Qur'an (Light of the Heaven)

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

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 his Qur'an.

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 Qur'an 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 (swt) in our lives."

Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ ) says:

"The one who guides to good will be reward equally"

Allah humma salli ala muhammad wa-ala aa li muhammad kama sallayta ala Ibraaheem wa ala aali Ibraheem inna ka hameedum majeed.

Allahhumma barik ala muhammad wa ala aali muhammad kamaa baarakta alaa Ibraaheem wa alaa aali Ibraheem inna ka hameedum majeed.

Rabbanaa aatinaa fiddunya hasanah wa fil aakhirati hasanah wa qinaa adhaaban naar.

Rabighfirlee wa li waalidayyaa wa lil mu'mineena wal mu'minaati, yauma yaqoomul hisaab.

Ameen.

How much love do you have in your Heart?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

By Michelle Schafieh

Love

Think of a person that you may have fallen in love with or are already in love with. Then answer Yes or No to the following questions to determine if your love is real.

1. Does your heart race every time you hear his/her name?

2. Do you feel at peace every time you are around him/her?

3. Do you love learning everything about him/her? Do you spend hours stalking their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter?

4. Do you sometimes feel restless or lose sleep just thinking about him/her?

5. Do you do whatever you can to impress him/her? For example, do you dress a certain way just for him/her?

6. Do you find the words he/she says charming and eloquent? 7. Do you love spending time with him/her?

8. Do you not mind giving up some things you love such as hanging out with your friends for him/her?

9. Do you try to learn new skills just for him/her?

10. Do you think about your future and see him/her in it?

11. Do you spend countless hours trying to get to know the person?

Count all of your responses, and if you answered more Yes’s than No’s, then congratulations, you have fallen and/or are in love.

Now, I want you to go back through the list and instead of thinking of a person, think of Allah (SWT). Again count all of your responses. Do you see any differences?

A lot of times, we say that we love Allah (SWT) more than anything in this dunya, but do we ever stop to think about the strength of our love for him? Our love for our Creator should be endless, which is why we need to constantly work to strengthen this love. To help you build your relationship with Allah (SWT), just go through the list, and see where you need improvements. Here are some examples.

1. If your heart does not tremble when hearing about Allah (SWT), maybe you can spend more time reading or listening to the Qur’an.

2. If you constantly worry and aren’t at peace, try to remind yourself that this world is only temporary, and these worries will not last.

3. Rather than spending hours on Facebook, spend those hours on Youtube watching videos on the miracles of the Qur’an or try memorizing the 99 names of Allah (SWT) and their meanings.

4. If you do not lose sleep, then maybe try waking up on time for Fajr prayer. If you already do so, maybe stay awake before or after Fajr and make dhikr.

5. Maybe you can set weekly goals to help you impress Allah (SWT).

6. Maybe spend more time reciting Qur’an to see its eloquence and beauty.

7. If you do not make enough time to build your relationship, maybe make a weekly schedule where you leave an hour a day to study Islam.

8. Maybe try to set small goals to help you get rid of bad habits. If you smoke, for example, maybe try to smoke a bit less every day. If you tend to raise your voice every time you are mad, maybe learn a new method that helps you cope with anger.

9. Maybe you can try to learn a new skill. For example, learn to understand Arabic and the meanings behind the prayers you recite.

10. Spend more time reflecting about the afterlife. By simply reminding yourself about the afterlife, you will remind yourself that this world is temporary and that we are here to love and worship our Creator.

11. In order to love someone, you need to know the person. Take a moment to really ask yourself this question: Do you spend countless hours getting to know Allah (SWT)? If you put in the effort to understand Allah (SWT), whether it is through his prophets, books, or names, that love will eventually grow.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) loved many things. He loved his wife, his daughters, his companions, his people. But what defined him as a Muslim was that his love for Allah was above anything else. I pray that our love for Allah (SWT) continues to increase, and I pray that we can all build our relationship with our Creator. Ameen.

“I once had a thousand desires,

But in my one desire to know

you, All else melted away.”

-Rumi

Why Can’t We See God?

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

By Sister Dina Mohamed Basiony.

I was talking to a young sister over the phone. We haven’t seen or met each other before. She was referred to me by a common friend. We were discussing an issue that she needed help with.

So, we texted at first and then talked over the phone.

We both opened up to each other so much so that by the end of the call, we felt like we’re truly sisters and that we’ve known each for ages.

We then continued messaging each other until the issue was completely resolved.
Throughout this period, we felt a very deep bond with one another. We actually made each other tear up at some points. We felt so much gratitude and a mixture of other fulfilling and heart warming emotions.

We literally had so much love and compassion for one another through this experience.
One day, she texted me and said that she really feels that she is in love with God and that she reached a point where she loves and favours Him over anything else and anyone else in this worldly life.

But then she asked “I always wondered why we can’t see Allah? It would have made things easier. It would have made us deeply love Him easier.”

I told her, “You love me. Right? You actually said that you love me. But did you see me?”
We’ve actually never met. We loved and communicated deeply with one another even though we’ve never seen each other and we don’t even know how the other one looks like!

Connection and communication can happen on very deep levels without having to physically see matters.

The sister and I only communicated through words, yet we connected deeply.

Allah also sent us His Words! He sent His Direct Verbatim Words: The Qur’an.

This is how we communicate with Him; we receive His Words, read them, listen to them, and we speak to Him.

Through this experience, we are able to connect with Allah on very profound intellectual, emotional and personal levels.

Humans are intellectual beings. We are sophisticated creatures and we have the ability to communicate through much deeper means than merely vision.

We are not animals.

Animals don’t communicate through words or other deep long-distance communication. They are not intellectual beings. To them, seeing is believing. They have to see. They’re all about the physical.

But we are beyond the physical and it is a brilliance of our creation that we have the ability to learn, grow and communicate beyond the physical.

This is exactly what Allah intended for us. From the very beginning of the Qur’an when Allah revealed to us the story of creating our father Adam (peace be upon him), we see that the purpose of our creation was to learn and connect with the Creator on very deep levels.

“And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.” They said, “Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.”He said, “O Adam, inform them of their names.” And when he had informed them of their names, He said,

“Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.” (Qur’an 2: 31-33)

So, we were created to learn beyond what other creatures can learn.

Among what we learn are the true meanings of faith, sincerity, perseverance, love and commitment…

I want you to imagine something.

Imagine you’re married and you’re sitting with your husband and he tells you, “you’re the most beautiful woman, I will never look at anyone else but you.”

You’re already there with him. So it’s not a big test for him to be faithful and loving to you when you’re sitting right there in front of him.

But if you’re away and for a long period, and he proves that he continues to love and be faithful to you and never look at anyone else, then this is true commitment and sincerity. Right?

To Allah Exalted is the Highest Example and Attribute…If we’re seeing Allah, there is really no challenge at all.

Allah is the Creator of everything we ever loved and admired in this existence. Think of anything you ever liked and multiply that by infinity!

He is The Source and Fashioner of Beauty, He is The Source of Power, The Most High, The Most Wise, The Most Merciful, The Most Majestic, The Healer, The Source of Light….

Who would disbelieve after seeing that? Who would see the Ultimate Source of Beauty, Power, Might, Majesty, Wisdom, Love….and then go to look for bits and pieces of that in something else or someone else!

If you see Him, there is not test and there is no challenge.

But to believe in Him in the unseen, THIS is true love, faith and commitment.

This is our test.

This is what Allah said at the opening of Surat Al Baqarah in the Noble Qur’an:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah – Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (Qur’an 2: 2-5)

This is it: “Those who believe in the unseen”– those are the sincere ones, the true believers.
You know, even Moses (peace be upon him) out of love asked Allah to allow him to see Him. Allah told him that he can’t handle that now, but He taught him and us a lesson…

“And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You.” [Allah] said, “You will not see Me, but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me.” But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level, and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, “Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.” (Qur’an 7: 143)

Allah only revealed a fraction of Himself to the mountain, and it completely shattered and fell apart. How can we handle seeing Him, then!

But what happened is that Moses increased in love, admiration and gratitude to Allah. This Absolutely Mighty and Majestic Creator chose us to know about Him, and love Him and communicate with Him.

He chose us and honoured us… it is really a source of humility and gratitude.

“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” (Qur’an: 17, 70)

Imagine someone who has been sending you gifts, messages, showering you with kindness, love, mercy… while you haven’t seen him.

How would you feel?

You will have intense feelings of longing, gratitude and anxiousness to meet him. Right?

This is what we feel towards Allah. We’re growing in longing to see Him and meet Him… it is the ultimate goal and desire. This life is about building the momentum for The Day when we get to actually see Him!

“[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, Looking at their Lord.” (Qur’an 75: 22-23)
“[Some] faces, that Day, will be bright -Laughing, rejoicing at good news.” (Qur’an 80: 38-39)

Recall this hadith:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) recited this Verse: ‘For those who have done good is the best reward and even more.’ (Qur’an 10: 26)
Then he said:

‘When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, and the people of the Fire enter the Fire, a caller will cry out: “O people of Paradise! You have a covenant with Allah and He wants to fulfil it.” They will say: “What is it?” Has Allah not made the Balance (of our good deeds) heavy, and made our faces bright, and admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?” Then the Veil will be lifted and they will look upon Him, and by Allah, Allah will not give them anything that is more beloved to them or delightful, than looking upon Him.'” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Looking at Allah and seeing Him is the ultimate gift. It is what we’re working for and longing for…

At this stage of our lives, it is not right or befitting to see Him physically.

Can we see the ENTIRE universe in one glance? No.

Then how can we see The One who is Bigger than the entire universe in one glance?

“Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives [all] vision; and He is the Subtle, the Acquainted.” (Qur’an 6: 103)

Allah created time and space for us. These are His creations. But He is beyond that; He is beyond time and space. He is not restricted to a specific form or location and He is not like what He created.

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Qur’an 42: 11)
Imagine a person who created mobile phones, for example. Then imagine those mobile phones asking one another: “what do you think our creator looks like? How does his charger look like? How is his battery?”

Well, the creator is not like what he created! He is beyond that. But He is The Most Knowing of what He created.

“Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?” (Qur’an 67: 14]

Now, you might ask: but then how are we going to see Him in the Hereafter?
Well, the hereafter is a completely different nature and setting. We do not apply the standards that were created for this worldly life to what was created and prepared for another life, the next life, the Hereafter.

Imagine a fish telling another fish, “It’s not possible that there is life outside the sea because how are we going to swim?”

Well, the sea is not like the land and the creation of the sea aren’t like the creation of the land.

It’s like a baby who tells another baby inside his mother’s womb that there is no life outside the womb because there is no umbilical cord and if that’s the case, then how are we supposed to eat, drink or sustain our lives out there!!

Well, again, different natures!

So, just trust The Creator.

He has already given us enough examples to think, reflect, connect and communicate with Him.

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Qur’an 3: 190)

And those who reflect and communicate with Him will testify to how this has satisfied and fulfilled their hearts, minds and souls. How this gave them meaning and purpose, how it gave them hope and direction.

Allah is closer to His created beings than their own consciousness. Even if you’re physically sitting with someone you love, he/she might not be able to fully know what is going on in your mind and heart.

But Allah created this mind and heart, He knows what you think and how you feel without you even uttering a word.

The deepest, strongest, most fulfilling and most personal relationship we can have in this life is the one we build with The Creator of this life. He knows and sees what’s in your minds and hearts even as you read these words right now.

And that’s powerful and reassuring. We don’t have to explain, He already sees and understands.

So just submit to Him and speak to Him! There is so much relief and liberation in doing so.

We now have the opportunity to communicate with Him through His most beautiful ways: through His Powerful Words in the Qur’an, through what He asked us to do in order to actualize our purpose in life… and when we do that, we will truly know Him and we will know and understand our own selves and find the peace that our hearts are searching for…

“Those who have faith and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of God– truly it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace.” (Qur’an 13: 28)

Source: Hadith of the Day.

Ramadan Traditions for Married Couples.

By Sister Megan.

1) Compete for serving each other a date or sip of water first. 

2) Pray together more often when possible in the home. 

3) Resist the temptation to chat during the time for dhikr after Salah. Support each other in finishing it.

4) Make sure to spend ten minutes hugging or touching before bedtime so that the exhaustion of fasting and taraweeh doesn't create too much separation between both of you. Touch is to be treasured for married couples.

5) Ask each other your Ramadan goals so you can be a source of compassion, support, and understanding for their greatest spiritual needs. 

6) When things get sluggish, be the one who encourages with love to keep going and doing extra acts of worship. 

7) Tune in: when you miss your spouse let them know verbally. It's ok to find the extra time away a little difficult. Use Fearless Vulnerability to let them know so their heart can catch up with yours. Just don't let the space lead to frustration and tension. 

8) Find ways to show more gratitude for each other. Make du'a for them verbally, drop an email, or leave a small note.

9) Welcome your spouse's desire to change rather than hold them to their "normal self." If they want Qur'an in the car vs. music, to attend the masjid for prayer vs. stay at home, allow the newness to be welcomed. 

10) Avoid shaming for who they are when they aren't as religious in one area as you'd prefer. Ramadan doesn't make a miracle change out of most of us. For one spouse, just fasting itself could be extremely difficult. For another, it's praying Fajr on time. One spouse may recite the whole Qur'an with ease, but another finds dhikr easiest for them to do. Whatever you say - make sure your intention is to show love, respect, gratitude, or support for your spouse this coming month and be a positive person in their life. 

*That alone is one of the greatest forms of da'wah you could ever hope for, and who better to be your best self to than your own spouse?* 

May Allah bless us all to find His infinite Mercy in Ramadan and find the fruits of those days in a cool Shade on the Day of Judgment, in the ability to fly over the sirat radiating beautiful light, and a celebration of pure joy and bliss with those we love in gardens in Jannah, with rivers, fields of green, towering trees, and other unimaginable beauty that Allah has created for those who seek Him.

She was with you when no one else...

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

She was with you when no one else knew you existed. She went through pain after pain to see you set foot on this earth. Her heart broke every single time you’d wake up in the middle of the night crying. She would sacrifice her sleep just to hold you in her arms. Tears would roll down her eyes every time you fell ill. You were helpless and weak, thus Allah made her your support and strength.

She would rather go hungry to ensure you were full, sleep in cold as long as you were wrapped up & warm and she would rather harm befell her if it saved you from any pain. And you know very well, if she could, she would do it all again.

She smiled when you smiled, she cried when you cried, she dressed you in the best of clothes even when her own were torn, she would listen to you repeating the same thing all day and never become bored. You found comfort in her arms, even when she was angry, you’d run to her instead of from her. She meant the world to you. She WAS your world. That is, when you were young…

Now that she’s old, weak and helpless, her love for you has only increased. Her heart still breaks when harm touches you. Your happiness still makes her happy. She would still sacrifice this world and everything in it for you. But, would you?

"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents; in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth" (46:15).

"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say, "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." [Noble Quran 17:23-24]

Forgive me mum…

A Dad's speech at his Daughter's Wedding.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I thought I would start my speech by addressing you as the “new” family of my daughter. But I think it would be inappropriate because now that she is married, you are “the family” for her. Believe me; I don’t have a problem with that. I, in fact, want my daughter to have “you” as her priority now. It's time for us to take a backseat in her life. We would happily accept it but would surely request one thing- please keep her happy!

I am more than sure that you will keep her very happy. She will perhaps be happier than what she used to be here. But like all fathers, I obsess over my daughter’s happiness which is making me say this over and over again- please keep her happy!

She never was and will never be a burden for me. She is in fact the reason why I breathe and smile. I am getting her married because this is what the law of nature demands. I am helpless in the face of our culture and therefore sending her to your home. She was the happiness of my home and will now light up your home. I am giving my world to you. Please make sure it remains beautiful. I am giving away my princess to you. Please make sure she stays as a queen. I have raised her with my sweat and blood and now she is wonderfully perfect. For all the care, love, beauty and warmth my daughter will bring into your lives, I just want her happiness in return- please keep her happy!

If at times you think that my daughter has said or done something wrong, feel free to scold her. But handle her with love. She is very fragile. If at times she feels low, be with her. She just needs a little bit of your attention. If at times she feels sick, show her some care. It’s the medicine that works best for her. If at times she fails to fulfil a responsibility, feel free to chastise her. But empathize with her. She is still learning. Do understand her- please keep her happy!

I don’t mind if I don’t get to see her for months. I don’t mind if I am not able to talk to her on a daily basis. I would be more than happy if she doesn’t remember me much. But, my only motive in life has been my daughter’s happiness which is now in your hands. I beg you- please keep her happy.

Dear son-in-law, these words may not mean much to you now but if you are lucky enough to father a daughter someday, you will appreciate them better when you will find every beat of your heart shouting – “please keep her happy!” 

May Allah grant all sisters in Islam husbands who protect them and take care of them and May Allah grant our brothers the ability to do so, Ameen.

A Muslim Wife | Hidden Pearl.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

It is reported that Shuraih, who was a judge, met ash-Sha'bi. This latter asked him about his life at home. Shuraih said: "I have not had any problem with my wife for twenty years. "ash-Sha'bi said: "How come?"

Shuraih replied: "On our wedding night, I looked at her and saw a rare fascinating beauty. I then said to myself: I should make Wudu', pray two Rakaa't  and praise Allah. When I finished, I found out that she was following me in prayers and finished as soon as I had finished. When the guest left the house. I moved towards her and tried to touch her. But she said: "Wait a minute O Abu Umayyah (i.e. Shuraih), stay where you are." Then, she said: "All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness. Peace and Blessing be upon Muhammad ﷺ. I am a stranger to you and I have no idea about your morals and attitudes. So tell me what you like and I will do it, and what you hate and I will avoid it. She continued: There must be among your people a woman that "you could have married and a man among my people that I could have married, but Allah (swt) has given you control over me, so obey Him; either retain me on reasonable terms or release me with kindness. This is all I have to say and may Allah forgive us both."

Shuraih then, said: I found myself in need of giving a khutbah, which I had not delivered for quite a long time. I said: All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness. Peace and Blessing be upon Muhammad ﷺ. You (i.e. his wife) have said many things, which, if you stand firm on them, you will be rewarded, but if you fail them, they will be evidence against you. I love such and such things, and I hate such and such things. You may spread whatever good deed you see, and conceal whatever evil deed you see. She then, said: "What would you say to my relatives visiting?" I replied: "I do not want your family to dictate things to me." She said: "Which of your neighbours do you want to visit me? I said: "The family of such and such are good people and the family of such and such are bad company.

Shuraih then, said: I had a wonderful wedding night and our first year was marvellous. When the new year came and upon my return from the court, I found a woman in my house, I asked my wife: 'Who is she?' My wife replied: 'Your mother-in-law.' My mother-in-law looked at me and asked: "How do you find your wife?" I said: 'The best wife a man can have.' She then said: 'O Abu Umayyah, you will be in a worse condition then her only in two cases; if she gives birth to a child of is she enjoys your favours. I swear that men have never seen inflicted with a worse evil then a spoilt woman. So discipline your wife.

I lived with my wife for twenty years and never complained about her, except once, and then I was unfair to her.

This is how a husband should be, how a wife should be and how a mother-in-law should be. May Allah have mercy on them and grant us to have such an attributes in the marriage life which eventually  bear fruits not only in this life but in the next life also and to meet at the hereafter In-Sha-Allah, Ameen.

Source: Kalamullah.com