Imām Ibn Rajab (d. 795 AH) said:

The believer afflicted with a catastrophe may sometimes see its resolution as being slow, to where he loses hope even after frequent invocation accompanied by feelings of humility. Despite this, signs that his invocations are answered remain absent. This may then cause him to blame himself saying: This has all come because of you. If there was only some good in you, it would have been answered.

This blame is more beloved to Allāh than many forms of obedient acts. This is because it stipulates the servant of Allāh breaking down before his Master in admittance that he is truly deserving of the calamity that has befallen him; that he is undeserving of an answered invocation. It is at this point that his invocation is answered hastily, his affliction subverted. For the Most High is with the ones whose hearts are broken for His sake.

Wahb said: A man once worshipped Allāh for a long period until he experienced a need from Allāh. He then fasted seventy Saturdays, eating only eleven dates in each. Then, he asked Allāh to satisfy his need but was not granted it. He said to himself introspectively: This has happened because of you. If there was only some good in you, your need would have been granted. It was then that an angel descended upon him saying: O Child of Ādam! This one moment was better than all your preceding worship. Allāh has now chosen to satisfy your need.

Some of the early pious predecessors used to say:

It may be that the catastrophe before you shall cease. For the relief you have sought for an eternity has come. Relief from Allāh approaches, for Him there exists daily a matter [i.e. ceasing of a catastrophe] among His creation. If difficulty arises, then hope for ease. For He has ordained that ease always follows difficulty.

Source: Jāmiʿ al-ʿUlūm 2: 589
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī
Published: June 13, 2023

https://www.troid.org/the-pinnacle-of-sincere-dua/ @troidorg

In light of all that is going on in the world, it is very important to remember that God has certain Ways (السنن الربانية) of doing things:

God does not make it rain without clouds!

God does not throw baked breads in our mouth, from the sky!

God does not grant you children, unless you go through the natural processes!

God does not make the seed grow, unless its placed in the earth and watered!

etc.

You and I can pray 1,000 units of prayer every day, we can ask God 1,000 times a day, but God will not do it.

We live in a world of causality, this is how God created this system, and we have to play by these rules.

God is not incapable, these are just the Sunan of God:

ولن تجد لسنة الله تبديلا
'𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗱'𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 (𝘄𝗮𝘆/𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺).' [Qur'an 33:62].

If a ship sinks, and there is a kafir moshrik on board, who can swim, and a muttaqee believer who cannot swim - the believer will most likely drown, and the kafir will survive.

If you don't want to drown, learn how to swim!

To remove your thirst, you have to drink!

To remove your hunger, you have to eat!

In principle, God does not bend these laws of nature for anyone, except in very exceptional circumstances, as it happened with the miracles of some Prophets.

But even in the past nations, even the Prophets of God and their companions had to struggle and God said to them:

يعذبهم الله بأيديكم
'𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀.' [Qur'an 9:14].

Many Prophets of God and pious believers were killed by the ancient civilizations. God was not incapable of defending them, but God said:

وتلك الأيام نداولها بين الناس وليعلم الله الذين آمنوا ويتخذ منكم شهداء
'𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂.' [Qur'an 3:140].

The point I'm trying to make is: when calamities strike, when there is an earthquake or humanitarian situation, don't just pray, but also act.

Also provide charity, create awareness, take part in humanitarian projects, do what you can.

Did you provide food to remove someone's hunger?

Did you send medicines?

Did you buy a tent, did you send blankets and warm clothes, to cover them against the harsh winter that is upon us?

Or have you just prayed and talked tough on social media?

A tweet or social media post, will not feed or clothe anyone. Raising awareness on social media is very important, but it is not enough.

And these calamities also serve another good purpose, as God says:

ليميز الله الخبيث من الطيب
'𝗦𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱.' [8:37].

The snakes, the hypocrites, the traitors who remained silent/neutral in face of oppression - all get exposed.

People's loyalties become apparent, the lines between truth and falsehood, once blurred, become clearer.

May God make us among those who pass these tests and stand on the right side of history, ameen

8 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER POST, FOR YOUR SAFETY

1. HOME ADDRESS: Don’t post where you live as you are making things easy for the bad guys out there. There’s a lot, criminals can do using just your address.

2. CURRENT LOCATION: Giving out your location information can be risky because it tells potential thieves that you are not at home.

3.IMAGE AND VIDEO OF YOUR CHILDREN ON UNIFORM : Never post pictures or videos of your children on uniform lots of kids have been abducted through that.

4. NEVER POST IMAGE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR NAMES : By doing so you are exposing your kids to harm.

5. NEGATIVE OPINION about your current Job,Your Employer and Your Boss : lots of people have lost their job doing that. most interviewers now ask for your Facebook account and they go through you wall and they might come across it.

6. DETAILS OF YOUR TRAVELING : and When You are Travelling.

7. Posting Pictures of you and you're tagging your current location is very Terrible you are putting your self at risk.

8. Posting pictures of you in an eatry or at home eating a special dish shows you are from a poor home, how many rich men children eat fried Rice and special delicacy and then post it online. its not a new thing to them they eat that on a regular basis so please stop posting pictures of you eating, its childish.

Yahyaa Ibn Mu’aadh said:

“The night is long don’t shorten it with your sleep and the day is pure so do not make it filthy with your sins.”

‎● [صفة الصفوة ٤/٩٤]

"Hasbunallahu Wa Ni’mal Wakeel!"

Who doesn’t need help, care, protection and victory❓
Who doesn’t feel weak, over-powered by difficulties, stress and worries❓

Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When (Prophet) Ibraheem was thrown into the fire, he said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam), when he was told: “A great army of the pagans had gathered against him, so fear them”. But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”. [Al-Bukhari].

When Ibraheem alaihis salam was thrown in the fire by those who thought that they had power over all things, he made a supplication the effect of which made the people sit up and watch in amazement❗️

Fire getting cool .... The fire that BURNS was made COOL Subhan'Allah

This is the effect of saying: Hasbunallahu Wa Ni’mal Wakeel!

In a seemingly overpowering situation, Prophet Muhammad, sal-lal-laahu-alaihi-wa-sallam, and his great companions declared that Allah is Sufficient for Help and Solace and that He is the Best Disposar of affairs for us!

When people said to them: ‘Behold, a host has gathered around you and you should fear them’, it only increased their faith and they answered: ‘Allah is Sufficient for us; and what an excellent Guardian He is!’ (Surah aal Imran: 173)

In the event of fear and anxiety we should seek the help of Allah and frequently recite this ayah:

Hasbunallahu wa Ni’mal Wakeel” “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (3:173)

Lets make a point to recite this morning and evening, Day and night, On and off, Once, Twice, Many times over....as much as possible Insha'Allah

Please do share with others so they too can benefit

Muhammad Ibn Bandār al-Jurjānī said to Imām Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullāh),

“It is hard upon me to say: ‘So-and-so is such-and-such and so-and-so is such-and-such’.

So Imām Ahmad replied,

‘If you remain silent and I remain silent, how will the ignorant person know what is correct and from what is false?’“

Majmū al-Fatāwā 28/231, Sharh ʿilal al-Tirmidhī 1/350.

The Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said:

“The Martyr will be forgiven for all [their] sins, except debt.”

Saheeh Muslim 1186 | Saheeh

Saheeh al-Jāmi’ 8119 | Shaykh al-Albāni رحمه الله | Saheeh

Imām an-Nawawee رحمه الله said:

The fact that the Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said: “except debt” refers to all the rights of other people, and highlights the fact that Jihād, Martyrdom and other righteous deeds do not expiate sins having to do with the rights of people; rather they expiate sins having to do with the rights of Allāh, may He be exalted.

Sharh Saheeh Muslim 29/13

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:

يُغْفَرُ لِلشَّهِيدِ كُلُّ ذَنْبٍ إِلَّا الدَّيْنَ

صحيح مسلم ١١٨٦ | صحيح

صحيح الجامع ٨١١٩ | الشيخ الألباني رحمه الله | صحيح

The Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said:

“The Martyr will be forgiven for all [their] sins, except debt.”

Saheeh Muslim 1186 | Saheeh

Saheeh al-Jāmi’ 8119 | Shaykh al-Albāni رحمه الله | Saheeh

Imām an-Nawawee رحمه الله said:

The fact that the Messenger of Allāh صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said: “except debt” refers to all the rights of other people, and highlights the fact that Jihād, Martyrdom and other righteous deeds do not expiate sins having to do with the rights of people; rather they expiate sins having to do with the rights of Allāh, may He be exalted.

Sharh Saheeh Muslim 29/13

Translation: Authentic Quotes

🌿 Loving and Hating for the sake of Allāh.

✅ Do Not Befriend A Hateful Person
Abu Bakr Al-Tartushi said:
"If you see a hateful person who bears grudges, one who does not forget slight faults and always attempts to get revenge for mistakes then consider them like camels.
The Arabs say, 'So and so is more hateful than a camel!' Just as you would stay away from a hateful camel who bears grudges then do not befriend a hateful individual who bears grudges."
[Siraj Al-Mulük, pg.112. @MuSunnah)

Umar Quinn
on.soundcloud.com/mWK9c

Be dutiful and pleasing to your parents

🌿 Loving and Hating for the sake of Allāh.

✅ Do Not Befriend A Hateful Person
Abu Bakr Al-Tartushi said:
"If you see a hateful person who bears grudges, one who does not forget slight faults and always attempts to get revenge for mistakes then consider them like camels.
The Arabs say, 'So and so is more hateful than a camel!' Just as you would stay away from a hateful camel who bears grudges then do not befriend a hateful individual who bears grudges."
[Siraj Al-Mulük, pg.112. @MuSunnah)

Umar Quinn
on.soundcloud.com/mWK9c

_ Narrated Ibn `Umar:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) said, "Keys of the unseen knowledge are five which nobody knows but Allah . . . nobody knows what will happen tomorrow; nobody knows what is in the womb; nobody knows what he will gain tomorrow; nobody knows at what place he will die; and nobody knows when it will rain."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1039. Book 15, Hadith 34) _
#Titan

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“Whenever a person fears his Lord, he moves up to another level of guidance, so he keeps on increasing in guidance as long as he keeps on increasing in Taqwaa and he loses some guidance in accordance with the Taqwaa he missed.

He increases in guidance whenever he increases in Taqwaa and increases in Taqwaa whenever he increases in guidance.”

[Al-Fawā’id | Pg. 194-197]

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) drew a square (on the ground), and in the middle of the (square) line he drew another line, and he drew another line going out of the (square) line. Around the one that was in the middle, he drew (various) lines.

Then He ﷺ said: 'This is the son of Adam, and this is his life-span encircling him, and this one in the middle is the person, and these lines are his calamities, if he escapes this one, this one ensnares him, and the line extending outside is his hope.'"

(Tirmidhi)

Whoever is mindful of Allah when he is young and strong, Allah will take care of him when he is old and has become weak, and will bless him with good hearing, eyesight, strength and reasoning.

One of the scholars (rahimahullah) who lived beyond the age of a hundred years and enjoyed good strength and reasoning, jumped up in a lively manner one day and was asked about that. He (rahimahullah) said: “I kept these physical faculties from sin when I was young and Allah has preserved them for me now that I am old.”

[Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rahimahullah), Jami’ Uloom wal Hikam — Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom, 1/186]

Hadith on Condemning: Overly judgmental Muslims are most astray

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If a man says the people are ruined, he is the most ruined among them.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2623

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

Al-Nawawi said, “The scholars agree that this disapproval refers only to those who say it in contempt for people, to denigrate them, to claim themselves superior to them, and to accuse them of evil intentions, for he does not know the secrets of Allah in His creation.”

Source: Sharḥ al-Nawawī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2623

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ إِذَا قَالَ الرَّجُلُ هَلَكَ النَّاسُ ‏ فَهُوَ أَهْلَكُهُمْ

2623 صحيح مسلم كتاب البر والصلة والآداب باب النهي عن قول هلك الناس

قال النووي وَاتَّفَقَ الْعُلَمَاءُ عَلَى أَنَّ هَذَا الذَّمَّ إِنَّمَا هُوَ فِيمَنْ قَالَهُ عَلَى سَبِيلِ الْإِزْرَاءِ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَاحْتِقَارِهِمْ وَتَفْضِيلِ نَفْسِهِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَتَقْبِيحِ أَحْوَالِهِمْ لِأَنَّهُ لَا يَعْلَمُ سِرَّ اللَّهِ فِي خَلْقِهِ

صحيح مسلم بشرح النووي 2623

💠 Part of perfection in acts of Ibaadah is to remain firm and constant during hardship and ease.

💠 Fewer acts done with consistency are better than doing many acts and then abandoning them for days and weeks.

💠 If a person wants his prayers to be answered during calamities, then he should beseech Allaah much during times of ease.

💠 Being grateful to Allaah for His favors is the essence of Ibaadah, otherwise, many nations have perished because of their ingratitude towards Allaah.

💠 Being ungrateful for Allaah's favors is the first step towards Kufr.

💠 Sweetness of Ibaadah is felt when a person worships Allaah during the times of ease and is grateful to Allaah for His bounties, else, during a calamity even the Mushriks used to turn to Allaah alone for help - out of desperation.

💠 When Allaah removes a calamity, people become ungrateful, as if no calamity had ever touched them.

💠 If a person finds it difficult to worship Allaah during a calamity, then that is because he did not train himself when he was healthy, wealthy, and wise.

💠 Calamities are like diseases, and Ibaadah is like a cure. So, anyone who doesn't worship Allaah during a calamity is like a person who refuses to take medicine during his illness.

💠 When a calamity befalls a Believer, it acts as a wake up call and as a reminder to him to turn to Allaah in repentance and obedience. So, calamities are indeed a mercy for the Believers which expiate their sins.

💠 Calamity is not only when Allaah takes away His favors, rather, the worse calamity is when Allaah bestows His favors while the people are still being ungrateful, because that is a sign that their destruction is near.

Allaah تعالى says:

وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً ثُمَّ نَزَعْنَاهَا مِنْهُ إِنَّهُ لَيَئُوسٌ كَفُورٌ ‎﴿٩﴾‏ وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَاهُ نَعْمَاءَ بَعْدَ ضَرَّاءَ مَسَّتْهُ لَيَقُولَنَّ ذَهَبَ السَّيِّئَاتُ عَنِّي ۚ إِنَّهُ لَفَرِحٌ فَخُورٌ ‎﴿١٠﴾‏ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ ‎﴿١١﴾‏

{And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful.

But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say: "Bad times have left me." Indeed, he is exultant and boastful -

Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.}
📚[Surah Hood (11): 9-11]

Niqab/hijab/jilbab are not fashion stop fashioning yourselves and it and making it out of what it’s purpose is for..

The Niqab/hijab/jilbab is to cover you, hide you from wrong attention and to keep you safe from the evil thoughts and eyes of men.

Palestine & Wanting Change

Shaykh Muhammad Nasiruddeen Al-Albaani [رحمه الله] said:
‎
❝Bayt ul-Maqdis - [Maqdis] means a place of purification, a place by which a person can purify themselves from sins.
‎
It is a well-known city. It has many virtues which I have authored a book about.
‎
The most important of these virtues is that Masjid Al-Aqsa is one of the three Masajid which a person can go to on a religious journey.
‎
The Jews have occupied it from what they have generally occupied of Palestine.
‎
May Allaah return it to the Muslims, as He returned it to them after the Christians had occupied it.
‎
However, Allaah says:

‏﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ﴾

«Verily! Allaah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves [by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allaah]»
‎
Therefore, it is upon the Muslims to change what is with themselves from deviant beliefs, and evil manners, if they truly want Allaah [تعالى] to change what has descended upon them.❞

[Da'eef At-Targheeb Wa Tarheeb, (1/357) | Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya Miraath Al-Anbiyya]

| Run Your Own Race |

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves comparing our progress to that of others. We measure our success against the achievements of those around us, and we might even feel discouraged or envious when we perceive others as being ahead. But it's essential to remember that life is not a sprint; it's a marathon. The most important thing is to run your own race at your own pace.

Here are a few reasons why running your own race is crucial:

1. Unique Paths: Each one of us is on a unique journey, with our individual goals, circumstances, and abilities. What works for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. Embrace your distinct path.

2. Self-Discovery: Running your own race allows you to discover your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. It's an opportunity for self-growth and self-awareness.

3. Avoid Burnout: Constantly trying to keep up with others can lead to burnout and stress. Focusing on your own pace and well-being is a healthier approach.

4. Celebrate Progress: By focusing on your own race, you can celebrate your milestones and achievements, no matter how big or small. It's a great way to boost self-esteem and motivation.

5. Define Success for Yourself: Success is subjective and varies from person to person. Running your own race empowers you to define what success means to you, rather than conforming to others' standards.

So, the next time you catch yourself comparing your journey to someone else's, remember that your race is uniquely yours. Embrace the challenges, the detours, and the victories that make your journey special. Stay true to your path, and you'll find fulfillment in the process.

A poet said:

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒖𝒏𝒚𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇;

𝑰𝒇 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏.

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅,

𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒎 𝑰 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅?!

One of the Salaf said:

"There is no bliss except that sadness follows it. And there is no laughter in the Dunya except that tears are behind it." He who knows the Dunya as it should be known should have disdain for it and hate it. As is said:

𝑰𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒖𝒏𝒚𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚,

𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒕.

Book: Righteous and Virtuous Deeds by Hafiz Ibn Rajab | Translated by Raha Batts | Hikmah Publications | Pg. 28, 29