My Love is in the Dock : Part 1

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My Love Is In The Dock : Part 1

By Khadeejah Islam 

Today, I wish to revisit my past and take you along to experience my journey to Islam and how it shaped my personality.

I was born into a non-practicing, “liberal” Muslim family and in an almost secular state (almost because it claims to be an Islamic state). I studied in a Christian missionary school for 11 years of my life. Naturally, I was exposed to a culture and way of life which did not resemble Islam. However, this background did pave the way for a lot of good things. For example, my parents did not force me to adopt rituals which I did not believe in. My school refrained from bombarding me with the “widely-accepted” theory of evolution (as Christianity is a theistic faith too), and enjoined modesty similar to that of nuns. However, I must admit that none of these good things shaped my personality the way Islam did. Alhamdulillah!

As far as I can remember, during my childhood, I was excessively reserved and shy, so much so, that my teachers and even relatives suggested that I see a psychiatrist. I was also very stubborn and would throw a tantrum, whether at a shop or at someone’s house, if I was not handed the doll I liked. I had the peculiar habit of scratching others if I was angered. Consequently, I was unable to express myself and remained lonely most of the time. What’s more, I didn’t have a proper diet and was down with an illness every now and then. Looking back, I wish my parents had intervened a little more to instill the basic values which are common in all religions. It was not a lack of genuine love and concern on their part and I am not at all ungrateful for the relentless efforts they have put into my upbringing, but since they did not practice Islam themselves, they were not able to nourish my personality to the fullest, that is, they did not know the right techniques.

Among all this, I believed in One Creator and never held malice towards any religion or cracked offensive jokes about religion. I never considered hijabis oppressed. Although I did not know about hijab (let alone observe it), I valued modesty as defined by my culture. Alhamdulillah! The culture I was born into was not “westernized” and even now, when the neighboring cultures have all increasingly succumbed to the Western culture, it is still far from being westernized and it enjoins a definition of modesty similar to that of Islam. According to this culture, women had to cover most of the body and drape the bosoms with a shawl or an extra piece of clothing. I was also a good student. I think all of this is the effect of fitrah that the following hadeeth points out: “Each child is born in a state of fitrah, but his parents make him a Jew or a Christian” [1]. Despite these Islamic beliefs, I was not a practicing Muslimah and was just a Muslimah by name. I did not have enough fear of Allah. I attribute this to my lack of knowledge. Yes, I would celebrate Eid, but I did not know the reason behind it. I had never read the Qur’an. No one spoke to me about Islam. There was not much daw’ah on TV and internet as is the case nowadays. I was unaware of the propaganda against Islam.

Moving on, my teenage years were no better. I was disrespectful to others and rebelled against rules at home and school. Now I know that those rules were only for my own betterment. It would have been better if those rules were enforced upon me. Perhaps, carrying the guilt of not being able to mix with others during childhood, I did open up and socialize, but not having proper guidance, I chose the wrong people. As a result, I often got involved in disputes. My grades were falling rapidly and I could not comprehend the value of education. I could not think of a definite purpose of life. I was living for today, but what was I achieving at the end of each day? I adopted the “I don’t care” attitude. It was a way of suppressing my guilt and pretending to be “strong.” Therefore, whenever I came to know of a certain girl’s aversion towards me, instead of resolving the issue calmly and evaluating my own errors, I would just trivialize the matter into statements – “I don’t care if she hates me. I am who I am.” I urge my sisters to avoid using these statements, because these magnify our individuality to an extent where we see no errors associated with it. Most of my time was wasted in gossip and idle hang-outs and parties. I was bowing down to the rules of the “in-crowd,” wasting my parents’ hard-earned money on things which I did not even require. I had done enough damage to my physical and mental strength. I was attractive, but not healthy. Emotions were fading and modesty was losing its place in my life. I was going far away from my family.

At one point in time, I did not have many friends. People avoided interacting with me, lest they too  get into trouble! I was back to seclusion again, like that of my childhood. The only difference was that my tears had dried up and heart had hardened and absorbed all the negative emotions – hatred, jealousy, arrogance and disrespect. Even at this juncture, Allah kept me buoyant upon Islam. I understood the ordeal of the poor and the oppressed and did not turn a blind eye to them. I also had a few friends, who although were not practicing Muslims, but were still very modest and of soft-nature, maybe because they had practicing Muslim parents. Although they did not influence me to be as good as them, I was content with the fact that I was not having any dispute with them! I remember one of them playfully calling me “Khadeejah.” Back then, I laughed it off. Now I know how much it means to me!

The seclusion actually helped me to rediscover myself. Alienated from trouble-makers, I was not involved in anything meaningless. I had time to spend with my family members to form a bond that inshaAllah will never break. It was a well-deserved rehabilitation for me. Alhamdulillah! I was finally having a stress-free life. However, I still felt a void in my heart. It was during this time, at the age of 19, that I questioned the purpose of my life. I decided to pray and read the translation of Qur’an. What happened next changed my life dramatically – for good!

To be continued…

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim.

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Poem: I couldnt even say I'm sorry, Mother

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Mother

By Lyricall Gal

I know I hurt you with the words I say

I said I’d stay true and would always obey

But times came when those were just lies

I wish I wasn’t lame and didn’t hear your cries

The times I would ignore you and shout

Saying I was through and would walk out

Times when you sat down for me to talk

I used to frown and go for a walk

Always thought you were against me

How more wrong could I have been?

Because when the world was against me

You were still stood right next to me

I realised I could never pay you back

Then crying and asking why I ever did that

You’ve been through nine months of agony

You went through strain and then got me

Waking up to feed me in the night

Everything dark so you switched on the light

You tried forever to stop my endless cries

Until they swelled up: your eyes

You now cry and I’m the reason for yours

More and more pain to you I caused

You cleaned me and clothed me

You fed me and grew me

But I will never understand all you have been through

I’m full of disappointment as the hurt is not just a few

I will never be able to know or see

Until I have my own child with me

You were my strength when I was weak

To the length when everything was bleak

You were there for me you were unique

The times I was alone and afraid

When everyone left you stayed

I was weakened by anger and it would all just worsen

But you were there to listen to whatever was hidden

How badly I misunderstood you and only did argue

Like this I grew always running back to the crew

So easily I left your reassurance and comfort

I was becoming an expert in getting you hurt

You always forgave me and everything that I did

I constantly hid away from you like a little kid

All the harsh words I did say all day everyday

Went the wrong way was being led astray

As a result I did repay when it happened someday

I felt so lost and alone

I felt so cold on my own

I lost track because of the crack

I desperately wanted you back

Being full of hate now it’s too late

To be with you just us two

I wish everything I could undo

Back then I didn’t have a clue

My only chance with you I blew

Regretfully chose my friends over family

On them I would depend thinking I was free

Always ignored the part within that was missing

Again I want to start without the faulting

I want to see your face glowing not hurting

I want to see it smiling not crying

I guess I won’t be able to see it at all

Only memories of you I recall

The higher I flew the harder I fell

I could not even wish you farewell

Now there is no one there to tell

Times when I am not feeling well

I lost the chance to appreciate your love

Because you left and have gone above

Everything you did for me I was too blind to see

The reality check made me lonely it hurt so badly

If only I could go back and wake up earlier

But I’m too late this life has a timer

I wish we could’ve spent more time together

So I wouldn’t have to stay in regret forever

Wish you could stay some more

Before you left through the door

It was unfair because you were not there

Back then I didn’t care but now I am aware

Every action has a consequence

I thought that was just nonsense

Well nothings real unless you experience it

This struck me like being hit with a brick

I was a candle unlit

I was a broken culprit

If I saw you just once more

I would never let you go

I am hurting inside mummy

Time went by so quickly

I couldn’t even say I’m sorry

I learnt to appreciate what I got

What seems little is actually a lot

Especially if you can have it just once

You don’t want to miss that special chance

Last thing you need is regretting their absence.

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Misconceptions Of Backbiting

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Misconceptions Of Backbiting

By Fahima Mohamood

We all remember a time we backbit another Muslim. We have all gossiped about a Muslim or non-Muslim at a certain time in our lives. It was probably your friend or another sister that did something outrageous. As Muslims, we know we shouldn’t backbite. 


The Quran states “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, in deeds some suspicions are sins. And spy not neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah, verily, Allah is the one who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” (Al-Hujuraat 49: 12)


Despite this ayat and many hadiths about backbiting, many Muslims today are unaware of what is considered backbiting. 

Backbiting was also a problem during the Prophet Muhammad sal allahu alayhi wa saalam’s time. Abu Huraira (radiAllahu anhu) reported Allah's messenger sal allahu alayhi wa saalam as saying: Do you know what is backbiting? They (the companions) said: Allah and His Messenger know best. There upon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Backbiting implies you’re talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact have backbitten him, and if that is not in him it is a slander.

Many people who backbite use the excuse that it is true. Regardless of whether it is true or not, it is indeed backbiting and is punishable by Allah. Most importantly, Allah subhaana wa taa'la will be displeased with you. The punishment of backbiting is severe as the prophet sal allahu alayhi wa saalam described: “On the night of Miraj, I passed by some people who had metal hooks in their hands and were clawing at their faces and their necks with them. I asked Gabriel ‘Who were these people?’ He said ‘These are the people who eat the flesh of human beings and disgrace them’.

“We were just joking” is another excuse backbiters use to minimize their wrongdoings. Whether you are making fun of the way someone talks or looks, you are insulting Allah’s creation. Allah subhaana wa taa'la created every aspect of a human being. All of the languages and dialects we speak, all of the cultures that exist and all of the characteristics that we have are created because of Allah subhaana wa taa'la.  In the Quran it states “O you who believe. Let not some men laugh at others, it may be that they are better than you. Nor let some women laugh at others it may be that they are better than you. Nor abuse each other, nor be sarcastic to each other by using offensive nicknames…” (Al-Hujuraat 49:11)

Of course, there are times when it is permissible to backbite. If someone you know is getting married, it is okay for you to investigate or tell them about their potential suitor. Also if you are in court, it is permissible to speak about the person you are asked about. In these situations, the intent is to seek truth or justice. In our own personal situations, we need to ask ourselves what our intention is and whether this will help us to be closer to Allah subhaana wa taa'la.

Backbiting is no small sin and should be taken seriously. We shouldn’t treat it with indifference because it is a major sin. As Allah warns us, “Behold, you received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things which you had no knowledge; and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in the sight of God” (24: 15). 


We will also be held accountable for hearing gossip and slander. We will also be accountable for not stopping the backbiting. As the Quran states, “And why did you not, when you heard it, say "It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to God, this is a most serious slander". (24:16) 


We should all remind our fellow Muslims the punishment of backbiting and follow the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah sal allahu alayhi wa saalam who said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, let him either speak good or keep silent.”               

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For The Sake of Allah

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For The Sake of Allah

By Rubina Siddiqui

On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a fathom's length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.” Related by al-Buhkari (Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn-Majah).

This beautiful Hadith shows us how Allah the almighty reciprocates our sincere and true efforts for His sake alone.

"For the sake of Allah subhaana wa ta'aala" is a very simple yet powerful term with far more implications. A question we should ask ourselves, how much do we really do for the sake of Allah subhaana wa ta'aala in our daily lives?

In our worldly life we usually make so many sacrifices and changes in ourselves for the different people we love in order to make them happy. Sometimes despite our best efforts fellow human beings fail to appreciate or acknowledge such sacrifices. This is a result of human weakness and imperfection. On the contrary Allah is As-Samie (the all hearing), Al-Baseer (one who sees all things), Al-Wadud (Most loving) and much more! Who better than Allah (the most merciful) to make changes for, in whose hands lie all the decisions of this world and the hereafter.

Acceptance of deeds in Islam depends on the intentions that accompany them. On the authority of Omar bin Al-Khattab, who said : I heard the messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam say :"Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended. Thus he whose migration was for Allah and His messenger, his migration was for Allah and His messenger, and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his migration was for that for which he migrated." related by Bukhari and Muslim

Activities associated with our daily needs become worship if conducted in accordance with Allah subhaana wa ta'aala’s deen and for His sake alone.

Earning our livelihood takes up a major portion of our time today. By sincerely fulfilling our commitment to the work place for Allah‘s sake, time spent at work becomes worship. Often we do our best to please our boss or to impress our colleagues. If the same is done with the intention to please Allah subhaana wa ta'aala, we gain both our living and eternal reward in the hereafter.

Our free time is spent in social activities. When friends are made or company avoided to promote adherence to the deen we please our Creator and gain reward while having fun and doing what we like.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine". [Muslim]. 

A positive environment is guaranteed by avoiding common but serious errors in social settings. Backbiting, competition fueled by jealousy and inability to accept constructive criticism is easily avoidable if our motivation is to do so for Allah’s sake alone.

In the month of Ramadan we go about our daily lives and try to fulfill our duties to the best of our ability without thinking of it as a hardship but a way to please Allah subhaana wa ta'aala. This attitude of being sincere towards our deen and dunya with the main driving factor of Allah’s pleasure should be our goal during the rest of the year as well.

When we give in charity we part with our hard earned wealth. If this is done for Allah’s sake then Allah subhaana wa ta'aala has promised a great reward.

“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah and afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve.” (2:261-262).

If charity is given to gain status or praise in society, then that becomes our only gain. Seeking the blessings of Allah subhaana wa ta'aala before you engage yourself in any activity in your life is quintessential. Because at the end of the day this life is a gift from Allah (the most merciful).

May Allah the Exalted guide us to implement what we learn, live by halal means, perform all acts of worship for His sake alone. To be kind, merciful and just in our dealings with others. May Allah forgive our sins and include us amongst those who have gained his favors, Ameen.

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Understanding The Niqaabi Queen

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Understanding The Niqaabi Queen

By Khadeejah Islam

I’m not a niqaabi. Thus, this article was not born out of self defense and will have no hint of it, inshaAllah. It is also worth mentioning that this is solely intended for the Muslims (both brothers and sisters), especially those who have welcomed the hijab. My intention behind this is to stretch an amiable hand to a minority and achieve unity in this Ummah. I will also not touch upon the issue of whether the niqaab is obligatory or not inshaAllah. You can consult a scholar for that. Throughout this article, I will be talking about women who have chosen to wear the niqaab and have not been forced in any way. Although some people may frown at the title, I find it apt to call niqaabis as queens as an appreciation for their patience because more often than not, they have been scoffed at with hurtful labels like ’ghost’, ‘ninjas’, ‘jailed’, ‘tent’, etc. and the niqaabis have patiently endured it all. Such barbs coming from non-Muslims are understandable because perhaps they are ignorant about Islam, but most importantly, because they don’t believe. But when these same hurtful remarks come from Muslims, the effects are caustic and through this article, I wish to delineate just that.

The reason why I, being a hijabi, decided to write an article for this cause is: The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy. [Qur’an 49:10]

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. [Qur’an 3:103]. 


Why are we, being believers, not willing to understand our sisters? We worship the same God and we believe in the same Quran. Despite our striking similarities, shall we allow a split among ourselves over a trifling scholarly difference of opinion? Some hide behind the debate on whether niqaab is obligatory or not to argue with niqaabis. As a matter of fact, many choose to wear the niqaab while believing it is not obligatory. Therefore, this is not always an issue of religious requirement. Perhaps, she is using it to save her life from a possible threat which we are not aware of. Perhaps, she is taking one harmless step further to improve her eemaan. Let’s not judge dear brothers and sisters because Allah knows her situation and Allah is the Judge. Moreover, we love modesty, so as long as they are enhancing their modesty with niqaab, we should not have any qualms about it. They are trying to emulate none other than the Mothers of believers (whom we wish to emulate) in an attempt to please none other than Allah (whom we serve). We should commend them for their eemaan and steadfastness. All of this should strike a harmonious chord between us and our niqaabi sisters. I have witnessed a few Muslims joining non-Muslims in their tirade against niqaabis; ignoring the fact that the difference we share with the non-Muslims far outweighs the difference we share with niqaabis (it’s just a matter of a face-veil!). 


Let not believers take disbelievers as allies [i.e. supporters or protectors] rather than believers. [Qur’an 3:28]

A very common misconception is that niqaabis “shut themselves up from the world” and therefore remain uneducated, unsocial, lifeless, and threatening (if they venture out of their homes that is). Before I proceed to elaborate on each of these stances, I urge my brothers and sisters to reflect; do you not see that these are the same allegations non-Muslims often cast upon hijabis? So why are we even thinking of inflicting the same pain on our niqaabi sisters? By the Grace of Allah, I have had a glorious opportunity to interact with niqaabis and surprising as it may sound to some, they not only hold degrees of merit, but they also work diligently both at home and outside. They are also as feminine and bubbly as any woman would be. I can assure you that their warmth of amity can beat the winter blues! Before deeming them as threats, we should really bear in mind that these women are willing to cooperate with security checks. It is quite paradoxical if we begin to criticize everything that is being misused. For example, should we blame the knife which can be used for both slicing bread and injuring a person? 


The most important statement that we should read again and again is this: O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. [Qur’an 49:11]

It is important to recognize that our speech and actions have an impact on ourselves as well as the entire community. In light of this, should we pose as tests of patience for our sisters? 


And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others – will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing [Qur’an 25:20]. 


Remember that the trials of niqaabis are very similar to trials of hijabis; judgment based on looks instead of character and intelligence. So let’s take a stand against unfair treatment.

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Marriage Delayed

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Marriage Delayed

By Amal S

Bismillah. 

Marriage, seems to be the topic people are tired of hearing about, yet want to continue talking about. I think this topic rose to fame and has remained a favorite in the western Muslim community because of how difficult it has become; getting married (the halal) at this time is difficult, while temptation (and haram) by its very essence is easy. Many youth feel that they are ready to get married, but face a number of obstacles (all of which I could not enumerate or recognize as every sister’s circumstance is different, but I would guess family is one of the more common issues faced).

To digress for a moment here, I remember many years back, my friend and I had gone to the video store with her little sister and nanny. My friend’s sister ended up wanting a toy which the nanny said she couldn’t have, and so she was crying about the toy all the way home. The same happens with chocolate – we might tell ourselves "no more chocolate for this week," and then end up thinking about chocolate more than we do in the first place. This is essentially what happens when you want something which you are told you can’t have until a later date ,you think about it. By the same token this happens with the issue of marriage. Some youth are interested and can’t go ahead with it and then have it on their mind constantly trying to drive the thoughts away. So, what can youth in this situation do? 

Firstly, it’s a good time to remember that marriage is a means, and not an end. Think about it, is your purpose in life to get married? Will you be 100% happy and trouble-free when you get married? The answer to both questions is no. We all know our purpose is to worship Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. And, it’s not like after you get married, you and your husband will joyfully skip into the sunset and it’s happily ever after. Pure happiness, peace, and tranquillity can only be found in Jannah. Which brings me to my next point – let us not forget about what we really should have on our mind and be striving for, Jannah.

I began to reflect on some lines of a poem:

O single Muslim!
How intelligent are you!
While some make marriage their ultimate goal,
You know it's only a means,
To reach the final abode!

Questions started popping into my mind: why did I want to get married? What is marriage a means for? What is the end? 

Why do people want to get married?

Many reasons, and again I could not list them all here. The main ones, are as follows:

•         To please and increase in the worship and obedience of Allah AzzawaJall, and to follow the sunnah of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam)

•         To protect themselves from falling into zina and haram, and a halal way to satisfy their desires

•         They don’t have a good family life or have problems at home which they want to escape from

•         They like the idea of being loved, having a family, etc.

The first point should be the primary reason we want to get married, while if there are any other factors they should be secondary to that main one.

What is marriage a means for?

In relation to the previous question, once you set your main intention in order, you realize marriage is a means to complete half your deen. It is a tool for raising a family upon the religion in obedience Allah Azzawa Jall. And increase and better yourselves together. Ultimately all this is to please Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and gain Jannah bi’ithnillah.

What is the end?

Thus, we now see that the main goal in our lives shouldn’t be to get married, but to live life in such a way that we can insha’Allah have the Mercy of Allah Azzawa Jall reach us. The end we want is Jannah (Jannatul Firdaus, insha’Allah)!

So we’ve got all that sorted but you still can’t get married…what do you do?

If it’s really not possible for you to get married at the moment, for whatever reason, then there is no point in obsessing over it and thinking about it every moment. If we consider the current situation rationally, we need to ask ourselves: is thinking about it going to change the circumstances? Nope. Accept the reality and stop ‘scouting’ out prospects X years in advance. Put your head down, and occupy your time with good deeds and activities that will please Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. I’m not saying that you won’t think of marriage for the next X years, you will naturally think about it occasionally, but insha’Allah it won’t be on your mind 24/7. Busy yourself with ibadaat, learn more about your deen (there are so many books that one can read insha Allah wa mash’Allah), memorize Qur’an and understand tafsir, volunteer, get involved in projects serving the deen (online or in person), hold fundraisers, etc. And finally, work on yourself, for the sake of Allah AzzawaJall and your akhirah.

Our love for Allah AzzawaJall, and then the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and Jannah should be greater than our love for other humans in this dunya. Make the deen your life and focus. You may still get whispers from Shaytan telling you to impress that brother, but fight away those thoughts and keep on marching forward insha Allah. On the Day of Judgment, you will stand alone with your character and deeds, so don’t lose sight of death and the akhirah. 

I would like to briefly address the sisters who believe that they are ready for marriage and can eventually convince their parents (gently and respectfully) or overcome the hurdle that is stopping them. My advice would be to go for it! Marrying young is the sunnah, and if you can marry, then why not? Start researching, learning, and reading books about marriage in Islam, its obligations and sunnah, evaluate yourself and what you realistically want in a spouse. And of course do istikhareh prayer before you make any big decisions. 

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The Fight of Submission : Knowing Allah and Our Enemies

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The Fight of Submission : Knowing Allah and Our Enemies

By Ummi Ayesha

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.

            “If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.”In order to obtain this we must first have a correct understanding of the relationship between Allah (God) and creation along with knowing the nature of our four spiritual enemies.It is only then that we will be able to truly submit to our purpose as worshipers of God.

ALLAH

            To understand that “There is no deity but God“ is to know that all of creation is connected and depended upon Him. For He is incomparable and eternal, the true origin of all existence. 

“To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: it is He who gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden: and He has full knowledge of all things.”

[Quran 57:2-3] 

 God’s omnipresence is what also makes Him so unique. 

“He is with you wherever you are.”[Quran 57:4]

Traditionally, God is said to have ninety-nine names, or attributes, relating to different aspects of the divine. Although the essence of the divine is beyond human comprehension, and only known to God, these names are the means which brought the whole of creation into existence and are manifested in mankind. They have been divided into two categories based on the duality inherent in creation.

“And of each thing We created a pair.”[Quran 51:49]. 

 The first one is feminine, also know as “names of beauty.” These include names like al-Rahman (the Merciful), al-Rahim (the Compassionate), and al-Wadud (the Loving). The second one is masculine, also known as “names of rigor or majesty.”  These include names like al-Qahhar (the Conqueror), al-Mumit (the Slayer), and al-Jabbar (the Subduer). Therefore, none should associate any partners with Him. Instead, keep our hearts pure so that they may incline to Him. 

“For one who associates others with God, God has prohibited paradise to him.”[Quran 5:72]

           

THE ENEMIES

            Our nafs (ego) is our first and most dangerous enemy. It constructs a self image and seeks to protect and maintain it at all cost. Since this is our nature state, we require the mercy and guidance of God to replace the negative image with a positive one. The first level is “Nafs Ammara” (the Commanding Ego). Commanded by its host of impulses and desires, it inclines towards evil to satisfy its wants. It then justifies its behavior to itself so that it may continue to fulfill its wants. 

“…the (human) soul certainly incites evil…“[Quran 12:53].

The next level is “Nafs Lawwama” (the Blaming Ego). This ego is aware of God and struggles not to be controlled by its impulses. This change manifests in both the inner and outer forms as it attempts to keep it’s covenant with God. 

 “And I do swear by the self-reproaching soul.“[Quran 75:3].

The highest level is “Nafs Mutma’inna” (the Ego at Peace). This ego has learnt to control its impulses and ignore distractions in order to be closer to God. Then the soul becomes a place where signs of God are disclosed and manifested. 

“(To the righteous soul will be said:) “O (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction!”[Quran 89:24]

            Our love for the dunya (this world) and hawaa (vain desires) are our second and third enemies. This world is merely a temporary testing place which determines our conditions in the afterlife. Part of preparing for the afterlife is taking from this world what is needed to survive and using it in obedience to God. Instead, our desires tell our nafs that what we need is what others have and more of it. More food, more materials, more money, and so on. Until we have became so preoccupied with being excessive with indulgence that we willingly neglect our obligations to God . 

“O men! Certainly the promise of Allah is true, let not then this present life deceive you, nor let the Chief deceiver deceive you about Allah.” [Quran 35:5].

            Shaytan, the devil, is our fourth enemy. 

“Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy…“[Quran 35:6] Formed from “smokeless fire” [Qur’an 55:15].

he is a member of the Jinn race, whose creation predates that of mankind.5 Jinns are free willed, thinking beings that occupy the earth along with mankind.6 They are capable of good and bad deeds and are obligated to worship God. 

“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.”[Qur’an 51:56].

Before being removed from Paradise, God granted Shaytan’s request of respite on mankind until the Day of Judgment. [Qur’an 7:14-15]  Shaytan has proclaimed to attack mankind from every direction, but from above. [Qur’an 7:17]  Although Shaytan’s tricks seem to be many, he only has one - was’ waas (suggestive whispers). As reported by Mu’adhibn ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbas said: “Satan told the Prophet Muhammad Sal’Allahu Alai-hi Wa-Sallam (may Allah honor and grant him peace),” Muhammad, I have nothing to do with misguidance; rather I am a whisperer of wicked suggestions and a tempter.”

                                   

            In mankind’s battle to fully submit to God, we must gain the correct understanding and knowledge about His position, His unlimited power and our four spiritual enemies. According to Shaykh Ahmad ibn al-Mubarak, “The spiritual seeker must be genuine in resolve, effective in determination, firm in conviction, influenced by no one among the servants (of the Lord).” Without it we will become heedless creatures on the wrong path, with no chance of winning against our enemies.

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Distance

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Distance

By Naima Mompoint

The Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said that, the distance between a man and what he truly wants, is only as long as the distance between his knees and his feet. He was implying “Prostration”... I have found that whatever it is that I want, Allah grants it to me, Alhamdulillah. I know that there is nothing in this world that He would not ordain for me, so long as I am doing His will.

I have learnt that even the things that present themselves as misfortunes at first, normally work in my favor... I have especially noticed this, since His favor has become my favor, I want to please Him. Allah has surely conditioned my heart and sometimes when I compare my reasoning to my ways of reason in jahilliyah (or lack thereof) I become very emotional. Again, He has blessed me...

            The question is; does distance cause the heart to become fonder or colder? This answer depends on the condition of the heart. The Shaitan can't stay in a heart that is clean. So how could a clean heart become hardened?  There is a garden growing within my heart and the prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam also said that, there will not be one person with a proud or arrogant heart who will enter The Garden. It has gates...and so does my heart... 

Therefore, from the proud hearted, I choose to also, keep my distance...

Distance...

Distance... 

There is nothing that can stop the Qadr of Allah...not even distance... Even distance, is completely at His will...and will be used for His Qadr. (You can only ask of Allah to help you maintain the needed distance from things which would ultimately lead to distance from Allah himself.) May Allah reward those who read this (and make an effort to distance themselves from fitna) 

Ameen.

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