The morning and evening supplications (Azkar) hold immense significance in protecting us from the influence of Shaytan, magic, the evil eye, and unforeseen accidents.

Today, during the morning as I got ready for prayer, my youngest son accidentally swallowed a candy, and it got stuck in his throat. I rushed to administer first aid, and thankfully, the candy came out. Alhamdulillah. This incident reminded me of the importance of consistently reciting Azkar and seeking Allah’s protection, as our greatest enemy, Shaytan, is always lurking nearby, looking for opportunities to harm us.

Quranic Example: The Dua of Maryam's Mother

The Quran highlights a powerful supplication made by the mother of Maryam (AS) upon her daughter’s birth:

فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَضَعْتُهَا أُنثَىٰ ۖ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلْأُنثَىٰ ۖ وَإِنِّي سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّيٓ أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ
Translation:
'So when she delivered her, she said, 'My Lord, I have delivered a female.' And Allah was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. 'And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her and her descendants in You from Satan, the expelled one.''
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:36)

This Dua reflects the deep concern of a mother for her child’s protection from Shaytan and other evils, a concern shared by every parent. Allah accepted her supplication, and Maryam (AS) and her offspring, Isa (AS), were protected and chosen for great roles in human history.

Prophetic Example: Protection for Children

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to recite these protective words over Hasan (RA) and Husayn (RA):

 'أُعِيذُكُمَا بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ، وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ'
Translation:
'I seek refuge for you in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, every poisonous creature, and every harmful eye.'
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3371)

He also mentioned that these were the same words of protection used by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for his sons, Ismail (AS) and Ishaq (AS).

These examples from the Quran and Sunnah emphasize the power and necessity of seeking Allah’s refuge for ourselves and our children.

Parents should make morning evening Azkar a daily habit, not only for themselves but also for their children, as it ensures protection from visible and unseen harms.

Let us remain consistent in these acts of worship, especially in a world full of distractions, remembering that Allah's protection is our ultimate shield.

May Allah grant us and our children safety, guidance, and steadfastness in faith. Ameen.

Gender Distinction and Inclusivity

Verse-36 Gender Distinction
There is a beautiful theme of Gender distinction in the first half of Surah where Allah SWT declares gender distinction by highlighting their unique capabilities and strengths. it's when the mother of Maryam(R.A) was surprised by the birth of a girl, feeling inadequate and insignificant for the cause she had consecrated the child for. Allah SWT highlights the unique and distinctive capabilities of both genders.
Spiritually, The exceptional capabilities and uniqueness of Maryam(R.A) was/is acknowledged by the society. Her accomplishments are unparalleled. She was indeed the best woman of her time, and her legacy continues to inspire and awe people around the globe. And culturally, This distinction paved the way for women to identify their unique capabilities and revolutionized the discriminatory beliefs and practices. ( Maryam (R.A) serving in the temple).

To date, this gender distinction continues to play a vital role,  highlighting the unique capabilities and strengths of both men and women, enabling them to utilize their talents and abilities in their respective lives, and strive to please their Lord by maximizing their potential.

Verse-195 (Gender İnclusivity)
In the last passage of the Surah there is a theme of Gender inclusivity, when it comes to reward and acknowledgement Allah acknowledges all the efforts made by all His servants regardless of gender. those who were driven out of their homeland, traumatized, killed, all of them, regardless of their gender will receive equal reward from their Lord. where the first half encourages and paves way for believing men and women to maximize their potential for their Lord. The last passage acknowledges those efforts and gendered potential of believers which they put to promote the message of Allah. This declaration  values their sacrifices and comforts them with an inclusive reward.
 
Solution for the Contemporary Gender Crisis
These particular sections of the surah also address the current gender crisis, where one group advocates for gender distinction and the other believes that human progress is hindered by it. The Quran provides us with a middle path and explains how both perspectives play a crucial role in their respective contexts, contributing to comprehensive development. When we provide space for diversity and distinction and acknowledge those distinctive efforts in an inclusive manner we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all individuals. 

(It's only what I could understand , Allah knows best. You  can completely disagree with me if you find it contrasting with the essence of the message given in these verses. I welcome your suggestions and advice on this topic to have a deeper understanding of Allah's word)



That is another meaningful addition to this perspective, and I think this last passage of surah Al-Imran sets ground for the upcoming themes in the next chapter (An-Nisa) .... 

The mother of Hazrat Maryam (R.A) had made a vow to dedicate to Allah whatever was in her womb. Her intention was to have a son, this is what caused her husband to express his concern that if a daughter were born instead, she would be unable to fulfill the role expected of her due to societal norms and gender biases. And so, when Maryam (R.A) was born, her mother was  wondering how a daughter could possibly serve the cause she  had consecrated the child for, given the societal constraints and physical shortcomings. Yet, she trusted in Allah's wisdom and dedicated her daughter to His service.

 Often, we await the fulfillment of our desires, the achievement of a goal, or the solution to a problem, so that we may express our gratitude to Allah and dedicate the outcome to His path. However, our minds become fixated on our own objectives, and we forget Allah's wisdom. We remember our desires but neglect Allah's plan. 

If we receive something other than what we asked for, or if we are diverted from our intended goal and receive a different blessing instead, we often fail to recognize it as a blessing and instead lament that our original desire was not fulfilled.

 We may even ruminate on the fact that our intention was genuinely sincere, we had resolved to consecrate our desired goal to Allah's pleasure, and that we hadn't neglected the Almighty in our thoughts; nevertheless, Allah chose not to bestow it upon us.
This is one of the whispers of Satan, this isn't faith, but consumerism. we want Allah to give us our desired objective so we could use some of it for His cause

 At such times, we should adopt the wisdom of Hannah and reflect on how we can dedicate the blessings we have received to Allah's path. We should not be disheartened by the change in circumstances but rather use our intellect to recognize the blessings we have received and utilize them as a means of drawing closer to Allah. For, to be deceived by our own desires and become disheartened is to fall prey to Satan's whispers, and we must remain vigilant like the mother of Maryam(R.A) against this enemy.

May Allah make it easy for us all to discern His wisdom and favor us with the privilege of His companionship.

Thank you sister for sharing this beautiful reflection on the story of Hazrat Maryam (R.A) and her mother's unwavering trust in Allah's wisdom. Your insights about dedicating our blessings to Allah's path and not becoming disheartened by unexpected outcomes are truly inspiring. Jazak Allah Khair for being a regular contributor!

*Warning:sensitive reflection about death* 

Sama, a small girl passed away today infront of the masjid while playing on her scooter as result of an accident. 

Something has been pulling my heart ever since I saw her picture and heard about her , and it dragged me to this verse. Imagine the pain her parents are going through. May Allah Grant them ease and raise their ranks for this loss they suffered. 

Everytime a Muslim child dies , it hurts me the most. Because it's so hard for Muslims to get married. It's so hard to bring a child into this world. It's so hard to raise children in and near the masajid. 

And just for Maghrib sh Ahmed recited , the story of Maryam in surah aali Imran. Subhaan Allah. 

و ليس الذكر كالأنثى



Her parents will not see her grow up in this world. 

It reminds me of a question I asked the shiekh just a few days ago. 

Can I have children in Jannah , that are born like children are born in this world. Can I watch the children grow up and develop. As that's something that brings pleasure to me and some people. 

He recited this verse, and explained that Jannah has things we cannot imagine. What ever khair, that brings pleasure will be given to them. 

I ask Allah , that her parents are reunited with her in Jannah in a way that brings pleasure to them. So much so that this pain they feel right now is rendered nothing.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raj’un.
Aameen to all your duas.

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

Allah bestows upon you, but He in His infinite wisdom bestows upon us both similarly and differently.

We  cannot all be the same, we don’t have the same resources, abilities and even difficulties. We are currently in the blessed month of Ramadan. All praise is due to Allah for this month, a mercy for each and everyone of us. 

What caused me to contemplate upon these verses was that the wife of Imran (the father of Maryam Alahas salaam) was prepared to give from what Allah has given to her - Maryam Alahas salaam. She delivered a ‘boy’ and the ‘male is not like the female’ having different and similar capacities, mostly men being physically stronger. Yet, the wife of Imran was sincere in her intention and dedication. Allah accepted her dedication and in a time of Prophets peace be upon them all - Zachariah (AS) and later Yahya (AS) came Maryam. She was under the guardianship of Zachariah (AS) and Allah sent her provisions which surprised Zacharias. She was given a good upbringing. She later became the mother of Prophet Eesa (Alahis salaam). The wife of Imran gave from what she had and she didn’t become disheartened that she delivered a  girl, that she wouldn’t be any less? And Allah knew before she knew that she would be a girl. Indeed Allah is Most Appreciative. 

I look deeply into what Allah has given me and I ask myself perhaps what I have been given is more than others or less than others, but Allah has given me many things and I can only offer from what He has given me. But I must give from what Allah has given me sincerely. If we give, then Allah has power over all things and perhaps whatever we are willing give can manifest into something very special. Indeed Allah is the Most Appreciative.

Give from whatever you have been blessed with to the service of Allah or in the cause of Allah and don’t be afraid to give what seems even less than others might give. Give sincerely. 

#ramadanreflections   

بِسْمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيْمِ

Allah promises that charity given sincerely will be multiplied many times over.  
Here is what Qur'an says;
  “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.” (Qur’an 2:261)

Whoever's intention is sincere, his ambition will be realised.

Whenever we dedicate something purely for Allah’s cause, be assured that Allah will protect it, nourish it, and elevate it.

Here, the mother of Maryam (AS) makes a sincere pledge to Allah, devoting what is in her womb for His sake and His sake only. The word she employs in her dua is 'Muharrar,' which can be understood as 'free from any other motives'—purely for Allah. This unblemished pledge, followed by an earnest request to Allah fro acceptance, did not just result in the birth of one of the greatest women, but also of one of the greatest prophets, Eesa (AS). And through them, Zakariyya (AS) was inspired to make dua for a noble prophet to be born—Yahya (AS).

Whenever we dedicate something purely for Allah’s cause, be assured that Allah will protect it, nourish it, and elevate it.

No doubt the purity of Maryam's mother's intention is manifested in the purity of Maryam AS, as Allah says: 'And ˹remember˺ when the angels said, 'O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, (3:42) 

As for Allah elevating Maryam AS- this is manifested in the fact Allah granted Maryam AS a special place among mankind, as the Quran mentions: and chosen you over all women of the world. (3:42) 

As for Allah's protection:' Whenever Zachariah visited her in the sanctuary, he found her supplied with provisions. He exclaimed, 'O Mary! Where did this come from?' She replied, 'It is from Allah. Surely Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.' (3:37)

Applying this to our lives, make a pledge to Allah and dedicate to Him your work, your children, and your projects. Rest assured that Ar-Rahman will protect them, nourish them, and elevate them.

Finally, as stated by Ibn Ata’illah:

'Let not the intention of your aspiration shift to what is other than He,
for one’s hopes cannot outstrip the Generous.'

Subhanallah 
May Allahswt bless you Aameen Ya Rabb 🤲

We may not receive what we thought we would or what we wanted because Allah has a much greater and more fulfilling plan for us - one that we could not possibly even imagine.

In these verses, we are told the story of the mother of Maryam, who thought she would have a male
child who would be dedicated to the service of God. 

Instead, she had a female child, Maryam, whom Allah not only accepted graciously, but chose her over *all the women of the world*. 

And then Allah chose her again to be the only woman in the entire history of humanity to give a miraculous birth to Prophet Jesus peace be upon him.

So though she did not fit the ‘original plan’ of her mother to be a male dedicated to the worship of God, her mother still encouraged her to be dedicated to the worship of God and Maryam was chosen to deliver a legacy to humanity that no woman before her or after her would. Can you imagine the honour ? Can you imagine the beauty and the wisdom of the plan of Allah ? 

Can we put our trust in Allah that when we don’t receive what we want, there’s a greater wisdom and a greater plan that extends beyond our understanding and imagination ?

Subhanallah....Allahu khairul makireen....

هنالك دعا زكريا ربه
' Then and there Zachariah prayed to his Lord'

And so should we...

Oh Allah - 
Grant us—by your grace—righteous offspring
Accept us and our offspring the way you accepted Mary (peace be upon her)
Bless us and our offspring with a pleasant upbringing the way you have accepted Mary (peace be upon her)
Entrust us and our offspring the way you've entrusted Mary to the best people and best company
Invite us to your sanctuaries and make us devoted to you the way Mary was
Provide us with provision and conviction without limits or conditions, as you have done with Mary (peace be upon her)

رب هب لي من لدنك ذرية طيبة إنك سميع الدعاء
'My Lord! Grant me—by your grace—righteous offspring. You are certainly the Hearer of ˹all˺ prayers.'

We have many  things Allah is teaching us through this story. I can only think of fews. 
Let's go back to the beginning of the story for a moment. 
Sarah, Maryam's mother, vowed to place the child in Allah’s service when she became pregnant with Maryam, believing that it would be a boy!  That is why, after the birth of Maryam, she says to Allah  that she gave birth to a female (as if Allah doesn't know!)

In the first situation,  initially she assumed she had conceived a boy. That is why she vowed with certainty that she would place this child in the service of God. 
Lesson: We humans assume with such confidence, sometimes with little knowledge and other times without any knowledge. 

In the second situation, when she informs Allah that she gave birth to a girl to which Allah responds that Allah already knows because he is the one chosen girl for her! 
Lesson: Sometimes We think Allah is unconcerned about our problems or the situations we find ourselves in,  when he is the one who put us in any troubled situation! 
We assume a lot! 
Another thing that keeps coming to my mind as I read this beautiful story is that we have no idea which of our large or small actions, apart from prescribed religious acts, are actually considered serving Allah. 
Allah is the one He accepts our dua and assists us in keeping our promises, but in accordance with his plan.  That’s his power. For example, a girl may grow up with the desire to be a doctor in order to serve Allah  by serving others. She does become a doctor, but she is unable to practice. Instead She is taking care of her family by cooking cleaning and dropping off the kids to schools, activities and doctors! It's extremely frustrating for her in this case!  However, Is it possible that Allah has accepted her dua to serve Allah by serving her family and children rather than treating patients? 
Let us now consider Maryam's situation. When her mom  prayed, Allah actually accepted her prayer. But Allah decided to defy social norms and establish his wills that this time a girl will be chosen for an example for Allah’s service, despite her mother's belief  due to restrictions of society during that time that only boys would be able to serve Allah conventionally. 'And the male is not like the female.' 
So be cautious about what you vow for! Because our vows are also a test.  
Of course! The pious mother of Maryam  Passed the test and fulfilled her promise.  

This amazing verses demonstrates how 'human' perceptions are limited because we are so accustomed to thinking in traditional ways that we are unable to think outside the box!

Mashaallah! Makes me want to know more about the dear mother of our Prophet, peace be upon him.  And his father and grandmother and grandfather.  