My Doors to Jannah

Sometimes,
I long for your touch,
Your warm soft hands,
That would melt into mine,
Like feet when upon sand.

When I am sick,
I remember you,
And all those nights you
Stayed awake,
For my sake,
To sing me a lullaby,
So it would distract me from the pain.

And when I remember, I wish I did more.

Sometimes,
I long for your presence,
Because, we could sit for a long time,
In silence,
Watching a football game,
Or marvelling at the sunrise on our way to school,
Yet still feel connected.

And when I remember, I wish I did more.

They say distance makes the hearts fonder,
That is definitely true.
But it also teaches you,
The significance of your presence,
Your warmth,
Your hug,
Your mercy,
Your care.

Because, though I will meet many people,
Who will love for me,
None can match the love you gave,
The effort it took to raise me,
To hold my hand and take me out to the
Big, bad world,
Equipping me
With the right tools and resources.

It was under your care I was shaded,
Till I eventually was set on my own journey,
To fulfil a greater potential and purpose,
Though it required us to separate.

There is nothing like a fathers protective wings,
And a mothers friiendship.

And so,
I just want to say,
Mum and dad,
However many miles you are from me today,
I will always do my best to serve you,
Through Du’aa,
Through a simple text,
Asking, “How are you today?”

Through serving my new family in the best way,
Because that is what you taught me to do.

My doors to Jannah,
My king and queen,

Wherever destiny takes us,

I will always love you.

My Du'aa List: A Guide On How To Organise Your Du'aas This Ramadhan

Du'aa has played a huge part in my life. It's been my ultimate weapon to fight the doubts, the fears, and the confusion amidst the tests of life. There's been moments in my life, when I felt misunderstood, lost, and my thoughts were one big muddled up mess, yet, by pouring them out in sujood, to my Maker, the One who understood even my silence or my whispers, I felt rejuvenated and relieved. There's been times in my life when I've been on a crossroad, not knowing which road to take, which decision to make; all the emotions were overwhelming, yet Du'aa helped me make the correct decision, as I was able to talk to Allah, ask Him, rely upon Him, and express my deepest, darkest thoughts and doubts to Him. There's also times, when I could see no light at the end of the tunnel. Times when guilt crippled me, remorse paralyzed me, numbed me inwardly, yet somehow, He granted me the strength to muster up the courage to whisper, just whisper an external plea of help. A whisper that He heard, and so He came running to assist me, comfort me and grant me hope when I thought all hope was lost.

Du'aa is indeed a miracle. A gift bestowed upon mankind. A strong weapon of a believer to help Him fight the enemies within and the enemies outside. 

When we hear the word, ‘Ramadhan’, we instantly think of the Qur’an. As much as Ramadhan is a month of Qur’an, since it was in this month that the revelation was given to the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) in the cave of Hira - it is also a month of Du’aa since that is the essence of worship. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) himself said: “Du’aa is the essence Ibaadah.”

Also, in the Qur’an, sandwiched between the ayah of Ramadhan and the ayah of fasting, is an ayah just on Du’aa, (ayahs 185, 6 and 7 in Surah Baqarah). Yes, right in between! What does this teach us? That Ramadhan is centered around the essence of Ibaadah; Du’aa. For every act of worship we perform is a reminder of our neediness towards Allah. And what do we do when we have a need? When we’re feeling the pangs of hunger? When someone has hurt us but we have to suppress our feelings and control are tongue as to not waste the reward of our fast? We turn to Allah. We ask Him. And that’s when we find contentment, reassurance and hope..

In this post, I want to give you an insight into the way I usually write-up my Du'aa list, in the hopes that you may also benefit and create your own Du'aa book, list - whatever you want to call it :)

So, here goes.

Firstly, you will need to gift yourself (or if you're married then use your wifey tricks to get your husband to buy you one ;), a beautiful book or journal - preferably something that can slip into your jacket pocket or won't take up ample room in your handbag. If you're someone who isn't a fan of books, then you can always use an online tool or mobile app. I recommend evernote, since you can use it both from your mobile and your computer/laptop. 

The reason why I placed this as number one, when you're most probably thinking it hasn't anything to do with Du'aa, is because, I feel, many of us will invest money and time in buying cool stationary when we're about to begin our school/uni year, but rarley give it a thought when it comes to anything spiritual or related. Rather, we're okay to attend talks with scraps of paper that we found in the corridor on our way out because we were running later for the local masjid halaqah!

For me personally, every notebook I own, and especially my journal is a reflection of who I am and what I love. My personal journal, in which I write my dairy, is pink, flowery with lots of pearls and swirls. It's what I like. It reflects my personality. Similarly, my Du'aa book reflects my love for Du'aa, how I find it such a beautiful gift from Allah, and thus (see picture below) I picked a mini, purple and gold notebook to store all those things I want to ask from Allah.

In short, it sets the mood and really makes you, (well me for sure!) excited to jot down all my dreams and goals and transform them into beautiful Du'aas.

Secondly, categorize your Du'aa list. Now I don't mean categorize them by colour (though if you like your colourful Stabilo pens like me, then by all means - got for it!). But I mean separating your Du'aas under the following sections:

1. Dunya
2. Akhirah
3. Spirituality
4. Others
5. Superstars

In the dunya category, note down all those Du'aas pertaining to things you want in this world. For example, a child, to enter a particular study program, to visit a particular place or to be granted a job you desire. Remember, as long as what you are asking for is good and permissible, then don't shy away from asking. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Verily your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty." (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

The second category, write down all those Du'aas related to the next life. Think and reflect on the Du'aas whilst you write them. Be specific if you want to, but remember Allah can give you anything, even that which is beyond your scope of imagination. Don't write down that you only want Jannah but that you want to enter the highest stations of Jannah with your family and loved ones. Other Du'aas under this section include asking for protection from hellfire, intercession of Rasulullah (salallahu alayhi wasallam), the shade of Allah etc. 

The third category is, others. It includes all the Du'aas for family, friends, shuyookh, people who have requested duaas, the oppressed and needy - they all go under this title. It is also a good habit to write down a person's name every time they ask you to make Du'aa for them. That way, you are not saying yes and then forgetting about it, but you are showing that you care enough about the person to do what you can to remember to say a prayer for them.

Then comes, spirituality. This is to do with your heart. So istighfar, dhikr, asking Allah for guidance, for cleansing and purification, for steadfastness and the 3 i's - ikhlaas, istiqaamah and ihsaan. It all falls under that category. Sometimes our hearts feel dirty and rusty and heavy and so we turn to Allah begging Him to cleanse us, to purify us and strengthen us. Asking Allah for pardon or for an increase in knowledge, or for the ability to memorise and ponder over His words, all comes under spirituality. It's all those things you ask Allah for that are related to taking care of your Imaan and your heart.

Finally, the Superstars. This category involves you writing down your top 5 duaas, perhaps you can take one from each category, or write down something you really, really want at the point in your life. Maybe its a dream or goal. Write it down and next to it write the means you are taking to make it a reality - and then Du'aa like mad.

Hope, certainty and trust in Allah's decree are three things that will push you to keep making that Du'aa.

Becuase you hope for something, you are certain that He will respond to your hopes and wishes and you trust that if He doesn't grant you what you asked for, or wrote down, He will grant you better than it - something better for both your Dunya and Akhirah.

Seize the opportunities this Ramadhan, by creating a Du'aa list and noting down the times from the Sunnah wjhere your Du'aa has a higher probability of being answered. Amongst them are:

- After tashahhud

- Tahajjud: Last third of the night

- After you make Wudhu'

- Upon breaking your fast

- Anytime whilst fasting!

- Time of rainfall

- Between Adhaan and Iqaamah

- Sa'at al Istijabah: Last hour of 'Asr on a Friday

And always remember, Du'aa is the essence of Ibaadah, it is your superpower and the most powerful weapon you carry. 

“O my servants, were the first of you and last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request from me, and were I to give everyone what they requested, that would not decrease what I have anymore than a needle decreases the sea if put into it.” [Sahih Muslim]

When Anger Turns Inward

Some people express their anger and frustration externally. They shout, they point fingers at other people person, they get physical and lash out. Then there are some people who express those same emotions inwardly. They blame themselves, they beat themselves up until the emotions begin to eat them up from the inside, all the while they don't speak. But inside, the temperature is rising and boiling, their hearts are hurting.




Anger is just like any emotion we experience; sadness, guilt or even happiness. It is our circumstances or situations that trigger it. To feel anger is beyond our control, but how we react to it is within our control. That is why the Sunnah of the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) is perfect and beautiful. It understands the psychological, physical and spiritual state of the human and it gives solution that takes care of all three.




How?




1. The first advice of the Prophet (s) was for the angry person to say: "'Aoodhu billahiminashaytaan irajeem." By saying this, we are reminding ourself that the anger is a fuel and tool of the Shaytaan to make us lose control of our senses. And so we are instantly reminded who the real enemy is. Shaytaan. This helps us psychologically, so that our anger doesn't express itself externally (blaming others and hurting them) and internally (blaming ourselves and consequently beating ourselves up).


2. Changing position. If standing, one should sit, and if sitting, one should lie down: Note how here our physical state is being taken care of. When angry, the blood is rushing through our body and our muscles are tense, this makes it easier for us to react physically with our hands or other limbs.
Changing position helps us cool down, allows the blood flow to slow down and the heart beat to stop racing. It prevents one from acting in manner that he she will regret later.




3. It is narrated by Imaam Ahmed that the Prophet (s) also advised: "A person should remain silent." An angry person is like a semi-unconcious or sleeping person, he is not fully present or aware of the here and now. In his or her mind, so many thoughts are racing, of things that happened, questions about why they happened, confusion and so it is so easy for them to speak their mind without being fully aware of the consequences of their words. Swallowing (literally swallow, it actually helps!) ones words, taking some space, digesting the thoughts and feelings and them coming back to communicate the feelings is the best way to combat anger according to the sunnah.




4. Make Wudhu: How does it feel when you've been walking miles and miles under the hot sun? your baked to the crisp but then you come home up, pull off your abayah and make Wudhu in cold or cool water? "Aaaaaah" Yup, that's exactly how it feels. :) This spiritual act of making Wudhu cools the mind, body and soul and helps bring you back to the senses.




It's amazing when you truly reflect on how Islam helps us in every aspect of our lives and reduces any harm we may impose on ourself or others.
‪#‎IslamicPsychology

‬

How it feels to be a real Musaafirah

I remember, when I first set up my blog, I spent ages deciding a name for it. I was so indecisive. What possibly could I title my blog and how could that one title sum up everything I would be writing about? Then it hit. Musaafirah. The Traveller. I not only liked the name because it sounded good, but I chose it especially for two reasons:

Firstly, I realised how everything in this world is temporary. That it will come to and end. And thus it is not the place to settle and invest in, but rather a place we should view as part of our journey as travellers. We are just passing by. The Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) summed this up for us in a hadith, where he said: “What do I have to do with this worldly life? I and this worldly life are but like a traveller who stopped for a little while under a tree to get some shade and then moved on.” (Recorded in Ahmad)

Secondly, I always dreamt of travelling to different places. I would often become consumed with wanderlust and have a strong longing and desire to travel and visit different places to marvel at the beauty of the creation of Allah. I felt like there was so much to see, taste, smell, admire, reflect upon in this world - signs all around us, and so I hoped that one day I would actually taste being an actual musaafirah. Hopping from one place to another to see the beauty of Allah’s creation.

Alhamdulilah, slowly I’m seeing that dream unfold into a reality. In the past month or two, I’ve been constantly on the move. Travelling from one country to another, returning to my home, then having to make another move to another city, whilst commuting between two cities to visit family etc. All this travelling has been making me reflect on how it feels to be an actual Musaafirah, and how this feeling is helping me in my relationship with Allah and my attachment to things, people and places.

For those who know me well, I am someone who used to get deeply attached to experiences, moments, people and places. I was the one who would recall memories with tears streaming down my face wandering what happened, why things changed. It took me an entire year to get over my Umrah trip because I didn’t understand why it had to come to an end. I missed who I was and how I felt - the spiritual high. I was also the one who would walk into the Masjid on Eid day, under dressed (because your supposed to dress up on Eid right!), and I would be teary-eyed (nothing new) because I felt so depressed that Ramadhan had left. I kept getting attached over and over again and and this was hurting me and more more.

That is until very recently. In the past couple of years, Allah has been teaching me to keep my heart attached to Him alone. Yes, I’ve had to learn the hard way, and yes I still do get attached now too, but, I’m aware when it happens and thus know that changes needs to be made to put my heart back to where it belongs. 

All this travelling to and from in recent weeks have meant that I had to pack my entire life in one suitcase and since a suitcase could only hold so much, it meant I only could take what is necessary. Even in my new home, I leave everything in my suitcase as I know the stay at that accommodation is only temporary as we will be moving again.

And you know, it’s truly teaching me. My heart is being tamed through this experience. There are a few reflections I’ve had that I’ve been wanting to jot down about what travelling so far, has taught me:

- We own more than necessary - I am guilty of this. When I open my suitcase on a daily basis, I find in there the things I absolutely need. One or two sweaters for when it’s chilly, one long dress, one pair of trousers. No extras. Yet, when I was in my parents home, my wardrobes would be filled with excess clothes that I wouldn’t even wear often and it made me realise how, the things we own are not always things we need, but things we desire and want. And everytime we desire something, we get it. There is nothing wrong with having possessions and wanting things, but too often we fall into excessiveness and every time we do, we don’t realise it, but slowly our hearts begin to become attached to materialism and slowly our hunger for possessions grows till it consumes and fills our hearts. 

- It’s not about things - There are some things money can’t buy. Like experiences, like an understanding friend, spouse or family members. You could live in a small two-bedroom house, but have an understanding family and well-mannered children, and that would mean more to you than all the valuables of the world. That’s because life can be lived simply and the purpose of life isn’t to work so we can spend. It is to work hard so we can provide for our family, so we can love and give to others, and so we can fulfil the responsibilities Allah has bestowed upon us.

- Attach your heart only to Allah - This is never an easy thing to do. Even I have just hit the tip of the iceberg. There’s more beneath the surface that I am yet to delve into. But if anything, travelling really instils this in you. It detaches you from places, things and people because you eventually have to leave it all behind. The memories, the smells, the tastes, and even the way you felt at that particular moment. And it’s never easy. For myself, moving from one city to another was difficult. Whilst I packed to begin a new chapter, I also packed memories away. Memories of my life as a single woman, memories of childhood - even the little things. I had to detach myself from it all and move on. And it was then that this truth hit home. I realised my heart didn’t belong to a people, if it did, how come I no longer was under my parents responsibility? I realised, my heart didn’t belong to a place, if it did, why would I return to my home after a long holiday (plus honeymoon)? I realised, my heart didn’t belong to a moment, because change is the only constant thing in life.

Now I’m beginning to feel like a real Musaafirah and it’s helping me realise that no matter where in the world He takes us, if His remembrance remains alive within our hearts, then He will be with us wherever we may be, wherever destiny takes us.

The Buddy Bench

I remember painting the buddy bench,

With my own two hands,

The teacher said it should be bright,

Like the colours of the rainbow.

The buddy bench was a unique bench,

Designed for victims,

Like me,

Who were bullied for their height, sensitivity

And sometimes, even ethnicity.

The buddy bench was for those,

Who had no one by their side,

Whose pain and hurt didn’t hide,

Nor did it subside.

The buddy bench was supposed to help assist,

Those bullied or hurt or abused,

It was supposed to be a place where you’d find,

People who wanted to comfort and console.

The buddy bench was where I’d retreat,

When the hurt from my ‘friends’,

Landed me in defeat.

It was the place I’d sit, 

Looking for a friend or an understanding soul,

Yet, they all laughed,

“Look at her, she’s all alone!

The buddy bench overtime, became rusted and old,

I stopped going,

Decided that suffering in silence,

Would make them think I was 

Brave and bold.

At least, even if I was a victim, no one would know,

The laughter would stop,

No longer would my helplessness show.

Because, the bullies never truly understood,

The pain they caused,

And so their hateful words,

Their name-calling, their threats,

Never paused.

But as I grew, as I blossomed,

As I became more aware,

I realised that God would not place me,

In a situation I couldn’t bear.

I become stronger, more faithful,

More confident in my skin,

I was determined not to let them win.

So I went to speak to someone in authority,

Who after discipling the bullies,

Arranged us tea parties -

If a month went by and no one had bullied.

We would all be invited,

To celebrate a victory.

Over time, I learnt,

To speak out, and not suffer in silence,

I learnt to forgive, to give them another chance,

I learnt that taking the first step, lies in our own hands,

I learnt that the buddy bench taught me that I was strong,

When so many were afraid to admit they had been wronged.

I learnt that so many bullies had been bullied themselves,

I learnt that scars fade but don’t truly mend.

But most importantly,

I learnt that God has a plan,

I learnt to find solace in Him, when all had turned their back

I learnt that ease would follow hardship,

I learnt that anyone could be a target,

Even if they look big and strong,

I learnt that never should bullying be tolerated,

Whatever the form,

And that the sunshine will always appear,

After the storm.

The Worshipping Wife

She applies the kohl in the waterline of her eyes, curls her lashes with some mascara and fills her lips with a pinkish colour. She is a worshipper.

She picks out a rustic blue kurti and rummages through her wardrobe for her denim jeans that match perfectly with it. She is a worshipper.

She ensures her body is clean and her clothes are scented with sweet-smelling perfume, one which he himself had gifted her. She is a worshipper.

She wakes up in the early hours to dust the bed sheets, cook the food and organise her possessions. She is a worshipper.

She waits at the door with a smile on her face, embraces him with a huge hug after his long day at work. She is a worshipper.

She sits on her prayer mat counting her blessings and asking Allah to bless this sacred role that had been bestowed upon her. She is a worshipper.

Marriage opens more doors and opportunities to worship Allah in ways you never may have done before. From the make up you apply, to the smile you wear for your husband. All these are acts of Ibaadah. However, it is not limited to marriage alone. The smile on your face when your father walks in from work, the dishes you wash whilst your mother rests, the time you spend with siblings having some halal banter, is all an act of Ibaadah. Sometimes all it takes is a change of intention. As the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said in a famous hadith, "Actions are but by intentions and everyone will get what was intended."

A New Beginning

Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabaraktuhu,

So it's been quite a while since I last wrote anything here. I've been taking a much-needed break from the world of social media, firstly because it was lonnnng overdue and secondly, because I recently got married, wa lilahil hamd. :) I'm only 2 weeks into my marriage yet there are so many things I've learnt, felt, and have adapted to. So many new changes, people, places, feelings, emotions, sights, scenes, smells, tastes, that I could go on writing about it all! However, I've been having certain reflections, related to marriage and also related to change that I wanted to share here.

My husband's family live in the middle-east, in Dubai, so I am here on a visit, currently sitting on a cosy couch listening to the sound of chirping budgies nearby and the occasional aeroplane flying above whilst typing away and munching on chocolate and butter cookies :)

So what's been on my mind?

Let me begin with change. Is it not  amazing how your life can change in the split second? It took two words, a signature and khalas, the tables had turned. I was no longer single, but married, I was no longer part of a one family, but two, who are my own. I was no longer associated with one country or city or place, but two - my birth country but also the country I would be situating to. One of my friends once told me that change is the only constant thing in life. How true that is. Sometimes we get so comfortable in where we are in life that we forget life is constantly changing, always moving. It's change that helps us detach ourself from people, things, situations and places so that we can attach ourselves completely to Allah; so that no matter where in the world He takes us, His remembrance remains alive within our hearts. He is with us wherever we may be, wherever destiny takes us.

Secondly, I've been contemplating on the name Al-Wahhab and Ar-Razzaq. Both myself and my husband are students. I am in my second year of uni and he is in is first. We don't have an income coming in. But we married for the sake of Allah, *with* the certainty and trust in Allah that He would provide for us. Allah says in the Qur'an, "And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (24:32) By Allah, you will receive provision if you have this tawakkul. I am seeing it with my own eyes. The way Allah has provided through means of gifts from generous souls, through means of our parents and family. When there is a will, there is always a way and if you have faith, then Allah will facilitate and make easy that way for you. Our financial status or position or even our age should not hinder us from marriage if we are ready to commit to this beautiful and sacred bond and if we are ready to shoulder the responsibility that comes with marriage.

Thirdly, there is something special about living in a Muslim country. There are so many things I can mention but a few stand out to me. The first is hearing the Adhaan being called five times a day. The other day, I was taking a stroll with my husband when Maghrib Adhaan went off, just hearing the name of Allah being glorified from all directions was phenomenal. My heart felt alive. It also served as a huge reminder of our purpose in life. It's also very beautiful discovering new masaajids, there are so many masjids that when I ask my husband, "which masjid are we going to pray in today?" His reply, "Whichever masjid Allah decrees for us to pray in!" 

I am also humbled at the thought of being able to pray in different masjids because the different grounds we prayed on will testify for us on the DOJ. That in itself is a huge blessing.

Another beautiful thing about being in a Muslim country with stunning tourist attractions is watching the sunset at the beach. There is something about watching the day merge into the night. And its something that can't be described in words. It's a feeling that leaves you silently in awe of the creation of Allah. A feeling that makes your heart feel alive and connected and moved. Emotions that lift your spirits and reminds you of your true meaning and purpose of life. Allah is the Creator of all things. The sustainer of all things. Glory be to Him. The only words that escape our lifts when looking at such a sight is: SubhanAllahi wabihamdihi subhanAllahil Adheem.

Although so many changes have happened in my life, some days I am completely overcome with gratitude. I sit there thinking, what possibly could I do with this feeling of thanks? And then I remember the ayah, "And if you were to count the favours of Allah never would you be able to enumerate them." Alhamdulilah is all I can say. It is Allah who blesses the transitions we go through in life, it is He who makes it easy and it is He who will remain with us. Glory be to Him and all thanks is due to Him.

To be continued inshaAllah :)

  

Ponderings Of The Musaafirah: On healing, istighfaar and more

Assalaamu alaykum dear readers :)

So, every once in a while I sit down, open my FB pages and collate all the recent 'ponderings' and reflections I've had over the past several months. I've noticed a recurring theme this time, and it is that of healing, forgiveness and rising after your falls. I pray they are of benefit!

May Allah accept from us all.

~*~*~*~


And just as she was about to be dragged away with the stormy winds, the devils whispers, she paused. "...And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah." The storm subsided, the light appeared between the grey clouds and inside her heart till she felt a sense of tranquility seep into her heart. The clouds grew duller, the pain of restraint surfaced till the rain began to fall, the tears began to flow. But she knew they were a mercy. Weren't tears better than being sucked into the darkness of a storm she would forever regret walking into? Weren't the beautiful gardens under which the rivers flow worth the sacrifice?

Even in sins there is a hidden blessing, subhanAllah. This brought tears to my eyes. Such is the mercy of Ar-Rahmaan. 

heart emoticon

"A scholar once said that Allah prefers that slaves do sins *and* good deeds rather than just sins or good deeds. For how many good deeds lead one to feel proud and haughty, but the sins lead them to become more soft, humble and weak before Allah." - Tawfique Chowdhury

Allah placed us in this world not to experience a paradise, but to experience the prison, and then enjoy the never-ending Jannah. To get to know who our Lord is, and then to see His beautiful Face. To worship Him, and then join all the worshippers in a place of eternal happiness. To struggle and strive and toil, and then taste the sweetness of rest and relaxation in the next life.

This world was designed to break us. But each time it does, Al Jabbar is there to fix our hearts so we can continue working for a place where our hearts will only feel feelings of peace and joy. For in Jannah, nobody or no thing, breaks the heart of another.

"Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home." (13:24)

I had a realisation today. Sometimes Allah places you in unique situations, or makes you go through certain struggles or experiences, not only to strengthen you, but to teach you lessons and answers to questions so many around you are seeking or need reminding of. Then He takes you to the people or brings the people to you so you can convey the reminder. "For indeed the reminder benefits the believers."

"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world." - Joel A. Barker

The rainbow will follow. <3

heart emotico"Allah is the Protecting Friend of those who believe. He brings them out from darknesses into the light..." (2:257)

"The past is lost forever, and that which is hoped for is from the unseen, so all that you have is the present hour."
~ Arab poet

It's amazing how kind, reassuring words or actions can melt a heart that has been frozen shut. Don't underestimate the power of gentle words and sincere advice. You never know for which heart He will make you a source of hope.

Allah promises two eases after every hardship, so don't drown in an ocean of sorrow, but fight the waves. Nor lose yourself in grief, talk out your feelings. There is a deeper wisdom behind your pain, your sadness and your suffering.

Its painful and healing takes time, but be assured that the heart will be soothed by His rememberance.

Anticipate His reward and anticipate His ease, and know that Allah will never leave you to suffer alone.

He will always be by your side. He will always send a rainbow amidst the storm. But the rainbow must be sought. Seek it through Du'aa, seek it through action, seek it through taking that first step. No matter how small the step may be, take it. And even if the Du'aa is but a whisper, make it.

He is more Merciful to you than a mother is to her child. His Mercy overcomes His anger. He has prescribed Mercy for Himself. An entire Surah is titled Ar-Rahman. Wherein the Name 'Ar Rahman' is repeated 31x. We acknowledge and remind ourselves of His Mercy at least 17 times a day in our prayers. He has a special Mercy that is exclusive for you and I - for the believers. 99 parts of His Mercy have been reserved for the Day of Judgment and only 1 part was sent down to this earth.

With such a Merciful Lord, how possibly could we ever completely lose hope?

‪#‎AllahsMercy‬

We have two choices when we err or fall.
Either we choose to remain on the floor, broken, with the weight of our weaknesses holding us down.
Or, we lift the weight off our shoulders and rise with a stronger resolve and remorse.
It's so easy to do the former, so difficult to do that latter.
But it's in doing the latter that we gain our strength. It's there we rekindle our hope. It's there that we acknowledge His vast Mercy. 
It is there our faith is restored; through repentance, redemption and transformation.
Remember, no sin, failure or mistake is too big for Allah to forgive.
His Mercy will forever overcome His anger.
And He is more Merciful to you than your mother.
So rise.
Lift the weights.
You can do this.

Sometimes all it takes is one sincere, powerful Du'aa.

"You disobey your Beloved whilst you claim to love them? But the one who loves someone is towards the One they love, obedient." - Arabic poetry verse

There is no better cure for our numbness, no better way to soften our hearts when they turn to stone, and no tears as valuable as those shed when reciting and connecting with the words of Allah.

"...For indeed, there are stones from which rivers burst forth, and there are some of them that split open and water comes out, and there are some of them that fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do." (2:74)

There are some places where memories still live fresh. You can still smell, taste, feel them. Alhamdulilah for those beautiful memories that make your heart smile. <3

Its amazing what a few moments of focused reflection without any distractions can do for the mind, body and soul. That time for us is, Salaah. It is a time to break away from this world, the sorrows, the stresses, the exhaustion and to simply bask in the beauty of being present before our Lord. Not once, not twice but five times a day. Sometimes, I spend so much time thinking about ways I can 'reconnect' or 'transform' my daily routine so it includes more mindfulness and productivity, forgetting that, if only I spent time 'fixing' and 'establishing' my Salaah, then that would not only assist in the betterment of my days but my life, my mind and my heart itself. The key is to go back to the basics, and to plan our day around our prayers, not our prayers around our day. 

The pain that is felt after committing a sin is far more exruciatingly painful than the pain that is felt when striving to restrain from it. But there is always a medicine to help you heal from both types of pain. Istighfaar. In both obedience and in transgression, you have a choice to either cling to the rope of despair or the rope of hope. Always choose hope. Hold onto repentance. It is your saviour. Don't let it go.

A powerful take-home message from today's Khutbah...

'Don't just walk through life. Interact with life.'

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding." (3:190)

It is logically correct to say that for every action there is an equal reaction. Except when an action is showered with barakah. The reaction is no long equal, but more. Barakah is beautiful, because with it, the goodness that stems from our actions, words and affairs grows and flourish, leaps and bounds.

Ask Allah for good, but also ask for barakah, for He will give you more than you ever hoped for and results better than you ever imagined.

Sometimes it may take a few short failures, mistakes and falls to achieve a long term success.

Her insecurity is a blessing, because it pushes her to trust in Allah's plan, where she expereinces the true sweetness of security and certainty.

Her anxious nature is a blessing, because it pushes her to make more Du'aa, a place where she can pour out every worry, big or small, leaving her affairs in the Hands of the One who is more merciful than a mother is to her child.

Her sensitive nature is a blessing, because although she is easily broken, and although the pain is much more painful, so is the happiness much more happy. So is the love, care and concern much more deep. And so is the feeling of healing much more sweet.

Alhamdulilah for those strengths, weakness, struggles and gifts that are all a means for us to draw closer to Him. heart emoticon

"Introverts thrive on stillness. Within stillness ideas bubble up and our inner voice whispers vital messages we can hear. These vital messages need expression. They are the basis of our creativity. Withdrawal leads to self-awareness and ultimately our creativity." - Brenda Knowles

Alhamdulilah for those who remind you to never forget to love who you are whilst loving and caring for others, and to remember to give to yourself so you can give more to others. heart emoticon

If our acts of Ibaadah were merely based on how we feel when we perform them, we would always feel like we're failing.

Some days, we may not *feel* anything. We may pray, but the khushu' may not be 100% there, we may recite a page of Qur'an, but complete our recitation without shedding a tear. It's these moments that awaken our conscious. That cause us to question our hearts. Why isn't my heart moved? Why is my Khushu' lacking? How can I revive the connection with the book of Allah?

If you are still asking these questions then know you are seeking a solution. And that's what matters. The effort. The struggle. The desire for improvement. The longing to reconnect. The moment you stop questioning your heart, is the moment you stop seeking to become better. Always find time to look within, always find time to contemplate and reflect.

The height of patience is at the heat of the test. When the stab peirces through. When the branch snaps. When the fragile glass meets with the ground and then shatters. It was in these moments that Yaqub (as)'s patience shone through. When he was at the peak of his test he endured - with tears, with grief, with a heavy heart, yet only with words of faith, trust and hope..

"..So patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allah will bring them to me all together. Indeed it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. And he turned away from them and said, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph..." (12:84)

‪#‎SurahYusuf‬

Strength is not in willingly giving up on a dream, an ambition or a deep longing to achieve something for His sake, in order to live more comfortably. It is to continue the journey *despite* the limitations, the worries, the obstacles. It is to keep chasing that dream, despite the many times life has knocked you back or you have failed on the way. Strength is struggling to choose certainty and contentment over the worry, uncertainty and sadness buried deep inside. It’s easy to want to stay settled in our comfort zones, but to come out of our cocoons and choose to take the risk with tawakkul and ihsaan, that takes courage and strength.

Broken before God...

“To be a spiritual warrior, one must have a broken heart. Without a broken heart and the sense of tenderness and vulnerability that is in one’s self and all others, your warriorship is untrustworthy.” ~ Chogyam Trungpa

"Patience is of two types: enduring what you hate and abstaining from what you love. " — Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib

"It's like she had a soul that was much too big for her; it filled her to the brim till there was no more space, so it flowed out through her eyes." - Nick Lake, In Darkness

Whenever you can't seek out a light in the darkness, remember An-Nur. The One whose light never extinguishes.

"Oh Allah for You is the praise and You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth and all therein…" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

We're all hurting. Every one of us. We all have struggles, unhealed wounds that tear open from time to time, we're all battling with something. Never dismiss or underestimate someone else's heartache or pain. Put yourself in their shoes and at the very least do not make light what is heavy upon their hearts. Acknowledge it and sympathise. Sometimes that's all we need. A shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to. What really can be more beautiful than for Allah to make you a means of solace for someone who is experiencing the storms of life? And really, is there any medicine like receiving sincere compassion, comfort and gentleness?

Beautiful realisations will happen when you begin to see beyond the surface of what is apparant and when you are able to dig deep and extract the positives though they may be buried under layers of negativity and struggle.

Some feelings cannot possibly be expressed in words. Yet, it's those same feelings, emotions, thoughts and worries that push us towards our Creator. Because we don't need to utter anything. We can sit on our prayer mats in silence, place our forehead to the ground whilst tears flood our eyes, raise our hands to the sky whilst no sound escapes our lips, yet still be understood. Still be responded to. Still be reassured that we will receive an answer. Because Allah knows and acknowledges every single call, even those our hearts make in silence. ‪#‎Duaa‬

Push on forward, despite the fears, the worries, the turbulence. It's so easy to remain stagnant, or to shrink your dreams and settle for less. What's difficult is to continue aiming high, continue dreaming big, continue believing, continue praying. That takes effort, it takes strength. So if you feel like you've taken too many steps back, it's time to take that step forward, and even if you've only moved an inch, or not yet made a move, or feel like your vision seems too farfetched, then remember, faith and trust makes all the difference. As a wise man once said, "faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Even the most eloquent of writers/speakers will run out of words when it comes to expressing gratitude to the One worthy of all thanks and praise. Yet, we are taught that the sincere utterance of one simple word, 'Alhamdulilah' suffices and encompasses all possible gratitude and praise we may be feeling in a moment.

‪#‎TheBeautyOfHamd‬

No prose, poetry, song, nasheed or rhyme can match the perfect beauty of the words of Allah. Its recitation brings peace to every unsettled heart. It increases ones faith and hope, it reminds one of the true pupose of life, it soothes the soul, and opens the door of attaining the Mercy of Ar-Rahmaan.

"So when the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy." (7:204)

‪#‎Quran‬

Write down the moments your heart smiled, you felt happiness, you received a gift, you felt at ease, you enjoyed warm food, clothing and shelter. Write it down. For good times and beautiful memories will be a solace for you amidst the inevitable storms. Storing and remembering your moments of ease and being thankful for them will only help you appreciate life more, will only rekindle your hope and understanding, that nothing is permanent, no pain, no happiness. Some days it will rain, other days the sun will shine bright, yet even in rain there is mercy and in every dark cloud, a silver lining. So seek the good whatever the weather and humble yourself to Al-Wahhab, the giver of gifts and of these beautiful moments.
‪#‎Shukr‬

"A woman is a school, if you teach her you teach an entire generation."  <3

heart emoticonI was feeling so down today, when suddenly I looked too see a chubby, adorable baby smiling right at me whilst he simultaneously drooled all over his smart shirt. I smiled back, and my heart smiled too and suddenly everything felt better.

A smile itself is contagious, but a smile from a child... priceless. smile emoticon

‪#‎BabySmiles‬

Imām Malik (r) said, "My mother would wrap the Imāma around me and put a thobe on me (and garments of scholars). She would tell me go to Rabiah to learn from him adhab and his manners before his knowledge." He says: "She used to dress me up and would ask me what I learned that day and narrate all the hadith and stories she would sit me down." 

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‪#‎GreatestMumsOfAllTimes‬

Where would we be, how would we cope, and how rusted would our hearts be with sin, if it wasn't for His limitless Mercy. ‪#‎ArRaheem‬

And sometimes, the stitches of old wounds become undone and begin to bleed to teach us that no matter how many times we hurt ourselves or are hurt, or how many times we fall or break, Al Jabbar is always there to heal us, mend us and fix us every single time.

We will make mistakes. We will falter. We will fail. We will forget. For this is the nature of insaan. We rise, we soar but we also dip and fall. We wilt, we wither but we also have the ability to blossom and bloom thereafter.

No matter how far you've wandered or how deep you've fallen, rise, reconnect and restablish your connection with the One whose Mercy overcomes His anger.

One day, your story will come together and one day, it will all begin to make sense. ‪#‎TheBestOfPlanners‬

Perhaps all the disappointments, hurt and heartbreak in life occur to teach you one thing: to depend solely on Allah. He is the only constant and your ultimate source of comfort and strength.

A believer never runs out of hope. Even when the hope you're holding onto is but a faint, fragile rope, don't let it go. Hope is like a seed, water it and it will increase, leave it as it is and it will remain buried under the soil.

Sometimes, you may continue to be placed in impossible circumstances or situations over which you have no control, just to experience one thing; the true beauty and essence of tawakkul. 

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‪#‎LetGod‬

Isn't it strange how the same eyes that shed tears in hardship, struggle to release tears in ease? Hardships may move our hearts, but so too should the appreciation of his many gifts, so too should times of ease. For they remind us of how blessed we are to be in the light whilst so many still live in shades of darkness.

Just like the roots of a tree dry out, so too can our faith begin to dry up. We may no longer feel the sweetness of imaan, our salaah may begin to lack concentration, we may not even have the same passion towards our goals and Du'aas. But there is always a way out. Sometimes, it's simply by going back to the basics. By revising and studying the roots of our faith; the pillars of Islam and Imaan. Revisiting Aqeedah revives our faith and hearts, reminding us that the pillars that hold our religion together, can too hold us up after a dip in our faith or an unexpected fall. 

‪#‎Aqeedah‬

"If Allah intends to make a way out, He will open a door. If there's no door, He will break down the wall - for nothing averts the command of Allah." 

- Abdul 'Aziz al-Tarefe

Sometimes Allah will answer Du'aas you didn't even utter, and those Du'aas, you forgot you ever made. For your Lord is All-Knowing and He never forgets.

You can give all your heart, you can sacrifice so much, you can give an entire ocean to the Creation.

Yet, only receive a drop or nothing in return.

But when you make your giving for Allah, then He will repay you. 

Every tear, every bead of sweat, every small token of kindness will be rewarded. For "Allah does not waste the reward of the doers of good." (Surah Yusuf: 90)

The healing affects of the Qur'an upon our hearts is proportional to the strength of our intention whilst reciting it. The more attention you give to it, the more you will gain from it. Approach the Qur'an *seeking* comfort, guidance, serenity... and it will give you that and more.

Allah loves us exactly the way we need to be loved. And through this love, He gives gifts that are truly unique. Something that is suitable for person and that person only. Its a reflection of how well He knows us and what we need. Sometimes that gift is something we have longed for, sometimes that gift is an unexpected favour. At other times, Allah shows us His love by giving us problems and hard times which instill in us discipline and forces us to grow better and stronger.

Sometimes, I feel He continously allows me to break so I can taste the sweetness of my hearts remaking. Because each time, the process of healing leaves me in awe of Al Jabbar. How a fragile vessel could shatter into peices, yet still, by His permission be fixed together again. If that is not miracle each time. If that is not an ayah pointing to His greatness. What is it?

The thing you love the most, you will fear losing the most. Make Allah your ultimate love, because He can never be lost. "Everything will perish, save His Face." (28:88)

To be extremely sensitivity is a strangely beautiful quality to have. At times extremely bitter, at times extremely sweet, at times deeply frustrating and painful, and at other times deeply pleasing - but nevertheless a rare gift one wouldn't trade for the world. ‪#‎EmbraceYourSensitivity‬

The best gift you can give someone whose kindness and care you cannot possibly repay in another way, is a sincere Du'aa in the depth of the darkness of night. ‪#‎Duaa‬

There is nothing like pouring your concerns in Du'aa to settle an unsettled heart.

Nothing is more painful than being distant from your Creator. Nothing is more humiliating than allowing your own whims and desires to own you instead of you owning them.

Human beings are capable of missing people they've never met or loving things of the future before they become part of the present. That's why a mother is attached to her child before it even enters the world. And that's why a slave of Allah continues to worship and love its Lord without having seen Him. This embedded love, this longing to be attached to our Creator, the testimony we took before our souls even entered this world is truly a reflection of the Mercy and perfect justice of Allah. ‪#‎AlhamdulilahForThisGift‬

The more Allah is remembered within your heart, the more light will be placed in your heart. And on that Day, nothing else will matter besides this light. 

"On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], "Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally." That is what is the great attainment." (57:12)

You are changing the world each time you rise from your fall, each time you choose hope over despair, each time you smile at someone else, each time you reach out your hand to the one in need. Even if it's one person's life you are impacting or influencing positively, you are changing the world. Not all at once. Subtly. Gracefully. One step at a time.

~*~*~