Cultivating Honesty, Integrity, & Trustworthiness

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Cultivating Honesty, Integrity, & Trustworthiness

Honesty has become a rare commodity in today's world. People frequently resort to dishonesty—whether through outright lies, half-truths, or omissions—to gain an advantage, avoid responsibility, or protect their image. This undermines trust and relationships and contributes to a broader societal decline in moral values and accountability. 

Honesty and integrity are considered fundamental virtues in Islam. Allah Most High says, "O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment." [Quran 33:70-71]

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassalam also emphasized the value of honesty, stating: "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise." [Bukhari]

We urgently need to return to genuine truthfulness and integrity to foster a just and trustworthy society.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) ~ Alhamdulillah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) ~ Alhamdulillah

Allah begins Surah Al-Kahf  ith"Alhamdulillah" 

(الحمد لله), meaning "All praise is due to Allah,” setting a tone of gratitude and recognition of Allah's supreme authority and mercy. This phrase is used to praise and thank Allah for revealing the Quran as a guide and a source of strength for humanity. 

Surah Al-Kahf highlights the significance of divine guidance, recounting stories emphasizing the importance of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah in the face of trials. 

The use of "Alhamdulillah" reminds us to always begin with gratitude, acknowledging that all wisdom, protection, and success ultimately come from Allah alone.

 رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. 

[Quran, Al-Kahf 18:10]

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Dead at 25, Buried at 75, Islamic Perspective

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

From an Islamic point of view, the saying "a person is dead at 25 and buried at 75" can be explored in the context of the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth that Islam encourages throughout one's life. The phrase metaphorically implies a loss of purpose, motivation, or spiritual vitality at a young age, with the rest of life being a mere existence until physical death. Islam, however, promotes a continual journey of growth, purpose, and fulfillment from birth until death.
 

1. Purpose and Intent in Islam

Islam teaches that every human being has a purpose in life: to worship Allah (God) and to live according to His guidance. This is encapsulated in the Quranic verse:
 

"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56)

Worship in Islam is not limited to rituals like prayer or fasting but encompasses every action taken with the intention of pleasing Allah. Therefore, the idea of someone being "dead" at 25 contradicts the Islamic worldview that life is a continuous opportunity to worship, learn, and grow closer to Allah. Every phase of life, including youth and old age, has its unique roles, challenges, and opportunities for growth and spiritual development.

2. Continuous Growth and Seeking Knowledge

Islam places a significant emphasis on seeking knowledge and personal growth throughout one's life. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." (Sunan Ibn Majah)

This teaching encourages Muslims to remain intellectually and spiritually alive, constantly seeking knowledge and improving themselves. The metaphorical "death" at 25 suggested by the saying would contradict this principle, as it implies a cessation of growth or seeking knowledge. Instead, Islam advocates for lifelong learning and the pursuit of understanding and wisdom.

3. Avoiding Spiritual Complacency

The saying also hints at a form of complacency or stagnation that Islam warns against. Islam encourages Muslims to avoid complacency in their faith and actions. The Quran warns against becoming heedless and indifferent:

"And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient." (Quran 59:19)

In Islamic teachings, a person should not become spiritually "dead" or complacent at any point in their life. Instead, they should continually strive to maintain and renew their faith (Iman), engage in good deeds, and keep their hearts alive with the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).

4. The Concept of Time and Utilization of Life

Islam teaches that life is a test and that every moment is an opportunity to earn Allah's pleasure and prepare for the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of utilizing one's time wisely:

 "Take advantage of five matters before five matters: your youth before you become old, your health before you fall sick, your wealth before you become poor, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death." (Musnad Ahmad)

This saying encourages Muslims to remain active and purposeful throughout their lives, rather than figuratively dying at a young age and simply waiting for physical death. The idea of being "dead at 25" is inconsistent with the Islamic emphasis on making the most of every phase of life.

5. Hope and Renewal in Islam

Islam always encourages hope, repentance, and renewal. No matter what age a person is, they can always turn back to Allah, seek forgiveness, and begin anew. The idea of being "dead" at a young age and waiting for physical death is contrary to the Islamic concept of constant renewal and repentance:

"Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" (Quran 39:53) 

From an Islamic perspective, the saying "a person is dead at 25 and buried at 75" is a cautionary reminder against losing purpose, motivation, or spiritual vitality at any age. Islam encourages continuous spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth, maintaining a purposeful life aligned with worship, seeking knowledge, and doing good deeds. It teaches that every moment of life is valuable and should be used to draw closer to Allah, thus remaining "alive" spiritually and actively until one's actual death.  

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"Dead at 25, Buried at 75"

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

"Dead at 25, Buried at 75"

Remember, every human has a purpose: to worship Allah and live according to His guidance. "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Quran 51:56). 

Worship is not limited to rituals like prayer or fasting but encompasses every action taken to please Allah. 

Life is a continuous opportunity to worship, learn, and grow closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the importance of using one's time wisely:

"Take advantage of five matters before five matters: your youth before you become old, your health before you fall sick, your wealth before you become poor, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death." (Musnad Ahmad). 

We should remain active and purposeful throughout our lives rather than figuratively dying at a young age and simply waiting for physical death. 

Every phase of life, including youth and old age, has unique roles, challenges, and opportunities for growth and spiritual development. This reminds us against losing purpose, motivation, or spiritual vitality at any age. Every moment of life is valuable and should be used to draw closer to Allah, thus remaining "alive" spiritually and actively until one's actual death.

The Quran warns against becoming heedless and indifferent:

"And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient." (Quran 59:19)

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"Dead at 25, Buried at 75", The General Interpretation

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The saying "a person is dead at 25 and buried at 75" is a metaphorical expression highlighting the idea that many people stop truly living or pursuing their passions and dreams at a young age, long before they physically die.

Interpretation and Meaning

1. Loss of Passion and Drive: The age of 25 often represents a point in life where people start to conform to societal expectations, prioritize security over passion, or become trapped in routines. The phrase suggests that at this point, they may abandon the pursuit of their true desires or dreams. This "death" is not a literal one but a figurative one, where the vibrancy and drive of youth are replaced by a more mundane existence.

2. Conformity and Settling: It implies that after reaching a certain age, people might begin to settle into the safety of conventional life choices—such as a stable job, a fixed lifestyle, or societal norms—at the expense of exploring new opportunities, taking risks, or pursuing what truly makes them happy. The "death" at 25 refers to this conformity and the loss of the spirit of adventure.

3. Burial as a Form of Finality: The mention of being "buried at 75" represents the actual end of life. It suggests that if a person stops truly living or growing by 25, they may spend the next 50 years in a figurative state of death—going through the motions without truly engaging with life or striving for personal growth. The burial is just a formality for a life that had, in essence, ceased to evolve decades earlier.

Broader Implications

• Encouragement for Continuous Growth: The saying serves as a reminder to continue to grow, learn, and pursue one's passions throughout life, regardless of age. It encourages people to break free from societal constraints and to avoid becoming complacent.

• Critique of Societal Expectations: It also serves as a critique of how society often pushes people toward certain paths that may not necessarily align with their true selves or aspirations. This path might include focusing heavily on material success, stability, or following traditional life scripts without questioning whether these choices genuinely fulfill them.

• Mindful Living: Ultimately, the saying urges a conscious and mindful approach to life. It encourages individuals to remain curious, active, and engaged with the world around them, continuously evolving and seeking meaning in their lives rather than merely existing.

Conclusion

"A person is dead at 25 and buried at 75" is a powerful reminder to live authentically and passionately, not just to exist or survive. It challenges the idea of settling too early in life and encourages ongoing self-discovery, growth, and a refusal to let societal norms dictate the course of one's life. 

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Simple Test of Your Love for Your Muslim Brother (Sister)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Simple Test of Your Love for Your Muslim Brother (Sister)

Sometimes people claim to love their fellow Muslims. If one of them receives a blessing from Allah, which is really a provision, whether material or spiritual, he is often scorned by others, even those who claim to love him. He might receive silent treatment from his so-called Muslim brothers or even be shunned. 

His success in material life, gaining some good quality, or even being involved in doing good deeds hurts them. They feel upset and jealous to the point that they can't even hide it. Shaytan creates a volcano of anger in their chests to the point that they succumb to backbiting and start talking behind his back about his faults, or generate rumors just to satisfy their jealousy.

We, as believers, should ask ourselves how we would behave if we saw someone around us succeed, whether materially or spiritually. Would we celebrate their success and pray for the continuity of his blessings, or burn in the fire of jealousy and envy and deny the goodness of Allah upon us?

Every believer has a duty to protect himself against this possibility by inculcating true faith in his heart and being vigilant of any signs of jealousy and envy. This also requires knowing what real love is since this is the only way a person can try to develop it.

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Give Up Sinful Deeds

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Give Up Sinful Deeds

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "My example and the example of the people is that of a man who made a fire, and when it lighted what was around it, moths and other insects started falling into the fire. The man tried (his best) to prevent them (from falling into the fire), but they overpowered him and rushed into the fire. The Prophet (ﷺ) added: Now, similarly, I take hold of the knots at your waist (belts) to prevent you from falling into the Fire, but you insist on falling into it." [Al-Bukhari]

This metaphor illustrates the allure of sinful actions and worldly temptations, which, like fire, appear attractive but ultimately lead to destruction. 

Despite the Prophet's (ﷺ) guidance, some people continue to indulge in sinful behaviors, akin to the insects that insist on falling into the fire. 

Humans tend to be drawn to immediate pleasures or temptations, even when aware of their harmful consequences. We should be mindful of our actions and seek the Prophet’s (ﷺ) guidance through his teachings and Sunnah to avoid spiritual and moral pitfalls.

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Sincere Love For Our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Sincere Love For Our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Our faith is not complete without sincere love towards Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). He (ﷺ) told us about the signs of true love for him:  “None of you will have complete faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.”

We should purify our hearts and fill them with clear sincere love for our Prophet (ﷺ). When we do it, we will reach the highest level of Ihsan (excellence). 

Ihsan is the quality of Muhsinin (doers of good deeds). The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Verily the Almighty has ordained excellence (ihsan) in everything." 

Sincere love towards the Prophet (ﷺ) implies yearning for him, his family (Ahlul Bayt), and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). It is impossible to love the Prophet  (ﷺ) without loving Ahlul Bayt. True Muslims love Ahlul Bayt and his Companions because the Prophet  (ﷺ) loved them. It is impossible to love the Prophet  (ﷺ) and be among Muhsinin while also hating Ahlul Bayt or his Companions. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Be fearful of Allah about my Companions. Be fearful of Allah, and don’t make them a point of criticism after me. As whoever loved them, he loved them because of me, and whoever hated them, he hated them because of me. And whoever hurt them he hurt me, and whoever hurt me he hurt Allah, and whoever hurt Allah, Allah would soon grab him.” [Tirmidhi & others]

Ihsan means to be merciful to all creations. Not only do you not hurt people but also don’t harm animals and the natural environment. Express your good attitude towards all living beings.

May Allah increase our love for His beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wassalam, his family and his Companions. Aameen.

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Before You Try to Solve the World’s Problems...

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Before You Try to Solve the World’s Problems...

Uways Al Qarny lived in Yemen during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ),  but did not personally see the Prophet (ﷺ) because he was taking care of his mother. But the Prophet (ﷺ) told Ali and Umar, the future Khalifahs, “if you are ever to find this man (Uways Al Qarny), ask him to ask Allah for your forgiveness.” 

Uways was so poor that he gathered food from the garbage and shared this food with the poorer people and the orphans. He used to make du'a, "O Allah, don't blame me for a human who slept in hunger." 

One day, he searched for food in the rubbish bin, and a dog barked at him. He told the dog, "Don't hurt me, and I won't hurt you. I take the food in front of me, and you take the food in front of you, for if on the Day of Judgment I enter Paradise, I am better than you, and if I fall into Hell, then you are better than me."

It's true...animals will turn into dust in the Day of Judgment. Humans have the chance to enter Paradise and enjoy a blissful eternal life. But if you go to Hell, the dog is better than you. You have more pressing issues than the world’s problems—your self.

So, purify your heart. “The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children, but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart. [Quran, Ash-Shu'ara 26:88-89]. 

Come to Fajr prayer at the masjid. Sadly, the Fajr crowd is usually the Imam and a few others, though the masjid is packed during Jumuah).

Help the poor and the needy. 

Be nice to your parents. Hold their hands when you walk with them. Some children are too embarrassed to do this in front of people. Why so? Pride and some other diseases in the hearts.

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Don't Be Proud & Arrogant. Be Humble

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Don't Be Proud & Arrogant. Be Humble

This world will not stay with you forever. You can lose it at any moment.  Pride and arrogance are pure ignorance, and Allah has warned us against pride. 

Allah Almighty says, "Pride and glory are My garments; whoever claims them, I torture him.” [Muslim]

The Punishment for pride in this life is spiritual blindness. 

Allah Almighty says, “I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness, they will not adopt it as a way, but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and were heedless of them.”

 [Qur'an Al-'Araf 7:146]

 And in the Hereafter, they will be thrown into Hell. 

“Whoever humbles himself by a degree for Allah, glory be to Him, Allah will raise him by a degree. Whoever is arrogant to Allah by a degree, Allah will lower him by a degree until he is made the lowest of the low.’” [ibn Majah]

 

May Allah grant us humility and protect us from arrogance. Aameen.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Two Extreme Difficult Tests

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Two Extreme Difficult Tests

We are being tested all the time. It is a test of patience and your worth with Allah. Recognize it when it happens, and respond to it with patience.

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet (ﷺ ) said, "Affliction will continue to trouble the believers, men and women, in their bodies, families, and property until they meet Allah Almighty purified of every wrong action." 

There are two very difficult trials in this world: Extreme difficulty and extreme luxury and comfort. 

Extreme difficulties include serious calamities, earthquakes, famine, poverty, violence, etc. Such difficulty can knock the senses out of the one being afflicted, and he can lose faith. 

Extreme luxury and comfort are when everything is easy: you wake up, your spouse and your children are beside you; you open the fridge, all kinds of food are looking at you; you turn on the tap, hot/cold water starts to flow at the exact speed you wanted; you go to the store, you find everything you need; you want to look up for something, you google it; you want to buy something, you go to Amazon, order it and it will appear right at your doorstep; your internet runs 24 hours; everything work like clockwork at the bank, government offices, and stores.

When you have too much luxury and comfort, you can easily take things for granted, and when suddenly you have one thing less or slightly below the standard you are used to (e.g., the hotel didn't have an extra pillow, the internet is slow), you get impatient. You lose your phone, you get upset. You stop being grateful, and this is a loss of faith. 

The owner of the two gardens in Surah Al-Kahf was tested with extreme wealth and failed it.

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Remind

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Daily Reminder

وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. [Quran, Adh-Dhariyat 51:55]

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Revive Muslim’s Daily Activity in Your Home -- Learn, Teach & Read the Quran

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Revive Muslim’s Daily Activity in Your Home

Learn, Teach & Read the Quran

Learning the Quran is a noble endeavor. 

Learn the Quran from the noblest teacher you can find, someone who is righteous and makes the Quran his/her life, not his/her livelihood.

Three traits the great Imams of the 10 Qiraat had in common for them to be chosen as the Imams of Qiraat were 1) Didn’t make the Quran their livelihood, 2) Being known for reciting in the Qiraat they were chosen for, 3) Being righteous/Godfearing.

‘Uthman ibn ’Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet  (ﷺ) said, “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” [Bukhari]

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The one who was devoted to the Quran will be told on the Day of Resurrection: 'Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite." 

[Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi]

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Quran will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels), and he who recites the Quran and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards."

[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection."

 [Muslim]

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Measuring Our Worth With Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Measuring Our Worth With Allah

All of us will go through many tests in this life to measure our worth with Allah. Some are tested with bad parents, some with bad spouses, some with bad neighbors, some with bad children, some with bad in-laws, some with bad bosses, some with bad friends, and some with all of the above. 

We are tests of each other. This is our jihad in this life, and it will end with our defeat or victory. We can attain victory only if we act and react in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ). 

How do you act or react appropriately if you don’t know? True knowledge doesn’t come from watching random lectures here and there on the internet or at conferences. It is important to learn the Deen step by step and from qualified teachers; like everything else, you can’t get a Master's or PhD without going through K through 12, high school, and undergraduate studies. There is no shortcut in the Deen; you will be overwhelmed and gain nothing if you try to do that. 

People are willing to spend years and lots of money to acquire worldly knowledge, but not so when it comes to the Deen. We must change this attitude because this world is temporal, but the Hereafter is eternal.

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Don't Cause Your Parents to be Sad or Angry

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Don't Cause Your Parents to be Sad or Angry

Your parents are a huge blessing, and you should show gratitude to them. If you are not grateful to your parents, you are not grateful to Allah because He is the One who gave you your parents.

Abu Umamah narrated that a man said: “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), what are the rights of parents over their child?” He said: “They are your Paradise and your Hell.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

If you have parents, be extremely nice to them and respect and honor them. Don’t cause them grief or anger. And to your mother, show her you love her more than anyone by keeping good companionship with her, for you can't repay her even for one moan of labor pains giving birth to you, let alone all her efforts raising you until you can be independent. 

Abu Burdah reported: Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) watched a Yemeni man circling the House while carrying his mother on his back, saying, “I am her humble camel. If her mount is scared, I am not scared.” Then he said, “O Ibn Umar, do you think I have repaid her?” Ibn Umar said, “No, not even for a single pang of pregnancy.” [Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]

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Dutiful to Parents Even if They are Unjust

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Dutiful to Parents Even if They are Unjust

One of the scholars was seen weeping at the death of his mother, and when asked why he wept, he said, "Why shouldn't I cry when one of the doors of Paradise is closed for me." While his mother was alive, a door of Paradise was opened for him, and once she passed away, it was closed

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever comes into the morning and both his parents are pleased with him, he comes into the morning with two doors of Paradise open to him. Whoever goes into the evening and both parents are pleased with him, he goes into the evening with two doors of Paradise open for him. And if he has just one parent, then one door of Paradise is open to him. Whoever goes into the evening with both parents are angry with him, he goes into the evening with two doors of Hellfire open for him. And if he has just one parent, then one door is open for him.” After realizing this huge position of parents that the Prophet (ﷺ) was telling the Companions about, one of the Companions asked, "Even if the parents were oppressive to them?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Even if they oppress the child, even if they oppress the child, even if they oppress the child. 

[Bayhaqi, Dailami, Mishkat Masabih]

Imagine a child who passes away in a state where his parents are pleased with him; he has two doors of Paradise he could choose to enter. Imagine a child who died in a state where his parents are angry with him; he is doomed. 

Put your parents in the forefront before your career, traveling for leisure, before friends, before amassing wealth. Make a point to ask them if they are pleased with you. So, if they are not, you have time to remedy it. For those who have lost their parents, make du'a for them day and night and give charity on their behalf. 

It is not a condition that your parents be nice to you before you are nice to them. You still be nice to them, and if you fear harm for yourself, then you do that from a distance.

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The Grand Status of Parents

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Grand Status of Parents

Allah has bestowed an exalted status upon parents, repeatedly commanding us to treat them with kindness and respect in numerous verses of the Qur'an. Many hadiths and extensive hadith literature emphasize the importance of being good to one's parents. 

“Worship Allah and ascribe nothing whatsoever as partners to Him; and be gracious and kind to parents, and towards next of kin, and orphans, and the poverty-stricken, and to neighbors who are kinsmen, and neighbors who are not, and the friend at your side, and destitute wayfarers, and bondsman your right hands own; Verily, Allah loves no conceited braggart.” [Quran, An-Nisaa 4:36]

Allah places great emphasis on the duty of caring for one's parents, often pairing the command to be good to parents with the belief in His Oneness. This underscores the importance of this responsibility. A person who obeys Allah but mistreats their parents will not have their acts of obedience accepted; both duties must be fulfilled. 

Even if parents are not Muslims, they still deserve our kindness and good treatment, though they should not be obeyed in matters that contradict Allah's commands. If they attempt to lead us away from Islam, we should not follow them, but we must still treat them with respect and kindness. 

If Allah instructs us to be good to our parents even when they are trying to lead us away from Islam, then how much more should we honor and care for our parents who are not doing so? How should we treat our parents who are Muslims, and especially those who are righteous? 

Consider the obligation of a child whose parents are striving to bring them closer to Allah—waking them for Fajr, reminding them to talk and dress modestly (put on hijab, etc), and encouraging them to learn Islam and read the Qur'an. 

Yet, it is sadly common to see children disrespecting and disobeying such devoted parents. Indeed, this is one of the most reprehensible things a person can do.

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Why Seek Knowledge?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Why Seek Knowledge?

You seek knowledge so you can have the capacity for sound and right action in the circumstances that you are in. Beneficial knowledge is the knowledge that you need to worship Allah, which is the purpose of our existence. 

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” 

[Quran, Adh-Dhariyat 51:56]

Worship is recognizing and knowing the One you worship – the One you are devoted and submit to. Worship is not about the worshiper nor the worship. It is about the One who is worshipped. 

Know how to worship Allah soundly. If you are married, ensure you can uphold a sound marriage, acting according to divine standards. If you are a child, ensure you treat your parents with excellence.

“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, excellent treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.”

[Quran, Al-Isra 17:23]

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Parents' First Responsibilty

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Parents' First Responsibilty

Parents! Please take this ayah seriously. Allah is talking to you directly. Save your family from Hell. Allah Almighty says,

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ قُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَـٰٓئِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ ٱللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ ﴿٦

 O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded. [Qur'an, At-Tahrim 66:6]

You want your children to thrive in this Dunya. So, you sent them to schools to learn the trade. You give them all the latest gadgets, video games, and even cars when they turn 16, so they are happy and smile at you. But what about for the akhirah? Do you put as much time, effort, and money for them to be successful in the akhirah? If they don’t know their Deen, if they don’t care to pray or go to the masjid, what do you think will happen to you and them there? 

This ayah is a very powerful reminder for parents. Save yourself and your families from Hell! Save yourself and your families from Hell! Save yourself and your families from Hell! Prioritize what you do in this life and teach your children Islam.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- In Pursuit of Knowledge

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) 

In Pursuit of Knowledge

Do you think if you give up on knowledge, you will find the energy to keep going in the midst of despair? Knowledge is the only thing that will keep your back straight when you feel despair overwhelming you. It is your escape route.

At any moment in time, everyone is either a sender or a receiver of knowledge. Knowledge is about saving yourself and people from Hell. So be a student or a teacher, watch where you get your knowledge from, and give it to. Because you lose yourself every second you don’t occupy yourself with the Deen and prepare yourself for the Hereafter.

Live a life that when death comes to you, you won’t mind dying in that state you are in. Everybody has a lot to learn to prepare for their qiyama.

رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance. [Quran, Al-Kahf 18:10]

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Remember the Terminator of Pleasures Often

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Remember the Terminator of Pleasures Often

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 

‘Frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures,’ meaning death.” [ibn Majah]

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an, “Has the time not yet come for believers’ hearts to be humbled at the remembrance of Allah and what has been revealed of the truth” [Quran, Al Hadid 57:16]. This verse emphasizes the urgency of returning to Allah and making amends for our shortcomings.

Daily remembrance of death is crucial. The prophetic supplications and acts of dhikr throughout the day serve as reminders of the reality of death.

After each prayer, take a moment to contemplate death—not to fear it, but to prepare for what follows. Preparation involves sincere repentance, seeking beneficial knowledge, living according to divine guidance, and actively doing good. 

The time is now to humble our hearts and commit to rectifying our relationship with Allah.

May Allah pardon us, humble our hearts, and bring us closer to Him. Aameen.

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The Story Behind Tayammum

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Story Behind Tayammum

‘Aisha’s (r.a) necklace was lost. Everybody started searching for it. They were on a journey, and they did not have any water left.

 'Aisha (r.a) narrates: We set out with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on one of his journeys till we reached Al-Baida’ or Dhatul-Jaish, a necklace of mine was broken (and lost). Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) stayed there to search for it, as did the people along with him. There was no water at that place, so the people went to Abu Bakr (r.a) and said: “Don’t you see what ‘Aisha has done? She has made Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and the people stay where there is no water, and they have no water with them.” Abu Bakr (r.a) came while the Prophet (ﷺ) was sleeping with his head on my thigh; he said to me: “You have detained Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and the people where there is no water, and they have no water with them.” So he admonished me and said what Allah wished him to say and hit me on my flank with his hand. Nothing prevented me from moving (because of pain) but the position of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on my thigh. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) got up when dawn broke, and there was no water. So Allah revealed the Divine Verses of Tayammum. So they all performed Tayammum. Usaid bin Hudair said, “O the family of Abu Bakr! This is not your first blessing.” Then, the camel on which I was riding was caused to move from its place, and the necklace was found beneath it. [Bukhari]

It happens a lot to us ... what apparently seemed like trouble was a blessing in reality. Allah Most High says, “...But perhaps you hate a thing, and it is good for you, and perhaps you love a thing, and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” [Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:216]

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Test Yourself if You Love Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Test Yourself if You Love Allah

Many claim to love Allah. But each should examine himself as to the genuineness of the love which he professes.

The first test is that he will love the Quran, the Speech of Allah, revealed to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). In fact, if his love is really strong, the love will encompass the whole creation, for he who loves anyone loves the works he composes.

The second test is that he loves those who obey Allah and detest those who disbelieve in Him and disobey Him. 

Allah Most High says (in close meanings), "You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred. Those - He has decreed faith within their hearts and supported them with His spirit. And We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allah. Unquestionably, the party of Allah - they are the successful." [Quran, Mujadilla 58:22]

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Loving Your Parents for the Sake of Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Loving Your Parents for the Sake of Allah

Loving your parents for the sake of Allah is considered an act of prayer and worship. 

When you love them sincerely, you wish them a long life and serve them to gain rewards through them. If your love is rooted in worldly pleasures and interests, you may become resentful as they age and become more dependent on you. You might even harbor the most selfish thoughts, like anticipating their death to claim their inheritance. However, if you love your parents for the sake of Allah, you will render more service to them and cherish their presence even more as they grow older.

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِيْ صَغِيْرَا

Rabbighfir lī, wa li wālidayya, warham humā kamā rabbayānī shaghīrā.

My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small. Aameen.

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Love of Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Love of Allah

Allah Most High tells us in the noble Qur’an, “And those who believe are most intense in their love for Allah.” [Qur’an, Al Baqarah 2:165]

So, what is this intense love for Allah? It is to love for the sake of Allah.

What distinguishes a believer from anyone else is not just having love for Allah but the intensity of love for Allah. 

Love is not just a mild feeling. Love is a constant inclination with a heart overcome. The intense love for Allah is to love Allah Himself over all else and also to love all else out of this intensity of love for Allah. 

You love your parents not just a little but intensely out of your intense love for Allah. You love your teachers, children, family,  friends, and environment for Allah's sake because this is Allah's creation and everything that is from the beloved is beloved to the one who loves. 

A man came to Ibn Mashish and asked him for advice regarding things he could do. Ibn Mashish said that the ways of good are known, the acts of good are clear, and the spiritual routines are evident. He said that if he were to give you one piece of advice, then it would be to hold fast to the love of Allah, for the love of Allah is the axis around which all good revolves. 

 “O Allah, I ask you for Your love, and the love of those whom You love, and the love of acts that will make me attain Your love.”

May Allah grant us this true love as “Lovers take with them all honor in this life and the next.” Aameen.

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Worried About Your Children?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Worried About Your Children?

Once, a great shaykh was teaching his students when he heard his mother calling. He immediately left his students to go to his mother, and when he returned after a while, he noticed that his students were clearly bewildered. So he told them he went to feed the chickens as his mother wanted and continued the lessons. 

We must exhaust ourselves to teach our children about their Lord and inculcate Islamic values in their lives. Parenting does not stop when our children reach puberty or the legal age of 18 (in most places). There's one thing about parenting: it never stops. Once you become a parent, you remain a parent for the rest of your life. So the end of your child's adolescence is not the end of parenting; it only marks the transition to a new set of changes and challenges. After adolescence, parenting adult children remains challenging and complex. 

You may be living in the most advanced country in the world, and you send your kids to the best schools, and they wound up in one of the high-paying careers, but they can barely keep up with the 5 obligatory prayers or praying at the masjid. When you try to call them occasionally, they barely have time for you. 

Why? Wrong priority. Show them the clear priority--Allah first, parents second.

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The Highest Provision

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Highest Provision

Rizq (provision/sustenance) has always been a source of anxiety and conflict for people. Much of the world's crime, oppression, and political or social unrest stem from greed in the pursuit of rizq. 

However, a true believer, with faith rooted in their heart, will not exhaust themselves physically or emotionally in chasing after provision. This doesn't mean one should neglect to seek a livelihood; rather, it means that one's reliance should be on Allah, not on the means of livelihood. A devoted servant of Allah works diligently, trusting that the Provider will grant whatever is destined for them. This mindset reflects true devotion and helps maintain a balanced life, preventing the exhausting pursuit of wealth. In return, Allah blesses their earnings, making even the smallest amount sufficient.

“And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.”

[Qur'an, Adh-Dhariyat 51:22]

“Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” 

[Qur'an, Adh-Dhariyat 51:28]

Islamic scholars categorize provision into two main types: physical (material) and spiritual. Physical provision includes all aspects of worldly life, such as a house, wealth, and possessions. On the other hand, spiritual provision encompasses everything related to one's afterlife and spiritual status, such as character traits, wisdom, insight, and a deep connection with Allah. Love is also a form of provision—an essential part of our lives. We need love, perhaps even more than money, for money cannot buy genuine love. True love is the love Allah has for His servants, which He has spread among them. It is the highest form of provision you can receive.

May Allah increase our provision and help us spread love and mercy in the world. Aameen.

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Involve Your Family in Choosing Your Spouse

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Involve Your Family in Choosing Your Spouse

When it comes to finding a life partner, the role of family is not just important—it's integral. Family members are not merely a group of people who help put your wedding day together; they should be actively involved in guiding your journey from the start. 

Your family can offer a wealth of wisdom and spiritual guidance that is comforting and enlightening. This support often comes from their life experiences, their understanding of you and what might complement your personality and goals, and an innate desire to see you settled with a partner who brings peace and happiness to your life. 

They can help steer you away from potentially unsuitable matches and towards individuals who have the qualities that are important in a spouse—piety, patience, kindness, and compatibility. Parents and adult siblings can offer insights into how potential partners might fit into your broader family dynamics, which is crucial for maintaining harmony. They might also identify character traits in potential spouses that you might overlook, giving you a more rounded perspective on your decision.

While you might feel drawn to someone's kindness or sense of humor, their commitment to prayer, fasting, and community involvement—actions that fulfill religious duties—should also be key considerations. 

May Allah grant us righteous companions. Our Lord, grant us comfort from among our spouses and offspring to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous. Aameen.

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Strive for Ihsan in Your Family Relationships

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Strive for Ihsan in Your Family Relationships

Ihsan, often translated as excellence or perfection, is a profound concept in Islam captured in a hadith known as Hadith Jibril when Jibril  (peace be upon him) asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about "ihsan" and the Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you." [Al-Bukhari].

To practice Ihsan in modern family relationships, consider these actionable steps to help you manifest this beautiful principle in your daily life. 

1. Always speak with kindness and respect, especially in moments of disagreement. This involves actively choosing words that heal rather than hurt, a practice that resolves conflicts more effectively and builds a foundation of mutual respect and love.

2. Consistently show appreciation for your family. This could be as simple as a thank-you note, a small gift, or a compliment. 

3. Engage in acts of service without expecting anything in return. These acts of service are practical demonstrations of selfless love, a core aspect of Ihsan.

4. Make time for shared spiritual activities, such as praying together or discussing a religious text. 

5. Always aim to forgive quickly and fully. Forgiveness is a powerful act of love and a testament to the strength of your relationship. It reflects a willingness to look beyond faults and value your deeper bond. This practice resolves grievances and mirrors Allah's forgiving nature, thereby drawing you closer to Him.

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If You Crave for Allah to Love You

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

If You Crave for Allah to Love You

It was narrated that Mu'adh bin Jabal said: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took my hand and said: 'I love you, O Mu'adh!' I said: 'And I love you, O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).' Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Never forget to say in every prayer: 

رَبِّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ

Rabbi a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik 

(My Lord, help me to remember You, give thanks (shukr) to You, and to excel in worshipping You)"[Sunan An-Nasa’i]

These words are destined for us to hear. When we hear the words of the Prophet (ﷺ), that should be our best day. He didn’t address just Muadh; he wanted these words to resonate through the universe for more than 1400 years until they reached our ears. These words are destined for us to hear because we do not believe in chance but in decree. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) loves Mu’adh ibn Jabal. When someone is loved by the Prophet (ﷺ), he is loved by Allah. If someone is loved by the Prophet (ﷺ), he should definitely have traits that I would like to adorn myself with. 

The scholars said the reason the Prophet (ﷺ) loves Muadh is because of his knowledge of fiqh and his Quran. The Prophet (ﷺ) said if you want to learn the Quran, go to 4 people, and Muadh is one of them. People of the Quran are the chosen people of Allah. 

If Muadh was loved by the Prophet (ﷺ) and your love of the Prophet (ﷺ) is true, go and learn about the life of Muadh and adorn yourself with his traits. 

If you crave to be loved by Allah, then say these 3 things that the Prophet (ﷺ) told Muadh to say after each prayer as in the hadith: 

رَبِّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ

May Allah make this beenficial for us. Aameen.

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If Your Heart is Not Clean, Your Mind will be Distorted

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

If Your Heart is Not Clean, Your Mind will be Distorted

The majority of people are poisoned to the heart. They are not able to distinguish between truth and falsehood. The majority of Muslims hear the call, but they cannot answer the call. 

Allah says, “O you who have believed, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.” [Quran, Al-Anfal 8:24]. 

If you are not occupied with the Deen, how sure can you be about your emotions and impressions? If your heart is not clean, your mind will be distorted. 

The only way to find out whether you are right or wrong is by diving into the purest of your being, and that is your soul. 

People are spiritually dying. But when you go to Deen, the Quran, and the Sunnah, that’s when you are revived.

The Day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children. But only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart." And Paradise will be brought near [that Day] to the righteous. [Quran, Ash-Shu’ara 26:88-90]

May Allah grant us a sound heart. Aameen.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) ~ Patience in Seeking Knowledge ~

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) 

~ Patience in Seeking Knowledge ~

Islam is a treasure chest of wisdom that is totally relevant to our daily lives. It is wonderful that Allah makes seeking knowledge an obligation for every Muslim. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” [At-Tirmidhi] 

What is meant by knowledge here is Islamic knowledge. It is the knowledge of how a servant should behave with respect to his Lord. 

Al-Thawri said: “It is the knowledge for which no person has any excuse for not knowing.” 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Allah, His angels, and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge. 

[At-Tirmidhi]

This shows us the great excellence of knowledge seekers. For whoever sets right his intention in seeking knowledge and desires only Allah's pleasure is on a road to salvation and happiness.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever goes down a path searching for knowledge, Allah will make it easy for him the road to Paradise." [Muslim]

 Seeking knowledge demands significant effort and struggle. If it were easy, so many people would have done it. Those who are on the path of knowledge are blessed, but you need patience to keep going. Many people fall by the wayside because they lack patience. 

The story of Musa and Al-Khidr (peace be upon them) in Surah Kahf teaches us patience in seeking knowledge. Thus, we are reminded weekly to read Surah Kahf and reflect on the verses.

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Ikhlas (Sincerity) Makes You Strong

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Ikhlas (Sincerity) Makes You Strong

Ikhlas makes you strong, but the absence of ikhlas makes you sad and weak. You were born alone, and you will die alone. You will be in your grave alone, and you will stand before Allah alone. 

It doesn’t matter whether you are a mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, or spouse. It is, therefore, your job in this life to make everyone around you happy. You should be the center of their happiness. You should be the beacon of their light, the most forgiving, inspiring, patient, enduring, and encouraging.

Even if others don’t do this, you still must do this. Why? Because you will meet Allah one day and have to answer to Him. Then, you can truthfully and sincerely tell Him, “I did my best, O Allah,” He sees, hears, and knows what you did sincerely for Him and will make you happy.

“But the sincere servants of Allah—for them is a sustenance determined.” 

[Quran, As-Saffat 37:40-41)

“Indeed, Allah does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.” 

[Quran, Yunus 10:44]

“O God! Make my inside better than my outside, and make my outside (also) righteous.” [Tirmidhi] Aameen.

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Knowledge & Practice

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Knowledge & Practice

We should always seek and acquire knowledge. Knowledge transforms the unknown into the known within us, and Allah created the heavens and the earth for the sake of knowledge and worship. Given this, we should strive to gain a significant share of it.

First, we must understand what knowledge is. Second, we must strive to seek it. Third, we must strive even further to make it a reality within ourselves. Knowledge is something profound. If you dedicate yourself entirely to it, it will reward you with a portion of itself. If you give only a part of yourself, it will provide you with nothing. This is a fundamental principle, and the Sunnah of Allah concerns knowledge. Seeking knowledge is challenging and requires sacrifices, often pushing us out of our comfort zones. Acquiring knowledge demands significant effort and exertion.

However, applying that knowledge, especially religious knowledge, and making it a reality within ourselves is even more challenging. Despite our learning, reviewing, and teaching, we may not feel a deep connection to the knowledge until we live by it. True possession of knowledge occurs only when it becomes a part of our daily practice. 

Thus, as we dedicate time to learning, we should equally implement that knowledge and continuously seek Allah's forgiveness for our shortcomings. 

Not only do we need to seek knowledge and implement it, but we also need to be safeguarded by our knowledge. 

While seeking knowledge is a struggle, implementing it is a greater struggle, and ensuring that we are saved through our knowledge is an even greater one.

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