#May Allah bless you too for reading this and grant you Jannah

[theveiledrose]

While me and my friend were praying today I heard her little sister saying ‘I want to pray to God too’ in the background and it warmed my heart :’)

[islamicrays]

Hello! I just wanted to ask you, I feel like I have gone too deep in sin that there is no point in trying anymore. I stopped praying, I only fast, but I masturbate a lot, watch pornography, yet I wear hijab and try to speak modestly. I feel like such a hypocrite, I don’t see the point in trying anymore. Do you have any tips for me, and can I possibly become a good Muslim one day? Thank you

Assalamu Alaikum

As long as we are alive we have chance to lead a life pleasing to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala in shaa Allah. Don't despair of His mercy.

(O Prophet) say: “O My servants who have wronged their own souls….Do not despair of Allah’s Mercy!  Surely,  Allah forgives all sins.   He indeed is the All Forgiving,  All Merciful.  Return to your Lord and submit to Him before the scourge overtakes you;  for then you may get no help from anywhere.” (Quran)

Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala is the most forgiving and merciful. If we sincerely repent He will forgive us. No matter how many times we sin and after every fall we turn to Him and ask for His forgiveness sincerely He will forgive us in shaa Allah.

The temptation will be there but you have to suppress your desire for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. Keep striving and never give up. Keep yourself busy and do productive things that will benefit you in the hereafter. Make dua and ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala for help. Cry and beg to Him that He give you strength to fight with your desire and help you abstain from sin. Avoid all the circumstances that trigger your feeling and strengthen your relationship with Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala.

“The more you go against the self, the more light will be put in the heart.”

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

First of all find out what are the triggers and avoid being in those circumstances. Secondly fast if you are having problem in controlling desires or eat less. Thirdly temptation will always be there, throughout our life. But we have to abstain from the temptation. When you think about the desires and it gives you joy. The first thing you have to do is to repel that thought, before it becomes an action. Try to distract yourself, do something read books, talk to your family or anything that may help you to get distracted from the thought. If you keep thinking about it, it will become a stronger desire and it may happen you may end in doing sin.

Following are some tips that will help you to reduce sin in shaa Allah

1.      Fix your prayers.

Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. (Surat Al-`Ankabūt 29:45)

2.      Being God conscious, always keep in mind that whatever we do, we have to be accountable to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and He’s watching us all the time.

3.      When you get tempted to do sin think of the death because it is the cutter of delights.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:“Remember often the destroyer and cutter off of delights, which is death.” (Sunnan Trimidhi:2229)

4.    Have friends that remind you of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala not those whose company makes you forget Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

5.    Strive to get closer to Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. When our connection is stronger with Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala it will be easy for us to fight with the desires.

6.    When you get tempted think of the following things:

·         Allah is watching you

·         Angels are recording your deeds

·         Punishment of the grave

·         You have to answer on the day of Judgement

Here are some tips to get closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala that will help you in shaa Allah.

1.If we want to get closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, we have to fulfill our obligatory duties and follows the command of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and his messenger (peace be upon him) wholeheartedly.

2.Being God conscious, always keep in mind that whatever we do, we have to be accountable to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and He’s watching us all the time.

3.Whenever we do a good work, always make the intention that you are doing this to please Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

4.Be thankful to Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala in every situation and be happy with the Allah decree.

5.Try to do dhikr all the time, it will make us closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

Following are some dhikr that we can do all the time:

1.  Asthaghfirullah

2.  Subhaanallah

3. Alhamdulillah

4. Allahu Akbar

5. Laa ilaaha illallah

6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM

7. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay

Or Asthaghfirullah

8. SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI SUB-HAAN’ALLAH-IL ADHEEM 

Or SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI

9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr

Or 

Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer

We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah. 

Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim

6. Dua and Repentence:

Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an: “When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.“ [2:186] 

The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said:”Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua.”[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. 

Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance: 

Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance… (Qur’an 2:222)

Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.”(Tabarrani) 

Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim you make dua for from Adam alayhis ‘salam until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and the more you make these dua’s then the more your good deed account will get filled!

Here are some baby steps that will help you in shaa Allah

1, Fix your prayers.This is the best act to pray salaah at the fixed time.

2. Be dutiful to your parents. Be good with them for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. Love them and spend quality time with them.

3. The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.

4. Be good with people for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala.

5. Be patient when something goes wrong and don’t get angry. Patience is difficult to do but it has countless reward.

6. Make habit of doing dhikr all the time. It will help in shaa Allah.

7. Send blessing upon Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.

8. Gain knowledge and try to implement in your life.

9. Implement Sunnah in your daily life.

10. Make lots of dua. Ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala to help us to do deeds that will please Him  and grant us jannah and save us from punishment of Hell.

11. Spread Salaam when you meet a Muslim say Assalamu Alaikum.

12. Never think you are better than others. Always be humble

13. Don’t get jealous and pray for others

14. Be happy with Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala decree and always be thankful. It will increase your blessings in shaa Allah.

Ask Allah for the help and try to do dhikr all the time, it will help you in shaa Allah. Recite Astaghfirullah, Durood Shareef and kalma as often you can. Desire will always be there, nafs and shaitan is our enemy and this battle will continue till our last breath. On our shortcomings we should repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala sincerely. He is the most forgiving and merciful.

I hope it will be helpful. May Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala make things easier for you.

Allahumma Ameen

[suhyla]

Aoa Silly question Ik but is it like...looked down upon to be sad or depressed in Islam? When I’m going through grief people tell me to be thankful to Allah for blessings and not be sad. Just because I’m crying doesn’t mean I’m not thankful. I don’t want to feel guilty for expressing emotions (in isolation). Why does every1 think being sad is a sign of weak Iman? I sometimes feel like the most religious people I have met are robots who don’t show any emotion. Is this a sign of being Muslim?

Wa alaykum as salam,

I personally believe this came out of a feeling of helplessness, and this is how our parents and elders learned to cope with a lot of the difficult things they went through. In their understanding, life is just like that and crying won't do anything to change your situation.

There's some merit to what they're saying, but most of it is being understood incorrectly so don't pay it too much attention.

Throughout the Quran, there's mention of depression many times. Yaqoub was so full of grief that his eyes turned white with blindness (surah yusuf). Mariam was so overcome with the pains of labor and the fear of her family's reputation being affected that she wished she was never born (surah maryam). And of course, these are individuals of high imaan - the best people to ever live according to the Quran, and there are many countless other instances of regular sadness and despair.

However, how did Allah respond to their sadness?

With Yaqoub, He instilled in him hope that his son was still alive and encouraged him to just be patient, and when the time was right, Allah returned his son and reminded him that everything was always under control.

With Mariam, Allah told her in the midst of her despair to not worry about anything, and focus instead on eating and drinking (self care). So these feelings are clearly acknowledged by the Quran.

However, also in Islam the remedies for sadness come from doing good for others, remembering your blessings, and not losing hope. Because frequently throughout the Quran, Allah reminds us that the pain we're feeling now is being accounted for, and we will see the reward for what we remained patient about in the akhirah - where we will get a reward beyond anything we could ever imagine. So again, clearly sadness isn't outlawed in Islam. There would be no need for Allah to say "as for the believers, there will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve" in the akhirah, unless it happened in the dunya, and this was a means of comforting us.

So don't worry sister. You can still cry and still be a strong believer. Just remember that Allah sees your tears, everything is not as it seems - Allah is taking care of your situation personally and inshaAllah soon you will find doors with which to escape your situation, and in the akhirah, you'll find that those who went through the most difficulties and had the most sadness, were often the most righteous - and it is through their patience and faith in Allah, never losing hope that He will save them, that they got their high statuses.

I'm sorry that the people around you don't see it this way. I struggled with this myself a few years ago, but it brought me a lot of comfort to read the Quran and see that I wasn't alone, that I wasn't the only one going through this.

As for the parts that they do have some point in, definitely remembering your blessings is a good move. But I think the way they're saying it might be too harsh. Allah tells us to remember our blessings as a way of hope. Like look at all this beauty within you and around you that I've given you without you asking, so surely I will give you more. And when we remember our blessings, we are grateful, and when we are grateful, Allah gives us even more.

At first, I didn't think this would ever help be get out of feeling sad. However, somehow it did! And I was so confused so I did some research and found countless studies about how you could rewire your brain from feeling sad just by thinking happy thoughts and focusing on what you do have. So subhanAllah, I found that really fascinating.

Also I just wanted to say my messages are always open for sisters, so if you ever need someone to talk to because the people around you don't understand, I'd be happy to listen to you and be there for you in any way I can. I'm cheering you on, you must be such a strong, beautiful person and I'm so proud of you for making it this far! May Allah grant you ease, peace, and jannah for what you've endured 💕💫

[basicsofislam]

BASICS OF ISLAM : Islamic practice : Conclusion of Ramadan

Not long ago, we welcomed Ramadan with a mixture of feelings that overwhelmed our hearts and the hearts of Muslims all over the world. The hearts were and are full of hope, based on the promises and great tidings, given by Allah and His Messenger (S), of great bounties and endless blessings:

We have been promised that the past sins will be forgiven for those whose fast is based on belief (Eemaan), sincerity and on truly expecting the reward from Allah (Ihtisaab).We also have been promised that the past sins will be forgiven for those who offer night prayers (Qiyaam) during the whole month, and who do that with the same two conditions of Eemaan and Ihtisaab.We have further been told that there is one night in this month which is better (in rewards) than a thousand months of worship, and that all the past sins will be forgiven for those who spend it by offering Qiyaam again with both Eemaan and Ihtisaab.We have been told that the devils will be chained down, that the gates of Hell will all be shut and that the gates of Paradise will all be open throughout this month.We have been told that Allah will free (from punishment) some of his ‘ibaad (worshipers) on every single night of Ramadan.We have been told that Allah answers the du’aa of the fasting person at his iftaar.We have been told that Allah multiplies the rewards of fasting beyond limits or imagination.We have been told that the fasting person will be joyous and happy when he meets his Lord.

We all knew the true meaning of fasting. We knew that there are conditions for the fasting to be acceptable and to give its desired results: Eemaan and Ihtisaab.

So now that Ramadan is almost over let us ask ourselves:

Did we perform our fast with the true belief and the full surrender to Allah, or was it just a hard exercise for us in order to lose some weight? Did we fast because Allah imposed it on us or just because we have been used to it from our childhood? Were our intentions to please Him or to please and impress others?

Did we gain from the Season of Goodness during the past days? Have we been able to achieve any of its virtues?

We all hope to be among those who offered the fast in the right way, in order to cultivate its glorious fruits.We hope to be granted forgiveness of our previous sins, to be able to do much more good and to overcome all our weaknesses.We hope to be among those who receive the gifts from the Jannah, whose gates are open.We hope to humiliate our enemy (Satan), who is chained down, by rejecting any of his deceitful advice.We hope to be among those who shall be granted full atonement of their sins by the end of this month, and among those who will be most happy with their fast when they meet their Lord.We hope that all of us will be pleasing to Allah in our words and deeds so that we deserve His Mercy and victory.

Let us also keep in mind that the exercise of piety that we have performed during this Ramadan must not end with Ramadan.

Reciting Quran should not stop after Ramadan. If you can read one part every day then do so, but if one part is too much for you because you are too busy playing games and watching TV, then read something But do not neglect the Quran. You may not be able to fast every day after Ramadan, but you can fast three days every month, if not two days every week.

You may not be able to meet the members of this good Muslim community as we do for Iftars and Taraweeh prayers, but you can meet them every Friday after Ramadan and during other social gatherings which are made in the spirit of Ramadan.

Every Ramadan, this community, together with the members of the Islamic society at this collage, provide an excellent example about genuine brotherhood by the degree of cooperation, kindness and generosity offered and clearly manifested during Ramadan.

Let us pray to Allah to keep within each one of us the spirit of Ramadan after its departure.

ZAKAAH AL-FITR

Zakah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan. It is classified as a Wajib (compulsory) on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet made Zakah al-Fitr compulsory on every Muslim, male, female, young or old. The head of the household of family may pay the required amount for the other members.

The significant role played by Zakah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Zakah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Zakah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor.

This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

The main purpose of Zakah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, “The Prophet made Zakah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salah will have it accepted as Zakah, while he who gives it after the Salah has given Zakah.”

Hence, the goal of Zakah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers.

By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the less fortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islam does not neglect man’s material need, part of the goal of Zakah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

Zakah al-Fitr is only Wajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-’Eed’ .

However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the companions of the Prophet used to pay Zakah al-Fitr before the `Eed. Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet said,

“Whoever gives it before the Salah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah will not, for it will only be considered as ordinary charity.

The amount of the Zakah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The amount used to be made out of certain quantity of is of food, or grain. Now a days the amount of the Zakah is calculated by its monetary value. Keeping the purpose of the Zakah in mind, the contemporary scholars believe that making the Zakah in money is practical and more beneficial to those who are entitled to it.

What would a person do now with so much barley, wheat or even dates!

Successful indeed are those who, during this Ramadan, will fast during the day and pray at night. Those who did not will regret it, and regret it strongly …

Ameen. Aqeemus Salaah!

[khutbahs]

Why was Surah Ad Duha revealed?

*Surah Ad-Duha* was revealed to the Prophet (saw) to relieve him of these negative feelings and to give him hope, positivity, and the assurance that Allah is with him no matter what.

What does Surah Ad Duha mean?

Sūrat aḍ-Ḍuḥā (Arabic: الضحى‎, “The Morning Hours”, “Morning Bright”) is the ninety-third sura of the Qur'an with 11 ayat. The Surah takes its name Aḍ-Ḍuḥā from the very first word. ... After the first sura (al-Alaq) was received, there was a period of silence in which no further messages were revealed.

How Sura Ad-Duha Can Change Your life?

by Amani Iqbal

Many of us know surah ad-duha off by heart and have probably read its meaning many times as well, which seems quite straightforward. How many of us, though, have actually gone into the reason behind its revelation and derived the lessons and implications this surah has in our lives?

This surah was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) at a time when he had not received any revelation for six months, not even in the form of a dream! The Prophet (saw) was in a very disturbed state of mind, feeling negative and depressed and believing that Allah was displeased with him, had forgotten him, and did not want him as a Nabi anymore.

Don’t we have similar feelings in our lives? Times when our level of imaan is low, our khushoo in salah wavers and we feel a drop in our connection with Allah? We feel like our duas are not being answered, our salah is not having a positive impact on our hearts, and worst of all the feeling that we’re horrible human beings, that Allah doesn’t love us or doesn’t care about us anymore.

Surah Ad-Duha was revealed to the Prophet (saw) to relieve him of these negative feelings and to give him hope, positivity, and the assurance that Allah is with him no matter what. From it we too can find peace, hope, and a renewed faith in Allah when we go through similar states of depression, sadness, and hopelessness.

So what does this surah say?

Wad duhaa— By the morning brightness

This is the first thing you need to hear when you’re depressed: Wake up, look at the sunshine! Everything in life is not doom and gloom– you just have to look up!

Wal laili iza sajaa— And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,

Why is this aayah immediately talking about darkness? As a reminder to us that the night is meant to cover and give us comfort and rest.

Generally when we’re depressed, we tend to get into a very bad sleep pattern by staying up at night and sleeping all day, thereby worsening our state of mind. This aayah reminds us to use the night as a comfort to ease our distress.

Ma wad da’aka rabbuka wa ma qalaa— Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].

This is a very powerful verse from Allah telling us that He doesn’t hate us and hasn’t forgotten us– reminding the depressed person that He is always by his or her side!

Walal-aakhiratu khairul laka minal-oola— And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].

Many times when we’re depressed we think: Is this all my life is going to be? Is it never going to get better?

This aayah serves as a perfect answer to those questions, reminding us that life in this world is temporary and that Aakhira is certainly a better, more permanent place for us than this world could ever be.

This makes us look forward to attaining our place in Jannah and helps us look at any problems in our lives as temporary tests of our faith from Allah.

Wa la sawfa y’uteeka rabbuka fatarda— And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

A promise from Allah that very soon he will give us a massive reward (Jannah) and we will be happy! Subhanallah!

Isn’t this the best thing to hear when you’re depressed and fed up with this worldly life and the problems you’re facing?

Alam ya jidka yateeman fa aawaa – Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?

From this verse onwards, Allah gives us reason to believe His declarations and promises in the first half of the surah.

Now many of us may think:  how would this aayah about orphans relate to the majority of us? Think about it– weren’t there many times in your life when you were sick or lonely and felt like you had nobody who cared about you? Who was the only one by your side at that time? Allah! It was He who took care of you and guided you out of that stage in life.

Wa wa jadaka daal lan fahada— And He found you lost and guided [you].

How many of us, despite being born Muslims, have found ourselves misguided and straying away from Islam in the past? It was Allah who gave us that hidaya and brought us back to the straight path and to Him and made us practicing Muslims. Alhamdulillah!

Wa wa jadaka ‘aa-ilan fa aghnaa— And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.

Many of us have probably gone through many periods in our lives when we have been short of money and wealth. Now when we look back we realize that it was only Allah who gave us that rizq in some form and got us through those tough financial times.

When a person is depressed, giving him or her examples of how Allah has helped them in the past will strengthen their conviction and belief in the promises Allah makes in this surah for their future.

Fa am mal yateema fala taqhar — So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].

This aayah is the ultimate antidote to depression!

Depressed people are mostly consumed with their situation and feel that nobody could possibly be in a worse situation.

This aayah reminds us to look at people who are in far worse situations than ourselves when we’re feeling hopeless and depressed— Look at the orphans, who have no family or loved ones and nobody to care for them. We have families and parents who love us, a roof over our heads and food on the table and we still think we’re in a bad situation? Subhanallah!

Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar— And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].

Another example is of the beggar – to once again remind us of the many material blessings that Allah has given us that we take for granted – food, clothing and shelter. How many of us have ever gone to sleep hungry? How many of us don’t have clothes to wear? Or don’t have a home to go to?

These examples of the orphan and the beggar are ones we should constantly remind ourselves of to be thankful for the numerous blessings Allah has given us, get over our depression and feel connected to Allah again, out of gratitude.

Wa amma bi ne’mati rabbika fahad dith – But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it].

This final aayah is about maintaining that renewed faith and bond with Allah – by pondering, glorifying and talking about the blessings of Allah! Either in terms of halaqas, discussions with family and friends or even da’wah! Dhikr, reading quran and listening to lectures are also great ways to keep the remembrance of Allah close to your heart!

So the next time you feel disconnected, disheartened or depressed with your level of Imaan and your connection with Allah – read Surah Ad Duha and ponder over its meanings – Inshallah it will restore your faith and increase your belief in the greatness and power of Allah.

[islahhofficial]

Top 9 tips for Dhul Hijjah

Many people are eagerly awaiting the start of the 10 blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah. They’ve probably read a dozen articles on the virtues and blessings of those Days. But some still wonder: what exactly do I need to do to make the best of those days? If you’re not going to Hajj and you’re looking for a To-Do List or an Action Plan to make the best of those blessed days, then here are a few ideas: (Make sure you share the URL above with friends and family via email, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp so they can learn also)

1- Recheck the intention: We’re doing this out of Love!

Take a few moments and recheck your attention. Ask yourself “what exactly do I want to achieve, and why? First and foremost, we want to do the best in those days because Allah loves for us to be in the best condition in them. And what’s beloved to our Beloved should be beloved to us. Remember this hadith and note the word “beloved”… Ibn Abbas narrated that: The Messenger of Allah said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than those ten days.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in Allah Cause?” The Messenger of Allah said: “Not even Jihad in Allah’s Cause, unless a man were to out with his self and his wealth and not return from that with anything.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

So, Allah ‘loves’ good deeds during those days. Isn’t this an excellent opportunity to show the Owner of our souls, the Owner of Existence, The Owner of Jannah, The Most Merciful that we too love Him and love to be in a state that is beloved to Him?

Primarily, we’re doing this out of love to Allah (Glorified and Exalted), and we wish for Him to accept us and accept the little that we do that isn’t even worthy of the eternal rewards He has prepared for us… but we do what we do out of gratitude, sincerity and love to The One who deserves our ultimate love.

2- Desperately ask Allah for help with this

No success will happen without the Help of Allah. So, recite this dua after every prayer and throughout the day to ask Allah to aid you in doing the best and earning the best rewards these days: Mu’adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took hold of my hand and said, “O Mu’adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: “Allahumma a’inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).” [Abu Dawud].

So keep reciting this and especially when you feel weak or lazy: “O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner.”

3- Seize the generous reward of fasting the 9 days of Dhul- Hijjah

“’Allah, the mighty and sublime, said: Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for me and I shall reward for it.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i] The reward for fasting is too big in fact, that it is something that angels won’t be able to record, and instead they’ll refer it to Allah to set His generous reward for it! In addition to that, fasting grants you a guaranteed answered dua! It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There are three whose supplications are not turned back: A just ruler, and a fasting person until he breaks his fast. And, the supplication of one who has been wronged is raised by Allah up to the clouds on the Day of Resurrection, and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and Allah says, ‘By My Might I will help you (against the wrongdoer) even if it is after a while.’” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

So basically, by fasting, you’re getting unfathomable reward that you didn’t even think of PLUS you can ask for something that YOU want. Amazing Opportunity!

Definitely aim for fasting all 9 days, or as much as you can of them, or at the very least, the day of A’rafa. It was narrated from Abu Qatadah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” [Sunan Ibn Majah] Who doesn’t want that? It’s an opportunity not to be missed, insha’Allah.

4- Start building Your House in Jannah

Praying on time is among the most beloved acts to Allah. ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Prophet (ﷺ), “Which of the deeds is loved most by Allah?” Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Salat at its proper time.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Let’s think about it: when you call someone, you appreciate when they actually pick up the phone and answer you. Right? Imagine if they take 2-3-4 hours to get back to you… Not the best attitude, right? Might even reflect that you’re not really a priority to them. Now, to Allah belongs the Highest Attributes and Most Noble Mention, when the call for prayer is made and we delay answering… it isn’t exactly the best deed. So, these days, aim to make everything you can to pray on time. This if for the obligatory prayer. Now to start building your house in Jannah, follow this hadith:

The Prophet [saw] says: ‘Whoever persists in performing twelve Rak’ah from the Sunnah, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four before the Zuhr, two Rak’ah after Zuhr, two Rak’ah after Maghrib, two Rak’ah after the ‘Isha’ and two Rak’ah before Fajr.’” [Sunan Ibn Majah] These are voluntary prayers. These prayers complement the shortcomings in our main obligatory prayers. So, if you pray without enough concentration/khushoo’/if you’re not fulfilling the rights of prayers adequately, then the voluntary prayers complement the shortcomings in the obligatory prayers to help us earn better rewards and be in a better condition with regards to prayer—which is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet (ﷺ):

“The first thing about which the people will be called to account out of their actions on the Day of Judgment is prayer. Our Lord, the Exalted, will say to the angels – though He knows better: Look into the prayer of My servant and see whether he has offered it perfectly or imperfectly. If it is perfect, that will be recorded perfect. If it is defective, He will say: See there are some optional prayers offered by My servant. If there are optional prayer to his credit, He will say: Compensate the obligatory prayer by the optional prayer for My servant. Then all the actions will be considered similarly.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

5- Fulfil a primary rite of Dhul-Hijjah: Dhikr, remembrance, mentioning the name of Allah

Allah says in Surat Al Hajj: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass – That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.” (Qur’an 22: 27-28)

And He says: “And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]” (Qur’an 22: 34)

Mentioning the name of Allah and remembering Him is a main- if not THE main- component of those blessed days. It is all essentially about truly remembering and acknowledging Allah and connecting with Him and supplicating to Him.

So increase dhikr throughout those blessed days. Dhikr doesn’t take any effort really, but its reward is immense.

Make sure to: 1- Daily recite Tahmid (AlhamduliAllah), Tasbeeh (Subhan Allah), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahleel (la illah illah Allah). And internalize their meanings: internalize that truly all praise is due to Allah for all His blessings, that Allah is Greater than anything and anyone, that there is no deity worthy of worship but Him, that He is High Above any imperfection attributed to Him… This is the essence of true faith and worship.

Remember that saying “La illaha ila Allah” is the best dhikr, so increase in reciting it. “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘The best of remembrance is La ilaha illallah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and the best of supplication is Al-Hamdu Lillah (praise is to Allah).’” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

2- Start incorporating the adhkar of morning and evening in your daily routine if it isn’t a part of it already. The reward of dhikr is really immense, additionally, it protects you from a lot of harm you’re not even aware of and it keeps you in close connection with Allah Almighty.

6- Spare an hour a day for Qur’an recitation

Reciting the Qur’an, the verbatim Words of Allah and remembering Him through His own Words is among the greatest acts one could do. In normal days, reciting the Qur’an brings immense barakah and rewards. Each letter you recite is equal to at least 10 hasanaat and Allah gives more to whom He wills. Now, in these days when rewards are multiplied even more and it’s more encouraged to do what’s beloved to Allah, it’s essential to engage with the Qur’an further- we shall at least give it our best try to the best of our ability. If you managed to dedicate an hour to the Qur’an every day, you can actually do khatm (completing the recitation of the entire Qur’an) by the end of the 10th day of Dul-Hijja! We have 30 parts in the Qur’an. Each part is around 20 pages. If you have an hour, you can read 60 pages (3 parts a day) and finish the entire Qur’an in 10 days. We ALL have an hour or more to spare a day. But it’s a matter of time management and priorities. We do surf the Internet and our social media for hours—which are probably acts that won’t bring us much reward. So what really prevents us from dedicating an hour or 2 to complete reading the Qur’an during those days which will bring us immense rewards?

Allah says: “And indeed We have made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” [Qur’an 54: 17] Let’s aim to be among those who remember…

7- Revive the night with the ultimate source of peace

One of the most praiseworthy acts to do also is to recite Qur’an during the night prayer. Allah says: “And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” (Qur’an 17: 79)

If you can’t seem to find an hour to spare for reading the Qur’an during the day, then make it an hour of the night. Leave your bed for an hour, make wudu purifying yourself and your body, wear clean and beautiful clothes, get onto your prayer mat and start reciting the Qur’an… slowly, in humility and peace. You have no idea how this will bring immense peace, serenity and tranquility into your heart and mind, and how this will energize you and put a lot of barakah in your time. It is worth trying. Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “If anyone prays at night reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent; if anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who are obedient to Allah; and if anyone prays at night reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

Note: the highest reward mentioned at the end of the hadith for reciting a thousand verses can be easily accomplished by reciting the last 2 chapters of the Qur’an (Juz’ Tabarak 29 and Juz’ ‘Amma 30).

8- Dua, Dua, Dua

Throughout the 10 days and especially on the Day of ‘Arafa: MAKE DUA! The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him), said: “The most excellent dua is the dua on the Day of Arafa, and the best of what I and the prophets before me have said, is ‘There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner.’” [Muwatta Malik]

9- Sacrifice with ihsan, feed the poor and bond with your family

Of course “audhiya” or “qurbani” is a main ritual that we follow. But it is important to do that with ihsan (excellence). On the authority of Abu Ya’la Shaddad bin Aws (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Verily Allah has prescribed ihsan (proficiency, perfection) in all things. If you slaughter, then slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters.” [Muslim] Allah gave us blessings to benefit us and help us benefit others and bond with our families. So, let this be about the gratitude to Allah Almighty who provides for us from the heavens and the earth, and let this be with mercy and excellence befitting to His Mercy and Excellence.

Now, you might look at this list and feel overwhelmed. But remember a few things: We were created to worship Allah. These things are part of our purpose in life. We do not lose anything by doing them. These are acts we start here, they bring benefit, peace and barakah in our lives here, and then later they earn us eternal rewards, eternal peace, safety and nearness to The Creator. So, remember the intention; we do this with love and out of love to Allah. Also remember that if Allah wills, He can make anything possible, if He knows of your true desire and sincerity, He WILL enable you to do these acts and more, so easily in fact that you will not understand how you did it. Trust Allah! Now, BismAllah… enjoy the most blessed days of the year!

By Dina Mohamed Basiony

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[amandahapsari]

Ad-Duha

Many of us know surah ad-duha off by heart and have probably read its meaning many times as well, which seems quite straightforward. How many of us, though, have actually gone into the reason behind its revelation and derived the lessons and implications thissurah has in our lives?

This surah was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) at a time when he had not received any revelation for six months, not even in the form of a dream! The Prophet (saw) was in a very disturbed state of mind, feeling negative and depressed and believing that Allah was displeased with him, had forgotten him, and did not want him as a Nabi anymore.

Don’t we have similar feelings in our lives? Times when our level of imaan is low, ourkhushoo insalah wavers and we feel a drop in our connection with Allah? We feel like ourduas are not being answered, our salah is not having a positive impact on our hearts, and worst of all the feeling that we’re horrible human beings, that Allah doesn’t love us or doesn’t care about us anymore.

Surah Ad-Duha was revealed to the Prophet (saw) to relieve him of these negative feelings and to give him hope, positivity, and the assurance that Allah is with him no matter what. From it we too can find peace, hope, and a renewed faith in Allah when we go through similar states of depression, sadness, and hopelessness.

So what does this surah say?

Wad duhaa— By the morning brightness

This is the first thing you need to hear when you’re depressed: Wake up, look at the sunshine! Everything in life is not doom and gloom– you just have to look up!

Wal laili iza sajaa— And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,

Why is this aayah immediately talking about darkness? As a reminder to us that the night is meant to cover and give us comfort and rest.

Generally when we’re depressed, we tend to get into a very bad sleep pattern by staying up at night and sleeping all day, thereby worsening our state of mind. This aayah reminds us to use the night as a comfort to ease our distress.

Ma wad da’aka rabbuka wa ma qalaa— Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].

This is a very powerful verse from Allah telling us that He doesn’t hate us and hasn’t forgotten us– reminding the depressed person that He is always by his or her side!

Walal-aakhiratu khairul laka minal-oola— And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].

Many times when we’re depressed we think: Is this all my life is going to be? Is it never going to get better?

This aayah serves as a perfect answer to those questions, reminding us that life in this world is temporary and that Aakhira is certainly a better, more permanent place for us than this world could ever be.

This makes us look forward to attaining our place in Jannah and helps us look at any problems in our lives as temporary tests of our faith from Allah.

Wa la sawfa y’uteeka rabbuka fatarda— And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.

A promise from Allah that very soon he will give us a massive reward (Jannah) and we will be happy! Subhanallah!

Isn’t this the best thing to hear when you’re depressed and fed up with this worldly life and the problems you’re facing?

Alam ya jidka yateeman fa aawaa – Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?

From this verse onwards, Allah gives us reason to believe His declarations and promises in the first half of the surah.

Now many of us may think: how would this aayah about orphans relate to the majority of us?Think about it– weren’t there many times in your life when you were sick or lonely and felt like you had nobody who cared about you? Who was the only one by your side at that time? Allah! It was He who took care of you and guided you out of that stage in life.

Wa wa jadaka daal lan fahada— And He found you lost and guided [you].

How many of us, despite being born Muslims, have found ourselves misguided and straying away from Islam in the past? It was Allah who gave us that hidaya and brought us back to the straight path and to Him and made us practicing Muslims. Alhamdulillah!

Wa wa jadaka ‘aa-ilan fa aghnaa— And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.

Many of us have probably gone through many periods in our lives when we have been short of money and wealth. Now when we look back we realize that it was only Allah who gave us thatrizq in some form and got us through those tough financial times.

When a person is depressed, giving him or her examples of how Allah has helped them in the past will strengthen their conviction and belief in the promises Allah makes in thissurah for their future.

Fa am mal yateema fala taqhar — So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].

This aayah is the ultimate antidote to depression!

Depressed people are mostly consumed with their situation and feel that nobody could possibly be in a worse situation.

This aayah reminds us to look at people who are in far worse situations than ourselves when we’re feeling hopeless and depressed— Look at the orphans, who have no family or loved ones and nobody to care for them. We have families and parents who love us, a roof over our heads and food on the table and we still think we’re in a bad situation?Subhanallah!

Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar— And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].

Another example is of the beggar – to once again remind us of the many material blessings that Allah has given us that we take for granted – food, clothing and shelter. How many of us have ever gone to sleep hungry? How many of us don’t have clothes to wear? Or don’t have a home to go to?

These examples of the orphan and the beggar are ones we should constantly remind ourselves of to be thankful for the numerous blessings Allah has given us, get over our depression and feel connected to Allah again, out of gratitude.

Wa amma bi ne’mati rabbika fahad dith – But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it].

This final aayah is about maintaining that renewed faith and bond with Allah – by pondering, glorifying and talking about the blessings of Allah! Either in terms of halaqas, discussions with family and friends or even da’wah! Dhikr, reading quran and listening to lectures are also great ways to keep the remembrance of Allah close to your heart!

So the next time you feel disconnected, disheartened or depressed with your level of Imaan and your connection with Allah – read Surah Ad Duha and ponder over its meanings – Inshallah it will restore your faith and increase your belief in the greatness and power of Allah.

soource: Mohammad Mirlohi, www.quora.com

[niqabiummaadam]

Ramadan !

As salaamu alayakum wa rahmatuallahi wa barakaatuhu sisters,

Alhamdulillah the month of Ramadan is fast approaching ان شاء الله. May الله grant us this Ramadan to change our hearts and bring it closer to Him. Ameen

We fast for roughly 30days ( depending on the moon sighting, can be 29 so forth )

We fast the month of Ramadan for the sake of Allah swt. Because He commanded us too.

"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)”

We have to have intentions ( niyaah) to fast the month of Ramadan, it's also best to renew our intentions daily. In everything we do.

Ramadan is about please Allah, not what suits us. Do we go the extra mile or so we do what we feel comfortable with?

In this month we should try our best to stay away from all thing forbidden, and try our upmost hardest to be the best muslims we can be, by praying extra, giving in charity etc.

O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (pious)”

So first things first,

- INTENTIONS!!! - everything starts with intention

- PRAYING!! - without Salah your fast is not accepted.

The fast of one who does not pray is not valid and is not accepted, because the one who does not pray is a kaafir and an apostate, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism) and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah) and give Zakaah, then they are your brethren in religion”

[al-Tawbah 9: 11]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr stands his giving up prayer.” Narrated by Muslim, 82.

Daily guideline;

1- intention

2- suhoor - dates, porridge, water, fruits.

3- fajr Salah - 2 sunnah 2 fard

4- read some Quran. The time after fajr is the best to do anything.

5- do your normal daily routine ( without the eating and drinking ) - college, work etc etc

MAKE SURE YOUR PRAYING YOUR 5 DAILY SALAH!

6- increase ibidah and istghfaar.

7- iftar - dates and water

8- Salaah maghrib

9- FOOOD AND DRINK! Alhamdulillah

10- isha and taraweeh.

This is just a general guideline ان شاء الله we benefit from this.

A few things invalidate the fast;

1. Menses

2. Sexual relations ( if you have sexual relations the night before and have not purified yourself, but did indeed intend to fast the next day, make ghusl and fast)

3. Masturbation

4. Intentionally drinking or eating ( if you forget your fasting and eat and drink then it's ok. Just carry on your fast )

5. Nutritional injects

6. Smoking.

There are a few duas for the time iftar, but this is the main one;

Dhahaba al-zama’ wa abtalat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajr in sha Allaah (Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain if Allaah wills).” 

(At the time of iftar, make lots of dua, just before you break fast)

For suhoor, there is no duas, but saying Bismillah and making dua is sufficient.

I can not stress enough that one needs to pray in order for their fast to be accepted in sha Allah.

May Allah swt, make us among those who reap the benefits of this holy month. Who continue to gain closeness to Allah swt. Who continue after this blessed month to become better muslims by the day. But most of all, be the ones who are granted Jannah Al-Firdaws out of His mercy.

Allahumma ameen ya Rabb.

Ramadan come forth, for the hearts are ill”

رمضان أقبِل فالقلوبُ مريضة

Barakallahu feekum

[modestybae]

salaam, if us muslims are supposed to be private in our worship, why is it necessary for muslimahs in western countries to wear hijab as it is basically a statement of our religiousness in western countries. People over here don't look at muslim women the same as people in muslim countries do. In muslim countries, it is the norm to dress in hijab. Over here, you stand out too much. I'm just a western revert trying to cope with living as a muslimah over here. it's so hard.

Wa alaykum assalam beauty 🌸

I honestly love your question so much. Like I remember smilingridiculously when I received it. 

You’ve brought up a very important topic which is basicallythe dilemma of wanting to keep your deeds hidden and thinking that you’ll becontradicting them by wearing hijab in public. Thing is, in Islam, there areworships that are naturally done in public, like hajj or umrah for instance,you can’t be private about it, you’ll be performing it around million othersmuslims. Or like praying in congregational , you can’t be private about it either.Or attending a halaqa. 

So there are certain worships in Islam that can’t beprivate, and hijab, niqab or a beard are of them. So since we cant be privateabout them, we should be sincere. As in you’ll be doing that certain worshipnot for showing off, and you shouldn’t be thinking too highly of yourself aboutit. You try to be as sincere as possible, as in you’re doing this certain worshipsolely for Allah, and you wouldn’t care if there weren’t anyone watching you orten thousand, and you should also pray to Allah that He accepts the little you’redoing. Humble yourself through reading the stories of the companions and thesalaf.

I get it’s hard, wallahi I do. But wallahi Allah knows howhard it is for you and you’ll be rewarded immensely for it inshallah. You’ll berewarded for every drop of sweat, for every dirty look you receive on the streets,for every time you get discriminated. Allah is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing and He seesyour struggle and don’t ever think that you won’t be rewarded for it. And trust me it isn’t just hard in the west, we still face discrimination and have some of our rights denied in the middle east just because we wear an extra layer of clothes. So you needto keep reminding yourself of the prize here. The prize is Jannah,

Sahl bin Sa’d (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

I was in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ). He gave a description of Jannah and concluded with thesewords, “There will be bounties which no eye has seen, no ear has heard andno human heart has ever perceived.” He (ﷺ)then recited this Verse:

“Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Rubbin fear and hope, and they spend (in charity in Allah’s Cause) out of what Wehave bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them ofjoy…” (32:16,17) [Al-Bukhari].   [Riyad as-salihin, book 20, hadith 1891]

It’s like being asked to work over time for a year, and afterthat you’ll have your salary tripled for life. Will you be exhausted duringthat year? Yes. Will you probably think of giving up? Yes. Should you stick tothe contract so you’d receive your reward? Also yes.

Thing is, we’ve become so materialistic subhanAllah. We wantto be rewarded here, we want to be eternally happy here, and Allah neverpromised us that in dunya. 

“Know that the life of this world is but amusement anddiversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increaseof wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plantgrowth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then itbecomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment andforgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except theenjoyment of delusion.” [Surah Al Hadid 57:20]

So yes, it’s hard, even prophet Muhammad peace and blessingsbe upon him said so,

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w)said:

“There shall come upon the people a time in which theone who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto aburning ember.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2260]

So I know in this time and age how hard it is to hold ontoyour faith, and it does feel like you’re holding onto a coal sometimes, but that shouldonly urge you to hold onto your deen tighter, because through that inshallah you’ll know thatyou’re on the right path, and through that you’ll pray that Allah accepts yourdeeds and grants you Jannah. Wear your hijab with pride because you’ll be doing it to please Allah. 

May Allah grant you the hijab He approves of and may Heincrease you in faith and may He keep you steadfast and grant you Jannah andmay He grant you happiness in both worlds xx

[veruesse]

Salam aleykoum my dear

I’m sure u remember me hehe (the hijab anon in case u don’t 😭), but I wanted to give you some news in case you want them. I did see your post some time ago where you asked where I am, and I was soo moved by your concern but I wanted to wait to reply to you because I told you I’m only gonna do it when I wear hijab. And Alhamdulillah I do now 😭♥️ It’s not truly official yet but I told my parents, even if they’re not happy about it I’m doing it, I didn’t have my “hijab outing” (lol) yet but yeah I am wearing it outside under my beanie and soon I plan to wear it without the beanie so everyone will actually see me with the hijab. I just wanted to thank you again, and pls tell me your first name so I can mention u in my Duas (u deserve a life long place there), all the advice you gave me really did help so much, it made the idea of wearing hijab so much more real and graspable for me, and I’m trying to apply it rn by slowing changing my wardrobe and insha Allah one day I’ll be able to wear only abayas. I hope you’re doing well, may Allah bless you and your family in abundance and protect you and soothe you from all pain and worry, (are you feeling better than the last time I checked ur blog? I really hope u do 🥺), may He grant you success in all your affairs and make you among His most Beloved, may He keep you in His Love and Guard always and forever and grant you and your family Jannah اميييين ✨ I really can’t thank you enough but I know Allah azawajal is so generous He will surely reward you in ways beyond imagination if He wills. I really hope this finds you in the best of health and Iman, and I hope it makes u a lil bit happy to hear from me the way I’m very happy to hear from you, just bc ur so very precious and special and I hope you know that now even more

Wa aleikoum assalaam! 😍

Ahhh you can’t imagine how happy I am to hear from you - and soooo so sooo proud that you finally felt good enough to start wearing the hijab! 😍😍😍 Congratulations hahaha, You’re officially part of the team ❣️ I was thinking of you a lot of times and hoped you read that message, but also remembered that you only wanted to send me a new message when you decided to wear the hijab!

It’s sad that your parents aren’t happy about it, but honestly as long as they don’t really fight you and you are able to wear it, Alhamdoulillah! We will not always be on the same line as our parents, which is ok I think, as long as we stay close to our deen and Creator, it’s all good.

I loooove that you wear it under a beanie first. It’s smart cause you are covering your hair, so you can get used to it yourself, and then in a bit in sha Allah it might really be only the first few moments people you know see you. But I promise you, change always takes a tiny bit of time but I can assure you, after a while, when you’re used to it yourself, you will feel so so good about it. I would never say this if I didn’t believe it myself! Sub7anAllah when I look back at how I walked around before wearing the hijab, the moment when I just started wearing it and now, it’s insane how complete I feel with it now Alhamdoulillah. Struggle is ok, as long as we remember that Allah swt is with us. This life is only temporary, so why not try and make the best of it. I’m also not always wearing a abaya yet. Step by step in sha Allah! Some days I do wear ‘boy-ish outfits, some days I wear a long skirt or even a dress and hopefully in sha Allah one day we’ll both always wear abayas. As long as we have the intention and taking little steps towards our endgoal. ❤️

You’re wayyy too kind to me Sub7anAllah 🥺 in the end it is you who felt the urge and wanted to wear it and you who decided to reach out to me! This was mektab in the end and Sub7anAllah look how it turned out. Allahouma ameen to all your ad3iyaat ❤️ May Allah grant you the same and even more. My name is Fatima 🥰 If you’re comfortabel with it, let me know yours too, so I can also make direct dua for you in sha Allah. Alhamdoulillah I am doing way better than I was before. Last week was a bit rough, which is why it took me a bit of time to respond to your message, I’m sorry for that. Even tho I don’t feel supergood today, I somehow felt the urge to respond to your message (really because I wanted to talk about it, I was thinking about it a lot and wanted to write down my thoughts). But in general, Alhamdoulillah I’m really getting there I hope In sha Allah.

I still want you to know that you can always message me about whatever it is, also clothing struggles with the hijab or even the opposite! Khair in sha Allah I am soooo happy for you! If you’re ever comfortable with it, you can also just message me! Would love to hear from you soon in sha Allah! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[sisterssafespace]

I feel awful to worry about myself while feeling sad for my friend but I can’t help it, I don’t know how people carry on living with so much loss, how how how?? I don’t think I love my mom as much as i would like she’s a good person but we aren’t close and lovy dovy I’m mostly afraid of guilt that I was not good enough or did enough as her daughter once she dies idk how to explain it :(( how do I deal with all of this? my friend's grief and my fears and worries? srry I talked much jzk 2

Now about the grief, despair and helplessness you are feeling. I'd like to start with the last feeling:

a) Helplessness: umm, there are so many beautiful ways you can turn this feeling into something productive and beneficial. If you can't help feeling sad and worried, you can HELP your friend and the parent she lost, may Allah swt encompass them with His endless mercy and grant them a high rank in Jannah, ameen. Sadaqah (charity) is an amazing thing that still benefits a person after their death. You can give charity on behalf of that person and in shaa Allah the good deeds will be counted as their hassanat. You can also read Quran for them/ on their behalf. And duaa, lots and lots of duāa. So how about, every time you feel like your heart is breaking for your friend, you give away something for charity on behalf of the person she lost, even if it was just a bottle of water. I promise you that you will feel better.

b) Despair is from Shaytan. That's a given. I don't even want to give Shaytan the satisfaction that we are discussing in it right now 😅 Just, always seek refuge in Allah swt from despair and misery. Seek refuge in Allah swt from Shaytan's traps and whispers. May Allah swt protect your heart, calm your worries and appease your pain. Ameen.

c) Grief. * sigh *

Why are you doing this to yourself my beautiful sister? I admire your empathy and how you feel for your friends but carrying other people's grief will never do you any good. It is already too much to carry one's own grief. Let alone adding the saddness and negative painful emotions of others. I only have one tip: LET GO. Don't hold on to grief, it is such a dangerous feeling, try to find a way to accept the fate that has fallen upon you (or them) and let go. Whether you let go by crying in sujud, or by doing meditation, or yoga, or taking courses, or listening to lectures on the matter, or joining the gym.... Just find a healthy outlet to your grief please because it is only a fire burning inside your soul. 💔💔

You asked how do people keep on living with so much loss, well, the human memory is a mysterious thing, and forgetfulness is a very underrated blessing. But Allah's mercy is the answer to that question. Plus! Life is not only filled with losses!!!!!! There is as much beautiful things happening if not more! There is births and beautiful babies and kittens and little puppies and chocolate and pizza and watermelon and beaches and road trips and the stars, there are books and beautiful poems and friendship, and love. The beauty in this world make is really worth living, really worth the loss and the pain. After all, if we never experience loss, we will never appreciate what we really have. So hold on to your loved ones, never take them for granted, and enjoy every moment you still have with them instead of worrying about the moments you won't.

So, to sum up: Let go of all those negative feelings. When a negative feeling crosses our mind, we are supposed to replace it with a positive feeling. Hold good thoughts of Allah swt. Think of His good sifat صفات ( mercy, generosity, grace, kindness..) and try to see the beautiful side of this life. I know it is hard to see that when your brain is clouded by anxiety (constant fear and worry), so take it easy. This will not happen over night, one breath at a time, you will be okay my dear 🤍 Try to strengthen your heart with Iman and reliance on Allah swt. That's the way to conquer those negative thoughts. I urge you to say your morning and evening adhkar, and to read comforting surahs on the Quran.

May Allah swt appease your pain, calm your worries and take away every ounce of fear in your heart. Ameen.

- A. Z. 🍃

[tanween]

10 Must Things To Do On Jummah (Friday Prayer)

Jummah Things To Do!

Jummah is a congregational petition (ṣalāt) that Muslims hold each Friday, soon after twelve rather than the Zuhr petition. Muslims supplicate usually five times every day as per the sun’s skyway paying little mind to time zones.

1. Cutting Nails

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be satisfied with him) reported that ‘Five are the demonstrations of fitra (normal slant): 1) circumcision, 2) evacuating the hair underneath the navel, 3) trimming the mustache, 4) trimming the nails, and 5) culling the hair under the arms.’

2. Reading Surah Al-Kahf

It was described from Abu Sa’eed al-Khduri that the Prophet (Sallallahu ályhi Wa Sallam) said: “Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays.” (Narrated by al-Haakim; classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani)

3. Making Dua

Don’t MISS The Golden Opportunity !!

“There is a special hour on Friday, during which all prayers are accepted and answered by Allah, all Glory and Praise be to Him. This is part of the blessings that Allah has blessed this day with, over all the other days of the week.“On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is. [Bukhari 893 Muslim, 852]

It was described from Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) specified Friday and said: “On this day there is a time when no Muslim stands and prays, asking Allah for something, but Allah will grant him it” – and he gestured with his hands to indicate how short that time is. [Bukhari 893 Muslim, 852]

Ibn Al-Qayyim (Rahim Ullah) said with regards to the correct hour of Friday amid which this happens is after the Asr petition until the Maghrib supplication in view of the accompanying hadith: “Friday has twelve hours (or part of it). There is one hour during which if a Muslim asks Allah anything, Allah will give it to him, so find it during the last hour after Asr.” {Abu Dawud & An-Nasai}

4. Taking Bath (Ghusl)

Washing up and refine oneself totally by watching Ghusl (great bathing). Described by Abdullah canister Umar (R.A) said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah, PBUH says: ‘When one of you wants to come to Jumu’ah, let him perform Ghusl.” (Muslim)

Along these lines, the considerable estimation of Friday is apparent from the previously mentioned Hadith, that other than general bathing, one likewise needs to do greater bathing while showering.

5. Wearing clean clothes, doing miswaak (brushing teeth) and applying perfume (nonalcoholic scent)

Keep in mind that day you had that huge occasion and you invested hours in the restroom cleaning all aspects of your body and putting each kind of scent on? That is precisely how you ought to get ready for Jumuah! Wash up, ensure you play out the Sunan Al-Fitra from trimming nails, expelling hair from armpits and evacuating pubic hair, putting heaps of scent, and so on. Ensure your Jumuah thobe or garments are perfect, spotless and squeezed and not something you wore 2 days prior and is recolored or folded! Additionally, take extraordinary care of oral cleanliness: spend the suggested 4 minutes brushing your teeth, utilize liquor-free mouthwash, miswak/siwak… fundamentally, get squeaky clean!

Described Abu Sa’id Al-Khudr: I testify that Allah’s Messenger (Peace and blessings be upon him) said, ‘The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and also cleaning of teeth with Siwak and using perfume, if available’. [Translation of Sahih Bukhari]

6. Going Mosque Early

No, I don’t mean 10 minutes before the Khateeb enters the masjid, yet truly early – like two or three hours and attempt to go there strolling rather if the masjid isn’t too far. Attempt to be the first there and recollect this hadeeth:

Described Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger (Peace and endowments be upon him) said,’ When it is Jumuah, the Angels stand at the gate of the masjid and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the masjid in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the masjid in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice); the one coming next is like one offering a cow, and then a ram; and then a chicken; and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumu’ah sermon) they (i.e. Angels) fold their papers and listen to the sermon. [Translation of Sahih Al-Bukhari]”

7. Friday Prayer

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salaah (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salaah (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!” [al-Jumu’ah 62:9]

8. Sending a lot of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of your days is Friday. On that day Adam (peace be upon him) was created; on that day he died; on that day the Trumpet will be blown, and on that day all of the creation will swoon. So send a lot of blessings upon me, for your blessings will be shown to me.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, how will our blessings upon you be shown to you when you have turned to dust?” He said, “Allaah has forbidden the earth to consume the bodies of the Prophets, peace be upon them.”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1047; classed as Saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in his comments on Sunan Abi Dawood, 4/273; classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 925.

9. Walking to the Mosque

Strolling towards the mosque, as it results in the achievement of gifts on one stage and pardoning of sins on another. Abu Hurairah (R.A) portrayed Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) talking as:

He who purifies (performs Wudu’) himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah).” (Muslim)

10. Listening carefully to Jummah Khutba (Sermon)

“Whoever says to his friend while Imam is delivering Khutbah on Friday “keep quiet” also commit an absurdity.” (Muslim and Bukhari)

[islamicrays]

What would you advise to a young sister, that feels mostly unmotivated and feels like she lacks of everything: beauty,brains and not enough deen.; living her life questioning if she will be ever enough to anyone or at least to God

Assalamu Alaikum,You are beautiful.You are worthy of self love.You are precious.You are from the ummah of Mohammad (peace be upon him) and it's a blessing.Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala love you more than a mother. He is merciful more than a mother so don't let shaitan despair you.You have a purpose and Allah created you to fullfil that purpose don't let shaitan make you feel you are good for nothing.You must have some skills that other lacks.Give yourself positive message.May Allah bless you.Following are some tips that may help you in shaa Allah1. Read Islamic books it will increase your knowledge in shaa Allah.2. Help your mother in kitchen and learn how to cook.3. Spend quality time with your family for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala and you will be rewarded in shaa Allah.4. Learn some creative things like calligraphy or art work that may help you in future in shaa Allah or you can also learn some software so you can make some beautiful Islamic reminder posters that will help the ummah in shaa Allah5. Fix your prayers.This is the best act to pray salaah at the fixed time.6. Be dutiful to your parents. Be good with them for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala. Love them and spend quality time with them.7. The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.8. Be good with people for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala.9. Be patient when something goes wrong and don’t get angry. Patience is difficult to do but it has countless reward.10. Make habit of doing dhikr all the time. It will help in shaa Allah.11 Send blessing upon Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.12. Gain knowledge and try to implement in your life.13. Implement Sunnah in your daily life.14. Make lots of dua. Ask Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala to help us to do deeds that will please Him  and grant us jannah and save us from punishment of Hell.15. Spread Salaam when you meet a Muslim say Assalamu Alaikum.16. Never think you are better than others. Always be humble17. Don’t get jealous and pray for others18. Be happy with Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala decree and always be thankful. It will increase your blessings in shaa Allah.19. If someone is meant for you then you will eventually get in halal way. You don’t have to chase him/her.20. Their will be ups and down in life so don’t get attach to the moment. This shall too pass. 21. Life will test you but always remember the key point is to be grateful to your Lord. No matter what happen say Alhamdulillah. He will turn your sorrow into blessing in shaa Allah.22. Love comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala so if you are looking for love (halal love offcourse) then turn to him.23. Expect less from Creation. No one is perfect. The more you expect from people; the more you will be hurt.Last and the most important point is to abstain from haram relationship. Try not to have vain and casual talk with non mehram. Do productive things that will help you in akhirah in shaa Allah. I hope it will be helpful. May Allah guide us to the straight path.Ameen

[lightup0nlight]

[Stories Of The Anbiyaa] 3 Lessons From The Story of Prophet Adam (AS)

Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:

“And He (Allah SWT) taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said: ‘Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful.’ They (angels) said: ‘To You belong All Perfection, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise.'” He said: ‘O Adam! Inform them of their names,’ and when he had informed them of their names, He said: ‘Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?'” [Al-Baqarah 2: 31-33]

Allah SWT taught Prophet Adam AS names of everything – their proper names, the names of their characteristics, and what they do, until he became knowledgeable. When Allah SWT asked the angels, they said in humbleness that they did not have any knowledge except what Allah SWT taught them. So by what means was Prophet Adam honored by Allah SWT above the angels?

By knowledge. This is among the reasons why Allah SWT commanded the angels and Iblis to prostrate to Adam – he was honored because he was more ‘alim / knowledgeable in that particular domain than even the angels and Iblis.

Lesson #1 : Having pristine knowledge is a means of attaining a high rank in the Sight of Allah SWT. He SWT says: “…Allah will exalt those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge in degrees…” [Al-Mujadalah 58:11].

Then we look at Iblis, who was present during this moment. Iblis is a jin, but he is no ordinary jin. In fact it was said that he was the most soleh and the most ‘alim among the jin during that time. Because he was extremely soleh, he was given the honor by being placed among the noble angels.

Then suddenly Iblis was introduced with a person who was more ‘alim, more knowledgeable than him.  Suddenly, Iblis who was honored, now was witnessing someone else being honored by Allah SWT, now was being commanded to prostrate to him.

My teacher said: “Seorang terkadang kelihatan ikhlas, kelihatan soleh, tetapi begitu datang yang lebih soleh daripadanya, lebih dimuliakan oleh orang lain, baru tertampak keikhlasannya selama ini benar atau tidak.”

A person might seem ikhlas and soleh; but sometimes it only takes one person to come along who is better than him, more honored and loved by others, that can unearth his hidden hasad (jealousy / envy).

When we read this ayah, we simply take it as: yes of course Iblis has hasad. But this is also something that we need to reflect on ourselves. Because we might think we’re doing okay, that we’re soleh and sincere – but then Allah SWT tests us by putting someone else who is better than us and loved by our social circle, and suddenly we realize that we actually have hasad towards that person. There are numerous stories of masajid / preachers / influencers / study circles who get jealous of other masajid / preachers because they’re doing better, or have more attendees and followers.

Our sincerity should never be based on people’s praises, or the number of attendees / followers, or be measured how better we think we are than the next person. Sincerity means doing something khayr lillahi ta’ala regardless of its outcome. Don’t let hasad make us forget the intention why we’re doing it in the first place. Don’t let hasad overcome the goodness in our hearts and spoil all those years of good deeds.

At the end of this ayah, notice that Allah SWT says: “I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?” Ibn Abbas RA said that Allah SWT has already addressed that He SWT knows what Iblis concealed in his heart of arrogance and pride – even before Iblis refused to obey His command to prostrate to Adam AS. We might be able to fool people, but we cannot fool Allah SWT. We cannot say we have qalbun saleem if we do not rectify our sick hearts.

Lesson #2 : Never be overconfident with our iman and ikhlas, no matter how many good deeds we think we did. The great sahabah of Rasulallah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam were always worried of falling into hypocrisy. They knew they could not become complacent with their iman.

There’s another thing about Iblis’ hasad. When a person has hasad, he usually wants that particular blessing be removed from the person he envies and be given to him instead, right? Iblis’ hasad is even worse than that. When he refused to obey Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam AS, he knew the catastrophic consequences, but he didn’t care. He didn’t care that he was forever banned from Jannah. He didn’t care that he will be thrown into the Hellfire for eternity. He didn’t want that knowledge that Adam has too. He only cares that every son of Adam gets dragged into the Hellfire – with him!

“(Iblis) said: See this one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring all but a few!” [Al-Isra’ 17:61]

And we see this being done by humankind too. There are so many Muslims who learn tawhid, who know the consequences of shirk, yet they still dabble with sorcery just because of hasad. They don’t care the horrible consequences in their dunya and akhirah, as long as they get to hurt the ones they envy. This is the most extreme form of hasad, and Iblis is the prime example of it.

Lesson #3 : The most extreme form of hasad is wanting to drag the one who is envied to the same miserable state as the envier, for example someone who got bankrupt wants his successful friend to be bankrupt as well / someone who got divorced hopes that his happy acquaintance gets divorced as well / etc. This is the worst level of hasad anyone can have.

May Allah SWT protect us from hasad, and heal our hearts so that we do not envy one another. May Allah SWT bestow us pristine knowledge, and make us Muslims who are ikhlas, who only want the ridha of Allah SWT.

[basicsofislam]

ISLAM 101: ISLAMIC PRACTICE: Part 5

CONCLUSION OF RAMADAN

Not long ago, we welcomed Ramadan with a mixture of feelings that overwhelmed our hearts and the hearts of Muslims all over the world. The hearts were and are full of hope, based on the promises and great tidings, given by Allah and His Messenger (S), of great bounties and endless blessings:

We have been promised that the past sins will be forgiven for those whose fast is based on belief (Eemaan), sincerity and on truly expecting the reward from Allah (Ihtisaab). We also have been promised that the past sins will be forgiven for those who offer night prayers (Qiyaam) during the whole month, and who do that with the same two conditions of Eemaan and Ihtisaab. We have further been told that there is one night in this month which is better (in rewards) than a thousand months of worship and that all the past sins will be forgiven for those who spend it by offering Qiyaam again with both Eemaan and Ihtisaab. We have been told that the devils will be chained down, that the gates of Hell will all be shut and that the gates of Paradise will all be open throughout this month. We have been told that Allah will free (from punishment) some of his ‘ibaad (worshipers) on every single night of Ramadan. We have been told that Allah answers the du’aa of the fasting person at his iftaar. We have been told that Allah multiplies the rewards of fasting beyond limits or imagination. We have been told that the fasting person will be joyous and happy when he meets his Lord.

We all knew the true meaning of fasting. We knew that there are conditions for the fasting to be acceptable and to give its desired results: Eemaan and Ihtisaab.

So now that Ramadan is almost over let us ask ourselves:

Did we perform our fast with the true belief and the full surrender to Allah, or was it just a hard exercise for us in order to lose some weight? Did we fast because Allah imposed it on us or just because we have been used to it from our childhood? Were our intentions to please Him or to please and impress others?

Did we gain from the Season of Goodness during the past days? Have we been able to achieve any of its virtues?

We all hope to be among those who offered the fast in the right way, in order to cultivate its glorious fruits. We hope to be granted forgiveness of our previous sins, to be able to do much more good and to overcome all our weaknesses. We hope to be among those who receive the gifts from the Jannah, whose gates are open. We hope to humiliate our enemy (Satan), who is chained down, by rejecting any of his deceitful advice. We hope to be among those who shall be granted full atonement of their sins by the end of this month, and among those who will be most happy with their fast when they meet their Lord. We hope that all of us will be pleasing to Allah in our words and deeds so that we deserve His Mercy and victory.

Let us also keep in mind that the exercise of piety that we have performed during this Ramadan must not end with Ramadan.

Reciting Quran should not stop after Ramadan. If you can read one part every day then do so, but if one part is too much for you because you are too busy playing games and watching TV, then read something But do not neglect the Quran. You may not be able to fast every day after Ramadan, but you can fast three days every month, if not two days every week.

You may not be able to meet the members of this good Muslim community as we do for Iftars and Taraweeh prayers, but you can meet them every Friday after Ramadan and during other social gatherings which are made in the spirit of Ramadan.

Every Ramadan, this community, together with the members of the Islamic society at this collage, provide an excellent example about genuine brotherhood by the degree of cooperation, kindness and generosity offered and clearly manifested during Ramadan.

Let us pray to Allah to keep within each one of us the spirit of Ramadan after its departure.

ZAKAAH AL-FITR

Zakah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan. It is classified as a Wajib (compulsory) on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet made Zakah al-Fitr compulsory on every Muslim, male, female, young or old. The head of the household of the family may pay the required amount for the other members.

The significant role played by Zakah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Zakah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Zakah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor.

This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

The main purpose of Zakah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate Eid al-Fitr along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, “The Prophet made Zakah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salah will have it accepted as Zakah, while he who gives it after the Salah has given Zakah.”

Hence, the goal of Zakah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers.

By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the less fortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islam does not neglect man’s material need, part of the goal of Zakah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.

Zakah al-Fitr is only Wajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-’Eed’.

However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the companions of the Prophet used to pay Zakah al-Fitr before the `Eed. Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet said,

“Whoever gives it before the Salah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah will not, for it will only be considered as ordinary charity.

The amount of the Zakah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The amount used to be made out of a certain quantity of is of food, or grain. Nowadays the amount of the Zakah is calculated by its monetary value. Keeping the purpose of the Zakah in mind, contemporary scholars believe that making the Zakah in money is practical and more beneficial to those who are entitled to it.

What would a person do now with so much barley, wheat or even dates!

Successful indeed are those who, during this Ramadan, will fast during the day and pray at night. Those who did not will regret it, and regret it strongly …

Ameen. Aqeemus Salaah!

[vivywhulandary]

ramadan day 2 - Forgiveness

As I mention in the previous post, I want to start fresh and be better version of me, Alhamdulillah with this blessing month plus the current condition, I’ve got more than enough time for me to focus on increase my worship and repairing my relationship with Allahu Rabbi. 

In my effort to start fresh I’ve to learn to be forgiving, letting go, get over and open minded but, forgiving is the hardest pill to swallow you know. Why I said so?  I realised how I still get the feel of uneasy inside my heart when someone hurt me, even though I already forgiven them. So I ask myself, why I still have this kind of feeling if I really already forgiven them (i assume)? Hmm I think I’m not fully forgiven them, all this while I think I just endured it to make myself feel better.  As hard as I try to endure and distract myself with doing something, my past always finds its way back to me. I start to be reminded of how hurt I was, and all the familiar faces and events that caused that hurt. I started feel uneasy and just like that, I’m starting to lose focus in everything I do. My real concern here is my peace. I’ve to find my own peace, I can’t let all this feeling kept bugging me. So last night I’ve this thought that I can’t withholding one of the most essential thing that is needed to move on which is forgiveness, fully forgiveness, that’s the only way I’ll gain my peace back. 

Now I realised that holding back forgiveness is way more painful and tormenting as it to forgive. When you forgive others, that not only because they deserve it, but because you the one who deserve peace. I know you think that they’ll not be able to live in peace because whether they have asked for an apology or not, we’d still consider it as unsettled business (read: not forgiven) by saying like “karma-will-hit-you, kifarah-is-real” whatsoever. After all that sh** they got you through, even if they never bothered to say sorry, just forgive them. Remember it’s not because they deserve it, but because you deserve it, you are worthy with the quality of being forgiving, especially in this Ramadan, the month’s of worship. 

People make mistakes. We make mistakes. With or without intentions, we have also wronged someone. Knowingly and unknowingly, we might have caused them hurt. We’re human after all, children of Adam. Yes you’re torn and shattered to pieces right now. That person may have betrayed us or slandered us. But how can we be so sure that we’ve never left anyone feeling the same way before? If we hope to be forgiven for all of our mistakes, why is it so hard to do the same to people? We all owe each other forgiveness. We all wronged each other at some point of our lives.

It reminds me one of the story that I’ve heard from Ust. Hanan Attaki, Lc, an Islamic preacher from Indonesia share on how forgiving our prophet Muhammad SAW (pbuh) was. Do you remember how he was once rejected by the people of Ta’if? When he arrived to Ta’if, he was pelted with rocks and stones until his whole body was covered with blood and were clogged in his sandals. Alone, bleeding, and rejected, he (pbuh) rests on a rock and prays to Allah; 

“To You, my Lord, I complain of my weakness, lack of support, and the humiliation I am made to receive. Most Compassionate and Merciful, You are the Lord of the weak, and You are my Lord. To whom do You leave me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy You have given power over me? As long as you are not displeased with me, I do not care what I face. I would, however, be much happier with Your mercy. I seek refuge in the light of Your face by which all darkness is dispelled and both this life and the life to come are put in their right course against incurring your wrath or being the subject of your anger. To You I submit, until I earn Your pleasure. Everything is powerless without your support.”

At that moment, Jibril came to Prophet Muhammad SAW (pbuh) and told him that if he wished, Allah could order an angel to collapse the two mountains surrounding the people of Ta’if and crush them.

But .....

Instead of seeking revenge against the people of Ta’if, he forgave them. Yes he forgave them. Not only forgave, he also prayed for them. He prayed for his enemies. He said to Jibril “I rather hope that Allah will raise from among their descendants people who will worship Allah the One, and will not ascribe partners to Him”. 

MashaAllah, such a humility.

Here’s another story of our prophet companion. Have you heard the story of Abu Bakr (ra)? 

 It’s all started when a man named Safwan let Aisha (ra) ride on his camel while he led them on foot to the caravan that was at the next halt as he happened to see Aisha left behind by the caravan. Ever since the Muslims returned from the battle of Bani al-Mustaliq the hypocrites have been busy spreading lies against Aisha. Among them is Mistah bin Uthatha (ra), a cousin of Abu Bakr. He is an extremely poor man with no money except that which Abu Bakr  regularly gives him. Hurt and angered by Mistah's allegations, Abu Bakr takes an oath that he will never spend on Mistah again. How else can he treat a person who slandered his daughter, the Mother of the Believers, with the worst of slander? And then Allah reveals; 

“And let not those who are good and wealthy among you swear not to help their kinsmen, those in need and those who left their homes in Allah's Cause. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? Verily! Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (24.22) 

After hearing that how Abu Bakr react? Despite his anguish and hurt feelings, he immediately responds by exclaiming “By Allah, I would love it that Allah forgives me!". He also takes oath that he’ll never stop spending on Mistah, and he even increase the amount by giving a lot more than before. 

Here’s another story of sahabah. The Messenger of Allah SAW was sitting with a group of the Sahabah (ra) in the mosque and he said “A man will now enter [who is] from the people of Paradise.” and a sahabi (companion) walked in. Later it happened again, and then a third time. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘aas (ra) wanted to find out what was so special about this man, so he asked the man if he could stay over his house for 3 days. The man allowed him to stay. ‘Abdullah noticed that the man didn’t do anything out of the ordinary: He didn’t fast all the time, he slept some of the night and prayed some of the night, and so on. So after the 3 days, ‘Abdullah told him the real reason why he requested to stay with him, and he asked him what it was that could be the reason why he was from the people of Jannah. The man (ra) couldn’t think of anything, but after a bit he said “Every night, before I go to sleep, I forgive whoever has wronged me. I remove any bad feelings towards anyone from my heart.” (Kitab al-Zuhd by Ibn al-Mubarak – Number 694)

I learned that by reading more seerah of the prophets and his companion, they showed that it is absolutely possible to forgive, to become strong, without being hard, and remain soft, without being weak. I wish I can share more seerah of the prophets and his companion, the more I read the more I realized and feel so little. We should learn how they dealt with people, especially to those who hated them and harmed them.

So today let’s start by give yourself a chance to be happy again, to feel peace again. Stop torment other human being by not forgiving them. Pray for them. Ask Allah to guide them and make them happy. So that we also happy. Pray may Allah grant us peace, and may he soften our hearts to continue forgiving. By making du’a for those who have hurt us, we will find that their happiness can also be our happiness too. 

Allah once revealed to Abu Bakr, “Do you not love that Allah should forgive you,”–which shows that the reward fits the action, and that if you forgive others, you will be forgiven. And to every single soul that I’ve wronged, I sincerely apologize. Please make du’a for me. Also whoever wronged me, I’ve forgiven you and I wish you nothing but the best for both in Dunya and Akhirah. 

May peace be upon us all. Love, v.