Learn from life's lessons, even bad experiences.

It is important for growth and development.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

لَا يُلْدَغُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنْ جُحْرٍ وَاحِدٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ

"The believer is not stung from the same hole twice."

All praise belongs to Allaah.

Most people entertain bad thoughts about Allaah regarding their own personal situations and the situations of others. The only ones who remain safe from this are those who truly know Allaah, His Names, His Attributes, and what His Wisdom and Right to be praised really entails.

So let every sincere, sound-minded individual focus on himself regarding this, and then repent to Allaah and seek His Forgiveness from the negative notions he entertains about his Lord.

Look closely at anyone! You will find that people become upset with Qadr and blame things on it, saying that, “It should have been this way or that way…”

Some people behave this way only rarely, others more commonly!

Inspect yourself – Are you innocent!?

If you are saved from it, you are safe from something terrible…
But really, I doubt you are even safe!

-Ibn al-Qayyim

"The worst in our faults is our interest in other people's faults."

[Ali Ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه, d. 40h]

Sayyida Hajar (alayha-salam) was left alone in the desert, with very little provisions and her baby son.

In our times if this happened there would either be an uproar, but as a faith-based experience, I get the wisdom and importance of such a life-changing, heart-rendering lived experience for a woman.

I appreciate the sheer heartache Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi-salam) must have felt as he put Allah (swt) above his own needs and love. I appreciate the hardship of not knowing your future or the reasons behind your test, but putting your deep trust in Allah (swt) and fully believing that He will protect, honour and support you and the ones you love throughout.

Sayyidah Hajar (alayha-salam) speaks for many, not only as a husband and wife dynamic but also as a mother and a person who has to raise herself up and find purpose and meaning alone.

Ultimately I believe Allah (swt) wanted to teach us: that these experiences show us that we have the strength, intelligence, self-worth, faith, and resilience to be women of faith, and purpose and have the confidence about moving forward, whatever tests come by us. This was a true actualisation of faith: a lived experience and masterclass in tawhid.

Several months ago, I sat in the park and watched my three-year-old playing and I said to myself, I would do anything for you. My love, my heart, and my being at that moment swelled up. I can imagine Sayyida Hajar lovingly looking at her her son, Ismail, with even more desperation and love. Look how Allah (swt) supported her and recognised her story provides comfort to ALL women.

You can run far and wide to support your child and you don't exactly know where you are running, but you will keep running until you find Him. It's beautiful. How these life experiences and journeys always take you back to Allah (swt). These are my many Dhul-Hijjah reflections.

Ibn Al-Qayyim رحمه الله said

If you are studying the deen and not realising your own ignorance then your ilm is not benefittng you. If it is only increasing you in ARROGANCE, then your intention is not sincere. Re-evaluate and START AGAIN.

“I have discovered from my own experience that whenever someone increases in knowledge, they discover how much greater their ignorance is”

[The souls journey after death Ibnul-Qayyim Rahimahullah, page 37]

The Tawakkul of Hajara (May Allah be pleased with her)🤍

When Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was leaving his wife Hajara and His new born baby, Hajara called out to him,

"O Ibraaheem, will you go and leave us in this valley in which there are no people and nothing?" She said that to him several times, and he did not answer her. Then she said to him: "Is it Allaah Who has commanded you to do this?" He said: "Yes." She said: "Then He will not forsake us."

-Sahih al-Bukhaari

My wife or my mother, which one should I take for Hajj?

Question:
I intended to make Hajj this year, me and my wife; and my mother tried to go with us. But I refused because I am not able to help my mother and my wife at the same time. Am I sinning by refusing her request?

Answer:
It is befitting that you make Hajj with your mother and delay the Hajj with your wife because kindness to your mother is obligatory upon you; the only exception is if your mother allows you to leave her and to make Hajj with your wife, if so there is no problem with this.

Fatwa by Sheikh Saalih al Fawzan حفظه الله
Translated by Rasheed Barbee
http://mtws.posthaven.com/my-wife-or-my-mother-who-should-i-take-to-haj

Hajj & Umrah selfies are Riya (showing off)

The Day of 'Arafah has a Number of Virtues:
Imam lb Rajab رحمة الله said:
1. It is the day on which the religion was perfected and (Alläh's) favour upon us completed.
2. It is a day of 'Eid for the people of Islãm.
3. It is said it is al-Shaf, which Alläh swore by.
4. It has been narrated that it is the most virtuous day.
5. Fasting it expiates 2 years (of minor sins).
6. It is a day of forgiveness, pardoning, those present at the place being boasted about (by Alläh) and souls being freed from the Hellfire.
See Lata'if al-Ma'ārif, p 615-618

Umm al-Dardā (raḍiyAllāhu 'anhā) asked a man: 'Have you acted upon what you have learnt?' He said 'No.' She replied: 'Why do you seek of what Allāh will use against you then?' Abū'l-Dardā' (raḍiyAllāhu 'anhu) said, 'Woe to the one whowhoosh acts without knowledge once and woe to the one who knows but does not act upon it seventy times.'

Captured Thoughts by al-Ḥāfiẓ Abū'l-Faraj Ibn al-Jawzī, Page 137 | Translated from the Original Arabic | Dār as-Sunnah Publishers.

[June 15 - Dhul-Hijjah 9 (Day of Arafah)]

On the Authority of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudaree [رضي الله عنه] said that the Messenger of Allaah [ﷺ] said:

❝Whoever fasts the day of Arafat he is forgiven for the following year and the previous year. And whoever fasts ‘Ashura then he is forgiven the year.❞

[Narrated By Tabaranee | Muhaddith, Shaykh, Allamaa’ Muhammad Nasir Uddeen Al-Albaani: 'Saheeh Li Ghayreehi' In Saheeh Targheeb Wa Tarheeb, (No. 1021) | Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya Miraath Al-Anbiyya]

https://news.1rj.ru/str/SalafAthar/2054

The Prophet was asked about fasting the day of Arafat and he answered:

❝It expiates for the past and coming years.❞

[Narrated By Muslim, (No. 1162) | Translated By Salah Al-Iranee]

https://news.1rj.ru/str/SalafAthar/2055

Sahl ibn Sa’d reported: The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Two supplications are not rejected, or seldom rejected: the supplication at the call to prayer and under the rain.”

Sunan Abī Dāwūd 2540
Sahih according to Al-Albānī

A Friday that occurs in the ten days of Dhul Hijjah is more distinguished to any other Friday of the year.

—Ibn Hajar رحمه الله
Fath al Bārī 969

'Abdullāh Ibn Mubārak رحمه الله:
"I entered upon Sufyān al-Thawrī on the evening of 'Arafah whilst he was kneeling on his knees and his eyes shedding tears, so he turned towards me and I said to him:
Do you know who the loser is today?

He replied:
The one who thinks Allāh shall not forgive him!

● [لطائف المعارف ابن رجب ص ٣١٠]

📚The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,
"There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of 'Arafah."
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Hajj, #1277]

Suggested schedule for the Day of #Arafah InshaAllah:

🕋 Sleep early the night before to strengthen yourself for the special day.

🕋 Wake up before Fajr for suhoor.

🕋 Pray at least 4 rakahs of TAHAJJUD and Increase DUA in Sujood. Cry to Allah, showing Him humility and ask Him to give you tawfeeq on this great day, and thank Him for making you of those who would experience this special occasion.

🕋 Read the Quran and Spend some time (10-15 mins at least) making ISTIGHFAR before Fajr, to be like the righteous whom Allah described as “seeking FORGIVENESS before dawn.”

🕋 Pray Fajr. Sit in your prayer place and do your morning adhkar. Make tasbeeh, tahleel, tahmeed, & takbeer. And as the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised, increase in “la ilaha illallah, wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd, wa huwa ala kulli shay’in qadeer.”

🕋 15 minutes after sunrise pray 2 rakahs of shurooq. This all amounts to the reward of a complete Hajj & umrah. So do not waste it!

🕋 If you’re able to stay awake by all means, do so and do not waste a single minute. If you need to sleep, take a nap for an hour with the conscious intention of energizing yourself for the worship of Allah.

🕋 When you wake up, make wudoo and pray at least 4 rakahs of duha. Then recite lots of Quran and make the dhikr mentioned above in breaks in between (Make dhikr after Zuhr as you prepare food or as you do what is absolutely necessary.)

🕋 After Asr, say the evening adhkar. Then recite Quran again til about an hour before Maghrib. At that point, make LOTS of DUAS till Maghrib, while having yaqeen that Allah will answer. (Preparing a dua list ahead of time helps!) Beg that the day will not come to an end except that Allah has forgiven you all your sins and written you of those He has freed from the Fire.

🕋 The early Muslims used to save their needs and requests until the duaa of the day of Arafah, as innumerable requests and hopes and yearning and earnest prayers are answered on the Day of Arafah.

🕋 In Ramadan, we might miss Laylatul Qadr, for we don't know when it is. In Dhul Hijjah, Allah informs us of the Day of Arafah - will we neglect it?

🕋 If you are able to sit in solitude on the evening of Arafah, then do so. The evening is from after ‘asr until the adhan of Maghreb.

🕋 One of the righteous people has said: “I swear by Allah, I did not make a duaa on the day of Arafah, except that I saw it (the answer to the duaa) as clear as day break, before the passing of a year.”

Don't forget the Muslim Ummah In your Duas .

Narrated Umar Ibn Al Khattab رضي الله عنه

Once a Jew said to me, "O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day on which it was revealed as a day of celebration."

Umar Ibn al Al Khattab رضي الله عنه asked, "Which is that verse?"
The Jew replied, "This day I have perfected your religion For you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion."(5:3)

Umar رضي الله عنه replied, "No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ. It was Friday and the Prophet ﷺ was standing at Arafat (i.e. the Day of Haii)."

[Bukhari 45]

Don't be fooled by social media posts

Don't be ashamed in purchasing animal in budget.

It is compulsory that you purchase the best animal in your budget
But it's not compulsory to meet society standards.

It's meaningless to empress others except ALLAH.

Buy an animal which is in your budget.
You don't need to impress others you just need to impress ALLAH.

Read The Quranic reference to Qurbani found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37) where ALLAH Subhanahu wa ta'ala says, Neither their flesh reaches ALLAH nor their blood; it is your piety that reaches Himﷻ. Heﷻ has subjected these animals (to you) that you may magnify ALLAHﷻ for the guidance He has bestowed upon you.

#Allah #Quran #islam #muslim #hajj2024 #umrah #sacrifice #Qurbani #Piety #taqwa #eid2024

Imām adh-Dhahabi رحمه الله said:

“When a Believer is tested, he remains patient, he contemplates, he seeks forgiveness, and he does not become distracted by blaming those who seek revenge upon him.”

Sīyar A'lām an-Nubalā 8/80 | Imām adh-Dhahabi رحمه الله

Sheikhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله stated:

❝When you see the servant talking about the people who have harmed him whilst he (the servant) doesn’t return the blame back to himself and seek forgiveness (from Allaah), then know that his calamity is a true calamity. However when he repents, seeks forgiveness and says, “this is due to my sins,” then this matter (of being harmed by the people) will become a blessing for him.❞

[Jaam’i al-Masaa-il, 1/169]

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever constantly seeks forgiveness (from Allāh) (saying "astaghfirullāh | أستغفر اللّٰه"), Allāh will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from from sources he does not expect." [Abū Dawūd]

Shiekh Ibn baaz رحمه الله

“Trials and afflictions are a wake-up call to return back to Allāh, and a warning to the people so that they may return back to Him.”

[Majmū' Al-Fatāwā 5/174]

Ibn Taymiyyah:

“Trials are beneficial to the Believers, because Allah corrects and improves them because of it!”

[مجموع الفتاوى ٢٨/٥٠]

Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation of the sins in the previous year & the year after it.

'Allamah Al Manawi (d. AH 1031, may Allah have mercy on him) listed 3 possibilities on how a day of fasting (on the day of 'arafah) could be an expiation of the sins for the whole *upcoming* year (in future) and said :

(أن يكفر السنة التي قبله) يعني يكفر الصغائر أي المكتسبة فيها (والسنة التي بعده) بمعنى أنه تعالى يحفظه أن يذنب فيها أو يعطي من الثواب ما يكون كفارة لذنوبها أو يكفرها حقيقة ولو وقع فيها ويكون المكفر مقدما على المكفر

1) It maybe that Allah protects his slave from sinning in the coming year if he fasts on the day of 'Arafah..

OR

2) It maybe that Allah gives reward equal to the sins committed in the following year and this is how fasting on the day of 'arafah nullifies the sins of the year coming after.. (i.e in future)

OR

3) It maybe simply that Allah forgives all upcoming sins (minor ones) in reality and th
e mukaffir (expiator) precedes the expiated (mukaffar) !

وذا لا يوجد شيء مثله في شيء من العبادات

And there exists not the likes of such a case in any kind/form of worships (in Islam) ... [Ref - Fayd al Qadeer 4/230]

-----------------------------------------------

Added to above is a small advise from me that those who aren't in the gulf must fast tomorrow with Makkah which is the actual 'arafah for hujjaj and also the 9th of dhul hijjah of your respective countries in which ever part of the world you maybe because that is the safest and it also coincides with the sunnah of fasting other days.

Lastly, a request to not forget me in your du'as.