In his book, Adab an Nufus, Imam al Muhasibi (d.243H) writes on different topics related to the control of the nafs, the lower self, and its cravings, urges and desires. How to improve it and purify it. Imam Al-Muhasibi, a master in this field, wrote from his experience. In this chapter he focused on…
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday will have a light between this Friday and the next. (Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Hakim) An ayah which we recite every Friday from Surah Kahf describes the world around us: And present to them the…
We are still in isolation, still trying our best to keep safe. Whatever happens, we know that it is what Allah Almighty destined for us. All we can do is be careful: not be panicked or over the top, not act with fear. We just do whatever we can, and the rest is in Allah…
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) passed while some of his companions were laughing and talking. He said to them: By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If you know what I know you should laugh very little and weep a lot. Then he…
Dhikr for every morning and evening 1. Ayat ul Kursi Allah! There is no god but He – the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor Sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as he permits? He knows what…
O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek wasila the [means of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed. (5:35) يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَابْتَغُوا إِلَيْهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُوا فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ yaa ayyuha-lladheena aamanu-ttaqu-llaaha wabtaghoo ilayhil waseelata wa jaahidoo fee sabeelihee la’allakum tuflihoon Tawassul Seeking…
I’d like to share two thoughts with you. The first one is about Sha’ban, which started a couple of days ago and the second is self-isolation. Sha’ban As Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated the Prophet (peace be on him) used to fast in Sha’ban more than any other month. Aishah (may Allah…
Sadly there is widespread confusion over whether to perform ghusl over those who have passed away due to the coronavirus. Need for clarity As well as the distress and bereavement of losing loved members of the family and community, there is anxiety among families on the issue, and a need for clarity and assurance that the…
Signs الإعراض والاستغفار What we are going through is very severe. But also very special. We have read in history about plagues and famines and calamities but we never lived through one of these. Subhanallah Allah in his destiny has written that we would live this moment. This calamity. Let’s reflect on why Allah sent these…
What are we supposed to make of this? The first ayah which came to my mind in this calamity is in Surah Baqarah, when Allah Almighty said: And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient…
Love for people what you love for yourself, you will be a good Muslim. (Tirmidhi) Why did the Prophet (peace be on him) say this? What is the core of this message? Love is the antidote to envy When you wish good for someone it is an antidote to envy. (Though it is fine to…
Allah Almighty said: We will certainly test you with some fear and hunger, and some loss of possessions and lives and crops. But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155) وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ The Coronavirus is a test for us all Without doubt…
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ We will certainly test you with some fear and hunger, and some loss of possessions and lives and crops. But give good news to the steadfast. (2:155) الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ Those who, when a calamity…
Ascending levels of spirituality: Sabr – khawf – mahabbah Al-Imam Al-Muhasibi’s* book “Ādāb An Nufus” has very deep reflections on how to discipline yourself, and how to increase your closeness to Allah Almighty by moving higher step by step, which is unique. Level 1 – Sabr (Patience) He defined sabr as going against what you…
Being good to your neighbour. Even if he is bad to you. Being good to someone who is good to you is easy. Being good to someone who is not good to you, is hard. This is why being good to your neighbour is a sign of imaan. Allah Almighty says in Surah Fussilat: The…