Sameya Ali

Certainty with Time

Alif-Lãm-Mĩm. (2:1) Has anyone been able to decipher Alif-Laam-Meem in any language yet? Of course, not. However, this could have been the extent of our knowledge but Allah, the Most Merciful continues our learning journey in the next ayah by addressing our doubts first because He understands our human nature better than we do. We are quick to judge and make decisions without knowledge. Hence, He says,

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ٢

“This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful ˹of Allah˺,” (2:2) Dhalika l-kitabu “This is the book, meaning the Quran”. So, continue to read it with understanding for: 1. Alla

“The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”. This hadith was related by at-Tirmidhi.

Towards the end of Ramadan, I was wondering what will happen when Allah Azza wa Jal accepts my Dua? How it will affect my life and what will I do when those hurdles are removed to achieve my desired goals? I felt instant excitement but fear also creeped in. It was the fear of failure and growing anxiety that scared me with intrusive thoughts like, “What if I don't or I can't? Such negative thoughts deluded me because we tend to doubt ourselves and over analyze things more than we should. Out of the blue, this hadith sabotaged those negative thoughts and shook me. I sprung out of my bed and said,

Al-Musawwir

Surah Al-’Ala (The Most High)

سَبِّحِ ٱسْمَ رَبِّكَ ٱلْأَعْلَى ١

Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High, (87:1)

ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ فَسَوَّىٰ ٢

Who created and ˹perfectly˺ fashioned ˹all˺, (87:2) وَٱلَّذِى قَدَّرَ فَهَدَىٰ ٣

and Who ordained precisely and inspired accordingly, (87:3)

“Whenever the Messenger of Allah (S) prostrated, he used to say, “Lord! To You have I prostrated, in You have I believed, and to You have I submitted! My countenance has prostrated to the One Who created it and shaped it, who created hearing and vision for it; so, blessed is Allah (SwT), the best of creators!”

Allah (SwT) inform us in Surah Al-Hashr:

“He is Allah the Creator, the Evolv

Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem

Hittatun (حِطَّةٌ)

This word came to mind as I was praying to Allah Subhaana wa Ta'ala for forgiveness and pardon. I was returning to Allah from a place of weakness with a humble heart. Allah has changed my state of weakness, place of insecurity to a place of safety, security, compassion, grace ... and best of all, His guidance through His book and His beloved messenger, Rasul Allah sallalahu 'alaihi wasallam. These days we are reminded to avail ourselves on Laylatul Qadr, seeking forgiveness from Allah Subhaana wa Ta'ala. Again, “Hittatun” provoked my curiosity. I had to Google which ayah of the Quran it was in. It is in Surah al-Baqarah and Surah al-'Ara

Do No Harm 'Do No Harm' is a simple affirmative statement. It is for those who want to better themselves and their lives. Harm meanings physical injury as well as emotional damage caused by spoken words. Islam has truly discouraged such acts which could hurt other, as Allah has clearly stated such act as 'open sin'. 'As for those who hurt/abuse/humiliate/do unjust with believing men and women unjustifiably, they will definitely bear the guilt of slander and blatant sin [33: 58]' . We all know how it feels to hear angry person pointing at us, the blaming and disgrace. I will agree that we could be at fault too. But there is always a better way to say and do things. Likewise,

                 Spiritual blindness 

Spiritual blindness is mentioned in Surah al-Kahf with various examples. It is the worst presumptuous belief. This is not a suitable characteristic of a Muslim. 

This blindness only harms oneself and others around them. Stop and think about it. There is no khyre in it. As Allah informed us in the Quran, such people dismiss and reject what Allah has granted them but they are ungrateful and negligent. Furthermore, the term spiritual blindness, is for those whom Allah guides, grants knowledge with warnings and tests and yet  they do not deter. These groups of people neglect, mock, discourage others in addition to persistently sabotage any good will. 

W

I am full of regrets

Regret remedy for our falasies. Shake and anger follows us after that. Our attitudes and mannerisms crumble to dust by self sabotage or refusing to admit faults. It is best to find solution otherwise it's harmful to stay in such a state. Humans are bound to make mistakes, make wrong decisions, delay, grumble or shut down. Our sins may be collecting in buckets after buckets. We can follow the sunnah of Adam (a) and our mother Hawwa (a). They immediately turned to Allah for repentance by admitting their fault. We become among the Awwab.  

Allah says: 

'So, remember me and I will remember you.' 

Shytaan on the other hand has not asked for Allah's forgiveness to this

Salah is the Cure When we feel crushed by the load of baggage on our backs, it depletes our energy and we lose our courage.  How-to find energy for Salah? Shortest way:  Just prostrate  Ask for guidance  Stand up to pray with refreshing love for Allah Another option is to take baby steps:  Say, ' Radhitu billahi rabba, wa bil-Islami dina, wa bi-Muhammadin nabiyya' Radhitu: I am pleased, I am content. Billahi: With Allah. Rabban: As my Lord. Wabil Islami: And with Islam. Dina: As my religion.  wa bi-Muhammadin: and in Muhammad (s.a.w.) Nabiyya: As our Prophet. Say, la illaha anta subhanaka inni kuntum minnaz zalimeen  la: absolutely n

Enjoin in/with Truth and Sabr

At the end of Surah al-Asr, Allah Subhaana wa Ta'ala’s advice is to come together for the truth that is in the Quran, with the teachings of Allah and His Rasul (s.a.w.). Our love for Allah and His Rasul (s.a.w.) manifest when we stand shoulder to shoulder in congregation for Salah regardless of creed or ancestral nationality.

Diversity begins to diminish as we open our hearts for our fellow comrade who pray in the masjid regularly. It helps us to understand and appreciate each other's diverse nature and upbringing. There is good in every society, so learn from each other and show respect. This bond of communication takes sabr (patience) with time. But since o

Surah 

The Wind-Curved Sandhills (46:35) 

فَٱصْبِرْ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعَزْمِ مِنَ ٱلرُّسُلِ وَلَا تَسْتَعْجِل لَّهُمْ ۚ كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمْ يَلْبَثُوٓا۟ إِلَّا سَاعَةًۭ مِّن نَّهَارٍۭ ۚ بَلَـٰغٌۭ ۚ فَهَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْفَـٰسِقُونَ ٣٥

'So be patient, [O Muḥammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them. It will be - on the Day they see that which they are promised - as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient people?'

Rasul Allah (s.a.w.) was a man of patience. So, those who thin

Taqwa Action Point

Last part of this ayah is a protection plan for ourselves and others because this deed will help us to do better instead of indulging in doubt, resentment, irritability towards oneself and others. Allah is reminding us to practice taqwa and protect ourselves from falling prey to evil whispers of we know who. Think before making a decision which course of action we want to take.

Do better, live better.

أَن تَعْتَدُوا۟ ۘ وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ.

5:2

'Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and

Pain is Universal

Is Pain good or bad for us and why is there so much suffering?

Thomas Oppong says that 'Pain is universal. But suffering is personal. It’s what we do with pain that decides whether we move forward or stay trapped.' He also quotes from Tolle, 'Don’t let the mind use the pain to create a victim identity,' He explains that pain will come and go depending on our choice.

Yes, pain is inevitable but suffering is a choice. When something hurts, we feel the pain but it does not mean that life is going wrong. A small example is when we feel a rock in our shoes. We take the rock out of the shoe, we do not continue to walk with it. This is a sign from Allah that we are alive. Thu

Right By Marriage Allah created mates for us and established the bond through marriage for tranquility, protection, duty towards each other, merits of goodness, virtuousness, adhering to mutual respect and equal rights. Both men and women have free choice to marry whom they desire. It is a huge favor from Allah, and this is why we need to know what Allah, our Guardian, wants to teach us of this sacred bond. 'For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women w

Be Distinct Islam is careful to remind us that it is not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be a Muslim. 'He is Allah beside Whom there is none worthy of worship, The King, The Holy, The Peace, The Watcher, The All Mighty, The Compeller, The Supreme. Glory be to Allah! He is above all that they try to associate with Him as partners.' [Holy Quran 59:23]   Do people think that they will be left alone on saying, 'We believe and that they will not be tested'? For sure we will test them as we have tested those who came before them, to show (them) the truthfulness of the honest and the li

YOU DO YOU

Surah al-Kafirun 

قُلْ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ ١

'Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ 'O you disbelievers!' 1

لَآ أَعْبُدُ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ ٢ 'I do not worship what you worship,' 2

وَلَآ أَنتُمْ عَـٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعْبُدُ ٣ 'nor do you worship what I worship.' 3

وَلَآ أَنَا۠ عَابِدٌۭ مَّا عَبَدتُّمْ ٤ 'I will never worship what you worship,' 4

وَلَآ أَنتُمْ عَـٰبِدُونَ مَآ أَعْبُدُ ٥ 'nor will you ever worship what I worship.' 5

لَكُمْ دِينُكُمْ وَلِىَ دِينِ ٦ 'You have your way, and I have my Way.' 6

This is how I was able to communicate the gist of surah al-Kafirun to my young student. It is essential to understand that we have to submit and worship Allah Azza wa Jal 100 percen

Prophet s.a.w. said, don't say the word 'IF', because it opens the door to shaitaan ( Sunan Ibn Majah 79) : Certain doors: - procrastination - people and problems - door between you and Allah Shut that door to shaitaan. Leave they should have, could have, would have.... It corrupts Tawheed. Have connection with Allah by opening the door to Allah. It gives us hope, problems go away, and are resolved. Step up and remedy problems to find closure. Then say, I tried my best.

Grieving over Palestine 

Our hearts are so attached to the situation in Palestine. We feel closer to them than ever and pray for their salvation every day. A lot of times, the grief overwhelms us to the point that it is hard to take care of our responsibilities. 

Prophet (s.a.w.) went through a similar situation when his family refuted him, ridiculed him and tortured his companions. He tried so hard to bring them to Islam, but the Quraish desist from it repeatedly. This behaviour distressed him so much so that Allah Azza wa Jal sent this ayah in Surah al-Kahf:

فَلَعَلَّكَ بَـٰخِعٌۭ نَّفْسَكَ عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِمْ إِن لَّمْ يُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِهَـٰذَا ٱلْحَدِيثِ أَسَفًا ٦

'Then perhaps you w

Ni'mah, Barakah and Shukr

The word, 'Ni’mah' 'Alai' and 'Fadal' are used to describe the ‘Favors' from Allah Azza wa Jal upon us. It is an act of immense kindness beyond what is due. He facilitate infinite gifts for every individual, even though we do not deserve them. 

For example, our sight, the air we breath, our clothing we wear, our intellect and senses we so readily use, His bountiful provision we spend and the list goes on. The sea will exhaust enumerating the favors from Allah upon us. 

Allah reminds us in Surah ar-Rahmaan 'which of the favors of your Lord will you deny.' 

Barakah on the other hand is a blessing we receive as a reward in recognition of our efforts for the good w

Surah Saff

وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرًۢا بِرَسُولٍۢ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِى ٱسْمُهُۥٓ أَحْمَدُ ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ قَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ ٦ 'And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad.'1 But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, 'This is obvious magic.' 6

Essa (a), the son of Maryam (a) told Bani Israel of his prophethood, confi

Water Sent Down As A Favour The only drink which quenches our thirst and replenishes our bodies is the water Allah sends down from the sky. There is no substitute drink which can remotely satisfy us. Allah SWT is asking us to reflect on the abundant advantages water favoured upon us.  I'm Surah al-Waqiah, Allah Azza wa Jal says: أَفَرَءَيْتُمُ ٱلْمَآءَ ٱلَّذِى تَشْرَبُونَ ٦٨ And have you seen the water that you drink? ءَأَنتُمْ أَنزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ ٱلْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ ٱلْمُنزِلُونَ ٦٩ Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down? لَوْ نَشَآءُ جَعَلْنَـٰهُ أُجَاجًۭا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ ٧٠ If We willed, We could make it bitter,