🪁 Islam Reflections 🪁

Consistency is Key Our time’s focus tends to be quantity, where success is measured by volume and the winner is almost always the person who has outdone everyone else. Notice how athletes have to take prolonged breaks after competing for rest and recovery. This is because it is unrealistic and impossible to perform at that level day in and day out. Alhamdulillah that pleasing our Lord does not require us to exert ourselves to unrealistic levels… what is actually beloved to Him is the opposite. The Messenger (ﷺ) was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." He added, 'Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability." (Sahih al-Bukhari) In another narration the Messenger (ﷺ) said, "… that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little." (Sahih al-Bukhari) The key point is that consistency is key; consistency is what is beloved. This shows that building habits should be our focus with ibadah goals. Slow and steady wins the race. Alhamdulillah for how liberating this is. One off grand, over exertion worship is not what our Lord wants from us. Worship that is manageable and regular… even if it is a little is the winner. Alhamdulillah, our Lord loves regular, constant deeds even if they are a little. A daily habit of saying bismillah every time before eating can be what weighs so so heavy one’s scale even though it is deemed as being little. SubhanAllah consider how regularity is preferred to ad hoc even when applied to dunya. What is preferred, spending some quality time with one’s children daily (if only for a little while) or to seeing them for a prolonged period once a year? Showing up daily speaks volumes. Every worship one does/ will do should never be approached as a 'one off' but rather should look to become a regular part of one’s being e.g. every day, every Monday, every fortnight, every other day etc. The word ‘every’ should be included as its continuation. The first hadith emphasised to do deeds that are within one’s ability... so an elderly person should not take it upon themselves to build sunnah fasting as this would cause great difficulty. Building up ibadah should be organic to aid building consistency, for example, someone who is used to saying their adkhar should look to include a new adkhar e.g. learning the adkhar for when it rains, wearing new clothes, the supplication during a calamity etc. A person who is an avid learner/ researcher should look to making attending a halaqa (in person or online) to a staple part of their routine. A person who prays the obligatory should look to include some voluntary. A person who fasts Mondays and Thursdays should look to fast the white days too etc. This progression means one is building their ibadah routine, strengthening and bettering as a believer and is likely to be consistent. May Allah azza wa jal gift us consistency and acceptance in our worship and aid us to always better as believers Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

How to prevent teenagers from sinning Alhamdulillah, we all know that prevention is better than cure. Our Lord has told us the way which safeguards from each and every wrong doing, ‘Recite (O Muhammad SAW) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Quran), and perform As-Salat. Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.) and the remembering (praising, etc.) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising, etc.) Allah in prayers, etc.]. And Allah knows what you do.’ (Surah Ankabut: 45) Salah is the solution. It is what safeguards/ prevents from all sins of desire and doubt- from zina to drugs, alcohol, crimes, doubts of religion to kufr. It is in one's best dunya and akhirah interest to aid their children with salah, helping them to pray with understanding and an attentive heart. This will aid eternal salvation and safeguard them from all the sins circulating around them at each and every phase of life. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Kids Salah If a teenager is attaining top marks in their studies, excelling in sports and extra-curricular activities but does not pray their salah then their parents are failing him or her. How so? The parents have neglected teaching and enforcing the core pillar of existence, ‘I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.’ (Surah an-Nur: 56) The purpose of creation is for the worship of Allah azza wa jal. Age seven has been rendered the age that our religion instructs parents/ caregivers to get children into the habit of praying, "Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and discipline them for it (prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately." We see missing Salah is a major sin. Childhood does indeed dictate adulthood. A child who grows up in an environment where they are taught from an early age their religious responsibilities will in sha Allah find the transition into adulthood smoother. This is because they are in a habit of making whudu, istinjah, establishing salah at home/ at school/ at after school clubs/ in public places etc. Their psyche will find it alien to miss prayer. Whereas, someone who grows up never being encouraged/ expected to pray will struggle with the discipline to establish salah 5 times a day everyday and battle with their laxed approach to worship... consider how challenging it is for someone who is raised being messy/cluttered to keep an immaculately clean and organised home everyday. Childhood is prime time to mould and nurture piety by Allah's Help. The first question every believers’ children of accounting age will be asked about, on the day of judgement, is their Salaah. Not their GCSE/ A Level results nor their career progression but how their prayer was, "Indeed the first deed by which a servant will be called to account on the Day of Judgement is his salah. If it is complete, he has prospered and succeeded; and if it is lacking, he has failed and lost." Alhamdulillah, children's nature is to please their parents and meet the expectations they set for them. Alhamdulillah the holidays are here and children are home with ample time to work on betterment. Now is golden time to work on children’s salah and get them into the habit of praying 5 times a day. If the child is in a habit of praying then one can help them develop khusho. This can be done by getting children to learn tafsir of their often recited surahs etc. May Allah azza wa jal allow grant us, our progenies and loved ones eternal success and allow us to always establish beautiful salah Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

What is good Islamic character and how important is it?   Our religion deems having good character as striving towards the pinnacle of faith,   "The best among you are those who have the best manners and character." (Sahih al-Bukhari)   "Righteousness is good character..." (Sahih al-Muslim)   When we look at numbers, we see that Muslims have a large global presence. There are masjids and halal restaurants everywhere. Nonetheless, it would be difficult to say that beautiful Islamic character is radiating from every continent.     What is beautiful Islamic character? Scholars such as Al Hasan al-Basri and Imam Ahmad have paraphrased it to be:   - Doing no harm to others (withholding your tongue and hand). - Generously giving benefit, kindness, and help to people. - Meeting people with a cheerful, pleasant facial expression Sadly, character is probably the most neglected part of faith development. This might be because it requires internal rewiring - changing habits... such as ones that can feel like a part of one’s personality (stubbornness, jealousy, stinginess, arrogance etc) or fighting emotions that conflict with doing what good Muslim character entails e.g. practising forgiveness as opposed to holding a grudge etc.   SubhanAllah, when we look at the best of generations – the companions (ra) we see that when they chose Islam, they wore it beautifully both internally and externally and hence every ounce of jhaliyah was wiped away, teaching change is possible.   Beautiful character traits (not harming anyone, being kind, generous and pleasant) should be included in everyone’s personal development plan to aid worship leading from a good, sound heart. These acts are simple yet they weigh so heavy on the scales... even in dunya, acts of kindness/ pleasantry and generosity have the ability to transform one’s entire life. SubhanAllah even a smile is rewarded as sadaqah. Everyone knows their vices and knows what they need to work on. Alhamdulillah there is a remedy for every ill of the soul found in the Quran and Sunnah. One just has to begin working on purposeful correction. There is no greater incentive to better than to do so to please our Lord, "Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression." (Surah an-Nahl: 90)   May Allah azza wa jal allow us to better as believers and gift us beautiful Islamic character. May He allow us to be close to Him at every stage of this life and the Next Allahuma ameen.   By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

An easy, highly rewarded holiday worship! SubhanAllah, summer holidays are here and all monotonous routines have come to a halt. Schools are closed, children are home and relatives are free. One may feel overwhelmed with trying to cling onto their old routines amidst navigating holiday commitments. Many will struggle to adapt to the new, which may include letting go of their usual term-time voluntary ibadah e.g. attending weekly religious classes or fasting the sunnah days etc. Alhamdulillah that our religion always rewards sincere intentions. When we look at seasons, we see that there are alterations with summers having long warm days and winters have cold, short days. We naturally adapt our schedules, clothing and commitments to accommodate. Likewise, holidays are a time to adapt. One has to be realistic and understand that they most likely cannot continue old routines nor have sufficient self-time because in holidays there are new roles and responsibilities to fill. But, one can still earn mighty good deeds during the holidays by adapting. How so? By changing their holiday focus to what amasses good deeds easily for the family as a whole. A great and easy way to earn good deeds during the holiday period is to reconnect and spend quality time with relatives. This is actually a beloved and a heavily rewarded form of worship, The Messenger (ﷺ) said: "Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and that his life be prolonged, then he should maintain his ties of kinship." (Sahih al-Bukhari) ‘... and do good to your parents and relatives’ (Surah al-Baqarah: 83) "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship." (Sahih al- Bukhari) "The person who severs family ties will not enter Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari) Our religion teaches us that upholding family times and good treatment to relatives are all a part of great, beloved worship. One should be eager at this time (holidays) to cement the ties of kinship by spending ample quality time with their families… away from the usual hustle and bustle of term time. Now is the time where one can please Allah azza wa jal by prioritising ihsan towards their parents, spouse, children, immediate family and extended family, focusing on strengthening, repairing and refreshing ties whilst continuously renewing their intention to do so as a means to please Allah azza wa jal. May Allah azza wa jal allow us to utilise our time best by doing ibadah that is easy and beloved to Him always Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Two ways to grow love for the Creator   Love is an emotion that when present it can alter one’s whole perception of life. Love tends to show up with sincerity, loyalty, sacrifice and consistency day in and day out.   A beautiful example of love is the parent and child relationship. A parent will leave everything and anything to rush to their child whenever there is a strong pull/need.   SubhanAllah, truly the feeling of love is a prized gift from Allah azza wa jal. So why and how should one develop genuine love for their Creator?    Why is it important to harbour love for one’s Lord? Love present will mean a transcending life… heavy ritualistic worship will become light, easy and enjoyed. Practising Islam will feel innate, natural and one’s preferred way of life. Islam will be a glove fit to how one wants to live as opposed to how they ought to live. One will feel the sweetness of Iman and approach their Lord with positivity, adoration and contentment.     Two beautiful ways to cultivate sincere love for the Creator include, remembering Allah azza wa jal often and by being grateful, "So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me." (Surah al-Baqarah: 152)   Developing a lifestyle where one remembers Allah azza wa jal often is where one recognises their Lord’s Greatness in every direction, in every instance and in everything.   A way to aid remembering His is by watching His signs: E.g. Seeing the tall mountains acting as pegs, feeling the invisible wind rushing past, watching nature following its Lord’s laws with precision e.g. an ant colony collaborating for food to bees getting nectar from flowers to animals hibernating at specific times of the year… to seeing bodies of mammals, reptiles, fish and plants and knowing that Allah azza wa jal Alone is sustaining their organs as well as sustaining them through provision, subhanAllah.   Signs remind the seeker of who their Lord is and how His Greatness is unmatched by anything and anyone. Such understanding means one strives to approach their Lord in their worship/ their day to day with excellence and presence. They observe, feel and live that Allah azza wa jal is the Lord of the Worlds and He Alone is worthy of all Praise, all Worship, and their lifelong efforts to please Him.   Secondly, one can grow their love for Allah azza wa jal by appreciating blessings.   Society has conditioned the universe to believe blessings are mansions and super cars and if one does not have them then they are suffering. SuhanAllah, the greatest blessing one can possess in dunya is strong Iman... it is the prized gift of existence, gifting Allah’s love and eternity in Jannah.   Building gratitude also includes acknowledging and appreciating all the seemingly small to great gifts that Allah azza wa jal has gifted one with- E.g. a warm smile from their children to companionship of their spouse to eyes of adoration from their parents to genuine concern from loved ones to conversations with ageing grandparents to righteous friends to healthy bones to family holidays with the gift of lifelong cherished memories attached, to favourite meals to the khutbah in one’s local masjid by one’s familiar iman voice to warm homes to clean clothes to comfortable sleep to comforting words to hugs to achievements etc. All of these blessings have been gifted by Allah azza wa jal to you, alhamdulillah.   Making it a part of one’s daily routine of remembering Allah azza wa jal often by seeing/ reflecting on His Signs and by daily acknowledging and appreciating His blessings will soften the heart and allow for the best love to sprout immensely in sha Allah. May Allah azza wa jal allow us to love Him and to be of the blessed who receive His Love Allahuma ameen.   By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Do you care enough to want Jannah for them? How is care shown today? There is no denying that the prevalent culture of the 21st century is one of people pleasing. This is where most stick to saying what is politically correct and what others want to hear. This type of speech is aiming to get in everyone’s good books. Such an approach genuinely shows the lack of care for someone because it is insincere and selfish- focused on being liked so saying what others want to hear as opposed to saying what is right and what one needs to hear.   The methodology of being careful, tactful and aiming not to offend in speech is excellent but the silence in addressing ills is gravely wrong. Allah azza wa jal has made this Ummah the best of humanity… better than any other nation. Why? ‘You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.’ (Surah Aal ‘Imran: 110) Believers are praised because they have iman and thus encourage good and forbid evil. They are people who know right from wrong and can differentiate between good and evil. Most of mankind cannot. This understanding means they have a greater responsibility to humanity, acting as helpers who advise and encourage people to piety by reminding others of Allah azza wa jal's Criterion for salvation. If one genuinely cares for someone then they will want Jannah for them... which means they will help them in coming closer to their Lord. This means one who genuinely cares cannot sit on the fence, staying quiet, watching people engaged in haraam, thinking it is not their place to say anything. Such an approach means letting shaitan win and triumph with no push back. Where one has a voice that can bring about change, they should use it. Family, friends, neighbours, colleagues shouldn't pander to peer pressure, turning a blind eye to wrong (so they are liked)... rather they should use wisdom, encouraging what pushes towards Jannah. The Quran is the Words of our Creator, showing how powerful words are. They shape us as humans. No one should think that what they say will be insignificant. One’s words can be what Allah azza wa jal allows to be the wake up call/ motivator for abandoning habitual sin and racing to one's Lord. A simple reminder is sometimes all that is needed for one to wake up from slumber, reflect and repent by Allah’s permission. May Allah azza wa jal allow us to be included from the best of people, advising good and forbidding evil. May He grant us the ability to advise in the best and most effective of ways Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

7 Categories of People Under the Shade of Allah SubhanAllah, at this moment, everyone knows the value of shade and its importance in aiding to reduce the effects of heat. In dunya, respite does generally come by spending money e.g. buying fans/ coolers/ AC units/ paying higher electric bills etc. In Akhirah, nobody can buy their way into Jannah with money. Consider the potent effects of one breath of Jahannam that is still so brutal in its effects centuries on, ‘The Hell-fire of Hell complained to its Lord saying: O Lord! My parts are eating (destroying) one another. So Allah allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. The breath in the summer is at the time when you feel the severest heat and the breath in the winter is at the time when you feel the severest cold."’ (Sahih al- Bukhari) If we are unable to handle a breath then how can anyone neglect their Lord and risk being in close proximity to the Fire. So how does one gain eternal shade on the day of Judgement where the sun is brought so near? ‘On the Day of Resurrection, the sun would draw so close to the people that there woum be left only a distance of one mile.’ (Sahih al-Muslim) Abu Hurairah (ra) reported: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: - a just ruler; - a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; - a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, - two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; - a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: 'I fear Allah'; - a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; - and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful". (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Every person should review the seven categories and try to develop themselves to be of one of them… so they can receive eternal shade on the day where it is most needed. (The masculine form in the hadith includes both genders.) A person can seek to be from one of the seven categories by developing themselves, e.g. by first building a habit of attending the masjid for salah then getting involved in being responsible in some way for the mosque. This will aid attachment and love. Parents can help their children with giving good tarbiyah, aiding them from a young age to grow up in the worship of Allah azza wa jal etc. A believer should occupy themselves with finding ways to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from Allah’s Wrath, ‘O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones’ (Surah al- Tahrim: 6) This should be a core focus... like how we are currently finding ways to safeguard from the staunching heat of dunya; likewise, we should be even more occupied in trying to live ways to be of those who are gifted eternal shade and spared from all wrath in sha Allah, May Allah azza wa jal grant us and our loved ones His Rahma at every stage of this life and at every stage of the afterlife Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

A Taste of Mercy   Record high temperatures have been recorded. Normality has been hijacked with everyone assuming a reduced timetable. Children’s schools to clubs cancelled and simple errands like cleaning the home, proving to be so challenging.   Mankind is powerless to change the decree of Allah azza wa jal. He says ‘Be’ and Europe is and will endure record breaking heat until He Decides. Humanity, science, cutting-edge technology and advancement are powerless to change weather to their preference. Only the Creator of weather can do so.    For believers, the fierce heat is a great sign to reflect upon. This sign instils both fear and hope. How so?   There is fear of what is to come (the Day of Judgement). During such a time, there will be no respite/ no amicable change of conditions for the condemned. This intense heat is just a prelude to something much more intense and severe to come. May Allah azza wa jal save us from such a fate Allahuma ameen.   ‘The Hell-fire of Hell complained to its Lord saying: O Lord! My parts are eating (destroying) one another. So Allah allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. The breath in the summer is at the time when you feel the severest heat and the breath in the winter is at the time when you feel the severest cold."’ (Sahih al- Bukhari)   We are feeling a breath that centuries on is still so potent in its intensity and effect. This should aid one to renew their conviction to live lives pleasing to Allah azza wa jal, avoiding His Wrath.   This heat also gifts us hope. We appreciate the gift of our usual weather and it allowing us to have predictable daily routines, alhamdulillah. We look forward to His Rahma of cooler weather.   Even during this intense heat, we experience a taste of His Mercy. Our Lord has not left us to feel its severity unaided and to feel it all the time. He has given Muslims and non-Muslims alike respite, which includes: light clothes, sandals, an array of cold drinks, shade on every street with trees, a breeze in the air, nightfall, windows/ fans/ AC, hats/caps/light hijab material, sunscreen, cooler rooms inside homes to retreat to, ice, sunglasses, cold desserts, showers/baths etc.   We should acknowledge our Lord's favours upon us, appreciate His concessions and express gratitude, alhamdulillah. These signs should also allow us to stop and ponder on how Powerful our Lord is and how feeble/ powerless humanity is that they can only seek ways to mitigate the effects of the heat in confined inner spaces but never remove it entirely from outside.   May Allah azza wa jal allow us to always be recipients of His eternal Rahma Allahuma ameen.   By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Why and what dates to fast Ashura' Alhamdulillah that Muslims follow in the footsteps of Messengers (as). The first person to fast Ashura’ was Musa (as) in gratitude for freeing his enslaved nation. SubhanAllah, meaning believers have been fasting the blessed day of Ashura’ spanning centuries and our Ummah has the opportunity to as well. Alhamdulillah for the victory that Allah Azza wa jal gifted Musa (as). Musa (as) was from the enslaved nation, a man with no power. At the valley of Tuwa, he was given his mission... instructed to go to the world’s most despot, mightiest and oppressive of rulers- Firown. He had enslaved an entire nation, murdered their newborns. It was a world where Firown ruled and reigned with no dunya repercussions. After all, he was believed by his people to be god. There was no way that a person could triumph over him with no dynasty, no army, no power nor prestige but Musa (as) did because he had Allah Azza wa jal. His Lord gifted him great victory! In an instance, Firown lost everything in dunya and akhirah. We celebrate Musa's (as) victory by following in his footsteps and fasting on Ashura'. Fasting Ashura’ also means expiation of sin, “For fasting the day of ‘Ashura’, I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before.” (Sahih Muslim) *Ashura’ is this Thursday (25th of June).* Alhamdulillah the Messenger (saw) wanted believers to be different to the Jews who venerate the 10th day; hence Muslims are encouraged to fast tasu’a with Ashura’, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (ra) said: “When the Messenger (saw) fasted on ‘Ashura’ and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.’ The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘If I live to see the next year, in sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.’ This is why Muslims are encouraged to fast on the following days this year: Thursday (25th of June) and Wednesday (24th of June). This is the best dates to fast. Or Thursday (25th of June) and Friday (26th of June). If not possible then the least is to fast just on the day of Ashura', on Thursday 25th of June. Shaykh ul-Islam said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ is an expiation for a year, and it is not makruh to fast only that day … ” [Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 5] Fasting this day is a great honour as it is doing an ibadah that Prophet Musa (as) and the Messenger (saw) did. May Allah Azza wa jal allow us to follow in the footsteps of the Messengers (as) and fast for Ashura and reap all its rewards Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Making marriage difficult and zina easy We are living in the lewdest times of history. Every former century had immorality but the default was for it to be hidden; whereas current times promotes open lewdity. Promiscuity is celebrated loud and proud in every direction. It is the first time in history where more unmarried females are giving birth than through traditional wedlock. One must understand the times we live in and be very careful with not pushing righteous believers into immorality by making marriage so difficult for them. A way this can happen is by parents setting challenging marriage criterions: E.g. to match ethnicity, have similar family backgrounds, meet beauty/ height/ weight requirements, earning x amount, being in specific professions, owning property, meeting grand wedding costs etc. Such burdens can make people never want to marry and instead push them into pursuing easy haram relationships that they can keep hidden from family. So what should the marriage criterion be? Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If someone proposes marriage to you whose religion and character satisfies you, then you should accept it. If you do not do so, there will be trials on the earth and the spread of corruption.” Our religion has given us the best marriage criterion to use – good deen and character. This combination will invite barakah, joy and be a means for a successful marriage. A stern warning is given in the hadith that if deen and character is present but the proposal is rejected then consequences include trials and the spread of corruption. Why so? Potentials share a strong pull to each another… after all to want to marry a person shows having a very good/ high opinion of them. Denying or making marriage very difficult can push them into zina, depression, severe family relationships and be the catalyst for loss of motivation in matters of deen and dunya etc. It is from wisdom to encourage early marriage and to make the marriage process easy. A concern with young marriage is financial security. Of course a 20-year-old will not achieve the same financial success as a middle-aged person. But, this is where one should use wisdom and consider the long run e.g. post graduation and look to support their children in doing what is honourable. One must also internalise that Allah azza wa jal will enrich a couple from his bounty, 'Marry off the ˹free˺ singles among you, as well as the righteous of your bondmen and bondwomen. If they are poor, Allah will enrich them out of His bounty. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.' (Surah an-Nur: 32) On the day of judgement, every dunya criterion will become redundant and obsolete with one’s deen and character weighing heavy on the scales. One should always invest in righteousness to aid living a successful, joyous life with plentiful barakah in sha Allah. As an ummah, we should look to support each other by advising our family members and friends who are being unrealistic or unfair in marriage situations. Our goal is to help encourage living beautiful Islamic values in this age of filth and fitnah, ˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them…And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity (Surah an Nur-30-31) May Allah azza wa jal gift everyone righteousness, righteous spouses and righteous progeny/ families Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

How to utilise time best   If you feel, you haven’t utilised the days best then don’t worry, rejoice that alhamduillah we are still in blessed time and *right now* is a moment to reap mighty rewards. Alhamdulillah to be in the best of days created! Where deeds are so beloved to Allah azza wa jal.   So how to use time better? A beloved worship to do during this time is dhikr. One can easily look out of any window and see the beauty of nature in every direction. Dhikr can flow effortlessly from the heart by seeing birds to insects, trees to clouds, flowers to soil, aiding one to marvel at the perfection and precision of their Lord in each and every matter.   Be extra generous with akhirah shopping during these blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah, "Allah said, 'O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you." (Surah al-Bukhari)   Alhamdulillah that we are fortunate that we do not need to necessarily go out looking to find causes to help. There are endless appeals online to choose from. One just needs to open their social media, their masjid website or message a friend engaged in dawah to be spoilt for charitable causes to donate to. It takes a few clicks to transfer change from one’s bank account to in sha Allah a heavy mountain worth of reward for their akhirah account.   Kindness genuinely costs nothing – kind words, warmth, a smile, positivity, being easy going costs zero pence yet are part of beautiful Islamic character. One should place ‘for the sake of Allah azza wa jal’ leading all their interactions, aspiring to follow the Sunnah, amassing mighty deeds.   Offer beautiful salah, fast as much as you can, rush to be helpful, continuously make pleasing intentions and strive to live each of the blessed days, placing Allah azza wa jal first. Sincerity is beloved to our lord. Something done that is so simple and sincere can be what gifts entry to Jannah as opposed to something that is done that is exceptionally grand, loud but lacks sincerity for Allah azza wa jal. A beautiful means to aid sincerity is to try to keep deeds a secret, cutting out the need to tell others. Alhamdulillah Allah azza wa jal Sees, Acknowledges, Appreciates and Rewards abundantly... that is all a believer needs for success.   May Allah azza wa jal gift us the highest rewards during Dhu’l-Hijjah Allahuma ameen.   By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Eid plans vs 10 day plans   Worldwide Eid preparations have begun. Many are making plans for the big day, arranging leave to itineraries. Alhamdulillah our Lord has gifted us the two Eids to fully celebrate but we must also pay attention to when both Eids occur. Both are linked with blessed time i.e. the 10 blessed nights (Eid al- Fitr) or within the 10 blessed days (Eid al-Adha). They both occur after fasting and after the best night of the year (Laylatul Qadr) and after the best day of the year (the day of Arafah)… showing that these celebrations should be preceded with lots of worship and striving.    Whilst most have made their Eid plans, it is common practice to miss out in making ibadah itineraries for the 10 blessed days of dhul-hijjah altogether. SubhanAllah it is the most blessed of time yet the most neglected.   The Messenger (saw) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Reported by al-Bukhari, 2/457).   Doing good deeds during the blessed 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah is better than jihad for the sake of Allah azza wajal. This is a time where one’s good deed can be raised greater than a fighter making jihad for the sake of Allah azza wa jal. SubhanAllah, it is golden time to work righteousness overtime to all the time. The return for good deeds is too high to be missed out on. What worship to do? During dhul-Hijjah there is beloved worship that non-Hujjaj can do and reap great rewards. This includes: - Fasting on the day of Arafah. It removes last year’s and next year’s sins. “It expiates for the past and coming years.” (Sahih al-Muslim). - A Muslim who has the financial means should aim to offer a good quality sacrifice (qurbani).   - Dhikr is beloved during dhul- Hijjah. It is Sunnah to plentifully say: Takbir (Allahu akbar), Tahmid (Al-hamdu Lillah), Tahlil (La ilaha ill-Allah) and Tasbih (SubhanAllah) during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud. This is act of worship is a proclamation of the greatness of our Lord. (Men should recite this aloud and women should do so quietly.)   - Off course all righteous deeds are beloved to Our Lord during the 10 blessed days of dhul-Hijjah so every worship should be approached with heart and presence. A person should not just do more in terms of quantity but strive to do more with quality too. One heartfelt act of worship with a present mind is better than a thousand heedless, empty acts of the same worship. One should aim for khushoo in salah, an instant way to gain presence is to feel the punishment of the Fire ahead. One should make istighfar and give up sins whilst making du’a for their Lord’s help to stay away from wrong.   After heartfelt striving one can look forward to enjoying Eid with their loved ones, feeling extra happiness that they have also tried to please their Lord during time so beloved to Him; thus making Eid more spiritually meaningful. May Allah azza wa jal allow us to exert ourselves during this gift of blessed time of dhul-Hijjah and accept our efforts being so pleased with us Allahuma ameen By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Worship to do in the blessed 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah - For a deed to be accepted, it must sincerely be for the sake of Allah azza wa jal and follow the Sunnah (in anything ibadah related.) - Offer a sacrifice (qurbani/ udhiyah) - Priortise doing the obligatory first and to the best of one’s ability. E.g. Praying Fajr on time is more beloved to Allah azza wa jal than missing Fajr but praying prolonged voluntary prayers etc. Do both obligatory and voluntary 👌🏻 - Fast throughout these blessed days asides fasting on the day of Eid. This was the practice of the best of generations. - Do dhikr plentifully, especially after obligatory salah. Say: takbeer (Allahu Akbar), tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), tahleel (Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), and tasbeeh (SubhanAllah). Take a scenic work, making heartfelt dhikr. - Give charity/ help/ assistance daily to the poor and/ or needy. The Messenger (saw) said – charity extinguishes the heat of the grave for its inhabitants. - Have daily Quran. Aim high- complete a reading or an x amount of pages each day, being consistent. Pause and reflect, asking questions such as ‘what is my Lord saying to me/ how can I implement this' - Make heartfelt du'a ,calling by His Beautiful Names and Attributes. Sujood dua is the closest one is to their Lord. - It is obligatory to obey parents in what is halal/ permissible. Be so kind to parents, offering gifts and support that they would benefit from - companionship to financial help etc. - Connect to immediate and extended family... one should reach out using whatever means e.g. calling to visiting etc. - As a rule of thumb, one should have no fallings out with any of their family members. The Messenger (saw) said – he who severs kinship will not enter Jannah. - Work on character defects for the sake of Allah azza wa jal e.g. controlling anger/ backbiting/ being difficult etc. - Give up sin. The Messenger (saw) said - stay away from sins and you will be the ‘most’ righteous person. Refrain from looking, hearing and doing haram. - Send food/ fruit to neighbours and give information, explaining the significance of this beautiful time for Muslims. - keep and renew intention 'for the sake of Allah azza wa jal' leading on everything one does in the day linking efforts with pleasing Allah azza wa jal so one is rewarded in this world and the next in sha Allah. - Offer night prayers in the silence of the night trying to keep it a secret from others to aid sincerity. The most beloved people to Allah azza wa jal are the people who bring the most benefit to people, so one should aim in these blessed days to be so beneficial and helpful to their circles and strangers. The most beloved deeds include: 1. Making a Muslim happy. One should try to especially bring happiness to their spouse. 2. Relieving someone from hardship. 3. Paying off someone’s debt or warding off hunger from them. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Should all the family not cut nails/ hair during the blessed days of dhul-Hijjah or does ruiling just apply to the one paying for the sacrifice (udhiyah)?   A senior shaykh explained the ruling on who is expected and who is prohibited from cutting nails and removing hair during Dhu’l-Hijjah: If a person offers udhiyah for themselves and his/ her family members whom they live with then only the person paying for the udhiyah will not be allowed to cut hair/ remove hair during the blessed days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. His family members may cut their nails and remove body hair. However, if a family member, for example, a wife, actively wants to offer her own udhiyah (so she will buy a sheep, a share in a camel or cow in addition to her husband including her in his udhiyah) then she will have to also not cut her hair or remove body hair during the blessed days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. This applies even if her husband pays for her personal udhiyah. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

Who is not allowed to cut their nails nor remove hair during the 10 blessed days of Dhu’l-Hijjah?    In sha Allah the blessed announcement of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which signifies the beginning of the 10 blessed days of the year, will be announced shortly. Provisionally, this coming Monday is being cited as being highly probable for the start of Dhul-Hijjah Those who are not performing Hajj but are offering udhiyah (a sacrifice) have until the formal official announcement of Dhul Hiijah to cut their nails, trim hair/ beard, remove body hair etc if they wish.    ‘If the onset of Dhul Hijjah has been proven and a person wants to offer a sacrifice, it is haram for him to remove anything from the hair on his body or to cut his nails or any part of his skin.’ (Islam q&a https://www.google.com/amp/s/islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/70290)   “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from (removing anything) from his hair or nails.”    According to a version narrated by Abu Dawud, Muslim and al-Nasai: “Whoever has a sacrifice to offer, when the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah begins, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice” – whether he is going to slaughter the sacrifice himself or has asked someone else to slaughter it on his behalf." The ones offering udhiyah have to refrain from cutting nails and removing body hair until they know their qurbani (sacrifice) has occurred.    If they do cut nails/ remove hair before their animal is sacrificed, then they will be sinful as they have sinned, but their udhiyah will still be valid.   Do share rulings as a reminder with loved ones so they have time to groom themselves prior to the official announcement of Dhu’l-Hijjah. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

The best 10 days ever created (Dhul-Hijjah)   People show love in many a different ways. Methodologies may differ but the underlying principle is the same: humanity will favour and prioritise their loved ones over others. A person will do more/ go out of their way for people they love in a way that they wouldn’t for others.   SubhanAllah, shortly the 10 blessed days of Dhu’l-Hijjah will begin. This is a time beloved to Allah azza wa jal… deemed the best of all days! Will one show their love to Him by favouring and prioritising Him during days He Loves? Scholars say that the last 10 nights of Ramadan are the best of nights and the 10 days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are the best of days so there is no conflict. If one pauses to internalise this, they realise we are approaching rare, mighty, sacred days in sha Allah. Those who love Allah azza wa jal will be motivated to exert themselves to please their Lord during the best of time created.   "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Sahih al-Bukhari)   These days contain the fifth pillar of Islam- Hajj. Just as laylatul Qadr is the most important night of the year, the day of Arafah is the most important day of the year,   "There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of 'Arafah." (Muslim)   Alhamduillah the virtues and blessings of the day are open to all (including those not doing Hajj.) For those who are not pilgrims, it is highly recommended to offer a sacrifice and fast the day of Arafah. The Messenger (saw) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, he (saw) said: "It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year." (Muslim)   Those who love Allah azza wa jal understand golden time is fast approaching. A time where amassing good deeds is rewarded immensely...   For any good deed to be accepted- it must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah azza wa jal and follow the example of the Messenger (saw). This means one should exert themselves in doing as much good as they possibly can.... both sincerely and following the sunnah in sha Allah, showing Allah azza wa jal their strong determination to please.   Alhamduillah each and every deed is recognised and appreciated by our Lord so one should dig deep, immersing themselves with doing a plethora of good.   A way to prepare is by (in advance) making a 10 day plan. Alhamduillah, the same tenacity and rigour one used in the last 10 nights of Ramadan is needed during the 10 best of days that many will neglect, losing such a tremendous opportunity to bank good deeds.   May Allah azza wa jal facilitate us to exert ourselves amassing mighty good deeds plentifully during the blessed 10 days Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

What can you sacrifice?     Alhamduillah, soon Hajj will begin. Most of us will catch glimpses of Hajj 2026 by watching it via livestream. We will naturally feel awe and happiness but let us not forget the figure whose footsteps Hajj is a celebration of and whose example we should follow– Ibrahim (as),  “Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad SAW saying): "Follow the religion of Ibraheem Haneefa” (Surah an-Nahl:123). Why should we follow Ibrahim (as)? ‘...Allah did take Ibrahim as a Khaleel (a close friend)’ (Surah an-Nisa: 125). His example shows us characteristic needed to be very close to our Lord.   Ibrahim (as) is so honoured... he is gifted the praise of being called His Lord's close friend. Hajj is following in his footsteps and each and every salah we make contains his praise. Such a lofty rank is not easy to attain. Ibrahim (as) had a firm resolve to always obey, be thankful and prioritise pleasing his Lord with ihsan in each and every stage of his life.   Ask any couple who struggles with fertility what having a child means to them. The couple will exhaust each and every avenue to aid their dream. If gifted a child, they will whole heartedly be devoted parents because their child will always be their little miracle.   Ibrahim (as) was gifted Ismail in his 80s. SubhanAllah, he had spent the bulk of his life childless but still firm in his faith and passing each and every trial e.g. from being thrown into the fire, to disowned and exiled to living with no followers (other than Sarah) believing in Islam.   This was a harsh life where most would lose resolve, feeling their life woes of abandonment, isolation, injustice and not getting their wants i.e. a strong relationship with parents, progeny etc. However, Ibrahim (as) loved his Lord wholeheartedly and was always grateful. He trusted His Lord's decree for him. Off course he felt human emotions but they did not get in the way of him doing what his Lord had obligated upon him. This is why Hajj is the celebration of the ultimate submission and sacrifice that Ibrahim (as) was willing to sacrifice his only child (at the time) that was gifted to him in such old age. He could never deny his Lord even in things that were extremely difficult. Alhamduillah our tests are nothing in comparison! What has been asked of us is in comparison so easy – the 5 pillars... yet many can deny their Lord, refusing to pray, fast, spend for His sake etc.   When one contemplates this, it is quite sad considering how easy our lives are in compassion to previous generations: Our Lord has gifted us central heating, a huge range of comfort and ease, clean and hot water from a tap, ovens and cookers where we can control the intenstity of the fire to suit our cooking needs, sparkling tile bathrooms with a flush to easily get rid of waste, sofas, dozens of mattress and pillow types, dishwashers to hovers etc. Despite all the comforts, our times struggle to sacrifice for our Lord. 21st century living means finding it difficult to sacrifice convenience for religious pursuits e.g. preference of using lunch breaks for recreation as opposed to khushu salah, sleep in over setting the alarm for fajr, not paying 2.5% necessary Zakah but happy to waste money on takeaways and food waste, failure to make up missed fasts before the next Ramadan or not fasting because of invalid excuses e.g. one has a school exam, no time to attend mosque or for studying and strengthening 'la ilaha illallah' but ample time to binge watch Netflix, using savings for upgrades rather than doing Hajj etc. SuhanAllah, let us remember the example of Ibrahim (as) and the high praise associated with him. He did not get such a lofty rank because of dunya vision but because of his excellence in living in dunya with akhirah vision leading… always prioritising His Lord's pleasure no matter what the consequences were.   May Allah azza wa jal allow us to follow the example of Ibrahim (as) and pass our tests with ihsan and include us as His awliya Allahuma ameen. By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

What makes one lose their blessings?   Many today have exerted themselves with earning a livelihood that it can consume and blindside from living one's purpose of creation. Most fear losing their standard of living... so they prioritise dunya over akhirah. The main concern of life becomes – how to amass more money.   When pressed for choosing dunya exertion and akhirah minimalism, one will say in an ideal world, they would love to exert themselves with akhirah but they cannot afford to because if they do not work hard then they will lose their dunya livelihood/assets/blessings etc.     What is the Islamic stance to Allah azza wa jal preserving blessings/ favours upon a person / a community/ a nation?   ‘That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.’ (Surah al-Anfal: 53)     Alhamdulillah for the Mercy and Compassion of our Lord that He does not change a people’s blessings until they change their conduct first. Allah Azza wa jal bestows His Blessings/ Grace/ Praise upon a people, a community, a nation, a society and will not remove them until people change their conduct first.   This means provided one maintains their obligations and submission to Allah Azza wa jal then they will in sha Allah maintain their blessings. SubhanAllah, showing us that we prioritise Allah azza wa jal and we obtain our wants and needs in surplus alhamdulillah.     Consider the people of Nuh, Thamud and Aad… all of those nations were given great blessings. Their Lord kept those blessings going for them for many years, decades and generations. Only when they changed their conduct from belief to disbelief, from ‘Iman to kufr, from obedience to disobedience then Allah azza wa jal over time withdrew their blessings.   When Allah azza wa jal's Mercy and Blessings are removed then His wrath comes upon people. May Allah azza wa jal save us from such a fate Allahuma ameen.   Alhamdulillah to learn that one can by His permission retain all their blessings provided one ensures that they maintain their submission to their Lord. When our focus is Him then all our affairs -dunya and akhirah are taken care of perfectly by our Lord.    By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings

How to be truly grateful?   Gratitude is probably one of the easiest acts of worship yet it is so neglected and often missing as a staple part of daily routines; hence why this verse holds true for our ummah globally,   "...And few of My servants are truly grateful" (Surah as- Saba: 13)   What exactly is the reward of gratitude that the majority are missing out on?   "If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more...’ (Surah al-Ibrahim: 7).   SubhanAllah, when Allah azza wa jal says He rewards gratitude with ‘more’, it genuinely means an excess of betterment, goodness and blessings. How can we pass up such a golden opportunity?   How to express gratitude to the Creator? There are three ways: shukr of the heart, tongue and limbs. Gratitude of the heart is acknowledging that the blessings/favours one has is from their Lord alone. One’s heart addresses the correct Giver – Allah azza wa jal.   Gratitude of the tongue is where one says thank you. The way to thank Allah azza wa jal is by saying ‘alhamdulillah’ (all praise be to Allah).   Shukr of the limbs is where one is actively using their blessings to please Allah azza wa jal. So one stays within what is permissible and looks for ways to use their blessings to please Allah azza wa jal.   The best shukr is of the heart, tongue and limbs combined.   For example, one feels gratitude for eyesight and acknowledges in their heart that the gift of sight is from their Lord. They then say ‘alhamdulillah’ for their eyesight. Next, they look to use their sight in manners that are pleasing to Allah azza wa jal – e.g. staying within the green zone of what is permissible and not looking at that which is prohibited, using their eyesight to do good - read Quran, observe nature as a means of aiding reflection and connection to their Lord.     One feels grateful for their wealth, they acknowledge ar-Razzaq as the one who provided them with their rizq. They say alhamdulillah and then ensure their wealth is not sat in an account amassing interest. They use their wealth on what is in the green zone of permissible and spend on ways that are pleasing to their Creator e.g. going for Hajj/ Umrah, spending on their family, giving to charitable causes etc.     May Allah azza wa jal allow us to daily express shukr of the heart, tongue and limbs Allahuma ameen.   By Sarah Zafar https://t.me/RamadanReadings