Name; Elley Danish Bin Zulkalnain

Birthday; 17 July 2006

Hometown; Rawang, Selangor

Hobby; Playing hockey

matric number; 241579

Course; Foundation in Engineering

facilitator; Brother Megat

Today, Brother Megat explain about the wisdom (ḥikmah) behind acts of worship, and it really made me think deeply about my own practices. It started with a verse from Surah Al-‘Ankabut, reminding me that prayer isn’t just about rituals.It actually protects us from wrongdoing.

Ṣalāh was the first topic, and I realized how much it keeps me connected to Allah throughout the day. Then came fasting (ṣawm), which is more than just avoiding food; it teaches patience and self-discipline. I also reflected on zakāh,how giving cleanses not just wealth but also the heart, making me more aware of others’ struggles.

One of the most powerful parts was about ḥajj. It’s a journey that isn’t just physical but deeply spiritual, reinforcing humility and devotion. In the end, I felt a renewed appreciation for these acts of worship. They are not just obligations but pathways to becoming a better person, both spiritually and morally.

Today, I learned about khusyu' in solat, and it made me think about my own prayers. I realized that solat is the first thing we will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment. If my solat is not good, what about everything else?

One important point was purification (taharah). It’s not just about wudu', but also making sure my body, clothes, and prayer space are clean. Cleanliness is part of faith, and it helps me feel more prepared for solat.

Khusyu' means calmness, focus, and humility in prayer. Sometimes, my mind wanders, or I rush through solat. But I learned that khusyu' is about being present with Allah, not just going through the motions.

Here are some tips Brother Megat give:

- Prepare mentally and physically before praying.

- Understand what I’m reciting so it feels more meaningful.

- Pray in a quiet place and remove distractions.

- Make dua for khusyu' and take my time in solat.

The best part? Khusyu' brings peace and a stronger connection with Allah. I want to work on this, even if it takes time. From now on, I’ll try to focus more and truly feel my solat.

Today, I learned about the wisdom behind fasting in Ramadan, and it made me appreciate this special month even more.

I found out that fasting has existed since ancient times, practiced by prophets like Musa, Isa, and even Maryam (A.S.). It’s not just about avoiding food and drinks, but about self-discipline, spiritual purification, and strengthening faith.

One thing that really stood out to me was how fasting teaches self-control. It’s not just about hunger but also about avoiding sins like gossip and dishonesty. The Prophet (SAW) even said that if we don’t leave bad speech, then our fasting has no value!

There’s also so much mercy in fasting. If someone is sick or traveling, they’re allowed to postpone their fast. And those who truly can’t fast can pay fidyah instead. This shows how Islam is not about hardship but about balance and ease.

I also reflected on how fasting builds patience (sabr), humility, and gratitude. Feeling hunger reminds me of those who have less, making me more thankful for what I have. No wonder Ramadan encourages charity, kindness, and forgiveness!

At the end of Ramadan, we celebrate Eid with takbir, glorifying Allah for His blessings. I also loved learning that fasting brings us closer to Allah, and our duas are more likely to be accepted.

After reflecting on all of this, I feel more inspired to make the most of Ramadan,not just by fasting, but by improving my character and getting closer to Allah.

We learned about the virtues of zakāh (obligatory charity) and ṣadaqah (voluntary charity), emphasizing reliance on Allah (tawakkul) and the strengthening of brotherhood (ukhuwwah).

We reflected on how acts of charity purify wealth and souls, foster unity among Muslims, and help address societal inequalities.

Discussions also included practical ways to promote generosity and create sustainable initiatives to support those in need.

Hajj teaches humility, as pilgrims dress in simple white garments (Ihram) and perform acts of devotion, recognizing their dependence on God. Patience is a central virtue, as pilgrims endure physical challenges and long hours of prayer. The pilgrimage also emphasizes sacrifice, symbolized by the act of slaughtering an animal in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion.

Ultimately, Hajj cultivates gratitude and taqwa (God- consciousness), strengthening one's faith and commitment to a righteous life.

I learned about five key virtues found in solat:

1. Al-Ṭāʿah (Submission) – Bowing and prostrating remind us of our servitude to Allah.

2. Al-Jihād (Struggle) – Fighting distractions during solat helps strengthen patience in daily life.

3. Muḥāsabah (Reflection) – Solat is a time to self-evaluate and seek forgiveness.

4. Tawaḍḍuʿ (Humility) – It teaches us to stay humble and grateful.

5. Iffah (Modesty) – A reminder to stay away from sinful behavior.

The presentation emphasized that Ṣalāh with Khushūʿ helps shape our character and strengthens our relationship with Allah. I realized I need to work on my focus in solat and make it more meaningful. It’s not just an obligation,it’s a way to grow spiritually and become a better person.

Today was our final Usrah session, and I can’t help but feel a mix of emotion,gratitude, nostalgia, and a bit of sadness that this journey has come to an end. Looking back, every discussion, every shared reflection, and every moment of learning has shaped me in ways I never expected. The bonds we built, the lessons we carried, and the warmth of this circle will always stay with me. Usrah wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was about growing together, strengthening our faith, and finding a sense of belonging. As we part ways, I pray that everything we have learned continues to guide us, and that we carry this spirit of togetherness into our daily lives. Alhamdulillah for this journey,it may be the end of our sessions, but it’s only the beginning of applying what we’ve learned.

The Virtues Found in Fasting