Assalamu Alaikum!

Where I live, October is associated with a sudden shift to cold weather and the appearance of bright yellow, red, brown, and orange leaves, turning our area into a beautiful display of Allah’s most beautiful creations. Here in North America, October also brings with it a reminder of another seasonal event- Halloween. Grocery stores start selling pound-or-more bags of all the best candy, moms frequent the fabric store to find patterns and cloth to make another Halloween costume, and kids get giddy with excitement, anticipating the classroom Halloween party which will occur at the end of the month.

For Muslims, however, Halloween is a sign of everything that Islam is against. A revival of ancient pagan traditions, Halloween celebrates shirk, or the association of partners with Allah, and, perhaps worst, Halloween glorifies the Shayateen. Halloween makes Shaitaan’s job easy- he does not have to whisper evil and doubt in Allah to the people, as they are openly celebrating it themselves.

So what can we do, fellow Muslims, as our youngest face Halloween celebrations when with their peers? Well, the powerpoint below can help young Muslim kids, teens, and parents prepare to survive Halloween with our imaan in tact, and with our actions and words together as one. May Allah accept all our efforts to adhere to His path, Ameen!

-Hiba

click here to download the powerpoint!

Asalamualaykum

Bismillah

Day 42

Class-Husne Akhlaq

A thought to keep with yourself: When Allah (swt) wants to raise someone’s ranks, He puts them in challenges.

When we go through trouble, we don’t think that Allah (swt) is intending good. Change the way you think. Instead of thinking you’re the victim, think that you are being chosen. Your reaction can go from being negative to being positive!

You can’t change those around you. However, you can change yourself. Humans have free will, unlike rocks, trees, and other plants. So, why not mold ourselves for the better?  Everything can’t go the way we wish.

Youe should have a positive reaction in all situations that don’t go your way. Our teacher also pointed out that when you explode at a time where things don’t go your way, you’re ruining your own image!

Asalamualaykum

Bismillah

Day 41

Class:Word Analysis and Tafsir

Focus: Surah Al Baqarah ayah 238

[use http://www.quran/2 to look at the Arabic. I’ll be using transliteration in this post.]

Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah , devoutly obedient.

Here, “Hafizhu” is a command, an instruction.  It comes from the word “hifzh” which means to protect and preserve something so that it does not get wasted. “Hafizhu” also gives the meaning of constantly doing something.

As salawat is the plurul of salah. “Al” here gives meaning to specific salawat. Meaning, the five daily prayers.

The word “wusta” is used. Out of the five daily prayers, “salatil wusta” refers to ‘Asr. It’s between Fajr, Zuhr, and then Maghrib, Isha. It has great importance in Islam.

Guarding the prayer is very important for muslims. 50 prayers were initially presecribed. Eventually, the number came to 5. Whoever prays all 5, provided he does the hifzh, he’ll get reward for 50 salah.

What does “Guarding the salah” mean?-

1)Performing the salah properly. Fulfilling all the conditions, performing it in the correct manner according to the sunnah of the Prophet (saw)

2)Performing the salah on time.

3)Praying the salah constantly (not missing out or delaying even one prayer)

In particular, guard ‘Asr because it’s midmost. Why is salahtul ‘Asr mentioned in particular? All 5 are important. But one is particularly mentioned. Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayer will be like the one who lost his entire family and his entire money. Many times, being busy in our work or being busy with our family makes us neglect our ‘Asr salah.

On a cloudy day, perform ‘Asr early so you don’t miss it. This doesn’t mean to pray ‘Asr before it’s time, but as soon as you think it’s ‘Asr time, pray it. Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayer will have his good deeds wasted (this is from a sahih hadith).

(I’d just like to point out that Allah mentions salah in the middle of verses about divorce. When people are going through something like divorce, they may forget to pray. Their minds may be else where. But look, Allah is reminding us about prayer. He’s reminding us not to forget His remembrance.)

Whoever prays the two cool prayers, he will go to jannah.

The two cool prayers are Fajr and ‘Asr. Fajr because it’s at a time that is very cool. If you miss your morning, you miss out on a lot. (Challenge yourself to stay up after Fajr! You’ll see the barakah in your time) ‘Asr is a cool prayer because the sun isn’t high up…the day isn’t too hot.

When the full moon is out, everyone can see it clearly. Whoever is outside can just look up, no matter how big of a crowd there is around them. Only if you avoid missing Fajr and ‘Asr will you be able to see Allah clearly. If you want to see Allah, guard this prayer. So, if you can avoid missing the salah of ‘Asr and Fajr, you must do so!

At the end of the verse, the word “Qaniteen” is seen. This word is from “qunoot” which means obedience. to stand. calmness. stillness. stand with humility. stand with khushoo’. Perform the salah with khushoo’. Where are our minds when we’re praying salah? Our minds should be on Allah-not on other things or other people. “Qunoot” also means to become still. We must have stillness in our bodies and tongues. Of course we must say the words of salah, but we should not talk to others while praying. In salah, we remember Allah with our tongue and with our hearts.

Though ‘Asr and Fajr are the two cool prayers, this doesn’t mean that we don’t have to guard the other three prayers. All prayers must be performed on time. If for some reason (like if you’re sitting in a gathering of knowledge) you need to delay salah, it’s okay. BUT you MUST pray within the specified time period. You can’t pray Zuhr and ‘Asr time! Also, if you’re with a group of only women, why not pray in jumaat? It’s not obligatory, but it’s a chance of getting more reward!

So, next time you’re having a hard time waking up for Fajr, remember the reward: you get to see Allah clearly.

Also, when you’re having trouble concentrating, think of this: What if you’re having a conversation with someone you love? Do you speak to them while your mind is elsewhere? No. If you do, the person you’re speaking to will become upset! Learn the meaning of salah. Focus when you’re talking to your Lord. Don’t mindlessly say the entire salah just to “Get it over with”!

Asalamualaykum,

Bismillah

Day 40

Class: Word Analysis/Tafsir

Focus: Surah Al Baqarah ayah 231

And when you divorce women and they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms, and do not keep them, intending harm, to transgress [against them]. And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest. And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and wisdom by which He instructs you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse is about divorce, however, to go into detail about this matter would make an extremely long blog post! So, I selected a part of the ayah: the part in which Allah has called the Quran and the Sunnah blessing. This is the blessing of knowledge.

When we think of a blessing, what comes to mind? Our cars, homes, families, ipods, laptops, etc. But do we look at the Quran and the Sunnah, our guide to life, as a blessing? When you know something is a blessing, you value it. But how much do we value these blessings given to us by our Lord? Sadly, we take the Quran and Sunnah as a burden. If we took them as blessings, we’d implement and apply them. But what do we do? We skim over a translation and feel that it is sufficient. We read a hadith and start copy/pasting it everywhere without even thinking about the meaning behind it. Without even reflecting upon it. Yet our Lord says that the Quran and the Sunnah are blessings. Is this how we’re supposed to treat our blessings?!

Anyways, why does Allah mention this in the middle of the rulings of talaq? He is reminding us that we should apply the rulings of the Quran in situations even when our emotions are overwhelming us.

We can’t have peaceful personal and family lives unless we implement the Quran and the Sunnah.

Hold on to the Quran. Make an effort to learn it. I can’t put into words how much of a difference it makes to actually learn the meanings of each word in the Quran.

Day 39

Class: Word Analysis/Tafsir

Focus: the last part of the Surah Baqarah ayah 215

They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, “Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.”

What is “good”?-Khair is anything you give to another. It’s not necessarily money. It could be something like advice or even time. No matter what you do, Allah knows of it.

Why do we do good?

Sometimes, we do good for the sake of others. Then, we become upset if we are not appreciated. Other times, people don’t notice the good that we do. But, Allah notices our good deeds. He knows every action we do. And He knows why we do those actions. So, we should do good for the sake of Allah, not for the sake of others.

What are some examples we can learn from?

When we have to buy groceries, what do we think? “Aw man, another trip to the store? I just went last week!” But did you know that if you make your niyyah to please Allah, it becomes a source of reward?!

What about cooking? Do you take it to be a big burden? Do you feel like it’s a waste of time? If you do it for the sake of Allah, it can become sadaqah. You can think: “I’m preparing this food which others will benefit from. This is my sadaqah to my family.” These actions won’t be chores anymore. You’ll enjoy them. You can enjoy anything that you do depending on how you look at it!

What about younger siblings? You’re doing your homework and all of a sudden your little brother comes in saying “I need help with my homework!!” Do you scold him? Or can you sacrifice 10-15 minutes to help him out? If you help him out  for the sake of Allah, it can be a source of reward!

Just think: Whatever good deed I’m doing, Allah knows of it. Even if others don’t acknowledge it at all, Allah knows. He acknowledges.

Think of a skill that Allah has given you. Use that skill to benefit those around you.

Here’s something else I’d like to share. I found it on someone else’s gmail status and just loved it! 🙂

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous.Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway”

Asalamualaykum

Day 38

Class-Living With Quran

Focus: Surah Al Baqarah ayah 208

“O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.”

Think for a moment: What are your interests? Are you pleasing Allah when you do the things that you love? If not, you are pleasing shaythan. How awful is that. When you’re pleasing shaythan, you’re following in his footsteps.

If someone told you about a person who was an enemy to your parents… what would you do? Would you listen to them? Would you follow them? Of course you wouldn’t! But remember…Shaythan was an enemy to Adam (as).

So, this ayah is telling us to implement everything. Implement all of the commands of Allah. Don’t be a part time Muslim.

“Don’t be a part tim Muslim.” How many times have we heard this? What does it mean?

To help us understand this in class, our teacher gave us the following the example:

Say you get your driver’s license. You go to your friends and say you’ll follow all of the traffic rules EXCEPT for the rule about stopping at the red lights because, well, you simply do not like stopping at red lights. It’s just too difficult. Will you be successful? No. you’ll crash. We can’t say “I will follow some of the driving sings and rules and won’t follow some as I am not ready for them yet.” Similarly, for Islam, you can’t say you’ll follow everything and leave out one or two things. ENTER COMPLETELY.

You can’t fool Allah. By taking some commands and leaving others, you’re hurting yourself. And why do that? Why leave commands to “enjoy” this life? It’s temporary. The hereafter is forever. Work for jannah.

Leave those acts which don’t please Allah. As mentioned earlier, when you’re not pleasing Allah, you are pleasing shaythan: your clear enemy.

Asalamualaykum,

Day 37

Class: Husne Akhlaq

In Husne Akhlaq, we learn about things to beautify our character. Currently, we’re on the chapter about patience.

One thing that the teacher mentioned is that Sabr is to hold yourself back from a negative reaction. Exploding is not going to do anything. It’s negative. It’s not sabr. And, it’s not necessarily going to stop the problem.

But, what do we do?

Let’s look at an example. Say you give a glass of juice to a child and you tell him to be careful and make sure that the juice does not spill. The child reassures you that he is responsible enough to keep an eye on his juice. Suddenly, the child accidently knocks over his juice while he was reaching across the table. What would you do?

From what I’ve heard , most people would react very quickly. They would scold the child, possibly causing him to cry. But is this sabr? Is this what Allah tells us to do? Will this solve the problem of the spilled juice?

Of course not! No one is going to come clean the juice up for you. The juice will not go back into the cup. You can’t leave it there. Yelling at the child will only cause him to cry. What good is a negative reaction?

Also, you can’t react so negatively, calm down, and then claim that you are remaining patient. That’s not patience.

On the other hand…if you had grabbed some paper towels, cleaned up the mess, smiled at the child and warned him to try not to make the mistake again, wouldn’t there be a huge difference in the outcome?

This is what Islam teaches us. It teaches us to hold back our negative reactions and use our energies to do something positive. Why should we make a situation worse than it is? Why do we make things difficult on ourselves and others? If something doesn’t go the way you had planned, don’t make a huge deal. Don’t start taking your anger out on others (especially if they didn’t do anything to cause you anger). Work towards something positive. Resolve the problem. Don’t make it worse!

Asalamualaykum!

okay so blogging everyday is harder than I thought. But InshAllah, I will get the hang of it! Anddd I will make up for the days I missed. So maybe this will motivate me more to not procrastinate! =)

Starting from what I missed last week….

Day 36

Class:Word Analysis and Tafsir

Lesson #28 Surah Al Baqarah ayahs 204-214

Today’s Focus: ayah 206

Translation: And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah ,” pride in the sin takes hold of him. Sufficient for him is Hellfire, and how wretched is the resting place.

So this ayah is a warning for us. It’s warning us about the hellfire and how pride in sinning can lead us there.

Now, generally, how do we feel when someone says to us “Ittakillah”? I don’t know about you, but doesn’t it sometimes make you really really mad? Doesn’t it make you wonder: “who are THEY to be telling me that?! I mean, look at all the faults in that person. And now THEY have the guts to tell ME to fear Allah? pfffft. Forget them!”

Do we ever think about WHAT a person is saying and not WHO the person is? When the person on the news tells us of the weather and how it’ll be snowy outside, do we decide to go out without a jacket just because we don’t like the newscaster? Is our action going to affect that newscaster? Of course not. We’ll just get really really cold…

Similarly, if a person reminds us to fear Allah, should we not look at WHAT the person is reminding us to do?! I mean, if we don’t fear Allah, how much will that person be affected? We ourselves will be left in darknesses and sins. We will be harming ourselves. All because of what? Pride.

In Surah Al Azhab, the Prophet (saw) was told to fear Allah. Don’t we see? This is a beneficial statement. But only a few people benefit from this advice. Generally, people dislike it.

We learned in class that The greatest sin is when a person is told to fear Allah and he says “Mind your own business.”

Let’s take an example. Say you’re with a friend and prayer time comes in. You stand up to pray and ask your friend to pray with you as well. But then your friend says “You go pray! Stop telling me again and again.”–Isn’t that like saying “Mind your own business” ? How many times do we do this? Someone is calling us towards khair yet we act so harshly. Fear Allah.

When you’re told to fear Allah, think about your action-

“Is this really something that Allah approves of and likes?”

If it’s wrong…fear Allah and His punishment and stop doing what you’re doing. Out of respect for the name of Allah, we should listen to what the person (who is telling us to fear Allah) is saying.

Let’s look at an example of the sahabah:

When someone told Umar (ra) “Ittakillah”-He put his cheek on the ground. Compare that to what we do!

If a person doesn’t crumble his ego, that leads to increase in sin. Arrogance is a means of increase in sin.  When a person is arrogant, he doesn’t care about others, he doesn’t care about consequences and he doesn’t care about the advice being given

But remember…

Sins lead a person to hellfire

So crush that ego right now! Fear Allah and repent. We need to humble ourselves NOW. Are we waiting for the punishment of our Lord? Should we not be ashamed of ourselves? He’s blessed us with things that we haven’t even asked for. Yet we still refuse to follow His commands. We refuse to fear Him…even when we are reminded to do so.

Bismillah

Class: Word Analysis and Tafsir

Lesson #27 Surah Al Baqarah Ayah Number 197-203

(I’m going to be writing in transliteration so if you need to look at the Arabic, you can follow along using this website: http://quran.com/2)

So, this lesson focuses a lot on Hajj but I’m going to select a few ayahs and share what I learned from there.

Today’s focus: Ayahs 200-201

Ayah 200

And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance. And among the people is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world,” and he will have in the Hereafter no share.

After Arafat, pilgrims must go back to Mina and they should stop in Muzdalifah on the way.  A person must perform certain rituals at Mina (ex: casting stones at the first jamarah, offering the sacrifice, cutting or shaving the hair [women cut the hair, men can trim it or shave it], going from Mina to Makkah, doing the saee of Safa and Marwah…)

Many times, we humans limit remembrance of Allah to during actof of worship. For example, we only make dua after salah.  So, we’re told to not just remember Allah during rituals.  At Hajj, people can take off the ihram after the rituals.  Many people shower, and then go towards restaurants, etc. But  we should remember Allah.

Here, it’s being said to remember Allah like one remembers his forefathers..or more than that. the word “kazikrikum” in this ayah gives the meaning of “like your previous remembrance (like you used to remember your forefathers)”

The word “aw” means “or” However, in this ayah, it means “INSTEAD.” The word “or” gives a choice. There is no choice being given here. Remember Allah just as you used to remember your forefathers.  But remember Allah more intensely, more strongly.

When the Arabs would finish Hajj, they’d praise their forefathers.  They’d talk about their ancestors. They’d mention such things about their forefathers through which they could boast, show off. But Allah says to remember Allah more than you remembered your forefathers.  When people talk, they talk about family, business, etc.  Don’t just talk about your personal lives! Remember Allah (swt) more than you rmembered your forefathers…:

1)with more intensity (sincerity) 2) more in quantity

When we’re engaged in an act of worship, its easy to remember Allah. But once it’s over and you’re back to your normal life, it’s easy to forget to remember Allah. For example, when you pray salah, you are remembering Allah. After salah, do you still remember Him? Or do you limit His remembrance to just 5 times a day?

So now, the first type of dua is mentioned…

1)Some say “Oh our Lord, give us in the dunya”

Dunya is the feminine form of “adna” which means lowst, nearest. Dunya is very near compared to akhirah. It’s very low compared to akhirah.  Some people want everything now..in this dunya. For this kind of person, there is no share in akhirah.  He’s not working for it. He’s not praying for it. He can get as much as dunya as Allah will give him.  But why should he get akhirah? You get what you work for.

Another word used in this ayah is “khalaq.”  Khalaq is “a major or an appointed portion of something”.  Specifically, it’s a portion of good.  It’s a portion that a person gets by virtue of his akhlaq, by virtue of his good deeds and habits… (Ex: A person reads a lot.  He develops this habit.  He gets the benefit of being able to learn a lot) The word Khalaq is also used for reward

*Imagine* The entire Hajj this person has taken. But when he goes for Hajj, he’s only concerned about dunya. For him, he’ll have NO reward in the hereafter. A person should pray for dunya AND akhirah at hajj. Typical duas that are made at hajj or umrah are for business, children, marriage, wealth, health, success, etc. What is that? DUNYA. Some people only pray for dunya. Allah says they’ll have no share in the hereafter.  They’ll have no reward..for ALL this effort that they’ve put in.

We learn that it’s not wrong to make dua for the dunya. But, we need to keep the akhirah in mind. This is the main goal. Make dua for health, children, marriage, etc. But DON’T forget the hereafter!

Ayah 201

But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

“Hasanah” means beauty. It’s a blessing that is a means of happiness.

The first dua was “Give us in the dunya”

Let’s take a look at Dua Number Two (The dua that Allah likes!!!):

“Give us in the dunya hasanah..”

We don’t know what’s good for us and what’s not good for us.  Allah knows that which is best for us. Hasanah is not just worldly things but the word hasanah is also used for a good deed.  So, it’s also saying “Give me more Hidayah. Give me Guidance.”

Hasanah: 1)Worldly things that are good for me, that are in my favor  2)Hidayah, good deeds

Also, we’re asking for Allah to give us hasanah in the hereafter. ex: Jannah is good in the hereafter. Seeing Allah (swt) is good.

Akhirah includes the whole time from death onwards. Good could be: good news from the angel at the time of death, the book is given in the right,…etc.

*The Prophet (saw) used to make this dua a lot between the yemeni corner and hajar al aswad

The next part of this dua is about being saved from the hellfire…

The punishment of the fire is unbearable even for a second.  Even the smoke coming out of the hellfire is a punishment.  We’re asking.. “Don’t let us enter it even for a moment, even for a second”

THIS IS THE TRUE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS—> That a person has good in the dunya, the akhirah, and he is saved from the punishment.

Surah Al Imran ayah 185 says:

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.

Whoever is saved from the fire and is admitted into jannah-HE HAS ATTAINED SUCCESS!

*Ask Yourself*-What do I make dua for? Think of FIVE things you made dua for in Ramadan. Did they include jannah?! 🙂

LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE between what we consider success and what Allah TELLS us success is. Can’t we see that the Quran is so clear? We’re being TOLD that THIS is true success. True success isn’t obtaining that fancy house or that fancy car. It’s not obtaining that degree. It’s not pleasing people. Having worldly benefits is not haram. But what are we doing with our lives? Are striving for jannah or are we lost in this material world, wondering what new gadget will come out next? Are we pleasing Allah or are we pleasing those around us? This life is temporary. These materials are temporary. Run towards success! Pray to be saved from the hellfire.

Asalamualaykum Warahmatulahi Wabarakatuhu!

Okay, so I’ve had this blog for a while but I was kind of lost as to what to actually do with it. Alhamdulilah, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to take Al Huda International’s Taleem Al Quran course.  InshAllah, I will use this blog to post lessons that I learn.  The lessons can be from any of the following subjects: Husne Akhlaq, Hadith Al Nabawi, Word Analysis and Tafsir, Living with Quran (basically, this is a class in which we go over ways to implement the Quran in our lives..it’s kind of like a recap of Tafsir class..but with some extra tips and examples), or Duas Class. Throughout the course, more classes will be added InshAllah.

We’ve already completed up to the first half of the second juz. I’m not sure as to how I will post up lessons that I have not posted up already.  I may just add those at the end of the course, InshAllah, so as not to cause confusion by randomly adding them in as I go.  However, I don’t want that to be an excuse to not go ahead and start blogging!

Feel free to leave comments, reflections, etc. They’ll probably help me and other readers as well 🙂

-A Muslimah