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Those Whom Allah Will Shade With His Shade On The Day When There Will Be No Shade But His

Praise be to Allah.

Seven of those whom Allah will shade with His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His were mentioned in the saheeh ahaadeeth.

It was reported from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His:

(1) a just ruler;
(2) a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, (i.e., worship Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood),
(3) a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque);
(4) two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake, and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only;
(5) a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah;
(6) a person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e., nobody knows how much he has given in charity).
(7) a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.”
(Agreed upon, narrated by al-Bukhaari, Volume 2, Book 24, Number 504; Muslim, no. 1712; and others).

Action Items For The Muttaqun

Action Items for the Muttaqun (people who fear Allah):

If a Muslim is incorrect in his words or actions, do not embarrass or degrade him in correction; instead, kindly guide him to the Truth.

It is not “kind” to dilute the truth, so the kindness comes in the manners and the love for your brother or sister by showing him/her the truth when he is first seeking.

Your brother’s reaction to the truth is of no concern and should not stop you from speaking the truth in an appropriate manner. Too often, we see people more afraid of hurting another person’s feelings or angering them than telling them the truth. It is not kindness to withhold the truth from someone, but it is not kindness to dispute over a non-fundamental issue either once the facts have been presented. And if you don’t have facts to back up what you’re saying, DON’T SAY IT, or you will likely be the cause of fitnah!

Study the proper way to give dawah and IMPLEMENT this method when a difference of opinion occurs between people of the Sunnah.

Look at each difference as a learning opportunity and be sure to have your proof and facts together before challenging a Muslim, especially one whom you have no reason to believe to be non-trustworthy (such as if he is an established person of bid’a, or an established liar and has not told enough lies to re-establish himself as a truth-teller).

To avoid quarrels, sincerely ask questions to seek the Truth, just as the Muslim revert does before accepting Islam.
Take note of the humble method in which Sheikhs present their disagreements. The pious Muslim may dispute the facts and have no desire to tear apart the person with whom they disagree, but rather, rush to hide any sins of their fellow Muslim and stick to discussing the relevant evidence in Quran and Sunnah.

Stop thinking you have to force your views on others as though this is love. It is love to tell them, but what they choose to do with Truth is up to them. But surely Allah, SWT, has already decided who will choose guidance and who will choose misguidance.

BE HUMBLE. Stop talking about it; actually, be it. This not only applies to the person who realizes their views were weak but also to the person who presents the truth. Arrogance has no place amongst Muslims.

Be patient and take your time before reacting.
Understand that many people mean well but are simply using bad logic and need to be lovingly shown the right path.
Spend more time listening (to persons of good character and knowledge) than speaking, ESPECIALLY when there is a difference of opinion starting to form in the conversation.

Repent to Allah, SWT, for any fitnah you have created when speaking without having facts to back you up; for example, if someone gives you evidence, and you maintain your weak position instead of giving it up altogether and embracing the Truth in whole. For example, your brother sees you and says, “Hey, how’s it going?” and you, at some point, remind him, “Brother, the Quran instructs us to greet one another saying As salaamu alaikum, and so I recommend you only use that greeting.” Do you really want to create fitnah by disagreeing with such a strong, true point? Whether you agree or not, if you have no facts to support your view over another, THE CORRECT REPLY IS ALHAMDULILAH (or something similar) and perhaps even JAZAKALLAH, and then to GO SEEK THE TRUTH on your own time.

Remember, Allah Subhanuhu Wa Tala, Knows everything we do!

Progeny [Children] Of Adam You Should Know

Sayings of al-Hasan al-Basree, Leader of the Taba’een
* Son of Adam! You are nothing but a number of days, whenever each day passes then part of you has gone
* Death has shown the reality of this worldly life. It did not leave any happiness for those who are wise
* A believer believes in what ALLAH has said. He is the best of men in his deeds, but he fears ALLAH most, so that if he spends the size of a mountain of money, he would not be sure of his reward until he sees this with his own eyes. The more righteous and charitable the believer is, the more afraid of ALLAH he becomes. While the hypocrite says: Men are too many, I shall be forgiven. There is no harm on me. Thus he acts badly but wishes for many things from ALLAH.

The moral excellence of the Taba’een [Followers of The Companions of The Prophet of Islam], is mentioned in the following Hadith:
[Narrated Imran bin Husain: “Allah’s Apostle said, ‘The best of my followers are those living in my generation (i.e. my contemporaries). and then those who will follow the latter” ‘Imran added, “I do not remember whether he mentioned two or three generations after his generation, then the Prophet added, ‘There will come after you, people who will bear witness without being asked to do so, and will be treacherous and untrustworthy, and they will vow and never fulfill their vows, and fatness will appear among them.” (Bukhari, Book #57, Hadith #2)]

Wise Quotes: Guidance from Quran

1) And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative [Al-An’aam 6:152]

2) “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds).” (At-Tawbah 9:119)

3) “And eat up not one another’s property unjustly.” (Al-Baqarah 2:188)

4) O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. [Qur’an Surah An-Nisaa 4/29]

5) Come not near the wealth of the orphan except with that which is, better (to improve it). [Surah Al-Israa 17/34]

6) And seek help through patience and prayer; and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]. [Al-Baqarah 2:45]

7) And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakat. [Al-Baqarah 2:83]

8) And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it [Al-Nahl 16:91]

9) Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people to
judge with justice. [Al-Nisa’ 4:58]

10) And whoever fears Allah – He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) [Al-Talaaq 65:2]

11) And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. [Al-Talaaq 65:3]

12) He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. [Al-Nisa’ 4:80]

13) Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. [Aal ‘Imraan 3:92]

14) Allah does not allow the reward of believers to be lost. [Aal ‘Imraan 3:171]

15) Indeed, Allah does not like every self-deluded and boastful (person). [Luqmaan 31:18]

16) And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice. [Luqmaan 31:19]

17) And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.[Al-Baqara 2:186]

18) Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a share [i.e.reward] therefrom; and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a portion [i.e., burden] there from. And ever is Allah, over all things, a Keeper. [An-Nisa 4:85]

19) And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden [i.e.Paradise] as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous. Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good; [Aal-Imran 3:133-134]

20) Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life. [An-Nahl 16:97]

21) (And then you slay not your) children because of poverty. We provide for you and for them. [Al-An’aam 6:151]

22) And repulse not those who )ask. [Ad-Dhuha 93:10]

23) And do good. Truly, Allah loves the good-doers.” (Al-Baqarah 2:195)

24)“Indeed, Allah orders and good conduct.” (An-Nahl 16:90)

25)“O you who believe! Fulfil (your) obligations.”(Al-Maaidah 5:1)

26) “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it.” (Az-Zalzalah 99:7-8)

Worship Allah In Fear Of Hellfire And Hope Of Paradise

Islam teaches us to worship Allah out of love for Him but with a healthy balance of fear and hope.
Allah said: They arise from their beds and they supplicate their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend from what We have provided them. Surah As-Sajda 32:16

And Allah said: Verily, they used to hasten to good deeds and would supplicate to Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive. Surah Al-Anbiya 21:90

Al-Bara ibn Azib reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: O Allah, I submit my face to You and entrust my affair to You. I commit myself to You out of hope and fear of You. Source: Sahih Muslim 2710, Grade: Sahih

Fear of Allah means to fear falling into sin and earning His punishment in the Hellfire.
Allah said: Fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281

Fear of Allah makes us think twice before we commit a sin. It is the quality of mindfulness and awareness of Allah that resides inside the heart of a believer.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, pointed to his chest three times and he said: Godfearing piety is here. Source: Sahih Muslim 2564, Grade: Sahih

Indeed, the description of punishment in the Hereafter found in the Quran and Sunnah should increase our resolve to be righteous. On the Day of Judgment, those who did not fear Allah will wish they had never been born.
Allah said: verily, We have warned you of a near punishment on the Day when a man will observe what his hands have put forth and the disbeliever will say: Oh, I wish that I were dust! Surah An-Naba 78:40

Fear of Allah is the source of all knowledge as it motivates us to seek the truth and act in accordance with it.
Allah said: Only those fear Allah from among His servants are those who have knowledge. Verily, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving. Surah Al-Fatir 35:28

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him would say during his sermons: The best provision is mindfulness of Allah, and the foundation of wisdom is the fear of Allah the Exalted. Source: Al-Jami’ As-Sagheer 1609, Grade: Hasan

And in the previous scriptures, it is written: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

However, we need to balance our fear of Allah with our hope in His reward and His Paradise.
Allah said: Shuaib said: O my people, worship Allah and hope for the Last Day and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption. Surah Al-Ankabut 29:36

Hope in Allah motivates us to perform good deeds and to abandon our base materialistic desires for the sake of righteousness.
Allah said: Wealth and children are only adornment of the worldly life, but enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for one’s hope. Surah Al-Kahf 18:46

The description of Paradise in the Quran and Sunnah should increase our resolve to perform good deeds to be rewarded in the Hereafter. In fact, it is a major sin to despair of the mercy of Allah.
Allah said: Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Verily, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Surah Az-Zumar 39:53

And Allah said: Who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except for those astray? Surah Al-Hijr 15:56

Therefore, we should have a healthy balance of fear and hope in our worship of Allah. The idea of balance in worship is expressed eloquently in Ibn Al-Qayyaim’s metaphor of the bird on its journey to Allah.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said: The heart on its journey towards Allah the Exalted is like that of a bird. Love is its head, and fear and hope are its two wings. When the head is healthy, then the two wings will fly well. When the head is cut off, the bird will die. When either of the two wings is damaged, the bird becomes vulnerable to every hunter and predator.
Source: Madarij As-Salikeen

Let us remember that our hearts are just like a bird on a journey to Allah in the Hereafter. Our love of Allah is the basis of our worship, and our fear and hope are like two wings that propel us along the straight path toward our final destination.

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

By Abu Amina Elias

Worship And Fear Allah Alone

[Allah’s Quran – 16:51] “Do not Worship two gods, He is One and only, and therefore, fear Me and keep in awe of Me alone.”

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:
[Bukhari, Book #2, Hadith#47] “Narrated Abu Huraira: One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people,
(The angel) Gabriel came and asked, “What is faith?”
Allah’s Apostle replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.”
Then he further asked, “What is Islam?”
Allah’s Apostle replied, “To worship Allah alone and none else, to offer prayers perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat), and to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.”
Then he further asked, “What is Ihsan (perfection)?”
Allah’s Apostle replied, “To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you cannot achieve this state of devotion then you must consider that He is looking at you.”
Then he further asked, “When will the Hour be established?”
Allah’s Apostle replied, “The answerer has no better knowledge than the questioner. But I will inform you about its portents.
1. When a slave (lady) gives birth to her master.
2. When the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of higher buildings. And the Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah. The Prophet then recited: “Verily, with Allah (alone), is the knowledge of the Hour–.” (31. 34)

Then that man (Gabriel) left and the Prophet asked his companions to call him back, but they could not see him. Then the Prophet said, “That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion.” Abu ‘Abdullah said: He (the Prophet) considered all that as a part of faith.”

[Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1577] “[It is narrated on the authority of (‘Abdullah) son of ‘Umar, that the Holy Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him) said: (The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), i. e. Allah (alone) should be worshipped, and (all other gods) beside Him should be (categorically) denied. Establishment of prayer, the payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House, and the fast of Ramadan (are the other obligatory acts besides the belief in the oneness of Allah and denial of all other gods).”

[Abudawud, Book #9, Hadith #1577] “Narrated Abdullah ibn Mu’awiyah al-Ghadiri: AbuDawud said: I read in a document possessed by Abdullah ibn Salim at Hims: Abdullah ibn Mu’awiyah al-Ghadiri reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying: He who performs three things will have the taste of the faith. (They are:) One who worships Allah alone and one believes that there is no god but Allah; and one who pays the zakat on his property agreeably every year. One should not give an aged animal, nor one suffering from itch or ailing, and one most condemned, but one should give animals of medium quality, for Allah did not demand from you the best of your animals, nor did He command you to give the animals of worst quality.”

Why Do We Delay Repentance?

Repentance is ultimately the goal that we all seek. All sane people are conscious of their numerous sins, and those who believe in Allah and His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) (may Allah exalt his mention) recognize that they will be held accountable for their sins, and therefore desire to be free of the evil consequences of their misdeeds. Islam offers man the ideal way by which he may be released from the burden of his sins.

The word Tawbah (repentance) in Arabic literally means ‘to return’. In an Islamic context, it refers to the act of leaving what Allah has prohibited and returning to what He, Almighty, has commanded.

The subject of repentance concerns all people who believe in Allah, and is vital for Muslims to understand because our salvation in the Hereafter depends on our repentance to Allah, as Allah commands (means): “…And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, that you might succeed.” [Quran 24:31]

Allah also Says (means): “…Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” [Quran 2:222]

One may have a real intention to repent, but there may be some obstacles to the path of repentance. If this is the case, then he needs to act without hesitation and remove those obstacles to clear the way to a happy soul.

The postponement of repentance may be the result of either a deliberate desire to prolong the illicit pleasure derived from the sin or doubt on the part of an ignorant sinner whether or not Allah would accept his repentance.

However, we have to be certain that Allah will guide us to success and safeguard us against our malice. We also must be confident that Allah forgives our sins and that He, and only He, can judge us. It is only His Judgement that is worthy of our worry and anxiety. So we should fear Him only because sincere repentance removes all sins and disobedience.

The door of repentance is always open, until…
The door to repentance is always open and will not be closed in the face of any repentant person, regardless of his sins. Expect this gate to have two locks: death and the approach of the Day of Judgement. The first was mentioned in the Hadeeth: “Allah accepts a slave’s repentance unless his death approaches.” [At-Tirmithi]

The other was mentioned in the Hadeeth: “Whosoever turns to Allah in repentance before the sun rises in the West, Allah will forgive him.” [Ahmad]

Allah Says in the Quran what means: “But repentance is not [accepted] of those who [continue to] do evil deeds up until, when death comes to one of them, he says: ‘Indeed, I have repented now,’ or of those who die while they are disbelievers…” [Quran 4:18]

O, heedless soul! Hasten to repent before the knock of death sounds and the time of repentance runs out. Do not get caught dying in a state of disobedience to your Most Merciful Lord. Satan gives you long hope and empty promises; he delays your repentance until your heart becomes as callous as a rock by being adamant in sin and disobedience, and you would therefore meet your Lord in a wretched state. If the door of repentance is closed to you, it will never open to you again.

What keeps us from repenting?

1. Taking sins lightly:
The problem with many of us today is that we do not fear Allah, which means that we do not think seriously about disobeying Him and therefore fall into sin, without giving any real thought to it. Hence, we should think about the statement that Ibn Mas’ood, may Allah be pleased with him, made: “A believer sees his sins as if he were sitting under a mountain which he is afraid may collapse on him, whereas the wicked person considers his sins as flies passing over his nose which he just drives away like this (and he waved his hand across his face to illustrate this).” [Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “Take caution against minor sins because such sins are like a group of people who temporarily settled in the middle of a valley. Then, they decided to make a fire, so each one of them brought a stick until they were able to make it, so they baked their bread… Thus, minor sins (when they accumulate) may destroy the one who commits them.” [Ahmad]

2. “What is the point? I will only end up doing it again”
Such an approach is the result of a misunderstanding. Indeed, one of the conditions of repentance is having a real intention not to return to the same sin. This, however, does not mean that Satan will never tempt you to commit the same sin again. Thus, if you have failed yourself, and you returned to the same sin, it does not mean that your first repentance was a lie. You should hasten to make additional repentance, with a real intention not to return to this sin, keeping in mind that Allah’s mercy extends over everything.

3. “Allah is forgiving, so let me sin”
When reminded of repentance and the hideousness of disobedience, some people would respond that Allah is Oft-Forgiving and most Merciful. An atheist once said in sarcasm: “You should commit as many sins as you can because you are heading towards the Lord who is Most-Generous.” There is no doubt that such a view is complete ignorance of the religion of Allah because Allah’s mercy is close to the righteous and not to the wrongdoers.

4. “I am destined to be a sinner”
Some people may choose to blame Al-Qadr (fate) for their sins. For example, if you ask any of them, “Why do you not perform the Prayers? Why do you not fast? Why do you drink or smoke? Why do you not repent from your disobedience?” They would respond by saying: “This is Allah’s Qadr” or: “I am doomed to do this.” This is a grave misconception and an evasion of the truth. Believing in Al-Qadr does not mean that one is destined to commit sins. It is true that Allah has written all human beings’ deeds, good or bad, and only He knows the unseen, but the believer is not forced to perform a good deed, nor is he forced to commit any disobedience. Instead, he has been granted the ability to reflect, reason, and then make a decision freely. Al-Qadr is only responsible for the calamities and blessings that an individual may confront because he can do nothing about them. For example, if a couple were to marry and have three children, then this is their Qadr. It is impermissible to fault Al-Qadr for our sins and disobedience because doing so is akin to being in confrontation and showing dissatisfaction with Allah.

Repentance wipes out all sins, major and minor:
Being confused, some people may think that repentance is only required for major sins. It should be noted that repentance from all sins is obligatory.

Even the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) who was sinless, asked Allah to forgive him on a daily basis. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) is reported to have said: “O people! Make repentance to Allah. I swear by Allah that I make repentance to Him more than seventy times every day.” [Al-Bukhari]

Therefore, we all need to fear Allah, ask His forgiveness, and be aware that there is no sin that is minor with persistence, and no major sin with seeking Allah’s forgiveness (i.e. if the minor sin is repeated many times it becomes a major one.) Thus, sincere repentance wipes out all committed sins.

Never despair!
Someone might say: “I want to repent but my sins are too many.” But Allah Says what means: “Say: ‘O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Quran 39:53]

Therefore, we should never lose hope or stop asking for Allah’s forgiveness. Its importance is shown to us in the Hadeeth in which the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “O people! Turn to Allah in repentance and seek His forgiveness, for I make repentance to Him a hundred times every day.” [Muslim]

Repentance is such a great act of worship that doing it can erase all our sins altogether, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “One who repents from sin is like one without sin.” [Ibn Maajah]

Safeguard Yourself From Sin

When looking at the meaning of fasting, most of us think it only entails the apparent conditions of not eating or drinking and not having sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. However, there are certain hidden etiquettes of fasting as well which must be respected and obeyed. The hidden etiquettes are that all parts of the body must be prevented from committing acts that are against the laws of Shariah. Only then can we truly benefit from the blessings of fasting and only then will we be successful in receiving the reward of becoming pious, as Allah Ta’ala says “O Believers! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you as were made obligatory upon those before you, so
that you may become pious. [Surah 2, Verse 183]” Therefore, let us study the fast of the parts of the body and try to act upon them.

It is essential to safeguard the tongue from sinning by lying, backbiting, using vulgar language, etc. Lying is a grave sin that destroys the reward for fasting. We should always refrain from lying but it is especially critical to stay away from lying in the month of Ramadan because if we lie whilst we are fasting, then we have defeated the purpose of
fasting. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “If a person does not refrain from lying, then Allah Ta’ala does not need for him to give up his food and drink.” [Bukhari Shareef ]

Backbiting is a sin that many of us commit daily, often without realizing it. During the time of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), two ladies were fasting but became so thirsty that they feared for their lives. Finally, they asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) for permission to break the fast. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sent a bowl to them and told them to vomit everything that they had eaten into the bowl. They did as they were told and their vomit contained running blood and clots of blood also. The people were astonished at seeing this and Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “These two women ate Sehri with those things that Allah Ta’ala has made lawful, but then broke their fast with something that has been made unlawful by Allah Ta’ala; in other words, they remained busy in backbiting.” Remember, backbiting is such an evil sin that Allah Ta’ala has compared it to ‘eating the meat of your dead brother.’ Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “…and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would abominate it… [Surah 49, Verse 12]” Therefore, we must always, and especially in the month of Ramadan, attempt to refrain from backbiting or speaking ill of others.

It is essential to safeguard the ears from hearing evil things at all times, but special attention should be paid to ensure this whilst fasting. It is said that there is fasting for every part of the body, and fasting of the ears is that they should be protected from hearing evil and useless things as hearing such things has a great effect on the heart, which turns thoughts towards sinning. A fasting person needs to refrain from listening to backbiting, lies, jokes, film stories, film songs, and crude talk. Listen to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and Naaths and Insha Allah, the heart will be illuminated and the spiritual benefits of fasting will be obtained.

It is essential for us to safeguard our eyes, especially whilst we are fasting. We have to safeguard our eyes from looking at na-mahram women, TV, dancing, songs, movies, and nude or obscene pictures. Looking at such things turns the mind towards committing sins and that destroys the spirit of fasting. Therefore, we must save our eyes from such things and should rather look at and recite the Holy Qur’an and Insha Allah, we will obtain untold benefits.

The aim and object of fasting is to instill in our hearts the enthusiasm to refrain from all kinds of sins. All sins that are committed by humans are first thought about in the heart before they are carried out. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “There is a piece of meat in the body of humans, if that remains safe then the whole body is safe, and if that becomes corrupted then the whole body is corrupted; that piece of meat is the heart.” Therefore, we need to safeguard our hearts from false and evil thoughts.

And lastly, one of the major sins that many of us neglect to safeguard ourselves from, is not reading our five times Salah. Salah is compulsory and one would never be able to truly benefit from the blessings of fasting by neglecting the Salah. In fact, one would be committing a grave sin by disobeying the command of Allah Ta’ala in such a sanctified month, which can only lead to the Anger of Allah Ta’ala.

After saving every part of one’s body from sinning, out of fear of Allah Ta’ala and for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, a person has full faith that I obeyed the orders of the Almighty Allah completely and Allah Ta’ala will definitely accept the supplication that I make at this time, just as Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “The supplications of three types of people are never rejected; a fasting person at the time of Iftar, a just ruler, and an oppressed person.” [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]

Love For God In Islam – The Highest Attribute Of Spiritual Attainment

In Islam fear of God, obedience to God, and sacrificing for God’s cause are stages (that should be maintained) on the spiritual path to something better; love for God.

There are many reasons people become Muslim. Among those reasons are feelings of the need to be a part of something better than what they have, believing that Islam holds more truth than other beliefs, or rejecting something once believed. Attributes that are obtained by the Muslims are fear of God and love for God. The last is the highest reason to worship. Yet obtaining Love for God is a process. It is something to be achieved. One does not simply wake up loving God. But once the love of God is had it is like no other type of love that has been experienced.

Those Who Love God
Love of God causes one to enjoy life more fully. It causes the Muslims to realize that God is the only non-changing reality. He is the Sure Reality and Truth (al-haqq).

“Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): They love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah.” (Quran 2:165)

Hence, faith is first mentioned as a necessary component of achieving Love for God. It is misplaced when feelings for created things, or beings, cause a diversion from focusing on the Conscious Reality that created all. The Conscious Reality that sustains all. Faith is the decision of the believer to worship that which is unseen and un-seeable in this life.

Developing Love for God
Developing love for God begins with the study of the divine. Science now tells us that there is a component in the brain that creates within humans the desire to believe in a higher power. When we intentionally work to develop that part of our being, new paths are created and opened within the person. The Muslim begins to feel the need to worship (Ibadda), pray (salat), and remember (Dhikr – a form of meditation) God. God begins to take precedence over the Muslim’s life. She/He begins to look at God with reverence and becomes a seeker on the path after God’s Greatness.

“Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the cause of Allah,: that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah;- (These do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the Believers”. (Quran 9:112)

Attributes of Those Who Love God
Love of God brings about the best in the individual whose actions benefit those around them. Out of love for God the Muslim will do everything, from waking moment to sleep, courageously battling lower desires to please her/his lord. Sacrificing what she/he is in possession of for the sake of the Beloved.

“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West, but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah-fearing.” (Quran 2:177)

Example of One Who Loves God
God rewards those who work to develop a love for Him and who yearn for their meeting with Him. The Quran gives an example of one who strives and struggles through life while awaiting the final meeting with God. One who struggles to deal with the twists and turns that daily life presents. One who strives to keep his family intact while increasing their spiritual growth. In the Father of John (Yahya) the Baptist there is the following example of one pleading to his Lord out of Love in the midst of affliction and adversity.

So We listened to him: and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife’s (Barrenness) for him. These (three) were ever quick in emulation of good works; they used to call on Us with love and reverence and humble themselves before Us. (Quran 21:90)

When afflicted with pain, sorrow, and adversity, the Muslim turns to God with Love.

Khalil Green has obtained a bachelor’s Degree with Departmental Honors in Religious Studies from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. His focus was, and remains, on Islamic and mystic traditions. He has held the title of Imam for the State of Kansas as its first Muslim Chaplain in a correctional institution.

Patience With Trials And Tribulations In Islam

Muslims will endure many trials throughout their lives. Allah tests us with hardship and prosperity in order to validate the sincerity of our faith.

Allah said: It is He who created death and life to test which of you are best in deed, for He is the Almighty, the Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk 67:2)

In all cases, trials can be good for the true believer. If he is tested with prosperity, he should remain grateful and he will receive a reward. If he is tested with hardship, he should remain patient and he will receive a reward.

Suhaib -may Allah be pleased with him- reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him. If he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him. (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2999, Grade:Sahih)

Trials can be a sign that Allah intends good for us because through trials our sins are expiated and we have the opportunity to perform good deeds.

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If Allah intends good for someone, then he afflicts him with trials. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5321, Grade: Sahih)

Mahmud ibn Labeed (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If Allah loves a people, then he afflicts them with trials. Whoever is patient has the reward of patience, and whoever is impatient has the fault of impatience.(Musnad Aḥmad 23122, Grade: Sahih)

Mus’ad ibn Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The servant will continue to be tried until he is left walking upon the earth without any sin.(Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2398, Grade: Sahih)

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: If Allah intends good for his servant, then he hastens the punishment for him in this world. If Allah intends evil for his servant, then he withholds punishment for his sins until he appears on the Day of Resurrection.

In another narration, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Verily, with greater rewards come greater trials. Verily, when Allah loves a people he will test them. Whoever is pleased will be satisfied, and whoever is displeased will have indignation.(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2396, Grade: Hasan)

Despite the incidental blessings that might come about from trials, a Muslim should never wish to be put on trial because he does not know if he will succeed.

Miqdad ibn Al-Aswad (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. How good is one who is afflicted but bears it patiently!(Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4263, Grade: Sahih)

Instead, Muslims should supplicate to Allah for security and well-being.

Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: You will not be given anything after sincere faith as good as security, so ask Allah for security.(Musnad Aḥmad 11, Grade: Sahih)

Likewise, a Muslim should never rush into trials whether among the Muslims or the non-Muslims.

Allah said: Our Lord, make us not a trial for the unbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Verily, You are the Almighty, the Wise.(Surah al-Mumtahanah 60:5)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: There will be tribulations during which a sitting person will be better than the one standing, and the one standing will be better than the one walking, and the one walking will be better than the one running, and whoever exposes himself to these tribulations will be destroyed, so whoever finds a place of protection or refuge should take shelter in it. (Ṣaḥiiḥ al-Bukharii 6670, Grade: Sahih)

One of the greatest trials a Muslim might endure is the death of a loved one such as a spouse, a parent, or a child. If he remains patient and praises Allah in such a situation, then Allah has guaranteed a house for him in Paradise.

Abu Musa Al-Ashari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: When the child of a servant dies, Allah says to the angels: Have you taken the life of my servant’s child? They say yes. Allah says: Have you taken the fruit of his heart? They say yes. Allah says: What has my servant said? They say: He has praised you and said to Allah we belong and to Allah we return. Allah says: Build a house for my servant in Paradise and name it the House of Praise.(Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1021, Grade: Hasan)

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Allah the Exalted says: I have nothing to give to my faithful servant if I cause his dear friend to die and he remains patient, other than Paradise. (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukharii 6060, Grade: Sahih)

The trials of pain and loss are very difficult, but in some ways, the trials of prosperity are even more difficult.

Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We were tested with hardship alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and we were patient. Then we were tested with prosperity after that and we were not patient.(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2464, Grade: Hasan)

An abundance of wealth is one of the greatest trials for the Muslim nation because in such a situation the Muslims are obligated to spend generously from it in charity.

Ka’b ibn Iyad (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Verily, every nation has a trial and the trial of my nation is wealth.(Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2336, Grade: Sahih)

Muslims are tested with great acts of oppression committed by authorities and powerful groups in the world, but we must remember that Allah has promised us that those who oppress us will give us their good deeds on the Day of Resurrection or take some of our sins.

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever oppresses his brother in his honor or anything else should resolve the matter today before it cannot be resolved with gold and silver coins. If he has good deeds to his credit, they will be taken from him according to the measure of his oppression, but if he has no good deeds left, then he will bear the evil deeds of his companion. (Ṣaḥī-iḥ al-Bukharii 2317, Grade: Sahih)

In such a situation, we must remember that Allah will avenge us in the Hereafter so we should not let our hatred or anger at our oppression lead us to commit further acts of injustice.

Allah said: O you who believe, be persistently standing firm for Allah as witnesses in justice and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, for that is nearer to righteousness. Fear Allah, for Allah is aware of what you are doing. (Surat al-Ma’idah 5:8)

One of the greatest trials is the temptation to resort to violence when confronted with an unjust government, but in such a situation we must be patient and attempt to reform the government without declaring a violent rebellion.

Hudhayfa ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Rulers after me will come who do not follow my guidance and my tradition. Some of their men will have the hearts of devils in the human body. I said, “O Messenger of Allah, what should I do if I live to see that time?” The Prophet said: You should listen and obey them even if the ruler strikes your back and takes your wealth, even still hear and obey. (Ṣaḥiiḥ Muslim 1847, Grade: Sahih)

The righteous predecessors (al-salaf) decried the violent rebels who lived in their time because their rebellion always led to further suffering, injustice, and division among the Muslims.

Hasan Al-Basri -may Allah be pleased with him- said: If the people had patience when they are being tested by their unjust ruler, it will not be long before Allah will give them a way out. However, they always rush to their swords, so they are left with their swords. By Allah, not even for a single day did they bring about any good.(Source: al-Ṭabaqat al-Kubra 8789)

Therefore, Muslims will endure many trials throughout life such as being afflicted by a calamity, suffering oppression, or even ingratitude in the face of prosperity. A Muslim must remain patient with the command and decree of Allah so as to avoid injustice, selfishness, and various evil deeds that might come about during a trial.

We ask Allah to relieve the suffering of Muslims and to guide us through the trials of life and death.

By Abu Amina Elias