Hadith: Virtues Of Taking The Suhoor Meal Before Fasting An Obligatory Or Voluntary Fast

📖 Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “The pre-fasting meal (Suhoor) is a blessed meal, so do not abandon it even if you take only a sip of water. Verily, Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who take the pre-fasting meal.”
Source: Musnad Ahmed 11003
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Suyuti

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “The most excellent pre-fasting meal (Suhur) of the believer is dates.”
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1399
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/22805/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1

Tips: Stages Of Bereavement And Some Tips On Coping With Grief

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

📑 Stages of bereavement and grieving, personal advice from someone who has had several loved ones pass away including my dear parents, some aunties and relatives (Allah yarhamhum. Ameen.): 

1] Denial of the news received about the passing of the loved one. Finding it difficult to accept that they've died. Feeling shocked to know they're no longer alive (in this fleeting dunya). 

2] Feeling sad or depressed knowing that the deceased is not around anymore. Occasionally going through unpleasant feelings of regret or wondering what your circumstances would have been like if you spent more time with them before they died. 

3] Finding it challenging to move on from their demise if you were closely connected and struggling to cope with the aches of looking back on the moments you've enjoyed with them whenever somebody reminds you of them directly or indirectly. 

4] Finally accepting Allah's Qadr / Destiny with rewarding patience and contentment (for those who weren't strong enough yet to accept Allah's Decree from the very first instant of discovering the loved one's demise) and attaining comfort upon looking forward to being reunited with them 

Inn-sha-Allah in Jannah Paradise while regularly mentioning them in your wholehearted Du'as / supplications, praying that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala continuously has mercy on them, forgives them and protects them from the grave's torment.

5] Anticipating rewards from Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala for striving to stay patient for His sake and having the ability, as well as willingness, to kindly inspire other bereaved Muslims to maintain Sabr for Allah's sake, reminding one another that this world is only temporary and our actual destination is Jannah Paradise where we can 

Inn-sha-Allah reconcile with our Muslim loved ones if Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala decrees. 

✅ A few tips on how to ease and alleviate grief and bereavement: 

1] As a Muslim Alhamdulillah it is part of being a true believer to train oneself to have patience with what Allah the Most Wise decrees. Striving to have Sabr doesn't mean you're not allowed to feel saddened by certain trials but you refrain from loudly saying anything which could displease Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. 

2] Understand that your deceased loved one would dislike it if they found you consistently suffering from depression due to their departure. Learn to patiently accept the reality that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala took them back to Him at the precise timing which He already destined and planned even before you were born. Try to achieve joy in lawful ways, particularly by frequently reading from the Noble Qur'an and researching about how the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam and the other Prophets 'alaihim as-salaam dealt with the difficulties in this world appropriately. 

3] If you feel it can be helpful for your overall well-being, once in a while talk to Muslims who have gone through your loss and who know what it's like to be in your current situation, or browse around informative articles or forums where Muslims share their experiences and provide useful tips on coping with grief, while always recalling that in Jannah Paradise 

Inn-sha-Allah our worries and sorrow can be replaced with everlasting bliss.

Allah the Almighty knows best.

~•~

📖 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." (Refrain from wailing or excessively crying over those who've returned to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.)

Reference: Sahih Al-Bukhari 1292

In-book reference: Book 23, Hadith 51

USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 2, Book 23, Hadith 379 

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Allah the Almighty says: 'I have nothing to give to My faithful servant but Paradise if I cause his dear friend to die and he remains patient.'"

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 6424

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari 

https://abukhadeejah.com/do-the-dead-know-what-is-happening-see-perceive-who-visit-the-grave-what-can-be-done-for-deceased-reciting-the-quran/

https://abukhadeejah.com/funeral-prayer-janaazah-over-the-sinful-muslims-by-al-barbahaaree-explanation-of-al-fawzaan/ 

https://abukhadeejah.com/gathering-in-a-place-after-a-funeral-to-receive-condolences-and-provide-food-by-shaikh-muhammad-ibn-salih-al-uthaimin-and-shaikh-al-albani/ 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/12/poem-some-advice-on-how-to-deal-with.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/10/poem-patiently-cope-with-death-of-loved.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/06/poem-some-tips-to-patiently-cope-with.html  

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/05/poem-seven-things-to-do-to-respect.html 

Note: Some Advice From An INTJ On "Ghosting" And Broken Friendships Which Can't Be Fixed

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

🗒️ Question: As an INTJ-A personality type, what advice can you give regarding "ghosting" and ex-friends' final decision to stop maintaining friendship with you?

📝 Answer: Alhamdulillah, unlike other MBTI personality types who try to gossip about or get even with those who are no longer close to them, the way I treat former friends is I: 

1] Unfriend them on social media, delete their contact numbers, purposely ignore their Facebook timelines and stubbornly refuse to thoroughly read any of their comments posted on mutual friends' posts. 

2] Stop inviting them to accompany me to the places we used to visit. 

3] Cease going out of my way to initiate meaningful chat conversations. Asking them personal questions to be more familiar with them is something I don't do anymore because they've already proven to be a despicably untrustworthy individual whose words can't be taken at face value. 

4] Quit checking how they're doing. If they've been absent from work for several days, I wouldn't bother asking them "are you alright? You missed three consecutive meetings. Do you want me to come over so I can discuss with you the agenda?" 

5] Keep our dialogues online and face-to-face as concise, quick and business-like as possible, not eager at all to engage in small talk and playful jokes with them. 

✅ Although we've become distant and there's no interest in rebuilding the connection from both sides, I'd still: 

1] Answer their salaams or occasionally greet them with a polite smile. 

2] Respond to them appropriately when they sneeze and say "Alhamdulillah". 

3] Assist them with important tasks that I know I can help them with. 

🔰 If some individuals stopped answering my messages and clearly signalled that I shouldn't approach them, I'd: 

Continue accepting Allah's Qadr/Destiny with patience and contentment, acknowledge the fact they have a right to carefully select who they can socialize with willingly, and I'd get used to feeling satisfied that the roles of those temporary characters in my life story are over. Alhamdulillah. You can't prevent any human being from leaving your circle if Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala doesn't want them in your future, to protect you from their bad intentions and toxic presence. Knowing that some ex-friends have "ghosted" you is like watching pesky flies and mosquitoes fly away from you because you didn't agree with being treated like trash, and they're searching for somebody else to manipulate and profit from.

~•~ 

📖 Abu Umamah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and withholds for the sake of Allah has perfected the faith (Imaan)."

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4681

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The believer is not stung twice from the same hole."

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5782

Sahih Muslim 2998

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, "A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends."

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2378

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Nawawi

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2020/12/tips-when-is-ghosting-and-avoiding.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/01/poem-red-flags-of-toxic-friends-and.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/11/note-five-signs-indicating-it-is.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/03/poem-signs-of-intj-door-slam-or-you.html 

https://personalitygrowth.com/intj-ghosting-how-they-deal-with-ghosting-people-and-being-ghosted/

Tips: Eleven Tips To Become More Confident

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

📑 Eleven tips to become more confident Inn-sha-Allah: 

1] Recall that our Creator Allah the Almighty, not His servants, is the Only One Whom we must fear, worship and strive to please. 

2] Occasionally read authentic articles or listen to Islamic lectures about how the noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam and his companions, the Sahabas RadhiAllahu 'anhum, dealt with different types of difficult situations and personalities. 

3] Go through books or websites which offer useful information and advice on strengthening one's faith / Imaan, self-awareness, body language, communication skills and personality development. 

4] Avoid unnecessarily interacting with toxic individuals who enjoy criticizing you due to jealousy, and unapologetically unfollow social media accounts which provoke self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with what Allah the Most Wise chose to grant you. 

5] Once in a while courageously take the initiative to do something which is challenging for many, as long as it doesn't offend anybody nor does it conflict with your values, such as being the first to answer a query in a group conversation or volunteering to assist a stranger with some tasks like holding the door open for them when they're carrying several items. 

6] When people inquire about something, ask them a question in return or confidently share more statements rather than giving one-word answers. For instance, if somebody asks "is this the way to such-and-such location?" instead of responding with a quiet nod or "yes" only, you can reply with "yes, it is, but you can try this route if you want to reach the destination a lot faster." Confident people habitually uplift others and don't hesitate to offer helpful tips whenever necessary. 

7] Learn from all of your past mistakes. Don't feel discouraged when a new mistake is made. 

8] Remember all of the favors and blessings which Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala has bestowed upon you, one of which is receiving Allah's Guidance to the truth Islam as well as the correct 'Aqeedah. 

9] Observe how other confident Muslims behave, speak and treat others. Be motivated by those who patiently persevere in doing what they believe can bring them closer to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala (such as requesting a non-Muslim employer for a corner at work where you can pray, and continuing to keep your niqab on when among female acquaintances who don't even wear the hijab yet) without being negatively affected by people's enmity, indifference or mockery. 

10] Have enough self-respect to know when to say no. It's okay to disappoint people if saying no to them is done because you're prioritizing what Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala wants, while distancing yourself from fitna as much as possible. 

11] Maintain strong connection with Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala and say lots of Du'a, asking Him Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala to bless you with the type of confidence (not blameworthy arrogance / kibr) which is beneficial for thriving in both worlds.

~•~

📖 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 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/04/poem-your-trust-in-allah-and-your.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/09/note-on-fearing-only-allah-almighty.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2020/07/note-confident-people-vs-insecure.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/10/tips-three-signs-that-youre-actually.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/07/poem-few-tips-on-dealing-with-awkward.html 

Note: When To Allow Toxic Friends To Drift Away

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

💌 While being forgiving is an admirable quality, the ability to forgive others shouldn't be an excuse for them to disrespect you repeatedly. You have every right to choose your own squad of trusted companions who inspire you to become a better version of yourself. Although many long-lasting friendships are formed when friends keep overlooking each other's mistakes, some connections are too toxic to remain. So it is safer to disconnect and let go of individuals who do more harm than good.

🔹 Five signs that indicate a person doesn't deserve our friendship, and they're better off as casual acquaintances or back to being complete strangers:

1] They have deliberately offended us numerous times or they stubbornly do something which we dislike, such as gossiping and name-calling, particularly with obvious lies. Example: They give an offensive nickname that doesn't improve anything. "Here comes the lesbian", "hey fatty", and "miss bossy-pants incoming" are unpleasant remarks which no decent human enjoys hearing. Do yourself an immense favor and gladly avoid their bad energy.

2] We don't know them enough, so we have no idea who we're dealing with. It is unfair that they know a lot about us, yet they don't provide sufficient details about themselves. "It's none of your business", "I can't talk about it", "Don't bother", "Leave me alone", and "Secret!" are phrases we won't receive from a genuine friend. True friends should be able to converse with one another comfortably, without being distrustful and untrustworthy.

3] Spending time with them is a distraction from Allah the Almighty and the companionship doesn't strengthen our faith/Imaan. If someone can't motivate us to increase in Taqwa and they show no interest in joining us to learn about Islam, their disappearance from our circle is actually a blessing. Distancing ourselves from the wrong kind of friends is effective training for us to: Avoid major sins, ignore what is not relevant to our goals, and be patiently contented with what Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala has destined.

4] There is no mutual respect or one of us is jealous of the other. If somebody's presence reminds us of what we lack or we can sense that they're purposely trying to make us envious of their life, basically befriending them causes us to be as insecure as they are, then avoidance is more advantageous than struggling to like what we don't find agreeable.

5] The so-called bond doesn't lead anywhere. If they're not concerned about you and similarly you don't view them as interesting or relatable, there's no reason to salvage a "friendship" that is not beneficial or helpful for you in both worlds. 

🔹 Friends who are worth keeping for Allah's sake display the following qualities:

1] Their good character is consistent, never fake nor unpredictable. They ensure they answer your salaams and fulfill your rights as a Muslim, regardless of their moods.

2] They're careful not to hurt your feelings. If ever they did something wrong, they quickly apologize or compensate.

3] They don't envy you at all. Whatever makes you happy, so long as it's lawful/halal, also brings them joy.

4] They strive to have patience with you - patient in inviting you to attend Islamic lectures, patient with your late responses to their text messages, and patiently choosing to understand when you sometimes disappoint them.

5] They remind you to fear Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, correct your wrongs, and encourage you to do more righteous deeds (including praying Tahajjud regularly and fasting Sunnah fasts) so you join those who are worthy of Jannatul Ferdaus.

~•~

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam sallam said, "A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends." 

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2378 

Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Nawawi

📖 Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The believer is not stung twice from the same hole." 

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 5782 

Sahih Muslim 2998 

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, "The souls are conscripted soldiers. They come together upon what they recognize, and they differ upon what they reject." 

Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari 3109

Sahih Muslim 2638 

~•~

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2020/05/note-its-your-prerogative-to-choose.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/06/poem-what-it-means-to-boycott-and.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2020/07/poem-its-okay-to-detach-from-false.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2020/12/tips-when-is-ghosting-and-avoiding.html 

https://mjustsharingislam.blogspot.com/2021/11/note-seven-types-of-temporary-people.html