Poem: Lessons From Previous Friendships

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Some lessons on friendship I've learned from old friends,
Friends of various types and personalities -
No made-up stories, no untruths nor pretense,
Just taking some lessons from past memories.
~*~
From Saudi friends - at private and public schools,
I've learned that stereotyping is but a lie,
Friends can be found in both the cool and uncool,
Friendship develops when both parties are kind.
~*~
From friends who come from their country Pakistan,
I've learned how kindness encourages liking,
To be close to someone help and understand,
Egoism may keep one from forgiving.
~*~
From Yemeni sisters whom I still recall,
I've learned that at times one must make the first move,
Accept the friendship of those who are sincere,
For strong bonds are seen between friends who are true.
~*~
From a special ex-friend who chose to stay far,
I've learned that when you love find a middle way,
Don't love or hate too much, some friends become foes,
And some strangers may transform to friends someday.
~*~
Now from some of the new friends recently made,
I've observed that Only Allah we can trust,
It's best to choose Allah than be led astray
By obstacles who lie and gossip a lot.
~*~
While some may hate you out of mere jealousy,
There are those few who can be your best of friends,
Who insist on sharing, seeing you happy,
And who secretly pray for you now and then.
~*~
What makes some people click and get along quick,
From experience, is when both friends are alike,
In terms of shared likes, dislikes, similar goals,
Comfort with each other and distance from lies.
~*~
Regardless of how many friends you have made,
Friendship with Allah is what matters the most.
Some Muslims on earth may not be that famous,
Yet Allah and those in Jannah love them so.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Love whom you love moderately, perhaps he will become hateful to you someday. Hate whom you hate moderately, perhaps he will become your beloved friend someday."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1997
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The souls are troops collected together. They come close upon what they recognize, and they differ upon what they reject."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 3109, Sahih Muslim 2638
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Al-Nawawi said, “When bodies meet in the world, they come together or differ according to how they were created. The righteous will incline to the righteous, and the evil will incline to the evil.”
Source: Sharh Al-Nawawī ‘alá Sahih Muslim 2638

Poem: A Special Du'a On Laylat Al-Qadr

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Dear Allah the Most Kind, Most Just and Most Near,
Yet again I’m here, I call on You, in tears.
As I raise my hands facing down so humbly,
I pray: “Allahumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Tuhebbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.”
Dear Allah Most Forgiving, forgive me please.
~*~
Dear Allah, I’m overwhelmed, stressed, tired and weak.
Your Mercy and Guidance O’ Allah I seek.
Allah, I miss my loved ones and family,
That I can’t take care of them all I’m sorry.
Please alleviate my struggles and worries.
~*~
I’m sorry I didn’t do much, Allah Dear,
Some bad traits of mine have not yet disappeared.
So beautify my character, guide me please,
Cause me to overcome obstacles with ease,
And make the Path to Jannah ever easy.
~*~
O’ Allah, for every moment, be with me,
Enlighten through lessons and prophetic dreams.
Keep forgiving me when I slack frequently,
The Way to Your Love don’t allow me to leave.
Dear Allah, Only You I worship daily.
~*~
O’ Allah, please help Muslims worldwide in need,
Please fix our state as we bow to You Only.
With what You bestowed inspire us to be pleased,
That we see You in Paradise please decree,
Our good deeds accept, and our sins forgive please.
~*~
Allahumma Innaka ‘Afuwwun Tuhebbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee. Ameen.
~*~
📖 Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha narrated: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is the Night of Decree, what should I say during it?” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Say: O Allah, You are Pardoning and Generous. You love to forgive, so forgive me.”

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 3513

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Nawawi

📖 Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha narrated: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam would seek spiritual retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan and he SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam would say, “Search for the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr) during the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

In another narration, the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Search for the Night of Decree in the odd nights among the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1916, Sahih Muslim 1169

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said when the month of Ramadan began, “Verily, this month has presented itself to you. There is a night within it that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good. None is deprived of its good but that he is truly deprived.”

Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1644

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Note: Tips On Avoiding Forbidden Lusts

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful

💌 A younger sister in Islam asked me a question concerning the issue of masturbation or touching oneself for sexual pleasure. It reminded me of that time when one of my high school students had the courage to ask about it in front of many students, some of whom looked so uncomfortable when it was mentioned. So this problem is actually more common than we think, especially among those who are still single.

Some of the things which lead one to masturbate:

1] Watching inappropriate videos and movies with sex scenes so filthy images are stuck in one's mind for some time.

2] Waking up from a sexual dream, typically caused by shaytan's evil suggestions or innermost desires of one's nafs.

3] Constantly thinking of the person or individuals whom one is "in love with" and using masturbation as a means to relieve sexual tension.

Solution:

1] Do Tawbah and reconnect with Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. The stronger your connection is with Allah the Almighty, the more you're willing to obey His Orders, and avoiding sins becomes easy gradually.

2] Willingly remove yourself from any obstacle and distraction that keep you away from Allah Subhaanahau wa Ta'aala. Among the obstacles you should avoid as much as possible are: addiction to music and love songs, obsession with porn or erotic stories, fruitless attachments to people whose presence or companionship do not add positive value to your faith/Imaan.

3] Instead of actively fantasizing and imagining being with the person you have a crush on, replace those indecent thoughts with Dhikr, Istighfaar, and regular words of remembrance of Allah, sincere Du'a, Qur'an recitation, knowledge that there are Angels assigned to record your actions, and awareness that death can come anytime.

4] Ask yourself, would you rather die and meet Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala while you're doing a good deed, like reading some pages from the Noble Qur'an, or while doing something that could intensify your desire to commit zina/fornication and which shows one may lack self-control such as masturbating?  

5] Marriage is where you can have your sexual urges satisfied lawfully, as long as intercourse is not anal sex nor is the love-making done while the wife is in her monthly period. If you are unable to get married for now, practice self-discipline by fasting often, particularly every other Monday and Thursday, after this blessed month of Ramadan.

By avoiding food and drink while fasting for Allah's sake, we increase in Taqwa and our ability to abandon haraam/forbidden deeds is strengthened. If you can stay away from eating and drinking in the daytime while fasting, there is more reasons for you as a Muslim to abstain from committing major and minor sins like backbiting, deliberately telling lies and masturbating. Also, evaluate yourself, "Would you be willing to masturbate in front of your own parents, teachers and acquaintances? If not, then why would you want to do it when Allah the All-Knowing is always above us watching?"

~*~

Masturbation and its Effect on Worship - By Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOaGzBX4-V4

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, Allah has pardoned my nation for what occurs within themselves, as long as they do not speak of it or act upon it."

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6287, Sahih Muslim 127

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whomever Allah protects from the evil between his jaws and his legs, he will enter Paradise."

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2409

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

📖 Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "O young men, if you are able to support a wife, get married. Verily, it lowers the gaze and guards chastity. Whoever is not able to do so, he must fast as it will restrain his passions."

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1806, Sahih Muslim 1400

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Hadith: Strive To Be Prepared To Meet Allah.

📖 Abu Ayyub RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: A man came to the Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, teach me and make it concise.” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "When you stand for your prayer, pray as if you are saying farewell. Do not say anything for which you must apologize, and give up any desire to acquire what people have."

Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4169

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

📖 Abu Umamah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “If Allah wills goodness for a servant, He purifies him before his death.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the purification of the servant?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “He inspires him to perform good deeds until his soul is taken.”

Source: Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabīr 7900

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “If Allah wills goodness for a servant, He puts him into action.” It was said, “How is he put into action, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “He is guided to righteous deeds before death.”

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2142

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to At-Tirmidhi

Poem: Importance Of Doing Good Deeds For Allah Only

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Our aim in life is to serve Allah, not please His slaves.
So good deeds are accepted and they don't go to waste,
Make sure those righteous actions are done for Allah's sake.
Avoid doing an action for your personal gain,
To impress fellow servants or earn some form of fame.
~*~
To be sincere is to do something just for Allah,
To obtain rewards through it, and to increase Taqwa,
To continue upon Allah's Way with pure niyyah,
Regardless of many accusing you of riyaa,
Claiming "you're promoting yourself not doing Da'wah".
~*~
From Ikhlaas/sincerity is to supplicate much,
To pray to Allah to purify our hearts and nafs,
To beg Allah that He protects us from showing off,
To cry to Allah, pleading our rewards don't get lost,
As we do other good deeds which humans don't know of.
~*~
What should come with right intention is correct action,
Done according to the Prophet's Sunnah/tradition.
The Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam
Is the best role model and example to learn from.
Ensure what you do isn't bid'ah/innovation.
~*~
Charity is invalid if it's from haraam means,
Lecturing for self-interest carries no blessings,
And fasting is nothing if it's for weight reduction.
So our good deeds are valid, let's cleanse our intention,
And do more good deeds for Allah which don't need audience.
~*~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, the first people to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who was martyred. He will be brought, the blessings of Allah will be made known and he will acknowledge them. Allah will say: 'What did you do about them?' The man will say: 'I fought in Your Cause until I was martyred.' Allah will say: 'You have lied, for you fought only that it would be said you were brave, and thus it was said.' Then, Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face until he is cast into Hellfire. Another man studied religious knowledge, taught others, and recited the Qur'an. He will be brought, the blessings of Allah will be made known and he will acknowledge them. Allah will say: 'What did you do about them?' The man will say: I learned religious knowledge, taught others, and I recited the Qur'an for Your sake. Allah will say: 'You have lied, for you studied only that it would be said you are a scholar and you recited the Qur'an only that it would be said you are a reciter, and thus it was said.' Then, Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face until he is cast into Hellfire. Another man was given an abundance of blessings from Allah and every kind of wealth. He will be brought, the blessings of Allah will be made known and he will acknowledge them. Allah will say: 'What did you do about them?' The man will say: 'I did not leave any good cause beloved to You but that I spent on it for Your sake.' Allah will say: 'You have lied, for you spent only that it would be said you are generous, and thus it was said.' Then, Allah will order him to be dragged upon his face until he is cast into Hellfire."
Source: Sahih Muslim 1905
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
📖 Umar Ibn Al-Khattab RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, deeds are only with intentions. Verily, every person will have only what they intended. Whoever emigrated to Allah and His Messenger (SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam), his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger (SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam). Whoever emigrated to get something in the world or to marry a woman, his emigration is for that to which he emigrated."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 54, Sahih Muslim 1907
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "One might fast and he gets nothing from his fast but hunger. One might pray at night but he gets nothing from his prayer but fatigue."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1690
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani