Be Like A Bee

I always had a love-hate relationship with Bees. I call it love-hate because simply the sight of them used to bring back memories of the day I got stung by one. I still remember the day and the pain of the sting. It really wasn't pleasant. Since then, Bees had always been in my bad books. That was until I discovered that there was a Surah in the Qur'an titled 'The Bee" and that ayahs had been revealed regarding them. From then on, I used to love researching and watching documentaries about the Bee and how it lived. Why it made the buzzing sound and how it benefitted human beings. It was fascinating! I realised that the Bee actually taught us so many life lessons.

So today as I sat on my granny's farm, taking in the sight of the beautiful scenery (and sheep), my gaze fell upon a bee that was hovering from plant to plant just inches away from me. If this was a couple of years ago, I would have entered a mode of panic due to my phobia and ran off out of fear. This time I began to closely watch this tiny creature and its weird yet wonderful antics. It would dance from one flower to another in obvious search of pollen. In those few seconds, it must have stopped at around ten different flowers. It kept going from one to another and continued to do so. Never give up, I thought to myself. Always keep going. If you fail at something, try again. Keep going, but don't ever give up.

In those few moments of close observation, I learnt a few things from the Bee, which I hope to share with you today:

- The Bee doesn't settle for less. It will keep going and hopping from one flower to another until itwho seeks out the best flower. It doesn't settle for less. Rather, it continues to travel through the spectrum of flowers, till it reaches the one which is pure, untouched, and one whose perfume is still fresh. This teaches us Ihsaan. We should always aim high and for the best in everything we do in life. We should also give our very best to others and in the cause of Allah. The Bee has high expectations and we too should have high expectations in our Lord and good thoughts of Him.

- The Bee gives more than it takes. The bee always gives more than it takes. It will not eat from the flower until it has given it more than it has taken, and even when it does take, it acts delicately and softly, as to not ruin the petals or cause them to break. If the Bee was harsh, it would ruin the flower, because the petals of a flower are so soft and easily torn. Yet, if you observe the Bee, you will be amazed to find that it is so gentle, it will take the pollen but as it takes, it will make sure not to hurt the plant in anyway. 

- The Bee works hard for its Rizq. The Bee doesn't take the food of another bee because it recognises that Allah's provision is vast. If another Bee is taking from a flower it will not jump into steal the provision but will move onto a better place out of respect for its fellow bee and out of knowledge that Allah is the Most Bountiful; the one who provides. You and I must work hard for our provision, whatever is we are seeking, we must taken the means and not steal or be envious of another person's provision in the process. We must do our best and leave the rest to Allah will full trust that He will provide.

- The Bee helps itself by helping others. The flowers a bee travels to are very far from the hive. So sometimes a bee may travel miles to reach the flowers to get its Rizq. When it returns to the hive which is shared with a whole community of bees, Allah teaches the bee to do a little movement called 'The Bee Dance.' It is taught to hover in the air in order to teach and navigate all the other bees to the direction of the flowers so they can also get Rizq.The bee teaches us that when we benefit others, we're all benefiting ourselves. If we're doing well we must also help others to do well also, as this will strengthen our community and relationships. How many of us hate to see others do well? Let's change this. Let's be like the wise bee.

To Every Despairing Soul

Have you ever felt so engulfed in the darkness of your sins that you felt suffocated and so close to drowning in despair?

Have you ever sat and cried tears of regret and remorse over the sin you committed? Your heart ached every time another anxious tear fell from your eye. Do you remember the pain?

Have you ever felt drained to the point you felt like no uplifting words and no amount of reassurance could life you from the depths of hopelessness? 

But do you remember the moment you chose to turn back? When you turned regret into resolve. You lifted yourself up when you were at your weakest - with determination and good hope in your Lord. You reminded yourself that no sin was too big for Him to forgive, and that His doors of Mercy were always wide open even for those who had transgressed against their own soul. Even for those who immersed themselves in the worst kind of sins. Even for those who had been distant for so long.

To every despairing soul, and to every child of Adam who is currently battling between hope and fear, let me remind you of the beautiful words of Allah, who says in His glorious book:

 Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." [39:53]

This ayah is so beautiful that is acts as a balm of every aching, hopeless soul. Allah refers to His sinning, transgressing slaves, as 'my servants.' Simply from the word, 'my' we get an insight into the love Allah has for each and every one of us. Even if you are of those of us who have sinned and who have disobeyed your Lord, then know you are still His slave. You are still His servant regardless of how far you've gone. 

Allah continues, by reminding you, not to despair! Allah forgives *all* sins. Yes, every single sin, He is willing to forgive just as long as your willing to turn back to Him with sincere repentance and remorse. Take your moment of weakness and turn it into a strength, a kind of strength which steers you towards His obedience and repentance. 

You and I are not perfect, and the journey to Allah is also not for the perfect. Every child of Adam is a sinner, and every child of Adam makes mistakes for indeed perfection is only for the Divine. But every time you feel like you've stooped so low, every time your sins begin to weigh heavy on your shoulders, remind yourself that there is always hope in attaining His Mercy. Remind yourself and turn your deep regret into strong resolve, for Allah's Mercy is vast and plenty, even for the despairing soul.

“Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi 

The Wilting Rose

"How many strawberries have you picked so far, Amal?" Yasmin asked as she tried peering into her daughter's basket.

"Heyyy. That's a secret!" giggled Amal, as she quickly sought to hide the basket behind her back.

Yasmin smiled.

"Hmm, a secret is it. Only between you and papa, I assume?" Yasmin questioned.

"Yup! I will only tell Papa. Only he can count the shtrawbellies." Amal cheered. The way she said strawberries made Yasmin burst into laughter.

"Oh, Amal. You are very cute."  She ruffled her daughters silky brown hair.

"Are you trying to break Mama's heart?"

Amal grinned proudly.

Amal and her mum and had come on a day trip to the local strawberry fields. It was their favourite summer time hobby. They would walk on the same narrow path that had been formed between the two fields that were planted with stunning, ripe strawberries, all set in perfectly neat rows. From a distance, the strawberries looked like red poppies, that would occasionally dance with the wind as it blew.

"Mama, can we visit that rose garden? Amal pointed out to the pretty looking garden situated ahead.

Yasmin checked her watch. "Hmm, yes, but lets pick a few more shtrawbelllies and then we'll go."

Amal and Yasmin entered the rose garden and began to walk around slowly, taking in the absolutely beautiful smell of roses, admiring the amazing design of them, closely peering at the various shades of reds, pinks and yellows that looked so perfect, so stunning to the human eye.

"Wowww." Amal stopped in her tracks as her gaze felt upon a huge red rose that stood out amongst the rest.

"Mama, look at that one! Its so big!"

"Yes, aren't they all so gorgeous, Amal?"

"Yes, mama. I've never seen so many roses in life life. Can I have one, please?"

"We can't pick up one from this garden, honey, but we can buy a bunch to take home on our drive back. What say?"

"Yess, mama!" Amal chanted excitedly.

The same evening, Yasmin placed the bunch of roses in a antique vase she had purchased long ago from the historical city of Istanbul. It nicely complimented the spectrum of colours of the roses and perfectly matched the colours of Amal's room.

Amal smiled widely as she watched her mother place the vase on her windowsill. For days after, Amal would water her roses, observe them as they blossomed in the sunlight. She even gave them all names. Everyday she would water her favourite ones, expose them to sufficient sunlight, take care of them, and occasionally draw a sketch of them in her notepad.

One day, Amal filled the jug of water and made her way upstairs and into the room, ready to water her favourite roses. As she slowly began to fill the vase with water, and check each of her precious roses as she did so, her eye caught sight of something that made her gasp.

She blinked her eyes in to make sure what she was seeing was real, and when that was confirmed, her heart began to race. She leaped off her footstool, and ran downstairs to Yasmin who was busy in the kitchen.

"Mama, mama..." She said trying to gasp for breath.

"What's wrong, Amal?" Yasmin asked as she rushed over to her daughter.

At this point, Amal's eyes were filling with tears.

"My.. one of my roses is breaking, Mama. It's sad, it's not happy like the other roses and I don't know what to do!"

Yasmin smiled at Amal's innocence. She grabbed her hand and escorted her to room where the wilted rose sat amongst the other blossoming roses.

Amal sniffled. "That one." she exclaimed pointing the wilting rose. The rose was bent forward, its once deep shade of redness has faded into a pale pink colour.

"It' sick, Mama."

Yasmin, trying hard not to smile too much and instead sympathise with her daughter, took Amal into her embrace.

"I think its time for a story?" Yasmin said as she sat Amal down besides her.

Amal wiped her tears.

"Once upon a time, there lived a beautifully blooming rose called Warda. It lived amongst many other roses in the lush rose garden near the famous strawberry field. One day, some people came to visit the rose garden, and when they saw Warda, they stopped in their tracks, in awe of its beauty. One of the women amongst them, decided that Warda would be the perfect gift to give to someone, and a rose that would definitely brighten up somebody's day."

Amal shuffled in her seat, trying to make sense of the story.

"So, they decided to buy Warda and some other roses from the garden's owner and made a deal that they would turn the roses into a beautiful bouquet for sellers to buy. Soon after, a lovely little girl called Amal found the roses on a shelf in the flower shop. She purchased them, and displayed them in her room and took care of them. But, due to the excitement of taking care of the other big, tall, roses, Amal forgot about Warda. She wasn't being showered with much love or care anymore, and thus she began to feel sad. Slowly, as they days passed by Warda began to wilt. She was being deprived of love and care and simply wanted to be look aftered. Some days, she would feel that bit of care, other days it never reached her, she remained in the corner, hoping that the sunlight would shine down upon her.

Amal widened her eyes. "Did Warda become better, ma?"

"Aha, now this is where I want you to complete the story. What do you think Warda needs? What will make her feel better?"

"She's a wilted rose, so she feels sad and broken...and she looks like she's going to fall. Maybe she needs someone help her back up. Maybe she needs some love and care!"

"Yes, Amal. That's exactly what she needs. And that's exactly what your wilting rose needs too. She needs to be showered with more water, sunlight and nutrients so she can blossom again. Maybe you can lend her a helping hand with that. Maybe you can give her hope."

"I would love to!" Amal exclaimed as she picked up the jug again.

"See, Amal, we learn a lesson from this wilting rose too."

"Really?"

"Yes. Sometimes in life, we will begin to wilt and wither, due the life's struggles weighing down upon us or due to to sadness or heart break, but if we remember Allah in such times, He will shower us with His mercy, love and care, which will help us heal and rise back up stronger. We learn that even for the wilting rose there is hope of blossoming better than it was doing before."

Amal paused and reflected.

"That's so true, mama. I hope I can help her blossom better than she did before."

"InshaAllah." Yasmin pecked Amal's cheek.

"Feeling better now?"

"Yup!" Amal smiled. "Lots better."

The Best Of Both Worlds

Allah says in the Qur'an:

And among the people is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world," and he will have in the Hereafter no share.But among them is he who says, "Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." (2:200-201)

Sometimes one may wonder, observe and ponder over the plight of the one who lives for this world and has been blessed with so many riches this life has to offer. You may have come across a disbeliever for example, who has everything he wishes, and gets what he desires - instantly in this life. Yet, a believer, on the other hand, who too has gifts and provision, but some of those gifts came after struggle, patience, tawakkul and strife. 

Although, we are made for the hereafter, Allah still out of His Mercy gifts and showers us with our share of provision and sustenance in this dunya. Yet, sometimes we will be tested with such gifts, other times we will have to work hard for them, sometimes they will come after a period of hardship, which brought us closer to Allah.

Perhaps Allah is teaching us in these ayahs, that yes He will give you, and yes He will provide, and yes you may seek out sustenance in this world, but whilst doing so, always keep the ultimate goal in mind; the akhirah. Every gift can be a means to invest in our Jannah and protect ourselves from the hellfire if our intentions and attitudes are correct.

The disbelievers may receive instant pleasures in this world, with no boundaries, rules, and the freedom to do what they wish - yet they miss out on the sweetness of seeking the pleasure of Allah, pleading to Him and trusting in Him and gaining rewards in the process.

Allah loves us so much, that even when He gifts us in this dunya with things that brings us happiness, those same gifts and favours can be utilised as an opportunity to build our Jannah. Perhaps the patience and Du'aas you have to make are an opportunity for you to invest in your Akhirah.

Seek the best of both worlds, but in doing so, remember your ultimate goal.

Gems from Juzz 'Amma: "An Abundance of good..."

~ Gems from Juzz 'Amma ~

Surah Kauthar, ayah 1: : "An Abundance of good..."

Al Kawthar: 

1) The Abundant Good (khayr al katheer).

2) The river in Paradise, and a pond on Judgment Day which Allah’s Messenger will give water to from his followers before the entrance into Paradise. They are 2 sources of water.

A’tta/i’tta/yu’ttee:

In classical Arabic, words have 3 root letters. These 3 lettere have a relation in meaning, so if you were to mix the 3 root letters around – they are most likely associated with a similar meaning.

Example:

- SHiRK and SHuKR – both have similar yet opposite connotations.

- Husn and Nahs – different in meaning but contrast each other.

I’ttaa (ayn, ttaa, and waw)
Taw’ (ttaa, waw, and ayn) – when you; obey, follow and listen carefully.

Taa’a = obedience.

Thus, A’tta/i’tta is when someone is obedient to you, you are happy with them so you give alot to them 

So innaa a’ttayna al kawthar would imply;

Allah is so pleased with the obedience of His Messenger, that He will give him al Kawthar.

This is not a giving that was expected.

Ajr is when you expected a payment/reward. I.e. You work and you get payed.

However A’ttaa is alot of reward without expecting it and more than your expectations.

I’ttaa is grand, very big. It’s not used for small things.

I’ttaa is a favour that has no conditions attached to it. Once you have it, it is yours and you don’t have to give it back, or be responsible. It is a big gift to you to do as you please. Enjoy.

Allah is saying to His Messenger that I have given you alot of gifts, so enjoy them. They won’t be taken away from you.

A’ttayna – past tense – Surely We have (ALREADY) given you a lot..A

He did not say; Sanu’ttiy [present-future tense] (soon We will give you).

He said innaa A’ttayna (surely We have [already] given you) al Kawthar (the Abundant Good). But he did not see all the Abundant good within his lifetime, so why was past tense used?

Past tense in Arabic implies:

1 – The past is for sure. It is certain. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
So if something is so certain – Allah will use the past tense to explain a future event (i.e. Judgment Day) – to show that this Day is as real as you believe yesterday was real.

So past tense is used for Certainty. This is why Allah is implying using past tense that His Messenger has already recieved the big gift of al Kawthar (Abundant good).

2 – Past tense signifies Completion:

i.e. “I learnt Arabic” (past tense) means I have completed learning Arabic.

“I am learning arabic” signifies incompletion – i.e. I am still in the process of learning other things which I don’t know yet = uncomplete.

So past tense is used to show Completion.

In this surah, Allah is implying that He has already given al Kawthar (the Abundant Good) to His Messenger, even though His Messenger has not seen all that good within his lifetime.

This shows the favour is Guaranteed and Completed.

The Garment Of Righteousness...

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ

"O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember." (7:26)

When Adam and Hawa (as) fell into sin, Allah willed that their garments would be removed from them. They became exposed. They rushed to cover themselves with the leaves of the trees of Jannah out of shame and regret. A few ayahs later, after mentioning this story, Allah reminds us in this ayah of a beautiful lesson...

You can cover yourself with all the garments in the world, but that is not a true indicator of piety or modesty when you are not guarding yourself with the garment of Taqwa. *That* is the best form of covering and protection. You may wear a Hijab, a thoube even... yet, if you have no awareness of Allah in your dealings, then the garments you use to guard yourself, become pointless. True modesty begins in the heart, and is then reflected in one actions of the limbs and in ones outer appearence. 

May Allah forgive us and bless us with Taqwa and may He never leave us alone even for the blinking of an eye.

It's all a matter of faith...

Some of my recent thoughts, ponderings and personal reflections...

Taking control of your thoughts is an incredibly powerful gift sent from Allah. But when He grants you the ability to take those thoughts and turn them into a conversation with Him, then it is not only appreciated as a valuable gift, but an amazing, life-changing weapon. Du'aa is truly a game changer. Use it. 

Every tear that falls from your eye, every bead of sweat upon your forehead, every pang of hunger or thirst you experience, every moment of weakness - if was for His sake, will transform into mountains of good deeds for you on the Day of Judgement. So keep going. For your efforts do not go unnoticed by Ash-Shakur (the all-appreciative).

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“If a caller were to call from the sky saying, ‘O people! All of you will enter Paradise except one’, I would fear that it was me. And if a caller were to call from the sky saying, ‘O people! All of you will enter Hellfire except one’, I would hope that it was me.”

"So, why don't you erase your sins with a few words,

and weep over them in regret and sorrow,

then meet this new year with repentance,

perhaps the past can be erased with what follows."

-Ibn Rajab  [Lata'if al Ma'arif]

Allah is not only the Ever-Loving, but He is also the Beloved. The One who loves as well as One who is Loved by the believers.

Du'aa is a beautiful gift given to the believers through which they are able to ask from their Lord, seek His guidance, and overcome their battles. For there is no weapon more powerful than a Du'aa that comes from a faithful, believing and hopeful heart...

و إذا سألك عبادي عني فإني قريب أ جيب دعوة الدَّاع إذا دعان

It's all a matter of faith. If you really believe in something, you will work hard for it. If you really want something, you will exert effort in getting it. If you really are sincere, then you will not be hindered by the opinions of the people. If you really have faith, your heart won't waver when it supplicates. Faith makes all the difference. It's what makes the impossible seem possible. And Allah is the Most generous of Providers. 

Even if you feel like you’ve taken every mean under the sun, then know, that there is forever a mean you can take, anytime, anywhere, any situation, and it is the most powerful mean and weapon you have with you.

It is Du’aa.

How delicate is the human heart? How amazing is this piece of flesh? One moment it is strong, the other it is weak. And even when it continues to be broken by the weight of life's struggles, by the bitterness of betrayal - faith seeps it's way into those cracks - those gaps, strengthening it, holding it together by the permission of Al-Jabbar. We often don't realise, that every time our heart breaks a little, we don't get weaker, but stronger, *if* we turn that moment of weakness and neediness, into a moment of resolve and determination. Into reliance and faith upon the One who has the ability to join all those tiny peices of your fragile heart together; such that the morsel of flesh becomes not a symbol of despair, weakness and sorrow, but of hope, faith and unwavering strength.



Sometimes it's not about the outcome, but the conversation itself. And thus, every second you spend in supplication is never a waste. You're stacking up rewards after rewards through the simple act of asking. And the response? Even that's guaranteed. So are you ever at loss when you make Du'aa?


“My sin burdened me heavily. But when I measured it against Your Grace, O Lord, Your forgiveness came out greater.” – Imam Shafi (r)

She is a young girl with vibrant dreams, who refuses to allow her age, gender or other factors, to act as barriers towards her goals. So with a faithful heart and trust in her Lord she takes her course, knowing full well He will guide her steps, and with certainty that He will make her goals, dreams, aspirations and ambitions, blossom into a beautiful reality.

‪#‎FreestyleWriting‬

The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things - the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less."

-- Joseph B. Wirthlin

A poet said,

“Whoever is shown mercy in Ramadhân is marhûm (blessed, receiver of mercy), whoever prohibits for himself its good is mahrûm(devoid of blessing and good) and whoever doesn’t take provision and sustenance from it is malûm (has no-one to blame but himself).”

اللهم بللغنا رمضان و بارك لنا فيه ♡

Our hearts are like babies. No matter who's carrying them, they'll always yearn for the scent of their mother. The heart can be passed on from one person to another, but our ultimate source of peace and contentment is God alone. Like the mother, there's no other substitute. - Saima M

"Be a man whose feet are firm in the ground while his ambitions are in the stars!" - Ibn Al-Jawzi رحمه الله

He raised his hands in the darkness of the night, beneath the twinkling stars he sat and glorified. He continued to ask, until slowly, the sweetness of conversing with His Lord began to become sweeter than the need itself. The essence of Du'aa began to unveil. His hopes soared, his fear was extinguished and his worries subsided. And only then did he truly realise, that sufficient was Allah as a Trustee and the Best disposer of his every affair.

‪#‎TheEssenceOfDuaa‬

"The bigger desire you have for a sin, the greater your imaan (faith) if you leave it." - Sheikh Ibn Utayhmeen (r)

Allah brings challenges to us not as obstacles in our path, but as opportunities to help us grow. Either we leap over the hurdles and continue the journey on, or turn around and walk away. Embrace the challenge. Let it motivate you to aim higher and inspire you to become stronger. Turn the O of obstacles into the O of opportunity and soon, you will find yourself enjoying the journey of growth more and more each day.

My companions. So far yet so close. Oceans and seas separate us. Yet the love of Allah connects us. And even when the hustle and bustle of life seeps it's way in, we hold hands tighter determined together to tackle the winds. Through the joys and the pain, through the turn and the twists, by each others side, we continue to walk, and smile and cry and remind and advise, till we meet for eternity in the gardens of bliss, inshaAllah. 

heart emoticon

‪#‎Companions‬

You are strong when you know your weaknesses. You are beautiful when you appreciate your flaws. You are wise when you learn from your mistakes. -Anon

By honouring the limits and boundaries of Allah, you are doing one of the greatest forms of Shukr. And have you not heard the words of your Lord?

لإن شكرتم لازيدنكم

"...If you are grateful, I will *surley* increase you in [favour]."

Allah never does anything without purpose. Every encounter, cirumstance, experience, and relationship was uniquely designed and decreed for you. Each piece of the puzzle perfectly makes up the greater picture of your life, although you are unable to comprehend it yet. Life continues moving forward, and it is only when we learn to move with it, that everything behind us will begin to make sense. It is only when we begin to let go of the past, appreciate the present, and hope and pray for the future that our hearts will feel content. Allah is 'Aleem. He knows what was, what is, what will be, and how something would have been if He had decreed for it to happen. He knows which piece of the puzzle you are in right now, and He will bring everything together so perfectly. Keep holding on and persevere. It'll all make sense soon.

He knows. Even those unspoken words. Those secrets. Those yearnings. Those pure intentions. Those dreams. That vision. He knows it all. He is sufficient for you as a Protecting friend. 

Ibn al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him - said: "Look, O' pauper, when you have starved your day with thirst and hunger, and revived your night with long prostration and bowing in front of Allah, you think [that means] you are fasting! And you are certain of this, in your ignorance.

Where is your humility and submissiveness? Where is your shame in front of your Lord?

Do you assume that you are close to Allah, with the people of true fasting, the winners in the month of Ramadan?

No, By Allah, you are not. Not until you purify your intention and empty it [of all that pollutes it]. Not until you purify and beautify your heart. Not until you leave lowly actions and don't return to them. "

[Source: Bustan al wa'idheen wa riyad alsami'een by ibn al Jawzi]

There is faith in absence of control.

Bask in gratitude for the blessings you have at this very moment. Firstly, your heart will be filled with happiness and contentment and not fear, worry or disappointment. And secondly, He will increase you. For have you not heard the words of Allah?

"If you are grateful, I will surley increase you." (14:7)

You can never lose when you are grateful.

Shaytaan most probably works his hardest before Ramadhan. For he knows that shortly he will be locked away unable to influence the actions and ideas of man. So, he does his best in causing as much damage as he possibly can before the blessed month comes in. He toils harder. Yet, the believer is always on guard, and so he rises above the devils whispers, ensuring that he ups his game and worship, strives harder, and prepares his heart for the beautiful month of mercy.

Don't give in to his whispers. Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. Busy yourself in purifying your heart and be determined and sincere in your aim for a fruitful and beneficial Ramadhan.

اللهم بللغنا رمضان ♡

"I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change." -- Jim Rohn

Her smile was a mask worn to remind herself and others that hope always prevails. Always.

He is taking care of you. Guiding your every step. Listening to your every call. Watching your every tear. Responding to your every plea. Keep going. Those who were successful were those who kept going even through the storms. How else would they appreciate the brightness and the light at the end of the tunnel had they not continued the walk through the dungeons? ‪#‎AlwaysHope‬‪#‎HeKnows‬ ‪#‎KeepGoing‬

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

"Whenever I’m unclear on an issue, I seek Allaah’s forgiveness a thousand times until He solves my problem."

- Ibn Taymiyyah | [العقود الدرية]

There are some people in my life who are living answers to my Duaas. May Allah preserve them. ‪#‎Gems‬

Marriage should not be the goal itself, but a means to other goals. It should help facilitate your other dreams. Teamwork, support, and the right companionship are key when pursuing a greater vision.

Sometimes, all it it takes is one prayer to change everything.

Always live in the moment. Absorb the blessings He has gifted you. By doing this you live will life feeling more content and grateful. And the more you are grateful the more He will increase you.

"Be like the flower that gives its fragrance to even the hand that crushes it." - Ali Ibn Abi Talib رضي الله ...

Allah will give. In that you should have no doubt. But before He gives, He may teach you a few lessons. So pesevere and have patience through them. Perhaps you will appreciate the gift better when you've had to ride the stormy waves to receive it.

Do you know what kind of person really, truly inspires me to want to become better and work harder? The one who toils, sacrifices, works hard, and battles their way to success. That person who, when they have a will, are determined to make a way. That person who will shut out any negative thoughts and keep their eyes fixed on the goal no matter how difficult it may seem. Those people are heroes in my eyes. The kind of people I want to forever hold close.

The arguments with owns soul, the battles with ones flaws and weaknesses, are often the greatest personal struggles.

Tawakkul is a two way thing. You do your utmost best, you take whatever means in your scope, and *then* you place your trust in Allah. You will never be disappointed when you trust that He will give you what is good for you. So aim high, dream big and have great expectations. Absolutely nothing is impossible for Him.

You are your own person. Your life is uniquely designed. Your struggles and tests are catered just for you. The people in your life have been especially picked for you. Your relationships have been wisely decreed for you. Don't compare your life with another's. Be yourself. Honour your story.

"Work with the means as though they are everything. Then, rely on Allah as though the means are nothing. That is true tawakkul." 

-Dr.Ratib al Nablusi

If you're intending something for the Creator, then prepare for the struggle and the strong winds. You will have to fight your way forward. It's easy to please the people, but it requires effort, sacrifice, determination and struggle to please the Creator. But remember, anything done for other than Allah, may appear easier in the short run, but in the long run it will lack barakah. Whilst something intended for Allah may come with struggle and strife but it will be filled with barakah and will benefit you both in the dunya and the akhirah.‪#‎Intentions‬

And it may be that He will give you that which your heart yearns for. Just not in a way that you ever imagined, but in a way that He wishes. And His way is always the Best way. So accept it with open arms. ‪#‎EmbraceYourStory‬

Perhaps a warrior meets another warrior on the battlefield. Where they both make a pact to fight side by side through the heat of a heavy war. Where they strive to utilise their ultimate weapon (Du'aa) in overcoming the strongest fighters. And so they muster up every ounce of courage and strength to defeat the hidden enemies - arrogance, lust, desire, envy, greed and selfishness. In hopes that they may leave the battle stronger than before. And in hopes that they can together savour the beauty of the victory which was all worth fighting for.

The true warrior is the one who defeats his inner enemies and demons and who rises stronger after a painful fall. ‪#‎Warriors‬ ‪#‎Teamwork‬ ‪#‎InnerDemons‬ ‪#‎Victory‬‪#‎Sweetness‬

He made the fire a coolness for Ibrahim (as). He will make the hardest task a breeze for you. Have conviction.

Because the sweetness of victory will make you forget the bitterness of the battle. The blood, sweat, tears will all be worth it. Every moment of it. Trust Him.

If its comfort that you are seeking, then rush to the recitation of His words. Let your heart be softened by the greatest most grand speech. Allow your eyes to be washed with tears; allow them to fall and clear your vision. Turn your overwhelming sadness into an overflowing softness. Only in His words will you find true healing, strength and the one thing you are most seeking... answers.

There are those friends who are oceans, seas, and even lands apart, yet they will always lend you a shoulder when you need it the most. They will remind you when you forget, and will pop your bubble of darkness through warming smiles and consoling laughter. They are the true friends worth holding onto. 

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‪#‎MyJannahBuddies‬ ‪#‎NowAndForEternity‬

He will make everything fall into place so beautifully. And in that, I have faith.‪#‎Tawakkul‬

Beneath the surface of hardship and struggle, awaits a treasure; a hidden wisdom, and a beautiful blessing. Keep digging deeper. Keep searching. The extraction of anything is always the most painful process.

Alhamdulilah for memories. For both the good and the (perceived) bad ones.

May we forever remember those moments our smiles widened, eyes glittered, hearts softened, wounds healed, faith strengthened, and our hope was rekindled. It's through both our happy memories and personal battles that He shaped us to become who we are today.

“Every human being must be viewed according to what it is good for. For not one of us, no, not one, is perfect. And were we to love none who had imperfection, this world would be a desert for our love.”

― Thomas Jefferson

We are so weak. Fragile creatures. As flimsy as a tiny peice of thread. And breakable too. We are easily dragged away with the winds. So accepting of his whispers. Highly forgetful. Blurred is our sight. Lifeless is our heart. Clouded is our mind with thoughts of this deceptive world. As we continue to drown in illusions and false hope. Yet, how do we regain our strength? Fight the whispers? Strengthen out faith? Shelter ourselves from the raging storms? Keep firm our feet through the gust of winds? And wash our eyes after they've remained so dry?

Repentance.

Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." (39:53)

Imam Shafi' said, "Journey to Allah while lowly and broken."

What is this life but a series of tests? One after the other. Some in the form of ease, others in the form of hardship. Some a test of patience, others a test of piety. Some that cause you to cry tears of pain, others that bring tears of joy.

Such is this life.

A journey of both the highs and the lows, a test of peseverence and of gratitude. Each test a reminder of our only true purpose of existence; to worship and submit to Him.

Whenever you feel the tests of life weighing down upon your shoulders, remember, a smooth sea never made a good sailor. So ride the waves, for His pleasure is always worth striving for.

"But healing is beautiful, and success comes after failure. And when you are at the bottom, you learn how to build up better than before. You may not know it now but the awkward and imperfect scabs on your heart make it beautiful." - Asmaa Hussein

Deal with children gently and mercifully. Give them the best memories. Refrain from cruelty and harshness. For a child never forgets.

"Hope is a thing with feathers, that perches on the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all." - Emily Dickinson

"If human babies are to develop eventually into healthy, independant, and society-minded adult individuals, they absolutely depend on being given a good start, and this good start is assured in nature by the existence of the bond between the baby's mother and the baby, the thing is called love. So if you love your baby he or she is getting a good start.

Let me quickly say that I'm not talking about sentimentality. You know the kind of person who goes about saying, 'I simply adore babies'. But you wonder, do they love them? A mothers love is a pretty crude affair. There's possessiveness in it, apetite, even 'drat the kid' element; there's genrousity in it, and power, as well as humility..." 

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- ['The Child, The Family & the Outside Word by D.W Winnicott]

‪#‎ChildPsychology‬ ‪#‎Absorbed‬