Allah's Letters to Me by Arina Adom

[Day 0] 12th June 2019 - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:26:52 UTC

"So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan" [16:98]

*Takeaways from Ustazah Farhana Munshi's tafsir lesson*
- Syaitan strives to destroy mankind by cutting off their connection to Allah using these strategies:
1. Stop the Muslim from reciting the Qur'an
2. Stop the Reciter from trying to understand the Qur'an
3. Lead the Reader to misunderstand the Qur'an
- Allah teaches us in Surah An-Nahl (16:98) how to protect ourselves from distraction and misguidance in recitation by saying the Ta'awuz ( A'uzhu billahi min asy-syaitaan ar-rajeem, I seek protection from Allah from the accursed syaitan)
- Parable for the ta'awuz: You're invited to enjoy a banquet at a house. When you arrive, the guard dogs keep you away by barking at you. Instead of wasting time and energy fighting the dogs that are keeping you away from the banquet, call the owner to take the dogs away.

May Allah protect us from syaitan's whispers and grant us istiqamah and patience in our daily struggles <3

[Day 1] 15th June 2019 - Fara

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:30:51 UTC

Allah SWT said:
"O mankind, indeed you are laboring toward your Lord with [great] exertion and will meet it."
(QS. Al-Inshiqaaq 84: Verse 6)

This is from the Quran app but the translation that moved me the most was this, which I found in a book.

Oh mankind, indeed you are ever toiling towards your lord, painfully toiling.. But you shall meet Him

Was I afraid when I read that?
Yes I am.. A reminder that we shall all die one day.

But at the end of the day, that is our ultimate goal right? To meet our creator, Allah.
It is up to me to be prepared. When it is my time, what state of myself am I gg to be at? Will Allah accept me?

Hence the fear.
I am not ready. There are so many areas of improvement that needed to be mended. I am a mommy, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teacher, a CEO of my home, a woman with many hats and it seems like every second ticking is taken away for me to do many other things.

But in this ayat too, there is a glimmer of hope. An assurance that is clearly stated. Allah knows what we are going through.

We are forever in a struggle and He knows that. He knows that we are meant to juggle many things and all those pain and times we thought we are unworthy is meant to happen. Sometimes we just have to take one step at a time and with every step, invoke Allah for help.

[Day 2] 16th June 2019 - Farhana

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:32:27 UTC

"Whoever forgives and amends, he shall have his reward from Allah swt" (42:40)

Came across this ayat from a video by Imam Omar Suleiman and he shared that there was a narration related to this ayat that when the Day of Judgement comes, all of the ummah will be on their knees in front of Allah swt and Allah swt will say "Don't stand up unless I owe you something" and no one would stand except for those who used to forgive and pardon people in this world. And Allah swt would give them the special reward that He promised them which reveals how much Allah loves those who forgive.

I think especially in this period of raya visiting and seeking forgiveness from others, it's a reminder for us to let go of things that have passed and to humble ourselves. I think it's also important to forgive people even before they have asked for forgiveness. One of my ustazahs shared with my class "How can we expect Allah swt to forgive us if we can't even forgive His servants?" which struck me about the mercy we should show to others if we want to receive Allah's Mercy.

The video also shared a story about Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal who was so forgiving to the people who had tortured him previously. One thing I found really beautiful about his story was that he even told his son, "It is upon a man to make sure that Allah swt will not punish anyone on the Day of Judgement because of him". It really shows his pure heart that does not want to cause pain for anyone on the Day of Judgement and he does so by forgiving those who have wronged him.

May we strive to be forgiving and merciful, bringing peace instead of ill feelings in this world insyaAllah.

Here's the link to the video if anyone is interested in watching! :)

[Day 3] 17th June 2019 - Hanis

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:34:23 UTC

I personally would like to share the tafseer of Surah Al-Kahfi with you guys. In this amazing surah MasyaAllah, so much can be learned to implement in our daily lives.

Being a youth worker myself, a colleague shared with me this surah and encouraged me to dwelve deeper into its meanings in one of our usrahs.

What i can gather from the tafseer is that, our worldly trials are mentioned in the Quran, and Allah has promised his solutions to be beyond our comprehension. It encourages me to reflect that my problems are one of many and our main source of barakah is definitely definitely Allah.

My two cents and reflection for today! Thank you everyone for reading :)

[Day 4] - 18th June 2019 - Haziqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:35:05 UTC

“Give glad tidings to the patient, those who say when calamity afflicts them: “We belong to Allah, and surely to Him we shall return.” Upon such people will be blessings from their Lord and mercy; and such are the rightly guided“ (Al-Baqarah, 2:155-7)

Came across this ayat again in Habib Umar’s book on The Clarification of Noble Character on having patience in the face of trials and tribulations. It got me thinking of the sick patients that i nurse every day. Whenever i hear a makcik/pakcik say Allah’s name when they are in pain, my heart aches a little. I try my best to get them painkillers or ease their discomfort but only Allah knows the pain that they are having. But the patience that I see from them is amazing. Most times I am not sure what to say to them but this ayat reminds me that their patience will be rewarded greatly with blessings, mercy and guidance. This ayat and their patience also motivates me to be more patient with the challenges that i face at work. So, insyaAllah i’ll continue working on being more patient towards my patients 🙊

May Allah grant us continual patience such that it affords us unlimited reward, for truly He is the Most Gracious.

okays thats all thanks for reading. Have a good night 💚

[Day 5] 19th June 2019 - Hidayah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:36:12 UTC

I think this particular quote and ayat speaks to me strongly today as it reminded of the struggles I have been facing in my solats lately. This encourages me to not miss my solats no matter how challenging it is and even if I fall and fail, I should try again and sujud to Him because afterall, He is the Most Forgiving.

[Day 6] 20th June 2019 - Hidayah Bibi

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:37:39 UTC

Salam ladies! I think the Qur'an is an incredible Book that not only guides us on what we should do, but the Qur'an also guides us on how we can do it. Here's a summary from what i learnt from verses 55 and 56 of surah Al-A'raf! 🥰

[Day 7] 21st June 2019 - Khadijah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:39:55 UTC

[Verily, we have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds.] 18:7

As I reflected on the tafsir of the first 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahfi, this verse reminded me about the importance of doing our best in every deed (to have ihsan). In the end, dunia is just temporary and what we will bring to akhirat is just our deeds. And it is not just about the quantity of our deeds but more importantly, the quality of them.

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 37, Hadith 4240)

May Allah swt ease our daily struggles and increase our strength to constantly improve. Amiin.

[Day 9] 23rd June 2019 - Liana

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:40:51 UTC

Assalamualaikum. In one of the shortest chapters or surahs of the Qur’an, we read: By Time! Verily man is in [a state of] loss; except those who believe and perform righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to [follow] the truth, and enjoin one another to patience. [103:1-3]

One of my favourite surahs. As we lead our busy lives, I think it's always best to remind ourselves and others to live a good life with patience, love and full of good deeds. We are not here (dunia) for a long time but best is to add good to the world in our own ways. That itself is a form of success.

Every one of us cherish our own time but it is also important to value other people's time. As we go to house visits, let's strive to strengthen bonds and show support to our friends /family and not play with our phones (🙏😅).

May Allah bless us all. Amin

[Day 8] 22nd June 2019 - Khalishah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:41:53 UTC

Concurring to what Liana shared, I’ve been thinking a lot about the value of family as our main source of fuel in our daily lives, especially with the many visitings this Eid.

In 4:36 of the Quran, it reads “Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.”

Main essence of it is to do good, and at the top of the list: to parents. For they deserve so much for inculcating the right values and principles to us ever since we were born, in their own unique ways. And family is considered an essential component of our divinely customized packages and is indeed one of the tests designed for us from the very beginning of our life. We do not choose our family or parents. We are born, however, with a strong instinct to be emotionally attached to our family and parents. Allah swt acknowledges this kind of special bond by using it as an allegory for us to be as passionate towards His truth.

May we treat our elders with great love and concern and may they be blessed with great health InsyaAllah :)

[Day 10] 24th June 2019 - Munira

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:42:30 UTC

“And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited ... “ [3:103]

I actually came across this on Twitter just days after I read an article talking about divisions and antagonism among Muslim communities.

Within the Muslim world we see the presence of different schools of thoughts and sects; some more prominent in certain areas and others more apparent elsewhere. Yet, instead of uniting under the shared identity of Muslim brother/sisterhood, trivial issues like these difference in identities have often arised as a point of contention; even to the extent of being the reason for animosity (saudi v iran).

This past Ramadan it was heartwarming to see interfaith iftars being organised by many religious bodies and have received much praise from the public as well. However, i’ve yet to come across an intrafaith iftar session. If we have no problem eating with our brothers and sisters from other religions why not do so with those from other Islamic sects?

Recently, I was at Muhammadiyah Welfare Home and a poster in their prayer room caught my eye. It said that you should always make dua for these 5 people : (1) yourself, (2) your parents/family, (3) your teachers, (4) your friends, (5) all the Muslims in the world.

This made me realise that instead of focusing on our differences, we should instead stay united as our identity as Muslims. At the end of the day, we’re all equal and we despite certain disagreements, we should always be looking out for each other and keeping everyone in our prayers.

Today we witness the gruesome injustices faced by our Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world; cultural genocide in China and Myanmar, Sudanese uprising, Syrian civil war just to name a few. And it is more important than ever that we stand united as Muslims and continue pouring in as much support as we can for them. And of course to always keep them in your prayers.

Overall, I hope that as a community, we continue to grow to be more tolerant of each other so that we’ll be more united as a strong, reliable Muslim community.

[Day 11] 26th June 2019 - Nabilah I.

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:43:29 UTC

[Back story: My sharing is penned down for my low and down time, when I needed to motivate and cheer myself up. Bear with me, it's a bit long]

At-Taghabun 64:11

مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِۗ وَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ يَهۡدِ قَلۡبَهُۥۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ

English - Sahih International
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah . And whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things.

Summarised lesson from a narration by Ibn Abbas pertaining to the ayah:
a) Be loyal and obedient to Allah [worship Him (Alone)], remember Him always, obey His Orders. He will save you from every evil and will take care of you in all the spheres of life.

b) Be loyal and obedient to Allah, you will find Him near, i.e. He will respond to your requests.

c) If you ask, ask Allah.

d) If you seek help, seek help from Allah.

e) Know that if all the people get together in order to benefit you with something, they will not be able to benefit you in anything except what Allah has decreed for you. And if they all get together in order to harm you with something, they will not be able to harm you in anything except what Allah has decreed for you. The pens have stopped writings [Divine (Allah's) Preordainments]. And (the ink over) the papers (Book of Decrees) have dried." (This Hadith is quoted from Sahih At-Tirmidhi)

Tafsir ibn kathir
All that occurs to Mankind is by Allah's Permission.

Allah informs us as He did in Surah Al-Hadid,

مَأ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِى الاٌّرْضِ وَلَا فِى أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلاَّ فِى كِتَـبٍ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَأ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ

No calamity occurs on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in a record before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. (57:22)

Allah said here,

مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

No calamity occurs, but by the permission of Allah,
meaning, whoever suffered an affliction and he knew that it occurred by Allah's judgement and decree, and he patiently abides, awaiting Allah's reward, then Allah guides his heart, and will compensate him for his loss in this life by granting guidance to his heart and certainty in faith. Allah will replace whatever he lost for Him with the same or what is better.

This also brings me to my personal favourite quote that I go to whenever I'm feeling down:
"Allah will guide his heart to certainty. Therefore, he will know that what reached him would not have missed him and what has missed him would not have reached him."

Certainly, there is no decree that Allah writes for us, but is better for us. Sometimes we have to have faith. Especially when things are not going well for us. One aspect about Islam that I find comfort in is the realization that the administration of the whole universe is in the Hands of the Supreme Almighty, and our responsibility is only to lead life as He has directed us to. (This doesn't mean we should not put in effort though, thus the emphasis on it being a motivational quote, meaning when we are down and need to push ourselves back up). And coincidentally, the teaching training I attended introduced the concept of growth mindset which states that anyone can learn anything.
Abilities and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. We are born learners and nobody is born smart. Failure is another word for learning and everyone is born to learn. Each setback is for us to learn from previous mistakes and try harder and smarter.

May Allah give us strength to pull through a difficult time and emerge stronger and more determined, closer to Allah, more skilled, and more guided. For surely, difficult times and tests are put in place as learning experiences, reminders, purification from sins and mistakes, test of patience and persevere and our iman. Otherwise, our lives would be pretty mundane 😅

[Day 12] 27th June 2019 - Nabilah K.

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:44:23 UTC

A short story to share! ✨

Why do we read Quran, if we can’t understand a single Arabic word?
This is a beautiful story: An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading the Quran. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.
One day the grandson asked, “Grandpa! I try to read the Quran just like you but I don’t understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur’an do?”
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, “Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, “You’ll have to move a little faster next time,” and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, “I don’t want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You’re just not trying hard enough,” and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, “See Grandpa, it’s useless!” “So you think it is useless?”
The old man said, “Look at the basket.” The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out. “Son, that’s what happens when you read the Qur’an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives.”

[Day 13] 28th June 2019 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:45:21 UTC

Jumaah Mubarak friends!

Just a small reflection from me.

"He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding"

Al baqarah 269

As I was preparing for my post here, I came across this ayat and I thought it was an important reminder. I pray for many different things, am thankful for a lot of things, yet I think I forget to sometimes be grateful for the words in the Quran that hit home. Allah would have purposefully made the words that you understand, what you understand. He allows you to understand, because He wants to. Without His Power and Will, you'd probably not be able to internalise His words.

As we move forth a new month and as Syawal leaves us soon, let us - especially me - remember to be grateful for the gift from Allah that allows us to understand His beautiful and apt reminders that hit home. And thank youuu really, once again, to the beautiful souls who kick-started this. For if not, I'd quickly lose the motivation to do this. May Allah preserve your Iman and taqwa and grant you bountiful rewards.

[Day 14] 29th June 2019 - Ramizah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:46:02 UTC

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Allahumma solli wa sallim wa baarik 'ala Sayyidina Muhammad.

For my first sharing, I would like to share one ayat that brought me so much comfort whenever I felt stressed and alone during the NUS days.

Surah At Taubah, Ayat 128

لقد جاءكم رسول من أنفسكم عزيز عليه ما عنتم حريص عليكم بالمؤمنين رءوف رحيم

There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.

Reading the Qur'an indeed brings comfort and is cure for the feeling of yearning for closeness with Allah. But this ayat was a double comfort for me because Allah tells me that there is Rasulullah salallahu alaihi wassalam who cares for me and feels what I feel. For whenever we feel alone and miss him, it is him who misses us first and more.

Hais ok thank u for reading hehe. 💚 all goodness from Allah, all shortcomings from yours trulyrammi hehe

[Day 15] 30th June 2019 - Rosyiidah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:46:32 UTC

Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah].
Surah Sad Verse 17

The tafsir of this explains how Prophet Dawud a.s. had been gifted al-ayd meaning strength, also meaning strength in obedience to Allah. How he fasted for half his lifetime, his fasts of alternate days and his prayers in the third of the night. And he turned to Allah with regard to all of his affairs. A prophet who had been granted so much strength in worship at the same time always turning back to allah. Meaning to say he is not self-sufficient. He knows that he did not do all that worship out of his own greatness or ability rather he recognizes that it is from Allah swt. He is strong because he turns to the source of strength.

I hope to always remember this insyaAllah in tough times, to attribute every goodness to al-Qawiyy, ar-Razzaq, al-Kareem. And to remember that Allah will not test me beyond my capability so I have to toughen up even if I don’t feel like it, think positive thoughts and think well of Allah, and that I should always rely on Him for strength.

Have a blessed day ladies ✨❤

[Day 16] 1st July 2019 - Sarah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:47:10 UTC

“...Who created me. It is He who guides me; He who gives me food and drink; He who cures me when I am ill; He who will make me die and then give me life again; and He who will, I hope, forgive my faults on the Day of Judgement” [59:78-82]

These ayats are from Surah Ash-Shu’ara, in a narration of Nabi Ibrahim a.s.’s description of God’s blessings. It is a beautiful and impactful reminder that everything belongs to Allah and we should always always be thankful for everything He has given us, even for the most simplest of things that we tend to take for granted, like food, health and the very fact that we are living.

In fact, as forgetful beings, we also take the bigger things for granted. We tend to forget that everything belongs to Allah. We can’t be remembering God only in bad times because even in the good, comfortable periods of our lives, He can take back the nikmah and rezeki any time. We also cannot be too confident with our deeds. Even a prophet himself uses the words “I hope” with regards to receiving Allah’s forgiveness, when in actual fact, as a prophet he is already granted one of the highest gardens in paradise.

These ayats should make us more humble and serve as encouragement to keep turning back to Allah in gratefulness, seeking His Mercy, blessings and forgiveness every day. Just some small reminders that can keep us going and get us reflecting as we start and end our days insyaaAllah. ❤

[Day 17] 2nd July 2019 - Nasuha

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:47:41 UTC

“My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me if the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of my dreams. The creator of heaven and the earth! You are my Wali in this world and in the hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim, and join me with the righteous." [12:101]

This ayat is from the chapter of Yusuf. It also contains an important Doa at the last portion.

So basically it is important that in whatever we do, we have to end it well. I think it is the other part of moving along in life and living life well. Hope it's what propels us to start but we also need a reminder that we must complete in the best way possible as well. Many might find starting something Eg. Like increasing a deed or trying to establish a good habit exciting but if we do not plan properly and within our means, we will lose steam along the way and all our efforts before hand becomes wasted.

So this highlights the importance of consistency despite the size and magnitude of whatever activities we strife for everyday. I think it also highlights the importance of planning and goal setting as this is another huge source of motivation.

And in the end, our true ending will only be when we are gone from this earth. So it is imperative that we should have plans on how we should live our lives to the fullest. We may not know what our future holds for us but we can't fulfil it if we don't have a plan. And a steady spirit to achieve what we all are aiming for - jannah:) And remember that all things comes from Allah so do makes lots of Doa as we move along in our journey. 💜

Reflection from Al Qudwah academy, Conversation with God

[Day 18] 3rd July 2019 - Syahirah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:48:07 UTC

My sharing today is from one of my favourite books, 'Purification of the heart'. Specifically, it's a section about our attachment of our hearts to matters to this worldly life till we become heedless of our ultimate return to God. Imam al- Mawlud lists ways to guard our hearts against it. I will share two of them. This is a translation by Hamza Yusuf:

1. Remember death & it's closeness: Upon death, suddenly all of this - this whole world and its charms and occupations - will become as if it were all a dream: "And you will think that you tarried [on earth] only for a short while". (Quran 17:52) And when we climb out of our graves for the mighty gathering in the hereafter, it will seem to us that we had stayed in our graves for only a day or part of day, as the Quran states. This world, when one is confronted with eternity and its iron-clad reality, will suddenly seem like it was the most ephemeral of existences. This one overwhelmingly alluring life on earth will be of no value to anyone.

2. Remember Allah at night: Someone once asked saydatina Aisha r.a. about the most wondrous thing she observed about the Prophet s.a.w. She said, "Everything about him was wondrous. But I will say this: when the veiling of night came, and when every lover went to his lover, he went to be with God". The prophet s.a.w. stood at night in prayer, remembering his Lord until his ankles swelled up and tears dripped from his beard.

Reflection: Taking care of the state of my heart is a continuous conscious, life-long process. It's really easy to let go of the routines and habits that we formed during Ramadhan and get engrossed again with our busy lives at work. So if I feel far from Allah, then I need to ask myself: Who moved? Whose habits changed? Who hasn't worked hard enough to be consistent?

And surely my heart knows the answer.

[Day 19] 4th July 2019 - Wahidah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:48:30 UTC

(Surah AnNahl:97) Whosoever acts righteously - whether a man or a woman - and embraces belief, We will surely grant him a good life; and will surely grant such persons their reward according to the best of their deeds

There are 2 takeaways from this verse itself:
1. Allah will grant good life to those who acts righteously: Allah has promised us the good life if we obey His commands; but we should also know that this good life comes after many challenges. To elevate your rank to another level is to overcome/face those challenges with patience and yaqin that there’s always wisdom behind everything for He is The Most Wise
2. Allah will reward us according to the best of our deeds: definitely, sincerity comes into factor when we do our ibadah and this is not up to us to judge. Doesn't mean someone did prayer longer, his ibadah is better than someone who did short prayer; vice versa.
Reflections: at the end of the day, we should focus on our own ibadah and have good thoughts (husnuzzon) towards Allah and His Creations. Believe in what He has promised and live life in a state of qana'ah (bersyukur even if it's small)

Wallahua'lam

[Day 20] 5th July 2019 - Yanty

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:49:34 UTC

"And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." 2:186

This ayat never fails to melt my heart. And in this space, I would like to share with you some of my notes from an Al-Hikam course I've attended recently, conducted by Shaykh Niwowy. I apologise for my shortcomings in this sharing and all good is from Allah.

Hikam No. 6
"Don't let the delay in granting you what you have been intensely asking for, a reason for your despair. For He guaranteed an answer to your prayers in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself, and at the time He wants, not the time you want."

Reality of making Do'a/Supplication
دعاء = لساني + قلبي
It is not just with your tongue, but the presence of your heart - where you feel and experience the ubudiyyah.

If He grants you your doa = it is to encourage you to keep coming to Him.
If He deprives you of your doa = it is to encourage you to keep directing yourself (tawajjuh) to Him.

Question: Where to find Allah?
Answer:
عند المنكسرة قلوبهم من آجلي.
Those with hearts that are broken.

So keep your intense desperation and neediness for Allah in your doa and believe in your heart that He knows your desperate needs in your different states.

It suffices for you that He places you in the maqam (state) of ubudiyyah that you keep on standing in front of Him, asking/begging Him. This is the sign of Him accepting you.

I'll leave you with this question which Shaykh Niwowy gave: "Since when there is a delay from the All-Giving (الكريم) when الكريم means giving without being asked?"

[Day 21] 6th July 2019 - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:50:25 UTC

Surah An-Nisaa ayat 27 and 28

"Allah wants to accept your repentance, but those who follow [their] passions want you to digress [into] a great deviation. And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind was created weak."

I would like to share this ayat as I read this on one of the days this week when I was struggling with a few things. It was literally the first line on the page and I almost teared as it really felt like receiving a letter from Allah that day :")

This was on a day when I was thinking a lot about the concept of repentance and how its so beautiful that if you read this ayat, Allah wants to accept your repentance and not only that, He wants to ligthen your difficulties in life because He knows you are struggling and weak. The very fact that Allah is telling us that He wants to accept our repentance just reminded me on how merciful He is and that no matter how bleak things may seem, we must always remember that He is there for us ❤✨

[Day 22] 7th July 2019 - Afiqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:51:12 UTC

Surah Ar-Rum 17-19
‎فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ حِينَ تُمْسُونَ وَحِينَ تُصْبِحُونَ

So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.
‎وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَعَشِيًّا وَحِينَ تُظْهِرُونَ

And to Him is [due all] praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And [exalted is He] at night and when you are at noon.

‎يُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَيُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ تُخْرَجُونَ

He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.

Salam ladies. Tdy’s sharing is a bit different, more of a personal reflection. I didn’t have enough time to find a verse specifically to share so I’d like to share these few verses I’m currently writing as part of my preparation for my ijazet in the script. For some of us these few verses are quite familiar as they are in the Wird-ul Latif and it is recited in the morning and evening. As I was writing these verses, I realised the importance of consistency in our ibadah, same goes to practicing calligraphy daily. Personally I’ve struggled to istiqomah in my daily wird due to busy schedules, work etc. Ever since Ramadhan left, I’ve tried to recite my daily wird after fajr and asar. Even though I missed some days, it’s completely ok to restart all over again.

The important thing is to keep trying and in some ways, it disciplines yourself to be constantly in the remembrance of Allah. I felt a big difference on days where I left my wird and the days I did my wird. Truly, our time is blessed with the constant remembrance of Him and He certainly knows our struggles.

The verses tells us He is all Powerful and all Capable to bring us out of a situation if He wants to. So never stop making dua to Him to bless our time and ask for istiqomah for He knows our deepest struggles to seek balance of both worlds and have yaqin He will ease.

May the ladies here be blessed in their time as we juggle school, work and importantly, our ibadah and may He ease each of our struggles in sya Allah amin! ◡̈

[Day 23] 8th July 2019 - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 05:51:57 UTC

"Call upon your Lord with humility, and in the secrecy of your hearts. He does not love those who transgress the bounds of what is right. Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been so well ordered. Call on Him with fear and hope. Truly, God’s grace is ever near to the righteous (Al-Muhsineen).” [Surah Al-A'raf, 7:55-56]

Takeaways from Tafsir fi Zilalil Qur'an

- The previous ayats direct the human mind to reflect and ponder on the creation of the universe and the alternation of the night and day. They leave the believers in awe of the One who Created all things.
- Allah then directs us to call upon Him, manifesting our awe at His Greatness through our humility in asking.
- When making du'a, it is more appropriate for us to ask secretly and silently, rather than announcing it loudly.
- This emphasises the believer's closeness to his Rabb, such that He Hears even our whispered requests and whatever that we seek from deep within our hearts. (Cross-reference to hadith below)
- Someone who is conscious of Allah's Majesty will feel too embarrassed/modest to ask from Allah in a raised voice.
- Allah commands us not to make mischief in the land by following our desires, after He has set the earth in proper order and laid down the law to govern both the earth and human life.
- A believing soul, which calls on its Lord with humility and in secrecy, feeling His closeness and ready response, is not given to aggression and corruption.
- “Call on Him with fear and hope", means to fear incurring His anger and punishment, and hoping to earn His pleasure and reward.
- Al-Muhsineen are those who worship God as though they actually see Him and if they do not see him, they are fully aware that He sees them.

May Allah make us amongst the Muhsineen who are always close to Allah and who ask of Him in humily and secrecy, with hearts full of fear and hope. Ameen!

[Day 24] - 9th July 2019 - Atiqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:14:39 UTC

(Sahih International)
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغۡ قُلُوبَنَا بَعۡدَ إِذۡ هَدَيۡتَنَا وَهَبۡ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡوَهَّابُ
[Who say], "Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.

-Sura Aal-E-Imran, Ayah 8

We're humans with desires living in a world filled with many distractions. Today we feel like we're at the peak of our imaan, but the next moment we slip away into the contentment of the worldly life. Can't help but feel this sense of fear of not knowing how my life will end or whether I'll drift away and fall back into the darkness of my past. So that's why I feel the importance of this dua. To always seek guidance from Allah and to pray that I remain steadfast in imaan. Alhamdulillah, I'm thankful to have all you beautiful ladies who are constantly there to remind and share. May we always work towards strengthening our imaan and may Allah swt keep us steadfast on the path of imaan.

[Day 25] - 10th July 2019 - Bazilah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:15:22 UTC

Assalamualaikum wrwb beautiful ones :)

Firstly, I'm sorry for sharing this late. I was contemplating which verses to share, but I couldn't pick one partly because of my indecisive nature.

If I could share one important takeway though, that would be a recent reminder from my ustazah that we should always remember why we joined this khatamul Qur'an group. While she is unaware of this group's existence, she said she knows of many similar initiatives deflating halfway (mainly because the niat wasn't right from the get-go). So it's important that we renew our niat as often as we can :)

Whether we are in a khatamul Qur'an group, or alone, my ustazah said to "never, ever leave the Qur'an, because it will leave you too".

I pray that this group last for as long as it could and for the right intentions, and that the Qur'an that we read, becomes a means of intercession for us in akhirah. 💓

[Day 26] 11th July 2019 - Dina

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:16:11 UTC

Surah Aal-i-imran, Ayat 133
“Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous”

I would like to share this ayat as I had it saved from a while ago when I was reading this Juz. I found it simple, yet thought-provoking and I do read it again and again whenever I need an extra push of encouragement.

I feel that this verse serves as a nifty little reminder from time to time of our purpose here in this dunia, which is something on the back of our hands but something not wholly apparent on the forefront of our minds all the time.

Surah Al-Qasas, Ayat 54
“Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.”

Insyaallah this will be a reminder to us all to continue persevering in the name of Allah swt, and may He allow us to constantly bring ourselves closer to Him.

[Day 27] 12th July 2019 - Diyanah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:16:48 UTC

Salam ladies! I pray that you are doing well and in good health. Amin.💞 Thank you so much for the wonderful sharings so far! Sorry I didn't respond to all the sharings but I've been reading them well. 😊

Anyway, I just started reading "Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship" by Al-Ghazali today. While I was reading this book, I was listening to one of my favourite nasyid song by Saujana titled "Sepohon Kayu" which matches the topic of the 1st chapter of the book i.e. prayers. So, I would like to share these verses on prayers:

• Surah Taha, ayat 14: Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.
• Surah An-Nisa', ayat 43: O you who have believed, do not approach prayer while you are intoxicated until you know what you are saying or in a state of janabah, except those passing through [a place of prayer], until you have washed [your whole body]. And if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and find no water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and your hands [with it]. Indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.
(Sahih International)

"Intoxicated" in surah An-Nisa' above is not just about being drunk by drinking alcohol but also being drunk on the temptations of worldly affairs.

It made me ponder... how many times was I unable to concentrate fully during my prayers instead of ideally giving undivided attention to my conversation with Allah?

I'm guilty of rushing my prayers. I'm guilty of forgetting which rakaat I'm at. I'm guilty of being easily distracted by random background sounds and visuals in my peripheral vision. I'm guilty of being sensitive to the weirdest things such as freaking out (internally) when I see a bug on my prayer mat. With these mistakes, I'm guilty of being insensitive during my conversation with Allah. I strive to stop from committing further mistakes.

In the 1st chapter of the book, Al-Ghazali talked about the internal prerequisites of prayer the actions of the heart and the merits of every part of the prayer. He reminded the need for humility and conscious awareness whenever we perform our prayers.

The Prophet said "the Prayer is nothing but submissiveness, humility, supplication, sighing and remorse (...)". (Al-Tirmizi & Al-Nasai)

May we perform our prayers with greater understanding of its purpose and significance. May we stop repeating our mistakes when performing our prayers. May Allah grant the ability for us to reach a deep level of closeness and khusyu' in our daily conversations with him. InsyaAllah. Amin. 💞

I will be sharing some pages from the chapter 1 of this book in a bit. Hope that benefits all of you too. 💓

[Day 28] 13th July 2019 - Faatimah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:17:42 UTC

And when your Lord made it known: If you are grateful, I would certainly give to you more, and if you are ungrateful, verily My punishment is indeed severe. 14:7

When this ayat was read, it straight away reminded me of a sharing by Shaykh Hamzah Yususf on The degrees of gratitude (in Spotify). So InsyaAllah will share it here too..😊 He mentioned that

Alhamdulillahi Rabbil aalamin, (All praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds) is better according to the people who understand, than Laailaaha illAllah, (there is no God but Allah). For 2 reasons, as it's more virtuous💚

1) According to imam An-nasai' who relates the Hadith from Rasulullahﷺ that whoever says Laa ilaaha illAh it will be written for him 20 good deeds, but whoever says Alhamdulillahi Rabbil aalamin 30 good deeds will be written for him.

2) Tawhid - the unity of God is already implied in Laa ilaaha illAllah and is also already implied in Rabbil aalamin (Lord of the worlds). So when you say Rabbil aalamin it means Laa ilaaha illAllah - He's the lord of all the worlds, there is only One. Hence, it's understood. So there's more to it when you say Alhamdulillah. You're not only getting tawhid but your praise for Allah swt.

Rasulullahﷺ said- the best thing that I said and the Prophets before me said is Laa ilaaha illAllah, because the highest things the prophets bring is the understanding of Allah swt, and Alhamdulillah Rabbil aalamin contains that in it. So the believer says this because he's desiring reward.
-------------------------------------------------
There are 3 degrees of Gratitude
1) The degree of common people - just being grateful for blessings.
2) The ones of the elect - they're grateful for blessings, tribulations, difficulties. They are grateful for everything, and they don't complain. (Alhamdulillah alaa kulli hal)
3) The degree of the elect of the elect - They don't even see the blessing, they only see the Blesser. Imam Ali r.a said "I never saw anything, but I saw Allah before it, in it, and after it". So for instance, they don't see the water but the grandeur of the water, the Bestower of the Blessing.

May Allah forgive us. Allahﷻ & Rasulullahﷺ knows best 💚

[Day 1] - 17 July 2019 - Fara

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:22:43 UTC

Super sorry this is a day late. Somehow I kept bumping into and reading this ayat from yesterday.

“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good – then He is over all things competent.” [Quran, 6: 17]

It means that all the matters are in Hands of Allah, and no one else could ever alter them. He grants adversity or bliss to whoever He wants to test. He makes things easy for all directly or with the intercession of someone else, like usage of medicines to cure illnesses, when actually man has made such sources of remedy only with the Help of the Almighty.

#sharingiscaring

[Day 2] - 18 July 2019 - Farhana

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:24:27 UTC

Surah Al-Maidah:48

"Strive, then, to excel each other in good deeds. To Allah is the return for all of you."

This ayat encourages us to strive for goodness together with those around you and i think that's one of the best kind of friendships to have - not in arrogance but simply striving to please Allah by doing good and bringing goodness to the world. But beyond that, I think it also shows that you should take every opportunity to do good and to not hesistate when doing good because we never know when we will return to Him. The ayat also beautifully reminds us that this life is temporary and brings us back to our real true purpose of being here in this world.

I'm really grateful to have this group of sisters sharing the love of the Quran. May we keep striving to do good together insyaAllah :) (and a special thank you to the sisters who started this, may Allah reward you abundantly)

[Day 3] - 19 July 2019 - Hanis

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:25:29 UTC

This week, i read something about cleaning our hearts and taking the journey inwards, within ourselves.

I was reminded to reflect on the state of my heart,and how that can translate into my daily actions. Then i thought, how often do we really look into our hearts and make sure it is clean?

Abu Huraira reported that Rasulullah SAW said, “If there was a river at your door and he took a bath in it five times a day, would you notice any dirt on him?” They said, “Not a trace of dirt would be left.” The Prophet said, “That is the parable of the five prayers by which Allah removes sins.”

From this hadith, i learnt that we clean our hearts through our prayers. This week has taught me too that although some may struggle with prayers (especially our young ones), reminding ourselves and them of prayers and its benefits definitely helps and motivates us to be better.

I pray we constantly clean our hearts and be better, salam Jumaah and may Allah accept our deeds.

[Day 4] - 20 July 2019 - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:26:19 UTC

Surah Az-Zumar, 39:22-23

Just as Allah sends down rain to bring life to the Earth, Allah sends His Hidayah to our hearts through Al-Qur'an Al-Kareem. The heart of a true believer is soft and open to receiving this light, like dry soil that grows plants when watered. A heart that has darkened and hardened is unable to receive this light, like water that falls onto rock. May Allah make us amongst the former and protect us from becoming part of the latter.

"The heart acquires rust through heedlessness and sins, and it is polished by the seeking of forgiveness and the remembrance of God." - Ibn Qayyim

As believers, it is natural to sin and get distracted. We must constantly strive to recentre ourselves and come back to Allah by making lots of Istighfar and connecting to the Qur'an. In the daily busyness of life it's not easy to prioritise making time for the Qur'an. However, if we want our hearts to remain soft and open to accepting Hidayah from Allah, we need to try our best to consistently "polish" our hearts.

Reminder for myself first before for others! May Allah grant us all Istiqamah in polishing our hearts with constant taubat and reflection of His Words. Ameen!

P.S. Shortly after I shared this, Ustaz went through Tafsir of al-Baqarah 2:74 (also talking about hard hearts). He then says that any ibadah, when coupled with the right niat and yakin (conviction), can be used as a cure to a hard heart. Especially:
1. Reciting Al-Qur'an
2. Qiyamullail (night prayer)
3. Istighfar
4. Zikir to Allah SWT
5. Selawat to Rasulullah SAW

[Day 6] - 22 July 2019 - Hidayah Bibi

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:27:56 UTC

Surah An Nahl: 18

"And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful".

There is a lot to thank Allah for. It is difficult to list down and thank Allah for all the blessings we know about. But there are plenty more blessings that slip by us, that are unnoticeable because we are so used to them. For example, the blessing of parents. If Allah takes away our parents, what will happen to us? And the blessing of good health. Sometimes, when Allah takes away good things do we only notice the blessings we have taken for granted.

It reminds me of a dear friend who told me, "Everything happens because Allah wills it to happen. Whatever Allah wills to happen is good. So whatever you receive, good or bad, is always goodness".

We, or rather I, tend to think about things as "there will be good that comes from the bad". But you know, sometimes the bad IS the good. Hahaha. If i can share, i have been struggling with my health for a while now. I have my good days days where i am healthy, and not so good days when i feel in pain. It's weird, but the days i struggle are the days i feel closest to Allah. Because I know that no one can understand my pain but Him. The days im in pain i remember Him, i make doa and zikir, and the days when im healthy i tend to forget Him. Ungrateful eh? Hahaha.

Instead of seeing things in a binary (good and bad) see things completely (all is goodness from Allah) and your worldview changes. Alhamdulillah. Allah is always giving, Allah is always loving. And when we forget, He is Merciful and Forgiving. And that itself is something to give praise too as well.

Say Alhamdulillah! 🥰

[Day 7] - 23 July 2019 - Rosyiidah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:28:49 UTC

Surah Al-Furqan: 30

And the Messenger has said, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned."

Personallly, I can't imagine the sadness of Rasulullah saw as he complained to Allah swt of how back then, when he would recite the Quran, the disbelievers would talk nonsense or speak about something else, so that they would not hear it.

In tafsir ibn kathir, that is considered a form of forsaking the Quran and rejecting it. This also applies to not pondering its meanings and trying to understand it, not acting upon it by following its commandments and heeding its prohibitions, turning away from it in favor of poetry or other words or songs or idle talk. These are all the same as forsaking it.

This makes me realise how while I am grateful for all that Allah swt has allowed and made easy for me in the path of improving my relationship with His Words from knowing nothing, the journey is still long and there is still much for me to learn and do, so as to truly be of those who are the people of the Quran. The verse also incites some strong feelings in me as I do not wish to ever bring sadness upon the heart of Rasulullah saw, the carrier of the Quran, the Chosen One who only wishes goodness for his ummah. Thus, I intend to see it as a motivation for me to be consistent with the recitation, listening to, reflection and learning of the Quran, even if I feel lazy, less motivated etc.

May Allah swt protect us, our families and the ummah of Rasulullah saw and make us among those who are always kept in the companionship of the Quran in this life and may it be our intercession on the Day of Judgement.

[Day 8] - 24 July 2019 - Khalishah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:31:19 UTC

“He created the heavens without pillars as you see them, and put mountains upon the Earth lest it might convulse with you, and He spread it with animals of all kinds; and We sent down water from the clouds, then caused to grow therein (vegetation) of every noble kind.” [31:10]

The world being self-sustaining. I wanted to talk about about it in my sharing today, in an effort to appreciate the resources we use everyday. It’s pretty amazing how living things like us depend so much on the natural resources around us that we somehow take them for granted.

It used to be just masses of lands and water bodies. But now it had more and more people living and consuming the resources. Yet the Earth could still sustain itself. MasyaAllah. Everything in this world has its function, how water is such a fundamental necessity for life, how the Earth’s axis gives us night and day and seasons, and even how you have a function in the community.

Human beings are definitely a great resource for many things. And the very fact that we are from the same species, the more we can understand each other’s needs better, from mental support to physical support to even love. It comes in full circle, when the human society thrives, it naturally transcends to better usage of the resources around us. It might not be obvious but I believe every little act from one person helps the world one way or the other.

In the spirit of human support, I just wanna thank you girls for your sharings thus far. For bringing me closer to Allah swt, May you girls be blessed with many many good returns InsyaAllah!

[Day 9] - 25 July 2019 - Liana

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:32:09 UTC

“Do people think they will be left alone after saying ‘We believe’ without being put to the test?” – Qur’an (29:2)

Being alone is always a trial for me. When I was young, I wanted to be accepted by everyone. I surround myself with friends so I will never be left alone. Recently, I have been trying to be ok with being alone. Being alone made me question my being. I realise that I am at times lazy to do ibadah or I took lightly on some habits and adab, when I am away from my family. Essentially, figuring out if I am who I am because of myself or only do what is expected of me by my family.

I wanted to be sure that at the end, no matter how my environment is (being overseas etc. ), I should continue to be myself. Tyring to a good muslimah and follow the teachings of Rasulullah SAW everyday. Still being my own individual self.

A good Islamic environment to live and work in is of course helpful in our path towards being a better muslimah. I feel only when I am alone, my true faith shows. At the end, we have to make religion an actual choice to serve and not just routine work, out of habit or training from our parents.

I hope that no matter what our own individual hardships are, we know that this are all good for us. We grow with tribulations. And at any time, if u feel lonely, know that you are never alone. Make doa and all will be ok, at the end. :) ❤

[Day 10] - 26 July 2019 - Munira

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:32:45 UTC

Say: O my servants! who have acted extravagantly against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah; surely Allah forgives the faults altogether; surely He is the Forgiving the Merciful.

- Az-Zumar 53

Assalamualaikum wrwb. This is another sharing inspired from something i came across on twitter hAh

‘Do not despair of the mercy of Allah’

Allah knows very well of the sins that we’ve committed; big, small, intentionally and non-intentionally. Yet, He still tells us to never despair in His mercy. Therefore, we should never think of our sins to be greater than Allah’s mercy.

Would it be arrogant or even of misguidance if we see our sins to be too big for Allah’s mercy?

May He grant us ease and guidance in all of our affairs and may we always continue to seek forgiveness from Him

[Day 11] - 27 July 2019 - Nabihah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:33:17 UTC

"When you heard of this (accusation) why did not the believing men and believing women have a better opinion in respect of their own people and say, `This (charge) is an obvious lie?'" An-Nur 24:12

We, as normal human beings, might think that we will not be held responsible for our evil thoughts until we act on it. But the above verse tells us to care deeply about the dignity of others. Benefits of doubt is a sign of iman. The thought against someone else should not have happened. When we heard rumours about someone, we should 1) control our thoughts, think better and give the benefit of doubts and, 2) immediately say that it is a lie.

May Allah ﷻ safeguard our hearts ❤ Lets work on protecting our thoughts from commiting sins that we cant afford to pay on judgement day.

[Day 12] - 28 July 2019 -Nabilah I.

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:34:37 UTC

At-Taghabun 64:17
إِن تُقۡرِضُواْ ٱللَّهَ قَرۡضًا حَسَنًا يُضَٰعِفۡهُ لَكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ شَكُورٌ حَلِيمٌ

English - Sahih International
If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Most Appreciative and Forbearing.

English - Tafsir ibn kathir
إِن تُقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعِفْهُ لَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ
If you lend to Allah a handsome loan, He will double it for you, and will forgive you.
Meaning, whatever you spend, then Allah will replace it, and on Him will be the reward of whatever you give away in charity.

This ayat made me stop to think how kind, merciful and compassionate Allah is. Allah has given and granted us so much. (For certainly, everything is gifted from Allah.) The countless blessings, our parents, our rezki, our education... Everything, you name it. It’s an endless list for Allah is Al-Wahhab, the All-giver and Ar-Razzaq, the Ever Providing, the All-provider.
In this ayat, Allah encourages us to give charity, to give a just a small fraction of what He has given us, and to share the rezki with others. Not only will Allah reward us for it, He will give it back to us plus much more. As if that is not enough, he will also forgive us through that simple act of charity. Masha Allah. What more can we ask? For truly, whatever we give for charity is little, too little, compared to what Allah has provided for us.

What struck me even more is the use of the word “loan”. “Loan” here tells us that the charity that we give, is indeed not actually gone, for Allah will definitely return the favour back to us, after doubling it. Subhanallah! I don’t think I am deserving of this reward. Islam itself is the greatest gift that we can all ask for. I really cannot imagine my life without the Nur of Islam.

Furthermore, if we really think about it, Allah does not need our charity. In fact, Allah can take whatever He wants from us, and He has the power to do it whenever, wherever and however he wishes to. Rather, this simple act is to help ourselves! There are soooo many benefits of giving charity.

Sheikh Kulaini in his book Al Kaafi relates the following tradition from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.): “Cure your sick by giving Sadaqah or charity, and remove troubles and mishaps by giving charity, and increase sustenance with charity. Charity banishes seventy shaitans from what is within one’s beard, and charity goes unto the hand of Allah before it goes unto the hand of the needy”.
And like Prophet s.a.w. said, “We should give charity as it increases our property, and it makes the mercy of Allah befall on us”.

May Allah make us people who love and strive to give charity consistently and through charity, we attain His forgiveness and be rewarded abundantly in return for the little that we give. I sincerely hope we all continue to strive to be people of the Quran and will constantly be under His guidance and protection.

[Day 13] - 28th July 2019 - Nabilah K.

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:41:45 UTC

"But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." (Al Baqarah: 216)

"There is a story which Sayyidina Jalaluddin Rumi tells of an ant that’s creeping across the carpet in a mosque, and the ant complains to God saying: “What is this, these bumps, and strange colours, and patterns, this must have been created just as a meaningless obstacle course, what a futile thing to have made.” But of course the carpet maker, looking at it from above can see the patterns and the purpose of it, and can see that the whole thing is perfect and is good.

And Allah is often like that. We often can’t make sense of the misfortunes because we are too dimensional, we are at ground level, we can’t see what it all means, but the khalifa of Allah subhanahu wa’tala knows even if he can’t always see that this is a manifestation of Allah’s will which is always good and always perfect and always beautiful. — Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad"

[Day 15] - 30 July 2019 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 06:42:57 UTC

Patience. Sufficient patience. In times of tribulations, hardships, its always hard to have this. To have ultimate faith in Allah that things will work out in the best way possible for you, although you cant see it now. I remember @Hidayah Bibi sharing on 12 July about how we need to see things not as binary (good and bad) but as all things are good for us, because they come from Allah. So I would like to ride on that.

I was tested with many things in this month of July and I accord that patience was one of the things I grappled with. I would sometimes have anxiety for no reason or when thinking of the impending issues that may happen if certain things were not resolved. A good friend of mine reminded me that when I feel uneasy, I should istighfar and ask for forgiveness. Indeed, this is what Nabi Musa AS did when he had accidentally killed a man (which is one of the biggest sins)

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى فَٱغْفِرْ لِى فَغَفَرَ لَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Al-qasas: 16

He prayed: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! Do Thou then forgive me!" So (Allah) forgave him: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful

Days after, he was advised to leave the village as the villagers were planning to hurt him too. He walked hours and hours, miles and miles, from Egypt to Midian and he was truly exhausted. It was then that he rested under a tree, exasperated, but still didnt lose faith in Allah. He said

رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ

Al- Qasas: 24
"O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost send me!"

Then the story of how he met his father-in-law and how his life changed begins.

The above two verses enlightened me that no matter how much you have sinned, you should continue to ask for forgiveness and Allah is the Most-Forgiving. It also reminds me that after istighfar, we should continue to seek guidance and assistance from Him with patience and He will pleasantly surprise us in many ways. Reminder especially to myself, that things don't always happen because it's your fault, but they happen because Allah ordained it and that it would help you grow to be a better version of yourself. For He will surely test His believers (29:2), as shared by @Liana on 25th july.

Apologies for the long post, and incoherent words, but may the verses benefit you as how it impacted me.

All good comes from Allah and the mistakes from me.

Have a blessed day ahead!

[Day 16] - 31 July 2019 - Ramizah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:41:00 UTC

"Did you, then, think that We created you in mere idle play, and that you would not have to return to Us?." - (Quran 23:115)

Have been reflecting and reading about time and this verse is a good reminder for myself about how "in the end, it doesn't even matter" (Linkin Park song reference). It being the events/setbacks/conversations etc that we spend so much time worrying/talking etc about. What matters is how we react to them, how those things make us better servants in different ways.

May our time be always blessed with Allah's Redha. 💚

[Day 17] - 01 August 2019 - Khadijah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:42:18 UTC

"And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allah. But if you disbelieve - then to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allah Free of need and Praiseworthy."
An-Nisaa: 131

In one of the classes that I attended recently, as ustazah went through the key messages in Surah An-Nisaa, she brought up about the importance of taqwa (god-consciousness; to fear Allah s.w.t) and how do we go about attaining it. She mentioned about istiqomah and asked us if we have been istiqomah in our ibadah or has our ibadah decreased since Ramadhan. Her words came as a reminder for me and may it be a reminder for all of us to stay steadfast in our deeds. And since we are entering the month of Dzulhijjah, we may want to increase our deeds as taught by Rasulullah s.a.w. :)

[Day 18] - 02 August 2019 - Sarah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:43:31 UTC

“I am Forgiving to those who repent and believe and do good, and afterward follow right guidance” (20: 82)

Maybe we’ve gone slightly astray or we think we’ve sinned too much sometimes but we also forget that Allah is the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful. I saw this post recently and it really resonates with how I felt. Been feeling slightly distant and disconnected lately but this helped me realise that I should make a more active effort in asking for forgiveness and strengthening my Iman. I think this whole concept of daily “Allah’s letters to me” really makes us set aside some time to reflect so thank you to those who started this. May Allah reward all of you and have a blessed week ahead! ❤☺

*screenshot:
Q: I feel so distant from God. I continue to sin, again and again. Don't you think God is tired of my promises?

[Day 19] - 03 August 2019 - Nasuha

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:45:36 UTC

Whoever is within the heavens and earth asks Him; every day He is bringing about a matter. (55:29)

There is an interesting question with regards to this verse which touches upon the Qadr/Divine will of Allah. Since the divine will is already set, what else is there to do? Can it actually be changed?

There is 5 levels to the Divine will;
- Knowledge that only God knows
-Those that are written in Lauh Mahfuzh (The first thing Allah created was the pen, to write the decree of everything)
-Lifelong decree(Occurs on the 40th day of a child in the mother's womb)
- Yearly reinforcing of the decree (During Lailatul Qadr)

Daily Decree (Happens every single day)

From one of the classes I came across, yes a decree of a person can actually change but only in the minute details. The major decree remains unchanged. So your actions and doa does actually impact in your fate. Which is to say strive to do your best everyday despite the bleak circumstances. Something unfortunate may be in your fate for that very day but it can be changed if you continue. So push through especially for things that really matter in life even if it seems that the circumstances are against you. With god's will, your fate can change :)

p.s I just thought the concept of levels to divine will really cool :3

[Day 20] - 04 August 2019 - Syahirah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:46:56 UTC

"I swear by the early hours of the day. And the night when it covers with darkness. Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He become displeased." [Surah Ad-Dhuhaa: 1-2]

As human beings, our imaan fluctuates. On some days, we taste the sweetness of imaan, i.e "light" referred to in verse 1. But in the days, our imaan dips, and we feel that we have strayed away from Him, and this makes us feel disappointed in ourselves, like the "darkness" referred to in verse 2.

But in Verse 3, comes Allah's affirmation that He does not dismiss, disregard or dispose us despite our weak selves who remain inconsistent.

Tafsir Ustaz Nouman Ali Khan

Reflection: It's not easy to remain steadfast with our ibadah, referring especially to the sunnah ones, because it ultimately depends on our spiritual state, which fluctuates. But we should try and try and try again to be consistent, for the smallest deeds that are done consistently will be loved by Him.

[Day 21] - 05 August 2019 - Wahidah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:47:55 UTC

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion. (Surah Ali imran:185)

Reflections: The recent death of my grandfather-in-law has timely reminded me that every living things shall face death; not a sec late or early. It serves me as a good reminder of what deeds i've done thus far that shall bring over for the afterlife. Honestly, sometimes we thought we got life ahead of us as though we knew we will have our endings at later age. Yet, we forgot how many of whom have left us didnt get to meet the next day. Indeed, death is the best teacher. May we all be granted a husnul khotimah. I seek for ur kindness to recite fatehah to almarhum Haji Mohammed Bin Mustakin. Wallahua'lam

[Day 23] - 07 August 2019 - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:48:39 UTC

Surah Al-Maidah ayat 55-56

55. Verily, your Wali (Protector or Helper) is Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, - those who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, and they bow down (submit themselves with obedience to Allah in prayer). 56. And whosoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of Allah will be the victorious.

Reflections: I was reading this ayat on Tuesday night and found myself stumbling a lot while reciting. Read from Khurram Murad's book, A Way to the Quran as well as from Dr Saadia Mian's book, the Crowning Venture that sometimes when you struggle to read or memorise something from the Quran, it may be because there is a message in that ayat for you. I went through something recently and well the challenge for me was to let go and not try to control the outcome with my own actions. So reading this ayat really served as a reminder for me that as long as I have Allah and my iman (alhamdulillah), I will be fine inshaAllah. He is there for me, my wali, my protector, my helper and that inshaAllah as long as I hold on firmly to Allah and Rasulullah but also do my part of giving zakat, praying and humbling myself before Him, inshaAllah I will be fine.

May we always find comfort in Allah, our wali, our protector ✨❤

[Day 24] - 08 August 2019 - Afiqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:49:30 UTC

Surah Hud:88

He (Nabi Shuayb) said, "O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him...? And I do not intend to differ from you in that which I have forbidden you; I only intend reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allah. Upon him I have relied, and to Him I return.

Reflections:
Sometimes we tend to forget how blessed we are and this ayat always reminds me to be thankful to Him for all the blessings He has given us. Our achievements to where we are know are only through by Him and this trains our hearts to be constantly in a humble state in front of Him. Lately, I’ve been worrying about my work and my rizq but knowing Allah’s Mercy and He is the Provider, my worries lessen. Relying on Him gives you ease and faith that Indeed He has given us good provision and He is of the Best of Planners. With good intentions, In sya Allah He will ease our affairs. May He constantly bless us with good rizq and increase our sustenance for us to continue doing good for the Ummah for the sake of Him and His Beloved ﷺ. Amin. 💕

[Day 25] - 09 August 2019 - Haziqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:50:20 UTC

(Surah Ikhlas: 1-4)
“Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born. Nor is there to Him any equivalent."

Surah Al-Ikhlas is one of my favourite surahs because it is very short. But also, it is the fundamental of tauhid. The importance of this surah is reflected in a hadith by Rasulullah saw: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’aan.”

This surah reminds me that everything goes back to our iman. We have to protect it and sometimes its low, sometimes its high. That’s normal i think (at least for me). But its important that we strive and this surah highlights the attributes of Allah swt. Its short but powerful, if read with full conviction and belief. From the attributes, we get to know Allah better and from there we can increase our iman which makes us better servants of Allah swt. (Definitely still working on this)

May Allah grant us strength to continuously renew and build our iman every day insyaAllah. 💕

[Day 26] - 10 August 2019 - Atiqah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:50:54 UTC

(Surah An-Naml Ayat 19)
My Lord, grant me that I should be grateful for Your favor that You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I do the good deeds that You are pleased with. And admit me through Your mercy among Your pious servants.

Reflection:
Came across this ayat while reading the Accepted Whispers by Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi.

Good deeds in themselves are not sufficient because we need good deeds that are accepted by Allah swt. And even in asking for our good deeds to be accepted, we need Allah's help. It is possible that our good deeds carry no weight because of some inherent flaws. So we must always check on our intention and pray that Allah swt accept our deeds. 💕

[Day 28] - 12 August 2019 - Dina

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:51:34 UTC

Surah At-Tawba Ayat 51)
Say: “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our protector.” and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.

Reflection:
Came across this ayat when it popped up as an app’s verse of the day.

I felt that this is important to remember as we are all starting new things/events. Personally for me, I start my first day of lessons tomorrow and am experiencing quite a bit of nerves. Reading this ayat helped me establish a little faith in everything Allah has planned for us - every step that we have taken has led us to where we are now. Why should we not trust that He will only lead us to what is right? Insyaallah all of us will continue to place our faith in Him, and will persevere throughout our days.

[Day 29] - 13 August 2019 - Diyanah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:52:25 UTC

Salam ladies. I hope you are doing well. If u dont feel too good abt today, it is okay. At times, me too. May Allah ease our affairs. N Alhamdulillah we are still able to end the day tonight with doas. Hopefully tmr will be a better day. InsyaAllah. Amin.

Anw today, my sharing is doas on forgiveness.

I read some doas today as I was having a hard time handling the usual emotional and psychological warfare that I have in me whenever I am working on cases where I have to interpret for the accused persons in during trials. I have difficulties as I felt that I am assisting them in conveying lies especially so when their lies are obvious and worst still if their lies are too convincing. It felt like it is wrong for me to assist them but I always remind myself that my job is just to interpret. The content is by them and not me. So, as long as Im delivering my duty right, it is fine. InsyaAllah.

So I was reading a doa titled
"Forgive and save me from the culprits" from my dua app.
قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَغَفَرَ لَهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
رَبِّ بِمَا أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ فَلَنْ أَكُونَ ظَهِيرًا لِّلْمُجْرِمِينَ
رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
He (Musa) said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
"My Lord, for the favor You bestowed upon me, I will never be an assistant to the criminals.
My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people."

And then I read the tafsir here.
http://www.recitequran.com/en/tafsir/en.ibn-kathir/28:21

I felt that my struggle can be looked from a wider angle i.e. a struggle in asking for forgiveness from Allah for all the actions that I did.

I then found a wonderful website w doas to seek forgiveness from Allah and I think below is my fav doa.
اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَمَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلا أَنْتَ
Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Anta Khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana 'ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, A'udhu bika min Sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u Laka bini'matika 'alaiya, wa Abu Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta
(O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.)

Shaddad ibn Aws (radiAllahu anhu) relates that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that he (Sayyid al-Istighfar) most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is to say (the above du'a). That "If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise; and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise."
[sahih al-Bukhari; 8,75,318, at-Tirmidhi; 3393, an-Nasa'i; 5522, Ahmad; 16662]

You can check out the site:
https://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/forgiveness.html

May Allah forgives all our mistakes and bless us with the ability not to repeat these mistakes again in the future. Amin.

(Sorry if my sharing is a lil disorganised today.)

[Day 30] - 14 August 2019 - Faatimah

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:54:20 UTC

An-Nahl,128:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوا وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ
Surely Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty to Him) and those who are Muhsinun (do good to others).💚

sharing a Hadith that was tagged to this ayat..
Narrated Abu Hurairah (radhiyAllahu anhu): Allah's Messenger ﷺ said, "The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from Hellfire)." They said, "Even you (will not be saved by your deeds, O Allah's Messenger?" He said, "No, even I (will not be saved) unless and until Allah bestows His Mercy on me and protects me with His Grace. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your target (Paradise)." -Sahih Bukhari💙
---------------------------------------------------------
Al-Mu'minun, 118
(وَ قُل رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ)
And say: O my Lord! Forgive and have mercy, Thou art the best of the Merciful ones❤

Also.. Narrated Sayyiditina Aishah(رضي الله عنها): The Prophetﷺ said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and receive good news because one's good deeds will not make him enter paradise." They asked, "Even you, O Allah's Messenger?" He said, "Even I, unless and untill Allah protects or covers me with His Pardon and His Mercy." Sahih Al-Bukhari

[Day 31] - 16 August 2019 - Fairuz

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:55:42 UTC

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216
Fighting is enjoined on you, and it is an object of dislike to you; and it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is evil for you, and Allah knows, while you do not know.

For the past few weeks the theme of trust and patience has been floating around me, where I keep seeing reminders telling me to trust Allah and to be patient. To trust that my prayers are heard by our Creator, the All-Hearing and All-Knowing, and that He will answer them in the way and at a time that He chooses. To be patient, that what I have been hoping and praying for will come when the time is right.

Coincidentally, for this round of khatam quran I have been assigned to complete Juz 16, and at the beginning of this juz was the story of Prophet Musa a.s. and Prophet Khidir a.s. (Surah Al Kahf, verse 75-82) As a summary, the actions of Prophet Khidir a.s. did not make sense to Prophet Musa a.s. at first, but it was revealed later as to why he did what he did. Similarly, our limited knowledge means that there are certain events in our lives which does not make sense, or does not seem to be heading the right way, but perhaps it is going exactly the way Allah wills it to be, which is always the best for us.

I still have a lot more to learn, in terms of trust and patience, and this is also a reminder (for myself first and foremost) that sometimes Allah withholds something in order to give. We have to trust in His divine plans, to always improve our relationship with Him, and what is meant for us will come our way no matter how long it takes. In the meantime, du’a, du’a and never stop making du’a.

I hope my reflections is not too rambly hehh, and really sorry for posting it this late.
Also, may I seek your help in praying for my late aunt who just passed away this morning? Her name is Siti Aminah binte Sheikh Mohamad, and may Allah forgive her sins, accept all her deeds and place her among the pious. Ameen.

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Syair on Taqwa by Imam Syafi'ii

arina_adom — 2019-08-25 08:56:42 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:45:45 UTC

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arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:49:39 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:49:51 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:50:07 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:50:21 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:50:44 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:50:59 UTC

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:51:15 UTC

Didn't manage to download all of them so some are missing!

arina_adom — 2019-08-31 09:51:30 UTC

Sorry :(

[Round 3 - 1 Sept 2019] - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-09-01 06:03:20 UTC

I wanted to share about a personal recent incident that had happened to me a few days ago. It may not be relatable to all but I hope it may bring about some benefits to some. (sorry if TLDR!)

I am a social worker and in a recent home visit, my client burst out her anger at me. She shouted, she was sceptical to all that I had to say, cynical to my suggestions and she also used sarcasm in all her replies to me. And I had to sit through this for about an hour. I was battling with managing my emotions at being wrongfully accused, crying inside. But I knew I couldn't show this to her. I had to continue the conversation because I knew if I left, the alr shaky relationship would become worse.

The session took a toll on my mental and emotional health and I couldn't function for hours after that. It still pains me as I am writing this. It was so hard and I was at my lowest. Being patient and persevering wasn't anywhere in my thoughts.

Days after, I came across this ayat and it touched my heart very much so.

Al baqarah: 45

وَٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلْخَٰشِعِينَ
Seek Allah's help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱسْتَعِينُوا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere (2:153)

Allah knows that what you went through was hard. Allah knows that it's not going to be easy to be patient. But are you not going to hold on to Allah's promise that He would be there for those who patiently persevere? And you know that Allah never khianati His promises?

I pray that Allah grants us all steadfastness in our Deen and faith. And may us all be part of those who patiently persevere through our trials and tribulations insyaAllah.

And I also came across this saying by Ustaz Saiful Rahman that

"Muslims must not succumb to sadness - they are to trust in Allah and appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that Allah will always help them"

❤❤💚💚

(Photo is from a reply)

[2 Sept 2019] - Khadijah

arina_adom — 2019-09-02 13:23:20 UTC

As of late, I came to know of several hardships that my friends have been facing, each of varying degrees. It pains me to hear of such incidents and the only way that I can help them is through doa. I came across this ayat, which mentions about the closeness of Allah to us. He is near us, and we can make doa to Him at any point of time. He is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. He loves when we make doa to Him. We should doa consistently and not give up when we start feeling tired. It is probably not the right time for our doas to be granted. And always remember that Allah does not burden us with more than what we can handle. May all of us be granted with patience and perseverance to endure His hardships. Amiin.

[3 Sept 2019] - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-09-03 00:48:06 UTC

Yesterday during Ngaji Class, as I was reciting this verse, my Ustazah interrupted me to tell me to pause. She reminded me once again that reciting the Qur'an is a conversation with Allah. And as someone in a dialogue, the proper adab is to respond to Allah immediately whenever He addresses you. e.g. When He says "seek forgiveness", say "Astaghfirullah!". When He asks "Do you not ponder/reflect?", pause to reply "Balaa ya Allah, yes I do!" (and then do it later on).

Anyway, in this case it was Surah Al-Araf, Verse 180:
وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُوا الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِي أَسْمَائِهِ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
"And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names; they shall be recompensed for what they did."

So the proper response was to pause and make du'a, calling Allah by His beautiful names. In this Ayat, Allah is teaching us how He wants us to make du'a and call Him. So instead of sticking to "Ya Allah..." all the time, take advantage of Allah's characteristics when calling upon him. e.g. "Ya Rahmaan, shower your Mercy upon me!", "Ya Ghaffar, Forgive me!", "Ya Lateef, be gentle and kind to me!".

Some of you may know that I had some pretty though times a few months back. Alhamdullilah, Allah guided me to heal and rebuild myself by calling me back to Him. You know the phrase "Tak kenal maka tak cinta"? My friend once told me, "Tak kenal maka Ta'aruf!" (Ta'aruf is the act of getting to know someone). I realised that I didn't know how to Love Allah enough because I didn't know Him enough. And so I started my Ta'aruf journey! I launched my personal Asma'ul Husna project exactly 99 days before 1st Syawal. Every morning after Subuh, I would read up on one of His names and make a picture poster with a related Hadith and share it on my WhatsApp status and on my Pinterest board. I realised that the more I learnt about Allah, the more I fell in love with Him each and every day. SubhanAllah! I felt like I've been missing out all this while huhu..

Also, because of the ayat above, I started making du'a with Allah's names and reflecting more on the things that happen in my life according to Allah's characteristics. Allah is Al-Fattah, only He can show us a solution to our problems. Allah is Al-Muqaddim and Al-Muakhkhir, He accelerates and delays things, as He wishes according to His Divine Wisdom. Allah is As-Samii', He hears all things and He is Al-Mujeeb, He answers all of our prayers. My personal favourite? Allah is Al-Waliyy, the Protective Friend; He is always here with me through hardships and joys, distancing me from harm and being a source of comfort, support and guidance in whatever situation I'm in.

Yesterday's ngaji class was super timely considering that God-incidentally, I had just decided to restart my Asma'ul husna project (kinda urgently need some revision). In fact, I had only just sent my first post (Ar-Rahmaan) right before class! That was Al-Khabeer giving little hints and reminders as He always does :') Anyway, if anyone's keen to Ta'aruf with me, I'll be sharing a name a day on my WhatsApp status and adding an ayat daily here: http://pin.it/mn7ilzxbufdggm

May an-Naafi' bless us with the goodness of knowing, loving and being close to Him in this world and the next! Ameen

[4 Sept 2019] - Nasuha

arina_adom — 2019-09-04 13:14:15 UTC

Daily Qur'an Sharing

رحم-One of the names of Allah as well as a name of a surah. It is usually translated as 'merciful' which have this idea of forgiveness.

Dictionary definition of mercy - compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm

Does it mean that to show mercy, we have to have more power that the other party?

However, the Prophet Muhammad is consistently known to show mercy be it when he is with or without power. So how does this link back to the meaning of رحم?

There is also another definition which is the beneficient-doing or resulting in good. I'm sure many understands how the notion of forgiveness ties in with doing good. HOwever, there is another perspective on this; anger.

Anger is usually associated with the bad. However, everything that exist have a purpose. Anger can be associated with Ar rahman through the idea that when we give mercy, we want to give benefit. Forgiveness usually have this benefit to others in terms of hope (we can be forgiven if we repent). Anger does also benefit by preventing harm and teaches us lessons. So, sometimes (when angry for the right reasons) anger is important.

I experience this when I did a stint of relief teaching for pri school. Most of the time, we prefer to be nice to students and try not to scold or even be angry at them. But in a classroom full of energy, sometimes being stern is the only way to ensure that class runs smoothly and to minimize disruption to otherclasses. I always feel bad whenever I need to show my 'garang' face or deny them of seemingly mundane requests. But from previous experience, sometimes not restraining them can lead to bigger issues.

A general experience would entail for example, reprimanding someone about a wrong. Many may not feel comfortable doing so but it is important to do so to prevent future harms or letting them learn something. And it is considered to be merciful to do so despite reluctance or feeling like the 'bad guy' in the situation.

So in general, dont be afraid or feel bad if you need to reprimand or be 'angry' at someone for the right reasons. That is part of being merciful, not to those below you but above you as well :)

[6 Sept 2019] - Faatimah

arina_adom — 2019-09-07 09:48:57 UTC

❤️
As Juz 6 talks about Sayyidina Isa alaihissalaam in many occasions, which reminded me about the following which I came across before. So insya'Allah will just share them here 😊..

Narrated Abu Hurairah r.a.: I heard Allah's Messengerﷺ saying "I am the nearest of all the people to the son of Maryam, and all the Prophets are paternal brothers, and there has been no Prophet between me and him (Sayyidina Isa a.s.)." Sahih Al-bukhari💚
________________________________________________________
A splendid enunciation of piety comes from sayyidina Isa (عليه السلام), in his answer to a person who once asked him:
"Tell me, the teacher of goodness and virtue, how one becomes pious in the sight of the Lord."

"It is easy", responded sayyidina Isa (عليه السلام). "You first become attached to the Lord with a deep love, then perform good deeds to the best of your ability and feel mercy for the entire Children of sayyidina Adam (عليه السلام) just as you feel mercy for yourself."
He then added:
"...and do not do to others what you would not wish upon yourself. Only then will you become pious in the sight of Lord."
-Ibn Kathir. (The Exemplar Beyond Compare Muhammad Mustafaﷺ by Osman Nuri Topbas)_

May we treat others the way we would want to be treated. Be happy for people when they're happy. Reply with an even better way, with kindness. And talk to the people we love and care for before it's too late💕 Have a wonderful & blessed weekends all :)

[7 Sept 2019] - Afiah

arina_adom — 2019-09-07 12:21:44 UTC

Juz 7 consists of Surah Al-Ma’idah and Surah Al-An’am which emphasize on the laws in Islam (the do’s and dont’s) and Tauhid respectively.

It was narrated by At-Tabarani that Ibn Abbas said _“The Surah of Al-An’am was revealed in Mecca all at once on one night, surrounded by seventy thousand angels, supplicating and glorifying Allah Almighty”_

One ayat from Al-An’am that is embedded in my mind and heart is Ayat 7 - _“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good, then He is over all things competent”_

This ayat serves as a reminder that only Allah has the power to bring benefits and harm to our lives. Every good blessed upon us and every bad poured onto us are all from Him, and thus we should always turn to Him when something good or bad happens. Thank Him when you’re blessed with goodness and seek help from Him when you face difficulties, because only He can give and take away anything in our lives. This ayat also reminds us that everything that happens in our lives are His Plans for us.

May He guides you through any problems or difficulties you’re facing and bless you with patience to overcome them Insyaallah 🥰

[8 Sept 2019] - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-09-09 12:44:59 UTC

Salam girls, apologies for this late update. Was a bit hectic for me yesterday :/

My reflection is more from a talk I attended by the Mufti, Dr Fatris on Saturday. He shared about Surah Al- Mu'minun ayat 1 & 6 which is the 6 criteria of a succesful muslim.

He shared that it was interesting that the first and the last criteria of the 6 is to do with solat which shows how important solat is in our lives, and that a person who takes his prayers seriously will the one who is successful in this life and the next.

The most important thing however is not about just the action of prayer but about Khusyuk in prayer. A lot of people think khusyuk in prayer is just understanding the meaning of the words you recite, but khusyuk is more about being tawaddu', having a heart that is not arrogant with Allah, that you remind yourself that you are just a servant of Allah and you need Him in all of your affairs. This is how prayer will have an effect on your heart and soul. This is how you will be a successful Mu'min.

May Allah grant us khusyuk and tawaddu' in our prayer and in all of our ibadah. May He accept all of our actions and intentions. May He make us successful mu'mins :")

[9 Sept 2019] - Marsya

arina_adom — 2019-09-09 13:21:32 UTC

Assalammualaikum everyone.

This ayat made me think alot about how much or how little have we given Allah s.w.t when He has given us enough in this life.

Al-A'raf 7:96

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ

And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning."

Blessings come with Faith while Kufr brings Torment.

There is a few point of views when you read this ayat. How I view it is, everything that Allah s.w.t has given us, do we thank him enough? All the good things that Allah bestowed on us can just be taken away in a blink of an eye. We should always be thankful and grateful of Him.

An article I saw this weekend was this,
How can a person thank his Lord for His great blessings? His gratitude should fulfill all the necessary conditions, which are gratitude of the heart, gratitude of the tongue and gratitude of the physical faculties.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Gratitude may be in the heart, in submission and humility; on the tongue, in praise and acknowledgement; and in the physical faculties, by means of obedience and submission.

“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah”[16:53].

This acknowledgement is not mustahabb (recommended), rather it is obligatory. Whoever attributes these blessings to anyone other than Allah has disbelieved.

Hope this sharing is beneficial to all. Let us constantly remember to thank Allah s.w.t as part of our daily routine.

[16 Sep 2019] - Ayuni

arina_adom — 2019-09-16 22:55:43 UTC

Assalamu'alaikum everyone! Apologies for the late text! I was entrusted with juz 14 and it was a really insightful read mashaaAllah. I would like share a verse which I reflected upon. Firstly, it serves as a reminder for me and I hope it will benefit you too inshaaAllah!

My sharing will be based on surah An-Nahl, verse 30:
وَقِيلَ لِلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا مَاذَا أَنزَلَ رَبُّكُمْ قَالُوا خَيْرًا لِّلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا فِي هَٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ وَلَدَارُ الْآخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ وَلَنِعْمَ دَارُ الْمُتَّقِينَ

And (when) it is said to those who are the Muttaqun "What is it that your Lord has sent down?" They say: "That which is good." For those who do good in this world, there is good, and the home of the Hereafter will be better. And excellent indeed will be the home (i.e. Paradise) of the Muttaqun.

Upon reading this, it made me ponder on how this Dunya is only temporary for us. It's a testing ground for us to find our way back home - Jannah. We often wonder why Allah sent us sooo many trials and challenges and forgot that this Dunya is only temporary. I've always used this as my personal motivator. If I'm faced with any ordeals, I will remind myself that Allah already promised us a spot in Jannah. This will immediately spike my imaan up and I will feel motivated to get things done. And the mooost beautiful thing is, if you do things with the niyyah to please Him, He will reward you for it. He will reward you for painstakingly waking up early in the wee morning for work (or school). He will reward you for painstakingly preparing dinner for your parents (or husband or kids). Cutest is, He will even reward you for smiling at others! SubhanAllah, how gracious our Allah is 😭
And with a 'bank' fullllll of rewards, Allah, in the verse, promised us an excellent home. An Eternal Abode where no eyes has seen, no ears has heard no hearts has perceived and no thoughts can fathom. Amazing isn't it? I often stare up the sky, and wonder "if Allah made the moon this beautiful, how will His Jannah and His Beloved Rasullulah ﷺ, who has a face which gleams more beautifully than the moon, look like?". Try staring at the moon and ask yourself this question! It will reaaally boost your imaan and you will want to strive harder to be a better muslimah. It helps me alll the time, and I hope it will help you too 🤭

So when you're faced with a setback, remind yourself that it is temporary and it will allll end. If not now, soon. May He ease our journey in attaining Mardhatillah, may He bless us with has rahmah and may He unite us with our loved ones and His Beloved Rasullulah ﷺ in His beaaaautiful Jannah. Aamiin! ✨🥰

[19 Sep 2019] - Farhana

arina_adom — 2019-09-19 11:22:47 UTC

Surah Al-Anfal: 2
"Certainly, the believers are those whose hearts are filled with awe when (the name of) Allah is mentioned; and when His verses are recited to them, it makes them more developed in faith; and in their Lord they place their trust."

Reading this verse really made me stop and reflect because recently i've been so busy and caught up with school and my other commitments that i've been doing my ibadah more as a routine than actually being present and consciously doing it for Allah swt :") The verse highlights the kind of special connection we should have with Allah that our hearts are filled with so much love for Him. And i guess what's really important is that we should always make time for Allah swt because we need Him so much more than we realise.

The second part of the verse reminds me to always try to understand the meanings behind the verses because ultimately, it should make me more certain and increase my faith. The reason why i'm so grateful for this group is because it really gets me to stop and make time to reflect on the verses no matter how busy i am and it really is beautiful once you realise that these words are from Allah swt and they are sent as a guidance for you in life to go through whatever it is that you are facing.

May we be among the believers whose hearts are filled with awe when the name of Allah is mentioned insyaAllah ❤

[21 Sep 2019] - Fara

arina_adom — 2019-09-21 13:55:54 UTC

"One day, Death encountered a man and told him:
- Today's your last day.
The man replied:
- But I am not ready!
Death said:
- Your name is at the top of my to-do list for today.
The man said:
- Alright then… before you take me along, let's sit together and have one last cup of coffee.
Death said:
- Of course.
The man offered a cup of coffee to Death; the coffee was laced with some sleeping pills...
Death drank the coffee and soon it was fast asleep...
The man took Death's to-do list, wiped his name from the top and placed it at the bottom of the page.
When Death woke up, it said:
- You've treated me so kindly and with full of love today. I would like to reciprocate you by starting my today's work from the names at the bottom of my list."

Sometimes some things are written in your fate. No matter how hard you may try to change them, they never change...

The crow and the parrot were both created ugly. The parrot protested and was made beautiful. However, the crow remained content with the will of its Creator. Today the parrot is in a cage and the crow flies free...

Behind each incident is so exquisite a wisdom that maybe you will never understand it.

Therefore ...

Never ask "Why?" to the Creator.

Nine things will give you benefits everyday:

1/ تريد السعاده = صل الصلاة في وقتها.
1. If you seek happiness: Offer salat on time.

2/ تريد نور الوجه = بقيام الليل.
2. If you want light on your face:
Rise up for tahajjud in the night.

3/ تريد الطمئنينة = عليك بترتيل القرآن.
3. If you want tranquility and peace: Recite the Qur'an slowly and carefully.

4/ تريد الصحه = عليك بالصيام.
4. If you seek health: Fast

5/ تريد الفرج = لازم الإستغفار.
5. If you seek inner joy: Keep on with repentance.

6/ تريد زوال الهم = لازم
الدعاء.
6. If you want to be free from sorrow: Keep on praying.

7/ تريد زوال الشده = قل لاحول ولا قوة إلا بالله
7. If you want violence to disappear, say: La hawla wa lâ quwwata illa billah.

8/ تريد البركه = صل على النبي واله الطيبين الطاهرين.
8. If you seek abundance:
Recite praises and greetings to the Holy Prophet (saww) and his virtuous family and companions.

9/ تريد حسنات بدون تعب =
لاتحتفظ بها أرسلها لينتفع بها كل الاحبه
سبحان الله
من كان مع ﺂلله كان ﺂلله معه
ومن كان يحب ﺂلله كان ﺂلـله يحبه
9. If you wish to do goodness without getting tired: Do not keep this message to yourself. Let your loved ones benefit from this too.

Allah (SWT) is with those who are with Him and consider His commandments.

Allah (SWT) loves those who love Him.

هل تعلِم :
عند قرآءة آية الكرسي بعد كل صلآة
يbbصبح بينك وبين الجنه الموت فقط
تذكير :لا تكتم علماً خيراً تجزى به

Do you know?
If you recite the Ayat al Kursiyy after prayers, only Death will remain between you and the Paradise.

ً🌏اجعلوها تلف العالم🌏
🍀Let this knowledge move around the world.

[22 Sep 2019] - Nabilah Kamal

arina_adom — 2019-09-22 11:51:52 UTC

“And Allah is the best of planners.”

Just sharing a photo which kept me going the past week, and through many other tough times hehe ✨ It’s always nice to be reminded of how Allah has planned out our path for us Perfectly. All we have to do us trust Him ❤

[29 September 2019] - Diyanah

arina_adom — 2019-10-02 05:43:57 UTC

To facilitate the sunnah of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ, here's a compiled set of dikr after prayers commonly practised in mosque with arabic text, transliteration, translation, its benefits and its proofs. ✨

[29 September 2019] - Nabilah Ithnin

arina_adom — 2019-10-02 05:46:29 UTC

Hey ladies. I would like to share about my favourite surah in Juz 29: Surah Al-Mulk. I've always loved listening to this surah. It's beautiful but I can't quite capture why. Have a listen and I hope you appreciate it and fall in love with listening to the Quran especially when you're having a low moment. It really can spur you on and brighten up your mood.

Listen to Al-Mulk by Mishary Rashid Al-Afasy. Listen to how beautiful the Quran is. Masha Allah. 😍 https://youtu.be/v5839hUuTGE

Then listen one more time, this time read the translation. It sent a shiver up my spine. It's a reminder that Allah has given us so many signs, yet we are still forgetful and oblivious. Very very powerful surah.
https://youtu.be/am3r-q26B9U

Sorry, this one was for surah Al-Waqiah actually.

https://youtu.be/TUj6lTXGIVM

Another favourite surah of mine (but from Juz 27). The messages and reminders are so profound that I feel compelled to ensure that not a single day goes by without remembrance of Allah.

[29 September 2019] - Nabilah Ithnin

arina_adom — 2019-10-02 05:47:28 UTC

Just want to share my learning points from a forum I attended just now. It's about practical steps to transform an idea into action.

[01 October 2019] - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-10-02 05:49:06 UTC

Salaam all, it's my turn today. I havent had the time to really reflect but I came across this and I thought it was a good succint and quick reminder. Hope it benefits :)

[03 October 2019] - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-10-07 10:21:23 UTC

Sharing an FB post:
Maryam Amir

Sisters, this one is just for you.

Years ago, my incredible Quran teacher told me, “Maryam! Our Islamic history is filled with women who recited the Quran! Who were masters of Quranic recitation! Who taught men, even the most famed men today, how to recite Quran! This is the legacy of the Quran! And you, you aren’t Arab! And you’re born and raised in America! You have a responsibility to show other women that they can do it too!”

The first person to accept the revelation of the Quran from the the Prophet ﷺ was Khadija رضي الله عنها A woman.

The first non-Caliph to be entrusted the compiled written copy of the Qur'an: Hafsa bint Omar رضي الله عنهما. A woman.

The spoken and written Qur'an was, from its outset, entrusted to women.

Our ummah is FILLED with women Quran reciters and it has been since it was revealed; we just unfortunately have lost the legacy of passing on their examples as we do that of our blessed men. But there is such an urgency to revive their legacy now!

Women have held a central and critical role in carrying the Quran since its revelation. We are the figurative descendants of the women whom it was revealed amongst and it is time to bear the love and revel in the raw honor of being bearers of the revelation.

Recently I asked the noble Shaykh Moheb to recite like we used to when I was memorizing. He laughed and said, “That’s for when you’re memorizing and trying to perfect your review! It’s just a style to practice reviewing. You’ve already memorized the Quran and are past that!” And I said Shaykh, you have no idea how much it’ll inshAllah be so important for other women to see it’s possible for them too.

My beloved ladies, I memorized the Quran over a period of seven years. I started not knowing any Arabic, stumbling over even how to read a single letter or pronounce a word. I was in school full time and working part time and always involved with other community work and responsibilities. Even when I was blessed to study in Egypt, I couldn’t take time off and focus just on the Quran. Being able to just focus on the Quran is such a blessing, but it’s not realistic for most. For most of us, we are students or mothers or caretakers or workers and daughters or or and and and.... and in all of that, you can still commit to the Quran! Now, as a mom of two little kids I get my review in while chasing after really little people. I don’t think I am an amazing reciter and definitely not a perfect one. It isn’t the romanticized dream of spending days upon nights reciting melodiously in a special masjid, but it’s the reality of how real, how gritty, how exhausting but how powerful it is to have a relationship with the Quran in the middle of LIFE.

Isn’t that worth a ten year, twenty year, fifty year commitment? Won’t it be worth it inshAllah when you face your Lord and the Quran inshAllah inshAllah comes as a witness for you- that despite your depression or your exhaustion or your your frustration or your success and your wealth and your health- in the good and in the struggle- you still committed to the words of Allah. It’s okay if it takes years. It doesn’t have to be memorization- it can be reading it in translation in a language you understand, ensuring you read or recite even just a few verses every day. Every single second of that journey is witnessed by Angels and it’s a means of blessings in your life and your ranks raised, God willing.

So my sisters, listen to the advice my beloved Shaykh, Shaykh Moheb (May Allah raise his ranks and that of his noble family!) gave me, “Whatever you are seeking- find it in the Quran!”

As our beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم
said, “‘Allah has His own people among humankind.’ They said: ‘O Messenger of God, who are they?’ He صلى الله عليه و سلم said: ‘The people of the Qur’an, the people of Allah and those who are closest to Him.'” [ibn Majah]

Ps- he’s wearing sunglasses because we were about to walk outside, not because he wasn’t trying to see me 😅
--------------
It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said:
*"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Allah has His own people among mankind.' They said: 'O Messenger of Allah, who are they?' He said: 'The people of the Qur'an, the people of Allah and those who are closest to Him.'"*

May Allah make us all amongst the People of the Qur'an. May we be granted Istiqamah in reciting, seeking to understand, memorising and putting into action what is in the Qur'an. Keep on striving dear ladies! We're in the path of the beloved female companions of Rasulullah SAW 💕

[8 Oct 2019] - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-10-09 15:00:51 UTC

Surah Al-'Araf ayat 143

My sharing today is about this ayat when Nabi Musa AS asks to see Allah SWT whereby Allah SWT tells him to look at the mountains and Allah SWT will reveal Himself there but when that happens, Nabi Musa AS passes out.

I went to read up more on the tafsir for the ayat as Nabi Musa AS was one of the two Prophets who spoke to Allah SWT directly so wanted to read up more to understand the depth of the wisdom behind this ayat. I loved the tafsir from Syaikh Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Asyqar, mudarris tafsir University Islam Madinah as seen in Malay below:

"Gunung yang hanya seketika dihadapkan kepadanya wajah Allah ia hancur berantakan, namun ada mata yang dihadapkan dengan ayat-ayat Allah namun ia tidak menangis! Sesungguhnya khusu'nya shalah seseorang sangat tergantung kepada perasaannya kepada makna bahwa Allah senantiasa mengawasinya diantara hatinya dan kiblatnya."

Referensi: https://tafsirweb.com/2597-surat-al-araf-ayat-143.html

My reflection from this ayat is again going back to the khusyuk of my prayer (which is the same reflection from last month 😭), which sometimes gets really hard when one lives such a hectic lifestyle and has so many thoughts in the mind.

May He grant us khusyuk in our prayers, may He grant us eyes moist with humility and gratitude towards Allah everytime we hear His words and pray, may He grant us ihsan in our lives.💚✨

[9 October 2019] - Marsya

arina_adom — 2019-10-09 15:02:18 UTC

Salam everyone,
It's my turn to share. I came across this quote. I have been going through some difficult times these past few months. Alhamdulillah, things are falling into place, slowly but surely. The thing that I wanted the most is yet to come but I have faith that Allah is hearing to all my duas. Just like everybody else, I needed the assurance from time to time. This quote definitely uplifts my spirit and I hope it does for you too :)

01 November 2019 - Nabilah I.

arina_adom — 2019-11-01 11:18:09 UTC

I would like to start this round of sharing by first saying thank you to everyone. Every single one of you inspired me with your tenacity to continue in this group, to strive to balance the busy dunya and the important and everlasting akhirat. So, thank you very much for being such inspiring sisters.

My sharing today is rather last-minute so I apologise as I will not be sharing a verse from the first Juz. Instead, I would like to share with you my reflection about an event that happened not too long ago. This event reminded me about the power of niat (intention) and the barakah of an event.

There was a family event that we had, and we were not too sure whether to continue with it or not. The initial idea was to make a small-scale event because of financial reasons. However, as a lot of families and opinions were involved, it turned out to be a big one instead. I remembered a few of us resisting the idea, saying that it will create so much wastage and will burden us financially later.

However, we finally went ahead with it, with the intention to strengthen the silaturrahim among our extended family members. Masha Allah, with Allah’s power and will, the event ran smoothly and everyone was extremely pleased with it. Money was not even a problem. Days before the event, many help came in, in various forms, including financial. And for the first time, I felt the sweetness of barakah in an event. There’s no words to describe it but the signs were clear and from that moment on, I knew it was the right thing to do.

It was an event that I initially had doubts; whether it was the right thing to do or even at the right timing. However, with Allah’s grace, He made everything run so smoothly. Too smooth to be planned by the most brilliant event manager in the world. That’s when I realised the power of niat. If we intended something for the sake of Allah and we truly hold on to that genuine intention, Allah will make it easy for us. And Allah will bless the effort immensely.

And this reminded me to the verse “Say: Whether you hide what is in your hearts or you reveal it, Allah knows it all. He knows what is in the Heavens and what is on Earth. And Allah has power over all things”
– Surah Al’ Imran, verse 29

We can relate this back to our everyday life. Work can be mundane and routine, but always remind ourselves that our work is an important contribution to the society. We are all serving our purposes. And we all do it for the sake of Allah. If it gets too tiring, just remember, Allah’s with those who are patient. If we take a step towards Allah, Allah will take 10 steps towards you. May our right intentions drive us to perform our best in every aspect of our lives.

I hope everyone in this group can take a moment each day to reflect and rethink how we can and are making an impact. It can be to our family, our friends, or colleagues, or even the society at large. Let’s all recalibrate our life purpose and realign it to a single purpose: to attain Allah’s pleasure. Always ask ourselves, “Does it bring me closer to Allah? Will Allah be pleased with this action?” May we be reminded to make each day better than the previous ones and may each day that passes bring us closer to Allah s.w.t. Amin.

02 November 2019 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-11-02 14:37:06 UTC

Salaam all, apologies for the late sharing.

_The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for humankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)_ Al - Baqarah: 185

I was at a class, to learn more about the quran and sunnah, and the ustaz brought up a point which brought me to ponder... He shared that we know that Al Quran is supposed to be our guidance (as the verse above) and even when we finish reading the Quran, we would read the (allahummarharmna bill quran, wa ja 'al hulana imaman wa nuran...) and it is us asking for Allah to let Quran be our Imam, be our guide. But then the ustaz continues, and asked us if we really do that. Because he highlighted that many atimes, we look for the verses that support us in the Quran, and live by it. But then those that makes us feel uncomfortable or that we don't want to follow, we ignore it, leave it out, pretend we didn't know of it. But why? Shouldn't the quran be our guide still, no matter?

I took away many lessons from that comment, and I hope it goes the same for you too. I think we know ourselves better, and where we should thus start working on, to ensure that the Quran continues to be our guide in our life. I pray that Allah makes it smoother and grants us taufiq in our quest and journey to be the best muslimah we ever can be insyaAllah

03 November 2019 - Syaheedah

arina_adom — 2019-11-05 23:00:23 UTC

Salam All... I would like to share a piece of Imam Haddad Qasidah that is close to my heart after my visit to Tarim. I would highly recommend all to listen to Izzambal Ba Rabbik by Imam Alhadad. I am sure we, women, are in the age where we are finding love, making sure/ keeping it halal, or even knowing if he is the one for you. The one that brings you closer to Allah and Rasul. This screenshot bring ease to me as to know that verily All is planned out and that you have to be patient in Allahs planning. Yakin and Sabar that all would turn out alright in the end. Please make Dua for me, and the Muslim community~ syukran.. Assalamualaikum 🥰

Poem by Imam Al-Haddad

arina_adom — 2019-11-05 23:15:58 UTC

https://youtu.be/prDEdirhGdY

9 November 2019 - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-11-10 13:48:18 UTC

Surah Al-'Imran ayat 117:
The example of what they spend in this worldly life is like that of a wind containing frost which strikes the harvest of a people who have wronged themselves and destroys it. And Allah has not wronged them, but they wrong themselves.

My sharing today actually relates to my Instagram reflection on Friday which was based on a quote on my table calendar (as seen in the picture) and this ayat.

I was reflecting about the year and what were the events and actions that I did this year that I was proud about. Upon deeper reflection, I realised the more important question is whether Allah and Rasulullah SAW will be proud of the life that I am living.

My takeaway from the ayat is how when I focus too much on the dunya and don't always connect it back to Allah SWT and Rasulullah SAW, I tend to feel disatisfied or not at peace.

The line "Allah is not unjust to them but they are unjust to themselves" really hits hard to me because Allah has already given us guidelines and basically the model of a life which Allah SWT and Rasulullah SAW will be proud of in the Quran and the Sunnah and yet, and so when we don't follow that, we are just causing injustice to ourselves. Of course its difficult at a time when there are so much distractions :') and that is why a support group of people to keep each other in check is so important, so thank you for being that group girls❤

May Allah protect us, grant us strength and focus so that we will lead lives that Allah SWT and Rasulullah SAW will be proud of. 💚✨

21 Nov 2019 - Arina

arina_adom — 2019-11-22 05:28:19 UTC

Assalamualaikum ladies! I know I'm a day late but just wanted to share anyway :)

Honestly this week has been so exhausting for me and I'm feeling physically and mentally drained. Currently in a grab running late again and I'm taking some time to reflect. I am grateful alhamdulillah. I once learnt this quote and remind myself of it often, *"Be grateful when you feel tired from doing good, because so many people feel tired everyday from not doing anything good."*. When you feel exhausted because you're spending hours each day seeking beneficial knowledge, doing ibadah that pleases Allah, seeking halal income through work, serving loved ones and the community, say alhamdulillah. Say Alhamdulillah because Allah has enabled you to do deeds which bring you closer to Him. Say alhamdulillah because Allah chose you to spend time doing good instead of wasting time on unbeneficial things. Say Alhamdulillah because Allah has given you the health, wealth and time to do what you do.

Surah Ibrahim, Verse 7:
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ

And when your Lord made it known: *If you are grateful, I would certainly give to you more*, and if you are ungrateful, My chastisement is truly severe.

Say Alhamdulillah and pray that Allah continues to give you opportunities to give, to serve and to feel tired. Because this world is nothing but an avenue to earn and gain as much as you can for akhirat. At the same time, make du'a for Allah to grant you 'Afiyah (see du'a in photo) so you can continue being the best you can be in this world and the next!

May Allah grant us all ease in our affairs and Istiqamah in doing deeds which please Him. Ameen!

Jumu'ah Mubarakah ladies, remember to recit surah Al-Kahf today 💕

25 November 2019 - Adibah

arina_adom — 2019-11-28 01:39:10 UTC

Just wanted to share a verse that I read which really made me reflect :") May we internalise what it means to be a true mukmin and to live a life that Allah and Rasulullah SAW will be proud of. May we all strive to be true mukmins 🌹✨❤

Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 2-4:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
Those only are believers whose hearts become full of fear when Allah is mentioned, and when His communications are recited to them they increase them in faith, and in their Lord do they trust.

الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
Those who keep up prayer and spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them.

أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ
These are the believers in truth; they shall have from their Lord exalted grades and forgiveness and an honorable sustenance.
(English - Shakir)

via iQuran

26 November 2019 - Afifah

arina_adom — 2019-11-28 01:42:32 UTC

Salam all, Afifah here 🤗 I was thinking of what to share here today but I thought of sharing one reflection I did recently from an encounter at work as a nurse. It’s pretty lengthy, but do read it as a short story when you have the time

It has been 3 years since carer S took care of Ah Ma. S was just a year older than me, and she flew all the way from Myanmar to accept this job as a carer. This time, Ah Ma’s back in the hospital for pneumonia (lung infection). She stayed by her side all day long, assisting us the nurses to sponge Ah Ma, reposition her every 2 hours, feeding and changing her diapers. Using the Hokkien she picked up here, she talked to Ah Ma. Ah Ma could still reply her with a few words and S understood her words best. However, Ah Ma started to deteriorate and S couldn’t appear more worried. The small little things she did, like lifting Ah Ma’s arm so we could apply the cuff to take her blood pressure easier, and MashaaAllah, I admired how dedicated she was to care for Ah Ma 😍

Eventually, we had to nurse Ah Ma via a nasogastric tube (a feeding tube that goes from the nose all the way to the stomach) as she had difficulty in swallowing. She was earnest in learning and took just one day to be competent in giving Ah Ma her milk feeds. At night for almost 3 weeks, she put together 2 chairs and her makeshift bed is ready right beside Ah Ma. Never did she complain about it.

“Nurse, can you help to wake me up at 6.40am so we can change her diapers and then I can also give Ah Ma her milk at 7am.” It was a request unheard of during my night shift. I was honestly planning to serve the morning milk feeds because usually it’s the nurses who give even when carers are around as it’s an unspoken expectation of us nurses to do everything while in the hospital. And if we’re really busy, it’s the other way round - we’ll be the ones needing to request the carer to help to feed.

MashaaAllah 😍 Oh how thankful I am to have met S who showed me the extent one can go in caring for someone who’s not even family. It made me think if I can ever replicate her sincerity. Although I know sincerity is something only Allah knows but I believe it does reflects in our actions too. I pray for myself and the sisters here too, that Allah will grant us sincerity in the things we do, ease our affairs, and bless us with goodness inshaaAllah 💝

26 November 2019 - Fara

arina_adom — 2019-11-28 01:43:02 UTC

Salam everyone. Apologies for the delay but I thought of sharing too..

A friend shared a story about Firaun and Asiya few weeks ago and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

As I was reading, one particular paragraph struck a chord with me and got me thinking. How we would quickly and naturally blame everything around us for the undesirable traits we have?

_I did this wrongly because my teacher taught me wrong.

I am not adventurous enough because my upbringing was like that.

I cannot do this because nobody else does that and I have no one to look up to._

For me(shamelessly admitting..), I am guilty of being like this most of the time.

So here’s the paragraph I was talking about :

*The wife of Firaun ,despite being married to the worst human being who has ever walked the face of Earth, was still a woman of perfect iman. It is absolutely phenomenal, extraordinary who this woman managed to become despite being married to Firaun.*

I was overwhelmed thinking how hard it is to be that brave and respectable. Asiya is granted a palace in Jannah. My level of faith felt like those small charred fries at the bottom of the McDonald packet. At the same time, It also got me realising the beauty of being kind to yourself and having more faith in Allah. Allah will guide you no matter what. Even if you are living or working amongst the worst company of people. It boils down to what is in your heart. Is there room to let Allah in to heal you when you have to deal with people you don’t like? That’s what we go through every day. We meet people. People who do the right things and those who don’t. How many times do we thank Allah for his guidance? How many times have Allah protected us from making us feel like we are better than others?

I wanted to share this because I think we are the modern Asiya in our own different walk of life. We have our set of challenges thrown to us and yet we hold to our faith as strongly as we can. There is one united bravery everyone in this group is doing. We persevere reciting, sharing, reading and updating one another to keep our love for Quran alive.

With that may Allah continue to guide us no matter what we do and who we mix with and may Allah accept each and every one of our supplications like how He accepted Asiya’s plea.

01 December 2019 - Nabilah I.

arina_adom — 2019-12-02 23:41:06 UTC

Sorry for the late sharing. Here's sharing something I found very calming.. indeed, Allah's knowledge is enough for us. We may have gone through a lot and it might be draining us... sometimes ppl whom you're closest to also don't seem to understand you.. be rest assured that Allah hears you and is with you.. so stay strong!

https://youtu.be/fCAyucPOgvk

02 December 2019 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2019-12-03 02:05:05 UTC

Surah Hud, 11:120 :

وَكُلًّا نَّقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنۢبَآءِ ٱلرُّسُلِ مَا نُثَبِّتُ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ ۚ وَجَآءَكَ فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلْحَقُّ وَمَوْعِظَةٌ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers.”

Salaam all, apologies for the late update. Lately, I felt that my heart was far from Allah and I felt a sense of emptiness, some sort. Work was alhamdulillah not so chaotic, and I begin to find dates to catch up with other people. Life was almost too good to be true. But the sense of emptiness remained. I felt like something was not right - that this sense of peacefulness and quietness did not feel quite like my life. I also thought that perhaps it was Allah's way of giving me a space to breathe before something big comes.

And it sure did.

Something happened to one of my cases last week and an officer warned me that the next 2 weeks would be one of the most exhausting weeks ever.

Last week was tough, but the trial made me cry to Allah once again and ask for guidance. It's a pity that I'm going to Him in trying times, I'm still working on going to him at the times I feel at peace and fine. I hope to seek your prayers so that all of us can constantly remember Allah in all good and bad times. Ameen.

I don't know where this is goin and I apologise if I'm being incoherent, but I just thought that the verse about how we can learn so much from our messengers is an apt reminder of what I should be doing when I can. To learn more about the life of our prophets and the messengers and to ruminate on it.

May Allah guide us all in our journey to better ourselves, Ameen

05 December 2019 - Nasuha

arina_adom — 2019-12-05 13:06:14 UTC

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “People whose hearts are like the hearts of birds will enter Paradise.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2840

Al-Nawawi said, “It is interpreted to mean they are those who rely upon Allah, or those who have soft hearts.”

There is also another hadith which have birds in it. It talks about how Allah takes care of the birds which starts the day with an empty belly and returns with a full stomach. It is a creature that does not store food rather, it hunts for just enough everyday to survive and feed its family. So birds in this aspect is linked with reliance on Allah who provides for all in existance. So put full trust in Allah and let him guide us all as he knows the best in all our affairs.

The soft heart aspect is in relation to kindness. As we grow older, we start to get a little it more scepticle and guarded against others. We occasionally let the fear of being in loss/hurt etc prevent us from helping those around us by making us think that they are out to get us or they have no good intention. So our hearts becomes jaded ad hardened to protect ourselves from those who wants to take advantage of us. In fact, we should have faith that only Allah wills the benefit and harms that befall us and pray for his protection.

So just a simple reminder, do good and put in full trust in Allah that everthing that comes after is what Allah wills that which is good for u :)

07 December 2019 - Syaheedah

arina_adom — 2019-12-07 10:35:27 UTC

Recently I’ve been hearing about sedekah frequently especially last week and this week. My ustazah told me, when in trouble, sedekah, best to sedekah secretively. Some say, it kafarahkan dosa etc. This quote is when I came back from a maulid and it dawned on me how much Allah is speaking to me that I’m lacking in beramal and berilmu. But what makes sedakah special to me now is that I want to follow ciri2 akhlak sayyidituna Fatimah who is seorang yg pemurah ans always put other ppl first. “Sesungguhnya orang2 Yang berbakti (dgn taat Dan kebajikan) akan meminum dari piala: sejenis minuman yg bercampur dgn “kafur “ “Al insan,5 ) Sayyiditina Fatimah and husband always give priority to the poor, anak yatim and those who are less fortunate. Allah, Himself, praises them showing their kemuliaan and sanjungan bagi mereka. Thus, in conclusion, don’t take light of all the things our role models do, for it will benefit our lives, and most importantly, please our Lord, insyaAllah.

17 December 2019 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-01-22 10:50:23 UTC

Assalamu'alaikum & Good Morning ladies! Just wanted to share sth that a friend shared with me today:

As we begin slowly departing from this yr of 2019.....a beautiful reminder of the reality of life...

Advice from Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may God be pleased with him)

“A friend will not (literally) share your struggles, and a loved one cannot physically take away your pain, and a close one will not stay up the night on your behalf. So look after yourself, protect yourself, nurture yourself and don’t give life’s events more than what they are really worth. Know for certain that when you break no one will heal you except you, and when you are defeated no one will give you victory except your determination. Your ability to stand up again and carry on is your responsibility. Do not look for your self worth in the eyes of people; look for your worth from within your conscious. If your conscious is at peace then you will ascend high and if you truly know yourself then what is said about you won’t harm you.

Do not carry the worries of this life because this is for Allah. And do not carry the worries of sustenance because it is from Allah. And do not carry the anxiety for the future because it is in the Hands of Allah.

Carry one thing: how to please Allah. Because if you please Him, He pleases you, fulfils you and enriches you.

Do not weep from a life that made your heart weep. Just say, “Oh Allah compensate me with good in this life and the hereafter.”

Sadness departs with a Sajdah. Happiness comes with a sincere Du’a. Allah does not forget the good you do, nor does He forget the good you did to others and the pain you relieved them from. Nor will He forget the eye which was about to cry but you made it laugh.

Live your life with this principle: be good even if you don’t receive good, not because for other’s sake but because Allah loves those who do good.”

10 January 2020 - Marsya

arina_adom — 2020-01-22 10:51:49 UTC

At-Taubah 9:6

وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ٱسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَٰمَ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُۥۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا يَعْلَمُونَ

And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah . Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.

Be kind to one another regardless of religion. I've seen muslims who mistreat the non-muslims just because we have different views and beliefs. We must instill humanity in our hearts. I strongly believe that we should be good human beings first before we learn to be good muslims. As stated in this verse, we muslims have a duty. Never shun whoever comes to us. Welcome them with open arms and try our very best to guide and teach them. By doing so, we will become better versions of ourselves. A better muslim, InsyaAllah :)

15 January 2020 - Syaheedah

arina_adom — 2020-01-22 10:55:09 UTC

Assalamualaikum.. Today’s my turn to share my reflection. I hope you are well, while reading this 😊.

Working women
The topic I learnt today struck a chord in me. I was shocked at my newfound discovery. There are 3 reasons why women work.

1. It’s compulsory for them to work like men, for the economy, while letting go of house duties; eg taking care of children, household chores.

2. Women do not work. They stay at home and takes care of the upbringing of children, taking care of household and family.

3. أعمل في المجالات التي تنا سبها، و تحفظ أخلاق، و تبعد عن مخالطة الرجال.
- They work but they choose their work.
- Work that protects their akhlaq and have minimal contact w men and that is preferred.
- Work such as teaching, doctor, nurse.

All options are well, depending on your intentions and needs of your future family; hopefully with the first intention of why you work is for Allah and spreading the deen by your aklhaq and mannerism in whatever work fields you do, before any other (as important) intentions.

What strikes me most is point 3, bc I have always thought it was a “taboo” Allah always keep my social circle pure in a way, my circle of friends is just teachers and children, basically no guys involved. And sometimes I try to make effort to reach out to events to know more people, guys per say to “cari jodoh”. But here I can conclude, don’t find. Jaga ikhtilat, improve yourself first; holistically, increase your ibadah do as much good, and Allah will do his magic. You don’t have to try, you don’t have to be sad. It will come in peace.

arina_adom — 2020-01-22 10:58:06 UTC

22 Jan 2020 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-01-22 10:59:16 UTC

Assalamu'alaikum everyone! Earlier this week, someone asked me, "How do you find peace in yourself?"

At that point of time I just laughed and said, "Istighfar! It sounds too simple to be true, but it has always worked for me!" Everytime I'm in a state of uneasiness or anxiousness, everytime I know there's something particularly challenging coming up, I remember this story that Maryam Amir shared on FB in 2016 and make Istighfar" (DM me if you want a screenshot).

Rasulullah SAW said, "If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.”

This morning, Allah reminded me of a time not too long ago, when my heart wasn't at all at peace. I remember crying and begging Allah for relief and a way out. I had made Istighfars and du'as and tahajjuds back then too. And yet the way out wasn't as near as I figured it should have been. It's like I was asking and hoping and waiting and the answers weren't coming. I remember feeling so lost and so afraid of what's to come. I had no idea how I was going to handle whatever was coming my way. But one thing that kept me going was that I knew that Allah's promises are true. This too shall pass, because "what is to come is better than what has gone by".

And it did pass. Eventually. I can't even remember now when the storm left, what matters is that Allah's Promises are true. That time seems so far in the distance now, I barely remember how much it hurt.

You know, the world is filled with so much uncertainty! We don't know what we're going to have to face, who or what we're going to lose, or even where we're going to be. We don't know which of our du'as Allah will answer or when. If we focus on what we don't know, we'll forever feel lost and confused.

The thing is though, Allah's plans are His concern alone. We don't need to worry about all of that. Our rezeki, our future, our jodoh, it's all in Allah's hands. Kita settle hal kita, kasi Allah settle Allah punya hal. Keep making du'as, keep saying Istighfars, keep asking and hoping and begging and waiting. Allah's promises are true. Trust Allah to give you whatever He has promised to give, at His time, when you most need it, not when you most want it.

I won't look too far ahead, It's too much for me to take, But break it down to this next breath, this next step, This next choice is one that I can make. So I'll walk through this night, Stumbling blindly toward the light, And do the next right thing~

So how do I find peace in myself? I don't. I just do whatever I can and trust Allah to fulfill His Promises. I find peace in knowing that Allah's promises are true. I let go, and let God. That's how I find peace :)

27 Jan 2020 - Syahirah

arina_adom — 2020-01-27 05:35:49 UTC

Assalammualaikum sisters, my sharing today is a hadith. I did not write any part of the text below. I'm passing it on from my Ustaz who shared it with us. May it benefit.

Berbakti kepada Ibu Bapa

Daripada Abu Usaid Malik bin Rabi'ah As-Sa'idi RA berkata: "Ketika kami sedang bersama Rasulullah SAW, tiba-tiba ada seorang lelaki daripada Bani Salamah datang kepada Baginda SAW. Lelaki tersebut bertanya: "Wahai Rasulullah, apakah masih ada ruang untuk aku berbuat baik kepada kedua orang tuaku setelah mereka meninggal?." Baginda menjawab: "Ya, mendoakan dan memintakan keampunan untuk kedua-duanya, melaksanakan wasiatnya, menyambung jalinan silaturahim mereka dan memuliakan teman mereka." (Hadith riwayat Abu Dawud, No. 5142, Ibn Majah, No. 3664, Ahmad, No. 15479)

Matan Hadith:

عَنْ أَبِي أُسَيْدٍ مَالِكِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ السَّاعِدِيِّ قَالَ: بَيْنَا نَحْنُ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذْ جَاءَهُ رَجُلٌ مِنْ بَنِي سَلَمَةَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ: هَلْ بَقِيَ مِنْ بِرِّ أَبَوَيَّ شَيْءٌ أَبَرُّهُمَا بِهِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِمَا؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ, الصَّلَاةُ عَلَيْهِمَا وَالِاسْتِغْفَارُ لَهُمَا وَإِنْفَاذُ عَهْدِهِمَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِمَا وَصِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ الَّتِي لَا تُوصَلُ إِلَّا بِهِمَا وَإِكْرَامُ صَدِيقِهِمَا

]التخريج : سنن أبي داود , كتاب الأدب , باب في بر الوالدين , حديث رقم 5142 , عن أبي أسيد مالك بن ربيعة الساعدي رضي الله عنه[

Pengajaran Hadith:

Seseorang anak wajib mentaati dan berbakti kepada kedua-dua ibu bapanya, tetapi adakah ia memadai atau terbatas ketika mereka masih hidup sahaja? Di dalam al-Qur’an dan hadith terdapat banyak suruhan yang memerintahkan agar seseorang anak berbakti atau membuat kebajikan terhadap kedua-dua ibu bapanya, dan ia tidak terbatas ketika mereka masih hidup.

Terdapat beberapa amalan kebajikan yang boleh dilakukan oleh seseorang anak kepada kedua-dua ibu bapanya setelah meninggal dunia dan perkara yang paling mudah serta dapat dikerjakan oleh semua orang pada bila-bila masa ialah berdoa serta memohon keampunan bagi dosa kedua-dua ibu bapanya sama ada yang masih hidup lebih-lebih lagi yang telah meninggal dunia.
Marilah sama-sama kita menghayati semula peranan seorang anak kepada ibu bapa. Tanpa mereka siapalah kita dan adakah kita boleh berada dalam keadaan dan kedudukan yang kita miliki pada hari ini?

Sedarlah bahawa tanpa keredhaan mereka, kita juga tidak akan mendapat keredhaan Allah SWT. Semoga kita akan tergolong dalam golongan yang diredhai-Nya.

Sumber Rujukan :

1- Kitab Sunan Abu Dawud

2- Kitab Sunan Ibn Majah

3- Kitab Musnad Ahmad

4- Kitab Aunu al-Ma’bud Syarh Sunan Abi Dawud Li al-Syeikh Syafartul Haq Muhammad Asyraf Ibn Ali Haidar al-Shiddiqi al-Azim Abadi

5- Kitab Mirqatul al-Mafatih Syarh al-Misykatu al-Masobih Li al-Syeikl Ali

6- Kitab Nuzhatul Muttaqin Syarh Riyaadus Salihin Li an-Nawawi.

28 Jan 2020 - Liana

2020-03-31 00:15:52 UTC

Bismillahirahmanirahim

Today is my turn to share. If u dk, I am a tcr in a local Madrasah. I was really considering of changing jobs earlier this year because of a lot of things in my mind. Career progression and pay. Teaching in a Madrasah has a lot of ups and downs, but the main "down" for me is the pay. I was so wrapped up in earning more that I forget to see the surrounding situation. When school starts and I was given a form Class, I slowly fall in love with my noisy adorable kind students. I was also surrounded by good colleagues. Plus, I understand that right now, I am in the perfect situation for everyone. My students need someone with my personality and background to help them grow. I am teaching the subject I love while being the teacher in charge of a sport that I love. I also personally need the Madrasah environment to grow spiritually and be a better person and teacher in overall. The reading of asmaul husna and surrounded by Islam keeps me grounded. Plus, whatever financial issues I had was actually made up in my own head, fuelled with anxiety. When actually, I do not have pressing financial issues and my parents are doing OK with whatever I have. I am still doing OK. I was just not very smart in handling money yet.

I got this verse from Surah Maryam that resonates with my situation:
And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive (19:31)

I have more faith in His plans, alhamdulillah. I have faith that wherever I am now, is the best place for me now.

30 Jan 2020 - Faatimah

2020-03-31 00:17:04 UTC

12 Fridays to Ramadhan✨♥ Praise and blessings be upon Rasulullah ﷺ, his parents, family and companions

وَلَا تَقُولَنَّ لِشَيْءٍ إِنِّي فَاعِلٌ ذَٰلِكَ غَدًا. إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ إِذَا نَسِيتَ وَقُلْ عَسَىٰ أَن يَهْدِيَنِ رَبِّي لِأَقْرَبَ مِنْ هَٰذَا رَشَدًا
And never say of anything: Surely I will do it tomorrow Except (with the saying), "If Allah wills!"(insyaAllah); & remember your Lord when you forget and say: Maybe my Lord will guide me to a nearer way of truth than this. -Surah AlKahfi,23
من قرأ سورةَ ( الكهفِ ) في يومِ الجمعةِ أضاء له من النورِ ما بين الجمُعَتَين
The Prophet (s a.w) said, whoever read Surah Kahf on day of Friday, brightness from light is made for him for duration between the two Fridays.✨💚

03 Feb 2020 - Nadiah

2020-03-31 00:17:30 UTC

Salaam friends, hope January has been good to you, and that you are all in the pink of health.

I was flipping my notes and I came across something in one of my lessons at Al Qudwah which I thought was interesting to share. This is about travelling and the answering of our supplications.

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the prophet SAW has narrated that "3 supplications are answered, there being no doubt about them: that one who is wronged, that of a traveller and the curse of the parents on their children". And during class, ustaz shared that the dua of a traveller is answered because you are far away from home, helpless and uncomfortable.

And he also shared a poem by Imam As-Shafie which I thought was lovely to ponder and reflect:

And the lions would not be fierce if they didnt leave their grounds, and the arrow would not strike if it didnt leave the bow

So it hints that by travelling, it would expose you to new environments where you can learn more about yourself, discover what you can really do etc.

On another note, I will be travelling to Taiwan next week insyaAllah, and if anyone has any hajat, do let me know and I'll try my best. 🥰 Would also like to seek your prayers for my health and safety 😊😊😊

06 Feb 2020 - Nasuha

2020-03-31 00:18:27 UTC

Not really a sharing from me but I think it is a good Doa to know especially in this current climate. At the end of the day, make sure to prepare and pray.

10 Feb 2020 - Adibah

2020-03-31 00:19:02 UTC

This one is short but impactful for me. Transiting into this adulting phase has made me face a lot of situations when I had to have difficult conversations with my colleagues and family members so when I attended a talk and the Ustaz mentioned this verse, it really resonated with me.

He said that one of the verses to do with treating someone with justice is this one, Surah Al-Anam ayat 152 and this is especially in relation to speech, such that whatever you say or do especially in relation to those who are close to you, your loved onee, make sure you do so with justice, in that yes you treat someone with kindness but there should be justice, no special treatment and no sugar coating. Speak the truth and deal with them justly even though it may seem "not nice" on the surface but in the long term, it will really do them good.

The other part of the verse talks about how when you speak and make promises remember to fulfill those promises. Again, this resonated with me especially in this adulting phase when you have so much responsibilities to shoulder on so you really need to reflect and be very clear on what you can and cannot manage so that you can fulfill these responsibilities and not overpromise but underdeliver.

May Allah guide us all in our thoughts, actions, words and decisions. May He accept all that we do and make it be a means for Him and His Beloved, Rasulullah SAW to be proud of us ✨

May He also give us the strength and courage to fulfill these responsibilities ✨

20 Mar 2020 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-03-31 00:21:32 UTC

Assalamu'alaikum ladies <3

Just wanted to share some reflections about all that's been happening. You all know how crazy everything is right now. So much anxiety, uncertainty and panic everywhere. And disappointment too. Lots of it. Travel plans have to be cancelled, activities and events halted... Some of us are stuck at home because of SHN/LOA/QO. There are
things we've been looking forward to for weeks, months or even years that have to be put off. Some of the things we have to do are mild inconveniences, others are just frustrating! It's human to get upset and angry. To ask "Why? Why me? Why now? Why even?". It's ok to feel this way, there's nothing wrong with that.

Here's the thing though. Getting upset will not make the situation any better than it is. Cancelled trips won't uncancel themselves, the virus won't disappear overnight. And as much as we want to know the answers to "why", we may never know the wisdom behind Allah's plans. All we need to know is this:
“…It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (Surah Baqarah 2:216)

Allah's Love is greater than our disappointments.
Allah's plans are better than our dreams.
Allah knows but you do not know.
So leave your life in His Hands, and let go.

Here's a du'a we can all practice in our lives. The du'a of Umm Salamah (awesome back-story can be found here: https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/7/28)

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ، اَللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِيْ فِيْ مُصِيْبَتِيْ وَأَخْلِفْ لِيْ خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
"We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. O Allah! Compensate me in my affliction, recompense my loss and give me something better in exchange for it"

May Allah replace whatever we have lost with something better, grant us the patience and the wisdom to deal with whatever challenges He places in our paths and the faith to trust in His Plans. Take care everyone, stay safe and healthy!

04 April 2020 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2020-04-04 12:14:18 UTC

Salaam everyone, I hope you are doing good and staying strong through these difficult times 💪🏼💪🏼

I'd like to share about Ustaz Fatris Bakaram's Kuliah Tafsir that he gave on 23.02.20. You can listen to it on Spotify or YouTube. The title is "Latihan Allah untuk Menjadi Insan Yang Baik". I listened to it on the way to work the other day and I cried. Pardon my mix of english and malay.

At the 35th min, ustaz talks about surah Taahaa ayat 39, and a part of it goes like this
وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِّنِّى

Ustaz explained it as "Dan aku (yakni Allah) letakkan padamu daripada sisiKu, ada perasaan cinta terhadapmu wahai Musa". Which means that whoever looked at Nabi Musa, would come to love him. And that was how Firaun, who had made a ruling to kill all babies because there was a fear that there would be someone who would be born and overthrow him, still took Nabi Musa (who was the baby that his wife found) as a son of his own.

Ustaz continued to explain that kalau Allah dah sayang, Allah akan menyuruh seluruh penghuni langit untuk menyayanginya. Allah akan perintahkan kepada malaikat jibril untuk sayangkan orang tersebut. Malaikat jibril juga akan menyuruh penghuni langit untuk mencintai orang itu. Selepas itu, Allah akan meletakkan dalam hati penduduk-penduduk bumi untuk menyayanginya juga.

Tetapi kalau adapun juga orang yang tak menyayangimu, walaupun kamu telah bertungkus lumus untuk mendekati Allah, membuat semua yang disuruh Allah, dan mengelakkan dari laranganNya, justeru itu janganlah risau. Kerana mungkin hati mereka tidak suci dan tidak boleh menyayangi mereka yang berhati suci.

This ayat came at a difficult time for me, as it seems that no matter what I did in my job, it was just wasn't enough, and there were still clients who were unhappy or had issues with me or who would complain all the way up etc.

But this explanation assured me that if I'm doing what I do to earn the pleasures of Allah, and if I've tried my best, then its enough that Allah knows. And He will do the rest.

So to all our ladies here, I hope you feel a sense of comfort during the times when you feel that it's just never enough. ❤️❤️❤️

May Allah bless you with goodness and His guidance always.

18 Apr 2020 - Rahmah

siti_rahmah_mirza — 2020-04-18 13:29:10 UTC

Juz 18, Surah Al--Mu'minun talks about believers being the truly successful ones. In Islam, the true measure of a believer's success lies in their acceptance of Islam and their steadfastness in staying true to & practising its teachings.

This is especially apt in situations where we are tested more than usual. And the current global climate is one such example where Allah is testing and reminding us that regardless of what we have achieved or what we think we have achieved in this world, all our achievements do not necessarily equate to success.

Worldly success is nothing without Allah's blessings and mercy. In times like this, only Allah is our refuge, no amount of worldly success can help to protect us from the unknown. Therefore, stay true to Islam and continue our efforts as true mu'minun, and inshaAllah we will be the successful ones in the end, amin.

24 April 2020 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-04-23 23:12:49 UTC

Assalamu'alaikum & Ramadhan Kareem dear sisters! It's my turn to share today and I'd like to talk about something that's been on my mind lately.

With the influx of "Ramadhan Kareem" messages and people sharing planners/guides/podcasts/etc., I realised I was really excited for Ramadhan. But also honestly? Kinda overwhelmed. I feel like I'm not prepared to meet Ramadhan and to use up every moment of this blessed month to the optimumestestest! And yet here she is already, even though I'm still not ready. Seeing my friends and family share their personal goals for Ramadhan, for themselves and their families, I sit here and wonder what _I_ want to achieve for myself.

I know that in Surah Ali-Imran, Allah SWT says:
"They believe in Allah and the last day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and *they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds,* and those are among the good." [3:114]

And I want to be amongst those who _strive_ and compete with one other, _rushing to do good_ this month. I'll feel like I'm missing out if I don't. But I remember how I used to start off strong in the past Ramadhansss and plan 101 things to do and accomplish... and then after a while, burn out and get demoralised when I couldn't keep up and stay consistent with my own expectations.

So this Ramadhan, I'm planning to *start small and stay consistent*. As mentioned in a hadith,
*"The most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant, even if it were little."*
Consistency is a journey and it takes lots of skill and lots of grit. It's going to be so worth it in the end... If only we keep moving forward (even if just a teeny tiny bit), _especially_ when things get boring and tough.

Some tips to stay consistent:
1) Habit stack! (Google it; basically add new habits to existing ones.)
2) Done is better than perfect. It's ok to have missed days, just get right back to it and go again.
3) Start small. Don't expect 1000% if you're only used to 100%. Aim high but be realistic and compassionate with yourself!

And if ever you feel like you're doing waaaayy too little and it's so _rugi_ and you _should_ be doing more... Remember this:

"Surely Allah does not do injustice even as much as the weight of an atom, and *if it is a good deed He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward*." [4:40]

And it's Ramadhan lah! Your deeds are going to get multiplied even more!! Subhanallah how Generous is Al-Kareem ❤️ May As-Saboor grant us the patience to be with ourselves during this month, Al-Qawiyy grant us the strength to take advantage of His Gifts to the fullest and Al-Waliyy keep us close to Him as we strive to become better servants of Him in this month and beyond! Ameen. Take care everyone

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:56:48 UTC

Thank you so much for being a part of my Qur'an journey <3 May we continue to strive forward even after Ramadhan! Eid Mubarak, taqabbalallalahu minna wa minkum.

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:57:27 UTC

May we attain istiqomah in sya Allah amin

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:57:41 UTC

I’d like to express my gratitude to those who organized this group. Truly appreciate it! ❤️

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:57:52 UTC

Alhamdulillah it has been great so far, jazakallah khairan sisters.

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:58:02 UTC

Jazakumullahu khairan sisters 💕

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:58:13 UTC

Welcome to all dearest. Salam Mubarak

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:58:27 UTC

Blessed. Alhamdulilah

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:58:37 UTC

Thankyou for this opportunity!

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:58:46 UTC

Thank you for all the effort you’ve put in for each round of ALTM and may Allah accept our deeds, ameen ❤️

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:59:07 UTC

Great. Thanks for this initiative

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:59:20 UTC

Even though I was unable to join in for the sessions, thank you for encouraging and reminding me to read the Qur'an everyday! Very heartwarming :')

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:59:30 UTC

Ukhuwah fillah abadan abada!

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:59:41 UTC

May Allah reward all of us for this wonderful initiative. :D

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 02:59:50 UTC

Let's motivate each other.

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 03:00:02 UTC

Thank you for providing this opportunity to engage with the Quran on a more constant basis, I’m very thankful to be part of this :)

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 03:00:13 UTC

Thank you for being a source of motivation for me to mend my relationship with the Quran. May Allah bless you for all your efforts! ❤️

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 03:00:28 UTC

Jazakunnallahu khairal jaza!

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 03:30:36 UTC

It was a great experience to be a part of it and seeing everyone read together! Insya Allah will join again next year for Ramadan! :)

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 21:41:58 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 21:42:12 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 21:42:27 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 21:42:41 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 21:42:52 UTC

A note from Ustaz Bushra, When we talk to God, we pray. But if we want answers, we read the Quran. So that's why we need to build up a relationship with the Quran. So we can understand and ponder upon Allah's words. May Allah bless us to better Muslimah as we grow older and wiser. Amin!

arina_adom — 2020-05-25 22:52:53 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-26 04:13:44 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-26 16:53:55 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-26 16:54:26 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-05-29 22:08:54 UTC

arina_adom — 2020-06-21 14:00:50 UTC

Thx Adibah n Arina fr spearheading this! Ntg much to say but Ive always wanted to express my gratitude to the both of u fr spearheading this. Im shy n nt eloquent at sharing my views so i prefer to play a supportive role as always. Sending lots of love from far ❤

arina_adom — 2020-06-21 14:01:21 UTC

Stay awesome :)

arina_adom — 2020-06-21 14:02:02 UTC

May Allah reward all of you for your amazing efforts to uplift the Qur'an 😍

22 June 2020 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-06-22 15:52:18 UTC

Salaam ladies <3 It's a bit late, but today's my turn to share so here it goes... This morning during ngaji, my ustazah highlighted this verse from Surah Al-Furqan:

وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا - 25:30
And the Messenger said, "O my Lord, surely my people have abandoned this Qur'an!"

A few takeaways I got:
- "My people" doesn't refer to just the Quraisyh, we are Rasulullah SWT's people too.
- Syaitan will not bother to mislead people who are already lost; his aim is to distract people who are seeking closeness to Allah, people like us. Be wary!
- As believers, we need to reflect on whether or not we have "abandoned" the Qur'an
- The Qur'an was revealed as Huda (Guidance) & Furqan (Distinguisher of right and wrong)
- It's not just meant to be recited on our tongues and memorised in our minds
- The Qur'an needs to be internalised in our hearts and practiced in our lives
- > your thoughts, speech and actions should be guided by it
- But howw??
1. Check, recheck and renew your intentions whenever you read the Qur'an.
2. Learn about Allah's Words. Seek teachers, go for classes, listen to podcasts, read books!
3. Set aside time to reflect and ponder about the stories and lessons in the Qur'an.

May Allah SWT make us amongst the best of believers who learn and teach the Qur'an. May He make us the companions of His Words in life, in death and in the hereafter. May the light of the Qur'an guide our hearts, minds, thoughts, actions and speech. Ameen 💕

TAFSEER RESOURCES

arina_adom — 2020-06-22 15:53:01 UTC

1. Ustazah Farhana Munshi's Tafseer Podcasts (Ladies Only)
https://www.spreaker.com/show/tafseer-pasir-ris
I am personally in love with her teaching MasyaaAllah. Seriously her lessons come from the heart and leave you filled with awe and love for Allah, his Messenger and the Qur'an. If you download the "Spreaker" app and search for her name, you'll find Tafsir of Juz Amma and other podcast series. Highly recommended!

2. Bayyinah TV videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/BayyinahInstitute
Honestly one of my favourite sources of translation. Ustaz Nouman Ali Khan's explanations are backed up with examples and a pinch of humour, amazing mind-blowing lessons.

3. Ustaz Fatris' Kuliah Tafsir
https://open.spotify.com/show/7L21gWHHaIxbKAxt3TuIkZ
His lectures are so filled with love and wisdom, and he links the stories of the Prophets in the Qur'an to very pertinent everyday issues in our lives. I look forward to them every week! Lectures are in Malay, English translations can be found here: https://editorial.islamicevents.sg/category/mufti-live/

4.Qalam Institute podcasts
http://www.qalaminstitute.org/quranic-reflections/
Qalam Institute has very in-depth lectures on various topic which are practical and so so important MasyaaAllah. The lessons are a bit longer but so worth it. I've been listening to the Sirah podcast series for years and have fallen in love with Rasulullah SAW and his companions RA so much :')

5. Tafsir Fi Zilalil Qur'an pdf
https://tafsirzilal.wordpress.com
If you're more of a reader, then this is for you. From the translation of "Tafsir Fi Zilalil Qur'an" by Sayyid Qutb. Scroll all the way down to find translations in English and Malay. These offer very in-depth, comprehensive explanation of each of the stories in the Qur'an, including the reasons behind revelation and stories from the Sirah. Good stuff.

28 June 2020 - Safrina

arina_adom — 2020-06-28 05:13:01 UTC

Quran Reflection Sharing- 28/06/2020 from Juz 28
Surah Al-Mujadila 58:11

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وسَلِّمْ على سَيِّدِنا مُحَمَّدٍ

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh sisters

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا۟ فِى ٱلْمَجَٰلِسِ فَٱفْسَحُوا۟ يَفْسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُوا۟ فَٱنشُزُوا۟ يَرْفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنكُمْ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ دَرَجَٰتٍۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

O you who have believed, when you are told, "Space yourselves" in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, "Arise," then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

It was revealed on a Friday where the believers are all gathered in a narrow place to listen to Rasulullah saw. This verse encouraged the believers to maintain good behaviour and fine manners during gatherings.

· Points for me to reflect from this verse

· Do I observe such adab during majlis and give the teachers and people around me their rights

· Do I consistently make space for others and always look out for newcomers who attend the gathering, making sure that they have space and feel comfortable just like everyone else

· Do I give my full attention to the teacher who is speaking

· As there are no physical gatherings now, have I fulfilled the adab that is required during online lessons

May we all get the most from all gatherings and help each other by passing on what we have learned. Looking forward to physical majlis in future! Alhamdulillah for all the online majlis that we can attend now :)

01 Oct 2020 - Arina

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:22:51 UTC

Confession: I have been distant from the Qur'an

It's kind of ironic, since I literally work for a Quranic literacy program. I have many daily conversations with teachers, learners, and lovers of the Qur'an. Alhamdulillah, Allah has blessed me with the opportunity to fill my time with learning and teaching the Qur'an. And yet... My heart has been distant from the Writer of these love letters.

*In Surah Qaf, Allah tells us: "And certainly We created man... and We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.” [50:16]*

Someone said this to me once, "Allah promises that He is close to us. So if you are feeling distant from Him, who has moved? Him, or you?" Oof.

I've been thinking a lot of the hadith above. I realise that in my busyness to do much and make the biggest difference I can, I may have lost track of what's important. There's only two things to do in this life: Service to Allah and Service to Mankind. The latter is actually a subset of the former.

In trying to connect others with Allah, I've forgotten to prioritise my own connection with the Qur'an - _my_ connection with Allah. Astaghfirullah. It's such a blessing that Allah still loves me enough to want to call me back to Him.

It is Allah who plants the desire to do good in us. It is He who gives us the means to do so. It is He who brings us back when we stray. Say Alhamdulillah for every good deed that He gifts you. And make sure you use those gifts to get even closer to Him than before.

You can't pour from an empty cup, I've tried. Hehe. So today, I'm going back to Allah and prioritising what _really_ matters. Would you like to join me?

02 Oct 2020 - Safrina

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:24:16 UTC

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وسَلِّمْ على سَيِّدِنا مُحَمَّدٍ

Quran Reflection Sharing
Ali-Imran 3:159

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh sisters

Aal-e-Imran 3:159

فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

English - Sahih International

So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah . Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].

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This incident happened during the Battle of Uhud whereby the sahabahs left their positions from the top of the hill as they thought the Muslims won the war.

This mistake caused grief to Rasulullah saw, his beloved uncle Hamza Bin Abdul Mutalib was martyred in this battle.

However, he didn't not blame/shame/scold or say anything to them. In fact, he was gentle to them.He continues to ask them to their opinions and suggestions.

Allah then revealed this verse.

The sahabahs made a big mistake unintentionally and Rasulullah saw showed them so much mercy.

This verse made me reflect on my behavior towards others. How I'm so quick to scold/snap my child for their innocent mistakes. Had I shown more mercy, they would have listened to me easily and not repeat the mistake as the lesson was learnt.

Allah has sent us the perfect example and Im not putting enough effort to follow our perfect example (Rasulullah saw )

Episode on Battle of Badr
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/15707883

from 63:00 onwards about the sahabahs leaving their positions

03 Oct 2020 - Adibah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:25:15 UTC

I've been reflecting on the word 'presence' a lot because I've been struggling with being present and focused recently like being present with Allah in solat, being present with people when you meet them etc, and this applies as well to being present and feeling Allah's presence when reading the Qur'an.

I then came across the book, Way to the Qur'an by Khurram Murad and would like to share a short excerpt from it here:

*In Allah's Presence*

Say to yourself: I am in Allah's presence; He is seeing me.

You must remain alive to the reality that, while you are reading the Qur'an, you are in the very presence of Him who has sent these words to you (like love letters for You :')). For, Allah is always with you, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. His knowledge is all-encompassing.

How do you attain this state of consciousness? Listen to what Allah tells you in the Qur'an in this regard. Remember those verses, and recollect and reflect upon them when you are about to start reading the Qur'an, and during it.

But what will help you more, not only in reading the Qur'an but in living your whole life by the Qur'an, is to *remember and reflect this reality as often as you can. Alone or in company, silent or speaking, at home or at work, at rest or busy - say, silently and loudly: He is here, with me, seeing and hearing, knowing and recording.*

Surah Al-Hadid, 57:4
Surah Qaf, 50:16
Surah Al-Mujadalah, 58:7
Surah Taha, 20:46
Surah Al-Tur, 52:48
Surah Ya Sin, 36:12

More significant is the following verse, which not only forcefully tells, in general, about Allah being present everywhere, seeing everything, but mentions, specifically, the act of reading the Qur'an:

*And in whatever condition you may be, and whatever you may be reciting of the Qur'an, and whatever work you may be doing, We are witnessing when you are occupied in it. And not so much as an atom's weight on earth or in heaven is hidden from your Lord. And neither is anything smaller than that nor greater, but is recorded in a manifest book. (Surah Yunus, 10:61)*

So He himself tells us, 'I am present when you read the Qur'an': never forget this.

Reciting the Qur'an is an act of worship. The way to attain highest excellence is worshipping Allah - as the Prophet ﷺ tells us, worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for even if you cannot see Him with eyes, you can see that He is seeing you (Muslim).

Additionally, remember that not only are you in His presence but that He remembers you as long as you are reading the Qur'an: ' Remember Me and I will remember you' (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152). The best way to remember Allah, undoubtedly, is to read the Qur'an.

May He grant us hidayah and the desire to read the Qur'an, may He grant us tawfiq to read the Qur'an, may He grant us istiqomah to read the Qur'an. May we be constantly reminded of His presence when we read the Qur'an and in all states inshaAllah✨💚

05 Oct 2020 - Farah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:27:01 UTC

Salam everyone. It's Quran Sharing for today. I would like to share a verse from Surah Al-Baqarah: 216 that means "Perhaps you hate something but it ia good for you and perhaps you love something but it is bad for you, and Allah knows what you don't"

This verse is very close to my heart for so long. It is also a verse that soothes my heart when things go wrong. You see in life, we feel like we have control over things when in reality, nothinh will happen without His permission.

Thus, to have the acceptance(redha) that everything that happens in our life is definitely *THE BEST* for us, is not easy but is *A MUST*. That is faith. That is Iman. To believe that everything happens for a reason and everything happens is the best for us.

So find wisdom, in every step of your life. Ask for it from Allah. So that you will understand, why things happened the way they did.

May Allah S.W.T lessen our burden, make our path smoother and grant all of Jannatul Firdaus insyaAllah.

Take care my sisters in Islam 💗

06 Oct 2020 - Fatin N.

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:28:23 UTC

Salaam. It’s my turn today to reflect and I chanced upon this verse (An-Nazi’at:46). It made me realise the importance of time and how fleeting it is. Medicine and science are getting more advanced and as a result, our lifespan can extend to 80+ years on average. If i am able to live that long (insha allah ameen), I can’t imagine feeling that I’ve only lived in this world for an afternoon or a morning later on in the akhirah?? It boggles my mind but it has also made me realise that the time we have here is a gift. How will we then use this gift of time in this world? How will we spend this one “afternoon”/“morning”? Towards Him? Or away from Him? May Allah grant us Hidayah and a gd ending ❤️

08 Oct 2020 - Liz

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:29:15 UTC

Salam everyone. I would like to share a verse from Surah Al Qamar: 17, 22, 32 & 40 that means "And certainly We have made the Quran easy for remembrance, but is there anyone who will mind?"

This ayat appears 4 times in the surah. The takeaway I got from Ustaz Zulkiflee Bachik of AtTartil, is not to give up when learning the Al Qu'ran as it's not meant to be difficult. Repetition of an ayat tells us that is an important message needed to be stressed upon again and again. Each time I'm about to give up my learning of the Quran Language, I will reflect on this ayat. It brings me comfort that the Al Qu'ran was never meant to be "an ordeal" but a beautiful manual for us to refer to.

Ustaz kept repeating this when he was teaching us:
Consistency is key.
If you listen, you will forget
If you write, you will remember
If you share / teach, you will master

09 Oct 2020 - Rosyiidah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:29:57 UTC

Salaam ladies :)
Came across this verse yesterday and alhamdulillah it is a much needed reminder for me as work has been getting more challenging and at times it feels insurmountable, on top of personal challenges. I am reminded that Allah truly knows what's best for me at any point in time and I got to trust that I actually *can* handle what He put me to as He's got my back.

At the same time, I also try to remind myself to notice the ease, the blessings as well as to seek assistance when needed. And I believe all these are necessary to calibrate myself to a peaceful inner state.

Also remembering this: If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. 💪

Jumuah mubarakah everyone 🌻

12 Oct 2020 - Nabilah I.

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:31:13 UTC

Let’s take this chance to make a short supplication for our parents, for all that they have gone through in raising us, because without them, we will not be where we are today.

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This is going to be a rather personal sharing so I apologise in advance if its crude or inappropriate. This week hasn’t been the best one for me. I have a lot of things to do and I am extremely tired. There are so many deadlines to meet, so many work to do and so many things to be completed. Although I have planned out my work, I was still unable to complete them because things just cropped up all of a sudden. To add to my already long list, my dad kept asking me for help with his work and technology-related matters. I desperately wanted to reject and get my other siblings to help but I knew that it would not be right. So I took a deep breath and just helped out. (Besides, whatever I’m helping out is incomparable to the things he had done for me) And guess what? After that, Allah made it easy for me to complete my other assignments. Help came to me through ways that I could never have imagined. Subhanallah. I cannot possibly make this up.
This reminds me of the verse in the Quran, 4:36 “Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents (4:36). And the hadith “The best of deeds or deed is the observance of prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.” (Sahih Muslim)
Just a disclaimer: This is not to say that things magically fall in place. Not all my assignments are completed, not all my work immediately finished itself off. But, my heart felt the ease and calmness. And I am comforted by the fact that if I prioritise the right things, other things will fall in place and my affairs would be taken care of. Besides, at the end of the day, our parents’ and Allah’s redha is what we are after. And for me, having my parents around is one of the greatest blessings and gifts that I ever had. For their duas are powerful and they are the doors to Jannah. So I am really thankful to have them around.
May we continue to be gifted with patience to treat our parents with kindness and respect despite our busy schedule and differences in opinion. Let’s take this chance to make a short supplication for them, for all that they have gone through in raising us for without them, we will not be where we are today.

12 Oct 2020 - Ramizah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:33:10 UTC

My sharing is tomorrow but since I've just read this page, I will share now huhu. May it benefit :)
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(Also sharing what was shared by Ustazah Farhana before)

*Intentions of Recitation of the Noble Qur’an by Sayyidil Habib Umar bin Hafiz*

I intend to plead to The Merciful by His Words and His Speech

I intend to follow the example of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ in its recitation

I intend to extract the (Qur’anic) sciences and knowledge

I intend to seek the Lord’s Pleasure and increasing His Pleasure (with us)

I intend to establish the commandment of Allah in reciting His book on Earth amongst the nation (of our Prophet ﷺ)

I intend to delight the Prophet’s noble heart ﷺ by reciting what was sent down upon it

I intend to connect with the chain of transmission which he recites with the Messenger ﷺ and adding with that, their rewards and recompense [1]

I intend to discipline the lower self and purify the soul with the secrets of the noble verses (of the Qur’an) and its lights

[1] Meaning: Sharing in the rewards and recompense of the pious people within the chain of recitation narration back to the Messenger ﷺ

18 Oct 2020 - Nadiah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:35:00 UTC

Salaam friends, many apologies, I was supposed to share yesterday but totally forgot about it.

I chanced upon some wonderful verses a few days ago but thought that I would just want to share on a personal reflection. Sorry if it appears incoherent!

A hadith reported by Abu Dawood mentioned that Rasulullah SAW said, *"Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood."*

As of late, jealousy is the struggle I face, and I think it has crept into my heart. It reminds me of a story I've heard from my ustaz, about how there was this sheikh who sat in front of his followers, telling a story about how an individual had left the door open, and a cat went into his home, took his food, and left.

And I wonder, what is it that I have allowed to enter my heart such that it brews jealousy. Indeed, it is the heart that I have not been taking care of. And if the heart is a gift from Allah, isn't not caring for it also a sign of being _zalim_ to ourselves?

لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ
_There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers_

As such, I am trying to be more intentional in protecting my heart these days (do feel free to share with me some ways that you are doing that too!).

I pray that all of us here are blessed with istiqomah to continue to read Allah's letter to us as we wet our lips with remembrance of Allah and His Messenger PBUH. I pray that Allah protect our hearts from diseases and grant us Taufiq and Hidayah as we take the path and strive to be closer to Him. ❤️🙆🏻‍♀️

19 Oct 2020 - Sumaiyah

arina_adom — 2020-10-19 23:36:02 UTC

Assalamualaikum sisters. Today is my turn to share. MashaAllah. I would love to share about having hope. From this illustration we can see how sometimes shaitan deceives us with limiting beliefs. However if we were to turn to the Quran regularly we would see that Allah promises us much good and hope if we continue to believe and do righteous deeds. Let us continue to hope and hold on, with the Quran.... “as to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a single righteous deed” - Surah Kahf, 18:30