الله لا اله الا هو الحي القيوم لا تاخذه سنة ولا نوم له ما في السماوات وما في الارض من ذا الذي يشفع عنده الا باذنه يعلم ما بين ايديهم وما خلفهم ولا يحيطون بشيء من علمه الا بما شاء وسع كرسيه السماوات والارض ولا يئوده حفظهما وهو العلي العظيم

ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْحَىُّ ٱلْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُۥ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَّهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ مَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُۥٓ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِۦ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَىْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهِۦٓ إِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ ۖ وَلَا يَـُٔودُهُۥ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَلِىُّ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

Do you feel overwhelmed, overburdened, or fearful of something?

Try this - recite Ayat ul Kursi with full attention, taking time to think about the meaning of the words. Reflect upon your weakness and Allah's strength as you recite it.

Aren't you glad that Allah is with you?

What do you reflect upon when you recite Ayat ul Kursi?

Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.

A Siddiqui's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

When I recite ayat ul kursi, I think about what a disaster it would be if I had to rely solely on myself. I would fall apart if I didn't get sleep for a mere 24 hours. Even with some rest, I would feel drowsy without my morning coffee ☕️ 

Alhamdullilah, we have a Lord and Protector who never gets drowsy, never needs sleeps, and never gets tired of taking care of us ♥️

I think about Ayat ul Kursi when I get drowsy. It reminds me of how weak I am and how powerful Allah is. "Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him."

Next time you feel drowsy, reflect on how blessed you are to belong to the One who will never tire from watching over you.  

Oh Allah! We are weak and we need your protection. Please protect us from all harm and evil. Do not remove your protection from us, even when we have sinned! Forgive us and never leave us to ourselves, even for the blink of an eye.

And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak.

And if they do not comply, then know that Allah is your Protector. What an excellent Protector, and what an excellent Helper!

I have a coffee mug from a few years ago that says, “I may be wrong, but I doubt it.”

Ooooh, how things have changed since then. If I could rewrite it now, it would say, “I may be wrong, please correct me.”

Alhamdulillah for the ability not only to learn but to be open to mistakes and growth. 
The moment you assume you know everything, you shut the door to learning. 
You stop being a student. 
But when it comes to Islam, we are all lifelong learners.

We don’t know it all. 
No matter what we’ve been through or how much we’ve seen, we haven’t seen it all. 
We don’t have everyone all figured out.

There is only One who knows everything, and whatever knowledge we possess is only what He has willed for us to know.

And when we compare what we know to all there is to know, we realize—we don’t actually know much at all.

Subhanallah! 

“And they do not encompass anything of His knowledge except what He wills.” (2:255)

“They said, ‘Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us.’” (2:32)

“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” (20:114)

“Allah knows, while you do not know.” (2:216)

They replied, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”

Exalted is Allah, the True King! Do not rush to recite ˹a revelation of˺ the Quran ˹O Prophet˺ before it is ˹properly˺ conveyed to you, and pray, “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.”

Fighting has been made obligatory upon you ˹believers˺, though you dislike it. Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.

Khalisa M.'s Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

At times, I feel utterly alone, with no friends to talk to and no relief in sight. I often feel overwhelmed by the everyday challenges of life. The uncertainty of the future haunts me, and I grapple with the deep, inexplicable pain of lost friendships and the passing of loved ones. It feels as though my world is falling apart, leaving my heart shattered into a million pieces.

I hear the silent screams and whispers, and my tears reflect the sorrow and grief I carry.

In these moments, I forget that, O Allah! Ya, Rabbi! You are always watching over me and protecting me. Your mercy knows no bounds, and You never sleep nor do you ever feel drowsy. There is truly nothing to worry about.

I must remind myself that You are the Sustainer, and as a believer, I need to put my faith in You, even when relief seems out of reach.

Beenish Ameen's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

Top of the line security systems boast the ability to provide 24/7 surveillance via cameras, various types of sensors, wireless monitoring, and immediate reporting to local authorities. The better and more proven the reputation of the security company, the greater the sense of ease and security the owner feels. The security system signs displayed around the property send a message to criminals to "Stay away!  This is protected territory!"

While it's good to take whatever measures we can to protect ourselves within our means, nothing can compete with the security that Allah provides us in this world and in the unseen realm (al-ghaib).

Next time you recite Ayat ul Kursi, reflect on the attributes Allah chose to convey about Himself in this ayat...

Think about how being aware of those attributes is a blessing for you and for your sense of ease and security.

Think about all of the evil forces within the unseen realm getting the message, "Stay away! This is protected territory!"

May Allah protect our hearts, minds and souls. Ameen.

This ayah is an irrefutable statement of who our Lord is and the most basic tenets of submission to Him. It starts with the shadaha - our belief that there is One God and not God but Him. It recounts our belief in His ultimate power, and His existence out of the bounds of time - He precedes time itself. It describes that He needs nothing. It reminds us that He knows everything in every dimension. It reminds us that nothing is possible - nothing - without Him. All that we know, all that we do - it is all because He wills it as He has total control over all things. Even intercession - it is only by His Will - not an exception to it but rather only by His permission. With regards to worldview, this necessitates that our moral and ethical systems are based on our beliefs in Him and the unalienable rules and standards He set for us as He has willed for us. The ayah ends with a message that His kursi - which some have translated to ‘footstool’ - extends over the heavens and the earth. This gives the human mind an idea it can begin to comprehend - that something as small to us as a footstool covers all realms of His sovereignty. That all that we we know of the world and so much more that is incomprehensible to us is represented by something so small to Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.

#Project100 #MAS

Nora Nashawaty's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

I used to skip the parts of the Quran that described Allaah SWT.
I would focus on those parts that i thought were important; the rules and basically what was expected of me. 

Till I discovered a beautiful world; 
The world of knowing Allah SWT.

"The Jewels of the Quran" by Muhammad Abul Quasem, took my study of the Quran to a definitive turn. In this book, the author simplified the writings of Imam Al Ghazali rahimahullah. This was my first introduction to Imam Ghazali's writings  and his thoughts weighed heavy in me as I continued my Quran study.

I began to slow down and pay attention to the verses where he described as gems. It was like diving in the deep sea and discovering jewels! Different types  with their myriad of colours, cut and precious values.  I began to love these verses and I would mark them in my mushaf.
It has made the Quran come alive with so much more meaning because I now am drawn closer to the Speaker of these Words.

SubhanAllah! Alhamdulillah! Allahu Akbar!

I now seek for these gems  on my own and see if it coincided with Imam Ghazali's. 
It is fun and wholly absorbing!

I challenge you to come... 
Dive with me!

˹He is the One˺ Who has made the earth a place of settlement for you and the sky a canopy; and sends down rain from the sky, causing fruits to grow as a provision for you. So do not knowingly set up equals to Allah ˹in worship˺.

Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining.

He has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book in truth, confirming what came before it, as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel

previously, as a guide for people, and ˹also˺ revealed the Standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. Surely those who reject Allah’s revelations will suffer a severe torment. For Allah is Almighty, capable of punishment.

Surely nothing on earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah.

He is the One Who shapes you in the wombs of your mothers as He wills. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Almighty, All-Wise.

O People of the Book! Do not go to extremes regarding your faith; say nothing about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger of Allah and the fulfilment of His Word through Mary and a spirit ˹created by a command˺ from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers and do not say, “Trinity.” Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son! To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs.

The Messiah would never be too proud to be a servant of Allah, nor would the angels nearest to Allah. Those who are too proud and arrogant to worship Him will be brought before Him all together.

Sherene Mansor's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

Al Hayy is mentioned 5 times in the Quran 
And Al Qayyum is mentioned 3 times. 
All Qayyum is always mentioned with Al Hayy . 

How amazing is Al Hayy, who gives life to the dead hearts. 
Even the hearts that die because of sins, are pulled to Him in forgiveness. 
He brings about springs , to give life to plants 
And He brings about Ramadan to give life to the hearts. 
He is Al Qayyum, not only does He bring it into existence, but He sustains it. 
He watches you when you sleep at night, covering you with mercy ,
And He covers you in the day by protecting people from your sins. 
He keeps protecting you, until people think you've become righteous. 
And you start to believe that too. 
Untill Al Hayy drags you back to Him with the weight of your sins, and gives life to you again. 

استغفر الله العظيم الذي لا اله إلا هو الحي القيوم و أتوب إليه 

#Project100

Sajid's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

﷽

The recitation of Ayat al-Kursi is a profound encounter with the Divine—
a moment of transcendence where the soul finds its true home in the love and mercy of Allah.

Let's delve into its translation for a deeper connection with our Lord:

"Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining." This opening declaration affirms the oneness of Allah and His unique status as the only deity deserving of worship. He is described as "the Ever-Living" (Al-Hayy), emphasizing His eternal existence, and "the All-Sustaining" (Al-Qayyum), highlighting His role as the sustainer and maintainer of all existence. This conveys the idea that Allah is not only the creator but also the one who continuously sustains and nurtures His creation.

"Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him." This statement emphasizes the incomparable nature of Allah's existence. Unlike human beings who experience fatigue and rest, Allah is beyond such limitations. He is ever vigilant and watchful over His creation, never ceasing in His care and protection.

"To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth." This declaration underscores Allah's absolute ownership and authority over all that exists in the universe. Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and He has complete control over it.

"Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission?" This rhetorical question highlights Allah's sovereignty and ultimate authority. No one can intercede on behalf of another without Allah's permission. This emphasizes the principle of divine justice and accountability, as all actions and requests are subject to Allah's will and decree.

"He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺." This verse speaks to the comprehensive knowledge of Allah. He knows everything that has happened in the past, is happening in the present, and will happen in the future. However, His knowledge is beyond human comprehension, and only what He chooses to reveal to His creation is accessible to them.

"His Seat encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him." This imagery depicts the vastness of Allah's dominion. His "Seat" or "Throne" (Al-Kursi) encompasses the entire universe, and His ability to sustain and maintain it is effortless and inexhaustible. This verse highlights the boundless power and majesty of Allah.

"For He is the Most High, the Greatest." This concluding statement reiterates Allah's exalted status and supreme greatness. He is above all creation, and His attributes surpass any human conception of greatness. This serves as a reminder of the absolute sovereignty and majesty of Allah, deserving of utmost reverence and submission from His creation.

Ya Allah, make us among those who recite Ayat al-Kursi with sincerity and understanding, and bless us with its immense rewards. Ameen.

Mfayyaz's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him, the Ever-Living, All-Sustaining. Neither drowsiness nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who could possibly intercede with Him without His permission? He ˹fully˺ knows what is ahead of them and what is behind them, but no one can grasp any of His knowledge—except what He wills ˹to reveal˺. His Seat1 encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not tire Him. For He is the Most High, the Greatest.2

Ebrar Rabmal's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

Al-`Aẓīm means ‘to be imposing and great’. It is general enough that, as Ibn Al-Qayyim says, it encompass all kinds of greatness. And so this Name should shift our attention: do not be distracted by the shiny lights, and do not forget that the real standards for greatness are those set by God Almighty. The Most Great is the One who defines for us the meaning of greatness. So a person can be ‘great’ according to human standards. A person can be great and elevated through their ethics, character and manners. The best way to be great in the Eyes of God Almighty is to follow His beloved Messenger ﷺ.

Learn more: https://the99names.com/names/34.html

To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And He is the Most High, the Greatest.

So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Greatest.

J Yousef's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:255

Reading these two surahs and listening to them in taraweh over the last few days has reminded me just how special they are

Salah's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

I had read a few translations of the Qur’an several times during my teenage years. I was marvelled by the science of the Qur’an. Yet, I didn’t really contemplate about the Prophets peace be upon them all, the Day of Judgment and death.  I believe I had not ‘experienced’ much about life and especially I had not suffered much loss during my youth. 

Then one day, it was as though the Qur’an was ‘forced upon me’ by Allah through our Qur’an group ‘Quran Crew’; for Muslim women a small but growing group who come from various parts of the world. I realised then Guidance and invitation to the Qur’an only comes from Allah. It is Allah only who can open a person’s heart. 

In my early days of contemplating the Qur’an with our taddabur group, I had forgotten my books (that I habitually carry) whilst travelling. I had my children’s iPad and I felt the urge to read whilst as a passenger in the car. I saw some ‘kindle books’ and decided to look for a book. I found ‘The Book of Aphorisms’ or ‘Kitab Al Hikam’ by Ibn Ata Illah (an esteemed scholar from Egypt and praised by Ibn Taymmiyah). 

The cover was relatively unappealing but something drew me to this book and as I turned the pages I read the following:

“When Allah unfolds a realm of knowledge for you, get rid of the feeling that you are not qualified for that in terms of deeds. He opened up  that for you because He wanted to make Himself known to you. Don’t you know that the knowledge was His presentation for you, while the deeds were yours for Him and, of course, your presentation will be zilch compared to that of Him.”  (Pg 5).

Having read this, I was astounded I had recently had miracle encounter with a sister from another part of the world and together we formed a taddabur group. I struggled against this responsibility. Afterwards, shortly I discovered Quran Reflect. For four years, I have been turning the pages of the Qur’an deeply contemplating on most days. I consider this nothing but a miracle and the Generosity of Allah towards me. I also know there are beautiful stories from mankind of how they discovered the Qur’an. All coming to the conclusion that this is truly the Mercy of Allah. 

Yet, the Qur’an carries responsibility and the responsibility of action, adherence and trust upon Allah. It’s not a gift to be taken without huge gratitude, a gratitude that must be given every single day. 

I was once in my tajweed class and I was struggling and my teacher from Egypt she told me ‘ask Allah for help, ask Allah to make it easy’ so I had this habit to ask Allah to make things easy and I realised I should do the same when applying the Qur’an to make it easy. For often the soul will struggle against the temptations of this world. 

I must contemplate always this gift, this invitation to follow and show my gratitude by implementing the Qur’an and always being in awe of Allah and always remembering He indeed is the Most Gracious and ever so Merciful. Yet, I need His help to follow. 

This ayah in a good way frightens me. I know if I am sincere with Allah, He will be with me. So I ask for His help to guide me with His Blessed Book.

Those We have given the Book follow it as it should be followed. It is they who ˹truly˺ believe in it. As for those who reject it, it is they who are the losers.

O Children of Israel! Remember My favours upon you and how I honoured you above the others.

You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help.

Razia Zahra's Reflection on Surah Al-Baqara:121 - 122

The fruit that a plant bears depends on the seed that we sow.When allah provides us with seeds,we have to nurture and water it in a good fertile soil so that it produces lot and lot of fruits,flowers and seeds.

Throughout our lives Allah is constantly planting seeds of faith in our life and calling us to also plant seeds of faith in the lives of others, on an ongoing basis.

Remember —a farmer who plants good quality seeds,in a highly fertile soil generously will get a great crop.

TO REAP GREAT BENEFITS

*the soil(heart) has to be fertile with faith.
We should make our heart clean and pure to reap good harvest.

*good watering and light is required to yield good crop.
      With Allahs mercy and light,when a fertile heart receive rain of benefial knowledge,it grows abundantly.
 
*we can produce more and more crops by sowing the seeds from our own crops.If the root is strong and deep,we can reap crops in plenty and in good quality .

             Likewise for each good deed that we do with strong faith and sincerity,we get a great harvest eventhough we may not see it now.Once seed is sown allah will make it grow and allah increases it,and we continue to reap the benefits.SUBHANALLAH

🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

*The weeds and parasites growing around the crops if not checked and rooted out, from to time, it is likely that they’ll take over and kill the crops.  

Similarly, the faith and righteous deeds must be cleared of the weeds of hypocrisy and innovation.May Allah protect us all....
 
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah the Exalted says: Except for fasting, for it is done for my sake and I will reward it.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1151, Grade: Sahih


Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

None gives charity from what is good, for Allah only accepts what is good, but that the Merciful takes it with His right hand. Even if it is a date, it is nurtured in the hand of the Merciful until it becomes greater than a mountain, just as one of you nurtures his young horse or camel.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1014, Grade: Sahih

SUBHANALLAH....
ALHAMDULILLAH...
May Allah help us to remember that whenever we are giving sadaqa,it goes directly to Allahs right hand.May Allah pour his mercy upon us to race to earn his immense pleasure....Aameen.

Allahu akbar kabeera
Walhamdulillahi kaseera
Wasubhanallahi bukrathan wa aseela.....


# spend
# charity
# good deeds
# Allah increases

The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.

Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow their charity with reminders of their generosity or hurtful words—they will get their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

And the example of those who donate their wealth, seeking Allah’s pleasure and believing the reward is certain, is that of a garden on a fertile hill: when heavy rain falls, it yields up twice its normal produce. If no heavy rain falls, a drizzle is sufficient. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

Whatever charities you give or vows you make are surely known to Allah. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers.

Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.

who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them,

O believers! Donate from what We have provided for you before the arrival of a Day when there will be no bargaining, friendship, or intercession. Those who disbelieve are ˹truly˺ the wrongdoers.

And Allah increases in guidance those who are ˹rightly˺ guided. And the everlasting good deeds are far better with your Lord in reward and in outcome.

So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful.

O believers! Do not let your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. For whoever does so, it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers.

And donate from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you, and you cry, “My Lord! If only You delayed me for a short while, I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.”

So do not falter or cry for peace, for you will have the upper hand and Allah is with you. And He will never let your deeds go to waste.