Quranic Reflections

It was a moment with my Rabb, sitting alone after my prayer, I extend my hands to make dua but I remember nothing, except the painful sights and sounds that I see on social media, of Palestine children, women and men. I hear their cries, I cry with them, I feel helpless, I see them in my dreams, one night I dreamt that I was among them, fighting for their rights, in blood soaked clothes, dust sprawled all around, amidst the rubble of broken houses. When will the war end? When can they sleep knowing that they are safe? When can they be saved from oppression? When will Palestine be FREE ?
The ummah cries for them, their hands are raised for them, the flag of Palestine is held high demanding for the rights of Palestinians, the roads are crowded with the people chanting “FREE PALESTINE…. FREE PALESTINE “…Indeed the Help of Allah is near, the oppression will surely end, Allah is just, Allah is aware, He is ever seeing, ever knowing, The Lord of Retribution.
I forgot about all my problems when I think of my beloved Palestinians. How beautiful a patience they have. If anyone wants how patience, trust , steadfastness looks like in its physical form , let their eyes gaze at the Palestinians. How their lips utter the words “Alhamdhulillaahi, Ya Rabb, Hasbiyallaahi ” when they kiss their martyred child’s forehead and cheeks bidding their last farewell . They have firm conviction of Allah’s help. They are inspiring all the muslims around the world with their patience and eman. They are the real muslim identity of this era, rekindling other muslims with eman , reviving their conviction, making muslims proud of the noble muslim identity.
I make dua for them forgetting about my problems and my pains, to help and protect the Palestine people, to ease their pain and suffering, to pour upon them patience, to grant victory to them over the oppressors. Allah is our only Trustee and our heart and expectations should only be attached to the one and only Rabb.
The oppressor may think that they are in power, they may plot greater plots which seem great, but Allah is fully aware of what they plot and also the extent of their oppression. Allah is only giving respite for a day that the oppressor will fear a fear so great that their hearts will be void, empty with nothing to remember or comprehend , overwhelmed by fear, their eyes will not blink because of the great turmoil they would see approaching them , heads raised upwards, fear in their hearts, unbearable, yet they have to bear, unavoidable, they have to confront Allah, Allah with His Hikmah indeed has a greater plan for them which none can defeat.
On that day the oppressors will feel pain while the oppressed will be in pleasure, the oppressors will feel the bitterest remorse while the oppressed will be in perpetual delight….. in the eternal abode of Jannah.

The trials of the human begins with the first cry of him as a baby. From the comforting warmth of the darkness of the womb, the baby comes out in to the vastness of the world. The first light hurts him , wouldn't let him open his eyes , the loud noises alarm him, frightens him, the cold makes his body shiver and the first gasp of breath overwhelms him.. the trials start...and from amidst the craziness the only comfort he gets is from the soft touch n smell of his mother, the recognition of her voice, the caresses from her along with the soothing enveloping arms...the journey of trust begins…Little did he know that it's only the start of a journey of trials and tribulations. The hard work is ahead, the true toil is ahead, the purpose of his life lays in front of his jouney.

It's the journey to his creator, who created him, who will nurture him, who will guide him. ..along the journey he will face many trials and tribulations. He will have to struggle in this world .
The son of one of the great Imams of this Ummah, (Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal) asked his father one day: “Abi when will we ever relax?” His father, one of the greatest revivers of the Sunnah and a role model for all Muslims, looked him in the eye and said: “With the first step we take into Jannah.” What an undeniable truth!

The human came to this world to toil not for enjoyment n pleasures. No matter what age , where he lives, who is around him, a human cannot escape hardship.

The one who paves his path with righteousness will find the fruits of it at the end of the jouney but the one who paves his path drowned in pleasures n enjoyment of this world will face a harsh reality .He departed the world with out fulfilling his purpose, he only toiled to fulfill his desires.

As for the one who toiled with Eman and right deeds, He will find that his struggles have ended and awaiting for him will be unending relaxation , the sweet fragrance of the ever lasting bliss ….he will be …in the meadows of Jannah, the abode of peace.

It was the week after Aisha listened to the lecture of these verses . She was going through a health condition and experiencing a lot of pain. She woke up for Tahajjud prayer intending to ask Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى to grant her a cure. She raised her hands and made dua, Somehow at that moment, she remembered how her Ustaza always mentions about the importance of knowledge and its implementation in life . Also to benefit others by spreading the knowledge learnt. She recalled how the blind companion of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم rushed to seek knowledge upon hearing the voice of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم . Aishah, thinking of her deteriorating health, asked Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى to give her the opportunity to impart the knowledge and to send someone to her. ( It is true that we often delay doing a good deed until everything gets perfect or until a health situation improves, but instead we should always strive for good deeds no matter how the situation was.) So Aisha asked Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى for a chance to impart knowledge and let it be a barakah for her healing.
The next morning, Aisha got a call from an unknown number. It was an acquaintance, Hamra, who she hadn’t seen her for months. To her amazement, Hamra asked whether Aisha could help her revise for her Arabic test. Hamra had a week’s time for her test so she called a few people for help but she couldn’t get any help from them. Hamra told that the previous night she cried herself to sleep about not finding anyone to ask for help. Somehow she remembered Aisha. Upon hearing her acquaintance’s story Aisha was speechless and amazed by how Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى answered her prayer, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى did look down upon her and chosen her. Hamra wanted to come to study in the evening.

Hamra lives in the capital city while Aisha is living in a nearby island and in between there is sea transport. As the evening neared, the weather began to change. Dark clouds covered the sky and the wind got strong. Obviously the sea would be very rough and Aisha thought that Hamra would not be able to travel in this weather. Also around the time she said she would come, it started to rain heavily while winds became more strong. By that time, Aisha was almost sure that Hamra wouldn’t be coming, but surprisingly Aisha received her call saying she was on the way. Maa sha Allah she was so eager to learn. After some minutes Hamra was at Aisha’s door carrying her books. Alhamdhulillaahi, she said the words “I crossed the ocean and came to get knowledge”. How pleased Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى would be for Hamra’s eagerness to learn Arabic Language, the Language of the Noble Quran. Aisha sat with her and explained to her everything she wanted.

When she went Aisha prostrated in gratitude for the way Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى answered her prayers. الله أكبر, Whenever Aisha remembered the incident, she felt so humble and grateful. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the healer and also cured Aisha from her sickness too ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ.
She recalled back to the incident of how the Abdullahi ibn makthum رضي الله عنه rushed to the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and connected this incident to how eager her acquaintance was for knowledge. When one is studying the religion, it is incumbent upon one to pay attention and give preference to the one seeking knowledge. Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى chose Hamra and blessed her by giving her the motivation and eagerness for knowledge. And what a blessed deed it was!
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى keep us motivated and guided in the straight path. أمين .

How beautiful it is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and take benefit from the Holy Quran, the speech of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)! When your heart is troubled by the worries of the world, when the life’s burdens overwhelm you, when the struggles seem to have no end, when the clouds above you becomes heavy and dark, when you see that all hope is vanishing, see the LIGHT OF QURAN that is with all of us, Open the Quran and start to read the magical speech of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).You will come across many of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)’s promises for His believers…. numerous blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)has placed all around us, Iman and good deeds, Patience and being grateful, remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), Trust and Hope in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) , accepting rewards only from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), excellence in your dealings … these are the foundations for your happiness and they are the weapons for the believers. As you turn the pages of the Quran, pondering and reflecting , you will realize that the Quran has the solutions for all your worries. Understanding the verses of the Quran, the realization of the reality will hit you , the heart will start to tremble and soften, It will show you where you were wrong and guide you to the correct belief, and tears will begin to flow, but this time the tears would be out of relief and tranquility, your heart will become reassured …the Quran will show you the correct path and attitude, It will instill in you the guidance that you were seeking all along. The rewards that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has promised… which you will get in Dunya as well as in the Hereafter. Follow The guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)in Quran, if one follows it firmly with Iman and Good deeds, He will never be misguided.

When we go through life, it is very difficult to leave our comfort zone and face new boundaries. Every new change in life molds the personality and change happens with in our selves physically and emotionally.
When our beloved prophet (saw) migrated to Medina from his beloved country Makkah, how hard it would have been for him to leave his land and migrate to a new place. Yet when the command from Allah سبحانه و تعالى came down, he obeyed immediately and went to Medina to govern and lead the people there. In spite of the great challenges, with every new command he was eager to obey Allah سبحانه و تعالى and lead the Muslims accordingly, with every new command he strengthened the community. Through his Tagwa and obedience, he was able to fulfill his responsibilities and establish the Islamic community, the best nation having the middle path, well balanced in every aspect of life.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ…
It is a phrase that brings a sweet sensation when we say it, a phrase that brings instant peace and blessings, a phrase that brings happiness and satisfaction to the heart. It is a powerful phrase that brings goodness to the actions that follow it. It is with the hope and trust we begin all actions in the name of Allah sw, to remember that we do everything for His sake, hoping that success, rewards, ease and blessings will come in our ways.
We seek help and guidance from Allah, placing our entire trust in His Power, knowing that how Merciful Allah sw is that He guided us to say the phrase بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ.
So, recite this amazing phrase and witness the benefits throughout your life. When you say بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ feel it in your heart and reflect on Allah’s mercy and blessings for you.
Be grateful to Allah that He guided and chose you and gave you the chance to reap all its virtues.

As like any other morning she set off walking on the bridge. It was her morning routine. But that day was different. There was none on the bridge. perhaps it could be because of the dark clouds looming above her, she felt care free looking ahead. It was a long way to reach the end of the bridge... Walking seemed easy for her, soon she would reach her destination ...suddenly a thought occurred in her mind, she began to reflect about an unknown reality of the future.
She being alone, a long walk ahead, unsure whether she will reach her desired destination. That day will come when she would walk the final walk on the bridge over the Hell fire to a destination. Will her destination be gardens of bliss or eternal blaze? How will it be on that day when she would embark on the journey on the bridge? Amidst the darkness when everyone will be desperate for a light. The light that people will have on that day will be according to the light of eman they had in the world. If the light of eman in the heart is stronger in this world, the light one will have on that day will be bright, shining, and glowing. But if eman in the heart is weak, the light will also resemble as such... dim, flickering, faint, or complete blackness.
Will she be given enough light to guide her steps to reach Jannah, or will it be flickering due to her shortcomings in this world, or entire darkness that would fill her with intense dread.. oh Allah ... She uttered a dua when anguish crept into her heart thinking of the horrors on the Bridge of Siraat.
رَبَّنَا أَتْمِمْ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, you are over all things competent.”
How can we avoid being thrown and engulfed by the darkness? How can we not be among the people screaming and wailing in the darkness? How can we be among the believers travelling to Paradise and having perfect light to Jannah peacefully? If you live a life of righteousness obeying the commands of Allah sw and His messenger, hoping for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness and fearing His punishment, then there is good news for you. Allah will perfect your light for you in this world and in the hereafter illuminating your actions with guidance and righteous actions , paving your way on the bridge with illumination for you to reach gardens of eternal bliss and joy.

Day 10 Quranic Reflection from Juz 10 - سورة التوبة verse 55

Day 9 - Reflection from Juz 9 , Surah سورة الأنفال verse 2

Day 8 - Reflection from سورة الأعراف verse 31 ( Juz 8 )

Juz 7 Reflection from Verse 60 - سورة الأنعام

Juz 6 Reflection from Verse 16 - سورة المائدة

Juz 5 Reflection of Verse 82 - Surah Nisa

Quran is the Kalam of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. It is the symbol of Islamic Faith, one can find Quran in every Muslim household, Yet I wonder, how many households take benefit from Quran, that lay amidst the many books that are on a shelf, forgotten, abandoned, untouched and unrecited.
Children are born, they grow under the wings of elders, educated with worldly knowledge for fame, gain and worldly impressions. How about that book, Quran, the hidden treasure, that is kept for special occasions like Ramazan, or upon a person’s death, to be recited for the time being and kept until another occasion, nether being taken heed nor learning a lesson.
Amidst trials and tribulations, guidance is sought from elsewhere to be misled, wronged, oppressed and strayed.
If only you could take Quran, open its pages and make an effort to understand and seek the message, then only true guidance can be sought, it all takes a little bit of effort for you to enjoy the gems of Quran.
If only you could look at the worn-out pages of your Mushaf, then only you would understand the tremendous amount of enjoyment and pleasure that’s felt in the heart. Then you would know looking back at the days how easy Allah سبحانه و تعالى has made the words for you to understand and reflect upon.
If the worn-out pages made you smile, then you would realize how Allah سبحانه و تعالى has made your life so beautiful and special with His Absolute Mercy. And you would easily start to remember the lessons and ask for forgiveness for your shortcomings.
If only you made it a habit to turn repeatedly towards the Quran, you would know how much it heals you, revives you and instills in you a deeper purpose to your life.
Indeed, Allah سبحانه و تعالى has made the Quran a treasure for our life, it is a treasure one can’t get enough of, and the one who takes the path of Quran will never be strayed from the correct path.

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ - سورة النحل 90

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

مُّحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللَّـهِ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ تَرَاهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَرِضْوَانًا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِي وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِي التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِي الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ ۗ وَعَدَ اللَّـهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا - سورة الفتح 29

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.

لَا يَسْتَوِي أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ وَأَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ۚ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ.
( سورة الحشر 20 )

Not equal are the companions of the Fire and the companions of Paradise. The companions of Paradise - they are the attainers [of success].

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you ever missed me?
When I delayed a bit in touching you
By placing you on the familiar spot
Reciting the Kalam of the Most Glorious
For I would not have deprived you of my presence
When I so long to be
In a beautiful remembrance of The Majestic, AL-MUTAKABBIR

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you ever been deprived of me?
That it made you express a sorrowful sigh
If so, it would have been a great injustice
If I ever abandon you, neglected you
Though you would see I never fail
In my remembrance
To The source of peace, AS-SALAM

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you not witnessed my tears?
Of dread, of fear, of sadness and longing
For I am always so regretful, yet so fearful
For the sins that I committed
For the wrongdoings that I could not withheld
For the times that I have wasted
In disobedience to the Most Noble, AL-MAAJID

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you not seen my silent smiles?
Of a blessed relief after a hardship
Of an enveloping mercy from a divine nature
For it uplifts me, relieves me
That I forget about the world and my sorrows
Like rainy days after a dry drought
From the Provider, AR-RAZZAAQ

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you felt my intoxication?
Of a yearning, a deepening rejoice
That envelopes me inside and out
Makes my eyes shine n face glow
Sweet tears trail down my cheeks
I look upwards and tremble a smile
To The Opener AL-FATTAAH

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you listened to all of my pleas?
The silent pleas expressed too softly
I was too afraid to let anyone hear
Of the repentance that I so desired
For a plea will not go unanswered
When I long in desperate need
To sight The Great Forgiver, AL-GHAFOOR

Oh, My Blue Mat
Have you cried n yearned for my love?
Alas I don't think of you
Nor feel your softness nor your beauty
Let not you be deceived
As my forehead caresses you by my tears
My heart is ever intoxicated only
To be in the presence of The Merciful, AR-RAHEEM

Oh, My Blue Mat
Would you not forget about me ?
When I am gone far too away n turned to dust
For through depths of uncertainty
I would be missing you
In another time, In another world
Where I would await
to meet the most loving AL-WADUD

Oh, My Blue Mat
Would you witness for my trembling soul?
For all the times that I have not missed
For all the stretched n silent moments
When I have repented for my sins
When I have invoked for mercy
When I have hoped n desired for a good return
To the All-encompassing, AL-WAASI’

Oh, My Blue Mat
Would you be my friend ?
On a day that we will all be alone n no soul will benefit one another
When we will be judged and reunited with our deeds
For indeed I will witness for you
For being beside me, accompanying me
When you also tuned with my hums of glorification
Of a merciful Lord, the Lord of the Worlds
Rabbul-Aalameen

The knowledge of the Quran opens our eyes to the truth. It expands our heart and feeds our visions with reflections. The reflections that brings us humility and gratefulness for the One Creator. The Creator, Allah (sw), who creates opposites, similarity, vastness, beauty, richness, splendor and from everything He brings out perfections and solutions for the harmony and balance of the environment.
As I take a walk, I see many different signs that point to the existence of Allah (sw). I see the small fish that create ripples in the stillness of the ocean. How small they look with their small sizes as they poke their tiny mouths along the corals! I could not help but wonder that they are also being given their due provision despite their humbleness and small sizes. Do they realize that their movements are serving and contributing to maintain a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

As I hear the rustling of the trees, and ponder on the many benefits of the trees, I am amazed at the fact that trees send glorification to Allah (sw). How can we remain oblivious of our own remembrance and glorification to Allah (sw) while the trees glorify Allah (sw) all the time.

In fact the whole universe submits and glorifies Allah (sw) .. animals, trees, mountains, plants, stars, water, etc.… and they glorify the Creator even though we don’t understand their glorification. We know this from the Quran and realize the immense mercy of Allah (sw) to its creations, Today, scientists say that from stars to cells, dolphins to crickets, birds and bees to human beings, the universe is alive with melody, sending and receiving waves of sound. It’s their glorification and only Allah (sw) can understand their glorification. Let’s take a moment to be grateful and glorify Allah by saying:
“سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ العَظِيم”.

We are brought together as a family not through coincidence. Allah (sw) has chosen for us our fathers, mothers, siblings, sons and daughters.
When we tie ourselves in marriage to another family, it is also not through coincidence.
When Allah (sw) brought us together, It is an obligation upon us to honor the bonds of relationships. When living together, live peacefully neither harming others, nor abusing or violating the rights. For this we need the help from Allah (sw) because with His (sw) help only, we can be patient through times of difficulties in family life.
In case, we have violated their rights, it is always Allah (sw) that we turn to in repentance and Allah (sw) always accepts the dua of a sincere believer.

The worldly life is full of different experiences. When a believer is tested, he experiences different emotions which makes him anxious, depressed uncertain about life. If he has positive attitude towards the calamities he faces and thus he is patient, Allah (sw) rewards him abundantly, sends angels who instill in him positivity and wards off the devil who tries to instill in him negativity.
A believer is steadfast throughout his life, At the time of death, angels descend upon him, strengthening him by saying not to fear and not to grieve and they give glad tidings of Jannah, the final abode of a believer.