The Prophet Ibrahim’s Universal Call to Hajj

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

When Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to proclaim the Hajj, he called people to come to Makkah from every corner of the earth: 

 وَأَذِّنْ فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَميقٍۢ

 “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass - ” (Quran, al-Hajj 22:27)

This call was not just a historical event—it was a universal invitation to the worship of Allah, calling humanity to His House, the Ka'bah. Even though Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was alone in the barren desert, Allah caused his call to echo throughout time and across continents, symbolizing unity, devotion, and submission to Allah. It teaches us that even a single voice of truth, when supported by Allah, can reach the hearts of millions across generations—a testament to the power of sincerity and divine assistance.

As we reflect on Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion during these blessed days, let us ask Allah to grant us righteous children who follow His path, to grant us the opportunity to perform Hajj, and to be among those who answer His call. We also ask the Hujjaj—those honored with the journey this year—to remember us in their prayers, that Allah grant us the blessing of performing Hajj next year, and that He accept our efforts and intentions. May Allah make us among those who sincerely call upon Him, and may He answer our prayers with His boundless mercy. Aameen.

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Embracing Our Legacy: The Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Embracing Our Legacy: The Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the fulfillment of Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) heartfelt supplication: “Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Quran, Al-Baqarah 2:129). 

As the final Prophet, he embodies the culmination of Ibrahim’s legacy, serving as the guide and mercy for all of humanity. We, as his ummah, are the living realization of this prophecy, entrusted with the responsibility to carry his light and message forward. In these 10 blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah—days marked by the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion.

Let us reflect deeply on our identity as his ummah, renew our gratitude for this immense blessing, and strive to live by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

 

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday): Staying Steadfast in the Company of the Righteous

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

This ayah from Surah Al-Kahf (18:28-29) emphasizes the importance of steadfastness and humility in the company of those who remember Allah sincerely. It instructs believers to remain patient and devoted alongside those who call upon their Lord day and night, seeking His pleasure rather than the allure of worldly wealth or status. 

The ayah also warns against following those whose hearts have turned away from Allah’s remembrance, for their desires lead only to neglect and spiritual ruin. 

Ultimately, Allah reminds us that the choice to believe or disbelieve rests with each individual, but the consequences for wrongdoers are severe: a blazing fire that imprisons them, with even their cries for relief met with a drink that scalds their faces—an ominous fate that starkly contrasts the blessings prepared for the righteous.

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

 

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Reflecting on the Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Reflecting on the Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)

This time of the year reminds us of the remarkable legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)—a legacy of unwavering faith, patience, and virtue. One of the most powerful lessons he left behind is his exemplary treatment of his father, even in the face of immense hardship. Despite his father’s hostility—going so far as to threaten to burn him alive—Prophet Ibrahim responded with nothing but calmness, dignity, and kind words, as recorded in the Qur'an:

قَالَ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكَ ۖ سَأَسْتَغْفِرُ لَكَ رَبِّي ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِي حَفِيًّا

“[He said], ‘Peace be upon you. I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me.’” (Surah Maryam 19:47)

From this noble character, we learn that the lives of the prophets and righteous people are full of guidance for our own trials. Their stories show us how to act with grace and patience, especially in our relationships with those closest to us.

As children, we are reminded to honor our parents with the best possible treatment—even when it is difficult. Life is short, and the time we share with our parents is even shorter. Consider how much our parents endured for us in our early years: sleepless nights, constant care, and unending patience, even when we were helpless, crying, and often a source of frustration. For 10, 15, or even 20 years, they carried the weight of our upbringing with love and sacrifice.

Now, as our parents age, the roles begin to reverse. They may become forgetful, repetitive, or difficult in ways that test our patience. But this is not a burden—it’s our opportunity. It’s a cycle returning, and usually for a far shorter span than the years they spent caring for us.

So give them your best. Be their source of ease, not their hardship. Let your kindness and service to them be your path to Paradise, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust.” It was said: “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “The one who sees one or both of his parents during their old age and does not enter Paradise by honoring them.” (Sahih Muslim)

This season, let us reconnect with this prophetic wisdom and give our parents the honor, patience, and love they deserve.

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.

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Reviving a Sacred Sunnah: Fasting the Blessed Days of Dhul-Hijjah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Reviving a Sacred Sunnah: Fasting the Blessed Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The month of Dhul-Hijjah has arrived. Let us revive the Sunnah of fasting during the first nine days of this sacred month. These are the most blessed days in the Islamic calendar, and righteous deeds performed during them are especially beloved to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” (Bukhari). Fasting is one of the best deeds we can offer during this time, particularly on the Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th), about which the Prophet ﷺ said: “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year” (Muslim). “Allah said: 'Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it.'” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Take advantage of this precious opportunity for spiritual elevation, forgiveness, and nearness to Allah Most High.

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Preparing for the Best Ten Days

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Preparing for the Best Ten Days

If you are not able to perform Hajj, you can still share in its reward. Spend in charity, turn your heart to Allah, and walk often to places of good—especially for Fajr prayer. 

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Give glad tidings of complete light on the Day of Judgment to those who walk to the masjid in the darkness.”

Such light will accompany those with the Prophet ﷺ on the Day when Allah says: “O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, "Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent." (Qur’an, At-Tahrim 66:8)

Worship Allah between Maghrib and Isha, and from Fajr until sunrise. Attend congregational prayer and gatherings of knowledge. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever goes to the masjid intending to learn or teach good has the reward of a complete Hajj.”

Just as the pilgrims say “Labbayk,” respond to Allah’s call in your daily life. Pray to be spiritually present with them. Many hearts, even from afar, receive the gifts of ‘Arafah and Mina through sincerity and truthfulness with Allah.

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Honoring Parents: One of the Greatest Acts of Worship in the Best Days of the Year

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Honoring Parents: One of the Greatest Acts of Worship in the Best Days of the Year

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most blessed days of the year. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari

During these days, Muslims rush to fast, pray, give charity, and remember Allah. But often overlooked among these great acts of worship is one of the most powerful doors to Paradise: honoring your parents, especially when they reach old age.

You may find your parents challenging at times — perhaps they criticize more than they encourage, or they repeat themselves, or they struggle with patience or understanding. As they age, their dependency increases, and your patience is tested. But these moments are not a burden — they are divinely gifted opportunities for elevation in rank and the pleasure of Allah.

Allah explicitly commands:

“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [even] ‘uff’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’”
— Surah Al-Isra (17:23–24)

Notice how Allah pairs worship of Him with kindness to parents. This shows the enormous weight of this deed in His sight — especially in these sacred days when good deeds are multiplied many times over.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) further emphasized this:

“May his nose be rubbed in dust, may his nose be rubbed in dust, may his nose be rubbed in dust.”
The companions asked, “Who, O Messenger of Allah?”
He replied:
“The one whose parents, one or both, reach old age during his lifetime, and he does not enter Paradise.”
— Sahih Muslim

Think about it: the one who fasts, gives charity, prays, and remembers Allah during Dhul-Hijjah may still fall short. But the one who serves his aging parents with love and mercy — especially in these ten days — is grasping an open invitation to Jannah.

As the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“Whoever performs good deeds during these ten days, it is more beloved to Allah than jihad in His cause.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, paraphrased

What greater jihad (struggle) exists than restraining your ego, suppressing annoyance, and replacing it with kindness toward a parent who may be difficult, forgetful, or needy?

Practical Ways to Honor Your Parents During Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Call or visit them daily, with a cheerful tone and kind words.

2. Serve them physically — bring them food, run errands, or help with their needs without them asking.

3. Listen attentively when they speak, even if they repeat themselves.

4. Make heartfelt du’a for them, especially in your tahajjud and after prayers.

5. Avoid arguments, and lower your voice even when you disagree.

6. Give charity on their behalf, or plan to sacrifice a qurbani in their name.

7. Seek their forgiveness and make amends for past shortcomings.

8. Be their greatest source of encouragement, and never let them feel like a burden on your shoulders—let them feel like a blessing in your life.

The Spiritual Secret

During Dhul-Hijjah, many seek closeness to Allah through external acts. But true nearness may lie in the unseen: the tears of a mother wiped in private, the smile of a father restored by a kind word, the du‘a whispered behind their back. These are the silent deeds that shake the heavens.

So if your parents are alive — especially in old age — realize this: you have a golden gate to Paradise open before you in the best days of the year. Don’t miss it.

"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents... So be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination."
— Surah Luqman (31:14)

This Dhul-Hijjah, in addition to fasting and takbeer, don’t forget this blessed deed that is often done in silence — but resounds loudly in the records of the righteous.

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Honoring Parents: A Pathway to Paradise

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Honoring Parents: A Pathway to Paradise

You may sometimes feel irritated with your parents — perhaps they repeat themselves, criticize you about everything, or seem difficult to please. Over time, frustration can build, and you may feel exhausted. But Allah, the Most High, reminds you not to allow even a sigh of annoyance to escape your lips.

“And do not say to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’”
— Surah Al-Isra (17:23–24)

In these ayahs, Allah commands both physical mercy (by treating them gently and respectfully) and spiritual mercy (by making heartfelt du‘a for them). Even when they become old, forgetful, or difficult, it remains your obligation to honor them with patience, kindness, and humility.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized this in numerous hadiths. In one powerful narration:

“May he be humiliated, may he be humiliated, may he be humiliated.”
The companions asked, “Who, O Messenger of Allah?”
He replied:
“The one whose parents, one or both, reach old age during his lifetime but he does not enter Paradise.”
— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2551

This is an open door to Jannah (Paradise) that many people overlook. Just as Ramadan is a time of unmatched spiritual opportunity, so too is the presence of elderly parents. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“May he be humiliated, the one who witnesses Ramadan and is not forgiven.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3545

Similarly, the one who is granted the blessing of serving his or her parents in old age — and still does not earn Paradise — has missed an incredible, divine opportunity. It's as if the gates of Jannah were opened for them, yet they walked away.

So, whenever you feel burdened, remember: your patience with your parents is not just good character — it is your fast-track to Jannah. Lower your wing in humility. Serve them. Speak gently. Make du‘a for them. Because in honoring your parents, you are honoring the One who created them.

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.

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Between Trials and Mercy: Seizing the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Between Trials and Mercy: Seizing the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

We are living in the signs of the end times, where trials and tribulations (fitan) come in relentless waves. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) warned that these fitan will follow one after another, and each time a person will think, "This one will destroy me," yet it will pass—only to be followed by one even more severe, making the previous seem insignificant. 

In these turbulent times, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised that a person should weep over their sins, recognize their flaws, and turn to Allah in sincere repentance before the window of mercy closes.

With the blessed ten days of Dhul-Hijjah fast approaching—a time that the Prophet (ﷺ) described as the best days of the year—it is a great mercy to be granted life and awareness during them. 

Let us take full advantage of this sacred opportunity by increasing in acts of worship: performing salah (prayer) with humility, giving in sadaqah (charity), enjoining good and forbidding evil, renewing our sincerity, making heartfelt du‘a (supplication), strengthening our yaqeen (certainty), practicing zuhd (detachment from worldly excess), and striving in all righteous deeds. 

These days are not just a chance for great reward—they are a lifeline for the soul.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday): When Good Deeds Go to Waste

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday): When Good Deeds Go to Waste 

Surah Al-Kahf, Ayat 103–105 offers a sobering reminder about the danger of misdirected efforts. 

Allah asks: “Shall We inform you of the greatest losers in respect of their deeds? Those whose efforts were in vain in the worldly life, while they thought they were doing good.” 

These ayat teach that actions without correct intention, sincerity, or alignment with divine guidance can be ultimately worthless—even if they seem noble on the surface. It warns against self-deception and highlights the importance of grounding our deeds in true faith and obedience to Allah, lest we strive our whole lives only to find emptiness in the Hereafter.

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

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The Arrogance Trap: When Good Deeds Conceal the Ego

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The Arrogance Trap: When Good Deeds Conceal the Ego

"Do not be content with a deed if it increases your ego." This Hikam of Ibn ʿAṭāʾillah warns that even good deeds can become spiritual poison if they feed the ego. If your charity makes you arrogant, if your prayer makes you feel superior—it is a veil, not a ladder. true spirituality humbles. The closer you are to Allah, the more you see your dependence and your flaws—not your virtues. Any feeling of superiority—because of worship—is a sign of disconnection, not proximity.

After a good deed, say: “Ya Allah, I am not better than anyone. This was Your gift—not my greatness.”

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Brokenness Before Allah: The Power of a Sincere Moment

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Brokenness Before Allah: The Power of a Sincere Moment

"You might find in a moment of brokenness what you didn’t find in years of worship." This hikam of Ibn ʿAṭāʾillah teaches that a single moment of sincere turning to Allah in vulnerability may outweigh years of routine worship. 

Why? Because the heart in that moment is raw, humble, and real. That deep need awakens sincerity. When you cry out with no pretense, Allah responds—not just to your du’a’, but to your heart. Brokenness can be a spiritual breakthrough.

Don’t be ashamed of your pain. Say: “Ya Allah, You see me at my lowest. Let this brokenness bring me back to You.”

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Divine Dependence

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The stories in Surah Al-Kahf, highlight the importance of recognizing our role in obeying Allah and His role in providing for us. In the story of the two men (Ayah 32-44), one man becomes consumed by his wealth, forgetting that his success comes from Allah. His failure to acknowledge this leads to his downfall. Ibn Ata’illah’s hikam that striving for what is already guaranteed by Allah, while neglecting what He asks from us, shows that our inner sight is dimmed. In contrast, the youth of the cave (Ashab al-Kahf, Ayah 9-26) demonstrate true reliance on Allah. They take no action beyond seeking refuge in Him, showing radical clarity and trust in Allah’s plan. Their story reminds us that true vision comes from focusing on what is within our control—obedience to Allah—and leaving everything else to His care. Reflect on how much time and worry you invest in things Allah has already written for you. Reorienting our energy towards fulfilling our duties is the essence of divine dependence.

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Hope in Belief: Finding Strength and Peace Through Faith

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

True belief is the antidote to sadness. At the end of the day, night will come, and the sellers will close their shops. They may take everything from the believer, but they cannot take away their hope. This Ummah cannot be allowed to fall into despair, for hope must remain alive. 

The first words we say when reciting Surah Al-Fatiha in Salah are Alhamdulillah, which signify our choice to focus on the bright side. We cannot praise and thank Allah if our hearts are filled with complaints and negativity. Every blessing, no matter how small, is a favor from Allah.

Some of the greatest individuals, those whom the Qur'an honors, lived through the darkest of times. Shirk and corruption were rampant, and they were never the majority. The forces of disbelief grew ever more aggressive, yet these individuals remained steadfast. Their strength came from understanding that every trial was an opportunity from Allah.

Those who give, who support before victory, are the highest in rank. This is a unique opportunity Allah has placed before us in this day and age. Part of believing in the unseen (Iman bil-Ghaib) is to trust that it is through this faith that we find peace. The unseen strengthens our hearts and brings tranquility, knowing that Allah’s plan is greater than anything we can perceive.

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Understand this: in this life, the destination is the road itself

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

Understand this: in this life, the destination is the road itself

This means you are not here to arrive at perfection, but to stay committed to the journey—constantly striving, growing, and improving. Your goal is not to outpace others but to outpace who you were yesterday. Did you move forward today, even a little? That’s the real measure of success.

Allah did not create us all the same. He did not create me to be like you, nor you to be like me. But we can still draw inspiration from one another. Some people may be far ahead, others far behind—but that’s okay. What matters is that we’re on the path.

Do not confuse knowledge with guidance. Seek knowledge but always remember why you are seeking it. Knowledge is not the goal; guidance is. If knowledge doesn’t bring you closer to Allah, but instead makes you arrogant, then it is leading you astray. Knowledge without humility becomes a veil. A true slave of Allah is defined by humility. Arrogance strips you of that servitude.

And when we ask Allah for sirat al-mustaqim (in Surah Al-Fatiha)—the Straight Path—we should remember: sirat already means “path,” and mustaqim means “upright” or “straight.” So why the emphasis? Because this road to Allah isn’t flat—it ascends. You’re not just walking; you’re climbing. And climbing takes effort, endurance, and intention.

So keep walking. Keep climbing. And always return to Allah. May Allah guide us on the straight path. Aameen.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Deceptions

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

People today are deeply distracted by the glitter of the dunya—chasing wealth, fame, appearances, and fleeting pleasures—often at the expense of their faith, family, and purpose. This heedlessness reflects the very fitnah (trial) of Dajjal, who represents deception and the illusion of control and power. Surah Al-Kahf, which the Prophet ﷺ encouraged us to recite weekly for protection from Dajjal, serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of this world. Each of its stories—the People of the Cave, the man with two gardens, Musa and Khidr, and Dhul-Qarnayn—warns against being deceived by appearances, pride, or worldly status. In a time when distractions are more intense than ever, anchoring ourselves in Surah Al-Kahf renews our spiritual focus and protects our hearts from the false promises of this dunya.

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"The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side"

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

"The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side"

Allah says, "Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire—of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return." (Quran, Aal-‘Imran 3:14)

This ayah reminds us that while the world is adorned with many appealing things, the true and eternal destination worth striving for is with Allah. Ibn Ata’illah reminds us in his Hikam that “the source of every disobedience, distraction, and indulgence is in seeking the world over the Hereafter.” 

This world is not meant to fulfill our longing and desires—it is the abode of tribulation and sadness, not of purity and perfection. As Allah says in the ayah, the pleasures of this world are beautified to us, but with Him is the best return. 

You must be realistic and embrace the reality of this world, and know that no matter how long you live, no matter what you know, no matter how hard you try to live free of troubles, it’s never going to happen. This is the nature of couples, family or community. 

No stage of life is free from difficulty—whether it’s wealth with illness, health with loss, or ease followed by hardship. The illusion that the “grass is greener” elsewhere only deepens our disappointment. True contentment comes when we stop seeking permanence in the impermanent and begin anchoring our hearts with Allah, the Eternal.

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Let’s Read Surah Kahf today (Friday) -- True Success

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Let’s Read Surah Kahf today (Friday)

True Success

The story of the man with two gardens in Surah Al-Kahf (18:32–44) teaches a profound lesson about the dangers of arrogance, attachment to worldly wealth, and forgetting the Source of all blessings. The man became boastful over his lush gardens and assumed his prosperity would never end, even doubting the Hour. In contrast, his companion reminded him to say “Mā shāʾ Allāh, there is no power except with Allah” (18:39). When the gardens were destroyed, the man realized too late that reliance on wealth instead of Allah leads to regret. The lesson is clear: true success lies in humility, gratitude, and remembering Allah in times of both ease and difficulty.

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

 Aameen.

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