The Spider: A Soldier of God

We often stumble upon the question: "What is the purpose of life?" The answer is a complex yet simple one at the same time. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was with his companion, Abu Bakr, in the cave hiding from the enemy, a spider formed a web at the entrance of the cave, making the enemy believe there was no way anyone could have went in without tearing apart the delicate threads of the web, and that the cave must have been long abandoned. So they left. It was this spider that acted as a force of God. A tiny insect that acted out God's command saved a human life, and not just any human, but our beloved Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). As verse 40 in Surah Altawba speaks of this event, it adds: "وأيّده بجنود لم تروها", which translates as “And He(God) aided him(Prophet Muhammad) with soldiers you did not see.” Can you imagine that even a tiny insect's action of building its web can make that spider a soldier of God?! What we deem to be insignificant around us can actually be an agent of God, fulfilling His commandments, as we ourselves on the other hand, at times blindly follow our desires. 

 

There is a famous story of a doctor who was on a plane but could not make it to his destination due to inclement weather. Severe lightning, heavy rain, and gushing winds forced his plane to land in the middle of nowhere. It is in that deserted town where he found a mother and her sick child who had needed to be seen by a doctor for months, but their inaccessible location made it logistically impossible for that child to receive the medical attention needed. However, nothing is impossible for God. He will appoint whomever and whatever He wills to fulfill His command, whether it be a human, an insect, or in this case, inclement weather. The circumstances that exist around us are a function of Divine will and intervention, not a matter of chance or “coincidence.” Everything we see in nature is appointed by God, and not just a mere accident. Had it not been for the intense lightning, rain, and wind, that sick child may have never seen a doctor, but God's forces work in mysterious ways. 

 

Now let us ask ourselves, in what ways are we agents of God? Are we fulfilling His commands as a spider did over 1400 years ago? Are we acting as agents of God’s mercy and benevolence on this earth? Hearing this prayer once struck me: "Oh Allah, use me for Your cause on this earth". It made me question myself, my habits and interactions. Are my actions a reflection of God's command, as are forces in nature around us?

 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a beautiful statement: "God has appointed a group of His servants to fulfill the needs of people. People rush to these servants when in need. Verily, these servants will be saved from God's punishment". Know that if God loves you, He will place people's needs in your hands. When you find yourself being that person relied on for so much, know that God is appointing you, as He appointed the spider for Prophet Muhammad and the lightning for that sick child. 

 

Neither one of us wants to leave this earth without having benefited the world around us in some way, shape or form. Asking about an old friend, being there for a person in dire need of companionship, visiting the sick, or carrying the load of a complete stranger are all simple tasks that can change our communities if every one of us acted upon them. Undoubtedly we all have daily tasks, but the question is do these duties qualify us to be agents of God? Are we soldiers of God for ourselves, our friends, families, and communities at large? Are we working for Him, in accordance with His laws and in a way that pleases Him? Because once we do that and just that, then we have fulfilled the very purpose of our existence. 

God's compassion to our Prophet(PBUH)

Surah Alanaam, verse 33:

قَدْ نَعْلَمُ إِنَّهُ لَيَحْزُنُكَ الَّذِي يَقُولُونَ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَا يُكَذِّبُونَكَ وَلَٰكِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ يَجْحَدُونَ

"We know indeed the grief which their words cause you (O Muhammad). Yet it is not you that they deny, but it is the Verses (the Quran) of Allah that the wrong-doers deny."

What amazes me about this verse is that God is comforting our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the most compassionate of ways. He is telling him "don't worry, it's not you they're not believing in, it's My words they're not believing in". As if God is telling him "don't take it personally". Or "don't let it get to you". 

We see reflections of God's mercy to Prophet Muhammad repetitively in the Quran, yet some verses are more obvious than others. 

Read this verse in Surah Ash-shura, verse 48:

فَإِنْ أَعْرَضُوا فَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظًا إِنْ عَلَيْكَ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ وَإِنَّا إِذَا أَذَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً فَرِحَ بِهَا وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ فَإِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ كَفُورٌ

"But if they turn away from you (O Muhammad), then We have not sent you as a protector over them. Your duty is to convey the Message. And verily, when We give man a taste of Our Mercy, he rejoices, but when some ill befalls them because of the deeds which their hands have sent forth, then verily, man is ungrateful."

The beginning of this verse is almost subtly comforting Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), but then it starts speaking of how man is ungrateful to God's blessings. 

At first, I could not relate those two issues together. What does the second part of the verse have to do with the first part? What does man's nature of rejecting God's blessing have to do with people rejecting Prophet Muhammad's message?

And then there is the correlation! God is as if saying to our beloved Prophet : "Don't be upset when they turn away from your message, because look how often people reject my blessings". What a beautiful way to comfort and support the final messenger! 

We see similar verses in the Quran showing God's mercy and support to Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). And each have a beauty of their own. 

Surah Ash-Shura verse 25

وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَفْعَلُونَ

"And He it is Who accepts repentance from His servants, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do". 

What I love so much about this verse is actually the last statement before this verse that ties their meaning so well together. It says:  إِنَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

"He is well aware of the secrets of all hearts."

First, God is telling us that He knows everything. Not just what's on the surface, but what's on the inside. No one knows you like God does. Not your parents, spouse, children, or best of friends. 

One would worry after hearing this at times, because we know how many faults we have on the inside. So how befitting is it that God now tells us that although He knows us and our past, our current mistakes, and our darkest secrets, that He is the one who accepts repentance. So knowing us on the inside doesn't give God a reason not to accept us, but the exact opposite; it's even a more reason for Him to want to forgive us <3

4 verses that can cure our communities

Too often we hear how a city is so nice to live in, but "if only its Muslim community was more united." Many of the main problems Muslims face today are: racism, prejudice, sexism, backbiting, rumors, and other diseases that cause communities to be disunited. 

 

How can we save our communities? The Quran always has answers to our problems. What can our community learn from God's book to be strong and united as one?

 

These 4 verses in Surah Al Hujurat explain how, individually, we each can help unite the Muslim community.

 

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

“The believers are a single brotherhood, so make reconciliation between your brothers, and be mindful of God so you can receive mercy.”

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن 

يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

“O you who believe! Don’t let some men among you make fun of other men, for it may be that the (ones who are being made fun of) are better than the (ones making fun of them). And don’t let some women among you make fun of other women, either, for it may be that the (ones who are being made fun of) are better than the (ones making fun of them). Don’t damage each other’s reputations nor be sarcastic with each other, and don’t call each other by cruel nicknames. It’s terrible to use an insulting nickname for someone after he’s become a believer. Whoever doesn’t stop this practice is doing wrong.”

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“O you who believe! Avoid being overly suspicious (of your fellow believers) for suspicion in some cases is a sin. Don’t spy on each other nor speak badly about each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? In fact, you would loath it! Be mindful of God, for God accepts repentance and is Merciful.”

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

“O people! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female and made you into different races and tribes so you can come to know one another. The noblest among you in the sight of God is the one who is the most mindful (of his duty to Him). Truly, God knows and is aware.”

These verses were revealed during the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions, so what does this mean? That although their time represents the epitome of Islam and unity, they also had similar problems. No community will ever be perfect, but it can strive to be. 

 

In these verses, God gives a list of rules to live by in our every day interactions; things we should do and things we should not do. In the end of these verses, He says, “and be mindful of God”. We should obey Him if we want to achieve mercy and unity within our communities, our families, and ourselves. As He concludes these rules to live by and after telling us we were created differently, He says, “Verily the most noble of you is the most mindful”. So how can we be mindful? By following the steps He gave us in these 4 verses. No one is favored because of the color of their skin or the gender of their body. God only favors you when you follow Him in the best of ways, and that means dealing with your fellow brothers and sisters in humanity in the best of ways.

 

Moreover, these verses address almost every major problem our communities have today: backbiting, spreading rumors, name-calling, making fun of others, suspicion, sexism, and racism. You see every single one of these important issues being addressed in these verses. Imagine if every one of our communities didn't have any of these issues; What kind of communities would we have? Our unity and brotherhood / sisterhood would take a drastic turn forward.

 

You may read these verses and say, "If only my community could put these verses into practice", but that's not where change will come from. Change will come when every single one of us individually struggles to practice these verses and implement them in our daily lives. These verses don't automatically become a societal struggle. They must first start as an individual endeavor. 

Some of these habits are quite basic, yet because they occur so frequently, they have become destructive to our communities. When did it become okay to talk behind each other's backs and spread news that was never verified from its source? This "he said she said" deal has become much too common. This statement of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is what we each need to master individually: "It is enough for a man to be considered a liar when he narrates whatever he hears" (Sahih Muslim). How many times have you heard others speaking about things of which they have no knowledge? We have all fallen into this trap, but we must end it today. 

 

The Quran teaches us how to live our lives in the best of ways. It gives us the tools we need to become the best of communities. Yet it is up to us to put those tools into practice and embark on the path of true brotherhood and sisterhood together. 

 

The next time your tongue is about to fool you, stop right there and let these verses echo through your mind. Remind your brothers and sisters in Islam that Islam teaches us to respect each other and only speak the best of words. If you do not have anything good to say, then say nothing at all. If we can master and nail these verses on our own and within our families, then our communities will slowly but surely become more of what we want them to be. 

May Allah allow these verses to trigger through our minds and create the necessary change we need to become true brothers and sisters in this beautiful way of life, Islam. Ameen. 

 

70,000 Angels: 1 Surah

Years ago when I was in high school, an older friend passed away, leaving behind 4 beautiful children, a family that loved her, and a community that admired her. Her sudden death had a huge impact on my life, to the point where I began questioning my life and doubting my faith. With a load of unanswered questions and a weak spirit, I turned to advice from my local Imam, who was also a teacher and a mentor. As our conversations continued in the upcoming weeks, his one practical advice was to read surah Alanaam, over and over again. And I did. 

It is only this surah in the Quran that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told us was sent down with 70,000 Angels. Can you imagine? How much treasure is in this chapter that it needed not one, not hundreds, not a few thousand, but 70,000 Angels to bring it down?! 

Reading the chapter repetitively, dwelling on its meaning, and speaking with my Imam about it gradually took me out of the hole I was sinking in. It is this surah that I am truly indebted to for opening my eyes to a whole new world. 

Today, reading its verses penetrates through my heart and lifts my spirit. Whether you need something to lift your spirit, help you out of hardship, heal your doubt, or strengthen your faith, then this is your key. Listen to this chapter Alanaam, read it, understand it, and explore. 

I have listed below some of the verses (and there are too many to choose from) that have served as eye-openers to me and brought healing to my unsettled heart. Notice the wordings of these verses and the amount of spirit they bring back into a shattered heart. 

وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

"And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (17)

قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِنْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ سَمْعَكُمْ وَأَبْصَارَكُمْ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِكُم مَّنْ إِلَٰهٌ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِهِ انظُرْ كَيْفَ نُصَرِّفُ الْآيَاتِ ثُمَّ هُمْ يَصْدِفُونَ

"Say, "Tell me, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who is there - a god other than Allah who could restore them to you?" See how We explain the proofs, yet they turn away." (46)

وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ

"And with Him are the keys of the unknown, none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record. (59)

قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكُم مِّن ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً لَّئِنْ أَنجَانَا مِنْ هَٰذِهِ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ

"Say, "Who rescues you from the darkness/dangers of the land and the sea, when you call upon Him in humility and in secret (saying): If He only saves us from this (danger), we shall truly be grateful"."

قُلِ اللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنْهَا وَمِن كُلِّ كَرْبٍ ثُمَّ أَنتُمْ تُشْرِكُونَ

"Say, "Allah rescues you from it and from every other hardship, and yet you worship others besides Allah." (63-64)

أَوَمَن كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَن مَّثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِّنْهَا 

"Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out?"(Beginning of 122)

قُلْ أَغَيْرَ اللَّهِ أَبْغِي رَبًّا وَهُوَ رَبُّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ 

"Say, "Shall I seek a lord other than Allah, when He is the Lord of all things?" 

(Beginning of 164)

Allah is reminding us in these verses that He is the only One worthy of relying on when alone and in distress.  He, the One who put us in certain situations, is the One who can take us out of those same situations. Just as no leaf falls from the tree but He knows it, no tear sheds from your cheek except that He knows of it. Allah shows us His power in our surroundings in order to remember that all things go back to Him, including ourselves. 

My friend was once here, walking on the same ground I walk on and breathing the same air I breathe, yet her passing was a sudden reminder that we will all return to Him.  Her leaving caused me to dig deep into Surah Alanaam and to the Quran, which in turn brought back a light that was once turned off in my life. I pray that Allah lights her grave with His light and reunites her with her loved ones in never-ending bliss. 

In this chapter of Alanaam lie the keys to a broken heart. I like to call it the chapter of healing. It is no wonder that it was sent down to our beloved Prophet with the aid of 70,000 angels. I pray that Allah guides us to turn to this surah and to the Quran when we are in doubt or in pain. May the same Creator who created our spirits uplift them and allow them to shine as beacons of light to those around us. Ameen. 

2 reflections from surah Al-ahqaaf:

1- Many times, as parents and as mothers especially, we lose focus on why we are raising children, and more specifically, why we are struggling so hard with them while not directly seeing the fruit of our labor. Listen to this verse:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

"And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."

After going through so much hardship, the woman in this verse is described to have raised a child who does something simple yet grand. This child as growing up realizes that all favors are from God, and the He alone is the source of all his/her blessings, including the blessing of parents, which in turn causes that person to do good and stay on the path of submitting all affairs to God.

Isn't that what we want? If going through this struggle to raise our children today will one day make them turn to God in this same fashion, recognizing all favors are from Him and striving to be righteous people, then all the pain is worth it. Know you have done something right then. 

2- On another topic, verse 27 says:

وَلَقَدْ أَهْلَكْنَا مَا حَوْلَكُم مِّنَ الْقُرَىٰ وَصَرَّفْنَا الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

"And indeed We have destroyed towns (populations) around you, and We have repeatedly shown the proofs/signs in various ways that they might return (to the truth and believe in the Oneness of God)."

Sometimes we question why bad things happen in many places around us. Here, God is linking the destruction of a town to a sign that turns people back to Him. At times, we as people are so lost that we need something to literally shake us up to snap out of the lost state we are in. So instead of saying where is God when we see destructions around us, know that this is God. Signs come in different ways for people to wake up and realize that this world is not what we want. It's the next world we are all striving for. 

Reflection on Surah Alqamar, chapter 54

The chapter speaks of stories of the prophets, one after the other, from Muhammad (PBUH) to Noah to Hud to Saleh to Lot to Moses, and how their people belittled their message. Their people would clearly see the signs of truth yet still would not believe and submit to God's command. What's interesting is that though the whole chapter is about these stories, in between every prophet's story is one verse that is repetitive in this chapter. It is as if serving as a transition between each story. The one verse is:

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا الْقُرْآنَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ

"And indeed, We have made the Quran easy to understand and remember, yet is there any that will take heed?" 

This is so interesting to me because here is God showing us how clear His signs were to these people, and they still disbelieved. Now we must not fall into the same trap. We have our own signs of God's existence and of His true message. And one of the clearest signs is His book, the Quran. So how appropriate is it that for us who are reading these stories today, that He reminds us of "our sign", the Quran, in every transition?! Those people had their signs and now they are gone. But we are here alive and breathing. What are we doing with our "sign". Allah is asking me and you repetitively in this chapter between each story: What have you done with the Quran? Are you utilizing His words and His book to your advantage? Will the Quran be proof for you or against you on That Day? The question at the end of this verse hits deep every time. 

 فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ

"Is there anyone that will take heed?"

Oh Allah, make us from those who do take heed, and who do understand Your words, and ponder, and whose hearts are attached to our sign, Your Noble Book, the Quran. Ameen. 

Verse 21, Surah Al-Tur

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاتَّبَعَتْهُمْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُم بِإِيمَانٍ أَلْحَقْنَا بِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَمَا أَلَتْنَاهُم مِّنْ عَمَلِهِم مِّن شَيْءٍ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ

"And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith, to them We shall join them with their offspring (in Paradise), and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned."

As parents trying to make the best out of our children, this verse gives us hope in light of our everyday struggles. Simply, one who strives to attain faith and raises his/her children in the same manner, God is promising you that He will join you together in the Hereafter. We raise our children in life today knowing that one day we will not be with them. Yet here is God promising us that if we raise them on His straight path, then surely we will be reunited, but this time, forever. 

The next statement is beautiful because God says that He will not decrease the reward of our actions in any way, shape, or form. Sometimes we belittle the things we have to do for our children. The many small duties we do for them add up, and can feel like a huge burden. Yet here is God telling us that every single thing we do for our offspring counts. Everything. Feeding, cleaning, changing, teaching, and helping our children all do not go unnoticed. God sees our struggles and is telling us that absolutely nothing goes unnoticed. Every single action, no matter how insignificant, will be rewarded. 

We teach our children to pray today. Tomorrow they will teach their children and God-willing the cycle will continue. Our offspring will be our pledge for us on the Day of Judgement.

The next time you see yourself stressed with the many duties of a mother, remember that, in His eyes, everything counts and He will reward you for that and more. Keep doing and He will keep rewarding. 

Feeling the Love

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وُدًّا

"Surely those who believe and do good deeds, God will bestow love between them" 

-Chapter Maryam (Mary), verse 96

Sometimes we run into people who we have never met before, but for some reason, we are drawn to them and feel like we have known them forever. Whether it be in a study circle, conference, religious workshop or the likes, something makes us love them for who they are. This is no coincidence; rather this is divine decree from Allah(swt) that He surely will put love between those who do righteous deeds. So the next time this happens to you, remember this verse. Although you never knew each other before, know that Allah is the one who united your hearts together on His path, and for that you can feel the love. 

<3

Succeeding as a Mother in the Quran

A young woman once told me, "I just want my children to be from the sajideen (those who regularly prostrate to God and surrender their affairs to Him)". It was such a simple yet profound statement that had a lingering effect on me till today.

 

Too often we make our children the central focus of our lives, to the point where everything we do is for them and them alone. We live in a world today where mothers are overly occupied with trying to indulge their children and keep them happy, to the point where we sometimes fall into the trap of living for them, forgetting that they are gifts from God and a means for us to get closer to Him. Our children are not with us to simply bring us joy and laughter, and we are not here for them to only bring them joy and laughter. Although we should aim to instill happiness in our children’s hearts, as the Prophet (PBUH) taught us, our ultimate goal in raising our kids should be solely for our Creator, so that they could be among His pious servants and of those who return to their Maker with a sound heart.

 

 

إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

Your wealth and your children are indeed a trial; Yet with God there is a 

great reward

 

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَأَنفِقُوا خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

So keep your duty to God and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey; and spend in charity, that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own desire and greed, then they are the successful ones

{Quran 64: 15-16}

 

Read these two verses in Surah Altaghabun. God is affirming to us in this chapter and in many other chapters of the Quran that, in fact, our children are a test for us. They are not here to simply bring us pleasure. Have we given them the tools they need to be of the Sajideen? If we truly want our kids to know God and go back to Him for their problems once we are no longer here, then what are we doing for them now that will make that a reality?

 

 

The second verse is key to our life as parents. God says to fear Him and keep our duty to Him as much as we can. The words ما استطعتم (as much as you can) are essential to mothers who are struggling and trying to make the best out of their children, day after day, night after night. Mothers are overwhelmed with duties for their children and more than that, worry about whether they have done the right thing for the right reason. Here is God assuring you, telling you not to worry, do what you can. Remember God, the One who granted you your children, yet how often? As much as you possibly can. Only God knows the extent of the load we are carrying, and perhaps this is why He added those two words that add so much meaning and concern in this verse. 

After God has shown you His concern, He now gives you a solution to how to raise your children while living for Him and not your children alone. He says, "Listen, Obey, and Give". Take a moment out of your day and listen to God's words. On your way picking up your children from school, listen to the Quran, listen to beneficial lectures that remind you of God and his words. Obey his commandments. Don't divert from the straight path, even in the smallest way. Raise your children according to God's rules, not yours. And finally, give. Give your time, money, energy, and attention. A mother in her nature is giving, yet the ways she can give are endless. God is telling you to keep giving, and teach your children to give as well. Be selfless. For he who gives and overcomes the love of himself will be of those who are successful (وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ).

 

When you raise your kids for God as if it's your duty toward Him, then that is when you will be successful. God ends the verse so beautifully as He gives us the tools on how to succeed as parents and as servants to Him. May we be of those who listen to His words and implement them, and may He make us all successful parents. 

 

Changes in nature

While driving slowly on the hwy in the middle of a severe thunderstorm, I was reminded of the last day, the Day of Judgement. It was a scary moment driving through the rough weather, even though I wasn't alone and just 5 minutes from my destination. God's sudden drastic changes in weather give us a snapshot of what is yet to come. Yet on the Day of Judgement, we are alone and we will not know how much longer we have to reach our destination. In fact, we won't know what our destination is. Just as the clear sunny day changed in an instant today, God has the power to change our hearts in a split-second. This brings me to a supplication my sister once advised me to always remember: 

يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبي على دينك

Oh turner of hearts, make my heart hold firm to Your way of life. 

Thank you God for the signs you give us in nature that remind us Who is in control of our affairs. We submit our matters to You and to You alone. 

Divorce in the Quran

While reviewing the Chapter of Divorce in the Quran (Surah Altalaaq), it really got to me. 

It is no coincidence that these verses appear in this chapter:

 وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا

"And whosoever fears God and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)."

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا

"And He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in God, then He will suffice him. Verily, God will accomplish his purpose. Indeed God has set a measure for all things."

 وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًا

"And whoever fears God and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matters easy"

 سَيَجْعَلُ اللَّهُ بَعْدَ عُسْرٍ يُسْرًا

"Surely God will grant ease after hardship"

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَمِنَ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ الْأَمْرُ بَيْنَهُنَّ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا

"It is God Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof. His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that God has power over all things, and that He surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge."

How on-point are these verses for someone going through such a rough time. How great is our Lord. Subhanallah Glory be to Him.

The Meaning of Life

What comes to mind when someone asks you to reflect on life? More than likely, you will think of your family, home, career, friends and accomplishments. To us, life is what we live; it's the air we breathe, the people we meet, the money we make, and the time we expend. God speaks to us about life in the Quran. God says in chapter al-‘Ankaboot (the spider):

 

 وَمَا هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ

"And the life of this world is only amusement and play, and verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the true life indeed, if they only knew". 

 

Notice here that God attests to us that this world in which we live, and for which we too often live for, is simply play and amusement. It is temporary and deceitful, for the true life is the life of the Hereafter. The word God uses to describe the life of the Hereafter is "الحيوان", whereas He describes the life of this world as "الحياة". The word الحيوان gives the word الحياة a grander meaning, for each added letter in Arabic adds depth to the meaning. Furthermore, God is distinguishing the two words from one another, which subsequently forces us to differentiate the two worlds from one another. Here is to show us that there is no comparison between the temporary life of this world and next eternal life, the one for which we must strive.  

 

This brings me to another verse in Surat al-Fajr. When a person comes on the Day of Judgment, wishing he/she had done more for one’s Hereafter, he/she will say: 

 

 يَا لَيْتَنِي قَدَّمْتُ لِحَيَاتِي

"Oh if only I had done more for my life". 

 

Here, the world "life" implies the afterlife, the true life God speaks to us about in Surah al-‘Ankaboot. The person wishes he/she had done more for their Hereafter. The person could have said: "I wish I did more IN my life", but instead, they will say "for my life", because again the true life that we often neglect is in fact the afterlife, and not this temporary life that we live in. 

 

God continually reminds us in the Quran that the Hereafter is what we should be preparing for, and not this life. If this is true, then why do we plan and plan for tomorrow and the day after, yet tend to neglect vigorously planning for our akhira (afterlife)? We are in a constant battle between living for this world and planning for the next. We are enamored by the pleasures and temptations of this world, so much so that we have often fallen captive to it and have forgotten the meaning of "life". 

 

Let us take the time to reflect on our life today, and question how we are preparing for the next life that will truly be our eternal home. Remember that "life" has yet to come, and that this world is simply our means to get there. 

Lebron and Ramadan

When basketball player Lebron James goes through intensive training for the next NBA season, he is expected to rise. His shots should get more precise and accurate, his rebounds and assists should increase, and he should have better stamina. Overall, training should make him a better player. 

Ramadan is our yearly spiritual training for the next 11-month season. With that said, ask yourself: How has Ramadan made me rise? Have my prayers become more accurate in sincerity and precise in timing? How many people have I assisted back up on their feet? How many people have I helped guide to our beautiful faith? When someone hurts me, do I rebound with hate or with something better? Have I gained enough stamina to increase my nightly worship? In short, how has Ramadan changed me to become a better person?

These are all questions we must ask ourselves as this blessed month comes to an end. If Ramadan after Ramadan, we are not becoming better people and building closer ties with Allah, then when will we? Allah (swt) says in the Quran that He did not create humans without purpose. And similarly, He has not blessed us with Ramadan without reason. It is a month of spiritual and character development. Why would the NBA spend an enormous amount of money on players to go through training? Because when you train, you benefit and gain something in return. 

Make sure that your training in Ramadan gives you something in return. Increase your worship, build an ongoing relationship with Allah and His noble Book, improve your character and dealings with others, become more loving, generous, hopeful, and most importantly, less attached to this temporary worldly life. 

If an NBA player continues to fall short in his game, season after season, no one will want to continue training him. Yet Allah (swt) blesses us with Ramadan continuously even if we do not become better people, and this is out of His mercy. We all have shortcomings, yet Ramadan is our yearly chance to rise above them. Let us continue to work hard and improve our inner selves so if we are given another training opportunity, we know exactly where we need improvement and strive to become better people and better servants to our Merciful Creator. 

A heart that does not just beat...

Allah says in Surah Alhajj:

أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَا أَوْ آذَانٌ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَٰكِن تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ

"Have they not traveled in the land so that they should have hearts with which to understand, or ears with which to hear? For surely it is not the eyes that are blind, but blind are the hearts which are in the chests."

The word "heart" is used twice in this verse, yet in two different meanings. God first questions why people don't think with their heart. Thus, the heart is a tool to understand and gain wisdom. The next time it used, God states that hearts can be blinded. Just as eyes can be blinded from seeing, hearts can be blinded from feeling the truth. Thus, here, the heart is a tool to see and feel with. 

Don't be afraid to think with your heart. Use it for understanding and gaining spirituality. At the same time, use it to see clearly and feel God's presence in your life. Don't fill your heart with negativity to the point where you can no longer use it to see the goodness you have. 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the heart as an organ that, when it's pure, your whole body is pure. Your heart is everything. It's your thought process, your wisdom, your character, your eyes. Purify it with the love of God and His creation, and the love to draw nearer to Him. 

When God describes the Day of Judgment in Surah Alshu'ara, He says it's a day in which no money, wealth, or children can benefit you. Only one thing can benefit you. And what is that? 

إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ

A pure, sound heart. A heart that thought of God and saw proof of His existence in all His creation and favors. Because our heart was not just created for beating alone, but for understanding, grasping and seeing the Truth. May we be of those who use our heart for the purpose God created it for, Ameen. 

There is always hope

God says in verse 28, chapter 42:

وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا قَنَطُوا وَيَنشُرُ رَحْمَتَهُ وَهُوَ الْوَلِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ

"He is the One Who sends down rain even after (people) have given up all hope for it, and He scatters His Mercy (in every direction). And He is the Supporter, Worthy of all Praise."

God says here that He sends rain even after people lost hope for it ever coming. God will give you what you're asking for, even after you're about to give up hope for it. Notice the word قنطوا (lost hope) in the verse. It doesn't say you will get the rain after you pray or after you simply ask for it. Rather, it says you will get it after you have begged for it, stayed up countless nights praying for it, worked for it by building a relationship with Him, to the point where you thought it was never coming. And then, lo and behold, God gives it to you. He could have given it to you after a simple request, but He wants you to get closer to Him. Imagine if we got everything we ever wanted after a single prayer. We wouldn't feel that deep connection with God as we do when we are begging Him day and night, praying, prostrating and glorifying. 

As the verse continues, God then says that after showering you with His rain, He will spread His mercy far and wide, meaning you will feel His favor upon you in every direction. You will physically feel His mercy enveloping you after you've attained what you had once lost all hope for. You are reminded to never lose hope in Him, and for that you are in complete awe. 

Now how does God conclude this verse? He says He is the one who is الولي الحميد, the Supporter and the One worthy of praise. When you rely on God, you know with full conviction that He WILL support you. So what an extremely appropriate way to end the verse. God is reminding you once again to trust Him as your protector, supporter and guardian. Put your complete trust in Him and have no fear of the end result. 

Here is a verse that gives hope to every person facing a tough situation, searching for a way out. God is your supporter. He doesn't want you to lose hope in Him. Instead, He wants you to draw closer to Him in order to taste the everlasting savory sweetness of faith, and complete reliance on Him. 

Musa and his arm

Prophet Moses in Surah Alqasas asks God for his brother Aaron's companionship in his journey as his speech was more eloquent:

وَأَخِي هَارُونُ هُوَ أَفْصَحُ مِنِّي لِسَانًا فَأَرْسِلْهُ مَعِيَ رِدْءًا يُصَدِّقُنِي إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَن يُكَذِّبُونِ

"And my brother Harun (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me so send him with me as an aid to support me. Verily! I fear that they will disbelieve."

قال سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ  وَنَجْعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلْطَانًا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيْكُمَا بِآيَاتِنَا أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَكُمَا الْغَالِبُونَ

God said: "We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our evidences you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors."

The reason Moses asked for Harun was to assist him in his speech, and God granted him his wish. Yet look closely at the verse. It says  سَنشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ, which literally means "we will strengthen your ARM through your brother". God didn't mention his speech being strengthened, but rather his arm. Interesting right? Why specifically his arm?

Think about what God ordered Moses to do while facing Pharoah and his people. In times of hardship, Moses was commanded by God to do several things:

In Surah Taha:

قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَا مُوسَىٰ

God said: "Throw it(your stick) down, O Musa!"

فَأَلْقَاهَا فَإِذَا هِيَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ

He threw it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.

Then shortly in the same Surah:

وَاضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَىٰ جَنَاحِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَاءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُوءٍ آيَةً أُخْرَىٰ

"And press your (right) hand to your (left) side, it will come forth white (and shining), without any flaws as another sign

In Surah Alshu'ara:

فَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنِ اضْرِب بِّعَصَاكَ الْبَحْرَ فَانفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍ كَالطَّوْدِ الْعَظِيمِ

Then We inspired Musa: "Strike the sea with your stick." And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.

What do all these commands have in common? They all required Moses to use his hand/arm to physically do something. Throw your stick at the magicians and it will become a snake. Put your hand in your side and bring it out and it will shine, as a miracle. Throw the stick at the sea and it will split, making a pathway for you to cross. 

Moses went through many situations with the Pharoah, yet the famous stories we know are ones that ask him to use his arm or hand to do something. Who knew using an arm to strike a sea can save an entire people?! God did. And He hinted that to Musa from the very beginning when He told him "we will strengthen your arm". Because after Musa's reliance on God, it was his arm that was his tool to defeat Pharoah and the oppressors, and bring victory to the believers.

It is these small details in the Quran that make delving into it worth every second. May God help us open up our eyes and hearts while reading His noble book. 

God's Love is immeasurable

Verse 35 in Al-Zumar:

لِيُكَفِّرَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ أَسْوَأَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا وَيَجْزِيَهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ الَّذِي كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

"Indeed, God will remove the worst of what they ever did from their record, and He will reward them according to the best of what they ever did (in this life)."

This verse is simply beautiful and full of love and hope. How many times have we made mistakes and felt hopeless? And at the same time, how many times have we tried doing good but still felt that it may not be enough? Read this verse and rest assured of God's mercy. The key words here are أسوأ(the worst) and أحسن(the best). 

In this verse, God doesn't just say He will remove the believers' sins. He says that He will remove the worse of the worst of their sins! Think of something bad you did in your past. Now think of something even worse. Now think of the absolute worst thing you've ever done. God is saying in this verse that that very sin will be forgiven. As if it's not even there. Vanished. Gone. And the verse doesn't stop there. 

Now think of something good you did. Now think of something better. Think about the best thing you've ever done. God says He will reward you according to THAT. As if all your "ok" good deeds are all equal to this awesome good deed you one time did. 

Do you see the scenario in this verse? Do you see what's happening because of God's immense love for His believers? Those who believed and did good in this life will come on the Day of Judgment with their record. They will have bad deeds, really bad deeds, good deeds, and really good deeds. God will remove the worst deeds from their record as if they were never even there, and He will reward them with their very best deeds as if all their good deeds are now superbly amazing. 

What's happening here is leaving me speechless. Now look at the first line of the very next verse, verse 36:

أَلَيْسَ اللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبْدَهُ 

God is asking at such an appropriate time: "Is not God enough for His servant?" 

Yes and yes, without a doubt, God is enough. After being blown away from His love in the previous verse, how can we now deny that He alone is all we need in this life and the next? Thank you God for being all we need and more. 

صاحب القرآن The Quran's friend

How many times have you heard of the term "صاحب القرآن" or "friend of the Quran"? I'm sure you've heard it many times throughout lectures, conferences, khutba's, stories of companions, ahadeeth and the likes. We are advised not to just read the Quran, but befriend the Quran and make it our best friend, the ultimate companion we turn to in all aspects of life. Sometimes, however, it can be hard to prioritize our meetings with it as we priorities our outings with close friends and family. I've been contemplating why that is and have come up with a theory. 

We are used to "give and take" relationships in this life. We rely on our friends for favors and they expect us to return the favor. We give and take with our friends, literally, as our friendship strengthens. They give us comfort when we are in need, and they expect to take that same comfort from us when they are in need. But how can we give and take with the Quran? We give it our time and energy, but sometimes we don't physically feel anything in return. Surely we get good deeds and blessings, but we cannot always physically feel it giving back to us. 

This is where we are forgetting something very essential. Think of the day we are all keenly preparing for, the day we fear, the day we pray goodness for: our death. Once we are 6 feet under ground, who will be there for us? Remember those friends we were close to in life, the friends we used to give and take with? We will hear their footsteps walking away from us. They can no longer "give" us after our death. In this moment of extreme aloneness, where we will long for a companion, is where the Quran can literally give back to you. This is where befriending the Quran in life will pay off. The Quran can intercede for its companion as mentioned in a hadeeth, and will serve as a light for that person in his/her grave. It will plead "Oh Allah this person stayed up reading me, held me tight in times of hardship, explored my words and recited me day and night, so for that let me comfort them in their grave and help them up to eternal bliss". It is in this moment that the Quran can serve as evidence for you in preparation for the most crucial day, the Day of Judgment. 

What more of an incentive can we ask for? The Quran will be there for us when we are in the most dire need of companionship. All we have to do is do our part in this life. Befriend it now so it will give back to you later when it matters most. Don't just read it but live with it. Think of the Quran as an ocean you can dive into and extract treasures that will shape your world today and lighten your path in the hereafter. Strengthen your relationship with it now and be positive that this friendship will be an everlasting one. 

Al-ankaboot/The spider

Surah 29 - Alankaboot- The Spider

This verse really struck me:

Verse 10:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ فَإِذَا أُوذِيَ فِي اللَّهِ جَعَلَ فِتْنَةَ النَّاسِ كَعَذَابِ اللَّهِ 

"From the people are those who say we believe in God but then when they are afflicted for His sake they perceive God's test as a punishment from Him". 

This stands true today. Many times we perceive bad situations as a tragedy in a way where God is punishing us. But here God reminds us that hardships are actually tests for us to endure and learn from. 

The meaning of this verse goes in hand with the very 2nd verse:

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

Did people think that they will be left alone saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?

Just because you have faith doesn't mean that God will not give you hardship. We are here on earth to be tested, so surely while here more tests will come up. May God make us steadfast during trials and tribulations. Ameen. 

Gas money and prayer

Imagine getting to the gas station, putting the pump in your car's gas tank, only to realize that you forgot your wallet at home. Or imagine ordering your meal through a drive thru restaurant, and pulling up to the 2nd window where the person asks for $5, only to remember you don't have your money with you. How often does this happen? Rarely, if ever. Why is that? Because we are generally well prepared when it comes to aspects of our daily life. 

Now imagine the Day of Judgement, there you are standing before your Lord about to be accounted for your deeds. He first asks you about your prayers. Have you prayed them on time? Did you take the time to perfect prayers or were they rushed? This is the one situation where you definitely want to have your "wallet" with you. 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The first thing the servant of God will be accounted for on the day of judgement is his prayer. If it was perfected then he has succeeded. And if it was defected, then he has lost."

It continually blows my mind that we tend to belittle the first thing we will be asked about on the day that matters most. Why is it that our "money" is always ready for wordly matters yet the "money" that goes to our hereafter is kicked to the curb? 

Just as you hang on to your credit card once entering the gas station, don't forget to hang on to the one deed that will matter most. The last thing you want to happen is getting to that Day and realizing you have no money. Put your prayer first before anything. Don't rush, but focus. Don't speed up, take your time, and one day you will be forever thankful.