The Barakah Effect

05/07/2024

Since October 2023, the world has witnessed the horrors of the gen0cide and mass murders taking place in Pale$tine, specifically in G@za. As we speak, isr@el has killed more than 37,000 civilians - mostly women and children - in addition to over 80,000 severely injured. In an unprecedented act of violence, isr@el has dropped over 70,000 tons of bombs on the strip, exceeding World War 2 bombings in Dresden, Hamburg and London combined. Despite gaining notorious attention from all over the world, with international communities negatively labelling isr@el’s actions as ethnic cleansing & gen0cide, and multiple peaceful attempts at a ceasefire, there seems to be no end in sight for the atrocities being committed against the people of Pale$tine, including civilians in the West B@nk, which is particularly painful for us Muslims, as we witness the crimes perpetrated on the holy ground of Al-Aqsa.

With these horrific acts, many around the world are forced to watch in horror. Some questioning God, wondering “where is the Help of Allah”? Why is He allowing these to take place? Why aren’t the nations stepping up to stop this violence?

And after 8 months of non-stop horror, some have lost hope, or even start to feel jaded as if they can no longer be bothered.

In this episode of the Barakah Effect, join us as we discuss:

What should we do, as Muslims? What is our attitude in facing this situation, as we helplessly watch our brothers and sisters being massacred in these holy lands? What role do we have to play, and how do we understand this in the right perspective to see it from the Wisdom of Allah?

(Link in bio)

02/07/2024

Menjadi hafiz al-Quran bukanlah satu perkara mudah, namun sememangnya tidak mustahil.

Hakikatnya, tidaklah sama orang yang menghafaz al-Quran dengan mereka yang tidak menghafaznya, kerana hafiz al-Quran, darjatnya di sisi Allah jauh lebih tinggi.

Jika kita ingin mengambil semangat untuk menghafal al-Quran, lihatlah sahaja hadith-hadith yang membakar semangat kita untuk berterusan menghafal al-Quran. Salah satunya adalah hadith Abdullah bin Amr r.a yang telah meriwayatkan sabda Rasulullah ﷺ yang berikut:

يُقَالُ لِصَاحِبِ الْقُرْآنِ اقْرَأْ وَارْتَقِ وَرَتِّلْ كَمَا كُنْتَ تُرَتِّلُ فِى الدُّنْيَا فَإِنَّ مَنْزِلَكَ عِنْدَ آخِرِ آيَةٍ تَقْرَؤُهَا

“Akan dikatakan kepada ahli Quran: “bacalah dan naiklah (dalam darjat ketinggian), seperti mana engkau dahulu membacanya di dunia. Sesungguhnya darjat engkau adalah pada ayat terakhir yang engkau baca” (HR Abu Dawud dan at-Tirmidzi)

Sheikh Shamsul Haq Al-Adzimabadi رحمه الله: “difahami daripada hadith tersebut: bahawa tiadalah yang mendapat kelebihan yang besar ini, melainkan sesiapa yang menghafal al-Quran, menguasai bacaan dengan baik dan dengan cara yang selayaknya” - [‘Awn al-Ma’bud, syarah Sunan Abi Dawud]

Betapa besarnya penghargaan Allah terhadap mereka yang menghafal kalam-Nya! Tidak hairanlah mengapa para Hufaz dipanggil dengan panggilan Ahlullah (أهل الله) yakni kerabat Allah, yang disebut di dalam hadith yang berikut:

إن لله أهلين من الناس، قالوا: ومن هم يا رسول الله؟ قال: أهل القرآن هم أهل الله وخاصته
“Sesungguhnya Allah mempunyai ahli-ahli tersendiri daripada kalangan manusia.”
Para sahabat pun bertanya: siapakah mereka wahai Rasulullah?
Rasulullah ﷺ bersabda: Ahli Quran, merekalah ahli Allah dan VIP-Nya” - [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Semakin dekat kita dengan Kitabullah, semakin dekat p**a kita dengan Allah, sehingga boleh menjadi orang-orang khusus-Nya. 🤲

Semoga Allah jadikan kita istiqamah menghafal kitab-Nya, menjadikan al-Quran sebagai musim bunga bagi hati kita, yang akan mendampingi kita hingga akhir hayat.

Untuk tips2 lain dalam menjadi sahabat Al-Qur’an, tontonilah episod podcast terbaru kami, episod #85 bersama Ustaz , bertajuk “Bagaimana Menjadi Sahabat Al-Qur’an?”

30/06/2024

Adakah anda merasa sukar untuk mencintai Al-Qur’an?
Anda ada keinginan untuk membaca, tahu kepentigannya, tetapi terasa amat berat atau “bosan” untuk meluangkan masa bagi membaca, menghafal atau mempelajari Al-Qur’an?

Uthman bin Affan (radhiAllahu anhu) berkata:

لَوْ طَهَرَتْ قُلُوْبُكُمْ مَا شَبَعَتْ مِنْ كَلَامِ رَبِّكُمْ
“Kalaulah hati kamu benar-benar bersih, nescaya ianya tidak akan rasa bosan / jemu dengan kalam Tuhan-mu (Al-Qur’an)”

Sedar atau tidak, banyak perkara yang sering menjadi penghalang untuk kita daripada ibadah.

Dan, boleh jadi, antara faktor terbesar yang boleh mengotori hati kita, justeru menjadi penghalang untuk kita benar-benar menjiwai dan membina kecintaan terhadap Al-Qur’an, adalah MUZIK.

Ibn Al-Qayyim mengatakan, tidak akan berhimpun Al-Qur’an dan muzik dalam satu hati manusia yang sama.

Seperti nasihat oleh Ustaz , menghimpunkan muzik bersama Al-Qur’an dalam hati, laksana air jernih dan najis dicampurkan ke dalam satu bekas. Walaupun ada sesuatu yang suci (air), tetapi disebabkan telah bercampur, maka air tersebut langsung tidak dapat terpakai!

Jadi kalau anda benar2 berhasrat menjadi sahabat Al-Qur’an, Ahli Al-Qur’an, maka usahakanlah untuk berhenti

Berat?

Ya, mungkin ianya sesuatu yang berat bagi sesetengah di kalnagan kita. Maklumlah, sekeliling semuanya muzik.

Kuncinya, mohonlah pertolongan daripada Allah agar dipermudahkan untuk berubah demi mencari keredhaan-Nya, dalam membina kecintaan terhadap kitab-Nya.
Hidayah perlu dikejar, bukan ditunggu. Dan mulalah kerja dengan berjihad dengan diri anda untuk tinggalkan muzik!

Percayalah dengan Allah - kalau anda tinggalkan, YAKINlah - pasti Allah akan ganti dengan lebih baik!

Rasulullah ﷺ bersabda, “sesungguhnya tidaklah engkau meninggalkan sesuatu kerana Allah, melainkan Allah akan GANTIKAN untukmu dengan sesuatu yang lebih baik daripadanya” (HR Ahmad)

Cuba dulu, dan rasailah kenikmatan Al-Qur’an….!

Untuk tips2 lain dalam menjadi sahabat Al-Qur’an, tontonilah episod podcast terbaru kami, episod #85 bersama Ustaz , bertajuk “Bagaimana Menjadi Sahabat Al-Qur’an?”

16/06/2024

Episod terkini dalam Bahasa Melayu!

Pernahkah anda terfikir: Bagaimana caranya menjadi sahabat sejati Al-Quran? Apa yang bezakan seseorang yang hanya membaca Al-Quran dengan yang benar-benar menghidupkannya dan hidup bersamanya setiap hari?

Pada episod kali ini, kita bersama Ustaz yang akan berkongsi tentang perjalanan luar biasanya.

✅ Mengenali Ustaz Syazani Ketahui bagaimana beliau memulakan perjalanan sebagai seorang hafiz yang luar biasa. Segmen ini sangat berguna untuk ibu bapa yang ingin anak-anak mereka mendalami hafalan Al-Quran.

💡 Memahami dan Menghayati Al-Quran - Perbincangan yang lebih mendalam di mana kami akan meneroka ilmu qiraat dan harf yang jarang diketahui orang ramai

📝Tips Praktikal untuk Dekat dengan Al-Quran - Ustaz Syazani akan memberikan langkah-langkah mudah yang boleh kita ambil untuk menjadikan Al-Quran sebahagian daripada hidup kita.

Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk mendengar episod penuh ilmu dan inspirasi ini. Semoga apa yang kami kongsikan memberi manfaat kepada anda. Barakallahu fikum, dan selamat mendengar!

15/06/2024

Feeling burdened by past sins, struggling with daily religious commitments? Seeking a closer relationship with Allah, eager to seek forgiveness for sins of the past year and the year ahead? Dreaming of the spiritual rewards of performing Hajj and Umrah, while others stand in Arafah?

Indeed, with Allah’s Mercy this is possible!

The Day of Arafah has a special significance in the sight of Allah. It is the day of the year which Allah forgives the most amount of His slaves - those who were destined for Hellfire, and instead frees them from this destination.

On this day, pilgrims are performing wuquf (the standing), one of the pillars of hajj, of which without it, one’s hajj would be invalid.

Emphasizing the importance of Wuquf at Arafah, the Prophet ﷺ said, emphasizing 3 times:

الْحَجُّ عَرَفَاتٌ الْحَجُّ عَرَفَاتٌ الْحَجُّ عَرَفَاتٌ

“The Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat, the Hajj is ‘Arafat. (At-Tirmidzi)

But what about the rest of the Muslims - those among us who aren’t performing hajj, this year?

Out of His Mercy, this act of Forgiveness in freeing His slaves from the Fire isn’t just limited to the pilgrims performing wuquf at ‘Arafah: it might also include any of His slaves on that day.

For those of us who aren’t performing hajj - it is highly recommended for us to fast. By fasting on this one day, Allah grants us two years’ worth of forgiveness! (Muslim)

In addition to fasting, it is also highly encouraged for all of us to increase in our du’aa. The Prophet ﷺ said,

خَيْرُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ ‏

“The best of du’aa (supplications) - are the du’aa made on the Day of `Arafah. And the best of what I and the Prophets before me have said is:

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Alone, without partner, to Him belongs all that exists, and to Him belongs the Praise, and He is powerful over all things.’” (At-Tirmidzi)

And every other righteous deeds, too! While we are approaching the end of these first ten days of Dzulhijjah, remember that there are no deeds more beloved to Allah than those done on these days.

Note: For those in Malaysia, 9th of Dzulhijjah 1445AH falls on Sunday, 16th June 2024

15/06/2024

“Bagaimana Menjadi Sahabat Al Quran" bersama Ustaz Syazani Jemy - The Barakah Effect podcast

https://youtu.be/_npJiw0UqkA

Pernahkah anda terfikir: Bagaimana caranya menjadi sahabat sejati Al-Quran? Apa yang bezakan seseorang yang hanya membaca Al-Quran dengan yang benar-benar menghidupkannya dan hidup bersamanya setiap hari?

Pada episod kali ini, kita bersama Ustaz Syazani Jemy yang akan berkongsi tentang perjalanan luar biasanya.

✅ Mengenali Ustaz Syazani Ketahui bagaimana beliau memulakan perjalanan sebagai seorang hafiz yang luar biasa. Segmen ini sangat berguna untuk ibu bapa yang ingin anak-anak mereka mendalami hafalan Al-Quran.

💡 Memahami dan Menghayati Al-Quran - Perbincangan yang lebih mendalam di mana kami akan meneroka ilmu qiraat dan harf yang jarang diketahui orang ramai

📝Tips Praktikal untuk Dekat dengan Al-Quran - Ustaz Syazani akan memberikan langkah-langkah mudah yang boleh kita ambil untuk menjadikan Al-Quran sebahagian daripada hidup kita.

Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk mendengar episod penuh ilmu dan inspirasi ini. Semoga apa yang kami kongsikan memberi manfaat kepada anda.

Barakallahu fikum, dan selamat mendengar!

11/06/2024

We are witnessing the best days!

Out of the mercy of Allah, He amplifies His barakah (blessings) in certain seasons to give us the opportunity to gain greater rewards. Whereas the ten best nights are the final ten nights of Ramadan, the best ten DAYS belong to the days marking the beginning of Dzulhijjah.

These opening days of Dzulhijjah represent the days of Hajj, one of the greatest acts of worship and the fifth pillar of Islam. At this moment, millions of pilgrims are gathered from all over the world are gathering throughout Masjidil Haram, to embark on their great journey of a lifetime.

Some notable dates on these first ten days:

8 Dhulhijjah - Also known as the day of ‘Tarwiyah’ (named after the practice of fetching water and quenching thirst, most likely in preparation for the challenging days of Hajj to come), this is the day when pilgrims start making their way to Arafah, and as per the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, spend the night in Mina.

9 Dhulhijjah - The Day of ‘Arafah - On this day, the pilgrims of Hajj gather at the land of Arafah to perform their wuquf, one of the greatest highlights and pillars of Hajj. For those of us not performing hajj, it is strongly recommended for us to fast, as the Prophet ﷺ said that it expiates for the sins of the previous year and the coming year!

10 Dhulhijjah - The Day of Eid al-Adha, also known as Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice), representing also the busiest day as our pilgrims perform the rest of their hajj rituals.

In embracing and celebrating these great blessings from Allah, lets endeavour to increase our acts of worship throughout these days. Out of Allah’s Mercy, He did not place any specific deeds to perform: So increase in the deeds you feel most comfortable in performing more: Qur’an, dzikir, sadaqah, extra nawafil (sunnah) prayers, giving da’wah.

Let us also not forget to make lots of du’aa - for our fellow pilgrims from all over the world, that Allah grants them a blessed hajj mabrur. And for Allah to ease the suffering and difficulties of our oppressed brothers and sisters from all over the world.

16/04/2024

How has your Iman and Ibadah been post-Ramadan?

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali encapsulated the life and outlook of the high-aspiring believers beautifully in these words:

“The entire life of this dunya is a month of fasting for the muttaqeen, and their ‘Eid al-fitr is the day of meeting their Lord. And most of the days of fasting have already passed, and the ‘Eid of meeting is swiftly approaching” (Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif)

These words should make us reflect - as we tasted the sweetness of striving in Ramadan, and the sweetness of success in Eid, it should serve as a valuable lesson for us to power on through our entire life ahead which are none but a number of days.

Let’s be honest: It’s not easy. Life happens! There are so many things which may distract us from our end goal - work, obligations, life events. And yes, even Eid gatherings.

In this episode, recognizing these challenges, we discuss sustainable strategies to maintain our steadfastness upon Iman and good deeds as we did in Ramadan:
✅ What are some mindsets we can realign ourselves with, to keep up that momentum post-Ramadan?
✅ Handling distractions & reverting to bad habits: Now that the devils have been unchained, have we become unhinged? How can we keep our guard up, now that shaytan is roaming free and disrupting our iman?
✅ How do we know if our good deeds in Ramadan were accepted? What are some signs that we can look out for?
✅ How can we capitalize that sweetness of Ramadan - and replicate some of the good environment that induced and encouraged us towards becoming better people?
. and much more!

(Link in Bio)

14/04/2024

In this Eid-special episode of Special Interview, we will explore the concept of istiqamah and how we can maintain it after the month of Ramadan. Hosted by The Barakah Effect, the brothers will share tips on strengthening and maintaining our Taqwa, including making dua, constantly reminding ourselves of our end objectives, which is returning home to Jannah, establishing a relationship with the Quran, and the importance of keeping good friends and company.

Tune in to Special Interview, featuring The Barakah Effect today at 6:00 p.m.

14/04/2024

13/04/2024

How has your Ibadah been post-Ramadan?

Tune in into .my on Sunday 14th April 6:00pm Malaysian time, where the Barakah Effect will be featured in a Raya Special programme - where we discuss the topic ‘Istiqamah After Eid’!

10/04/2024

Assalamualaikum, dear friends!

Thank you, jazakumUllah khayran for your support and collaboration over the years.

Wishing you all Eid Mubarak & Selamat Hari Raya Aidil fitri

تَقَبَّلَ اللّٰهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
May Allah accept from us and from you

Amir | Reeza | Syahmi | Faisal | Aziz

07/04/2024

For our final episode in our series on Treasures from Quran this Ramadan, join us as we hear brother Syahmi share his reflections from Surah Ad-Duha: How Allah comforts the Prophet ﷺ in his times of sadness, reassuring him that He has not neglected him.

Join us at TBE this week on Sunday, 31st March 2024 at 10:30am (GMT +8) as we finish off these final, most blessed nights of Ramadan, and find assurance and confidence to our hearts through the words of our Lord, just as how it did to our Prophet ﷺ.

See you there! BarakAllahu fikum

04/04/2024

Hasten to do good deeds on the final 10 nights of Ramadhan

In surah Al-Zalzalah, Allah reminded us that every deed good or evil will be shown on the day of Judgement. No matter how big or small it is.

Now we are in the final 10 nights of Ramadhan, where small deeds on a night of decree (laylatul Qadr) are equal to 83 years of deeds. Meaning 2 rakaat of night prayer on laylatul Qadr is better than performing 2 rakaat of night prayer for 83 years on any ordinary night.

It’s a blessing Allah has given the ummah of Prophet Muhammad. There are many narrations from our beloved Prophet that Allah has granted His slave paradise for just doing small good deeds. On the final 10 nights, we are presented with a golden ticket to multiply our small deeds to unprecedented heights. Put in the efforts and make doa to Allah that we are made amongst His slaves who occupied the night of decree with good deeds.

The best deeds we can invest on the final 10 nights are performing night prayer, reciting the Quran and performing doa (supplication) to Allah. No doubt it can be tiring but remember Allah’s promise that whoever does good than its for his own benefit, they will see their book with a happy face and whoever does evil that he himself will bare it, they will see their book with sadness and regret. For indeed Allah is Most Fair.

Don’t brush off small good deeds till you abandon it or take lightly off any small bad deeds till you fall into it. Nobody knows what small deeds will make or break someone into Jannah or jahanam

31/03/2024

*Take Note of Timing Change for this weekend's session to SUNDAY @ 10:30am*

An old man once asked the Prophet ﷺ to teach him to recite the Quran. Encountering initial difficulty in reciting, the old man requested the Prophet ﷺ to teach him a comprehensive surah, to which the Prophet ﷺ then taught him surah Al-Zalzalah.

What amazing virtues Surah Al-Zalzalah contain; a short yet comprehensive surah. It was reported Abu Bakar r.a cried upon hearing these verses when it was revealed. A Surah that addresses important events after each blowing of the trumpet on Judgement Day. It also contains two particular verses deemed by Ibn Mas'ud r.a as the most comprehensive and concise ayat in the Quran. Want to explore more?

Join us at TBE this week on Sunday, 31st March 2024 at 10:30am (GMT +8) to share our brief reflection of this beautiful surah, as we enter into the final 10 nights of Ramadan.

See you there! BarakAllahu fikum

29/03/2024

What is Al-Kawthar?

It is the abundance of khayr (goodness), (الخير الكثر) and a River in Paradise as a reward from Allah for Rasulullah ﷺ.

Have you ever imagined a river more beautiful than anything on Earth? In the Quran, there's a special river in Paradise called Al-Kawthar. It's a gift from Allah, filled with water whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Its banks shimmer with pearls and rubies! Al-Kawthar is a symbol of the incredible blessings Allah has for the Rasulullah ﷺ and those who follow his Sunnah.

Al-Kawthar holds a deep meaning and significance for the believers; a promised bounty for the believers’ sincerity (ikhlas) and seeking the reward (ihtisab) from Allah through patience on adhering to the deen and being patient on all that has been decreed on them in the worldly life. It reminds us of the destination that every believer longs for, being strangers in the dunya.

Despite this, there is an urgent reminder to all of us; not all will be given the honour to drink from the Prophet’s ﷺ haudh (fountain) from Al-Kawthar. It is only reserved for those who truly follow the example and Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ as he taught it to his companions, and keep their hearts sincere and steadfast practicing it. It challenges us to always think about our actions and whether they are pleasing to Allah and in accordance with the teachings of Rasulullah ﷺ.

Al-Kawthar is a powerful reminder of Allah's Mercy, the beauty of Paradise, and the importance of living a life upon the Quran and Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ. It inspires us to be the best versions of ourselves, knowing that incredible destination and rewards that might await us!

28/03/2024

How do you feel towards the Sunnah?

In an attempt to discredit the message of Rasulullah ﷺ, some disbelievers from Quraysh were boasting of their lineage, mocking our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that he was ٱلْأَبْتَرُ “cut off”: due to him having no surviving sons as his descendents, and how only the poor of society followed him.

“Indeed We know that what they say makes you sad,” (Surah Al -Anaam, 33)

Rasulullah ﷺ was always patient with these nasty words, but as a human being, it hurt his feelings deeply.

This verse from Surah Al Kauthar was sent down as a source of comfort and assurance to Rasulullah ﷺ, that despite the apparent pride and arrogance of the mockers, THEY are, in fact, the ones who are cut off.

How so?

Because of their hatred for the Prophet ﷺ, for his sunnah, his teachings, and his guidance, they are cut off from the goodness of the light of guidance, and thus good deeds that benefit in the akhirah.

What goodness is there from the temporary enjoyment of this dunya, when one is cut off from everlasting pleasure in akhirah?

And even in the dunya, how the tides have turned over the centuries! Those disbelieving mockers are forgotten & humiliated, whereas the name of Rasullah ﷺ is elevated through constant remembrance by his Ummah sending blessings upon him - in almost every instance of time - ma sha Allah!

This too, serves as a great reminder for us when we examine our own actions of the hearts, limbs and speech - what is our attitude towards Rasulullah’s ﷺ Sunnah?

Do we honour it by learning it and implementing it as our life’s compass by practicing it in our daily actions?

Or do we prefer words of others over it, or things pleasing things to our soul over it, or we have an unsettling feeling about it in our hearts?

Reflect on this verse as we surely do not want to be of those cut off from goodness - to be chased away from having the honour to drink from the haudh (fountain) of Rasulullah ﷺ on the day of judgement.

May Allah guide us all to the truth; learning, loving and living the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ - that we may find forgiveness and mercy from Allah in our long journey towards safety in Akhirah

23/03/2024

Surah Kawthar, a short surah in the Quran, yet it is considered one of the greatest gifts to our Prophet ﷺ.

In our 3rd series this year of Treasures from Qur'an, join us on a journey with Aziz, as we discover gems from this short and beautiful surah, such as:

•⁠ ⁠The meaning of Surah Kawthar and its connection to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
•⁠ ⁠The description of Al-Kawthar, a river and pool in Paradise.
•⁠ ⁠The significance of the Day of Judgement in relation to Al-Kawthar.
•⁠ ⁠Not everyone from the Prophet’s followers will be allowed to drink from the pool.
.and many more!

See you there! BarakAllahu fikum

23/03/2024

Surah Kawthar, a short surah in the Quran, yet it is considered one of the greatest gifts to our Prophet ﷺ.

In our 3rd series this year of Treasures from Qur’an, join us on a journey with Aziz, as we discover gems from this short and beautiful surah, such as:

•⁠ ⁠The meaning of Surah Kawthar and its connection to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
•⁠ ⁠The description of Al-Kawthar, a river and pool in Paradise.
•⁠ ⁠The significance of the Day of Judgement in relation to Al-Kawthar.
•⁠ ⁠Not everyone from the Prophet’s followers will be allowed to drink from the pool.
.and many more!

See you there! BarakAllahu fikum

23/03/2024

Ask for enduring love from Allah!

In this lovely Du’aa, we ask Allah for three forms of love, which leads the believer to guidance and true happiness:

1. His Love, “ حُبَّكَ “

It is only through the Mercy of Allah, that we can enter Paradise. And to attain His Love is to reach the highest station deserving of this Mercy, and therefore something that we ask, at the end of this du’aa, to be more beloved to us,

The Prophet ﷺ said, “If Allah loves a person, He Calls the angel Jibril: ‘O Jibril, Allah loves so and so; O Jibril, Love him!’

Jibril would love him, and then Jibril would make an announcement to the inhabitants of the Heavens: ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore, you should love him also.’

Therefore, all the residents of the Heavens would love him and then he is granted the pleasure of the people of the earth.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

2. The love of those whom Allah Loves “ حُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ “

The Prophet ﷺ said, “you will be (gathered on the Day of Judgment) with those whom you love” (Al-Bukhari). Therefore, in this du’aa, we ask Allah to grant us Love towards the people who Love Allah - the Prophets, the companions of the Prophets, and the righteous.

As Anas ibn Malik said, “Therefore I love the Prophet, Abu Bakar, and Umar - and I hope I will be with them because of my love for them, even though my good deeds are not up to their level!”

3. Deeds that will cause us to attain Allah’s Love وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ

Allah says regarding the companions: “But it is Alllah who has made iman beloved to you, and beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.” (Al-Hujurat, 7)

Finally, we ask Allah to genuinely instill in us, the love for righteous deeds - to find comfort, peace, and enjoyment in our righteous actions, so that we may attain true ikhlas and steadfastness in performing them throughout our lives, Ramadan and beyond: Not just a seasonal habit or a forced feeling of obligation.

May Allah grant in our hearts the love for righteous deeds, beautify it for us, and make us hate acts of sins and disobedience!

21/03/2024

This Ramadan let’s strive to make it a month of du’aa!

Among the best and most comprehensive du’aa we can make, is this du’aa taught to us by Allah in surah Al-Furqan

Among the qualities of the servants of Ar-Rahman is that they make this du’aa: a concise and comprehensive du’aa that contains deep meaning and breadth.

Sheikh As-Sa’di commented that this du’aa showcases people of high aspirations.

How so?

1. Source of eternal, everlasting happiness: In Arabic, this phrase - قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍۢ - represents a wholesome happiness, in all its comprehensive and holistic aspects.

Commenting on this du’aa, Abdullah ibn Abbas said, “this means (family members) who will strive to obey Allah and bring them joy in this world and the Hereafter”.

As Muslims, we always think with the end in mind: In spite of the struggles we may face as a family, we ask that we end on a high and unite with our families in paradise!

2. Offspring: In this phrasing - وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا - following the sunnah of prophet Ibrahim, we don’t just make du’aa for our children, but for our our entire lineage - from our children, to our children’s children, our great-grandchildren, and every generation coming thereafter!

3. For themselves too - Sheikh As-Sa’di said that by virtue of praying for them, these high aspiring Muslims are also praying for themselves, as the benefit comes back to them.

4. Leader of the pious: - وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا - All over the Qur’an, Allah praises the muttaqun (the people of taqwa). And in this du’aa, Allah teaches us that people of high aspirations go one step above and beyond: they have aspirations of being an leader - a positive example to inspire and nurture the people of taqwa for generations to come!

5. Taqwa starts with ourselves: Commenting on this verse, ibn Al-Qayyim says, how are we supposed to be an imam of the people of taqwa if we ourselves aren’t a person of taqwa? What this implies in what we are asking Allah - and owning up the commitment to live up to it - is that we ourselves want to be the people of taqwa

May Allah grant us from our wives and offspring as a comfort to our eyes, and make us an imam of the people of taqwa!

17/03/2024

How should we behave as a community (jama’ah)?

Among the amazing miracles of the Quran and the comprehensiveness of Islam is that Allah doesn’t just legislate personal obligations, rituals, Do’s and Dont’s, but also a holistic approach in ethics of behavior: both as an individual, as well as a community.

Surah Al-Hujurat is filled with amazing wisdoms on the subjects of social psychology, character building, conflict resolutions, diversity and inclusion that shares profound lessons about what we can do to bring stability, but also how to thrive and succeed, collectively as a society.

Join us, this Sunday 17th May 2024 at 2:30pm (GMT +8), where Faisal shares his reflections on this amazing surah as we uncover these inspiring lessons, and shares practical insights on how we can apply these to our lives - whether it’s in our families, leadership at the workplace, friendships, religious groups, and local communities.

17/03/2024

Enduring Qualities Beloved By Allah

In a passage from Surah Al Furqan (verse 63 to 74), Allah has mentioned a number of beloved characteristics for a people He calls ‘Ibaad AlRahman (slaves of the Most Merciful); a title related to the noble station of servitude to Allah, which He has praised His prophets and close ones to Him as an honour and elevated nature of rank.

Allah described their inner qualities, mindsets, and habits - how they approach life - as if it were a manual of guidance on how to live our lives to seek the pleasure of Allah.

One such quality from the beginning of the passage is that the ‘Ibaad AlRahman are those who are always calm and coposed in their dealings with others, especially with ‘difficult people’ - which is an inevitable fact of life. We will encounter people who annoy us, spread rumours or hurt us, and often it is easier to reciprocate with the same level of hostility.

When we reflect on the situations we go through in life with these verses, we find that it is the peak of emotional intelligence, the forbearance to self regulate ourselves when the tension is high.

To help us embody these charactristics of patience and restraint, reflect on our ultimate goal in this life. As muslims it is our aspiration to be safe in our long journey in the akhirah, to be able to arrive at the doors of Jannah and greeted by the greetings of Peace therein.

May Allah guide us to be those ‘Ibaad AlRahman, the ones whom He has honoured with these great enduring characteristics which leads to the peasure and forgiveness of Allah.