DeenStrong: Recent Episodes
Imam Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: The Power of Education! Educating Ourselves so we can Educate our Children by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Don't Compare Yourself To Others, Just Try Your Best | Imam Bilal Elsakka by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Allah Helps His Servant So Long As His Servant Helps Others by Bilal Elsakka
As-Sadiq Al-Amin Before Nabi and Rasul 💎 The Truthful The Trustworthy Before Prophet And Messenger by Bilal Elsakka
The Value of Time - Khutbah - Masjid Al-Furqan, Atlanta GA - Imam Bilal by Bilal Elsakka
Has The Quran Unlocked Your Heart? - Jumuah Khutbah | ihsanfoundation.org | Somalia Drought Relief by Bilal Elsakka
Gratitude and Ambition | Jewels of the Quran | SALAM Center | Ramadan 2023 | Imam Bilal by Bilal Elsakka
His Character Was The Quran! | Jumuah Khutbah | Masjid Annur, Sacramento, CA | Imam Bilal by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Expressions of Gratitude | Somalia Drought Relief | Ihsan Foundation | Toledo, OH by Bilal Elsakka
Sh. Hamza Yusuf Recommending Book: "Indelible Footprints" by Dr. Ahmed Bangura by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Expressions of Gratitude; Support for Turkey and Syria Earthquake Victims by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Planting Practical Seeds for Ramadan from Now | Imam Bilal Elsakka by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Night program at SALAM Islamic Center in Sacramento, CA.Quran recitation in Arabic: Qari Irfan SabeerEnglish translation: Qari Ridhwan SabeerLecture revolves around Surah Fussilat, Verses 30-33
Qari Irfan Sabeer | Maghrib Prayer | Salam Center | Sacramento, CA | 11.4.22 by Bilal Elsakka
Light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, it's not about someone struggling reaching out, but you reaching in. Think of Surat ad-Duha (Ch. 93) as a Quranic antidepressant.It has 4 sections:1. Allah swears that He is not upset with the Prophet. The first priority is the emotional state of the Prophet. Divine medicine is offered for that.2. The lense of the Surah then shifts from the present at that time to the future: things will get better. 3. The lense then adjusts to the past: Allah reminds the Prophet of 3 critical challenges He helped him overcome; being an orphan, seeking guidance, and struggling financially. 4. The focus then shifts again, this time from the past to the present: just as I helped you with those 3 specific challenges in your past, try to help others with those in the present. In the last 6 verses of the chapter, there is a perfect mirror: Cluster 1 ABC, then Cluster 2 ABC. A: you grew up as an orphan, so pay it forward and help orphans today. B: you were seeking guidance, so pay it forward and help others seeking guidance. C: you struggled and things improved, so now talk about the blessings you have received. In each of these 3 points, the past is directly tied to the present. So for you and I, here and now, let us reflect. How has Allah helped us in the past? And how can we produce a positive action item as a result in the present?Jumuah Mubarak. May Allah bless your Friday. #quran #medicine #healing
Heart Therapy | Hadith 11 | Good character and the heart. | 10.18.2022 by Bilal Elsakka
Jumuah Khutbah: Alhamdulillah, To The One Who Removed All Sorrow | SBIA, San Jose, CA | 10.14.22 by Bilal Elsakka
Jumuah Khutbah: Celebrating the Blessings of Allah | Burlington Masjid, NC | 10.7.22 by Bilal Elsakka
Step one, is for us to take a little bit of time, in piecemeal, and slowly but surely learn more about Prophet Muhammad. Learning about him is a never-ending process for the Muslim. If you finish one Seerah book, pick up another. If you finish one Seerah podcast series, begin another. Keep that wheel turning, and you will always benefit insha Allah. Step two, as that learning increases and deepens, is to put what you practically can into practice. To live something from what you have learned. Don't overwhelm yourself, but start somewhere, and try to be consistent. May Allah make it easy. Step three, reflect. What has the fruit been from your quest of learning more about The Beloved? Is that fruit sweet for you and those around you, or bitter? Some may think they are coming closer to The Prophet, however if they have become more harsh and their character more ugly, if they have become more spiritually arrogant and exponentially further from humility, then what has truly come out of their efforts of watering that fruit tree? And for those who have become more kind, generous, and beautiful especially internally because of their journey, they are deserving of glad tidings. Would anyone disagree? Because their character has become like sweet musk, both for them and those around them, regardless of how spiritual those around them may or not be. Because their hearts have become like bright lanterns, that not only offer illumination for them first and foremost, but they also become sources of guidance for those around them, regardless of how spiritual those around them may or may not be.May Allah, The Most Loving, Al-Wadud, guide us and forgive us. May He increase us in love for Him and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
MCA Bay Area | Friday Sermon: Between Stesdfastness And Seeking Forgiveness | 9.23.22 by Bilal Elsakka
How do you treat those in society who may be disenfranchised?How do you treat those with special needs?How do you look at them, with both your eyes and heart?Do you save space for them as the Prophet did?Do you make them feel loved and welcome?Ihsan is to treat people with excellence, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Regardless of their connections. Regardless of their appearance. Treat people as a Muhsen because it's a reflection of who you are.How do you treat others? Sincerely, or superficially?In God's eyes, do you truly reflect Ihsan?He loves the Muhseneen.
When Moses first speaks with God, he is shown a glimpse of God's power in two ways. First, with his staff. And second, with his hand. Then when God instructs him to go to Pharaoh due to his tyranny, he responds with a beautiful supplication, primarily focusing internally. In his supplication, he makes sure to ask God to assist him through his brother, Aaron. As strong as Moses was, both in his stature and personality, he requested support. And God answered him.#quranan#oasis of#inspiration
Be blessed wherever you are. Because of the Quran. Be a blessing wherever you are. Because of the Quran. Don't just look to receive blessings. Look to produce them. Look to be one. That is what it means to be like Jesus (Quran, 19:31).That is what it means to befriend the Quran. Can you start today, and take one baby step towards the Book of Allah?With self-love, kindness, and compassion?This book is filled with mercy. Are you?
Humility in the early hours.Your spirituality should lead to more humility, and kindness towards others.Your religiosity should soften your heart, not harden it. Have you gravitated closer towards becoming a better person, or the opposite?Reflect.
On that day, nothing else will matter. Not gold, nor silver.Nothing worldly. Except...A sound heart. Which requires constant effort,And purification. Step one, is to learn who God is. Next, is to try to live graciously within that framework of understanding. Free of envy, free of evil.Filled with peace, and purpose.Do you love for others what you love for yourself?If yes, is it more than a claim, supported with action?May God grant us hearts that are clean and pure, and help us to constantly cultivate them in a way pleasing to Him. And protect us from the opposite, and those treading that thorny path.
Fasting is supposed to be more than one-dimensional. It's supposed to be both external and internal, both physical and spiritual. When it comes to the sacred day of Ashura this coming Monday (8/8/22) - the day in the Islamic Hijri calendar that Moses and his people were saved from Pharaoh and his henchmen - in order to properly and fully benefit from it, a person must reflect deeply and reflect critically internally: am I treading the path of Moses or Pharaoh? And if the silent claim is that Mosaic footsteps are being taken, reflect even deeper: is that claim sincere and clear, or hypocritical and cloudy?This day also commemorates the day Sayyidna Husayn, the beloved grandson of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, was mercilessly martyred. Again, an instance between good and evil - similar to Moses and Pharaoh. He intended to tread a Mosaic path of justice vs injustice, and paid the ultimate price in the end.Moses triumphed through victory.Husayn triumphed through martyrdom. We love and learn from both. May God gather us with them in paradise.
MAS-SSF Event: Depression, Anxiety, and Well-being in the Quran and Sunnah by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Takhliya, Tahliya, Tajliya. Purification, Beautification, Magnification by Bilal Elsakka
Friday Sermon: Be Like Fatima Al-Fihriyya, Build Your Qarawiyyin Today by Bilal Elsakka
“But Allah would never punish them while you ˹O Prophet˺ were in their midst. Nor would He ever punish them if they prayed for forgiveness.”
Al-Anfal, Ayah 33
- Tie your camel, then trust Allah.
- Morning and evening athkar for protection.
- Umm Salama’s optimism.
- Surah Tawba silver linings.
- Allah is generous!
These days especially, when washing hands, consider making some istighfar (seeking God’s forgiveness).
Don’t just wash your hands, also wash your heart.
“So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." -Quran
Rasulullah ﷺ said, “When a servant [of Allah ﷻ] falls ill or travels, then he will get a reward similar to that he gets for good deeds practiced at home when in good health.”
“In their hearts is a disease [of hypocrisy]..” -Quran
“Only a believer fears hypocrisy, and only a hypocrite feels safe from it.” -Imam Hasan Al-Basri
Just as physical illnesses and viruses are of major concern, so should spiritual ones.
May Allah ﷻ protect, heal, and forgive us.
“The parable of the believer who recites the Qur'an is that of a citron, the taste and smell of which are good. The parable of a believer who does not read the Qur'an is that of a date, the taste of which is good but it has no smell. The parable of a hypocrite who reads the Qur'an is that of sweet basil, the smell of which is good but its taste is bitter. And the parable of a hypocrite who does not read the Qur'an is that of a colocynth (bitter-apple), the taste of which is bitter and it has no smell.” - Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Allah ﷻ says regarding the slander of Sayyida Aisha, “don’t think this is bad for you, rather it is good for you.” لَا تَحْسَبُوهُ شَرًّا لَّكُم ۖ بَلْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ
Allah ﷻ also says regarding those who fell into the slander, “and you think it is something insignificant, but with Allah it is something tremendous.” وَتَحْسَبُونَهُ هَيِّنًا وَهُوَ عِندَ اللَّهِ عَظِيمٌ
Have no fear, when angels of mercy are near. There shall be no fear upon them nor shall they grieve, when angels of mercy at the time of death are perceived.
- Alhamdulillah
- Value the youth
- Don’t be arrogant
- Trust God’s plan
- Recognize God’s blessings
- Some act, but there’s no acceptance
- Others act, and there is acceptance
Some don’t act.
Some act, but there’s no acceptance.
And yet others act, and there is acceptance. These are those who have a deep sense of purpose coupled with humility. They understand it’s not just about doing, but that God must accept it.
Is comparable to doing laundry. Some items only need one rinse, while others may need several coupled with special products. If the garment is torn it can be sewn back together and patched up. If the stain is stubborn, perhaps bleach is needed. Regardless of the minutia, the point is to improve - to increase in purity insha Allah.
Rasulullah ﷺ taught us we will be with those we love.
In your heart of hearts, silently ponder, who do you truly love, and why? If the answer has more to do with wealth or notoriety than piety and character, you may want to hit the refresh button.
May Allah ﷻ help us to love the Quran.
Hold tight to it altogether, and do not become divided.
There are many different valid opinions within Islamic legal theory. The important thing is to first have adab, and second to do more homework, particularly before correcting or criticizing someone.
Shaytan goes after the lone believer like the wolf goes after the lone sheep.
May Allah ﷻ protect us.
When he saw a fire and said to his family: "Hold on! I have just seen a fire; perhaps I will bring a brand from it for you, or I will find some guidance at the fire about the way to follow." - This happened when the Prophet Moses (peace be on him), after his years of exile in Midian, was on his way back to Egypt accompanied by his wife whom he had married there. - It appears that this occurred at night in winter. Moses (peace be on him) was crossing the southern part of the Sinaitic peninsula when he saw a fire at some distance. He decided to venture over to the place where he saw the fire in the hope that he would either be able to obtain some fire that would keep his family warm during the night, or at least gain directions for the journey ahead. Ironically, he went to that spot expecting to find something ordinary and commonplace - the way to his destination in this world, only to find a way that was far more valuable - the way of success and felicity in the Hereafter. إِذْ رَأَىٰ نَارًا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا لَّعَلِّي آتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى النَّارِ هُدًى
Societies and communities consist of building blocks called families.
Life is far more than material things. Invest in some family time today, one gold brick at a time.
Take action, make dua.
Specific action item: read Ayatul-Kursi morning and evening.
General action item: connect more with the Quran.
فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْآنَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ
Don’t be self-righteous. Rather, have the healthy internal calibration of balancing both hope and fear of Allah ﷻ.
Make dua. Give charity.
May Allah ﷻ overlook our shortcomings and generously grade us based on the best we did; and protect us from being those who are graded based on the worst they did.
💯
Let’s take the time to learn about Rasulullah ﷺ. Unquestionably, it is both prevention and cure.
And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from one of the two [great] cities?"
One act of kindness may leave a permanent impact on someone. Be nice, it’s both free and priceless.
Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight..” قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى الله على بصيرة
For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the chests. فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَٰكِن تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ
Work on yourself, then your family, then your community in preparation for Judgment Day.
Quran, Chapter 14, “Abraham”
Reflective_Quran
May Allah ﷻ help us to take advantage of these two incredible blessings.
May Allah ﷻ heal those who are sick.
May Allah ﷻ reward those who are grinding to support their families.
Look at Surah Fatiha: the first half is in the “third-person,” while the second half is in the “first-person.”
From this we learn that first we learn about Allah ﷻ, then we obey Him.
First is knowledge, then is practice.
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
It’s not just about what Rasulullah ﷺ said when he arrived in Madina, but the context of what happened in the 13 years that led up to it.
If we read Surah Kahf consistently on Fridays, which begins with ‘alhamdulillah,’ then insha Allah on Judgment Day we will also be in a position to say ‘alhamdulillah’ regarding entering paradise. May Allah ﷻ overlook our shortcomings and accept our efforts.
وَقَالُوا الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي أَذْهَبَ عَنَّا الْحَزَنَ إِنَّ رَبَّنَا لَغَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ
Rasulullah ﷺ taught us to say this [check out the audio] three times morning and evening for contentment. The end result insha Allah:
رَّضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ
Is not based on wealth, ethnicity, or lineage. Rather, with Allah ﷻ, true nobility is based on piety and good character.
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ
The best surah of the Quran over broken mirrors. The end of Surah Baqarah over black cats. Surahs Falaq and Naas over salt over your shoulder. The Verse of The Throne over walking under ladders or this or that taweez. Revelation over superstition.
قَالُوا طَائِرُكُم مَّعَكُمْ أَئِن ذُكِّرْتُم بَلْ أَنتُمْ قَوْمٌ مُّسْرِفُونَ
Recite the verses of the Quran, teach us how to purify our hearts, and teach us scripture and wisdom (the sunnah).
هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ
If you are harsh, people will flee.
Instead, try to be gentle.
وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ
Just as rain gives life to the soil, Quran gives life to the soul.
May Allah ﷻ make the Quran the spring of our hearts.
فَإِذَا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْهَا الْمَاءَ اهْتَزَّتْ وَرَبَتْ
In Surah Qalam, the ‘Companions of the Garden’ inherited an awesome garden from their generous father, however they decided to instead be stingy. As a result, Allah ﷻ destroyed the entire garden. (They learned their lesson, were penitent, and received a better garden in return.)
Moral of the story: remember Allah ﷻ and be generous.
وَلَا يَسْتَثْنُونَ
The more you connect with the Quran, slowly but surely, the more optimistic you start to become.
May Allah ﷻ heal our wounds and worries and replace them with light and blessing.
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
May Allah ﷻ forgive our shortcomings and gather us there - in paradise, the abode of peace that is permanent.
وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ
It’s highly recommended to send peace and blessings upon Rasulullah ﷺ of course in general, but particularly on Friday.
May Allah ﷻ help us to do what we can within our capacity and capability.
His example in and of itself is clear proof, as bright as the sun and beautiful as the moon.
رَسُولٌ مِّنَ اللهِ يَتْلُو صُحُفًا مُّطَهَّرَةً
May Allah ﷻ grant us sincerity, accept our efforts, and protect us from being among the first people thrown in hellfire: the corrupt scholar, the corrupt martyr, and the corrupt philanthropist.
Outwardly gold, inwardly plastic.
This deen is far deeper than appearances, a concept impossible for a hard heart to process.
وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ
Balance - the middle path - leads to the best and highest results. وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا
Compete in good, but with adab. If two people want to call Athan in a Masjid at the same time, they should each prefer the other, not fight and bicker. If there’s one spot left in the first row, and two people move towards it simultaneously, again, they should prefer each other. Love for your brother what you love for yourself, and remember that quantity is to be coupled with quality.
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ قَوْلًا مِّمَّن دَعَا إِلَى اللهِ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَقَالَ إِنَّنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
What initially seemed to be a clear defeat at The Treaty of Hudaybiyya, was divinely labeled not only as an opening, but an absolutely clear and manifest one subhanallah.
Sometimes in our lives, within what initially seems like defeat, may actually be hidden success and prosperity. Sometimes we just have to let Go(d).
إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا
Try your best to handle your Jumuah on a weekly basis. Do so, and insha Allah massive doors will open for your deen and dunya. No doubt, at times the struggle can be real; but try your best.
May Allah ﷻ bless you and open your doors and provide you with immense opportunities.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَيْبِ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ
Walk towards Allah ﷻ, and He will run towards you. Invest with Allah ﷻ, and attain much more in return.
Dhikr and Shukr. Remembering Allah ﷻ when times are difficult will facilitate more ease. And being thankful when that ease is facilitated will lead to increase. لِّمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يَذَّكَّرَ أَوْ أَرَادَ شُكُورًا
Those who humble themselves for Allah ﷻ will be elevated. Salman The Persian is an excellent example of this.
With your heart, with your words, and with your actions. Rasulullah ﷺ described the people of paradise as being people of peace. “Spread peace among yourselves.” إِلَّا قِيلًا سَلَامًا سَلَامًا
Learn about and fall in love with The Beloved ﷺ. Study his blessed Seerah, and see why Allah ﷻ described him by saying, “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” Choose The Chosen One ﷺ as your guide, and you won’t be let down. ﷺ وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيم
There are different opinions as to whether or not you should pray two rakaas before sitting down if you enter a Masjid during the Jumuah Khutbah. Make sure to ‘respect the other,’ regardless of your inclinations. The coolest part? The different opinions are based on the same story from the time of Rasulullah ﷺ subhanallah. The beauty of the vastness of our scholarly history is incredible.
- “O turner of hearts, keep my heart firm on Your deen.”
- “Oh Allah ﷻ, don’t make our trials in our deen.”
- “Indeed we belong to Allah ﷻ and to Him we shall return. Oh Allah ﷻ, reward me for dealing with this calamity, and replace it with something better.”
You have to be a good insan before becoming a person of iman. Wasn’t Al-Habib ﷺ known as Al-Sadiq Al-Amin before being known as Rasulullah ﷺ? Isn’t he the best example? May Allah ﷻ grant us understanding. In the Quran, first Allah ﷻ addresses every insan, then later specifically addresses people of iman. يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
May Allah ﷻ help and strengthen them. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ
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.
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
Coupled with taking appropriate action, try to make this dua once every morning and evening. May Allah ﷻ things easy for you and alleviate your worries and debts. “Oh Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by people.”
When you read a verse that mentions justice in the Quran, do you instinctively look inwardly or externally? Is your first reaction to reflect internally, or to point the finger outwardly? No doubt there are major injustices in the world now and historically speaking. But are you analyzing your own heart, tongue, and limbs? Blaming others is easy; changing yourself is hard.
There are several words for “love” in Arabic, one of them being ود. This is an unconditional love, even a permanent love. This is why one of God’s names in Islam is الودود, The Most Loving. At the end of Chapter 19, named after Mary, the mother of Jesus, we are reminded of the rich fruit to come from belief that is turned into practice, into serving humanity - God, His angels, and righteous people will love you.
“Convey” is takleef, responsibility. “From me” is tashreef, honor. “Even if it is one verse” is takhfeef, practicality.
Slowly but surely, the more we connect with the Quran, the more optimistic we become. In Surah Nur, although Aisha and her family were dealing much pain due to the slander, Allah ﷻ turns the negative into positive. Then in Surah Kawthar, Allah ﷻ turns the pain of Rasulullah ﷺ into a silver lining - again turning the negative into positive. لَا تَحْسَبُوهُ شَرًّا لَّكُم ۖ بَلْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ
May Allah ﷻ help us to pass it. أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ
Rasulullah ﷺ embodied the mercy of Jesus and justice of Moses. Mercy is always option one, however there is the necessity of the presence of an option two: that of justice. تَبَارَكَ اسْمُ رَبِّكَ ذِي الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ
Sajda is not to simply be something that occurs in a vacuum. Rather, it is to deeply transform a person. It is to permeate the person’s reality - particularly as it relates to their ears, eyes, and emotional intelligence. Isn’t it amazing how throughout the Quran, Allah ﷻ heavily emphasizes “thinking with your heart?” Now ask yourself: does your prayer both affect and effect you? Does it clean up your speech and comments? If not, you’re doing it wrong. فَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ وَاعْبُدُوا
Is prophetic mercy simply theory for you, or are you actively trying to apply it in your life? How do you treat your spouse; kids; family? If you’re a business owner, how do you treat women and minorities? Take a hard look at your heart in the mirror, and deeply reflect on this question: are you part of the problem or solution? وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
May Allah ﷻ help us to try our best to live our deen. May He help us to help humanity: first by working on ourselves, then serving our communities. The ummah of Rasulullah ﷺ is to be active and proactive, not self-entitled and pompous. In a nutshell: go help people. كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ
Where do you stand? What’s your status with Allah ﷻ? Are you willing to put in work and give, or would you rather shy away and ‘retain?’ Give something for Allah ﷻ, and He will give you much more. Do something for Allah ﷻ, and He will do far more for you in return. May He make us from the muminin, and not from the munafiqin. وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ جَنَّتَانِ
Rather, be generous. Give from what God has given you. Live your iman; put your money where your mouth is. #sadaqa
Sending salawat upon the Prophet both tangibly and intangibly benefits a person in both this life and the next, especially when done on Friday, during both the day and night. ﷺ
“A person will be with who he loves.” May Allah ﷻ increase our love for the beloved, peace be upon him.
How can you know Rasulullah ﷺ without loving him? And how can you love him without knowing him?
“O people, verily your Lord is One and your father is one. Verily there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white man over a black man, or of a black man over a white man, except in terms of taqwa.” - Rasulullah ﷺ
For better or worse. Be mindful of how you use your tongue. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا
The different colors and ethnicities of people within humanity should be appreciated; within the Muslim community should be appreciated. Not shunned and looked down upon - we seek Allah’s refuge. How can someone have iman and prejudice in their heart simultaneously? Simply: it’s impossible. May Allah protect us from ignorance. إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ
This life is filled with waves and stormy seas. How do we navigate through them? Iman is like waze for the heart.. وَمَن يُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ
May Allah help us to connect with the Quran, and protect us from abandoning and fleeing from it. فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ
May Allah help us to follow in the footsteps of Moses, and protect us from following in the footsteps of Pharaoh. May Allah help us to connect with and learn from the martyrdom of Sayyidna Al-Husain.
Those who give during easy and hard times, control their anger, and pardon people. Those of tawba and righting wrongs, regarding both The Creator and the creation. These are people of paradise - may Allah make us from among them and gather us collectively there.
Do your part, and Allah will give you a way out, and provide for you from unexpected places.
In order for me to benefit from the numerous self help reminders in the Quran, I need to first do my part to pick it up off the shelf and open it. Once that is accomplished, Allah will begin to open doors left, right, and center. اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ
- Remember the blessings Allah has given you. 2. Remember the promise of paradise is true. 3. Remember we are in need of Allah, not the other way around. (Check out Surat Fatir, 1-20)
Take advantage of the fresh start. Step one: detox bad habits and past mistakes. Step two: embellishment of good habits and intentions.
If you plant acorns and water them consistently and properly, you’ll eventually end up with oak trees - and getting many more acorns in return over time. It’s an investment. Recommendation: plant the “acorn” of spending 5 minutes daily with the Quran, and insha Allah over time it’ll slowly and naturally evolve into an everlasting oak tree. Slow and steady wins the race; pace is key.
Making prayer the ‘center’ of your life certainly helps you to be centered, through hardship and ease. May God grant us balance. “So that you may not grieve for what has escaped you, nor be exultant at what He has given you; and Allah does not love any arrogant boaster” (Hadid, 23).
Make tawba a daily sanctuary. Adam was given knowledge, but it wasn’t until after tawba that he was officially given the mantle of ‘khalifa.’ Likewise, with Dawud, in Surat Sād, only after tawba, does Allah directly address him as ‘khalifa.’ يَا دَاوُودُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاكَ خَلِيفَةً فِي الْأَرْضِ
- Ibrahim had the courage to be different from his people as a young man. 2. He obeyed God’s command to leave Hajar and Ismail in the barren valley of Makkah. Hajar trusted God, and put in work to improve her situation. The result: the miracle of zamzam. 3. Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice anything for Allah. 4. Father-son time: building the Kaaba. 5. Everything about Sayyidna Muhammad, especially his city.
🕋 Who were these 4 key people, of Ibrahim, Hajar, Ismail, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all), to have such a profound impact on billions of other people? Subhanallah
In Surah Kahf, Allah mentions two individuals who were struggling financially, yet even then, they found the capacity to offer something of benefit to others - they used their boat to give Pr. Musa and Khidr a ride. Point being: use your talent and time to help others. Show gratitude for your blessings, and Allah will increase you.
For tomorrow. Remember Allah now, and He will remember you in this life and the next. May Allah open our doors and grant us success now and hereafter.
🌊 📿 • Validation. Healing. Consistency. • “We certainly know (Oh Muhammad) that their statements sorely grieve you. When (you feel so) glorify your Lord with His praise and prostrate yourself before Him; and worship your Lord until the last moment (of your life) that will most certainly come.” (Hijr, 97-99)
A Must Learn: Hadith Jibril. • Islam. Iman. Ihsan. • Worship. Faith. Excellence. • Don’t just learn your faith, also try your best to live it. May Allah overlook our shortcomings and help us each to level up in our own ways pleasing to Him. As a community: let’s level up.
Words matter. For earning a livelihood, Allah says ‘walk’ (Mulk). For Friday prayer, Allah says ‘hurry’ (Jumuah). For seeking forgiveness, Allah says ‘go quickly!’ and ‘compete!’ (Imran/Hadid). And in Dhariyat, Allah says ‘flee to Allah.’ Through specific terminology, we are taught what to prioritize. وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ جَنَّتَانِ
Buzz? Yes. Headaches? No. The caveat: it’s not free. Work must be put in now to insha Allah get there. May Allah gather us and our loved ones in paradise.
Before legality and “dos and don’ts.” Relatable stories before rulings. Foundation before embellishment.
Don’t be greedy. Give what you can as it relates to Qurbani. The Best10Days are right around the corner. Prepare from now insha Allah. Live Quran, Give Charity.
And when it is said to them, "Spend from that which Allah has provided for you," those who reject faith say to those who accept faith, "Should we feed one whom, if Allah had willed, He would have fed? You are not but in clear error."
Truly connecting with the Quran manifests itself by way of generosity. The best example of this is Rasulullah. Give! Time, money, effort, a smile, etc. Just give.. The true companion of this Quran is not miserly nor stingy; rather, generous and kind. May Allah help us to befriend this incredible book, and allow it to impact our character.
May Allah help us to learn from and be inspired by the example and legacy of our spiritual father, Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him.
Not أنا, but هو. The primary focus should not be the lower self, rather Allah Most High.
Significantly impacted Abdullah bin Salam before he even heard the Prophet speak. May Allah illuminate our faces.
The Messenger of Allah came out of one of his apartments one day and entered the mosque, where he saw two circles, one reciting Qur'an and supplicating to Allah, and the other learning and teaching. The Prophet said: 'Both of them are good. These people are reciting the Qur'an and supplicating to Allah, and if He wills He will give them, and if He wills He will withhold from them. And these people are learning and teaching. Verily I have been sent as a teacher.' Then he sat down with them.
Prepare for ‘tomorrow’ today. • اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ • “Be mindful of God, and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow” (Quran, 59:18). • ‘Tomorrow’ is referring to Judgment Day, a day that belongs to The Most Merciful alone. May we be granted success and felicity in this life and the next.
May Allah heal Zamir Omaid, one of our local front-line youth leaders. He was recently in the ICU and is in need of your prayers and generous contributions. Visit: launchgood.com/ZamirOmaid
My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to work righteousness of which You will approve, and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.
And it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.
Solomon said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower."
Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.
Admit your mistakes and faults before Him. Ask God to forgive you, as well as anyone you may have wronged. Seek their pardon in this life before dealing with the consequences of the next.
Moses watered their flocks for them, and then went to a shaded place and said: "My Lord, I am truly in great need of any good that You might send down to me!”
Surely the believers are none but brothers and sisters unto one another, so set things right between yourselves, and have taqwa of Allah that you may be shown mercy.
Our Lord, grant us the gift of our spouses and offspring being the coolness of our eyes, and make us an example for the righteous.
Moses said: O my Lord! Expand for me my chest, and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.
Our Lord, grant us from Yourself (1) mercy, and prepare for us from our affair (2) right guidance.
So when you recite the Qur'an, [first] seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].
Seek the forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. Surely my Lord is Ever Merciful, Most Loving.
7xMorning/Evening • Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Magnificent Throne.
Both (Adam and Eve) cried out: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves! If You do not forgive us or have mercy on us, we shall surely be among the losers!”
Said Jesus, the son of Mary, "O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers."
Thereupon Moses said: "My Lord! I have control over none but my own self and my brother; so make a distinction between us and the transgressing people."
Those to whom hypocrites said, "Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them." But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, "Sufficient for us is Allah , and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs."
At that, Zechariah called upon his Lord, saying, "My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication."
Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
And He’s the best one to help me in my situation. • حَسْبُنَا اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
يَوْمَ يَتَذَكَّرُ الْإِنسَانُ مَا سَعَىٰ • “On the Day when man will recall what he strived for.”
“None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his children , his parents and all mankind.” - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
When attending Jumuah, do you give it its due? Its right? Its haqq?
Or are you scrolling through Instagram half the time, if not the entire time?
Handle the before, during, and after of your Jumuah, and Allah will hook you up in incredible ways.
Do your part first.
Bismillah.
How do you treat Jumuah prayer every week?
Is it a priority?
Prioritize Jumuah, and Allah will open unimaginable doors for you.
Try your best; do your part.
18:10
When those youths sought refuge in the Cave and said: "Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and provide for us guidance in our affairs."
إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
اللهم صلِّ وسلم على نبينا محمد
“Oh Allah, I ask you to send peace and blessings upon our Prophet, Muhammad.”
Say this 10 times in the morning and evening for the Prophet’s intercession on Judgment Day.
The next time you read the last two verses of Surat Al-Baqarah, try to reflect on the meaning. Try to also reflect on Hadith Jibril, especially as it relates to the six pillars of faith.
May Allah forgive us and increase our iman.
Don’t just casually read or listen to Surah Al-Kahf every Friday, also try to derive benefit from it.
May Allah make us people of Quran.
An average line of Quran has about 30 letters, give or take. An average page of Quran has 15 lines*. That’s about 450 letters in a page. Each letter gets you 10 good deeds (at least). If you read 2 pages in 5 minutes, that’s 900 letters. Times 10 = 9,000 good deeds. In 5 short minutes. Think about that subhanallah! Have you read your 5 minutes yet today? 😊
*Regarding the Madina Quran
Supplications of Prophets Job, Jonah, and Zachariah are cited from the Holy Quran.
Chapter 21, The Prophets (Al-Anbiya)
Everyone turns to God. If it (the boat) makes it through the storm though, what will you do? Remain sincere, or turn away?
May Allah give us success and steadfastness.
Don’t just read the 2D ayaat of Allah, but also reflect on the 3D ayaat all around us.
Experience is often the best teacher.
“The ink in books is cold and blue, but the blood of people is warm and red.”
Couple theory with practice.
Before correcting someone on something, make sure to do your homework first. Perhaps what they are doing, even if you are unfamiliar with it, is perfectly valid within the Islamic tradition!
May God grant us wisdom and knowledge.
God is unique from His creation.
When making dua, remember, whatever you are asking for, is not difficult for Allah.
و ما ذالك على الله بعزيز
فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ Where then are you going?
وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا And the Messenger will say, "O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur'an as [a thing] abandoned."