Who Allah Guides...

BismIllah wa as salaamu alaykum wa RahmatUllahi wa Barakatuh.


Sometimes you will find that people around you do not encourage you to complete reliance and trust (tawakkal) in Allah. However, you may in yourself feel sure that if you act in obedience to Allah, avoiding or giving up something for His pleasure, that He will take care of you. People will say, "You'd better take that job even if they say you can't wear your hijaab/ perform salat/keep your beard." You might even hear people tell you to overlook working in a place that sells alcohol or pork, has music and movies playing, or makes money from gambling or taking interest (ribaa). The "logical" arguments and justifications are often along the lines of, "Otherwise, how will you pay your rent and feed the children?" You may have a voice inside you thinking, "If I stick to obedience to Allah, then He will give me another way that is Halal and pleasing to Him to pay my rent and feed my children." You may believe that Allah will provide you with much better than what you give up for His sake, including halal income. However, there is usually contingent who will say you are being naive, or even foolish.

Which of these viewpoints will win in your mind and heart? When faced with the two roads, which one is walking on stable ground and which is a paved with quicksand? Well, the ones who said you should compromise your Islaam for worldly security would say that you were being responsible by taking that job. However, Allah tells us that the only security lies in obedience to, and total reliance on Him. It is in total obedience to your Creator - Allah: The Provider, The Sustainer, The Just, that you walk the secure path, paved with solid, stable ground. That is the responsible and guided decision. I'm sure you will find examples of this all around you, both in your own life and in the lives of others, where Allah proves His Truth. Please do share some of your inspiring true stories with us, inshaa'Allah.

I have faced many of these situations over the course of my life, and especially during the 24 years I have been a Muslimah, and what I have found is that the real truth lies in Allah's words:

"Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them our of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to the Straight Way"  

[Surah Ma'idah, ayah16]

and the words of our beloved Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in the oft repeated Khutbah Haajah:

"Who Allah guides, none can misguide and who He misguides, none can guide. 

May we be of those who Allah always Guides to His Siraat al Mustaqeem.

Fa ayna tath-haboon?

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.

How many of you know about tawheed and shirk, have perhaps studied Kitaab at-Tawheed, Usool ath-Thalaathah, Qawaa'id al-Arbaa, Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Sahih Muslim, Qur'aan with tafseer from Ibn Katheer or As-Sa'adi, Usoolul Fiqh, Fiqh, seerah, and other basic sciences or foundational Islamic texts? While some of you may say no, others will have studied at least some, and there will be some of you who have studied them all, and more, mashaa'Allah. However, even with the correct aqeedah, understanding, and knowledge, everyone needs to look at their road map of life. "Fa ayna tath-haboon?"[Surat at-Takweer, ayah 26] (Where are you going?) So much knowledge, and yet what are you doing? How do you justify your time? How to you justify your actions? No, not to yourself, to Allah. We are put on this earth for one thing - to worship Allah alone. "Wa maa khalaqtu al jinna wal insaa illa liya'budoon." [Surat adh-Dhariyyaat - ayah 56] (I have not created all of mankind and the jinn except to worship Me.)

Sometimes we cruise along life's journey, making all manner of detours, stops, and pleasure tours along with way, but are those stops beneficial for our aakhirah? It is so easy to start out the journey with good intentions, a detailed trip itinerary filled with benefit and with the intention and purpose to please and obey Allah, but our own desires (with the help of shaytaan, our arch enemy) get the better of us. We seek happiness, pleasure, and relaxation in following our desires, but the One Who knows us best, Who designed us and perfected our life map, tells us, "Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." Not just in prayer or the Qur'aan, do hearts find rest, but all remembrance, because when you remember Allah in all aspects of your life and actions, you make choices with Him in mind. It's a part of taqwa. When your choices are made with Allah at the forefront of your mind, they are better ones, and your heart can feel at ease with your decisions and actions. So, remembrance of Allah might change your window shopping at the mall (and remember that the market is the most disliked place by Allah) to a walk out in nature, reflecting on and basking in the beauty that Allah has gifted us with on this Earth. It can change from hours on playstation to a a mind-stretching game for the whole family about what's mubah, makrooh, or mustahhab, exercising your bodies, or learning a new craft or skill. Allah will open your mind and horizons when you put Him in His rightful place - first and foremost.

It is always time for some honest soul-searching, inspection of our usage of time and productivity, active correction, fine tuning, and maintenance. If you lack strength or willpower, beg Allah for it and set up road blocks for yourself so that you cannot fall into the traps you usually succumb to. If you lack discipline, consider your agreements to be with Allah, rather than yourself, and try to make others more involved and reliant on your participation, so that you meet your goals and fulfill your promises. Seek solutions from Allah and strive!

Allah gives us a conscience; we know what is right and wrong. We know what meets His approval and what we would rather hide from the world. If you are driving somewhere and you find yourself on the wrong road, you check your map or GPS system and you turn around. That's what you need to do in life. Look at the road and see where you are going. If it isn't the straight road, the Siraatul Mustaqeem, along which you obey and please Allah, then stop in your tracks, reassess, and change direction...before it's too late.

May Allah guide us all to obedience and what He loves, and keep us firmly on His Straight Path - ameen.

The Sad and Bad of "Sorry"

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.

There are two main ways that I generally hear the word "sorry" being used. The first is as an apology for doing something hurtful, damaging, or mistakenly. Examples of this are, "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings."  "I'm sorry I hit you." "I'm sorry I broke your toy." This I call the "sad sorry," as it expresses, or is supposed to express, regret over doing something. The "sad sorry" is the one that can be avoided the majority of the time by thought before action, self control in the face of strong emotion, and consideration and respect of others and their property. The sad sorry is the fourth element required for tawbah (repentance) to be accepted. The first three are knowing what you have done is wrong and why, truly feeling regret and sorrow in your heart about doing such a wrong, and resolving never to do such a wrong again, followed by the fourth element, to apologize or remedy the wrong with the person(s) involved.

The second type of "sorry" is to show regret or commiseration with someone else over something that has befallen them. Examples of this are," I'm sorry to hear that your father died." "I'm sorry to hear that you've been so sick." "I'm sorry to hear that you lost your job." "I'm sorry that happened; it's just not fair." This I call the "bad sorry," as it expresses displeasure, disagreement, or nonacceptance of Allah's Decree. The "bad sorry" is extremely dangerous, as it negates at-tawheed. To believe that there is something better, more appropriate, or fairer than what Allah has willed, or to imagine that something has happened outside of Allah's will and control, is denying His Lordship, Names, and Attributes. This can possibly remove one from Islam, because if it isn't at-tawheed, then it is shirk.

General culture, not Islamic culture, has conditioned many to automatically say "sorry" as a commiserating response to anyone who faces a test or trial. However it goes against all that we know as Muslims, because if Allah LOVES you, He tests you. What befalls you was decreed and written in Al Lawh Al Mahfoodth literally thousands of years before you were created. We plan and Allah plans, but Allah's plan is the one that prevails and the one that is perfect.

Such is our misguidance, that should someone say they have terminal cancer and their brother or sister in Islam responds with, al hamdul'Illah or mashaa'Allah, they will be infuriated and offended. They think, "Where is the sympathy? Where is the anger at how unfair this is to me?"  However, to acknowledge that it is from Allah and that He has written it, and so it is accepted as His Qadr, is not only correct, but rewarded. It is important that we remind ourselves of that fact constantly in the face of all the tests and enormous trials members of our Ummah are put to. It is also da'wah, because in saying,"Al hamdul'Illahi 'ala kully haal," (All praises are due to Allah in every situation) and, "Qadr Allahi wa maa shaa fa'al," (It is preordained by Allah and He does as He wills) one reminds the other of the correct outlook and how they should respond and think if they want their test to be a blessing of expiation, elevation in rank in Jennah, or a life-saving lesson. Some of you will recall when I wrote about my miscarriages (13 total up to March 2012, mashaa'Allah) that whenever someone said they were sorry, I would say don't be sorry for it is Allah's special plan for me and there is nothing but gain and benefit in it for me.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

وإن أصابك شيء فلا تقل لو أني فعلت كذا لكان كذا وكذا لكن قل قدر الله وما شاء فعل…

“…And if something (bad) befalls you, do not say, ‘Had I only done such-and-such, then such-and-such would have happened, rather say: Qadrullaahi, wa maa shaa’ fa’ala (This is from the Qadr of Allaah, and He does whatever He wills).” [Muslim]

So rather, in these situations, say, "Qadr Allahi wa maa shaa fa'al," and if the person is not in a good frame of mind about their test, remind them of the blessings in it. Give examples of times when they, or you, or someone else you mutually know has gone through a test and been rewarded with something far better afterwards. Remind them of the trials and hardships of our beloved Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and the prophets Nuh, Ibraheem, Lut, and Ayoob alayhum as salaam, which put our small tests in perspective. Do a reality check and ask, "Are you upset with Allah's Decree?" Encourage others and remind yourself to embrace ALL that Allah sends you, to trust and know with certainty that it is for your own good and best end, and give thanks for it seeking the lessons, benefit, and rewards that it brings.

May our words acknowledge, honor, and thank our Creator, and may our hearts love Him for ALL He sends us - ameen.

Eid: Now and Then

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.

Another Ramadhaan completed and another flood of tears to mark my heartache at its end. Ramadhaan represents so much to me, with a complete change of focus and atmosphere in our household, mashaa'Allah. Simply the lack of having to prepare food during the day leaves me so much time for ibaadah and tarbiyyah, mashaa'Allah. Al hamdul'Illah for the blessing of another Ramadhaan and dua' for us all to see many more - ameen.

This morning I awoke at 2:45 a.m. and started readying the children to leave the house before fajr prayer. We were blessed with praying Fajr at Masjid al Quba, where the imam recited Surat ar-Rahmaan mashaa'Allah. Then we sat there afterwards reciting the takbeer, watching as hundreds of people arrived for the Eid prayer. We were offered sweets, dates, and water, mashaa'Allah. We watched the edges of the clouds turn pastel shades of marshmallow fluff as the sun rose, then we prayed and listened to the khutbah.  Afterwards, we returned home, and had juicy watermelon and hot tameez and adas (fresh tanoor-baked wholewheat bread and tasty lentils) for breakfast.  The children spent the morning looking at the books they were gifted for Eid and making crafts from them. They were given their tins and jars of homemade Eid goodies and spent the morning buzzing around excitedly as the adults took some rest. After Dhuhr prayer, a light lunch of homemade pita bread and sticky sweet rolls, with minted soft cheese and torshy (crisp pickled vegetables) was enjoyed. Afternoon tea is planned for after Asr and after Maghrib we will go out for dinner inshaa'Allah.  Tomorrow, after Fajr, we set off for Yanbu with its beautiful beach on the Red Sea, staying for the night until the third day of Eid. Everyone can enjoy the blue sea, fresh fish, and relaxing atmosphere inshaa'Allah. Such is my Eid now that I have a family - a husband, children, and as a special gift this year, my father.

It is such a contrast to the Eids gone by, when I was single and living in Bahrain. Initially, I found myself sitting at home after the Eid prayer all alone with nothing to do and no-one to visit. All my friends were married, busy with family and extended family on the days of Eid. I just didn't fit in. Then, one year I met an older sister, her daughter and her two small grandsons. I also met the same year three other sisters who were single and in a similar situation to me, just left hanging around with nothing to look forward to at Eid time. An idea came to me and, al hamdu l'Illah, it became a tradition that continued until my departure from Bahrain and marriage in 2002. I arranged to meet all the sisters (or take them if they weren't driving) at the Eid prayer. Then afterwards, I invited them to huge buffet breakfast in an hotel - sometimes the Sheraton, sometimes the Gulf Hotel. We would take a long, leisurely breakfast, which usually turned into brunch, and then go for a walk along the corniche. Before going our separate ways, I would give out plates of homemade treats and gifts. Eid went from being something dreaded to something anticipated and filled with barakah, mashaa'Allah. Still, over 10-15 years later, those same friends still send me e-mails telling me how much they miss those Eids, wa al hamdul'Illahi Rabbil aal ameen!

Must seem like I'm blabbering a bit today, but I guess what I want to point out and remember myself is that Eid is what you make it...not just for yourself, but for others. Now the days are gone when I have to find solutions for Eids alone, but they aren't gone for everyone. For those of you who are single, without Muslim family to celebrate or gather with, remember that there are others who are in the same boat. Plan something special together. It's not about how extravagant or expensive it is, it's about being together and enjoying the blessings of good companionship and support on these days that Allah has given us as a time to celebrate following Ramadhaan and/or Hajj. Eid is for everyone and everyone should FEEL Eid, bi ithn Illah.

As always, may Allah accept our fasting, our worship, our dua', and pardon our omissions and errors during this Ramadhaan and bless us to benefit and improve from many more - ameen.

Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum!

Ramadhaan 2012: Juz 30 Questions

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.

Juz 30 Questions

An-Naba:   

1. What will the kuffar say on The Day?

 An-Nazi'at: 

1. What ayah tells about the angels who take the souls of the people going to hellfire called (in Arabic).
2. What about the angels that take the souls going to Jennah?
3. Who is racing and for what?

'Abasa: 

1. Who did the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam frown at?
2. Who did he pay special attention to?
3. Which ayah tells us that the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can only give the message but not guide anyone to Islam?
4. What will be on the faces of the disbelievers?

At-Takweer: 

1. What are the first 13 ayaat describing? 
2. What does Allah mean when He asks, "So where are you going?"

Al-Infitar: 

1. Which ayah tells us that the people of hellfire will stay there forever?

Al-Mutaffifeen: 

1. What is the record of the wrongdoers in?
2. What is the record of the righteous in?
3. Who will have the last laugh?

Al-Inshiqaq: 

1. What does ayah 6 mean?

Al-Buruj: 

1. Did the burning of the people of the trench happen during the time of Prophet Muhammad? Give your proof.

At-Tariq: 

1. Why does Allah tell us to leave the disbelievers for a while?

Al-'Ala: 

1. What will the wretched one do?
2. Who will succeed?

Al-Ghashiyah: 

1. What is unsuitable speech?

 Al-Fajr: 

1. Why did Allah send upon the Aad, Iram, Thamud, and Firawn great punishment? 
2. What does it mean, that people use up inheritance, "devouring it altogether"?

Al-Balad: 

1. Who is the father?
2. What is the difficult pass?

Ash-Shams: 

1. Which ayah proves that we can tell what is bad and good in ourselves?

Al-Lail: 

1. What are the conditions of giving wealth so that it purifies you?

Ad-Duha: 

1. What reminders does Allah give the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that He has always taken care of him.

Ash-Sharh: 

1. What does Allah promise us? 
2. What should we do when we have completed our daily tasks?

At-Teen: 

1. What happens to man when Allah returns him to the lowest of low?

Al-'Alaq: 

1. What do the angels of Hell do?

Al-Qadr: 

1. What is sent down on Lailat al Qadr?
2. Which nights to we seek it?

Al-Bayyinah: 

1. What was everyone commanded to do?

 Az-Zalzalah: 

1. Where will the people depart?

Al-'Aadiyat: 

1. What are man's bad qualities? How does he prove them?

Al-Qari'ah: 

1. What do we do in our home to help us think whether our scales are heavy or light?

At-Takathur: 

1. What does it mean that we will be asked about pleasure?

Al-'Asr: 

1. How can we avoid being in loss?

Al-Humazah: 

1. Which ayah talks about being selfish and stingy?

Al-Fil: 

1. Who led the army with the elephant?

Quraysh: 

1. What city is the home of the Quraysh?

Al-Ma'un:  

1.  Who are not really worried about their prayers?

Al-Kawthar: 

1. What is al-kawthar?

Al-Kafirun: 

1. What is the special benefit of reciting this surah?

An-Nasr: 

1. What victory is this surah talking about?

Al-Masad: 

1. Who was Abu Lahab? 
2. Why is his wife going to be punished as well?

Al-Ikhlas: 

1. Name two special benefits of this surah.

Al-Falaq & An-Nas: 

1. Which times of day is it sunnah to recite these surahs? 
2. Why do we recite them?

Ramadhaan 2012: Juz 29 Questions

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.

Juz 29 Questions

Al Mulk:   

1. Why did Allah create life and death?

Al Qalam: 

1. Who did Allah forbid the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to obey? 
2. When the companions swore to cut the fruit in their garden in the early morning without exception, what does that mean?
   
3. What is the situation of the people who didn't pray/prostrate to Allah in this life, on Yawm al Qiyamah?
   

Al Haqqah: 

1. What is another name for Al Haqqah? .
2. What does it mean when the one who is given his account in his left hand says he wishes his death had been the decisive one? 

Al Maarij: 

1. Who will be in gardens honored? 

Nuh: 

1. What are the different ways that Nuh, alayhi salaam, invited his people to Islam? (These ayaat are scattered throughout the surah.) 
2. What dua' did Nuh, alayhi salaam, make against his people? Why? 

Al-Jinn: 

1. What did the Jinn do before the time of the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam? 

Al-Muzammil: 

1. Why is it better to pray at night (tahajjud)? 
2. What does it mean, "loan to Allah a goodly loan"? 

Al-Muddathir: 

1. Who is Allah talking about when He says, Leave Me with the one I created alone."?
2. What did he deliberate about? 
3. What will Allah do to him? 

Al Qiyamah:   

1. What etiquette do we learn about reciting Quran?.
2. Which ayah/ayaat tell us that after the Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam memorized the Qur'an, Allah made it's meanings clear to him? 
3. Who does Allah say woe to? 

Al Insan: 

1. What is this surah mainly telling us about? 
2. When does Allah tell us to pray? 

Al Mursalat: 

1. What is the main message of this surah? (Please do not write the ayah that repeats itself, write something in your own words - no more than one or sentences.)