Nadir Keval

Life is a journey. Sounds cliche, but it’s true. The reality of the matter is that we all go through our ups and downs, and sometimes feel as though the world is going to break us because we become so attached to the worldly things. I know the feeling. I’ve been there myself. I’ve battled with certain things in my own ways, and it’s been a fight against Shaitaan in trying to overcome. But that’s the thing: Shaitaan is miserable, and as we know, misery loves company. So, he tries his best to pull us away from Islam, whispering into our hearts inspiration towards moving towards what displeases Allah. But, it is our weakness in our commitment and submission to Allah that makes us an easy target for Shaitaan.

So, I thought I’d share some of the things that have helped me in becoming a better Muslim. If you have any more tips to share, please leave them in the comments below. I really think we have so many ways to become better, and that we ALWAYS have that option, so let’s work together on doing so.

Heaven and Hell

As I began my journey of Islam, I focused around building an understanding of Jannah (Heaven) and Jahannam (Hell). The reason I did this was because I wanted to better understand these concepts in Islam. I know there’s more to them that what I can imagine. So, I started studying the things mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah about these two places. The reason for this was because I wanted to establish a love for Jannah and a hatred for Jahannam. By doing so, I was able to (I still work on this everyday) find an inclination towards what will get me to Jannah and what will keep me from Jahannam.

Loving the Prophet (SAW)

As does a son towards his father, I began to learn about the Prophet (SAW) as much as I could. The reason was because I knew that he was sent as an example for us, and so, in order for me to emulate him as best as I could, I needed to know him to the greatest level of detail I could. This is something I still work on today, and to be honest, I think I will be working on this for the rest of my life. This isn’t because it’s difficult or confusing or anything like that, but because this man was so incredible and had so much about him to love, that it’s difficult to appreciate him (SAW) in just one lifetime. I pray that Allah gives me and all of you the opportunity to grow to know the Prophet (SAW) as well as you can, and that He instills an incredible love for him (SAW) in our hearts. Ameen!

Focusing On Salah

Salah (prayer) is something we know to be one of the biggest aspects of Islam. But, as you may have noticed by know through my posts, making something big in my mind only stresses me out and pushes me away from it. So, when it came to Salah, I began with the basics. I started just praying the Fard (obligatory) aspects of each prayer, and prayed as many of them as I could in a day. Sometimes, I missed some, sometimes I was so on par that I felt that I had finally overcome and was ready to add more. As time progressed, I strengthened the focus and concentration during those prayers, and eventually was so in love with the peace and calm that came with Salah that I began learning about the extra/voluntary prayers prescribed by the Prophet (SAW), and started performing those. It’s all about taking things one step at a time. And remember, it’s quality over quantity, BUT that you should constantly be working towards fulfilling as many of the commands of Allah as you can. As I told my friend the other day, “It’s about being content with where Allah’s put you in your life, but never being satisfied. This way, you’re always trying to become better, and trying to get more reward and love from Allah.”

Enjoying The Little Things

There are so many little things we can do, and make a part of our lives in order to get closer to Allah, and closer to living like the Prophet (SAW). Doing these things increases our rewards from Allah, and are so simple to do that you really have nothing to lose while doing them. Some examples of this include:

• The Prophet (SAW) used to touch his heels together during Sujood (prostration) during Salah. Try emulating that when you pray.
• When he (SAW) would yawn, he would either cover his mouth with his right palm, or with his left hand by making a fist and using the top of the fist where the thumb and other fingers shape a circle, or with the back of his left hand
• Simply smiling!

These are just some of the many examples I’ve read about. But you see how simple they are, and how doing those things can add to the reward?

Being Grateful

There are so many ways in which we can become better Muslims, and for that, we should truly be grateful. The reality is that it could be one simple deed that tips the scales in our favour when we are judged by Allah on the Day of Judgement, so we should be responsible and take whatever steps we can to add to those good deeds. Remember this very important fact: this life is temporary, and the Hereafter is eternal. So, it makes more sense to work hard towards happiness in something that will never end, compared to something that will end eventually. Focus on seeking happiness in the Hereafter, and watch how no matter what happens to you in this life, you will find reasons after reasons to be happy.

I always worry that I don’t do enough, and that I’m filled with sin because of my weaknesses. I try to keep in mind that Allah may be putting me through this circling of sin, so that I can grow stronger in Imaan (faith) and can turn back to Him. I often think about how I’ve asked Him to increase my Imaan and bless me with certain things, and realize that these struggles, be it with family, friends, health, love/marriage, Deen, work, education, etc. could, in fact, be part of Allah answering my Dua. Allah increased the Imaan of Ibrahim (AS) by putting him through tests and struggles, and Ibrahim (AS) was amongst the most beloved and most faithful of Allah’s creation. So, how can I expect to get things I ask for without having to work for it, especially if what I ask for is so high in value to me?

Welcome to my mind. That is an example of some of the thoughts that flood my mind from time to time when my Imaan is all over the place, and I’m struggling to get a grasp on things. We all experience this roller coaster of faith, where things are great at one point and we feel incredibly close to Allah, and then not too long after, we find ourselves sinning, stressing over things, and feeling a sense of uncertainty and a lack of clarity. Upon reflection, I found that the greatest reality I must come to terms with is that this is normal and that Allah has a reason for it all.

Allah tests us in our strengths to make us stronger, and tests us in our weaknesses to turn them into strengths. We all have them. But with an optimistic mindset, we can find peace in knowing that this is all part of Allah’s plan. If people often compliment you on your patience, your appearance, your talents, or anything else, remember that you are being tested. Arrogance is a sneaky enemy, so it’s important to be careful as to not fall into its trap. Remember Allah and thank Him when someone compliments you. The same goes when someone disrespects or insults you. Arrogance and other emotions (anger, frustration, etc.) can seep in from those kinds of experiences. Then too, remember Allah and thank Him for all He has given you, and reflect on what the Prophet (SAW) would have done in a similar situation.

“O Allah, You know me more than myself, and I know myself more than these people who praise me. Make me better than what they think of me, and forgive those sins of mine of which they have no knowledge, and do not hold me responsible for what they say.” – Abu Bakr Siddique (RA)

The beautiful thing is that often, we will find ourselves being tested by Allah in the matters that we would otherwise feel confident in. For example, a patient person will be tested in their patience. They will be tested in seeing how long they can remain strong in their trust and reliance upon Allah when their Dua take longer to be accepted. In the same (but perhaps more obvious) way, Allah tests the impatient person with patience, not to see if they can be patient, but to give them the opportunity to develop into becoming patient.

The truth is, nothing worth having comes easy, except if Allah wills. Everything comes with its opportunities to grow closer to Allah, and to pass a test from Him. If something you pray for is granted to you easily, then it comes with a test attached, to see if you will be grateful and will remember Him. But in most cases, we have to work incredibly hard, and sometimes have to face major struggles to achieve our goals. When we want something, we often want the best of what we seek. When you pursue marriage, you want a spouse that will be best suited to you and your nature, and such that they will bring you closer to Allah, will keep you happy, supported, loved, cared for, and protected, and with whom you can one day reach Jannah. When you pursue a career, you want to be the best you can be and reach the highest ranks in your career goals. When you want to get in shape, you want to be in the best levels of health and fitness you can be. The examples go on, and not all of them apply to everyone, but the point is that these things take time, effort, patience, trust in Allah, reliance on Allah, and an unrelenting amount of Dua. I remember once hearing a lecture where the speaker said:

“Make Dua like a child asking his parents for his favourite candy – he won’t stop asking until he gets it. Do the same with your dua, keep asking until you get it.” – Sh. Kamal el Mekki

Some hear that and think, “What if what I’m asking for isn’t right for me? What if Allah wants something else for me?” If that were the case, Allah would have removed that matter from your mind and heart. He would have replaced it with something better for you. Allah loves us, and He knows what is best for us, and so, if we ask Him to guide us and to make things easier, in order to pursue what will be beneficial for us in this life and the Next, then that is exactly what Allah will give us, insha Allah.

I’m not sure if any of you have done this “trust exercise” back in school, but there was this activity where a person would fall backwards, completely trusting that their friend behind them will catch them. It was tough for those who were partnered up with someone they didn’t know. But, if they had a friend as a partner, it was easier, because they felt the person cared enough about them to not let them get hurt. We know so much about Allah, including the love, care, and support He has for us. We know that there is no one that we can depend on more than Him. So, we need to now trust Him to catch us when we fall, to give us the strength to get through our struggles, to respect and accept that He puts us through situations and struggles to make us stronger, and that He instills thoughts and desires (the halal ones…the haram ones are Shaitaan’s whispers, so watch out for those!) into our hearts and minds to give us chances to get closer to Him.

Tonight, as you slide into bed, reflect on all that you are facing in life, all the blessings you have, and the things He has instilled in your heart. Act on making changes to pursue betterment in this life and the Next by remembering Him, thanking Him, and taking those leaps of faith towards the things He has instilled in your heart and mind. Remember to not beat yourself up over your sins, but to rather make positive changes in your life towards growing and becoming a better version of yourself.

“No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allah’s decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.” – Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (RA)

May Allah grant you all continued guidance, patience, ease, and success, as you take on the tests and struggles of this world, and may He make your desires and thoughts sync with what pleases Him, and your displeasures and dislikes sync with what displeases Him. Ameen!

It was almost 26 years ago. My parents had been married for four years, and after trying to have children, the doctors told them it would be impossible for them to conceive. They were devastated. They didn’t know what to do. They were feeling hopeless.

That same year, they had the opportunity to go for the pilgrimage of Hajj. A relative of theirs told them that when the day of Arafah comes, to make sincere Dua asking Allah for children. See, in my extended family, at that point there were no heirs to the family name. My paternal uncles had daughters or children, and so that made my parents more eager and hopeful towards having children. To hear from doctors that they wouldn’t ever be able to have children was heart-shattering.

Still, they had faith. Upon reaching Mount Arafah, they made Dua asking Allah to bless them with a son. As my dad explained it this morning during Suhoor (the morning meal before beginning a fast), he said that they both made dua, and then looked at each other and saw one another in tears. They began to see hope again. Their faith kept them optimistic and hopeful.

Almost a year later, I was born. And since then, they’ve had my three sisters, the youngest of which was born 11 years after me, Masha Allah.

The reason I wanted to share this story with all of you was to share with you one of the many reasons I firmly believe that my Dua will be answered if I ask Allah for something with sincerity, hope, and patience. Dua is incredibly powerful, and if we rely on Allah and ask Him for what we seek, knowing that He can make what appears impossible become a reality (the doctors said it was impossible, but what is possible and impossible is with Allah, Alone), there are no limits to how much we can achieve in this life and the Next. There are certain things that will never happen, which He has laid out in the Quran, such as us getting a second chance at making up for not worshipping Him, after we’ve passed away. But, other than what He has laid out as impossible, everything else is possible. So, don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop making Dua, and never lose hope in Him.

Another reason for sharing this was to perhaps give all of you hope. If you find that there is something your heart seeks (that is halal), make Dua for it today. Make so much Dua for these things, that your mouth remains wet with constantly remembering Him and seeking His Provision, Protection, Mercy, and Guidance. And KNOW for a fact that He will answer your Dua.

I pray that Allah accepts all of your fasts today, and that He rewards you for a fast if you sincerely intended to fast but were unable to for whatever valid reason. I pray that He accepts your Dua and soon grants you what you seek in this life and the Next. I pray that He guides your heart and mind towards desiring what pleases Him, and towards feeling a dislike towards what displeases Him. I pray that you all find happiness, and that even if it isn’t in the way others hoped for it to be for you, that you achieve all the greatness and success you are deserving of in this life and the Next. Ameen.

And today, I will pray for myself as well, that I find the heights of success I am aspiring towards in my businesses and projects, that I become stronger as a Muslim and man, that I reach the pinnacle of my personal best in matters of health and fitness, and finally, the Dua that is amongst the closest to my heart and is repeated just the same every day, that I marry the woman of my Dua one day soon, insha Allah.

Please remember me in your Dua today, and in the days to come. Jazakallahu khairun.

For more information about this blessed day, check out: The Virtues and Benefits of the Day of Arafah

This is taken from Islam QA, and has been edited linguistically to better fit the readers of this site.

Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid was asked, “What are the virtues of the Day of Arafah?” This is what he said:

Praise be to Allah.

1. It is the day on which the religion was perfected and Allah’s Favour was completed. In Al-Saheehayn, it was reported from Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that a Jewish man said to him, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen (Leader of the Believers), there is an Ayah (Quranic verse) in your Book (the Quran) which you recite. If it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an Eid (festival).” Umar asked, “Which Ayah?” He responded, quoting the verse of the Quran (5:3 – interpretation of the meaning), “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” Umar said, “We know which day and in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (SAW). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.”
2. It is a day of Eid for the people who are in that place. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Yawm Arafah (the Day of Arafah), Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice), and Ayyaam al-Tashreeq (the three days following Yawm al-Nahr) are Eid for us, the people of Islam. These are days of eating and drinking.” This was narrated by the authors of al-Sunan. It was reported that Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “It (i.e. the Ayah, ‘This day I have perfected…’) was revealed on a Friday, the Day of Arafah, both of which, praise be to Allah, are Eids for us.”
3. It is a day by which Allah has sworn an oath. The Almighty would not swear by anything except that which is mighty. Yawm Arafah is the “witnessed day” mentioned in the Ayah “By the witnessing day (Friday) and by the witnessed day (the Day of Arafah).” (Quran 85:3). It was reported from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (SAW) said, “The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of Arafah, and the witnessing day is Friday.” (Narrated by at-Tirmidhi and classed as Saheeh (valid/true) by al-Albaani. It is also the “odd” (i.e. odd-numbered) by which Allah swore when He said, “And by the even and the odd.” (Quran 89:3). Ibn Abbas said, “The even is the Day of al-Adhaa (i.e. the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah) and the odd is the Day of Arafah (i.e. the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah). This is also the view of Ikrimah and al-Dahhaak.
4. Fasting on this day is an expiation for two years. It was reported from Abu Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafah. He said, “It expiates the sins of the previous year and of the coming year,” (Narrated by Muslim). This fasting is Mustahab (recommended and beneficial, but not obligatory) for those who are not on Hajj (pilgrimage). In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of Arafah, because the Prophet (SAW) did not fast on this day in Arafah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of Arafah while being in Arafah.
5. It is the day on which Allah took the covenant from the progeny of Adam (may Allah has mercy on him). It was reported that Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan (i.e. present day Arafah). He brought forth from his loins all his offspring and spread them before Him, and then He addressed them saying: Am I not your Lord? They said, ‘Yes, we testify.’ ‘Lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say: ‘It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allah, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practiced Al-Baatil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allah)?’ (Quran 7:172-173 – interpretation of the meaning).” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani. And there is no greater day than this and no greater covenant than this.
6. It is the day of forgiveness of sins, freedom from the Fire, and pride in the people who are there. In Saheeh Muslim, it was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (SAW) said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His Pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?’” It was reported from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Allah expresses His Pride to His angels at the time of Isha (the fifth daily, obligatory prayer) on the Day of Arafah, about the people of Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” (Narrated by Ahmad and classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani)

And Allah knows best.