Inspiration

Post Ramadan Reflections

We bed farewell to Ramadan 1444 and we are now well into Shawwal. It is astonishing how easy it is for people to just pick up where they left off pre-Ramadan and yet, we were supposed to have just come out of what was supposed to be a transformational 29 – 30 days.

Here are DEEP 5 questions we should be asking ourselves for the sake of Allah.

Who am I?

This question is an opportunity for you to analyze both your outward and inner self. What are your qualities, characteristics and values and do they align with the fundamental teachings of Islam?

Also consider how people perceive you as well. Contrary to “only Allah can judge us”, we will be held accountable for what we knowingly publicise of ourselves if it will cause people to think negatively of us or mislead them from the true teachings of Islam. It is not for onlookers to “correct” their perceptions, the onus is on you first and foremost. Your fellow Muslim is actually duty bound to correct any wrong s/he sees.

If you have a certain look and persona – is this is a true reflection of youself? Does it align with Islam and would people say your speech and appearance align with Islamic values?

What is my purpose?

The purpose of every Muslim should be to live a life in complete submission to Allah.

This means you should adhere to the teachings of Islam and accomplish all the obligatory deeds as a basic.

It also means to do everything for the sake of the Almighty and in order to get His rewards. This includes serving our husbands, taking care of and looking after the home and our children and cherishing our parents. Other things include kindness to neighbours, animals and the wider Muslim community.

You may falter but always admit to your weaknesses as a creation of Allah and go back to the Often Forgiving and Most Merciful. Just keep walking in His direction.

Is your purpose to live your life to the fullest in this world or are you living this life in preparation for the next eternal, everlasting one?

What have I planned for the future?

What future are you planning and does Allah play a big part of it? If you are looking to get married, is it in order to get closer to Allah by being a wife and do you plan to fulfill the duties of a wife? If you want to have children – are you prepared to raise the next great mothers of our Ummah? To raise a scholar, a Qari, or a Mufti of their age?

When seeking education or work – as a woman, a daughter, mother, wife – what is your ultimate goal?

All the questions under this category lead to this: what have you planned for death? Are you living every moment as if it can be your last or are you confident that you’ll be here tomorrow, next week, next year or in 10 years?

We shouldn’t get lost in this world and all it’s happenings. We should really think about how death will find us because no one has the assurance that they will die in a period of high iman and of full submission. The best way to guarantee death with such blessings is to fill yourself and your surroundings with the remembrance of Allah.

Am I using my senses for good and guarding them against sin?

To attract and project goodness within youself and your surroundings, you must look after your five senses. Allah (s.w.a) gave the eyes, nose, mouth, hands, and ears the responsibility of aiding us in this world but we are warned against misusing them as they have the ability to testify against us on the day of judgement. Your sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing can be sources of so much goodness, and of sin.

We perceive the world, our environment, connections and emotions through our senses. All of them have the ability to enable us to marvel at the wonders of Allah’s creations and they are linked to memory and retention too.

What have you sacrificed for the sake of Allah?

We start good behavior and give up on a lot of misdeeds for Ramadan but we go right back to them starting from the day of Eid. Muslims are not required to give up anything that is halal in order to show their devotion to Allah. However, you can heap rewards for giving up sin(s) for the sake of Allah – so what have you started doing or given up on for the sake of Allah? This can be anything like starting to wear the hijab, changing to modest clothing, not listening to music or watching movies and dramas, changing how you talk, improving on your haya – especially when outdoors e.t.c.

P.s. I have seen that a lot TV serials and dramas getting advertised as “Ramadan worthy”. This is a very dangerous trap because our rewards for fasting can get washed down to nought for watching sinful behaviour because we are so desperate for distractions, as entertainment.

If you are finding it difficult to change your ways for the sake of Allah, here are your basic steps:

1) Pray all 5 daily prayers & on time;
2) Read the Quran, for at least 10 minutes a day to start with;
3) Purify yourself (ghusl) after intercourse and immediately when your periods stop – don’t delay;
4) Don’t go longer than 40 days without cutting your nails and removing hair from your armpits & private parts;
5) Spend some times during your mornings and evenings sending salutations to the Prophet (s.a.w) – at least 10 times each period: “O Allah, we ask for peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad” اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ عَلَى نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ (Allaahumma salli wa sallim ‘alaa Nabiyyinaa Muhammad);
6) Constantly engage in istighfar – saying “Astaghfirullah” أستغفر الله‎ (I seek forgiveness of Allah). You don’t have to remember a particular sin that you had committed, just focus on asking for Allah’s forgiveness for any sins you knowingly or unknowingly committed;
7) Don’t let your mind wonder – keep yourself busy with the remembrance of Allah, doing some chores, learning new skills or doing some hobbies (halal). Remember, you will be rewarded for simply attaching whatever you do to Allah;
8) Dua (supplication or prayer) – if you fully intend to change yourself (especially if external factors will make it particularly challenging) pray to Allah to make it easy. Prayers can change destinies but it will also take the basic intention and some effort from you too.

صيام الستّ من شوال Fasting 6 days of Shawwal

We are well into Shawwal now, and a lot of people are either fasting sitta Shawwal (6 days of Shawwal) or considering it. If you’re thinking these fasts aren’t like those of Ramadan because they aren’t obligatory and you just don’t have the motivation or the “feeling” for them, here are 3 reasons why you should fast 6 days in Shawwal.

  • Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year and even a lifetime!

عن أبي أيوب رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ “‏من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه بست من شوال كان كصيام الدهر‏”‏

Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.” (Riyad as-Salihin 1254; Book 8, Hadith 264)

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ نُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ “‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ بِسِتٍّ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ، كَانَ كَصَوْمِ الدَّهْرِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Abu Ayyub that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime (Sunan Ibn Majah 1716; Book 7, Hadith 79).

We can understand and reconcile the above ahadith when the Prophet (s.a.w) said:

حَدَّثَنَا هَنَّادٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنْ عَاصِمٍ الأَحْوَلِ، عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ النَّهْدِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ مَنْ صَامَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ فَذَلِكَ صِيَامُ الدَّهْرِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ تَصْدِيقَ ذَلِكَ فِي كِتَابِهِ ‏:‏ ‏(‏مَنْ جَاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا ‏)‏ ‏.‏ الْيَوْمُ بِعَشَرَةِ أَيَّامٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ ‏.‏ وَقَدْ رَوَى شُعْبَةُ هَذَا الْحَدِيثَ عَنْ أَبِي شِمْرٍ وَأَبِي التَّيَّاحِ عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏

Abu Dharr narrated: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever fasts three days in every month, then that is (similar to) fasting every day.’ Then Allah Mighty and Sublime is He, attested to that in His Book, by revealing: Whoever brings a good deed, shall have ten times the like thereof. So a day is like ten.”

  • Your voluntary (nafl) deeds will compensate for any shortcomings of your obligatory (fard) deeds. This means you can catch up any failed Ramadan fasts with voluntary ones like those of the 6 days of Shawwal. We understand this from a Hadith of the Prophet (s.a.w) whereby he said on the day of resurrection, our obligatory salah can be compensated by any voluntary salahs that we had offered.

أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو دَاوُدَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، – يَعْنِي ابْنَ زِيَادِ بْنِ مَيْمُونٍ – قَالَ كَتَبَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْمَدِينِيِّ عَنْهُ – أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو الْعَوَّامِ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ أَبِي رَافِعٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ الْعَبْدُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ صَلاَتُهُ فَإِنْ وُجِدَتْ تَامَّةً كُتِبَتْ تَامَّةً وَإِنْ كَانَ انْتَقَصَ مِنْهَا شَىْءٌ قَالَ انْظُرُوا هَلْ تَجِدُونَ لَهُ مِنْ تَطَوُّعٍ يُكَمِّلُ لَهُ مَا ضَيَّعَ مِنْ فَرِيضَةٍ مِنْ تَطَوُّعِهِ ثُمَّ سَائِرُ الأَعْمَالِ تَجْرِي عَلَى حَسَبِ ذَلِكَ ‏”‏ ‏

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The first thing for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his Salah. If it is found to be complete then it will be recorded as complete, and if anything is lacking He will say: ‘Look and see if you can find any voluntary prayers with which to complete what he neglected of his obligatory prayers.’ Then the rest of his deeds will be reckoned in like manner.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 466; Book 5, Hadith 19)

It is pronounced in Shariah that this hadith is not limited to Salah and that it extends to other obligatory deeds – like fasting.

  • You MAY get double reward to fast on certain days. We’ve reached the white days of Shawwal (13th, 14, 15th) so those fasting the 6 days of Shawwal on these days may also get the rewards of fasting the white days. Please beware to make your full intention to ONLY fast the 6 days of Shawwal because fasts, even voluntary ones require intention for their sakes alone – not combined. You can’t combine acts of worship but it is said that your rewards may be doubled if your fast happens to fall on another significant day (Mondays / Thursdays) or event (like fasting missed Ramadan fasts and it is coincidentally the day of Ashura).

Is there a method to fasting the 6 days

You can fast them whenever in the month of Shawwal and they don’t have to be consecutively.

Do I have to make up my missed Ramadan fasts first?

Yes. It is concluded in the Shariah that any missed obligatory Ramadan fasts must be made up first before those of the voluntary fasts of Shawwal. The above ahadith on point 1 is used to highlight the importance of making up Ramadan fasts first.

Again, make up the obligatory fasts first as a priority. If you reach the end of Shawwal when making up your Ramadan fasts, you can still start the Shawwal fasts in the last days of Shawwal and finish the rest of the days in Dhul Qadah.

Some students of knowledge have stated that if you have many missed fasts, you can begin with the six days of Shawwal and then make up the missed fasts later. But let’s put this into perspective: you will be held accountable for your missed obligatory fasts if you had a chance to make them up in time before death – and no one knows when their time is up.

When does Shawwal end?

Shawwal 1444 began on the 21st of April 2023 and ends on the 20th of May 2023

MUSLIMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT – A Muslima Guide

Allah (s.w.a) created the universe, the earth and us within it, with a purpose. Everyone and everything is aware of Allah, his might and Majesty and how to be in service of Allah – even humans & jinns. Our only unique distinguishing feature as humans (and jinns, as far as we are aware) is that we can choose to follow the path of submission or disist by the free will given to us. This free will came at a cost to us humans – our soul was to forget the journey, where we were and our agreement to come to earth as humans in order to freely choose Islam and fully submit to Allah.

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًۭا ٤٤

The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. Truly, He is Ever Forbearing, Oft-Forgiving” (Al-Isra’ 17:44)

It is innately in our nature to believe in a higher power as we wonder at the magnificence of all that Allah created. We see Allah’s Might as we look at the trees, the mountains, the vast oceans and the endless sky. When looking at the fine, intricate, symbiotic ways in which the world functions, believers with cleared sight, the chosen ones, will always say “which of the favours of Allah would you deny?” Therefore, Islam as deen al-fitrah (the religion of human nature) has taught us the ways we can live in full harmony with our natural human inclinations.

People are tested and entrusted with various things during their life span and the most fundamental of which, is the affirmation of the oneness of Allah. Not only are we entrusted with the Quran and our worship, our bodies (and limbs), our wealth, our relationships (with parents, spouses, friends, neighbours) and our children are a charge onto us.

Let us now acknowledge our positions as humans on this earth – Allah (s.w.a) has appointed us as stewards over it. This means we are also entrusted with the environment around us, and so we have to look after our homes, food, water, animals, surroundings and the even the paths on which we walk.

يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا حُلْوَةٌ خَضِرَةٌ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مُسْتَخْلِفُكُمْ فِيهَا فَيَنْظُرُ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ…”

Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “the world is sweet and green (alluring) and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act…” (Sahih Muslim 2742; Book 49, Hadith 12)

With the status of vicegerents comes responsibilities and responsibility is an individual matter. Not everyone is equal in roles and status as some are placed in higher positions of power and so they have greater responsibilities I.e. leaders, husbands, wives, parents, children, orphans e.t.c. But each individual will be brought to account on his own and Allah (s.w.a) only confers each person the responsibilities that only they can bear.

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَـٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍۢ دَرَجَـٰتٍۢ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِى مَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ ٱلْعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُۥ لَغَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۢ

He is the One Who has placed you as successors on earth and elevated some of you in rank over others, so He may test you with what He has given you. Surely your Lord is swift in punishment, but He is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al-An’am 6:165)

This is a little introduction to the topic of Muslims and the environment. Here is a compilation of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) on environmental justice and sustainability by Kori Majeed and Saarah Yasmin Latif:

A Muslima Guide On Sisterhood

Why is it that we appear so conflicted within ourselves and seen as divided by outsiders? It is good manners and encouraged to correct the wrong of your beloved fellow Muslim, even if you already know – don’t be defensive. Lashing out and feeling vindicated by others coming to your support and telling your ‘corrector’ to mind his / her business and that Allah is the only judge, isn’t helpful to you in the eyes of Allah.

The method of correcting someone is privately (especially online – so message them). This is unless they are publicly calling to wrongdoing and it requires clarification of the shariah. Otherwise, let’s maintain a stance – that of people united by faith with the shared identity of Muslim women. This is our sisterhood, we teach, shield, and protect eachother.

Teach one-another

حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ كَاسِبٍ الْمَدَنِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ سُلَيْمٍ، عَنْ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ طَلْحَةَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ الْبَصْرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ ‏ “‏ أَفْضَلُ الصَّدَقَةِ أَنْ يَتَعَلَّمَ الْمَرْءُ الْمُسْلِمُ عِلْمًا ثُمَّ يُعَلِّمَهُ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ ‏”‏ ‏.

The Prophet said: “The best of charity is when a Muslim man gains knowledge, then he teaches it to his Muslim brother.” Sunan Ibn Majah 243

حَدَّثَنَا أَصْبَغُ قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ وَهْبٍ قَالَ‏:‏ أَخْبَرَنِي خَالِدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، عَنْ خَالِدِ بْنِ يَزِيدَ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ رَاشِدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ رَافِعٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ‏:‏ الْمُؤْمِنُ مَرْآةُ أَخِيهِ، إِذَا رَأَى فِيهَا عَيْبًا أَصْلَحَهُ‏.‏

Abu Hurayra said, “A believer is the mirror of his brother. When he sees a fault in it, he should correct it.” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 238

Don’t look down on your sister

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ “‏بحسب امرئ من
الشر أن يحقر المسلم‏”‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم، وقد سبق قريبًا بطوله‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his (Muslim) brother.” Riyad as-Salihin 1574

Support one-another

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَنَسُ بْنُ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ لاَ تَبَاغَضُوا، وَلاَ تَحَاسَدُوا، وَلاَ تَدَابَرُوا، وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا، وَلاَ يَحِلُّ لِمُسْلِمٍ أَنْ يَهْجُرَ أَخَاهُ فَوْقَ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامٍ ‏”‏‏.‏

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert each other, and O, Allah’s worshipers! Be brothers. Lo! It is not permissible for any Muslim to desert (not talk to) his brother (Muslim) for more than three days.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6065

Don’t expose anyone

حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ حُمَيْدِ بْنِ كَاسِبٍ، أَنْبَأَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ الْجُمَحِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْحَكَمُ بْنُ أَبَانَ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَنْ سَتَرَ عَوْرَةَ أَخِيهِ الْمُسْلِمِ سَتَرَ اللَّهُ عَوْرَتَهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ كَشَفَ عَوْرَةَ أَخِيهِ الْمُسْلِمِ كَشَفَ اللَّهُ عَوْرَتَهُ حَتَّى يَفْضَحَهُ بِهَا فِي بَيْتِهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

“Whoever conceals the (hidden) fault of his Muslim brother, Allah (SWT) will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever exposes the fault of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his faults, until (so that) He shames him, due to it, in his (own) house.” Sunan Ibn Majah 2546

Don’t oppress Your Sister

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، أَنَّ سَالِمًا، أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ، لاَ يَظْلِمُهُ وَلاَ يُسْلِمُهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ فِي حَاجَةِ أَخِيهِ كَانَ اللَّهُ فِي حَاجَتِهِ، وَمَنْ فَرَّجَ عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ كُرْبَةً فَرَّجَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرُبَاتِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection . ” Sahih al-Bukhari 2442

Mind your speech

۞ قَوْلٌۭ مَّعْرُوفٌۭ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن صَدَقَةٍۢ يَتْبَعُهَآ أَذًۭى ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌۭ

“Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing.” (Al-Baqara 2:263)

I end this post with this prayer: May you all attain patience, peace & calmness in your hearts and may Allah save and protect us all from anxiety, restlessness and depression. Ameen.

A Muslima’s Guide to becoming a virtuos woman

Every Muslim woman is virtuos to some degree in one way or the other. To be virtuos is to conform to some form of moral and ethical principles and what’s more virtuos than upholding the prinples of Islam wherein honesty, compassion, patience, charity and fairness are part of its teachings?

The hassle & bussle of everyday life, of working, being a student, a wife, a mom, all of the above or a combination of each may weight you down. You may function robotically, offering your daily salat (on time is a bonus), making sure there’s food on the table, the children are looking neat and crisp and making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be and on time are all part of it. Yes, you will often (more so then less) feel overwhelmed and frustrated, but it’s not overreaching to strive for virtue in your day to day and becoming a virtuos woman is not about being ‘perfect’. It’s about living life by the way of the Almighty with purpose and diligence.

Virtue is a common characteristic that can be found within the mindsets of the Mothers of Islam: Maryam (Mary), Asiyah, Khadija and Fatima (May Allah be please with them), as well as described of other women in the Quran.

So, what does the virtuos Muslim woman look like?

Faith & righteousness:

She lives in submission to the will of Allah and follows the ways of the best of creation – the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

She upholds her connection to the Almighty and always strives to increase her level of faith and piety. She does not omit any obligatory duties, and she is keen to do some nafl (supererogatory) deeds. She gives precedence to pleasing Allah (s.w.a), over everything else.

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌۭ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةًۭ طَيِّبَةًۭ ۖ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

“Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds.” (Al-Nahl 16:97)

As a wife

She is good-natured, of good character, pure of soul and clean of heart, has good manners, speaks in a gentle way and treats her husband kindly. she isn’t known for foul speech or meanness. And, she is one who is dutiful, obeys her husband, and, will guard her chastity and her honour both in her husband’s presence and absence.

عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «الْمَرْأَةُ إِذَا صَلَّتْ خَمْسَهَا وَصَامَتْ شَهْرَهَا وَأَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا وَأَطَاعَتْ بَعْلَهَا فَلْتَدْخُلْ مِنْ أَيِّ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ شَاءَتْ» . رَوَاهُ أَبُو نعيم فِي الْحِلْية

Anas reported God’s Messenger as saying, “When a woman observes the five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of paradise she wishes.”* * A way of saying nothing will prevent her from entering paradise. (Mishkat al-Masabih 3254; Book 13, Hadith 171)

وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: قِيلَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَيْ النِّسَاءِ خَيْرٌ؟ قَالَ: «الَّتِي تَسُرُّهُ إِذَا نَظَرَ وَتُطِيعُهُ إِذَا أَمَرَ وَلَا تُخَالِفُهُ فِي نَفْسِهَا وَلَا مَالِهَا بِمَا يَكْرَهُ» . رَوَاهُ النَّسَائِيُّ وَالْبَيْهَقِيُّ فِي شُعَبِ الْإِيمَان

Abu Huraira told that when God’s Messenger was asked which woman was best he replied, “The one who pleases [her husband] when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives a command, and does not go against his wishes regarding her person or property by doing anything of which he disapproves.” (Mishkat al-Masabih 3272, Book 13, Hadith 188)

As a mother

She is compassionate, loving, caring and serious about raising her children by the way of Allah. She teaches her children Islam, good manners and the Quran; nuturing the love of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w) in them. She disciplines them in the way they should go, in order to attain a high level of piety, religious commitment, good character and knowledge.

Kind, patient & forgiving

She doesn’t highlight the fault of others and strives to do good even with those who have wronged her. She is known to respond with kindness and tranquility when faced with stressful situations and harshness.

خُذِ ٱلْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِٱلْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ

“Keep to forgiveness, and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Sura al-’Araf, 7: 199)

وَلَا يَأْتَلِ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْفَضْلِ مِنكُمْ وَٱلسَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُوٓا۟ أُو۟لِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينَ وَٱلْمُهَـٰجِرِينَ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَلْيَعْفُوا۟ وَلْيَصْفَحُوٓا۟ ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ

“Do not let the people of virtue and affluence among you swear to suspend donations to their relatives, the needy, and the emigrants in the cause of Allah. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love to be forgiven by Allah? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (An-Nur 24:22)

حَدَّثَنَا هَدَّابُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ الأَزْدِيُّ، وَشَيْبَانُ بْنُ فَرُّوخَ، جَمِيعًا عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ الْمُغِيرَةِ، – وَاللَّفْظُ لِشَيْبَانَ – حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا ثَابِتٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى، عَنْ صُهَيْبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ عَجَبًا لأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لأَحَدٍ إِلاَّ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Suhaib reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it”. (Sahih Muslim 2999; Book 55, Hadith 82)

Responsible

She is diligent with her work and uses her time wisely. She doesn’t waste time on worldly affairs and uses her time on that which is good.

She is a homemaker, ensuring that her home and family are well taken care of with willing hands. She creates a clean and tidy environment with an atmosphere of peace, love and warmth within the home.

She looks after her appearance and embraces beauty – in look and in smell. She equally looks after her husband’s and childrens’ appearances and she beautifies them and her surroundings.

Neighbourly and charitable

She is helpful, respectful, courteous and responsible when it comes to her neighbours, the Ummah and humanity in need. She works with her neighbours to create a peaceful community for the benefit and support of one another.

وَعَنْ حُسَيْنٍ الْمُعَلِّمِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا قَتَادَةُ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ لا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 13; Book 2, Hadith 6)

وعن النعمان بن بشير رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم، مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمى” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

Nu’man bin Bashir (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever”. (Riyad as-Salihin 224; Introduction, Hadith 224)

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Al-Baqara 2:261)

Every Muslima is at the least, a person of righteousness and of high integrity who deals with varying degrees of moral excellence, respectfulness, self-control and keeps up with promises on the daily. Recognising these qualities within ourselves and striving for brilliance for the sake of Allah will make us good representations of our faith. This, will bring us the tranquility, satisfaction and drive we need to live the Muslim lifestyle (by the shariah). We as wife’s, will elivate our husbands, as mother’s, we will raise virtuos Muslims and collectively, we will strengthen the morality & righteousness of our communities.

A Muslima’s Guide to Colour Equality

Why colour and not race? Because race just limits the inequality we see in the Muslim community to our ethnic differences. Therefore, the Black Muslim is not necessarily African or in this context limited to the Blacks. You will find that there is some kind of negativity attached to any form of darkness – that is if you are darker than those in your culture, community or ethnicity.

Those who are darker, whether Black or otherwise often hear snide comments, they are down in the list when it comes to marriage considerations and they are more likely to be gossiped about when it comes to ‘things they did wrong’ and unfortunately this is embedded in our cultures.

“O humankind! We have made you…into nations and tribes, so that you may get to know one another. The noblest of you in God’s sight is the one who is most righteous.”Al-Hujurat – The Apartments – 49:13 (Sura: 49, Verse: 13)

At the time of revelation – during the time of the Prophet in Arabia, tribal membership, kinship and wealth determined an individual’s social status. But it is noted throughout historical civilisations that light skinned women are the sought after, they are prettier, more delicate and feminine. The Quran destabilises both of these known cultural discrimination (which exists today) by stating that your piety and deeds are the basis for merit.

When it comes to racial equality, it was in the last known public speech of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), known as the Farewell Sermon, as one of the basic religious and ethical ideals of Islam. The Prophet (s.a.w) said:

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”

The only difference that counts in the eyes of Allah is our deed – not the fairness of our skin.

For many Muslims, Bilal (r.a) represents the application of Islam’s egalitarian approach. In order to highlight racial equality in Islam to the best of my knowledge, I will be using ahadith about Jundub ibn Junadah, better known as Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (r.a).

Abu Dharr came from a tribe of highway robbers – the Ghifar tribe. But Abu Dharr shunned the way of his people, he was detached, righteous and kept to himself. Abu Dharr was also a Black Arab and he was one of the early reverts to Islam.

There was an incident that occurred between Abu Dharr and another Black Muslim (some narrations say this was Bilal), where he says ‘O you son of a Black woman’’. As they are both Black, in this context, it means someone that isn’t ‘one of us’ as the person he was talking to was most likely from Hebasha (Abysinnia/Ethiopia). When Abu Dharr went to the Prophet (s.a.w) about this, he (s.a.w) said to Abu Dharr (r.a) that ‘’you are the man that still has the traits of the jahiliyya’’. Abu Dharr felt so bad after this admonition that he immediately repented. Abu Dharr (r.a) recounts the above incident through the below:

‘I saw Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a cloak. We asked him about that (i.e. how both were wearing similar cloaks). He replied, “Once I abused a man and he complained of me to the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet (SAW) asked me, ‘Did you abuse him by slighting his mother?’ He added, ‘Your slaves are your brethren upon whom Allah has given you authority. So, if one has one’s brethren under one’s control, one should feed them with the like of what one eats and cloth them with the like of what one wears. You should not overburden them with what they cannot bear, and if you do so, help them (in their hard job).’’’ Hadith No: 731
Narrated/Authority of Al-Marur bin Suwaid, Listed in: Manumission of Slaves.

I will like to highlight that the above hadith is sound but the story leading to the hadith comes from a weak chain of narrations. The lesson still applies and the story has been used by well known scholars to emphasise equality within the Ummah in line with the Shariah.

Lastly, from the Prophet (s.a.w) is that among the sayings he relates from his Lord (may He be glorified) is that He said: “‘O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another. O My servants, all of you are astray except for those I have guided, so seek guidance of Me and I shall guide you. O My servants, all of you are hungry except for those I have fed, so seek food of Me and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except for those I have clothed, so seek clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you. O My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in anything. O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decreases the sea if put into it. O My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself.'” It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah). Hadith No: 17, Narrated/Authority of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Listed in: 40 Hadith Qudsi.

The Power of Dua

Bismillaahil rahman il-raheem,

As salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

Dua is a tool given to the muslimeen, it is an asset and a particular power that is at our disposal. Dua can literally change lives.

This world was made to test us, it is impossible for us to be content and to live in perpetual bliss:
Allah says: “He is the One that has created Life and Death in order to test who amongst you is best in conduct” – Qur’an (67:2).

“Verily We will test you with some fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, life or the fruits (of your labor)” – Qur’an (2:155).

When you raise your hand to Allah, with absolute certainty (yaqeen) that He alone is master above all, the Giver and Sustainer, you have submitted to His wordhip and you drew a step closer to Him, the Almighty. With every step that you take towards Allah, He draws closer to you too.

You are creating a one-way uninterrupted dialogue with Allah (s.w.a) when ralaying your needs through dua. If you trust in Allah, then know that your dua may come true if it is in your best interest and during the perfect time that will be more beneficial to you. By placing your complete trust in Allah when you are happy, sad, in need or at a loss, the dua becomes a form of Abdiya (Bondsman-ship).

 “O mankind! It is you who stand as beggars in your relation to Allah, and it is Allah Who is Free of all wants, Worthy of all praise” – Qur’an (35:15).

Dua in times of difficulty, accompanied by the shedding of tears is uplifting, invigorating, assuring, cleanses, refreshes and provides solace and relief to a broken heart.

A Muslima’s guide to social media etiquette

As salaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

We see that the advent of the internet has in some aspects made the lives of Muslims easy when it comes to connecting with the wider ummah. We can connect with Mufti’s, Imam, Sheikhs and Sheikha’s more easily and from all around the world. There are various apps at our disposal that we can use to increase our ibadat, learn more of our deen and connect with the Quran should we choose to.

The positive aspects of a Muslims exposure to the various elements that comes with the internet and its territories are endless. But, as with anything in this duniya (world), the tests are also endless. For this reason, we must learn to filter and stream the correct content so that we put ourselves in a ritgoues bubble where our gazes are lowered, our hijab is intact and we don’t loose focus on our hayaa (modesty, shyness) within our interactions.

We live in a world where our ideology is the often attacked, non dominant and very unpopular. But in the face of this, we as an ummah can collectively behave and act in a way that shows the world we are proudly different, we will continue to be different and we will never deviate from the teachings of the shariah.

This might prove unpopular to a lot of readers, it might catch you offguard and you may feel constrained in that you can’t live your life freely but remember, we are not here to show off or to please one another. This world is temporary, if you think sharing that one picture, making some snarky comment to get likes or aiming to please the masses so that you get more followers is going to make you happy then sure go ahead and make the duniya your jannah (paradise). And if you have the akhirah (hereafter) in mind, then please for the sake of Allah stop, reflect and make some changes.

So how can we gain from social media, earn rewards and represent the ummah without deviating from the path of Allah (s.w.a) and without committing a sin?

Lower your gaze:

“And never concern thyself with anything of which thou hast no knowledge: verily, thy hearing and sight and heart – all of them – will be called to account for it on Judgment Day!”– Quran (17:36)

Purify your intentions, follow the right people those who can elevate you and bring you close(r) to Allah. Not every person you meet is your “friend” and think about whether those you consider to be friends are worth following.

Once you establish what you want out of your online interactions you may find that it is easy for you to lower your gaze as the content you will be seeing were selected/influenced by you. Most of the social media platforms work through algorithms which monitor your behaviour through your clicks so they target you with specific content that will be of likely interest to you.

Now you must still be vigilant so that you protect your eyes from seeing that which is immodest: in Surah An-Nur, Allah says: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), …”
But as mentioned above, if your intention was pure, then it should be easy for you to filter your mind and just scroll away from any filth that comes your way without a seconds thought.

Advice

You will find that advice is given a lot on social media, whether it is welcomed or not. You may see that a person had openly sinned by clicking into their profile but the advice you give should be private and with kind words. This is the sunnah way and it is more peaceful, where the person is then more likely to listen and heed the advice. You will be concealing their sin and your intention will be intact – in that you’re not doing it for likes or to create a public drama.

The above scenario is however different to a situation where you are not following the person in question or that you are not friends. In a situation where there a various comments and there is a clear misunderstanding of the teachings of Islam, the comment had many likes and a lot agreed with it, then it is our duty to correct this. This also must be done with kind words, citing the source and making it clear that your intention is only to correct the information given prior which is evidently wrong.

Now please bear in mind that, there is no such thing as “Allah will be the judge leave us alone” or “this is between me/him/her/them and Allah”. No there is no such thing. Every Muslim has a duty to correct the wrong that they see: Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri reported that the prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, “Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest form of faith”.

[Such believers are] the repentant, the worshippers, the praisers [of Allah ], the travelers [for His cause], those who bow and prostrate [in prayer], those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and those who observe the limits [set by] Allah . And give good tidings to the believers – Quran (9:11).

It is a well-known fact that to enjoin right and forbid wrong, and advise each other to stick to truth and patience are an inseparable part of piety. We must not take offence in this and feel that our character is attacked, just consider the words of the advice given by truly analysing yourself and your actions. Don’t focus on the person giving the advice, as remember that even shaytaan said something beneficial once by revealing the virtues of Ayatul Kursi despite being a lair. So take the good and leave the bad.

But, please follow the above etiquette of giving advice privately to an individual to a group when it becomes necessary and always with kindness and humility.

To be continued…

more to come: the virtual hijab; hayaa; posts