Category Archives: In the Company of Angels

Why people lie

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We live in times where lying and deceit has become a habit because people assume that it is easy to get away with it. I’ve been thinking about why people lie, and while on the outside it may be due to various superficial reasons, at the very core of it, there’s only one reason and that is: our faith has become so weak that we don’t believe that God can take care of our affairs and so we take the matter in to our own hands and lie to (temporarily) get what we want.

Allaah says in the Qur’an, verse 70-71 in surah al-Ahzab:

“O you who have believed, fear Allaah and speak the truth (words of justice). He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.”

The word “يصلح” used in verse 71 comes from the root ص ل ح which means not only will He “amend” but set your affairs right. In other words, if you speak the truth, Allaah will take care of the rest. He will fix what’s broken. That’s a promise from a God who is al-‘Adl (the Most Just), al-Khabir (the All-Aware), al-Muhaymin (the Preserver of Safety), al-Fattah (the Reliever, One who will open closed doors for you), al-Razzaq (the Provider from unimaginable sources). He is Allaah, al-Wakil, the Universal Trustee, the only One you can rely on, no matter what it is that you’re going through, no matter what it is that you desire.

Instead of seeking a temporary means (lying, deceiving) to get what you want that you know will undoubtedly backfire soon enough, speak the truth and Allaah will surprise you with His Justice and reward.

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Peace.. until the rise of morn.

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Salaam, subhan’Allaah.. how beautiful is that word. Jam-packed with joy, positivity, happiness. Peace. Ash-Sha`bi says: “Allaah calls it the Salaam because the angels are constantly sending peace and blessings upon the believers in the mosques.” Imagine having countless angels surrounding us, and according to a narration “the angels on earth on that night of Qadr will be more numerous than all the pebbles of the earth.” 

And to top it all off, we will be honoured with the company of Jibreel `alayhissalaam! Just thinking about it gives one goosebumps out of awe and amazement. Ibn Katheer mentions a hadeeth in his tafseer in which it is said that: “A battalion of angels come down with Jibreel and they enter every Masjid, and approach every believer who is in worship and give him Salaam.”

What does the night of Qadr entail? Glory, honour, power, measuring decree, destiny. These are just some of the meanings of the word Qadr.

The night of Qadr will be a night of not only peace, glory and honour but it will also be a night wherein Allaah will measure our decree.

In soorat ad-Dukhaan Allaah says: “Therein (Laylatul Qadr) is decreed every matter of decree.”

We also know that one of the names of Allaah subhanahu wa ta`ala is al-Qaadir, which means the Able, ordaining, decreeing, etc. As in He can make possible anything He wants. Anything you want.

So what should you to do gain maximum benefit? Here’s some pointers:

  1.  It was the sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam, the Sahabah and the Tabi`een to bathe, smell good and wear nice, clean clothes. It shows how special they thought this night was, and also because we will be in the company of blessed creatures (the Malaa’ikah and especially Jibreel). So don’t forget to revive this sunnah!
  2. For those who can go to a masjid, its great to be able to pray qiyaam with an imaam. If you haven’t been to the masjid at all this Ramadan, then these are the last few nights that you cannot afford to miss!
  3. Sisters who can’t pray, and if you’re unable to go to a masjid for whatever reason, create a clean atmosphere in your room. By clean I mean free from every kind of evil/negativity. So if there’s any pictures for example in your room, get rid of them. I like to turn off the lights and create a soft light in my room with either a lamp or candles (scented ones are even better for a fresh smell!). It helps me focus better.
  4. Pray, pray and pray. Sisters who can’t pray, read the Qur’aan, do dhikr of Allaah, send peace and blessings upon the Prophet.
  5.  Make a list of things that you want to ask Allaah for. Making a list is very important as it keeps you focused and also gives you perspective on what exactly it is that you need from Allaah.
  6.  When you ask, don’t forget to ask for forgiveness. Allaahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `anni. O Allaah, You are the Forgiver, You love forgiving, so forgive me.
  7. Don’t miss out on this amazing night.. It can open doors to you that you never imagined. It can bring you peace you never thought you could have. It can give you answers you never thought existed. You know this is a caravan you can’t  miss! 🙂

May Allaah accept our `ibaadah, and our siyaam. May He forgive our sins, grant us Jannah and protect us from the fire of Hell.

Don’t make this your Ramadan of regret.

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It is related that some people said to Hasan al-Basri, “Oh Abu Saeed there is a man sitting behind a pillar here, whom we have never seen.” Hasan al-Basri went to him and said, “Oh Abdullah, I see the love of seclusion has engulfed you. What prevents you from sitting with the people?”

He replied, “A matter which has averted my attention from the people”.

He then asked “So what prevents you from sitting with Hasan al-Basri?” He again replied, “A matter which has averted my attention from Hasan al-Basri and the people.”

Hasan al-Basri enquired about this affair which was keeping the man away. The man asserted, “In the morning I look at the blessings of Allaah and at the sins I have committed. I then occupy myself thanking Allah for the blessings and repenting from my sins”.

Hasan al-Basri said to him, “Oh Abdullah you are more knowledgable and have better understanding than Hasan! Remain steadfast in your action.”

Ramadan will soon be gone and we will be left with regret.. Regret about days, precious minutes that have slipped from our hands. Don’t let it leave you sorrowful but rather let it be your Ramadan of thankfulness, of grace, of beautiful patience, of impeccable character, of persistent dhikr of Allaah, of constant repentance, of contemplation and pondering over Allaah’s creation,  and most importantly, of critical introspection. Seclude yourself even if its just for a couple hours a day and do whatever you need to, to earn Allaah’s Love and His Blessed company in the aakhirah.

May Allaah purify our hearts and our characters.

You’re not alone..

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The last couple of weeks have been very hectic, but mostly, they’ve been emotionally draining. Therefore this reminder from Shaykh Muhammad al-Mukhtar ash-Shinqiti shared by a beautiful friend couldn’t have come at a better time. I thought i’d share it with my readers, so that you too can benefit from this.

You may have heard these words before, but you will realize like I did, that his advice applies so much more in this month of Ramadan. I don’t know if this is something everyone feels, but turning to Allaah now is much easier than it is during other days/months – in the sense that your heart will feel much more at ease, worshiping Him seems much more easier and so if there’s any worries you’re experiencing right now, turn to Him. These are blessed days and they will be gone before you know it. Make the best of them. Make use of them before the opportunity slips away.

Look into your own heart.

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فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا ۖ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

In their hearts is disease, so Allaah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie. (2:10)

Whatever you condemn, you have done yourself. (Georg Groddeck)

That which we call sin in others is experiment for us.  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ أَن لَّن يُخْرِجَ اللَّهُ أَضْغَانَهُمْ

Or do those in whose hearts is disease think that Allaah would never expose their [feelings of] hatred? (47:29)

The most melancholy thing about human nature, is, that a man may guide others into the path of salvation, without walking in it himself; that he may be a pilot, and yet a castaway.  (Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers)

Most everyone seems willing to be a fool himself, but he can’t bear to have anyone else one.  (Josh Billings)

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? (61:2)

On the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Four traits whoever possesses them is a hypocrite and whoever possesses some of them has an element of hypocrisy until he leaves it: the one who when he speaks he lies, when he promises he breaks his promise, when he disputes he transgresses and when he makes an agreement he violates it. (Bukhari and Muslim)

the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said: “The most hated of men to Allaah is the one given to fierce and violent disputation.” (Bukhari and Muslim) the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said about the one who takes what is not his through clever speech has only been given a piece of the fire. (Jami’ al-‘Uloom)

‘Umar (radiAllaahu ‘anh) mentioned the hadeeth of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam): “The thing from which I fear for you the most is the knowledgeable hypocrite.” ‘Umar was then asked: “How can a hypocrite be knowledgeable?” To which Umar answered: “He speaks with wisdom but acts with injustice.”

“Keep away from suspicion, for it is the most deceptive discourse. Do not attempt to probe, spy on, compete with, envy, or be hateful of one another, but be, O servants of Allaah, brothers. The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim: he does not oppress him, fail him, or scorn him. Taqwa is here [points to his heart]. It is wrong for a man to hold his Muslim brother in contempt. Everything pertaining to a Muslim is forbidden to another: his blood, his honor, and his wealth.” (Muslim)

“So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous..”

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A small collection of verses to uplift your spirits and boost your imaan:

“And Allaah will deliver those who have Taqwa to their places of success. Evil shall touch them not, nor shall they grieve” (39:61)

“Allaah will protect you from mankind. Verily, (and) Allaah guides not the people who disbelieve.” (5:67)

Your Lord has neither forsaken you nor hated you. And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world). And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good, Paradise) so that you shall be well-pleased. (93:3-5)

   “Verily those who say, “Our Lord is Allaah,” and remain steadfast (on that Path), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”  (46:13)

“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allaah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain [in faith].”  (30:60)

“So be patient over what they say and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied.”  (20:130)

“Then be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muhammad], and be not like the companion of the fish when he called out while he was distressed.” (68:48)

“Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allaah].” (38:17)

“And let not their speech grieve you. Indeed, honor [due to power] belongs to Allah entirely. He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (10:65)

“My Lord, do not let them overpower me..”

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I thought it would be good to share ad`iya that I personally love, with the rest of you so that you can make use of them everyday but especially on Friday during the one hour between `Asr and Maghrib.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam said: “On Jum`ah there is a time that if a believing slave asks Allaah during it for some good, (Allaah will) give it to him, and that time is after the `Asr prayer.” [Ahmad]

Remember, before you raise your hands to Allaah, check your intention, and have firm faith that Allaah will accept it.

May Allaah answer all our ad`iya.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ۩۞۩ஜ۩۞۩ஜ۩۞۩ஜ۩۞۩

رب أعني ولا تعن علي ، وانصرني ولا تنصر علي ، وامكر لي ولا تمكر علي ، واهدني ويسر الهدى لي ، وانصرني على من بغى علي ، رب اجعلني شكارا لك ذكارا لك رهابا لك ، مطيعا إليك مخبتا إليك أواها منيبا ، رب تقبل توبتي ، واغسل حوبتي ، وأجب دعوتي ، واهد قلبي ، وثبت حجتي ، وسدد لساني ، واسلل سخيمة قلبي

O my Lord, help me and do not help others against me, help me to overpower them and do not let them overpower me. Plan in my favour and do not plan against me, and guide me and make the guidance easy for me, and help me against whoever oppresses me. O my Lord, make one most grateful to You, one who remembers You greatly, one who fears You greatly. one who obeys You greatly, one turning greatly towards You in submission and humility. O my Lord, accept my repentance, wash away my sins, and accept my invocations, keep me firm on my proof, guide my heart and make my tongue to utter what is correct (and true), and remove any illfeeling from my heart.

Have you prayed for your parents today?

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Something my father said to me this morning had me fighting back tears. He wanted me to draft a power of attorney from him and my mom, going to me. It was this sudden realization that our parents won’t be here forever. Growing up I used to make this du`aa every night before going to sleep: Oh Allaah please do not take away the souls of my parents and my family before taking mine. Without giving it a second thought, without knowing if it was right or wrong, I would pray for this every night before falling asleep.

We often become so engrossed in our daily lives, with jobs, schools, etc that we forget how precious this time is that we have with our parents. I came across this beautiful du`aa. Make sure to print it and read it everyday for them. This is the least you can do.

الصلاة والسلام على رسول الهدى
وعلى آله وصحبه وعلى من اتبع الهدى
اللهم يا ذا الجلال و الإكرام يا حي يا قيوم ندعوك باسمك الأعظم الذي
إذا دعيت به أجبت، أن تبسط على والدي من بركاتك ورحمتك ورزقك
اللهم ألبسهما العافية حتى يهنئا بالمعيشة ، واختم لهما بالمغفرة حتى
لا تضرهما الذنوب ، اللهم اكفيهما كل هول دون الجنة حتى تُبَلِّغْهما
إياها .. برحمتك يا ارحم الراحمين
اللهم لا تجعل لهما ذنبا إلا غفرته ، ولا هما إلا فرجته ، ولا حاجة من
حوائج الدنيا هي لك رضا ولهما فيها صلاح إلا قضيتها , اللهم ولا
تجعل لهما حاجة عند أحد غيرك
اللهم و أقر أعينهما بما يتمنياه لنا في الدنيا
اللهم إجعل أوقاتهما بذكرك معمورة
اللهم أسعدهما بتقواك
اللهم اجعلهما في ضمانك وأمانك وإحسانك
اللهم ارزقهما عيشا قارا ، ورزقا دارا ، وعملا بارا
اللهم ارزقهما الجنة وما يقربهما إليها من قول واعمل ،
وباعد بينهما وبين النار وبين ما يقربهما إليها من قول أو عمل
اللهم اجعلهما من الذاكرين لك ، الشاكرين لك ، الطائعين لك ،
المنيبين لك
اللهم واجعل أوسع رزقهما عند كبر سنهما وإنقطاع عمرهما
اللهم واغفر لهما جميع ما مضى من ذنوبهما ، واعصمهما
فيما بقي من عمرهما ، و ارزقهما عملا زاكيا ترضى به عنهما
اللهم تقبل توبتهما ، وأجب دعوتهما
اللهم إنا نعوذ بك أن تردهما إلى أرذل العمر
اللهم واختم بالحسنات اعمالهما….. اللهم آمين
اللهم وأعنا على برهما حتى يرضيا عنا فترضى ،
اللهم اعنا على الإحسان إليهما في كبرهما
اللهم ورضهم علينا ، اللهم ولا تتوافهما إلا وهما راضيان عنا
تمام الرضى ، اللهم و اعنا على خدمتهما كما يبغي لهما علينا،
اللهم اجعلنا بارين طائعين لهما
اللهم ارزقنا رضاهما ونعوذ بك من عقوقهما
اللهم ارزقنا رضاهما ونعوذ بك من عقوقهما
اللهم ارزقنا رضاهما ونعوذ بك من عقوقهما

وصل الله على نبينا محمد وعلى آله و أصحابه
ومن تبعهم باحسان الى يوم الدين

Let in the gentle breeze of Allaah’s Mercy..

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While the fortunate ones amongst us are on their way visiting the beautiful House of Allaah subhanahu wa ta`aala, those of us left behind are filled with immense sadness.. and a sincere wish that we are able to make it next year, bi idhnillaah.

Despite the sadness though, Allaah subhanahu wa ta`aala has given us the opportunity to make the most of the best days of the year. Even when our hearts are in Makkah, our bodies and minds should be immersed in the worship of Allaah. Is there anything you have done that you wish you could undo? Is there any right of Allaah that you have been neglectful of and you wish you could go back in time? Is there anything you have said to another Muslim, that you wish you could take back?  Is there a sin you have committed and you have cried nights upon nights, begging Allaah for His Forgiveness and Mercy? If yes – and no doubt every single one of us will answer yes to one or more of the above – then THIS is your chance! These ten days are your salvation from Hell. These ten days are your answer to your prayers. These ten days are a forgiveness, they are a mercy from Allaah `azza wa jall.

Ibn Rajab rahimahullaah mentions in al-Lataa’if:

The month of Dhul-Hijjah is a season of worship, and seasons of worship bring along blessings, benefits and opportunities to correct one’s faith and make up for shortcoming. Every one of these special opportunities involves some kind of worship, which brings the slave closer to his Lord. And Allaah bestows His blessings and Favours on whom He wills. The fortunate person is he who makes good use of these special months, days, and hours, while worshiping Allaah. He is most likely to be touched by the blessings of Allaah.

“There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved by Allaah than these (ten) days.” [al-Bukhaari, at-Tirmidhi and others] The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam was then asked: “Not even Jihaad in Allaah’s way?” He replied: “Not even Jihaad in Allaah’s way; except for a person who went out (for Jihaad) with his self and wealth and came back with none (i.e. lost everything for Allaah).” [at-Tirmidhi, authenticated in al-Albaani’s Irwaa’ ul-Ghaleel, #953]

The decree of decree in all of creation will come to pass *** This home is not a place of settling

Fulfill your needs quickly because *** Your age is one of those journeys

And run and race your horses *** because they are only a loan (to you)

And leave settling under a fading facade *** For you are on  a journey in this land

Whoever wants the good of life in it, surely *** Is building hope on a crumbling cliff

And life, all of life comes after separation from it *** in the land of (our) predecessors, the best of lands

[`Iddat as-Sabireen wa Dhakhirat ash-Shakireen; Ibn al-Qayyim; p. 252]

What can you do during these 10 days?

  • Qiyaam, wake up in the middle of the night and pray.. beg.. ask.. to your hearts content.
  • Fast, especially on Yaum al-`Arafah, i.e. on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah
  • Charity – According to a saheeh hadeeth, charity stands in the way of calamity. So give, as much as you can.
  • Recite the Takbeer (Allaahu akbar), Tahmeed (Tahmeed), and Tasbeeh (Subhan’Allaah) as often as you can. Some wordings: “Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahil-hamd.”
  • Forgive others, make amends, because truly Allaah has mercy on those who has mercy on others.
  • Above all, make a fresh, clean start. Let this be the beginning of an end to a life of misery and sin. Wa billaahi-Tawfeeq.

So do yourself a favor, and make the best of the best days.

May Allaah allow His Mercy to envelope us, His Love to seep into our hearts, His Forgiveness to cleanse our souls, and may He grant us the best of this dunya and only the best in the aakhirah.

One of the most soothing sounds..

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وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُرْسِلُ الرِّيَاحَ بُشْرًا بَيْنَ يَدَيْ رَحْمَتِهِ ۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَقَلَّتْ سَحَابًا ثِقَالًا سُقْنَاهُ لِبَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ فَأَنزَلْنَا بِهِ الْمَاءَ فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ نُخْرِجُ الْمَوْتَىٰ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

“And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead; perhaps you may be reminded.“

I absolutely LOVE rain. The sound of soft and steady rain has an amazingly soothing effect on the brain. Gentle sounds of nature generally have this affect but rain [and a little thunder] tops the list for me. I usually listen to it on my way from uni [after long hours in the lab!] or at work, and especially when I’m studying.

Anyway, here’s a few clips and sites for rain crazies like me out there: