#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 عَفُو��ّ 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 ♡

[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

[chic-a-gigot]

La Mode nationale, no. 284, 3 octobre 1891, Paris. No. 7. — Toilette d'intérieur. Bibliothèque nationale de France

No. 7. — Toilette d'intérieur. Robe en surah rose broché, à corsage froncé à l'encolure sous un petit col droit, retenu à la taille sous une ceinture de velours noir, nouée en flot. Seconde robe, également en surah crème, toute garnie de dentelle, faisant grand col sur les épaules et revenant garnir tout le devant, en coquillés jusqu'au bas de la jupe. Cette seconde robe forme redingote est coupée sur les côtés sur des panneaux plissés, sur lesquels elle est retenue par des losanges en ruban, ornés de nœuds. Manches bouffantes, garnies par un volant de dentelle.

No. 7. — House drss. Dress in brocaded pink surah, with a bodice gathered at the neckline under a small straight collar, held at the waist under a black velvet belt, tied en flot. Second dress, also in cream surah, all trimmed with lace, making a large collar on the shoulders and returning to trim the whole front, in shells down to the bottom of the skirt. This second dress in the form of a frock coat is cut on the sides on pleated panels, on which it is held by ribbon diamonds, decorated with bows. Puffed sleeves, trimmed with a lace flounce.

Métrage: 11 mètres surah rose broché; 12 mètres surah crème.

[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)

[refat-ahmed]

Allah is the One Who created seven heavens ˹in layers˺, and likewise for the earth. The ˹divine˺ command descends between them so you may know that Allah is Most Capable of everything and that Allah certainly encompasses all things in ˹His˺ knowledge.

—Qur’an Surah At-Talaq 65:12

[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-Musta’aan— The One whose help is sought— on two occasions in the Quran. Al-Musta’aan is the one whose assistance and support are sought and in whom refuge is taken. Any help the creation provides to each other, is through His help alone!

 The One sought for help

Musta’aan comes from the root ‘ayn-waaw-noon which points  to two main meanings. The first main meaning is to seek or ask for help and assistance and the second is to aid, cooperate and help one another. A third meaning is to be middle-aged.

This root appears 11 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are wa a’aanahu (“and helped him”), ta’aawanoo (“help one another”), nasta’eenu “(we ask for help”) and ‘awaanun (“middle-aged”).

Linguistically, isti’aanah refers to the concept of seeking help. It comes from the same root as nasta’een— we seek help— ta’aawun –help one another- and musta’aan – the one whose help is sought. Allah is Al-Musta’aan, which means that not only He is the Helper (An-Naseer), but He is the only one whose help first and foremost should be sought. He is the One who knows, sees, hears and controls all affairs and therefore His help is perfect at all times.

Al-Musta’aan Himself says: . . .And they brought upon his shirt false blood. [Jacob] said, Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe [Quran, 12:18] and . . . [The Prophet] has said, My Lord, judge [between us] in truth. And our Lord is the Most Merciful, the one whose help is sought against that which you describe. [Quran, 21:112].

The meaning of seeking help from Allah

In Islamic context, isti’aanah means to seek help from Allah ‘azza wa jall alone and it is an act of worship. In some circumstances seeking someone’s help other than Allah is considered as shirk and in certain circumstances it is not.

Firstly, in some issues you can only ask Allah and Allah alone and asking others in these circumstances is major shirk. Examples are asking others to seek blessings, provisions, removal of a disease or giving security.

Secondly, there are both worldly and religious matters that can be sought from the creation, however with certain conditions. An example is when you loose something and ask someone to help you look for it. Still you first turn to Allah and then ask the assistance of someone else in that matter.

The one sought for help needs to meet three conditions: they have to be alive, present and capable. We cannot ask the dead for help and we cannot ask those for help who are not present (the prophets could also not hear the calls for help from people who were not within their hearing). And we cannot seek that which others are not capable to give; like asking a shaykh to put you in Paradise, even if he is alive and you are with him. Only Allah ‘azza wa jall is capable of doing so, and asking someone else in this matter would be shirk.

How can you live by this name?

1.Say Allaahul Musta’aan.  Each prayer you say: You alone do we worship, and You alone do we turn for help [Quran, 1:5] Do you really seek His help?  Allaahul musta’aan is a beautiful statement  you can find twice in the Quran.

In Surah Yuusuf, his sons clearly described something that had not taken place to Yaqoob; no wolf ate Yuusuf, but what could Yaqoob do? All he could do was turn to Allah and he said: Allaahul musta’aanu ‘alaa ma tasifoon – And Allah is the one sought for help against that which you describe. [Quran, 12:18] We can learn to use this dhikr when falsehood is presented as truth which causes you or others difficulty.

In surah Al-‘Anbiyaa the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used this statement himself when disbelievers were disrespecting Allah: wa Rabbunar-Rahmaanul Musta’aan’alaa maa tasifoon– And our Lord is the Most Merciful, the One Whose help is sought against that which you describe [Quran, 21:112]

2. Seek Al-Musta’aan first and foremost. Ibn Abbaas radiyallahu ‘anhu said: One day, I was riding behind the Prophet when he said: O boy! I will instruct you in some matters. Protect the commandments of Allah, He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights, He will be ever with you. If you seek help, seek help from Allah alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you. The pens had been lifted and the ink had dried up. [At-Tirmidhee]

Focus less on people, don’t fear the effect of anyone’s decisions and know that even if people seem to benefit you, the true source is Al-Musta’aan. Even though you are permitted to seek help from others; it is crucial you first call on Al-Musta’aan to provide help and rely on Him alone and not on others. So next time you borrow money of a friend, or even ask a teacher to help you understanding a lesson, first ask Allah to help and guide you and He will provide His help, sometimes by means of other people or even objects or animals (think of the birds who destroyed the army of Abraha described in Surah Al-Feel)!

3.Help one another.  Al-Musta’aan says: And co-operate all of you together upon piety and righteousness. Help you one another in righteousness and piety; but do not help one another in sin and transgression.  And fear Allaah.  Verily, Allaah is severe in punishment. [Quran, 5:2] Extend help in that which is good and halaal to others and never help others in doing that which Allah ‘azza wa jall forbade. For example helping someone to buy alcohol, commit zinaa, etc.

4. Limit yourself in asking others.  Allah’s Messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Who will guarantee me that he will not ask mankind for anything, and I will guarantee for him Paradise (in return)? So Thawban said, “I”, and he added, “And I would never ask anyone for anything.” [Abu Dawood] Even though in cases it is permissible to ask others, limiting yourself in seeking aid from others is a characteristic of the pious and takes courage and strength and truly reliance on Allah; the promise for those people is no less than Paradise. A dhikr you can use in this  context is:

فَقُلْ حَسْبِي اللَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ Say: Allah is sufficient for me. None has the right to be worshiped but He, in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne [Quran, 9:129]. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to say this seven times in the morning and evening. Revive this sunnah and live by it!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem 

O Allah, Al-Musta’aan, we know that You are the only One whose help is sought. Make us of those who truly seek Your help first and foremost, beautify us with the feature of not asking others often and make us of those who help others in that which is good and encouraged by You, 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).

[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.