Islam

Islam

Saturday 31 July 2021

Getting Divorce? Here Are Five Things to Consider

 


Divorce is a personal decision to be undertaken with great care and consideration.

However, most will agree that in cases of harm or abuse of any sort – or in cases of abandonment, humiliation, control, and nonfulfillment of obligations – it is in a couple’s best interest in this life and the next to end the marriage.

When is it time to divorce?

As Life Strategist and Leadership Coach Henrietta Szovati explains, “Marriage is not designed to complete you. It is to grow you.” She adds, “Your happiness does not depend on your partner, it is entirely your responsibility to make your life happy. If it isn’t, don’t blame your spouse.”


Henrietta works with individuals who struggle to make sense of their role in their marriage. She empowers them to understand their emotions, step into their full self, and create the marriage they truly want. However, this also sometimes means accepting that they need to leave the marriage.

Henrietta laments that many women grow up thinking that marriage is a fairy tale. Instead, she insists, “Marriage is a reality job.”

If one is being oppressed or mistreated in a marriage it is definitely time to take drastic actions to fix the situation, or end the marriage entirely.

The reality and responsibility of marriage

As the founder of Manifesting Muslimah, Zahra Summayah coaches and supports many new Muslimahs in maintaining their faith in the face of adversity and abuse.

Zahra shares that, for Muslims, the instructions for marriage and the rights of each spouse are clearly detailed. She insists, “What Muslim men need to understand is they are commanded by God to be caretakers of women and children. Their one level above is in regards to responsibility for women, not authority over them. [They need to understand] that every tear a wife sheds due to her husband’s mistreatment is a curse upon him by the angels.”

It’s clear to most that in cases of abuse, neglect, control, lack of respect, and poor communication, these hardships can lead to divorce. However couples also need to understand another crucial point.

When considering divorce, there are more gray areas than black and white. Financial stressors, irreconcilable challenges, meddling extended families, and cultural differences can all weigh a couple down and may necessitate divorce.

When considering the possibility of divorce, begin by examining yourself. This means first learning to embrace that you have faults and you’re work in progress. Make internal changes first to ensure you’re fulfilling your end of the marriage contract.

Being a responsible partner also means articulating and communicating your needs to your spouse. This can include setting boundaries or even walking away from dangerous and unhealthy relationships.

Having a healthy attitude towards marriage involves, “Accepting that your marriage will stretch you to your unimaginable limits” Henrietta explains. She advises couples to, “Surrender to the fact that you will be hurt, betrayed and disappointed many  times. Being realistic and ready for this will make you a supportive and authentic partner.”

What is an Islamic divorce?

An Islamic divorce is basically dissolution of the marriage contract. It can be accomplished through a few different processes including talaq (male initiated divorce) and khula (female initiated divorce). In some cases, if the understood responsibilities of the marriage contract are breached or deception is found, annulment of the marriage is possible as well.
“Know your rights given by God,” Zahra explains, “and know what you are meant to expect as far as provision, duty of care, kindness and mercy by your husband.”

Henrietta adds that in her counseling practice, some of the most common challenges her clients come to her for resolving include these “gray-area” complaints.

She hears statements like; “I’m unable to exercise my full power in this marriage.” “I’m taken for granted,” “We love each other but cannot seem to work together as a couple,” “My spouse’s family is too much/too difficult for me,” and “I’m really unfulfilled in this marriage.”

These “grey area” challenging situations may or may not be improved through divorce. So in many such cases, individual coaching and therapy is a smart first step.

Divorce and abuse

When it comes to domestic abuse and other toxic dynamics, why do some couples end up staying in toxic relationships instead of getting divorced?

Henrietta explains, “Toxicity is a deep trenched pattern neurobiologically and it is hard to move away from something we are familiar with. People often do not see the relationship as toxic, which is one of the major problems.”

Zahra Summayah shares that she sees many new Muslimahs who are faced with toxic marriages and struggle to keep their faith as a consequence. In her book, 5 Warning Signs You Are in a Toxic Marriage, she teaches what toxic marriages look like and their warning signs.

She encourages women to be careful both getting into a marriage, and also getting out.

Zahra encourages women to combat abuse by first learning their rights as women and wives. “Know that in no area of Islam is a man permitted to hit or harm a woman, much less his wife” she shares. “Know that a ‘disobedient wife’ is one who is committing adultery as defined in Surah Nisa – it does not refer to a woman who fails to jump at every unreasonable command of a husband. Know that a husband does not have a right to imprison you in your home citing the hadith that you have to seek his permission to leave.”

“A just and kind husband who fears God, will not turn a home into a prison,” Zahra explains. “A good man who fears God will loathe oppression as much as God does.”

Should I ask for a khula?

It’s important for women to make sure they are involved in arranging their marriage. Zahra encourages women to never let a potential spouse arrange the wedding without consultation or consent.

In cases of abandonment, neglect, abuse, oppression and harm, it may also be possible to get what is known as an annulment of the marriage.

One sister recalls the pain she endured through her then husband’s multiple affairs. “Divorce is never easy. Especially when kids are involved,” she explains. “But I was blindsided as he was the one to have multiple affairs and left to be with his other family.”

She was able to secure a divorce but not without waiting two years in limbo for her husband to make up his mind. “He literally left two years before he decided to file. The children are very conflicted and financially left in ruins.”

There are many reasons to get divorced, and no one should fault anyone for wanting to get out of an abusive, harmful, neglectful, or unfulfilling marriage.

Marriage in the Muslim community should be seen for what it actually is – a contract between a man and woman to love, care, and take care of each other and fulfill promised obligations.

To Continue 


About Janet Kozak
Janet Kozak is a content strategist who helps businesses grow their brand with creative copywriting and content marketing. When she’s not writing and designing, you can find her indulging in masala fries or elbow deep in scraps of paper creating her one-of-a-kind art collages. Meet Janet and get ready to grow your business at http://janetkozak.com/

-aboutislam.net

Friday 30 July 2021

After Divorce, I Crave for Love

 

Getting divorced is an emotional experience, which can cause pain, depression, and sadness. It also leaves one desiring love, intimacy, and a connection.

Voids After Divorce

When one is married and then gets divorced, there appears to be avoided because you are used to being with someone. You are used to sharing special intimate times with a husband. Now that there is no longer a husband, you are left with just your feelings of desire.

Dealing with Desires

Sister, I kindly advise you to consider keeping your mind busy to ward off your desires. While desires are normal and natural as we are human beings, there are things we can do to decrease the intensity and frequency.

Take up a new hobby. Join a gym and engage in an exercise program. Attend social events with friends. Join Islamic classes for learning and increasing your knowledge. Get more involved with life activities and acts of worship. It is difficult to feel desire when one is focused on spiritual pursuits.

Go to Allah for Strength

I kindly advise that insha’Allah, you also make duaa to Allah and ask Him to help guide you and deal with the situation of your feelings for desire. By depending on and trusting in Allah’s mercy and protection, insha’Allah you will soon find that your desires are more manageable.


Conclusion

Life after divorce is not an easy transition. Feelings of desire may be one of the hardest to deal with.

However, with an active lifestyle involving a balance in the areas of Islamic activities, family, friends, personal pursuits, you should be able to control your feelings of desire.

When our lives are not balanced and lack positive things and people, we tend to have more time to overthink our issues, especially regarding a desire for intimacy.

We wish you the best!

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.


About Aisha Mohammad

Aisha received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.

-aboutislam.net

Thursday 29 July 2021

Will Divorced Couples Be Reunited in Paradise?

 

The basic principle and reality about Paradise is that all its dwellers will have whatever they wish, in it:

“…and there will be found all that the souls might desire, and [all that] the eyes might delight in…” [43:71]

Therefore, if someone was married to a certain person in the life of this world, but their marriage ended in divorce, and then they both went on to marry other people, then the question of who each of them will be married to in Paradise, is one that can have more than one possible answer.

Paradise has many levels, the higher ones much better than the ones that are lower.

The highest level is called Al-Firdaus.


Those who strive harder to please Allah in this life, and make more sacrifices for Islam, will therefore not be at the same level as those who did much less than them.

The dwellers in each level will be admitted to it based on the quality of their faith & good deeds.

Consequently, the basic principle behind whether a person will be in the company of another in Paradise, depends on whether both of them were at a similar level of faith and good deeds during the life of this world.

Divorced Couples


In such a scenario, if one spouse would like to be reunited, but the other would not, then Allah Most High will bless both with what their hearts desire, and they will be very happy.

Secondly, as far as married couples are concerned, if a wife or husband wants to be reunited in Paradise with their ex-spouse, then this will depend on whether the latter also would like to be reunited with them.

That is, the spouse desiring to be reunited with their ex, will be granted a spouse who is much better than the one they wished to be reunited with. And their ex-spouse will also be granted someone better than the spouse whom they got divorced from in the life of the world, as well.

Paradise

The underlying belief of a Muslim regarding life in Paradise has a few basic principles, which we should never forget:

– Everyone who is admitted to Paradise will get whatever they wanted or wished for, or something (or someone) even better than that, and they will be very happy.

– No one will be dealt with unjustly. Not even an atom’s worth of injustice will be done to anyone.

– There will be no negative feelings or emotions among the dwellers of Paradise. There will only be mutual love.

In lieu of the above, we should believe that even if our ex-spouse is there in the same level of Paradise as us, but they are married to someone else, and we are married to another person as well, there will no ill will, hurt, pain, jealousy, bitterness, rancor, or hard feelings between any of us.

Everyone in Paradise will dwell together with perfect and eternal harmony and have nothing but mutual love for each other.

They will also be more than pleased with and grateful for whatever Allah will give them in Paradise, because its bounties will exceed by far whatever they wished for or imagined!

And Allah knows best. .

(From Ask About Islam archives)

-aboutislam.net

Wednesday 28 July 2021

9 Truths to Live by and Find Happiness

 


Perhaps one of the most hurtful experiences in life is when someone breaks a promise they made to you. You might struggle to trust them again and doubt they even speak the truth.


When it comes to promises, we humans seem to easily make them, and break them. There is a promise though, which truly is sacred and is never broken. It is the promise of Allah, the Most High.

Likewise, how many promises have you broken, even if they seemed insignificant?


Let’s discover a beautiful verse in the Quran and supplication from the Sunnah centred around the promise of Allah, and above all, the meaning of Truth.

Even though we know Allah’s promises are true, do you really live by this fact? Keeping a promise is a demonstration of being truthful, it’s time to ask ourselves: how much do we love the truth and how much do we really live by it?

A Verse of Promise and Al-Haqq

In chapter Al Qasas, we find a beautiful example of Allah’s promise:

So We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of the people do not know. (Quran, 28:13)

When Allah Himself makes a promise, He will make it happen. Now stop a moment and think; how close are you to the promises of Allah? Do you know some the promises Allah made in the Quran?

One of Allah’s beautiful Names is Al-Haqq, the Absolute Truth, cited nine times in the Quran, and His promises are a demonstration of this powerful attribute. The ultimate and greatest Truth ever is the existence of Allah, Exalted is He! Allah is Al-Haqq, the Truth, and His words, orders, prohibitions, decree and promises are truth.

A Supplication of Nine Truths to Have No Worries


If you lived by them, any falsehood in life wouldn’t blind you from the truth, because you will be seeking the truth. Even if temptations were irresistible and everyone around you was blinded by falsehood.

There are nine most important facts (truths) of life that, if you lived by them, would help you have a clear vision and pave your way to Paradise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged us to invoke Allah focusing on these nine facts each day, and translate them into daily action.

Living by these nine truths is a solution for all worries, in whatever area of life; what are these truths and facts the Prophet Muhammad used in his invocation?

Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say:

O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them.

All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, and to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth and Paradise is true and Hell is true and all the Prophets (peace be upon them) are true; and Muhammad is true, and the Day of Resurrection is true. (Part of the supplication, Sahih Al Bukhari, Book of the Night Prayer, hadith 221)

Transliteration of the dua:

Allahumma lakal-hamd, anta qayyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Walakalhamd, anta-l-haqq wa wa’duka-l-haqq, wa liqa’uka haqq, wa qawluka haqq, wal-jannatu Haqq wan-naru Haqq wannabiyuna haqq, wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu’alayhi wasallam, haqq, was-sa’atu haqq.

Nine Action points

1. You (Allah) are the Truth


2. Your Promise is Truth

Allah, the absolute Truth, urges us to take inspiration from this attribute by loving the truth until it becomes the dearest thing to us! Abide by the truth, even if it is seemingly against your personal interests, remain steadfast and never give up the truth.

The next fact is: ‘Your Promise is Truth..’ Know that with Allah is your sustenance and never worry about it as it is guaranteed by Him. Believe from the bottom of your heart that anything Allah promises you, surely is true and will happen, sooner or later.

3. Meeting You is Truth

Allah says:

If you see when they are assembled before their Lord! He will say: ‘Is not this the Truth?’ They will say: ‘Yes indeed, by our Lord!’ (Quran, 6:30)

Daily remind yourself of your meeting with Allah, and ask Him to come to Him with a sound heart (qalbun saleem).

4. Your Word is Truth

The Quran is our link with His Words; what a blessing to be able to open the Book of Allah with this ease! Recite the Quran and believe with your very being every word in it is true and above all act upon this, for if you don’t, you will not be sticking to the truth!

5. Paradise is Truth

Imagine this conversation in the Hereafter:

And the companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire, “We have already found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?” (Quran, 7:44)

In Arabic the verse is in the past tense, emphasizing Paradise is an established fact, the truth.

6. Hell is Truth

[Iblees] said, “By your might, I will surely mislead them all. Except, among them, Your chosen servants.” [ Allah ] said, “The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -[That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together. (Quran, 38:82-85)


7. The Prophets are Truth

Ahmad ibn Harb said: “I wonder how the one who knows that above him, paradise is being embellished, and below him, hell fire is being kindled, and yet he sleeps between them!”
Your stance on the truth in this world is directly linked to your final destination. Choose wisely.

Adam, Ibrahim, Jesus, Moses, Solomon (peace be upon them all) are all Truth and their mission was to make Truth triumphant over falsehood. In our journey of life in this world, the Prophets and their mission should be part of our identity. Therefore study, live by and convey the stories and lessons of the lives of the prophets.

8. Muhammad is Truth

Allah Himself, the Lord of the Worlds, describes him as:

We have sent you with Truth to give glad tidings and to warn…

After 23 years of exile, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) conquered Makkah; he entered Makkah repeating the verse representing the essence of his message: “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished..” He made tawaf around the Ka’bah saying:

Truth has come and falsehood has vanished, indeed falsehood is bound to vanish. (Quran, 17:81)

Being truthful in your love of the Prophet Muhammad, means loving and living by the truth in your daily life. Beg Allah for guidance and to help you recognize the truth from falsehood.

9. The Hour is Truth

The Day of Resurrection and Standing is inevitable; it will come because it is truth and the truth will then be triumphant over falsehood. In the powerful chapter Al-Haaqqah, Allah the Most High questions:

The Inevitable Reality – What is the Inevitable Reality? And what can make you know what is the Inevitable Reality? (Quran, 69:1-3)

That Day is a certainty; truly think of why you would sacrifice the truth for your personal interests?

This comprehensive supplication urges us to understand the nine facts, so we understand the purpose behind our creation.

Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned? So exalted is Allah , the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne. (Quran, 22:115-116)

If you live by these nine truths, you will find happiness here and in the Hereafter.

We ask Allah, the Most High, to make us abide by the truth, to encourage others to the truth, to raise our children upon the truth and to die upon the truth.

Ameen!

(From Discovering Islam’s archive.)


About Khawlah bint Yahya
Khawlah b. Yahya founded SISTERS' PROJECT in 2008, a United Kingdom women's support organization and is a writer for different Islamic organizations and academies. She authored the renown How to Live by the Names of Allah Series, published by the Understand Qur'an Academy, as well as the internationally shared Revive a Sunnah Series. She focuses most of her work on how to translate classic Islamic Knowledge to daily life action. She recently released Personal Lessons from the Qur'an, in which daily life action points are based on Qur’anic ayaat in a way that’s never seen before. You can now purchase the E-book on: dailylifeknowledge.co.uk

-aboutislam.net

Tuesday 27 July 2021

Does Allah (SWT) Love Me?

 1


If Allah loves a person, He calls [angel] Gabriel saying: ‘Allah loves so and so; O Gabriel, love him.’ Gabriel would love him, and then Gabriel would make an announcement among the residents of the Heaven, ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.’ So, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth. (Al Bukhari)

It is a basic human need to feel loved. It is an even more profound need to feel loved by our Creator. And so, we often ask ourselves, does God love me?

Does Allah (SWT) say to angel Gabriel that He loves me?


He created humankind in the best form (Quran 95:4). God wishes ease for us (Quran 2:185).

He wants what is best for all of us and wants for us to do what is best for ourselves (Quran 2:216).

God cares about His creation with incomparable attention.


Answer the questions that follow to see what is required to attain the love of God.

God cares, but to earn the love of the Creator of love, what must one do? What qualities must one have? Are we doing enough?

1- Do You Do Your Best to Follow the Best Example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

God sent us guidance in the form of living, breathing, physical examples. The Prophets are our examples of how to live life in the best way possible of our own benefit.

Those who understand this gift from God follow the last messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), about whom we have the most authentic record. And in turn Allah loves those who follow the example He sent.

Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 3:31)


God doesn’t look at the make and model of your car, but He looks at the way in which you
 control your anger. God doesn’t look at the square footage of your home, but the expanse of your generosity.

2- Do You Do Your Best to Do Good?

He is not concerned with the contents of your paycheck, but with the contents of your character. Allah (SWT) loves the doers of good.

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good. (Quran 3:134)

3- Are You Determined in Your Deen?

When faced with a choice of doing something right but difficult or something easy but wrong, those who are steadfast choose the hard and pure path.

When weariness hits while in the struggle for justice, those who are determined preserver.

When life seems to be too much and all one wants to do is give up, the patient persist and never neglects his/her responsibilities.

[…] And Allah loves the steadfast. (Quran 3:146)

4- Do You Trust God?

Those who trust God remind themselves of God’s plan for them when they suffer loss or pain. Those who trust God, trust that their dua (supplication) will be answered in one way or another. Those who trust God, never lose hope in Allah’s forgiveness.

[…] Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (Quran 3:159)

5- Are You Just?

Those who are just never behave arrogantly towards people of other cultures or languages. The just gives everyone their rights even if you do not like them. Those who are just tell the truth even if it harms themselves.

[…] Allah loves those who act justly. (5:42)

6- Do You Try to Do Extra Good Deed?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a sacred hadith:

“The most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary prayers or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) until I love him, (so much so that) I become his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me something, I will surely give him, and if he seeks My Protection (refuge), I will surely protect him.” (Al-Bukhari)

Results


Make dua to Allah 
(SWT) that He will love you and continue to guide you toward Him. And please make dua for those of us who are struggling.

If you answered “yes” to all or most of the above questions, then there is a good chance that Allah (SWT) loves you! And Allah knows best. Keep going on your path and never let your successes make you feel as if you are better than others.

If you answered “no” to most or all of the above questions, Allah (SWT) wishes the best for all of us and has given us guidance so that we can come closer to Him, so that we can be better for our own sake, so that we can have peace.

As we seek God and better ourselves, we earn Allah’s love, inshaAllah. Make dua to Allah (SWT) that He will guide you to Him.

We don’t need to be perfect to earn the love of the Creator. We only need to do our best to be our best, to seek God, who is:

Oft-Forgiving, the Most Loving; full of love. (Quran 85:14)

(From Discovering Islam’s 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

Monday 26 July 2021

The Ultimate Test for Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

 

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had to face many tests. The ultimate test for him came through a dream from Allah, that was to sacrifice his son.

Ibrahim was given a huge test to slaughter his son. However the sacrifice of Ibrahim was not about slaughtering his son but what was in his heart.

This is a powerful lesson for us all. We are all going to face our own ultimate tests of faith. How will we deal?

-aboutislam.net

Sunday 25 July 2021

Stories on Tawakkul – Letting Allah Take Hold

 


She Trusted, He Delivered

Perched on top of the mountain with nothing and no one around her, the lady peered into the distance. She saw no one. She ran down the mountain and across the valley and climbed another mountain, peering into the distance again. Again, nothing could be seen.

Her child was crying; the little baby boy was thirsty, and mommy didn’t have a drop of water to give to him. Among the harshest of sounds to the ears of a parent is the cry of his or her child, and it was to hers, too. Thus she kept running between the two mountains over and over again until Allah Himself intervened.


He’ll Even Split the Sea For You

He sent the angel Gabriel to strike the earth and bring out water for the mother and the child. And to this day, this run of Hajar is done by millions of pilgrims who go for Hajj and Umrah. She trusted in Allah, and Allah delivered.


As they escaped, running for their lives through the night, Pharaoh was notified. He followed them with his army and his cavalry.

After years and years murder, pillage, and slavery, Allah sent a man to a nation that had suffered much. He willed that this man was to take them from the darkness of oppression to the light of freedom, from the murderer to the just ruler. He ordered Moses to take the Children of Israel from the clutches of Pharaoh and cross into the blessed lands.

The Children of Israel were stuck right in front of the Red Sea. Some of them despaired, some of them cursed Moses for only bringing them more trouble, while some just kept looking back at the approaching army of Pharaoh.

Moses simply said, inna ma’eyah rabbi sayahdeen (Most certainly, My Lord is with me, He will guide). Allah ordered Moses to strike the sea with his staff, and the sea split. He trusted, and Allah split the sea for him.

What is Tawakkul?

In both these stories, we see an unwavering and amazing trust in the plan and the decree of Allah. These are examples so profound that Allah immortalized them in the Quran, to the end of times.

So, what is it that made these people so dependent on Allah, and, more importantly, what makes Allah send His help to them in the most critical of junctures? Tawakkul. So what exactly is tawakkul?

One of the names of the Prophet Muhammad is al-Mutawakkil, the One who continuously places his trust on Allah. And one of the names of Allah is al-Wakeel, the One who can be trusted.

When Ibrahim was being thrown into the fire, he said:

Hasbi Allahu wa ni’m-al wakeel (Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best One to trust).

We notice that tawakkul is such an amazing quality that the Prophet is even defined by it! It is seen to be among the qualities of the prophets and saintly people before him as well!

So, Again, what Exactly is Tawakkul?


When this realization takes over, we know that no matter where the situation gets, He alone is enough for us, and He is the only One we need.

The first part of the dua of Ibrahim gives us the first point of tawakkul– Hasbi Allah— Allah is sufficient for me. The first and most important thing to understand in life, in all spheres of life and at all times, is that no matter what we think, Allah alone is sufficient for us.

The second part is understanding our neediness before Allah. It is understanding that while we are reading this at home, we are in as much need of Allah as the one who is drowning and his heart desperately calling out for help.

It is understanding that the starving child who doesn’t know if he will have food for the next meal is in as much need of Allah as us who have five days’ worth of food in our fridge!

The third part is understanding that whatever Allah does is good for us, whether we perceive it or not.

Yusuf was thrown into a well. It was wrong. He was picked up and sold into slavery. It was preposterous! His master’s wife tried to seduce him, and when he refused, he was put into prison! It was blatant injustice. And yet, all of it was good for him!

And that is why later when Yusuf became the King of Egypt, he remarked that Allah was “al-Lateef” towards Him.

Al-Lateef is the One who is subtle. He is the One who brings benefit to His slave in a way that the slave can never perceive. The One who is doing good for His slave, while the world thinks the slave is being punished!

Understanding that Allah is enough for us, that we are in need of Him and that whatever He will allow to happen is good for us are the foundations of trusting in Him. How can you not have trust in the One who is enough for you? Of whom you are in perpetual need of? And the One who will only allow good to happen to you?

Tawakkul is to follow the commands of Allah even when disobeying Him seems easier. It is to believe that He will grant us paradise for choosing Him over the fleeting pleasures of this dunya.

It is to entrust our affairs to Allah and be content knowing that He will take care of us.

Tawakkul is to know that all will be well, even if things look impossible.

Tawakkul is knowing that at the end of the tunnel there is light, even if we don’t see it. It is understanding that when Allah shields something from us, He is actually redirecting us to something better.

Tawakkul is among the biggest keys that cause miracles to happen in our lives. It is among the most beautiful fruits of the tree of la ilaha illa Allah.

We ask Allah that He makes us from among those who have Tawakkul in Him.

Source: Understand Quran

(From Discovering Islam archive)


About Raiiq Ridwan
Raiiq Ridwan is a Bangladeshi medical student at the University of Bristol, UK. He has a Bachelors In Arts in Islamic Studies at the Islamic Online University. He is founder of "The One Message". He’s certified life coach. He can write on topics related to Quran, dawah, depression, anxiety, achieving goals, productivity etc.

-aboutislam.net

Saturday 24 July 2021

Is It Permissible to Combine Missed Ramadan Fasts with Dhul-Hijjah Fasts?

 


All Muslims should do their best to do good deeds in these best days of the year; the days of Dhul-Hijjah.


Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “No days in which the good deeds are better than these days – referring to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.” (Al-Bukhari)

A man asked the he Prophet (PBUH)  about fasting the Day of Arafah, he said, “I hope it expiates the sins of the previous and the next year.” (Muslim)It is permissible to combine the intention on fasting the missed days of Ramadan and the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, except the ninth day, the Day of Arafah. Fasting this day expiates the sins of both a previous and coming year.

Therefore, you should fast this day with a particular intention, not combining any intention with it, so that you can get the great reward which the Prophet promised in the above hadith.

Almighty Allah knows the best.


About Dr. Mahmud Al-Khayami
Head of Islamic Studies Dept., Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University

- aboutislam.net

Friday 23 July 2021

3 Most Important Things to Do on the Day of Arafah

 


Among the ways of Allah is that He chooses. From among the many planets, stars and galaxies, He chose the earth to be the seat of life.


And from among human beings He chose the prophets to be the greatest of them.

From among all of life, He chose human beings to be the best of His creation.

From Prophets He chose the Five Great Messengers (Ulu al Azm) to be the greatest.

And from them He chose our beloved Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be the greatest.

Similarly, from among all lands He chose Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem to be the most sacred.

From among all the Surahs of the Quran, He chose Al-Fatihah to be the greatest, and from all verses of the Quran He chose Ayat al-Kursi to be the greatest.


Use Time Wisely

Similarly among the months He has chosen Ramadan to be the greatest. And among the days, He chose the Day of Arafah to be the best of all days. And that day is almost upon us.

Imam Ash-Shafi’i would say that if Allah only revealed chapter Al-Asr, then He would have done enough, as its message is so encompassing.

The central message of Surah Al-Asr is that time is running out, human beings are all at loss except a chosen few. The exceptions are the people who believe, do righteous deeds, call one another to the truth and call one another to patient perseverance.

These special days of Allah help give us a boost in our worship and help us understand that our time is indeed short.

Just like the special day of Arafah shall pass, so shall our life.

And just like the sunset, so shall our life go. It is about best using our lives.


We shall have our low points, and our high points but the aim is to hope to have a bit of consistency. The famous scholar of Islam, Imam Al-Ghazali said:

Just like we rush to do our good deeds on a special day, so should we try to in our daily life.

“Neglect not your time, nor use it haphazardly. On the contrary you should bring yourself to account. Structure your remembrances and other practices during each day and night.

This is how you bring about the spiritual blessing during each period. If each of your breaths is a priceless jewel, be not like the deceived fools. They are joyous because each day their wealth increases while their life grows ever shorter.”

In short, Imam Al-Ghazali is giving us a perfect way to determine our life, and in the short term our day of Arafah. He is teaching us to remain focused, and that is something that we shall all try to do.

3 Things to Do

Three of the most important acts of worship that we need to do in the day of Arafah, among others are fasting, dhikr and dua.

The Prophet said:

The best of du’a is dua on the Day of Arafah. (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)

He also mentioned that:

“fasting on that Day atones for the sins of the past year and the following year (minor sins).” (Narrated by Ahmad)

In other narration he said:

There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshiped in them than the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, fasting every day of them is the equivalent of fasting a year, and standing every night of them (in prayer) is the equivalent of standing on the Night of Qadr. (At-Tirmidhi)


Wake up Early and pray Tahajjud and Have Suhoor. Make lots of du’a during the Tahajjud time.

Therefore, the aim would be to try and make the best use of this day if possible, and we will suggest a routine, which would be possible even if one is busy Insha’Allah. So here is the routine.

Pray Fajr and follow it up with some Quran and Dhikr. Some specific dhikr that are mentioned for Arafah and Dhul Hijjah are there, which we can aim to do 100 of each. They will not take more than 15 minutes but are immensely rewarding Insha’Allah.

   – Subhan Allah

   – Alhamdulilla

   – La ilaha illa Allah

   – Allahu Akbar

   – La ilaha illa Allahu, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shayy’in qadeer.

You can get some sleep to recharge yourself for the rest of the day after this, or at least some rest.

Pray 4-8 units of Duha before the time of Dhuhr comes in. if you are working, you can try to do so before you head out for work.

And pray Dhuhr with the Sunnah before and after it.

Pray Asr, and if possible 4 unites before Asr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

May Allah have mercy on the one who prays 4 rak’ahs before Asr. (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)

After Asr keep making du’a after du’a until it’s time for iftar Insha’Allah.

This is just a guide to help us through the day of Arafah, and does not need to be strictly followed. One can add extra nafl prayers, charity and Quran throughout the day as well.

May Allah accept your fasting, du’a, and all good deeds.

Ameen.

(From Discovering Islam’s archive.)


About Raiiq Ridwan
Raiiq Ridwan is a Bangladeshi medical student at the University of Bristol, UK. He has a Bachelors In Arts in Islamic Studies at the Islamic Online University. He is founder of "The One Message". He’s certified life coach. He can write on topics related to Quran, dawah, depression, anxiety, achieving goals, productivity etc.

-aboutislam.net