us happy, and created every creature and event that makes us happy. For this reason, we must continually thank Him for these blessings and feel a great love for Him.


Humanity. Remember Allah's blessing to you. Is there any creator other than Allah providing for you from heaven and earth?
(Surah Fatir, 3)

Any blessing you have is from Allah. Then when harm touches you, you cry to Him for help. (Surat an-Nahl, 53)

And also the things of varying colors He has created for you in the earth. There is certainly a sign in that for people who pay heed. (Surat an-Nahl, 13)

He splits the sky at dawn, and appoints the night as a time of stillness, and the Sun and the Moon as a means of reckoning. That is what the Almighty, the All-Knowing, has ordained. (Surat al-An'am, 96)

He has appointed the stars for you so that you might be guided by them in the darkness of the land and the sea. We have made the Signs clear for people who have knowledge.
(Surat al-An'am, 97)


ALLAH CREATED ALL PEOPLE FROM NOTHING AND GAVE THEM LIFE

People will see Allah's grace upon them, as well as His eternal mercy and compassion, when they reflect on how they were created, received life, and have been carefully protected from the moment of their birth until this very moment. Allah calls upon people to reflect on their creation in the following verse:

Does not humanity recall that We created it when it was nothing? (Surah Maryam, 67)

Allah places the fetus in the most protective situation, thereby preventing the resulting child from becoming disabled or experiencing pain and suffering. Whatever a baby needs was created billions of years ago. From the air that he breathes to his mother's milk that contains every nutrient he requires, everything is ready for him.

Every person's body is protected throughout their life within the faultless system that Allah has created. For example, each person's heart beats without stopping, even though a person does nothing to ensure this. If he had to ensure that his heart beat every second of his life, his life would become unbearable, for he would be unable to sleep, eat, or do anything else but think about his heart beating. However, Allah has ordered each persons' heart to beat from the moment of life to the moment of death. As a result, He ensures that each person's heart will never stop beating, even for a second.

A person has no final control over his or her body, despite asserting the opposite. Our Most Glorious Lord is the sole controller of each part of a person's body. A person cannot independently control and manage the blood traveling with great speed, how much blood the heart pumps, how long it takes to coagulate, and all of the various systems (e.g., respiratory, digestive, immune, nervous, and so on) existing within his body.

A person is dependent upon Allah for everything, as Allah reveals:

O humanity. You are the poor in need of Allah, whereas Allah is the Rich Beyond Need, the Praiseworthy. (Surah Fatir, 15)

He is Allah—the Creator, the Maker, and the Giver of Form. To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Everything in the heavens and Earth glorifies Him. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surat al-Hashr, 24)

Every morning when you wake up, you see that your body works perfectly so that you can live. You breathe with ease, and see a colorful world without exerting the slightest effort.

You will hear noises clearly, sense all the smells with ease, and eat whatever you desire. You do not have to focus and dwell on where the vitamins that you consume in your food are sent, how your immune system operates and interacts with microbes and viruses, how your brain produces images of a piece of furniture, or any other details.

Without any exertion, you can recall what you did yesterday or many years ago and store all of this information in your memory. Most importantly, despite having a body that operates according to sensitive balances, you will be in good health, for Allah is constantly controlling all of your systems. This is why people should reflect on the faultless systems and innumerable blessings that our Lord has bestowed upon them. As Allah reminds us in the Qur'an:

O humanity. What has deluded you in respect of your Noble Lord—He Who created you, formed you, proportioned you, and assembled you in whatever way He willed? (Surat al-Infitar, 6-8)

Therefore, if a person were to look at his body, a great deal of evidence could be found to lead him to acquire a profound and great love of Allah. In addition, the universe contains many details, all of which represent innumerable blessings bestowed on people. All of these extraordinary blessings are created and protected by our one and only friend: Allah.

Those who reflect on these details see that they are constantly dependent upon Allah, Who has created them and enabled them to live. Without His consent, they could not even breathe. Thus, they can understand that Allah is their closest friend and guardian. Allah informs us of this reality in the following verse:

[Say:] "There is no way out for you in Earth or heaven. You have no protector or helper besides Allah." (Surat al-'Ankabut, 22)


EVERYTHING THAT ALLAH HAS CREATED IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL

Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. (Surat al-Mujadala, 22)

Whatever our Lord, the possessor of infinite justice and mercy, has created, as well as every judgment that He has made, is the most beneficial and beautiful for all people. Even seemingly unimportant incidents possess great goodness, wisdom, and beauty. Allah informs us of this reality in the verses:

It may be that you hate something when it is good for you, and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know. (Surat al-Baqara, 216)

We guided him on the way, whether he is thankful or unthankful. (Surat al-Insan, 3)

Those believers who lead their lives knowing this fact will be content with whatever confronts them and whatever they hear, and always turn to Allah to thank him for all that He has created. Thus, they remember Allah with love and praise.

ALLAH WILLS EASE FOR PEOPLE

Our Lord, the possessor of infinite mercy and compassion, has called people to the easiest and most beautiful path through His books and messengers. The religious morals to which He summons us are the easiest to follow, and the prescribed prayers are within reach of every person's ability. Those who cannot fulfill their religious obligations have been informed of the many easy ways that they can use to change this situation and earn our Lord's good pleasure. As we read in the following verses:

We will ease you to the easy way. (Surat al-A'la, 8)

He has selected you and not placed any constraint upon you in the religion—the religion of your forefather Ibrahim. (Surat al-Hajj, 78)

We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you miserable, but only as a reminder for those who have fear [and respect for Allah]. (Surah Ta Ha, 2-3)

In another verse, Allah says that He will not burden people beyond what they can bear:

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can bear. For it is what it has earned; against it is what it has brought upon itself. "Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You placed on those before us. Our Lord, do not place on us a load we have not the strength to bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the unbelievers." (Surat al-Baqara, 286)

This ease is a manifestation of His mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Allah has established an easy religion for His servants, and, at the end of this temporal test, He offers the glad tidings of unprecedented beauty and unimaginable perfection full of blessings in the eternal life of Paradise:

Their Lord gives them the good news of His mercy and good pleasure, and of Gardens in which they will enjoy everlasting delight, remaining in them timelessly, forever and ever. Truly, there is an immense reward with Allah. (Surat at-Tawba, 21-22)

Allah needs nothing and is free of all deficiencies. On the other hand, people need to worship, pray, and display good morals. Even the world's most brutal, violent, and faithless person cannot harm Allah in any way, for He is the sole owner and sovereign of all that exists. Still, Allah says that He will reward those who display moral excellence. This is one of many signs of Almighty Allah's forgiveness and mercy.


In this way We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur'an, and We have made various threats in it so that, hopefully,
they will guard against evil or it will spur them into remembrance.
(Surah Ta Ha, 113)

 

The revelations contained within Allah's true books brought people into the light from their darkness, and His sending prophets and messengers to guide everyone to the true path is yet another manifestation of our Lord's mercy.

Allah has made the Qur'an a source of light that informs people of the right and wrong paths and reveals all things. Our Lord has told us about all forms of worship, belief, and behaviors for which we will be held accountable in the Hereafter.

We have brought them a Book elucidating everything with knowledge, as guidance and a mercy for people who believe. (Surat al-A'raf, 52)

Allah states in the Qur'an that none of its letters will ever be corrupted:

We have sent down the Reminder and will preserve it. (Surat al-Hijr, 9)

Falsehood cannot reach it [the Qur'an] from before it or behind it—it is a revelation from One Who is All-Wise, Praiseworthy. (Surah Fussilat, 42)

The Qur'an will be protected and remain valid until the Day of Judgment. In its faultless and complete manner, it is a great blessing and ease for all humanity. Allah informs the believers of these facts, as follows:

We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear, and as guidance, mercy, and good news for the Muslims. (Surat an-Nahl, 89)

Furthermore, Allah has sent His messengers and prophets throughout history to all people. These blessed people, whom Allah has selected, are very dependable, pious, just, and possessed of good morals. They sought only Allah's good pleasure, even at the risk of death, and spent their lives calling people to the true path. In addition, they were very compassionate, for they constantly thought of the believers, protected them, and were sensitive and self-sacrificing toward them. For Allah to select all of these special people with such excellent characteristics, and then send them to humanity, is yet another example of His kindness to believers.

A further manifestation of His mercy and protection is that He has informed all things to people, and has sent true books, as well as reliable messengers and prophets, to invite people to an easy path. Allah has ensured ease for all people throughout history, provided for them in the best possible form, and vowed to guard and protect those who adhere to His call. And, above all, He has promised Paradise with all of its beauty to the believers. Allah, the Most Merciful, is the protector and provider of all people in both this world and the Hereafter, and possessor of infinite compassion.

ALLAH ACCEPTS REPENTANCE AND FORGIVES THOSE WHO FEEL REMORSE

Allah, Who possesses infinite forgiveness, reveals that:

If Allah were to punish people for their wrong actions, not a single creature would be left on Earth. However, He defers them until a predetermined time. When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour, nor can they bring it forward. (Surat an-Nahl, 61)

Even while you are reading this book, Allah has allotted a specific period of time for you and all other people. This is a most beneficial period for the believers. Every person who fears, respects, and obeys Allah and then turns to Him in repentance for every sin that he or she has committed will receive forgiveness, as long as they are sincere. Allah's infinite compassion is revealed in the following verse:

Were it not for Allah's favor to you and His mercy... and that Allah is Ever-Returning, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nur, 10)

Since Allah is the possessor of infinite mercy, there is always the hope of forgiveness. Our Lord gives the opportunity of salvation to each person as long as he or she is alive, and has made everyone aware of this fact. Despite all of Allah's blessings and mercy, those who forget Him or lead a life without thinking about their reliance upon Allah are, in reality, in a state of absolute heedlessness. Unable to appropriately acknowledge Allah's mercy, love, and blessings in this life, they will be punished in the Hereafter.

Allah reinforces with His help whoever He wills. There is instruction in that for people of insight.
(Surah Al 'Imran, 13)


ALLAH PROTECTS AND HELPS THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIS PATH

Those who sincerely turn to Allah and follow His path will sense His protection and presence. Allah will clear the path for those who sincerely believe in Him, avoid the unlawful and engage in the lawful, by providing ease for them in all that they do. Allah informs us in many verses that He will help, protect, and raise them to high levels, for:

… it is Our duty to help the believers. (Surat ar-Rum, 47)

One of the best examples of Allah's help and support can be seen in the life of Prophet Musa (as), who fled from his city, turned to Allah, and made the following supplication: "My Lord, I am truly in need of any good You have in store for me" (Surat al-Qasas, 24). Allah accepted his supplication, enabling Prophet Musa (as) to find a community of people with whom he could stay and on whom he could depend.

Following the revelation of Prophet Musa's (as) prophethood, Allah appointed his brother, Prophet Harun (as), to support and help him in his mission to Pharaoh. Allah assisted both of them when Pharaoh and his armies set upon them. He split open the sea, thereby enabling Prophet Musa (as) and the Children of Israel to escape to freedom while Pharaoh and his army drowned. Allah relates the following information about this event:

We showed great kindness to Musa and Harun. We rescued them and their people from their terrible plight. We supported them, and so they were the victors. (Surat as-Saffat, 114-6)

Allah assisted Prophet Nuh (as), by inspiring him to build an ark to protect him and his followers from the impending flood; rescued Prophet 'Isa (as) from certain death by raising him to His presence; and protected Prophet Yusuf (as) by freeing him from the Egyptian vizier's dungeon and then raising him to high rank and power. Our Lord constantly assisted our Prophet (saas) by lightening his burden. Allah informs us that He was our Prophet's (saas)guardian, protector, and source of help, which enabled the believers' hearts to be in a state of total peace and trust:

Ask: "Who is going to shield you from Allah if He desires evil for you or desires mercy for you?" They will find no one to protect or help them besides Allah. (Surat al-Ahzab, 17)

Our word was given before to Our servants, the Messengers, that they would certainly be helped. Our army will be victorious. (Surat as-Saffat, 171-173)

O you who believe. If you help Allah, He will help you and make your feet firm. (Surah Muhammad, 7)

We will certainly help Our messengers and those who believe both in the life of this world and on the Day the witnesses appear. (Surah Ghafir, 51)

People rely on Allah every moment, for there is no other helper but Him. Whenever you are faced with any form of distress, Allah is the only One Who can offer any help. As a mercy, Allah created many blessings for people to use when they are confronted with hardship. While people benefit from these blessings, it would be a grave mistake to assume that these blessings are a source of independent strength. Given that Allah has created all of these blessings, they should be seen as manifestations of His favor and mercy upon humanity. For example, if someone visits a doctor, only Allah can cure him. And, the doctor can only cure a person with His consent. By the same token, if a person hires a solicitor as his guardian to protect what is rightfully his, his true guardian is Allah. A solicitor can only protect a person's rights or ensure legal representation by Allah's will. In reality, Allah brings all issues to an end and provides for a person's blessings in the best possible way.

For people who seek Allah's help and who view our Lord as their true guardian, only true friend, and helper, Allah guarantees that His help will reach them from many different paths. Those who are conscious of these facts will never seek such guarantees from other people or sources, for they know that all help is from Allah and so seek everything from Him. When people attain success, are victorious, or benefit from an unexpected source, they immediately turn to Allah and thank Him. As a result of this divine help, they regard our Lord with deep love and overflowing respect. Allah reminds us that He is each person's true guardian and source of help in the following verse:

Whenever We abrogate a verse or cause it to be forgotten, We bring one better than it or equal to it. Don't you know that Allah has power over all things? Don't you know that Allah is He to Whom the kingdom of the heavens and Earth belongs and that, besides Allah, you have no protector and no helper? (Surat al-Baqara, 106-7)

Help comes from no one but Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise. (Surah Al 'Imran, 126)

Allah was their Protector. Let the believers put their trust in Allah. (Surah Al 'Imran, 122)

ALLAH ACCEPTS SUPPLICATIONS

None of us has any independent strength. At every point of our life, we depend upon Allah to offer us His mercy, bestow some of His kindness and blessings, and protect and ensure our safety. Our Lord, the possessor of infinite mercy, informs people that He will respond to their supplications and prayers.

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should, therefore, respond to Me and believe in Me so that, hopefully, they will be rightly guided. (Surat al-Baqara, 186)

Your Lord says: "Call on Me, and I will answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell abject." (Surah Ghafir, 60)

The fact that Allah, the sole sovereign and owner of everything that exists, whether spiritual or temporal, Who hears every prayer, knows everything that goes through a person's mind, and responds to each prayer is a great blessing and mercy.

We will certainly help Our messengers and those who believe both in the life of this world and on the Day the witnesses appear. (Surah Ghafir, 51)

While making a supplication, we can ask for anything that we want, provided that we adhere to Allah's will and observe the limits that He has set for humanity. The Qur'an contains many of the prophets' supplications and reveals how He responded to them:

And Ayyub, when he called out to his Lord: "Great harm has afflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful," We responded to him, removed the harm that was afflicting him, and restored his family to him, and the same again with them, as a mercy direct from Us and a Reminder to all worshippers. (Surat al-Anbiya', 83-84)

And Zakariyya, when he called out to his Lord: "My Lord, do not leave me on my own, though You are the Best of Inheritors." We responded to him and gave him Yahya, restoring for him his wife's fertility. They outdid one another in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Surat al-Anbiya', 89-90)

Nuh called out to Us, and what an excellent Responder We are. We rescued him and his family from the terrible plight, and made his descendants the survivors (Surat as-Saffat, 75-77)

Call on your Lord humbly and secretly. He does not love those who overstep the limits [that He has set for humanity]. Do not corrupt the Earth after it has been put right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah's mercy is close to the good-doers. (Surat al-A'raf, 55-56)

Moreover, He accepts the supplications of everyone in distress and the needy:

He Who responds to the oppressed when they call on Him and removes their distress, and has appointed you as inheritors of the land. Is there another deity besides Allah? How little you pay heed! (Surat an-Naml, 62)

A person who sees his or her supplications answered experiences great joy. To know that Allah is always with you, constantly seeing, hearing, and knowing everything connected with you causes you to hope that Allah will help you in every task that you undertake and accept every request that you make as long as you are sincere. This increases a believer's love, submission, and closeness to Allah.

ALLAH POSSESSES INFINITE JUSTICE

Throughout our lives, each of us has perhaps experienced and witnessed many people acting unjustly. Such behavior is routinely witnessed at work, while testifying, or making a decision. They constantly protect their own interests, or, at least, do not consider being just. Justice is one indication that the person possesses moral excellence, as well as honesty and sincerity. Such people who practice justice even at their own personal loss will earn their community's love and respect and, despite having different opinions on various matters, will be respected and even declared to be heroes.

Allah, the source of infinite justice, makes all of His judgments with precise justice. All people have received their portion of justice, and will continue to do so in the future. Every person will fully receive the reward of their deeds with Allah. The Qur'an tells us how His justice will be implemented perfectly in the Hereafter:

On the Day We summon every people with their records, those who are given their book in their right hand will read their book and will not be wronged by even the smallest speck. (Surat al-Isra', 71)

Say: "Our Lord will bring us all together and then will judge between us with the truth. He is the Just Decider, the All-Knowing.'" (Surah Saba', 26)

Being sure of receiving Allah's justice, a person submits to Allah with boundless love and absolute trust. Subsequently, in all situations he knows that Allah's justice is manifest in that incident and thus welcomes with absolute love and happiness any incident that our Lord creates.

Our Lord! You know what we keep hidden and what we divulge. Nothing is hidden from Allah, either on Earth or in heaven. (Surah Ibrahim, 38)