Sickness Doesn't Mean You Will Die Soon

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Sickness does not mean that a person will die soon, just as being young and strong does not mean that a person will live for a long time. How often have people assumed that a sick person will die soon, then he has lived for a long time. And how often has death come suddenly to a healthy person.

A poet spoke the truth when he said:

Equip yourself with piety, for you do not know, when night comes, whether you will live till dawn.

How many young men laugh in the evening and the morning, when their shrouds have been prepared but they do not realize?

How often do people hope for a long life for young people, then their bodies enter the darkness of the grave.

How many brides have been adorned for their grooms, when it has been decreed on Laylat al-Qadar that their souls are to be taken.

How many healthy people have died for no reason, and how many sick people lived for a long time.

Your life span and my life span is in the hand of Allah, Who says:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْ‌سَلْنَا رُ‌سُلًا مِّن قَبْلِكَ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ أَزْوَ‌ٰجًا وَذُرِّ‌يَّةً ۚ وَمَا كَانَ لِرَ‌سُولٍ أَن يَأْتِىَ بِـَٔايَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ لِكُلِّ أَجَلٍ كِتَابٌ ﴿٣٨

...For every term is a decree. (38)

[Ar-Ra’d 13:38]

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ عِلْمُ ٱلسَّاعَةِ وَيُنَزِّلُ ٱلْغَيْثَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلْأَرْ‌حَامِ ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِ‌ى نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا ۖ وَمَا تَدْرِ‌ى نَفْسٌۢ بِأَىِّ أَرْ‌ضٍ تَمُوتُ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ‌ۢ ﴿٣٤

Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (34)

[Qur'an, Luqman 31:34]

It is not possible for anyone to know when he will die; it is only speculation which may be proven true or may be proven false.

What is required of us is to prepare for death at any time, by repenting to Allah and doing righteous deeds.

Narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) said:

I was with the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) when a man from among the Ansar came to him and greeted the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) with salaam, then he said: “O Messenger of Allah, which of the believers is best?” He said: “The one who is best in attitude.” He said: “Which of the believers is most wise?” He said: “The one who remembers death the most, and is best prepared for what comes after it. Those are the wise.”

[Ibn Maajah]

On the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) who said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) took me by the shoulder and said:

“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler/wayfarer.”

Ibn ‘Umar used to say:

“When evening comes, do not expect (to live till) morning, and when morning comes, do not expect (to live till) evening. Take from your health (a preparation) for your illness, and from your life for your death.”

[Al-Bukhari]

May Allah bless us with sincere repentance and grant us excellent ending. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Love, The Ultimate Test of Our Worthiness

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):

A man asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying, "When will the Hour be?" The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "What have you prepared for it?" The man said, "Nothing, except that I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "You will be with those whom you love." We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet (i.e., "You will be with those whom you love.") Therefore, I love the Prophet, Abu Bakr and 'Umar, and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to theirs. [Bukhari]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) wasn’t just being nice to this man, he was teaching him, his companions and us all something very important. He was making clear that love is the ultimate test of our worthiness as human beings. And he was giving us a way to understand about our own love. To know what it is that we really love.

We are with those whom we love. Whatever we love is what is closest to us. What is most often thought of and remembered by us, what is most sought by us, that’s what we love. So, what is it that we remember the most? What occupies our attention the most? What do we wish for the most? Let us be honest with ourselves, do we think of Allah most of the time? Or are we thinking of other things most of the time. Where is our attention? Is it on Allah or is it on the countless other things that occupy us and distract us from our real purpose?

If we can examine ourselves honestly and know what we love then we have taken a major step forward. If we find that what we love is Allah then we are blessed with a great gift for which all praise is due to Allah. But if what we love is other than Allah, then at least we know and we have the opportunity to seek to change what is in our hearts.

A reliable test of how true our love is for Allah is to see how much we are able to serve others and to give of ourselves generously and openly for Allah’s sake. This is one of the most important truths: The quality of our faith is reflected in our intention, attitudes, and behavior.

How do we do this? How do we clear our hearts of our love and attachment for all these things that are other than Allah? How do we get rid of our preoccupation with all the other captivating distractions that compete for our attention? How do we become among those who love Allah more than anything else? We can find the answer in the Qur'an and the way of our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) and it is the remembrance of Allah because it is in the constant remembrance of Allah that our hearts can find stillness and intimacy can develop. As we are guided in the Qur'an:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ‌ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ‌ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ﴿٢٨

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest.

[Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd 13:28]

In the Qur'an Allah promises us,

فَٱذْكُرُ‌ونِىٓ أَذْكُرْ‌كُمْ وَٱشْكُرُ‌وا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُ‌ونِ ﴿١٥٢﴾ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ‌ وَٱلصَّلَو‌ٰةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِ‌ينَ ﴿١٥٣

So Remember Me, and I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and be not ungrateful to Me. (152) O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient. (153)

[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:152-153]

Our remembrance of Allah is His remembrance of us. Our call to Him is His answer to us. Remembrance is the way of intimacy with Allah.

Narrated by Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that Allah said: He who comes with a good deed, its reward will be ten like that or even more. And he who comes with vice, his reward will be only one like that, or I can forgive him. He who draws close to Me a hand's span, I will draw close to him an arm's length. And whoever draws near Me an arm's length, I will draw near him a fathom's length. And whoever comes to Me walking, I will go to him running. And whoever faces Me with sins nearly as great as the earth, I will meet him with forgiveness nearly as great as that, provided he does not worship something with me. (This Hadith is sound and reported by Muslim, Ibn Majah and Ahmad in his Musnad).

Narrated by Abu Hurayah (may Allah be pleased with him); Allah's Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Allah the Exalted has said; "Whoever harms a friend (wali) of Mine, I declare war on him. My slave draws near to Me with nothing more beloved to me than that which I have made obligatory upon him. And My slave continues to draw nearer to Me with optional acts of devotion (nawafil) until I love him. And when I love him, I am his ear which he hears, his eye with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot on which he walks. If he asks Me, I surely bestow it upon him, and if he asks My protection, I surely grant it to him. I do not hesitate in anything which I am to do more than in taking the soul of the believer; he dislikes death, and I dislike to bring him harm."

So, Allah’s grace multiplies with our sincere efforts and honest intention to come closer to Him. Whatever we give to Him comes back manifold to us. In this way, little by little, our love for Allah grows and develops and it transforms us into loving, noble human beings.

We get close to Allah by serving Him, by being for His sake, by learning to make our intentions purely for Him, by learning to become a little less selfish and a lot more giving.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) once told his dear companion, Mu'adh Ibn Jabal, “Mu'adh, I do love you!” Mu'adh replied, “And I love you, Messenger of Allah, more dearly than my own father and mother!” The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) then instructed Mu'adh, “Do not end a prayer without asking Allah to help you remember Him, to be thankful to Him, and to serve Him in the best of ways.”
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ

As we continue to live our lives in remembrance of Allah our capacity for love will grow, our hearts will expand and we will reach our full human potential inshaAllah.

The intimacy and love that develops in us with our remembrance and other selfless acts of service is a mystery and a wonder.

Allah says,

فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّآ أُخْفِىَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّ‌ةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٧

And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do. (17)

[Qur'an, As-Sajda 32:17]

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Allah said:

‘I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen and no ear has heard, nor has it occurred to the human heart.’”

[Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, ibn Maajah]

‏اللهم إني أسألك حبك، وحب من يحبك، والعمل الذي يبلغني حبك، اللهم اجعل حبك أحب إلى من نفسي، وأهلي، ومن الماء البارد

O Allah! I ask You for Your Love, the love of those who love You, and deeds which will cause me to attain Your Love. O Allah! Make Your Love dearer to me than myself, my family and the cold water.

May Allah bless us with His merciful guidance to His straight path. May He bless us with His love. Allah we seek refuge in You from knowledge that doesn't benefit, hearts that are not humble, and egos that are never satisfied, and eyes that do not weep, and prayers that are not answered, and works that are not elevated.

Allah, bless us with wholesome hearts, grateful tongues, and obedient bodies. Do not let us forget You. Do not deny us loving You. Allah, preserve us and protect us. Be merciful to us. Increase our blessings and support us. O You who has ability over all things.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Why Muslims Follow Madhhabs (Schools of Jurisprudence)

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Why can’t we take our Islam from the word of Allah and His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), which are divinely protected from error, instead of taking it from the madhhabs or "schools of jurisprudence" of the mujtahid Imams such as Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi‘i, and Ahmad, which are not?"

It cannot be hidden from any of you how urgent this issue is, or that many of the disagreements we see and hear in our mosques these days are due to lack of knowledge of fiqh or "Islamic jurisprudence" and its relation to Islam as a whole. Now, perhaps more than ever before, it is time for us to get back to basics and ask ourselves how we understand and carry out the commands of Allah.

To understand why Muslims follow madhhabs, we have to go beyond simplistic slogans about "the divinely-protected versus the non-divinely-protected," and appreciate the Imams of fiqh who have operationalized the Qur’an and Sunna to apply in our lives as shari‘a, and we must ask ourselves if we really "hear and obey" when Allah tells us

فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ‌ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

...Ask those who know if you know not.

[Qur'an, An-Nahl 16:43]

Allah has explained in the Qur’an that fiqh, the detailed understanding of the Divine command, requires specially trained members of the Muslim community to learn and teach it. Allah says in Surah at-Tawba:

وَمَا كَانَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ لِيَنفِرُ‌وا۟ كَآفَّةً ۚ فَلَوْلَا نَفَرَ‌ مِن كُلِّ فِرْ‌قَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَآئِفَةٌ لِّيَتَفَقَّهُوا۟ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلِيُنذِرُ‌وا۟ قَوْمَهُمْ إِذَا رَ‌جَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُ‌ونَ

Not all of the believers should go to fight. Of every section of them, why does not one part alone go forth, that the rest may gain understanding of the religion, and to admonish their people when they return, that perhaps they may take warning.

[Qur’an, At-Tawba 9:122]

Qur’an and Hadith. The knowledge that you and I take from the Qur’an and the hadith is of several types: the first and most important concerns our faith, and is the knowledge of Allah and His attributes, and the other basic tenets of Islamic belief such as the messengerhood of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), the Last Day, and so on. Every Muslim can and must acquire this knowledge from the Book of Allah and the sunna.

This is also the case with a second type of general knowledge, which does not concern faith, however, but rather works: the general laws of Islam to do good, to avoid evil, to perform the prayer, pay zakat, fast Ramadan, to cooperate with others in good works, and so forth. Anyone can learn and understand these general rules, which summarize the sirat al-mustaqim or "straight path" of our religion.

Fiqh. A third type of knowledge is of the specific details of Islamic practice. Whereas anyone can understand the first two types of knowledge from the Qur’an and hadith, the understanding of this third type has a special name, fiqh, meaning literally "understanding." And people differ in their capacity to do it.

To understand the Qur’an and Sunna, the mujtahid must have complete knowledge of the Arabic language in the same capacity as the early Arabs themselves had before the language came to be used by non-native speakers.

Someone who derives rulings from the Qur’an and hadith without training in ijtihad or "deduction from primary texts" will be responsible for it on the Day of Judgment, just as an amateur doctor who had never been to medical school would be responsible if he performed an operation and somebody died under his knife.

Whoever makes ijtihad without this qualification is a criminal. The proof of this is the hadith that the Companion Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah said:

We went on a journey, and a stone struck one of us and opened a gash in his head. When he later had a wet-dream in his sleep, he then asked his companions, "Do you find any dispensation for me to perform dry ablution (tayammum)?" [Meaning instead of a full purificatory bath (ghusl).] They told him, "We don’t find any dispensation for you if you can use water."

So he performed the purificatory bath and his wound opened and he died. When we came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), he was told of this and he said: "They have killed him, may Allah kill them. Why did they not ask?—for they didn’t know. The only cure for someone who does not know what to say is to ask" (Abu Dawud, 1.93).

This hadith, which was related by Abu Dawud, is well authenticated (hasan), and every Muslim who has any taqwa should reflect on it carefully, for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) indicated in it—in the strongest language possible—that to judge on a rule of Islam on the basis of insufficient knowledge is a crime. And like it is the well authenticated hadith "Whoever is given a legal opinion (fatwa) without knowledge, his sin is but upon the person who gave him the opinion" (Abu Dawud, 3.321).

As for the breadth of a mujtahid’s knowledge, it is recorded that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s student Muhammad ibn ‘Ubaydullah ibn al-Munadi

heard a man ask him [Imam Ahmad]: "When a man has memorized 100,000 hadiths, is he a scholar of Sacred Law, a faqih?" And he said, "No." The man asked, "200,000 then?" And he said, "No." The man asked, "Then 300,000?" And he said, "No." The man asked, "400,000?" And Ahmad gestured with his hand to signify "about that many" (Ibn al-Qayyim: I‘lam al-muwaqqi‘in, 4.205).

If a person who is not a hadith specialist needs to rate a hadith, he will usually want to know if it appears, for example, in Sahih al-Bukhari, or Sahih Muslim, or if some hadith scholar has declared it to be sahih or hasan. A mujtahid does not do this.

Rather, he reaches an independent judgment as to whether a particular hadith is truly from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) through his own knowledge of hadith narrators and the sciences of hadith, and not from taqlid or "following the opinion of another hadith scholar."

Because a mujtahid scholar is not bound to accept another scholar’s ijtihad regarding a particular hadith, the ijtihad of a hadith specialist of our own time that, for example, a hadith is weak (da‘if), is not necessarily an evidence against the ijtihad of a previous mujtahid that the hadith is acceptable. This is particularly true in the present day, when specialists in hadith are not at the level of their predecessors in either knowledge of hadith sciences, or memorization of hadiths.

The main point of all of this is that while every Muslim can take the foundation of his Islam directly from the Qur’an and hadith; namely, the main beliefs and general ethical principles he has to follow—for the specific details of fiqh of Islamic practice, knowing a Qur’anic verse or hadith may be worlds apart from knowing the shari‘a ruling, unless one is a qualified mujtahid or is citing one.

As for would-be mujtahids who know some Arabic and are armed with books of hadith, they are like the would-be doctor we mentioned earlier: if his only qualification were that he could read English and owned some medical books, we would certainly object to his practicing medicine, even if it were no more than operating on someone’s little finger. So what should be said of someone who knows only Arabic and has some books of hadith, and wants to operate on your akhira?

Excerpts from Why Muslims Follow Madhhabs?

May Allah grant us a sound understanding of His religion and make of those who hear and obey. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

What It Takes To Be Successful

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Time, patience, perseverance, faith, love, honor, tenacity, devotion, humility...just a few ingredients that play into the recipe for success and achievement. Do you have what it takes? People talk all the time about what they would like in relationships, careers, travel, spiritual life, in home life and community life. How many actually do what they say and empower the necessary characteristic traits to make those dreams a reality? Are you all talk? Or do you get things done?

Islam is a religion of action, not of idleness or just talk. Allah says,

وَلِكُلٍّ وِجْهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّيهَا ۖ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَ‌ٰ‌تِ ۚ أَيْنَ مَا تَكُونُوا۟ يَأْتِ بِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ‌ۭ ﴿١٤٨

For each [religious following] is a direction toward which it faces. So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent. (148)

[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:148]

وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَٱحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْ‌عَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا ۚ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَ‌ٰحِدَةً وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَٱسْتَبِقُوا۟ ٱلْخَيْرَ‌ٰ‌تِ ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرْ‌جِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ ﴿٤٨

And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ. (48)

[Qur'an, Al-Ma'idah 5:48]

In the Qur'an, almost in all places the mention of ‘faith’ is invariably followed by that of ‘good deeds’. We are familiar with the oft-repeated expression in the Qur'an, "aamanu wa 'amilus-salihat" ( ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ ... those who believe and do righteous deeds). No matter how sincerely Muslims may believe, it is pointless for them to live a life without putting their faith into action and practice.

Islam does not stop simply by advising us to do good deeds and race to good deeds. It tells us to excel in good deeds.

Our noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam has guided us to seek perfection in all fields. It is a fundamental principle in Islamic behavior.

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said,

”Verily, Allah loves that when anyone of you does a job to perfect it.”

“Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence (ihsan) in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill in a good manner. If you slaughter, slaughter in a good manner. Each of you should sharpen his blade and spare suffering to the animal he is slaughtering”. [Muslim]

"Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately. . . Always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of paradise)." [Bukhari]

Achieving excellence requires tremendous efforts to make use of our abilities in real life; it is not a mere concept. It’s active participation in making this world a better place through our contributions that will remain as our legacy for generations to come.

Everyone of us can achieve excellence; those highly gifted people who have a number of personal traits that set them apart as well as ordinary people that exert extra efforts and motivation. Indeed, even gifted people achieve excellence through hard work and persistence. It is unfortunate, however, that a lot of gifted people waste their superior abilities due to laziness, while ordinary people achieve perfection and excellence through hard work.

Indeed, excellence entails the best usage of one’s capabilities and abilities. Muslim attains excellence by performing the best deeds in addition to following in the footsteps of those who did perfect deeds.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam instructed us to seek perfection. So that he said: “If you pray, pray well, and if you fast, fast well.”

In other words, excellence is to perform your good actions while striving to achieve the good ethical values of al-muhsineen (those who do good).

People who strive to excel make use of their time wisely. Indeed, advanced nations value and care about every second of their life. We have to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacle arises. Highly motivated people who make the best use of their time do not experience boredom or routine for they are always aiming for improvement and reaching the ultimate goal. They set high standards for themselves to be creative and insightful. We must manage our time properly by aspiring to perform highly rewarded good deeds. If we waste our time, if we abuse it, then we will be the losers.

We can say that professionalism is part of our duty as Allah’s vicegerents in this world. As Allah's vicegerents, we are meant to actively participate in all permissible professions in all walks of life and to excel in everything that we do without compromising core Islamic values. The Qur'an teaches us that unless humans can anchor their work in faith, they are the losers.

Allah says,

قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُم بِٱلْأَخْسَرِ‌ينَ أَعْمَـٰلًا ﴿١٠٣﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِى ٱلْحَيَو‌ٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا ﴿١٠٤

Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? (103) [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work." (104)

[Qur'an, Al-Kahf 18:103-104]

وَٱلْعَصْرِ‌ ﴿١﴾ إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ‌ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ‌ ﴿٣

By time, (1) Indeed, mankind is in loss, (2) Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (3)

[Qur'an, Al-'Asr 103]

In the conventional sense of the term, in today’s secular world, professionalism sometimes involves telling lies, twisting the truth, or, in some professions, exposing one’s awrah (nakedness) in order to stay fashionable or attract (clients, etc.) In most cases, professionalism is used to serve one’s own selfish interests without any regard for ethical conduct and honesty.

People without regard for Islamic rules and teachings may work hard and try to excel in their professions only for self-glorification or for material aggrandizement in this world. The Qur'an regards such hard work and professionalism as misdirected, short sighted, wrongly motivated and wrongly focused.

We are instructed to promote Islamic causes by rendering services to humanity, by cultivating beneficial knowledge and by nurturing the future leaders of the Muslim Ummah. All our efforts should be aimed at achieving rewards in this world and in the Hereafter. If we can get our intention right and if we can excel in the work that we do for the pleasure of Allah, our professionalism and hard work can be a means for our salvation in the next life.

Indeed, excellence must be a fundamental target in our life, including the workplace where every person of authority must strive to enhance the skills of his people and make the best use of it in their fields of expertise. Positive reinforcement from the bosses to their people will encourage them to constantly improve their performance.

Childhood is a critical period in human life. It is the best period to instill the values of perfection and excellence in our kids. Parents must value their children's opinions and enhance their self confidence. Parents must also give them positive feedback and be good listeners to their ideas and speech. Parents ought to drive their children towards creativity and enhance their talents and abilities.

School plays a pivotal role in instilling the importance of excellence as well. Teachers ought to give students special attention and unveil their talents and creativity. They must be aware of their physical as well as mental capabilities and strive to develop it.

Our level of achievements is strictly related to how much efforts and persistence we put into each task. There are a lot of people that just talk, and well...their life is an abundance of repeated patterns and fillers. Don't sabotage your success because you don’t have the patience and perseverance to do the work. Don't cheat yourself; there are no easy quick remedies to success. Seek the tools that it takes, use them, and see it through. Fill up in all that is yours for the taking because you have earned it through the humble actions you lead when no one is looking.

Things don't just appear and happen for no reason. Seeds must be planted, and the garden must be tended to, in order for it to bloom. The end result is what most actually get to see in life. The effort it takes to see something through is dynamic and what makes us who we are in the end.

BE PATIENT! EXCELLENCE WAS NOT BUILT OVER NIGHT! You have gotten this far...continue to be patient.

Let us multiply our efforts during this sacred month of Rajab and excel in all good deeds. We seek the help of Almighty Allah to perfect our work. We beseech him to guide us to obey Him and His Messenger sallallahu alayhi wassallam.

O Allah, make the Qur'an the light of our hearts, the remedy of our illnesses and our savior from the fire. O Allah, instill affection in our hearts for our noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam and help us follow his true path.

May Allah grant us tawfiq. And Allah alone give success.

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

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday) and Reap the Benefits

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

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Qur'an is the Speech of Allah and every Muslim believes in the authenticity and truthfulness of each and every word. A Muslim therefore, is always keen to learn the Qur'an and consults with Qur'an in every matter of life and tries to find out the required instructions and guidelines. For a Muslim no text is more sacred and truer than the Qur'an and everything that comes from it is accepted by Muslims without any question.

In addition to guidance, Qur'an is also a means of gathering blessings and reward from Allah.

Surah Kahf is one of the renowned Surahs of Qur'an. Apart from the many lessons we can derive from the four stories in the Surah (the companions of the cave, the men with the two gardens, the story of Musa and Khidr, and Dhulkarnain), it gives the message that those who believe in Allah and ask for protection from Him, He gives them the best protection the likes of which the world has never seen.

Besides giving the message of Allah protecting those in miraculous ways who stick to righteousness and stay on the right path, the Surah also comes with a variety of virtues. It helps expatiate our sins, gain blessings of Allah Almighty and prepare us for the end of days. Therefore, every Muslim must try getting into the habit of reciting Surah Kahf on regular bases and ponder upon the meanings.

It was narrated bym Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri: the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: “Whoever reads Surah Kahf on the night of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will stretch between him and the Ancient House (the Ka’bah).”

This hadith goes on to show the power of the Surah when recited on Friday night. The hadith shows that the Surah brings light to the reader and the stretch of the light covers the area between Ka'bah and the reader, no matter how far away the reader is from the House of Allah. This stretch of light can be loosely considered as the light of blessings and mercy of Allah. Thus, by reciting the Surah on Friday night one can get hold of such magnanimous mercy and blessings.

In another hadith, it was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both father and son) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: ‘Whoever reads Surah Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’”

The Surah may be read during the night or the day of Jumu’ah. The night of Jumu’ah starts from sunset on Thursday, and the day of Jumu’ah ends at sunset. Therefore the time for reading this Surah extends from sunset on Thursday to sunset on Friday.

Therefore, on Friday, a Muslim must find time to sit down and read Surah al Kahf and become one of the blessed ones.

Whoever commits to memory the first ten verses of Surah Kahf, he will be safeguarded against the crisis of Dajjal According to one narration the words whoever commits to memory ten verses have been mentioned. According to another the words last ten verses is mentioned. According to one narration the words first three verses is also mentioned.

Dajjal is one of the prominent figures of end of times and he will bring destruction to mankind. He will bring destruction and havoc to the world and because of his might people with low and weak faith will turn towards him and gather with him. At that time those who believe will ask help from Allah Almighty to protect them against his destruction. Therefore, if one wishes to be safe during the time of such grave adversity and annihilation, then one should try to memorize the first ten verses of Surah Kahf and try reciting them whenever the chance becomes available.

Therefore, every Muslim who is in need of these virtues must make sure that they form the habit of reciting Surah Kahf every night in general and on Friday nights in particular.

And remember, we are in the sacred month of Rajab wherein the reward of a good deed is multiplied.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: “Whoever reads a letter from the Allah’s Book, he will be rewarded for it. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “alif, laam, meem” is one letter, but “alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi)

Don't miss the opportunity to reap the great reward.

May Allah grant us tawfiq and forgive all our sins and protect us from the trials and tribulations of this life and the next. Ameen.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers and du'as. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Opportunity Knocks But Once

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah Almighty has honored a particular time, particular day, certain places and certain people.

For example: Allah has made the Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree) better than a thousand months [Surah al-Qadr 9:3]. Allah has made the day of 'Arafah unlike any other day. There is no day in which Allah saves more people from the fire than the Day of `Arafah [Muslim, al-Nasā’ī and Ibn Mājah]. It has also been narrated that anyone who has an atom’s weight of faith in their heart will be forgiven by Allah on this day, whether or not they actually stand at `Arafah [Abu Dawood]. Allah has made Makkah unlike other places. As soon as you enter the city your good deeds are multiplied. A prayer in the Masjid al-Haram is akin to a hundred thousand prayers [At-Tabarani]. Allah has made certain people unlike other people, like the great ulama', the Prophets and the awliya' (the friends of Allah).

Allah has made 4 months out of the 12 Islamic months sacred -- Rajab, Dul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram.

Allah Almighty says,

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّـهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةً ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّـهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٣٦

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves therein. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him]. (36)

[Qur'an At-Tawba 9:36]

Part of being a slave of Allah is to honor what Allah has honored and considered sacred what Allah has made sacred.

Slavehood has a meaning of extreme neediness--extreme neediness to please Allah and to be close to Allah, extreme neediness for His forgiveness and mercy. Somebody who feels very needy for Allah's forgiveness and mercy pounds on the door of opportunity that Allah opens for them and looks for every opportunity to please Allah. Such a person deems them special and he honors them and give them their due out of his desire of winning Allah's pleasure and out of his neediness to be close to Allah.

So the first thing we should do is to honor this time and feel tremendous awe of this time. Whoever venerates and exalts the special symbols of Allah verily that is from the taqwa of the heart.

Opportunity knocks but once. You won't have this Rajab again. If you don't grab it now, you lose it. What you miss out on doing at this moment, you can't do it later without losing the opportunity to do something else later.

Everything about us -- growth and development, movements, actions and morality, all take place within the space of 'Time'. Time passes quickly, our spiritual and material potentialities decline, and our abilities fade. We are like someone who possesses a great capital and, without Allah's permission and will, every moment, a portion of that capital is taken away. This is the nature of life in this world -- a continual loss. A poet once said, "Your life comprises a few breaths that can be counted; when one of them is sent out, a part of your life has diminished." Each moment that passes by is a moment closer to the end of your life in this world.

So, grab the opportunity that Allah opens for us this month. There are a number of ways to do this. Some of the best ways are as follows:

-- Seeking forgiveness in abundance and making sincere repentance;

-- Making a sincere resolve to seek to approach Allah through performing acts of obedience and avoiding acts of disobedience;

-- Assessing your state, rectifying it and striving to follow the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) in all that you do

-- Improving your performance of the prayer by making sure that you implement the Sunnah pertaining to prayers and pray with presence of heart. Also strive to pray in congregation in the first row without missing the opening takbir. And strive to pray Al Sunnan Al Rawatib (Sunnah Prayers associated with Fardh Prayers)

"Allah will build a house in Heaven for whoever is diligent in observing 12 Sunnah Rak'aat (as follows): 4 Rak'aat before and 2 after the Dhuhr (Midday) Prayer, 2 after the Maghrib (Sunset Prayer), 2 after the ‘Ishaa’ (Evening) Prayer and 2 before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer." Hadith sahih narrated by at-Tirmidhi

-- Improving your relationship with the Qur’an by increasing the amount you read and reflect upon daily and seeking to acting upon it;

-- Being consistent in reading your adhkar in the morning and evening, after the prayer and in your varying states (such as eating, entering the house and preparing for sleep);

-- Improving your interaction with your family, friends, relatives, neighbors and with Allah’s slaves in general and the elect of His slaves specifically;

-- Fasting whatever days you are able to, especially Monday and Thursday and the White Days (13th, 14th and 15th days of the month);

-- Giving a portion of your wealth in charity and doing what you can to help those in need and treating them kindly;

-- Worshiping Allah in the night, especially in the last portion of the night. Improve your state at this time so as to enter into those who Allah praises in the Qur’an: (They are) those who are patient, those who are true (in Faith, words, and deeds), and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allah. Those who spend [give the Zakat and charity in the Way of Allah] and those who pray and beg Allah's Pardon in the last hours of the night. [Surah AleImran 3:17]

-- Giving up bad habits.

We ask Allah to give us a great portion of the gifts bestowed in this month and that He makes us among those who attain acceptance and felicity in this life and the next.

O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban, allow us to reach Ramadhan and assist us in fasting and praying in the night.

Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Related Archives
Rajab is Here, Prepare for Divine Gifts

Rajab is Here, Prepare for Divine Gifts

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

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Rajab is here. Rajab is one of the four sacred months. It marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan with the Eid Al Fitr. It stands alone, unlike the other three which come one after the other.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month, and Ramadhan is the month of my Ummah.” The fact that it is the month of Allah means that it is worthy of veneration, and the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) himself would venerate it. When the month entered he would seek its blessings, saying:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا في رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنا رَمَضَانَ

“O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadhan.”

Rajab is the key to the months of goodness which follow it. For that reason Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq said: “In the month of Rajab you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban you irrigate them and in Ramadan you reap the harvest.” He also said: “Rajab is like a wind, Sha`ban is like a cloud and Ramadan is like rain.”

The best way of preparing the heart to receive divine gifts is purification and repentance. It has been narrated: “Seek much forgiveness from Allah in Rajab because in every hour (of the month) Allah frees people from the Fire.” For this reason the scholars say that Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness, Sha`ban is the month of bestowing prayers upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), and Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an. Thus, it is recommended to seek much forgiveness in Rajab.

The reward of our good actions is multiplied in the sacred months, so it is recommended to do as many good deeds as possible. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) recommended fasting at least some days in each of the sacred months.

At the same time bad deeds are also more serious in the sacred months so we must do our utmost to avoid any wrongdoings.

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّـهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا۟ فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ وَقَـٰتِلُوا۟ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ كَآفَّةً كَمَا يُقَـٰتِلُونَكُمْ كَآفَّةً ۚ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّـهَ مَعَ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous [who fear Him].

(Qur'an At-Tawba 9:36]

A sacred month is similar to a sacred place. It is recommended to bathe and purify oneself before entering the haram of Makkah and while in it one is more conscious of the weight of one’s actions. Likewise with a sacred month – we try to enter it in a state of purity and we try to maintain that purity throughout through doing good and avoiding evil.

O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadhan.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Related Archive
Opportunity Knocks But Once

Don't Be Losers and Abandon Guidance

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

If you don't pass your exam, you won't get your degree and if you don't get your degree, you won't get into the career you wanted. When you know your exam is connected directly to your success, it gets your time, and you would not mind staying up many nights to study for your exam. A degree is seen as something valuable by modern societies so people spend a lot of money, time and effort to get the degree they wanted, with no arguments. When something is of value, it gets your time and resource automatically.

Most people don't read the Qur'an on a daily basis, let alone learning it, for whatever reason -- maybe busy, maybe lazy, maybe just don't care. When Qur'an failed to get our attention and time, then there is something wrong with our heads.

We all at least know that the Qur'an is Guidance. Most people don't see the value of guidance. Maybe because it does not come on a piece of paper like a degree or maybe it is not directly connected to your success.

قُلْ إِنَّ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ هُوَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ ۗ وَلَئِنِ ٱتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَآءَهُم بَعْدَ ٱلَّذِى جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مِن وَلِىٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ‌ ﴿١٢٠﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُمُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ يَتْلُونَهُۥ حَقَّ تِلَاوَتِهِۦٓ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِۦ ۗ وَمَن يَكْفُرْ‌ بِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْخَـٰسِرُ‌ونَ ﴿١٢١

Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper. (120) Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital. They [are the ones who] believe in it. And whoever disbelieves in it - it is they who are the losers. (121)

[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:120:121]

Who then wouldn't want Allah's Guidance in his life? They are the losers. Following the guidance of Allah is the sure way to success in this life and the next. Put the same amount of attention to the Qur'an as you would to pass your exam for your degree. And do not abandon the Qur'an.

The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has complained to Allah Almighty against those who abandon the Qur'an and turn away from it.

وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠

And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned." (30)

[Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:30]

May Allah guide us and make us of those who follow His Guidance. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

A Glimpse of Abandoning the Qur'an

Behind The Picture Perfect Families

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Despite the perfect picture families that always seem to loom over us in the media, there are many more complexities and dynamics to families than all smiles and laughter. All families are different, and all families have their own issues, but one thing we all have in common right now and forever, is Allah, Mighty and Majestic, to Whom we belong and to Him shall be the return, inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.

So put aside all your family problems, all the darkness, all the baggage, ... and imagine the beauty of being with your family in Paradise, enjoying pure pleasure together forever and ever.

Allah is giving us a beautiful message of optimism.

جَنَّـٰتُ عَدْنٍ يَدْخُلُونَهَا وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنْ ءَابَآئِهِمْ وَأَزْوَٰجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِهِمْ ۖ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَدْخُلُونَ عَلَيْهِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ ﴿٢٣﴾ سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُم بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى ٱلدَّارِ ﴿٢٤

Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], (23) "Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home." (24)

[Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd 19:23-24]

Imagine you will be someone who will be honored by Allah because of your good deeds and be given the chance to lift up your whole family, by the Will of Allah, with you to Paradise.

So, it’s time to strive to get your families to the highest Paradise with you, inshaAllah! There's no time to dwell into the negatives of your families ever! And you can do it, inshaAllah.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, "Time will pass rapidly, good deeds will decrease, ..... this world and in the Hereafter, but you people are being put to test in this issue."

Allah tests us to see who among us is best in conduct. Your family is a tremendous way to practice patience, mercy, helpfulness, generosity and other virtues with one another. The key to success is patience.

"Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home."

Patience is a key skill of exceptionally happy people and happy people are insanely grateful and extremely generous.

Remember also, Allah is with the patient one. And the reward for patience is tremendous indeed -- in this life and the next.

May Allah grant us tawfiq. May Allah grant us good in this life and the next and enter us into the highest Paradise with our families and loved ones and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Overlook Slips, Make 70 Excuses For Your Friend

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The way of purity and sincerity is to look at everyone – friend and foe – with the eye of sincere concern (nasiha) and mercy.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that,

“Religion is sincere concern (ad-dinu’n nasiha).” [Muslim and Nasa'i)

“It is only the merciful who are granted mercy by the All-Merciful. Be merciful to those on earth and the Lord of the Heavens will be merciful to you.”

“None of you believes until they wish for others as they wish for themselves.” [Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]

This is why Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Munazil (Allah have mercy upon him), of the early Muslims, said, “The believer seeks excuses for their brethren, while the hypocrite seeks out the faults of their brethren.” [Sulami, Adab al-Suhba]

Hamdun al-Qassar, one of the great early Muslims, said, “If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.” [Imam Bayhaqi, Shu`ab al-Iman, 7.522]

Ibn Ajiba (Allah have mercy upon him) mentions that making excuses for others returns to the Prophet’s words (peace and blessings be upon him) that, “A believer is a mirror of the believer.” [Abu Dawud, from Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him); sound (hasan)] So what you see in your brethren is a reflection of what is within you – so beware.

Why 70 Excuses?

This is because the default assumption about all humans and their actions is that they are sound and free of error. This is considered our operating certainty. After this, if we find something that makes us doubt about them, we are not permitted to leave this operating certainty that they did not err for mere doubts or misgivings.

Allah Most High commanded us:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَثِيرً‌ۭا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا۟ وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِ‌هْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّ‌حِيمٌ ﴿١٢

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. (12)

[Qur'an, Al-Hujurat 49.12]

The doubts and misgivings about others that are sinful are those that do not have a sound basis that would be sufficient to leave our operating assumption about others that they are upright and their actions free of error.

May Allah purify our hearts and bring us closer to Him. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

The Honorables in the Sight of Allah

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

ـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ‌ۢ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَ‌فُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَ‌مَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ‌ۭ ﴿١٣

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted. (13)

[Qur'an al-Hujurat 49:13]

The Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) as narrated by Abu Hurayrah, said,

Allah does not look at your figures, nor at your attire but He looks at your hearts [and deeds].

[Muslim]

Indeed, Allah does not look at the figures of His servants, if they are big or small, healthy or sick, nor at their looks if they are beautiful or not. He does not look at their lineage, whether it is prestigious or not, nor does He look at their wealth, titles or any of those factors at all. The only connection between Allah and His servants is through Taqwa (righteousness), so whoever has more Taqwa of Allah is closer and more honorable in the sight of Allah. So do not be proud of your wealth, your beauty and body, your children, your mansions or cars, your titles or with anything of these worldly matters at all. However, if Allah has enabled you to be righteous and have Taqwa, then this is from the blessing of Allah upon you, so thank Allah and praise Him for it.

The matter is all about what is contained within the hearts. For how many people's deeds appear correct, good and righteous, but when it was built upon what is corrupt, it became corrupt itself. The intention is the basis of everything. You may find two people praying side by side, in the same row, led by one imam, but the difference between their prayers is like the difference between the east and west, because the hearts differ. The heart of one might be heedless, or he may even be showing off with his prayer – we seek refuge with Allah – seeking with that a worldly matter.

Whereas the heart of the other is present and he seeks with his prayer the pleasure of Allah and following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhe wassallam). So there is a big difference between the two. Hence, the deeds are based on what is in the heart, and on the Day of Judgment the recompense will be based upon that which is in the heart.

Allah Almighty says,

نَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ رَ‌جْعِهِۦ لَقَادِرٌ‌ۭ ﴿٨﴾ يَوْمَ تُبْلَى ٱلسَّرَ‌آئِرُ‌ ﴿٩

Indeed, Allah, to return him [to life], is Able. (8) The Day when secrets will be put on trial, (9)

[Qur'an, al-Tariq 86:8-9]

This means on the Day of Judgment, the hidden (intentions) shall be tested along with the outward (deeds).

In this life, people treat each other based on what is apparent, as the Prophet (sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam): “I am only a human being, and litigants with cases of dispute come to me, and someone of you may happen to be more eloquent (in presenting his case) than the other, and I pass a judgment in his favor based on what I hear.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

As for the hereafter, the emphasis shall be upon what was hidden (of the intentions). We ask Allah purify our hidden intentions. If the hidden (intention) is good and proper, then expect good (reward), but if it is otherwise then you have lost all good.

Allah Almighty says,

أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ‌ مَا فِى ٱلْقُبُورِ‌ ﴿٩
وَحُصِّلَ مَا فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ‌ ﴿١٠﴾ إِنَّ رَ‌بَّهُم بِهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ لَّخَبِيرٌ‌ۢ ﴿١١

But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered (9)And that within the breasts is obtained, (10) Indeed, their Lord with them, that Day, is [fully] Acquainted. (11)

[Qur'an, al-'Aadiyat 100:9-11]

Allah has emphasized in the Qur'an and the Prophet has emphasized in his Sunnah the importance of rectifying one's intention. So, it is a duty upon each person to rectify his intention and to rectify his heart, and to look at what doubt is contained within his heart and change that to certainty by reflecting on His creation.

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَ‌ٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْ‌ضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ‌ لَءَايَـٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿١٩٠

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. (190)

[Qur'an, AleImran 3:190]

وَفِى خَلْقِكُمْ وَمَا يَبُثُّ مِن دَآبَّةٍ ءَايَـٰتٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يُوقِنُونَ ﴿٤﴾ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ‌ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن رِّ‌زْقٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْ‌ضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَتَصْرِ‌يفِ ٱلرِّ‌يَـٰحِ ءَايَـٰتٌ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٥

Indeed, within the heavens and earth are signs for the believers. (3) And in the creation of yourselves and what He disperses of moving creatures are signs for people who are certain [in faith]. (4) And [in] the alternation of night and day and [in] what Allah sends down from the sky of provision and gives life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and [in His] directing of the winds are signs for a people who reason. (5)

[Qur'an, al-Jathiyah 45:3-5]

So, if the shaytan puts doubt in your heart then look at the signs of Allah. Look at this universe; who arranges its matters? Look at how the conditions change, at how the days interchange between the people, at how people interact and treat each other, so that you know that this universe has a Wise Sustainer, Glorified be He.

By His Mercy, only He knows what is in your hearts. And we should be grateful. Had people also knew what truly in people's heart, they would be more animosity, arguments and killing in an instant and there would not be anyone left in no time.

Purify your heart from shirk (associating partners with Allah). How does one purify his heart from shirk? He purifies it by knowing that the people can not benefit him nor save him from the punishment if he disobeys Allah, nor can they reward him if he obeys Allah. For indeed, the one who brings about the reward and prevents the punishment is Allah. With the knowledge that such is the case, then why associate anyone with Allah, and why perform acts intending to get closer to the creation?

Whoever seeks closeness to the creation by acts that should be done seeking closeness to Allah, then Allah will distance Himself from him, and the creation too will only get further away from him. That is because if Allah is pleased with you, then He will also make the people pleased with you, but if He is displeased with you, He will cause the people to be displeased with you. We seek refuge with Allah from His wrath and punishment.

Allah Almighty says,

....

وَمَن يُرِ‌دِ ٱللَّهُ فِتْنَتَهُۥ فَلَن تَمْلِكَ لَهُۥ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُرِ‌دِ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُطَهِّرَ‌ قُلُوبَهُمْ ۚ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا خِزْىٌ ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِى ٱلْءَاخِرَ‌ةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴿٤١


...But he for whom Allah intends fitnah - never will you possess [power to do] for him a thing against Allah. Those are the ones for whom Allah does not intend to purify their hearts. For them in this world is disgrace, and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment. (41)

[Qur'an Al-Ma'ida 5:41]

Look into your hearts. The first step to its purification is acknowledging that you have blameworthy traits.

I ask Allah to purify my heart and yours and to make us sincere to Him and increase us in Iman and beneficial knowledge. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Accounting Has Drawn Near

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The time is near when people will have to give an account of their deeds. Get serious. No more playing.

Allah is warning us that the accounting has drawn near.

ٱقْتَرَ‌بَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِى غَفْلَةٍ مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ ﴿١

[The time of] their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away. (1)

[Qur'an, Al-Anbiya' 21:1]

Our individual accounting (reckoning) is not very far, no matter how long one lives, because death is certain and no one knows when it will befall. Those who are in a state of slumber due to indulgence in worldly affairs, unmindful of the certainty that all this will come to an end one day, watch out.

Do yourself a favor, seek righteous companions.

If someone's state does not lift you up,
and his words do not lead you to Allah
- then do not keep his company!

... Hikam of ibn 'Ata'llah

The one whose state lifts you up is someone who is such that, when you see him, you remember Allah. If you see him when you are in a state of heedlessness, he lifts you to a state of wakefulness. If you see him when you are in a state of desire, he raises you to a state of asceticism. If you see him when you are in a state of occupation with disobedience, he raises you to a state of repentance. If you are in a state of ignorance of your Lord, he raises you to recognition of your Lord, and so forth.

The one whose words guide you to Allah is the one who speaks by Allah. He directs you to Allah and withdraws from other than Him. When he speaks, he takes all the hearts, and when he is silent, his state raises you to the Knower of the Unseen worlds. So his state confirms his words and his words are in harmony with his knowledge. The company of someone like this is an elixir which transforms the sources. This is understood from the words of the Shaykh, "If someone's state does not lift you up, then do not keep his company." Keep the company of the one whose state will lift you up and whose words will lead you to Allah.

...ibn Ajiba's commentary

You may be smiling and laughing now for the great circle of friends you have -- those who you see often and have fun together, and who ask about you if they haven't seen or heard from you, even for a day. And when you are sick, they send you get well wishes and when you die, they will come to your funeral. But if they are not righteous, do you think they will ask about you in the Day of Judgment? NO! They will be too busy trying to escape from the great torment of the Day of Judgment.

فَإِذَا جَآءَتِ ٱلصَّآخَّةُ ﴿٣٣﴾ يَوْمَ يَفِرُّ ٱلْمَرْءُ مِنْ أَخِيهِ ﴿٣٤﴾ وَأُمِّهِۦ وَأَبِيهِ ﴿٣٥﴾ وَصَـٰحِبَتِهِۦ وَبَنِيهِ ﴿٣٦﴾ لِكُلِّ ٱمْرِئٍ مِّنْهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ شَأْنٌ يُغْنِيهِ ﴿٣٧

But when there comes the Deafening Blast (33) 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 80:33-37]

فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَلَآ أَنسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَآءَلُونَ ﴿١٠١﴾ فَمَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿١٠٢﴾ وَمَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَٰزِينُهُۥ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ خَسِرُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فِى جَهَنَّمَ خَـٰلِدُونَ ﴿١٠٣﴾ تَلْفَحُ وُجُوهَهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَهُمْ فِيهَا كَـٰلِحُونَ ﴿١٠٤

So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. (101) And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. (102) But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally. (103) The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles. (104)

[Qur'an, Al-Mu'minun 23:101-104]

Your friends who are in Paradise, even after the long separation from this world, will ask about you if they don't see you around. And these are the people you want to be with in this life. Seek righteous people and keep company with them. Indeed, this is a great favor to yourself in this world.

May Allah save us from heedlessness and grant us the state of wakefulness. May Allah grant us righteous companions. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam.

The Qur'an is More Than Healing and Protection

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

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The Qur'an is the Divine Book consists of the unaltered Speech of Allah, the Creator of the Universe, which were revealed through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) (peace be upon him) to Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace), the final Prophet, more than 1400 years ago.

The Qur'an has primary and secondary benefits. The primary benefit is that it is there as guidance -- to teach us the way we are supposed to live, how to lead our lives a certain way, how to distinguish between right and wrong. Some of the secondary benefits of Qur'an is to bless our lives, protect us from evil from among the mankind and jinnkind, bless our travels, heal us when we are sick, get 10 good deeds for every letter we recite, etc. All these are added benefits but these are not the purpose of revelation. When people are corrupted and don't understand the benefits of revelation itself and when people lose touch of the primary function of revelation, all that's left is benefits. And so the only relationship people have with the Qur'an is that it is going to provide them some kind of benefit.

Many Muslims, arguably perhaps even the majority of the Muslims, are very distant from the Qur'an. But when they do come to the Qur'an, it is when they need certain benefits. When they need to send blessings to somebody on their death bed or just died, they recite some Qur'an. It is only then they pick up the Qur'an. They recite some Qur'an at a wedding to bless the gathering. During Ramadhan season, they recite more Qur'an to get some blessings and sins forgiven. In other words the approach to the Qur'an primarily is not for guidance itself but it is for these extra benefits. But if people are committed to guidance, does the Qur'an offer blessings for gatherings, healing and cure, protection? Absolutely. But when that primary benefit has been robbed from people and people no longer accept that at the forefront of their thinking process, then all these things can become actually a curse. So it is very easy to misuse these things. It is no surprise when we find people selling cups and other gadgets with Ayatul Kursi or Surah Yaasin inscribe on the inside, amulet with ayat, etc.

الٓمٓ ﴿١﴾ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَ‌يْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢

Alif, Lam, Meem. (1) This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah - (2)

[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:1-2]

We should not forget this and should make the Qur'an the source of guidance in our lives, and we will get the full benefits it has to offer.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّ‌بِّكُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ‌ وَهُدًى وَرَ‌حْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٥٧

O Mankind, there has to come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers. (57)

[Qur'an, Yunus 10:57]

In a world full of trials and tribulations, starved of love and compassion, the Qur'an’s universal message provides the solution to the collective despair of the human condition. We invite you to open it and receive the greater benefits this Book has to offer.

كِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَـٰرَ‌كٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُ‌وٓا۟ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ‌ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٢٩

[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (29)

[Quran, Sad 38:29]

We should also try to improve our recitation of the Qur'an. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) says: "The one who recites the Qur'an and is skilled in doing so will be with the obedient and noble angels and the one who recites the Qur'an in hesitance due to difficulty will receive a double reward." (Al-Bukhari)

And we should also try to memorize the Qur'an or at least some of it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) says: "Verily he who has nothing of the Qur'an in his heart, is like a house (which has been) destroyed." (At-Tirmidhi)

May Allah make us of His elect people of the Qur'an and people of understanding. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

Let's Read Surah Kahf Today (Friday): Are Those Who Know Equal To Those Who Do Not Know?

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

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: ‘Whoever reads Surah al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), a light will shine for him from beneath his feet to the clouds of the sky, which will shine for him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will be forgiven (his sins) between the two Fridays.’”

Allah relates in the Qur'an about the journey of Prophet Musa, alayhissalaam, with his young companion. If there ever existed a person who had no need to travel to seek knowledge, it was Prophet Musa, for Allah had spoken to him and given him the Torah. Nonetheless, when Allah informed him of a man who had been favored with knowledge, Prophet Musa inquired about meeting him, and then set out with his companion to find this man, Khidr, alayhissalaam.

Allah Almighty says,

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِفَتَىٰهُ لَآ أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰٓ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِىَ حُقُبًا ﴿٦٠

And [mention] when Musa said to his servant, "I will not cease [traveling] until I reach the junction of the two seas or continue for a long period."

[Qur'an, al-Kahf 18:60]

Upon meeting Khidr, Prophet Musa asked of him,

قَالَ لَهُۥ مُوسَىٰ هَلْ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمْتَ رُشْدًا ﴿٦٦

Musa said to him, "May I follow you on in order that you may teach me of the knowledge you have been given"

[Qur'an, al-Kahf 18:66]

The early generations of Muslims were avid learners and they too had great desire for knowledge and they would travel to distant lands to seek even a single Prophetic hadith.

A man came to Abu Darda' while he was in Damascus. Abu Darda' asked him "What has brought you here, my brother?" He replied, "A hadith which you relate from the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace. Abu Darda' asked, "Have you come for some worldly need?" He replied, "No." "Have you come for business?" He said, "No." "You have come only to seek this hadith?" He said, "Yes."

Abu Darda' then said,

I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: 'Whoever travels a path seeking sacred knowledge, Allah will place him on a path leading to Paradise. The angels lower their wings for the student of sacred knowledge, pleased with what he is doing. The creatures in the heavens and earth seek forgiveness for the student of sacred knowledge, even the fish in the water. The superiority of the religious scholar over the devout worshiper is like the superiority of the full moon over the other heavenly bodies. The religious scholars are the heirs of the Prophets. The Prophets leave no money as a bequest, rather they leave knowledge. Whoever seizes it has taken a bountiful share. [Related by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, ibn Majah]

How many of us didn't mind at all the trouble of trying to gain admission into the best schools of arts and sciences even the ones far away from our hometowns, and spent years of studying, spent lots of money and countless sleepless nights to acquire the highest academic degree? But many of us don't put the same effort and money, in fact not even a small fraction of this effort and money to acquire sacred knowledge. Unfortunately, even when it comes to attending short religious classes, lessons or gatherings locally, we hear so many excuses for not attending, not to mention those who avoid them. We can't do this. We can't put learning this religion in the back burner. We can't postpone it until we have accomplished all things in life. You can't wait until you have a degree, or have a job, or have a spouse, or have a kid, or after your kid goes to college, or until you see all grey on your head. We have to find time to learn this religion now, and learn it properly, because if you don't learn it, you won't be able to worship your Creator the way He wants you to.

Allah says,

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱلدَّوَآبِّ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ مُخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَٰنُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّـهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَـٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ ﴿٢٨ ...

... Even so only those of His servants fear God who have knowledge; surely Allah is All-mighty, All-forgiving.

[Qur'an, Fatir 35:28]

The one who knows is not equal to those who don't know.

Allah says,

أَمَّنْ هُوَ قَـٰنِتٌ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ سَاجِدًا وَقَآئِمًا يَحْذَرُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ وَيَرْجُوا۟ رَحْمَةَ رَبِّهِۦ ۗ قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ﴿٩

Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

[Qur'an, Az-Zumar 39:9]

In Surah AleImran, Allah began attestation first by Himself, then by His angels and then by the learned. It is understood from this that the rank of the learned and their honor is tremendous with Allah.

شَهِدَ ٱللَّـهُ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمِ قَآئِمًۢا بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۚ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ ﴿١٨

Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

[Qur'an, AleImran 3:18]

May Allah increase us in beneficial knowledge. Ameen.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wassallam.

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

In The Remembrance of Allah Do Hearts Find Satisfaction

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

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

To be close to our Creator is a fundamental need of every human being and striving to achieve it can be the healing for our chaotic inner selves which, in turn, leads to Allah’s love, greater productivity, confidence, peace, satisfaction and joy.

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ‌ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ‌ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ﴿٢٨

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.(28)

[Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd 13:28]

Therefore, it is essential to exert effort in seeking closeness to the Creator. How? It requires a great desire and sincere intention to get closer to Allah, patience, consistency and avoid procrastination and doing nothing.

Let’s first consider our worth to Allah. If you want to know your worth to Allah, then see what you are doing with your life. Are you pleasing Allah or disappointing Allah?

Don’t like your answer?

Well, there is good news. The fact that you are seeking closeness to Allah means He wants you to remember Him. Taking the first step to gain closeness to Allah is a righteous deed. A righteous deed is like a pearl necklace – when it breaks, all the pearls follow one another quickly.

Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that Allah said, “I am near to the thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in his heart, I also remember him in My heart, and if he remembers Me in assembly I remember him in assembly, better than his (remembrance), and if he draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by the cubit, and if he draws near me by the cubit I draw near him by the space (covered by) two hands. And if he walks towards Me, I rush towards him.” (Sahih Muslim).

We have to struggle to achieve great things. The harder the struggle is, the better the outcome becomes. Getting close to Allah may take time. We cannot expect everything to magically fall into place by doing a righteous deed. You need to depend on Allah and trust that what He has planned for you is the best you can have, for this life and the Hereafter.

There are a few areas you can start implementing now to begin this exciting journey towards Allah, and keep doing them and build upon them gradually:

1. Du’a (Supplication)

Don't forget that we always need Allah’s help to guide us. When we get too caught up with dunya (this life) we often think we can do it on our own without His help. We have to know that nothing changes without the might and power of Allah. We need to ask Him for His help, even if it is to get closer to Him, or become better at worshiping Him. We need to seek refuge in Allah in everything. It could be negative thoughts we have, our lack of productivity or even our lack of faith. We need to ask Allah to help us and guide us to the Straight Path. Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِ‌يبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْ‌شُدُونَ ﴿١٨٦

And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. (186)

[Qur'an, Al-Baqarah 2:186]

2. Stay Away from Poisons and Avoid What Allah has Forbidden

You need to get any poisons out of your life. Poison has many forms. Stay away from anything that is displeasing to Allah.

If you are around friends with whom you tend to waste time or do things that are displeasing to Allah, then you need to keep away from those people. If you have friends who make you sin, you need to get them out of your life, including removing them from your social media network.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

3. Get to Know Allah Through His 99 Beautiful Names and Attributes

The heart’s comprehension of His Names and Attributes, witnessing them and having knowledge of them, to immerse himself in the garden of this knowledge and its fundamental pillars. Whoever knows Allah by His Names, Attributes and Actions, will, no doubt, love Him.

Wanting to get closer alone won’t do you any good without falling in love with your Creator. Witnessing His generosity, His benevolence, His favors and blessings, both hidden and open, for these things call to His love.

Start with the name of Al-Wadud, the Ever-Loving. Allah’s love for you is unconditional. He does not need or want anything from you in return. He loves you so He keeps giving you even if you disobey Him. Ask Allah with His 99 Names.

He is the One who is closest to you (Qareeb). So ask Him to bring you closer to Him. Call on Him using the name Al-Wadud and ask Him to love you more and make you love Him more. It’s as simple as that. We tend to overthink stuff and forget that if we seek refuge in Allah, He will make everything easier on us.

Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet (Allah bles him and grant him peace) said, “If Allah loves a person, He calls Jibril saying, ‘Allah loves so and-so; O Jibril, Love him.’ Gabriel would love him and make an announcement amongst the inhabitants of the Heaven. ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore you should love him also,’ and so all the inhabitants of the Heaven would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

4. Keep Good Company

Surround yourself with people who remind you of Allah. Attend religious gatherings in the masjid or you can even create your own gathering of remembrance. The more you remember Allah, the more He will remember you. See what happens when you are sitting in a gathering that is filled with Allah’s remembrance.

Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“Whenever some people gather in one of Allah’s houses (mosques) to recite the book of Allah and study it among themselves – then calmness (tranquility) descends upon them, the angels surround them, mercy covers them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him.” [Sahih Muslim]

Sitting with the truthful lovers (of Allah) and gathering the good fruits (arising) from their speech, just as one picks out the best of fruits; however, you do not speak except when the benefit of the speech prevails and when you know that there is a betterment for you and benefit for others in it.

5. Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

Remembering Allah is essential in achieving closeness to Him. Constant remembrance in every circumstance by the tongue, the heart, actions and (one’s) condition (based only on sanctioned forms of remembrance as described in the Qur'an and Hadith), so that a person’s share of love is in accordance with his share of this remembrance.

Look outside your window and say SubhanAllah about His beautiful creations. The most elegant form of remembering Allah is by reflecting on His creations.

6. Use Blessings For What It Is Intended For

Use everything that Allah has blessed you with for His remembrance and worship.

Examples:

- Use the blessing of your intelligence to know Allah, not to come up with useless things and things that distract you or others from Allah.

- Use the blessing of your eyesight to read various Islamic texts and books of knowledge, and not to look at forbidden things.

- Use the blessing of your hearing to listen to good speech, not listen to gossip and those matters that does not concern you. Remember, the best of speeches is the Qur'an.

- Use the blessing of your tongue to say good, or remain silent, and not to argue or utter bad speech.
Use the blessing of your hands to give, help others and do beneficial things, and not to do forbidden things or harm others.

- Use the blessing of your touch to caress the unfortunate orphans and helpless creatures.

- Use the blessing of your legs to walk to good places. Remember the most loved place by Allah is the masjid and the most hated place to Allah is the marketplace.

7. Be Dutiful to Your Parents (even after their death), Keep Family Ties and Do Not Sever Family Ties

Allah Almighty says,

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا ﴿٢٣

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 [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. (23)

[Qur'an Al-Isra’ 17:23]

In a report cited by Imam al-Bukhari in his famous work al-Adab al-Mufrad, it read, “A man approached the Prophet asking, “Is there anything I must do in terms of kindness towards my parents after their death?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, there are four things for you to do: Praying and asking forgiveness of Allah on their behalf, fulfilling their promises, respecting their friends, and fostering their ties of kinship…”

Upholding and honoring the ties of kinship is one of the most distinctive characteristics of true believers and one of the prominent traits of Allah's beloved Messenger sallallahu alayhi wassallam. His wife, Khadijah radhiAllahu anha said to Allah's Messenger while trying to comfort him after receiving his Prophethood, “Nay! Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold the ties of kinship...” [Agreed upon].

The Messenger linked it to worship of Allah itself, indicating its utmost significance. In a hadith narrated by Umar Ibn Absah, he asked the Messenger, “With what has Allah sent you?” He replied, “He has sent me to uphold ties of kinship, to break idols, and to proclaim the Oneness of Allah with nothing associated with Him” [Muslim].

Abdullah ibn Salam says: When the Prophet came to Madinah al-Tayyibah and I presented myself before him, the very first words from him which fell into my ears were: "0 men, make a practice of greeting each other with salaam, and feed people (for the pleasure of Allah), and treat near relations well, and pray by night while people sleep - you will enter Paradise in peace.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) put great emphasis on bonds of kinship. He (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Whoever likes to have his livelihood made plentiful and his age extended for him should maintain good relations with his near of kin."

Dutifulness to kinship is therefore one of the greatest and loftiest good deeds that bring us closer to Allah.

Stern warnings are given to those with the attitude of cold-shouldering or severing of blood relationships. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:
1. A breaker of (blood) relationships shall not enter Paradise.
2. Mercy shall not descend upon a people among whom there is a breaker of (blood) relationships.

Anyone who severs ties of kinship, Allah cuts him off. "Mercy does not descend on a people when there is someone among them who severs ties of kinship." [Bukhari] How lost will they then become?

Allah Almighty says,

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا ﴿١

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women; and fear Allah through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. (1)

[Qur'an, An-Nisa 4:1]

How lost will they then become?

Also, be mindful of your duties to your family, neighbors and those who have rights upon you. Be kind to orphans, the needy and the poor. Be kind to animals and protect the environment as much as you are able.

8. Follow the Sunnah of Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace)

By following the Sunnah of our Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) we will gain the love of Allah. When you gain the love of Allah, you will get closer to him. Following the sunnah of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) will make you a better person. You will have better manners and ethics.

Allah says so in the Qu’ran:

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ‌ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ‌ۭ رَّ‌حِيمٌ ﴿٣١

Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (31)

[Qur'an, AleImran 3:31]

Don't postpone to study the Seerah. Once you get to know him (Allah bless him and grant him peace), you will fall in love with him. After all, he was the best of creation and a mercy to all mankind.

9. Stay Connected with the Qur’an

The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) has complained to Allah Almighty against those who abandon the Qur'an and turn away from it.

وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًا ﴿٣٠

And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned." (30)

[Qur'an Al-Furqan 25:30]

Don't be one of them.

Reading or memorizing the Qur’an alone is not enough. Understand and act upon what you read is key. Try your best to act the way we were asked to in the Qur’an. Strive for the best. Reflect on its meanings; it will give you answers to your daily life’s complications. When you read the Qur’an and understand it more you will be more likely to reach the level of ihsan (excellence). You will want to do everything right. In the form of a man, Jibril (peace be upon him) once entered a gathering where the Prophet(Alah bless him and grant him peace) was sitting. One of the questions the angel asked was to elaborate on the term “ihsan”, Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “That you worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you don’t see Him then truly He sees you.”(Bukhari and Muslim)

Muslims don't have free time. We should stay productive, seek knowledge and rush to good deeds.

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ طُوبَىٰ لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَـَٔابٍ ﴿٢٩

Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and work righteousness, Tuba (all kinds of happiness or name of a tree in Paradise) is for them and a beautiful place of (final) return. (29)

[Qur'an, Ar-Ra'd 13:29]

The more you love Allah, the more you will do to get closer to Him. The more you get closer to Him, the more He will get closer to you. The more you will want to learn about His Book and the Sunnah and want to get even closer to Him, the closer you will become to reaching the level of ihsan. When you reach that level you will feel Allah’s love and you will be satisfied with everything He gives you. You will be productive because you won’t want to waste time without pleasing Allah. You will be confident in anything that you do in your life, because you will have complete trust in Allah.

10. Develop Perfect Sincerity in Your Actions

Keeping distant from everything that comes between the heart and between Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّـهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّـهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا ﴿٥٩

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result. (59)

[Qur'an, An-Nisa 4:59]

11. Be alone at the time of the Descent of Allah (during Tahajjud) for having private conversations with Him, reciting His Words, investigating the heart, displaying the manners of servitude whilst in front of Him and then to seal all of that with seeking forgiveness and repentance.

Allah has praised those who wake up at night for His remembrance, supplication, and to seek forgiveness and entreat Him, saying,

تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَ‌بَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَ‌زَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ﴿١٦﴾ فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّآ أُخْفِىَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّ‌ةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَآءًۢ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٧

They arise from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend. (16) And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do. (17)

[Qur'an, As-Sajda, 32:16-17]

Abu Salama ibn 'Abdu'r-Rahman related from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said,

Every night, when a third of the night remains, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven saying, 'Is there anyone calling on Me that I may answer him? Is there anyone asking anything of Me that I may give it to him? Is there anyone asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him? [Bukhari]

If we are closer to Allah, we will enjoy numerous benefits in this life and the hereafter. If Allah is happy with us, He will respond to our supplication faster, He will protect us from the challenges of this life, and in general, we can enjoy a better life.

Narrated by Abu Hurayra: Allah’s Apostle (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said,

Allah, the Exalted, said,

I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshiper of mine. and the most beloved things with which my slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him;

And my slave keeps on coming closer to me through performing Nawafil (Prayer or Doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks;

And if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks my protection, I will protect him; and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him. [Bukhari]

May Allah guide us on the path that takes us closer to Him. Ameen.

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

Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.

And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam

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