The Reflections Corner

Ramadan Reminder Day 18 – #Alhamdulillah for the Lesson learnt from Prophet Ibrahim  عليه سلم. Following my blog about Surah Maryam, I would like to look at the story of Ibrahim عليه سلم mentioned in this Surah.

41. “And mention in the Book (the Qur’an) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

42. When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?

43. “O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path.

44. “O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily! Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah).

45. “O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allah) overtake you, so that you become a companion ofShaitan (Satan) (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

46. He (the father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.”

47. Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious.

48. “And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord.”

49. So when he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), and each one of them We made a Prophet.

50. And We gave them of Our Mercy (a good provision in plenty), and We granted them honour on the tongues (of all the nations, i.e everybody remembers them with a good praise)“. (Surah Maryam)

Prophet Ibrahim عليه سلم had strong conviction and Imaan (faith) in the message he was spreading. He believed in Allah swt and the Oneness of Allah, putting aside the beliefs of his father and forefather – of Polytheism and Idol worship. He had such strong conviction in Islam, that he stood up to his own father and tried to make his father accept the truth too.  He had no fear to speak openly without fearing the reprisals from his father and people. His courage and sincerity shines through and we must follow his lead by also possessing conviction in our faith and to speak honestly and fearlessly about the truths of Islam. Why do we cower down in the fear that if we say something deemed sensitive, people may see us in a different light. Why do we act like ensnared animals, docile and tame -when in reality we should roar like lions and speak the truth of our beautiful religion. In the current climate we live in – we should boldy and categorically voice our opinions of what is being said about us in the media, in society and in the hearts and minds of people. If certain group/s and individuals are carrying out heinous acts in the name of our Islam – then as Muslims, we should tell the world that is not part of our religion. Instead, like Ibrahim عليه سلم with conviction and courage we should shout about our TRUE Islam – that is Oneness, Peace and Respect.

But the most beautiful aspect of how Ibrahim عليه سلم approached his father is after trying to guide his father and being harshly rebuked by him, Ibrahim a.s. wished him peace asked for forgiveness for his father from Allah.  Such was the peaceful and merciful nature of this beloved Prophet, just like his Lord – and that is why he is lovingly referred to as Khaleel-ullah (Friend of Allah).

“And Allah did take Ibrahim (Abraham) as a Khaleel (an intimate friend)” [an-Nisa’ 4:125]. 

I make Dua that the Muslims of today follow in Ibrahim عليه سلم footsteps and allow us to spread the pearls of truth and deny the thorns of falsehood. I make Dua that each and everyone of us stand firm in our faith,  but in doing so, we never forget that our Islam is a religion of Peace and Mercy.

#Alhamdulillah #LessonsFromOurProphets #OurProphetIbrahimKhaleelUllah #Conviction #Truth #Forgiveness #Peace #Mercy #PearlsOfTruth #ThornsOfFalsehood #RamadanReminder

Ramadan Reminder Day 17 – #Alhamdulillah for the ability to Smile. There are many reasons not to smile (especially at this point in my life) but I think the reasons to smile outweighs that.

The physical act of Smiling takes about 23 facial muscles to move. Your  mouth moves upwards, your facial muscles start flexing. But is that all it is? A physical movement. No it is much more than that. A smile symbolises the happiness we feel inside of us. It is a manifestation of the joy and magical sparkles that builds up within us. A smile is reward we give to another when that person tells us something sweet or funny. A smile is the currency of love between husband and wife and the rope that bonds mother and child. That one smile is considered Sadaqah (charity) and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Abu Dhar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Your smile to your brother is a sadaqah (charitable act) for you. Your commanding the right and forbidding the wrong is a sadaqah.  Your guiding a man in the land of misguidance is a sadaqah for you. Your seeing (showing the way) for a man with bad eyesight is a sadaqah for you. Your removing a stone or thorn or bone from the road is a sadaqah for you. Your emptying your bucket of water into your brother’s (empty) bucket is a sadaqah for you.”  [Tirmidhi]

Smiling is given so much importance in Islam that our beloved Prophet has mentioned it before even enjoining good and forbidding evil in the above Hadith. A smile is Sadaqah because it gives another person hope. It can make all the difference to someone’s day, be it from a colleague,  a friend, a family member or stranger on the street. You never know what that person is going through on that day, and that small action can really help!

My dear friends – let us try harder to smile each day. Smile for the small and the bigs things in our lives. Smile when Allah blesses us and gives you good. Smile when Allah tests you and gives you hardship – in the knowledge that Allah loves you. Keep giving this Sadaqah, and let it multiply the goodness in your lives.

#Alhamdulillah #ASmileIsCharity # #KeepSmiling #ASmileCurrencyOfLove

Your Name….

I felt you move, i felt you kick. I felt you tickle me from inside. The conversations we had were many, the songs I sang a memory. But baby Raja (oh how I called you so!)-  you have gone and now I’m left with just your name and nothing more. Nine months were spent weaving dreams and having hope. Your first outfit, your first bootie your first little teddy. All locked up or given away. And now I’m left with just your name and nothing more. Football player is what we thought you would be – just like Papa is what I said so confidently.  Even before you arrived we knew you would be – a personality so strong, a person who all from near and far, wanted to hold and see. Now you’ve gone, to a place so far away, we will never be able to reach you at night nor day.- And now I’m left with just your name and nothing more.  But your name is what will get me through this journey we call life – a name that I will make proud, so proud that oneday you will hold my hand tight and pull me to your beautiful abode.

Now I am left with just your name. And so much more…

Ramadan Reminder Day 16 – #Alhamdulillah for Surah Maryam. Ofcourse we must say Alhamdulillah (All Thanks to Allah) for the whole miracle that is the Quran. But I will leave that blog for another day. Today I just want to focus on this specific Surah (chapter) of the Quran. It is the nineteenth surah of the Quran and the title of this Surah is named after one of the most sacred and revered woman in Islam – Maryam Bint Imran – Mother of Isa a.s. (Prophet Jesus). One whole chapter has been dedicated to her. This shows the importance of this honoured lady and her son, Prophet Isa in our religion. عليه سلم

No one can refute that Islam loves and respects Isa ibn Maryam عليه سلم so much so that the Quran has a whole chapter about him عليه سلم and his mother.

This surah is so beautiful as it talks not just about Maryam عليه سلم but also about many different highly esteemed Prophets. The surah starts of with Zakariah عليه سلم beseeching his Lord for an offspring, despite his age and the fact his wife was barren. His Lord does not forsake him but instead answers Zakariah’s عليه سلم Dua and makes what we would believe impossible – possible.

2. “(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya (Zachariah).

3. When he called out his Lord (Allah) a call in secret,

4. Saying: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord!

5. “And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir,

6. “Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya’qub (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!”.

7. (Allah said) “O Zakariya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him).”

8. He said: “My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age.”

9. He said: “So (it will be). Your Lord says; It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!”

In this section of the Surah – Zakariah عليه سلم is an example for us of hope. Hope in Allah’s Mercy, Power and Magnificence. If we ask sincerly from the heart, Allah will surely answer us if it is good for us.

The Surah further goes on to tell us about Maryam عليه سلم and the miraculous birth of her son عليه سلم .
The amazing manner in which  Isa عليه سلم was conceived and born is a lesson for us that Allah makes miracles happen – all He needs to say is “Be – and It Is”. We must never doubt His Might.

18. She (Maryam a.s.) said: “Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.”

19. (The angel) said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.”

20. She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?”

21. He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).’ ”

Maryam عليه سلم did not become frightened nor challenge Allah’s will. She was strong and alone endured the hardships of pregnancy and pain of labour. She had full faith in Allah’s plan and she was rewarded by being the mother of the most honoured Prophet to walk this Earth.

Alhamdulillah for Surah Maryam. We learn so many lessons from it. It teaches us to remain firm in faith, be hopeful and believe in Allah’s Glorious Power. He is Al Khaliq (The Creator) and Al-Muhyi (The Giver of Life).

May Allah swt make us all be sincere in our Duas like Zakariah عليه سلم and bless us with beautiful and pious children, like his son Yahya (John) عليه سلم. May Allah swt allow us to be remembered with honour, diginity and respect like our most pure – Maryam عليه سلم

#Alhamdulillah #SurahMaryam #LessonsFromTheQuran #OurBelovedProphets #Faith #Dua #Respect #Dignity #Honour

Ramadan Reminder Day 15 #Alhamdulillah for that Special Person. The special person in our lives that makes us laugh. The special person in our lives that listens to us as we pour our heart to them. That person could be a sibling, a husband or wife but more often than not, its a friend. No matter the ups and downs that encompass us in our lives, this person holds your hand and tells you it will be ok. They console you at times of despair and laugh with you at times of happiness. Their is no jealousy or ill feeling towards you, and you feel safe in the knowledge that this special person makes sincere Dua for you from the deepest corner of their heart.

That special person. You may have not seen that person for a long time – but the moment you do, their single smile brightens the room, and the Noor (light) that emits from their face illuminates your soul too.  The worries, despair and sadness that weighs you down suddenly seems as light as a feather because that special person has commited to share that burdTn with you. One hug from them gives you a warmth that even the snowcaps of the Himalayas would melt in. That special person – they know when you need a cup of tea and a shoulder to cry on.

That special person. Just knowing that person is there is enough to keep you going. My dear special person, my friend, my strength and my hope. May Allah keep you safe and make me a special person for you too.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The example of the believers, in their mutual love and mercy for one another is like the example of one body, if one part feels pain, then all of the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.” and “The believer to the believer is like a solid building, one part supporting the other.” (Sahih Muslim / Bukhari).

#Alhamdulillah #ThatSpecialPerson #GoodFriend #AGoodFriendKnowsWhenYouNeedACupOfTea

Ramadan Reminder Day 14 – #Alhamdulillah for the Sunshine. Today is probably one of the hottest days of the year so far. After a much awaited “summer” and long spells of dreary grey weather, we are finally blessed with bright yellow and orange rays of sunshine pouring through our windows. For all the fasting folk, during the month of Ramadan, long summer hours during these hot times just doesn’t seem to be a blessing does it? Your probably asking yourself – “why now?! Can it not be sunny AFTER Ramadan! I’m too hot! My head hurts! I’m going to faint. I NEED water” – “Help!”.

Have patience my dear fasting friends. Sabr (patience) is one of the characteristics we are supposed to learn during this month of Ramadan. Patience to hold out during the day, no matter how hot or long it maybe. Our thirst maybe parching our lips, but keep in mind the reward of the coolness of the river of Al Kawther in Jannah. The sun maybe beating down on our heads whilst we go to work and school, but remember the Tree of Tooba which will shade you in Jannah.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there is a tree in whose shade a rider could travel for a hundred years without crossing it”.
(Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4502)

Alhamdulillah for the Sunshine. It brings with it many blessings. It makes people smile (despite the heat), it puts colour to blossoming flowers and allows us to appreciate what others don’t have. Fasting has been given to us to help us feel what the poor and needy go through on a daily basis. Our hungry, thirsty brothers and sisters in Somalia, Ethiopia, India and Pakistan (to name but a few countries) suffer every day in the blazing hot sun. The sunshine we have today is just a small glimpse into what they go through each day. Alhamdulillah for this opportunity to feel what they are feeling – and a chance to sincerly reap the rewards. Alhamdulillah for the gift that is Patience, something we learn in Ramadan and can develop through the rest of our lives.

I pray that the sunshine brings with it happy days for us all, and Allah gives us endurance and strength to continue our fasts with a smiling face in this beautiful month of Ramadan.

#Alhamdulillah #Sunshine #SunnySmiles #Sabr #FeelTheThirst #FeelTheFast

Ramadan Reminder Day 13 – #Alhamdulillah for My Glass of Falooda (Rosemilk milkshake). Sweet, cold glass of milky pink goodness. Bejewelled with multicoloured jelly and round glistening balls of Sabja (Basil) seeds. As we take that first sip – the mountain of vanilla icecream heaped at the top cools our fasting lips. You may be thinking what on earth I am on about?! But all you South East Asians  do know what I am saying. Admit it – you’ve all drank it and you know its symbolises Iftar in every one of our households! Yes – I say Alhamdulillah. Why you ask? Because this milky drink symbolises family iftars, childhood craziness and community togetherness. Growing up, at every Iftar party, some aunty or another would serve this in their homes. As giggling young kids, my friends and I would go for one glass after another, filling our bellies up to the brim.  It reminds me of the wafting smell of samosas and pakoras and hearty laughter of our fathers and the uncles as they broke they fast. It reminds me of the aunty jees hastily getting the dinner ready so everyone could go for Taraweeh. It reminds me of a childhood long gone but the essence of a Ramadan that still exists. No – I am not speaking about all the food and drink that we stuff ourselves with. But what the glass of Falooda represents. It represents families sitting around the table together, making dua and breaking the fast together. It represents the father teaching his son or daughter the Dua to break the fast with. It represents the mother lovingly serving her child the food she painstakingly made. It represents the Grandfather leading the family in Magrib prayer, all the generations praying shoulder to shoulder. Alhamdulillah for all this. There are many children and many families who cannot share this same experience. The orphans who’s parents who will never place their protective hands on their heads.The families who are broken and suffering. The elderly who have been left alone, abandoned by their loved ones.

My Glass of Falooda – more than just a cool, sweet pink milky bejewelled drink.  May Allah swt bless our lives with the “sweetness” of Iman (faith), love and peace. May He make our children the “coolness” of our eyes and may Allah swt “bejewel” our lives with Dignity, Respect and Modesty.

#Alhamdulillah #MyGlassOfFalooda #SweetPinkMilkyGoodness. #Coolness #Sweetness #Bejewelled.

Ramadan Reminder Day 12 – #Alhamdulillah for Forgiveness. As we enter the second 10 days of Ramadan our minds and hearts turn towards seeking Allah’s forgiveness during this time. This is based on the hadith of our beloved Prophet ﷺ said: “The first part of Ramadan is mercy, the second part is forgiveness, and the third part is emancipation from the Fire.” 
For all the sins we have performed during the year and our lives, this is the chance to beesech Allah swt for His infinite mercy and forgiveness. Allah has promised us that if we ask, that He will answer.

“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. 

O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you”. (Hadith al Qudsi).

The above Hadith shows clearly how Merciful our Lord is. Even if our sins reached sky high, Allah has promised us forgiveness. Alhamdulillah.

These are the days that we should look into the depths of our soul, and reflect each misdemeanor we have carried out, whether small or big and ask Allah to be  Merciful upon us. Don’t just ask with words, but beg for repentance with your heart. Be sincere in your request to Him and have Imaan (faith) that Allah will surely forgives us, like a father forgives his child.

Allah, Our Creator, the Lord of the Mighty Throne. The Lord of the Heavens and the Earth – if HE can be so forgiving and merciful, how can us mere mortals made from clay not do the same? Many a time our hearts are so hard that we cannot forgive each other for injustices done to us. We hold grudges for years on end and in our arrogance we forget to emulate the beautiful trait of our Lord of being Oft-Forgiving. Instead we follow in the steps of Iblis, and fuel the fire of egoistic pride. This fire of unforgivingness can be so intense that it burns ties of kinship and love between siblings, friends and even parent and child.

During these days of Forgiveness – ask Allah for Repentance. But open your own hearts and try to forgive that person you should have all those years ago. If we show mercy on others, surely Allah will show mercy on us. A person may be the most pious person there is – perfom all their prayers, do so much Nawaful (voluntary) prayers. Do EXTRA Nawaful prayers! Give all the charity in the world. Perfoms numerous Hajj and Umrahs. And yet the one thing that could stand between them and Jannah on the Day of Reckoning is – they did not soften their hearts and show forgiveness to others.

I am grateful to Allah for His promise to forgive us if we ask. Alhamdulillah for His Mercy towards us. I pray that Allah swt instills this forgiving nature in all of us and enable us to show mercy to others. Even if injustice may have been done to us, know that Allah is the Most Just. We can forgive in the knowledge that Allah will show justice to that person accordingly. I end by asking you to forgive me for anything that I may have said or done to you, unintentionally or willing and may Allah swt reward you for forgiving me.

The Prophet ﷺ said that: “Whoever suffers an injury and forgives (the person responsible), God will raise his status to a higher degree and remove one of his sins” (Al-Tirmidhi).

#Alhamdulillah #Forgiveness #Mercy #Repentance #BeautyOfRamadan #DontShowEgo

Ramadan Reminder Day 11 – #Alhamdulillah for the Innocence of Children. Children are a blessing from Allah. They are born on the state of Fitra (pure) and the innocence that have in them is something to be amazed about. As adults we get caught up and even tainted by the darkness and wickedness of this world. Materialistic desires cause us to chase after the Dunya (this world) like crazed foxes chasing rabbits. We gain tunnel vision and do not look around us to see who and what we are hurting, or how we are behaving in a quest to earn the treasures of this world. We moan, we complain and we argue with what has been meted out to us in life, and forget to consider that Allah has a plan for us.Yet children – they look at life differently. They have no ulterior motive, they accept the simple facts of life with ease and the Yakeen (belief) in Allah’s words and plans comes naturally to them. A beautiful example of this recently, was when my family and I were going through the personal loss in our lives. My little 7 year old neice from abroad was on the phone talking to my father. She very innocently and beautifully said “Yes Appa (Grandfather) I know Mami (aunty) lost her baby. But don’t worry Appa, Allah has taken him to Jannah (heaven) and Inshallah all will be fine. I am praying for her”. Subhanallah – how beautifully and readily a child had understood and accepted Allah’s will. Yet as an adult, we find it difficult and sometimes try to (unintentionally) question His plans.

The Innocence of Children – how magnificent it is. They inquisitively take pleasure in Allah’s creation. They wholeheartedly love another without inhibition or reserve. Their affection is boundless and their care is true. There is NO ulterior motive.

Perhaps for once we adults need to take a step back and learn something from our children. Let’s not be arrogant in thinking we know everything there is to know about life. Maybe, just maybe, we can learn something from the innocent antics of these children – and maybe we can become better individuals, and in turn better parents, guardian’s, mentors and role models.

Our beloved Prophet (s.a.w) said, “The best of you is one who gives a good education (intellectual and moral) to his children”

I am grateful for all my nieces and nephews and say Alhamdulillah for making me an aunty to such beautiful little beings. May Allah protect them and all our children from the harshness of this world. May He make them a source of inspiration for us all and enable them to be bright torches of light for future generations to come.

#Alhamdulillah #SmilingChildren #InnocenceOfChildren #BrightLightsOfTheFuture #PrayForOurChildren

Ramadan Reminder Day 10 – #Alhamdulillah for Taking a Walk. You maybe wondering whats so amazing about taking a stroll down my road? Why do I need to be thankful for that? Let me tell you, there are so many things I am grateful for as I took my 10 minute walk down my road today. After 2 weeks of resting at home and not going out, I finally opened my front door and basked in the warm rays of the evening sun. What a feeling it was. Alhamdulillah! I walked out and started down the path, and each step felt like a blessing. Alot had happened since my last walk down this road and the walk that I was taking now.  My life as I knew it had changed. Each small step I took gave me a chance to reflect on what happened. As I continued to walk, I had a new appreciation for what was around me. The beauty of the flowers and the trees gently swaying by the soft breeze reminded me that life ends, but by Allah’s will – life also begins and continues.  There is hope for the future and oneday again Allah will say
كن فيكون
“Be, and it is”.

As I strolled onwards I looked up and saw the serenity of the sky – how blue and clear it looked. It was as if the grey rainy weather of the past few days hadn’t even happened. This ironically, was almost a reflection of my life. It gave me a sense of peace realising that surely after a miserable storm comes the peace of the calm blue sky. It was as if this gorgeous sight up above was a sign that I too will have my own blue sky. Alhamdulillah.

As I began to walk back home, I became grateful to Allah for giving me the physical strength to even take these few short footsteps today. We (I say to myself first) take for granted what Allah has given us – the use of our legs and the ability to walk, run and jump when we need to. The many people in the world who are suffering a disabilty and cannot walk don’t have this blessing. Be grateful, and say Alhamdulillah for this Amanah (responsibility/trust) given to us by Allah. And remember that each step we take in this life we will be accountable for in the next, so try to make each step towards the path of goodness.

This short ten minute walk opened my eyes and heart to many things to be grateful for. It gave me a chance to say Alhamdulillah (All Thanks to Allah). Next time you go for an afternoon stroll, count and reflect on how many things YOU are grateful for. The outcome will surprise you.

“If you were to count Allah’s favors, you would not be able to number them; most surely humanity is very unjust, very ungrateful.” [Sūrah Ibrāhīm: 34] 

#Alhamdulillah #ForTakingAWalk #AFewShortFootsteps #BlueSkies #BeautifulFlowers #SwayingTrees #LegsToKeepGoing #Hope

Picture courtesy of: http://firestorm152.deviantart.com/art/Flower-path-362449372