Assalaamu Alaykum! My name is Marwa Aly. Welcome to my page where I post reflections related to Islam.
30 Khaawatir in 30 Days: A Parent’s Guide
Assalaamu Alaykum and Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept everyone’s fasting, dua, prayers, and charity during this blessed month!
One of the ways we can infuse family bonding throughout this blessed time is by sharing some mini-lessons (khawaatir (pl), khatira (s)) with our children after salah.
Our children will associate positive memories while praying together as a family and will look forward to the lesson that awaits, inshaAllah.
Each day of Ramadan, I will be sharing a khatira that you and your family can use with zero prep work from your end! 😊
Whenever you see a question, give kids enough time to answer and feel engaged throughout the lesson.
Please keep in mind that this is meant as a guide; feel free to add more details, verses, and stories if/when you see fit!
From More to Enough
Abu Maisarah narrated from 'Aishah that they had slaughtered a sheep, so the Prophet (s.a.w) said: "What remains of it?" She said: "Nothing remains of it except its shoulder." He said: "All of it remains except its shoulder."
The sheep that is mentioned above is slaughtered and distributed to those most in need- the poor, the widow, the orphan, the wayfarer. In a few words, our beloved Prophet (sas) teaches us that this is ultimately what will last with us; what we give away will be what we hold onto when we meet our Lord (swt).
This time of quarantine has forced a huge perspective shift. Where we would wake up every morning thinking of what we desire, what we can get, what opportunities there are to seize, we are now thinking in terms of “enough.”
Alhamdulillah, we have enough and for those that do not have enough, it’s our moral responsibility to help in whatever capacity we can.
A more conscious effort not to waste food is clearly felt in our household. Toys that haven’t been touched for months have been given an attention facelift. Our outside space is no longer neglected. Our moments of connecting are amplified in a concentrated space.
A few days ago, I was trying to remember the last time I physically saw my extended family members and friends. What were we talking about? Were we happy being together? It reminds me of an episode in “The Office” where Pam is taking mental pictures with her imaginary camera so she can remember her wedding day with Jim. How I wish I can recollect those moments instead of fragmented coalesced snippets as if we would see each other again in a few day's time.
Quarantining is a challenging teacher, but we’re continuing to learn from it. We’re learning to really value what we have in our lives. We’re learning not to have a wasteful attitude- whether that’s with our food, our things, or our relationships with those we hold dear to us.
May we live by valuing the “enough” that we have in our lives and focus on enriching it. May we be reminded of Allah’s mercy when we forget and exceed His limitations:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّـهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿٥٣﴾
Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful," (39:53).
May we give what we are able and know that that is ultimately what will stay with us.
Ihsan
When Sayyidna Yusuf (as) was unjustly thrown into prison, two fellow prisoners approached him and asked him to interpret their dreams. They justified their ask by saying,
إِنَّا نَرَاكَ مِنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“Indeed, we see you to be of those who do good,” (12:36).
When Sayyidna Yusuf (as) becomes the head of the Treasury and one of the most powerful men in Egypt, his brothers ask for his help to avoid famine and plead for him not to take Binyamin as a captive. They declare,
إِنَّا نَرَاكَ مِنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“Indeed, we see you to be of those who do good,” (12:78).
Sayidna Yusuf’s story is replete with high and lows. From enjoying the love and affection of his father Yaqub (as) to being thrown into a well and later into prison and then becoming the Minister of the Treasury and staving off a widespread famine, there is no doubt that he faces extremely juxtaposed environments throughout his life. And yet, his character remains the same. He is a Muhsin through and through.
His character is beautiful even when his circumstances are dire. What a beautiful model to aspire to.
As we mentally prepare ourselves for sheltering in place for the foreseeable future, and a consciously slower-paced life becomes the new norm, we should consider the very real consequences of losing the outlets we once used to decompress. Will we end up lashing out on our loved ones, snapping at them due to the constant interfacing, or can we figure out systems and routines that will help facilitate a healthier harmony as not to lose the potential reward with Allah (swt)?
Don’t overwhelm and stress yourself with a strict schedule, but try to incorporate a few ways to collect hasanat along the way. Challenge your family to pray in congregation on time and make it a contest. Do athkar and the seven-minute workout in the morning. Find ways to maintain your own mental sanity. It may be the endorphin rush of a long run or curling up to a good book. Tag team with your spouse so each one can find some individual free time. Keep readjusting until you hit your stride. That will probably last a few days until you need to readjust again 😊
In the meantime, keep in mind the beautiful example of Prophet Yusuf (as). Let us strive to be Muhsineen in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. May we remember Allah’s beautiful words:
هَلْ جَزَاءُ الْإِحْسَانِ إِلَّا الْإِحْسَانُ
“Is the reward for good [anything] but good?” (55:60)
The Parable of a Gnat
إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّـهُ بِهَـٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِينَ
“Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a gnat or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient,” (2:26).
I have been pondering over this powerful aya as we enter our second week of quarantine and witness the toll that covid-19 is taking on our global community.
This aya is in specific reference to the hypocrites who tried to raise doubts regarding the authenticity of the Qur’an. They would mock and ridicule and try to undermine the Qur’an by saying, “It surely couldn’t be a divine text if mosquitos and spiders are used as examples!”
I wonder how they would respond now when a virus that is imperceptible to the naked eye has brought us all to our knees, as we pray for a cure and ask Allah to alleviate our condition.
Allah does not shy away from presenting an example that is small because within that example are depths of understanding that we may never be able to acquire. It is a humbling experience to fully understand how truly limited we are in our knowledge and our material senses. When the hypocrites ridicule, it’s only their own delusion that they mock. In this aya, Allah says that the believers “know” that it’s from their Lord while the disbelievers “say.” There is such a vast difference between those two states of being, knowing and saying. How often do we say and speculate over that which we do not know?
Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudree reported that the Prophet said:
“When the Son of Adam wakes from his sleep, all of his body parts seek refuge from his tongue, saying: ‘Fear Allah with regard to us, for indeed we are part of you. So if you are correct, then we will be correct and if you are corrupted, then we shall be corrupted.”
May Allah grant us beneficial knowledge that grounds our steps, our speech, and the state of our hearts.
Ascending in Place
The Night Journey and Ascension (al-Isra’a wal Ma’raaj) is an experience in our Prophet’s life that we love to hear and retell. Our children also relish hearing about a flying horse named al-Buraaq that travels as fast as the speed of light, all the prophets congregating and praying together in Al Aqsa, and the Prophet Musa (as) conversing with the Prophet Muhammad (sas) in order to negotiate down our salah :)
There are so many lessons that we continuously derive from this momentous occasion. Spreading salaam on every level of Jannah, being in conversation with Allah (swt), drawing so close to Him that even the Angel Jibril could not enter that sacred sanctuary; it is truly a climactic experience for our beloved Messenger (sas). His ascension to Allah (swt) is the healing balm that’s gifted to him after the distress of losing his uncle and protector Abu Talib, and his confidant and greatest ally, Khadija (ra).
Their deaths came at the heels (and as a result) of the Qurayshi tribes mercilessly boycotting and starving the Banu Hashem tribe for three tortuous years. After the death of Abu Talib, Abu Lahab becomes the new chieftain of Banu Hashem and refuses to offer protection to the Prophet Muhammad (sas). This gives the Prophet (sas) no choice but to find protection elsewhere, and he travels to Taif where he is pelted with stones until his feet begin to crack and bleed. Broken and dismayed, he makes a fervent dua to Allah (swt) asking for His mercy. Shortly thereafter, our Prophet (sas) ascends to his Lord.
As we stay home and think about what’s ahead of us in the coming weeks, we should take some time out of our day to reflect on how this experience in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (sas) can remain relevant to us. Can we ascend to Allah (swt) while remaining firmly rooted in place?
When we think of Bilal (ra) being shackled by his former slave master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, we can’t help but be amazed by the fortitude that he exhibits in the face of unbelievable torment. He never relents in his proclamation of Ahadun Ahad (one, one) which distresses and embarrasses his enemy, Umayyah. Tawheed frees Bilal. His shackles never prevent him from ascending to the highest levels of iman.
Then there’s Owais Qarni (ra) who devotes his life caring for his sick mother and never has the opportunity to meet the Prophet (sas). And yet, due to his deep devotion and steadfastness, he is still honored with the title of being a companion to the Prophet Muhammad (sas); an honor that is bestowed upon him by the Prophet (sas) himself.
Many of us may feel some form of tightening and emotional unease as the freedom to move at will is taken away from us. One of the most beautiful things about Islam, however, is that Allah teaches us that with every distress, the believer should be hopeful in regards to what awaits him/her. Use the experience of al Israa wal Ma’raaj to ascend to the One who created you. The One that knows the inner turmoil within you and the outer chaos that is happening outside of you.
Break the shackles that have been holding you back from your true purpose on this Earth and ascend to Allah- whether it's through your prayer, your service, or your patience, cultivate a plan that takes you one step closer to your ma’raaj. As ibn Ata’illah writes in his hikam: “Do not stop mentioning God just because your heart is not present. Forgetting Him completely is worse than being inattentive while you are mentioning Him; perhaps He will elevate you from being inattentive to being attentive, and from being attentive to being fully present with Him, and from being fully present with Him to being fully absent from anything but Him. This is not difficult for God (35:17).”
May Allah make us of those who fully ascend to Him (swt).
Striving
I remember sitting down in an Ethics class with Dr. Mattson one day when she asked us, “Why were the companions around the Prophet (sas) considered the best generation to have ever lived? They had their fair share of problems- addictions, divorces, family disputes.” We all offered some type of feeble attempt at a deep and profound answer. And then she responded by saying, “Because they never gave up. They continuously strove to be better.”
Every time I feel like throwing in the towel, I remember Dr. Mattson’s words. And the older I get, the deeper I understand what it means to strive. When I started practicing Islam more seriously, I initially approached it as a religious checklist. As long as I fulfilled my duties, my Islam was okay. Now, however, I think of it as a gift. It gives me the opportunity to delve deeper into knowing myself and offering something to Allah (swt) that He would be proud of.
I truly believe that many of us miss the first part of knowing who we are and how we’re meant to function. We’ve been fed this consumption culture idea that if I collect bigger, faster, shinier items, it will fill the void inside of me. Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ ﴿١﴾ حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ ﴿٢﴾
“Competition in worldly increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards,” (102:1-2).
Once our senses acclimate and become accustomed to the bigger house and faster car, we will end up looking for the next best thing and the void is only filled temporarily. Allah may have given us this quarantine time to wean ourselves away from that thought process. He (swt) may want us to dig deeper and unleash the potential we have inside of us.
Each and every individual has a creative being that is either being properly fed and nourished or is starved for some love and affection. We may not all be artists or authors, but intrinsically, we all want to produce something and offer it to the world. We may have convinced ourselves for years to fly on autopilot. We may no longer question why we do what we do and we no longer push ourselves beyond the bare minimum. The problem with that approach however, our mental and emotional state will find ways to fill the empty space. It is no wonder that the Prophet Muhammad (sas) would ask for protection from worry and grief coupled with weakness and laziness. We see how our internal afflictions have a direct correlation with our physical response. We are rendered stagnant, paralyzed from cultivating a beautiful life.
We are currently experiencing a potential turning point in human history and it will force us to re-evaluate our priorities. I am sure that beautiful artwork and literature will be produced during this time of self-quarantine and physical distancing. Once the fear of missing out is erased from our psyche, the inner voice that calls us to create will get louder as the outside noise is muted into a gentle hum. The work that one commits to doing during this time will, inshaAllah, pay off in dividends later on.
As we reflect on this new world order, we find that Allah has stripped us of our previous excuses. We are no longer rushing to pick up and drop off kids to their schools and extracurricular activities. Our social get-togethers have been put on hold. Pockets of time that were once used for the getting and the going have been preciously given back to us. We’ve been given this semi-clean slate to establish new habits, create a new family dynamic, and most importantly, to really hone in on what we’ve always wanted to tackle but have been putting off.
I think the scariest part of that gift is knowing full well that we can no longer rely on the “no time” excuse as a crutch. If we end up changing nothing, that’s really a reflection of our own internal shortcomings, not our external circumstances and that’s a tough pill to swallow. When the entire routine has changed, it allows us to incorporate something novel and new that we never made previous space for in our rigid schedules.
Maybe we’ll avoid that nagging feeling for a few more days. The one that whispers to us to refocus and reorient and tackle the tough stuff because even though it will be hard and difficult and may cause us to cry, our souls need to be nourished by the tough stuff. It’s only through the hard, slogging, day in and day out work that one’s masterpiece can finally begin to take shape. Make a promise to yourself that you will start to chip away at that looming goal that refuses to unstick from your psyche. Turn your fear of failure into a guest that is allowed to stay in your headspace but cannot take over the driver’s seat. Remember Allah’s beautiful words:
وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الْآخِرَةَ وَسَعَىٰ لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُم مَّشْكُورًا ﴿١٩﴾
“Whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it while he is a believer - it is those whose striving is ever appreciated [by Allah],” (17:19).
And while you strive, don’t forget to ask Allah for His generous help.
The Cave and Corona
Today is Jumuah and many of us are feeling the loss of attending our Friday congregational prayer as we accustom ourselves to a new normal that separates us from our community. It is no wonder, however, that in every time and place, the Qur’an is a source of guidance, light, and comfort to us. As many of us sit and read Surat al-Kahf (The Cave) today, it is hard not to draw the parallel that like the youth of the cave, we also are retreating inward, both physically and spiritually.
The youth of the cave sought refuge from a despotic ruler who had ordered their execution due to their belief in Allah. They gave up their homes, families, and wealth in order to preserve their faith. As they retreated, they were in a constant state of dua. They prayed to their Lord:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
"Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance."
While we don’t actually know how dire our circumstances can become, we do know that these young men didn’t have a huge supply of food with them, they didn’t know if they were going to meet their death searching for a place to hide, and they certainly weren’t laying low in the comforts of their own home. And yet, they were enriched and driven by their belief that the One who guides will guide them.
What is even more profound is that the dua can be understood in two ways. The youth were asking for guidance- “Where do we go?” in a physical sense while also asking for spiritual guidance. The surah continues by saying:
إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَزِدْنَاهُمْ هُدًى
“Indeed, they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.”
This is the generosity of Allah. He only asks that we believe. On our path and journey towards Allah, however, we may stumble. We may hit major troughs and face what we perceive to be insurmountable obstacles. And yet, Allah assures us- believe, and I will increase you in guidance. I will guide your heart, your steps, your decision making. “I will be the ears in which you hear, the eyes in which you see, the hand in which you strike, and the foot in which you walk.”
As we focus on establishing a new routine, let’s find ways to incorporate the sunnah prayers, the extra fasts, and gear up towards Ramadan. Let us strive to be considered a faithful servant of Allah so that we may eventually experience this Hadith Qudsi:
“Were my faithful servant to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.”
Calm in the Face of Corona
A recent NYTimes article was published yesterday citing the rising purchase of guns in our nation due to the covid-19 pandemic. Our citizens are worried about supply chains breaking down and are vying to protect their homes from potential robberies and looting of supplies. While this is a testament to the fact that our system is broken and has done a poor job of protecting the most vulnerable among us, it also provides a lens into the anxiety and desperation that many of us are experiencing.
We may not be driving to the closest gun shop, but all of us are feeling a sense of unease due to the unknown. If we take some time to look inward and examine the state of our hearts, we may find that there are a few kinks that need to be fixed in regards to our relationship with Allah (swt).
When the Prophet Muhammad (sas) stopped receiving revelation for several months after the initial revelations came down, he was worried that Allah (swt) was displeased with him (sas). The first surah revealed after that period of silence and desperation was Surat ad-Duha which is roughly translated as the Morning Brightness. Allah swears by the most hopeful time of the day and the most restful time of the night that He, aza wa jal, has not forsaken His Prophet (sas). And then He reminds him, and by extension us, that the Hereafter is better for us than this life.
The surah continues by comforting the Prophet- “We will give you until you are satisfied. Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge? Did He not find you lost and guided you? And He found you poor and made you self-sufficient?”
Imagine how comforting these words were to the Prophet (sas) after a long period of feeling isolated from his Lord. Imagine the sense of calmness that overwhelmed his heart knowing that whatever worst-case scenario that came to his mind was actually not true. In fact, quite the opposite turned out to be true.
Now think about the worst-case scenarios that have played out in our minds as we self-quarantine. And now think about the worst-case scenarios that have played out in our minds before this pandemic. Oftentimes the biggest enemy that needs to be subdued is our own anxiety. It hijacks us from rational thought, brings out the worst of our humanity, and produces within us a fight or flight response that we end up regretting later. In this time of uncertainty, however, Islam provides us with a sense of clarity and rational thinking. Why am I on this Earth? Why am I a breathing, living soul in this world? Why am I placed here in this specific time and in this specific place witnessing a calamity before my very eyes?
Reorienting our hearts to our divinely ordained purpose not only subdues our anxiety, it cuts through all the noise and distraction that fills up our headspace. We may have been heedless of our blessings and now we are aware of the clean water that enters our home, the shield of protection around our families, and the unwavering promise that Allah makes to us by saying that He is with us wherever we may be (57:4). And wouldn’t it be better for us to die in this state than in a state where we were neglectful of our blessings and heedless of our purpose here on Earth?
Remember, everything that Allah (swt) gives us and tests us with is a mercy from Him. Read the morning athkar with your children. Keep repeating this dua:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ ، وَ أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ , وَ أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْجُبْنِ وَ الْبُخْلِ , وَ أعُوذُ بِكَ مِن غَلَبَة الدَّيْن و قَهْر الْرِّجَالِ
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men (i.e. others).
Leave the worry behind. Ibn Ata’illah in his hikam wrote, “Save yourself from worry. Someone else already took care of your affairs for you.”
Everything that we will be asked about will have to do with the choices we make during times of ease and times of hardship. Even though Allah has taken away so many of our distractions, we can fill up this free time by saturating ourselves with the latest news, snapping at our kids, and feeling hopeless and desperate. At the end of the day, we won’t find ourselves any better than the way we were acting prior to this wake-up call.
The Prophet Muhammad (sas) reminds us to “keenly pursue what is of benefit to us,” (احرص على ما ينفعك). Let us fill our homes with a calm acceptance of Allah’s decree. Cultivating a hopeful spirit and a good opinion of Allah (swt) does not cost us anything. It will, however, bring a sense of tranquility into our homes and a resolve that whatever happens, Allah is watching and constantly caring for us. We know that this is a temporary abode and what we do during this time can elevate our levels with Allah.
Using this time to train our bodies and reorient our souls to how fleeting this life truly is can be a life-changing experience for all of us. So, instead of waiting impatiently for this time to end, guard it. Keenly pursue it and allow it to elevate you and your family. May Allah bring coolness to our homes and hearts as He brought coolness to Ibrahim (as) in the pit of the fire. Persevere and pray. The One who created this virus is the One who will also take it away. May Allah allow us to constantly perceive our lives through the right lens, strengthen and heal our hearts from our self inflicted viruses, and forgive us for our shortcomings.
Final Reflection for Islamic Relief Women’s Empowerment Trip to Jordan: Touching Down in the U.S
As we said farewell to the beautiful people we met in Jordan, I was flooded with a range of emotions. “What will their future hold? What are the ways we can influence foreign policymakers and affect change on a top-down scale? How do we find the right balance between urgent relief and sustainable longterm projects? How can I hold on to this sense of urgency and not feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people who need assistance?
I was reminded of the story of the boy and the starfish written by Loren Eisley:
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…” I made a difference for that one.”
Many people have personally messaged me asking how they can get involved with relief work. The first thing you can do is sign up to become an Islamic Relief volunteer and get disaster relief training: (http://irusa.org/disaster-response-team/). These national relief efforts range from providing assistance to those affected by the California wildfires to rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Internationally, do not underestimate the power of your dollar. While it doesn’t feel like your money is making a huge difference, believe me, it is. When we spoke to the IR operations manager in Jordan, she told us in Jordan alone, IR sponsors 2,793 orphans and 2,143 are funded by IRUSA. When I spoke to Anaam, a widowed woman who has to take care of 7 children, she said she knows that the IR sponsorship for three of her children will be consistently on time and she depends on it for their ability to attend school and purchase school supplies.
Shaimaa, orphaned at the age of 2, is an excellent artist and recites to us a poem dedicated to her mother that moves all of us to tears. Imagine on the Day of Judgement where you will have the blessed opportunity to meet those that your charity has helped. Imagine Allah being pleased with you that you were able to relieve the suffering of another, provide them with an education, or help a mother sleep at night knowing that she will have enough food to feed her family. Imagine how your good deeds will be multiplied on the day we desperately need them to be because you trusted in Allah’s promise:
إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّـهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ
Indeed those who give in charity men and women, and lend to Allah a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and theirs shall be an honorable good reward (i.e. Paradise).
We are almost there- please help today: https://www.launchgood.com/…/marwa_aly_for_syrian_women_ref…
Day 3 Reflection for Islamic Relief Women’s Empowerment Trip to Jordan: Health, Education, Aspirations
I’m so inspired, truly, by the people on the ground who have devoted their lives to relief work. Today, we visited a state of the art mobile education bus that serves as a school for children in an extremely remote area in Jordan. The bus is powered by solar energy and the surrounding homes also benefit from the solar panels throughout the day. It was so amazing to see this high tech bus provide so much value to the kids in the area. For some, this is the only type of schooling they receive because it can be difficult to find transportation to public schools. Islamic Relief workers come an hour earlier and prep meals for the kids to ensure that the 29 children who attend are receiving at least one full meal a day. The bus is equipped with computers, internet access, a bathroom, and fun glowing lights! The teachers start the day with some outdoor physical activities and end with Arabic grammar 😅
We then ventured to Sabha, which is a two hour drive from Amman, and met a community of around 100 Syrian refugees living in makeshift tents and receiving health care through the IR mobile health clinic. Both a female and male doctor are present to assist our brothers and sisters with primary health care. The mobile health clinic is well stocked with common medicines and serves as the community’s pharmacy as well. It is also solar powered and the doctors see about 60-70 patients a day. The bus will continue to move around to underserved communities since many refugees can’t afford access to proper healthcare.
As parents, we are constantly trying to take preventive measures to ensure our kids are healthy. When they get sick, we have trouble sleeping. We check their temperatures, call doctors, pick up medicine, and then try to regain healthy gut bacteria by giving them probiotics and kefir.
We wonder if we should move to a neighborhood with a better school district, fret over private or public school education, supplement with online tutoring, and then worry if we are putting too much pressure on them.
So many of us have hopes and aspirations for our children. They all may be different goals, but at the end of the day, we want them to lead a happy and fulfilling life. The children I met today are no different than our own. Abdullah wants to be a pilot and mini Marwa wants to be a princess/teacher/doctor ❤️. I pray that Allah opens doors of opportunity for each one of them and they are fully equipped to walk through those doors when the time comes.
Day 2 Reflection for Islamic Relief Women’s Empowerment Trip to Jordan
Today we visited the Gazan Refugee Camp in Jerash. This camp hosts more than 29,000 Gazan refugees in a space of 0.75 square meters.
As we walked in to meet Fatima, a mother of three who is also caring for her disabled husband, we were met with the piercing smell of mold caused by the lack of windows and proper ventilation. Fatima lives in a makeshift shack, covered by flimsy aluminum sheeting with no kitchen, bathroom, running water, or electricty. All five members sleep in one room which is infested by cockroaches and rats. They have been living in this condition for the past three years. Please watch her story below and contribute:
https://www.launchgood.com/…/marwa_aly_for_syrian_women_ref…
Day 1 Reflection for Islamic Relief Women’s Empowerment Trip to Jordan: Layers of Relief- Navigating Hope and Frustration
Reflection Day 1 for Islamic Relief Women’s Empowerment Trip to Jordan: Layers of Relief- Navigating Hope and Frustration
Today was both an uplifting and perspective-shifting day as we traveled to both Ramtha and Mafraq, two cities that host many of the Syrian refugees in Jordan. To give some context, Jordan is a country that hosts over 600,000 Syrian refugees and 1.3 million refugees in total- including our Palestinian, Somali, and Iraqi brothers and sisters. The high cost of living coupled with high unemployment makes it nearly impossible for refugees to obtain any type of job in the country and they rely heavily on Islamic Relief and other relief organizations to get their basic necessities met.
Islamic Relief is focused on building a more sustainable model and has invested in creating a training program that teaches women how to become entrepreneurs through embroidery, accessory making, and crocheting. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Huda who beamed with pride as she showed me her beautiful crochet pieces while explaining how her newfound passion has allowed her to be a better, more confident mother. “Sometimes, my husband gets jealous when I spend so much time on my pieces, so I rush to hide them before he walks in,” she exclaimed with enthusiasm as we all chuckled with a sense of understanding. “Time passes so quickly. Everything seems to fade in the background. I don’t care that the tv is on too loudly. I’m grateful that my hands are being used to do something useful. May Allah allow me to open up my own shop one day,” Huda said with a wistful look on her face.
Inspiration quickly turned into humility as Abu Said drove us to the Mafraq office where we had the honor of distributing winter blankets and gas tanks to warm the homes of 87 families. While blankets and gas tanks cannot possibly relieve the dire circumstances our brothers and sisters are facing, it does provide some relief and allowed us the opportunity to meet and understand the current situation of refugee life in Jordan. An elderly gentleman who couldn’t work due to disabilities and an inability to receive a work permit, explained how he has taken in his deceased brother’s wife and children, leaving him with 12 mouths to feed. While little Muhammad was excited to flex his muscles lifting the two blanket cases, a man in the background shouted in desperation that what he needs is money, not blankets. His frustration is a stark reminder that relief work is and will continue to be complicated but it’s an ongoing process nonetheless.
I can only pray that the striving I witnessed today will contain within it the blessings of Allah (swt) and He will allow the water to spring forth from a deserted land as He allowed for Hajar and Ismail to drink from zamzam when their circumstances seemed bleak. I ask Allah to open the doors of His provision to all those who are seeking it and I ask that we remain conduits for good in any capacity 🤲🏽.
https://www.launchgood.com/…/marwa_aly_for_syrian_women_ref…
Juz 30- Juz Gems
Conclude in the Best Way
Assalaamu Alaykum! May Allah accept all of your fasting, prayers, and extra acts of charity! Ramadan serves us in so many capacities- it pushes us out of our comfort zones and increases our opportunities for growth. Whether or not you believe that you gave it your all this Ramadan, remember that as long as we are breathing, there is always an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Allah. Our final juz gem is Surat an-Nasr, or Divine Help:
إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللَّـهِ وَالْفَتْحُ ﴿١﴾ وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّـهِ أَفْوَاجًا ﴿٢﴾ فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا ﴿٣﴾
“When the help of Allah has come and the victory, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance,” (Surat an-Nasr).
This short surah is revealed after the peaceful conquest of Mecca. After twenty-three years of striving for the cause of La illaha illa Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (sas) enters Mecca, having fulfilled his obligation to his Lord (sas), triumphant and unharmed. Within two years of the conquest, the entire Arabian Peninsula becomes Muslim; something quite difficult to imagine in the very early years of the mission.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this surah is found in the last aya, “Then exalt with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever accepting of repentance.” This aya illustrates that Islam is not a checklist of things to accomplish in our life, but a state of mind. The striving does not end with the conquest of Mecca, but with showing gratitude and seeking forgiveness after the help of Allah has come.
As we get ready to celebrate Eid and conclude the end of Ramadan, let’s take the advice found in this surah to thank Allah for gifting us the opportunity to experience another Ramadan and asking for His forgiveness for all of our shortcomings. Only Allah knows if we will get to experience another Ramadan, so let's use these last moments to show our appreciation and seek His acceptance. May Allah make the last of our days the best of them. Ameen and Eid Mubarak!
Juz 29- Juz Gems
Rise and Pray
Assalaamu Alaykum! It’s hard to imagine that this will be the last night of taraweeh and we are soon saying farewell to the month of Ramadan. Today’s juz gem focuses on the night prayer found in Surat al-Muzzammil:
يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ ﴿١﴾ قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا ﴿٢﴾ نِّصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا ﴿٣﴾ أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا ﴿٤﴾ إِنَّا سَنُلْقِي عَلَيْك قَوْلًا ثَقِيلًا ﴿٥﴾ إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا ﴿٦﴾ إِنَّ لَكَ فِي النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيلًا ﴿٧﴾ وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًا ﴿٨﴾
“Oh you who wraps himself [in clothing], Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little - half of it - or subtract from it a little, or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation. Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word. Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words. Indeed, for you by day is prolonged occupation. And remember the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with [complete] devotion,” (Surat al-Muzzammil, ayaat 1-8).
Very early on in the revelation, our beloved Messenger (sas), is ordered to pray qiyaam ul-layl, or the night prayers. These prayers were not a few cycles or an hour-long taraweeh session. They encompass the large majority of the night in order that the Prophet (sas) and his companions become spiritually fortified for this heavy task. During the day, the Prophet (sas) is ridiculed and rejected. He is accused of disrespecting his elders and causing division within the land. Even though he seeks no personal gain by delivering the message of Islam, the Qurayshi tribes are too arrogant to accept a message that equalizes all of humanity and reforms the power dynamics of the society. Allah sends the night prayers to the Messenger (sas) as a way to firmly plant his feet on the path and reassure his heart. It isn’t until an entire year passes that the last verse of Surat al-Muzzammil is revealed which alleviates the obligatory night prayers and yet, the Prophet Muhammad (sas) never abandons it. For 23 years, he (sas) would stand in the night to reconnect with His Lord.
This Ramadan, we truly saw what we are capable of. What is difficult to do throughout the year is much less of a burden during Ramadan. The benefits of praying qiyaam are many- we draw closer to our Lord, our dua has a very high chance of being accepted, we solidify our faith, and the night prayer acts as a barrier between us and the Hellfire in the afterlife. As we consider what good habits we would like to take with us after Ramadan ends, let us not underestimate the impact that qiyaam ul layl has on our souls and psyche. Just as we commit to gym memberships or an exercise regimen throughout the year, we need spiritual training to fortify our souls and connect with our Lord.
May Allah make us of those that yearn to connect with Him during the night, focused on our Creator, and free from the preoccupations and distractions of our day.
Juz 28- Juz Gems
aqwa and a Way Out
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 28th juz of the Quran. With only a couple of more days left of Ramadan, we need to begin thinking what small and consistent acts we can carry throughout the year that we began to cultivate during this blessed month. These continuous good deeds will be one of the avenues to attaining taqwa, or God consciousness. Today’s juz gem shows us the beauty of having taqwa:
وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّـهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا ﴿٢﴾ وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّـهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ
“And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out, And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him,” (Surat at-Talaq portion of verses 2-3).
This juz gem, found in Surat at-Talaq, or Divorce, is found within a context where a believer is asked to practice ultimate restraint. Divorce is never an easy decision; it is wrought with heartbreak, high emotions, emotional and maybe even financial instability, and a potential fear of what the future holds. It can become quite easy to want to tarnish the reputation of one’s ex, or to take more than what is rightfully his/hers.
Allah reassures us that especially in these tight situations, He will provide a way out. Oftentimes, when our back is to the wall, we cannot possibly fathom what good can come out of a dire situation. We may become hopeless and start blurring the boundaries of Allah in the name of survival, or rationalize our actions when we are recuperating from a loss. Allah reminds us to hold on to our God consciousness, because this is the ultimate character trait that will provide an opening.
The root word of taqwa literally means a shield. Ubay ibn Ka’b (ra) once said, "Have you ever walked on a path that has thorns on it?" Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said, "Yes." Ubay asked, "What did you do then?" to which Umar replied, "I rolled up my sleeves and struggled." Ubay said, "That is taqwa, to protect oneself from sin through life’s dangerous journey so that one can successfully complete the journey unscathed by sin."
It is beautiful to see the direct result of one’s efforts not only in the Hereafter, but throughout our lives as well. Allah promises those who restrain themselves from transgressing His boundaries that He will provide him/her with sustenance from where s/he does not expect. This may mean having taqwa in regards to who we speak with, what job offer we accept, what we look at, or how we treat our family members.
Ibn al-Jawzi recounts the story of Sufyan al-Thauri where he states, “Somebody had seen Sufyan al-Thauri in his dream and he was asked: “What did Allah do to you?” He replied, “I had only been put into the grave and there I was, in front of the Lord of the Worlds. I entered and straight away met someone who said: “Sufyan?” I said: “Yes, I am Sufyan.” He said: “Do you remember a day you preferred Allah over your desires?” I said: “Yes.” Upon answering, I was immediately served with big food plates from Paradise,” (Imam ibn al-Jawzi).
Cultivating a sense of taqwa takes time but there are certain actions we can take that will help us get there, like keeping our promises, practicing patience, and fasting. May we use these last remaining moments to be of those loved by Allah, the muttaqoon.
Juz 27- Juz Gems
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 27th juz of the Qur’an. MashaAllah, this juz is filled with many short and powerful surahs that pull at one’s heartstrings. One surah that is chock full of lessons is Surat al-Hadeed where we find today’s juz gem:
مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّـهِ يَسِيرٌ ﴿٢٢﴾لِّكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ ﴿٢٣﴾
“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy -In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful,” (Surat al-Hadeed ayaat 22-23).
Surat al-Hadeed begins with many attributes of Allah- Exalted in Might, Wise, the Ruler, the Giver of Life, the One who causes death, the Omnipotent, the First, the Last, the Apparent, the Intimate, and the Omniscient. It then crescendos by saying, “and He is with you wherever you may be,” (57:4). This level of intimacy is also reflected in Surat Qaf, “We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein,” (50:16). The juz gem verses reflect this level of comfort as well.
Whenever a natural or man-made disaster afflicts our world, it takes only a few moments before all of the news outlets deploy reporters and real-time updates are happening via social media platforms. We collectively mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray that Allah eases the difficulties placed on the victims. These disasters imprint on our collective psyche and are apparent in nature.
Allah couples these natural disasters with the disasters within ourselves that no one is privy to. We may suffer from unbearable grief, heartbreak, anxiety, depression, physical pain, etc. and we may feel so alone in our suffering. And yet, Allah reassures us that just as war is raging in our world, He knows of the internal war raging within our hearts. He is so intimately aware of our feelings, our thoughts, our struggles, and is not detached in the slightest. Imam ash-Shafi’i wrote, "If you knew how Allah deals with your affairs for you, your heart would melt out of love for Him."
And it has all been recorded so that we may not despair. We will be able to bear the pain because Allah tells us we can do it. With the right outlook, surviving tribulations draws us closer to our Creator. Truly, it is not Allah who is detached from us, but we are the ones who are constantly turning away.
Use these verses to propel you closer to a Lord who erases your sins for any hardship that may befall His believers. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) states, “There is no calamity that befalls a Muslim but Allah expiates (sin) thereby, even a thorn that pricks him,” (Sahih Bukhari).
May Allah allow us to draw near to Him in these last few remaining days and nights of Ramadan. May He encompass us in His Mercy and allow us to feel His closeness wherever we may be.
Juz 26- Juz Gem
A Clear Victory
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 26th juz of the Qur’an and in it, we find a very powerful few verses in Surat al-Fath, the Triumph:
إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا ﴿١﴾ لِّيَغْفِرَ لَكَ اللَّـهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِن ذَنبِكَ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ وَيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَيَهْدِيَكَ صِرَاطًا مُّسْتَقِيمًا ﴿٢﴾وَيَنصُرَكَ اللَّـهُ نَصْرًا عَزِيزًا ﴿٣﴾
Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest, that Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path, And [that] Allah may aid you with a mighty victory, (Surat al-Fath ayaat 1-3).
These verses were revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, which to some Muslims, didn’t seem like a clear victory initially. Before heading out to Mecca in the 6th year after hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (sas) had a dream that he was entering the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, together with his Companions some of them having shaved their heads and some with their hair cut short. This delighted the companions as they yearned to visit the Kaaba and were waiting for the Messenger’s (sas) permission to do so. However, the pagans of Mecca did not allow the 1400 Muslims who were already in ihram, and not allowed to fight, to enter Mecca and perform their sacred rites. Eventually, after sending four emissaries to the Prophet (sas) and his companions, they drew up a treaty with the Prophet Muhammad (sas). While this treaty did not acknowledge him as a Prophet (sas), and forbade them from entering the Haram, it served the Muslims very well in the long run. The treaty stipulated that there would be no war between the two parties for ten years, which eased the pressure off of the Muslims to invite others to Islam while no longer wrought with the consequences of death and torture. While they did have to send Muslims who left Mecca without the permission of their guardian back, this ultimately allowed a Muslim presence in Mecca which aided in its peaceful conquest.
However, many of the companions felt humiliated that they were unable to perform the umrah that they had set their hearts on. They refused to slaughter their animals and shave their heads until the Prophet Muhammad (sas), upon taking the advice of his wife, Umm Salamah, broke out of his ihram. Eventually, the companions followed suit. On their journey back to Medina, Surat al-Fath was revealed and sent solace and tranquility upon the hearts of the believers (48:4).
“Indeed We have given you a clear conquest,” is an aya that is more beloved to the Messenger of Allah (sas) than the entire world and what it contains. There are so many times in life, because of our limited knowledge and inability to foresee the future, that we resist, fight, and rail against our current circumstances. If we zoom out a little bit and continue to foster a forbearing and resilient spirit, we may be able to understand why Allah (swt) tests us through difficulty and hardship. While the companions feel humiliated, Allah reassures their hearts and promises them that the treaty is a clear victory. This is the salve they need- reassured that Allah will never abandon them, as long as they are on the truth and continuously focused on the process instead of the end result.
There are only a few days left of this most blessed month of the year. May Allah make this month a fath mubeena, or a clear triumph for us. May He use us in the best of ways, even if we may not understand the wisdom behind it. May we learn the true meaning of success, triumph, and victory as Allah teaches it and understand that we may hate a thing and in it, there is much good. May we constantly strive to be those that find and value the good from wherever it comes.
Juz 24- Juz Gems
Angels and Uprightness
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 24th juz of the Qur’an and in it we find friends along the path that see us, and yet, we are unable to see them:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّـهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ ﴿٣٠﴾ نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ ﴿٣١﴾
“Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah" and then steadfastly remained on the right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish],” (Fussilat 30-31).
How beautiful that we are in the last ten nights of Ramadan and we know that the angels are constantly surrounding our gatherings, and accounting for our actions. The angels even pray behind us during Salat al-Fajr and are attracted to those remembering their Lord. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) said, “When a group of people assemble for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them (with their wings), (Allah’s) mercy envelops them, sakinah, or tranquillity descends upon them and Allah makes a mention of them before those who are near Him,” [Muslim].
We need to reflect on the term istiqaama in this verse. Istiqaama is translated as steadfastness, not deviating from the proper route, and remaining upright. When the Prophet Muhammad (sas) received this verse in Surat Hud, a portion of his hair became white:
فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا ۚ إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ﴿١١٢﴾
“So remain on the right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do,” (11:112).
Remaining steadfast and upright is not an easy task, but it starts with what is small and consistent and grows over time. In a hadith Qudsi, Allah states, “My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it…” (Sahih Bukhari)
So in the remaining days and nights of Ramadan, what can we do to help us remain upright throughout our year? One of the major components that will elevate our ordinary worship into something extraordinary is aligning our intentions with our actions. A dear friend of mine always reminds me to “make my intentions very big.” We are not only worshipping Allah in Ramadan, we are worshiping the One who has blessed us with Ramadan as well as all of the other days of the year. We are not worshipping a night, but the Creator of that night. Those that truly achieve istiqama will not be phased if tonight or tomorrow is an odd night but will remain consistent in their worship knowing that Allah will bless them and amplify the best of their deeds.
May Allah bless us to be upright- that no matter the tidal wave pushing against us, we will have our feet firmly planted, unwavering in our pursuit to achieve Allah’s pleasure.
Juz 23- Juz Gems
Do Not Despair of the Mercy of Allah
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight, our mashaayikh will recite the 23rd juz of the Qur’an, which means that tonight may be the Night of Power, or Laylatul Qadr. In these last ten nights, whether we are spending them in the masjid, or adding a bit more reflection throughout our nights, we will be yearning to feel closer to Allah. One of the most intimate verses found in the Qur’an is in Surat az-Zumar:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّـهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚإِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ ﴿٥٣﴾
Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful," (Surat az-Zumar, aya 53).
Notice how Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad to “Say,” but then changes the phrasing from a third person command to the second person (Oh My servants), which indicates a greater love and tenderness Allah has for us, even if we are sinful. In addition, Allah uses the word “servants” which further exemplifies His Divine Love for us. We see the shift from the third person to second person in Surat al Fatiha as well- “All praise is due to Allah,” (1:2) to “You alone we worship and you alone we ask for help,” (1:5)
These verses help us increase the love we have of Allah and reminds us to never lose hope in His mercy. It is no coincidence that we find this aya in the 23rd juz- constantly reciting it every Ramadan on an odd night during the last ten nights of Ramadan where we seek protection from the Hellfire. Sometimes, the shaytan attacks us by making us think that we will never be good enough servants to Allah. We are riddled with guilt and this guilt makes it impossible to move on and have a hopeful attitude, which may cause someone to give up striving all together.
Another instance where Allah uses the term “My servant,” is found in Surat al Baqarah right after the verses of Ramadan have been revealed:
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖفَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ ﴿١٨٦﴾
And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided, (Surat al-Baqarah, aya 186).
Knowing Allah is near, knowing Allah is commanding us to not lose hope, knowing that Allah will answer our supplications if we supplicate to Him is so empowering. It is no longer a nebulous relationship one may have with her Creator, but a very intimate and profound connection that one hopes to foster throughout her life.
Juz 22- Juz Gems
Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 22nd juz of the Quran, which covers the rest of Surat Al-Ahzaab to Surat As-Saafaat. The heart of the Qur’an, or Surat Yaseen, is found within this juz and that’s where we will find today’s juz gem:
وَآيَةٌ لَّهُمُ اللَّيْلُ نَسْلَخُ مِنْهُ النَّهَارَ فَإِذَا هُم مُّظْلِمُونَ ﴿٣٧﴾ وَالشَّمْسُ تَجْرِي لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَّهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ ﴿٣٨﴾ وَالْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَاهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَالْعُرْجُونِ الْقَدِيمِ﴿٣٩﴾ لَا الشَّمْسُ يَنبَغِي لَهَا أَن تُدْرِكَ الْقَمَرَ وَلَا اللَّيْلُ سَابِقُ النَّهَارِ ۚ وَكُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ ﴿٤٠﴾
“And a sign for them is the night. We remove from it [the light of] day, so they are [left] in darkness. And the sun runs [on course] toward its stopping point. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. And the moon - We have determined for it phases until it returns [appearing] like the old date stalk. It is not allowable for the sun to reach the moon, nor does the night overtake the day, but each, is traveling in an orbit of its own,” (Surat Yaseen, ayat- 37-40)
There are so many verses throughout the Qur’an where Allah commands us to reflect on His creation. This reflection itself leads Ibrahim (as) to determine that nothing created can be his Lord, rather the only One worthy of worship is the One who creates all and is not created. It is no wonder that the word aya, or sign, is not only limited to the verses found in the Quran, but also encompasses the magnificent creation of Al-Khaaliq.
These ayaat, in particular, help us understand ourselves on a deeper level. Light and darkness, the sun and moon- everything has a determined time and purpose. There is a stopping point for the sun, and light is eventually stripped away to form darkness. There is a specified master plan and we are only privy to a fraction of it. The turning of the day into night should be a reminder to us that we are always in a state of constant change. Whether one is suffering through a difficulty this Ramadan or is experiencing a blissful month, know that nothing lasts forever, and every heartache and joy will soon pass us by. Just like there are two phases throughout our day- the day and the night, know that there are two stations of the believer- gratitude in times of ease and resilience in times of hardship.
The second major point is that everything worships Allah in an orbit, including ourselves. One of the most beautiful things one may feel this Ramadan is this push to go outside after iftar and drive to the masjid late at night. This time feels sacred; one is getting the reward of simply driving to the masjid, reconnecting with the community, and witnessing the different phases of the moon throughout the month as she gazes at the luminous sky. Allah describes Ramadan as “a limited amount of days,” (2:184) and one truly feels the sand slipping through her fingers as the moon’s light expands and constricts throughout the month. We will also go through different cycles in our worship of Allah (swt). When we are younger, Islam may feel like a set of do’s and don’ts, halal and haraam. As we grow older, we appreciate the wisdom behind the rules and take on more personal and communal acts of worship. Then, as we age, our capacity for ibaadah becomes limited due to our weakened bones and weary bodies. May we use the time we have left in worship and service knowing that, just like the sun, we too will come to our stopping point. May Allah make the best of our days the last of them. Ameen!