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]

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.

Reflecting Back On 2015

It is that time of the year again where so many around the world will begin writing their resolutions. Others will be celebrating with firework displays and dancing to mark the end of a chapter and a beginning of a new one. Although it isn’t the end of the islamic year, it is the end of the year for the calendar we adhere to in this country, hence it is only apt for us to reflect back on the lessons learnt learnt this year and how they impacted us. 

2015. A year that has breathed so much clarity in my vision. A year that has brought to light so many of my weaknesses, my strengths, my dreams, my hopes and my fears. A year that has pushed me to my limits and beyond, where I had no other choice but to be strong and to have faith. A year that has brought with it experiences, changes and lessons that I never expected to face so early on in life, and successively, though they have opened my eyes to different ideas about life and shaped me to become a person different, to the one I was at the beginning of the year. And for this, I am truly grateful. A year where past wounds have torn open and began to bleed but were also healed by His words. A year where stones left my life but gems entered. Amongst them one that shone brightly amongst the rest. A year I learnt that sometimes rainbows appear amidst the storm, sometimes in the form of an understanding soul, a helping hand, a sincere Du'aa or a comforting verse. All of it are gifts from God.

However, after reflecting deeply there are a few take home lessons I took away from this year. Those that will forever accompany me and remain etched in my memory. For every lesson we learnt from our past or learn in the present should help us as we continue life's journey.

• We will fall. Sometimes in ways we never expected to and sometimes so suddenly. We may lose our way for a while. Those acts of Ibaadah we were so consistent with may become a huge struggle for us to do. Our Imaan will dip. Sometimes to the point where we see no possibility of it rising again. Days may go by and were still stuck in the same place. Waiting. Repenting. Thinking what possibly went wrong? Yet, every fall is followed by a rise, and even the most wilted flower has a chance of blossoming again. Sometimes we fall suddenly, sometimes we lose our way, sometimes we make mistakes we never thought we'd make, to teach us two things. The first, that Allah is always there, ready to forgive any sin, awaiting our sincere repentance regardless of how far we've wandered. And the second, that the ground is where humility lies. Maybe you sinned or were betrayed or felt heartbreak to experience true humility and neediness before Allah. Perhaps He saved you. From the disease of arrogance and instead blessed you with the gift of humility. As Imam Shafi' one said: "Journey to Allah lowly and broken."

• Don't ever underestimate the power of Du'aa. It is amazing. It is your superpower. I remember a very specific moment this year where I needed to request something from someone. Pass on a  really important message. In my mind, I thought that they would say no. That they would dismiss or reject the message. I was worried, fearful, unsure, uncertain. Would it be a yes or a no? I remember standing in my room looking out at the window. My heart was racing. Yet I continued to remind myself, each time mustering up the strength and courage. Du'aa. Allah can change the hearts. Even the hardest heart He can make soft. Remember Musa (as) when he had to speak to Fir'aun? Or when he stood before the sea with the staff in his hands? How did he feel? Panic, worry, stress, anxiety. Did he give up? No, he trusted Allah. He took the risk with full faith and in doing so, the sea split. He was able to deliver the speech to Fir'aun with ease because of a particular Du'aa he made. This person is not Firaun, not even close. Make Du'aa and go take the plunge. Imam Shafi' once narrated a poem, wherein he says: 

'Do you mock the supplication and belittle it? 

When you do not know what is has the power to do? 

The arrows of the nigh do not miss the target,

But they have a set of limits which shall come to end.

So if my Lord wishes, He holds it back, 

And if the decree is to be fulfilled, He sets it forth.'

• Drop everything if you need to, but never ever drop your Salaah. There were times when I was exhausted. Too many things were happening at once. It took effort to read a page of Qur'an or a memorise an ayah or do things I would normally be able to do with ease. But I realised, that my body and brain were tired and I needed to take it easy. However, even if I had to drop everything else when I had no strength, there's one thing a believer never drops. Salaah. It is our lifeline. Without it, we'd be a crumpled mess. For me, Salaah and Dhikr is the fuel for my soul and heart. So no matter what your state or how intense the storm, don't let go of prayer. It keeps you connected to your Creator regardless of how distant you may feel at a particular stage in life.

• Dream with Tawakkul. Don't stop dreaming, thinking, having ambitions. But remember to dream with trust. Trusting Allah that if this thing doesn't work out for me, then Allah has a better plan. If He removes this from life, He will surley give me something better. Better than I ever imagined. This is to dream with tawakkul. It is to have high hopes but to be content with what Allah has given you. You are where Allah wants you and His plan is the best for you, though it may be had to grasp. It is to know that some people will enter your life to teach you lessons that will aid you in your dream but then leave. Thank Allah for those people. And others will enter who will want to walk by your side sharing the same dream. You won't ever want to stop thanking Allah for them. Those are the people you need to hold close.

• Scars heal but never truly fade. We often think that past experiences remain in the past. But sometimes, some experiences remain with us, holding us back. Our broken pieces and vulnerabilities are a unique part of us, they accompany us through life, so don't be afraid to take risks for fear of the past, or the fear of hurt. Instead, assure yourself that Allah will heal, always, like He always has done. That He will protect and cure. And that every experience is different, no two is the same; each teaching us its own unique lessons to better us as human beings and to draw us closer to Him.

• Nothing great comes easy. Nothing. Anything that is worth having takes its time in arriving. A woman has to carry a baby for 9 months before she gives birth. A student has to study years of hardwork before he/she receives the degree certificate. The delay helps us appreciate the gift when we receive it, but it gives us time to reflect and train ourselves in patience, in trust, in Du'aa, in perseverance, in gratitude. It teaches us strength. Allah's delays are not His denials. There is wisdom behind what is delayed and often it it brings us closer to Him as well as increases our value for the blessings we receive after periods of anticipating, longing and perseverance. Remember, "Some of the most beautiful things worth having in your life come wrapped in a crown of thorns." - Shannon L. Aldel

• True strength is to keep trying. To keep fighting. It is to give yourself another chance even if you keeping falling into the same mistake. It is to force a smile when in pain, through teary eyes. It is to let go and let God. To pick yourself up and brush off the dust. It is to forgive and let go. For strength is only really discovered when we are pushed to our limits.

In a nutshell, the ayah below truly sums up the essence of what my experiences in 2015 have taught me. It is the one ayah that reminds me to never let go of hope. That there is always a chance to blossom again. That mercy overcomes His anger. Despair is not for the believer. Hope and truth will always prevail. Tears are okay. Human beings are fragile, delicate beings. Everyone is hurting. And that rainbows will follow every storm.

"O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah . Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." (12:87)

Musa's Staff

وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ

And what is this in your right hand, O Musa?

قَالَ هِيَ عَصَايَ أَتَوَكَّأُ عَلَيْهَا وَأَهُشُّ بِهَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِي وَلِيَ فِيهَا مَآرِبُ أُخْرَىٰ

He said: This is my staff: I recline on it and I beat the leaves with it to make them fall upon my sheep, and I have other uses for it.

قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَا مُوسَىٰ

He said: Cast it down, O Musa!

فَأَلْقَاهَا فَإِذَا هِيَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ
So he cast it down; and lo! it was a serpent running. (Surah Taha: 17:20)

Musa's staff was not something out of the ordinary. It was an object he used on a daily basis, to recline on and to beat the leaves with, as well as do other things. Yet, it became a tool of change and transformation and a means of much good. Allah granted it the power to split a sea in half and caused it transform into a serpent.

The way we use our pen, or our paintbrush, or our tongue, or our keyboards, or our limbs can be so powerful for the betterment of ourselves and those around us.

The first step is for us to recognise our talent or skill or find a means to serve the deen of Allah. For Musa (as) it was his staff, for you it may be the pen, for someone else it may be speaking.

Step two is take the means. To try. To put in the effort. Musa (as) cast down his staff, he did His part, Allah then gave the staff the power to change its form. Cast down your pen. Put it to paper. Let the ink flow through. If Allah wills, He will givd those words the power to impact, to inspire and to transform and to enrich.

Allah has given us tools to serve Him. Seek them and then use them to positively impact yourself and those around you. What might be an ordinary talent, may also be the talent He uses as a means of transforming the world.

Inspired By The Sky

The beauty of the Sky always leaves me in awe. Many times in the past, when I was feeling low, down, or when the winter blues kicked in, I would take a glance at the sky above me and would instantly be reminded of the greatness of Allah. I would be reminded of the countless times Allah mentions the creation of the heavens and the earth in the Qur’an, and of how He raises the sky as a canopy and how from the sky He sends down rain for vegetation and growth.  

The Sky radiates a sense of peace and serenity. When you glance above you, you realise, that only Allah, the Most Great and Perfect, could create something so vast and intricate and awe-inspiring as the sky. If the sky is such a flawless and beautiful creation, then how must be our Lord, the CREATOR of this creation? Even on a cold winters day, or in troubling, confusing times, taking a glance above brings about a sense of peace, especially when it reminds you to trust the One who perfectly designed the Sky, for He also perfectly designed your story.

When I first began taking steps to practice my faith properly, I remember having a deep connection with nature. I was going through turbulent times and sky-watching and reflecting on the signs of Allah was one of my favourite things to do. It was a beautiful experience. I also know many who felt the same way when they first began practicing. There is this indescribable feeling of curiosity, of wanting to know more, of wanting to deeply connect with your Maker through reflecting on His signs.

But slowly, as the years pass, that feeling of when you first discover something new begins to wear away; when you look at the shy or the trees or the fallen leaves, you can’t connect anymore. You’re not instantly reminded of the ayah: “And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness’s of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that it is [written] in a clear record.” (6:59) You can’t seem to find lessons in what you see, hear or touch because your sense of curiosity has disappeared.

I realized this is what had happened to me. So many of the things in my daily life started to become habitual, like a chore that had to be done. So much so, that I had forgotten the true reason of why I was doing what I was doing. This slowly led to a decline in drive, motivation and connection. I also wasn't being mindful or living in the moment. It all became about ticking boxes and getting things done and there that connection was missing.

Many of us may be able to relate to this feeling. That feeling of disappointment because you feel like you keep falling short. That feeling of being disconnected from the Creator and sometimes even the creation.

However, our faith is something that will always rise and dip. Sometimes the dip can be for a long period of time. And it can be dark and worrying and scary. Yet, there is always a way to lift yourself back up. Sometimes falling makes us stronger because we realize how weak we really are and so we do our utmost best to bounce back better than we were before.

Sometimes we are soaring and that soaring leads feeling accomplished, and so through our dips in faith, Allah reminds us, that without Him we are nothing and everything we have achieved or will achieve is all from Him and not from ourselves. It is a gift from our Maker. When we fall we are reminded of our position as weak slaves, we cry in Sujood because we feel like we’re failing but in this is a mercy for He teaches us that the ground is where humility lives.

And so, after reflecting and contemplating of how we can reconnect with Allah and bring meaning back to our Ibaadah and our goals and actions, I found a few things that personally helped me and may help you too:

-        Be More Mindful: Mindfulness is to be fully present in the moment. To write, without thinking about the next paragraph, to pray without thinking about your long to-do-list, to sit on the grass and gaze at the Sky above without the constant urge to check up on your news feed, to read Qur’an and pay attention to each words that’s being recited, to have moments of silence where you are focused on remembering Allah. Mindfulness helps you regain your focus and be present without worrying about the future or cry tears over the past.

-        Review your goals: When going through a dip in Imaan, one of the things that helps me is to review my goals and my vision in life. Simply reading through my list and the reason why I set it as a goal sparks that drive and motivation to want to achieve them and reminds me that there is no time to waste when there is so much to be done.

-        Salaah: When we’re going through an Imaan dip, although we will still pray we find that something is missing. That sweetness. Maybe we don’t keep in mind the purpose of Salaah and the Greatness of the One we are standing before. And so, reading about Salaah and Khushu’ and actively implementing the knowledge we learn is one of the ways to reconnect with our Creator. Salaah was gifted to the Prophet (s) when he was going through a troubling time in Makkah, and it too is a gift for us, to strengthen us in our faith and remind us of our true purpose of existence.

-        Spend time with Nature: I remember when I was in Madinah, I used to love sitting the Masjid of the Prophet (s), particularly at the time of Fajr and Maghrib. I would watch the sky turn from a pale blue, to a shade of purple, to a light orange and then to a deep blue. It was amazing. Reflection on nature does help you connect with Allah. You are reminded of how intrinsically Allah creation everything and how great and glorified He is. Allowing yourself some time to contemplate will help you regain a sense of focus and peace.

Also, remind yourself that it is the effort that counts. Don't ever give up completely. Even when it is a struggle to get our of bed for Fajr or Tahajjud, when before you used to be able to wake up without any alarm, even if you find that you are completing only one thing on your to-do-list every day, when before you managed to juggle so many things at once, don't forget, that you are trying. This is what matters. And everyday is another day to do better than the day before. So keep trying and if you still keep falling, keep trying again. Lift yourself back up and seek Allah's assitance in your Du'aas for it is only He who can grant us strength and help us get back on our feet and on track, for without Him we are nothing.

Picture by Laila Hassan

Rise Like The Break Of Dawn - Depression Antidote

This is a message to all those hopeless hearts that are on the brink of depression. To those hearts, that have hit rock bottom; physically, mentally, and even spiritually. To all those hearts that have forgotten what it feels like to taste the sweetness of Imaan. The hearts that are feeling so disconnected from their purpose of life and from their Lord. And to those hearts, which have become overwhelmed, weak and crippled. This is a message to tell you, there is a way out. There is hope for you.

There may come a time in your life, when your faith will dip. Sometimes that dip will be unexpected. You’re consistency in doing good deeds may drop; you may find yourself distracted by the materialistic pleasures of this world. Small issues may overwhelm you, you’re Salaah may begin to lack khushu’; you may even begin to feel abandoned. You won’t feel connected to the Qur’an; you will turn its pages, longing for answers, signs, just something, and anything to increase your self-worth. Memories of the past will come back to haunt you, and the fears of what the future holds, will encompass you; until you feel like you’re trapped between the four walls of anxiety, fear, sadness and worry, and you’re on the brink of giving up. You feel crushed. And there’s just no way out.

So many doubts enter your mind. To where should I escape? Has Allah abandoned me? I’m such a downtrodden human being, is there even an ounce of hope for me?

Surah Duha.

Every time I’ve come to a point in my life where I felt like I’ve hit rock bottom, there’s nothing that has helped me get back on my feet, more than reflecting on Surah Duha.

There was a time in the life of our beloved Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), where revelation ceased for 6 months. No dreams. No Signs. No Ayahs. For 6 long months. The Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) began to get worried. Had Allah abandoned him? Had he done something to displease His Lord? So many thoughts began to occupy his mind. And just as he thought all was over, Allah revealed ayahs to comfort his heart. Imam Ahmad recorded from Jundub [ibn Abdullah] that he said, "The Prophet became ill, so he did not stand for prayer for a night or two. Then a woman came and said, `O Muhammad! I think that your devil has finally left you.' It was then that Allah revealed,

“By the morning brightness”

Dear broken heart, wake up. Wake up and see the sunshine. It’s not all doomsday. There is a beautiful light out there. Go see it. O Prophet of Allah, there is light in your darkness. This revelation soothed the Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) just like the morning sun is soothing the eyes. And it will soothe your worried heart too.

“And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,”

In our times of hardship or anxiety, we often spend our nights overthinking rather than sleeping. Take it easy. The night is a covering and a comfort. Sleep. Take rest. Don’t let the fears and the worries snatch away your sleep. The stillness of the night is made so that you can relax physically and mentally.  So do so. Close your mind off those negative thoughts and rest. Your heart needs it.

“Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].”

Allah has not left you, O slave of Allah. Your caring Lord has not even lovingly abandon you. He’s waiting for you to turn back to Him. Rise up. Wipe away those tears and know that your Lord is with you. This is a test, will you choose to give up or rise, better and stronger? Choose to be the warrior.  

“And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].”

The hereafter here means, what’s going to come next, the next chapter, is most surely going to be better for you. What you’re going through now is hard, but what is next will be easy. And, the hereafter is also going to better for you that this worldly life. Your life next will be better and easier for you than the earlier part of your life. This tough part will pass. And in the hereafter awaits something better. So don’t give up. Victory will come.

“And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.”

Soon Allah will give you a great reward. Soon Allah will remove your hardship and grant you ease. Soon you will be happy. Soon Allah will give you Jannah. And then, you will be ultimately satisfied. Soon a victory will arise. Allah has promised this. But not right now, because right now you have to struggle for your mission and vision, but there will come a time when the fruits will be reaped and there will be triumph. Isn’t this the most beautiful thing to remind yourself when you feel bad in your heart?

“Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?”

Do you remember a point in your life where you felt all alone and He was there for you? When you were a little boy, or a little girl afraid of the dark? Or when you were going through an experience only He knew about? Didn’t He give you refuge? He took you out of layers of darkness into light and He will do so for you again. He give you refuge in your moments of danger.

“And He found you lost and guided [you],”

Weren’t we misguided before we became practicing? Didn’t Allah find you misguided and guided you to the sunlight of Islam. How can you gave up when you have the greatest treasure this world contains’ the treasure of Islam?

“And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.”

You were weak and poor, always dependent on the creation for your needs. But He made you grow and evolve and enriched you out of your bounty; making you strong and able and self-sufficient. He found you crushed under weight and made you free of need.

“So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].”

“And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].”

This is the anti-dote to depression. The best way to remove the feelings of being disconnected to Allah is through remembering those in far difficult situations to you. The orphan, do not oppress him; they have no one to look after them. You have family and friends! The beggar, he goes to sleep hungry everyday, yet Allah has given you plentiful provisions. So take your sadness and turn it into compassion. Give, care, love and have mercy. Give to the creation and the Creator will give to you.  

“And when it comes to the favor of your Master, then make mention of it.”

Finally, count your blessings. Remember the favors of Allah upon you. If He didn’t want good for you, why would He guide you to this knowledge to comfort you? If He didn’t want good for you, why would He continue to provide for you? His blessings surround you from above you and below you and all around. Chin up and smile. You have so much to be thankful for. The light will shine through. The ease will follow. Just keep holding on and don’t give up. Make the best of what you have. Leave the pain of the past behind you, and the future where it belongs. Rise up in the present. Stand up on your feet. Brush off the dust. And keep on walking.