87. How Thick Is Your Coat?

Ibn al-Qayyim said, "The morning and evening adhkar play the role of a shield ; the thicker it is the more its owner will not be affected. Rather, its strength can reach to such an extent that the arrow shot at it will bounce back to affect the one who shot it."

Shaykh Uthaymeen said, "The morning and evening adhkar are a stronger fortress than the wall of Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj, for the one who says it while his heart is present.

And Ibn Salah said, "Whoever maintains the morning and evening adhkar, the adhkar after the prayers, and the adhkar before sleeping will be written among those " who remember Allah much ."

Ibn Katheer said, "Wear the ' coat ' of adhkar so it can protect you from the evils of humans and jinn. And cover your souls with istighfar so it can erase the sins of the night and day."

86. Are You In need Of A Barrier For The Body Against Disease

Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

"Hold fast to *Qiyaam-ul-layl*, for it is the practice of the righteous before you, and indeed Qiyaam-ul-layl is a means of nearness to Allah (it brings you close to Allah) a means of prevention from sin, an expiation for bad deeds, and a barrier for the body against disease.” (Tirmidhi 3549)

Praying Tahajjud is a means of Purification for the body... it purifies your bodies from diseases.

Are u worried about your health....do you want to stay healthy throughout your life....are you worried about the innumerable diseases spread world wide, that's killing thousands of people. ..

then Pray Tahajjud

85. Surah Aal-e-Imran, Aayat No 3

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيم

Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

10 THINGS THAT BRINGS THE LOVE OF ALLAH SUBHANAHU WA TAALA

1) Recitation of the Qur'an with reflection and with understanding of its meanings.

2) Seeking closeness to Allah Subhanahu wa taala by performing voluntary deeds after having performed obligatory ones, for that leads one to the highest levels of love.

3) Remembering Allah Subhanahu wa taala during every situation – with one’s time, heart and deeds, one’s share of that love is to the degree of one’s share in that remembrance.

4) Preferring what He loves to what you love when your desires are strong.

5) Allowing your heart to reflect on His Beautiful Names and Attributes.

6) Reflecting on His many favors and blessings, both the apparent ones and hidden ones, for that leads to His love.

7) Having your heart softened as it is worshiping Allah.

8) Being alone with Him in worship when He descends during the last third of the night. And this means to invoke Him, to recite His Speech, to stand with all sincerity and with good manners and with good submission, and then to end that with repentance and with seeking His forgiveness.

9) Sitting with those who are truthful in their love of Allah.

10) Staying away from all that creates barriers between the heart and Allah.

May Allah Subhanahu wa taala grant us His love, and the love of those who love Him and the love of those actions which bring us close to him..

Aameen Ya Rabbul Aalameen

84. Surah Taha, Aayat No 46

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ

He said: Fear not, surely I am with you both: I do hear and see.

Have Faith in Allah, Make Dua, lots of it, and don’t underestimate the power of Dua.

Your Lord hears every supplication. Every single thing in your heart is known by Him. He understands you.

When you feel at your most lowest, bow down to the most lowest and cry in sujuud to Allah Subhanahu wa taala.

He is As-Sami(The all hearing), 

Al-Basir(The all seeing) & 

He is Al-Alim(The all knowing), 

He knows everything.

What’s good for you will reach you when Allah Subhanahu wa taala thinks its a good time. Don't haste it up. Allah knows when it's good for you to have it.

Have certainty in Allah’s plan. And know that the Lord of The Worlds will always do something that is good for you. He loves you more than 70 mothers.

How He does it, when He does it and why He does it isn’t your concern, your concern is to tie your camel and have full Tawakkul.

83. Relation Between Husband And Wife

The husband must remain quiet when his wife becomes angry and vice versa, at least until the anger subsides and the storm abates. 

Ibn al-Jawzi said in Sayd Al-Khaatir:

“When your companion becomes angry and says something that is unwarranted, you should not take it too hard. His situation is that of a drunken person who is not aware of what is taking place. Instead, be patient, even if it means only for a little while. If you reciprocate his words with harsh words of your own, you become like the sane person who seeks revenge on a madman, or the conscious person who seeks retribution from an unconscious one.”

Know that as soon as he awakes from this state, s/he will regretful for what happened, and s/he will come to recognize your value because of your patience.

82. Surah Al-Furqan, Aayat No 58

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِ وَكَفَىٰ بِهِ بِذُنُوبِ عِبَادِهِ خَبِيرًا

And rely on the Ever-living Who dies not, and celebrate His praise; and Sufficient is He as being aware of the faults of His servants,

Sometimes we lose hope in turning to Allah Subhanahu wa taala and asking for His help because we feel like we have done too much wrong.

And yet think of a child who has just angered his mother and immediately after, trips and falls on the stairs.

Even if that child had just angered his mother to tears, the moment he falls and cries for help, she runs to him

This is human mercy.

But Allah Subhanahu wa taala is infinitely more merciful than a mother is to her child.

He, The Lord of the Worlds; loves you more than 70 mothers.

So, do you think, no matter what you've done, when you're falling and cry out to Ar-Raheem(most merciful) He wouldn't come save you?

He SURELY WILL. In Shaa Allah surely He Will. He loves you and cares for you so much

Allah Subhanahu wa taala always intends good for His servants. We don't understand His plan but we need to learn to trust it

Cause indeed it's the BEST with what our Rabb rewards us with

Always Remember, no matter what situation your going through, your Rabb is always besides you, guiding you, supporting you and leading you towards the BEST that's yet to unfold In Shaa Allah

81. Story Of A Sin

A muslim man committed a sin, after committing the sin he was expecting Allah to punish him in his life. He realized that his materialistic life was getting better, his business was prospering, his health was good, his children were doing well.

So he pondered one day and said to him self "I've disobeyed Allah and nothing happened to me", so Allah inspired him in his heart "Oh my servant, I have punished you but you didn't realize, I have punished you by making you distant from me and made you loose the taste of pleasure of been close to me".

Allah's punishment in this world is not only in the materials of this world but in been distant away from him and disobeying him is a great punishment. And Allah knows best about punishment hereafter !!

Always remember that there's no joy or happiness in disobeying Allah.

80. How To Increase One's Love Of Allah

Ibn al-Qayyim – may Allaah have mercy upon him– says:

“The reasons which cause mahabbah of Allâh to develop, are ten: 

Firstly : Reciting the Qur‘ân, reflecting and understanding its meaning and its intent.

Secondly : Drawing closer to Allâh – the Most High – through optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory duties.

Thirdly : Being continuous in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allâh, with the tongue, the heart and the limbs – under all circumstances. The more constant the dhikr, the more mahabbah develops and intensifies.

Fourthly : Giving precedence to what Allâh loves over personal loves, when being overcome by desires.

Fifthly : Contemplating and deliberating over the Names and Attributes of Allâh.

Sixthly : Recognizing and remembering the favours and bounties of Allâh – both the manifest and hidden.

Seventhly : To be humble and submissive before Allâh – and this is the greatest matter.

Eightly : To be in seclusion reciting the Qur‘ân, during that time in which Allâh descends to the lowest heaven (which is the last third of every night), finishing this recitation with seeking Allâh’s forgiveness and repenting to Him.

Ninthly: To sit in the gatherings of true and sincere lovers of Allâh, reaping the fruits of their speech, and not to speak except if there is benefit in it and that you know that such talk will increase you in goodness and that it will benefits others as well.

Tenthly: To stay clear of all those causes which distances the heart from Allâh – the Mighty and Majestic.

So these are the ten reasons which cause the person to develop true love for Allâh and to reach the rank of al-muhabbah, by which he reaches his Beloved.”

[Madârijus-Sâlikîn, 3/17-18]

79. Surah Taha, Aayat No 7

وَإِن تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى

And if you utter the saying aloud, then surely He knows the secret, and what is yet more hidden.

Allah Subhanahu wa taala knows Everything

When people leave you and you feel lost and helpless, turn back to your Creator; cause He knows it all.

Allah knows what your silent heart desires

Allah knows the goodness you want to spread

Allah knows those unsaid fears

Allah knows those silent tears

Allah knows when you're sad & broke

Allah knows when people mock you and you don't retaliate

Allah knows.. Allah Subhanahu wa taala is Al-Alim (The all knowing). He knows everything

Turn back to your Creator, Ask and Seek from Him alone; cause no one understands the heart better than the one who created it.

Expect from no one in this world, cause they always lead to disappointments. Expect only from your Rabb and In Shaa Allah they will always lead to peace and bliss.

Do good even if you don't receive good. Not for the sake of people but for the sake of your Rabb who knows each minute detail of your heart. And In Shaa Allah you'll receive a lot more goodness than you ever thought of.

May Allah Subhanahu wa taala eliminate our worries, fill our hearts with Peace & Happiness and grant all our Duas & Wishes..

Aameeen Ya Rabbul Aalameen

78. Salaah Says More About Your Character

When you are always late for Salaah, it says a lot about you and your character.

It shows that you lack discipline, internal strength, and integrity to be where you are supposed to be ‘on time’ for your most important appointments of the day, and you are not dependable.

No one likes to say about themselves that they are not dependable or lack discipline, but actions speak louder than words, and being late for salaah is the first warning that you are on a slippery slope towards being chronically late in everything else in your life.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri  said: 
"When salaah is the least of your concerns, then what is your most important concern? As much as you fix your Salaah, your life will be fixed. Did you not know that Salaah was equated with Success: ‘Come to Prayer, Come to Success.’ How can you ask Allah  for success when you are not responding to His right upon you?”

If you are wondering why there is a delay in your sustenance, in your marriage, in your work, in your health, look into your salaah: are you delaying it?

‘If we truly have faith in the unseen and have faith in the Messenger of Allah telling us that Allah wants us to meet Him 5 times every day in our salaah, then we should take Salaah more seriously.’

“And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.”
Qur’an: Chapter 20, Verse 132

Don't miss your Salaah at any cost. 

77. What did the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam Do (Shab e Miraaj)

By Asma bint Shameem

Indeed, it is true that one night our beloved Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was granted the Night Journey of al-Israa' wal Mi'raaj, when he was transported from Masjid al-Haraam to Masjid al-Aqsa and then onwards, he ascended to the Heavens. 

This is definitely part of our Faith. 

It says so in the Qur’an and there is no denying that fact.

However, the big questions to ask are.......

What did the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam do when the same day arrived the next year? 

Or the year after that? 

Or the year after that?

Did he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam EVER celebrate the night of al-Israa' wal Mi'raaj, or fast the next day?

And what did he instruct the Sahaabah to do about his Night Journey?

Did he tell them to celebrate that night as a 'special night' for worshiping Allah?

Did he tell them to specifically fast the next day because it was 'the day after the Journey'?

And what were the actions of the Sahaabah themselves?

Did THEY do any of the above??

The answer to all of the above is a big resounding NO. 

Surely the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not omit or forget anything in the deen. 

And surely he did not hide anything from us. 

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

"There is nothing that brings you closer to Jannah except that I have informed you about it and there is nothing that brings you closer to the fire of Hell except that I have warned you against it."

(at-Tabaraani--Sahih)

Then why do we not have ANY Sahih reports of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam or the Sahaabah worshiping Allah especially on this night and fasting the next day?

That’s because that was NOT the practice of the Prophet 

salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam OR his Sahaabah. 

If celebrating this event was something that is prescribed in Islam, the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would certainly have told his ummah about it, either by his word or his action. 

If any such thing had happened, it would have been well known, and his companions would have transferred that information to us.

The Sahaabah narrated from the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam everything that we need to know, and they did not neglect any aspect of the Deen; 

Actually they were the *first* ones to do anything good. 

If celebrating this night had been prescribed in Islaam, they would have been the first people to do so.

And if it wasn't the practice of our Beloved Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam or his Sahaabah, then, why do we insist on doing it?

Isn't the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the best example to be followed?

Allah tells us:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

"In the Messenger of Allah you have a fine example for he who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah abundantly."

(Surah al-Ahzaab: 21)

But everyone does so!

Sure, I know, we have seen our fathers and grandfathers doing so. 

But, remember that it is NOT our forefathers that we are supposed to follow. 

Rather, our ibaadah should be based on *proofs* from the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah, and NOT culture or tradition.

Just look at what Allah says about people who insist on following their forefathers.

Allah said:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ اتَّبِعُوا مَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ قَالُواْ بَلْ نَتَّبِعُ مَا أَلْفَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ آبَاءنَا أَوَلَوْ كَانَ آبَاؤُهُمْ لاَ يَعْقِلُونَ شَيْئاً وَلاَ يَهْتَدُونَ

"When it is said to them: 'Follow what Allah has sent down,' they reply: 'We will follow that which we found our fathers upon,' even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided." 

(Surah al-Baqarah: 170)

But I hear many "Shaikhs" say so!

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever among you lives will see many DIFFERENCES, so I urge you to ADHERE to MY SUNNAH and the way of the rightly-guided caliphs who will come after me, and cling firmly to it. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray." 

(Abu Dawood, others- sahih by al-Albaani)

Is good intention not enough?

I'm sure, that in celebrating this night, your intention is good. 

But dear brother/sister, in order for our worship to be accepted, not only should our intentions be good and purely for Allah, rather the action also has to have PROOF from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

If it is not so, it will be rejected.

The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: 

"Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected."

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

The exact date is unknown

Also, do you know that even though the incidence of al-Israa' wal Mi'raaj is an undeniable fact in history, yet the exact date or even the exact month in which this took place is not certain?

Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz said:

"With regard to this night on which the Isra' and Mi'raaj took place, there is nothing in the sahih ahaadeeth to indicate that it is in Rajab or in any other month. Everything that has been narrated concerning a specific date for these events cannot be proven to have come from the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam according to the scholars of hadith...." 

But, what's the harm if I celebrate it?

Now, some of you will say, "What's the harm in it? I am just worshiping Allah!"

But, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala Himself answers to that. 

He says:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ

 مَصِيرً

"And whosoever opposes the Messenger Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way, We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and *burn him in Hell* - what an evil destination!" 

[Surah an-Nisaa:115]

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen says: 

"Fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a bid'ah (innovation), and every bid'ah is a going astray." 

 (Majmoo' Fataawa , 20/440)

So, remember, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, DO NOT single out the 27th for your worship because it was NOT the practice of the Prophet OR his Sahaabah.

If however, you pray EVERY single night and it is part of your DAILY ROUTINE to stay up for ibaadah, then there is no harm. 

Similarly, if you are in the habit of fasting Mondays and Thursdays, or during Ayyaam Beed (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month), and the 27th of Rajab falls on one of those days, then it is OK to do so.

The problem arises when one thinks that this night is special and singles out this night or day for worship, thinking they are getting extra reward for their worship. 

But this is contrary to the Sharee’ah and against the teachings of the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. 

And Allah knows best.

76. 8 Signs Of A Healthy Heart

1. One considers himself as belonging to the next world

and not this world. He is a stranger in this world anxious to reach his abode in the Hereafter.

2. One continues to be upset with himself anytime he commits a sin until he finally and completely repents to Allah.

3. One is more upset and unhappy if he misses his daily recitation of the Qur’an and dhikr, than if he had lost his wealth.

4. One finds greater pleasure worshiping Allah than any pleasure in eating and drinking.

5. One’s worries and concerns about this world leave him

whenever he begins his formal prayers.

6. One’s only concern and worries are about Allah and doing deeds only for His sake.

7. One is more concerned and stingy about wasting time

than a greedy person is with respect to his wealth.

8. One is more concerned about the correctness of his deeds than with the performance of the deeds themselves.”

[Ibn Al-Qayyim rahimahuAllah]

75. Never Forget

When your hurt by people who share the same blood as you, just remember Yusuf (alayhissalam), who was betrayed by his own brothers.

If you find your parents opposing you, remember Ibrahim (alayhissalam), whose father led him to the fire.

If you're stuck with a problem where there's no way out, remember Yunus (alayhissalam), stuck in the belly of a whale.

When someone slanders you, remember Aisha (radi Allahu 'anha) who was slandered throughout the city.

If you're ill your body cries with pain, remember Ayoub (alayhissalam) who was more ill than you.

When you are lonely, recall Adam (alayhissalam) who was created alone.

When you cant see the logic around you, think of Nuh (alayhissalam)who built an Ark without questioning.

If you are mocked by your own relatives, family, friends and the world at large, then remember our dear Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu 'alayhi wasallam).

Allah put these prophets to trial so that generations will persevere in patience. Reflect, Learn, Copy.

74. Ten things Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala WON’T ask

1. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask what kind of car you drove;

He’ll ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.

2. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask the square footage of your house;

He’ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask about the clothes you had in your closet;

He’ll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask what your highest salary was;

He’ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

5… Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask what your job title was;

He’ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6… ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask how many friends you had;

He’ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask in what neighbourhood you lived,

He’ll ask how you treated your neighbours.

8. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask about the colour of your skin;

He’ll ask about the content of your character.

9. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation;

He’ll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10. ALLAH Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala won’t ask how many people you forwarded this to;

He’ll ask if you were ashamed to pass it on to your friends

73. Tips To Improve Our Salaah

Imagine the Ka’bah in front of you

Pray as if you can see Jannah and Jahannam

Standing for Salaah will make your standing on Yawmul          Qiyamah easier

Pray as if it’s your last

Every time you say ‘Allahu Akbar’, it’s a reminder that Allah is Greater than anything that could occupy your thoughts

Stand for Salaah with fear and love of Allah, and hope in His Mercy

Remember that Allah is watching, and He knows that you’re trying

72. Pray Obediently And Dutifully

These are the terms which Mua'zzin calls in Adhaan. It's a call for all of us to pray and be obedient and dutiful.

Look what has happened now?

Due to our irregular, non punctual and missed prayers we have been made to pray in our homes.

This has happened at the time of Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. When it was severe hailstorm and raining, people couldn't go out of their homes, they were ordered to pray inside.

Due to this pandemic widespread of disease. People have shut themselves into their homes and. Also the Masjids are close down.

Just look at the state we all are in, if Allah wills what else would he do!? 

We have become so ignorant in our prayers that we are stopped from going to Masjid. 

Those who have a chance, please go and pray all 5 times with jamah(congregation). You never know which would be your last prayed and if you would ever get a chance to pray or not.

May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala grant us all ability to pray all five times prayers and also to pray with congregation on those it's mandatory. 

71. Sabr

A four letter word which has such huge meaning and deeper level. 

To understand the intellect of it, one must know that the English word, Patience and Sabr differs in contradiction to what and how it is done. 

Even the disbelievers will ask you to have patience. 

But this word Sabr is something so beautiful because it is phrased by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. 

Two beautiful sentences where Sabr is used is :
• Sabran Ya nafsi.
• Fasabrun jameel. 

First one is making your soul(nafs) to bear Sabr, like it goes, O my dear Soul Be Patient(sabr).

Second one is even more beautiful, because even if your soul strikes to not be patient or to have sabr, when you remember the second sentence. 

Which beautifully personifies that, Indeed with patience beautiful rewards awaits. 

The inner meaning of it is that bear patience for the sake of Allah 
Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and see how beautiful it would be to bear patience or to have sabr for the sake of him.

Each one of us have different level of sabr, each one of us go through different levels of tests and trials on the level of Sabr we have in them. 

The more Sabr you have the more taste of hardships you will feel. Surely my dear when you're going through it, it would be very hard at the start. 

But wallahi, when it transpires and you finally succeed in the trial the essence of joy you feel in you would be irreplaceable. 

First ask your soul to be patient, Secondly bear patience for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala see how beautiful rewards we get.

So let's make a small change in our life and try to have a little bit of more patience than we already have. 

Remember to taste the love of Allah you need to go through trials and hardships and to go through that you need Sabr. 

So as Allah promised indeed with hardship their is ease. 

So wallahi, my Lord would never ever breaks his promises. 

So hold on, you are not alone, Allah is with you. 

He shall get you through this. Sabran ya nafsi, Sabran.

70. What Would You Choose Deen Or Duniya

And whoever makes the Dunya his most important matter, Allah will confound his affairs.

This is very important. The Prophet salaAllahu alayhi wasalaam mentioned: 
"Whoever makes the Duny'a his most important matter, Allah will confound his affairs and make poverty appear before his eyes and he will not get anything from the world except what has been decreed for him."

Whoever makes the Hereafter his concern, Allah will settle his affairs and make him content in his heart and the world will come to him (although he does not want it)" - Sunan Ibn Majah 4105.

And so we must understand, it is the concern about the akhira, the concern about the standing infront of Allah, and the structuring of our lives according to this - that will lead to all our affairs being settled; be it our financial needs, our quests for marriage, our family needs, our ailments and so forth.

And more so, if one's concern is the Akhira, the dunya will also come to him even though he does not need it. And it will be at his disposal.

But on the other hand, whoever is concerned about the dunya and gets lost in it then Allah will make poverty between his eyes, even if he has all the things, friends and money of the dunya. He will become a slave of the dunya and will never find peace of mind nor rest. And his affairs will be so confined that he won't find fulfilment in anything.
-Ibrahimeen. 

69. Hidayah

A seven letter word which some people use it very often while others don't even know what it is. 

So let's understand what it is!

Hidayah is not from people, neither I can give Hidayah nor anyone else can, neither it can be bought nor be gotten by reading tons and tons of things. 

Hidayah is from Allah azzawajal. 

He gives Hidayah who he wishes and do not give to those whom he doesn't wishes.

You and I can pray for someone's Hidayah, but we cannot give hidayah to anyone by ourself. 

It's solely by the Almighty King Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. 

The story of the time of death of Abu Talib - Uncle of Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Imam Bukhari relates a hadith in his Sahih: Sa’eed ibn al-Musayyib narrates from his father: 

“When the time of the death of Abu Talib approached, Allah’s messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to him and found Abu Jahl ibn Hisham and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah ibn al-Mughira by his side. Allah’s messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Abu Talib: “O uncle! Say: There is none worthy of worship besides Allah, a sentence with which I shall be a witness for you before Allah” Abu Jahl and ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah said, “O Abu Talib! Are you going to denounce the religion of Abdul Muttalib?” Allah’s messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  kept on inviting Abu Talib to say it (i.e. There is none worthy of worship besides Allah) while they (Abu Jahl and Abdullah) kept on repeating their statement untill Abu Talib said as his last statement that he was on the religion of Abdul Muttalib and refused to say, There is none worthy of worship besides Allah.’ Then Allah’s messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “I will keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden (by Allah) to do so.” (Sahih al-Bukhari no:4399 and Sahih Muslim no:35)

Thereafter the verse of the Holy Qur’an was revealed: 
“It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of the fire.” (Al-Qur’an 9:113 Surah al-Tawbah)

And in relation to Abu Talib the following verse was also revealed:
“Indeed you will not be able to guide whom you wish, but Allah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance.”
(Al-Qur’an 28:.56 Surah al-Qasas)

Sahih Muslim reports that this verse was revealed regarding Abu Talib. 

It was Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s great desire that Abu Talib should accept the faith. 

It was for this desire that he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was advised that it was not within his control to put faith in anybody’s heart.

Hadhrat Ibn Abbas relates a hadith which is also recorded in Sahih Muslim. He says:
Allah’s messenger salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Among the inhabitants of the fire AbuTalib would have the least suffering, and he would be wearing two shoes (of Fire) which would boil his brain.”
(Sahih Muslim no:312,  Kanz al-‘Ummal no:39512,  Musnad Ahmed ibn al-Hanbal no:2636)

From the above story we can understand that Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself couldn't give anyone guidance but he was sent to guide the ummah. 

Guidance is by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and no one else. So to get guidance on right path we have to constantly ask Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and remember Allah never sends a believer (du'a) empty handed.

So make du'a for beautiful and righteous guidance, because this is very very important. 

And if guidance is stolen from the person he is misguided for life and his abode will be Jahannum. 

So my beloved people kindly make du'a for guidance(hidayah).

May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala grant us Hidayah and keep us dutiful. 

Ameen

68. Tawakkul

A eight lettered word, but has a greater depth than what once can decipher. 

Tawakkul is believing in the will of Allah, believing his decree(Qadr), believing what he has done in our life is for best. 

Almost all of us claim from tongue that it's Qadr of Allah, it's his plan, but do we really believe that in heart when any calamity occurs.

When we are depressed totally disheartened and totally sad, heart broken and everything that just puts us off, we just say to people it's Allah's plans but our heart doesn't find that peace thinking it was his plans. Why? Because we don't have complete Tawakkul on Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. 

If we believe in his plans then we would say Alhamdulillah at every step of life. 

Even if our tears are flowing, even if we are depressed, even if we are heart broken or anything. 

We would believe that what ever has happened is by the Kings of King, who has planned everything for us.

We might plan something but he might have planned something else for us, but his plans are the best. 

As the holy Qura'an says : 
Wayamkuroona Wayamkurullah, Wallahu Khairul Makireen. وَيَمْكُرُونَ وَيَمْكُرُ اللَّهُ ۖ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ. 
They plot and plan, and Allah too plans; but the best of planners is Allah.
When we say we believe in him, we have Tawakkul in him. 

Then have Tawakkul in complete sense. 

Not just by mouth, but from your heart soul, your senses and complete being.

Things might be hard for each one of us, we might be at the end of breaking, but O’ beloved servant of Allah, hold on have patience, have Tawakkul on him and see how he makes things for you.

How he would make a way out for you, how beautiful he would make your life. 

Just hold on, for a little more time. 

Just close your eyes and say. O’ Allah I trust your plans, I know this is your test. Help me, make me strong and get me out of this and relief me, indeed as you promised with hardship there is ease. 

You would beautify the life after the test has passed. 

Until then keep me firm on you and make me obey you in every beat of my heart.

So, all in all. 

I want to conclude is whatever may be our condition right now. 

Just hold on. 

Be patient, remember your Lord would make things better for you and move on.

May Allah make things easy for all of us. 

And ease our sufferings and grant us isteqamat to have complete Tawakkul on him. 

Complete trust on him.

67. Benefits Of Istighfaar

In times of troubles and calamities, sicknesses and problems such as these days, each one of us should take a hard look at his or her own self, turn to Allah in repentance and make a LOT of Istighfaar. 

Benefits of Istighfaar

by Asma bint Shameem 

Mistakes and negligence are part of our human nature and no one is exempt from this. 

In fact it’s EXPECTED that we will sin. 

But it’s ALSO expected of the BEST of us that we should seek forgiveness from our Rabb for our mistakes and shortcomings. 

And turn to Him in repentance. 

The Prophet sal Allahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“By He in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would wipe you out and bring into existence people who did sin, then ask Allah for forgiveness – and He would forgive them.” (Muslim)

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“All the sons of Adam are sinners and the BEST among the sinners are those who REPENT.” (Ahmad and others- Hasan by al-Albaani)

It is out of the infinite Mercy of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala that He provides us ways and means to have our sins forgiven and gives us the chance to rectify our mistakes. 

Making Istighfaar is one of them. 

In fact, making Istighfaar brings a most generous reward from the Most Generous, the Most Forgiving, even though we’ve sinned against Him. 

So here are some Benefits of Istighfaar

1. It wipes away our sins and brings Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness.

Allah says:

“And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

(Surah an-Nisaa:110)

2. Istighfaar is the means to success in this life and the next. 

Allah says:

"And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, so that you might succeed." (Surah an-Noor: 31)

3. A lot of sincere Istighfaar PREVENTS CALAMITIES, DISEASES and TRIBULATIONS.

Allah says:

"And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness." 

(Surah al-Anfaal: 33).

4. Making much Istighfaar also takes away our problems and distress, saves us from awkward situations and brings us provision from places we never expected. 

The Prophet Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Whoever makes Istighfaar frequently, Allah will provide a way for him out of every distress and provide for him from sources he could never expect." (Ahmad- saheeh by Shaakir)

5. Lots of Istighfaar is one of the ways that Allah blesses people with children, wealth, rain and provision.

A man once came to al-Hasan al-Basri and complained to him:

“The sky does not shower us with rain.” 

He replied: “Seek Allah’s forgiveness (Say 'Astaghfirullaah')

Then another person came to him and said, 
“I complain of poverty.” 

He replied: “Seek Allah’s forgiveness" 

Then another person came to him and complained, “My wife is barren; she cannot bear children.” 

He replied: 
“Seek Allah’s forgiveness."

The people who were present, said to al-Hasan: 

“Every time a person came to you complaining, you instructed them to seek Allah’s forgiveness?”

Al-Hasan al-Basri said, 

“Have you not read the statement of Allah when He said: 

"Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance; increase you in wealth and children; grant you gardens and bestow on you rivers." [Nuh (71):10-12]

6. Istighfaar brings Allah’s guidance and increases Imaan. 

Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“Whoever sees (from himself) that his chest is not expanding and he is not obtaining any sweetness of Emaan and the light of guidance then let (him) increase in repentance and Istighfaar (seeking Allah’s Forgiveness).” (al-Fataawaa al-Kubraa 5/62)

And he said:

"The testification of Tawheed opens the door to goodness and Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) from sins closes the door to evil."[Fatawa 11/256]

7. Istighfaar brings us closer to Allah 

 Imam al-Shafi’i said,

“I complained to Waki’ regarding my poor memory So he guided me to abandon all sins

And he said to me ‘The Knowledge of Allah is a Light. 
And the Light of Allah is not given to a sinner.”

And there are lots more benefits Alhamdulillaah. 

So make lots of Istighfaar ALWAYS. 

Don’t let any chance go by without doing Istighfaar. 

Make it a DAILY habit.

The Prophet sal Allahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to him more than seventy times in a day.” 

(al-Bukhaari)

Think about this for a second.

Why would the one who’s past and future sins were forgiven make Istighfaar more than 70 times a day?

If he made Istighfaar more than 70 times a day, what about me and you?

May Allah forgive us and enable us to turn to Him with true and sincere repentance. 

Ameen.

66. Why Do We Read Quran, Even If We Can't Understand A Single Arabic word?

An old man lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, 'Grandpa! I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?'

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, 'Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.'

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'you'll have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Grandpa, it's useless!'

'So you think it is useless?' The old man said, 'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

'Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives.'

Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) says: 'The one who guides to good will be rewarded equally'.

65. Life Journey Of A Pencil

The Pencil Maker took the Pencil aside, just before putting it into the box. 

"There are five things you need to know," the Pencil Maker told the Pencil, "Before I send you out into the World. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best Pencil you can be."

1. "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."

2. "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better Pencil."

3. "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make." 

4. "The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

5. "On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write." 

The Pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart. Now replacing the place of the Pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

1. "You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Allah's Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess."

2. "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you will need it to become a stronger person."

3. "You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

4. "The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside."

5. "On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties." 

Moral:

Allow this example on the Pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change. "You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you will need it to become a stronger person."

64. Your Son’s Wife Is Not His Mother

There are two kinds of women who can change a man inside out, and they are a mother and a wife. Both hold a superior level of importance in his life and deserve equal love, care and respect for the responsibilities they fulfill.

However it has been noted in the sub-continent, how some people fail and refuse to understand that there is a very big difference in ...duties that both females are supposed to fulfill. 

Often people expect the wife to do things the mothers were supposed to. They both have different obligations and everything should not be dumped on the wife.

You may have heard people say, “Get him married off and then he will understand what his responsibilities are”, or “Don’t worry, after he gets married, things will be better. His wife will make him a man.”

My question is: Why? Why put an innocent girl through something she doesn’t deserve? It is not the wife’s duty to fix the man she is marrying. She should marry a man who has been brought up well, who can financially sustain her and who can give her the love and respect she deserves.

A mother is supposed to train her children preparing them for the hardships they will have to face in life, teach them manners, educate them well, make them understand the difference between right and wrong, love and care for them and cater to their needs when they are young and teach them to be good human beings.

A wife on the other hand is supposed to look after her husband and cater to his needs emotionally and physically. She is to take care of him and her family and multi-task in the situations she feels necessary. 

What she is not supposed to be doing is cleaning up her mother in law’s mess. 

She is not supposed to be teaching her husband basic manners, how to be responsible or how to be a good person because his own mother failed to do so.

Mothers, please fulfill your duties as a mom and do not dump them on your son’s wife. 

There are some responsibilities you have to fulfill and there are some she has to but please don’t burden her with everything and complicate her married life.

Do you agree? 

Why do mothers expect their daughter-in-laws to fulfill the duties that they should have done themselves? 

63. Secrets Of Surah Kahf

Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday?

Let’s find out today in Shaa Allah… 

This Surah has Four stories in it, having some morals, lets see them and understand what they are saying to us:

1) The People Of The Cave

Its the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. -Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - They woke up and found the entire village believers. 

MORAL:TRIAL OF FAITH.

2) The Owner Of Two Gardens

A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the One who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife.So His garden was destroyed - He regretted ,but was too late and his regret did not benefit him .

MORAL:TRIAL OF WEALTH.

3) Musa alayhi wa sallam and Khidr alayhi wa sallam)

When Musa alayhi wa sallam was asked-“Who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?”” Musa alayhi wa sallam said:Me…,but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who Knows more than him. Musa alayhi wa sallam traveled to the man and learnt how the Divine Wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad.

MORAL:TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE.

4) Dhul-Qarnayn

Its a story of the great King that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world,helping people and spreading all that’s good.He was able to overcome the problem of Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even understand.

MORAL: TRIAL OF POWER.

In the middle Allah mentions Iblees as the one who stirs these trials:

Behold! We said to the angels “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

Now let us see what’s the relationship between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)? 

Dajjal will appear before Day of Judgement with the 4 trials: 

***He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah:

Trial of Faith .

***He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth:

Trial of with his wealth. .

***He’ll trial people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them:

Trial of Knowledge .

He’ll control huge parts of the Earth. 

Trial of Power .

How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surat Al-Kahf 

1. Survival Kit: Good companionship.

“And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28)

2. Survival Kit: Knowing the Truth of this World .

“Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45)

3 Survival Kit: Humbleness.

“Moses said: “Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught.””(Surat Al-Kahf, verse 69)

4. Survival Kit: Sincerity.

“Say: “I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surat Al- Kahf, verse 110)

5. Survival Kit: Calling to Allah.

“And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 27)

6. Survival Kit: Remembering the HereAfter .

“ One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with the announcement), “Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfill the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”: And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !” They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verses 47-49)