Divine Reminders

Īmān, faith or belief, is a very powerful force. Oftentimes when we think about faith, we think about it in very abstract terms. We think of faith as some sort of intangible; something that’s invisible. It is perceived to be some sort of invisible force or just some theoretical concept.

Faith, īmān, is not an abstract concept. It is not something that can’t be seen or touched. Īmān is something very real, powerful, and alive. It is something that all of us can experience and feel through our lives. Īmān expresses itself through our speech, behavior, conduct, relationships, principles, values, morals, and ethics.

Īmān is not a simple idea or concept; rather, it is complex and multifaceted. The first part of īmān is this firm, unshakeable, and certain belief in the existence, oneness, might, power, and glory of Allah ﷻ. We recognize, acknowledge, accept, and affirm the existence of the Almighty Creator. We recognize, acknowledge, accept, and affirm that Muḥammad ﷺ is his last and final Messenger and we believe in all of his teachings, guidance, instructions, and advice.

We then profess this deeply rooted conviction in our hearts with our tongues by declaring the testimony of faith. We bear witness that there’s nobody and nothing worthy of devotion, servitude, submission, obedience, and worship except Allah ﷻ and we bear witness that Muḥammad ﷺ is His last and final Messenger.

We then express this internal belief through our speech and behavior. Everything we do in life becomes an expression of the faith that lies within our hearts. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Faith has seventy-some odd branches…”

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله summarised the extent of the Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) noble manners by saying:

“The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to greet the children when he passed by them.

Sometimes, a little girl would take him by the hand and he would allow her to lead him wherever she wanted.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to lick his fingers after eating.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would be in the service of his family when at home.

Never would he become angry because of something personal.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to repair his own sandals and mend his own torn clothes.

He would milk his goat himself for his own family.

He would feed his own camel.

He used to eat with his servants, sit in the company of the poor people, and personally take care of the needs of widows and orphans.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would be the one to initiate the greeting when meeting people.

He would respond to the humblest of invitations.

He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) lived a very
modest lifestyle, a man of soft manners, naturally kind, easy to get along with, having a pleasant smile on his face, gracefully humble, extremely generous but not wasteful.

Soft-hearted and gentle in his dealings with each and every Muslim, lowering the wings of humility to the believers, bearing their companionship in such a gentle way.”

[Madaarij al-Salikīn, 3/111-112]

In a world that's overdoing hope, a beautiful reminder about balancing it with FEAR of Allah.

📚 Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, (ﷺ) said -
A man had indulged himself in sin. When death approached, he enjoined his sons, saying: When I die you should burn me, pulverise me, and scatter me to the winds over the sea. By Allah, if Allah is capable, He will punish me in such a way as He has not punished anyone else.

They did that to him and when he stood before his Lord, Allah said to him: What made you do what you did?

The man said: Fear and awe of You, O Lord. Thus, Allah forgave him due to that.
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3481]

The Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ used to frequently supplicate:

"Allahumma massiknee bil Islaam hataa alqaak"
"O Allah, make me clench onto Islam till I meet you."

How over confident we are thinking that we are guaranteed to die in a state of Islam. Considering the following: 1) There are no guarantees. 2) If there is one person that did not need to make this dua' it is the messenger of Allah. 3) If there is a group of people that do need to make it, it is us.

Any doubt and desire can come in our path preventing us from submitting at any given moment. What if that moment is our last?

O Allah, make us clench onto Islam till we meet you. O Allah, turner of the hearts make us firm upon your faith and obedience. O Allah, protect us from the doubts and desires that would prevent us from submitting to you. Ameen. Ameen. Ameen.

Something bad happens:
1. This is his fault, her fault, blaming, anger, upset.
Or
2. Inna lillahi wa inna ileyhi rajioon. Qadr Allahu wa masha fa'al. Allah has decreed it and what He willed has happened. Alhumdulillah ala kulli haal.

If you are only good to those who are good to you how good are you really? The true character and tawakkul of a person comes out during times of stress and constriction.

If you are under going a hardship instead of complaining to people, complain to Allah. Instead of asking people why this has happened to me, ask Allah to show you the wisdom, grant you tawfeeq to learn the lessons and the strength to overcome this hard season of life.

Above all remember the reality of duniya.
Not worth a mosquitoes wing.

A Muslimah may bend but she never breaks. Her roots are firm in her good opinion of Allah.

🤲 Ya Allah make things easy for everyone who is suffering and is alone in their struggle, ya Rabbi accept their prayers, calm their hearts and replace their tears with smiles, their doubts with contentmentand ease - ameen!