وليمحص الله الذين امنوا ويمحق الكافرين

وَلِيُمَحِّصَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَيَمْحَقَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Kind,

El hamdulillah I am recovering from surgery. Just before my surgery I was informed despite taking a prolonged course of anti-biotics that I was still MRSA positive before my operation. So to prevent permanent disability the surgeon decided to proceed with my surgery but I was the last patient and I was kept in isolation on the ward.

Allah by His grace sent down sakeenah in my heart and I was hugely happy because I was happy with Islam as my religion and that the person I was a few years ago is now a different person all because of the book of Allah. So I told myself, if I will come out of this ok, the test does not end here. I am going to be tested again, more than likely differently. So be on guard. Like you need Allah now, you will need Him always, for every second and for every breath. 

The believer comes to understand everything is a test, the ease is a test, the hardship is a test, family is a test, children are a test, everything is a test. 

Now, not all of us are on a physical battlefield, but we are all on a spiritual battlefield. It’s tough sometimes, but Allah is always a dua away. The believer finds Him very close knowing that all is falling upon them is the decree of Allah. Allah is never ever unjust. Trials are great opportunities for coming back even closer to Him, ease should be expressed with gratitude and everyday is only opportune for doing as much good as we can.

We are always rolling from one test into other, but with firm belief we find ease in our hearts thanks to Allah. For Allah is with those who are with Him.

In a Hadith the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

“Whoever wants to know the standing he has with Allah, let him look to himself and the standing that Allah has with him. Allah grants a person the same standing as Allah has with that person.” (Tabarani al Aswat 2501).

May despite whatever is befalling us we try to see the bigger picture and come even more closer to Allah. One of the key ways of coming closer to Allah is thinking good of Him, despite the difficulty of the situation.

(Allahumma ameen).

If you have suffered injuries ˹at Uḥud˺, they suffered similarly ˹at Badr˺. We alternate these days ˹of victory and defeat˺ among people so that Allah may reveal the ˹true˺ believers, choose martyrs from among you—and Allah does not like the wrongdoers—

and distinguish the ˹true˺ believers and destroy the disbelievers.

Do you think you will enter Paradise without Allah proving which of you ˹truly˺ struggled ˹for His cause˺ and patiently endured?

You certainly wished ˹for the opportunity˺ for martyrdom before encountering it, now you have seen it with your own eyes.

Muḥammad is no more than a messenger; other messengers have gone before him. If he were to die or to be killed, would you regress into disbelief? Those who do so will not harm Allah whatsoever. And Allah will reward those who are grateful.

No soul can ever die without Allah’s Will at the destined time. Those who desire worldly gain, We will let them have it, and those who desire heavenly reward, We will grant it to them. And We will reward those who are grateful.

˹Imagine˺ how many devotees fought along with their prophets and never faltered despite whatever ˹losses˺ they suffered in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or give in! Allah loves those who persevere.

And all they said was, “Our Lord! Forgive our sins and excesses, make our steps firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”

So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah loves the good-doers.

O believers! If you yield to the disbelievers, they will drag you back to disbelief—and you will become losers.

But no! Allah is your Guardian, and He is the best Helper.

Razia Zahra's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan:140 - 150

This past decade has been tough for our ummah and humanity. Freedom movements that were crushed in the Middle East, Muslim persecution and oppression in China, Myanmar, Kashmir, and Africa, Anti-Muslim policies and islamophobia rampant in the West, bigoted and hawkish leaders in most of the world.

That said what we should be asking ourselves first and foremost is whether we are succeeding in this test? do we deserve to be empowered? Do we have doubt that victory is fully under Allah’s control? Are we in despair (did we lose hope in Allah’s mercy?

If we truly believe that Allah - exalted is he - is in control, then we would view the ups and downs as a test and ask ourselves where do we stand and what are we doing individually and as a community and are we putting our all to make a difference (they way we do in our jobs).

So renew your faith in Allah, be steadfast on his path, and be hopeful. Insha’Allah the #NewYear and #NewDecade will carry success for us and our ummah, and more importantly, firmness in our believe and hope regardless of outcomes, because we know he is in control, knows what is best for us, and that the hereafter is the permanent home.

Have firm belief and remember... (from cited ayahs)

And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith.

The ˹whole˺ matter rests with Allah before and after ˹victory˺. And on that day the believers will rejoice

Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers.

We alternate these days ˹of victory and defeat˺ among people so that Allah may reveal the ˹true˺ believers, choose martyrs from among you.

Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers.

in a nearby land. Yet following their defeat, they will triumph

within three to nine years. The ˹whole˺ matter rests with Allah before and after ˹victory˺. And on that day the believers will rejoice

O  my sons! Go and search ˹diligently˺ for Joseph and his brother. And do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah, for no one loses hope in Allah’s mercy except those with no faith.”

Amer Abbas's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan:139 - 141

#QuranWeeklyDose
#AllahLoves

In the second session of Quran Weekly Dose,  Brother <a href='/Mohannad'>@Mohannad</a> touched on the importance of ihsan to achieve Allah's SWT love. 

Ihsan is a mindset
Ihsan is like an operating system.
It should encompass all aspects of our lives.

How do I aim for ihsan?
I look at the stories of the Prophets AS. 
I read about their struggles,
 I read about their human fallibilities and I recognise their strengths. 
They are my ultimate role models.

I know with full certainty that Allah SWT loves His Prophets AS; 
Allah SWT never left them without His help and His support.
Their stories are relevant in the time I live now and will be relevant till the end of days.

May we continue to strive for excellence in everything we do 
May Allah SWT love us for trying
Aamiin.

And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful ˹of Allah˺.

˹They are˺ those who donate in prosperity and adversity, control their anger, and pardon others. And Allah loves the good-doers.

˹They are˺ those who, upon committing an evil deed or wronging themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness and do not knowingly persist in sin—and who forgives sins except Allah?

Their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and Gardens under which rivers flow, staying there forever. How excellent is the reward for those who work ˹righteousness˺!

Similar situations came to pass before you, so travel throughout the land and see the fate of the deniers.

This is an insight to humanity—a guide and a lesson to the God-fearing.

We certainly help Our messengers and the believers, ˹both˺ in this worldly life and on the Day the witnesses will stand forth ˹for testimony˺—

Allah has decreed, “I and My messengers will certainly prevail.” Surely Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty.

Sherene Mansor's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan:133 - 146

Badr. Uhud.
Not all of us will be tested with the experience of wars but the lessons learned are universal.

Victory is only Allah’s (SWT) domain. 
In clear instances of victory we openly rejoice, we give thanks to Him (SWT).

In what we see as defeat, we bow our heads in submission to only Him (SWT) and declare that He(SWT) is Enough.
Never ever should we allow the satanic thoughts of doubts; nor the wavering hypocritical voices to move this certainty either in clear victory nor in apparent defeat. 

When there is victory, we should enjoy the spoils of war and the sweetness of defeating our oppressors in accordance to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet SAW always in gratitude to Him (SWT) and not in arrogant self-pride and disobedience to Him (SWT).

As in our apparent defeat, we hold our heads high accepting His (SWT) decree upon us.  Constantly struggling and striving in His (SWT) Path till we either see victory here or true victory in the Hereafter.

May Allah grant us victory in dunya and victory in Akhirah, aamiin.

#DivineBookClub week 6
#Gaza

<a href='https://youtu.be/iT7D8XmYWYY?si=0cnQ9LVedNK3ih96' target='_blank'>https://youtu.be/iT7D8XmYWYY?si=0cnQ9LVedNK3ih96</a> 

˹Remember, O  Prophet,˺ when you left your home in the early morning to position the believers in the battlefield. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

˹Remember˺ when two groups among you ˹believers˺ were about to cower, then Allah reassured them. So in Allah let the believers put their trust.

Indeed, Allah made you victorious at Badr when you were ˹vastly˺ outnumbered. So be mindful of Allah, perhaps you will be grateful.

˹Remember, O  Prophet,˺ when you said to the believers, “Is it not enough that your Lord will send down a reinforcement of three thousand angels for your aid?”

Most certainly, if you ˹believers˺ are firm and mindful ˹of Allah˺ and the enemy launches a sudden attack on you, Allah will reinforce you with five thousand angels designated ˹for battle˺.

Allah ordained this ˹reinforcement˺ only as good news for you and reassurance for your hearts. And victory comes only from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise—

to destroy a group of the disbelievers and humble the rest, causing them to withdraw in disappointment.

Sherene Mansor's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan:139 - 143

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 Al-Baqara

Qualities of Believers: The Keys to Eternal Success

Surat Al-Imran ends with reminding us of qualities needed to be successful, as a type of continuation from the first page of Surat Al-Baqara. In fact, the entire Surah is filled with reminders about the qualities needed to be successful and in alignment with Surat Al-Baqara, taqwa, to be mindful of God or to adopt a God-centered lifestyle, is mentioned often throughout Surat Al-Imran. 

Additional qualities to nurture and embody our faith mentioned throughout these verses include:

*Patience
*Sincerity
*Devotion to Allah through extended worship
*Love for Allah and following the Prophet (peace be upon him) 
*Spending from what we love and being charitable and generous
*Dying in a state of full submission to Allah
*Unity and cultivating strong ties of brotherhood and sisterhood
*Racing to and seeking forgiveness, particularly before dawn, which is known to be a blessed time
*Control their anger and pardon others
*Grateful
*Rely on Allah alone and seek His aid
*Humble
*Those who show ihsan - moral and spiritual excellence

One may observe such a list of qualities and ponder about how to 'do it all' - and this is the beauty of faith, it can be nurtured like a seed, with sincerity, love for God through knowing Him and acknowledging His endless blessings, as well as with time, patience, effort, a faith support network, and asking God for His support and aid. Just like any goal we hope to achieve, these #lifegoals can be achieved through God’s grace.

In a world that pushes us to only seek external indicators of success through career, status, wealth, etc., God reminds us of the eternal indicators of success which are largely based on an internal process of tazkiya or purification and moral elevation. By strengthening our relationship with God, we can embody these qualities which enable us to actualize our purpose, find peace, success and contentment in this world, as well as in an eternal heaven. 

Which of these qualities would you like to nurture today? We can choose to focus on 1 or 2 at a time and keep nurturing them until we believe we can move on to the next one, while maintaining the qualities we have endeavoured to develop and remembering that we are not perfect human beings - that there will be shortcomings, and that is where the racing to and seeking forgiveness often comes in. We understand this is an ongoing journey of walking to God, with love, and with all of our humanness, and all of our hopes to be among those who can embody the qualities of eternal success in sha Allah. May we be among them, Ameen.

#Ramadanreflections
#Eternalsuccess
#qualitiesofbelievers
#ihsan #taqwa #sabr #love #lifegoals #success

˹It is they˺ who are patient, sincere, obedient, and charitable, and who pray for forgiveness before dawn.

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

It is out of Allah’s mercy that you ˹O Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.

˹As for˺ those who responded to the call of Allah and His Messenger after their injury, those of them who did good and were mindful ˹of Allah˺ will have a great reward.

Those who were warned, “Your enemies have mobilized their forces against you, so fear them,” the warning only made them grow stronger in faith and they replied, “Allah ˹alone˺ is sufficient ˹as an aid˺ for us and ˹He˺ is the best Protector.”

So they returned with Allah’s favours and grace, suffering no harm. For they sought to please Allah. And surely Allah is ˹the˺ Lord of infinite bounty.

That ˹warning˺ was only ˹from˺ Satan, trying to prompt you to fear his followers. So do not fear them; fear Me if you are ˹true˺ believers.

But those who are mindful of their Lord will be in Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there forever—as an accommodation from Allah. And what is with Allah is best for the virtuous.

Indeed, there are some among the People of the Book who truly believe in Allah and what has been revealed to you ˹believers˺ and what was revealed to them. They humble themselves before Allah—never trading Allah’s revelations for a fleeting gain. Their reward is with their Lord. Surely Allah is swift in reckoning.

O believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah, so you may be successful.

This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful ˹of Allah˺,

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

and who believe in what has been revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what was revealed before you, and have sure faith in the Hereafter.

It is they who are ˹truly˺ guided by their Lord, and it is they who will be successful.

And ˹remember˺ when the angels said, “O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.

O  Mary! Be devout to your Lord, prostrate yourself ˹in prayer˺ and bow along with those who bow down.”

It is not appropriate for someone who Allah has blessed with the Scripture, wisdom, and prophethood to say to people, “Worship me instead of Allah.” Rather, he would say, “Be devoted to the worship of your Lord ˹alone˺”—in accordance with what these prophets read in the Scripture and what they taught.

You will never achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah.

O believers! Be mindful of Allah in the way He deserves, and do not die except in ˹a state of full˺ submission ˹to Him˺.

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you—by His grace—became brothers. And you were at the brink of a fiery pit and He saved you from it. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so that you may be ˹rightly˺ guided.

R. Hamdi's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan:17

Themes found in Aal Imran:

Oneness of Allah and Guidance to the straight path: (1-32)
The surah begins by introducing us to Allah (SWT) and proofs of his dominance, stressing that Islam is universal guidance, and the Qur'an a confirmation of all previous revelations.
* 3:7: Allah categorizes the Qur’anic verses as Muhkamat (Clear) & Mutashabihat (Unclear). Muhkamat verses are the “mother of the book” as they guide our way to understanding the Mutashabihat (only Allah knows their true meaning, therefore there is no “correct” interpretation of these verses). The key to understanding these verses is to be humble, and sincere.
* Dua’s of the knowledgeable ones teaching us that knowledge should bring humility in us, not arrogance. After gaining knowledge, we should ask Allah for guidance.
* Material things are temporary and are bound to perish, while what lies with God is everlasting.
* 3:19: Islam is the only true religion in the sight of Allah and that Prophet Ibrahim (as) was a Muslim.

The family of Imran(3: 33-63)
The family of Imran forms the central narrative of this Surah teaching us lessons on piety, guidance, and Dua’s for righteous offsprings.
* The story of the wife of Imran (at the birth of Maryam) teaching how a righteous, sincere intention has a good effect on one’s child.
* The birth & life of Maryam (Mary), teaching us that Allah provides for whomever He wills without any limits. He provided Mary with fruits that were out of season and a miracle child. 
* Allah provided Prophet Zakariya (Maryam’s uncle) with a miracle child (Prophet Yahya) when he asked Allah for an heir
* The true narration of the birth and missions of Isa (as), his character traits, miracles, and the support of his disciples in the path of Allah. 
A Call to the People of the book (3: 64-100) 
* As they are being told this is the final testimony & revelation from Allah, confirming what they have.
* 3:70-71: They disbelieve in the verses of Allah while they were witnesses to the truth.
* Some people of the Book ‘distort the Scripture by altering the record of the Scripture in their care.
* Etiquette of discussing religion with people of other faiths. Shows the importance of talking about the similarities rather than the differences.
* 3:100: Expresses its central message of the Surah as it weighs carefully the consequences for the believers if they obey a party of the people of the Book they will misguide you from the path of God (To ‘obey’ here means to be led by, to follow) 
2. Calls to Believers (101-200):
* Be conscious of your affairs and avoid imitating others. A person dies the way he has lived.
* Importance of unity among Muslims standing up for righteousness and having the courage to speak up against the wrong.
* The people of the Book are not all alike in their doctrines and behaviors. Among them, there are virtuous and sincere believers. (3: 113)
* Short-term trials will come, but don’t lose heart. If you are true believers, you will succeed. Our beliefs, doctrines, and deeds are enriched and improved only through trial, understanding, intending, and then striving to practice the right thing.
* Battles of Badr and Uhud were mentioned explaining how we are supposed to deal with victory, and how we are supposed to deal with loss.
* Prohibition on consuming Riba (usury).
* The Qur’an is from Allah not the invention/preference of any individual man/woman, nor any tribe or clan, nor is it tied to any geographical/historical location.
* Pay allegiance to God, not Mohammad {SAW}, he will die, while God is ever-living. He was sent to us so that he could teach us the Qur’an, Sunnah, and wisdom. His life is a role model for us. We should try to emulate his character.
* Historical effects of believing and acting from belief are presented: there are both victory and defeat, both security and anxiety. Some understand that behind the unfolding of events all is from Allah unfolding as He wills. Others judge by their logic or the logic of events (3: 154).
* Seek purity and protection from sins from Allah. Spend in the way of God. If you commit an error, immediately become mindful and seek forgiveness.
* The Surah ends beautifully with a dua of the believers

#deenunraveled #islamquotes #islamiccenter #islamicquote #islamicreminders #islamicposts #islamic #deens #deenoverduniya #deenfirst #deengirl #deenhalal #deenaddict #qurani #quranmadina #quransayings #quranverse #quranicverse #quranquote #muslimah #muslims #muslimhumor #muslimwomen

Deen Unraveled's Reflection on Surah Aal-i-Imraan

Complimentary aspects with Al-Baqara
At the end of Surah Al-Baqarah, we asked Allah not to put a burden upon us that we can’t bear. The beginning and ending of Al-Imran starts with beautiful duʿas for guidance, thereby, continuing the theme of duʿas for guidance in Surah al-Fatiḥah and the end of Al-Baqarah.
* A beautiful link between Surah al-Baqarah and Surah Al ʿImran is the topic of piety. Surah al-Baqarah focuses on guidance towards piety, while Surah Al ʿImran gives us multiple examples of piety, miracles, prayers, and attitudes of these righteous people in the families of ʿImran (AS) and Zakariya (AS).
* Both chapters seem to be complimentary as Baqara starts with defining the behavior traits of those who take guard {Muttaqeen} and declaring them as Successful (2:5). Very interestingly, Aal Imran ends with the idea of achieving this state of success.
* While Baqara mainly dealt with the theoretical aspect of Islam, Aal Imran is more interested in “on the ground” realities [It talks about the implementation of “Islam” and prepares the reader for the resistance that is bound to come]. 
* Islam is repeated several times in Aal Imran, where Islam is the outward manifestation of the faith, whereas Iman is the inward manifestation of the faith, which is repeated several times in Surah Al-Baqarah

3: Surah Aal -Imraan (The Family of Imraan)
Attributes 
* Aal Imran (The Family of Imran).  A family from which many prophets came including Musa, Harun, Zakariya, and Yahya.
* Madani (revealed 3rd-4th year after Hijrah). 

Summary of some of its key topics:
* It revolves around two major issues: the debate with the People of the Book (the Jews and the Christians) and a review and assessment of the humiliating and tragic defeat suffered by the Muslims at the battle of Uhud 
* This surah addresses the people of the book more than any other surah in the Qur’an due to the high number of interactions that the Prophet (ﷺ) had with both Jews (of Madinah) and Christians (delegations from Najran who wanted to learn about Islam and its stance on Jesus and Mary).
* Qur’an is the criterion to refer to when deciding a matter (then sunnah). We must know Islamic law and live our life according to the teachings of the Qur’an.
* The Battle of Uḥud: the aftermath of the battle, reminding the believers that victory is from Allah and that disunity gets in the way of Divine Assistance. Unity is encouraged while division is discouraged throughout the Surah.