#surah 12

[sanelyinsanemiss]

He said, "I will address my sorrow and grief only to Allah"

-Surah Yusuf (12:86)

[asthaghfirallah]

[honeyliruh]

وَلَا تَايْـَٔسُوْا مِنْ رَّوْحِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّهٗ لَا يَايْـَٔسُ مِنْ رَّوْحِ اللّٰهِ اِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكٰفِرُوْنَ

"...and despair not of relief from Allāh. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allāh except the disbelieving people." [Surah Yusuf 12:87]

[snoonz]

List of duaas

1. Ya Allah grant me the companionship of Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, his family and the Sahaba's in Jannathul Firdous al 'áala.

2. Ya Allah make me and my family from amongst the sabiqoon you mention of in Surah Al Waqi'ah. Let the light of our imaan emanate from our chest and from our right hand side.

3. Ya rabb, make me of those who are patient and obedient to You and to my parents.

4. Ya Allah make me of the few You love, You Pardon and You shade on a Day when there is no shade but from Your Majestic Arsh.

5. Oh my Lord, increase me in Yakeen and Tawakkul in you. Let there be no doubt in my belief in Your Oneness, Your Majesty and Power.

6. Ya Rahman, shower your Mercy upon me and save me from disgrace on the Day of Reckoning.

7. Ya Allah Al Wali - The Protecting Friend, protect us from hearts that are not humble, tongues that are not wise, and eyes that have forgotten how to cry.

8. Ya Allah, increase me in Sadaqa-e- Jariya. May the legacy of my good deeds be never-ending.

9. Ya Rabb, perfect my Deen and my Worship. Save me from Faahisha and let me complete half of my Deen with someone whose heart is attached to you.

10. Ya Allah accept my good deeds and increase me in reward and Your Mercy. Wipe away my sins and pardon me completely.

11. Ya Allah, when I die, let my soul and my record of Deeds be with the Illiyeen. Grant me and my loved ones shade under your throne when there will be no shade but yours.

12. Ya Allah grant me, my parents, and family guidance, steadfastness and increase us in Imaan and taqwa. Keep me and my loved ones away from major and minor sins and from everything that earns your displeasure.

13. Ya Razaq increase me in my love for You and Your Prophet sallallähu 'alayhi wa sallam.

14. Ya Jabbar forgive me and my loved ones and increase us in Your Blessings and Provisions.

15. Ya Khaliq lead me to more opportunities to do good and seeking Your Pleasure. Help me expand my knowledge with sincerity and ikhlas.

16. Ya Wahhaab, Purify my intentions for Your Sake alone and let me not show off or take false pride. Save me from arrogance, pride, showing off and reminding of favors.

17. Oh my Creator and Sustainer, do not leave me alone. Bless me with a righteous spouse and children who will be the coolness of our eyes. Fill our hearts with a pure love that is pleasing to you. Bless us with spouses who will guide us towards your pleasure and with whom we will spend an eternity in Jannatul firdous al'aala.

18. Oh my Lord, make me of those who are patient and obedient to You and to my parents.

19. Ya Latfeef, save me from the Fitnah of Dajjal. And save me from becoming a fitna for others

20. Ya Ghafoor, save me and my loved ones from the punishment of the grave and the punishment of the Hell Fire.

[sabrgirl]

ramadan 30 day challenge

introducing the ramadan 30 day challenge!

I made this challenge in the hopes of catering to as many people as I can - so, regardless of anyone's home situation, health, money, whether or not you live near a mosque or a community etc, I think it is somewhat do-able or adaptable for all! you can access anything you need for this (verses/surahs from the Qur'an for eg) online. I also know that for some people (depending on countries etc), ramadan is either 29 or 30 days, so it's fine to finish on the 29th day if necessary.

if you miss a couple days as well (or end up seeing this post halfway through ramadan), just pick up from whatever day of ramadan it is!

it starts off easy and gets harder as you go along! i'm also going to be doing this ramadan challenge and posting my own updates on here, Insha’Allah! if you do this too, please do tag me because I would love to see how people are getting on! ♡ here it is:

recite surah ikhlas 3 times

recite durood sharif 3 times

read Qur'an after asr

recite the 3 Quls (last 3 surahs of the Qur'an) in the evening/before sleeping today

listen to an islamic podcast

write down 5 things you are grateful to Allah for on paper or phone notes app

istighfar 100 times

read all of surah mulk before bed

wake up for tahajjud and pray (at least) 2 rakaats

learn 5 names/attributes of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ

do something nice for somebody else - can even be very small and will still be rewarded for it

wear your favourite abaya/thobe/modest clothing for every salah today. look your best for Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ in your prayer like you would to go to a special event

give some (charity) sadaqah (create a sadaqah jar/box!)

read the last 2 verses of surah baqarah before sleeping

make a du'a for your friends and family - name them and pray for something specific for each of them

read all of surah Ya Sin after fajr

pray 2 nafl rakaats (voluntary prayer) today after the 2 sunnah rakaats of zuhr

no backbiting/gossiping about anyone at all and 2 nafl rakaats (voluntary prayer) if you do

pick a surah from the Qur'an and read the commentary for each verse

memorise the dua to recite on laylatul qadr اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'anni "O Allah, You are indeed Forgiving and love to forgive, so forgive me."

donate to a charity (for palestine!!). even the smallest amount will be beneficial + rewarded by Allah

recite ayatul kursi after each 5 fard (obligatory) salah

pray all the 12 sunnah today: 2 rakaats before Fajr; 4 rakaats before zuhr and two rakaats after; 2 rakaats after Maghrib; and 2 rakaats after Ishaa

pray (at least) 2 rakaats of taraweeh (either at the mosque or at home by yourself/with family!)

pray 2 rakaats of duha (optional) prayer - it is between 15 minutes after sunrise until zuhr time. (not after zuhr!!)

recite subhanallahi wabihamdi, subhanallahil adheem 100 times - (Glory be to Allah and all praise is due to Him, glory be to Allah, the Great)

be extra modest today (tailored to you. wear hijab outside if you don't, or wear your loosest outfit or lower your gaze completely (including lowering it on social media) today etc. whatever being extra modest is for you, do that today).

pray on time, no procrastination or delays. check what local time each prayer is for you and pray then (unless you're praying at the mosque!)

istighfar x1000 times

pray some of the nawafil ON TOP OF all the sunnah prayers that accompany the 5 obligatory prayers: - 2 rakaats of duha prayer - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of zuhr - 4 rakaats before asr - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of maghrib - 2 rakaats after the 2 sunnah rakaats of ishaa (extra challenge: wake up for tahajjud too)

level extreme: if you want an extra extra challenge, you can continue doing each one every day as you go along. so day 1 would be recite surah ikhlas 3 times and day 2 would be recite surah ikhlas and durood sharif 3 times, day 3 would be recite surah ikhlas and durood sharif 3 times and read Qur'an after asr... and you get the gist. if you do this, good luck on day 30 when you have 30 things to do lol

note: giving sadaqah (charity) can be adapted if donating money is a struggle - for eg, doing dhikr on behalf of somebody else can count as sadaqah. click here for more info on this.

may Allah make this challenge easy for whoever intends to participate and let the deeds indeed be multiplied by 100 this ramadan and forgive us for our shortcomings, Ameen ♡

[chic-a-gigot]

La Mode nationale, no. 52, 26 décembre 1896, Paris. No. 15. — Costume genre tailleur. Bibliothèque nationale de France

No. 15. — Costume genre tailleur en drap satin bleu amiral. Jupe demi-large garnie devant de tresse de laine noire avec motifs de soutache dans le bas posés sur transparent rouge antique.

Boléro fermant devant, très court, garni de tresse et de motifs sur transparent rouge antique. Chemisette de surah rouge plissé. Ceinture de satin noir. Chapeau de feutre noir avec drapé de velours coquelicot. Aigrette de plumes de coq.

—

No. 15. — Tailor-made suit in admiral blue satin cloth. Half-wide skirt trimmed in front with black wool braid with soutache patterns at the bottom laid on antique red transparent fabric.

Bolero closing in front, very short, trimmed with braid and patterns on antique red transparent fabric. Pleated red surah blouse. Black satin belt. Black felt hat with poppy velvet drape. Cock feather aigrette.

—

Matériaux: 6 mètres de drap, 12 mètres de petit taffetas rouge antique pour doublure, 1m,50 de surah pour la chemisette.

[julaibib]

On that day you will see the faithful men and the faithful women-- their light running before them and on their right hand-- good news for you today: gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein, that is the grand achievement.

Surah Al-Hadid - 12

[refat-ahmed]

So ˹I am left with nothing but˺ beautiful patience! I trust Allah will return them all to me. Surely He ˹alone˺ is the All-Knowing, All-Wise.

—Qur’an | Surah Yusuf 12:83

[howtomuslim]

Why The Quran Asks Us To Ponder

Islam emphasises reflection, urging believers to use reason and contemplation to grasp the magnificence of creation and the purpose of life. The Quran, revealed to be a guidance for humanity, frequently calls us to use our intellect and ponder over the signs of Allah’s creation, encouraging deeper faith, gratitude, and understanding.

Below, we explore the Quran’s repeated call to contemplation, the signs in Allah’s creation, and the wisdom behind this reflection.

The Call to Ponder: A Divine Invitation

The Quran mentions the act of pondering 13 times, inviting readers to think beyond surface realities. Reflection in Islam is not just intellectual but also spiritual, helping people develop a connection with Allah by appreciating the beauty and precision of His creations. The Quran often presents questions that awaken hearts and minds:

“Do you not think?” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:44)

“Will you not then ponder?” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:219)

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran?” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:82)

“Will they not contemplate within themselves?” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:8)

“So reflect, O people of insight.” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:21)

“Do they not contemplate the Word?” (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:68)

“Do they not reflect upon the stories?” (Surah Yusuf, 12:111)

“Will you not ponder?” (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:50)

“In that are signs for those who reflect.” (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:21)

“For those who think and reflect…” (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:42)

“Do they not reflect on what Allah has created?” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:185)

“Have they not traveled through the land to reflect?” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:46)

“Do they not reflect on the heavens and the earth?” (Surah Ghafir, 40:57)

The Quran draws our attention to the vastness and intricacy of the universe as signs of Allah’s creative power:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are signs for those of understanding.” (Surah Aal-Imran, 3:190)

From the sky to the earth, the Quran teaches that every element of nature reflects divine wisdom. The harmony in ecosystems, the precise orbit of celestial bodies, and the perfect design of living beings all bear witness to Allah’s knowledge and control.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Think about the creation of Allah, but do not think about the essence of Allah, for you will never be able to comprehend it.” (Sunan Abi Dawood, 4726)

Islam invites us to appreciate Allah’s signs but warns against delving into matters beyond human understanding, such as Allah’s essence.

Gratitude and Faith through Reflection

Contemplation naturally leads to gratitude. When we reflect upon the intricacies of creation, we recognizse our dependence on Allah’s blessings and mercy, increasing our faith and humility. The Quran says:

“If you were to count the favours of Allah, you could never enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:18)

Reflection transforms routine experiences — such as observing the sunrise or feeling the breeze — into moments of spiritual awareness. Gratitude, in Islam, is not merely verbal but is shown through worship, kindness, and responsible stewardship of the earth.

Islam’s Encouragement to Seek Knowledge

Islam’s emphasis on reflection fosters a deep love for learning and personal growth. The first revealed words of the Quran were:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1)

This call to read, understand, and seek knowledge underscores the importance of intellectual development in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah, Hadith 224)

The act of pondering leads to acquiring knowledge, developing moral character, and fulfilling our purpose as vicegerents of Allah on earth.

Islamic Science and Innovation: A Legacy of Enlightenment Exploring the Golden Age and Pioneering Contributions in Astronomy and Medicinemedium.com

The Quran and Sunnah guide believers to reflect on both scripture and creation, allowing them to develop a profound connection with Allah. Through contemplation, one not only understands life’s purpose but also appreciates the beauty, wisdom, and mercy of God. This reflection leads believers to live mindfully, with gratitude and humility, striving to embody the teachings of Islam.

Emphasis of Good Character and Manners in Islam Islam is not just a set of rituals or beliefs; it is a comprehensive way of life that emphasises the importance of good…medium.com

Learn more about Islam here: https://www.howtomuslim.org

[deenemaan]

And why should we not rely upon Allāh while He has guided us to our [good] ways. And we will surely be patient against whatever harm you should cause us. And upon Allāh let those who would rely [indeed] rely."

Surah Ibrahim Ayah 12

Reciter: Muhammad Dibirov

[notetaeker]

RAMADAN CHALLENGE 2024:

Welcome to this years Ramadan Challenge! This is something I've been doing for the past 3 years and it has been so beneficial to me so I hope it is the same for you. Everyone is welcome to join! Please also let me know if u have any suggestions / notice any mistakes ;_;

Special thank you to @nuuralshams 💕 and @laikastudies ✨

RULES:

Reblog this post to let me know you're in! (and to have as reference)

Pls use the tag '#RamadanChallenge2024'

I will be rb-ing every post I see in there (unless it's spam bots)

You can do a question per day or batch them together if you like

You can also do some questions out of order if you want (like answering the surah kahf question on a friday)

Feel free to skip any question or just post abt how ur ramadan went that day / what you ate for iftar / anything tbh

You are also welcome to start late (or early! If you want to use some of the questions as a countdown to Ramadan!)

I also included some Ramadan Prep questions + Eid post if you'd like! ( Very optional!)

I will be starting the challenge when I personally start Ramadan but if Ramadan starts a day earlier for you- you can just start then!

I added a bonus day in case Ramadan is 30 days lol but you can skip it if you want if Ramadan is only 29 days

I will try my best to queue your posts but knowing me I might just mass-reblog 🤡

Anyway Allahumma Balighna Ramadan!!! / Ramadan Mubarak !!!! (based on when you're reading this)

Let me know! If you want to be tagged / reminded when we start!

PREP QUESTIONS (Optional):

Prep day 1: One thing you're looking forward to this Ramadan

Prep day 2: Anything you are scared of / worried about for this year?

Prep day 3: List one thing that would help future-you get the most out of this Ramadan, and go do it now! (if possible)

RAMADAN QUESTIONS:

Day 1: What are your goals this Ramadan? Possible suggestions: 1 habit to build, 1 habit to break, and one accomplishment you hope to gain!

Day 2: What are your other obligations this month? How does it compare to previous years? How do you balance them with ramadan?

Day 3: What is your favorite act of worship? Has it always been your favorite?

Day 4: Ramadan is the month of the qur'an. What is an ayah from the Qur'an that has changed your view of things or impacted you deeply (this year)?

Day 5: Share a treasured ramadan memory

Day 6: Biggest life lesson or advice you would give to others

Day 7: Best iftar item?

Day 8: What is a suhoor necessity to get you through the day?

Day 9: Share a hadith you’ve been thinking about recently or try this link that gives you a random hadith. How does it relate to you? (Does it?)

Day 10: First 10 days end today! Share a taraweeh tip! If you haven't prayed Taraweeh before, what is something that feels difficult about it?

Day 11: How has your experience of Ramadan changed over the years (Has it?)

Day 12: Most challenging thing about Ramadan and how do you try to overcome it?

Day 13: What aspects of the qur'anic science have you explored, and how did that go? (e.g tafsir, translation, memorization, tajweed, recitation)

Day 14: Favorite lesson(s) from the surah kahf stories?

Day 15: Any islamic lecture series / podcast / book that you would recommend?

Day 16: Favorite time to read qur'an during Ramadan? What about outside of Ramadan?

Day 17: What is your Ramadan Routine this year?

Day 18: the second 10 days is almost over! Are you part of any islamic communities during Ramadan? What about outside of Ramadan?

Day 19: What is something you are grateful for this Ramadan?

Day 20: Have you ever done i'tikaf or qiyamul-layl in previous Ramadans? Are you doing any this time?

Day 21: Any feel-good dua acceptance stories to share? It could be your own story, a friend's, or even from a lecture that you heard

Day 22: What is something you always miss about Ramadan when it's over? / What do you think you might miss this year?

Day 23: Are you making dua for anything specific? (Any dua you want us to make for you?)

Day 24: Share an Eid memory that sticks out to you! What kind of Eid traditions do you have?

Day 25: Who is a sahaba (companion of the prophet ﷺ) that you feel inspired by? Can you share the story that inspires you?

Day 26: Your Laylatul-Qadr worship routine! Dhikr? Dua? Salah? Tell us!

Day 27: Mention a favorite story about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, or which of his qualities you look up to the most.

Day 28: Think over the last month and the Ramadan that you've spent. Is there something you wish you had spent more time on? There's still 1-2 days left! What's your plan?

Day 29: Ramadan is our honorable yearly guest who is now preparing to leave 💔 What are 3 gifts Ramadan is leaving for you as a parting gift until we meet it again (inshallah) next year. It could be habits

Day 30 / BONUS DAY: If you were given an extra day to live, what would you do on that day?

EID: Eid Mubarak! Post a 3x3 or a 3x2 photoset of your eid celebrations! (Optional)

[hersparklingqalb]

Overthinking won't solve your problems.

Struggling with:

• Finding a job?

• Finding a spouse?

• Earning wealth?

Stop stressing and start seeking Allah's forgiveness.

Istighfar unlocks blessings you can't imagine:

"Ask forgiveness of your Lord, indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain] from the sky upon you in [continuous] showers and provide you with wealth and children and make for you gardens and rivers." (Surah Nuh 71:10-12)

Your sorrows will fade, and your duas will be answered.

[invitetoislam92]

Learning Surah Yusuf can literally change your life!

Surah Yusuf is one of the most heartwarming and wisdom-packed stories in the Qur'an.

Here are 23 BEAUTIFUL and LIFE CHANGING lessons that you can learn from it.--->

1) Patience is Gold:

Yusuf (Peace be upon him) faced so many trials, but he stayed patient. Sometimes, life throws curveballs, but patience always shines through. 🌟

2) Jealousy Ruins the Heart:

The jealousy of Yusuf’s brothers led them to do some pretty awful things. Let’s remember to cleanse our hearts and be happy for others.

3) Trust Allah’s Plan:

Even when things seem tough, trust that Allah has a greater plan for you, just like He did for Yusuf (Peace be upon him).

4) Forgiveness is Strength:

Yusuf (Peace be upon him) forgave his brothers despite everything they did. Holding onto grudges? Let them go. Forgiveness is the real strength.

5) Stand Firm in Your Faith:

Even when tempted, Yusuf (Peace be upon him)stood firm. Remember, your faith is your anchor in every storm.

6) Honor and Dignity Above All:

Yusuf (Peace be upon him) was thrown into prison because he chose dignity over sin. Let’s keep our heads high and honor intact, no matter what.

7) Allah is Always Watching:

Whether in the well, the palace, or the prison, Allah was always with Yusuf (Peace be upon him). And He’s always with you too. 💖

8) Hope in Allah:

Yusuf never lost hope, even when things seemed impossible. Keep your hope alive—better days are coming!

9) Respect and Love Your Parents:

Yusuf’s reunion with his father, Yaqub (Peace be upon him), is a reminder of the deep bond between parents and children. Show them love and respect every single day. 🌸

10) Be Grateful in Every Situation:

Yusuf ( Peace be upon him)was grateful even in prison. Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

11) Knowledge is a Blessing:

Yusuf ( Peace be upon him)was gifted with the ability to interpret dreams. Let’s seek knowledge in all its forms—it’s truly a blessing.

12) Humility in Success:

Even when Yusuf ( Peace be upon him) became powerful, he remained humble. Success should never change our character.

13) Truth Will Always Prevail:

The lies against Yusuf eventually came to light. Remember, the truth always finds its way.

14) Kindness to All, Even Enemies:

Yusuf (Peace be upon him) was kind to his brothers, despite their betrayal. Let’s show kindness, even to those who’ve wronged us.

15) Endurance Leads to Victory:

Yusuf ( Peace be upon him) endured years of hardship, but in the end, he was victorious. Keep pushing through—your victory is on its way.

16) Modesty is a Treasure:

Yusuf’s modesty protected him from sin. In a world full of temptations, modesty is your treasure.

17) Sincerity in Worship: Yusuf ( Peace be upon him) remained sincere in his worship, no matter where he was. Let’s keep our intentions pure and our worship sincere.

18) Divine Wisdom in Delay:

Yusuf’s release from prison was delayed, but it was for a greater good. Sometimes, delays in life are just divine wisdom at play.

19) Every Hardship Has an End:

Yusuf’s hardships eventually ended, leading to peace and prosperity. Hang in there—every storm runs out of rain. 🌦️

20) Turn to Allah in Times of Distress:

Yaqub (AS) turned to Allah when he was heartbroken. When you’re in distress, pour your heart out to Allah. He’s always listening.

21) Good Manners Win Hearts:

Yusuf’s good manners won the hearts of everyone, even in prison. Manners truly make the person.

22) Faith in the Unseen:

Yusuf believed in his dreams even when he couldn’t see the outcome. Faith in the unseen is the core of our belief.

23) Everything is in Allah’s Control:

From the well to the throne, everything Yusuf went through was part of Allah’s perfect plan. Trust that He’s in control of your life too.

Try to read and learn Surah Yusuf.

Surah Yusuf is one of the most heartwarming and wisdom-packed stories in the Qur'an.

Let’s strive to implement these lessons in our daily lives.

And Allah knows best.

#IslamicWisdom #SurahYusuf #QuranicLessons #DailyInspiration #IslamicReminders #FaithAndPatience #IslamicMotivation #IslamicQuotes #QuranReflection #SpiritualGrowth #IslamicGuidance #MuslimCommunity #QuranAndSunnah #IslamicLearning #IslamicPosts #DeenOverDunya #ThreadsIslam

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Ghaalib— The Victor, the Predominant— on one occasion in the Quran. Al-Ghaalib is the One who is victorious in every situation. He is the only One who decides and does as He wants with the creation and makes the believers prevail.

The Victor, the Predominant, the One Who Prevails

Ghaalib comes from the root ghayn-laam-baa, which points to two main meanings. The first meaning is to be victorious and to prevail. The second main meaning is to be predominant and overcome.

This root appears 31 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are yaghliboo (“the will overcome”), ghaaliboona (“victorious”), and maghloobun (“one overpowered”).

Linguistically ghaalib refers to the one possessing the attribute of victory and dominance, whereas ghalaba refers to the verb “to overcome.” From the same root comes the word ghulb in the Quran, Allah says: wa hadaa’iqa ghulba– and gardens of dense shrubbery [Quran, 80:30], which points to a thick foliage of plants to be found in the earth and “overcoming” the soil it is growing in. Al-Ghaalib is the ultimate one to prevail, control, dominate, and overcome each being and situation with great ease and utmost wisdom— and whenever He pleases.

Al-Ghaalib Himself says: And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, “Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son.” And thus, We established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know. [Quran, 12:21]

“Against all odds”

Allah ‘azza wa jall calls Himself Al-Ghaalib in Surah Yuusuf. In the story of the prophet Yuusuf ‘alayhi sallam everything is intended one way and it goes the other way, a beautiful example of how everything is in the control of Al-Ghaalib.

Yuusuf’s brothers want to get him out of the way so they can get the love of their father. They left him to die in the well, but he survived. Allah says in this surah: Wallahu ghaalibun ‘alaa amrih (And Allah is predominant over His affairs). What He wills will happen, even though everything indicates another way.

Then Al-Azeez, the wealthy ruler, buys Yuusuf and brings him into His palace, and Al-Azeez’s wife, a powerful, beautiful woman, does everything she can to seduce this young, single man who is her slave. Every single aspect is tempting for zinaa– immorality– but Yuusuf doesn’t sway.

He ends up descending from a palace into the darkest prison and from the prison back to a ruling position in Egypt where he is reunited with his beloved father, Yaqoob ‘alayhi sallam. All the events of this story are a clear sign that the final decision is to Al-Ghaalib, “against all odds.” And every human being is like Yuusuf ‘alayhi sallam in that in his affairs Allah is Al-Ghaalib!

How Can You Live By This Name?

1. Have strong belief. Never fear people and their decisions, never be deceived by the looks of a situation nor be scared of losing your possessions – know that Allah is Al-Ghaalib in Your affairs and He will decide what happens. Next time you feel tempted to care more about the acceptance of people or gaining belongings than trying to please Al-Ghaalib, remind yourself and live by this ayah:  If Allah should aid you, no one can overcome (ghaaliba) you; but if He should forsake you, who is there that can aid you after Him? And upon Allah let the believers rely [Quran, 3:160]

2. Hold onto the truth. Allah has written, I will surely overcome (la’aghlibanna), I and My messengers. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might [Quran, 58:21] Know that if you stick to the truth and to your Islamic principals you will win; no matter how weak the believers might get, the truth will prevail. This is because Allah is Al-Ghaalib; the victory of those who follow Him and the messengers is His promise and when Allah promises, He delivers.  Allah says: But those who were certain that they would meet Allah said, How many a small company has overcome (ghalabat) a large company by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the patient [Quran, 2:249] So hold on to the truth, no mater how weak it seems, have strong belief Allah is Al-Ghaalib, have patience and victory will be yours, whether in this life or the next!  And whoever is an ally of Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed – indeed, the party of Allah they will be the predominant (al-ghaaliboona). [Quran, 5:56]

3. Take lessons from the past. And Pharaoh and his people were overcome (faghuliboo) right there and became debased. [Quran, 7:119] While you read the ayaat in the Quran of the former people and their fates, Allah observes if and how you apply these lessons in your daily life. Do you try to avoid the sins they committed? Look at the characteristics of the people who were defeated because of their transgression, disbelief and arrogance and strive to be better than them in shaa Allah.

4. Don’t let sins overcome you.In the Hereafter there will be a heart-shaking scene: the people of the Hellfire will beg Allah to release them from the Fire. They will say, “Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame (ghalabat) us, and we were a people astray. [Quran, 23:106] However He (Allah) will say: Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me!”  Verily, there was a party of My servants who used to say: “Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy! But you took them for a laughing stock, so much so that they made you forget My remembrance while you used to laugh at them!) Verily, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful. [Quran 23: 108-111] Let this scene inspire you to not be overcome by sins in this life and end up like the people begging Allah for one more chance. Instead believe in this life and continuously ask Al-Ghaalib for forgiveness and mercy, as you will not get a second chance to return to this world!

5. Don’t think you can prevail by yourself.Never attribute any victory or success to yourself, nor dominate others in an unjust way. And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, No one can overcome (ghaaliba) you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector. [Quran, 8:48] Some people think they can prevail by themselves or they attach their mind or trust to another human being or even object, but eventually they will be defeated.

6. Don’t be deceived. But, [on the contrary], We have provided good things for these [disbelievers] and their fathers until life was prolonged for them. Then do they not see that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders? So it is they who will overcome? [Quran, 21:44] Sometimes the wealth, success, beauty and even intelligence of those who disbelieve can be confusing and even tempting. Know that Al-Ghaalib only prolongs the lives of some people for them to increase in their transgression. Say to those who disbelieve, You will be overcome and gathered together to Hell, and wretched is the resting place. [Quran, 3:12]

7. Call upon Al-Ghaalib. When all people turn against Him after years of calling to Allah, what does Nuh ‘alayhi sallam do? He doesn’t ask others for help, he doesn’t give up, but he turns to Al-Ghaalib and beautifully supplicates:

فَدَعَا رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَغْلُوبٌ فَانتَصِرْ So he invoked his Lord, “Indeed, I am overpowered, so help. [Quran, 54:10] Whenever you feel overpowered, call upon Al-Ghaalib with this Quranic dua’!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem. O Allah, Al-Ghaalib, we know that You are the One who is predominant in all affairs. Make us of those who have strong belief, hold onto the truth at all times and learn from the lessons You provided us in Your book. Don’t let us be overcome by sin, and make us of those who are victorious in both this life and the Hereafter, ameen!

[questionsonislam]

What is the spiritual jihad, how should it be done?

The spiritual jihad is a spiritual war that all Muslims need to wage in order not to be overcome in the face of the entrapment and tricks of the Satan and evil-self, and restrain their own selfish desires. The purpose of the spiritual jihad, which is also called spiritual fight or Jihad-u Akbar (the Great Jihad), is to fight against the evil-self and the Satan during Muslims whole lifetime, is to be a pure servant on the right path, a benevolent Muslim, a virtuous and perfect human being, by purifying their own evil-selves from all sorts of temptations. The spiritual jihad means strengthening the order of the inner-world. In addition, it is to wash ones heart away from dirt and evil, and try to get rid of every sort of evil. The spiritual jihad, which aims at ones improving and amending his own inner-world, is the responsibility of being a human.

Spiritual fight is a constant necessity for all Muslims. Spiritual fight is to endeavor to have the consciousness of servitude within constancy. The importance of the spiritual jihad is clearly emphasized in the Holy Quran and hadiths. With regard to the verse, Therefore stand firm (in the straight path) as thou art commanded (Hud Surah, 11:112) the Prophet (PBUH) says : the Surah Hud has made me aged (Tirmidi, Tafseer, part 56) and thus expressed the importance of keeping the right path as Allah (SWT) commands, and his sensitivity towards the task of servitude for Allah (SWT).

In the Holy Quran, with the declaration of By the sun and his brightness, And the moon when she followed him, And the day when it revealed him, And the night when it enshrouded him, And the heaven and Him Who built it, And the earth and Him Who spread it, And a soul and Him Who perfected it, And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what is) right for it. He is indeed successful who caused it to grow, And he is indeed a failure who stunted it. (As-Shams Surah, 91:1-10) Allah Almighty declares that to reach salvation will only be possible to keep ones self away from evil.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicates the importance of the struggle against the evil-self in his hadith The mujaheed (one who performs jihad) is the one who struggles against his evil-self, and Allah Almighty warns people seriously with His verses in the Holy Quran against the evil sides of self, The (human) soul is certainly prone to evil (Yusuf Surah, 12:53), And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone. (Al-Baqarah Surah, 2:41) Along with this warning, He also shows the ways of cleansening and purification: A similar (favor have ye already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, AND PURIFYING YOU, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new knowledge. (Al-Baqarah Surah, 2:151)

Achievement in religion largely rests on the spiritual achievement. The one who cannot perform jihad against his evil-self in following the commands of Allah (SWT) cannot also make a war against the enemy.

Allah (SWT) has assistance and favor for the Muslims who make spiritual wars. This verse confirms this: And those who strive in Our (Cause), We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right (Al-Ankaboot Surah, 29:69).