And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful. (4:29)
Recently, I came across an article which made my hair stand and gave me goosebumps, as I live just next door: http://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2016/02/preston-has-highest-suicide-rate-in-the-uk/
A horrifying statistic about Preston has emerged in new figures about suicide. Preston has the highest suicide rate in the UK compared to other towns and cities. There are nearly 19 suicides each year in the city per 100,000 people. The figures, which come from the Office of National Statistics, are based on the period from 2012-2014. It also shows the suicide rate in Preston has been rising sharply in the last few years.
The highest level of suicide in UK towns and cities Preston – 18.6 Middlesborough – 17.6 Hastings – 17.4 Blackpool – 17 Warwick – 16.6
A few points we all need to consider, as we all go through hardship, pain and suffering:
“Allah burdens not a soul more than its scope.” (2:286)
Allah only gives you what you can handle, in simple terms. If you cannot deal with it Allah will not give it to you. Because as Muslims we believe Allah is al-Hakeem (The Wise), al-Aleem (All-Knowing). Allah knows the past and the future.
So why do we feel we can’t cope anymore?
There are numerous reasons to this, first being our sins weigh us down. Excessive sinning leads one to become despondent. Secondly, we have become ungrateful. Instead of counting our blessings, we as humans tend to count our problems more.
“And He giveth you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favours of Allah, never will you be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.” (14:34)
Suicide is increasing in Britain and in Muslims, but it is a major sin in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated that the one who commits suicide will be punished with something like that with which he killed himself.
Why do people commit suicide?
They have had enough of life or they have no hope left that they can carry on. Sometimes Muslims lose hope in Allah SWT and in their religion. They pray, they fast, give charity but Allah’s help doesn’t seem to come or is delayed. This happens to every single one of us in life, some more than others. But is suicide the solution? More importantly, is it permissible to end our own life?
At some point or another we all think about suicide, we all have bad days and ‘very’ bad days. Problems and difficulties are temporary but remember suicide is not temporary. Do you want to commit suicide to end your life or end the problems you have?
Suicide is not the solution AT ALL. A person must remain positive at all times, life is not perfect. Allah did not promise us a perfect life, otherwise this world would be Jannah.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The world is a prison for the believer and Paradise for the disbeliever.” (Tirmidhi)
Life is short and temporary, so are the problems and trials and calamities we face in life. Whether you are currently in a state of bliss or depression, “this time will pass.” Nothing lasts forever, not your happiness nor your sadness. This world does not even last forever, it will surely end.
If you think that nobody cares, or is there for you, then you have a loving Lord. Allah SWT loves you.
In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908)
It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allah, not if she is able not to.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child.’” (Agreed upon)
So do not despair in the mercy of Allah, rather turn to him and remember Him. Obey Him and His help will come. If we knew the wisdom behind Allah’s orders and decisions for us, our hearts would burst out of love for Him SWT. We have to understand and accept Allah always does what is best for us.
“And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (2:216)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever throws himself down from a mountain and kills himself will be in the Fire of Hell, throwing himself down therein forever and ever. Whoever takes poison and kills himself, his poison will be in his hand and he will be sipping it in the Fire of Hell forever and ever. Whoever kills himself with a piece of iron, that piece of iron will be in his hand and he will be stabbing himself in the stomach with it in the Fire of Hell, forever and ever.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5442; Muslim, 109.
It was narrated from Thaabit ibn al-Dahhaak (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something in this world will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5700; Muslim, 110.
From these Hadith it is apparent that suicide is not permissible in Islam – it is Haram.
Suicide is not kufr that puts a person beyond the pale of Islam as some people think, rather it is a major sin that is subject to the will of Allah on the Day of Resurrection: if He wills, He will forgive it, and if He wills He will punish for it. So do not neglect to make du’aa for them and be sincere in doing so; perhaps that may be the means of Allah forgiving them.
It was narrated that Jundub ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Among those who came before you there was a man who was wounded and he panicked, so he took a knife and cut his hand with it, and the blood did not stop flowing until he died. Allah said: ‘My slave hastened to bring about his demise; I have forbidden Paradise to him.” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3276; Muslim, 113.
A FEW MORE FACTS:
Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.
Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is in fact very important and is why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.
Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it.
Fact: Suicide can be a taboo topic in society. Often, people feeling suicidal don’t want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don’t discuss it. By asking directly about suicide you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it is to be able to talk about what their experiencing. Once someone starts talking they’ve got a better chance of discovering other options to suicide.
Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there is nothing you can do.
Fact: Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary, even if someone has been feeling low, anxious or struggling to cope for a long period of time. This is why getting the right kind of support at the right time is so important.
Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide.
Fact: Most people have thought of suicide from time to time and not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer from their mental health, typically to a serious degree. Sometimes it’s known about before the person’s death and sometimes not.
Myth: People who talk about suicide aren’t serious and won’t go through with it.
Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die. While it’s possible that someone might talk about suicide as a way of getting the attention they need, it’s vitally important to take anybody who talks about feeling suicidal seriously.
“The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have.”
Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (one who is in dire need of Allah’s Forgiveness, Mercy and Pleasure).
Key facts (2017)
In 2017 there were 6,213 suicides in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Of these, 5,821 suicides were registered in the UK and 392 occurred in the Republic of Ireland.
In the UK, men are three times as likely to take their own lives than women.
In the Republic of Ireland, men are four times more likely to take their own lives than women.
In the UK, the highest suicide rate was for men aged 45-49.
In the Republic of Ireland, the highest suicide rate was for men aged 25–34 (with an almost identical rate for men aged 45–54).
In Northern Ireland, suicide rates for both men and women are higher than other UK nations – however, rates are not necessarily directly comparable.
Key trends (2017)
In the UK, there has been a significant decrease in male suicide. The male suicide rate is the lowest in over 30 years.
In Scotland, the overall suicide rate decreased between 2016 and 2017 – this appears to be driven by a decrease in the female suicide rate.
In Scotland, suicide in young men increased for the third consecutive year in 2017.
In Northern Ireland, the suicide rate has remained relatively stable between 2016 and 2017. There was an increase in the male suicide rate and a decrease in the female rate.
In the Republic of Ireland, suicide has continued to fall in both men and women.
In the Republic of Ireland, rates have fluctuated more than in the UK in recent years, but they are currently at their lowest since 1989.
This is a question on the tongues of many Muslims and in the minds of many already, as we near to the end of the holy month. Eid is a day of happiness and bliss. A festival ordained by Allah SWT, so much so, it is Haram to fast on the days of Eid (1st Shawwal, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th Dhul Hijjah). But the question still remains brothers and sisters, “When is Eid?”
The answer to that is not one word or one day. One of the Salaf said, “My Eid is the day in which I do not commit a sin.” Further to this, I recently listened to a talk by his eminence, the honourable, Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb (Hafidhahullah) of Leicester, UK. He explained when the ‘true’ Eid is, it really changed my perspective on Eid and this temporary life we are passing through. Below are a few things I happened to remember:
We do not know when we will depart from this transient and fleeting world, neither you know neither I know. Life and death are not guaranteed, perhaps this is the last advice of mine you will hear (because I no longer remain or you don’t). I plead to you sincerely with advice, cut off from your life of sins. Leave the television, music, lustful glances at Haram, the love of wealth, following your desires, all of this will be left behind (once you die). We have all fasted the month of Ramadhan, Alhumdu Lillah! Don’t you feel proud of yourself? Of course you do! This is the difference between sins and obedience. When you sin, the happiness is temporary, just five or ten minutes. But in obedience it is long lasting e.g. 20 years later you will remember these fasts, the Qur’an you read, the one Subhan Allah you said in the Masjid. And you will feel joy in your heart, this joy is forever and ever.
This is only when you obey Allah SWT, then every hour and every minute is Eid for you.
The moment you die, then your soul is content and happy, ready to return to Allah SWT, this will be Eid for you.
The angels will descend to welcome you, this will be Eid for you.
The moment you are lowered into your grave, like a garden of Jannah, this will be Eid for you.
On the day of judgement, Allah will give you shade under His throne, this will be Eid for you.
When you are given your books of deeds in the right hand, this will be Eid for you.
Crossing the bridge of sirat at the speed of lightning, this will be Eid for you.
Then, your final abode, Jannah! Allah’s angels will great you, “Salam! Salam!” This will be Eid for you.
Just imagine the angels doing Salam, the ecstatic feeling in your heart…
“The Messenger of Allah recited this Verse: ‘For those who have done good is the best reward and even more.’
Then he said: ‘When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, and the people of the Fire enter the Fire, a caller will cry out: “O people of Paradise! You have a covenant with Allah and He wants to fulfil it.” They will say: “What is it?” Has Allah not made the Balance (of our good deeds) heavy, and made our faces bright, and admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?” Then the Veil will be lifted and they will look upon Him, and by Allah, Allah will not give them anything that is more beloved to them or delightful, than looking upon Him.'” (Ibn Majah)
This will be Eid!
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah will say to the people of Paradise, “O the people of Paradise!” They will say, ‘Labbaik, O our Lord, and Sa`daik, and all the good is in Your Hands!’ Allah will say, “Are you satisfied?’ They will say, ‘Why shouldn’t we be satisfied, O our Lord as You have given us what You have not given to any of Your created beings?’ He will say, ‘Shall I not give you something better than that?’ They will say, ‘O our Lord! What else could be better than that?’ He will say, ‘I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that.’ “ (Bukhari)
This will be Eid!
The Eids in the world will come and go, that happiness will come and go. A new child is born it is temporary happiness, you children’s wedding, the happiness is temporary. But the real happiness is the happiness of obeying Allah, pleasing Allah, having the love of Allah and feeling His benevolence. This is when every day is Eid, every night is Eid, every hour is Eid, in hardship you will feel it is Eid and in ease you will find it is Eid.
O Allah! Accept from us our Fasting, Tilawah, Sadaqah, Zakah, Qiyam and Taraweeh.
O Allah! Make this Ramadhan such, that I become a Wali of yours.
O Allah! Free our necks from the fire of Hell and grant us Jannah.
O Allah! Make this Ramadhan a turning point in our lives, so we become closer to You.
O Allah! Make this Eid a true Eid for us, one in which we abstain from disobedience and keep us all steadfast.
Ameen.
Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh
Wudū is not only a means of external cleanliness, it is also a means of internal purification. As well as removing al-hadath al-asghar (the impurity that arises when wudū is broken) it also purifies the soul and the heart and assists the nafs through the lowly stage of ammāriyyah, through lawwāmiyyah, towards itmi’nān, the stage of perfection.
To fully appreciate how wudū contributes towards this internal cleansing we need to understand that our hearts are corrupted or rectified by our actions, and that our actions come into existence through the function of four parts of the body: the face, head (mind), hands and feet. There is a process by which an action normally comes into existence:
1. First, the inclination to do or not do a particular action is born. This happens by coming face to face with and seeing something, for that is how we understand something to be attractive or repulsive. It is possible for this inclination to arise straight away or at some future time after the encounter.
2. Next, the mind weighs up whether to undertake the action or leave it.
3. Thereafter the feet move one towards doing it or avoiding it, and the arms and hands reach out to accomplish it, or deflect it.
So, as a rule, a human uses these four parts of the body in order to acquire or avoid something.
If these four parts of the body are blessed, through the action of wudū, they will incline towards blessed things; if they are left unclean, they will incline towards filthy things. By washing the face, arms and feet and doing masah of the head in wudū we increase both their power of attraction towards goodness and their power to repel evil.
Therefore, we should do wudū as frequently as we can and try to remain in a state of wudū at all times. Wudū is one of the weapons Allāh ta‘ālā has given believers to ward off the insidious whispers of Shaytān. Washing the face frequently will mean that the eyes will be inclined towards goodness and disinclined to evil. Doing masah often will mean that if confronted with temptation, the mind will decide against it, and when encountering goodness it will decide to acquire it. As the hands and feet – the servants of the mind – are also washed frequently they will support and obey the mind. This is why it has always been the habit of the sulahā (pious predecessors) to remain in the state of wudū at all times. They not only do wudū for salāh or tilāwah, but renew it whenever it breaks.
A special effort should be made to also retire to sleep in the state of wudū. Ḥaḍdrat Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh explains that doing wudū before sleeping wards off bad dreams and Shaytānī whispers during the night, and if combined with the recital of Āyat-ul-Kursī before sleeping, then all the better.
Tahiyyat-ul-Wudū
We should also make a habit of performing two raka‘āt of Tahiyyat-ul-Wudū after completing wudū, as long as it is not a makrūh time to offer salāh and there is enough time before the fard salāh. After Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam returned from mi‘rāj he asked Bilāl radhiyallāhu ‘anhu, “O Bilāl! Tell me in which of the actions you have done in Islām you have the most hope of reward, for truly, I heard the sound of your footsteps ahead of me in Jannah?”
Bilāl radhiyallāhu ‘anhu replied, “I have done no action that I have more hope in than that whenever I do wudū, any time in the day or night, I perform as much salāh with that wudū as Allāh ta‘ālā has ordained for me.” (Al-Bukhārī)
Attentiveness During Wudū
To derive the greatest benefit from wudū we must do it with understanding, concentration and attentiveness. When Imām Zayn-ul-‘Ābidīn rahimahullāh (the son ofHusayn ibn ‘Alī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu) used to sit down to do wudū, his demeanour would change and he would turn pale. Once, someone asked the cause of the change and he explained that when commencing wudū the realisation would dawn that it is time to stand in the court of the Almighty, and thus his heart would be weighed down by a sense of awe at the Greatness and Majesty of Allāh ta‘ālā.
Our pious predecessors would do wudū with the realisation that they were about to present themselves in the court of the Almighty. They would start preparing for salāh up to an hour beforehand, and utter beautiful supplications during the various stages of wudū, remaining mindful of Him from beginning to end. They would enter the masjid with that attentiveness, offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid and the sunnah salāh and then sit in anticipation of the fard salāh, neither looking this way nor that, completely engrossed in the remembrance of Allāh ta‘ālā.
Imagine the connection with the Almighty they would have established when they would finally stand for the fard salāh and say Allāhu Akbar! Shaykh Fadl-ur-Rahmān Ganjmurādābādī rahimahullāh used to say that when placing his forehead on the ground in sajdah, he would feel like never lifting it up again, and he would feel he had placed his head in the lap of Allāh ta‘ālā, and Allāh ta‘ālā was stroking his head with affection. That is why when our pious predecessors would finish salāh they would not feel like leaving the masjid.
It is sad to say that our condition is very different. When the time for salāh approaches we rush through wudū and rush to offer salāh, which we regard as a burdensome duty. Even while doing wudū, our minds are occupied with worldly matters, or we chat and laugh. And after salāh we rush out of the masjid.
May Allāh ta‘ālā instead grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of our pious predecessors by giving wudū an important place in our lives, and doing it frequently and with attentiveness.
I feel my blogs get too long sometimes, I get told I talk too much! Maybe, I just have a long breath?
Tonight, I plan to write something short which hopefully everyone will have time to read In Sha Allah.
Random thought: does activism really benefit? I mean all those people out there trying to promote and advocate something, help someone. Do their bit for the world. Signing petitions and protesting. I have done it myself to be honest. But after all these years, I think activism in itself is a failure. Simply because I think it is hypocritical. The people who shout most about human rights and equality are sometimes the one doing all the oppressing. Not in Syria and Palestine! Perhaps, in their own homes. Beating their wives up? Depriving their children? Not of gadgets, but of love and affection. Usurping someone’s wealth?
You see if we focused upon ourselves more, you would change one person. And if everyone acted upon this rule, we would change the world? Pretty deep for a short blog.
I feel it could be more effective than my longer blogs!
I am all up for supporting people in Syria and Gaza and third world countries. But there is something more important than that, yes I repeat MORE important. To save ‘ourselves’ from committing oppression; oppression against Allah or fellow human beings.
The people in Gaza and Syria will get Jannah for their patience In Sha Allah, and die as martyrs. But what about us? The rights we deprive people from, those who we treat unfairly, those who we hurt, and those who we speak to harshly.
Will Allah forgive us?
Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s Forgiveness, Mercy and Pleasure).
The Sharī‘ah is divided into two parts: external and internal. The department of Sharī‘ah relating to external deeds like salāh and zakāh is called ‘fiqh’, while the one dealing with internal feelings and states of the heart is called ‘tasawwuf’. Both are commands in the Qur’ān. Thus, while commanding salāh and zakāh, the Qur’ān also commands gratefulness and love of Allāh ta‘ālā, and condemns the evil of pride and vanity.
Similarly, in the books of hadīth, along with the chapters on ‘ibādāt, trade and commerce, and marriage and divorce, are to be found the chapters on riyā (showing off), takabbur, hasad, sabr, shukr etc. These commands are as much a mandatory requirement as the ones dealing with external deeds.
On reflection, it will be realised that all the external deeds are designed for the reformation of the heart. That is the basis of success in the hereafter, while the despoiling of the heart is the cause of total destruction. This is precisely what is known in technical terms as tasawwuf. Its focus is tahzīb-al-akhlāq (the adornment of character); its motive is the attainment of Divine Pleasure; its method is total obedience to the commands of the Sharī‘ah.
Tasawwuf is the soul of Islām. Its function is to purify the heart from the lowly, bestial attributes of lust, evils of the tongue, anger, malice, jealousy, love of the world, love of fame, niggardliness, greed, ostentation, vanity, deception etc. At the same time, it aims to adorn the heart with the lofty attributes of repentance, perseverance, gratefulness, fear of Allāh ta‘ālā, hope, abstinence, tawhīd, trust, love, sincerity, truth, contemplation etc.
To diagnose and treat the diseases of the heart normally requires the help of an expert mentor or shaykh. Here are the qualities of a good shaykh:
1. He possesses necessary religious knowledge.
2. His beliefs, habits and practices are in accordance with the Sharī‘ah.
3. He does not harbour greed for worldly wealth.
4. He has himself spent time learning from a good shaykh.
5. The scholars and good mashā’ikh of his time hold a good opinion about him.
6. His admirers are mostly from among the people who have good understanding of the religion.
7. Most of his followers follow the Sharī‘ah and are not seekers after this world.
8. He sincerely tries to educate and morally train his followers. If he sees anything wrong in them, he corrects it.
9. In his company, one can feel a decrease in the love of the world and an increase in the love for Allāh ta‘ālā.
10. He himself regularly performs dhikr and spiritual exercises.
In searching for a shaykh, do not look for his ability to perform miracles (karāmāt) or to foretell the future. A very good shaykh may not be able to show any miracles. On the other hand, a person showing supernatural feats does not have to be a pious person, or even a Muslim. The prominent Shaykh Bayazid Bustami says: ‘Do not be deceived if you see a performer of supernatural feats flying in the air. Measure him on the standards of the Sharī‘ah.’
When you find the right shaykh, and you are satisfied with his ability to provide spiritual guidance, you perform bay‘ah or pledge. This is a two-way commitment; the shaykh pledges to guide you in the light of Sharī‘ah and you pledge to follow him.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Do you have a yearning to be close to Allah?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The servant is closest to Allah when he is in sujood (prostration). So increase your du’aa (prayer) whilst in that state.” (Muslim)
Would you like to gain reward equivalent to an accepted Hajj?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Performing Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to (the reward of) Hajj” (or according to some narrations) “…Hajj with me.” (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like a house in Paradise?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever builds a Masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house similar (to that) in Jannah.” (Muslim)
Would you like to gain the pleasure of Allah SWT?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah is happy with a servant who when he eats, praises Allah and when he drinks, he praises Allah.” (Muslim)
Would you like your Du’aas to be accepted?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Du’aa (made) between Adhan and Iqamah will never be rejected.”
Would you like a reward equivalent to fasting for a whole year to be written for you?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Fasting three days every month equals to fasting for a lifetime.”
Would you like rewards that equal to a mountain?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever attends a Janazah (funeral) and prays Salah receives the reward of one ‘Qeeraat’ and whoever stays until the burial he will receives the reward of two ‘Qeeraats.’ It was asked. “And what are two Qeerats?” He (pbuh) said, “Equal to two great mountains!” (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like the company of the Prophet (pbuh) in Jannah?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Me and the guardian of the orphan will be in Jannah like this (at this point he [pbuh] joined his index and middle finger together) (Bukhari)
Would you like the reward of a soldier in the path of Allah or the reward of a fasting person or one who stands for night prayer?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The caretaker of the widows and the orphans is like a soldier in the path of Allah.” Or (according to some narrations), he (pbuh) said… “Is like someone who stands for night prayer and does not tire, and like a fasting person who does not do Iftar.” (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like the Prophet’s (pbuh) guarantee that you will enter paradise?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whosoever guarantees me (to safeguard) that which is between his jaws and (to safeguard) that which is between his thighs, I will guarantee him paradise. (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like your actions to continue after your death?
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “When a person dies, all of his actions cut off except three: Sadqah Jariyah (continuous charity), knowledge which benefited someone, or a pious child who prays for you.” (Muslim)
Would you like a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “La hawla wa laa quwwata illa billah is a treasure from the treasures of Jannah.” (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like the reward of standing the whole night in prayer?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever prayed Isha Salah with Jama’ah, it is as though he stood in prayer half the night, whoever prayed Fajr with Jama’ah, it is as though he has stood the whole night in prayer.” (Muslim)
Would you like to read a third of the Qur’an in one minute?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Surah Ikhlas is equal to a third of the Qur’an.” (Muslim)
Would you like to make the good deeds heavier in your scale?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Two words are beloved to Rahman, light on the tongue and heavy in the scale. (They are) Subhan’Allahi wa biHam’dihee Subhan’Allahil Adheem.” (Bukhari)
Would you like your sustenance to be abundant and your lifespan to be long?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “If you would like to have abundance in your sustenance and your lifespan to be increased, join ties (with your relatives).”
Would you like Allah to protect you?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever prays Fajr Salah he is in Allah’s protection.”
Would you like your sins to be forgiven even if they are many?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever says Subhaan’Allahi wa biham’dihee 100 times in a day his sins will be forgiven, even if they are equal to the foams of the ocean.” (Bukhari/Muslim)
Would you like there to be a distance of seventy years between you and hellfire?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever keeps a fast in the path of Allah, Allah will remove him from the fire a distance of seventy years.” (Bukhari)
Would you like Allah to send blessings upon you?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever sends salutations (durood) upon me, Allah sends tens blessings upon him in return.” (Muslim)
Would you like Allah to raise your status?
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever humbles himself before Allah, Allah ‘azza wa jalla’ will elevate his status.” (Muslim)
Translated by Mawlana Ismail Satia (In dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
