All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
“CONTENTMENT
is an exhaustible treasure.”
O Allah, provide for my family with what suffices them and grant them contentment with it. [Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam]
The full flavour of true Iman is tasted by one who is content with Allah, Almighty and Glorious is He, as a Lord. [Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam]
All goodness resides in contentment, so if you are capable of being content, well and good. If not you must be patient. [Umar ibn al-Khattab RadiAllahu anhu]
Contentment is to satisfaction as the station of abstinence is to renunciation. Contentment is the beginning of satisfaction, while abstinence is the beginning of renunciation. [Abu Sulaman al-Darani]
Contentment is not to wish for what you lack and not to need what you have. [Abu AbdAllah bin Khafif]
The contented person is rich even if he goes hungry [Zabor]
It is said that Allah Ta’ala put five things in five places: honour in obedience, humiliation in disobedience, awe in standing in prayer at night, wisdom in an emty belly, and wealth in contentment.
Contentment is a king who dwells only in a believing heart [Bishr al-Hafi]
Contentment is one of the greatest gateways to Allah. it is the paradise of the world, a repose for the gnostics, a life for the lovers, a delight for the worshippers and a coolness of the eye for the yearners. [Ibn al-Qayyim]
A Sufi was asked: “Who is the most contented of men?” He answered, “The one who gives people the most help and who asks the least.”
Take revenge on your ambition with contentment as you take revenge on your enemy with retaliation. [Ibrahim al-Maristani]
When Prophet Musa Alaihis Salam spoke mentioning appetite: If you wished, you could get a reward for that, Khidr said to him: This is the parting between you and me. (18:77-78) And it is told that when the Prophet Musa Alaihis Salam had said that, a gazelle stopped in front of he and Khidr. They were both hungry. The side which faced Prophet Musa was not roasted, while the side that faced Khidr was roasted.
O ye people, isn’t it time for you to refrain from asking others for your needs. Surely whosoever abstains from asking, Allah will suffice him, and whosoever exhibits contentment, Allah will satiate his needs with little. I swear by Him Who holds in His Hand the destiny of Muhammad, that there is no wealth greater than exercising patience, and yet, if you insist on asking me, I will offer you whatever I find available to me.”
He who is contented is at rest from his contemporaries and towers over his fellows. [Dhul-Nun al-Misri]
Whoever sells ambition for contentment has triumphed in honour and moral goodness. [Al-Kattani]
Abu Yazid was asked, “Through what did you reach what you have reached?” he answered, “I gathered together all the ways and means of this world, bound them with the rope of contenment, set them in the catapult of truthfulness, and cast then into the sea of resignation, and I was at rest.”
Contentment does not mean that you are not affected by the experience of trial and tribulation. Contentment simply means that you do not object to the divine decision and decree. [Abu 'Ali ad-Daqqaq]
Rabi’a al-Adawiyya Rahmatullah alaiha was once asked the question: “When is the servant of the Lord content with the divine decree?” To this she replied: “When he is happy with affliction, just as he is happy with gracious favour.”
It is said that Musa Alaihis Salam once made a request to his Lord, Almighty and Glorious is He, so he said: “My Lord, point out to me a deed, such that, if I perform it, You will be well pleased with me.” The Lord said: “You are not capable of that,” so Musa Alaihis Salam sank to the ground, prostrating himself in humble submission. Allah Ta’ala then conveyed to him by way of inspiration: “O son of Imran, My good pleasure resides in your contentment with My decree.”
Observe your duty to Allah Ta’ala, Exalted is He, and be content to accept His decision, as He has told us:
But it may be that you hate a thing that is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you know not. (2:216)
Someone saw a wise man eating discarded vegetables from a gutter. He said, “If you were to wait on the sultan, you would not need to eat this!” “And were you content with this, you would not need to wait on the sultan!” the wise man replied.
Contentment with the divine decree is Allah Ta’ala’s most splendid gateway, and it is this world’s Garden of Paradise. That is to say, when someone is blessed with the honour of contentment he has already received the most abundant welcome, and has been honoured with the most exalted nearness.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal Rahmatullah alaihi reported that Ummuhatul Mu’mineen, Aishah RadhiAllahu anha narrated that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: “Do you know who wins sanctuary under Allah Ta’ala’s ‘Arsh on the Day of Judgement?” People replied: “Allah and His Messenger know best!” He explained: “Those are the ones who graciously accept what is just when it is offered, they generously give when they are asked, and they judge between people by the same criterion they seek for themselves. They are cheerful outwardly but never anxious inwardly. The spirit of elation comes from their contentment, satisfaction, and constant yearning for their beloved, and their fear of losing their struggle, or even the mere thought of separation from Him, bewilders and distresses them.”
“CONTENTMENT
is an exhaustible treasure.”
said our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
May the Barakah of this Rabi’al Awwal Juma’ah see you contentedly delve into the inexhaustible treasure chest of CONTENTMENT, Insha’Allah
Ameen.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
Photos from the archives, revealing various contented aspects inherent in this City of Radiance.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
Our Master SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s grandfather, the venerable Abd al-Muttalib was at the Ka’aba the night of the blessed birth. The venerable Aminah sent him news that he had a grandson and invited him to come and see the child. When the venerable Abd al-Muttalib arrived he explained: “I was at the Ka’aba when its noble walls began to tremble, calling gleefully to one another, ‘The final Prophet who will purge us of idols has honoured the world with his birth.’ I was amazed to hear these words coming from the walls of the Ka’aba. I now realize how very great is the glory of this blessed grandson of mine to whom you have given birth.” Looking tenderly at Muhammad he gave thanks and praise to Allah for granting him a grandson of such exalted worth and high nobility. The beautiful fragrance emanating from our Master’s noble body perfumed the city of Makkah as if it was filled with musk and ambergris. Sounds of good wishes and rejoicing rose to the Heavenly Throne.
Our Master’s uncle, Abu Lahab was woken from his sleep by the loud noises; his house was filled with he scent of musk and ambergris. “What are those sounds?” he asked his slave girl, Thuwayba. “Where do these smells of musk and ambergris come from? Find out and let me know.” Thuwayba went out of doors. When she learned the reason for all the clamour and joyful shouting, she came back to Abu Lahab and said: “Congratulations on your good news, Abu Lahab. Your brother ‘Abdullah has a son. These lovely fragrances emanate from the noble body of the newborn child. Those sounds are the cheerful voices of all creatures between heaven and earth.” Delighted to hear the news, Abu Lahab said to his slave girl: “O Thuwayba, you have given me good tidings and I give you your freedom.” Thuwayba was a wet nurse, so Abu Lahab gave her the command: Go to my nephew and give him your breast.” For seven days the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was suckled by his mother, the venerable Aminah. After those seven days, and until the venerable Halima took over, it was the lady Thuwayba, who suckled our Master SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
It is related that after Abu Lahab had died, our Master SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw him in a dream. He asked this uncle of his, who had never believed in him, what his situation was like in the Hereafter. Abu Lahab replied: “Although I was the uncle of such a noble and glorious Prophet, I did not believe in him.So much the worse for me! Instead of believing. acquiring honour in the lower world and dignity in the Hereafter, and enjoying the bounties of Paradise, I became his greatest enemy and so was disgraced in the world below and abased in the Hereafter. I remained in disbelief and error and so fit for the Fire. However, on account of two kindness I did the august Prophet on the night of his birth, my condition is somewhat different from that of the other inhabitants of Hell.
My first privilege is this: when the eve of Monday comes around, my torment is alleviated, lightened, until the eve of Tuesday. As for the second: Through the whole of Monday, night and day, I stick my thumb and middle finger in my mouth and suck. A cols liquid comes out between them. I cool myself by drinking that liquid, something denied to the other inmates of the Fire. Should you ask why I enjoy this favour, the explanation is this: Muhammad, on him be peace, was born on a Monday eve. When my slave girl, Thuwayba, brought me the news, I was so pleased to hear of the Messenger’s birth that I freed the girl from bondage. That is why my torment is eased on the night of that week. Because I also told her to go and suckle the child, I now have the pleasure of drinking the cold juice that comes out of my fingers.”
Due to the rejoicing Abu Lahab made at the birth of the holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam Imam Qastalani says: “How would anyone of the Ummah the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam fare, who is Muslim and is steadfast in his belief in the unity of Allah Ta’ala and rejoices at his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam birth and who spends whatever he can afford for the love of him SallAllahu alaihi wasallam? I swear by my life, that Allah Ta’ala, out of His Grace, will not reward such a person but by entering him into the Gardens of Bliss.” From Mawaahibul Ladunniyah.
Abu Qatadah RadhiAllahu anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was asked about fasting on Mondays, who said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.” [Muslim].
“O Meelad of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam! You are mightily praised, and the praise is such that it is the loftiest and the remembrance is such that it is the most excellent; how I wish the remembrance of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam shall be with me for a long time! How I wish his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam Meelaad shall be with me for a long time!” [Meelad-ul-Uroos]
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
There has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is your suffering; anxious is he over you; toward the believers kind and compassionate. (9:128)
Notes: 8 Al Urfaa bi Ahwaalill-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam Vol 1 p.34 by Allama Ibn Jauzi
9. Mustadrak Haakim vol2 p. 615
Above photo is a detail of the decorative brass ‘Muhammad’ from the original Bab An-Nisaa made during the time of Sultan Abdul Majeed in 1265-1277 A.H. (1849-1861 A.D.)
Ayah 3:81
Note 10. Musanaf Abdur-Razaak
Blessed be the moment of the Prophet’s birth,
When unsurpassed glory spread over the earth!
His birth distinctly showed his pure origin
The excellence of his beginning and his end.
How would you Sallallahu ‘Alaihi WaSallam leave out friends?
You Sallallahu ‘Alaihi WaSallam, who feel great compassion, even for your enemies.
You did not ignore us at the moment of your birth;
How can we presume that you will not remember us after our death?
And more of the Majestic Spring Moon as it appeared last night as a golden orb, SubhanAllah! I did not have my camera, hence a blurry image, but it was truly majestic! How then is the countenance of our Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam?
When unsurpassed glory spread over the earth!
JazakumLlahu khairan to Khalid Bhai for taking the photos inside Masjid Nabawi, his first attempts at photography, Masha’Allah! Insha’Allah his new found skills will be featured here again soon, providing images from the places where sisters cannot go.
And JazakumuLlahu khairan to Brother/Bheta Erphan for his input with this post.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
With That Moon Language
Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, “Love me.”
Of course you do not do this out loud, otherwise someone would call the cops.
Still, though, think about this, this great pull in us to connect.
Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world is dying to hear?
I saw you dancing last night
on the roof of your house
all alone.
I felt your heart longing for the Friend.
I saw you whirling
beneath the soft bright rose
that hung from an invisible stem in the sky.
So I began to change into my best clothes
in hopes of joining you,
even though I live a thousand miles away.
And if you had spun like an immaculate sphere
just two more times,
then bowed again so sweetly to the east,
you would have found God and me
standing so near
and lifting you into our arms.
I saw you dancing last night
near the roof of this world
Hafiz
The Silent Articulation of a Face.
Love comes with a knife,
not some shy question,
and not with fears
for its reputation!
I say these things disinterestedly.
Accept them in kind.
Love is a madman, working his wild schemes, tearing off his clothes,
running through the mountains, drinking poison,
and now quietly choosing annihilation.
A tiny spider tries to wrap an enormous wasp.
Think of the spiderweb woven across the cave
where Muhammad slept!
There are love stories,
and there is obliteration into love.
You’ve been walking the ocean’s edge,
holding up your robes to keep them dry.
You must dive naked under and deeper under,
a thousand times deeper!
Love flows down!!
The ground submits to the sky and suffers
what comes.
Tell me, is the earth worse
for giving in like that?
Don’t put blankets over the drum!
Open completely.
Let your spirit-ear listen to the green dome’s passionate murmur.
Let the cords of your robe be untied.
Shiver in this new love beyond all above and below.
The sun rises, but which way
does night go?
I have no more words. Let soul speak with the silent
articulation of a face.
Some Kiss We Want
There is some kiss we want with
our whole lives, the touch of
spirit on the body.
Seawater
begs the pearl to break its shell.
And the lily, how passionately
it needs some wild darling!
At night, I open the window and ask
the moon to come and press its
face against mine.
Breathe into me.
Close the language-door and
open the love window.
The moon
won’t use the door, only the window.
Let yourself be silently drawn
by the stronger pull of what you really love
Rumi
Allah the Almighty knows
if He has written the name of His Beloved
on His
Majestic Spring Moon.
Allah the Almighty knows
if our love for His Beloved
is written indelibly
on our heart.
JUMA’AH MUBARAK!
ASSALATU WASSALAMU ALAIKA YA SAYYIDY YA RASULULLAH
ASSALATU WASSALAMU ALAIKA YA SAYYIDY YA RASULULLAH
ASSALATU WASSALAMU ALAIKA YA SAYYIDY YA RASULULLAH
SallAllahu alaihi wasallam
Moon image from Verbalizations, from Sidi Masu’d's original photo, JazakumuLlahu khairan.
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
SubhanAllah! yesterday our City was adorned with a metallic silver….
…today a coppery bronze…or is it a bronzy copper?
…regardless of words, it is forever stunning…
and blessed…
Alhumdulillah!
Links to the heart of this sand storm (1,2,3,4,5,)
And time, or ‘something’ still eludes me for sharing more, Alhumdulillah!
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.
That golden moment when the moon of purity shone forth
Countless blessings be upon that heart-rekindling instance!
Welcome, O high prince, we welcome you!
Welcome, O mine of wisdom, we welcome you!
Welcome, O secret of the Book, we welcome you!
Welcome, O medicine for pain, we welcome you!
Welcome, O sunlight and moonlight of God!
Welcome, O you not separated from God!
Welcome, O nightingale of the Garden of Beauty!
Welcome, O friend of the Lord of Power!
Welcome, O refuge of your community!
Welcome, O helper of the poor and destitute!
Welcome, O eternal soul, we welcome you!
Welcome, O cupbearer of the lovers, we welcome you!
Welcome, O darling of the Beloved!
Welcome, O much beloved of the Lord!
Welcome, O Mercy for the worlds!
Welcome, O intercessor for the sinner!
Only for you were Time and Space created…
Suleyman Chelebi
Marhaba Ya Rasulallah salallahu ‘alaihi wasallam
Marhaba Ya Rasulallah. Welcome, Prophet of Allah.
Welcome, incomparable Sultan of Prophets.
Welcome, Fountain of Mystic Knowledge.
Welcome, Treasury of the Secret Meanings of the Holy Qur’an.
Welcome, Healing Balm for all the world’s afflictions.
Welcome, Nightingale from the Garden of Divine Beauty.
Welcome, Bearer of the universal Forgiveness of Allah.
Welcome, Moon and Sun of Allah’s Mercy.
Welcome, Perfect Focus of the Truth.
Welcome, Shelter for the wandering soul.
Welcome, Unwavering Spirit.
Welcome, ya saqi, Cupbearer of the Wine of Love.
Welcome, sublime Vision of those who truly adore.
Welcome, Prince of Humankind, Beloved of the Creator.
Welcome, Illumination of longing souls.
Welcome, most intimately cherished Friend of Allah.
Welcome, most beloved Soul.
Welcome, Intercessor for the entire universe.
Welcome, O Sultan of Prophets for whom the earth and Paradise were both created.
Your face shines with the intensity of noonday sun.
Your powerful right hand lifts up those who have fallen along the way of Truth.
You are the only foundation and solace for the lovers of Reality.
You are the spiritual refuge for all conscious beings.
You are healing for hearts broken by the world.
You are the delicate spiritual joy of the heart that turns away from the world.
O Sultan and Shaykh of all creation.
O President of the Parliament of Prophets and Mystic Guides.
O Clarifying Light for the eyes of human beings, both saints and simple believers.
O Final One to mount the Throne of Prophesy.
O Seal of the Prophets and Distributor of the Light of Prophesy to all hearts.
Your face makes the whole creation shine with greater clarity and brilliance.
Your roselike beauty fills the hearts of lovers with the fragrance of roses.
You overcome the night of spiritual ignorance and error, bringing the vineyard of realization to fruition with the sunlight of the Holy Qur’an.
O beloved one of Allah, please assist us along the mystic way, and permit us to gaze upon your Face of Beauty at the End of Time.
Atom From the Sun of Knowledge by Shaykh Nur al-Jerrahi, may his soul be sanctified.
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Sublime words chosen from previous Rabi’al Awwal posts as the pen seems to be drained of ink while the heart is in such a state of overwhelm during this blessed time in this Mubarak City illuminated by the Light of Lights SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Insha’Allah I will try to write in the next few days. Meanwhile I post many photos that may seem repetitive, but the intention is not to produce great photography, but impressions, for you to be drawn into the radiance, as if you were here!
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A positive welcomed article from within the Kingdom, promoting the celebration of the Mawlid of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
~*~
A lengthy discourse refuting false claims about Mawlid. A site devoted to Mawlid, and Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad in a five part lecture on Supersession and Intercession in Mawlid.
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All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.