Fear is the Core of Iman and Knowledge

This is very common. People acquire knowledge of the Quran, Allah (the Exalted)'s Divine Word, and the Hadith (blessed words of Prophet Mohammad (peace on him and his progeny)) but they still are not able to become role model Muslims. People pray 5 times a day like an exercising ritual, brilliant sit ups, but cannot deliver the essence of their prayers in their lives. The missing element, I realized while reading the tafsir (Quran's meaning), is the fear of the Lord Himself. You cannot achieve perfection in faith and knowledge unless you embellish your heart with the fear of Allah.

Started Surah Al-Baqarah

Earlier today I was very depressed and frustrated because household chores have been keeping me from resuming my reading of Quran's tafsir (meaning). I decided to make time by utilizing the spare "breathing minutes" that I get I between chores. It's tough but it's high time and I am calling for desperate measures. I have a 10 volume tafsir set to complete.

The Beginning of Al-Baqarah

Today I read the introductory verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a surah (chapter of the Quran) that was revealed in Madinah and there are multiple ahadith (sayings of Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings on him and his progeny) which highlight its virtues. 

• Recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah gets one's house rid of Shaytan (the Devil)
• Recitation of the first 4 verses, verses of Ayat Al-Kursi, it's following 2 verses, and the last 3 verses will protect one's house and one's family from the devil.
• Surah Baqarah and Surah Al-e-Imran will intercede for those who memorize them and will shield them on the day of Judgment.

The tafsir also elaborated that:

• The Quran, like its Author, Allah (swt), is a doubt-free Book without faults and flaws.
• Only Allah chooses whom to guide or misguide.
• Guidance only comes to those who seek it and who avoid the wrong/harmful in order to be guided.
• Only the muttaqeen (who have taqwa (the will to avoid/fear)) are rightly guided.

Reading continues, inshaAllah ...

Productive Ramadan Tips

Productive Ramadan is one of the best websites you can stay tuned in to in order to plan effectively for the Ramadan season. I couldn't help but adore their wonderful tips that they've put up. They have started with the advice of having sincere intentions. This implies that one is not fasting to follow a social norm or to impress somebody. Proactive planning is essential, as with all goal setting. Here, they've mentioned how keeping a Ramadan diary with effective tools like the Productive Ramadan Taskinator can help you stay on track. There is an emphasis on not missing the Suhoor. It is simply foolish to act macho and skipping the most important meal.

Ramadan Diaries 2012, inshaAllah

Ramadan is fast approaching, like a train, and we're almost at the railroads. The deal is, what type of an encounter shall we have? Shall we collide head on, caught off guard, or we shall be ready to board it properly and enjoy the journey? inshaAllah, if we're prepared we'll make the most of it. I, for one, am highly impatient about Ramadan because it's this immensely beautiful month when I can really feel the closeness to Allah, no kidding. I am no mystic, no saint, but I do feel that I am able to connect with Him and my prayers are so, so better. I have sought the ultimate solution to make the most of this month. I have taken a break from my MBA courses.

There were concerns about my decision because, as Pakistani families think, time is running out and I have to graduate before Armageddon hits us! However, I was pretty firm about it, mashaAllah ... for once my decision making did not falter. That's how it is in Allah's matters. I feel that with my attention focused on Ramadan alone and not racing with time to complete assignments and class discussions, I shall be able to live the spirit of the beautiful season, inshaAllah. I wish to start a nice Tahajjud routine, followed by some seriously dedicated reading of the Tafsir, and shall top it with some more extra prayers during the day.

I do have a theme for this year's Ramadan Diaries. I am aiming at overcoming the horrors of my mind, inshaAllah. They've been created by Shaytan, who else? Since he shall take a hike to Hell as usual during Ramadan, I wish to conquer those fears and bury them away forever. I feel I must let go, and there is no better time than Ramadan to turn over a new leaf.

Stay with me ...

The Path Surrounded by Walls

"Your religion has so many restrictions."

"Muslim (Muslim women, specially) are so captivated."

"The Shariah is such an enslavement."

AHEM!

I hear that a lot, we all hear that a lot. But then the theological perspectives of the modern world elaborate that religion introduces a discipline in the 'Law of the Jungle', the immense social chaos. Then why double standards when the Islamic Law (Shariah), as sent down by the Almighty Himself, is the universal code of discipline? That's a question.

I am reading the exegesis (Tafsir), the elaborated meaning, of the Quran and I have begun with the Surah (chapter) Al-Fatihah. It mentions the ideal way a Believer should supplicate i.e. make dua'a and contains the words: Sirat Al-Mustaqeem which mean the rightly guided path. 

Ibn Kathir has included a Hadith reference (the words of Prophet Mohammad (saww)) which elaborates on the meaning and ideology of Sirat Al-Mustaqeem (the straight path). I know what Rasool Allah (the Messenger of God) meant when he said there are closed doors on either side of the straight path. There are so many worldly temptations ... music, boyfriends, missing prayers, alcohol, gambling, and so much more ... that literally pulls you towards themselves. I have opened some doors ... music for instance. It was addictive, it provided the illusion that lyrics are conveying what I felt. I recall reading in the Quran, a warning about poets who recited delusional stories to deviate people from their paths. I am connecting that with the lyrics of music. The songs I was listening to were reinstating the negativity in my life. For instance, I harbored the negativity in my heart that nothing will ever be good in life. The Gothic poetry very conveniently approved that negativity. "Sweet dreams are made of these ... who am I to disagree?... Travel the world and the seven seas ... everybody's looking for something ... some of them want to use you ... some of them want to be used by you ... some of them want to abuse you ... some of them want to be abused ..." sang Marilyn Manson. Sheer delusion ...

Closing that door was difficult but it happened. I am happily music-free and I have more promising poetry ... that of the Quran ... flowing through my mind now. 

InnAllaha ma'as Saabireen 

Allah is with those who are patient

So the doors can be closed, if you accidentally crossover. And they are for the better. 

May Allah grant each one of us the strength to stay on the Sirat Al-Mustaqeem and close the forbidden doors if we ever crossover, ameen.

I Have Wronged So Greatly

Ya Rabb! 

My heart is heavy,

For I've wronged so greatly.

But my feet grow lighter as I tread,

Towards Your limitless Mercy.

I have heard of Your Greatness,

Your Ways of Blessing souls.

Hope's ablaze in a sinner's heart,

While darkness unfolds.

I have wronged so greatly,

I've forgotten who I was.
Steadfast I walk towards You,
Repentance, my healing cause.
I'm hurt, O, Allah!
Hurt beyond all measures.
You know the reasons, You know so well,
Yours are all great treasures.

From those treasures, O, Allah!
Bless the sinful heart of mine.
Grant me Your utmost Mercy,
Excel me in my purpose, divine.
I have wronged so greatly,
But my hope, from You, is strong.
Astaghfirulllaha wa atoobu ilayik
Goes on my heart's song.