Is Our Repentance Really Accepted?

 

Allah never turns down anyone who seeks Him sincerely and seeks His Forgiveness.

Allah Almighty says:

{But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.} (Quran 20:82)

And He says:

{And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, “Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself – indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 6:54)

And He says as in the hadith:

O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it. (AtTirmidh)

Also note in this verse Allah says:

{Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.”} (Quran 39:53-54)

Allah Almighty accepts sincere repentance, which has 3 conditions:

1. Regret the sin.
2. Stop the sin and do not proceed with it further.
3. Sincere intention not to go back to the sin.

Additionally, if someone’s sin involves transgression against someone else, then he/she must make amends and give them their right back in addition to the above steps for an accepted repentance.

With regards to the verse quoted, the full verse says:

{So who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allah or denies His signs? Indeed, the criminals will not succeed.} (Quran 10:17)

The context of this verse is different from what you seem to have said. You can look up authentic tafsir (exegesis) of this verse to find that out.

The verse talks about those who intentionally lie against Allah and His Messenger and the revelation. Ibn Kathir says:

Allah says that no one is more wrong, unjust and arrogant than he who invented a lie against Allah, forged claims about Allah, or claimed that Allah has sent a message to him but his claim was not true. No one is more of a criminal or has committed greater wrong than such a person. (Full tafsir of verse by Ibn Kathir)

You can also find Maududi’s tafsir of this chapter here.

So, the full explanation and context of the verse, as you will see in the tafsir links, shows that the verse doesn’t negate what you were saying about Allah’s acceptance of sincere repentance.

Anyone who sincerely repents to Allah, leaves sin, rectifies his/her affairs, and remains on the straight path will always be accepted by Allah Almighty. 

And Allah knows best.

About Dina Mohamed Basiony

Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.

- aboutislam.net

“WHO WILL SAVE YOU FROM ME NOW?”

 

There was a small community in an isolated area.  Weak and defenseless, the people of this community lived in fear and anxiety, because they were being relentlessly attacked by a gang of bandits.

We can scarcely imagine their fear.  It is the fear of a helpless person in the face of a strong and merciless abuser.  These bandits knew only the law of the jungle.  Like lions, they recognized no code of ethics besides their own hunger and lust.  Anyone they could subdue was fair game.

Though the community lived in the desert, before the arrival of the gang, they enjoyed peace and security and managed to prosper.  Now they were being stripped of their lives, their liberty, and their honor.  In desperation, they appealed to the authorities to come save them.

The head of state decided to take it upon himself to lead his forces into the area and punish the ones who were spreading terror and violating the lives and security of his people.  News of this mobilization spread quickly and soon the bandits knew that the authorities were coming after them in force.  They were compelled to flee the area and seek refuge in the surrounding mountains.  They hid among the highest peaks they could find, hoping to save themselves.  They knew that they could very well meet their fate in the very place they were fleeing to, but they hoped to at least be able to scope out the forces that were being sent against them.

The forces arrived under the command of the head of state to find that the bandits had abandoned the area and taken up positions on a nearby mountain to survey the situation from a safe vantage point.

As soon as the forces arrived, a thunderstorm struck, flooding the valleys near the mountain.  The head of state was soaked through.  After the storm passed, he went off to find a place to remove his clothes and allow them to air out.  He found a tree, took off his outer garments, and hung them on a branch to dry.  He sat beneath the tree to rest from the tiring journey.  Fatigue defeated him and he soon drifted off to sleep.

One of the bandits was watching this with interest, and said to himself: “This is an excellent opportunity to subdue the leader while he is sleeping.  Then no one will stand in our way.”

Exercising the utmost stealth, he climbed down from the mountain and snuck across to where the leader was sleeping.

As he approached the tree, he noticed the leader’s sword beside him.  He looked left and right to make sure that no one else was around.  Then, with his skill as a thief, he quickly snatched up the sword and then pointed it in the leaders face.

The bandit sneered and exclaimed: “Who will save you from me now?”

The leader woke up at these words to see the bandit standing, threateningly above his head, sword in hand.  He realized immediately that the glowering bandit had disarmed him and was threatening to kill him.  Imagine what you would do in such a situation.

The leader kept his composure, straightened himself up where he was sitting, and regarded his assailant calmly.  After listening patiently to the bandit’s threats, he answered his assailant’s question, and said: “God will save me.”

The bandit felt a shudder go through his body and down his arm.  He dropped the sword.  As swiftly as it fell, the leader snatched it up and came upon the bandit with it, repeating the same question that the bandit had asked him moments before: “Who will save you from me now?”

Imagine that you found yourself in this leader’s position.  What would you do with the bandit? Would your state of mind give you any chance to think before acting? Would anyone blame you if you struck the thief down in self defense?

However, this leader had a strong, magnanimous heart, a heart that knew neither rancor nor vengefulness.  He regarded vindictiveness to be a sign of weakness.  Imagine that the leader not only pardoned the bandit, but offered him the opportunity to join with his forces in their campaign.  Moreover, he promised him that if he took the offer, he would receive all of the entitlements and rewards that the other soldiers would get.

We would suspect the bandit to eagerly take up this offer, at least as an act of deception.  However, the bandit did the unthinkable.  He refused, and the ruffian did so with all the coarseness and impertinence that he could muster.

The leader said to him: “Then go.  You know the way.”

The bandit began to hasten away, but then stopped and said: “I will not fight against you, nor will I ever join with any group who fights you.”  This, in and of itself, was an acceptable enough outcome.

When the bandit returned to the rest of his gang, they could see that he was elated to have survived the encounter.  He said to them: “I have come to you from a leader like no other.”  He then related to them everything that had happened and how fortunate he was to still be alive.”

It remains for us to reveal the identity of this leader.  He was the same person who is often maligned and depicted in a most ignoble light.

Yes, he was none other than Muhammad, the Prophet of God. - islamreligion.com

WHO IS PROPHET MUHAMMAD?

 

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is the man beloved by more than 1.2 billion Muslims.  He is the man who taught us patience in the face of adversity, and taught us to live in this world but seek eternal life in the hereafter.  It was to Prophet Muhammad that God revealed the Quran.  Along with this Book of guidance God sent Prophet Muhammad, whose behavior and high moral standards are an example to us all.  Prophet Muhammad’s life was the Quran.  He understood it, he loved it and he lived his life based on its standards.  He taught us to recite the Quran, to live by its principles and to love it.  When Muslims declare their faith in One God, they also declare their belief that Muhammad is the slave and final messenger of God. 

When a Muslim hears Muhammad’s name mentioned they ask God to send blessings upon him.  Prophet Muhammad was a man, a human being just like any other man, but it is his love for humanity that sets him apart.  Muslims love Prophet Muhammad, but it is his love for us, that makes him a man like no other.  He longed for Paradise not only for himself but also for all of us.  He wept tears not for himself but for his Ummah[1], and for humanity.  He was often heard to cry "O God, my Ummah, my Ummah".

Muslims also believe in the same Prophets mentioned in Jewish and Christian traditions, including Noah, Moses, Abraham and Jesus, and they believe that all prophets came with the same message – to worship God alone, without partners, sons or daughters.  There is a difference, however, between all other prophets and Prophet Muhammad.  Before Muhammad, prophets were sent to particular people in particular places and periods.  Muhammad however, is the final Prophet and his message is for all of humankind.

God tells us in the Quran that He did not send Prophet Muhammad except as a mercy for humankind.  "And we have sent you O Muhammad, not but as a mercy for humankind and all that exists."  (Quran 21:107)  God did not say Muhammad  was sent to the people of Arabia, or to men, or to the people of the 7th century.  He made it clear that Prophet Muhammad was a prophet like no other, one whose message would spread far and wide and be applicable in all places for all times.  Muslims love him, respect him and follow him.  They hold him in such regard that for many it is emotionally painful to see or hear their beloved mentor ridiculed or disrespected. 

Throughout history and around the world non-Muslims have shown great respect and honour to Prophet Muhammad and he is considered influential in both religious and secular matters.  Mahatma Ghandi described him as scrupulous about pledges, intense in his devotion to his friends and followers, intrepid, fearless, and with absolute trust in God and in his own mission.  Prophet Muhammad taught Islam as a way of life, founded an empire, laid down a moral code and instituted a code of law focusing on respect, tolerance and justice.

What is it about Prophet Muhammad that inspires such devotion?  Is it his gentle and loving nature, his kindness and generosity or is it his ability to empathise with all of humanity?  Muhammad was a selfless man who devoted the last 23 years of his life to teaching his companions and followers how to worship God and how to respect humanity.  Prophet Muhammad was acutely aware of just how much responsibility had been thrust upon him by God.  He was careful to teach the message just as God had prescribed and warned his followers not to adulate him the way Jesus, son of Mary was praised.[2]

Muslims do not worship Prophet Muhammad; they understand that he is only a man.  However, he is a man worthy of our utmost respect and love.  Prophet Muhammad loved humanity so much that he would weep out of fear for them.  He loved his Ummah with such deep and profound devotion that God remarked on the depth of his love for us in Quran.

"Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves.  It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty.  He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to God, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers he is full of pity, kind, and merciful." (Quran 9:128)

Prophet Muhammad taught us to love God and to obey Him.  He taught us to be kind to each other, to respect our elders, and care for our children.  He taught us that it was better to give than to receive and that each human life is worthy of respect and dignity.  He taught us to love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves.  Prophet Muhammad taught us that families and communities are essential, and he pointed out that individual rights although important are not more important than a stable, moral society.  Prophet Muhammad taught us that men and women are equal in the sight of God and that no one person is better then another except in respect to his or her piety and devotion to God.

Who is Prophet Muhammad?  Quite simply he is the man who will stand before God on the day of Requital and beg God to have mercy on us.  He will intercede for us. Muslims love him because he is the slave and messenger of God, he is a mercy to humankind and his gentleness, and devotion to humanity is unprecedented. - islamreligion.com

FOOTNOTES:

[1]The translation of the Arabic word Ummah is nation.  However, it means more than a country with borders, it is a fellowship of men women and children united in their love for One God and their admiration for Muhammad, the Prophet of God.

[2]Saheeh Al-Bukhari

Can There Be Happiness in Hardship?

 

Often when we are facing tough times, we focus on the time of ease that comes after: a good grade after studying, good health after exercise, a paycheck after work, comfort after a trial.

This is the pattern of life. We work hard: then we rest. We suffer: then we experience relief. Without the thought of rest and relief, many of us would find the tests and vicissitudes of life very difficult indeed.

Allah Almighty tells us that this is how life works:

{Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.} (Quran 65:7)

Ease Comes after, but also with, Hardship

But ease does not only come after hardship. This is something we often forget. Ease and indeed happiness also comes with, during, in the midst of hardship.

So, it’s not that we have to endure and wait until the (often) unspecified time hardship ends to enjoy ease. The Most Merciful allows us to enjoy ease, to be happy in the midst of the struggle.

Allah says:

{For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.} (Quran 94:5-6)

Allah Almighty, The Most Perfect, The Creator of language, the human tongue, and intellect–does not stutter. He does not say something twice without a purpose. Allah’s promise of ease is repeated for emphasis because it is emphatically true.

Even when we are studying hard, we can be happy knowing that we will have breaks to enjoy. Even when we are exercising, we feel a release of endorphins, making us happy during the workout. And even when we are going through trials, we certainly have bright spots of joy.

Hardship Increases our Appreciation

When I look back on my life, I can see how utterly true this is. Whether it was the time when being able to wear clean clothes felt like an extreme luxury amid poverty I was experiencing. Or the cooling touch that made a mountain of difference when I had a high fever. Or the times after my parents passed away that my siblings and I found comfort in each other amid the pain of loss. I have known happiness in the middle of hardship.

We all have these stories. If we look back at our lives and think of the moments of pure joy, they often lay in a field of suffering– laughter amid tears even before the healing begins; a cooling rain shower in the long, hot summer even before autumn arrives; a good meal and company at the masjid iftar even before Eid al-Fitr comes.

The sweetness of these small spots of joy during hardship come, perhaps, because Allah is showing us how amazing the things we take for granted at times of ease really are.

We never appreciate the ease of access to food until we fast or are deprived by need. We don’t consider how, if we live in a rainy climate, the rain is a blessing. We don’t realize how good it feels to laugh when we see nothing wrong in our lives.

We are made to appreciate the seemingly smallest of things with an elevated sense of gratitude and understanding during hardships, where as any other time the blessings of life are often taken for granted or overlooked.

But in that contrast of bitter hardship and sweet happiness is so much beauty. Perhaps our hardships come just so that we can see the blessings for what they truly are. Perhaps we are guided toward gratitude through suffering because Allah wants to give us the reward for being grateful and increase us in His favor.

Allah says:

{If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]} (Quran 14:7)

I Could’t Sleep

I was reminded of all of this in a small way very recently. I boarded a flight that was to last more than half a day. I counted on the fact that I would sleep for a good portion of that time. But as I sat in my tiny economy seat, crammed between two large people, sleep would not come.

I began to watch a show on the in-flight “entertainment” and noticed how many scenes they had where people had pillows and blankets or were sleeping in their comfortable beds. I became more acutely aware of how much I wanted to sleep, how little I thought of this joy before, how much comfort even being able to lie down brings.

I was exhausted, but could not get comfortable enough to sleep. The passengers around me fell asleep. But I was stuck watching a show with tons of pillows and sleeping.

I was miserable. This is perhaps something most people have been through. And it’s not that big of deal, but it taught me something about happiness happening even in amidst hardship.

Finally, I slept, lightly and intermittently. There was ease with the hardship. And I was so thankful for it. Then once we landed (and took another flight and landed again), I could have a pillow, lie down, and rest even more. There was ease after the hardship. And I was so happy to have it.

But during my small struggle to get comfortable and get some rest, I realized how amazing a blessing sleep is. Something I take for granted daily. Allah Almighty reminded me of how great a blessing it is to have a comfortable place to lie down. Something I previously considered to be my right.

Allah does everything for a reason. Even the smallest of hard times can be a lesson, a great source of blessings, and even—as paradoxically as it may seem—happiness. So, we can relax knowing that we don’t need to just grit our teeth and try to pull through hard times because there is always ease.

(From Discovering Islam archive)

About Theresa Corbin

Theresa Corbin is the author of The Islamic, Adult Coloring Book and co-author of The New Muslim’s Field Guide. Corbin is a French-creole American and Muslimah who converted in 2001. She holds a BA in English Lit and is a writer, editor, and graphic artist who focuses on themes of conversion to Islam, Islamophobia, women's issues, and bridging gaps between peoples of different faiths and cultures. She is a regular contributor for AboutIslam.net and Al Jumuah magazine. Her work has also been featured on CNN and Washington Post, among other publications. Visit her blog, islamwich, where she discusses the intersection of culture and religion.

- aboutislam.net

Scientific pride and prejudice

 

Evolution scientists pass off personal prejudices as scientific truth

Most people accept everything they hear from scientists as strictly true. It does not even occur to them that scientists may also have various philosophical or ideological prejudices. The fact of the matter is that evolutionist scientists impose their own prejudices and philosophical views on the public under the guise of Science. For instance, although they are aware that random events do not cause anything other than irregularity and confusion, they still claim that the marvelous order, plan and design manifested in the Universe and in living organisms arose by chance.

For instance, such a biologist easily grasps that there is an incomprehensible harmony in a protein molecule -- the building block of life -- and that there is no probability that this might have come about by chance. Nevertheless, he alleges that this protein came into existence under primitive earth conditions simply by chance, billions of years ago. He does not stop there; he also unhesitatingly claims that not only one, but millions of proteins were formed by chance and then incredibly came together to create the first living cell. Moreover, he defends his view with a blind stubbornness. This person is an “evolutionist” scientist.

If the same scientist were to find three bricks resting on top of one another while walking along a flat road, he would never suppose that these bricks had come together by chance and then climbed up on top of each other, again by chance. Indeed, anyone who did make such an assertion would be considered insane.

How is it possible that people who are perfectly capable of assessing ordinary events rationally, adopt such an irrational attitude when it comes to thinking about their own existence?

It is impossible to claim that this attitude is adopted in the name of science: Science requires taking both alternatives into consideration wherever there are two alternatives equally possible concerning a certain case. If the likelihood of one of the two alternatives is much lower, for example if it is only one percent, then the rational and scientific thing to do is to consider the other alternative, whose likelihood is 99 percent, to be the valid one.

Let us continue, keeping this scientific basis in mind. There are two views that can be set forth regarding how living beings came into existence on earth. The first is that all living beings were created by Allah in their present complex structure. The second is that life was formed by unconscious, random coincidences. The latter is the claim of the theory of evolution.

When we look at scientific data, that of molecular biology for instance, we can see that there is no chance whatsoever that a single living cell  -- or even one of the millions of proteins present in this cell, could have come into existence by chance, as evolutionists claim. As we will illustrate in the following chapters, probabilistic calculations also confirm this many times over. Hence, the evolutionist view on the emergence of living beings has zero probability of being true. 

This means that the first view has a “one hundred percent” probability of being true. That is, life has been consciously brought into being. To put it in another way, it was “created”. All living beings have come into existence by the design of a Creator exalted in superior Power, Wisdom, and Knowledge. This reality is not simply a matter of conviction; it is the normal conclusion that wisdom, logic and science take one to.

Under these circumstances, our “evolutionist” scientist ought to withdraw his claim and adhere to a fact that is both obvious and proven. To do otherwise is to demonstrate that he is actually someone who is sacrificing the spirit of scientific inquiry to further his own particular philosophy, ideology and dogma rather than being a true scientist.

The anger, stubbornness and prejudices of our “scientist” increase more and more every time he confronts reality. His attitude can be explained with a single word: faith. Yet it is a blind superstitious faith, since there can be no other explanation for such blatant disregard of all facts that leads to a lifelong, fanatic allegiance to the preposterous scenario constructed wholly in his imagination. 

The Quran appeals to "men of knowledge" to exercise their faculties and appreciate the wonder of Allah's creation in the world around them and within themselves. It is a sad reflection on the manifest unbelief of modern times, that evolution scientists are using the intellect and senses that Allah has granted them to do just the opposite : negate the wonder of His creation. By disguising their delusions of grandeur as scientific theories, evolution scientists are doing a great disservice to the true spirit of scientific inquiry. - islamweb.net

Maintaining discipline in worship

 

Abdullah would rise before Fajr (dawn) each morning and rush to the Masjid to offer the prayer. He would return to the Masjid for Maghrib (sunset) and 'Ishaa' (night) prayers as well. He read the Quran daily. He studied other Islamic books in his spare time. He spent much of his free time with his family and took his role as the spiritual leader in his home quite seriously.

Five years later, he found that he would go days, sometimes a whole week without performing a single prayer. He no longer attends congregational prayer at the Masjid — he didn't have time with his new job. This new job involved his working closely in nightclub establishments with people of questionable backgrounds. This resulted in his becoming very secretive about many of his work activities; he didn't even talk to his wife about them because he knew she would disapprove. Work kept him busy all night and throughout the entire weekend. Many of his new friends also worked with him and he began to spend a great deal of his free time with them. Because of this, he spent less time with his family. He had to sleep during the day in order to be able to work each night.

 

His wife noticed a great change in his demeanor. They had several discussions about his work and how it was affecting him and his relationship with Allah Almighty. He agreed, and would begin the process of searching for new work, but inevitably, chose to stay in his current job. He soon found himself feeling very distanced from his wife and children. Even though the money was abundant when he first began, it was now barely paying the bills.

He felt his marriage crumbling beneath the years of neglect. He found himself succumbing to depression over his circumstances, unmotivated to initiate the things he knew he would have to do in order for his life to change.

 

It is interesting to note that 'Abdullah's life seemed much more peaceful and balanced when he followed the lifestyle of a genuine and honest Muslim, and when he engaged in his regular religious duties and morals (Islamic virtues and moralities). But when he abandoned them, everything turned upside down suddenly and began to suffer significantly.

Could this simply be a coincidence? Imam Muhammad Baianouni  the scholar from North Carolina in USA accurately sums up situations like this stating: "The regulation of a man's conduct within one system of life is one of the most important reasons of success and stability. The absence of this regulation is one of the greatest crises a man suffers from in his life. This happens when man is left without guidance from Allah, the Most High, or without proper upbringing based on the Divine Guidance. Under these circumstances, man's life becomes miserable on this earth and he will be amongst the losers in the Hereafter".

 

A religion of discipline

 

It is only from the infinite wisdom and mercy of Allah that we have been given a system of belief that instructs and assists in guiding our actions and behavior. By participating in the daily obligations of our faith outlined in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad  we are more likely to enjoy Allah's bounty in this life, and reap the rewards in the Hereafter. Allah Almighty ordered all believers to be disciplined in their worship, and not to disobey Him. In the Quran, Allah Says (what means) "So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do." [Quran 11: 112]

 

The intensity of our faith changes throughout our lives, or of course, as we know, it fluctuates from time to time. There are times when we are of strong faith, and times when we struggle. Many brothers and sisters who proudly claim Islam as their religion unintentionally find themselves "slipping" in their religious duties. Seemingly overnight their lives go from pleasurable and carefree to darkness and confusion. You may begin to acknowledge that you have landed in such a state because of the choices you made, but you are lost as to how to go about changing things.

 

Being steadfast in our duties to Allah Almighty is what keeps you from languishing during your darker moments. Remember that your ultimate return is to Him Almighty, so you must develop discipline and consistency in your daily routine to keep your faith from sinking.

 

Developing discipline

 

Recognizing your shortcomings is the first step towards becoming more disciplined. Allah Almighty Says (what means): "…Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves..." [Quran 13: 11] When you decide to change for the sake of Allah Almighty, Allah will help you change. Each one is responsible for oneself and will be questioned accordingly on the Day of Judgment, with no one to intercede on your behalf. You must make the choice to live your life according to Allah's Will on your own. You will not benefit from being told about what you need to do and how you need to change in order to have a more fulfilling life. You must take an interest in making those changes for yourself. Only then can you reap the rewards. Think about the wives of the Prophets Nooh (Noah) and Louth (Lut), may Allah exalt their mention. Each Prophet  tried unsuccessfully to offer the best guidance to his wife, but because there was no real interest on their part, it was said to each of women 'enter the Fire'. Allah Says it in the Quran (what means): "… so those prophets did not avail them from Allah at all, and it was said  "…Enter   the Fire with those who enter!" [Quran 66: 10]

 

I have a good friend who was going through a very rough time. Her faith was at an all-time low. During several of our conversations, she lamented that Allah Almighty was punishing her for not being a "good Muslim." I asked her: "Why must Allah be punishing you? Allah puts us through many tests and trials in this life to give us the chance to know Him better." We debated back and forth about this for some time. She was really stuck in the debts of despair, and found my comments annoyingly optimistic. I reminded her that Allah Almighty is also Merciful and that this trial for her could be the wake up call she needed to have an opportunity to renew and redeem her faith and become closer to Him Almighty. Perhaps Allah had to put her through such difficulty to get her attention and give her a chance to make changes.

 

There are many things you can do to establish discipline in your daily life. Such consistency not only balances our faith, but all other aspects of our lives as well. Here are some routines to keep your soul fresh and maintain your body healthy.

•  Evaluate yourself regularly to make certain you are doing all that you can spiritually.
• Perform your daily prayers punctually each day.
• Read the Quran regularly, with an effort to truly understand what you are reading.
• Seek knowledge regularly, religious and other, through books, secured and trusted online sources and well-known scholars' classes and lectures.
• Keep company with righteous people.
• Have confidence in your faith and, more importantly, in Allah Almighty.
• Regularly spend some time alone in contemplation and worship.

Islam is a complete way of life. As believers, we should desire the discipline that allows us to regulate our lives and keep chaos away. In choosing this way of life, peace and contentment are your right. Discipline comes as a result of performing certain duties and following some habits consistently. Ask Allah to help you to establish discipline in your religious commitment and to be able to submit to all that pleases Him Almighty. - islamweb.net

5 Tips to Avoid Being Unmindful of Allah

 

As a practicing Muslim, have you ever thought of the purpose of  creation of mankind?

Have you ever thought of the main reason of your existence in this worldly life and what the real role is that you should play is?

First of all, to be a proper believer in Allah and to be a righteous Muslim, you have to be sure that there is a great wisdom behind your creation – not only your creation, but also the creation of all things on Earth.

Allah did not create things in vain, but He, the Almighty, created this universe for a purpose, for example, Allah says:

Then did you think that We created you in vain and that to Us you would not be returned? (23:115)

Also, He Almighty says:

And We did not create the heaven and earth and that between them in play. (21:16)

Furthermore, Allah declares the real reason for mankind creation when He says:

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (51:56)

Although Allah determined exactly the main mission that we should do on Earth, the worldly life sometimes diverts us from Allah, so we always need to focus on what reminds us and takes us back to the right way.

So through this article, we are going to discuss some helpful tips that are going to protect you from being unmindful of Allah, but first you have to know who unmindful people are.

In fact, the unmindful people are divided into two groups:

First one includes those who don’t believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, Judgment Day and the Faith;

Second are those who do believe in Allah but the temporary enjoyment of worldly life distracts them from remembrance of Allah and diverts them from working for their hereafter; they are trapped in the cage of Dunya.

5 Practical Tips to Avoid Being Unmindful of Allah

Therefore, we present the tips below for those who have become wrapped up in worldly life to help them connect with Allah all the time and focus their minds continuously towards Allah the Almighty:

1- Maintain timely performance of obligatory prayers, Allah says in 2:238:

Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.

2- Keep on repeating supplications of remembrance for morning and evening as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to do and asked us to do too. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Prophet (PBUH) used to say in the morning:

O Allah! With Your Power we have come to the morning, with Your Power we come to the evening, with Your Power we live, and we die, and to You will we return.

In the evening he would say:

O Allah! With Your Power, we have come to the evening, by You do we live, by You do we die, and to You is the return.

3- Keep on reciting at least 10 verses of  the Quran each night. Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet (PBUH) said:

If anyone prays at night reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent.

4- Be ever grateful to Allah for His uncountable favors. Allah says:

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me. (2:152)

5- Always remember your hereafter and that you are going to die one day. It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:

“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

Frequently remember the destroyer of pleasures,’ meaning death.

- aboutislam.net