Final Hours to Reap the Benefits of Ramadhan and Bring Barakah into Your Wealth and Life

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

To many people, somehow money and things never seems to be enough for them. This is a sign – not of a lack of wealth, but rather of a lack of Divine blessings (barakah) in that wealth. There are things that one can do to increase the barakah of one’s wealth.

Barakah is a term that means an “increase” and “growth”- and also, happiness. It is the establishment of Divine goodness in something; from whence it exudes cannot be sensed by people, nor can it be outwardly quantified, nor is it limited by anything, but rather, something with barakah in it is called mubaarak, and has an unexplainable increase and benefit in it from Allah. [al-Isfahani, Mufradaat al-Qur’an]

Having more barakah in one’s wealth does not mean the dollar amount increases- rather, that the benefits seen from that limited amount increase, reach further and last longer.

Barakah in anything, especially wealth, which is a part of one’s destined sustenance from Allah Most High, can increase and decrease depending on the good and bad actions one does.

One of the best ways to bring barakah into your wealth and life is by giving charity. This is not just the obligatory charities (Zakat, zakatul Fitr and the Qurbani for those with sufficient wealth), but also optional charity to good causes.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Charity does not reduce wealth.” [Muslim, Sahih] The physical amount outwardly decreases, but the remaining amount attracts barakah so that the actual benefit from it is not less. [al-Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]

Allah has been very generous to us. Thank Allah for all that He has given you with your tongue, your heart, by using His blessings for good purposes, and by obeying and worshiping Him. Giving charity is a part of showing your gratitude to Allah for what He has blessed you with.

Ramadhan is a blessed time to increase your charitable deeds, and know that Allah will increase you. He, The Exalted, has promised:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ ﴿٧

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" (7)

[Qur'an, Ibrahim 14:7]

Don't forget to pay your zakatul fitr and zakat on wealth before Ramadhan ends. Give priority to your poor or needy relatives, poor Muslims scholars or students of knowledge. Consult your local scholars or masjid to determine your payment.

It was reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligation at any other time..."

May Allah purify our intentions and forgive us, accept our charity and good deeds, and increase us in His blessings and shower us with His Mercy. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam

Ramadhan Day 29 -- It's Not Over Until It's Over

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Soon we will have to bid farewell to our noble guest, Ramadhan. The month of the Qur'an is almost over. But it's not over until it's over. This night is the last of the odd nights of Ramadhan, in which we hope to find Laylatul Qadr. Spend this night in much worship and seeking forgiveness from Allah Most High, and devote your time to Allah as much as you can.

Taraweeh and qiyamu lail for some parts of the world have passed and for those in the Northern Hemisphere, you still have the chance to gain that extra reward in this blessed month. Don't miss this opportunity and don't let the masajid become lean with people for taraweeh and qiyamu lail because you are preparing for Eid!

For the rest who just completed their last taraweeh or qiyam, reap the benefits of Ramadhan while it lasts during this final moments with many other good deeds--give extra charity and pay your sadaqatul fitr (this is obligatory on every Muslim) and zakat before your Eid prayer.

Also, read more Qur'an. Remember each letter you recite is one reward, and rewards are multiplied by ten of their kind. You should try to complete reciting the Qur'an this one last time in Ramadhan, perhaps you can gather your family members and friends to do a group khatm.

Regarding Ramadhan, it was reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligation at any other time..."

May Allah pour His blessing upon us and accept our worship and all acts of good deeds. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam

Ramadhan Day 28 -- Shirk and Disobeying Parents, the Worst Major Sin

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

We are now approaching the end of Ramadhan. We have been fasting during the day and praying extra prayers during the night (taraweeh, qiyamulail. We hope that our sins are forgiven, but know that hope without taking the means to attain it, is false hope.

Fasting teaches us to control ourselves. We learn to leave that which is permissible and that which we cannot live without –– food and drink. It is as if Allah Most High is saying to us that if you are able to leave that which you cannot live without, then you can easily leave that which is prohibited.

There are only a few actions that are prohibited and considered a major sin in Islam. Some of them are mentioned in the following Ayaat. Allah Almighty says,

قُلْ تَعَالَوْا۟ أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَ‌ٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَـٰدَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَـٰقٍ ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ ٱلْفَوَ‌ٰحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ﴿١٥١
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ مَالَ ٱلْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ ۖ وَأَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْكَيْلَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۖ وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَٱعْدِلُوا۟ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ ۖ وَبِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْفُوا۟ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ ﴿١٥٢

Say, "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, excellence (إِحْسَـٰنًا), and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities (ٱلْفَوَ‌ٰحِشَ) - what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason." (151) And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember. (152)

[Qur'an, Al-An'am 6:151-152]

One area that many people are guilty of but neglect or don't care to rectify the situation, is being disobedient towards their parents.

The worst sin is shirk and disobeying parents. Ibn 'Umar said, "Making parents weep is part of disobedience and one of the major wrong actions." [Bukhari]

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "Disgrace! Disgrace! Disgrace!" They said, "Messenger of Allah, who?" He said, "The one who fails his parents or one of them when they are old will enter the Fire."[Bukhari]

'Imran ibn Husayn said,

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'What do you say about fornication, drinking wine and theft?' 'Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) know best, 'We replied. He stated, 'They are acts of outrage and there is punishment for them, but shall I tell you which is the greatest of the great wrong actions? Associating with Allah Almighty and disobeying parents.' He had been reclining, but then he sat up and said, 'and lying.'

Disobedience towards one's parents more likely will bring punishment in this world before the next.

Islam teaches us to seek the pleasure of the parents, and being good, kind, helpful, considerate to them, respecting and caring for them throughout their life. It is a major way to expiate and remove the burden of our sins in this world.

Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (may Allah exalt their mention) said:

"A man came to Allah's Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said: 'O Prophet! I have committed a major sin. Do you think that I can atone for it?'He asked: "Do you have a mother living?"
The man answered in the negative. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked the man: "Do you have a maternal aunt living?" The man answered in the positive. Allah's Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to him: "Be good and kind to her."

[Tirmidhi & Ibn Hibban]

Make sure you leave Ramadhan without the burden of sins on your backs. It is easier to leave them now than later because of the blessing of Ramadhan, and you don't have shaytan to contend with.

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

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, you ascended the minbar and said, ‘Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” He said: “Jibril (peace be upon him) came to me and said: ‘If Ramadhan comes and a person is not forgiven, he will enter Hell and Allah will cast him far away. Say Ameen.’ So I said Ameen. He said: ‘O Muhammad, if both or one of a person’s parents are alive and he does not honor them and he dies, he will enter Hell and Allah will cast him far away. Say Ameen.’ So I said Ameen. He said: ‘If you are mentioned in a person’s presence and he does not send blessings upon you and he dies, he will enter Hell and Allah will cast him far away. Say Ameen.’ So I said Ameen.”

Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan, 3/188; classed as saheeh by al-Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1679.

How unfortunate and miserable are these three kinds of people against whom Jibril has supplicated that they be turned away from the Mercy of Allah, and the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said, 'Ameen,' for this supplication.

May Allah have mercy on us, our parents, and all the Muslims, from the living and dead. May Allah help us to please Him and our parents as long as we are still alive. May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, charity, good deeds and du'as. May Allah save us from the Hellfire. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam

Ramadhan Day 27 -- Meadows of Paradise

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: 'When you pass by the meadows of Paradise indulge freely in them.' The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! What are the meadows of Paradise?' He replied: 'The circles of 'Ilm (knowledge).' (Tabarani, Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabir)

'Ilm that is mentioned here is 'beneficial knowledge'. It is through this knowledge that we will begin to know Allah Most High, love Him and want to connect with Him. We will see the insignificance of this world and the reality of the next life, and surely we will run after what is most pleasurable, the Hereafter (in Paradise).

So never put learning this religion on the back burner for without knowledge one cannot really see the realities of this world and the Hereafter. This knowledge is like an ocean, no matter how much you draw from it, there is much more remains. So it will keep those who desire Allah Most High and the next life, busy for the rest of their lives. There is really no time for idle talks, backbiting, gossips, quarrels, arguments, holding grudges, envy, jealousy and showing off. We have the next world to work for and each one of us will have our own spot as determined by the Lord.

How fast time flies...it feels like just yesterday that we welcome our noble guest...preparing for Allah's gaze...and now Eid is fast approaching, which means the blessed month of Ramadhan is about to leave us. It is time to evaluate ourselves and set short term and long term goals for yourself and your family.

May Allah increase us in beneficial knowledge. May Allah bring us closer to Him. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam

Ramadhan Day 26 -- Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) -- Delusion

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Materialism leads to a focus on this world. And it takes necessarily away from akhirah (Hereafter). Maybe Allah has given you a lot, but that doesn't mean you are blessed. Wealth (tangible and intangible) is not a sign that you are being close to Allah Most High, because the worldly benefits are given by Allah Most High, in one way or another, even to disbelievers and sinful people.

It is a horrible mistake to presume that they are signs that one is being approved by Allah. Neither your wealth is a proof of Allah's approval of your behavior nor my lesser wealth is a proof of Allah's disapproval. Allah's approval or disapproval depends on your faith, taqwa and deeds alone and not on how much dunya you have.

Allah Most High presents us a story of a man with two gardens who became deluded with his wealth and lost it all.

وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلًا رَّجُلَيْنِ جَعَلْنَا لِأَحَدِهِمَا جَنَّتَيْنِ مِنْ أَعْنَـٰبٍ وَحَفَفْنَـٰهُمَا بِنَخْلٍ وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَهُمَا زَرْعًا ﴿٣٢﴾ كِلْتَا ٱلْجَنَّتَيْنِ ءَاتَتْ أُكُلَهَا وَلَمْ تَظْلِم مِّنْهُ شَيْـًٔا ۚ وَفَجَّرْنَا خِلَـٰلَهُمَا نَهَرًا ﴿٣٣﴾ وَكَانَ لَهُۥ ثَمَرٌ فَقَالَ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ وَهُوَ يُحَاوِرُهُۥٓ أَنَا۠ أَكْثَرُ مِنكَ مَالًا وَأَعَزُّ نَفَرًا ﴿٣٤
وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُۥ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِهِۦ قَالَ مَآ أَظُنُّ أَن تَبِيدَ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا ﴿٣٥﴾ وَمَآ أَظُنُّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ قَآئِمَةً وَلَئِن رُّدِدتُّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى لَأَجِدَنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا مُنقَلَبًا ﴿٣٦

And present to them an example of two men: We granted to one of them two gardens of grapevines, and We bordered them with palm trees and placed between them [fields of] crops. (32) Each of the two gardens produced its fruit and did not fall short thereof in anything. And We caused to gush forth within them a river. (33) And he had fruit, so he said to his companion while he was conversing with him, "I am greater than you in wealth and mightier in [numbers of] men." (34) And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, "I do not think that this will perish - ever. (35) And I do not think the Hour will occur. And even if I should be brought back to my Lord, I will surely find better than this as a return." (36)

[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:32-36]

وَأُحِيطَ بِثَمَرِهِۦ فَأَصْبَحَ يُقَلِّبُ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنفَقَ فِيهَا وَهِىَ خَاوِيَةٌ عَلَىٰ عُرُوشِهَا وَيَقُولُ يَـٰلَيْتَنِى لَمْ أُشْرِكْ بِرَبِّىٓ أَحَدًا ﴿٤٢

And his fruits were encompassed [by ruin], so he began to turn his hands about [in dismay] over what he had spent on it, while it had collapsed upon its trellises, and said, "Oh, I wish I had not associated with my Lord anyone." (42)

[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:42]

Shirk of trusting the dunya is when your reliance is not on Allah, but on your gardens, on your investments, people, medicine, etc.

Allah Most High presents for us a parable of this world. It is like a rain that falls to the earth, and then mixes with the vegetation that is eaten by men and animals, until, when the earth spreads forth its beauty, and the disbelievers — those who cannot see beyond this life — are amazed at its fruits, the command of Allah comes upon it. So it is destroyed, and it withers up, and dries, and it returns to its previous state, as if the land never gave any greenery, and as if no beauty were ever seen on it!

وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَو‌ٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا ﴿٤٥

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability. (45)

[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:45]

And this is how this world is. While it is at its prime for its companion, sprouting forth with beauty, whatever he wants of its treasures he can take, and whenever he wants to obtain anything of it, he finds the doors to achieve it are open, when, all of a sudden, Allah’s decree falls upon it. So all is the material gain he made from the world is removed from his hands, and his control over it is gone, or he himself is removed from it, so he leaves the world with absolutely nothing of it in his hands. In the end, he would have gained nothing from all of it except a shroud (in which his body is wrapped). So woe to him who makes it his goal, and sacrifices everything for it, and strives and devotes his entire life to it.

The Hereafter will be one of these two matters only. As for the punishment, then it will be in the Fire of Hell, and its pits and chains, and all of its horrors. And this will be for one who has made this world his goal, and the end of his journey, so he freely disobeyed Allah, and rejected His signs, and did not thank His blessings.

And as for the forgiveness from Allah for one’s sins, and the salvation from all punishment, and the pleasure of Allah, then this will be for one who struggled for the abode of bliss (Paradise) — the one who realized the true nature of this world, and therefore struggle in Truth for the Hereafter.

So all of this should make us lessen our desire for this world, and increase our desire for the Hereafter, and this is why Allah said, “And indeed, the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.” So, this (life) is an enjoyment that a person can benefit from, and take his needs from. No one except a person of weak mind will be deceived by it, and become content with it, and these are the ones that Allah will allow to be deceived by the Deceiver (Shaytan) and his comrades.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّ وَعْدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ ۖ فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ ٱلْحَيَو‌ٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِٱللَّهِ ٱلْغَرُورُ ﴿٥

O mankind, indeed the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver. (5) Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy. He only invites his party to be among the companions of the Blaze. (6)

[Qur'an, Faatir 35:5-6]

May Allah protect us from delusion and heedlessness. May Allah save us from the trials and tribulations of this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.

And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.

Wassalaam