Category Archives: Sabr

by

To Life or To Death….

A big big reminder to self! ❤ and to all those who are in need of this reminder…
by Sister Sunshine Smiles
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon”

Indeed we belong to Allah(SWT), and indeed to Him is our return.
The intensity that this statement offers does not pertain to death alone but different perceptions of loss and intellect that blows my novice mind to amazedness.
A few years back, this phrase came into my existing Dua’ dictionary when my Father introduced me to it as I was unaware on how to react on the news of somebody’s sad demise.
That one unforgettable morning which started with these words on my lips even before the break of dawn, forced my mind to shut down emotionally for the rest of the day.
It is unimaginable how Allah(SWT) finds the perfect reminders to soften our hearts from the deep barriers of hardness that develop around it in the conscious attempt of living up to the ever competing world.
This isn’t another article reminding you that death is inevitable and all that. This one’s about life, creatively wrapped in ribbons of genuineness symmetrically bowed in what we love to call ‘Love’, of which death does hold some significance.
Love, that was initially focused on our parents when we were 4 years old eventually got distributed to, say a few relatives, cousins and friends when we turned 10 and even more friends and relatives as we Continue reading →
by

‘Don’t Be Sad’ Series – Remember Allah is with Us!

Bismillah

Assalamualaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatahu,

Al-Ghazali said, “If you see Allah, Mighty and Magnificent, holding back this world from you, frequently trying you with adversity and tribulation, know that you hold a great status with Him. Know that He is dealing with you as He does with His Awliya’ and chosen elite, and is watching over you, have you not heard His saying, “So wait steadfastly for the judgment of your Lord – you are certainly before Our eyes.[At-Tur 52:48]
 This series was small attempt to spark hope in the hearts of people whose heart are in need of it and to serve as a reminder for us, for the sake of Allah.  The real help though can only come from Allah(swt), the owner of Peace. So establish your Salah and make immense dua and inshaAllah, you WILL see how Allah sets everything right for you and brings you out of darkness to light.

Let’s not forget, this world was never meant to be perfect. There’s no way that our lifes could be a cake walk for us. This life on earth was meant to be a test from Allah, who tells us about the purpose of our lifes in this world in the following verse of the Quran –

“Who hath created life and death that He may try you which of you is best in conduct; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving” (Quran 67:2)

Trials and tests are a part of this life. They are a means by which Allah distinguishes each one of us and provides us with opportunities to increase our level in Jannah. SubhanAllah!

There is no point running behind happiness because by virtue “happiness” is like water, no matter how hard you try to hold it in your hand at some point it is going to flow away.  Instead we need to work on our relationship with the almighty, improve our deen (religious knowledge), do not leave salah and hold fast to our imaan; so that inshaAllah we are atleast at peace. The result of which is that even if something real bad happens with us we do not prolong the sadness, by the grace of Allah. We accept it, displaying true faith in the qadr of Allah, reminding ourselves the purpose of our life in this world and move on.

May Allah grant all of us this peace and help us be content with our lives. Let no storm be strong enough to shake our faith and trust in the Almighty and His plan for us, for He is the best of planners. Ameen.

On a side note, here are some additional suggestions:

I would strongly recommend reading articles by sister Yasmin Mogahed. Her article really give me some sense to why things happen the way they do and what is required of us to find true contentment in dunya so that it may benefit us in the akhira,inshaAllah. She also has a lot of audio clips which can be downloaded too. Please do listen to them.

Secondly, the book “Dont be sad” .. I just got this book few days back, so I cant  really give my opinion about it, but our muslim brothers and sisters around do recommend this book for everyone. So, inshaAllah, it should be helpful. Do get yourself a copy of it or you can download the e-book version from here.

Lastly, Brother Eddie of “The deen show” has some wonderful advises for us! I personally love this audio clip. It’s long but it covers all the good verses from the quran and hadith that will help one feel a LOT better! Download it and keep it with you, so you could listen to it whenever you feel low again!

Love you all for the sake of Allah! 🙂 Fii Amanillah!

Lots of Love & Peace,
Potential Hijabi

P.S. Keep smiling, “La Tahzan (Don’t be sad), Allah is with us.”(Quran 9:40) 🙂

by

‘Don’t Be Sad’ series – Questions Answered!

Bismillah
Assalamualaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatahu,
Sadness brings along with it a number of questions… The endless “why”s!! .. Here are some questions answered in light of quran, that happened to be posted on page over the internet!
1) WE ALWAYS ASK: Why was I TESTED?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “Do men think that they will be left alone saying,’We believe’, and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [29:2-3]2) WE ALWAYS ASK: Why I never get what I wanted?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: ” It is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing, which is bad for you. But Allah knows, while you know not.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:216]

3) WE ALWAYS ASK: Why was I burdened this way?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “Allah does not place a burden to a soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:286]& ” So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: (repeated) Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.” Surah Al-Insyirah [94:5-6]

4) WE ALWAYS ASK: Why am I losing hope?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For you will be superior if you are true in Faith.” Surah Al-Imran [3:139]

5) WE ALWAYS ASK: How can I face it?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: ” O you who believed! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah that you may prosper.” Surah Al-Imran[3:200] & “And seek(Allah’s) help with patient, perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who bring a humbly submissive (to Allah).” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:45]

6) WE ALWAYS ASK: What do I get from all these?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and properties (in exchange) for that they will have the garden (of Paradise)…” Surah At-Taubah [9:111]

7) WE ALWAYS ASK: To whom could I depend?
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “(Allah) suffice me: there is no god but He: On Him is my trust- He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme.” Surah At-Taaubah [9:129]

8) WE ALWAYS ASK: But I can’t take it anymore!
AL-QURAN ANSWERS: “…and never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy; truly No one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy. except Those who have no faith.” Surah Yusuf [9:87]& “Despairs not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives All sins for He is Often- Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Surah Az-Zumar [39:53]

And a few others are answered in these lectures…
9) Why can’t I get what I want?
A wonderful talk on this question by Sister Yasmin Mogahed..!
10)Why do bad things happened to good people?
I’m sure everyone of us have had this question at some point.. this lecture HERE should answer it best!
Lot’s of Peace and Love
Potential Hijabi ❤
P.S. This is such a BEAUTIFUL Dua. “I know you are there Allah. I know you see my tears. I know you hear my prayers. I know you are testing me. And all I ask from you is to strengthen my Imaan so I can handle the struggles in life and have patience. I love you my Lord. My Allah. Please keep me safe” Ameen
by

‘Don’t Be Sad’ Series- He who has noone, has Allah!

Bismillah

Assalamualaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatahu,

I hope my last post brought some peace to you heart, inshaAllah.

One of the methods by which we can overcome the sadness and bear the trials of this life with patience is by understanding the trials & tests and seeing them with a different perspective.

Shaikh Navaid Aziz shares some AMAZING words of wisdom with us in this matter and gives us some take-home lessons in his talk “He who has no-one has Allah”. May Allah reward him in abundance for his lovely words. Ameen.

You just CANNOT miss watching it. Infact I suggest you download it. You can use keepvid.com to download it by using the youtube url and put it on your cell phones or ipod and listen to it whenever you feel low!

Lots of Love & Peace,

Potential Hijabi

P.S. Remember you are never alone.. Allah is always with you! 🙂

by

‘Dont Be Sad’ Series – Introduction

Assalamualaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatahu,

One of the most toughest feelings to escape in the life of this world is sadness. We know nothing lasts forever here… and along with every happiness comes trials and tests of this life.

A memory from the past, a lost loved one, a broken relationship, a deterioting health, life’s crossroads or just mere emptiness could fill the heart with sadness!

At such times how do we escape this feeling, how do we overcome it? How to accept the qadr of Allah?

With that thought, I’ll be starting a series where  I’ll be posting articles, videos, and tips that will help us in easing the pain and overcoming the sadness that’s filling us, inshaAllah!

Let’s start with taking advice from this hadith where our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) teaches us some words to be said at time of affliction!

Asmaa’ bint Omays, radi Allahu ‘anha, said: Allah’s Messenger,
sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, told me, “Shall I not teach you
words to say whenever you are aflicted with something? Say:
‘Allahu Rabbi (Allah is my Lord), Laa Shareeka lah (He has no
partner).'” – Abu Dawood

[Lessons from this hadith] The entire universe is the creation
of Allah. When you find yourself aflicted by something, follow
this advice of what to say and notice what happens. Allahu
rabbi, laa shareeka lah!

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!
– Muhammad Alshareef

Until the next post, Smile and keep reminding yourself “Don’t be sad…Allah is with us” [9:40] ! 🙂

Loads of Love & Peace,

Potential Hijabi 🙂

by

Sabr or Shukr – The Worry Stops Here!

Sabr or Shukr – The Worry Stops Here!

By Sheikh Muhammad al-Shareef

 

Aasiyah, the wife of Fir’own (Pharoah). Her Eeman in Allah thrived under the shadow of someone that said, “I am your Lord, Most High!” When news reached Fir’own of his wife’s Eeman he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, “My lord, build for me a home with you in Paradise and save me from Fir’own and his deeds and save me from the transgressing people.”

It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. The guards watched astonished, she’s being tortured and she smiles? Frustrated, Fir’own commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women till the end of time:

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir’own – when she said, “My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir’own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressing disbelieving people.” [Qur’an 66:11]

 

In the Hadeeth of Jibreel [the Angel Gabriel], when he came to the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon him), and asked him about Islam, Eeman, and Ihsaan, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about Eeman,“Eeman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Final Day, and the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.” For the past few weeks we have been reflecting on this Hadeeth, only glimpses. Today we shall conclude with the last article of Eeman: to believe in the Divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.

As you and I travel though life we find ourselves in one of two situations. Either something good is happening in our lives and in which case – as Muslims – our role is have Shukr (to thank Allah for the blessing). Or something bad is happening to us, something we dislike and our role here is to have Sabr (patience). This is the formula for a happy life, a life cruising towards the pleasure of Allah. Sabr or Shukr, the worry stops here.

 

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Strange is the affair of the Mu’min (the believer), verily all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (Saabir) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the Mu’mmin.”

Ibn Al-Jowzee said, “If this Dunya was not a station of tests it would not be filled with sicknesses and filth. If life was not about hardship, then the Prophets and the pious would have lived the most comfortable of lives. Nay, Aadam (Adam) suffered test after test until he left the Dunya. Nuh (Noah) cried for 300 years. Ibrahim (Abraham) was thrown into a pit of fire and later told to slaughter his son. Ya’qub (Jacob) cried until he became blind. Musa (Moses) challenged Fir’own and was tested by his people. Iesa (Jesus) had no provision except the morsels his disciples provided him with. And Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam met poverty with patience, his uncle – one of the most beloved relatives to him – was slain and mutilated and his people disbelieved in him…And the list of Prophets and the pious goes on and on.”

 

What happens to us happens by the will of Allah. It is an article of our Eeman in Qada’ and Qadr that we are pleased with Allah’s choice, Good or seemingly bad it is all the test of this Dunya. How could we imagine that we shall not be tested when those who were better than us suffered what they suffered? They however came away with the pleasure of Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala (How far from imperfection is He and He is the Most High).

Al Hasan ibn Arafah narrated, “I visited Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal after he was whipped and tortured. I said to him, “O Abu Abdillaah, you have reached the station of the Prophets!” He said, “Keep quiet. Verily, I saw nothing more than people selling their Deen. And I saw scholars that were with me sell their Faith. So I said to myself, ‘Who am I? What am I? What am I going to say to Allah tomorrow when I stand in front of Him and He asks me, “Did you sell your Deen like the others did?” So I looked at the whip and the sword and chose them. And I said, “If I die I shall return to Allah and say: ‘I was told to say that one of Your Characteristics was something created but I did not.’ After that, it will be upto Him – either to punish me of be Merciful on me.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah then asked, “Did you feel pain when they whipped you?” He said “Yes, I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then I lost all feeling (They whipped him over eighty times). After it was over I felt no pain and that day I prayed Dhurhr standing.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah started weeping when he heard what had happened. Imaam Ahmad questioned him, “Why are you crying? I did not lose my Eeman. After that why should I care if I lose my life.”

They were better than us but this was how they were tested.

Let us discuss some facts about these tests of life, the good and the bad that befalls us:

* Much of what befalls us – the hard times – is the direct result of our own sins.

Allah, ta’ala (The Most High), says:

“And whatever misfortune befalls you it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.”[Qur’an 42:30]

Muhammad ibn Seereen used to say when his debts piled up and he felt sad, “I know that the cause of this sadness is a sin I committed over 40 years ago.”

* People understand that when something bad happens it is a test from Allah. But dear Brothers and Sisters, the good things that happen to us are also a test.

Allah, ta’ala, says:

“And we tested them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn back.” [Qur’an 7:168]

Abd al-Malik ibn Ishaq said, “There is no one that is not tested with health and prosperity to measure how thankful he is (Shukr).”

And the Companion – Abdur Rahman ibn ‘Awf, radhiAllaahu ‘anhu (May Allah be pleased with him), said, “We were tested with hardship and were patient. And then we were tested with prosperity and we were not patient. Because of this Allah states:

 

“O ye who believe! Let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.”

[Qur’an 63:9]

* Patience must happen from the beginning, not three days later or one day later, at the first news of the calamity, when it first happens. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Verily patience (is only Sabr when practiced) at the first hit (of news).”

* There are things that contradict Sabr. Tearing ones shirt, for example, slapping ones face, slapping hands, shaving ones head, and cursing and wailing. Umm Salamah narrates: I heard the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam say, “Any Muslim that says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it – (any Muslim that says this) Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost).” [Muslim]

* These tests and hardships wash our sins. ‘Aaisha radhiAllaahu ‘anha said, “Verily fever sheds sins like a tree sheds leaves.”

* The hardships that befall us distinguish the believers from the insincere. Shumayt ibn Ajlaan said, “The pious and the ungrateful are hidden by health. Yet when calamities befall the two men are separated (by how they react).”

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Alif/Laam/Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, “We believe,” and will not be tested? Indeed We tested those who (lived) before them.” [Qur’an 29:1-3]

 

 

Part II: Towards Sabr

Ali radhiAllaahu ‘anhu said, “Verily Sabr is to Eeman what the head is to the body. When the head is cut off, the body falls. (He then raised his voice) Verily there is no Eeman for he who has no Sabr (patience).”

 

There are three types of Sabr that the Muslim must have:

a. Sabr in the obedience of Allah. For example, One must be patient and perform their Fajr at it’s time.

b. Sabr in not disobeying Allah. Like someone might say, “I have to listen to music in the car.” No you are command by He who gave you those ears to not listen to those lullabies of the Devil. And you must have Sabr in not disobeying Allah.

c. Sabr in what Allah Decrees on us. For example, if our child was to pass away we should be patient and seek the reward of Allah in our patience and say only that which is pleasing to Allah.

There are two keys. If we understand them we shall open the door to Sabr in our lives:

The First Key: Know that our souls, families and wealth do not belong to us, they belong to Allah. He gave it to us as a loan to see what we would do with it. And when he takes it back He is taking back what belongs to Him. We had nothing before the blessing and we’ll have nothing after it. We did not create the blessing from nothing, so how can we claim that it belongs to us.

The Second Key: We are on a journey and the destination is the hereafter – Paradise or Hell. We’ll be leaving the Dunya behind us and we’ll come back to Allah by ourselves. This is what needs our focus. And if Allah is pleased with us then no worry. If He is not pleased with us then all worry.

Let me draw your attention to a verse. Listen carefully. Allah revealed:

 

“Guard strictly the (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle Salaah (prayer) and stand before Allah in obedience.” 

[Qur’an 2:238]

The verses before this deal with divorce. The verses after it deal with divorce. Why was this verse placed in the middle? The Ulama’ (Islamic scholars) have suggested, Wa Allaahu a’lam (and Allah knows best), that in the hard times that a person goes through they should not forget the remembrance of Allah, the Salaah. And it is that Salaah coupled with Sabr that will pull them through.

 

“O you who believe! Seek Help in Patience and Salaah. Truly, Allah is with those that are patient.”

[Qur’an 2:153]

There is good news for those who intend to act on their Sabr. Allah promised them three things: His prayer for them, His Mercy, and their guidance.

 

Who, when afflicted with calamity say, “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom the Salawat (the blessing and forgiveness) of their Lord is upon them, and who shall receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.”

[Qur’an 2:157]

Allah says:

“And We made from among them leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient.”

[Qur’an 32:24]

Sufyan ibn Uyaynah commented, “i.e. When they took hold of the leading issue, we made them leaders!”

Source: http://blog.iloveallaah.com/2010/07/sabr-or-shukr-the-worry-stops-here/

 

by

A message..

To all those suffering from sadness or depression, know that it isn’t your fault. It isn’t because you’re weak. It isn’t because you’re just not grateful enough. It isn’t because you’re just not religious enough. It isn’t because you don’t have enough faith. It isn’t because God is angry with you. To all the well-meaning people who tell you this, just smile. And know deep in your heart that the tests of God come in different forms to different people. And know that, by the help of God, every test can become a tool to get closer to Him. And that, verily, with hardship come ease–and like all things of this world–this too shall pass.