Juz 21- Juz Gems

The Messenger of God is our Example

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the rest of Surat Al-Ankabut, Surat Ar-Rum, Surat Luqman, Surat As-Sajdah, and a portion of Surat Al-Ahzaab. Today’s juz gem focuses on the example of our beloved messenger, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّـهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّـهَ كَثِيرًا ﴿٢١﴾

“Indeed, in the Messenger of God you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often,” (Surat Al-Ahzaab, aya 21).

While this verse is a universal one, it helps to understand the context of when it is revealed. Surat Al-Ahzaab, or the Confederates, discusses the Battle of the Trench, where we see different groups ally together to attack the believers. There are also hypocrites from within Medina trying to usurp the efforts of the believers. One can imagine the high stakes involved- the Muslims are outnumbered and they are attempting a completely new strategy by digging a long and deep trench around the city of Medina, a physically demanding and exhausting task. The stakes are high and the danger is palpable.

Our Messenger (sas) however does not crumble in the face of this tantamount mission. He joins the companions, digging alongside them, maintaining a hopeful and beautiful countenance. He jokes around with Zayd ibn Thabit (ra) when he falls asleep and another companion comes to take his sword by saying, “Father of sleep! You slept, and your weapon is gone!” He then orders the sword to be returned to Zayd (ra) who is a young lad at the time. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) would repeat the rhymes the companions chanted while breaking rocks with his ax and removing the dust with his basket. He never shies away from difficult work or uses his status to excuse himself. Imagine the morale boost the companions felt as they worked alongside the last messenger of Allah (sas); a man they would gladly give up their life for and who would do the same for them.

In the Battle of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah (sas) saw from afar that the Quraysh were regrouping and ready to attack under the leadership of Khalid ibn al-Walid. Even though the Prophet (sas) is the commander of the army, and his death would mean the complete and utter defeat of the young Muslim state, he did not hesitate warning his companions that they were about to be attacked at the expense of making his location known to his enemies. He is the true example of one who exemplifies ithaar, or preferring others over ourselves.

I love how this verse is revealed within the context of a battle. It is quite easy to show kindness and generosity in a state of ease. However, when we are faced with a high-pressure situation and our fight or flight mode begins to kick in, can we say we are consistent with maintaining our values and sense of hopefulness? We truly learn so much about ourselves when we are faced with difficult circumstances; may we have the introspection required to refine our character when faced with difficulty and aspire to the excellent example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sas).

Juz 20- Juz Gems

Indeed, I am in Need of Whatever Good You Send Down.

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 20th Juz of the Qur’an which covers the rest of Surat an-Naml, Surat al Qasas, and a portion of Surat Al-Ankabut. In this juz, we find a dua of Musa (as) that relieves him of his distress:

فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰ إِلَى الظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ ﴿٢٤﴾

“So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need,"’ (Surat al Qasas, aya 24).

Before Musa (as) receives prophethood, he flees Egypt as Pharaoh intends to kill him for having accidentally killed a man. This exhausting journey lands him near a well in Madyan where he sees two young women to the side as men are making their way to water their flocks. He asks them what’s going on and they reply by saying that they need to wait for the men to finish before they can get water for their flock. Musa wastes no time to assist them. He takes their flock and makes sure they are well satiated.

Once he does this good deed, he makes dua to Allah, “My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need.” Following his dua, one of the sisters approaches Musa and tells him that her father would like to reward him for his act of kindness. The father repays him by having him marry one of his daughters and working for him for eight to ten years.

Musa was a fugitive, alone, hungry, and exhausted from fleeing his homeland. After his desperate plea to Allah, Allah not only gives him a new place to settle, but a family, a home, and a job. In one night, Allah completely changes Musa’s circumstances! According to Sheikh Yasir Qadhi’s Ramadan dua series, one’s dua has a higher chance of being accepted if one performs a good deed before it and he uses Musa’s dua as an example of this.

We are all in desperate need of Allah’s help and assistance. During these last ten nights of Ramadan, hasten to do as much good as you can and make sure to follow it up with dua! Before you click donate, say “Bismillah!” and round out the good deed with a sincere supplication to your Lord, knowing that you are following the sunnah of one of the most beloved Prophets to Allah, Musa, alayhi assalaam.

Juz 19- Juz Gems

Indeed, I Have My Lord, He Will Guide Me.

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the 19th Juz of the Qur’an, which means we will be embarking on the last ten nights of Ramadan very soon! The 19th Juz consists of Surat al-Furqan, Surat ash-Shu’ara, and a portion of Surat an-Naml. One of the most awe-inspiring verses in this section is Prophet Musa’s declaration to his people as they flee from Pharaoh and his men:

فَلَمَّا تَرَاءَى الْجَمْعَانِ قَالَ أَصْحَابُ مُوسَىٰ إِنَّا لَمُدْرَكُونَ ﴿٦١﴾ قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّ مَعِيَ رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ ﴿٦٢﴾

“And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Moses said, "Indeed, we are to be overtaken!" [Moses] said, "No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me," (Surat ash-Shuara, ayaat 61-62).

For years, the people of Bani Israel faced unbelievable torture at the hands of Pharaoh and his men. Every other year, he would order the slaughter of their male babies and would stop at nothing to wield his power over the most vulnerable and disenfranchised in society. It is no wonder why the term “pharaoh” connotes such negativity- we often ask ourselves what is the pharaoh within us that needs to be destroyed. No one in the history of humanity is worse than this man, and yet when Musa sees him and his army drawing near, about to attack while they face the Red Sea, he has full conviction in Allah’s aide, but this wasn’t always the case.

The first time Musa (as) meets Allah (swt), Allah commands Musa to throw down his staff and it becomes this huge, living, snake. Musa responds in a way most of us would- he flees and does not return. Allah reassures him by saying, "Do not be afraid. We will return it to its original form," (20:21). Here, we see the physical manifestation of Musa's fear.

When Allah (swt) commands Musa to speak to Fir'awn, we see Musa's internal fears manifest themselves. Musa explains to his Lord all of his anxiety, "I am afraid they will kill me." "I am afraid they will deny the message." "Aide me with Haroon, he is better in speech," (26:12-14). Allah encourages Musa and is gentle with him. Allah says, "Do not worry. I am with you both. I hear and I see." "I chose you for Me,” (20:41-42).

Finally, we see Musa in front of the Red Sea, responsible for the men, women, and children of Bani Israel. Firawn, the worst of creation, is ready to slaughter them all. And yet, there is no longer any fear, anxiety, or trepidation in his words. "Indeed, I have my Lord, He will guide me."

As we edge closer to the last ten nights of Ramadan, be hopeful that Allah has a good outcome written for you. Imagine if we lived life with the mantra of Musa, “I have my Lord, He will guide me.” This certitude fills us with hope and husnul dhun billaah- thinking well of Allah. It also quells our anxieties, allowing us to forge through difficult obstacles, assured that we are never alone.

May Allah grant us the conviction of Musa and may He guide us through every difficult roadblock on our journey to Him.

Juz 18- Juz Gems

Allah is the Light of the Heavens and the Earth

Tonight our mashaayikh will recite Surat al-Mu’minoon, Surat an-Nur, and the first few pages of Surat al-Furqan. A verse that has filled volumes upon volumes of interpretation is the verse found in Surat an-Nur:

اللَّـهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَاةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ ۖالْمِصْبَاحُ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ ۖ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِن شَجَرَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَّا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ ۚ نُّورٌ عَلَىٰ نُورٍ ۗ يَهْدِي اللَّـهُ لِنُورِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚوَيَضْرِبُ اللَّـهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿٣٥﴾

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things,” (Surat an-Nur, aya 35).

While it is impossible to encapsulate all of the interpretations of this verse in one brief reflection, there is a beautiful reflection that I heard from Shaykh Yasir Qadhi who draws his interpretation from the work of Ibn al-Qayyim al Jawzi, may Allah be well pleased with him.

Imam Ibnul Qayyim believes each component that is described in this beautiful verse represents a certain component for the believer. The niche, or mishkat symbolizes the chest of the believer. Our chests shield our hearts and expand or constrict in regards to our affairs. The glass represents the heart, which is such a profound metaphor for the heart when one reflects on it. Glass is see through, just like the heart of the believer. The believer could never be a hypocrite whose intentions and agenda are unclear and murky. Likewise, some people have soft hearts like soft glass while others have harder hearts which are also represented by some types of glass. Light itself is the imaan, or faith, of the believer. This light will illuminate us on the Day of Judgment and envelope us in our graves. The tree represents the Qur’an. The Qur’an is not from this world, neither east nor west- and it gives us the purest of oils, which is guidance. When this guidance reaches the heart, we have Noorun ‘ala Noor- Light upon light. Knowing full well the importance of this light, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sas) would constantly make this dua:

“O Allâh, place light in my heart, light in my tongue, light in my hearing, light in my sight, light behind me, light in front of me, light on my right, light on my left, light above me and light below me; place light in my muscles, in my flesh, in my blood, in my hair and in my skin; place light in my soul and make light abundant for me; make me light and grant me light,” (Sahih Muslim).

May Allah allow us to be beacons of light that transcend the darkness and evil of this world.

Juz 17- Juz Gems

The Time of Account Has Drawn Near...

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight our mashaayikh will recite Surat Al-Anbiya and Surat al-Hajj. Both of these surahs have very powerful imagery of the Day of Judgement. Two verses that continue to wake us up from our heedlessness are found in Surat al Anbiya:

اقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِي غَفْلَةٍ مُّعْرِضُونَ ﴿١﴾ مَا يَأْتِيهِم مِّن ذِكْرٍ مِّن رَّبِّهِم مُّحْدَثٍ إِلَّا اسْتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ ﴿٢﴾لَاهِيَةً قُلُوبُهُمْ ۗ...

“The time of their account has approached for the people, while they are in heedlessness turning away. No mention comes to them anew from their Lord except that they listen to it while they are at play, their hearts distracted, ” (Surat Al-Anbiya 1-3).

Surat Al-Anbiya is distinguished by its very powerful opening; every day we are edging closer and closer to our time of accountability, standing in front of our Creator, questioned on the actions of our limbs and the state of our hearts. And yet, we find ourselves constantly ignoring this reality. We are distracted, choosing to fill up our time with entertainment, unaware of each passing moment that will never return to us again. There will be people on the Day of Judgment pleading to their Lord to take them back to Earth, promising to do good work and be charitable (63:10). It will be too late. It will be too late to donate that extra dollar, make the extra sajda, and wake up one’s heedless heart.

Allah commands Prophet Yahya (as) in Surat Maryam:
يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا ﴿١٢﴾

"Oh John, take the Scripture with determination." And We gave him judgment [while yet] a boy,” (Surat Maryam, aya 12)

Taking the book with determination is the exact opposite approach of those that Allah mentions in Surat Al-Anbiya. In order to deal with a very serious situation, we will sometimes lighten the mood by making jokes and not taking life very seriously. Allah does not want us to do this with our akhira. If you have a certain goal in life, do not waste any time trying to achieve it. In these blessed days of Ramadan, give it your absolute best knowing that this Ramadan will never come back to you again.

Ask yourself if you want to be a person pleading to Allah to take her back so she can rectify her account. Ask yourself if you want to be of those that cry out:

يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي قَدَّمْتُ لِحَيَاتِي ﴿٢٤﴾

“He will say, "Oh, I wish I had sent ahead [some good] for my life,” (Surat al-Fajr, aya 24).

Or, do you want to strive to achieve a contented soul, knowing you did your best with the life Allah has granted you?

يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ ﴿٢٧﴾ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً ﴿٢٨﴾ فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي ﴿٢٩﴾وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي ﴿٣٠﴾

[To the righteous it will be said], "O reassured soul, Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him], and enter among My [righteous] servants, and enter My Paradise," (Surat al-Fajr, ayat 27-30).

Juz 16- Juz Gems

And Say A Gentle Word...

Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the rest of Surat al-Kahf, Surat Maryam, and Surat Taha to conclude the 16th juz of the Qur’an. I pray that Allah blesses us to continue this series for more Ramadans to come since it is so difficult choosing only a single portion of the juz to be highlighted! Tonight’s juz gem reflects a conversation that Allah has with His prophet, Musa (as) in Surat Taha:

وَاصْطَنَعْتُكَ لِنَفْسِي ﴿٤١﴾ اذْهَبْ أَنتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِي ﴿٤٢﴾ اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ ﴿٤٣﴾ فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ ﴿٤٤﴾ قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَن يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَن يَطْغَىٰ ﴿٤٥﴾ قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا ۖ إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ ﴿٤٦﴾

“And I have selected you for My service. Go forth, you and your brother, with My signs and never falter in remembering Me. Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed all bounds. Speak to him gently, so perhaps he may be mindful of Me or fearful of My punishment. They both pleaded, “Our Lord! We fear that he may be quick to harm us or act tyrannically. [Allah] said, "Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see,” (Surat Taha, verses 41-46).

One cannot help but feel the warmth and care Allah (swt) is expressing to Musa and Haroon. “I have chosen you for myself.” “Do not fear, I am with you both- I hear and I see.” Imagine constantly feeling this warm embrace as you are guided throughout life. Allah (swt) continues to encourage and never disparages Musa (as) as fear overtakes him when he is commanded to approach Pharaoh. Musa, rightfully so, has a lot to be fearful of when approaching Pharoah. He knows how evil Pharoah is, how he will stop at nothing to torture and kill anyone who gets in his way. Musa is also a fugitive, having accidentally killed someone and is now expected to free the entire nation of Bani Israel from the clutches of an oppressive, disillusioned tyrant.

Allah commands Musa to approach Pharoah, who claims himself to be the highest lord, with a gentle word. One can only imagine the type of restraint required to achieve such an elevated status. When we have an argument with a friend, family member, or coworker, we find it very difficult to remain objective and restrain our emotions. And yet, Musa not only is commanded to be level headed, but he is also told to take it to the highest degree and speak a gentle word. This is the highest level of ihsan one can aspire to and reminds me of the following verse found in Surat Fussilat:

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ۚادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ ﴿٣٤﴾

“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend,” (Surat Fussilat, aya 34).

May we constantly feel the warm embrace of our Lord, truly convinced that He sees and hears all that we go through. May He elevate us in our ability to restrain our tongues and shower us with His constant love, support, and sustenance! Ameen.

Juz 15- Juz Gems

The Qur’an and Good Company

Tonight our mashayikh will recite Surat al Isra’a and the majority of Surat al-Kahf during taraweeh of the 15th night of Ramadan. Today’s juz gem reflects the importance of two major components in a believer’s life- the Qur’an and maintaining good company:

وَاتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِن كِتَابِ رَبِّكَ ۖ لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ وَلَن تَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِ مُلْتَحَدًا ﴿٢٧﴾ وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ ۖ وَلَا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُ فُرُطًا ﴿٢٨﴾

“And recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is no changer of His words, and never will you find in other than Him a refuge. And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect,” (Surat al Kahf, verses 27-28).

Surat al Kahf, or the cave, is named after the refuge a group of righteous young men found when they escaped from an unjust ruler threatening to execute them for their belief in God. Allah (swt) saved this group of believers and increased them in guidance (18:10) because of their faith in Him. Allah then describes two key components that provide a refuge for us as believers- the Qur’an and righteous companionship.

Allah describes the Qur’an in Surat al Kahf as upright, (18:1) and in Surat al Baqara as a guidance for the pious, of which there is no doubt (2:2). When one begins the journey of getting to know the Qur’an, she will find that the Qur’an becomes a beloved companion and a source of comfort through every difficulty. Many people may find it a struggle to establish a relationship with the Quran because of the language barrier. Know full well that your struggle is appreciated by Allah (17:19) and there are more and more resources out there to help us grasp the deeper wisdom of this generous book.

The second major component that serves as our “cave” in this world is surrounding oneself with people who remind us of Allah. According to the tafseer of Ibn Kathir, “keep yourself patient with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and evening…” was revealed about the nobles of Quraysh when they asked the Prophet to sit with them on his own, and not to bring his weak Companions with him, such as Bilal, `Ammar, Suhayb, Khabbab and Ibn Mas`ud. The Quraysh wanted him to sit with them on his own, but Allah forbade him from doing that, and said, "And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and afternoon." Allah commanded him to patiently content himself with sitting with the "weak" believers.

Ramadan is a wonderful time to grow closer to the Qur’an and establish close ties with the community. Allah reminds us that keeping good company also requires patience. It is easy to become distracted and vie for what everyone else is vying for- the glitter of this world. And yet, we all know people in our lives whose mere presence reminds us of Allah. They make everyone else feel at ease in their company and carry themselves with a sense of honor while remaining humble in their demeanor. May we strive to be the people that Allah is referring to when He commands His believers to sit with those who call on their Lord in the morning and evening only desiring His countenance. Just like Ramadan provides us with the ability to break our bad habits, we should look closely at those that may be influencing us to continue engaging in harmful actions. Make sincere dua that Allah places good people on your path to help and encourage you throughout life's journey.

May Allah enter us into Jannah for the mere fact that we loved one another for His sake and may the Qur’an act as a witness for us and not against us on the Day of Judgment! Ameen.

Juz 14- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight, our mashaayikh will recite Surat al-Hijr and Surat an-Nahl, which are both Meccan surahs. MashaAllah, we are close to halfway done with Ramadan and almost halfway through the beloved Qur’an.

The juz gem for today describes the inhabitants of Paradise in Surat al-Hijr:

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ﴿٤٥﴾ ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ آمِنِينَ ﴿٤٦﴾ وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ إِخْوَانًا عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِينَ ﴿٤٧﴾لَا يَمَسُّهُمْ فِيهَا نَصَبٌ وَمَا هُم مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِينَ ﴿٤٨﴾

“Indeed, the righteous will be within gardens and springs, [Having been told], "Enter it in peace, safe [and secure],” And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other. No fatigue will touch them therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed,” (Surat al-Hijr, ayat 45-48).

The Qur’an is replete with beautiful descriptions of Paradise, from what the inhabitants will wear, to the gardens promised to the righteous underneath which rivers flow. What is even more profound is that Allah does not only offer us the physical manifestations of Paradise; He, azza wa jal, also describes our internal states. We will feel at peace, safe, and feel absolutely no rancor or resentment towards one another.

When life gets overwhelming, some may escape to a beautiful resort for a vacation. However, if they are stressed about work or had a falling out with a friend, the vacation will never be 100 percent relaxing. One finds her heart in constant anguish and trepidation even if she is spending her time in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Allah assures the doers of good that there will be no fear, no stress, and no anguish. What’s even more profound is this section of the gem- “And we will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment so they will be brothers, on thrones facing each other.” This teaches us that we won’t always get along with everyone who is working for the sake of Allah- we may even have very vehement disagreements and that is the true reality of our ummah. Not all personalities will mesh, and not every group or faction will be able to work together. Allah shows us, however, that His Mercy encompasses all and He will turn our hearts and faces towards those we never thought we could ever get along with in this world.

My very close friend wrote once, “I want to come to Allah completely exhausted- that I did everything I possibly could for His sake.” This drive to achieve such a lofty mission comes at the expense of devoting one’s time, resources, and talents to something beyond themselves. When one feels this sense of fatigue, definitely use what is within your toolbox to re-energize, but also remember how honorable it is to be chosen to do this work. The journey to Allah will be filled with obstacles, strained muscles, and weary bones. Trust that you are equipped to be among those in Jannah where “no fatigue will ever touch them, nor will they ever be removed.”

Juz 13- Juz Gems

Tonight our mashaayikh will recite the rest of Surat Yusuf, Surat Ar-Ra’d, as well as Surat Ibrahim. Thus far, this section proved to be the hardest in deciding which aya will be highlighted as the juz gem. Surat Yusuf teaches us so many lessons when we face highs and lows in our lives, Surat Ar-Ra’d reminds us that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves (13:11), and Surat Ibrahim contains the parable of a good word being like a good tree (14:24). So you can imagine how difficult it is to reflect on one particular verse, and yet at the end of the day, this aya kept reverberating in my mind and heart:

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ ﴿٧﴾

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe,' (Surat Ibrahim, aya 7).

When Allah tells us, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you,” He (swt) leaves the increase open-ended. We can have an increase in what we are thanking Allah for as well as an increased appreciation and awareness of the blessings Allah has granted us. Recently, practicing gratitude has made itself known in many psychology and health journals; it has been proven to increase one’s psychological, emotional, as well as physical health, (Psychology Today). Allah reminds us in Surat an-Nahl:

وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّـهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٨﴾

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, (Surat an-Nahl, aya 18).

One of the obstacles that we must actively decide on conquering is the insatiability of our base desires- we are always looking for more, newer, shinier, faster, thinner, etc. While it is not wrong to have high aspirations, we need to consider what we are aspiring to. If we constantly find ourselves critiquing minuscule details of our lives, or fixating on the negative, then we need to evaluate the lens in which we view our lives.

Ramadan is the perfect time to reorient and reprogram our gratitude capacity. Because we are depriving ourselves of food and drink for 16+ hours a day, that first sip of water not only quenches our thirst but engulfs us in a feeling of overwhelming gratitude. Remember, this gratitude is not only expressed through the tongue, but through our actions as well. Let us increase in charity, increase in service, increase in worship so our limbs, as well as our tongue, are submitting in gratitude to their Lord. And watch as Allah increases you in His favor and blessings.

Juz 12- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Our mashayikh will be reciting Surat Hud and a portion of Surat Yusuf tonight and as we have entered the beautiful portion of Ramadan focused on maghfira, or forgiveness, a juz gem that can provide us with a renewed interest in seeking Allah’s forgiveness is found in Surat Hud, aya 52:

وَيَا قَوْمِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا وَيَزِدْكُمْ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمْ وَلَا تَتَوَلَّوْا مُجْرِمِينَ ﴿٥٢﴾

And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals," (Surat Hud, aya 52).

Sometimes, we may think that making istighfaar has no worldly benefit to us. Rather, the focus is to rectify our affairs with Al-Ghaffaar, and establish a close relationship to our Creator. While this is indeed the case, we are rewarded with worldly benefit as well. There are several verses in the Qur’an which highlight the worldly benefits of making istighfar as well as ahadith. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sas) said, “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dawud].

SubhanAllah, Prophet Hud (as) is telling his people to seek forgiveness from their Lord, and He will ensure that their farms receive abundant rain, guaranteeing a beautiful and fruitful harvest as well as increasing them in strength, which they were already known for. A few verses before Prophet Hud (as) addresses his people, our beloved Messenger (sas)- thousands of years later- commands his ummah to do the same:

وَأَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ ﴿٣﴾

And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day, (Surat Hud, aya 3).

Istighfar is directly linked to increased sustenance. It opens up the doors of your rizq (provision) and is timeless in its importance. One of the most beautiful things about Islam is its relevance throughout time and space and the ease in which Allah has made it possible to worship Him. Not everyone is capable of waking up in the middle of the night to pray or spend hours reading and studying Islamic sciences- and yet, we can all make istighfar. Our beloved Messenger (sas) used to make istighfar over 100 times a day, so remember in these blessed days and nights to increase in your istighfar. Find pockets of time throughout your day to establish a litany of istighfar- waiting on the check out line, folding laundry, commuting to work etc. We can maximize on these times with very little effort on our part, but a very conscious intention to grow closer to our Lord.

Juz 10- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! It’s hard to believe that one-third of Ramadan has already bid us farewell and we will soon welcome the next ten days which will focus on attaining forgiveness from our Lord. Tonight our mashaayikh recited the rest of Surat al Anfaal and a large portion of Surat at-Tawba. Surat at-Tawba was one of the last Medinan surahs to be revealed after the Battle of Tabuk and it is the only surah in the Qur'an that does not begin with the Basmala. A beautiful aya that resonates with me and encompasses all stations of the believers is found in Surat at-Tawba:

انفِرُوا خِفَافًا وَثِقَالًا وَجَاهِدُوا بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ﴿٤١﴾

“Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. That is better for you, if you only knew,” (Surat at-Tawba, aya 41).

This verse is in specific reference to the Battle of Tabuk but the timelessness of the Qur'an makes it relatable to us even today, and especially in Ramadan. Ramadan is a month that is filled with blessings and may also be met with a tinge of guilt. You may reminisce of past Ramadans where you had the ability to excel in all of your spiritual goals. You had time to read Quran, pray qiyaam, memorize, volunteer, and host iftars. Now, you find yourself working long shifts at your day job and barely staying awake to perform a truncated version of taraweeh. You may be home with multiple children, tending to their every need while rushing through your prayers to make sure you get them done on time. You may be unable to fast due to health reasons and miss the spirit of the month because of it. Finances may be constricted and you can’t give as freely as you used to. All in all, you may be feeling the weight of this world bearing down on your shoulders. You yearn for that lightness again- that carefree attitude which didn’t factor the hours of sleep the children would lose if you said yes to that iftar invitation.

I want you to know one thing and to take heed of it. If you are feeling heavy this Ramadan, continue to strive. Continue trying your best and don’t stop plugging away. Keep saying yes to Allah when He calls upon you, as much as you are able. And know for sure that Allah is strengthening you. Anyone who goes to the gym to lift weights knows what happens to their muscles; they literally get torn apart so they can come back together stronger than before.

For those that are feeling heavy this Ramadan, remember that this is a season in your life that will change. If you can draw from the lessons the heaviness has to offer, you’ll find yourself fortified. Your capacity to take on multiple projects, to serve the community, to maintain a sense of calm in the eye of the storm will help you tremendously on this journey towards Allah (swt). These are the qualities that can only be gained by carrying the extra weight of responsibility. So, flip the script. Know that Allah is building your growth capacity and fortifying your soul. Once the burdens are lifted, you’ll come out of the gate running.

Juz 9- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight we will conclude Surat Al-A’raaf which delved deeply into the story of Musa and Bani Israel. The beginning of Surat Al-Anfaal will also be recited which was revealed right after the Battle of Badr in 2 AH. A beautiful gem that truly stands out is the description of the believers in Surat Al-Anfaal:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّـهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ ﴿٢﴾ الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ﴿٣﴾ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚلَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ ﴿٤﴾

“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts fill with awe, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely. The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision,” (Surat al Anfaal verses 2-4).

After 13 years of persecution, suffering the death of loved ones, and exile out of Mecca, the believers hearts soared with pride and triumph as they defeated the Quraysh with Allah and His Angels by their side. The first verse of Surat Al-Anfaal discusses the spoils of war after the victorious Battle of Badr. The companions were confused and disputing amongst one another over who deserves what in regards to the war booty. When revelation came down saying that it all belongs to Allah and His Messenger (sas), the directive quickly became a very real and practical way for the believers to solidify and refine their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (sas) was reported as saying, “Faith does not come about through wishful thinking or maintaining appearances. True faith is that which establishes roots in people’s hearts and to which action gives credence.”

Notice how our beloved Messenger (sas) says it first takes root in people’s hearts then it leads to action. These verses from Surat Al-Anfaal follow the same pattern- a description of an awe-filled, inspired heart, then prayer and charity. Our faith is never divorced from action and vice versa. Sometimes it is in our actions that faith takes root and oftentimes it’s first an emotion that embeds itself into our soul and moves us to submit to our Lord. Umm al-Dardā’, a female Companion of the Prophet said: “A feeling of awe is similar to a burning sensation that causes you to tremble. When you experience that, then pray to God, for such prayer is sure to give you comfort.”

There are three heart-based emotions that distinguish the true believer from the hypocrite- the awe inspired heart, increased faith, and full reliance on Allah. Coming to Allah with a qalbun saleem (a healthy heart) will be the ultimate victory on the Day of Judgment and will be the criterion between the believers and the hypocrites. The faith of the believers will illuminate their way while the hypocrites will be running to catch some of their light (57:12-13).

In Ramadan, we have the opportunity to truly reflect on the position of our heart with Allah. Try to reflect on the times when you felt truly inspired and humbled by Allah’s (swt) Majesty. Was it standing in prayer during taraweeh? Listening to an awe-inspiring lecture? Making desperate dua in the middle of the night? Immersing yourself in nature? Relish those private moments with your Lord, the One capable of turning your heart and making it steadfast on His (swt) religion.

Juz 8- Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight, our beloved mashaayikh will recite the last section of Surat al An’aam and continue onto Surat Al-A’raaf. Surat Al-A’raaf is a Meccan surah which details Adam, Eve, and Shaytan’s descent into this world. It is filled with powerful imagery describing the conversation the inhabitants of hell are having with the inhabitants of heaven. Iblis, the avowed enemy of humanity describes his new mission as he descends to Earth, debased and humiliated:

قَالَ فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿١٦﴾ ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُم مِّن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَائِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِينَ ﴿١٧﴾

“[Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit and wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You],”’ (Surat Al-A’raaf, verses 16-17).

When Iblis was asked why he refused to prostrate to Adam, he replied, “I am better than him. You have created me from fire, and him from clay,” (7:13). This instance represents the first act of racism in human history and shows us how imbedded and prevalent this disease of the heart is which we need to actively eradicate from ourselves and society.

Satan describes all the directions in which he will attack us- from before them, behind them, on their right and on their left. Going deeper into this verse, we find that these symbolic directions represent different situations we find ourselves in. When Satan attacks us from behind, he tries to remind us of a shameful past or our former glory. The past sins may shame us, make us despair, and prevent us from trying to come closer to our Lord. Our past glory may deflate us: “Remember when you used to fast every Monday and Thursday? You’ll never get back to doing that again- what’s the point in trying? You’re too busy now.”

When Satan attacks us from in front, the best way to imagine it is an advertisement on tv. The commercial will point to something we may lack in our lives (soft hands), make us desire having it, then present a product that will deliver on that promise (lotion). Satan uses the same tactics, but then the product he suggests is displeasing to Allah. “You deserve to have a good time with your friends. Everyone else gets to go out while you feel lonely at home. Why don’t you sneak out of the house while your parents are asleep? They’ll never know.” He may also attack us from in front by causing us to doubt the Hereafter.

Satan attacking us from our right and left can be symbolically interpreted as tempting us to sin (our left) or convincing us that our good deeds won’t be accepted by Allah (our right). When Satan whispers into our ears that our prayer or wudu isn’t good enough and that one should redo it, this can lead to religious scrupulousness and causes great anxiety surrounding our acts of worship. If you find yourself in this camp, remember that Allah does not wish to impose hardship on you (5:6).

One of the most striking aspects of Satan’s agenda is that he doesn’t mention attacking us from above. Al-Hakam bin Abban said that `Ikrimah narrated from Ibn `Abbas concerning the Ayah, "He did not say that he will come from above them, because the mercy descends from above,'' (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). Knowing that Ramadan is a month in which the major Shayateen are chained and Allah’s mercy is descending upon His believers, make it a goal this month to fortify yourself against the temptations of Satan. Knowing his tactics is the first step- creating the right boundaries in your life and expressing gratitude to Allah will help you in dispelling the whispers of Shaytan. May Allah increase us in taqwa every day of our lives and use Ramadan as the springboard for this lifelong journey!

Juz 6- Juz Gems

Tonight is the 6th night of Ramadan and our imaams will be reciting from Surat al-Ma’ida. Surat al-Ma’ida is the last major surah to be revealed that completes the legal system of Islam. In it, one finds legislation regarding the type of food that is permissible, how to perform wudu, the sanctity of human life, and distinguishing Muslims as having their own legal system vis-a-vis the People of the Book. One of the most honorable verses bestowed upon the ummah of Muhammad (sas) is highlighted below:

...الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا ۚ

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion, (Surat al Mai’da, a portion of verse 3).

This verse is so distinguished that it even caught the eye of a Jew living in Arabia at that time. Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab: Once a Jew said to me, "O the chief of believers! There is a verse in your Holy Book Which is read by all of you (Muslims), and had it been revealed to us, we would have taken that day on which it was revealed as a day of celebration." 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asked, "Which is that verse?" The Jew replied, "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, And have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (5:3) 'Umar replied,"No doubt, we know when and where this verse was revealed to the Prophet. It was Friday and the Prophet was standing at 'Arafa,” (Sahih Bukhari).

From a very young age, human beings are constantly pursuing guidance. A child looks at her mother to see whether or not it is safe to approach something novel and new. A teenager may rebel to establish his own identity, and yet the guidance of his parents constantly rings in his ears. A doctor goes through several years of residency under the guidance of experienced doctors before she becomes an attending. Now, imagine the beautiful gift Allah has bestowed upon us by completing Islam for us. Allah has perfected our “deen” which comes from the root word daan, meaning “to submit.” This way of life is spelled out so clearly in our religion- from the way we should speak to what we should eat.

There are times in our lives where we may feel like what has been made haraam restricts us. It stops us from what we perceive to be “living our best life.” Rest assured that everything that Allah has deemed haraam including alcohol, drugs, illicit relations outside of marriage, is done as a true mercy for us in order that we may live a purpose-driven, fulfilling life vying for the favor and pleasure of our Creator and Sustainer.

We often take it for granted that we have this perfect system readily available to us. This perfect system took 23 years of revelation, lost lives, broken hearts, loss of a homeland, ultimate sacrifices, and eventual success to be realized and achieved. Learning and engrossing ourselves in the seerah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sas) helps provide that link that truly makes us feel proud of our Islamic identity.

May we continue to live up to the favor Allah has bestowed upon us and actively try to appreciate the blessing of Islam; a complete and total way of life.

Juz 5-Juz Gems

Assalaamu Alaykum! Tonight, our mashaayikh will be reciting the majority of Surat an-Nisaa’. Surat an Nisaa’ is a Madani surah revealed shortly after the Battle of Uhud. The surah is replete with laws regarding inheritance and a strong message of the surah is establishing justice on Earth. As we are almost midway through the first 10 days of mercy, this aya proves both reassuring and timely:

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا أَوْ يَظْلِمْ نَفْسَهُ ثُمَّ يَسْتَغْفِرِ اللَّـهَ يَجِدِ اللَّـهَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا ﴿١١٠﴾

And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful, (Surat An-Nisaa’, aya 110).

We can find ourselves paralyzed with the fear of sinning that we become too stringent and hard on ourselves and each other and strip ourselves from the beautiful characteristic of mercy. On the other hand, we may find ourselves so desensitized by our sins, that we do not even give it a second thought when engaging in something forbidden.

Ramadan is the perfect time to reawaken our senses and become more mindful of our actions. Because we want to conserve energy, we find ourselves talking less, protecting ourselves from the prohibitions of the tongue. We also may be so conscious of our fasting state, that we refrain from lashing out and getting angry. And yet, we still will have missteps and falter- even in Ramadan. This verse reminds us that Allah is more merciful on us than we often are on ourselves.
The Prophet Muhammad (sas) in an authentic hadith reminds us:

“By Him in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin and they would seek forgiveness from Allah and He would forgive them,” (Sahih Muslim).

Allah loves to forgive and His attributes of forgiveness are many: Al-Ghaffar, Al-Ghafoor, Al-Afuw’, At-Tawwaab etc.

Sometimes we may feel like our sins are so heavy, that we fall into despair and doubt that Allah will ever forgive us. When that feeling arises, remember this beautiful Hadith Qudsi:

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah the Almighty said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.

May this Ramadan be an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our past sins by turning back to Allah and seeking sincere forgiveness. Remember, Allah’s promise is true- all we need to do is turn back ❤️

Juz Gem- Juz 4

Assalaamu Alaykum! I hope you all find benefit in the following Juz Gem that will be recited tonight during Taraweeh!

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّـهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّـهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا وَكُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنْهَا ۗكَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّـهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ ﴿١٠٣﴾

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided,” (Surat ‘Ale-Imran, aya 103).

According to various tafseer experts, the rope of Allah can be understood in several ways. The rope can represent the community of Muslims, it can refer to the Qur’an itself, or it can represent the covenant we have made with Allah testifying that there is no God but Him (swt). This particular verse was sent in reference to the tribal hostilities the ‘Aws and Khazraj had before Islam. The hypocrites would constantly try to remind them of this animosity in order to flair up past resentment and anger and cause divisiveness among the Ansaar. Through the example of our beloved Prophet (sas) and what he taught them, Allah softened their hearts towards one another and transformed the relationship from one of pure animus to one of pure love.

Imagine the generosity Allah has showered upon the believers- not only does He transform our hearts, but He destines for us a better ending. The ‘Aws and the Khazraj were strengthened by letting go of the rancor in their hearts and were also saved from the fire of Hell through their implementation of the beautiful message of Islam. In another verse Allah reminds us:

وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ ۚ لَوْ أَنفَقْتَ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَّا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ اللَّـهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٦٣﴾

And He (swt) brought together their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise, (Surat Al-Anfaal, aya 63).

Ramadan is a time of mercy and forgiveness. We know the Shaytan and our own hurt egos may make us shy away from getting involved in the community or repairing broken relationships. This is one of the greatest ploys of the Shaytan; causing division between husband and wife, family and friends, and members of our community. One of the best ways to heal the hurt one feels towards another brother or sister in faith is to make dua for the one that has caused you pain. No one wants to carry the weight of anger, resentment, and negativity in their hearts- it is quite a burden to carry! Begin and end your day with dua; “Oh Allah, heal and unite our hearts, strengthen our love for one another, and never divide us!”

Ameen.

Juz Gem

For those observing, inshaAllah you are benefiting greatly from Ramadan and feeling Allah’s mercy in these blessed days! One of the core ways to strengthen our relationship with Allah (swt) is to reflect on His words. Allah even asks us a rhetorical question:

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا

Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts? (Surat Muhammad, aya 24).

Our imaams will be reciting verses from the 3rd Juz of the Qur’an tonight and we hope to follow along by offering some reflections on one, two, or three verses that will be recited:

فَتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا بِقَبُولٍ حَسَنٍ وَأَنبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِيَّا ۖ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا ۖ قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَـٰذَا ۖ قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ ﴿٣٧﴾ هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖإِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ ﴿٣٨﴾

So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zakariya. Every time Zakariya entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, "O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?" She said, "It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account." At that, Zakariya called upon his Lord, saying, "My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication," (Ale-Imran ayat 37-38).

Maryam (as) the twice chosen female maidservant of Allah inspires her uncle, Prophet Zakariya (as), to supplicate to Allah (swt) for a child. As Maryam (as) is learning and devoting herself to the worship of Allah, she understands fully that any provision comes from Him and Him alone. According to Ibn Kathir, Prophet Zakariya (as), her guardian, uncle, and mentor would, “find with her the fruits of the summer during winter, and the fruits of the winter during summer.'' Zakariya (as), now an elderly man with a barren wife (19:8), would be considered in the winter season of his life; he has reached extremely old age, suffers from weakened bones, and has a head filled with white hair. Walking into Maryam’s (as) room, however, reinvigorates Zakariya’s (as) resolve to never lose hope in the mercy and sustenance of Allah. Just as Maryam (as) received fruit out of season, Zakariya supplicates to his Lord to receive a child “out of season” to worship Him (swt) and continue spreading the message of tawheed and upright living. His supplication is accepted and Zakariya (as) is blessed with Yahya (as) a boy who receives wisdom at a young age and becomes a Prophet of Allah (swt).

We may think that we are too old, too young, too frail, too busy, too stressed out to accomplish what we truly want. We may think that the train has left the station without us catching a ride. These verses remind us that the most powerful tool we can utilize is supplicating to our Lord (swt) no matter how insane the request. May Allah bestow upon us true conviction and resolve that He is with us wherever we may be (57:4) and grants us fruits out of season throughout our lives!

In the first few verses of Surat Al-Baqarah, Allah is setting the stage in regards to how we should approach the Qur’an.

1) Alif Lam Meem
2) This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous.
3) Those who believe in the unseen...

It starts with letters that are a mystery to us, then reassures us that this is the book that has no doubt in it, a guidance for those aware of God. You can’t help to then approach the Quran with a sense of humility- like, hey, I don’t know everything, I can’t see everything, and I need Allah to help me navigate all aspects of my life and, most importantly, my faith.

Ya Muqallib Al quloob thabit quloobuna ‘ala deenak-
Oh Turner of Hearts, Keep our hearts steadfast on your religion!

Reflection from Surat al-Hadeed verses 12-14

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], "Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally." That is what is the great attainment. On the [same] Day the hypocrite men and hypocrite women will say to those who believed, "Wait for us that we may acquire some of your light." It will be said, "Go back behind you and seek light." And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment. The hypocrites will call to the believers, "Were we not with you?" They will say, "Yes, but you afflicted yourselves and awaited [misfortune for us] and doubted, and wishful thinking deluded you until there came the command of Allah. And the Deceiver deceived you concerning Allah, (57:12-14).

Of course, with any verses in the Qur’an, we can spend hours upon hours reflecting and we will never exhaust the wisdom and lessons contained within them. According to the tafseer of Ibn Kathir, the light that will be emanating from the believing men and women will shine their path as they cross the sirat on the Day of Judgment. There will be varying degrees of light, “Some of them will have a light as large as a mountain, some as a date tree, some as big as a man in the standing position. The least among them has a light as big as his index finger, it is lit at times and extinguished at other times,” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). The word used to describe the light is yas’aa which means that it is a continuous light that never extinguishes. May Allah make our light as big as the mountains and may we lead others into Paradise through that light.

On the other hand, Allah describes the munaafiqoon (hypocrites) in an entirely different “light.” The root word for munaafiq is nafaqa which is a tunnel with different entrances and exits. Nafaqa also means “to rot, decay, have a bad odor.” Allah dedicates 12 verses in the first few pages of Surat al Baqara describing the munafiqoon in a very powerful way. The hypocrites continuously look to straddle two playing fields trying to figure out what is most advantageous for them in this worldly life. “And when they meet those who believe, they say, "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, "Indeed, we are with you; we were only mockers,”’ (2:14).

On the Day of Judgment Allah will place the hypocrites with the believing men and women, giving them a sense of hope that they may enter Paradise. Isn’t that the same exact tactic the hypocrites would also use, playing on the heartstrings of the believers, while secretly devising an alternate plan? Then a wall is erected separating the two groups from one another, diminishing the hope that they could have deceived the All-Knowing.

“Wishful thinking deluded you,” is what strikes the most fear in my heart. It has the same gravitas as the verses in Surat al Kahf, “Say, [O Muhammad], "Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in their work, (18:103-104). They think they are doing well and yet it is this wishful thinking: “I still have time, Allah will forgive, why be so serious, etc.” and this attitude of complacency gives us a false sense of security.

May Allah grant us steadfastness and righteous companionship ya Rabb that will remind us that every good deed we do will transform into a nonextinguishable light. If we were to change our thinking when we perform good actions into understanding that these good deeds will be a light for us, how much sweeter would those actions be to us? How much more would we hold on to the opportunities to help others in need and be of service to our community? I ask Allah to use us in all circumstances and never replace us.

"In practical terms, the boycott imposed by the Quraysh meant a great deal of hardship which was equally endured by men, women, and children. For three years, the Hashimites were practically prevented from buying anything on the open market, even food for their families. The following report by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas provides a glimpse of the suffering of the Muslims in this period: "I went out one night to relieve myself. The urine fell over something which crackled. I picked it up. It was a piece of camel skin which had dried. I washed it well before burning it and mixing it thoroughly with water. It was my food for three days," (Muhammad, Man and Prophet, pg. 168)

Ya Allah nourish us with Your love and imaan and fortify us through hardship and struggle.