Note: When To Let Go Of Certain Friendships

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Simply knowing a lot about someone, like a fan tries to gather as much info as they can about their favorite celebrity, doesn't make you that person's close friend. Being aware of their existence for a long time, as a neighbor who knows about the other neighbors yet doesn't bother interacting with them,  also doesn't render one worthy of being called an actual 'friend'.
A friend is somebody who doesn't necessarily share the exact same interests as you but who genuinely cares about you just as you are honestly concerned about their well-being. They're that person whom you usually contact when something awful or amazing happens because you trust them, welcome their advice and feel safe around them, knowing they've already known you for many years and won't judge you for how Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala created you. Their presence brings you peace just as you can sense they're truthfully happy to communicate with you.
As time goes by, some friendships are bound to break or deteriorate, either due to neglect from one or both sides, one had to relocate, or both went separate ways in their lives and found another friend who eventually replaced them. Dealing with potential friends who turn into complete strangers again is one of the tests that Allah the Most Wise sends to examine our faith/Imaan and patience. When someone whom we used to chat with and confide in regularly becomes another stranger whom we apathetically pass by in the streets, do we continue moving on as we let them go, or do we try our best to recover the special bond we had because without them we're incomplete?
As Muslims Alhamdulillah we shouldn't get too attached to Allah's servants, since human beings, like dunya and its trials, are imperfect and temporary.
🔸 When is it okay to quit trying to be somebody's intimate friend instead of being mere acquaintances:
1] When there seems to be no smooth connection between you two and the conversations are mostly forced or awkward.
2] When you're almost always the first to reach out to them, check how they're doing, and show support, while they rarely return your favors. The feelings and respect are not mutual.
3] For a number of years you have awareness that they exist but still find no legitimate reason to put effort in cultivating your familiarity with them. Basically you consider them as incompatible, unrelatable, or not interesting enough to grab your attention.
4] Somehow they distract you from your journey to becoming a better Muslim. They're a bad influence who want you to be preoccupied with dunya matters, who dislike attending Islamic lectures, or who habitually gossip and backbite about others.
5] If they associate with you mainly to take advantage of your kindness, generosity and link to other supposedly prominent or successful individuals for their selfish interests. Rather than loving you for Allah's sake, they only stay in touch for the numerous advantages that you bring to their table.
Patiently disconnect from toxic and negative people who don't reciprocate your loyalty. The empty spots they leave behind can Inn-sha-Allah be reclaimed by other friends who are more similar to you, more helpful for your soul, and more trustworthy.
Release yourself from ineffectively wanting to get to know them better yet maintain basic courtesy, and don't let your indifference towards them negatively impact your good character.
📖 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-Tirmidhī 1997 Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said: "A man set out to visit his brother from another town, so Allah sent an angel to watch over his steps. When the angel came to him, he said: 'Where are you going?' The man said: 'I am visiting a brother of mine in this town.' The angel said: 'Do you have a favor over him to be repaid?' He said: 'No, only that I love him for the sake of Allah the Almighty.' The angel said: 'I am a messenger from Allah to tell you that Allah loves you as you love him.'" Source: Sahih Muslim 2567, Grade: Sahih
📖 Aslam Al-Habashi reported: Umar ibn Al-Khattab RadhiAllahu 'anhu said, "Let not your love be infatuation and let not your hatred be destruction." It was said, “How is this?” Umar RadhiAllahu 'anhu said, “When you love someone, you become infatuated like a child. When you hate someone, you love destruction for your companion.” Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1322 Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Note: To Brave Souls Who Combat Vile Desires

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 To brave warriors who fight evil desires night and day,
To those who are in love but keep their passions restrained,
And who bid farewell to zina to preserve their faith:
Keep striving for Allah. Your efforts won't go to waste.
~•~
Allah knows that you try your best to ignore vile thoughts,
Fantasies of those people on whom you have a crush,
Replacing sinful visions with Adhkaar and Du'as,
And distancing yourself from the souls that your heart loves.
~•~
Allah sees you fighting the urge to reach out to them,
Suppressing the feelings of unwanted attraction,
Leaving what gratifies most, knowing it's forbidden,
And preferring Jannah where joy is everlasting.
~•~
Allah understands your ability to do it,
To walk towards haraam love which He prohibited,
Yet you sacrifice what you want, choose to stay modest,
And patiently wait for Jannah's never-ending bliss.
~•~
No matter hard it is to avoid what you like,
Greater love for Allah is what makes heartbreaks worthwhile.
Self-guard with Taqwa and Imaan. Continue to strive.
This world isn't our home, but in Jannah Paradise.
~•~
🔸 Reminder to recite Surah Al-Kahf every Friday Jumuah and include the Muslim Ummah in your Du'as.
📖 Abu Qatadah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, you will never leave anything for the sake of Allah the Almighty but that Allah will replace it with something better."
Source: Musnad Ahmed 22565
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Sahl ibn Sa’d RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever guarantees for me what is between his jaws and his legs, I can guarantee for him Paradise."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6109
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
📖 Aisha RadhiAllahu 'anha narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Marriage is part of my Sunnah. Whoever does not act upon my Sunnah is not part of me. Give each other in marriage, for I will boast of your great numbers before the nations. Whoever has the means, let him contract a marriage. Whoever does not have the means should fast, as fasting will restrain his desires."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 1846
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Poem: Be Patient Enough To Keep Secrets.

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Despite the fact some think I'm too chatty or open,
Most of my thoughts, feelings and dreams remain unspoken.
Extremely few can be regarded as a close friend,
And even with them I don't disclose all sentiments.
~•~
I could be very talkative if I wanted to,
Sharing what I've seen in a dream so it's understood,
Expressing every worry, idea, point of view,
And whatever info I've gathered from random news.
~•~
But then again by speaking recklessly I just lose,
Exposing myself to those who lack moral virtues,
Who may twist my words, gossip, or have them misconstrued,
Or take offense so they turn to strangers I once knew.
~•~
So instead of texting this person and that daily,
Revealing to them intimate reflections freely,
I suppress the urge to open up, and silently
Transfer my worries to say Du'a contentedly.
~•~
Only Allah knows about the emotions I feel,
My concerns, my fears, and secrets I cannot reveal.
Allah, I believe, is the One Who listens and heals.
Trust none but Allah, even if people's lips are sealed.
~•~
📖 Mu’adh ibn Jabal RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Verily, you will continue to be safe as long as you remain silent. If you speak, it will be recorded for you or against you."
Source: Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabīr 16591
Grade: Hasan li ghayrihi (Fair due to external evidence) according to Al-Albani
📖 Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Most of the sins of the children of Adam (humans) are on their tongues."
Ibn Mas’ud said, “O tongue! Speak goodness and be rewarded, or remain silent and be safe, lest you become regretful.”
Source: Al-Mu’jam Al-Kabīr 10300
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
📖 Aswad ibn Asram RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, advise me.” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Can you control your tongue?” I said, “But what do I control if I cannot control my tongue?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Can you control your hands?” I said, “But what do I control if I cannot control my hands?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Do not say anything on your tongue except what is right, and do not stretch out your hand except to do good."
Source: Shu’ab Al-Imān 2867
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Poem: On Loving Righteous Muslims For Allah's Sake

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Around the world are souls whom I love for Allah's sake,
I gravitate to them as plants lean to the sun's rays.
Their love for Allah and strong faith are what captivate,
So I'm inspired to pray for them nearly night and day.
~•~
Though to some I haven't told they're loved for Allah's sake,
Guessing they're too busy, or they reside far away,
Or they'll find me strange, or the feelings are not the same,
My love is shown in Du'as when I pronounce their names.
~•~
Other ways in which love for Allah's sake is portrayed
Include defending them when some gossip and defame,
Checking on them once in a while, hoping they're okay,
Concealing their secrets, and correcting their mistakes.
~•~
I love them lots for Allah for how they motivate
Me to learn Islam, be more cautious of what I say,
To stay patient, fast Sunnah fasts every other day,
And to avoid bid'ah so I do not go astray.
~•~
Although my affection may not be clearly displayed,
Only Allah knows that I do love them for His sake.
This love lacks extreme attachment but gives needed space,
Freedom to strive together towards Allah's Straight Way.
~•~
📖 Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’di RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "When one of you loves his brother, let him know."
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2392
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "You will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves."
Source: Sahih Muslim 54
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
📖 Mu’adh ibn Jabal RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Allah the Almighty said: 'Those who love each other for the sake of My Glory will be upon pulpits of light, admired by the prophets and the martyrs.'"
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2390
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

Notes: Tips On How To Deal With Insults And Criticism

💐 In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
💌 Note: Insults are hateful remarks meant to upset you.
Some of them are just lies, while others may contain truth.
The following are tips to deal with verbal abuse,
From one who can't vibe with those who are unkind and rude:
~•~
When told you're "useless", "unproductive", "good for nothing",
Let them know you serve Only Allah, not His servants.
To obey Allah, you don't need people's agreement.
Keep serving Allah in spite of His slaves' derision.
~•~
When numbers claim you're "ugly", "plain", or "not good-looking",
Let inner beauty glow with patience and contentment,
Thank Allah Who preordained your unique appearance,
And know your critics too are flawed with imperfections.
~•~
When notified you reek or emit perspiration,
Affirm their judgment and know they're not always fragrant,
Liquids their bodies release don't have flowery scent.
Their self-hate is proven when they bash other humans.
~•~
When informed you're "poor", "so weird", "boring" or "ignorant",
Respond to eye-rolls and censure with indifference.
Clearly they don't know you. Facts differ from assumptions.
Aim to please Allah. Don't entertain false opinions.
~•~
Regard each insult as a tool for self-improvement,
Or take it as a remedy to strengthen patience.
So what if some foes hate you? Welcome their rejection,
Source of inspiration to have your Imaan strengthened.
~•~
Know that shunning those who toy around with our feelings
Is wise training to trust Allah and seek His Guidance,
While enhancing our aptitude to abandon sins.
The One Who can judge us is Allah the All-Knowing.
~•~
📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest."
In another narration, the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Let him not harm his neighbor."
And in another narration, the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Let him uphold family ties."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5672, Sahih Muslim 47
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
📖 Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Do not cause harm or return harm. Whoever harms others, Allah will harm him. Whoever is harsh with others, Allah will be harsh with him."
Source: Al-Sunan Al-Kubrá 11070
Grade: Hasan (Fair) according to Al-Albani
📖 Harithah ibn Wahb RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Shall I not tell you about the inhabitants of Paradise? Every meek, humble person, but if they swore an oath by Allah, he would fulfill it. Shall I not tell you about the inhabitants of Hellfire? Every cruel, rude, and arrogant person."
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 4634, Sahih Muslim 2853
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim