Time is Your Life Capital, Don't Waste It

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Time is Your Life Capital, Don't Waste It

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time." [Bukhari]

The Prophet (ﷺ) is reminding us that these gifts are frequently taken for granted, with many people only realizing their significance once they are lost. 

When we are healthy and have spare time, we have the opportunity to do good, improve ourselves, and contribute to others, yet we may become complacent and waste these blessings. 

The hadith encourages the wise use of both health and time for productive and meaningful actions that align with our spiritual and worldly goals.

Your time is your most valuable resources. You can make more money but you cannot make more time, even a second more. So don’t waste it even a second. Remember Allah in all your states. 

May Allah give barakah to our health and time. Aameen.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- True Leadership

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم  

Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- True Leadership 

The story of Dhul-Qarnain in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83-98) offers valuable lessons about leadership, justice, and the use of power for good. Dhul-Qarnain, a righteous and powerful ruler, travels across various lands, helping people and establishing justice wherever he goes. 

He uses his resources and authority to protect the weak and maintain peace, such as when he builds a barrier to protect a community from the destructive forces of Ya’juj and Ma’juj. 

His actions reflect the importance of using power with responsibility, ensuring that it serves the needs of others rather than personal gain. The story also highlights that true leadership is grounded in humility, recognizing that all strength and success come from Allah.

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

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One Juz One Day -- The Hadith

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

One Day One Juz

The Prophet (ﷺ) advises us to recite the Quran regularly, ideally finishing it every month. By completing the Quran within 30 days, a believer can maintain a steady connection with the divine words, by taking time to contemplate and absorb its meanings, while balancing daily life and spiritual growth. 

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As: Yazid ibn Abdullah said that Abdullah ibn Amr asked the Prophet (ﷺ): In how many days should I complete the recitation of the whole Qur'an, Messenger of Allah? He replied: In one month. He said: I am more energetic to complete it in a period less than this. He kept on repeating these words and lessening the period until he said: Complete its recitation in seven days. He again said: I am more energetic to complete it in a period less than this. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: He who finishes the recitation of the Qur'an in less than three days does not understand it. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

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One Juz One Day -- Guidance

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

One Day One Juz

The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the value of consistency, saying, “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small” (Sahih al-Bukhari). 

Through consistent reading, the Quran becomes a constant source of light and wisdom in the believer's daily life.

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” [Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:2]

May Allah grant us light. Aameen.

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Creating Your Legacy

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Creating Your Legacy

Creating a legacy involves living a life of righteousness, sincerity, and service to others. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that three things continue to benefit a person after death: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and righteous children who pray for them. 

To build a meaningful legacy, we can focus on acts of kindness, supporting education, leaving behind knowledge that benefits future generations, and raising children with strong Islamic values. 

A legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and good deeds will carry long after our lives, in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah grant us righteous deeds and a meaningful legacy. Aameen.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today -- Trust in Allah's Greater Plan

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

 Let's Read Surah Kahf Today -- Trust in Allah's Greater Plan

The story of Prophet Musa and Khidr (peace be upon them) in Surah Al-Kahf teaches profound lessons about patience, humility, and the limits of human knowledge.

Musa, despite being a prophet, embarks on a journey to learn from Khidr, who possesses deeper, hidden wisdom granted by Allah.

Throughout their journey, Musa struggles to understand Khidr's actions, which appear outwardly wrong or unjust but later reveal profound divine wisdom and purpose.

This story reminds us that not all events in life are immediately understandable and that we must trust in Allah’s greater plan, embracing patience and humility in the face of what we cannot comprehend.

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

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Success in this Life & Die as a Martyr

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Success in this Life & Die as a Martyr

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, 

"If anyone maintains relations with their parents, Allah will grant them success in this world and the next." (Musnad Ahmad)

This hadith links a person's well-being and success in this life and the next to how well they maintain relations with their parents.

"He who is kind to his parents will not die except as a martyr." (Nasa'i)

This hadith equates the service and kindness towards parents to the great reward of martyrdom.

"O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." (Bukhari & Muslim)

This hadith emphasizes that a holds a more significant place in terms of companionship and kindness than anyone else in a person’s life.

"May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced!"  It was said, "Who, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "The one who finds his parents, one or both of them, during their old age and does not enter Paradise (by serving them)." (Muslim)

This hadith points out that failing to care for one’s parents, especially in their old age, is a disgrace. Serving elderly parents is a duty and a path to Paradise, and neglecting them is considered a missed opportunity for significant spiritual reward.

"If anyone disrespects their parents, they will never smell the fragrance of Paradise." (Musnad Ahmad)

This hadith strongly warns against disrespecting parents, emphasizing the severe consequences of mistreating one’s parents.

These are a few of the many hadiths that emphasize the importance of honoring, respecting, and caring for parents. This recurring theme in the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) shows that being good to one's parents, particularly to one’s mother, is among the greatest acts of worship and has profound spiritual, moral, and worldly implications.

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Do Not Expose Your Sins

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Do Not Expose Your Sins

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "All the people of my Ummah will be forgiven except those who commit sins openly. And part of committing sins openly is when a man does something at night, and then in the morning, after Allah has concealed his sin, he says, 'O so-and-so, I did such-and-such last night,' when his Lord had concealed his sin all night, but in the morning he reveals what Allah had concealed." (Bukhari & Muslim)

"Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment." (Muslim)

"Avoid these filthy practices which Allah has forbidden, but whoever commits any of them should conceal them with the concealment of Allah and repent to Him." (Al-Hakim)

Covering one’s own and others' sins is a sign of Allah’s mercy and a way to protect personal dignity and societal morality. Exposing sins can prevent sincere repentance, damage reputations, and lead to the normalization of sinful behavior.

The Prophet (ﷺ) condemned boasting about one’s sins. This is because revealing sins openly can weaken the collective moral fabric of the community by making the sinful acts appear less serious.

Exposing sins may harm not only the individual but also those around them. People who hear about sinful acts may be influenced by them or tempted to engage in similar behavior.

Therefore, we should repent privately and not expose our sins to others, trusting Allah’s mercy to forgive and conceal our shortcomings.

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Do Not Expose Your Sins

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

There are several important reasons why sins should not be exposed, either by oneself or others. Covering sins is tied to Allah’s mercy, the protection of a person’s dignity, and the encouragement of repentance. 

Here are some key reasons why exposing sins is discouraged:

1. Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness
- Allah conceals sins out of His mercy. The fact that Allah keeps a person's sins hidden is a form of compassion, allowing the individual time to repent sincerely without being shamed or judged by others.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:  
 "Avoid these filthy practices which Allah has forbidden, but whoever commits any of them should conceal them with the concealment of Allah and repent to Him." (Narrated by Al-Hakim, 4/425)

By revealing sins, a person may overlook the opportunity to turn directly to Allah in repentance and miss the chance for forgiveness.

2. Preserving Dignity and Reputation
- Protecting one’s own dignity is essential in Islam. Publicly revealing one’s sins can lead to a loss of respect, trust, and social standing. Allah protects a person’s honor by concealing their sins, and in turn, individuals should preserve their own dignity by not publicizing their mistakes.
- Exposing sins can also harm relationships with family, friends, and the community, creating unnecessary judgment and division.

3. Encouraging Private Repentance
- Islam encourages private repentance directly to Allah. By keeping sins hidden, a person can reflect on their actions and sincerely ask for Allah’s forgiveness without the weight of public scrutiny or shame.
- Exposing sins may prevent sincere repentance, especially if the focus shifts from personal accountability to seeking validation or sympathy from others.

4. Preventing Normalization of Sin
- Publicizing sins can lead to the normalization of sinful behavior, especially if others see it as common or acceptable. When sins are kept private, it helps maintain societal norms based on Islamic values.
- In the aforementioned hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned boasting about one’s sins. This is because revealing sins openly can weaken the collective moral fabric of the community by making the sinful acts appear less serious.

5. Protecting Others from Harm
- Exposing sins may harm not only the individual but also those around them. People who hear about sinful acts may be influenced by them or tempted to engage in similar behavior. Islam emphasizes the importance of **concealing the faults of others**, just as we hope Allah conceals our own faults.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:  
"Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment." 
– (Sahih Muslim, 2580)

6. Avoiding Public Judgment and Gossip
- Publicizing sins can lead to backbiting, gossip, and slander, all of which are serious sins in Islam. By keeping sins private, the community avoids engaging in harmful speech and the breakdown of trust between individuals.
 
In Islam, covering one’s sins and the sins of others is a sign of Allah’s mercy and a way to protect both personal dignity and societal morality. Exposing sins can prevent sincere repentance, damage reputations, and lead to the normalization of sinful behavior. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to repent privately and not expose their sins to others, trusting in Allah’s mercy to forgive and conceal their shortcomings.

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How to Make Up Years of Missed Prayers (Salat)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

How to Make Up Years of Missed Prayers (Salat)

Allah blessed some people with hidayah (guidance) at a later part of their lives, and they started praying. But they have missed years of Salat before that. The responsibility to make up (Qada’) for these missed prayers is a serious matter, but it is not impossible to fulfill.

Here’s how one can approach making up missed prayers:

1. Sincere Repentance (Tawbah)

2. Start with the Current Obligations: From now on, begin consistently performing the five daily prayers, ensuring that no more prayers are missed. This establishes the habit of regular prayer and brings the individual back into a state of spiritual discipline.

3. Plan for Making Up Missed Prayers:  Begin making up (Qada') the missed prayers in addition to performing the current obligatory prayers. Scholars recommend that a person create a schedule for catching up on these prayers and do so consistently over time, e.g. add one or two salat after each obligatory prayer.

Consistency is key. It’s better to create a realistic schedule to stick to rather than overwhelming yourself and burning out. Regular effort is the most important part of catching up on missed prayers.

Never Skip Current Prayers: Continue performing the current obligatory prayers on time and gradually adding Qada' prayers.

Du’a: Regularly ask Allah for strength, forgiveness, and the ability to fulfill this obligation.

Hope and Perseverance: Islam encourages hope and effort. Making up missed prayers is a way to demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your obligations.

Every step toward making up missed prayers is an act of sincere worship, and Allah is most Merciful and knows of His servants' sincere efforts.

May Allah make it easy all our affairs. Aameen.

 

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Transformation Thru Prayers (Salat)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Transformation thru Prayers (Salat)

The five daily prayers (Salat) are an obligatory act of worship for all Muslims.

"The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment will be his Salat. If it is sound, the rest of his deeds will be sound; if it is lacking, the rest will be lacking." [At-Tirmidhi]

“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing..." [Quran, 29:45]

Salat is intended to be a transformative act of worship connecting the worshipper with his/her Creator and encouraging moral, spiritual, and behavioral change. But, if a person does not experience this transformation, several factors could be at play, e.g. lack of khushu’ (concentration, internal focus); performing Salat purely as a ritual obligation or habit, without understanding its purpose or internalizing its teachings; disconnect between Salat and daily behavior; perform the prayer in Arabic without fully understanding the meaning of what they are reciting.

Salat is meant to be a vehicle for inner and outer transformation. But, if it is performed without sincerity, focus, or understanding or disconnected from one's daily behavior, its transformative power can be limited. True transformation requires a holistic approach to Islam, where Salat is one component of a comprehensive ethical and spiritual life.

We are encouraged to seek both the external and internal aspects of Salat: performing it correctly and engaging deeply with its meanings and spiritual lessons. When approached with mindfulness, Salat can shape our character, improve ethical conduct, and draw us closer to Allah.

May Allah bring us closer to Him. Aameen.

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Why a Person Does Not Experience Transformation Through Prayers (Salat)?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The question of why prayer may not seem to transform some Muslims, despite the significant spiritual and ethical weight it carries in Islam, is complex. Prayer (Salat) is intended to be a transformative act of worship that connects Muslims with Allah and encourages moral, spiritual, and behavioral change. However, if a person does not experience this transformation, several factors could be at play. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Lack of Concentration (Khushu')
   - Khushu' refers to a state of humility, concentration, and presence of heart during prayer. Without this internal focus, prayer can become a mere ritual rather than a meaningful spiritual experience. When a Muslim prays without sincere engagement, it may not have the deep transformative effect it is meant to have.
   - Distractions and routine behavior during prayer can prevent it from fostering a connection with Allah and reflecting on the prayer's deeper meaning.

2. Mechanical Performance of Prayer
   - Performing prayer purely as a ritual obligation or habit, without understanding its purpose or internalizing its teachings, can reduce its impact. If prayer becomes something one simply "gets through" without pondering its significance, it may fail to shape a person’s character or behavior.
   - The Quran emphasizes that prayer should prevent immorality and wrongdoing: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing..." (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45). This transformative effect requires mindfulness and sincere engagement with the spiritual aspects of prayer.

3. Disconnect Between Worship and Daily Life
   - For some, there may be a disconnect between prayer and daily behavior. Islam teaches that prayer is not just about specific times of worship, but a means to impact how one conducts oneself in daily life. If a Muslim prays but fails to embody the principles of justice, compassion, and humility outside of prayer, the spiritual effect may be diminished.
   - A true transformation requires applying the lessons of prayer—patience, humility, and obedience to Allah—into every aspect of life, including relationships, work, and character development.

4. Lack of Understanding of the Meaning of Prayer
   - Many Muslims may perform prayer in Arabic without fully understanding the meaning of what they are reciting. Without comprehension of the words, the depth of prayer’s impact can be lessened. Understanding the meanings behind the Quranic verses and supplications in the prayer can enhance the spiritual connection and transformation.
   - Studying the meanings of the phrases and understanding the wisdom behind the rituals can lead to a deeper experience of prayer.

5. Spiritual and Ethical Disconnect
   - Islam encourages prayer as part of a broader system of spirituality and ethics, including kindness, charity, honesty, and humility. If someone prays regularly but does not focus on these other aspects of Islamic teaching, their prayer may not lead to the full moral and spiritual development it is meant to.
   - True transformation requires a holistic approach to Islam, where prayer is one component of a comprehensive ethical and spiritual life.

6. Overcoming Inner Obstacles
   - Personal struggles, such as unchecked ego, desires, or distractions of the dunya (worldly life), can hinder the transformative power of prayer. Muslims are reminded that prayer is meant to help combat these distractions and realign the self with Allah’s will. However, if these inner obstacles remain unchecked, prayer may not have its full intended impact.

7. Consistency in Prayer and Reflection
   - Transformation through prayer is often a gradual process. Consistency in performing prayer with sincerity over time is key to experiencing change. If prayer is approached with sincere reflection and self-awareness, over time, it can lead to significant inner change.

8. Lack of a Broader Spiritual Practice
   - Prayer, though central, is only one aspect of a Muslim's spiritual life. Supplementing prayer with other acts of worship—such as reading the Quran, giving charity (Zakat), fasting, and engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah)—can enhance the transformative power of one’s faith. Without this broader spiritual practice, the effects of prayer alone may not be as profound.

Prayer in Islam is meant to be a vehicle for inner and outer transformation. However, if it is performed without sincerity, focus, or understanding, or if it is disconnected from one's daily behavior, its transformative power can be limited. Muslims are encouraged to seek both the external and internal aspects of prayer: performing it correctly and engaging deeply with its meanings and spiritual lessons. When approached with mindfulness, prayer has the potential to shape one's character, improve ethical conduct, and draw the believer closer to Allah.

May Allah forgive all our shortcomings and accept our worship. Aameen.

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How to Make Up Years of Missed Prayers (Salat)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

In Islam, the five daily prayers (Salat) are an obligatory act of worship for all Muslims. If someone has missed years of prayers, the responsibility to make up (Qada) for these missed prayers is a serious matter, but it is not impossible to fulfill. Here’s how Muslims can approach making up missed prayers:

Steps to Make Up (say 15 years) of Missed Prayers:

1. Sincere Repentance (Tawbah):
   - First and foremost, the individual should sincerely repent to Allah (Tawbah) for neglecting the obligation of prayer. Tawbah involves:
     - Regretting the missed prayers.
     - Making a firm intention (Niyyah) not to miss prayers in the future.
     - Asking for Allah’s forgiveness.

2. Start with the Current Obligations:
   - Begin performing the five daily prayers consistently from now on, ensuring that no more prayers are missed. This establishes the habit of regular prayer and brings the individual back into a state of spiritual discipline.

3. Plan for Making Up Missed Prayers:
   - Begin making up (Qada) the missed prayers in addition to performing the current obligatory prayers. Scholars recommend that a person creates a schedule for catching up on these prayers, doing so consistently over time.

4. Making Up Missed Prayers:
   - Perform each Qada prayer just as you would perform the regular prayer (with the same number of Rak'ahs), but with the intention of making up a missed prayer. You can start with the Fajr prayers and work through each prayer in chronological order, or you can focus on making up a particular prayer (e.g., Dhuhr) until they are complete.
   
5. Organize a Plan:
   - Break the 15 years of missed prayers into manageable parts:
     - There are 5 daily prayers. For 15 years, this equals about 27,375 prayers (15 years × 365 days × 5 prayers per day).
     - Decide how many Qada prayers you will do each day in addition to your current obligatory prayers. For example:
       - If you do 5 Qada prayers a day, it will take about 15 years to complete.
       - If you do 10 Qada prayers a day (5 current + 5 Qada), it will take around 7.5 years to complete.
       - If you do 15 Qada prayers a day, it will take about 5 years to complete.

6. Prioritize and Be Consistent:
   - Consistency is key. It’s better to create a realistic schedule that you can stick to rather than overwhelming yourself and burning out. Regular effort is the most important part of catching up on missed prayers.

7. Seek Scholarly Guidance:
   - Scholars may provide different rulings based on your school of thought and circumstances. Some may suggest alternative methods such as performing additional Sunnah and Nafl prayers with the intention of seeking forgiveness for missed prayers.
 
General Advice:
- Never Skip Current Prayers: Continue to perform the current obligatory prayers on time and add Qada prayers gradually.
- Du’a: Regularly ask Allah for strength, forgiveness, and the ability to fulfill this obligation.
- Hope and Perseverance: Islam encourages hope and effort. Making up missed prayers is a way to demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your obligations.

Every step toward making up missed prayers is an act of sincere worship, and Allah is most Merciful and understanding of the sincere efforts of His servants.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) Lessons on Humility and Gratitude

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday)

Lessons on Humility and Gratitude

The story of the men with the two gardens in Surah Al-Kahf teaches powerful lessons about humility, gratitude, and the transient nature of worldly wealth. 

One of the men, blessed with abundant gardens, arrogantly boasted about his wealth and denied the reality of the Hereafter. He believed his success was solely due to his own efforts, neglecting to thank Allah for his blessings. 

As a result, his garden was destroyed, reminding him that all worldly possessions are temporary and that reliance on Allah, along with gratitude and humility, is essential for true success and prosperity.

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.” 

 [Quran, Al-Kahf 18:46]

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How Muslims Look at Life

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

How Muslims Look at Life

The Prophet Muhammad  (ﷺ) said: "The Hellfire complained to its Lord, saying, 'O my Lord! My different parts are eating each other up.' So, He allowed it to take two breaths: one in the winter and the other in the summer. This is the reason for the severe heat you feel in the summer and the bitter cold you feel in the winter." [Bukhari]

This hadith emphasizes the extreme conditions of punishment in Hell, where both intense heat and extreme cold are part of the torment. 

It is a reminder of the severity of the punishment in Hell, warning us to avoid it through righteousness and obedience to Allah's commands.

Hell is a place of intense suffering, where both fiery heat and freezing cold are manifestations of divine retribution. 

Hell is real. It is no joke. Protect yourself against this great calamity by armoring yourself with the knowledge of Islam and live by it while Allah still gives you life. Even a very slight detour in Hell is no small matter, a painful torment none of us will ever live long enough to experience in this life.

May Allah save us from Hell. Aameen.

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Look Ip to the Skies

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Look Up to the Skies

“[And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see any inconsistency in the creation of the Most Merciful. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks?” [Quran, Al-Mulk 67:3]

The verse of Surah Al-Mulk emphasizes order and harmony in the universe, urging us to observe the sky and reflect on its vastness and beauty. It invites us to look again and again at the heavens to see if they can find any cracks or inconsistencies, but they will not because Allah’s creation is perfect. It reminds us of Allah's supreme power, wisdom, and the signs of His greatness evident in the universe, encouraging us to reflect on His creation and increase in faith.

Read Surah Al-Mulk before going to sleep at night.

Jabir ibn Abdullāh reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would not sleep until He had recited Surah as-Sajdah (32) and Surah al-Mulk (67). 

ʿAbdullah Ibn Masʿud reports that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Surah Tabarak (Surah al-Mulk) prevents the punishment of the grave.”

Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Indeed there is a Surah in the Qur'an of thirty Ayat, which intercedes for a man until he is forgiven. It is [Surah] Tabarak Alladhi Biyadihil-Mulk."

[Tirmidhi]

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Ultimate Justice

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Ultimate Justice

“So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, On adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?” 

[Quran, al-Mutaffifin 83-34:36]

There will be exchanges of dialogue, questions, and answers between the people of Paradise and the people of Hell. These points of interaction, where the inhabitants of Hell can see and be addressed by those in Paradise, will serve as another form of torment for the people of Hell. They will be reproached from all sides, and as they witness the blessings enjoyed by the people of Paradise, their regret and anger will only intensify. Already suffering in the Fire, they will burn even more with envy and despair. 

These interactions will bring a different kind of relief to the people of Paradise. Seeing the torment of those in Hell will deepen their gratitude for the immense blessings they’ve been given. They will remember how they were once mocked for their faith, powerless to respond. Now, seeing their former mockers humiliated and punished, they will have the final satisfaction of witnessing their downfall.

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Choose Your Companions Wisely And Be Careful Who You Befriend With

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Choose Your Companions Wisely And Be Careful Who You Befriend With

The Prophet  (ﷺ) says, "A person is upon the religion of his companion, so let one of you look at whom he befriends" (Sunan Abu Dawood), highlighting the profound influence companions and close friends have on a person’s character, behavior, and beliefs. 

The Prophet  (ﷺ) teaches that our moral and spiritual state can be shaped by those we surround ourselves with. If a person keeps righteous and God-fearing company, they are likely to incline towards good, but if they keep negative or harmful influences, they risk adopting immoral behaviors or weakening their faith. The danger lies in becoming complacent about the company we keep, as constant exposure to negative influences can subtly erode values, lead to sinful behaviors, and distance a person from the guidance of Islam. This hadith urges Muslims to be mindful of their associations, as close relationships can either nurture their faith or harm it.

The Prophet Muhammad  (ﷺ) said:

"The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. As for the seller of musk, he will either give you some, or you will buy some from him, or at least you will smell its pleasant fragrance. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows, he will either burn your clothes or you will notice a bad smell." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

May Allah grant us righteous companions and guide us. Aameen.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday)

Muslims are encouraged to read Surah Al-Kahf every Friday as it holds special significance in protecting against the trials of life, especially the fitnah (temptation) of the Dajjal. 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Whoever reads Surah Al-Kahf on Friday, the light will shine for him between the two Fridays." 

Reading this Surah reminds us of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah in times of difficulty, offering spiritual guidance and protection throughout the week. 

The four stories in the Surah--The Youths of the Cave, the Man with the Two Gardens, Prophet Musa’s journey to seek knowledge from al-Khidr, and Dhulkarnain, impart important lessons about trust in Allah, humility, and the transient nature of worldly life.

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Allah is Not Your Teddy Bear

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Allah Is Not Your Teddy Bear

“And when affliction touches man, he calls upon Us, whether lying on his side or sitting or standing; but when We remove from him his affliction, he continues [in disobedience] as if he had never called upon Us to [remove] an affliction that touched him. Thus, it is made pleasing to the transgressors, which they have been doing.” [Quran,Yunus 10:12]

Allah is not simply a comforting presence to be turned to only in times of need or distress, like a child clinging to a stuffed toy for comfort. Rather, Allah is the Almighty, the Creator, and the Sustainer of the universe, deserving our utmost reverence, obedience, and submission.

We should approach our relationship with Allah with a sense of awe, humility, and accountability, recognizing His greatness and authority and not reducing Him to a mere source of comfort or a means to personal ends. 

We should deepen our understanding of who Allah is and honor Him in all aspects of our lives, not just when we seek solace.

The Prophet (ﷺ) says, “... Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Recognize and acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will remember you in times of adversity...” [Hadith 19, 40 Hadith An-Nawawi]

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The Essence of Life

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Essence of Life

A knower of Allah, someone deeply connected to their Creator, summarizes:  “This life boils down to waiting for prayer (salah) time until we are prayed upon.” 

Salah serves as a constant reminder of our relationship with Allah and our purpose in this life. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is necessary to pause for salah at its time and concentrate on our spiritual growth and preparation for the Hereafter. 

As Allah Almighty reminds us, "And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."  [Quran, 51:55-56)]

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The Blessed Life of Old Age

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Blessed Life of Old Age

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The lifespan of my Ummah is between sixty and seventy years. Few of them exceed this period." [Sunan Ibn Majah]

A hadith that highlights the blessings of reaching old age: "No one reaches forty years in Islam, but Allah protects him from three: madness, leprosy, and vitiligo. When he reaches fifty, Allah makes his reckoning lighter. When he reaches sixty, Allah grants him to return to Him in a manner He loves. When he reaches seventy, the inhabitants of heaven love him. When he reaches eighty, Allah records his good deeds and erases his sins. When he reaches ninety, Allah forgives his past and future sins, permits him to intercede for his family, and he becomes the prisoner of Allah on the earth." [Musnad Ahmad]

"If a young man honors an elder person on account of his age, Allah appoints someone to show reverence to him in his old age." [At-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from helplessness, laziness, cowardice, and feeble old age; I seek refuge with You from afflictions of life and death and seek refuge with You from the punishment in the grave.".[Bukhari]  May Allah have mercy on us. Aameen.

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Have You Hug Your Mother Lately?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Have You Hug Your Mother Lately?

A study from the University of North Carolina found that hugs increase the "bonding" hormone oxytocin and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially benefiting women. 

So, have you hugged your mother today? If not, hug her now or call her and say, "I love you, Mom." Keeping in touch brings joy to her heart and earns blessings. 

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (taqwa) of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” (Quran, 49:13).  

Taqwa is about self-control, humility, and obedience to Allah. One way to achieve this is through honoring and caring for your mother, as Allah commands in the Quran, reminding us of the hardships mothers endure for their children. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that kindness to a parent continues even after their death, as acts of goodness in their name can benefit their souls in the Hereafter. 

Mothers deserve our utmost respect, patience, and kindness, more so than fathers, as emphasized by the Prophet (ﷺ). Neglecting or mistreating her is a serious wrongdoing.

Pleasing your mother and treating her well is a direct path to gaining Allah's pleasure and a place in Paradise. 

Treat your mother with the highest respect and care, developing the best character, which holds great weight on the Day of Judgment. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The closest to me on the Day of Judgment and the most beloved to me are those who have the best character.”

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Gossip is Like a Feather Blown in the Wind. Don't Take It Lightly.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Gossip is Like a Feather Blown in the Wind. Don't Take It Lightly.

Gossip is likened to something that, once spoken (or posted on social media), is like a feather blown in the wind—it spreads quickly and uncontrollably, reaching far beyond the initial intent, and cannot be retrieved or stopped. Just as a person cannot gather back all the feathers scattered by a strong wind, it is impossible to take back or control the harm caused by gossip once it is spread. 

This analogy highlights the destructive nature of gossip, which damages reputations and relationships and sows discord within the community. 

It is important to guard one’s tongue, avoid idle talk, and refrain from spreading rumors to protect individuals and the wider community from unnecessary harm and discord. 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent." [Muslim]

Sincere repentance is necessary as gossip is considered a sin. It's also necessary to make amends with those harmed by the gossip, whether directly apologizing and/or trying to restore their reputation.

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Don't Gossip and Listen to Gossip

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Don't Gossip and Listen to Gossip

The Qur'an likens gossip to eating the flesh of a dead brother, highlighting its repulsive nature. “..Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead?”  (Qur'an 49:12).

The Prophet (ﷺ) warned those who engage in gossip and spreading malicious talks will face severe punishment in the Hereafter, including being deprived of Allah's mercy or facing torment in the grave. Those who listen to gossip are considered just as responsible as those who spread it. 

Gossip extends to modern forms of communication like text messages. Just as backbiting is condemned, so is sharing harmful or false information about others through texts. Text messages can rapidly spread gossip, rumors, and slander to a larger audience than verbal gossip, causing harm to the person's reputation and creating mistrust and division within the community. 

Muslims should guard their tongues and their words, whether spoken or written, and avoid spreading lies or speaking negatively about others. Such behavior through text messages not only causes harm but also holds a person accountable before Allah, as it goes against the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for others.

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Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Preparing Ourselves For Our Eternal Life

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday)

Surah Al-Kahf brings four inspiring and impressive Qur'anic stories to confirm its primary purpose of establishing the correct belief and faith in the greatness of the Lord, Full of Majesty and Honor. These stories and examples are meant to be taken as a lesson or moral and as points for reflection. If we heed, it should spur us to prioritize our lives here and be more serious about preparing ourselves for our eternal life hereafter. 

ٱلْمَالُ وَٱلْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتُ خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلً

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:46]

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If You Know You Will Die

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

If You Know You Will Die

If you know you will die,

then rest assured you will be buried

If you know you will be buried, 

then rest assured you will be resurrected 

If you know you will be resurrected, 

then be prepared for the Questions

 On that Day, no one can save you

 Not your money, parents, family, friends, or your culture

 “On the Day a man will flee from his brother (34) And his mother and his father (35) And his wife and his children, (36) For every man, that Day, will be a matter adequate for him. (37)” 

[Qur'an, ‘Abasa 80:34-37]

May Allah have mercy on us and grant us husnul khaatimah and the highest Jannah without accounting. Aameen,

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Know Your Real Enemy

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Quran says,

“Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy.” [Quran, Yusuf 12:5]

Shaytan is the ultimate deceiver and enemy of humanity, whose primary goal is to lead people away from the path of righteousness and obedience to Allah.

Shaytan's work is to sow doubt, temptation, and discord in the hearts of believers, urging them toward sin, arrogance, and disobedience. He exploits human weaknesses and whispers evil suggestions to create division and strife.

We are taught to seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan’s influence, remain vigilant against his deceptions, and strengthen our faith through prayer, remembrance of Allah, and adherence to Islamic teachings to resist temptations and stay on the straight path.

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Humble Ourselves, Don't be Arrogant

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Humble Ourselves, Don't be Arrogant

Allah reminds us of our humble beginnings in this verse, "Did We not create you from a despised fluid?" (Quran, Mursalat 77:20)

We were created from a simple drop of fluid, something small and often thought of as insignificant or lowly. Yet, despite this humble beginning, people often become arrogant, forgetting where they came from and acting with too much pride and superiority. 

No matter how much money, knowledge, or power we have, we all come from the same lowly origin. Arrogance doesn't suit those who remember their beginnings. 

We are encouraged to be humble, knowing that our worth comes not from ourselves but from Allah's kindness and mercy. This helps us become more caring and grounded, keeping us away from arrogance and leading us to a more humble relationship with others and with Allah.

Arrogance is a trait that comes directly from Shaytan, who was the first to exhibit pride and rebellion against Allah. When Allah created Adam, Shaytan refused to bow to him, saying he was better because he was made from fire and Adam was made from clay. This act of defiance was driven by arrogance, which led to Shaytan's downfall and eternal condemnation. We are reminded to avoid arrogance and seek Allah's help, understanding that humility is how to stay close to Allah Most High.

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