Hijab Party – How to Encourage and Announce Hijab with Positivity

 

Are your eyebrows going up thinking what is a hijab party? Hijab–wearing party, also known as takleef party or buloogh (puberty) party, is a new trend that’s popular among Muslim families who want to celebrate their daughters’ willingness to wear hijab.

The party does not have to be extremely elaborate or expensive to make a girl feel special and loved.

However, more and more brave young sisters, as young as 10 to 12, are deciding to wear the Islamic head covering. And no, most of them aren’t forced.

A Hijab Party celebrates halal choices

In many cases, they are one of the few in the community and at their school to take that bold step.

Many of these girls also grow up without having a birthday party every year like their friends, so parents do something special to celebrate this monumental event in a girl’s life when she decides to wear a hijab.

The party does not have to be extremely elaborate or expensive to make a girl feel special and loved.

In my opinion, as long as these hijab parties are low-key with close friends and family and without losing sight of the important motivation and reward of wearing hijab—not the party, not the gifts, not the desserts, not the recognition, but ONLY the pleasure of Allah—the parties are a great opportunity to foster support for young hijabis.

Islamic schools and many families, mainly from Arab background, organize Hijab parties for young Muslim girls around the girl’s ninth birthday to prepare her for regularly wearing hijab and praying by the time she turns ten years old.

For many, the celebration happens when a girl is older and/or has made her own commitment to wearing the hijab.

Popular Lebanese Arab-American modest fashion and lifestyle blogger, Heba Jay, had a hijab wearing party when she was nine years old. She says,

I wore hijab in the 90’s…it (the party) was a very simple get together with family, friends, cousins, etc. I wore a nice dress and hijab for the first time, and my parents bought me a cake to celebrate with everyone! I was so excited and happy to finally wear hijab like my mom, aunts, and cousins.”

Support our young women

From Heba’s experience, it is apparent that the celebration helps girls understand how brave they are for taking this step in a world full of distractions.

It also helps them get excited to start a new chapter in their lives.

A quick invitation to close family, friends, and cousins, decorations in her favorite colors, festive cakes or cupcakes, and games are sure to make any girl feel special.

One easy and meaningful game might be the “Who is your mahram?” game.

Write down different family members’ names on small paper and have each girl take a turn pulling one out and reading it to the new hijabi girl—”Is your cousin Abdullah your Mahram?” Such games are fun and educational.

Since I’ve never attended such parties, I reached out to the New York-based event decorating company Firefly Co.

They have provided some awesome decoration inspiration, in case any of you ever want to throw such a party for a friend, daughter, niece, etc.

Let’s hear what they have to say:

We adored every second of planning the “Beautiful Hijab Slumber Party” for an adorable little hijabi. Her parents and family were so proud of her for choosing hijab, as were we!

While planning the party, we came across this awesome backdrop by Handmade Mood and just knew it would be the perfect inspiration and starting point to create a party that reflected our guest of honor’s strong, shining personality and glam style.”

Some more ideas

Popcorn boxes were adorned with a mini heart and set up for each guest to enjoy while watching a late-night movie.

Two Geronimo balloons were dressed up with cascading fringed streamers in shades of pink, pom-pom trim, and mint glitter hearts.

Of course, no party would be complete without an ice cream sundae bar and homemade waffle bowls.

The toppings were all lined up with thread-wrapped wooden spoons so the girls could build their own tasty creation.

A gorgeous ruffled cake with a little hijabi on top and beautiful watercolor swirled cookies were served!

At the end of the festivities, every girl went home with embellished hijab pins packaged in cute little handmade pin holders.

Have you attended hijab parties before? What are your thoughts about such parties to mark the beginning of wearing hijab?

This article is from our archives.

- aboutislam.net

About Lail Hossain

Lail Hossain is a software engineer turned entrepreneur. She traded her globe trotting hi-tech career and launched withaspin.com, to help Muslim families express their unique identity at home and in the world. She can be reached via facebook, Instagram, and twitter.

Love in Islam – A Necessary Ingredient

 

Over the past couple years of reading and listening to lectures about Islam and comparative religion, I have started to look at the three major monotheistic religions in a different light.

I started to realize that Christianity tends to appeal more to the emotions.

Christians will tell you that God is love and that their faith is a rich, inner experience. This is true and a beautiful way to look at faith.

In Judaism, on the other hand, education remains one of the highest principles.

There is an emphasis on learning tenets and laws. To many Jews, religion is a life-long cerebral process. This is a noble and very beneficial practice.

But Islam combines the two.

God is love. God calls Himself Al-Wadud a superlative term for love which has been translated as the “One who is full of loving kindness”. Religiosity should be a personal and emotional feeling of connectedness to the Creator.

God says in the Quran:

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured. (13:28)

Likewise, In Islam, education is vital.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

So there is a lifelong obligation to continue to acquire knowledge.

In fact, the first verses of Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad had to do with gaining knowledge:  

Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (96: 1-5)

We cannot leave out knowledge. If we do, we will be those who are lead astray.

We cannot leave out love either. If we do, we will be those who have earned God’s anger. And we ask God to save us from these fates every time we pray.  

Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray. (Quran 1:6-7)

Much has been written and commented on about gaining religious knowledge.

It is a major focus for new Muslims especially.

But it is so important to also emphasize growing in love for God, our deen, our Prophet, our families, our spouses, our brethren, and all of God’s creation.

Love, and all that it entails – compassion, empathy, tenderness, etc.- is an essential part of an Islamic way of life that we sometimes overlook.

And there are many different ways we should be experiencing this love in Islam.

Love for God

The love for God is the love we should be seeking first and always.

We cannot offer love to others when our own hearts are empty. So we must first fill our hearts with the source of love-God. To love God we must first get to know Him.

Get to know God’s names and attributes, how He speaks about them in the Quran (More here), and how the Prophet tells us about God in the Hadith.

One Example is God’s attribute- mercy: The Prophet Muhammad said:

“Verily, there are one hundred parts of mercy for Allah, and it is one part of this mercy by virtue of which there is mutual love between the people and ninety-nine reserved for the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

And one of God’s name is the Most Merciful – Ar-Rahim.

God Tells us in the Quran:

And indeed, your Lord – He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. (26:9)

To love God, we must talk to Him. The five prayers a day is prescribed to us so that we can get closer to God, to return to Him in worship.

Supplication is another way to find love for God. Asking Him for His favors by using His beautiful names and attributes is a great way to feel more connected to God.

To love God, be thankful to Him. Being thankful to the Creator for all that He has created, for all that we have.

This is a powerful way to feel love for and connection with God. We can (and should) even thank Him for giving us the mind, the heart, the tongue- the ability to thank Him.

Through this love of God we can find love for the rest of God’s creation.

Love for the Prophet Muhammad

Once we establish our love of God, we can form a bond with the Prophet (peace be upon him). God sent him to mankind to convey God’s message and mercy to mankind.

In the face of extreme tests and opposition, the Prophet Muhammad stood up and spoke the truth about God. He spoke the truth about guidance.

Through death threats, insults, torture, fear, loss of property and the death of loved ones; the Prophet remained steadfast.

Even when it seemed like the world was against him, he conveyed God’s mercy to mankind, to us so that we could be guided.

It is for all of this and for the love of God that we love Prophet Muhammad:

Say to them (Muhammad): If you love God, follow (and love and honor) me, and God will love you. (3:31)

Love for Your Brothers and Sisters

The love between believers is a natural one. As the expression goes, any friend of so and so is a friend of mine.

In this way, do the believers find mutual love-through their shared love of God and His Messenger (peace be upon him).

We have love for each other as Muslims because we realize that we are all creations of God, we are all struggling in the path to God, and we want to help each other in this path.

The Prophet said:

None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

If we love God, each other, and all of creation as we should- with mercy, gentleness, patience, compassion, and so much more- we will get rewards for it.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Allah Almighty will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Where are those who loved one another for the sake of My majesty? Today, on the day when there is no shade but My shade, I will shade them.’ (Muslim)

(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

Is Fasting in Rajab Recommended?

Virtues of the Month of Rajab

The month of Rajab is one of the sacred months about which Allah says, {Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah’s ordinance since the day when He created the heavens and the earth, of these four being sacred; that is the right reckoning; therefore be not unjust to yourselves regarding them, and fight the polytheists all together as they fight you all together; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).} (At-Tawbah 9:36)

The sacred months are: Rajab, Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram.

It was narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumada and Sha`ban.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

These months are sacred for two reasons:

• Fighting therein is forbidden unless initiated by the enemy.
• Transgression of the sacred limits therein is worse than at other times.

Hence Allah has forbidden us to commit sins during these months, as He says “… therefore be not unjust to yourselves regarding them…” (At-Tawbah 9:36)

Although committing sins is forbidden during these months and at other times, it is more forbidden in these months.

Imam Al-Sadi (may Allah have mercy on him) said ( Tafsir al-Sa`di, p. 373),

“In the phrase “be not unjust to yourselves regarding them”, the pronoun “them” may be understood as referring to the twelve months. Allah states that He has made them a measure of time for His people, which they may use for worshipping Him, and thank Allah for His blessings, and they serve the interests of His people, so beware of wronging yourselves therein.

The pronoun may also be understood as referring to the four sacred months, and this forbids people from wronging themselves in these months in particular.”

Is fasting in Rajab recommended?

With regard to fasting in Rajab, there is no authentic hadith indicating any special virtue in fasting all or a part of this month.

What some people do, singling out some days of Rajab for fasting, believing that they are better than others, has no basis in the Shariah.

But there is a report from Prophet Muhammad which indicates that it is preferable (mustahab) to fast during the sacred months, one of which is Rajab. Prophet Muhammad said: “Fast some days of the sacred months and not others.” (Abu Dawud, classed as da`if (weak) by Al-Albani in Da`if Abi Dawud)

Even if this hadith was sahih, it indicates that it is preferable (mustahab) to fast during the sacred months. So if a person fasts during Rajab because of this, and he also fasts in the other sacred months, there is nothing wrong with that. But singling out Rajab for fasting is not right.

Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

“As for fasting in Rajab in particular, the hadiths concerning that are all weak (da`if), even fabricated (mawdu`). The scholars do not rely on any of them. They are not among the weak hadiths which have been narrated concerning virtues; rather most of them are fabricated and false. In Al-Musnad and elsewhere there is a hadith which says that Prophet Muhammad enjoined fasting during the sacred months, but this is to fast during all of them, not just Rajab.” (Ibn Taymiyah, Majmu` Al-Fatawa, 25/290)

Also, Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

“Every hadith which mentions fasting in Rajab and praying during some of its nights is false and fabricated.” (Al-Manar Al-Munif)

Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq (may Allah have mercy on him) said,

“Fasting in Rajab is no better than fasting in any other month, except that it is one of the sacred months. There is no report in the authentic Sunnah to suggest that there is anything special about fasting in this month. Whatever has been narrated concerning that is not fit to be quoted as evidence.” (Sayyed Sabiq,Fiqh As-Sunnah, 1/282)

Allah Almighty knows best.

 from: islamqa.info

About Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid

ًA well-known Saudi lecturer and author

Can a Muslim Visit a Non-Muslim Grave?

 

Visiting graves: Why?

Visiting the graves is prescribed for twin purposes:

First, to serve as a reminder for us so that we know death is our destiny and like the person or people who are buried in the graveyard, and sooner or later, we also will join them.

A second purpose is to pray to Allah to shower them with His mercy.

Visiting non-Muslim graves: Allowed?

In the case of visiting those who chose to reject the truth, we should leave them to accept the responsibility for the choice they have made; Islam does not permit us to force them to convert; likewise, it would be wrong to impose something on them which they never chose to believe.

It is like forcing someone to pray when he mocks the prayer. It is of no benefit to such a person.

As for the first point we mentioned, it does apply here:

In other words, by visiting their graves, we can also think of our destiny; it may even inspire us to strengthen our faith so that we are motivated not to allow ourselves to go astray and die in a state of disbelief.

Almighty Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

5 Favorite Things About Holy Month of Rajab

 

One of the four sacred months on the Islamic calendar, the days of Rajab offer an abundance of blessings and the perfect time for reflection.

Here are our five very favorite things about the month of Rajab.

“The letters Raa-jeem-baa form a root, which indicates supporting and strengthening something with another thing. It was called Rajab because they used to respect it.”-Ibn Faaris

5. Rajab heralds our spiritual season that ends with Eid Al Fitr

The month of Rajab is different from the other sacred months (Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram) because it stands alone on the Islamic calendar; Rajab is five months after the others.

This makes it a special reminder to, well, be more mindful.

Imagine Ramadan without Rajab—it’s like being suddenly slammed into the very busy month, whereas if we observe the beauty of Rajab, we may glide more smoothly into Ramadan.

In the month of Rajab you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban you irrigate them, and in Ramadan you reap the harvest.” -Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq

4. Fighting is off limits

While we know this in terms of warfare—it is prohibited for Muslims to initiate any fighting with others during Rajab to make umrah possible—but how can we translate that to our individual selves?

What if we use the month of Rajab to swallow our anger and pride, not engage in arguing with others, and instead strive for peaceful solutions to even the smallest of problems?

That’s some pretty good nafs training, again, especially with Ramadan coming right up.

3. Breaching sacred limits is magnified

Hand in hand with the no-fighting clause, transgressions of the sacred limits (i.e., sinning) during Rajab are worse than at other times.

Don’t fret! Again, this is a good time to reel yourself in so that next month you can focus less on reducing your sins and more on raking in blessings.

2. Forgive, Forgive, Forgive

Rajab is also known as “the season of forgiving.”

Prophet Muhammad used to say,

“Rajab is a month of seeking forgiveness, so seek forgiveness from Allah; He is verily the Forgiver and the Merciful.”

There are many duas that people use during this month to ask Allah for forgiveness.

We also suggest that you recognize that you were not made to be perfect and consider forgiving yourself too.

Often, it is easier to seek forgiveness when we have fully accepted our faults in a compassionate way.

1. Our favorite story from Islamic history happened in Rajab

Better than any science fiction, Al Isra’ wal Mi’raaj—”The Night Journey and Ascension”—is a great miracle gifted to Muslims so that we may peek at Allah’s magnificence.

It is reported in Hadith literature, that the Messenger of Allah was carried from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah to the “Farthest Mosque” (Al-Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem on a creature called Al-Buraq in the company of the archangel Gabriel (peace be upon him).

There he led a congregational prayer of the prophets of God.

Then Gabriel took him to the heavens, where he met the prophets Adam, John, Jesus, Idris, Aaron, and Moses (peace be on them all).

In the seventh heaven, he met Abraham (peace be on him).

He was then brought into the Divine Presence. The details of this encounter are beautifully detailed in the beginning of surat An-Najm (52). Read more here.

MyISLAM prays that you discover many blessings during this sacred month of Rajab.

- aboutislam.net

Prophet Muhammad: The Practical Image of Islam

 

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the practical image of Islam. There is no way that one can get to know Islam, the true religion of Allah, without knowing Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, and his guidance, work, instructions, and prohibitions. He made peace and war, settled and traveled, sold and bought, and gave and took.

Muslims weakened only because they failed to follow his pattern and guidance. The Noble Qur’an tells us:

{Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the last day and remembers Allah much.} (Al-Ahzab 33:21)

Negligence of some Muslims reached the extent that they only read or discuss the Prophet’s biography during celebrations and forums, without actually following his guidance in all affairs of life.

Some others may read it either for obtaining blessings or for merely getting familiar with the various events it contains. This comes from one of two reasons:

First: Those people may be ignorant that following the Prophet’s pattern and guidance is a command from Almighty Allah and is a prerequisite for gaining His love.

Second: They may not know how to derive guidance from his biography, either due to a weakness in their sense of inference or their lack of knowledge and adequate readings.

Lessons and Benefits

The Prophet’s biography is not meant for the pleasure of reading nor for the knowledge of a certain historic period.

Also, learning it should not be driven by the mere love of studying the biographies of heroes and great men.

A Muslim should have various goals when studying the Prophet’s biography, among which are the following:

First: As previously said, Almighty Allah has commanded the believers to obey His Messenger and follow his perfect example. In the Qur’an, He says:

{And if you obey him, you are on the right way.} (An-Nur 24:54)

He also says:

{He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.} (An-Nisaa’ 4:80)

Another verse reads:

{Say [O Muhammad], “If you really love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful.} (Aal `Imran 3:31)

Indeed, the Prophet was the practical image and living example of Allah’s religion. Without him we cannot possibly know how to obey and worship Almighty Allah.

From his biography, scholars derived the techniques and different phases of da`wah (i.e., calling to Islam). They also got to know the tremendous effort exerted by the noble Prophet for the sake of raising the word of Almighty Allah and how he reacted in face of the hardships and obstacles that had come on his way.

From his biography:

• Teachers can derive the methods and techniques of education
• Rulers can derive the systems and methodologies of leadership
• Ascetics can derive the meaning and essence beyond asceticism
• Traders can derive the aims, systems, and profitable methods of trading
• Those who are suffering can learn the highest degrees of patience and persistence, thus their determination can grow and their trust in Almighty Allah can increase, knowing that the result will ultimately be in their favor
• Scholars can derive knowledge that enables them to better understand the Book of Allah and the reasons and circumstances surrounding the revelation of Qur’anic verses
• The whole nation can derive the morals, manners, and merits that are pleasing to Almighty Allah

Everlasting Legacy

Throughout history, there have always existed many kings, leaders, poets, and philosophers. None of them, however, has left behind such a biography and such a pattern to be followed as that left by the Prophet. All their credit has been erased, and the only thing left is some of the glory of their names.

Moreover, the biographies of many powerful people had ended up as mere stories to be told all through history. What remained of King Nimrud who said to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham — peace be upon him) {I give life and cause death} (Al-Baqarah 2:258)?

And what was the destiny and end of Pharaoh, who said {I am your lord, the most high} (An-Nazi`at 79:24) and {I do not know of any god for you besides myself} (Al-Qasas 28:38)?

Such people can only succeed in deceiving their people for some time. Yet, their deception will soon be shown up, and they will become a mockery throughout ages.

Along with the Noble Qur’an, the purpose of the Prophet’s biography is to get people out of the darkness of polytheism and false worship to the light of monotheism and belief in Allah, the Creator of all. Addressing His Prophet, Almighty Allah says:

{O Prophet! Verily, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner, and as one who invites to Allah by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light.} (Al-Ahzab 33:45-46)

Second: By studying the biography of the Prophet — involving the miraculous signs of his prophethood and his noble manners and attitude — our belief in his honesty and truthfulness increases.

Third: Also by studying his biography, our love of him becomes deeply entrenched in our hearts. This is because from his biography we come to know about his virtuous manners, his generous treatment, his great concern for guiding people to the right path and for their welfare, and the precious sacrifices he made along that noble path of his life.

When we learn about his great concern to ward off any hardships that may befall his nation, our love for him will surely deepen.

---

Taken with modifications from RasoulAllah.net.

CHAPTER 20, TA-HA (TA-HA)

 

Verses 1-8 The mission of the Quran and the attributes of the One Who sent it

God informs Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, that He did not send down the Quran to cause distress to him, but as a reminder for those who hold God in awe, a revelation from the One who created the earth and the heaven, the Lord of Mercy who is above the Throne.  Everything in the heavens and on earth and between them belongs to Him.  He knows what people keep hidden.

Verses 9-99 Story of Prophet Moses

What follows next is the most vividly described story of Musa.  He is the prophet whom God has talked of the most in the Quran and narrated the events of his life from different angles so that his personality emerges in a different perspective every time.  Reference is made of the journey of Moses and his family from Madyan to Egypt.  When he goes towards the light he hears the voice of God calling him.  Moses holds a conversation with his Lord at the Holy valley.  God tells him to establish prayer for His remembrance, then gives him two miracles.  One, that his staff will turn into a serpent when he throws it on the ground; and second, that when he presses his right hand to his left side, it will come forth white and shining.  After this God tells him about the mission he has been chosen for: call Pharaoh to the path of God.  Moses prays to God for support and for his brother to assist him.  God accepts his prayers and grants him his wish and reminds him of the blessings that were bestowed on him since his birth, when the Pharaoh of that time was killing the sons of all the Israelites.  God further reminds Moses how He had made him go through the various twists and turns of his life before coming finally to this awesome moment when he was being chosen as a Prophet. 

When Pharaoh saw the signs of God, he felt threatened and summoned his sorcerers for a duel.  Pharaoh’s sorcerers challenge to Moses, and finally recognize the truth of their Lord.  Then God commanded Moses to take the people of "Bani Israel" out of the slavery of Pharaoh.  But when Moses went to Mount Toor to receive the Torah, his people started worshipping the statue of a calf, being led astray by Samiri.  Moses banished him and burnt the idol.  The purpose of all these stories from the past is that we may learn from it. 

Verses 100-114 The punishment of those who turn away from the Quran and some spectacles from the Day of Resurrection

Whoever turns away from the Quran will bear a terrible heavy burden on the Day of Resurrection.  When the trumpet is sounded and God gathers the sinful, they will murmur to one another that they stayed only ten days on earth, but the more perceptive of them will say that their stay on earth was only a single day.

On that Day God will blast the mountains into dust and leave a flat plain and people will follow the caller from whom there is no escape.  Every voice will be hushed for the Lord of Mercy.  Only whispers will be heard.  On the Day of Judgement, intercession will be useless except from those to whom the Lord grants permission and whose words He approves.  All faces will be humbled before the Living, Ever Watchful One.  Those burdened with evil deeds will despair, but whoever has done righteous deeds and believed need have no fear of injustice or deprivation. 

Verses 115-127 The story of the angels bowing down to the ground before Adam and warning him against Satan

God commanded the angels to bow down before Adam and they did, but Satan refused, so God told Adam that Satan is an enemy to him and his wife and to not let him drive them out of Paradise.  And as long as he stays in Paradise, he will not go hungry, feel naked, be thirsty, or suffer from the heat of the sun.

But Satan whispered to Adam, tempting to lead Adam to "the tree of immortality and an everlasting kingdom." Adam disobeyed his Lord; both he and Eve fell for Satan’s whispers and ate from the tree.  They became conscious of their nakedness and began to cover themselves with leaves.

Later his Lord brought him close, accepted his repentance, and guided him.  God expelled them from Paradise.  God told them that whoever follows His guidance when it comes, will not go astray nor fall into misery, but whoever turns away from it will have a life of great hardship.  God promises to raise the one who turns away as a blind person on the Day of Resurrection.   He will ask God why was He raised blind when he had sight before! God’s response will be that since he ignored God’s revelations when they came to him, it is only fitting that he is ignored on this Day.  This is how God rewards those who go too far and who do not believe in His revelations.  God says that the greatest and most enduring punishment is in the Hereafter.

Verses 128- 129 Taking lessons from previous nations

Do they not draw a lesson from the many generations God destroyed before them, through whose dwelling places they now walk? There truly are signs in this for anyone with understanding! If it were not for a preordained Word from the Lord, they would already have been destroyed.  Their time has been set.

Verses 130-132 Directions to the Prophet

Prophet Muhammad is told to be patient with what they say, and celebrate the praise of his Lord before the rising and setting of the sun, during the night, and at the beginning and end of the day, so that he may find contentment.  He is instructed by God to not gaze longingly at what God has given some of them to enjoy in this present life.  God tests them through this, but the provision of the Lord in the life to come is better and more lasting.   

Prophet Muhammad is told by God to order people to pray and to be steadfast in prayers himself.  God does not ask anyone to give Him provision, He provides for everyone, and the rewards of the Hereafter belong to the devout.

Verses 133-135 The stubbornness of the polytheists and its consequences

The disbelievers ask why does Prophet Muhammad not bring a sign from his Lord? God tells them that they were given clear proof in the earlier scriptures of the coming of Prophet Muhammad.  If God would have destroyed them through punishment before this Messenger came, they would have complained and asked if only God had sent them a messenger, they would have followed His revelations before they suffered humiliation and disgrace! Prophet Muhammad is told to say that we are all waiting, so you carry on waiting; ultimately you will come to learn who has followed the even path, and has been rightly guided. - islamreligion.com

This is Why Patience is a Great Virtue with Great Rewards

 

O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account. (Surah Zumar:10)

Patience is meant to hinder one from being highly impatient and displeased; holding the tongue from complaining and the body parts from harming himself or others.

Patience is mentioned in several places in Quran and Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reflecting the virtues and greatness of patience itself. In the Arabic language, patience (sabr) simply means to confine or contain.

Patience is considered as best from deeds and has the great reward confined to it, with no limit. Allah said in the Quran:

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (Surah Baqarah:153)

Indeed, there is great reward only for those among us who are patient with the decree of Allah. In this world, we all tend to face many difficulties, trials and sufferings but we have to be patient because Allah loves those who have Patience in a difficult time. Undoubtedly, patience requires immense self-control.

As Islam and its book, the Quran, are entitled to be a complete code of life and guides us in every sphere of life; it teaches us to be patient in difficult situations such that we have strong belief in Allah that He will never leave us alone.k

Allah (SWT) has initiated to those facing difficulties that He is with them by guiding and supporting them, and granting them a clear victory. Allah (SWT) said:

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (Surah Anfal:46)

From this verse of the Quran, we can decipher that no matter what the situation is, we should be faithful and patient as Allah (SWT) is with us.

Moreover, if we don’t get the reward of Patience in this world, we should not become hopeless. This is because the reward will surely be granted to us in the Hereafter. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. (Al-Bukhari)

He also said:

The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity. (Sahih Bukhari)

This indicates that patience and gratitude are not only practiced in ease. However, for one to be truly patient and grateful, they must embody these virtues even in the most difficult times.

Being patient makes us avoid stressing out with a behavior that does nothing for us. Moreover, the patient behavior leads one to make better decisions and helps with compassion. It is true that all the calamities we face and the troubles which come our way are the character builders, which make us stronger than before.

May Allah (SWT) gives us and our fellow Muslims the strength to face difficulties with Patience! Ameen.

Source: https://www.islamicfinder.org.