How to Step Away from Sadness and Worry?

 

The average human being in the developed world battles sadness and worry on a daily basis.

While the majority of the world’s population confront extreme poverty, famine, conflict and despair, those of us privileged to lead relatively easy lives must tackle fear, stress, and anxiety.

Stress, Anxiety & Worry

Why are those of us blessed with riches beyond compare immersed in loneliness and desperation?

We are living in a time of confusion, we try as we might, yet gathering material possessions can do nothing to mend broken hearts, and shattered souls.

Religious beliefs should afford a sense of comfort however; it seems that 21st century man has lost the ability to connect to God.  Pondering the meaning of life no longer overcomes a feeling of abandonment.  This desire to acquire material possessions, which in some way validates our reason for being, has become the balm that soothes our troubled souls.  Why is this so?

Now, more than at any other time in humankind’s history, stress, anxiety and psychological problems are taking a tremendous toll on the human condition.

We have the best of everything readily available, yet the reality is we have nothing.  Nothing that comforts the soul.  Beautiful furnishings do not hold our hand in the darkest night.  The latest entertainment centre does not wipe our tears or soothe our furrowed brow.

Those of us living with pain and grief, or afflicted with hardship feel abandoned.  We feel rudderless on an open sea.  Huge waves threaten to engulf us at any given moment.  Our desires and debts stand at the apex and loom over us, like great avenging angels, and we search for comfort in addictions and self-destructive behavior.

Islam’s Answer

How do we step away from the precipice?

In Islam, the answer is remarkably simple.  We turn back to our Creator.

God knows what is best for His creation.  He has complete knowledge of the human psyche.  He knows of the pain, the despair, and the sadness.  God is whom we are reaching for in the darkness.  When we put God back on our agenda, the pain will subside.

{Verily, in the remembrance of God do hearts find rest.} (13:28)

Islam is not a religion filled with empty rituals and hypercritical rules and regulations, although it can seem so if we forget just what our real purpose in life is. We were created to worship God, nothing more and nothing less.

However, God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom did not abandon us to this world filled with trials and tribulations.  He armed us with weapons. These weapons are more powerful than the arsenals of the great 21st century armies.  God gave us the Quran, and the authentic traditions of His Prophet Muhammad.

The Quran is a book of guidance and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad explain that guidance. Islam is all about making and keeping a connection with God. This is how Islam deals with sadness and worry.  When the wave is about to come crashing down or the world begins to spin out of control God is the one stable factor. The biggest mistake a believer can make is to separate the religious and material aspects of his or her life.

{God has promised those who believe (in the Oneness of God) and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).} (5:9)

Life’s New Meaning

When we are overwhelmed by worry and sadness, relief comes from turning to God. If we live our lives according to His guidance, we gain the means and the ability to overcome any despair.

When we accept with full submission, that we are no more than slaves of God, put on this earth, to be tried, tested and tempted, life suddenly takes on a completely new meaning. We recognize that God is the one constant in our lives and we recognize that His promise is true.

Prophet Muhammad declared that all the affairs of a believer are good:

“Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer!  They are all for his benefit.  If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him.  And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” (Muslim)

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind. It asks us to look beyond the need for self-gratification, and further still, beyond the need to acquire possessions. Islam reminds us that this life is but a transient pause on the way to life everlasting.

The life of this world is but a fleeting moment, sometimes overflowing with moments of great joy and happiness but at other times filled with sadness, sorrow, and despair.  This is the nature of life, and this is the human condition.

In the following three articles, we will examine guidance from the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad in an endeavor to discover just how Islam suggests that we deal with sadness and worry.

Three Keys

There are three key points that will allow the believer to free himself from the shackles of 21st century life. They are patience, gratitude, and trust in God. In the Arabic language, sabr, shukr and tawwakul.

{And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.} (2:155)

{Therefore, remember Me (God) and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.} (2:152)

{If God helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you?  And in God (Alone) let believers put their trust.} (3:160)

To be continued…

Source: Islamreligion.com

(From Discovering Islam archive)

About Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. She embraced Islam in 2002 and spent the next five years in Doha, Qatar studying Islam and working at the Fanar Cultural Centre. In 2006 Aisha returned to university for a second time and completed at Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Writing. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian Islamic newspaper ~ Crescent Times.

-aboutislam.net

Single Parenting after Death of a Spouse

 

As-salamu `Alaikum dear sister,

First of all, our du`aa’ is with you. Single Parenting and losing one’s spouse can be a very difficult transition to make in life. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for you.

Single Parenting

Reading the Qur’an and keeping a strong relationship with Allah (SWT) is sure to bring comfort to your heart.

Second, we understand the challenges you are facing while adjusting to being a single parent. However, you have pointed out that you are not able to rely on the usual supports, i.e. close family and relatives.

Developing good relations with family

It is regrettable that your husband’s family is also not helping you.

Despite their unwillingness to help, it is better for you to develop and sustain good relations with your husband’s family.

In this way, `in sha’allah they are more likely to respond to you positively and to see your children as a part of the family.

Short visits can be more helpful, in that way you will not outstay your welcome.

There will be times when you will need support, times when your health is not so good and times when you could simply do with a break.

In the meantime, makedu`aa’ and perhaps Allah (SWT) may guide them to help you in the future.

Third, we would like to refer you to explore your own community further. For example, seek help from the local masjid or Islamic center.

Financial Help

Since we are not aware of your community setting, this may not be a suitable suggestion. However, it is still preferable that you start there.

In addition, you may also seek out some Muslim families who are sympathetic to your situation and establish some relations with them.

It may be awkward at first, however, you have the right to ask for help. Too often we think of help as only being financial, but there are also many other ways that people can help.

Financial help is important and you can do your best to explore all possible help from the local/state government as well as social service agencies.

Try not to get caught up in the dilemma of whether to accept help from non-Muslims or not.

Making new friends

Other suggestions include, for example, if the other families have children, you may make some arrangements for your children to spend time with them.

There may also be some people in the community who can serve as role models for your children.

Depending on the ages of your children, you may also like to look for teenagers or college students who can serve as mentors or peer counselors to your children.

You will also want to make sure to attend to your own needs as a single parent. We suggest seeking out other families where the mother is also a single parent.

Make plans so that you spend some time looking after your own needs. You may find it overwhelming to be a single parent.

However, you do not have to deal with every situation alone. There are people in every community who are willing to give their time and energy as a part of the community spirit to help you cope with your situation.

Your challenge is to find the right people.

Conclusion

If you feel the situation is becoming especially difficult, you may wish to seek out professional help from a counselor or social worker.

Sometimes, when you are too close to the situation, you may not be able to objective and it helps in those cases to have outside assistance.

When you feel you have recovered from your husband’s passing away, do give some thought to marrying again.

This may seem like a difficult step to take, however, you deserve to have a spouse and the children deserve to have a father.

Salam

***

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

About Dr. Abdullah Abdur Rahman

Dr. Abdullah Abdur Rahman had obtained his Masters and PhD in Social Work and has worked in the US as a licensed social worker since then. His focus is on counseling Muslims in non-Muslim countries, with special emphasis on life in North America, counseling adolescents, pre-marital counseling, online counseling for married couples and da`wah (inviting people to Islam).

- aboutislam.net

Surah Al-Kawthar: 3 Short Verses With Deep Meaning

 

Could inviting others to Islam, to truth and goodness, ever be called pointless?

Can the righteous and the faithful ever be called deprived or ‘cut off’?

Please join us as we briefly explain the beautiful surah of Al-Kawthar which answers the questions above.

 Surah Al-Kawthar: Revelation and Significance

Scholars disagree about where Surah Al-Kawthar was revealed but there is some consensus about the reason for the revelation.

There are several narrations that relate to a particular situation between Prophet Muhammad and the polytheists.

“This ayah was revealed about Al-`As ibn Wa’il. Whenever the Messenger of Allah would be mentioned (in his presence) he would say, ‘Leave him, for indeed, he is a man who is cut off from having no descendants. So when he dies, he will not be remembered.’ Therefore, Allah revealed this Surah.”

Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Sa`id ibn Jubayr, and Qatadah have all relayed the same story.

`Uqbah ibn Mu`ayt, Ka`b ibn Al-Ashraf, and Abu Lahab have also reportedly articulated similar sayings. They, and sadly many others, used to defame the Prophet to deter people from listening to him.

Arabic text and translation of the meaning of Surah Al-Kawthar (Quran 108)

Overall Theme of Surah Al-Kawthar

After the early deaths of the Prophet’s sons, the polytheists thought that the Prophet and his message would be forgotten after he died. They would be overheard saying, “Do not be bothered with him; he will die without descendants and that will be the end of his mission!”

Therefore, when the Surah was revealed, it did a number of things.

Secondly, it assured Prophet Muhammad of the loss and fate that was awaiting the polytheists.

Firstly, it comforted the Prophet’s heart; it reminded him of the abundant goodness that Allah bestowed upon him in the present life and in the Hereafter.

And lastly, it guided the Prophet to how he should act when faced with ridicule.

{1. Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar.

2. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].

3. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off.} (Al-Kawthar 108:1-3)

What Is Meant by Al-Kawthar?

The term Al-Kawthar is derived from Al-Kathrah, which translates to ‘abundance’ and ‘multitude’.

Let’s start with the first ayah of the surah, “We have certainly given you Al-Kawthar”.

This term, Al-Kawthar, was used to symbolize the goodness Allah the Almighty had given to His Prophet.

This goodness, which is widely abundant, plentiful, overflowing, and never-ending, truly counters all the defamatory things that the disbelievers said about him (peace and blessings be upon him).

When we read the Qur’an, we see Al-Kawthar flows with richness for all those who approach it.

Al-Kawthar is found in the Prophet’s Sunnah, which benefits all who follow it.

It is also found in the good deeds done by millions of people who followed the Prophet’s way throughout centuries until the end of days.

River in Jannah

Some scholars say, Al-Kawthar symbolizes a river in Jannah. They are right; however, the river which is mentioned in several hadiths, is just an example of this unlimited abundance!

Check out one of many of the hadiths that mention Al-Kawthar the river. Imam Ahmed recorded from Ibn `Umar that the Messenger of Allah said,

“Al-Kawthar is a river in Paradise whose banks are of gold and it runs over pearls. Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey”. (At-Tirmidhi)

The ayah, “We have certainly given you Al-Kawthar,” ascertains the never-ending abundance that was given to the Prophet in this life, as well as glad tidings to some of what he will be given in Paradise.

Surely, when these bounties come from the Almighty, and He mentions this in His Qur’an, this surely comforts the Prophet’s heart. And leaves him feeling assured that he will be the winner in both lives. A divine order to the Prophet and the believers

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice to Him,”

In return for the abundant goodness and the divine refutation of the false allegations made by the polytheists, the Quran directs the Prophet to be completely and sincerely thankful to Allah.

He is guided to observe all acts of worship including the obligatory prayer and sacrifice sincerely and for the sake of Allah Alone, without ascribing any partners to Him, Glory be His.

As true believers in Allah, neither the Prophet nor his followers, should follow the steps of the disbelievers, in any way.

The Real Cut off

“Surely, he who hates you is the one cut off,”

These people are no longer remembered by anyone except for what they have said and done in defiance of the truth.

In this last ayah of the surah, we read it is those who slander the Prophet. Those who say that he had no posterity and deems his message as no good, they are indeed the ones who are really cut off.

On the contrary, the Prophet’s outstanding impact on humanity is still and will be remembered up till the end of days. 

So, now we know the answers to the above

The answer to both questions is an emphatic “NO!”

Calling others to the religion of Allah, and to the truth and goodness of this present life and the Hereafter cannot, in any way, be described as futile or fruitless.

Those who invite people to Allah are the faithful followers of the Prophets and the guides appointed by Allah to observe the Prophets’ mission.

Surely, they will be successful regardless of the hardships they may encounter on the way of Da`wah; these hardships are just part of the job!

Similarly, these faithful callers can never be called deprived or cut off. Their impact and influence on their own people, and humanity at large, is guaranteed by Allah the Almighty, Who describes them as being “successful” (Aal-`Imran 3:104).

The ones who are really deprived and cut off are their enemies; those {Who averted [people] from the way of Allah and sought to make it [seem] deviant while they were, concerning the Hereafter, disbelievers} (Al-A`raf 7:45).

About Dr. Ali Al-Halawani

Dr. Ali Al-Halawani is Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Translation Studies. He is an author, translator, and writer based in Canada. To date, Al-Halawani authored over 400 original articles on Islam and Muslims, most of which can be accessed on www.aboutislam.net and other famous websites. He has recently started to self-publish his articles and new books, which are available on Amazon and Kindle. You can reach him at alihalawani72@hotmail.com.

-aboutislam.net

Is Marriage Without Parents’ Permission Permissible?

 

Marriage without guardian’s permission?

It is not permissible for a man to marry a woman without the consent of her legal guardian, such as her father or brother; either she has or has not previously married.

According to the Hadith of Aishah, “And the ruler is the guardian of the one who does not have a guardian.” (At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah)This is the view of the majority of scholars, including Malik, Ash-Shafi`i and Imam Ahmad. They based their view on report of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); “There is no marriage except with a guardian.” (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)

They further based their view on the hadith: “Any woman who gets married without the permission of her gurdian, her marriage is invalid, her marriage is invalid, her marriage is invalid. If her husband has consummated the marriage, then the dowry belongs to her in return for that. If she does not have a guardian then the (Muslim) ruler is the guardian of anyone who does not have a wali.” (At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)

Guardian and refusing marriage’s choice

In case a guardian prevents a girl from marrying her suitable and qualified match without having a valid and legal reason, guardianship passes immediately to someone who is fit to be a guardian such as the brother or the uncle.

This is based on the Prophet’s words, “…If she does not have a guardian, then the (Muslim) ruler is the guardian of anyone who does not have a wali.”If all her guardians obstruct her from getting married to a suitable match of hers without providing a valid reason, the Muslim ruler should assume the role of her guardian.

The “ruler” here means the judge who governs according to the Shariah or an imam of Islamic centers in the West. Therefore, a guardian does not have the right to prevent a woman from marrying any suitor without providing a valid reason.

Allah Almighty knows best.

About Dr. Mohammad S. Alrahawan

Associate Professor at the department of Islamic Studies in English, Al-Azhar University, Egypt

-aboutislam.net

Can Muslims Use Beauty Products Containing Alcohol?

 

Scholars agree that alcohol is not an impure substance and it is permissible to be used in (manufacturing) perfumes, detergents, medicine and other useful items. If one performs prayer while wearing perfume containing alcohol, their prayer is valid, because, according to the Shari’ah, objects are principally pure.

Although it is prohibited in the Shari`ah to drink alcohol, that does not necessitate it to be impure. This is because impurity is attached to the rulings of the Shari`ah which necessitates separate evidence.

It is not a liquid intoxicant, such as wine, which scholars have differed over determining its impure or pure properties.

Alcohol is prohibited because it is harmful and destructive.

It is established in the Shari`ah that when the essence and characteristics of objects change, its legal ruling subsequently changes.

Alcohol is not considered as wine if it is mixed with perfume, medicine or detergents. Likewise, if wine spontaneously converts to vinegar, it is considered pure by the Shari`ah.

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: http://www.dar-alifta.org/Foreign/ViewFatwa.aspx?ID=10581

About Dar Al-Ifta Al-Misriyyah

Dar al-Ifta al Misriyyah is considered among the pioneering foundations for fatwa [En. Religious verdicts] in the Islamic world.

Is Allah Really Merciful?

 

Masjid Kampung Hulu in Malacca, Malaysia.

Muslims believe that God (Allah) has certain Names and Attributes in which they must have firm belief. Two of these Names and Attributes are the Beneficent (ar-Rahman) and the Merciful (ar-Rahim).

These two attributes are used in many Quranic verses.

Muslims are always reminded of these two names. They recite them seventeen times in their daily prayers. When God hears His Names recited by His servant, He responds: “My servant has extolled Me.” (Muslim)

Allah’s Door is Always Open

God’s first mercy is shown to mankind by sending prophets and messengers to guide people to His path. God’s mercy is reflected in revealing scriptures which have laws and regulations to govern human relations.

So, when a Muslim commits a sin, he is sure that – if he gives up this sin and offers sincere repentance to God – God, out of His mercy, forgives his sins.

Muslims believe that committing mistakes and sins is a human propensity. Islam also teaches that the door of repentance is always open.

Not only that, but his sins will be turned into good deeds. Out of God’s mercy, punishment is not to be inflicted immediately, but sinners are given a chance to turn to Him and ask for His forgiveness.

In Islam, all sins are to be forgiven by God – even if they are repeated – except associating partners with Him. (An-Nisaa 4:48, 116)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was ordered in the Quran to tell people that God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-Hijr 15:49) We are also told in the Quran that God’s mercy is even near unto the doers of good. (Al-Araf 7:56)

Mercy to the Worlds

Another aspect of God’s mercy is that He sent Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to the worlds. (Al-Anbiyaa 21:107) The same holds true for Muslims’ belief in Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) who was a reflection of God’s mercy to his people. (Maryam 19:21)

Being merciful, compassionate, and kind is a condition for receiving God’s mercy. We read in an authentic hadith:

The Merciful (God) shows mercy to those who are merciful. (At-Tirmidhi)

In terms of worldly considerations, Muslims believe that God’s mercy covers both Muslims and non-Muslims. But in the hereafter, God’s mercy will be bestowed on those who followed God’s path.

Whatever mercy we feel in this world is only one portion of God’s mercy. The remaining ninety-nine portions are reserved for the faithful in the hereafter.

The Prophet is reported to have said:

God created a hundred portions of mercy. He placed one portion between His creations due to which they have compassion on each other. God has stored the remaining ninety nine portions for Judgment Day to grace His slaves.

Other Aspects of His Mercy

Muslims believe that God is the Creator of the whole universe and has control over everything on it. God cannot be humiliated or made to suffer any hardships in order to be characterized by mercy. He is merciful out of His love and compassion for His creations.

A very important aspect of God’s mercy is that when a non-Muslim makes up his mind and decides to embrace Islam out of complete conviction, God will forgive all his past sins.

Of the many aspects of God’s mercy is that we are held accountable for the things we do willingly. If we are forced to do something bad against our will, God forgives this bad thing.

Out of God’s mercy, parents love their children and care for them. Out of God’s mercy, we have hearts that beat, eyes that see, ears that hear, and tongues that taste. And out of God’s mercy, He has brought us to this life, a life that we never asked from Him.

Tests & Hardships

As for the issue of bloodshed and suffering on earth, these bad things that afflict human beings are meant to test their faith and how they will respond to the challenges they face. God has wisdom in everything in this universe. But due to our shortcomings, we cannot grasp the wisdom behind the suffering.

If believers show thankfulness when good things happen to them, God will reward them abundantly. When they show patience and steadfastness when bad things happen to them, God will also reward them abundantly. If they fail the test of afflictions, they will face bad consequences.

It is to be remembered that as there are bad health conditions, earthquakes, wars, bloodshed, there are good things such as beauty, health, progress, development, prosperity, growth, etc. We should not focus on the empty half of the glass; we have to see the other half. Tests of this world are temporary. Bad things happen when human beings willfully break the universal laws.

When we see people suffering, we should ask ourselves, “what is our role to stop this suffering and help them?” Suffering is not meant to a certain category of people. The Quran tells us even the prophets and messengers went through tests and trials.

When we are tested with bad things, we should be content and satisfied with whatever is given to us.

Trust Allah

We must have firm belief and trust in God and His mercy though the wisdom of the sufferings is beyond our comprehension and reason. We must know that God always wants the best for us.

He wants to purify our souls and to reward us for our losses and the pains we go through.

Finally, we would like to stress that God’s mercy is all-embracing and all-inclusive; nothing falls out of it. We read in the Quran what means:

{My mercy has encompassed everything.} (Al-A`raf 7:156).

(From Ask About Islam’s archive)

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

More Signs of Allah’s Mercy

The Proof of God’s Endless Mercy

Stories of Prophet Muhammad’s Mercy (10+ Hadiths)

About Dr. Mohsen Haredy

Dr. Mohsen Haredy holds a PhD in Hadith literature from Leiden University, the Netherlands. He is the former Executive Manager and Editor-in-Chief of E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait, and a contributing writer and counselor of Reading Islam. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and earned his MA in Hadith literature from Leiden University.

-aboutislam.net

12 Amazing Tips to Love Your Prayer Like Never Before!

 

It just doesn’t feel the same… I lost it… How can I get it back?

Get ready for the ultimate salah-booster; a set of amazing productivity tips to enhance your prayer, give you a fresh perspective on the world of salah, and make you love your prayer like never before, insha’Allah!

Allah advises:

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive (to Allah). (Quran 2:45)

Below are productivity tips based on a summary of the beautiful How to taste the true beauty of salah series by Mishari Al Kharraz:

1. Say Allahu Akbar and Throw the World Behind You

2. Visualize the Veil

Did you ever think: why do we start our prayer with Allahu Akbar not with subhan Allah? Realize that when you say Allahu Akbar you affirm that the one before whom you are about to stand is greater than anything occupying you at that moment— greater than your sleep, your families, your bills, and your worries. Just imagine that when you say Allahu akbar while raising your hands you are throwing all of that behind you!

When you stand to pray, Allah commands: Raise the veils from between Me and my servant! As soon as you say Allahu Akbar and start your prayer, Allah sets His beautiful face to yours and doesn’t turn away from you, unless you do.

When your thoughts or your sight drifts off, He orders the veils to be drawn back down.

Visualize these veils being lifted to keep concentrated with your heart and body. Are you still drifting? This is why you repeat the great words Allahu Akbar as you move into each position; it’s a reminder and a new chance again and again to focus!

3. Salute the King

Probably by their humble position: looking down. As you lower your gaze to the place of your prostration and place your hands right over left and close to your chest it is time to salute the King.

Imagine walking into a palace, how would you recognize the servants of the king?

Imagine standing in front of Allah as you utter this beautiful salutation and feel each word: Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka wa ta’alaa jadduka (How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You. Blessed be Your name) and lofty is Your position and none has the right to be worshiped except You.
Realize that only the parts of salah you are mindful of are being accepted and that Satan does his very best to steal every sweet moment you have with Allah!

4. Feel Each Ayah of Surah Al-Fatihah is Answered

You are now ready to enter the essence of it all: Surah Al-Fatihah, the greatest chapter of the Quran, without which your prayer is nullified. Know that Allah Himself answers back when you recite of Surah Al-Fatihah, so add a short pause after each ayah, feeling this amazing dialogue. How can you ever drift of in this part of the prayer?

5. Utter His Name with Pure Love

What has brought you to stand here right now? It is your love and longing to be with Allah. And when you meet up with your beloved, what do you first say? The sweet sound of the beloved’s name, the name that blesses everything it falls upon! Feel the bismillaahir-rahmaanir-raheem soothing your heart as it gently rolls off your lips.

6. Stand Still at: “the Lord of the Worlds.”

The Prophet told us:

Alhamdulillah fills the scale! (Muslim)

Really feel gratefulness when you say alhamdulillah. Did you see those documentaries where they zoom out from the cells of a plant’s leaf all the way to the planets and galaxies?

Now instead of that leaf, start the zoom out process with the image of yourself standing before Allah. Then zoom back down, back through the universe, to the place you are standing in prayer. The next time you pray view yourself from above and far away and truly taste the meaning of Rabbil al-alameen (Lord of the worlds)!

7. Reflect on Ar-Rahmaanir Raheem before Maaliki Yawm-Deen

Be reminded that it is the Most Gracious and Merciful who will judge us on the the Day of Judgment! So feel empowered and comforted when you say Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem and then pause a moment at Maaliki yawm-Deen, realizing the horrors of that Day.Have you ever wondered why Allah’s names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem come before Maaliki yawmid-Deen (Master of the Day of Judgment)?

8. Know what “Iyyaaka Na’budu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een” Really Means

You alone we worship, and unto You alone we turn for help.

Let this remind you to make Allah alone your focus, not the people. So when you are asked, why did you do this or that (deed), you can firmly answer: for Allah!

Feel this ayah by knowing that the companions used to weep for hours reciting it.  One of them was once praying in Mecca. His friend went ahead and did the tawaf and when he returned to him, he was still at this verse, repeating it and crying, until the sun came up.

9. Say Ameen As if Your Life Depended on it

The most comprehensive supplication you can make is:  ihdinas-sirat-al-mustaqeem (Guide us to the straight path). See how you followed the proper etiquettes of how to ask Allah?

You started glorifying and praising Him and then you make your request: Guide us. Now realize that your entire existence depends on this supplication. The ameen you’ll pronounce now will have to come from the bottom of your heart. Ameen means: My Lord, grant or answer (my prayers). Say ameen as if you have been sentenced to death and are pleading for pardon, begging with passion.

10. Feel the Bond with Your Lord

One companion said that he recited Al Fatihah, then Al Baqarah, Ali Imran, An-Nisaa’ and Al Ma’idah, and the companion Abdullah Ibn Al Zubair was beside him, still in his ruku’!When you say subhana Rabbiyya- al-‘adheem (How perfect My Lord is, The Supreme) in ruku’, focus on the pronoun that means my (in Rabbi). It adds that element of bonding: He is My Lord, who raised me in His care and who is nurturing me. Know the Prophet and the companions used to be in the bowing position as long as he would be in the standing segment of salah.

11. Win the Grand Finale: Your Sujood

Your sujood is the ultimate symbol of complete submission to your Creator. The Prophet said:

The closest that a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration. (Muslim)

And:

Prostrate much because there is no Muslim that prostrates to Allah except that Allah raises him one degree in Paradise by it and forgives for him a sin. (Ahmad)

Imagine you are being raised one degree in Paradise with each sujood and a sin falls off you with each prostration. Prostrate with body, heart, and soul and taste the sweetest feeling in the world!

12. Supplicate Before the Tasleem

After the words of the tashahhud (sitting position at the end of prayer) and before the tasleem (saying salaam to indicate the end of prayer), there is a precious moment many waste! When the Prophet taught Abdullah ibn Mas’ud the tashahhud he said:

… Then let him choose whatever supplications he wishes. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Just before you say tasleem, make at least three heartfelt dua’s to benefit from this treasure chest  instead of rushing to say the salaam!

Remember this: the sweetness of this life lies in remembering Him, the sweetness of the next life lies in seeing Him! The next time you proceed for prayer, go because you love Him, go because you miss Him and long to be with Him. Feel your heart flutter. Only then, will you be on your way to attaining that inner peace and comfort salah was prescribed for. [Mishari Al-Kharraz]

Republished from Understand Quran.

(From Discovering Islam 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

Happiness is Found in Sincere Worship

 

Islam is the religion that is more than a religion; it is the religion that is a complete way of life. Nothing is too small or too big to be covered by the teachings of Islam.

Islam teaches us, through the Quran and the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

{Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).} (Quran 16:97)

Every single one of God’s commandments aims to bring happiness to the individual. This applies in all aspects of life, worship, economics, and society.

As most of us have come to realize, happiness is that ethereal quality that encompasses contentment and peacefulness; it is the soft joy that causes our lips, faces and hearts to smile. It is determined by faith in God and obedience to Him. Thus happiness embodies the peace security and submission that is Islam.

The injunctions and regulations of Islam reinforce the happiness that comes from knowing God and they help to guarantee humankind’s happiness during life in this world. However, Islam also emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing more than a means of attaining the Hereafter. By following the guidelines of Islam it is possible to be happy while awaiting our eternal happiness.

Truth & Happiness

These things all have the potential to make us happy, every day, under any circumstances. Even giving the smallest charity, in order to please God, can bring a smile to your face and a feeling of joy to your heart.

Sometimes, in order to achieve happiness, people attempt to follow complicated paths; they fail to see the easier path that is Islam. Happiness can be found in the solace that comes from being upon the truth. It can be achieved by sincere worship, hastening to do virtuous, noble and beautiful deeds, and by performing acts of kindness or giving charity.

{And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking God’s pleasure while they are sure and certain that God will reward them (for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it.} (Quran 2:265)

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

 “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” (Muslim)

The nature of the human condition means that amongst the happiness there may be great sorrow and within the pain and despair there may be great joy. A believer will accept God’s decree for him and lead a happy life free from total despair or unbearable pain.

Key to Happiness

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind, and knowing this leads to happiness, because it allows us to look beyond the need for self-gratification, and the need to acquire possessions. Following the teaching of Islam and striving to please God is a constant reminder that this life is but a transient pause on the way to life everlasting.

{But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.} (Quran 20: 124)

God says in the Quran: 

{Verily! I am Allah! None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.} (20:14)

The key to happiness is knowing and worshipping God. When one worships and remembers the Creator as He should be worshipped and remembered, happiness can be observed all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest night.

It is there in the smile of a child, in the touch of a comforting hand, in the rain on parched earth, or in the smell of spring. These things can make our hearts truly happy because they are manifestations of God’s mercy and love. Happiness can be found in worship.

To find true happiness we must seek to know God, especially through His names and attributes. Seeking beneficial knowledge brings happiness. The angels flutter their wings and keep records of those who seek knowledge; the mere thought of this brings a smile of happiness to the face of a believer. Our righteous predecessors understood the inherent happiness and joy to be found in striving to be close to God.

Paradise

The key to being happy in this world and the next is seeking the pleasure of God, and worshipping Him, without associating partners with Him.

Perfect happiness will only be available to us if we spend life everlasting in Paradise. It is only there that we will find total peace, tranquility and security. It is only there that we will be free of the fear, anxiety and pain that are part of the human condition. However, the guidelines provided by Islam allow us, imperfect humans, to seek happiness in this world.

And of them there are some who say:

{Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!} (Quran 2:201)

Source: Islamreligion.com

(From About Islam archive)

About Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. She embraced Islam in 2002 and spent the next five years in Doha, Qatar studying Islam and working at the Fanar Cultural Centre. In 2006 Aisha returned to university for a second time and completed at Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Writing. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian Islamic newspaper ~ Crescent Times.