Monthly Archives: August 2009

calling out during this month of accepted Du’a

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Ya Rabb, many troubles You have removed from my path; much sorrow have You dispelled; much misery have You mitigated; and at all times You spread out mercy, and cut short the tightening circles of misfortunes.

Alhamdulillah, with full gratitude for all His bounties.

Subhan Allah, Who has not taken unto Himself a wife, nor a son, and Who has no partner in sovereignty, nor any protecting friend through dependence. Subhanahu wa ta’ala!

Subhan Allah, Who has no opposition to His rule, nor any challenge to His commands.

Subhan Allah, Who has no counsel to meddle with His operation of creation, nor is there anything similar to Him in His greatness.

Subhan Allah, Whose commandments operate in Creation; His glory is evident through love and kindness. His distinct overflowing generosity is freely available through His unlimited bestowals which do not exhaust His resources, and He does not swell the numerous benefits except because of generosity and kindness. Verily He is Mighty, Generous.

O Allah, truly, when You pardon my sins, overlook my mistakes, and cover up my foul actions, You show consideration in spite of my many transgressions committed willfully or negligently…I know I ask for that which I do not deserve, but you are Ghafoorun Raheem.

You are Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

So I persist in calling out, believing in You, and I invoke You, assured of Your loving kindness whenever I turn to You…

I have had many setbacks, and I, out of ignorance, begin to despair, although perhaps it may be a blessing in disguise. You alone know (all) the consequences.I know no generous master who is more accommodating to dissatisfied servants than You are to me.

Ya Rabb, You give an invitation but I turn it down, yet You do not abstain from
bestowing favors and blessings on me from Your mercy and generosity, so have mercy on Your ignorant servant. Verily, You are generous and kind.

Subhan Allah, the owner of sovereignty, Who sets the course of the skies and the stars, controls the winds, causes the daybreak, and administers authority, the Lord of the worlds.

Subhan Allah for His amnesty ensuing from His omnipotence.

Subahn Allah for the respite He allows in spite of provocation. He is able to do what He wills.

Subhan Allah, the Creator of all the created beings, Who makes sustenance freely available, starts the day, the owner of glory, might, favors, and bounties, Who is far away, invisible, and nearest, so near that He is fully aware of the whispered secrets, the Blessed, the Praised.

Subhan Allah, Who has no equal to challenge Him, nor is there an image comparable to Him, nor a helper to assist Him. He tames the powerful by His force, and disgraced are the terrible before His greatness; so He, through His power, fulfills that which He wills.

Subhan Allah, Who gives answer to me whenever I call Him; covers up my shortcomings yet I disobey Him; gives me the largest part of the bounties yet I want more. Many favors He has sanctioned; many terrible dangers He has averted; and many blossoming joys he has made available for me. Therefore, I sing His praises and recite His glorification.

Subhan Allah! None can disclose anything hidden by Him; none can shut the doors kept open by Him; no one who makes a request is sent away disappointed by Him; and no one who looks long and attentively is deluded in his hopes.

Subhan Allah, Who gives protection to the frightened; comes to the help of the upright; promotes the cause of the weak and the enslaved; annihilates the autocrats.

Subhan Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.

Subhan Allah! In his awe-inspiring fear, the heavens and its dwellers tremble and shiver; the earth and its inhabitants shake and quiver; the oceans and all that floats and swims in its waters flow together in excitement and tumult.

Subhan Allah, Who creates but is not created; gives subsistence but needs no provisions; gives food to eat but takes no nourishment; makes the living dead and brings the dead to life; and He is the everliving, there is no death for Him; in His hands is all the good. And He is able to do all things.

Alhamdulillah, Who has guided us to this. We could not truly have been led aright if Allah had not guided us.

O Allah, let us bear out and hold up that which You make known to us as the truth, and let us be fully aware of that which we fall short of doing.

O Allah, through Your religion, set in order our disorder; gather and unite our communities; stitch together our sundered separation; turn our want and poverty into sufficiency; lift us up from our degradation; free us from our misery; pull us out from our debts; help us to get out from the ditch of cares and sorrows; fill the gap created by confusion among us; let our difficulties be easy to deal with; refine our substance; let our efforts succeed well and secure success; make us fulfill our promises; give answers to our prayers; listen to our requests; cause us to obtain the good of this world and the hereafter; give us much and more than our expectations, O the best of givers and bestowers; and cleanse our hearts, unburden our emotions from hate and anger, and, in the event of dispute in the matter of truth, show us the right path. Verily, You guide whoever You will to the right path.

Ya Allah, help me and all of my Muslim brothers and sisters around the world change our erring ways and guide us to the Straight Path. Help us all live the life of true Muslims, striving towards the example of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum.

Ya Allah, help us to overcome our state of affairs. Disperse the ominous clouds hanging over our heads; lend a helping hand to achieve success; bring in the rule of justice and fair play; make us bright, free from grief; and take care of us. Through Your mercy, O most Merciful.

Ya Allah, and send blessings on Muhammad and on his family, Your servant, Messenger, confidant, friend, beloved intimate, mercy unto all the created beings, bearer of Your sacraments, last of Your messengers, the most superior, the exquisite, the most perfect, the upright, the thoroughly purified, the sublime; who has more and better blessings, advantages, mercies, affections and salutations than You made available to any one of Your servants, prophets, messengers, friends, and those honored by You from among Your created beings.

AMEEN AMEEN AMEEN.

This poignant Du’a was shining from my inbox, having been sent by a Dear Sister, JazakiLlahu khairan Katheera. Insha’Allah you too read this and then share it with others.

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.

gone forever

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Yesterday awaiting the 6th day of this Mubarak month giddy to be in the fourth day of storms that Allah Ta’ala sent during Asr time and lasting until after Tarweeh. SubhanAllah! The atmosphere has been dramatic with theatrical lighting, booming thunder, spectacular lightning and surreal lighting.

I weep just looking at this photo on the screen now. The luminosity shining from within is translucent, piercing the depths of the heart with light.

Sallallahu ‘alaa Muhammad
Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallim
Yaa Nabi Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Rasul Salaam ‘alaika
Yaa Habib Salaam ‘alaika
Salawatullah ‘alaika.

Allah Ta’ala’s artistry exhibited in the vast expanse of sky, with His Majesty affirmed as His slaves converge towards His House of Worship…

…and patiently wait for the call to prayer to satiate hunger and thirst with the hope of another day being credited in their Book along with further purification of the heart and soul…

…the elements rumbled in unison with stomachs…the black sky

and persistent wind

playing havoc…

…and testing…

…degrees of submission…

…and all gone forever…every Ramadhan moment remaining as a record of deeds and as ‘a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.’

In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate

A  blessed month is casting its shadow upon us
A night of this month is better than a thousand months
Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman
Its a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.
Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind
Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind
With the most sincere devotion and love we fast
To be cleansed and free from sins of the past

Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,
To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth
Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,
The Seer of the unseen, all He does know

Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk
Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk
My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see
This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!

Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!
Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,
Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind

Source and shared by a Dear Sister, JazakiLlahu khairan.

And JUMA’AH MUBARAK!

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.

lightning and diamonds

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Or is it the lightning struck in the darkness of the night of Idam.

From the notes on the Poem of the Scarf regarding this verse:

Idam is a mountain in Madinah. As Allamah Busairi Rahmatullahi alaihi sees the lightning he wonders if it is the same lightning that struck on Idam. Even the lightning reminds his troubles heart of his beloved. After mentioning Dhi-Salam, Kaazimah (in the previous verses) and now the Mount of Idam it becomes completely clear where his beloved is and who his beloved is without directly mentioning the name. Allamah Busairi Rahmatullahi alaihi is actually trying to keep the name of the beloved, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam a secret.

Another of Brother Noushad’s brilliant captures from yesterdays storm.

SubhanAllah! To sit in the courtyard with a gentle drizzle falling as diamonds while praying Taraweeh adds another dimension to the blessings of this month and the tangible signs of Allah Ta’ala’s mercy.

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.

Iftar beside the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and a storm

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Yesterday…

SubhanAllah, Brother Noushad’s photos are exceptional in capturing the spirit of this Mubarak month in this Mubarak City of Light, beside our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Insha’Allah bookmark his Flickr site and if you feel inclined to support his work you may like to gift him with a Pro status so all can continue to benefit from his stunning captures. His email contact is on each photo. May Allah Ta’ala open doors for him to publish his art in book format, calendar, cards, posters and possible book covers, Ameen.

~**~

Today…

Allah Ta’ala sent a tumultous storm, initially painting the Radiant City in a vibrant orangey glow as the desert dust swirled in and around every crevice and chink. The accompanying choking seemed an apt Ramadhan reminder of the horrors of the Fire, the very place, Insha’Allah we will be given respite from due to our abstinance this Ramadhan.

As the colour deepened, so did the wider significance of fasting deepen. The refraining from food and drink is just a small, and easy part of our fasting. The rage of this storm hinted at the need to abstain from the rage of anger in all its manifestations, whether with the tongue, the hand, or what may be hidden in the heart.

This fury was soon extinguished by Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy in the form of heavy steady rain. A beautiful washing and cleansing, not only of the apparent, but an adorning metaphor for the inner dimensions of our being.

From the kitchen window…

…to a speedy visit to Masjid Nabawi.

May we all be soaked and cleansed with Allah Ta’ala’s special rains of mercy during these felicitous first ten days of Ramadhan, Ameen.

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.

Ramadhan Kareem

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RAMADHAN KAREEM

from the newly decorated Mubarak Sanctuary, on this first night of Ramadhan 1430.

May the blessings of this sublime month shower us in abundance.

May our efforts reap all that Allah Ta’ala  promises,

and may we all meet our Rabb Subhanahu wa Ta’ala in His Eternal Garden,

AMEEN AMEEN AMEEN

Having received this excellent Ramadhan advice multiple times I encourage you to benefit from the wisdom shared by Al- Habib Kazim Ja‘far Muhammad al-Saqqaf.

Entries may be far and few between from this humble speck during this Ramadhan. The three previous Ramadhan entries may be perused for links and stories.

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.

Ummul Qura: dust, steel, congestion and miscellany

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the earth cries as machines devour entire mountains

and the billowing dust grieves, echoing a deep sadness

while cranes sway to and fro balancing loads of steel

and the noise of smelly diesel monsters crushing rocks

muffle the soulful sobbing

of this hallowed valley

where Ibrahim faithfully obeyed

his Rabb

leaving his wife and son on this very ground in Allah’s protection

until Ibrahim returned and with his son gathered stones from just beside this tower to build the first House of Worship and prayed:

Our Lord, accept [this] from us. You are the All Hearing, the All Knowing. Our Lord, make us devoted to You; make our descendants into a community devoted to You. Show us how to worship and accept our repentance, for You are the Ever Relenting, the Most Merciful. Our Lord,make a messenger of their own rise up from among them, to recite Your revelations to them, teach them the Scripture and wisdom, and purify them: You are the Mighty, the Wise. (2:128-129)

Ameen Ameen Ameen

Ya Rabb, regardless of what external structures may reach for the skies

or what may tempt and distract

or appeal as comfortable and relaxing

fix our vision far beyond such Dunya heights

guiding to the Straight Path

away from the clamour, congestion

and fallacious trickery that deludes

open the eyes of our hearts

to look beyond pain and suffering

giddy oppression

frivolity and mirages

Ya Rabb, guide us beyond all that will vanish

Ya Rabb, liberate us from all that hinders our journey to You

Ya Rabb, make our steps steadfast upon Your obedience

acknowledging the gift of Iman and that You never disappoint

Ya Rabb, make us devoted to You; make our descendants into a community devoted to You. Show us how to worship and accept our repentance

Ya Rabb, purify our hearts so that they receive Your blessed gaze on the first night of Ramadhan.

May you and your your loved ones be blessed with a spiritually enriching Ramadhan.

This needy speck seeks your forgiveness for any wrong I may have inflicted intentionally or unintentionally.

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.

:: anticipating ::

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The Sacred House is anticipating…

…millions thronging under arches, chandeliers and domes …

…awaiting to greet the blessed month of Ramadhan…

…the Ummah is anticipating the gates of Jannah to be flung open, while the doors of Jahannam are sealed and the Shayateen chained…

…the Mu’mimeen are anticipating a caller every night of Ramadhan calling, ‘O Doer of good, be swift! O doer of evil refrain! Every night Allah Ta’ala frees from the fire.’ (As Sunan al Kubra)

All are anticipating another caller, ‘Is there anyone seeking forgiveness for he will be forgiven? Is there anyone supplicating for his supplication will be answered? Is there anyone asking for he will be given?’

Anticipating the fast to be for Allah Ta’ala, with Him being the reward, SubhanAllah!

Anticipating to enter Jannah through the Rayyan gate, and receiving a drink that will quench the thirst for Eternity!

Anticipating the first days bringing Allah Ta’ala’s mercy, the middle days His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the Fire, Insha’Allah.

Anticipating the decoration of Jannah.

Anticipating drawing nearer to Allah Ta’ala by engaging in virtuous deeds, such being rewarded as a Fardh, while performing a Fardh shall be blessed an extra seventy times, SubhanAllah!

Anticipating feeding another who fasted, for the love of Allah Ta’ala, thus gaining  forgiveness of sins along with having the good deeds of the one fed added to your account, Insha’Allah.

Anticipating being steadfast with four things; with two of them you can please your Lord and without the other two you cannot survive. The first two are the frequent recitation of La iLlaha ilLAllah and Astaghfirullah, while the other two are begging Allah Ta’ala for His Jannah and seeking His refuge from Jahannam.

Anticipating the intercession of the Fast and the Qur’an on the Day of Qiyamah.

Anticipating distributing Sadaqah as it is the most virtuous during Ramadhan.

Anticipating the fast to be with the whole body, flesh, eyes, ears, tongue and heart, Insha’Allah.

Anticipating the complete recitation of the Qur’an Majeed.

Anticipating performing the Taraweh prayers.

Anticipating the blessings in Sehri.

Anticipating the excessive raising of hands in Du’a. The Du’a of the fasting person is not rejected in Allah Ta’ala’s court.

Anticipating that the smell from the mouth while fasting is beloved to Allah Ta’ala more than musk.

Anticipating extra guidance:

It was in the month of Ramadhan that the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So any one of you who is present that month should fast. (2:185)

Anticipating the two joys of the fasting person, one at Iftar and the other one at meeting your Lord.

Anticipating the Night greater in virtue than a thousand months.

May your Ramadhan be blessed and filled with spiritual reflection, prayer, accumulating good deeds and sharing time with loved ones. May we all strive to increase self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity, Ameen.

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.