When you make dua Part II

http://ashshams.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/reliance-on-allah/

Reliance on Allah : Calling out to Allah during Hardship

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Duas and ta’awwudhaat [prayers seeking refuge with Allah] are like a weapon, and a weapon is only as good as the person who is using it; it is not merely the matter of how sharp it is. If the weapon is perfect and free of faults, and the arm of the person using it is strong, and there is nothing stopping him, then he can lay waste the enemy. But if any of these three features is lacking, then the effect will be lacking accordingly.” 

( Al-Daa’ wa’l-Dawaa’, p. 35 ).

Following are some of the duas that have personally moved and helped me.
May Allah Bless Shaykh Hasan Ali for this beautiful and immensely beneficial talk.
If you guys maintain a Dua Diary make sure you note the following duas down and make a habit of calling upon Allah through them at least once a day.

Bismillah

1. The Dua of Yunus
la ilaha illa anta subhanaka inneekuntu mina aththalimeen
“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
(Surah Al Anbya 21:87)
Benefits:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The supplication of my brother Dhun Nun (Yunus, peace be upon him), who called on Allah while in the whale’s belly: ‘There is no deity but You. Glory be to You! Verily, I have been among the wrongdoers’ (Quran 21:87) – no Muslim person says it, for any situation whatsoever, except that Allah Most High answers his call.” [Tirmidhi]

Reflection:
The ayah following the dua of Yunus alyehi salaam – Allah subhanahu wata’ala mentions in the very next ayah i.e., (Surah Al-Anbya 21:88)Transliteration - Fastajabna lahu wanajjaynahumina alghammi wakathalika nunjee almu/mineen
Sahih International - So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.
Muhsin Khan - So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness).
Pickthall - Then we heard his prayer and saved him from the anguish. Thus we save believers.
Yusuf Ali - So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.
Shakir - So We responded to him and delivered him from the grief and thus do We deliver the believers.
Dr. Ghali - So We responded to him and safely delivered him from suffering; and thus do We deliver the believers.
Pointers:
~Admit your faults in front of the mighty one.
~Allah loves us.
~While we sin He still feeds us,clothes us, has blessed us with a wife,husband,children and gives us salary at the end of the month.
~He has blessed us with 100′s and 1000′s of blessings,blessings we can never count or be thankful enough for! – (Surah An-Nahl 16:18)Transliteration - Wa-in taAAuddoo niAAmata Allahi latuhsooha inna Allaha laghafoorun raheem
Sahih International - And if you should count the favors of Allah , you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

2. Dua of Nuh – During Political Situations
Rabbahu annee maghloobun fantasir
“I have been overcome, so help (me)!”
(Surah Al-Qamar 54:10)

Pointers:
~Family political situation.
~Gaza,Palestine,Syria,Kashmir,Pakistan oppression.
~Make sure you put your faith in the dua and be positive that Allah will answer it.
~Have Yaqeen and Tawakkul-this is going to happen! Dont say i dont know if this is going to work. If you are not committing any major sins it will work – bi’ithinillah.
~Possible and Impossible are the ideas of human brain. For Allah everything and anything is possible.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH), “The supplication of every one of you will be granted if he does not get impatient and say (for example): `I supplicated my Rubb but my prayer has not been granted‘.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

3. Dua of Muhammad and his companions when threatened by the impending attack of the enemy and Of Ibrahim when he was thrown in fire
HasbunaAllahu waniAAma alwakeel
Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.
(Surah Ali’Imran 3:173)
Pointers:
~No person by himself is capable of fighting against the current of misfortune, nor can he fend off the blows of disaster when they strike. This is because man was created weak and fragile. However, when in times of difficulty, the believer places his dependancy and trust with his Lord; he knows that all difficulties can be overcome.
~By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending upon Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith and display the more promonent characteristics of the believer. When you incorporate these qualities into your character, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection, and victory.
~Use this dua when you are in some kind of stress.

4. Dua of Yaqoob
Dua 1: Innama ashkoo baththee wahuzneeila Allahi
I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah
(Surah Yusuf 12:86)
Dua 2 : Waofawwidu amree ila Allahi inna Allahabaseerun bilAAibad
And I entrust my affair to Allah . Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants
(Surah Ghafir 40:44) 
**This dua was also made by a man during the time of the Pharaoh**

Pointers:
~ Question yourself - ’Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?’ (Surah Az Zumar 39:37)

5. Dua of Musa 
Rabbiinnee lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeer
My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.
(Surah Al Qasas 28:24)

6. Hadith of Rasool Allah 

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would be afflicted with a stressful trial, he would say, “O Living and Eternal Maintainer! By Your mercy I seek help!” [Sunan Tirmidhi]

Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum! Bi rahmatika astagheeth!

Pointers:
~ Call upon Allah by his names Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum.

References:
Shaykh Hasan Ali’s talk via HikmahOnline (Allah is enough for us)
Imam Anwar al Awlaki’s talk on Dua of Musa

When you Make Dua

Daniel (a.s.) said "Praise beto Allah Who does not forget those who remember Him, and praise be to Allah Who responds to the prayer of those who have hope in Him. Praise be to Allah Who does not fail those who put their trust in Him, and rewards patience with salvation, goodness with goodness, and Who removes distress after its infliction. Praise also be to Allah Who saves us when we are disappointed with our deeds, and Who gives us hope when every hope is cut off from us."

Who is on Our Side?

Best Quotes from Fajr Blog

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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.’

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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."
-------------------------------------

"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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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)

Probation on Earth

by zartasha zainab

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

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repay good with with equal/better. repay evil with justice/forgiveness. 

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKGcJ_0UGvs

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:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSCL1Ofajjs&feature=related 

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

Moral Development: Table of Contents

(1) Surah Nas and Moral Development

(2) Ramdhan and Moral Development

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)

I hope that this article was beneficial and if I made any mistakes, it is of my own human capacities and Allah swt knows best. I also hope that this series of activities to do during ramadhan will be beneficial and that we may all develop morally in this blessed month. Ameen.