DeenStrong

Biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

A heart that is truly affected by the Quran becomes a vessel that ends up effecting the tongue and limbs of the person. The theory of taqwa doesn’t become rusty in the heart nor dusty on a bookshelf; rather it’s lived vividly. What’s a key sign that a heart is alive? One, it understands its blessings are from God; and two, it inclines towards charity, understanding that God is the best financial advisor. If you can, give something today towards a humanitarian cause. My personal choice: Ihsan Foundation for West Africa’s ‘Wells’ Project. 📖 وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ أَنفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقَكُمُ اللهُ قَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنُطْعِمُ مَن لَّوْ يَشَاءُ اللهُ أَطْعَمَهُ إِنْ أَنتُمْ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

The onus is on us. If we do our part, and do it well and properly, then Allah ﷻ will do His part in return. “Remember Me, and I’ll remember you.” Step one is always on us. Putting in work for Allah ﷻ, be it the five daily prayers or making istighfar, should permeate the rest our being. So let us reflect internally: is that the case? Is our worship simply a shell, or are there pearls inside? يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا اللُّؤْلُؤُ وَالْمَرْجَانُ

Make the intention to do something small and positive today. Don’t procrastinate. You can do it. #dayone #tawfeeq #bismillah

Prophet Muhammad is only mentioned five times by name in the Quran. These verses teach us: to hang onto our faith in trying times; taqwa outweighs lineage; the importance of connecting with the Quran; doing so will lead to openings in our lives; and the direct references of Muhammad in previous scriptures, particularly the Torah and Bible. فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ

The more a person connects with their prayer, the more they connect with the concept of sacrificing for the sake of Allah ﷻ. It’s not just about ‘sacrificial animals’ in a literal sense, but also a figurative one. What is your ‘Ismail?’ Wrestle with it; struggle with it for Allah ﷻ; and let prayer be the fuel for that fire of motivation. The struggle is real for everyone; may Allah ﷻ help us to battle our lower selves.

May Allah ﷻ lighten our loads and overlook our shortcomings.

Rasulullah ﷺ would always focus on building people up, not tearing them down. Construction is always more challenging than destruction. It takes time, work, and expertise; destruction the opposite. The Prophetic blue print is to try your best. May Allah ﷻ help us to embody this as best we can. فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ

Rasulullah ﷺ taught us that Judgment Day will be established on a Friday, however of course nobody knows exactly which one except Allah ﷻ. Also, Rasulullah ﷺ taught us the importance of valuing Jumuah on a weekly basis. Preparing for Jumuah properly weekly is an effective way to properly prepare for Judgment Day. Come early for Jumuah, and park properly. Be kind. May we all be successful on that day.

Surah Fatiha is a beautiful microcosm of Islam. Even within this rather short chapter, you have different opinions on several different issues. The key to unlocking our understanding though, is for the heart to be vast and compassionate. Respect ‘the other.’ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ