Al-Bahr

21/03/2024

A Muslim's Life in the Month of Ramadan

During Ramadan, a Muslim's life is expected to revolve around Ibadah (worship)

Every second should be dedicated to worshipping Allah, the Most High.

However, as humans, we need more than just ibadah to survive. We need to cook, clean, wash clothes, and work. How can we ensure we are always in a state of ibadah?

We achieve this by attaching good intentions to our everyday actions. Our intention should be to perform these tasks in a way that allows us to have more energy and time for worship later. For example, cooking a healthy meal can fuel your body for extended prayer sessions.

We also need to be mindful of our actions. Even while working with your hands, you can fill the time with the recitation of Adhkar (remembrances of Allah). This keeps your focus on Allah throughout the day.

To gain maximum blessings this month, be consistent with acts of worship and make it a habit. Here are some tips for scheduling your ibadah:

- Tie your ibadah to prayer times: For example, after each prayer (Salat), you could read one Juz' (part) of the Quran or engage in other remembrances of Allah.

- Dedicate a block of time: You can choose a specific time each day for focused worship, like between Asr and Maghrib prayers.

- Experiment and choose what works for you: There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Find a routine that integrates well with your daily schedule.

Your general routine should involve:
- Prayer
- Quran recitation
- Charity (Sadaqah)
- Learning
- Teaching

The door of Allah's mercy is wide open. Choose what works best for you. Experiment to find what fits your schedule. Embrace the incentives this month offers, in any way that feels easy for you.

Imam Malik once said, "Allah has divided actions just as He has divided wealth."

We don't all have to do the same things or perform identical acts. The good deeds of others should inspire you to do what resonates most with you.

The goal is to contribute to Dawah (spreading Islam) and perform personal ibadah, regardless of what others are doing, as long as our actions are correct and in accordance with the Kitaab and Sunnah.

May Allah accept our Ibaadaat.

09/03/2024

Why are you stingy?

Allah says: 'And whoever is protected from the stinginess of the soul, then it is those who will be successful.'

This expression occurs in two different places in the same Juzhu of the Quran.

The first is in Suratul Hashr, praising the openhandedness and openmindedness of the companions of the Prophet. They give and thrive by doing so.

The second is in Suratul Tagabun, and in a careful study of the context around the verse, it is safe to say that the requirement to practice the Deen of Islam is having an open mind and an open hand.

If we pay attention to the expression again, it will be noted that one of the recipes for a successful life is not being covetous. The ability to give first and then receive later is ingrained as a requirement in every aspect of life. No growth or success happens without this.

To further affirm this, look at some of the bad consequences of stinginess and covetousness mentioned in various places in the Quran:

1. In Suratul Qalam, the farmers, owners of the magnanimous, ever-fruitful farmland say as they intend to harvest their products: 'There will surely not enter it today upon you [any] poor person.' [Al-Qalam - Verse 24] This level of covetousness, preventing the poor when they can gracefully afford to share with them, landed them their calamity as Allah says afterwards: 'So there came upon the garden an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep. And it became as though reaped.' [Al-Qalam - Verse 19-20]

2. In Suratul Mudathir, Allah narrates that the dwellers of the hellfire will be asked, what brought them here, and one of the things they will say is: 'Nor did we used to feed the poor.' [Al-Muddaththir - Verse 44]

So, will you remain stingy?

Ramadan is starting in a few days; one thing you don't want to be is being stingy.

Give, oh servant of Allah, and Allah will honour you and bless you with loads of goodness in return.

May Allah increase us in good wealth and make us from those who give in expectant of the reward from Allah.

08/03/2024

What is your relationship with the Quran?

It remains a fact that the Quran brings bliss to a living mind. A distinguishing characteristic between believers and non-believers is their reaction upon hearing the Quran. Allah states: 'And when Allah is mentioned alone, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter shrink with aversion, but when those [worshipped] other than Him are mentioned, immediately they rejoice.' (Az-Zumar - Verse 45)

The believer is moved, touched, and cautioned when listening to the Quran. Allah further emphasizes this: 'Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allah leaves astray - for him there is no guide.' (Az-Zumar - Verse 23)

One of the moments when the mind is most connected to the Quran and benefits the most is during the night prayer.

Additionally, reading or listening to the Quran during Solaat has proven to be more effective in reflection and pondering on its teachings.

Approach the Quran with an inquisitive mind, hoping to find new answers. Read with curiosity, anticipating the next instruction to act upon.

Your relationship with the Quran should be personal, grounded in the understanding that it is a book of guidance, filled with commandments awaiting your fulfilment.

Dispelling the notion that reflection and drawing benefits from the Quran are only for the super-knowledgeable is crucial.

Start with a positive mindset, and meanings will unfold based on your comprehension. In moments of doubt or confusion due to limited knowledge, don't hesitate to ask.

Ask yourself, what is your relationship with the Quran? Your uprightness can be easily judged by that. Examine yourself before you are examined.

اللهم ارحمنا بالقرآن واجعله لنا إماما و نوا و رحمة

06/03/2024

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03/12/2020

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