💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 The kind of shyness which is praiseworthy or commendable in Islam is not the type of timidity where a shy person is generally afraid of approaching people, but it is to have enough self-respect to avoid revealing TMI (too much information), behaving indecently and disclosing secrets that could lead to trouble. A lot of introverted individuals may hesitate to approach strangers for casual conversations yet ironically when they're around close friends they become very chatty, able to spend long periods rambling, joking and obnoxiously gossiping about other people.
Being too bashful to open up to those whom you're not familiar with yet you're not ashamed at all to backbite in front of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is not an admirable quality.
Extreme shyness can be dangerously debilitating if:
1] It causes you to fear human beings more than our Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, worrying more about people's opinions of you rather than being concerned with how Allah the Almighty sees you 24/7.
2] It prevents you from learning more about Islam, not having the courage to ask questions to remove doubts or find solutions, or being too fearful of befriending those who appear more pious due to wrongly assuming they'll judge you or label you as not good enough.
3] It stops you from obeying Allah's Commands, such as wearing the proper hijaab if you're an adult female or taking breaks at work to pray in a corner if you're employed in a workplace where most of the employees are non-Muslims.
Describing yourself as an introvert, whose energy levels decrease when exposed to excessive socializing so you require seclusion at times, shouldn't keep you from being the best version of yourself and the kind of Muslim whom Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala wants you to be.
If you're attending an Islamic lecture where the speakers are welcoming questions and you yourself have something that urgently needs to be clarified, don't hesitate to bring forth your queries and concerns even if they are presented in written form. If you're in a class or group where an important discussion is taking place, and somebody asks a question which you know how to correctly answer, do not withhold yourself from speaking up as your immediate response may be helpful to many of those who eagerly seek the truth. Also if you happen to be in a crowded area where you notice injustice occurring, a Muslim of the same gender requiring assistance while nobody else seems to bother about them, or another human being bullied or unfairly mistreated, sincerely attempt to do what you can to ease their situation. Have the guts to walk up to them, check if they're okay and inquire if they need anything.
The more you practice being assertive, unafraid of conflict and criticism, the more your level of self-confidence increases, while ensuring your confidence doesn't lead to being arrogant. When you're confident, you are capable of bravely making the first move to ask in order to learn and discover, you can readily express your needs without missing out on opportunities to thrive and improve, and you can obey Allah's Orders without being worried about how His servants perceive you.
~*~
📖 Safiyyah Bint Shaybah RadhiAllahu 'anha narrated: Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha said, "How excellent are the women of the Ansaar! They do not allow shyness to prevent them from understanding the religion."
In another narration, Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha said, "They do not allow shyness to prevent them from asking questions about the religion and seeking to understand it."
Source: Sahih Muslim 332
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
📖 Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Let not fear of the people prevent one of you from saying the truth, if he knows it."
Source: Musnad Ahmed 11459
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Ibn Hajar
📖 Ibn 'Umar RadhiAllahu 'anhuma narrated: 'We were with the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam and fresh dates of a palm tree were brought to him. On that he SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Amongst the trees, there is a tree which resembles a Muslim." I wanted to say that it was the date palm tree but as I was the youngest of all (of them) I kept quiet. And then the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "It is the date palm tree."
Sahih al-Bukhari 72
Book 3, Hadith 14
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 1, Book 3, Hadith 72
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Faith has sixty to seventy branches, the best of which is to declare there is no God but Allah, the least of which is to remove something harmful from the road, and modesty is a branch of faith."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 9, Sahih Muslim 35
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Islamic reminders, Hadith, notes, poems, poetry, lessons, reflections etc.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Note: People Are Tests For One Another
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala created us as tests for one another. You are one of Allah's tests for me just as I am one of Allah's tests to examine your faith/Imaan, patience and contentment. Some people may test us by unintentionally toying with our emotions. Some people's presence make us slightly jealous of what they have which we lack or they trigger in us inferiority complex issues. Maybe they're a lot taller than us, more good-looking, proficient at communicating in multiple languages, received numerous award certificates to indicate intellectual competence, or they're more fluent in Arabic language and eloquently smooth at public speaking. Others are a fitna in the sense that they made us unwillingly catch intense feelings. We find them uncomfortably attractive, magnetic and intriguing yet this kind of appeal only leads to confusion and emotional disturbance. Every time we see their name or face online and offline our attraction for them merely escalates no matter how hard we try to suppress how we feel about them.
Tests regarding people usually come in the form of either liking them a lot so we're struggling with human attachments and vile temptation, or we seriously despise them that we struggle with avoiding the urge to backbite about them, think of them negatively, or do something awful along the lines of injustice and oppression.
To pass these tests Inn-sha-Allah, we must train ourselves to be patient, accept Allah's Qadr/Destiny with grateful contentment, and strive to stay away from anything that could lead to fitna and acts that are clearly haraam/forbidden.
Even Prophet Yusuf 'alaihis salaam, no matter how decent he was as a human being, was not exempted from the jealous hatred of his half-brothers and the obsessive infatuation of the pharaoh's wife Zulaykha (who later transformed positively when she realized her mistakes). However Alhamdulillah Prophet Yusuf 'alaihis salaam survived by maintaining his noble character and Taqwa.
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: We were gathered around the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam while he mentioned tribulations (fitna/fitan), saying, “If you see that people have disordered their commitments, diminished their trusts, and are as jumbled as this,” and he interlaced his fingers. I stood to come near him and I said, “How should I act if that happens?” The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Stay in your house, control your tongue, accept what you know is good, reject what you know is evil, take care of your affairs specifically and abandon the affairs of the common people."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4343
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Arna’ut
💌 Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala created us as tests for one another. You are one of Allah's tests for me just as I am one of Allah's tests to examine your faith/Imaan, patience and contentment. Some people may test us by unintentionally toying with our emotions. Some people's presence make us slightly jealous of what they have which we lack or they trigger in us inferiority complex issues. Maybe they're a lot taller than us, more good-looking, proficient at communicating in multiple languages, received numerous award certificates to indicate intellectual competence, or they're more fluent in Arabic language and eloquently smooth at public speaking. Others are a fitna in the sense that they made us unwillingly catch intense feelings. We find them uncomfortably attractive, magnetic and intriguing yet this kind of appeal only leads to confusion and emotional disturbance. Every time we see their name or face online and offline our attraction for them merely escalates no matter how hard we try to suppress how we feel about them.
Tests regarding people usually come in the form of either liking them a lot so we're struggling with human attachments and vile temptation, or we seriously despise them that we struggle with avoiding the urge to backbite about them, think of them negatively, or do something awful along the lines of injustice and oppression.
To pass these tests Inn-sha-Allah, we must train ourselves to be patient, accept Allah's Qadr/Destiny with grateful contentment, and strive to stay away from anything that could lead to fitna and acts that are clearly haraam/forbidden.
Even Prophet Yusuf 'alaihis salaam, no matter how decent he was as a human being, was not exempted from the jealous hatred of his half-brothers and the obsessive infatuation of the pharaoh's wife Zulaykha (who later transformed positively when she realized her mistakes). However Alhamdulillah Prophet Yusuf 'alaihis salaam survived by maintaining his noble character and Taqwa.
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: We were gathered around the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam while he mentioned tribulations (fitna/fitan), saying, “If you see that people have disordered their commitments, diminished their trusts, and are as jumbled as this,” and he interlaced his fingers. I stood to come near him and I said, “How should I act if that happens?” The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Stay in your house, control your tongue, accept what you know is good, reject what you know is evil, take care of your affairs specifically and abandon the affairs of the common people."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4343
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Arna’ut
Note: Make Effort To Pray More Sunnah Prayers
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 As humans it is impossible to achieve complete perfection with regards to how we appear, behave and fulfill our obligations. At times we may unintentionally delay some obligatory prayers due to fatigue, stress or oversleeping. You may recall that time when you took an afternoon nap after lunch and woke up just before Salat Al-Maghreb, missing out on the rewards of praying Salat Al-'Asr early. You probably felt guilty, ashamed and started questioning if there was something wrong you did which prevented you from waking up to pray earlier with the others. Then your nafs starts suggesting evil thoughts like "you failed. Don't bother praying again. Allah doesn't love you, why pray when you're not close to being perfect for it?" such dangerous mindset must not make you quit serving your Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. Regardless of how many times you've overslept, or prayed some prayers late due to work or forgetfulness, keep forcing yourself to stand up, strengthen your faith/Imaan instead of letting it decrease, and carry out your duty to worship Allah the Most Forgiving.
Refuse to be slowed down by negative thinking, and do not allow yourself to fail Allah's tests by listening to shaytan's evil whisperings.
Always remember that Allah's Mercy is far greater than your mom's affection for you and that Allah loves those striving believers who constantly return to Him.
To compensate for any loss, shortcomings and lacking regarding your responsibilities to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, courageously make effort to pray more Sunnah prayers like Salat Ad-Duha, Tahajjud Qiyaam Al-Layl and the voluntary prayers that are recommended to pray before and after certain obligated prayers.
On Judgment Day Inn-sha-Allah you'll be grateful and relieved that you prayed many Sunnah prayers that compensated for any mistake and delay.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The first action for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, he will have prospered and succeeded. If they are lacking, he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, then Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala will say: 'See if My servant has any voluntary prayers that can complete what is insufficient in his obligatory prayers.' The rest of his deeds will be judged the same way."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 413
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
💌 As humans it is impossible to achieve complete perfection with regards to how we appear, behave and fulfill our obligations. At times we may unintentionally delay some obligatory prayers due to fatigue, stress or oversleeping. You may recall that time when you took an afternoon nap after lunch and woke up just before Salat Al-Maghreb, missing out on the rewards of praying Salat Al-'Asr early. You probably felt guilty, ashamed and started questioning if there was something wrong you did which prevented you from waking up to pray earlier with the others. Then your nafs starts suggesting evil thoughts like "you failed. Don't bother praying again. Allah doesn't love you, why pray when you're not close to being perfect for it?" such dangerous mindset must not make you quit serving your Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. Regardless of how many times you've overslept, or prayed some prayers late due to work or forgetfulness, keep forcing yourself to stand up, strengthen your faith/Imaan instead of letting it decrease, and carry out your duty to worship Allah the Most Forgiving.
Refuse to be slowed down by negative thinking, and do not allow yourself to fail Allah's tests by listening to shaytan's evil whisperings.
Always remember that Allah's Mercy is far greater than your mom's affection for you and that Allah loves those striving believers who constantly return to Him.
To compensate for any loss, shortcomings and lacking regarding your responsibilities to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, courageously make effort to pray more Sunnah prayers like Salat Ad-Duha, Tahajjud Qiyaam Al-Layl and the voluntary prayers that are recommended to pray before and after certain obligated prayers.
On Judgment Day Inn-sha-Allah you'll be grateful and relieved that you prayed many Sunnah prayers that compensated for any mistake and delay.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The first action for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, he will have prospered and succeeded. If they are lacking, he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, then Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala will say: 'See if My servant has any voluntary prayers that can complete what is insufficient in his obligatory prayers.' The rest of his deeds will be judged the same way."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 413
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
Note: How To Avoid Inferiority Complex
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 One of the disadvantages of using social media is inadvertently exposing yourself to content that can make you feel inadequate, less special or not good enough according to some people's standards. If you're not confident yet about your physical appearance, seeing photos of people who are fit, more muscular or good-looking can drastically diminish your self-esteem. Reading status updates of users who are skilled at writing or who like to utilize advanced words that require some readers to check the dictionary often can make a number of us feel less intelligent. A person who is single in their 30s may struggle with jealousy upon discovering teenagers or younger adults getting married early. An entrepreneur who has been managing a business for many years may get jealous upon hearing news of other businesses becoming more successful when they launched just recently. Some couples who have been wanting kids may jealously resent those who have lots of children.
For many individuals it is emotionally disturbing to witness others surpassing them at something they themselves wish to excel in. Inner peace can never be achieved if a person keeps constantly comparing one's life experiences to others' journeys, unaware of those envied people's struggles, hard work, and what actually goes on behind the scenes.
🔸 To better cope with inferiority complex, remember:
1] We are all Allah's servants. Those wealthy families who own expensive cars and luxurious accommodations, those educated persons with fancy job titles and high-income professions, those clever intellectuals who enjoy debating or ace at public speaking, creative artists with their wide range of costly art tools and collections, and vloggers on YouTube who get to impact their large audience etc. were created by Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, made from clay and will someday be sent back to the ground to be buried before being questioned about their deeds on the Day of Judgment. They sweat like you do, excrete like any other living being, go through various struggles, oftentimes worry just as you do, and are accountable for their decisions like you are responsible for your own actions and reactions. People's worldly possessions and dunya-related joys aren't going to be very helpful in the next life. Our connection with Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, Taqwa, faith/Imaan, good character and deeds done with sincerity are what can help us reach Jannah Paradise.
2] Patiently accept the blessings and unique qualities that Allah the Most Wise chose to bestow upon you. Know that each person was designed to have their own role. You can't say that a hammer is better than a screwdriver and vice versa when both tools have completely different purposes. What you were destined to do someone else may not be able to perform similarly, in the same way as what they were meant to do may not come to you naturally. Instead of wondering "why can't I be like so and so?" or "too bad I don't measure up", be grateful Alhamdulillah that you have your own set of skills and priorities to help you attain your goals, one of which is to be worthy of Allah's Love as well as gain entry to Jannatul Ferdaus.
3] The only one to be better than is yourself. Be stronger than who you were before and don't allow your nafs to demotivate you by assuming you'll never be good enough. Train yourself to feel inspired, not jealously threatened, when you find somebody else succeeding. From being a striving Muslim who is eager to be loved by Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is to want what is good for other Muslims rather than envying them and complaining about they've been given.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Look to those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favors of Allah."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6125, Sahih Muslim 2963
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
💌 One of the disadvantages of using social media is inadvertently exposing yourself to content that can make you feel inadequate, less special or not good enough according to some people's standards. If you're not confident yet about your physical appearance, seeing photos of people who are fit, more muscular or good-looking can drastically diminish your self-esteem. Reading status updates of users who are skilled at writing or who like to utilize advanced words that require some readers to check the dictionary often can make a number of us feel less intelligent. A person who is single in their 30s may struggle with jealousy upon discovering teenagers or younger adults getting married early. An entrepreneur who has been managing a business for many years may get jealous upon hearing news of other businesses becoming more successful when they launched just recently. Some couples who have been wanting kids may jealously resent those who have lots of children.
For many individuals it is emotionally disturbing to witness others surpassing them at something they themselves wish to excel in. Inner peace can never be achieved if a person keeps constantly comparing one's life experiences to others' journeys, unaware of those envied people's struggles, hard work, and what actually goes on behind the scenes.
🔸 To better cope with inferiority complex, remember:
1] We are all Allah's servants. Those wealthy families who own expensive cars and luxurious accommodations, those educated persons with fancy job titles and high-income professions, those clever intellectuals who enjoy debating or ace at public speaking, creative artists with their wide range of costly art tools and collections, and vloggers on YouTube who get to impact their large audience etc. were created by Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, made from clay and will someday be sent back to the ground to be buried before being questioned about their deeds on the Day of Judgment. They sweat like you do, excrete like any other living being, go through various struggles, oftentimes worry just as you do, and are accountable for their decisions like you are responsible for your own actions and reactions. People's worldly possessions and dunya-related joys aren't going to be very helpful in the next life. Our connection with Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, Taqwa, faith/Imaan, good character and deeds done with sincerity are what can help us reach Jannah Paradise.
2] Patiently accept the blessings and unique qualities that Allah the Most Wise chose to bestow upon you. Know that each person was designed to have their own role. You can't say that a hammer is better than a screwdriver and vice versa when both tools have completely different purposes. What you were destined to do someone else may not be able to perform similarly, in the same way as what they were meant to do may not come to you naturally. Instead of wondering "why can't I be like so and so?" or "too bad I don't measure up", be grateful Alhamdulillah that you have your own set of skills and priorities to help you attain your goals, one of which is to be worthy of Allah's Love as well as gain entry to Jannatul Ferdaus.
3] The only one to be better than is yourself. Be stronger than who you were before and don't allow your nafs to demotivate you by assuming you'll never be good enough. Train yourself to feel inspired, not jealously threatened, when you find somebody else succeeding. From being a striving Muslim who is eager to be loved by Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is to want what is good for other Muslims rather than envying them and complaining about they've been given.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Look to those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favors of Allah."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6125, Sahih Muslim 2963
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Friday, May 29, 2020
Poem: Tips To Not Get Jealous Of Others
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Some tips to avoid the tendency to get jealous,
So you can survive as a Muslim who's supportive
Of others, so you don't doubt the worth of your marriage,
Or feel less when you meet someone more educated,
To enjoy inner calmness by being contented:
~*~
Focus on the gifts and favors that Allah gave you,
Thank Allah for your blessings even if they are few.
By constantly envying, some good deeds you may lose,
Specially when envy leads to gossip insecure,
Backbiting, and rolling one's eyes so self-hate is soothed.
~*~
Bringing others down so they reach one's low level shows
The envious foe lacks the strength to improve and grow.
Are they that miserable they hate it when joy is shown,
Like crabs dragging fellow crabs so they all stay below?
Why hate on others' achievements which Allah bestowed?
~*~
Someone's accomplishments don't signal you're a failure.
Let their wins and triumphs inspire you to do better,
Not to surpass them but to outdo yourself before.
Outperform your former self, with Sabr and Shukr.
Strive to please Allah and you'll always be a winner.
~*~
Why jealously resent a person's worldly joys when
Dunya and its pleasures are not at all permanent?
Forget fancy job titles, extravagant weddings,
Luxury mansions, popularity and talents -
No use in having them if they cause faith to weaken.
~*~
Train your mind to accept Allah's infinite wisdom
In granting what He wants to servants He has chosen,
In blessing differently, and withholding from some,
As a test to examine if we're truly patient,
Patiently accepting of what Allah has destined.
~*~
Note that jealousy though common causes misery.
No matter how happy some people pretend to be
On the outside, on social media and in selfies,
They remain unhappy if their hearts cling to envy.
Release jealousy. Thrive for Allah in your journey.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "There is no envy but in two cases: A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it rightly, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom and he judges and teaches with it."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 73, Sahih Muslim 816
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
💌 Some tips to avoid the tendency to get jealous,
So you can survive as a Muslim who's supportive
Of others, so you don't doubt the worth of your marriage,
Or feel less when you meet someone more educated,
To enjoy inner calmness by being contented:
~*~
Focus on the gifts and favors that Allah gave you,
Thank Allah for your blessings even if they are few.
By constantly envying, some good deeds you may lose,
Specially when envy leads to gossip insecure,
Backbiting, and rolling one's eyes so self-hate is soothed.
~*~
Bringing others down so they reach one's low level shows
The envious foe lacks the strength to improve and grow.
Are they that miserable they hate it when joy is shown,
Like crabs dragging fellow crabs so they all stay below?
Why hate on others' achievements which Allah bestowed?
~*~
Someone's accomplishments don't signal you're a failure.
Let their wins and triumphs inspire you to do better,
Not to surpass them but to outdo yourself before.
Outperform your former self, with Sabr and Shukr.
Strive to please Allah and you'll always be a winner.
~*~
Why jealously resent a person's worldly joys when
Dunya and its pleasures are not at all permanent?
Forget fancy job titles, extravagant weddings,
Luxury mansions, popularity and talents -
No use in having them if they cause faith to weaken.
~*~
Train your mind to accept Allah's infinite wisdom
In granting what He wants to servants He has chosen,
In blessing differently, and withholding from some,
As a test to examine if we're truly patient,
Patiently accepting of what Allah has destined.
~*~
Note that jealousy though common causes misery.
No matter how happy some people pretend to be
On the outside, on social media and in selfies,
They remain unhappy if their hearts cling to envy.
Release jealousy. Thrive for Allah in your journey.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "There is no envy but in two cases: A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it rightly, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom and he judges and teaches with it."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 73, Sahih Muslim 816
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Note: Avoid Jealousy And Crab Mentality
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Even if a person appears to be successful, has impressive credentials to prove they're educated, or enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, they can't achieve happiness on the inside if their heart harbors envy and jealousy towards others. Enviously resenting people for having things that one lacks is like questioning the wisdom of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, wondering why Allah the Most Wise gave such and such a thing to this individual while He didn't give you what they've got.
As Muslims Alhamdulillah we must train ourselves to avoid the dangerous "crabs in a bucket" mindset or "crab mentality" attitude. Preoccupying yourself with pulling others down does not make you reach success, just as calling another woman "ugly" doesn't make you prettier. Counting a person's flaws then spreading rumors about them to soothe detrimental envy does not make you better than them, in the same way blowing out someone else's candlelight to make your light shine brighter only shows you're an unkind individual who could be struggling with serious insecurity issues.
The more grateful you are to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, the more you'll be at peace internally and focused on improving yourself instead of comparing your journey to others' unique tests.
Next time you see somebody sharing their joys to express gratitude to Allah the Most Merciful, rather than rolling your eyes at them and thinking "what a show-off" or "so what?", try to be joyful for them, or be inspired to work harder on achieving your own goals, and pray that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala increases their blessings as well as yours. The only thing we lose by being genuinely happy for other Muslims is prideful ego which prevents one from attaining actual contentment. A heart that hates to see others succeed in both worlds is an unhappy, restless and anxious heart.
To be happier for Allah's sake, focus on striving to be worthy of Allah's Love, detach yourself from the satanic quality of being envious, and make it a practice to generously mention more Muslims in your loving Du'as.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
💌 Even if a person appears to be successful, has impressive credentials to prove they're educated, or enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, they can't achieve happiness on the inside if their heart harbors envy and jealousy towards others. Enviously resenting people for having things that one lacks is like questioning the wisdom of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, wondering why Allah the Most Wise gave such and such a thing to this individual while He didn't give you what they've got.
As Muslims Alhamdulillah we must train ourselves to avoid the dangerous "crabs in a bucket" mindset or "crab mentality" attitude. Preoccupying yourself with pulling others down does not make you reach success, just as calling another woman "ugly" doesn't make you prettier. Counting a person's flaws then spreading rumors about them to soothe detrimental envy does not make you better than them, in the same way blowing out someone else's candlelight to make your light shine brighter only shows you're an unkind individual who could be struggling with serious insecurity issues.
The more grateful you are to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, the more you'll be at peace internally and focused on improving yourself instead of comparing your journey to others' unique tests.
Next time you see somebody sharing their joys to express gratitude to Allah the Most Merciful, rather than rolling your eyes at them and thinking "what a show-off" or "so what?", try to be joyful for them, or be inspired to work harder on achieving your own goals, and pray that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala increases their blessings as well as yours. The only thing we lose by being genuinely happy for other Muslims is prideful ego which prevents one from attaining actual contentment. A heart that hates to see others succeed in both worlds is an unhappy, restless and anxious heart.
To be happier for Allah's sake, focus on striving to be worthy of Allah's Love, detach yourself from the satanic quality of being envious, and make it a practice to generously mention more Muslims in your loving Du'as.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Free E-Book "Journeying Back To Jannah"
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 I am Inn-sha-Allah giving out this free e-book of 135 poems as a gift and sadaqah jaariyah (charity) on behalf of my late parents (May Allah have mercy on them. Ameen.).
You may read it anytime offline and print the pages.
Please note this e-book is not for sale.
The e-book can be downloaded from:
https://www.scribd.com/…/Free-eBook-Journeying-Back-to-Jann…
or
https://www.pdfdrive.com/free-ebook-journeying-back-to-jann…
May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala accept all our good deeds, forgive our mistakes and make us among those destined to see Him and His noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2699
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Note: Reminder to recite Surah Al-Kahf every Jumuah Friday and include the Muslim Ummah in your Du'as
💌 I am Inn-sha-Allah giving out this free e-book of 135 poems as a gift and sadaqah jaariyah (charity) on behalf of my late parents (May Allah have mercy on them. Ameen.).
You may read it anytime offline and print the pages.
Please note this e-book is not for sale.
The e-book can be downloaded from:
https://www.scribd.com/…/Free-eBook-Journeying-Back-to-Jann…
or
https://www.pdfdrive.com/free-ebook-journeying-back-to-jann…
May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala accept all our good deeds, forgive our mistakes and make us among those destined to see Him and His noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam in Jannatul Ferdaus. Ameen.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2699
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Note: Reminder to recite Surah Al-Kahf every Jumuah Friday and include the Muslim Ummah in your Du'as
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Note: Allah Never Leaves. Let People Come And Go.
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 When some users unfriend you, block you, un-follow your posts, reject your friend requests, or leave the group chat you added them in, do not start questioning if there is something wrong with you. Some people weren't destined by Allah the Most Wise to enter our circle as friends, but random strangers briefly passing by.
Think of that time when you declined a friend request from a user whom you aren't familiar with, that instance when you left a Facebook group because its theme had nothing significant to do with your interests and goals, and that moment when you unfriended a user because they posted a controversial status update which triggered negative emotions. Your rejection of a user's friend request, disappearance from an online community or decision to no longer associate with certain individuals do not decrease their value as human beings with rights, beliefs and responsibilities of their own. It just means that your mission in life and priorities are too different. Exposing yourself to matters which you disagree with or can't support only bring about disharmony, guilt and emotional discomfort. Hence it is your right to carefully select the type of content to consume, information to absorb and like-minded souls to surround, ones which positively motivate you to become a better version of yourself rather than the other way around.
When some people exit from your life and treat you as one of their past memories or a forgotten stranger:
1] Be gratefully contented Alhamdulillah that while they walked away, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala never left, and Allah won't abandon you so long as you strive to be among Allah's faithful servants.
2] Did those ex-friends give birth to you, dutifully pay your bills or keep supporting you financially without expecting anything in return? No? Then you're not required to get emotionally attached to them. Detach from them especially because peace of mind cannot be achieved by attaching yourself to what is fragile, imperfect and temporary.
3] Your duty as a Muslim is to serve Allah Subhaanahu wa Taa'ala only, striving to be the best Muslim servant whom Allah wants you to be, not to force Allah's creation to agree with your beliefs and resemble you exactly.
Accept that all humans don't have the exact same role, tastes, temperament, experiences, and understanding. A subject you're so enthusiastic about may be viewed as uninteresting to another, just as you may find someone else's focus and hobbies not that interesting. So whenever somebody leaves us, instead of feeling deficient or incompetent, be contented knowing that we still have Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, the One Who'll judge everyone with mercy, wisdom and justice on the Day of Judgment.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be frustrated. If something befalls you, then do not say: 'If only I had done something else.' Rather say: 'Allah has decreed what He wills.' Verily, the phrase ‘if only’ opens the way for the work of shaytan."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2664
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
💌 When some users unfriend you, block you, un-follow your posts, reject your friend requests, or leave the group chat you added them in, do not start questioning if there is something wrong with you. Some people weren't destined by Allah the Most Wise to enter our circle as friends, but random strangers briefly passing by.
Think of that time when you declined a friend request from a user whom you aren't familiar with, that instance when you left a Facebook group because its theme had nothing significant to do with your interests and goals, and that moment when you unfriended a user because they posted a controversial status update which triggered negative emotions. Your rejection of a user's friend request, disappearance from an online community or decision to no longer associate with certain individuals do not decrease their value as human beings with rights, beliefs and responsibilities of their own. It just means that your mission in life and priorities are too different. Exposing yourself to matters which you disagree with or can't support only bring about disharmony, guilt and emotional discomfort. Hence it is your right to carefully select the type of content to consume, information to absorb and like-minded souls to surround, ones which positively motivate you to become a better version of yourself rather than the other way around.
When some people exit from your life and treat you as one of their past memories or a forgotten stranger:
1] Be gratefully contented Alhamdulillah that while they walked away, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala never left, and Allah won't abandon you so long as you strive to be among Allah's faithful servants.
2] Did those ex-friends give birth to you, dutifully pay your bills or keep supporting you financially without expecting anything in return? No? Then you're not required to get emotionally attached to them. Detach from them especially because peace of mind cannot be achieved by attaching yourself to what is fragile, imperfect and temporary.
3] Your duty as a Muslim is to serve Allah Subhaanahu wa Taa'ala only, striving to be the best Muslim servant whom Allah wants you to be, not to force Allah's creation to agree with your beliefs and resemble you exactly.
Accept that all humans don't have the exact same role, tastes, temperament, experiences, and understanding. A subject you're so enthusiastic about may be viewed as uninteresting to another, just as you may find someone else's focus and hobbies not that interesting. So whenever somebody leaves us, instead of feeling deficient or incompetent, be contented knowing that we still have Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, the One Who'll judge everyone with mercy, wisdom and justice on the Day of Judgment.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, but there is goodness in both of them. Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be frustrated. If something befalls you, then do not say: 'If only I had done something else.' Rather say: 'Allah has decreed what He wills.' Verily, the phrase ‘if only’ opens the way for the work of shaytan."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2664
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Hadith: Glad Tidings To The Strangers / Ghurabaa
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Islam began as something strange and it will return to being strange, so Tooba (or glad tidings) to the strangers.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 145
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
📖 Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: A man said to the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam him, “What is Tooba (Qur'an 13:29)?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “It is a tree in Paradise as wide as a hundred years of travel. The clothes of the people of Paradise will come from its leaves.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 7573
Grade: Sahih li ghayrihi (Authentic due to external evidence) according to Al-Albani
Source: Musnad Ahmed 6612
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “We are now in this day. Blessed are the strangers.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, who are the strangers?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Righteous people among many evil people. Those who disobey them are more numerous than those who obey them.”
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir
Poem: When I'm Gone
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 As I journey towards Jannah, being Allah’s slave,
Striving to earn rewards and do good for Allah’s sake,
I wish to tell each soul whom I’ve met along the way
“Forgive my mistakes and hurtful words I used to say.
~*~
I’m sorry for not enough time spent back in the days,
Sorry to those with whom I couldn’t fully acquaint,
Sorry if I made you feel ignored, or displayed hate,
And sorry if any of my actions brought dismay.
~*~
I’m sorry if ‘sorry’ is not enough to erase
Emotional wounds I may have caused when not awake,
Unaware of the outcomes of the options I’d take,
Or overcome by my nafs in my immature state.
~*~
Recall I’m human like you, we’re not perfect always.
At times I slip, fall, misconstrue, wrongfully explain
And misjudge when I go through a brief decrease in faith,
Yet return to my senses when I find Allah’s Way.
~*~
When I am gone, and when Allah takes my soul away,
I’m hoping for my salvation to Allah you’ll pray,
That I’m forgiven and from the grave’s torment I’m saved,
And you mention me in Du’as nearly night and day.
~*~
When I’ve disappeared as a memory to replay,
I pray the memories make your Imaan escalate,
That instead of wailing, your patience level is raised,
And you strive for Allah as your Taqwa you upgrade.
~*~
Don’t obsess over me. Remember we’re Allah’s slaves,
Created to serve Allah. Life’s a test, not a game.
Do your best and pray we meet again by Jannah’s Gates,
To reunite and together see Allah’s Grand Face.”
~*~
📖 Ibn ‘Umar RadhiAllahu ‘anhuma from his father that the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “The deceased is punished in his grave for the wailing done over him.”
Reference: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1292
In-book reference: Book 23, Hadith 51
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 23, Hadith 379
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: ‘We entered the house of Abu Sayf along with the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam who was the husband of Ibrahim’s wet-nurse, upon him be peace. The Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam took hold of Ibrahim, kissed him, and smelled him. Then, we entered after that as Ibrahim was breathing his last breaths. It made the eyes of the Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam shed tears. Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf RadhiAllahu ‘anhu said, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “O Ibn Awf, this is mercy.” Then, the Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam wept some more and he said, “Verily, the eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except what is pleasing to our Rabb Allah. We are saddened by your departure, O Ibrahim.”’
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1241
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Qatadah RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “The best of what a man leaves behind are three: A righteous child who supplicates for him, ongoing charity the reward of which reaches him, and knowledge that is acted upon after him.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 237
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
💌 As I journey towards Jannah, being Allah’s slave,
Striving to earn rewards and do good for Allah’s sake,
I wish to tell each soul whom I’ve met along the way
“Forgive my mistakes and hurtful words I used to say.
~*~
I’m sorry for not enough time spent back in the days,
Sorry to those with whom I couldn’t fully acquaint,
Sorry if I made you feel ignored, or displayed hate,
And sorry if any of my actions brought dismay.
~*~
I’m sorry if ‘sorry’ is not enough to erase
Emotional wounds I may have caused when not awake,
Unaware of the outcomes of the options I’d take,
Or overcome by my nafs in my immature state.
~*~
Recall I’m human like you, we’re not perfect always.
At times I slip, fall, misconstrue, wrongfully explain
And misjudge when I go through a brief decrease in faith,
Yet return to my senses when I find Allah’s Way.
~*~
When I am gone, and when Allah takes my soul away,
I’m hoping for my salvation to Allah you’ll pray,
That I’m forgiven and from the grave’s torment I’m saved,
And you mention me in Du’as nearly night and day.
~*~
When I’ve disappeared as a memory to replay,
I pray the memories make your Imaan escalate,
That instead of wailing, your patience level is raised,
And you strive for Allah as your Taqwa you upgrade.
~*~
Don’t obsess over me. Remember we’re Allah’s slaves,
Created to serve Allah. Life’s a test, not a game.
Do your best and pray we meet again by Jannah’s Gates,
To reunite and together see Allah’s Grand Face.”
~*~
📖 Ibn ‘Umar RadhiAllahu ‘anhuma from his father that the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “The deceased is punished in his grave for the wailing done over him.”
Reference: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1292
In-book reference: Book 23, Hadith 51
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 23, Hadith 379
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: ‘We entered the house of Abu Sayf along with the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam who was the husband of Ibrahim’s wet-nurse, upon him be peace. The Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam took hold of Ibrahim, kissed him, and smelled him. Then, we entered after that as Ibrahim was breathing his last breaths. It made the eyes of the Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam shed tears. Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf RadhiAllahu ‘anhu said, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “O Ibn Awf, this is mercy.” Then, the Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam wept some more and he said, “Verily, the eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except what is pleasing to our Rabb Allah. We are saddened by your departure, O Ibrahim.”’
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1241
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Qatadah RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “The best of what a man leaves behind are three: A righteous child who supplicates for him, ongoing charity the reward of which reaches him, and knowledge that is acted upon after him.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 237
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
Friday, May 22, 2020
Note: Include The Muslim Ummah In Your Du'as.
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 A first wife praying to Allah that He guides her husband's second wife to Islam...
A married woman praying that Allah blesses the marriage life of her friend, praying that the hearts of her co-wives are softened so they can welcome her into the family without any hatred and jealousy...
A Muslim persistently praying to Allah that He grants his/her relatives guidance and Taqwa even if they have prevented means of communication...
A Muslim who was offended by so-and-so, who got mistreated and betrayed by several individuals numerous times, yet chooses to forgive them and prays to Allah to pardon their mistakes...
A Muslim praying to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala that He alleviates the affairs of other Muslims and praying for the Ummah in spite of going through struggles and challenging trials of his own...
Two souls who are mutually attracted to each other yet they sacrifice the attraction and distance themselves from one another fearing Allah, praying that He Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala protects the both of them from zina and fitna...
Two souls who had a fight or misunderstanding yet they simultaneously pray to Allah the Most Forgiving to forgive them and the other person, realizing we're all humans, and Allah loves those believers who are patiently forgiving...
Muslims who pray that their friends' businesses are halal and successful, even though they themselves are temporarily struggling financially...
These are some examples of scenarios where a Muslim wholeheartedly prays to Allah for another Muslim.
When you're kind and strong enough to pray for other Muslims:
1] Your heart becomes more pure and a lot softer than before.
By letting go of egoistic pride and prideful hurt, you gain inner strength that enables you to pass Allah's tests more successfully with rewarding Sabr/patience.
2] The lives of those whom you pray for will Inn-sha-Allah improve significantly, just as you eventually notice improvements in yourself and your journey towards Jannah.
3] Some of Allah's Angels pray for you likewise or whatever good thing you pray for a Muslim you will also be granted at the most befitting time.
📖 Abu Darda RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: 'And for you the same.'"
Source: Sahih Muslim 2732
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
💌 A first wife praying to Allah that He guides her husband's second wife to Islam...
A married woman praying that Allah blesses the marriage life of her friend, praying that the hearts of her co-wives are softened so they can welcome her into the family without any hatred and jealousy...
A Muslim persistently praying to Allah that He grants his/her relatives guidance and Taqwa even if they have prevented means of communication...
A Muslim who was offended by so-and-so, who got mistreated and betrayed by several individuals numerous times, yet chooses to forgive them and prays to Allah to pardon their mistakes...
A Muslim praying to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala that He alleviates the affairs of other Muslims and praying for the Ummah in spite of going through struggles and challenging trials of his own...
Two souls who are mutually attracted to each other yet they sacrifice the attraction and distance themselves from one another fearing Allah, praying that He Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala protects the both of them from zina and fitna...
Two souls who had a fight or misunderstanding yet they simultaneously pray to Allah the Most Forgiving to forgive them and the other person, realizing we're all humans, and Allah loves those believers who are patiently forgiving...
Muslims who pray that their friends' businesses are halal and successful, even though they themselves are temporarily struggling financially...
These are some examples of scenarios where a Muslim wholeheartedly prays to Allah for another Muslim.
When you're kind and strong enough to pray for other Muslims:
1] Your heart becomes more pure and a lot softer than before.
By letting go of egoistic pride and prideful hurt, you gain inner strength that enables you to pass Allah's tests more successfully with rewarding Sabr/patience.
2] The lives of those whom you pray for will Inn-sha-Allah improve significantly, just as you eventually notice improvements in yourself and your journey towards Jannah.
3] Some of Allah's Angels pray for you likewise or whatever good thing you pray for a Muslim you will also be granted at the most befitting time.
📖 Abu Darda RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "No Muslim servant supplicates for his brother behind his back but that the angel says: 'And for you the same.'"
Source: Sahih Muslim 2732
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Hadith: Be Among Allah's Loyal Allies.
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) said: 'Whoever shows hostility to a righteous friend of Mine, I have declared war against him. My servant does not grow closer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the duties which I have imposed upon him. My servant continues to grow closer to Me with extra good works until I love him. When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask something from Me, I would surely give it to him. Were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant it to him. I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death and I hate to disappoint him.'”
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhārī 6137
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Malik Al-Ashari RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “O people, listen, understand, and know that Allah the Almighty has servants who are neither prophets, nor martyrs, yet the prophets and martyrs admire them for their position and closeness to Allah.” A man among the bedouins of a distant land came and he waved to the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam, saying, “O Prophet of Allah, describe them to us.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam was pleased by the bedouin’s question, and he said, “They are people from faraway lands and different tribes. They have no close familial relationship between them. They sincerely love each other for the sake of Allah. Allah will place them on pulpits of light on the Day of Resurrection and grant them an audience. He will place light on their faces and light on their garments. People will be terrified on the Day of Resurrection, yet they will not be terrified. They are the allies of Allah, upon whom there is no fear or grief.” (The Noble Qur'an 10:62)
Source: Musnad Aḥmad 22307
Grade: Sahih li ghayrihi (Authentic due to external evidence) according to Al-Albani
📖 Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Verily, Allah loves a servant who is righteous, independent, and obscure (hidden, not well-known or not popular).”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2965
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhārī 6137
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Malik Al-Ashari RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “O people, listen, understand, and know that Allah the Almighty has servants who are neither prophets, nor martyrs, yet the prophets and martyrs admire them for their position and closeness to Allah.” A man among the bedouins of a distant land came and he waved to the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam, saying, “O Prophet of Allah, describe them to us.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam was pleased by the bedouin’s question, and he said, “They are people from faraway lands and different tribes. They have no close familial relationship between them. They sincerely love each other for the sake of Allah. Allah will place them on pulpits of light on the Day of Resurrection and grant them an audience. He will place light on their faces and light on their garments. People will be terrified on the Day of Resurrection, yet they will not be terrified. They are the allies of Allah, upon whom there is no fear or grief.” (The Noble Qur'an 10:62)
Source: Musnad Aḥmad 22307
Grade: Sahih li ghayrihi (Authentic due to external evidence) according to Al-Albani
📖 Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Verily, Allah loves a servant who is righteous, independent, and obscure (hidden, not well-known or not popular).”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2965
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
Note: How To Apologize To People You've Hurt
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 A sister in Islam asked if it is okay for her to not directly apologize to someone she wronged because she's probably either too shy to approach her or she is afraid that her apology might get rejected.
If you've done something wrong to another Muslim, whether you gossiped about them previously or stolen an item that belonged to them, and you're genuinely sorry for what you did but you don't have the courage to face them, you can:
1] Send a direct message or voice message to that person's inbox, informing them that you are really sorry for hurting them and
Inn-sha-Allah you promise you'll try your best to avoid repeating the offense.
2] E-mail or write a letter to make sure they read your letter of apology.
3] Talk to several of that person's close friends or trusted relatives, requesting them to speak to the person you want to apologize to. The more they hear news of you being apologetic and remorseful for what you did through reliable individuals, the more they are likely to let go of the grudge and contact you.
4] If you've stolen something from them for whatever reason and you are unable to return it to them because you don't know their exact location or they moved to a different area, you can do charity on their behalf with the amount that you can estimate is equal to the price of the stolen item. For example if you stole one of their abayas, you can buy a new abaya of a similar quality and give it to a Muslimah who needs it. Your intention is to do charity on behalf of that person whose abaya you stole. Do it to compensate for stealing, then try your utmost not to steal from anyone again.
5] A sign that you're truthfully sorry for mistreating a Muslim is positively changing the way you deal with them. If they were offended by a hurtful joke you said, stop making offensive jokes about them. If they got annoyed by you contemptuously copying their manner of speaking, voice or overall personality, then quit being a childish nuisance to them. If you used to spread false rumors about them, inform everybody that the accusations you told weren't true in a public statement on your social media accounts or to the group of friends who listened to your gossip.
6] The next time that person is being badly spoken about by somebody else, take initiative to back them up and defend their honor, not only because it's the proper thing to do, but also as a compensation for backbiting about them in the past.
Positive transformation, regretting what you did, and treating that person much better than before are signs that your apology is sincere, whether or not the hurt person forgives you or chooses to distance themselves because they're not strong enough yet to forgive. What is important is your eagerness to apologize, knowing that all humans will be brought to account for their actions and sayings on the Day of Judgment.
7] Pray to Allah the Most Forgiving to forgive your mistakes and the Muslim whom you formerly mistreated. Beg Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala for Him to soften your heart and theirs, and that Allah blesses you with beautiful character so you avoid deliberately offending other Muslims in the future.
Being blessed with a heart that is free from despising other Muslims and not obsessing over people who can't truly connect with you are among the factors which lead to serenity and having peace of mind.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2588, Grade: Sahih
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam was upon the pulpit and he said:
"Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you."
Source: Musnad Ahmad 7001, Grade: Sahih
💌 A sister in Islam asked if it is okay for her to not directly apologize to someone she wronged because she's probably either too shy to approach her or she is afraid that her apology might get rejected.
If you've done something wrong to another Muslim, whether you gossiped about them previously or stolen an item that belonged to them, and you're genuinely sorry for what you did but you don't have the courage to face them, you can:
1] Send a direct message or voice message to that person's inbox, informing them that you are really sorry for hurting them and
Inn-sha-Allah you promise you'll try your best to avoid repeating the offense.
2] E-mail or write a letter to make sure they read your letter of apology.
3] Talk to several of that person's close friends or trusted relatives, requesting them to speak to the person you want to apologize to. The more they hear news of you being apologetic and remorseful for what you did through reliable individuals, the more they are likely to let go of the grudge and contact you.
4] If you've stolen something from them for whatever reason and you are unable to return it to them because you don't know their exact location or they moved to a different area, you can do charity on their behalf with the amount that you can estimate is equal to the price of the stolen item. For example if you stole one of their abayas, you can buy a new abaya of a similar quality and give it to a Muslimah who needs it. Your intention is to do charity on behalf of that person whose abaya you stole. Do it to compensate for stealing, then try your utmost not to steal from anyone again.
5] A sign that you're truthfully sorry for mistreating a Muslim is positively changing the way you deal with them. If they were offended by a hurtful joke you said, stop making offensive jokes about them. If they got annoyed by you contemptuously copying their manner of speaking, voice or overall personality, then quit being a childish nuisance to them. If you used to spread false rumors about them, inform everybody that the accusations you told weren't true in a public statement on your social media accounts or to the group of friends who listened to your gossip.
6] The next time that person is being badly spoken about by somebody else, take initiative to back them up and defend their honor, not only because it's the proper thing to do, but also as a compensation for backbiting about them in the past.
Positive transformation, regretting what you did, and treating that person much better than before are signs that your apology is sincere, whether or not the hurt person forgives you or chooses to distance themselves because they're not strong enough yet to forgive. What is important is your eagerness to apologize, knowing that all humans will be brought to account for their actions and sayings on the Day of Judgment.
7] Pray to Allah the Most Forgiving to forgive your mistakes and the Muslim whom you formerly mistreated. Beg Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala for Him to soften your heart and theirs, and that Allah blesses you with beautiful character so you avoid deliberately offending other Muslims in the future.
Being blessed with a heart that is free from despising other Muslims and not obsessing over people who can't truly connect with you are among the factors which lead to serenity and having peace of mind.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status."
Source: Sahih Muslim 2588, Grade: Sahih
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam was upon the pulpit and he said:
"Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you."
Source: Musnad Ahmad 7001, Grade: Sahih
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Note: Advice For Sisters Interested In The Niqab
📜 Question: What advice can you give a Muslimah who is interested in wearing the niqab?
📝 Alhamdulillah as a niqabi since about 12 years old back in Saudi Arabia and still wearing the niqab in my 30s here in the Philippines I advise you to:
1° First purify your niyyah/intention of wearing the niqab. Are you wearing the niqab to join the fabulous team of niqabi sisters worldwide, or are you tired of people staring at your cute face, or are you covering it so your skin doesn't become darkened by the sun's rays? The best reasons to wear the niqab would be to sincerely please Allah the Almighty by leveling up your love for modesty, by keeping your actual beauty reserved for your husband exclusively, and to dress modestly like how the noble wives of the beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wa sallam used to have their bodies and faces covered when outdoors.
2° Be patient while wearing the niqab, especially if this is your first time. Expect some ignorant individuals from among Muslims and non-Muslims who may mock or laugh at you for wearing the niqab. The term "ninja" and "molto" or "monster" would become more common, along with questions like "Why do you wear that?" or "Are you seriously acting like you're better than us because you've become more religious?"
When any child or adult makes fun of you for wearing niqab, you have three ways to react to them:
1• Calmly smile and patiently explain what the niqab is, and why you chose to wear it.
2• Jokingly make a ninja move and say something clever like "Hey what about you? Are you a secret ninja too?" or simply laugh at their ignorance while walking away from nonsensical remarks which reflect their bad upbringing or insecurity.
3• Maintain Sabr and silently walk away from rude, insecure and uneducated strangers who probably never traveled abroad or were exposed to different customs. Be kind enough to pray to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala that He guides them to understanding and embracing Islam someday.
You will Inn-sha-Allah be rewarded for staying patient when going through any difficult situation.
3° Choose a niqab with the kind of cloth that allows you to breathe easily. Don't make things more difficult by wearing a niqab that is thick enough to be a winter jacket or mini blanket.
4° Try to have at least two niqabs, not just one. Obviously if one niqab hasn't been washed yet, you still have an extra one.
5° If you're among those sisters who go out with some make-up on even underneath the niqab, expect some concealer or foundation markings around the inner part of your niqab. You can easily wash them off with water or wet wipes.
6° Remain steadfast as a niqabi Muslimah. Being the only niqabi among a group of hijabis or women who don't wear hijab shouldn't stop you from sporting the niqab. It is a huge sign that you trust Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala when you refuse to give up wearing the face-veil even if you're the only one in your family, workplace or class wearing the niqab for Allah's sake.
7° The more you spend time with fellow niqabi sisters, the more you become an expert at identifying people by their body size and recognizing different voices or ways of speaking and distinguishing friends by their overall behaviour. One of the beautiful aspects of wearing the niqab is you don't want people judging you by your face, but who you are as a person is based on what's inside your heart, the good deeds you do solely for the sake of Allah the Most Wise, the contributions you generously provide and kindness you give to the Muslim Ummah, your unique personality and your main desire to enter Jannah Paradise without being concerned by the expectations of society and demands of the fashion industry.
May Allah the Most Merciful make you more courageous and patient as you decide to wear the niqab for His sake only. Ameen.
📖 ‘Urwah reported: Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha said, “May Allah have mercy on the foremost women of the Muhaajirun. When Allah revealed the verse, ‘Let them draw their cloaks over their bodies,’ (The Noble Qur'an 24:31) they cut their sheets and veiled themselves with them.”
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 4481
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
Poem: 13 Life Lessons Learned From 33 Years
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Thirteen lessons learned from thirty-three years of living,
From our stay in Saudi Arabia to Philippines,
To remind myself and for others' self-improvement,
Another way to express thanks for Allah's blessings.
~*~
One: Childhood memories - some bring smiles, others sorrow,
But tough experiences I went through has helped me grow.
Moments where to verbal bullying I was exposed
Taught me some words can hurt, but not if they make you strong.
~*~
Two: Teenage years are some of the toughest adventures,
Where your faith is tested along with your character.
Ensure when you befriend, you choose those with right manners,
As your circle can make you a winner or loser.
~*~
Three: Even when you've reached twenty, you still haven't grown.
You're not mature yet. There are tons of things to be known.
Throughout your twenties you'll commit some mistakes and wrongs,
But they're worthwhile if they inspire wisdom to divulge.
~*~
Four: Recall you're human. You're bound to slip now and then.
Expect to forget promises or form misjudgments.
Whenever you've erred, rush to Tawbah as a Muslim,
Learn from each loss and error. Try not to repeat them.
~*~
Five: Getting married doesn't guarantee "perfect life".
Anticipate frequent fights between husband and wife.
When shaytan interferes and wants you both to divide,
Defeat his desires and be brave enough to ditch pride.
~*~
Six: Oftentimes we may have incorrect opinions,
Misjudging some souls only to know they're different
From our initial assumptions based on experience.
Suspicion in some cases are shaytan's suggestions.
~*~
Seven: We gravitate to souls who resemble us
Or who share our love for Allah so they've earned our trust.
Regardless of the bond, many good friends must depart.
Your heart remains whole if to people you're not attached.
~*~
Eight: It's not easy to move on from something you like.
From serving Allah is willingness to sacrifice,
To abandon bad habits and what Allah dislikes,
To forsake dunya because you prefer Paradise.
~*~
Nine: Life is a series of ups and downs, highs and lows.
Sometimes you're in a good mood, other times you feel low.
Survive by thanking Allah for the gifts He bestowed,
And be patient when trials or challenges are thrown.
~*~
Ten: No matter how many achievements you've attained
With Allah's Will, there's always someone whose gains outweigh
Your accomplishments, so arrogance is not portrayed.
You're trained to not be too proud for rizq that Allah gave.
~*~
Eleven: When you're grateful to Allah, with Shukr,
You'll realize you can't envy the lives of others.
With sweet contentment you can focus on what matters.
A person's triumphs don't signify you're a failure.
~*~
Twelve: Part of Allah's tests is sending troublemakers,
Liars, scammers, traitors, trolls who are not well-mannered,
And foes disguised as "friends" who undermine your efforts.
To deal with them, grant distance and enhance your Sabr.
~*~
Thirteen: Every soul whom Allah decrees you would meet
Has a gift to offer you or a lesson to teach.
Either you benefit them or they gain your misdeeds
Each time they backbite about you, depress or mistreat.
~*~
Allah's Prophets too had enemies who caused much strife,
Who rejected their calls, who assumed their truths were lies,
Yet with Allah's Love and Guidance those Prophets survived.
People's hatred doesn't mean by Allah we're disliked.
~*~
Push yourself to remember our main purpose in life -
To worship Allah Only, to deserve Paradise.
Steadfastly speak the truth though many let themselves lie.
Though some find you "insincere", Allah sees what hearts hide.
~*~
Do your best to be whom Allah commands you to be -
Allah's striving servant who worships Him to succeed
In this world and the next, be granted Jannah's entry,
For trusting Allah, not fearing His slaves' enmity.
~*~
📖 Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu 'anhuma narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Take advantage of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death."
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 9575
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Poem: Distance Yourself From Jealous People.
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 From the groups of souls whom we avoid for Allah's sake,
To preserve our well-being and shield our Imaan/faith,
Are spiteful types whose envy is shown in subtle ways -
Seeing our joys and smiles is what inspires their sour face.
~*~
Their jealousy is what pushes them to act unkind,
To behave in an unfriendly way, and to backbite,
To undervalue your statements as they roll their eyes,
Undermine your good traits while your flaws are magnified.
~*~
They're the type of insecure folks who love to slam doors,
Who expect you to like them yet they got you abhorred,
Memories of your mistakes they remarkably hoard,
While your positive qualities they proudly ignore.
~*~
Your kindness is inspiration to their eye-rolling.
Each time you're friendly, they assume you're just pretending,
Being "insincere", or desperate for attention.
Their rudeness is evidence they're jealously threatened.
~*~
It seems they can't accept Allah's Qadr/Destiny,
It's as if they think there's something wrong with His Decree,
Complaining "How is so-and-so blessed?" and "Why not me?"
Their dissatisfaction is what triggers their envy.
~*~
Jealousy is what causes potential friends to hate,
Relatives to not support, best pals to separate,
Siblings to compete, polygynous marriage to fail,
Strangers to misjudge you without hearing what you'll say.
~*~
To deal with these envious people: Maintain patience.
Put some distance so your blessings do not disturb them.
Pity their inner struggles. Continue contentment.
Thank Allah you're not the jealous oppressive person.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
💌 From the groups of souls whom we avoid for Allah's sake,
To preserve our well-being and shield our Imaan/faith,
Are spiteful types whose envy is shown in subtle ways -
Seeing our joys and smiles is what inspires their sour face.
~*~
Their jealousy is what pushes them to act unkind,
To behave in an unfriendly way, and to backbite,
To undervalue your statements as they roll their eyes,
Undermine your good traits while your flaws are magnified.
~*~
They're the type of insecure folks who love to slam doors,
Who expect you to like them yet they got you abhorred,
Memories of your mistakes they remarkably hoard,
While your positive qualities they proudly ignore.
~*~
Your kindness is inspiration to their eye-rolling.
Each time you're friendly, they assume you're just pretending,
Being "insincere", or desperate for attention.
Their rudeness is evidence they're jealously threatened.
~*~
It seems they can't accept Allah's Qadr/Destiny,
It's as if they think there's something wrong with His Decree,
Complaining "How is so-and-so blessed?" and "Why not me?"
Their dissatisfaction is what triggers their envy.
~*~
Jealousy is what causes potential friends to hate,
Relatives to not support, best pals to separate,
Siblings to compete, polygynous marriage to fail,
Strangers to misjudge you without hearing what you'll say.
~*~
To deal with these envious people: Maintain patience.
Put some distance so your blessings do not disturb them.
Pity their inner struggles. Continue contentment.
Thank Allah you're not the jealous oppressive person.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood or grass."
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4903
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Envy consumes good deeds just as fire burns wood. Charity (Sadaqah) extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is his shield from the Hellfire."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Ibn Asakir
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever wrongs his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his injustice. If he has no good deeds left, he will bear the evil deeds of the one he has oppressed."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 2317
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
Poem: Stay Away From Suspicion.
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Reminder to myself and others to not suspect,
To not doubt other Muslims' intentions and motives
Without valid proofs to defend your doubts and verdicts.
People's realities are not based on what you guess.
~*~
You can't claim that a woman is "plastic" or "selfish"
For that one time she failed to do what you did expect.
Haven't you thought, she has a tendency to forget,
Maybe she was busy, or she went through some tough tests?
~*~
Don't assume that a friend is a "fake" when she neglects
You often and doesn't instantly answer your texts.
Her inbox may have been full your text wasn't noticed
Or she meant to answer but then got disconnected.
~*~
Viewing someone as "arrogant" or a "narcissist"
Is unfair if only a few times you both have met.
Who they are differs from how they behave in public.
You have no right to judge them if you're not real friends yet.
~*~
A person's worth can't be measured by what has been said
About them by strangers, hateful colleagues and critics.
Get to know that person well before acting savage
With accusations and complaints which are incorrect.
~*~
Those who roll their eyes assuming we're "inauthentic",
"Insincere", "self-centered", or "self-obsessed hypocrites",
Should fear Allah and do Tawbah from their injustice.
Why the bad thoughts? Our heart - did they fully inspect it?
~*~
We can't control people's words nor force them to accept
The fact that Only Allah knows the truth about us.
Don't quit trusting Allah. Have the courage to forgive
Those who obey their nafs in causing jealous hatred.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5719, Sahih Muslim 2563
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Hamdun Al-Qassar, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If one of your brothers commits an error, seek seventy excuses for him. If your hearts do not accept it, know that the fault is with yourselves.”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 10436
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Ja’far Ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If you hear something from your brother that you reject, make an excuse for him up to seventy excuses. If you cannot do it, then say: 'Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know.'”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 7853
💌 Reminder to myself and others to not suspect,
To not doubt other Muslims' intentions and motives
Without valid proofs to defend your doubts and verdicts.
People's realities are not based on what you guess.
~*~
You can't claim that a woman is "plastic" or "selfish"
For that one time she failed to do what you did expect.
Haven't you thought, she has a tendency to forget,
Maybe she was busy, or she went through some tough tests?
~*~
Don't assume that a friend is a "fake" when she neglects
You often and doesn't instantly answer your texts.
Her inbox may have been full your text wasn't noticed
Or she meant to answer but then got disconnected.
~*~
Viewing someone as "arrogant" or a "narcissist"
Is unfair if only a few times you both have met.
Who they are differs from how they behave in public.
You have no right to judge them if you're not real friends yet.
~*~
A person's worth can't be measured by what has been said
About them by strangers, hateful colleagues and critics.
Get to know that person well before acting savage
With accusations and complaints which are incorrect.
~*~
Those who roll their eyes assuming we're "inauthentic",
"Insincere", "self-centered", or "self-obsessed hypocrites",
Should fear Allah and do Tawbah from their injustice.
Why the bad thoughts? Our heart - did they fully inspect it?
~*~
We can't control people's words nor force them to accept
The fact that Only Allah knows the truth about us.
Don't quit trusting Allah. Have the courage to forgive
Those who obey their nafs in causing jealous hatred.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5719, Sahih Muslim 2563
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Hamdun Al-Qassar, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If one of your brothers commits an error, seek seventy excuses for him. If your hearts do not accept it, know that the fault is with yourselves.”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 10436
📖 Al-Bayhaqi reported: Ja’far Ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, “If you hear something from your brother that you reject, make an excuse for him up to seventy excuses. If you cannot do it, then say: 'Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know.'”
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 7853
Poem: What Is Good Character?
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Allah the Almighty loves those with good character,
Those believers who strive to maintain proper manners,
Who try their best to behave decently with others,
Striving to pass Allah's tests with Sabr and Shukr.
~*~
Those blessed with fine conduct know when to be fair and kind,
So they're not taken advantage of by the unkind.
Kindness doesn't mean you give others gifts all the time,
But you treat them well, as you avoid gossip and lies.
~*~
If you have nothing nice to say, you remain quiet.
Good character inspires you to defend and protect,
Like a defender of the weak, bullied and oppressed.
With Akhlaaq, you're not the type of friend who gets jealous.
~*~
Upon noticing someone's flaws, you first check yourself,
Understand you're not perfect, then advise them to help.
Your advice is one-on-one. You never mean to hurt.
Mistreating others only makes one's self-hatred worse.
~*~
From good character is wanting others to succeed,
To thrive for Allah in both worlds, through faith and good deeds.
You enjoin right, forbid wrong, remind generously,
And welcome criticism to improve eagerly.
~*~
You dislike what Allah hates: Dhulm, rumors, backbiting,
Gossiping, kibr, laughing at others' shortcomings,
Stealing, breaking promises without valid reasons,
Suspicion, and looking down on Allah's creation.
~*~
From traits that Allah loves: Patience, courage for His sake,
Gentleness, gratitude, truth in what you do and say,
Mercy, not envying others for what Allah gave,
And knowledge that Allah is our Judge on Judgment Day.
~*~
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Verily, among the best of you are those with the best character."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 3366
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The best of you in Islam are those with the best character, if they have religious understanding."
Source: Musnad Ahmed 9880
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Shall I not tell you what distinguishes the best of you from the worst of you? The best of you are those from whom goodness is expected and people are safe from their evil. The worst of you are those from whom goodness is not expected and people are not safe from their evil."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2263
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth."
Source: Sunan Al-Nasā’ī 4995
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the most excellent character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 1162
Grade: Sahih
💌 Allah the Almighty loves those with good character,
Those believers who strive to maintain proper manners,
Who try their best to behave decently with others,
Striving to pass Allah's tests with Sabr and Shukr.
~*~
Those blessed with fine conduct know when to be fair and kind,
So they're not taken advantage of by the unkind.
Kindness doesn't mean you give others gifts all the time,
But you treat them well, as you avoid gossip and lies.
~*~
If you have nothing nice to say, you remain quiet.
Good character inspires you to defend and protect,
Like a defender of the weak, bullied and oppressed.
With Akhlaaq, you're not the type of friend who gets jealous.
~*~
Upon noticing someone's flaws, you first check yourself,
Understand you're not perfect, then advise them to help.
Your advice is one-on-one. You never mean to hurt.
Mistreating others only makes one's self-hatred worse.
~*~
From good character is wanting others to succeed,
To thrive for Allah in both worlds, through faith and good deeds.
You enjoin right, forbid wrong, remind generously,
And welcome criticism to improve eagerly.
~*~
You dislike what Allah hates: Dhulm, rumors, backbiting,
Gossiping, kibr, laughing at others' shortcomings,
Stealing, breaking promises without valid reasons,
Suspicion, and looking down on Allah's creation.
~*~
From traits that Allah loves: Patience, courage for His sake,
Gentleness, gratitude, truth in what you do and say,
Mercy, not envying others for what Allah gave,
And knowledge that Allah is our Judge on Judgment Day.
~*~
📖 Abdullah Ibn Amr RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Verily, among the best of you are those with the best character."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 3366
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The best of you in Islam are those with the best character, if they have religious understanding."
Source: Musnad Ahmed 9880
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "Shall I not tell you what distinguishes the best of you from the worst of you? The best of you are those from whom goodness is expected and people are safe from their evil. The worst of you are those from whom goodness is not expected and people are not safe from their evil."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2263
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one people trust with their lives and wealth."
Source: Sunan Al-Nasā’ī 4995
Grade: Sahih
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the most excellent character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 1162
Grade: Sahih
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Note: Zakat Al-Fitr Is Obligatory, Not Optional.
💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Zakat Al-Fitr is an obligatory charity, not voluntary/optional, which is given to the needy in the form of staple food like rice, flour or dates weighing around three kilograms. Even if you think that a poor family can benefit more from financial assistance, Zakat Al-Fitr will not be valid if you don't follow the orders of the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam who commanded Muslims to pay Zakat Al-Fitr in the form of edibles that equal to one ssaa', equivalent to approximately three kilograms of rice, flour or dates.
While it is better to pay Zakat Al-Fitr on the night before praying the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, you are allowed to give the charity one or two days before the day of Eid.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him) was asked about the ruling on giving Zakat Al-Fitr to poor relatives.
He replied:
It is permissible to give Zakat Al-Fitr and Zakaah of one’s wealth to relatives who are poor, and in fact giving it to relatives is better than giving it to strangers because giving it to relatives is both charity and upholding ties of kinship. But that is subject to the condition that giving it is not a means of protecting one’s wealth, i.e., if this poor person is one on whom the rich person is obliged to spend, in this case it is not permissible to meet his needs by giving Zakaah, because if he does that he will have saved his own money by giving him Zakaah, and this is not permissible. But if he is not obliged to spend on him (because that person is not his parent or child), then he may give his Zakaah to him, and giving Zakaah to him is better than giving it to a stranger, because the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: “Your charity given to a relative is both charity and upholding the ties of kinship.”
End quote.
Source: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/81122/it-is-not-permissible-to-give-zakaah-to-one-on-whom-you-are-obliged-to-spend
~*~
"Rulings Of Zakaat Al-Fitr" Islamic lecture by brother Abu Suhailah 'Umar Quinn
https://youtu.be/o_PZ9X2Hrn0
📖 Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu 'anhuma narrated: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam made it an obligation to pay charity (Zakat Al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan, a portion of dates or barely, upon the slave and the freeman, the male and female, the young and the old among the Muslims. The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam ordered it to be given before the people go out for the Eid prayer.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1433, Sahih Muslim 986
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim