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"At times our path to success is only through their plan for our downfall." - Mufti Ismail Menk
Powerful words. Subhan'Allah, sometimes we find that at times, despite our personal efforts to do good or get on with our life and personal decisions, there is always someone trying to bring about our downfall. They might say hurtful things, get on our back and hassle us all the time, etc. But you know what? Allah `azza wa jall will often create your success from this pursuit of the envier. Be patient and continue to do good, because in the end you'll be the last one standing successfully. This reminds me of the words of the Alchemist:
"And anyone who interferes with the destiny of another thing never will discover his own." - The Alchemist
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If we knew just how much the weight of a deed is tied to its intention, we would never act without purifying that intention. I'm sure we've all had experience of this; sometimes you do something small and minor, but you know that you did it with Iman (faith) and felt close to Allah at that point, so the small act benefitted you and others so much and you felt the barakah of it. And vice versa with big deeds performed with a heedless heart and zero thought for intention. Subhan'Allah, this reminds me of Ibn al-Mubarak's statement: "Many a big deed becomes small due to its intention, and many a small deed becomes big due to its intention."
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Make time for Allah even if you're busy, and Allah will bless your time for you. Give in charity even if you're in financial constraints, and Allah will increase your wealth. Help someone who is troubled even if you're shouldering burdens of your own, and Allah will remove your troubles. Give and likewise you will get. This is a rule that can sound absurd to the people of the world, especially in a world driven by ulterior motives, greed and selfishness, but the reality is; it's not a rule of this world. It's a rule tied to faith, which is tied to the belief in the Unseen and the Hereafter. Only a believer will make time, give of their wealth, help others etc, despite being in dire need of that themselves. Only the believer knows real sacrifice.
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The nafs (soul) is like a wild, untamed horse and Ramadan is just another training ground where we are given the tools and opportunity to tame this wild horse within us. Every act of 'ibadah (worship) is in fact a training session that our souls need in order for us to bring them under total submission to Allah 'azza wa jall (the essence of Islam). Don't let your nafs overpower you this Ramadan and thus make you fall into so much sin. Train it, break it, and allow Allah 'azza wa jall to rebuild it upon taqwa (God-consciousness).
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ome translated excerpts from the Diwan of Imam al-Shafi’i…
§-§
يا سميع الدعاء كن عند ظني *** واكفني مَن كفيتهُ الشَّر منّي
وأعنّي على رضاك وخِرْ لي *** في أموري وعافني واعفُ عني
O Hearer of supplications, fulfil my expectations,
And protect me from the evil of he whom You have power over.
And aid me in attaining Your Pleasure, and choose for me
In all my affairs, and grant me well-being, and forgive me.
§-§
يا من تعزز بالدنيا وزينتها *** الدهر يأتي على المبني والباني
ومن يكن عزه الدنيا وزينتها *** فعزه عن قليل زائل فاني
واعلم بأن كنوز الأرض من ذهب *** فاجعل كنوزك من بر وإيمان
O you who seeks glory and strength in this world and its glitter,
Know that time comes over every building and builder.
And whoever’s glory comes from this world and its glitter,
Then soon his glory will fade and will be no longer.
Know that the treasures of the earth lie in riches and gold,
So make your treasure lie in piety and faith.
§-§
لا تأس في الدنيا على فائت *** وعندك الإسلام والعافية
إن فات أمر كنت تسعى له *** ففيهما من فائت كافيه
Never be saddened by what you lose in this world,
When you have Islam and good health with you.
If you lose something that you were rushing towards,
Then the fact that you lost it is sufficient (as a lesson).
§-§
فيا عجبي كيف يعصى الإله *** أم كيف يجحـده الجاحـد
وللـه في كــل تحريكةٍ *** وتسكــينة أبــداً شاهد
وفي كـل شيء لـه آيـة *** تـدل على أنـه واحــد
How surprising that God can be disobeyed!
Or that the unbeliever can deny Him so
When there is a witness for God in every single thing
That moves about or is rested at peace.
And in everything there is truly a Sign
That shows He is indeed One (God).
§-§
إني صحبت أناسا ما لهم عدد *** وكنت أحسب أني قد ملأت يدي
لما بلوت أخلائي وجدتهم *** كالدهر في الغدر لم يبقوا علي أحد
إن غبت عنهم فشر الناس يشتمني *** وإن مرضت فخير الناس لم يعد
وإن رأوني بخير ساءهم فرحي *** وإن رأوني بشر سرهم نكدي
I have accompanied a countless number of people,
And I thought I had more than my share (of them),
But when I tested my friends I found that,
They were treacherous like Time which spares no-one.
If I were absent from them, the worst of them would insult me,
And if I fell ill, the best of them would not visit me.
And if they saw me in a good state, my delight hurt them,
And if they saw me in a bad state, my hardship delighted them.
§-§
قالوا يزورك أحمد وتزوره *** قلت الفصائل لا تفارق منزله
إن زارني فبفضله أو زرته *** فلفضله فالفضل في الحالين له
They said, ‘Ahmad (ibn Hanbal) visits you and you visit him!’
I said, ‘Virtue cannot be separated from his home!
If he visits me, then it’s because of his virtue, and if I visit him
Then it’s due to his virtue, so in both cases virtue belongs to him.’
-------------------------------------
If we knew just how much the weight of a deed is tied to its intention, we would never act without purifying that intention. I'm sure we've all had experience of this; sometimes you do something small and minor, but you know that you did it with Iman (faith) and felt close to Allah at that point, so the small act benefitted you and others so much and you felt the barakah of it. And vice versa with big deeds performed with a heedless heart and zero thought for intention. Subhan'Allah, this reminds me of Ibn al-Mubarak's statement: "Many a big deed becomes small due to its intention, and many a small deed becomes big due to its intention."
-------------------------------------
"If the heart radiates with the light of obedience (to Allah), the clouds of goodness come to him from every direction, and he goes from one act of obedience to another. But if the heart darkens with sin, the clouds of tribulation and evil come to him from every direction, and he goes from one act of disobedience to another. So he becomes like a blind person struck down by the dark night."
- Ibn al-Qayyim
--------------------------------------
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Friday, July 26, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Every Good Deed
By Zartasha Zainab
It is important to follow generally a criteria for every good deed. This criteria includes doing the good deeds and making sure that this deed is in fact good. Sometimes people do bad things but think they are good so it is important to know that what you are doign is good and beneficial and not evil and harmful. Secondly it is important to make sure that the good deed within your capacity, limitations and with the correct intentions and your ikhlas is correct. It is never right to exhaust yourself or chase after anyone. When a deed is done strictly for the sake of Allah swt than there is always a sense of understanding and doing your best but knowing how much your best is and further being satisfied with it. This should change your outlook - for example for it to be given the right amount of weight you have to do it to the best of your ability and with sincerity. Finally, the results and satisfaction phase should let you know and be an indicator as to whether your deed was done in sincerity or not.
(1) Is it right? - The first thing to make sure is that your deeds are in fact good. We sometimes think something is good for someone when in fact it is harmful. Take the example of "free mixing" generally you would think that being nice, kind, soft to everyone is a good thing but there is a specific criteria when dealing with the opposite gender. For example you dont want to create an environment where the person longs to be connected to you. You dont want them to "fall in love" you want to make sure that there is a certain limit. Or the example of alcohol. It is prohibited. You might think that temporarily it is a way to escape stress but it is only an avoidant factor and just like everythign else in the world, the more problems or responsibilities you "avoid" or "run from" the more they will keep on piling up on you. Most human beings generally don't look towards the "hereafter" but the hereafter starts in this world and proceeds on to the next. The consequences of wrong actions taht we initially perceive to be good can actually have very harmful affects in the long run. It is important to ensure that all limitations are practiced and that we dont do wrong things and make sure they are right, correct, authentic and truly beneficial lifestyle, habits and deeds.
(2) Know your Limitation- The good deed should be spiritually healthy. For example, you dont need to work yourself out or go beyond your ability. It is true that some people are much better at achieving more things in a limited amount of time, however, you have to build according to your own capacity. This means that none of the pillars including the pillar of prayer or other are being interfered. That the work you are doing are within your capacity and will not add to stress factors that go way beyond your capacity. You shouldn't have to compromise your rights or those of your family. Know your capacity and do it for the sake of Allah swt.
(3) The correct intentions - So if you cant do it than dont, but if you do it, do it properly, with good intentions, with "bismillah" in the name of Allah and do it cheerfully and optimistancly with correct ikhlas. For the sake of Allah swt. Learn about intentions and learn to guard your heart correctly and when you do any good deed know why you are doign it and how it is service to the will of Allah swt. Take every good deed as an opportunity to serve Allah swt. Some good deeds have no weight to them because they lack sincerity. It is important to do heavy weighted good deeds in order for them to be counted towards the balance of good deeds.
(4) The results - The results for a good deed are inevitable.Seek your reward, your approval, and fear making mistakes for the sake of Allah swt. Do not fear people, do not seek reward from people, do not seek approval from people, the satisfaction you get out of doign every good action is with Allah swt alone and when it is done sincerely and truly for His sake it is not a loss.
"Then as for him whose balance of good deeds will be heavy, He will live in a pleasant life in paradise, But as for him whose balance of good deeds will be light, he will have his home in the pit of hell." (Quran; 101; 6-8)
(1) Is it right? - The first thing to make sure is that your deeds are in fact good. We sometimes think something is good for someone when in fact it is harmful. Take the example of "free mixing" generally you would think that being nice, kind, soft to everyone is a good thing but there is a specific criteria when dealing with the opposite gender. For example you dont want to create an environment where the person longs to be connected to you. You dont want them to "fall in love" you want to make sure that there is a certain limit. Or the example of alcohol. It is prohibited. You might think that temporarily it is a way to escape stress but it is only an avoidant factor and just like everythign else in the world, the more problems or responsibilities you "avoid" or "run from" the more they will keep on piling up on you. Most human beings generally don't look towards the "hereafter" but the hereafter starts in this world and proceeds on to the next. The consequences of wrong actions taht we initially perceive to be good can actually have very harmful affects in the long run. It is important to ensure that all limitations are practiced and that we dont do wrong things and make sure they are right, correct, authentic and truly beneficial lifestyle, habits and deeds.
(2) Know your Limitation- The good deed should be spiritually healthy. For example, you dont need to work yourself out or go beyond your ability. It is true that some people are much better at achieving more things in a limited amount of time, however, you have to build according to your own capacity. This means that none of the pillars including the pillar of prayer or other are being interfered. That the work you are doing are within your capacity and will not add to stress factors that go way beyond your capacity. You shouldn't have to compromise your rights or those of your family. Know your capacity and do it for the sake of Allah swt.
(3) The correct intentions - So if you cant do it than dont, but if you do it, do it properly, with good intentions, with "bismillah" in the name of Allah and do it cheerfully and optimistancly with correct ikhlas. For the sake of Allah swt. Learn about intentions and learn to guard your heart correctly and when you do any good deed know why you are doign it and how it is service to the will of Allah swt. Take every good deed as an opportunity to serve Allah swt. Some good deeds have no weight to them because they lack sincerity. It is important to do heavy weighted good deeds in order for them to be counted towards the balance of good deeds.
(4) The results - The results for a good deed are inevitable.Seek your reward, your approval, and fear making mistakes for the sake of Allah swt. Do not fear people, do not seek reward from people, do not seek approval from people, the satisfaction you get out of doign every good action is with Allah swt alone and when it is done sincerely and truly for His sake it is not a loss.
"Then as for him whose balance of good deeds will be heavy, He will live in a pleasant life in paradise, But as for him whose balance of good deeds will be light, he will have his home in the pit of hell." (Quran; 101; 6-8)
Monday, June 17, 2013
Probation on Earth
by zartasha zainab
Al-Ghafur, Ar Raheem defines who He is.
(c) 2013
Al-Ghafur, Ar Raheem defines who He is.
Accepting of Repentence and Mercy in bliss
He is the subtle, aware of the violence, and aggression
Yet for a time respite is granted for those many
transgressions
With hope and mercy to His slave He turns
Doors wide open to those who repent and learn
Pardon granted for those who try
And in this testing life, continue to strive
The conscious voice to purify
And bring to life what is inside
A light that shines to guide us through
To be close to Him an invitation to you
Or would you after this choose another way?
When Allah blessed you as His honored creation whom Iblis
longed to lead astray?
Would you than turn away from this invitation?
Even so time is passing your life with deterioration?
What excuse than shall you bring?
Life’s 25 550 days
How many chances the Merciful Lord gave?
Than who do you fear and what do you chase?
A fading shadow or your longing desires?
When the way was given to cease that fire?
Probation on earth, this testing period he gave us all
With death and life so why than do you stall?
Turn to your Lord before its too late.
Turn to your lord
before its too late.(c) 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
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My Artwork Slideshow Slideshow: TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ My Artwork Slideshow Slideshow ★ to Pickering. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor
Quotes 2012-2013
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repay good with with equal/better. repay evil with justice/
The Doors of Sadaqah
Abu Dhar al-Ghafari said: “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Sadaqah is prescribed for every person every day the sun rises.’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, from what do we give sadaqah if we do not possess property?’ He said: ‘The doors of sadaqah are takbir (Allahu Akbar), Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, La-ilaha-ilAllah, Astaghfirullah, enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing thorns, bones and stones from the paths of people, guiding the blind, listening to the deaf and dumb until you understand them, guiding a person to his object of need if you know where it is, hurrying with the strength of your legs to one in sorrow who is appealing for help, and supporting the weak with the strength of your arms. These are all the doors of sadaqah.” [Ahmad]
In other words one does not need to have financial resources to earn the reward of sadaqah. There are many deeds that qualify as sadaqah with Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). In addition to those listed above the following ordinary courtesies are also sadaqah if we do them with the intention of pleasing Allah with them.
1. To administer justice between two people is sadaqah.
2. To assist a man upon his mount so that he may ride it is sadaqah.
3. To place his luggage on the animal is sadaqah.
4. A good word is sadaqah.
5. Every step taken toward prayer is sadaqah.
6. Your smile for your brother is sadaqah.
7. Planting anything from which a person, an animal or anything eats is sadaqah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, God will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and (even) the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave (no monetary inheritance), they leave only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. - Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 1631
"Felicity.
When your heart feels so free it soars in the sky.
So light and weightless, as if carried by Angels of Mercy and Glad-tidings.
Mind of purity and clarity.
Vision that’s clear of clouds.
No mist. No chains.
No burdens or pains.
Hands are freed up, speech flows again.
You can breathe.
Time is blessed, lands are blessed.
Days are a beauty and nights pass in serenity.
God’s creatures smile as if to acknowledge the bliss.
Even the trees rustle; I can hear their tasbih.
Gratitude only increases the goodness, as if the Promise is more than just that.
It’s a certainty.
It’s freedom. Freedom from the world.
But the world’s inexperienced want to define it.
They are baffled. The more the tests, the happier we become.
Freedom.
Allah gives it to some so they enter the Paradise of this world before the Next.
And some are deprived so they remain imprisoned;
Either to be released in the Hereafter and or to be sentenced.
He is the King of Kings; A Most Generous King.
And it’s a felicity.
A serenity.
I found it in the places of prayer.
It’s there again whenever I open the Book.
Like a magnificent robe, it gently wraps and protects.
Freedom and felicity,
They take root in the heart when the heart is watered with faith and sustained with Islam."
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King
Beauty is the goal. Beauty of the heart. Judge every experience in life as either good or bad, not based on how much pleasure or pain it brought, but based on how beautiful or ugly it made your heart.
-yasmin mogahed
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Inside the Great Mystery that is, we don’t really own anything. What is this competition we feel then, before we go, one at a time, through the same gate? -Rumi
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice."
[Bukhari]
Say He is Allah - the One & Only
http://
Don't think of the trials in your life ('balaa') as just a 'test' in the human form. Allah is not like a professor who hands you a test, moves away and just watches from afar to see how you'll do. Allah is our murabee--the One who raises us with more mercy than a mother raises a child. The Prophet (pbuh) tells us that when Allah wills good for someone, he sends them 'balaa' (trials or tests). When Allah wills good for us, He purifies us. That is why each person is tested in what they love most. In other words our greatest possible 'competitor' in our love for God is what is withheld or must be sacrificed. This is the purification process because it cures the heart of competitors. Why was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked to slaughter the most beloved thing to him? Did Allah actually want him to *kill* his son? No. He didn't kill his son. He killed the attachment. By being willing to sacrifice what he loved most, he had slaughtered any possible competing love. Allah was raising him, purifying him and elevating him. Allah tell us, “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love.” (3:92)
[29:1-3] Alif. Lam. Mim. Do the people think that they will be left alone after they have once said, "We have believed," and they will not be tested? The fact is that we have put to test all those who have gone before them. Surely, Allah has to see who are the truthful and who the liars.
A lesson of humility: What was the lesson to be learned from this little epitome in history? Not an appeal to man's self glory, but humility. not an appeal to man's selfishness, or self sufficiency but a realization of Allah's Grace and Mercy. and the abundant outpouring of Allah's Grace and Mercy and the Abundant OUtpouring of Allah's praise in word and conduct. (Surah Nasr Qur'an Tafsir)
"It has reached me that one of the wise people said reliance has three degrees, first: giving up complaining, second, contentment, third: love. Giving up complaining is the degree of steaffastness. Conetentment is the tranquility of the heart towards that which is decreed for one and that is higher than the former. Love is that one love is for that which Allah does with one. The first is the degree of those who do without. The second is that of the truthful. The third is that of the messengers.
If the one who relies upon Allah is patient with whatever provision and other things Allah decrees for him, then he is steadfast. If he is pleased with whatever is decreed for him after it happens, then he is content. If he has entirely no choice nor any contentment except with that which has been decreed fro him, then that is the rank of the lovers who are gnostics.
Umar ibn abd al aziz used to say "i have become such that I only have happiness in the places of the general and specific decrees"
"This world cannot break you—unless you give it permission. And it cannot own you unless you hand it the keys – unless you give it your heart. And so, if you have handed those keys to dunya for a while—take them back. This isn’t the End. You don’t have to die here. Reclaim your heart and place it with its rightful owner:
God."
- Yasmin Mogahed
It is possible that a person has a need for something… so he earnestly prays and requests Allah for it, until the sweetness of asking and imploring Allah is opened for him. So he enjoys being humbled before Him, and trying to draw closer to Him, using His Names and Attributes, and his heart becomes void of eveything besides Him, and he cuts off any relationship or hope for good from anyone else – all of which would never have occurred had it not been for his need… So it is possible that what good has come about because of this state of his is even greater, and more pleasing to him, than the actual need (that was the cause of such a state), to such an extent that he wishes to continue in this state, and prefers it over the actual fulfillment of his need. So his happiness due to this state is greater than the happiness he would achieve had his need actually been fulfilled. Some of those that have recognized (the signs of Allah) have stated: “Sometimes, I have a certain need (that I wish to ask) Allah, so I ask Him earnestly. Then, I find that the door of dialogue opens up for me, and I recognize Allah more (i.e. become more aware of Him), and feel humbled before Him, due to which I prefer that the answer to my prayer be delayed, so that this state may continue!" - Ibn al-Qayyim
To love Allah, to know Him intimately, to remember Him constantly, to find peace and rest in Him, to make Him alone the ultimate object of love, fear, hope and trust, to base one's act on His control of His servants cares, aspirations and will - such is the world's Heaven, and such is a blessing with which no other blessing can compare
-ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah
"Be Soft.
Do not let the world make you hard.
Do not let the pain make you hate.
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.
Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.
Be Soft. Be Love."
Truly in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him. And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness.”
--Ibnul Qayyim
Allah (swt) says
'I am with my slave when he thinks of Me and I am with him when he mentions Me. For if he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in superior gathering. If he approaches Me by a hand's width, I approach him by an arm's length, I approach him by two arms length. And if he comes to me walking, I hasten to him swiftly.'" [Bukhari 8/171, Muslim 4/2061; this wording is from Al-Bukhari]
Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining star, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not-- light upon light-- Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.
"If Allah brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise Allah. Difficult moments, seek Allah. Quiet moments, worship Allah. Painful moments, trust Allah. Every moment, thank Allah."
put you're trust back where its due:
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hasbiyallahu la illaha illahu tawakaltu wahuwa rabbul arshil adheem.
‘Souls are like conscripted
soldiers; those whom they recognise, they get along with, and
those whom they do not recognise, they will not get along
with.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Return to Quotes Timeline
repay good with with equal/better. repay evil with justice/
The Doors of Sadaqah
Abu Dhar al-Ghafari said: “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Sadaqah is prescribed for every person every day the sun rises.’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, from what do we give sadaqah if we do not possess property?’ He said: ‘The doors of sadaqah are takbir (Allahu Akbar), Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, La-ilaha-ilAllah, Astaghfirullah, enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing thorns, bones and stones from the paths of people, guiding the blind, listening to the deaf and dumb until you understand them, guiding a person to his object of need if you know where it is, hurrying with the strength of your legs to one in sorrow who is appealing for help, and supporting the weak with the strength of your arms. These are all the doors of sadaqah.” [Ahmad]
In other words one does not need to have financial resources to earn the reward of sadaqah. There are many deeds that qualify as sadaqah with Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). In addition to those listed above the following ordinary courtesies are also sadaqah if we do them with the intention of pleasing Allah with them.
1. To administer justice between two people is sadaqah.
2. To assist a man upon his mount so that he may ride it is sadaqah.
3. To place his luggage on the animal is sadaqah.
4. A good word is sadaqah.
5. Every step taken toward prayer is sadaqah.
6. Your smile for your brother is sadaqah.
7. Planting anything from which a person, an animal or anything eats is sadaqah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, God will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge. The inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and (even) the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave (no monetary inheritance), they leave only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. - Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 1631
"Felicity.
When your heart feels so free it soars in the sky.
So light and weightless, as if carried by Angels of Mercy and Glad-tidings.
Mind of purity and clarity.
Vision that’s clear of clouds.
No mist. No chains.
No burdens or pains.
Hands are freed up, speech flows again.
You can breathe.
Time is blessed, lands are blessed.
Days are a beauty and nights pass in serenity.
God’s creatures smile as if to acknowledge the bliss.
Even the trees rustle; I can hear their tasbih.
Gratitude only increases the goodness, as if the Promise is more than just that.
It’s a certainty.
It’s freedom. Freedom from the world.
But the world’s inexperienced want to define it.
They are baffled. The more the tests, the happier we become.
Freedom.
Allah gives it to some so they enter the Paradise of this world before the Next.
And some are deprived so they remain imprisoned;
Either to be released in the Hereafter and or to be sentenced.
He is the King of Kings; A Most Generous King.
And it’s a felicity.
A serenity.
I found it in the places of prayer.
It’s there again whenever I open the Book.
Like a magnificent robe, it gently wraps and protects.
Freedom and felicity,
They take root in the heart when the heart is watered with faith and sustained with Islam."
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King
Beauty is the goal. Beauty of the heart. Judge every experience in life as either good or bad, not based on how much pleasure or pain it brought, but based on how beautiful or ugly it made your heart.
-yasmin mogahed
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Inside the Great Mystery that is, we don’t really own anything. What is this competition we feel then, before we go, one at a time, through the same gate? -Rumi
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your eyes, and restrain your hands from injustice."
[Bukhari]
Say He is Allah - the One & Only
http://
Don't think of the trials in your life ('balaa') as just a 'test' in the human form. Allah is not like a professor who hands you a test, moves away and just watches from afar to see how you'll do. Allah is our murabee--the One who raises us with more mercy than a mother raises a child. The Prophet (pbuh) tells us that when Allah wills good for someone, he sends them 'balaa' (trials or tests). When Allah wills good for us, He purifies us. That is why each person is tested in what they love most. In other words our greatest possible 'competitor' in our love for God is what is withheld or must be sacrificed. This is the purification process because it cures the heart of competitors. Why was Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked to slaughter the most beloved thing to him? Did Allah actually want him to *kill* his son? No. He didn't kill his son. He killed the attachment. By being willing to sacrifice what he loved most, he had slaughtered any possible competing love. Allah was raising him, purifying him and elevating him. Allah tell us, “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love.” (3:92)
[29:1-3] Alif. Lam. Mim. Do the people think that they will be left alone after they have once said, "We have believed," and they will not be tested? The fact is that we have put to test all those who have gone before them. Surely, Allah has to see who are the truthful and who the liars.
A lesson of humility: What was the lesson to be learned from this little epitome in history? Not an appeal to man's self glory, but humility. not an appeal to man's selfishness, or self sufficiency but a realization of Allah's Grace and Mercy. and the abundant outpouring of Allah's Grace and Mercy and the Abundant OUtpouring of Allah's praise in word and conduct. (Surah Nasr Qur'an Tafsir)
"It has reached me that one of the wise people said reliance has three degrees, first: giving up complaining, second, contentment, third: love. Giving up complaining is the degree of steaffastness. Conetentment is the tranquility of the heart towards that which is decreed for one and that is higher than the former. Love is that one love is for that which Allah does with one. The first is the degree of those who do without. The second is that of the truthful. The third is that of the messengers.
If the one who relies upon Allah is patient with whatever provision and other things Allah decrees for him, then he is steadfast. If he is pleased with whatever is decreed for him after it happens, then he is content. If he has entirely no choice nor any contentment except with that which has been decreed fro him, then that is the rank of the lovers who are gnostics.
Umar ibn abd al aziz used to say "i have become such that I only have happiness in the places of the general and specific decrees"
"This world cannot break you—unless you give it permission. And it cannot own you unless you hand it the keys – unless you give it your heart. And so, if you have handed those keys to dunya for a while—take them back. This isn’t the End. You don’t have to die here. Reclaim your heart and place it with its rightful owner:
God."
- Yasmin Mogahed
It is possible that a person has a need for something… so he earnestly prays and requests Allah for it, until the sweetness of asking and imploring Allah is opened for him. So he enjoys being humbled before Him, and trying to draw closer to Him, using His Names and Attributes, and his heart becomes void of eveything besides Him, and he cuts off any relationship or hope for good from anyone else – all of which would never have occurred had it not been for his need… So it is possible that what good has come about because of this state of his is even greater, and more pleasing to him, than the actual need (that was the cause of such a state), to such an extent that he wishes to continue in this state, and prefers it over the actual fulfillment of his need. So his happiness due to this state is greater than the happiness he would achieve had his need actually been fulfilled. Some of those that have recognized (the signs of Allah) have stated: “Sometimes, I have a certain need (that I wish to ask) Allah, so I ask Him earnestly. Then, I find that the door of dialogue opens up for me, and I recognize Allah more (i.e. become more aware of Him), and feel humbled before Him, due to which I prefer that the answer to my prayer be delayed, so that this state may continue!" - Ibn al-Qayyim
To love Allah, to know Him intimately, to remember Him constantly, to find peace and rest in Him, to make Him alone the ultimate object of love, fear, hope and trust, to base one's act on His control of His servants cares, aspirations and will - such is the world's Heaven, and such is a blessing with which no other blessing can compare
-ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah
"Be Soft.
Do not let the world make you hard.
Do not let the pain make you hate.
Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.
Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.
Be Soft. Be Love."
Truly in the heart there is a void that cannot be removed except with the company of Allah. And in it there is a sadness that cannot be removed except with the happiness of knowing Allah and being true to Him. And in it there is an emptiness that cannot be filled except with love for Him and by turning to Him and always remembering Him. And if a person were given all of the world and what is in it, it would not fill this emptiness.”
--Ibnul Qayyim
Allah (swt) says
'I am with my slave when he thinks of Me and I am with him when he mentions Me. For if he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in superior gathering. If he approaches Me by a hand's width, I approach him by an arm's length, I approach him by two arms length. And if he comes to me walking, I hasten to him swiftly.'" [Bukhari 8/171, Muslim 4/2061; this wording is from Al-Bukhari]
Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining star, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not-- light upon light-- Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.
"If Allah brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Happy moments, praise Allah. Difficult moments, seek Allah. Quiet moments, worship Allah. Painful moments, trust Allah. Every moment, thank Allah."
put you're trust back where its due:
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hasbiyallahu la illaha illahu tawakaltu wahuwa rabbul arshil adheem.
‘Souls are like conscripted
soldiers; those whom they recognise, they get along with, and
those whom they do not recognise, they will not get along
with.’” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
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Monday, June 10, 2013
Ramadhan and Moral Development
I remember trying to decipher the purpose of ramadhan last year writing for the message, and than coming to the next meeting feeling empty as there was so much more insight to ramadhan. If we were to sit down and count the billion blessings of fasting in ramadhan, and fasting properly, it is possible that each year, there is another source to be awed by another discovery about the benefits of fasting, or the benefits of wudu, or the benefits of eating halal, or the benefits of zakah in community. We cannot ever grasp the entirety of the divine wisdom behind the commands of Allah swt, so this year, I share more insight I gained regarding benefits of Ramadhan as well as how we can benefit from it. The focus of this year’s insight is towards fasting and moral development as well as practical implementation of internal states.
The purpose of
fasting is so that we can learn self restraint, so that we can be purified so
that you may be rightly guided and attain taqwa. (Sh. Nouman Ali Khan) In
brief, the purpose of fasting is so that you may attain taqwa. Taqwa is the
goal. Let’s focus on a few aspects of moral development through this claim by
Sh. Nouman Ali Khan.
Self Restraint:
·
DON’T EAT: Delay all gratification
and be able to “not eat or drink” between sehri time till iftar time
·
DON”T LOOSE CONTROL of YOURSELF:
Internalize values and be able to self regulate your own behavior: quran
recitation, attend halaqas (moral dialogues)/educational programs/peer
discussion on moral issues and exploring solutions
·
Do not violating others rights
through arguing, fighting, lying, backbiting (ghibat, or violence)
·
DO NOT INFLICT relational violence
(destroying interpersonal relationships, excluding peers, besmirch others
reputations, backstabbing, gossiping, causing social and psychological
maladjustment) and physical violence (physical harm).
Purification: Your
mind and body should look something like…
·
Do wudu and ghusl when required and
be clean (cut nails and all bodily purification)
·
Pray. (5 regular prayers + sunnah
prayers + nafl prayers + tahajjud, taraweeh)
·
Develop tawakkul (trust in Allah swt)
·
Swallow your anger. You will be
rewarded for this
·
The Prophet pbuh said “IF any of you
become angry while standing then let him sit down. Then if the anger leaves
him, but if not then let him lie down” (Abu Dawud) – COOL DOWN
·
“And those who swallow their rage and
pardon people. Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Al Imran; 134)
·
Do not listen to music or watch
anything with explicit, inappropriate content
·
And say to the believing men that
they should lower your gaze and guard your modesty, that will be purer for them
and Allah is aquinted with all that they do. And say to the believing women
that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty…...”(Qur’an 24:30-31)
·
Do not come near sin
·
Avoid inconsiderate Violence in video
games, television, and other explicit content as this may immune you to
becoming empathetic
·
Do not take out your anger on
others/objects : This is known as catharsis (discharging aggressive impulses by
engaging in symbolic aggressive acts that do not harm another person) i.e. a “punching
bag”. Do not take out your frustrations on a chosen victim/object. This will
not control/reduce your frustrations and is in fact related to elevated
aggression. Find a cognitive solution + you will attain gunnah. This shows that
the tactic of cooling down, sitting, lying down, and so on is more practical
and beneficial (score for hadith :D)
·
Purify your mind body, and soul:
Conflicts furthermore arise chemical imbalances and leakages of chemicals occur
in the brain including High testosterone levels, High astradiol levels and Low
serotonin (inability to control emotions) levels
·
Chemicals associated with appetite
released when seeing food
·
If you chose not to lower your
gaze, purify your thoughts, hormones will be released so watch your activities,
thoughts and behaviours carefully and purify your inner states.
Rightly Guided – Your
activities should look something like….
·
Pray
·
Understand how It feels to not have
food for those in poorer or less privilages societies
·
Donate and give charity and zakat to less
privilaged
·
Be empathetic, speak politely, be
kind, and considerate to those around you first to your parents, help in
chores, give kind salutations with the assurance of peace, or a sincere
“salam”, involve people in groups and be helpful
·
Help in chores
·
Give counsel
·
The Prophet pbuh said “Whoever eases
a distress of the world for a mumin, Allah will ease one of the distresses of
the Day of Rising for him. Whoever makes it easy for someone in difficulty,
Allah will make it easy for him in the world and the Next Life. Whoever
conceals the wrong action of a muslim, Allah will conceal his wrong action in
the world and the next life. Allah is redy to help the slave as long as the
slave is ready to help his brother…..” (Abu Hurayrah, Muslim)
·
Maintain good ties and relationships
(visit relatives, do iftar get togethers)
·
Reciting and understanding the quran
and praying regularly and try to internalize what the Qur’an is saying
·
No matter what! Be Honest, sincere,
truthful, polite
·
Be prosocial (empathic, sharing,
caring, considerate, kind, helpful, comforting, donating, cooperative, unified)
·
Internalized Values which result in
higher self discipline and self regulation
Taqwa
(God-Conscioucne) – You internal state should look something like…..
·
Pray – develop a close relationship and
awareness of Allah swt
·
Fear Hell (avoid punishments, Fear
Hell and be conscience of the result of your actions and what it may bring)
·
Try to attain Jannah (have hope that
all of your efforts will be rewarded if they are done sincerely so keep working
on your good deeds)
·
Respect the authority and keep good
relations with family, community, society
·
Understand the shariah and system of
the home/country/organization that you are a part of
·
Be empathetic and considerate and
compassionate: Do not violate people’s rights
·
Understand a piece of the divine
wisdom of the Allah swt, the omnipotent creator, the authority, Lord, Cherisher
of the Universe and attain and listen to the voice of the consioucne
·
The Prophet pbuh said “Boy, I will
teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah and He will be mindful of you. Be
mindful of Allah and you will find Him facing you. When you ask, then ask
Allah. When you seek help, then seek help from Allah. Know that if the Ummah
gathered together to benefit you with something, they would only benefit you
with something that Allah had already written for you. If they gathered
together to harm you with something, they would only harm you with something
that Allah had already written against you. The pens have been lifted and the
pages have dried. (Tirmidhi & Sahih)
·
We have instructed those given the
Book before you and you yourselves to have taqwa of Allah” (Surah Nisa; 131)
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Shahiq
For those who reject Their Lord and Cherished is the Penalty of Hell. And evil is (such) destination. When they are cast therein they will hear the terrible drawing in of its breath. Even as it blazes forth.(Quran: 67 6-7)
The term used is means (sobs) was contrasted with zafir (sighs). in the one case it is the drawing in of breath and in the other the emission of a deep breath. Here the latter process is represented by the verb fara, to swell, to blaze forth, to gush forth. fara was applied to the gushing forth of the waters of the Flood: here the verb is applied to the blazing forth of the Fire of Punishment. Fire is personified: in its intake it has a fierce appetite: in the flames which it throws out it has a fierce aggressiveness. And yet in ultimate result evil meets the same fate whether typified by water or fire. (Abdullah Yusuf Ali)
_______________________________________________
When I read this surah. ayah, i kept asking myself what it mean that those who rejected faith will be thrown into hell and than will hear the drawign of its breath and fire blazing. In the word for word translation it translated that it will be as though it is inhaling and as though it is boiling. While making a recipe gone severly wrong, a part of me looked at this (refer to video underneath) and as I watched it, it seems as though it was inhaling deeply, and than as though boiling and blazing up. Is this what it must look like? shahiq? except that it would be the fire of hell? (lava?) Except that it would be the hottest of all fires and it would be burning. But just imagine. Looking at the boiling almost inhaling personification (recipe gone wrong) it made me think this is probably what it must look like. personified.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Allah's Attributes (swt)
He is
al-Raqib - the Watchful. You're never really alone, and you're never really
free to do as you please. The eyes of Mankind may be diverted away from you but
the Eyes of Allah never sleep. He is al-Raqib Who watches His servants, each
and every one of them; He watches over you and never does He lose sight of you.
He watches your actions, and watches what goes on inside you. Blessed is the
person who remembers al-Raqib and in turns develops within themselves what is
called 'al-muraqabah' - to act under the watchful Eye of Allah and constantly
be in an amazing state of awareness.
Al-Raqib...
He is
al-Fattah - The Opener. He creates a way when there seems to be no way and
opens a door when there seems to be no key. He is the Judge Who decides what is
best, and guides you when confusion overtakes you. Whenever you reach your dead
end, don't stand there wondering what's happened, instead call out to the only
One who can create a path from absolutely nowhere: 'Ya Fattah, iftah 'alayya!'
(O Opener of ways, open up my way).
He is
al-Fattah, and as He opens up the skies upon the dead earth, and breaks away
the darkness with the dawn, so too can He open up upon your dead heart, open
your eyes to solutions, remove your obstacles, and grant you a way out.
Al-Fattah...
He is
al-'Aziz - The Honourable and AlMighty. No amount of transgression can tarnish
His 'izzah (glory) and no amount of disobedience can lower His Might. He is
al-'Aziz. To Him belongs ultimate 'izzah and as such, He grants it only to
those of His slaves who seek it through Him Alone, who do not seek it in other
than Him, and are thus saved from the dark depths of hypocrisy.
"...
And all honour, power and glory belong to Allah, His Messenger, and to the
believers, but the hypocrites do not know." [al-Munafiqun: 8]
Al-'Aziz..
He is
al-Sabur - the Patient. Every day we transgress His limits, we fall short of
His Rights, and we forget Him. But in patience He remains and forbearance does
He show, for He is al-Sabur. Don't you see how they ascribe partners and a son
to Him, how they blaspheme against Him, how they deny His very Existence, but still
He keeps them alive, still He provides for them, still He gives them Signs and
gives them more time.
Al-Sabur...
He is
al-Mu'akhir - the Delayer. He delays certain things out of Mercy for us, but
out of ignorance we become impatient. Instead of having a good opinion of Him,
a deeper certainty in His Power, and more trust in His Ways, we instead become
anxious, resentful, and unhappy. Our Iman (faith) then takes a dip because
we've failed to understand. But He is al-Mu'akhir. He delays out of goodness.
Does He not delay punishing the creation for their sins, so that they can come
to repent?
Al-Mu'akhir...
He is
al-Mubdi' - the Initiator. He initiated the creation and began it from nothing.
He originated the heavens and the earth when they were non-existent. He is
al-Mubdi' who initiates new things in your life, and creates new circumstances
- some as a blessing, some as a test, and some to just bring change into your
life and a different direction. He creates you and creates your way and all
that you will meet therein.
But just
as He is al-Mubdi', He is also al-Mu'eed - the One who repeats. As He created
the first time, He will repeat it. As He constructed existence once, He will
repeat it. But also, that smile He once placed on your face, He can certainly
repeat that. Those days of joy He caused to take place, He can certainly bring
those back. And just as He created certain things in your life, He can
certainly repeat them. The Dunya encircles, and comes back on itself, history
repeats and comes back on itself, all because of the Hand of al-Mu'eed... will
we then be steadfast?
al-Mubdi'
wal-Mu'eed...
He is
al-Khafidh - the Abaser. And He is al-Rafi' - the Exalter. He is al-Mu'izz -
the Giver of Honour. And He is al-Mudhill - the Debaser.
He raises
whom He Wills and lowers whom He wills. He hands the kingdom to whoever He
wishes and seizes it from whoever He wishes And such are the days that He gives
to Mankind; days weighed upon scales that tip according to the Decree of
al-Khafidh al-Rafi', al-Mu'izz al-Mudhill. Don't you see how civilizations rise
only to fall after some time? Don't you see how the oppressed of yesterday
become the leaders of tomorrow? Don't you see how the famous disappear into
anonymity and the unknown one becomes the well-known and remembered? The Scale
of Allah tips and so we see extraordinary days, incredible history, and ironic
happenings. He is al-Rafi' al-Mu'izz Who raises His humble Slaves, and He is
al-Khafidh al-Mudhill Who lowers every arrogant head. He turns tables as He turns
the earth, and He does so with Wisdom in a Supreme Law which cannot be
surpassed.
"Say:
'O Allah! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and
You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honour whom You
will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is all good. Verily, You
are Able to do all things.'" [Aal 'Imran: 26]
He is
al-Qahhar - The Irresistible and Supreme. He is the one Whom souls recognise
and stand in awe of. His Strength is overpowering and dominating; it breaks and
defeats forces you can see and forces you cannot see. He is al-Qahhar who
causes the backs of the oppressors to break, the necks of the Mushrikin
(polytheists) to lower, and the soul of every Man and Jinn to submit at the
time of death. He is al-Qahhar to Whom everything in the heavens and the earth
pays heed to, prostrates to, respects and fears so deeply. The King of Kings.
The AlMighty and Supreme. Nothing can break away from His Grip when He seizes
and nothing can escape His Sight or Knowledge.
"He
is the Irresistible, Supreme over His slaves, and He sends guardians over you,
until when death approaches one of you, Our Messengers take his soul, and they
never neglect their duty." [al-An'am: 61]
He is al-Hafeedh - The Preserver. All that He preserves is protected, and all that is protected by Him remains. He preserves our bodies, mind, and our very existence, and thus we're saved every day from accidents and catastrophes. He preserves our faith for us so we see ourselves being guided to knowledge, benefiting from reminders, and meeting the right people. Of the greatest thing that He has preserved is the Qur'an, and look at how it is: No word or chapter has ever changed, it remains lofty and unchallenged, and He has even appointed slaves of His to guard it; Angels from the creation above and huffadh (memorisers) from the creation on earth. He is al-Hafeedh Who can preserve you from all evil if He so wishes, so ask for the Hifdh and Ri'ayah (care) of Allah, and He will take you under His Protection.
He is al-'Adhim - the Great. He is the AlMighty and Powerful, the Exalted, Magnificent and the Most Majestic. When you realise the greatness of Allah, you begin to see how small and trivial certain things are in life. When you think about the greatness of His Kingdom in the Hereafter, you will begin to see the insignificance of this world. He is al-'Adhim with nothing greater than Him, no rival or contestant. He is our ultimate focus and He is the greatest that we can ever behold; the greatest that our minds can ever come to know, and the greatest that our hearts can ever love. Our sacrifice for Him is the greatest sacrifice, our intentions for Him are the greatest, and our deeds for Him are the greatest of deeds, simply because He is the Greatest.
Tabarakta ya Rabbana wa Ta'alayt (Blessed be You, Our Lord, and Ever-Lofty are You).
Al-'Adhim...
He is al-Wali - the Friend. He is your Friend, as well as your Creator and Lord. He is your Ally against the world, and your Protective Supporter in your time of need. We cannot begin to imagine how close He is to us. Closer than the jugular vein in our neck He said, so how close must He be... He is a Friend to your soul seeing as though He made it and knows it better than you. Everyone has an ally and a defender, and the wise one is he who makes al-Wali his Ally and Defender. Ever swift in coming to you and He is with you when you call upon Him, for a friend is never missing, and you know they are always there.
"Verily, my Wali (Friend, Protector, Supporter etc.) is Allah Who has revealed the Book, and He is an ally to the righteous." [al-A'raf: 196]
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He is al-'Adhim - the Great. He is the AlMighty and Powerful, the Exalted, Magnificent and the Most Majestic. When you realise the greatness of Allah, you begin to see how small and trivial certain things are in life. When you think about the greatness of His Kingdom in the Hereafter, you will begin to see the insignificance of this world. He is al-'Adhim with nothing greater than Him, no rival or contestant. He is our ultimate focus and He is the greatest that we can ever behold; the greatest that our minds can ever come to know, and the greatest that our hearts can ever love. Our sacrifice for Him is the greatest sacrifice, our intentions for Him are the greatest, and our deeds for Him are the greatest of deeds, simply because He is the Greatest.
Tabarakta ya Rabbana wa Ta'alayt (Blessed be You, Our Lord, and Ever-Lofty are You).
Al-'Adhim...
He is al-Wali - the Friend. He is your Friend, as well as your Creator and Lord. He is your Ally against the world, and your Protective Supporter in your time of need. We cannot begin to imagine how close He is to us. Closer than the jugular vein in our neck He said, so how close must He be... He is a Friend to your soul seeing as though He made it and knows it better than you. Everyone has an ally and a defender, and the wise one is he who makes al-Wali his Ally and Defender. Ever swift in coming to you and He is with you when you call upon Him, for a friend is never missing, and you know they are always there.
"Verily, my Wali (Friend, Protector, Supporter etc.) is Allah Who has revealed the Book, and He is an ally to the righteous." [al-A'raf: 196]
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