#The success of the Hereafter is for the believers

[duothelingo]

THE OPENING (al-Fatihah) 1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. 2. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 4. Master of the Day of Judgment. 5. It is You we worship, and upon You we call for help. 6. Guide us to the straight path. 7. The path of those You have blessed, not of those against whom there is anger, nor of those who are misguided. 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful 1. Alif, Lam, Meem. 2. This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous. 3. Those who believe in the unseen, and perform the prayers, and give from what We have provided for them. 4. And those who believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and are certain of the Hereafter. 5. These are upon guidance from their Lord. These are the successful. 6. As for those who disbelieve—it is the same for them, whether you have warned them, or have not warned them—they do not believe. 7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and over their vision is a veil. They will have a severe torment. 8. Among the people are those who say, “We believe in Allah and in the Last Day,” but they are not believers. 9. They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none but themselves, though they are not aware. 10. In their hearts is sickness, and Allah has increased their sickness. They will have a painful punishment because of their denial. 11. And when it is said to them, “Do not make trouble on earth,” they say, “We are only reformers.” 12. In fact, they are the troublemakers, but they are not aware. 13. And when it is said to them, “Believe as the people have believed,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools have believed?” In fact, it is they who are the fools, but they do not know. 14. And when they come across those who believe, they say, “We believe”; but when they are alone with their devils, they say, “We are with you; we were only ridiculing.” 15. It is Allah who ridicules them, and leaves them bewildered in their transgression. 16. Those are they who have bartered error for guidance; but their trade does not profit them, and they are not guided. 17. Their likeness is that of a person who kindled a fire; when it illuminated all around him, Allah took away their light, and left them in darkness, unable to see. 18. Deaf, dumb, blind. They will not return. 19. Or like a cloudburst from the sky, in which is darkness, and thunder, and lightning. They press their fingers into their ears from the thunderbolts, in fear of death. But Allah surrounds the disbelievers. 20. The lightning almost snatches their sight away. Whenever it illuminates for them, they walk in it; but when it grows dark over them, they stand still. Had Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Allah is capable of everything. 21. O people! Worship your Lord who created you and those before you, that you may attain piety. 1 2. THE HEIFER (al-Baqarah) 22. He who made the earth a habitat for you, and the sky a structure, and sends water down from the sky, and brings out fruits thereby, as a sustenance for you. Therefore, do not assign rivals to Allah while you know. 23. And if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like these, and call your witnesses apart from Allah, if you are truthful. 24. But if you do not—and you will not—then beware the Fire whose fuel is people and stones, prepared for the disbelievers. 25. And give good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds; that they will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with fruit therefrom as sustenance, they will say, “This is what we were provided with before,” and they will be given the like of it. And they will have pure spouses therein, and they will abide therein forever. 26. Allah does not shy away from making an example of a gnat, or something above it. As for those who believe, they know that it is the Truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbeliev

Did you just send me the fucking Quran

[writerfarzanatutul]

Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem.

Indeed, the Qur'an is filled with verses that offer deep solace and hope, promising that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, will alleviate our sorrows and transform our hardships into ease. Allah assures us that He is ever-watchful, and nothing in our lives escapes His notice.

"فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا. إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا" "So, truly, with hardship comes ease. Truly, with hardship comes ease." Quran 94:5-6

This verse is a divine reminder that after every trial, relief is not just promised once but twice. Your current difficulties, no matter how heavy, will eventually give way to ease and joy. Allah Himself has guaranteed it.

Furthermore, the Qur'an reminds us to stay patient and steadfast:

"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ" "O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful." Quran 3:200

Patience and reliance upon Allah are keys to success, both in this world and in the hereafter. The people of Jannah are those who bear their trials with faith and patience, knowing that Allah is with them through every hardship.

Moreover, Allah promises that those who trust in Him will never be abandoned:

"وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ" "And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him." Quran 65:3

Trust in Allah means acknowledging that even in the depths of our pain, He is our Protector, and He will take care of our affairs, both in this life and the next. Your struggles will not be in vain if you keep your heart tied to Allah and His guidance.

Finally, for the believers who endure, Allah gives a beautiful glad tiding:

"إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتُ الْفِرْدَوْسِ نُزُلًا" "Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus as a lodging." Quran 18:107

Yes, you will meet the people of Jannah, insha'Allah, both in this world through righteous companionship and eternally in the hereafter, where your sorrows will vanish, and you will experience endless joy. Allah's promise is true, and His mercy encompasses everything.

Your pain, your patience, and your trust in Allah will lead you to a brighter future, one that may even surpass your expectations. Allah has a plan for you, and His plans are far greater than anything we can imagine. Never give up hope, for you are in the care of the Most Merciful.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Mujeeb, the one who responds, the answerer of prayers, on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who responds to needs, answers prayers and He is the One who penetrates each obstacle in order to respond!

Mujeeb comes from the root jeem-waw-baa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to answer, reply, respond, and accept. The second main meaning is to cut, pierce, or penetrate and the third is to have a dialogue or conference.

This root appears 43 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are ujeebu (“I respond”), jaboo (“carved out”), istajaaboo (“respond”) and jawaabaa (“(the) answer”).

Al-Mujeeb Himself says: … Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive [Quran, 11:61] and … [We are] the best of responders.[Quran, 37:75]

Responding to Each Request with Ease

The name Al-Mujeeb is related in meaning to Al-Hakeem(The All-Wise), Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing), As-Samee’(The All-Hearing), Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing), Al-Wahhaab (The Giver of Gifts) and Al-Kareem. He responds to our requests in a way that displays His ultimate wisdom and knowledge. While we call out to Him He is All-Hearing and All-Seeing and He often gives us more than we deserve or even ask. He is the Most Generous.

His amazing power and wisdom in responding to our requests is demonstrated in this part of a beautiful hadith qudsi:
… O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more that a needle decreases the sea if put into it.. [Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

How Can You Live By This Name?

1.      Respond to the call of Al-Mujeeb.
Al-Mujeeb says: When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way. (Quran 2:186) Your share in this Name is that you are responsive to the commandments of Al-Mujeeb!

2.      Know the art of asking.
Ask for His forgiveness before you ask for anything, as was the formula of the Prophet Yunus ‘alayhi sallam when he desperately needed his supplication to be answered to be saved from the belly of the whale. Ask Al-Mujeeb for everything (halal) you wish in the Hereafter but also in this world. He loves it that you ask Him for everything you need in your deen and dunya (worldy matters). Ask him for clothing, a house to live in, food, drink, guidance, success etc.

3.      Think good of Al-Mujeeb.
Al-Mujeeb does not disappoint a believer who calls upon Him, however don’t be hasty as His delay is not His denial. The answer to your dua’ might come in a different form or time you wanted or expected. Made under the right circumstances – such as not earning haram income when asking Him or asking Him for something haram, like cutting of family ties – Al-Mujeeb responds to your dua, postpones it or prevents something bad from happening.

4.      Practise four powerful Quranic supplications for four powerful responses.
Al-Mujeeb relates to you the responses He gave after being supplicated to in different types of hardship. So whenever you are in a similar situation, apply the same dua’ and have faith in the response of Al-Mujeeb!

When you feel sad, say: There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers. [Quran, 21:87] The response: So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers. [Quran, 21:88]

When you feel scared say: Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs. [Quran, 3:173] The response: So they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. [Quran, 3:174]

When you are ill say: Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful[Quran, 21:83] The response: So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allah]. [Quran, 21:84]

When you feel hurt by other people say: I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants (Quran 40:44) The response: So Allah protected him from the evils they plotted, and the people of Pharaoh were enveloped by the worst of punishment. [Quran, 40:45]

5. Do good to strive for your prayers being answered.Do as many good deeds as you can, check yourself in having a balance of hope as well as fear and be humble and not arrogant in your relationship with Allah and in your dealings with others. Al-Mujeeb says about responding to the request of Zakariyyah: Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive. (Quran 21:89-90)6. Respond to the servants of Al-Mujeeb.Be of those who don’t just respond to the plight of those in need but of those who also actively look themselves for those who are in need of support. Have an active attitude in relation to the requests of the environment you live in and of the Ummah as a whole!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.O Allah, Al-Mujeeb, we know that You are the answerer and fulfiller of prayers. Guide us to respond to Your call and be responsive to those in need and make us call upon and supplicate to you in the best manner. Don’t let our prayers be unanswered and adorn us with certainty in Your response, ameen!

[julaibib]

I am seeking advice as a revert who is watching my father’s health decline rapidly. I have asked for sincere repentance for him & cleansed my own heart of any grudges or unresolved feelings but I don’t know what else to say or do. I am trying to be at ease with whatever Allah decrees but I am the only of my sisters unwed & fear the loneliness and overwhelm of the days to come.

First, let this verse of Allah always comfort you.

Don’t be sad, Allah is with us.

(Quran 9:40)

We ask Allah to bless you with tranquility and peace of mind, and to take away the stress and worry that you are experiencing, and to grant you the means of goodness and success.

You should try to find friends and get into the Muslim community. You will certainly find many people welcoming you.

Filling your time with things that will bring benefit in this world and in the Hereafter. For example, you could join a centre that teaches memorization of the Holy Qur’an, attend religious lectures, read useful books, learn useful domestic skills such as sewing, and so on. 

Always keep in touch even if you are far away so they can be there for you in times of loneliness.

Do not lose hope in Allah. There is a beautiful feeling, which is intimacy with Allah.

Prophet Muhammad declared that all the affairs of a believer are good:

“Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer!  They are all for his benefit.  If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him.  And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” (Muslim)

[nuza3minalqabail]

"My sisters, be bases of support and safety for your husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons. Be advisors to them. They should find comfort and peace with you. Do not make things difficult for them. Facilitate all matters for them. Be strong and brave. It is essential that you make all your deeds sincerely for Allah’s Face and hope for His reward. Know that the Companions RA did not spread Islam in these vast lands except with their righteous wives behind them. Do not waste your time and energy in play, futility, and what does not concern you.

Learn your religion! Learn your religion! Read the Qur’ān, reflect upon it, and practice it.

Nourish your love of Allah and His Messenger. It is essential for you to love Allah and His Messenger more than your own selves, your husbands, your children, and your parents. Follow the example of Āsiyah – the wife of Pharaoh – who left the Dunyā for Allah and the Hereafter although she was a queen and had the wealth of the Dunyā. She was tortured and killed because of this choice, but Allah kept her firm and raised her above many women. And all praise is due to Allah, the Forgiving and Generous.

Follow the example of Maryam (‘alayhassalām) in her chastity, modesty, obedience of Allah, and truthfulness, which was one of her greatest traits, and so Allah chose her and raised her above many women. And all praise is due to Allah, the Majestic. There were many righteous women in history, so follow their example.

Be patient. Patience is a great virtue. May Allah, the Bestower, provide you with patience. The life of the believer is full of trials and tribulations. So be patient while hoping for Allah’s reward. Life is short, even if it appears sometimes – during times of sorrow – to be long. By Allah, what awaits us is better and ever-lasting, inshā’Allāh. We ask Allah for support and success."

- Umm Basir Al Muhajirah

[laughter-of-the-rose]

Is anxiety the antithesis of sabr?

I'm starting to think so.

I've always considered myself a patient person. Almost too patient to the point of fault. I would often come across as too relaxed or even out right lazy. Internally, I let much of the world wash over me however, the past three years have led me to live with a deep rooted anxiety in my heart. For all of my effort I cannot surmount my difficulty so I accept sabr while continuing to do what I can, where I can, when I can to help myself.

But is this truly sabr if I cannot unroot this anxiety?

Subhanallah, I have been objectively blessed with good rizq from entirely unexpected places despite my difficulties. Why should I continue to harbour this anxiety while my past teaches me I am cared for?

And I know, objectively, that ones rizq can change immediately, without warning, for both better or worse. Yet I am closer to my support network now than ever. So why should I worry?

Why should I worry when I believe in an ultimate reality that is intelligent, limited by no difficulty and defines himself as merciful and compassionate?

Do I worry because I lack faith? Or do I worry because I am aware that trials only end in the afterlife? Yet if I am certain in the afterlife then even the worst reality of this world should not shake me in my sabr as I know where I will be going. Unless, of course, I'm not destined for jannah.

Allah knows best.

I will continue to work on my sabr and my anxiety.

May Allah bless anyone reading this with strength in their struggles and success both in this life and the hereafter.

May Allah forgive, guide and help each of us.

[ilmtest]

Who Are Your True Friends?

The friend and beloved of a person is the one who strives to help him build his ākhirah (ie: Hereafter), وَصَدِيقُ الْإِنْسَانِ وَمُحِبُّهُ هُوَ مَنْ سَعَى فِي عِمَارَةِ آخِرَتِهِ even if it leads to a deficiency in his dunyā (ie: worldly life). وَإِنْ أَدَّى ذَلِكَ إِلَى نَقْصٍ فِي دُنْيَاهُ And his enemy is the one who strives to destroy or diminish his ākhirah, وَعَدُوُّهُ مَنْ يَسْعَى فِي ذَهَابِ أَوْ نَقْصِ آخِرَتِهِ even if it brings some form of benefit to his dunyā. وَإِنْ حَصَلَ بِسَبَبِ ذَلِكَ صُورَةُ نَفْعٍ فِي دُنْيَاهُ This is why Iblīs is our enemy, وَإِنَّمَا كَانَ إِبْلِيسُ عَدُوًّا لَنَا and the Prophets — may the prayers and peace of Allah be upon them all — are the allies of the believers, due to their efforts for the masalih (ie: benefit of) the believers' ākhirah لِهَذَا وَكَانَتِ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ وَسَلَامُهُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ أَوْلِيَاءُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ لِسَعْيِهِمْ فِي مَصَالِحِ آخِرَتِهِمْ and guiding them towards it. وَهِدَايَتِهِمْ إِلَيْهَا And we ask Allah, the Generous, for our success. وَنَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْكَرِيمَ تَوْفِيقَنَا al-Nawawī, al-Minhāj bi Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2/24 النووي، المنهاج شرح صحيح مسلم ٢/٢٤ https://shamela.ws/book/1711/268 @ilmtest [https://t.me/ilmtest]

[aneedyslaveofallah]

Western society, though it boasts of being the pinnacle of civilization and the ideal model of progress, is blind to its own slow decay. It prides itself on material success and technological advancement,but there lies a crumbling foundation of moral degradation and spiritual emptiness.

They believe themselves to be on the right path, but Allah ﷻ warns us in the Quran of the perilous nature of such delusion:

"But those who deny Our signs , We will progressively lead them [to destruction] from where they do not know."

[Surah Al-A'raf, 7:182]

This ayah serves as a reminder of the fate of those who reject Allah's guidance. Doors of worldly provision are opened to them, and they revel in their perceived success, oblivious to the reality that it is merely a trap, an invitation to their eventual downfall.

Allah ﷻ further says:

"So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly, and they were [then] in despair. So the people who committed wrong were eliminated. And praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds."

[Surah Al-An’am, 6:44-45]

The Western world revels in its material wealth and mocks those it deems “backward,” portraying them as failures in this worldly life. But what is the value of such success when the eternal hereafter is neglected?

Their wealth, luxury, and indulgence only lead them further into heedlessness, deceived by their transitory pleasures.

Tragically, many Muslims, lured by the promises of a “better life,” flock to the West, unaware of the spiritual toll it exacts. They trade the purity of their faith for the mirage of worldly success, forgetting that a society steeped in moral bankruptcy, hedonism, and outright rebellion against Allah’s natural order can never offer true prosperity.

Zina is normalized. Kufr is celebrated. Homosexuality is paraded as virtue. Men abandon their God-given roles to become like women, and women strive to imitate men. Families disintegrate, and the sanctity of modesty and morality is mocked.

How can a believer in tawheed ever find comfort or security in such an environment?

[anewdawnwithoutfear]

Original Date: 03 February, 2024

Visibility: Visible to Everyone

Warnings: Violence, death/murder, cults, manipulation

Notes: Red Text is excerpts from the DeCIRO, indented plain text is excerpts from the RP, all art is by @the-end-and-the-way/@motherfuckinchaos, as are some of the writings})

DeCIRO Catalogue Number: SC-13/101-14/722

Document Type: Step Compilation

Dates Received: ——— through ———2024

Operation Status: Active

Foreword: 

Hubris.

The downfall of tyrants. 

In days past, our unwavering commitment to the march of progress had moved even the coldest of hearts, resulting in the defection of valuable assets from the council of the tyrant Foundation. Undeterred, our eternal foe reaches out its grasping hand, recapturing the ex-Overseer in body, if not in spirit. It is now jealously guarded in the heart of their polar fortress, prodded and examined for the weakness they think lives in its heart. For the hubris of the tyrant is such that he believes all who disagree with him to be defective.

The Insurgency will not let this affair lie. We shall wrest our leadership from the illegitimate clutches of the Foundation. Witness our show of force as it unfolds under the bright Antarctic skies. 

Hereafter I, Delta-5 “The Professor” of Delta Command, document the Steps of the Plan as transcribed by the Engineer of the Chaos Insurgency.

1.STEP 13/101

Transport personnel and equipment to the Insurgency’s roving aircraft carrier in the Weddell Sea. Prepare for strike. All Beta-class operatives and above shall receive one vial of Red Sight, to aid their leadership. All operatives shall be equipped with night vision.

2.STEP 13/122

Site-01 receives a daily resupply airlift via the airstrip at Williams Field, McMurdo Sound. Ensure that the Alpha-class operatives masquerading as US Navy personnel stationed at McMurdo Station receive the parts and instructions necessary to rig the EMP to Site-01’s midnight resupply convoy.

3.STEP 13/249

Site-01’s anti-aircraft system can be knocked out temporarily if the EMP is set off at exactly midnight.

4.STEP 13/255

Once the explosives have gone off, follow shortly with air attack on the containment zone side of the facility to divert attention.

Team B lands via the helipad at the containment zone, and feints an attempted containment breach. 

5.STEP 13/398

The target is held underground, on the southwest wing of the -22nd floor of Site-01, a maximum security ward.

6.STEP 13/500

Initiate a temporary systems shutdown through burning a zero day exploit, which will give Team A access to the main facility via the emergency west wing exit. From there, they will have to reach floor -22 through the stairwell in the pitch darkness. Split Team A into squads to silence any Foundation personnel around and near the target ward. 

7.STEP 13/893

The Liar will not stay distracted for long. She will descend into the unlit facility and attempt to hunt down any squad she comes across. Beware her speed and strength. You must be prepared to lose several operatives to the wrath of the Liar. Ensure that they slow her down as much as possible, and that their lives are well spent in the distraction.

"Of course, of course," she complies lazily, taking stock of how many are there, "Who are you, anyway?" She doesn't wait for an answer before striking at three of them in rapid succession and flipping backward off the last, landing with her hands in the air mockingly. It happens too fast to take in. One moment, the Alpha operative leader is taking what he thinks is a harmless member of staff hostage- the next, he is being struck with considerable force from some direction. For a brief moment, before the world goes dark, he wonders if they had walked into an ambush- but surely there was no room in the corridor for an ambush. He never finds out. The four untouched operatives stare for a stunned moment at the smirking Liar, and then open fire. "Now, now, let's not be rude~" she chides, leaping away from their fire, though not missing all of it, she grabs one and holds them up, "Now, whyyyy are there these funny little men in my house?" The operative held in the air squirms desperately- reaching for a sidearm, a knife, anything- but finds no purchase. “Who the FUCK are you,” howls one of the untouched operatives, reluctant to fire on their squad mate suspended in the air by the Liar. "I asked first, you are a horrible houseguest! Come on, why don't we guess what I might be," not who, what, though she doubted the significance mattered much here. The operatives glance at each other desperately, way in over their heads. “An escaped skip,” one says, attempting to draw a bead on the Liar. She chuckles, deeply entertained, and tosses the squirming operative aside, "wrong direction, now, let's try again, why are you here?" “For the glory of the Professor,” spits the answering operative, and the remaining three attempt to open fire on the Liar again.

The Liar hurls her human weapon toward the squad taking fire at her. "Oh," she takes in the sight, "Lili! I know you~" A bullet gets her foot, but adrenaline makes it ignorable for the time being. "Care to explain your home invasion?"

Two of the operatives on point are bowled over by the hurled body, and the rest fall back behind the corner, cautious of her advance. Liu does not answer the Liar straight away, but instead motions to the squad that they should fire on her, should she turn the corner. Her speed is yet unknown to them- but from the looks of the other squad, pushing forward to engage her would be a mistake. Then, only does Liu answer her. “Eleven,” he says, “We’re under orders to retake something which you took from the Insurgency.”

The Father of Lies taps her chin, "Hmm, I don't think a single thing here is rightfully yours, actually~" Then, she charges at them, a glint in her eyes that those who knew her would recognize as playtime being well and truly over.

Carnage. The Liar charges the corner faster than the operatives can aim- and consequently their hail of bullets does little. Faster than thought, she is suddenly among them, like a fox in a henhouse, grabbing limbs and tossing bodies, passing through the group, and then doubling back on them from behind, picking them off. Liu feels the wind on his cheek, and a spatter of blood as the Liar passes him. Even with the reflexes granted by Red Sight, he struggles to keep his eye on her- but it is vital that he keep an eye on her, for it is sense data that must fuel the situational awareness that is keeping him alive. Once, he sees her hand, poised to come up, and grab him. He flattens himself against the wall at the last moment and she passes by, her grasping nails gouging the wall. In the wake of her pass, he steadies his weapon and snaps into position to await her return. Not even half a breath later, she might be back.

The Overseer growls when she misses her target. Oh, he is such a special little case, and yet he is like sand, time and again. Fueling herself on the adrenaline and rage, she turns carefully around, and comes rearing up, "Oh, you little bastard." He wants to dance that way? Two can tango, she is determined to get to Liu and rattle her answers out. Unfortunately, rage can be a little blinding, even to her. She ignores too much for her usual taste. Not that she cares.

Liu has had milliseconds to snap into position- dropped to one knee for stability, gun aimed low. It is a gamble, for sure- but from the speed of her last few passes, and the angle at which she turns the corner, his instincts are reasonably certain (with the blessed certainty that Red Sight grants) that he can score a gut shot from this position. The Liar may move faster than the speed of thought in baseline humans, but the speed of thought on Red Sight is a whole other reckoning. It is, however, a gamble, as true prescience does not exist at this dosage. If she changes her angle of approach even slightly, this might be the end-

Luck is a lady tonight, it would seem. Sometimes, the house loses, and this is one such moment. The Liar reels backward when the bullet hits her, screeching in a mixture of confused ire and pain. She tries to power forward for a moment, to get at him, to drag him straight into the underworld that awaited them with her, but the feeling of her viscera threatening to rebel against its usual place inside her body forces her to stop. She wants to make a promise, a nasty, wretched promise, but the pain of not only this wound but every other injury she had sustained comes in a wave all at once, making speech difficult.

Liu is still on one knee, in the middle of the corridor. He could not have moved as fast as her, could not have re-aimed, and so had gambled his life on the decision Red Sight helped him make. The Liar has stopped cold at the corner, still reeling slightly from the force of the bullet. Liu levels his firearm at her. He is not so stupid as to think he can hit her again- another burst of energy could turn him into another broken body on the ground before he can even aim. However, the Liar seems out of fuel for the moment, and not a millisecond too late- he can hear, distantly, the burdened step of a squad carrying someone on a rescue stretcher, moving towards the exit stairwell. “We’re taking it home,” he says, as calmly as he can manage, under the circumstances. “Do not try and stop us.”

The Father of Lies barks a cutting laugh, her breath laboring under the effort required to hold form and try to keep everything stable enough. "Cute," she manages, though if she means Liu's brave face or the fact that the Heretic cared more than previously assumed is impossible to tell. "Not the end," she growls as she backs away, knowing full well she'll need to go to her medical staff very shortly.

8.STEP 14/001

A squad led by a Beta-class operative will reach the designated ward. They will break down the doors, and convince the individual within to follow.

It was as if a dam had burst. This little fucker- Setiawan’s suspicion deepened. “You know, I’m not so sure of that myself…” They looked hard at it, as if searching with enhanced senses for any hint of deception. Red Sight did not read thoughts, however, and Setiawan had no idea of any of its tells. “How long have you been here- months? The Foundation brainwashers must have really worked you over in that time. Of course they did.” They shifted their hand toward their sidearm. “The Professor is a very good man, you know. He really sees the good in everybody, and I do mean everybody.” “Here’s the question everybody’s too nice to ask- did the Foundation at any point manage to convince you?”

It yelped, "Don't bring him up, I know he's upset with me. I didn't want him to be, but--no, convince me of what? Maybe that you weren't coming, sure, but I don't--they aren't--I don't want what they're selling."

“Are you fucking sure.” Setiawan’s voice was cold fury. How it was behaving just- poked at a part of their brain that- that refused to respond with empathy. Covered it in righteous anger instead. Setiawan was good at righteous anger. They drew their sidearm, moving to grab its collar in the same motion. Their voice rose. “Are you fucking sure? Because if at any point you had doubted him, you might just be better off dead.”

"Aš juo neabejojau. Not him. But--if you--your judgment is better." Maybe they were right. Maybe he would be better off without them. Maybes, mights, I thinks, but nothing certain. Did he hate them now? Maybe he did.

“Don’t fucking play with me,” Setiawan raised the gun and pulled its collar roughly. Fury blocked out any sympathy by design. “What the hell does that mean-“ Meanwhile, Kelley was waffling at them, and someone was trying to take the sidearm, but if this little worm wouldn’t cop to it- “Please! Did we come all the way here for nothing? Put the gun down, Dogma, or I swear on his name-“ “It’s always been a little shit, Illumination, it’s still being a little shit. What the fuck did it mean-“ “Put the fucking gun down, Dogma!”

"I'm not doing anything," it insisted, unclear on what its crime was supposed to be this time. The unworthy partner raised its hands to defend itself, as if it could make a lick of difference should they decide to fire.

“Dogma, I swear on his name, if you do this, you’re not fit to lead.” The gun was wrested down. Setiawan stood there, clutching its collar, breathing heavily. Kelley put a hand on Setiawan’s back. “We’ll let the Professor decide if it’s a traitor or not, how about that? He knows best, always.”

It kept its arms raised, just in case. It couldn't rule out that it was in active danger right now. Not after that, though as soon as Kelley spoke, it relaxed. Surely he loved it enough that he would understand everything. It hoped.

Setiawan pulls away harshly, still seething, but not denying Kelley’s logic. With the crisis averted, the operatives seem to relax, and move about the business of securing the stretcher to it. The tallest operative, Wolfskill, hefts it on his back- this will enable the squad to move the target up stairs. They leave the cell, and go back the way they came.

9.STEP 14/104

The temporary systems shutdown will not last for the duration of the exfiltration. Be prepared for lights to be restored, and to engage with security on the way out.

10.STEP 14/429

Team B will not be able to penetrate the containment zone. However, they will have the opportunity to retrieve several documents of interest to the Insurgency. Do not burn all their lives in the distraction; ensure that some return with the secondary prize. 

11.STEP 14/455

Extract all surviving operatives as well as the target

[loverandservantoftheahlulbayt]

🍃🕊🍃 Whole Month Of Ramadan

This month is the best for praying for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (aj), especially its nights, because it is the month of invocations. Hence, traditions have ordered for the same and thus, the significance of reciting Dua Iftetaah have been underlined in the nights of this month. Do not neglect this supplication for indeed, it is a noble and comprehensive prayer, encompassing the needs of both this world as well as the hereafter.

Also supporting this matter is that which the chief of narration scholars, Shaykh Sadooq has mentioned in his book, Fadail Sharur Ramadan, through his own chain of narrators from Imam Ali Reza (as) that he said with regard to the merits of the month of Ramadan: Good deeds are accepted in the month of Ramadan and the sins are forgiven. One who recites one verse of the Book of Allah, in the month of Ramadan will get the reward of reciting a whole Qur’an in other months.

One who makes his believer brother smiles in this month, he would not be met except with a smile and given the good news of Paradise on Judgment Day. One who helps his believer brother in this month, will be helped by the Almighty when passing over the Sirat Bridge, on the day when his feet would be shaking.

For one who controls his anger on this month, the Almighty Allah will keep away His anger. If a person helps an oppressed soul, Allah will help him against one who is inimical to him in this world, and will also help him at the time of the accounting of deeds.

The month of Ramadan is a month of mercy and blessings. It is month of forgiveness and return [to the court of Allah]; and one who is not forgiven in the month of Ramadan, then in which month would he be forgiven?! Thus, beg the Almighty Allah to accept your fasting and that He may not make it your last time. And that He should give you the good sense of obeying Him and protect you from His disobedience, as He is the best of those who are asked.1

I say: In Part Five we had stated that praying for an early reappearance and success of our master, Hazrat Hujjat (aj) is a kind of rendering help to him, from the aspect that we are encouraged to help the believers in this month and without any doubt helping the Imam (as) is the best form of help. An evidence for this is a special Dua for this month quoted in Iqbal and Zaadul Maad from the fourth Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen (as) and his son, Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) which begins as follows:

اللهم هذا شهر رمضان، وفيه: أسألك.. ان تنصر وصي محمد، وخليفة محمد، والقائم بالقسط من أوصياء محمد، صلواتك عليه وعليهم، اعطف عليهم نصرك...

O Allah, this is the month of Ramadan… I ask You to help the vicegerent of Muhammad and the successor of Muhammad and the one who will establish justice from the successors of Muhammad. Your blessings be upon him and them. Bestow Your help to them.

Supporting this point also is the traditional report that Thiqatul Islam, Muhammad Ibne Yaqoob Kulaini has recorded in the Chapter of Fasting, in Usool Kafi from Muhammad bin Isa through his own chain of narrators from the Holy Imam (as) that they said: Recite this Dua on the eve of 23rd of Ramadan in Sajdah (prostration), in sitting and standing, and go on repeating it as much as you can. So much so, that you learn it by heart for your life. Thus after praise and glorification of the Almighty Allah recite as follows:

اللهم كن لوليك فلان ابن فلان في هذه الساعة، وفي كل ساعة وليا، وحافظا، وناصرا، ودليلا، وقائدا، وعينا، حتى تسكنه أرضك طوعا، وتمتعه فيها طويلا.

O Allah You be for so and so, at this hour and at every hour a Guardian, a protector, a leader, a helper, a guide and a protector, so that he is at ease and lives on your earth for a long time.2

I say: This tradition proves that praying for the important matter of hastening the reappearance is emphasized on the 23rd eve of Ramadan of all the times and occasions just as the month of Ramadan is more emphasized than other months. It is so because it is the best time for acceptance of supplications and gaining the best rewards. And also the angels and Ruhul Qudus come down on this night and the doors of mercy and success are thrown open and they are not thrown open on other nights.

Rather it has been clearly mentioned in some traditional reports that this night is the same night of Qadr (power), which is better than a thousands months. Thus, Thiqatul Islam, Muhammad Ibne Yaqoob Kulaini has stated in Usool Kafi, Chapter of Miscellany, Book of the Merits of Qur’an through his own chain of narrators from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (as) from the Holy Prophet (S) that he said: The Qur’an was revealed on the 23rd of the month of Ramadan.3 This tradition, along with the verse:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ

Surely We revealed it on the grand night. (Qur’an, Surah Qadr 97:1)

…proves that the night of power is the same 23rd eve of the month of Ramadan, as is clear for people with sense.

Muhaqqiq Noori, in his book, Najmus Thaqib, has quoted the above mentioned Dua in expanded version from Al-Mazmaar of Sayyid Ibne Tawoos (r.a.). It is as follows:

اللهم كن لوليك القائم بأمرك الحجة بن الحسن المهدي عليه وعلى آبائه أفضل الصلاة والسلام في هذه الساعة وفي كل ساعة وليا، وحافظا، وقائدا وناصرا، ودليلا، ومؤيدا (27) حتى تسكنه أرضك طوعا وتمتعه فيها طولا وعرضا وتجعله وذريته من الأئمة الوارثين، اللهم انصره وانتصر به واجعل النصر منك له، وعلى يده، واجعل النصر له، والفتح على وجهه، ولا توجه الأمر إلى غيره. اللهم أظهر به دينك وسنة نبيك (صلى الله عليه وآله) حتى لا يستخفي بشئ من الحق مخافة أحد من الخلق اللهم إني أرغب إليك في دولة كريمة تعز بها الإسلام وأهله، وتذل بها النفاق وأهله، وتجعلنا فيها من الدعاة إلى طاعتك، والقادة إلى سبيلك وآتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار، واجمع لنا خير الدارين، واقض عنا جميع ما تحب فيهما، واجعل لنا في ذلك الخيرة برحمتك ومنك في عافية آمين رب العالمين، وزدنا من فضلك، ويدك الملأى فإن كل معط ينقص من ملكه، وعطا��ك يزيد في ملكك.

O Allah, be for Your Wali, one who will rise up with Your command, the Hujjat Ibnil Hasan al-Mahdi, upon him and his forefathers, the best of blessings and salutations on this time and at all times, the guardian, the protector, the leader and the helper, the proof and supporter till he lives in Your earth and enjoys its length and breadth. And make him and his progeny from the inheritor Imams. O Allah, help him and help through him (Your religion) and make help from You (special) for him and open upon his face to victory and do not give this (rule) to anyone else.

O Allah, make Your religion dominant through him and the Sunnah of Your Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. So that they do not conceal anything from the truth due to the fear of the creatures. O Allah, indeed, I am inclined to the noble rule, in which Islam and its people are honored and hypocrisy and its people are debased. And make us the callers to Your obedience and guides to Your path.

And give us good in the world and good in the hereafter and save us from the Fire and gather for us all good of both the worlds and repay all our debts. And make for us good in it by Your mercy and generosity in prosperity. Amen, Lord of the worlds and increase Your blessings on us and fill up our needs, for all You give is less than Your kingdom and Your bestowals increase Your kingdom.

🕌¸•*`*•.¸🕌¸.•*`*•.¸🕌

🍃🕊🍃 Source 🍃🕊🍃

1. Biharul Anwar; (Vol. 96, Pg. 341)

2. Al-Kafi, (Vol. 4, Pg. 162)

3. Usool Kafi; Muhammad bin

Yaqoob Kulaini; (Vol. 2/629)

🕌¸•*`*•.¸🕌¸.•*`*•.¸🕌

🍃🕊🍃 al-Islam.org 🍃🕊🍃

#Ramadan

#ramadan2025

.

[ivan-fyodorovich-k]

There are now, and will hereafter be, many causes, dangerous in their tendency, which have not existed heretofore; and which are not too insignificant to merit attention. That our government should have been maintained in its original form from its establishment until now, is not much to be wondered at. It had many props to support it through that period, which now are decayed, and crumbled away. Through that period, it was felt by all, to be an undecided experiment; now, it is understood to be a successful one.--Then, all that sought celebrity and fame, and distinction, expected to find them in the success of that experiment. Their all was staked upon it:-- their destiny was inseparably linked with it. Their ambition aspired to display before an admiring world, a practical demonstration of the truth of a proposition, which had hitherto been considered, at best no better, than problematical; namely, the capability of a people to govern themselves. If they succeeded, they were to be immortalized; their names were to be transferred to counties and cities, and rivers and mountains; and to be revered and sung, and toasted through all time. If they failed, they were to be called knaves and fools, and fanatics for a fleeting hour; then to sink and be forgotten. They succeeded. The experiment is successful; and thousands have won their deathless names in making it so. But the game is caught; and I believe it is true, that with the catching, end the pleasures of the chase. This field of glory is harvested, and the crop is already appropriated. But new reapers will arise, and they, too, will seek a field. It is to deny, what the history of the world tells us is true, to suppose that men of ambition and talents will not continue to spring up amongst us. And, when they do, they will as naturally seek the gratification of their ruling passion, as others have so done before them. The question then, is, can that gratification be found in supporting and maintaining an edifice that has been erected by others? Most certainly it cannot. Many great and good men sufficiently qualified for any task they should undertake, may ever be found, whose ambition would inspire to nothing beyond a seat in Congress, a gubernatorial or a presidential chair; but such belong not to the family of the lion, or the tribe of the eagle. What! think you these places would satisfy an Alexander, a Caesar, or a Napoleon?--Never! Towering genius distains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.--It sees no distinction in adding story to story, upon the monuments of fame, erected to the memory of others. It denies that it is glory enough to serve under any chief. It scorns to tread in the footsteps of any predecessor, however illustrious. It thirsts and burns for distinction; and, if possible, it will have it, whether at the expense of emancipating slaves, or enslaving freemen. Is it unreasonable then to expect, that some man possessed of the loftiest genius, coupled with ambition sufficient to push it to its utmost stretch, will at some time, spring up among us? And when such a one does, it will require the people to be united with each other, attached to the government and laws, and generally intelligent, to successfully frustrate his designs.

Distinction will be his paramount object, and although he would as willingly, perhaps more so, acquire it by doing good as harm; yet, that opportunity being past, and nothing left to be done in the way of building up, he would set boldly to the task of pulling down.

Here, then, is a probable case, highly dangerous, and such a one as could not have well existed heretofore.

from "The Lyceum Address," Abraham Lincoln, 1838

[wrappedinamysteryy]

When my heart can't take it anymore and cries out for mercy, I try to hush it gently with the reminder that the life in the Hereafter will be so much better. I remind it to hold on a little longer, for the pleasure that comes from patience is something that you can conquer. Take deep breaths, rest your eyes, for tomorrow might be a better day—you wouldn't know if you are away. So live a little, dry your tears, and honor your pain; don't belittle it. You are brave, you are strong, and you are one of His believers—and believers will succeed.

"The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, "We hear and we obey." And those are the successful." (An-Noor 24: Verse 51)

"And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him - it is those who are the attainers." (An-Noor 24: Verse 52)

-wrappedinamystery

[aloyhh]

Bro, Are you rich? How are you so successful? I want to be like you my friend 🇸🇦🥂.

Thank you❤️, I’m not considered rich because I believe this life everything will be running out nothing is considered eternal so I thank god for all blessings and wish that the hereafter will be fulfilled with things we wish for.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Waasi’— The All-Encompassing, The All-Sufficient, The Bountiless— on nine occasions in the Quran. Al-Waasi’ is beyond any limits in essence and has boundless capacities. He encompasses the whole of creation with His blessings, care, and kindness. He is the Self-Sufficient and is sufficient for all. Nothing is beyond Him, and there are no limits to any of His attributes; the mind simply can’t grasp His essence and power!

The All-Sufficient, Bountiful, and All-Pervading

Waasi’ comes from the root waw-seen-ayn, which carries three main meanings. The first meaning is that of being vast, sufficient in capacity or size, and spacious. The second main meaning of this root is to be plentiful and bountiful. The third is to embrace, comprehend, and pervade.

This root appears 32 times in the Quran in six derived forms. Examples of these forms are wasi’a (encompasses), wus’ahaa (its capacity), and waasi’atun (spacious).

The concept of waasi’ in the Arabic language points out to something that has no limits; it’s something too vast to imagine. This attribute of Allah is in itself limitless, just like His other attributes, such as His Giving, Seeing, Hearing, and Knowing.

Al-Waasi’ Himself says: … But if they separate [divorce] Allah will enrich each, from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise [Quran, 4:130] … That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing [Quran, 5:54] … Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness [Quran, 53:32]

A Formula for Success

Al-Waasi’ inspires to a beautiful supplication with an amazing, encompassing answer stating His attribute of wasi’a. He says: And ordain for us good in this world’s life and in the life hereafter, for surely we turn to you. He said: (As for) my chastisement, I will afflict with it whomsoever I please, and my mercy encompasses all things; so I will ordain it (especially) for those who guard (themselves against evil) and pay the zakat and those who believe in our signs. [Quran, 7:156]

This is your formula for success: in your heart, have fear, as Al-Waasi’ is the Only One who can punish whomever he wishes to punish. Have hope, because His mercy encompasses everything. In your actions stay away from evil, purify yourself and your wealth, and believe in the signs explained to you in the Quran and in the universe.

How Can We Live By This Name?

1. Increase in praising Al-Waasi’.  He is the One whose attributes are immense. Everything connected to Him is immense and perfect. Al-Waasi’ is as He praised Himself. We cannot praise Him as He deserves but we can try to remember and praise Him as much as we can. Are we really saying subhanAllah, alhamdulillah and Allahu akbarall through the day, whenever we have a spare moment? Do we really keep our tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah? Remind yourself of this great attribute of vastness and increase your daily dhikr!

2. Contemplate His kingdom.  His Kingdom encompasses everything we can see and not see. To appreciate the limitlessness of Al-Waasi’, look at His creations. Look at the sky and the galaxy, the balance, the perfection and the spaces in the universe that are still unknown to us. Al-Waasi’says: and the heavens we raised high with power, and most surely we make things ample. [Quran, 51:4]

3. Ask Al-Waasi’.  His power encompasses everything and there’s nothing Al-Waasi’ can’t do. ‪He’s never distracted by anything in his infinite sphere of activities and knowledge. He has sufficient means to respond to each single request in His tremendous dominion. So ask Him for every need you have and turn to Him with every worry you feel.

4. Be an ambassador of good.  His dominion is incredible and vast. Al-Waasi’ placed you on this world and watches your every move. All you did, do, and will do is embraced by His knowledge. Your only God is Allah; there is no god but He; He comprehends all things in (His) knowledge  [Quran, 20:98]. Take your role on this earth seriously and be an ambassador of Islam by showing good manners and calling others to Al-Waasi’.

5.  Never despair in any characteristic of Allah.  Despairing in any capacity of Al-Waasi’ means you are putting a limit on the One whose abilities are beyond any limit; may Allah protect us from this thinking! If you think that He can’t forgive you because you’re too evil, you’re denying this attribute because His mercy is limitless! So never despair in any of His roles, whether The Provider, The Judge, The Answerer of Prayers; be firm in faith that all His capacities cannot be limited by anything or anyone.

6. Be aware of your actions. Al-Waasi’ says: And to Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing [Quran, 2:115] Even though this ayah was revealed regarding the direction of the prayer (qibla),  you can also let it inspire you to be aware in your actions of the all-encompassing knowledge, hearing, mercy and might of Al-Waasi’!

7. Embrace others with your kindness.  Include all servants of Al-Waasi’ in your kindness and good treatment at all times and be gracious to people and be attentive to the requests of those who ask you.

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.O Allah, Al-Waasi’, we know that You are the One who encompasses everything and everyone. Make us of the dhaakireen— those who constantly remember Your vastness and perfection and whose actions reflect this awareness. Inspire us to contemplate Your endless dominion and make us turn to You for every request. Guide us in being good, kind, and just ambassadors of Your religion on this earth, and enable us in our faith to never doubt any of Your characteristics. Ameen!

[angel-esse]

Obstacles to Virtue - The Islamic Perspective

Introduction:

In Islam, the journey towards spiritual enlightenment and righteousness is marked by overcoming various obstacles that impede one's connection with Allah (God) and the fulfillment of one's purpose. These impediments, referred to as "snares of virtue," encompass pitfalls, delusions, and attachments that distract believers from the straight path (Al-Sirat al-Mustaqeem). Understanding and navigating these challenges are essential for Muslims seeking to attain inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Obstacles Hindering Virtue, Delusions Hindering the Will, and Attachments Binding the Heart:

• Ignorance and Weakness (Nafs): Ignorance of personal weaknesses (Nafs) and attachment to worldly desires (Hawa) obstruct virtue. Acknowledge and confront the lower self's inclinations through self-reflection, repentance (tawbah), and seeking forgiveness (istighfar).

As mentioned in the Quran (64:16), "So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be successful."

Examples include succumbing to anger, envy, or arrogance, and excessive indulgence in wealth, status, or physical pleasures.

• Trials and Tribulations (Fitnah) and Doubt (Shubha): Aversion to trials and tribulations (Fitnah) and doubt in Allah's guidance (Shubha) hinder the will. Embrace challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and strengthen faith through regular recitation and reflection on the Quran.

As mentioned in the Quran (2:155), "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient."

Examples include facing illness or loss with resilience and questioning the authenticity of Islamic teachings.

• Seeking Approval and Ego-driven Pursuits (Riya and Kibr): Seeking approval from others (Riya) and ego-driven pursuits (Kibr) obstruct virtue. Perform acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah alone and foster humility by acknowledging Allah's greatness.

As mentioned in a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The first of man's deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salah. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser."

Examples include showing off in prayers or charity and looking down on others due to perceived superiority.

• Divine Decree (Qadar) and Self-Sufficiency (Ghurur): Ignorance of divine decree (Qadar) and illusion of self-sufficiency (Ghurur) hinder the will. Trust in Allah's wisdom and accept both blessings and trials with gratitude.

As mentioned in the Quran (64:11), "No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things."

Examples include questioning calamities and attributing success solely to personal effort.

• Accountability (Ghaflah) and Doubt in Afterlife (Shakk): Denial of accountability (Ghaflah) and doubt in the afterlife (Shakk) hinder the will. Increase awareness of death and strengthen belief in the Hereafter.

As mentioned in the Quran (35:45), "And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for what they have earned, He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He defers them for a specified term. And when their time comes, then indeed Allah has ever been, of His servants, Seeing."

Examples include neglecting prayers or feeling skeptical about the consequences of one's actions.

• Restless Pursuit of Worldly Gains and Ego Identity (Hubb al-Dunya, Nafs): Restless pursuit of worldly gains (Hubb al-Dunya) and ego identity attachment (Nafs) bind the heart. Practice detachment from worldly possessions and strive for self-purification.

As mentioned in the Quran (57:20), "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion."

Examples include excessive attachment to wealth and identifying oneself solely based on worldly desires.

• Fear-based Reliance and Worldly Status (Tawakkul, Jaah): Fear-based reliance on creation (Tawakkul) and ego-driven attachment to worldly status (Jaah) bind the heart. Strengthen trust in Allah's plan and cultivate contentment with one's station in life.

As mentioned in a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whosoever seeks honor, Allah will honor him, and whosoever seeks humiliation, Allah will humiliate him."

Examples include excessive worry about the future and seeking validation from others at the expense of compromising values.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, recognizing and overcoming the obstacles, delusions, and attachments discussed is crucial for Muslims striving for spiritual growth and fulfillment. By understanding these challenges and implementing the practical guidance provided by the Quran and Hadith, believers can navigate the path of righteousness more effectively and draw closer to Allah. It is through sincere effort, self-reflection, and reliance on Allah's mercy that individuals can transcend these barriers and achieve inner peace and spiritual fulfillment in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Further Readings and Resources:

For those interested in delving deeper into the topics discussed, the following readings and resources are recommended:

• "Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart" by Hamza Yusuf.

• "The Inner Dimensions of Worship: From Ibn Qudamah's Mukhtasar Minhaj Al-Qasidin" translated by Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab.

• "Reclaim Your Heart: Personal Insights on Breaking Free from Life's Shackles" by Yasmin Mogahed.

• "The Diseases of the Hearts and Their Cures" by Imam Ibn Taymiyyah.

• Seek guidance and knowledge from reliable scholars and spiritual mentors who can provide further insights and guidance on the journey towards spiritual growth in Islam. Additionally, actively engaging in community-based activities, such as study circles, Islamic lectures, and volunteering opportunities, can foster a supportive environment for spiritual development and learning. Finally, consistent reflection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness from Allah are essential practices to maintain sincerity and humility in one's spiritual journey.

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A beneficial gem that my teacher taught.

🌺 Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says: ❛Know that {al-hayat ad-dunya | the worldly life} is but {la’ibun} and {lahwun}, {zinatun} and {tafaakhurun} among you, and {takaatsurun} in respect of wealth and children…❜ 【Surah al-Hadid 57:20】

In this aayah, Allah gives us the definition of al-hayat ad-dunya with 5 words:

🔹 La’ibun — engaging in idle activity with no purpose 🔹 Lahwun — becoming diverted and neglectful 🔹 Zinatun — pomp / to beautify 🔹 Tafaakhurun — self-glorification 🔹 Takaatsurun — to surpass in quantity

Notice that all of these words do not refer to something physical, to an actual object or item, but rather the characteristic or lifestyle to that effect. Meaning:

🔸 A person’s lifestyle that constantly engages in unmeaningful activities is al-hayat ad-dunya.

🔸 A person’s lifestyle that neglects the obligations that are due upon him is al-hayat ad-dunya.

🔸 A person’s lifestyle that is all about vain and pomp is al-hayat ad-dunya.

🔸 A person’s lifestyle that boasts and glorifies oneself is al-hayat ad-dunya.

🔸 A person’s lifestyle that revolves around rivalry in terms of wealth and children is al-hayat ad-dunya.

Al-hayat ad-dunya, in a nutshell, is a lifestyle that is purely oriented to this temporary realm we call dunya. My teacher said: Kehidupan yang berorientasi keKINIan dan keDISInian. A lifestyle where a person chases after the glitters of this dunya at the cost of being eternally bankrupt in the hereafter.

So al-hayat ad-dunya is not literally wealth, lots of cars, lands, mansions, etc. But rather, it refers to our behaviour towards these things. The tools for la’ibun, lahwun, zinatun, tafaakhurun, takaatsurun are all neutral. Wealth is not haraam. Prestige, status, beauty, etc are not haraam. In fact, our Deen advocates us to work with ihsaan, to be successful, and to wear nice! What is actually important is how we utilise these blessings of Allah, and we will be judged on those actions.

So if that game preoccupies us so much that we start to delay our salaah,

if our friends or social gatherings constantly make us neglect our obligations towards our family,

if we keep posting those contents on social media, while we ourselves know fully well that the intention is to show off to others,

— then we have to fix this. This lifestyle needs fixing asap. Because Allah warns us in the same aayah:

🌺 ❛ And al-hayat ad-dunya is only a deceiving enjoyment.❜ 【Surah al-Hadid 57:20】

Don’t allow this lifestyle to deceive us from our true purpose as servants of Allah. Don’t chase the temporary present at the cost of our eternal akhirah. We ask Allah to make us believers who are akhirah-oriented, and whom He is pleased with.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©