Health Benefits of Muslim “Earthing” Prostration

• Prostration is part of Muslim daily prayers and has positive effects on brain and heart function.
• It cools the brain, provides tranquility, and has a grounding effect.

Prostration is the placement of the body in a reverentially or submissively prone position as a gesture.

Typically, prostration is distinguished from the lesser acts of bowing or kneeling by involving a part of the body above the knee touching the ground, especially the hands.

Major world religions employ prostration as an act of submissiveness or worship to a supreme being or other worshiped entities (i.e. God or the gods), as in the sajdah of the Islamic prayer, salat, or to show reverence to persons or other elements of the religion.

In various cultures and traditions, prostrations are similarly used to show respect to rulers, civil authorities and elders or superiors. The Chinese kowtow or Ancient Persian proskynesis are examples.

Prostrations in Islam

In Islam, prostrations are used to praise, glorify and humble oneself in front of Allah. They are a vital part of the five obligatory prayers performed daily; this is deemed obligatory for every Muslim whether the prayers are being performed individually or in congregation.

Additionally, the 32nd surah of the Qur’an is titled As-Sajdah. The Arabic word sujud (prostration) appears about 90 times in the Qur’an. Many Muslim scholars claim that this fact is another example of its significance in Islam. - aboutislam.net

Yearning for the Hereafter: Why Do We Have to Pretend to Love Dunya?

 

As a believing person, many thoughts can cross your mind. For instance, you may ask yourself, am I indulging too much in the dunya?  Am I fulfilling my duties towards my Lord? So on and so forth. It is great to be concerned about your actions and hold yourself accountable. As Umar may Allah be pleased with him said,

“hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable and weigh your deeds before they are weighed for you.”

Benefit of The Dunya

Allah has created this dunya for your welfare. He has blessed you with the night and the day, water, and all sorts of provision. From time to time dunya reminds us to be grateful towards Allah. Whether it be in the form of a test or in the form of a blessing, each and every day you witness, is a gift from Allah.

“It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape – and made your shapes beautiful -, and has provided for you Sustenance…” (Quran 40:64)

If you were to reject or turn away from the bounties of Allah, this will indeed be a grave sin. You should make use of everything that Allah has provided you with, and enjoy it in the best and halal manner.

Even the Prophets of Allah had reveled in the blessings they were given. Such as Prophet Dawud, and after him Prophet Sulayman. Allah says in the Quran (38:19)

“And We made his kingdom strong, and We gave him wisdom and sound judgement.”  

Even though they were Kings who had unimaginable wealth and power. However, their possessions only increased them in their belief and obedience to Allah. They were pious and always held themselves accountable. That is how the believer is expected to behave. He should enjoy the blessings of Allah, the way Allah wants him to, without trespassing anyone’s rights, and if he committed an evil than he does good to eradicate it from his accounts.

The Attitude of a Believer

The attitude of a believer is described in this thorough hadith. It has been transmitted by Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The prayer which Allah loves most is the prayer of Dawud. The fast which Allah loves most is that of Dawud. He used to sleep for half of the night, stand up in prayer for a third and sleep for a sixth. He would fast every other day. He wore wool and slept on hair. He ate barley bread with salt and ashes. He mixed his drink with tears. He was never seen to laugh after his error nor to look directly at the sky because of his shyness before his Lord and he continued to weep for the rest of his life. It is said that he wept until plants sprang up from his tears and until tears formed ridges in his cheeks. It is said that he went out in disguise to learn what people thought of him, and hearing himself praised only made him more humble.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Hanbal, Abu Da’wud, An-Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah. From Ash-Shifa’ of Qadhi ‘Iyad 1:2:24)

The Best Dua

Believers are advised to stay in this dunya as a traveler according to the hadeeth, Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler along a path.”

The fact remains that one should not get too attached to the dunya as it will make one forget his purpose in life and also distract him from fulfilling his duties. Now, pause for a second and analyze that the Hadith mentions a traveler. Why a traveler? When someone is traveling, they do stop to enjoy the beauty around them isn’t it? They also take pictures for a keepsake, and may even take along a memento from the place they are in. However, they do not hinder from moving on as they know where their final destination lies. You have to draw your own line where it comes to indulgence. You have to decide it for yourself as only you can be honest with yourself.

Seeking the good in both worlds

A believer will have to travel through the stages of life with precaution. Setting up boundaries within his nafs instead of elsewhere. A believer uses the means of this world to be able to receive the best in the next world. A believer relishes in the blessings his lord has bestowed upon him in this world and also looks forward to the greatest achievement he will get later on, i.e. paradise.

Allah has not made your life difficult for you. Allah has not asked you to choose this world over the next. In fact, Allah is pleased with those who seek good in both worlds!  As Allah says in the Quran speaking about the believers,

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (2:201)

Allah says such people who make this dua have their share in both worlds according to what they have earned.

And Allah knows best

- aboutislam.net

About Umm Muadh

Umm Muadh is a student at AOU university studying Islamic studies and currently resides in Texas, USA with her husband and four beautiful children!

How Does a Muslim Woman Cope with Practical Life?

 

As I see it, it is how to balance work and your spiritual life. I don’t think I have ever read anything specifically on this topic, so I can only give you some of my feelings on the subject.

First of all, you must keep in mind that your whole reason for being is to know and worship Allah. Everything you do should be aimed at pleasing Him.

But that does not mean that you have to lock yourself away and pray 18 hours a day. You sound like a very intelligent woman who could make some great contributions to society. If Allah has blessed you with such abilities, use them.

Studies & Career

Go for your master’s degree, and maybe even a PhD. Why not? As long as your intention is to please Allah and you take time every day to read Quran and perform your prayers regularly, why can’t you have a career? And a career in the natural sciences should lead you closer to Allah as you see the wonders and perfection of His creation every day.

I understand that you would be frustrated in a mediocre job. I would be, too. What I think I’m hearing from you is asking whether THIS job offer is the right one—this one that will involve field visits and overnight travel and interaction with men.

You don’t say where you are living, but from your message (and the spelling) I assume you’re in the United Kingdom. If you’ve grown up in any Western country, you most likely have been interacting with men all your life in school, so why should such interaction on the job be a problem for you?

If you wear hijab and keep your conversations limited to the usual daily pleasantries (“Hello, how are you today? How are the wife and kids?”) and work issues, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. And if any of your colleagues (male or female) has a habit of cracking obscene jokes, let him or her know that such jokes are not welcome in your presence. Be firm and consistent, and your colleagues will get the message and respect you for it.

Travel & Work

The overnight travel is another issue. I cannot give you a fatwa on that. Some sheikhs would say it is haram, others would say that if there is a need and you’re traveling in a safe way and staying in a safe place it might be allowed.

It seems that you are not comfortable with the overnight travel, whether for religious or other reasons. That is something that only you can answer for yourself.

At this time in your life while you’re still single, such a challenging job opportunity might be right for you. But remember that in a few years you will probably want to settle down and raise a family, insha’ Allah, and then you will most likely want to take some leave from work or limit your work hours.

It most likely wouldn’t hurt for you to take such a job now, but you might want to consider whether or not you really want to get into a career track that would be hard to leave.

Overall, you have to decide what you want in life, why you want it (to help society? to get rich? to become a famous scientist for fame’s sake?), and how you’re going to achieve your goal.

If you’re having doubts about this particular job offer, keep praying Istikharah and make a list of the pros and cons of this offer. Then decide what’s best for you. It may be that it is good for you at this time and will help you to advance your career.

There’s nothing wrong with having a career. But if something about this job (such as the travel) bothers you, ask yourself why? Are you just afraid of the unknown or the challenge? Fear can be overcome. Or do you really think it would be detrimental to your faith?

Allah’s Guidance

Ask Allah to help you decide, and if you decide that this is not the right job, ask Him to bring you something else better than it. I can understand your not wanting a mediocre job, but perhaps there is something out there that is exciting, yet not quite so challenging as this offer, something that would not involve travel.

Constantly work on developing your faith by reading Quran and religious books, and by praying salah, du`aa’, and dhikr. Develop yourself so that you will not be influenced by others but instead will be able to influence them.

Don’t be afraid to test your faith, but within limits. That is, don’t put yourself in a particular situation unless you feel strong enough to overcome its temptations.

Keep praying Istikharah, and may Allah bless you in your career.

Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About AElfwine Mischler

AElfwine Mischler is an American convert to Islam. She has undergraduate degrees in physics and English, and a master's degree in linguistics and teaching English as a foreign language.

What Is the Concept of Sin in Islam?

 

The word “Islam” in Arabic represents two basic concepts: one is submission and the other is peace.

As the name of the religion, it stands for the peace we can attain in this world and the next (in heaven) by submitting to the One and Only God of the universe.

Islam teaches that all the prophets of God – including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all) taught basically the same religion: namely, to worship the One True God and lead a life of obedience to His commandments.

This is what Islam stands for. And for this reason, Muslims consider all the true prophets of God as prophets of Islam; and all of them preached to their people the same message.

The story of our first parents Adam and Eve narrated in the Bible is also recounted in the Quran, which was the noble Book revealed as the Last Testament of God; that is, as the perfected form of the Guidance of God, which had been progressively revealed through the earlier scriptures such as the Torah and the Gospel.

Both Christians and Muslims are united in the belief that Adam – the father of mankind – was misled by Satan to disobey God and to eat the forbidden fruit, and consequently God expelled him and his progeny from Paradise.

Muslims believe that Adam soon after the act of disobedience became aware of the seriousness of his sin and repented. He sought the forgiveness of God, and God forgave him (Quran 2:35-37).

Distinct from the narration in the Quran, the Christians hold the belief that God did not forgive Adam’s sin and for that reason all the children of Adam till the End of Times would bear the blemish of that sin.

This is what they call “Original Sin”, and this sin will not be forgiven according to them, except for those children of Adam who believe that God sent His “only-begotten son” to vicariously suffer and die on the cross as expiation for that sin.

Muslims do not accept that there is anything called original sin. They strongly reject the idea of God begetting a son for this purpose: God is one and one only; He does not beget, nor is He begotten; and there is no one like God.

Sin, from the point of view of Islam, is a conscious and willful act that violates a commandment of God or the right of a fellow being. We cannot consider a person to be a sinner if he or she acts under duress or out of ignorance, because human accountability is an important aspect of justice as envisaged in Islam. 

And no one can be truly held accountable for an action he has no power to avoid. Because, God does not lay more burden on a human than he or she can bear.  

Islam teaches that sin is an avoidable act that harms the perpetrator’s own soul. This means that there is no innate or inherited nature that prompts a person to disobey God.

That is to say, it is a person’s free choice whether to sin or not; and one’s disposition to sin is only as much as, if not less than, their inclination to do good.

One important teaching of Islam as taught by the Prophet is this narration:

Deeds are but by intentions and every person shall have what he intended. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) 

This means that a person’s motive should be taken into consideration when we judge his or her actions. And we know that motive is something that is in the mind of the people and even if they speak about why they have acted in a particular way, we have no means of verifying their claim.

For instance, consider the case of a nurse who gave a patient a dose of the wrong medicine which proved fatal. The nurse may maintain that she did not know it was the wrong medicine; rather she was acting in good faith; but by mistake it happened to be the wrong medicine.

If her claim is accepted, she cannot be held guilty of poisoning the patient to death. But suppose her claim is untrue. How can we know whether she is telling the truth or lying?

We may be able to see people who openly commit easily recognizable offences; but we should be on our guard before we judge a person on the basis of external evidence alone.

That is to say, in a good number of cases we are likely to go wrong in our judgment. Only God can judge us and our actions correctly, without favor or prejudice.

Among the obvious sins we can count the following as examples: Associating God’s creatures with God in worship, murder, adultery, robbery, bearing false witness, committing oppression, cheating, arrogant showing off, consuming usury, appropriating undeserving property especially that of orphans, plotting evil and harming people, etc.

Any person who indulges in one or more of such actions is obviously a sinner. But we should bear in mind that it is difficult for us humans to correctly evaluate a person’s actions and arrive at a proper judgment.

Because, we as humans, have our own limitations in properly assessing the actions of an outsider before arriving at a judgment; as we are unable to weigh the circumstances of a person’s deed or his mental condition.

Therefore, only God Almighty can be the Judge of our beliefs and actions; and hence He is described in the Quran as “the Owner of the Day of Judgment.”

In Islam, all sins can be forgiven except associating others with God if not given up. Whatever sins a Muslim commits, will be pardoned if he offers sincere repentance and does a lot of good deeds.

The good deeds wipe out the bad ones. The door of repentance is always open and Allah will accept the repentance until the Muslim dies.

- aboutislam.net

About Professor Shahul Hameed

Professor Shahul Hameed is an Islamic consultant. He also held the position of the President of the Kerala Islamic Mission, Calicut, India. He is the author of three books on Islam published in the Malayalam language. His books are on comparative religion, the status of women, and science and human values.

How to Control Our Love for This Dunya?

 

The heat was sweltering. But it was nothing in comparison to the emotions bubbling up inside of me. I parked my car and made sure the doors were locked, knowing it would be well over 130 degree upon my return.

I took a few steps on the melting asphalt toward the store and realized there was nothing they could sell me to fix what I was feeling.

Then I took a few more steps into the cool air conditioning of a place which offered no answers, no solace. I had not come to purchase milk, eggs, or even entertainment. And I didn’t know what I have come to buy. I drove to this place of consumerism to buy something that didn’t exist with money I didn’t have.

At the time I was 18, and it was the first time in my life that I realized the things we need the most can’t be found in the dunya.

I realized that C.S. Lewis had struck upon some truth when he wrote:

“The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home”.

What is Dunya?

“The word dunya encompasses many things but generally means the temporal, earthly world in contrast to the eternal spiritual realm of the hereafter. Literally, the word dunya means ‘closer,’ or ‘lower.’”

More colloquially speaking, the dunya is any earthly concern or possession. We human beings admittedly love the dunya.

And there is no problem in loving the dunya. It is after all the means to sustain our lives and continue our worship. It is after all a blessing for us and a means for us to be thankful to our Creator.

When Love of the Dunya Goes too Far

The problem comes in when we make the dunya become the goal and not the means to the ultimate goal. The dunya is a place where we are for a time, and all that is in the dunya should be used for or avoided with the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah in mind.

Our goal is not to be as rich, or as powerful, or as comfortable as we possibly can in this life. This life is just a means to the hereafter where what we do in the dunya will determine our position with Allah. And Allah knows how we forget the dunya’s place in our journey to the hereafter. He says in the Quran:

But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring. (87:16-7)

When we start chasing the dunya for dunya’s sake instead of using it as a means to our real goal (pleasing Allah) that is when our priorities are mixed up. And we start to suffer from a serious spiritual disease.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) once stood before the companions and said:

“It is not poverty that I fear for you, but what I fear for you is that the world (the dunya) will be presented for you just as it was presented for those before you, then you will compete for it, and it will destroy you, just as it destroyed them.” (Ibn Majah)

As a physical disease destroys the body, a spiritual disease destroys the soul. When we put the love of the dunya before the love of Allah, diseases like greed, arrogance, ingratitude, jealousy, vanity all start to take over our heart and destroy our lives.

Guiding Children

Children have a natural love of Allah. And it is easy to nurture this love in them.

But as soon as they are old enough to process visual stimulus and voice their wants, they are bombarded with advertisements geared at them, convincing them that they need the latest and greatest toy, article of clothing, or snack on the market. And this is where the battle ground for the heart begins.

The good news is that, as parents, you can do a lot to make sure the love of Allah wins over the love of dunya in the hearts and minds of your children.

Use their obsession with getting that bright and shiny new toy as a teachable moment. Tell them about children who could only dream about having all that they have.

Combating too Much Love of Dunya as Adults

As adults, we still fall for the same traps we did as children. The commercials may be more sophisticated and our friends may have bigger toys to tempt us to compete, but it is all the same.

Similarly, the cure for this disease of too much love of the dunya is the same.

When we want the latest and greatest “toy” and become obsessed with it and feel like we cannot live without it, we can look to those who have less than us. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

Look at those who stand at a lower (financial) level than you but don’t look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for this would make the favors (conferred upon you by Allah) insignificant (in your eyes). (Muslim)

When we feel the urge to compete with others in material wealth or possessions – things that will not help you even a little in the hereafter – replace that competition with a competition in good deeds and gaining religious knowledge – things that will build mansions and gardens for us in the hereafter.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked whether the verse in the Quran:

And those who give whatever they (have to) give while their hearts are trembling. (23:60) referred to people who committed sins, he replied:

No. They are those who fast, pray and give charity while fearing that (these deeds) may not be accepted (by God). They are those who compete with one another in good deeds. (Ibn Majah)

The key is to understand that Allah does not deny our impulses. He encourages us to redirect them to something better.

Remind yourself that everything you do in this dunya can be done for the love of Allah, if you just have the right intentions.

And say:

Indeed, my prayer, my service of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.’ (6:162)

- aboutislam.net

dunya Love of Dunya worldly life control dunya

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.

Marital Life: Expectations vs. Reality

 

Most of us girls have dreamt of the big day; we have all imagined ourselves as brides, dressed in a fluffy white dress, surrounded by flowers, and having our cheeks burning red from the hundreds of eyes following our steps.

YES! It’s the wedding day. Watching Disney movies when we were younger, most of us happily sobbed at how the prince and princess overcame all the hardships and evils, to be with one another on the lifelong journey of marriage.

But, what happened next? Did we watch how Cinderella was able to manage her arguments with the prince on how to set the sofa in front of the TV? Or how Belle would be able to balance between her work and her home if she decided to pursue a career? What about Snow White’s cooking skills, and if her prince charming enjoyed her food?

Unfortunately, the princess movies didn’t prepare us for what came after the white dress.

Being married for 3 months now, I obviously can’t say I am an expert on the subject, but I can confidently say I have learnt some of the perks and hardships of marriage that I’d like to share with you.

Art of Cooking

Yes, I could boil an egg, and make a cup of tea, and all the “essential” stuff that we thought could easily get us through our roles as a chef in our new home. But, the ugly truth is: those “essentials” are definitely not enough.

Don’t wait until you’re standing in front of the stove in your new home, wondering what cooked meat should look like. Or, if maybe this gooey thing, supposed to be rice, maybe needed much less water to cook properly.

I truly advice you to kickstart your cooking lessons BEFORE you get married. Stand with your mother, sister, or anyone you enjoy their cooking and take notes. Yes, as in get yourself to a stationery store and buy a little notebook, mark it “cooking recipes” and make it your best friend.

Have it with you every time you are invited over to dinner at someone’s house, and if you really like one of the dishes, don’t be embarrassed to ask for the recipe. It will really come in handy when you’re married, more than you know!

“But what if I feel he doesn’t like my cooking?”

Then ASK him! Some husbands don’t wait for you to ask and blurt out their opinion, which could be a negative one.

But don’t take it too personally and use it as constructive criticism, instead of crying about in the middle of the night.

Don’t be hard on yourself, you are still learning, and it will take a while until you comprehend all his preferences. So ask him what he thought of today’s dinner, and what he would have liked better. You would be surprised, but he could have some good recommendations.

“Ahh, I just cut my finger!”

That’s OK. It happens, alongside some burns and possible bruises. On my first day of cooking, I ended up with two cuts on each of my thumbs, and I had my husband finish off the cooking while I guided him verbally.

But, since then, I have been safe and sound, for most of the time, with great cooking results, also most of time. So don’t give up on yourself or undermine your abilities if you end up with some minor wounds in the beginning.

Home vs. Career

I am not here to discuss your choice of deciding to work or not, because that is a judgment you make on your own in consultation with your husband.

However, some of us might already have careers, or decide to start working after getting married. It’s a great thing for you to add value to the society and pursue your dreams, but don’t forget that Allah (swt) has set obligations for you as a wife regarding caring for your husband and home.

Just as Allah (swt) has set obligations for your husband in return, with regards to providing food, shelter, and clothing for you. So it’s important to always keep in mind that neither of you should fall behind in the roles that Allah (swt) has set for each of you.

In the beginning of marriage, it can be quite difficult if you decide to work a nine-hour full time job, and at the same time attend to the house needs.

If you weren’t used to laundry, cooking and cleaning, you will realize it can get quite tiresome. But by time, or so the tale goes, it gets easier as these tasks become habitual.

However, until that happens, my advice is: if you decide to work in the first couple of months, or years of marriage, try to find a job with suitable working hours to have a balanced life between your duties as wife and your career life.

You Have a New Roommate

It seems strange that after a lifetime with your family, you are now going to live with a new person.

It’s exciting, and a bit scary, but most importantly it’s different. Your partner has also lived a certain lifestyle for his share in life, and you’re about to witness it full time. Some of things might seem odd, frustrating, or annoying, but you have to understand that it’s the same thing for him.

You might have different sleeping habits, or preferences on how you like the room to be organized, or how early you like to have your breakfast. But, should that mean you panicking and declaring an independent room in the house? No. Breathe, talk and compromise.

Jabir reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said about Iblees:

“The nearest to him are the greatest at causing tribulations. One of them says: I have done such-and-such. Iblees says: You have done nothing. Another one says: I did not leave so-and-so until I caused discord between him and his wife. Iblees says: You have done well.” (Muslim 2813)

So, don’t let the shaytaan disrupt your relationship with your husband about trivial matters. It is in those situations that the shaytaan tries to intrude and cause fights about things that could have been solved by logical and calm discussions.

A Happy Marriage

You will not be able to change all of your husband’s old manners, or always find a common ground, but the situation is vice versa for him. So, you should both learn to embrace each other habits, as long as one of you isn’t causing harm to the other..

I think one of the most important keys to a healthy and happy marriage is to be considerate of each other’s feeling.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed us to love for others what one would love for himself. And so should be the case when treating your husband. Try not to nag, and understand that when he is tired, or frustrated, it’s not the right time to tell him you accidentally broke the new microwave, and need a new one.

Expect that he will not always be in a good mood. I know that’s not what we see on movies and read in novels, so I am sorry to burst your bubble, but marriage isn’t always going to be rainbows and butterflies. You have to learn to love your spouse unconditionally in the sake of Allah, and help each other through this duniah to reach Jannah in the hereafter.

- aboutislam.net

About Sarah N. Saad

Sarah N. Saad from Egypt is a Communication and Media Arts senior at the American University in Cairo (AUC). She is currently the vice president of Help Club, a leading community service club at AUC. She is interested in media research and advertising. She was born and raised in Sweden but is now residing in Egypt.

Islam is Not Isolation – Seek Good Friends

 

Raised as a Muslim in a non-Muslim country, my late father instilled in us the significance of supplication.

This was very important for me, especially facing challenges of a practicing Muslim and for a youngster raised in what were relatively conservative ways, the supplications served as some sort of sanctuary.

Many times he prayed for my siblings and I to make decent friends highlighting the value of good company away from loneliness; hence at an early age I was taught by my parents the value of friends, in turn passing my experiences on to my children.

Many years later, I have learned that isolation for some is scary, and it’s not easy to face confrontations and tests when being alone. However making suitable friends helps making our journey and decisions in life somewhat easier.

Befriend Who Leads You to God’s Path

One such journey for some is the decision to convert or revert to Islam. Despite being one of the easiest steps, it undoubtedly spells a difficult journey ahead for converts who stay on their own and avoid the community. Unfortunately these are the most likely ones to lose their way.

I read once that strength comes in numbers; hence the continued call for travelling this journey with friends who may guide you when you falter and who may in turn feel secure with your companionship.

Picture being lost in the forest, where we come across a path crowded with people. Wouldn’t we feel safer to join in and follow along as opposed to hanging back, or walking on our own, where we might get lost going down an alternative route and in due course off the ‘straight path’?

During these trying times and regardless of where we are, Islam is not a religion to be practiced in seclusion or isolation; in short it demands community and friends who will make our journey throughout this life into the next an enjoyable and uncomplicated one. The Prophet Muhammad in fact emphasized that there will be a time when following his ways will in itself be a trial. He said:

“There will come a time when holding onto your faith will be like holding a piece of hot coal.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Be a Model of a Good Friend

While making new friends after reverting can be intimidating, it is definitely rewarding. After all, these friends will form a big part of our life. They are the ones who will walk through our life together, sharing our ups and downs and joys and pains.

These friends will be the ones we can talk about anything and everything with. We may or may not meet up every day, but it does not matter, since the strength of our friendship is not determined by how frequently we meet up but rather the common ground we share. These are the friends who can be trusted to be there for us whenever we need them, and they will go the extra mile for us.

We learnt from Prophet Muhammad that following his move to Madinah from Makkah, he spent the initial months establishing friendship and brotherhood demonstrating that it is an important aspect of our life and, as Muslims, integrating with the community is similarly important.

These Muslim communities can be a means of support for new Muslims who have unfortunately often become isolated from family members, and a means of constant companionship. This friendship in fact can be viewed by others who observe your moves without you even noticing. In fact you can even be a teacher of Islam just by practicing being a ‘good friend’.

How to Choose Good Muslim Friends

While we, as Muslims, know all our actions are recorded, it was complimenting to hear that the self discipline of Muslims won the commendation of an observer who said she seriously thought of joining me during my next fast praising my Muslim ethics which honored friends without judging.

The Prophet was reportedly asked:

“Which of our companions are best?”

He replied:

One whose appearance reminds you of God, and whose speech increases you in knowledge, and whose actions remind you of the hereafter. (An-Nasa’i)

It is on this note that I stress that although both born and new Muslims’ level of faith goes up and down throughout our life, what will definitely keep someone from straying away from Islam is support from other Muslims, and guidance that we wouldn’t have access to on our own.

We should take any chances to connect with each other and cultivate relationships, and look for classes and seminars which offer knowledge and guidance in new terrain of course following the Prophet’s advice throughout the process and limiting ourselves to as little male/female intermingling as possible.

While finding new friends is difficult, it is not impossible. We need close, long-term relationships; and we need to be able to confide in others; we need to belong; we need to get and give support. In fact studies reveal that if we have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter we are far more likely to describe ourselves as ‘very happy’.

Making good Muslim friends adds a special meaning to life since they help us enjoy the good times and overcome the difficult ones. These friends will improve our mood in turn helping us reach our goals of becoming better, decent, God fearing, practicing Muslims. Prophet Muhammad teaches:

The example of the believers, in their mutual love and mercy for one another is like the example of one body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever. (Muslim)

Also

None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself. (Al-Bukhari)

In short we must seek companions who are seeking paradise in the Hereafter. Just as they say – You are what you eat, the same applies to the proverb:

“Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.”

Remember Islam is a journey that doesn’t need to be made alone especially as friendship and companionship are highly regarded in our religion. We should surround ourselves with friends who are models of something instead of experts of nothing, for if we share our problems with someone who is incapable of contributing to a solution dipping in their own life’s experiences, our time and energy is wasted.

Keep in mind that a good friend is one who accommodates our faults but corrects them where possible and who will always love and forgive us for the sake of God.

- aboutislam.net

About Deana Nassar

Deana Nassar is a published writer. As a mother of four, in her home she’s the sole expert on all things related to marriage, children’s psychology, motherhood and creative survival. She loves charity work, reading and writing poetry, and is mostly known for writing articles discussing family and social issues, faith, freedom, and purpose that comes through God. She can be reached at deana_nassar4@hotmail.com

What Does the Quran Say About Being Tested in Life?

Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):

“O Messenger of Allah, which people are most severely tested?”

The Prophet (pbuh) replied:

“The Prophets, then the next best and the next best.

A person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested more severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, his test will be according to his commitment.

Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.” (Ibn Majah)

Tests Are Inevitable

This life is nothing but a test; each and every situation we go through is part of this test. This test reveals our level of faith and commitment; it also purifies us from our sins as explained by the Prophet in the above hadith.

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We read in the Quran what means:

{Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test? We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars.} (Al-`Ankabut 29:2-3)

Here are some inspiring reflections about these verses, collected from QuranReflect.com

Sajid

The imam recited these verses for fajr today, there was something about his recitation, in a spaced out masjid. Still missing some of the familiar faces that use to come before Covid that caused me to reflect.

We all know that were gonna be tested, yet when it comes, we’re always unprepared.
We all know we’re going to die one day, yet when it comes, we’re always unprepared.
There’s something about us, that even after knowing. We don’t know anything.
We keep forgetting as our name Insaan implies.

Everyone has their unique test, and sometimes while reading reflections we can notice the trials that others are facing, but we can also learn how others are clinging on to some verses or passages to help them with their trials.

Sometimes our reflections save others that are suffering silently.
So the reflection here is not really profound, but just a question.
Imagine yourself in Jannah, The Prophet pbuh asks you, “and what was the trial that your Lord tested you with?”

Khalil Ismail

Faith. Imaan is truly something special.
It’s not inherited like our genetic makeup…and it’s not something you simply just have.
Imaan is a gift from Allah swt, a truly special gift that we must guard, nurture, and keep kindled.

And though Imaan is natural, it requires that we put in work to keep it alive.
As we move through this dunya, and gather our life experiences, how we build and structure those pieces often shape our experience of Imaan. How we use the guidance that Allah swt gives us, determines the value of our Imaan…and how long we can make it last.

Allah swt asks us in the second ayah from surat al-ankaboot:
اَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ اَنۡ يُّتۡرَكُوۡۤا اَنۡ يَّقُوۡلُوۡۤا اٰمَنَّا وَهُمۡ لَا يُفۡتَـنُوۡنَ‏
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tested?“

Allah promises us that he will test us…If we are to call ourselves believers, then we guarantee a test from our creator!

And subhanAllah sometimes these tests are difficult. And we know that Al-Rahmaan reminds us in Surat Al-Baqarah:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
“Allah will not burden a soul with more than what they can handle” (2:286)

Think about the last time you felt your faith was weak that you’ve perhaps given up hope. That feeling of despair, not being able to see. Missing the light of Iman, is in and of itself a test from Allah.

How beautiful is it that our Creator gives us the answer to rekindling our Imaan, and seeking help:
وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ
“And seek help through patience and prayer, and this indeed, is a hard thing for all but the humble in spirit.” (2:45)

Faith is not static…when we need Allah the most , we often feel the strong unwavering warmth of Imaan…but at other times it dims and flickers. Perhaps a test from Allah is an opportunity to humble ourselves to Him…and a chance for us to rekindle our taqwa of Him.

O Allah, replace our fears with your Remembrance.
O Allalh, replace our doubts, with seeking your forgiveness.
O Allah, allow us to keep the fire of Iman alive in our hearts , till we meet you.. ameen

Maram

Just a lil ago I was reading Surah Al Ankabut then I started with surah Al Rum. I got to the fifth ayah and I just stopped for a second. I starred at these pages and I just thought to my self that each and every ayah got its own story, own events, own people and got its own history.

Like imagine how excited the sahaba and the Prophet pbuh used to be when a new revelation comes down !?

Ya Allah. I really got upset for a lil though. Our attitude in general is not enough; we really have to care more and pay more attention to every word that is sent down by Allah.

Like imagine The words of ALLAH, the One Whom we worship and we fear and we have hope in.

The One we have never seen before and we still fear Him in every lil act that we do.

We have to dig deeper, as deep as we can till the day we die. It’s a big responsibility to have the WORDS OF ALLAH in front of us and we do so lil about it.

Dont look at how old you are right now, its never too late; you are breathing and that’s good enough. Have a good pure intention and start looking for opportunities to get more educated in the book of Allah so you could act upon what you learn and bring the real Barakah to your life ! 🙂

May Allah make us amongst the companions of the Quran, the people who read, reflect over and act upon it Ya rab!

Editor’s Note: Minor editorial modifications have been made in the above

- aboutislam.net