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10 things that bring about the Love of Allah – Ibn alQayyim

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Asalamu alaykum!

10 things that bring about the Love of Allah – Ibn alQayyim

1. Recitation of the Qur’an with reflection and understanding of its meaning.

2. Seeking closeness to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after obligatory ones, for that leads one to the highest levels of love.

3. Remembering Allah in every situation by one’s time, heart and deeds. One’s share of that love is to the degree of one’s share with that remembrance.

4. Preferring what He loves to what you love when your desires are strong.

5. Allowing your heart to reflect on His Names and Attributes.

6. Reflecting on His many favours and blessings both the apparent ones and hidden ones, for that leads to His love.

7. Having your heart soften as it is worshipping Allah.

love in the sand8. Being alone with Him in worship when He descends during the last third of the night. To invoke Him, to recite His speech (Quran), to stand with all sincerity (in prayer) and with good manners and good submission (humility) and to end that with repentance and seeking His forgiveness.

9. Sitting with those who are truthful in their love of Allah.

10. Staying away from all that creates barriers between the heart and Allah.

Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an chapter 3 verse 31]

May Allah enable us to be of those whom He loves and is pleased with, and those who practise what we preach, ya Salam, ya Rabb al alameen! Allahumma salli wasallim alaa nabiyinaa Muhammad!

(Jazakallah khair, courtesy of Sheikh Musleh Khan) 

Thurrock Muslims

Islam Explained (post 3)

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In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

Islam Explained post 3

Ever wondered what the five pillars of Islam are? Why do Muslims have to pray? Do you really stop eating for 30 days in Ramadan? What’s the Hajj?

Look no further for the answer:

The last messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
‘ “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing regular prayer (salaah); paying the zakaah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadaan.”

(Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8) ‘

 

 

These are the five important matters and acts of worship which every Muslim must perform, (see further for more details):

1- Testimony of faith- Muslims must testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without partners and associates, and that Muhammad peace be upon him is the final servant and messenger of Allah. 

This must be internalised, and uttered and adhered to in both word and deed.

2- Salah/establishing regular prayer- There are five compulsory prayers Muslims are obliged to perform each day. Reference for this obligation can be found in numerous verses of the Qur’an (Allah’s final book of revelation to us).

“Verily, As Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”
[Qur’an chapter 4:103]

 The prayer is the second most important duty after upholding the testimony of faith, such that abandoning it is tantamount to disbelief. Details on the way to perform Salah, and its importance can be found in statements and narrations of the sayings and teachings of Muhammad peace be upon him, Allah’s final prophet.

3-Zakaah- The Obligatory charity- This requires Muslims whose wealth reaches the required threshold, to pay 2.5% of there wealth in charity to individuals eligible for Zakat funds as mentioned in the 9th chapter of the Qur’an (verse 60), each lunar year.

4- Ramadan/Fasting- Muslims are obligated to fast 29 or 30 days of the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This requires abstinence from food,drink and intimacy from the beginning of dawn to when the sun has set. Those unable due to a valid reason, e.g.travel, are to make up the days before the next Ramadan. There are more rulings regarding fasting which we have posted in previous blog posts. 

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[Qur’an,  2:183]

 

5- Hajj/pilgrimage- This is a journey to Makkah and surrounding areas which Muslims undertake, at least once in their lifetime, in submission to the command of Allah. Muslims who are adults, sane, free, physically and financially able, (and for women, have a male family member to accompany them) must undertake this journey of devotion to The Supreme Creator, Allah.

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

[Qur’an 3:97]

Hope you like these short insights to Islam.

With peace,

Take care.

(Do leave your comments and questions below!)

Thurrock Muslims

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Gentle reminder- make up missed fasts before Ramadan 1436

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Asalamu alaykum

Bismillah

Just to announce we have a bit over a fortnight till Ramadan, so those of us who owe missed fasts from previous Ramadan, we really must make them up now in sha Allah!

Don’t worry about the length of the day etc, let us put our trust in Allah, and it will be alright. (Alhamdulillah) Remember Allah is Al-Qadeer (capable of all things) and He will surely help us and make it possible.

 

fruits agriculture

Trust Allah, that we can do it! And its good preparation for Ramadan in sha Allah!

Be inspired by those who have genuine difficulty/lack of resources and food, but soldier on for the sake of Allah.

Remember Allah gave us a lot more than others, so let’s drop the excuses and start showing Allah more gratitude by obeying Him as we owe Him everything, because He owns everything!!!

May Allah make us sincere and make our fasting easy, rewarded and accepted and may He grant us many Ramadans in His obedience, Ya Rabb al aalameen! Allahumma Salli alaa Rasoolillah Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam!

Ameen.

Peace and love.

wasalam.

Thurrock Muslims

14 Sha’baan 1436

RAMADAN ROUND THE CORNER!

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Bismillah

Asalamu alaykum all, Muslims in Thurrock, Basildon, Grays and worldwide. In Sha Allah everything’s good.

Can you believe it’s already one week into Sha’ban 1436, the month preceding Ramadan!

May Allah help us prepare and witness many Ramadan’s in total submission to Him alone and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His final messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen.

Here’s a short video on some beautiful dua’s and words of repentance we can make.

We are human, so we make mistakes and sin. And we sin, small or big sins, once or repeatedly. But don’t despair of Allah’s mercy. Allah is The Most Merciful, The Oft-Pardoning, The Perpetual Forgiver, so never think your sins are to big to be forgiven! Allah accepts us when we run back to Him sincerely repentant, so may Allah make us sincerely repent! ameen!

Oh, and do check out the previous post of the best form of seeking forgiveness,the Sheikh repeats that dua in Arabic in the video below, so be sure to listen!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7MGiMFL8L8&app=desktop 

Peace

Muharram 1436

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Asalaamu alaykum

In the Name of Allah.

Dear readers, as you know, we entered the new Islamic year about a week ago.

We are now in the first month of Hijri year 1436, Muharram.

moon banner

Muharram is a special month.

It is a month of great virtue. It is of the four sacred months out of twelve months in the Islamic calendar.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein”

[al-Tawbah 9:36]

 

Allah, The Almighty, has made it a sacred month of great virtue. May He allow us to abstain from sins, to turn to Him in repentance, and to run back to Him with good deeds, for verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds.

And Allah is The Most Generous. Oh Allah we ask for Your peace and blessings upon The final prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Ameen ya Rabb al ‘aalameen.

It is encouraged to fast in Muharram, particularly the 10th (Ashoora’), and the preceding day with it (Tasooaa’). Let us take advantage of these beautiful winter days, in sha Allah.

 

It was proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that the best fasting after Ramadaan is fasting in the month of Muharram.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best fasting after Ramadaan is the month of Allaah Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” Narrated by Muslim, 1163. 

Regarding the significance of fasting on Ashoora’ :

The reason why the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ and urged the people to do likewise is mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1865) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of ‘Ashoora’. He said, “What is this?” They said, “This is a good day, this is the day when Allaah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy and Moosa fasted on this day.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “We are closer to Moosa than you.” So he fasted on this day and told the people to fast. 

 

Fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ does expiate (minor sins) for the past year, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Ashoora’ I hope Allaah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.

 

‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.

 Narrated by Muslim, 1916.

 

It is expected that 9th Muharram 1436 will coincide with Sunday 2 November 2014, and thus Monday 3rd November 2014 would be the 10th, or Ashoora’. May Allah grant us the ability to seize the opportunity this Ashoora’ by fasting to gain His reward, love and forgiveness, through implementing the Sunnah of His final messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen

With love for the sake of Allah

 

Thurrock Muslims

Muharram 1436

References: Qur’an, Sunnah, and respected Islamic scholars of ahl-us-sunnah wal jama’ah.

Small deeds matter!

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Asalamu alaykum!

in sha Allah you are all having a beautifully rewarding Ramadaan.

This is an fantastic reminder. Let’s hear it.

(DISCLAIMER: we advise you and ourselves to please try to avoid looking at questionable videos and advertisements on this video hosting site. We can’t remove them all, so we’ll have to advise lowering the gaze. Remember, we are fasting for Allah alone and we want to achieve Taqwa!)

 

Count down to Ramadan

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In the name of Allah.

Asalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Dr Zakir Naik shares with us some words of wisdom from the Sunnah (teachings and sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him)  in preparation for Ramadan. See what he has to say in the video:

(by the way, if you have missed fasts to make up from last Ramadan, be sure to make them up in these few days before this Ramadan starts in sha Allah)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD2-i-gmK0

 

May Allah the Most Merciful permit us to take advantage of each moment in Ramadan, and may He forgive us for He is the Perpetual Forgiver, The Oft-Forgiving, The Oft-Pardoning. And may Allah abundantly bless His final prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Ameen

It’s time for Du’aa!

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Asalamu alaykum all.

With about a week to go till the Month of mercy, Mufti Menk has some awesome advice for us here (see the video!)  .

Ready for Ramadan?

Let’s get in the habit of making Dua/supplications!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55eQjyZR_2Q

RAMADAAN

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In the name of Allah

Asalamu alaykum dear brothers and sisters.

We have ahead of us a very special month in the Islamic calendar. A month of hope, a month of mercy, a month of opportunity. We have before us none other than the month of Ramadaan, the month of fasting.

fasting prescribed 4 u baqarah

 

It is with great joy and anticipation we await this delightful month to commence, and we ask Allah subhanahu wa ta’alaa (Glorified and exalted is He) to grant us the ability, spiritual, emotional, psychological, physiological and financial strength to serve Him in this month of mercy and beyond.

It is worth mentioning that preparation begins before Ramadaan begins, and it is the help of Allah we seek. Undoubtedly, this is an advice to me before it is you, dear reader.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us revive our relationship with the Noble book of Allah, The Qur’an.

Let us be optimistic and hope to benefit from the remarkable parables, admonitions and promises mentioned in the Qur’an.

My dearest brothers and sisters, if you cannot recall the last time you engaged with the Qur’an, do not despair. There is hope. For today, counting down less than a fortnight till Ramadaan, you can make a difference- right now, in sha Allah.

 

Be resolute. Make wudu (ablution). Make du’a, ask Allah to facilitate your affairs. Be sincere for Allah. And go and open the mushaf (even if it is an electronic version of the Qur’an). And start to read. Read an ayah. Read two. Five, ten. Increase it as the days go by. Read, Recite. Recite it with tajweed, with accurate and beautiful recitation. Better still, let us endeavour to understand the meaning, the explanation (tafsir) of the ayaat, then let us reflect. And let us watch our lives transform, in sha Allah.

 

aqua amazing star banner

 

Allaah says (English interpretation of the meaning):

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.”

[Qur’an, chapter al-Baqarah 2: verse 185] 

May Allah allow us to reach Ramadaan prepared, and may He make it a prosperous and accepted Ramadaan. ameen

jazaakumullaahu khairan

Thurrock Muslims Bloggers