The First Freedom Fighter

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

She lived in the greatest palace of her time, with many slaves, male and female at her command. Hers was a life of luxury and ease.

Her name was Asiyah bint Muzahim, wife of Pharaoh - may Allah be pleased with her - one woman, physically weak, but she was a believer who was at peace in her palace. The light of faith had dawned in her heart and she challenged the system of ignorance at the head of which was her husband.

She had deep insight and did not care about palaces and luxurious furnishings or having many slaves and servants. Hence, she deserved to be mentioned by the Lord of the Worlds in His Holy Book, where she is given as an example for those who believe, as Allah, the Exalted, says:

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Pharaoh and his work, and save me from the people who are wrongdoers.

(Quran 66:11)

The scholars said, commenting on this verse:

Asiyah chose the Hereafter over this world. She also deserved to be mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) among the perfect women, when he said:

Many men attain perfection, but no women attained perfection except Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh and Maryam bint Imran, and the superiority of Aishah over other women is like the superiority of tharid (bread, meat and broth) over other foods.

This is Asiyah the believer, the lamp that shone in the darkness of Pharaoh's palace. Who could light a lamp for us that shines with such patience and steadfastness, calling us to Allah, the Almighty?

(Dr. A'id al-Qarni)

Wasalaam!

The Water of Repentance is the Purest Water

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who purify themselves. He rejoices over the repentance of His slave more than a man rejoices when he finds his mount which carries his food and drink, after losing it in a barren land falling into despair and sitting by the root of a tree to await death, then he suddenly sees his animal standing by his head, with his food and drink on it, so he gets up and takes hold of its reins, and cries out in joy, "O Allah, You are my Lord and I am your slave". 

Glory be to Allah, how great He is and how Merciful, for He rejoices at His slave's repentance and his attaining Paradise and earning his pleasure. Allah calls His believing slaves with the words:

".... And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you may be successful".

(Quran 24:31)

Repentance cleanses the heart with the water of tears and the fire of regret which burns in the heart, and with a feeling of humility and tears in the eyes.

This is the first step of those who seek a path to Allah, it is the capital of those who are successful, and the key to correcting those who have gone astray.

The one who repents, prays to Allah and beseeches Him, weeping. When others relax, he does not. When others are still, his fear does not rest and the longing of his heart never ceases. 

He stands before his Lord with a grieving heart and distressed mind, bowing his head and trembling when he remembers how many sins he committed.

His grief overwhelms him and his tears flow. He prepares himself to be a winner tomorrow and to shed his worldly load so that he may pass quickly over the bridge of Hell.

May Allah give us all the ability to repent sincerely and truly - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

11 Suggested Activities for the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. Make a big effort to increase all your religious activities for the last 10 days, such as extra prayers and more Dhikr.

2. Keep reciting this special dua:

Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni

O Allah, You are indeed Forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me.

3. Make Tawbah (sincere repentance).

4. Evaluate yourself and see how you could be a better person.

5. Make long and sincere duas.

6. Spend quality time with your family.

7. Try to finish the Quran and read the dua for the completion of Quran recitation.

8. Spend some time in Itikaaf. 

If you cannot fulfil the Sunnah of sitting in Itikaaf for 10 days then you can sit in seclusion for any length of time with the sole purpose of drawing closer to Allah and you will, insha Allah, be rewarded accordingly.

9. Try to minimise the time you spend on worldly matters. You could try not watching TV, listening to music or surfing the internet for this short period of time and this will all help you in drawing closer to Allah.

10. Try to memorise some of the shorter Surahs in the 30th Juz which you can recite in your salah.

11. Read and learn some hadith and try to practice these in your daily life.

May Allah give us all the ability to do our best in these last few blessed days - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

11 Things You Can Do When You Are Menstruating

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. Read a translation of the Quran or a commentary of the Quran - with wudhu and without touching the actual Arabic text.

2. Make dua and spend time engaging in dhikr.

3. Listen to the Quran.

4. Read Islamic books.

5. Attend religious classes - although not those taking place in the actual prayer area of the mosque.

6. Increase your dawah activities by encouraging others to do good.

7. Give in charity.

8. Help around the home with the intention of gaining reward.

9. Offer to help out with taking care of children so that others can pray.

10. Get involved with Islamic activities that are taking place in your local area.

11. Try and feed as many fasting people as you can.

Remember, it is your intention that matters.

Wasalaam!