Tafseer Bite - [A visual gem from Surah Infitar]

 

The word Infitar comes from the root word “Fatara” or “Faatir” which literally means to tear something across horizontally. However, in classical Arabic “it is usually used to describe tearing sheets of cloth. From this ayah we learn how Allah speaks to us based on what our eyes see and what our minds think. He uses imagery. So when we visualize a cloth being torn length wise, we then compare that to the sky, and how on that Day, it will be torn similarly. The sky will literally be stripped away. See how the Qur’an is full of gems for us to collect? How, if we really thought and reflected upon it, we would learn so much?

A Journey of a lifetime: Hajj - [The Final Sermon of Rasulullah, Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam]

The days of Hajj are dawning upon us, those who have been invited by their Lord are preparing and getting ready to embark on this overwhelming journey of a lifetime. Those who have not received an invite this year, are too preparing themselves for the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, about which the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) spoke. He (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“No good deed done on other days is superior to what is done on these first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” Then some companions of the Prophet said, “Not even struggling (jihad) in the cause of Allah?” The Prophet said, “Not even struggling in the cause of Allah, except in the case of a man who goes out with his life and wealth in danger and returns with nothing.”

Not only are these days so precious because of their virtues and the immense reward that lies in them but also because it was on one of these days that the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) made his final sermon. It was on the day of Hajj, the first and last Hajj our Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) performed, that Islam was perfected. It was completed.

In light of this, I wanted to remind myself and yourselves of some important lessons we can learn from the last sermon. It was a sermon that brought tears to the eyes and still does. For when we read it, we grow in our love of Rasulullah (Salallahu Alayhi Sallam) and are reminded of his wisdom and eloquence. We also feel a sense of sadness, because we know that this was the last sermon our beloved delivered before he returned back to our Lord. It is in this sermon that the most important, vital messages of our Deen were conveyed. It was this sermon that was filled with many lessons for the entire mankind.

And so,

After praising and thanking Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) began his sermon:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

It was whilst he, Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam, was delivering this Khutbah on the plains of Arafah, where millions will be gathering in just a couple of days, that the following ayah was revealed.

“…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion..” (5:3)

I want you and I to work together in deriving as many lessons from this Khutbah. I want us to reflect, ponder and contemplate on these ‘final words’ of the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). I want us to really internalize the message that is being conveyed and remind ourselves of our duties to Allah and to His creation.

So, as a part of this post, I thought it would be good and engaging to get you all involved and share one point you learn from this Khutbah. One point of reflection. And together lets get into the Hajj spirit.

Tafseer bites [Intro and a gem]

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

Ok, so I just had this sudden thought after going over my Tafseer notes today. I tought to myself, SubhanAllah, so many of the things I have learnt by listening to tafseer of certain Surahs and ayahs, have been extremely imaan-boosting and mindblowing, that I wanted you to benefit from it too. Sometimes it can be hard fitting in time everyday to go over a Tafseer book, or listen to an audio, and it's good to make a it constant thing that you do, so I thought since I like writing, and Tafseer, I thought it would be useful to share some Tafseer 'bites' with you. Just some gems  - short and sweet inshaAllah :) That way you will be gradually building on you knowledge of the Qur'an and these small gems derived from the Qur'an will allow you to build a stronger relationship with it bi'ithnillah.

So today, I wanted to share with you a gem and linguistic miracle in the Qur'an which is found in the second ayah of Surah Baqarah. Allah says:

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah

Now, the gem I want to highlight is in the word "Dhaalika". In the Arabic language "Dhaalika" translates to mean "that" in the English language (althought the translation in most copies reads "THIS is the Book" ) I used to read this ayah all the time and never once did I think that there was actually a reason why Allah chose the word "Dhaalika" which means "that" and not "Haadha" which means "this". And the reason is that when you say for example,  "THAT star is up in the sky" you are actually pointing to the fact that the stat is far away right? Even in the English language you would use "that" to point to something that is high, and far away. Converesely, the word "this" would be used to point to something near. So for example, I would say "THIS laptop is not working" - when I say that, I am actually referring to the laptop being present with me and close to me.

Now, for the amazing wisdom behind this :)

Allah, Al-Hakeem, uses the word "Dhaalika" (that) because He, just by using this one word instead of another, is telling us that the Book, the Qur'an, the divine speech of Allah, is something that not only is far away from us - in Al-Lawhil-Mahfudh (the preserved tablet), but it is also far away, as in it is high, in the sense that it is, higher and far greater than any other book in authority. SubhanAllah! Two points we learn about the Qur'an from just word with in Surah Baqarah...already!

Doesn't this give you a sudden Imaan rush? The fact that Allah has structured His book so carefully. Every letter, every word has been placed in it's order, out of deep wisdom and understanding by the Creator alone? If this was a made up book then how possibly could it be so perfectly structured, so eloquent, so fluent and filled with so much detail? How could every word have a deeper reason?

The Qur'an is the true book of guidance and only by deeply looking into it and studying it will or hearts will with love of it and will our hearts desire to read it and memorise it.

I ask Allah to grant us understanding of the deen and allow us to understand the Qur'an and its deeper meanings. Ameen!

Take a break and just imagine...

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahamtullahi Wabarakatuhu,

So, today on this beautiful Tuesday evening, as I sit sipping away at my hot chocolate, I thought I'd talk to you guys about those times in your life when you feel all alone. Those times in your life when you feel unworthy, bullied, helpless and down in the dumps, as some may say. They are the times when you feel the world is against you and you feel that absolutely NOTIHNG can change the situatuion you're in...

Those moments when your tears roll down you cheek, and you sit wiping them away, feeling all confused and lost, you feel the need to just hide away from the world and become invisible.

At the time you may be feeling lonely and helpless, but what if I told you that in these times you're in fact, not alone.

Allah (swt) your Creator, the Most Merciful is by your side always. He knows the absolute pain your feeling, your broken heart and your every tear that falls from your eye.

He knows how you're inner thoughts and He Allah (swt) is not going to leave you, it's about YOU knowing and acknowledging that in these moments in your life and also in times of ease, you need no one but HIM. Your Creator, the one who knows you Best the one with whom you will find comfort and ease.

These hardships that occur in your life are either for you a test or a punishment, and one may ask, how do you defentriate and know which one it is? If the calamity that befalls you brings you closer to Allah, it is a test, and if it takes you away from Allah it is a punishment.

However, do you know what the beautiful thing is, it is the fact that Allah (swt) is the Most Compassionate, He says in the Quran 'Call upon Me, I am Near' He wants you to call upon him in these times and turn to Him, with your heart filled with humility and your eyes flowing with tears.

That moment you turn to Allah you experience this numinous feeling you can't even describe by words, because your turning to you Lord the Most High, in such a humble heart- softening state!

These times were not sent by Allah to break you but to make you that stronger person you are today.

Each and everything a believer goes through is good for him. He is always in a win-win situation.

Believe in this!

Even something as small as being pricked by a thorn is expiation for you from your sins.

IMAGINE..

Imagine your sins falling away! Imagine being purified from filth! Imagine those black dots being removed from your hearts! WOW! This is a time of total cleansing and purification of the heart, soul, body and mind!

YOU are getting reward for each moment of patience and preservance. Just IMAGINE that reward and you will be able to see the beauty and wisdoms of what your going through.

Allah will take care of you and grant you not only heaps of hasanaat, but also a clean fresh mind and heart.

Hmm, so IMAGINATION. Something that Allah (swt) has blessed many of us with. If we didn't imagine then how would we also think of those beautiful rewards that await us?

The ultimate reward; Jannahtul Firdaus.

When your feeling all low and stressed out, maybe its all these exams that are causing you to feel like 'You havn't got a life' or maybe someone in the family is extremely ill, then just carry on smiling away, because you have a chance to escape for a bit, take a break and imagine the blue clear skies, eternal boys like pearls at your service, beauiful women surrounding you, dresses of silk, bracelets of gold.

Just imagine drinking froms the hand of the Prophet Muhamad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam), or diving into a river of chocolate, or maybe swimming in an ocean of milk! Whatever it is, take a break and imagine the reward that awaits you, for your striving and struggling each day.

May Allah (swt) grant us all Sabr, and protect us from the evils around us, and grant us the ability to strive in His cause and for Islam, and make us amongst those who enter Jannah without accountability Ameen.


Fi'amanillah

- Keep on smiling :)

Your fellow stranger

Akhlaaq: The forgotten treasure

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

The Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) once mentioned in a Hadith which is narrated by Bukhari, that:

“I have not been sent as a Messenger, except to perfect character (Akhlaaq)”

He (Salallalhu 'Alayhi Wasallam) also said that:

“The nearest of you to me on the Day of Judgement will be the one who is best in character.” (Bukhari)

I began with the following Ahadith narrated by our beloved messenger (Salallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) to emphasis the importance of the topic at hand today. The topic of Akhlaaq.

Akhlaaq is a beautifier in the life of a Muslim. It is the core concept in the life of a slave of Allah, which highlights a person’s righteousness, piety and a good heart. It is one of the most important things that a Muslim must acquire and seek, even more so than knowledge. One of the early predecessors made a profound statement, he was told:

(Ibn Al-Mubarak said, “Mukhlid Ibn al-Husayn once said to me),

"We are more in need of acquiring adab than learning Hadith"

Adab basically is the way an individual conducts his or herself. It is their ways, mannerisms and characteristics. A Muslim is taught to conduct themselvs in the best way. He or she should strive to perfect their manners with Allah, first and foremost, then the people and the entire creation. Adab includes all that is good, all the good things that a Muslim may do. It is something which is not taught or acquired rather it is something which is naturally developed, and something which is held in high regard and respect.

Akhlaaq is our character, how we hold ourselves, and our etiquettes.

All the Prophets, Sahaabah and noble scholars of Islam always held a great disposition. Their mannerisms were humbling. Their speech, inspiring and their etiquettes were in our terms, amazing.

Today, we have lost touch with our religion; we've lost touch with our purpose and or focus. Look to the youth today, how many of them do we see lacking basic manners, basic ways of talking to elders, basic Adab. Today, swearing is widespread, foul language, filth, gossip, screaming, and rowdiness...all this has become the norm in today's society. We've forgotten this treasure that our role models in the history of Islam had. We've forgotten the way we were taught to treat and respect our elders, and how to show kindness to Allah's creatures such as spiders and flowers. Instead, we harm the creation of Allah, we show disrespect, our habits are filthy and our character is one that portrays lack of intelligence and lack of understanding.

How come, we Muslims, the best community, the Ummah of Rasulullah (Salallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam) portray such bad manners? It is only by the grace and blessing of Allah, that we were given messengers and prophets, such as the Seal of all prophets, Raslullah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) himself, who came down to PERFECT Akhlaaq. His job was to deliver the message of peace - of Islam, and Islam teaches, it highlights and it gives great importance to Akhlaaq and to being a good Muslim. Not only in our belief, but our way of eating, drinking, talking, sleeping, even purifying our self - we are taught to do it in the best way.

Let your Akhlaaq be outstanding,

As a traveller in this world, you must keep in mind that you're only here for a short time. Throughout this journey in this world, you are going to meet other travellers, some who are on the same road as you, others that may heading to another destination and some, who may not even have a destination in mind at all, rather, they are just lost in this world with no guidance, no focus, and no direction. Yet, with each person you meet, whether or not they are on the same journey as you, you have to display the best and most excellent characteristics. It is because YOU are a representitives of the deen of Allah, and through your character you are teaching them about your identity, about who you are, and about your way of life.

When you smile, you are showing others that Islam is a religion of kindness, of ease, and of peace. When you walk across the street in humbleness and being gentle in your pace, you are showing that Islam is not a religion of haste, but a religion of ease, of humbleness, of selflessness. When you greet your fellow workmates in the morning, displaying cheerfulness, you are showing that Islam teaches you to be positive, optimistic, no matter what you may be hiding under that mask. You not only brighten your day with your pleasant character, but whoever you may cross, you too can brighten their day with your amazing character.

When you eat slowly, unrushed and with the right decorum you are teaching others that Islam covers all aspects of your life. Even the way you eat and drink, the way you sit, the way you cover and all your interactions.

Akhlaaq and Adab are treasures that we have buried in the sand. For too long we have been busy debating, arguing, busying ourselves with unecessary things and things of which are of no benefit...when our Akhlaaq is not up to scratch.

When people remember you, they remember you for what you are, your character, behavior and the way you present yourself to them. Are you always sitting with a sulk on? Do you refrain from giving Salaam? Do you get angry quickly? Do you talk with a full mouth? Are you not ashamed to use a foul word when you speak? Seriously, these are all things people notice, and that is what they remember you by. Today, we have lost all sense of decorum.

Islam is a complete way of life. It tells us how to live or life is the most benefitting and beautiful way. Hence, part of our Islam, or perhaps OUR Islam, is the way we live by it and the way we represent it. Good akhlaaq should be shining off us. Our character should be gleaming, it should be OUTSTANDING.

The way you are with your Lord, the way you talk to your Creator, the way you worship Him, should be the most important part of your Akhlaaq. For if your mannerisms with the Creator are beautiful, then so too they will be with His creation.

Ramadhan has come and gone, and we make Du'aa to Allah that He allows us to witness another. But let this time in between, be a time of reform, of change, of development, of growth. Grow in your beautiful habits and attributes and live how you would want to be remembered. Perfect your character, make it dazzling, make it inspiring, so that when a non-muslim sees you, he sees Islam, he sees the truth, he sees a Slave of Ar-Rahmaan,

I want to close the topic with a quote I found in my ‘gems book’ :)

“The fragrance of the flower is directed in the way of the wind, whilst the character of the people is portrayed in all directions.”

May Allah allow us to live like His messenger, emulating and following his ways and mannerisms, and may He make us beautiful inside and out. Ameen

Sorrow, sadness and natural emotions.

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

It's been quite along time since I last posted on here. I was itching to share the following reminder with you all. A topic I enjoy speaking and writing about. Hope it serves to be benficial InshaAllah...

My post today is directed to all those who are going through a time of sadness or grief. You have probably noticed how my posts tend to follow a similar trend and similar themes. The topics of sadness, sorrow, emotions, journeys and reflections are always things I enjoy to write about. It is because I feel they are topics that are extremely relevant in today's time. We live in a world which is constantly changing, today you may be happy and tomorrow you may be sad and vice versa. Allah (swt) tells us of the certainty of the tests and turmoil we may have to face on this journey of life. This is a mercy from Him as he informs us beforehand of the trials we may have to undergo. He says:

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits,but give good tidings to the patient...” (2:154)

He, the Most High, for certain will test us. Each of our tests are unique and are specifically designed for us. Allah (swt) knows what we are capable of handling for He says: "Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity..." (2:286). A test for you may not be so much of a test for your friend or another person. In a world where oppression is rising,wars are breaking out and people are being discriminated against, we know for a fact that we too will be tested with something alike, either less or more,depending on our strength and Imaan. People in life will hurt us, say insolent things to us, hate us, curse and argue with us. We in return may feel sad,unworthy, devalued and upset, yet even within these situations come great reward.

Sadness is an emotion just like happiness and anger. Many people I come across feel like they have to suppress their emotions, hide away in a little cave and keep their feelings bottled up. Yes, it's extremely helpful and recommended to sometimes get away from everything, close the doors and just take time out to reflect, ponder and think about Allah (swt) and the purpose of life. However, don't feel like it's 'sinful' to be sad, because just like happiness is an emotion, never blameworthy or seen as wrong, so too is this innate emotion of sadness or grief. We as humans *have* to feel a variety of emotions; anger, guilt, fear, love, sadness, and so on because they are just part of us and our feelings and it's healthy for us to keep our balance. What can become a sin is how we react to these situations. Does violence result from our anger? Do we celebrate our happiness by going out clubbing and partying? Do we fall in love in the wrong way? Are we fearful of people more than Allah? Do we whinge, moan and complain when we are put to test? When we ask ourselves these questions we come to realise that it is indeed our reaction and our actions that come as a result of these situations, which will either draw us closer to Allah or further away from Him.

I want to mention a few points of advice for those who are feeling down about a certain situation or grief has overcome them. Even if it as small as revising for an exam and feeling frustrated at the amount of work load you have, or something as big as losing a job or a loved one, so that sadness has seeped its way into your heart and your eyes cannot contain the tears. Take a break from the worries that are troubling your mind, let your mind escape into reflection, and contemplate on your true purpose of this wavering world .

1) You have many blessings - One thing that will fill your heart with peace is reflecting upon the blessings Allah has showered you with and the many favours He has bestowed upon us. They surround us from above us, below us and from every direction. Allah says:

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favour of Allah , you could not numerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust andungrateful." (14:34)

Look around at the many things Allah has given us. Our health, our safety,nourishment, air to breath in, water to give us energy. We possess so many things life has to offer, yet we remain ignorant! So contemplate on these blessings and don't be sad!

2) Anticipate the ease - You have all most probably read or heard the ayah in Surah Inshirah through which Allah (swt) illuminates hearts, gives us hope and strengthens our Imaan. For He says:

"After every hardship is ease, verily, after every hardship isease." (Surah Inshirah: 4-5)

The scholars have commented on this ayah saying that Allah (swt) here promises to be give two eases after every hardship! SubhanAllah! So if you're finding it tough now and if things just seem to get harder, recite these verses and know that your ease is surely to follow. For - the morning follows the night, light follows darkness, and tears are followed by a smile. I recall once I bought a key-ring whilst I was in high school from one of the stalls; on the key ring it was written "After every storm comes a rainbow" - I totally fell in love with this quote, firstly I love imagery, idioms, phrases, clichés - yes, I am abit of a literature and language geek, and so this key ring was very precious to me. The fact that we may be going through a storm now, lightning may be striking from all angles, yet it is of surety that the rainbow will come, and life will be filled with happiness and colours so bright. Indeed, it is better to go through temporary hardship now than eternal pain and suffering in the hereafter.

3) It could worse - When you're going through a difficult time, remember that you're not the only one. Allah (swt) will test each one of us, yet our tests are unique and designed only for ourselves, as Allah (swt) burdens no soul with more than it can bear. When one is filled with sadness and grief,they should realise that what they're going through could have been a million times worse. So say Alhamdulillah. The Sahaabah would thank Allah (swt) when they were stricken by calamity, as they would be grateful that it was a hardship endured in their worldly endeavours and not in their religion. Always think positive. Think about the situation of others, we don't have to look far! SubhanAllah, people are suffering in all parts of the world. In Syria, children are left dying in the hands of their fathers and mothers, women are being raped, and blood is being shed. So, thank Allah and realise that you have it easy than a lot of others. Reflect, and let your heart be put at rest.

To be continued Insha’Allah...

Nostalgia, a sense of longing, and the fleeting world.

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatllahi Wabrakauhu,

Wow.

Time is flying.

I still can't grasp the fact that its been six weeks since I performed my first 'Umrah, and embarked on my first journey to the blessed lands of Makkah and Madinah. It really does feel like yesterday, and on top of that, I really want to go back. Its hard to get back into a normal routine. College, work and then back to the gazillion house chores. Sometimes we need such a break to make us realise the blessing of having free time. If you have it, use it in a good way. When you break away from your routine it really does help to rejuvenate your soul and allows you to have a time of deep inner reflection. Which was what my 'Umrah was really about.

I miss many things about the two cities. I miss the peace, the serenity, and the tranquillity that your heart feels when you sit just inches away from the Kaa'bah and make Du'aa to Allah.

I miss walking to Masjid Al Haram with aching heals and in the extreme heat - walking past people who are busy engrossed in their Dhikr and remembrance of Allah.

Even those small things, like pouring myself a cool glass of zam zam water which would refresh me and give me this sudden rush of energy.

The 'deadly' locusts that would hover above us at Masjid an Nabwi is something I can't forget!. I really were afraid of them!

I miss hearing the Adhaan being called five times a day, and I miss the fact that your whole day revolves around your Salaah. Once Salaah ends and you're already thinking about the next one. Breaking early from your normal routine just to prepare for Salaah and get to the haram early so you can find yourself a nice spot to pray.

Whenever I begin to recall the memories, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness, a sense of longing to go back. People may think I clearly can't get over it - but really after such an amazing spiritual journey -  I can't!

I begin to think about this life.

This dunya.

No happiness, no sadness, no pain, no ease will remain forever in this world. Whenever I think about my 'Umrah trip, I remember this point of reflection...

When I was there, I never felt that I would leave the place. Although I went for less than two weeks, it actually felt like a lifetime. Every minute felt like an hour, every hour felt like a day! Maybe it was the barakah in the time or perhaps Allah was teaching me something. For in every situation you can derive a lesson.

I actually felt as though I had always been there, and always will remain there. It is only when I returned to the UK did I realise the shortness of ths journey and how time passed so quickly.

It made me reflect.

That... when we're living in this Dunya we feel like we've always been here and will always remain. We feel that it is our permanent place and we call it 'home'. Yet, when that Day dawns upon us and we enter the realm of the Akhirah, only *then* will we begin to feel as though we stayed in the dunya for a day or maybe less.

It just shows that wherever you are right now in your life, it will not last forever. 

That sadness you feel, that heart ache, that pain, cannot and will not last forever.  Those moments of happiness and joy will too come to the end. Because this dunya was not meant to be our permanent place of residence. It's always wavering, shifting from one event to another. So much so, that in the Akhirah the dunya will feel insignificant, it'll feel like we were residents of it for a couple of hours, it'll feel like it went too quick. Yet here we are, living life to the max thinking that our life on earth will last forever.

Similarly, when you were in the womb of your mother, relaxing, you most probably were thinking that you'd never come out of that warm place you were resting in. Yet, when you did finally make your way out and entered the Dunya, and you grew up in this new world you had now stepped into -  if anyone asked you about your time in your mothers belly, would you remember? Quite frankly, no.

Again, compare this to the Dunya. In the Akhirah, the wordly life is gone, completely. Even from your memory and your heart.

My experience also made me appreciate the blessed lands so much more. I sit here, dreaming of sitting under the umbrellas at Masjid an Nabwi. You only realise what a true blessing it is to have actually been given the opportunity to visit the best place on earth when you return. It's true, you only appreciate a gift when it's taken away from you.

Du'aa works miracles.

My begging, pleading and asking Allah for five years or more never went to waste. After all those years, He finally invited me to His house, SubhanAhu Wata'aala, and I pray He allows me to visit His house many times more.

I also pray that Allah calls each and every one of us to His house soon and that He allows us to return as often as possible.

For now though, Ramadhan is approaching! Time to embark on another spiritual journey. Allahumma Balighnaa Ramadhan. May Allah allow us to live to see Ramadhan and make the most out of it. Ameen.

And remember, 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail.' So let's strive to prepare for this month and make it our best one yet.

If every situation there's a lesson; a pearl, you just  have to search deep to dig out all the treasures. :)

P.S -  Du'aas requested that Allah facilitates for me to go study in either of the blessed lands and that He makes easy for me and us all the path of knowledge and keeps us sincere for His sake. Ameen!