Extracting wisdoms, lessons and guidance from verses of the Noble Quran and Beautiful sayings of our beloved Prophet ﷺ. Each weekly lesson will be an average of 2/3 Minutes and in simple, easy and summarised language. Surely there is no better guidance for navigating our daily lives than The Quran and Sunnah. These short bite-size lessons provide an opportunity to reflect on the divine wisdom, understand key teachings, and implement them in practical ways. A beacon of light in testing times, enriching hearts and minds with profound insights and meaningful reminders.
Lessons
[Click the relevant link to view]
– Weekly Lesson 1: The Importance of having a sincere Intention
– Weekly Lesson 2: Actions are judged according to their Intentions
– Weekly Lesson 3: True Success is for those who purify themselves
– Weekly Lesson 4: Hold firm to Istighfaar [Seeking forgiveness]
– Weekly Lesson 5: Pure consumption results in pure deeds
– Weekly Lesson 6: Valleys full of gold?
– Weekly Lesson 7: Hasten towards goodness
– Weekly Lesson 8: All affairs are good for a believer
– Weekly Lesson 9: The Heavens and Earth don’t weep for the evil!
– Weekly Lesson 10 – No Hardship Goes Unrewarded: A Believer’s Trials as a Means of Purification
– Weekly Lesson 11 – The Purpose of Fasting – Attaining Taqwa
– Weekly Lesson 12 – The Reward of Fasting
– Weekly Lesson 13 – Ramadan: The Month of Qur’an
– Weekly Lesson 14 – Truth Brings Peace, Falsehood Brings Doubt
– [More lessons coming weekly Insha-Allah]
Weekly Lesson 1 – The Importance of having a sincere Intention
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ
Translation: And they were not commanded except to worship Allāh, [being] sincere to Him in religion.
[Surah Bayyinah – 98:5]
Wisdoms and lessons
- Being sincere in worship. All our acts of worship should be done only for Allah.
- The Arabic for sincerity is Ikhlas which means to remove everything from the heart except Allah.
- We are forbidden from doing acts of worship for fame, boasting or any worldly gain.
- Our purpose of creation is to worship Allah.
- Religion comprises all matters. Hence even in our worldly matters we should be sincere. [e.g – being sincere in giving advice or being sincere when doing business].
Summary
It is vital that all our acts of worship such as Salah, Zakah, and giving charity are all done for Almighty Allah. Even in worldly matters we should be sincere.Also another subtle point mentioned by Imam Alusi in his book ‘Ruhul Ma’ani’ under this verse is that, our purpose in creation is to worship Allah. The Akhirah [next life] should be our main focus in life and the world as a means to reach our main purpose. |
Weekly Lesson 2 – Actions are judged according to thier Intentions
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
[1 صحيح البخاري كتاب بدء الوحى باب كَيْفَ كَانَ بَدْءُ الْوَحْىِ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم]
Translation: Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, actions are only with intentions
Sahih al-Bukhari: Book of Revelation (Kitab Bad’ al-Wahy), Hadith Number 1
[Note: Above hadith is only part of a lengthy hadith and not the entire wording]
Lessons
- Both our inner and outer should be pure, hence having a pure intention and performing pure deeds.
- Sincerity is essential in our deeds to be accepted.
- A wordly action such as eating or sleeping can also become reward with the right intention.
- Relecting on our intentions and ensuring it is done only for the pleasure of Allah.
- Our actions – good or bad – are being recorded and will be weighed on the day of judgment.
Summary
The main theme of this Hadith is to have a sincere intention in our actions and intentions. Which is everything we do and intend to do is for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.Implementing righteous actions for worldly benefit will not bring any reward in the Akhirah [hereafter]. Such as seeking religious knowledge for worldly gain.Finally we will be rewarded for a good [firm] intention, even if for some reason we do not carry it out.
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Weekly Lesson 3 – True Success is for those who purify themselves
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 3 Minutes
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ ١٤
Translation: Successful indeed are those who purify themselves
[al-Quran – 87:14]
- The word Tazakah [تَزَكَّىٰ] is derived from ‘zakah’ which literally means ‘to purify’ and ‘to grow’. [Extracted from Ma’riful Quran and others]
- Success as defined by Allah is those who enter Jannah, which is – the eternal life. [Extracted from Tafsir al-Qurtubi]
- Internal purity is to purify the soul from Shirk, false beliefs, sins and bad character. Also performing deeds sincerely for Allah and refraining from Riya [boasting] and deficiency. [Extracted from Tafsir Tabari, Ibn Kathir, al-Qurtubi and others]
- Some commentators suggest that this verse refers to the payment of Sadaqatul Fitr. [Extracted from Tafsir al-Qurtubi]
Summary
In order to achieve ‘true success’ which is eternal life in paradise, then one must attain internal purity and external purity, which is purity of faith, character and righteous actions. [Summarised from Ma’riful Quran and others]Purification [تَزَكَّىٰ] is mentioned before ‘Dhikr’ and ‘Salah’ [which is the next verse] because the foundation of all good actions is purification [sincere intention for the sake of Allah]. Once the soul is purified then the light of guidance will shine forth and become a means of blessings and benefit. [Extracted from Tahrir wa Tanwir]
We should ask Allah for the purification of our soul and refrain from boasting as Allah says:وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَبَدًۭا وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزَكِّى مَن يَشَآءُ [٢١]‘Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you, and His mercy, not a single person from you would have ever attained purity. But Allah purifies whomsoever He wills.‘ [24:21]
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Weekly Lesson 4 – Hold firm to Istighfaar [Seeking forgiveness]
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 3 Minutes
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: “والله إني لأستغفر الله وأتوب إليه في اليوم أكثر من سبعين مرة ”
[رواه البخاري]
Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu anhu) reported:
I heard The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.“
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 6307]
Lessons:
- The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perpetually seek forgiveness, despite being free from sin. Teaching his nation the importance of holding firm to Istighfaar and seeking repentance [Tawbah].
- The humility of The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) despite being the best of creation, thus we should always display humility at all times.
- Seeking forgiveness for the time spent without the remembrance of Allah [Dhikr]. This is because when there is no Dhikr then this is a cause [Sabab] of negligence which could result in sin.
SummaryIt was the noble practice of The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to seek forgiveness despite being free from sin. So how much more do we need to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings?One of the most praiseworthy times to seek forgiveness is the last portion of the night as mentioned in the divine scriptures.Finally, we have not worshiped Allah the way he deserves to be worshiped, so forgiveness should be sought for our deficiency.
مَا قَدَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِۦٓ ۗ ٧٤They have not appraised Allāh with true appraisal. [22:74] |
References:
- رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦)
- دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧)
- شرح حديث لبيك اللهم لبيك, ابن رجب الحنبلي (ت ٧٩٥)
Weekly Lesson 5 – Pure consumption results in pure deeds
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ
“O Messengers, eat from the good (lawful) things and act righteously. Indeed, I am Knowing of what you do.”
* This command applies to the followers of the Ambiyaa as well, not just the Prophets [عليهم السلام].
Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:51)
Lessons
- The importance of eating pure [Halal] food.
- Pure consumption and sustenance leads to righteous actions.
- Unlawful consumption and sustenance leads to sinful actions and unanswered supplications.
- The strong connection between the body and the soul. The food we eat has a direct impact on our spiritual and physical well-being. Hence, the reason why eating halal has been mentioned before doing righteous actions.
SummaryIn this one verse, we learn how to become successful in this world and the next [Akhirah]*. Which is living a ‘pure’ life, results in being successful not only in this world, but the Akhirah also.
* [This verse comes within the broader context of Surah Al-Mu’minun, which emphasises the qualities of successful believers].Acceptance of our deeds is based on pure consumption and pure sustenance.In conclusion, one must eat from Halal [lawful] food, avoid unlawful food and even be cautious of doubtful sources. |
Weekly Lesson 6 – Valleys full of gold?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
وعن أَنَسٍ رضي الله عنهما أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “ لو أن لابن آدم وادياً من ذهب أحب أن يكون له واديان، ولن يملأ فاه إلا التراب، ويتوب الله على من تاب” ((متفق
عليه)) .
Anas Ibn Malik (رضي الله عنهما) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “If a son of Adam were to own a valley full of gold, he would desire to have two. Nothing can fill his mouth except the earth (of the grave). Allah turns with mercy to him who turns to Him in repentance“.
Lessons
- Human nature’s tendency to go after the world and the love of amassing ever-greater wealth.
- Condemnation of pursuing the world and its adornments.
- A believer’s main concern is doing righteous actions for the Akhirah [Hereafter] and not being preoccupied with this world and its adornments.
- Contentment is not found in material possesion, rather in being pleased with what Allah has provided you.
- Inevitability of Death. The Hadith reminds us that this world is temporary and will come to an end.
Summary
The nature of humans is to desire more and more of the world. This desire will continue until a person leaves this world, except for the one who makes the Akhirah his main concern. Allah says regarding this state:أَلْهَىٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ[١] حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ ٱلْمَقَابِرَ[٢]Rivalry in amassing [wealth] has made you negligent [heedless of fulfilling Allah’s command]. [and this rivalry will continue making you negligent] until you reach the graves [when you die]. [It is only when a person dies that he realises the futility of amassing wealth because none of it will benefit him in the Akhirah].[Surah Takaathur: 1-2]Finally a mention of repentance is made in this hadith, anyone who makes sincere repentance, has remorse and makes a sincere intention not to commit the sin, will be forgiven.
إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٰسِعُ ٱلْمَغْفِرَةِ
“Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness.” |
* Note: Engaging in business is commendable, provided it adheres to divine guidelines and does not hinder you from fulfilling Allah’s commands. For detailed guidance, visit: https://deenwaypoint.com/guidelines-to-businessmen/
Hadith References:
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab (Chapter): Kitab al-Riqaq (The Book of Heart-Melting Traditions), Baab (Heading): Bab ma yuttaqa min fitnat al-mal (Chapter on What Should Be Feared Regarding the Trial of Wealth), Hadith Number: 6439]
[Sahih Muslim, Kitab (Chapter): Kitab al-Zakat (The Book of Charity), Baab (Heading): Bab al-hath ‘ala al-sadaqah wa karahiyat al-shuhh (Chapter on Encouragement to Give Charity and the Dislike of Stinginess), Hadith Number: 1048]
* This hadith has also been narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما), see: Sahih Bukhari, Ar-Riqaq, Hadith Number: 6436]
Scholary References:
- رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦)
- دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧)
- زاد المسلم فيما اتفق عليه البخاري ومسلم – المالكي الشنقيطي (ت 1362)
Weekly Lesson 7 – Hasten towards goodness
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
وَسَارِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ
“And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful ˹of Allah˺.”
Lessons
- Seeking forgiveness from Allah [ٱسْتِغْفَار] should be a priority in life. The word “hasten” (وَسَارِعُوا) implies urgency, reminding us not to delay repentance or acts that lead to Allah’s mercy.
- Taqwa (righteousness and piety) is the key to attaining Paradise. This requires living a life conscious of Allah, avoiding sins, and fulfilling our duties.
- The verse places forgiveness before Paradise, teaching that purification of the soul through repentance is necessary before we can attain the eternal reward.
- The verse provides hope, as it calls upon everyone to seek Allah’s forgiveness and aspire for His mercy, regardless of their past mistakes.
SummaryThis verse is a call to action, that we should diligently fulfill Allah’s commands, such as establishing Salah, and consistently engage in righteous deeds. These righteous actions serve as a pathway to earning Allah’s mercy, and it is through His mercy alone that we can attain Jannah.The immense vastness of Jannah is beyond human comprehension and known only to Allah, as highlighted in Tafsir Qurtubi.
There are numerous supplications for seeking forgiveness, among which Sayyid al-Istighfar (the master of all invocations for forgiveness) holds a special status. You can read this powerful supplication here: Compilation of Supplications – Sayyid al-Istighfar. |
Quranic Verse Reference
Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:133)
وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ أُعِدَّتۡ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous (متقين).”
Scholarly References
- تفسير الطبري — الإمام محمد بن جرير الطبري (ت 310 هـ)
- تفسير القرطبي — الإمام أبو عبد الله محمد بن أحمد القرطبي (ت 671 هـ)
- تفسير ابن كثير — الإمام إسماعيل بن عمر بن كثير (ت 774 هـ)
- تفسير الآلوسي — الإمام شهاب الدين محمود الألوسي (ت 1270 هـ)
Weekly Lesson 8 – All affairs are good for a believer
عَنْ صُهَيْبٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ
صحيح مسلم كتاب الزهد والرقائق باب المؤمن أمره كله خير
Suhayb reported: The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings be upon him, said “Wondrous is the affair of a believer, as there is good for him in every matter; this is not the case for anyone but a believer. If he experiences pleasure, he thanks Allāh and it is good for him. If he experiences harm, he shows patience and it is good for him.”
Lessons
- The special virtue of faith [Imān]. Whether in ease or hardship, a believer’s life is beneficial.
- Whatever Allāh decrees is ultimately good for the believer. His heart remains content in all circumstances, ensuring that he is always surrounded by goodness and blessings.
- Gratitude can be expressed for both spiritual blessings, such as knowledge and the ability to obey Allāh, as well as worldly blessings, like wealth, children, and good health.
- Exhibiting patience during hardships is a defining trait of a believer. Whoever remains patient with the decree of Allāh will find goodness in all his affairs. [Allāh will forgive his sins, multiply his rewards, and elevate his ranks].
Summary
Gratitude in times of ease and patience in times of hardship are both noble qualities. Each serves as a means of earning rewards in this life and the Hereafter, making all affairs good for the believer. Thus, regardless of the circumstance—whether ease or difficulty—it becomes a source of goodness.
Finally, this hadith teaches an optimistic outlook—seeing every moment as an opportunity to grow closer to Allāh, either through gratitude or patience.
Regarding gratitude, Allāh says: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].“ (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
Regarding patience, Allāh says: “Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.“ (Surah Az-Zumar 39:10) |
Quranic References
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ
(Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny [My favors], indeed, My punishment is severe.”
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍۢ
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:10)
Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.”
Hadith Reference
Sahih Muslim, Kitaab (Book): كتاب الزهد والرقائق (The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts), Baab (Chapter): باب المؤمن أمره كله خير (The Chapter: The Affair of the Believer is All Good), Hadith Number: 2999 (According to the Dar al-Ma‘rifah numbering).
[This hadith is narrated by Suhaib ibn Sinan (رضي الله عنه) and is found in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2999].
Scholarly References
المفهم لما أشكل من تلخيص كتاب مسلم, أبو العباس أحمد بن عمر بن إبراهيم القرطبي (٥٧٨ – ٦٥٦ هـ), دار ابن كثير، دمشق – بيروت,ص ٦٣٠/٦
رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦)
دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧)
Weekly Lesson 9 – The Heavens and Earth don’t weep for the evil!
فَمَا بَكَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُنظَرِينَ
“Neither heaven nor earth wept over them, nor was their fate delayed.“
[44:29]
Lessons
- The verse highlights that when a people reject the truth and persist in their disobedience, they become isolated from divine mercy. No one, not even the heavens or the earth, weeps for them.
- In contrast, this verse implies that the righteous are mourned by creation itself. This suggests that righteous deeds and belief carry a value that resonates even with the heavens and the earth.
- The phrase “neither the heavens nor the earth wept for them” also teaches that the world does not stop or lose anything significant when the wicked perish. Their existence does not leave a void, as they have brought no benefit to creation.
Summary
“When a believer dies, the place where he used to worship on earth and the gate through which his deeds ascended to the heavens mourn for him. But for the disbeliever, neither the heavens nor the earth weep, as he had no righteous deeds to ascend.”Finally we understand from this verse, the importance of doing righteous actions and the effects it leaves behind, both spiritual and physical.
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Quran Reference
فَمَا بَكَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّمَآءُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ مُنظَرِينَ
“And the heaven and the earth did not weep for them, nor were they reprieved.”
Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:29)
Scholarly References
تفسير ابن كثير — الإمام إسماعيل بن عمر بن كثير (ت 774 هـ)
تفسير القرطبي — الإمام أبو عبد الله محمد بن أحمد القرطبي (ت 671 هـ)
Weekly Lesson 10 – No Hardship Goes Unrewarded: A Believer’s Trials as a Means of Purification
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 3 Minutes
رَوَىٰ أَبُو سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيُّ وَأَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ
مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ وَصَبٍ وَلاَ هَمٍّ وَلاَ حُزْنٍ وَلاَ أَذًى وَلاَ غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا، إِلاَّ كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ
Narrated Abū Sa‘īd al-Khudrī and Abū Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allāh expiates some of his sins for that.“
Lessons
- A believer is rewarded for every hardship he faces, even the smallest difficulties, provided he remains patient through them.
- Being content with Allāh’s decree and anticipating reward through trials and hardships.
- Every hardship a believer endures, even as small as a thorn prick, serves as an expiation for sins, this displays the unfathomable mercy of Almighty Allāh.
- Comforting the believer in times of hardship and illness, knowing that every difficulty he endures is ultimately for his benefit.
Summary
The reward is exclusive to the believer, as the rewards of the Hereafter are reserved solely for those who have faith.The sins that are purified refer to minor sins as some sins can’t be expiated such as Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād [حقوق العباد] except by seeking their pardon or giving back their right.*Also major sins can’t be expiated except with sincere repentance [Tawbah]. However, if Almighty Allāh decides to forgive, then the matter is in His divine decree.One of the reasons a person is rewarded and forgiven in this scenario is because of the hardship they are enduring, as well as being prevented from performing righteous actions — such as when an illness prevents them from engaging in the righteous actions they typically do.وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَٰتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits. But give good tidings to the patient.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155)
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* For more detail on Ḥuqūq al-‘Ibād refer to: The divine honour of a believer.
References
Quran verse reference
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَٰتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits. But give good tidings to the patient.”
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155)
Hadith reference
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Marḍā (كِتَابُ الْمَرْضَى), Bāb mā yusību al-muslim min maraḍin aw ḥuznin (بَابُ مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ مَرَضٍ أَوْ حُزْنٍ), Ḥadīth Number: 5641]
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Birr waṣ-Ṣilah wal-Ādāb (كِتَابُ الْبِرِّ وَالصِّلَةِ وَالْآدَابِ), Bāb thawāb al-mu’min fī mā yuṣībuhu min maraḍin aw ḥuznin wa nahwihimā (بَابُ ثَوَابِ الْمُؤْمِنِ فِيمَا يُصِيبُهُ مِنْ مَرَضٍ أَوْ حُزْنٍ وَنَحْوِهِمَا), Ḥadīth Number: 2573]
Scholarly references
- رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦)
- دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧)
Weekly Lesson 11 – The Purpose of Fasting: Attaining Taqwā
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you that you may attain taqwā (God-consciousness).”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
Lessons
- Fasting increases a person’s awareness of sin while also curbing or weakening human desires, which are the root cause of sin.
- Fasting uniquely combines two aspects not found often in other acts of worship: 1) It restrains a person from indulging in human desires. 2) It remains a private act of devotion, known only to Allah.
- One of the wisdoms of fasting is that it aids and trains a person in attaining taqwā, as an individual willingly refrains from their desires despite having the ability to indulge.
- It is recommended to keep the Sunan Fasts as this has both sprititual and health benefits.
Summary
The Prophet صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلم stated: “O young people, whoever among you has the means to marry, let him do so, for it helps lower the gaze and guards chastity. And whoever is unable, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.“Fasting is a ‘shield’ from committing sins as it curbs desires and also it is a means of increasing an individual in taqwā.
Also The Prophet صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلم said:إنَّ الشيطان يَجري من ابن آدم مجرى الدم“Verily, Shaitān flows through the son of Ādam like blood flows through his veins.“By fasting it narrows the pathways of Shaitān, and weakens his influence.
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* For more on Fasting, its explanation, benefits, virtues and more: The gift of fasting.
References
Quran verse reference
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you that you may attain taqwā.” — Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
Hadith reference
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْكُمُ الْبَاءَةَ فَلْيَتَزَوَّجْ فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ»
Abdullah Ibn Masood رضي الله عنه reported: The Prophet صلى الله تعالى عليه وسلم stated: “O young people, whoever among you has the means to marry, let him do so, for it helps lower the gaze and guards chastity. And whoever is unable, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.“
– Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Nikāḥ (كِتَابُ النِّكَاحِ), Bāb mā yukrah min taʿẓīm al-mahr (بَابُ مَا يُكْرَهُ مِنْ تَعْظِيمِ الْمَهْرِ), Ḥadīth Number: 5065
– Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Kitāb al-Nikāḥ (The Book of Marriage), Bāb al-ḥaqq alayhī fi al-nikāḥ (باب حقه في النكاح), Ḥadīth Number: 1400.
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم” إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَجْرِي مِنِ ابْنِ آدَمَ مَجْرَى الدَّمِ ” .
Narrated by Anas Ibn Malik رضي الله عنهما stated: The Prophet ﷺ stated: “Verily, Shaitan flows through the son of Adam like blood flows through his veins.“
Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitāb al-Sunnah (كتاب السنة), Bāb fī Zīrārī al-Mushrikeen (باب في ذَرَارِيِّ المشركين), Ḥadīth Number: 4719.
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Aḥkām (كتاب الأحكام), Bāb al-Shahādahī Takūn ‘Inda al-Ḥākim fī Wilāyatihī al-Qadā’ī aw Qabla Dhālika lil-Khaṣm (باب الشهادة تكون عند الحاكم في ولايته القضاء أو قبل ذلك للخصم), Ḥadīth Number: 7171.*
* The narration in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī is narrated by Ali Ibn Hussain رضي الله عنهما and is part of a slightly longer narration.
Scholarly references
تفسير الآلوسي — الإمام شهاب الدين أحمد بن مصطفى الآلوسي (ت 1270 هـ)
تفسير القرطبي — الإمام أبو عبد الله محمد بن أحمد القرطبي (ت 671 هـ)
القرآن – تدبر وعمل — شركة الخبرات الذكية
تفسير السعدي — الإمام عبد الرحمن بن ناصر السعدي (ت 1376 هـ)
Weekly Lesson 12 – The Reward of Fasting
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
قَالَ اللَّهُ كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ إِلاَّ الصِّيَامَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ
Allāh said: “Every deed of the son of Ādam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it.”
Lessons
- The virtue of fasting over all other acts of worship.
- The difference in reward between fasting and other acts of worship, as Allāh says regarding fasting ‘I will reward it’.
- Just as fasting serves as a shield against sin, it also protects from the Fire.
SummaryThe phrase in the hadith, “Every deed of the son of Ādam is for him,” means that all acts of worship are generally visible to others. As a result, a person may receive part of their reward in this world through praise, honor, and respect from people.Fasting, on the other hand, is a sincere act of worship that remains hidden from others, protecting it from boastfulness and showing off. As a result, only Allāh knows of it.The narration under study is a special category of hadith, known as al-Hadīth al-Qudsī.
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* For more on Fasting, its explanation, benefits, virtues and more: The gift of fasting.
References
Hadith Reference
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ قَالَ: “قَالَ اللَّهُ: كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ لَهُ، إِلَّا الصِّيَامَ، فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، وَالصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ، فَإِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ صَوْمِ أَحَدِكُمْ، فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَصْخَبْ، فَإِنْ سَابَّهُ أَحَدٌ أَوْ قَاتَلَهُ، فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّي امْرُؤٌ صَائِمٌ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسُ مُحَمَّدٍ بِيَدِهِ، لَخُلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ، لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ يَفْرَحُهُمَا: إِذَا أَفْطَرَ فَرِحَ، وَإِذَا لَقِيَ رَبَّهُ فَرِحَ بِصَوْمِهِ.”
Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه (d. 59 AH) reported, The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Allah said: ‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When one of you is fasting on a day, he should not engage in obscene speech or raise his voice in anger. If someone insults him or fights him, let him say: I am fasting. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of a fasting person is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk. The fasting person has two joys: one at the time of breaking his fast and the other when he meets his Lord and rejoices in his fasting.'”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Sawm, Bāb Hal Yaqūlu Innī Ṣā’im Idhā Shātama, Hadīth Number: 1904]
Scholarly references
- رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦)
- دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧)
Weekly Lesson 13 – Ramadan: The Month of Qur’an
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ
The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed..
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185]
Lessons
- The strong connection between the Quran and the month of Ramadan
- The superiority of Ramadan over all other months because Allah chose it for the revelation of the Quran.
- The strong emphasis on reciting the Qur’an during this month and increasing its recitation more than in any other month.
- An effort also should be made to understand the meanings of the Qur’an and apply its teachings in one’s life.
Summaryعن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قالوكان يلقاهُ في كلِّ ليلةٍ من رمضانَ فيدارِسُهُ القرآنَIbn Abbas رضي الله عنهما reports: “Jibril used to meet him every night of Ramadan and study the Qur’an with him.”The Prophet ﷺ would revise the Qur’an with Jibril عليه السلام every night of Ramadan, showing the importance of increased recitation and understanding, during the month of Ramadan.The salaf (pious predecessors) would increase their recitation in the month of Ramadan, such that both Imam Abu Hanifah (d. 150 AH) and Imam Shafi (d. 204 AH) would complete the entire Qur’an 60 times in the month of Ramadan.It is reported from Imam Zuhri (d. 124 AH) that he stated at the dawn of Ramadan:فإنما هو تلاوة القرآن وإطعام الطعام“It is the month of recitation of the Qur’an, and feeding people”.Imam Malik (d. 179 AH) was known for his strong attachment to the study of Hadith, but when the month of Ramadan came, he gave all his time to the recitation of the Qur’an.Similarly it is reported from Sufyan al-Thawri (d. 161 AH) that he would leave all other acts of worship, and turn to the recitation of the Quran.Extracted from: Ibn Rajab, Lata’if al-Ma‘arif (p. 222, Dar Ibn Jawzi) |
References
Quran verse reference
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Hadith Reference
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ، وَكَانَ يَلْقَاهُ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فَيُدَارِسُهُ الْقُرْآنَ، فَلَرَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدُ بِالْخَيْرِ مِنَ الرِّيحِ الْمُرْسَلَةِ.
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (Radiyallahu anhuma):
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur’an. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Bad’ al-Wahy (The Book of the Beginning of Revelation), باب كيف كان بدء الوحي إلى رسول الله ﷺ (Chapter: How the Revelation Began to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ), Hadith Number: 6]
Scholarly references
تفسير القرطبي — الإمام أبو عبد الله محمد بن أحمد القرطبي (ت 671 هـ)
الإمام ابن رجب، لطائف المعارف (ص. ٢٢٢، دار ابن الجوزي) – توفي سنة 795 هـ
Weekly Lesson 14 – Truth Brings Peace, Falsehood Brings Doubt
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Read time: 2 Minutes
عَنْ أَبِي الْحَوْرَاءِ السَّعْدِيِّ، قَالَ قُلْتُ لِلْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ مَا حَفِظْتَ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ حَفِظْتُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم
دَعْ مَا يَرِيبُكَ إِلَى مَا لَا يَرِيبُكَ، فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ طُمَأْنِينَةٌ، وَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ رِيبَةٌ
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Indeed, truth brings tranquility, and falsehood brings doubt.”
Lessons
- A command to keep distant from places of doubt and sin, this will achieve peace of mind and tranquility.
- A great principle in all matters. Leave those matters which cause you doubt for those which don’t cause you doubt.
- The soul of a believer is dispositioned towards contentment with the truth and aversion with falsehood.
- An individual who avoids doubtful matters has safeguarded his religion and honour.
SummaryThe meaning of this Hadith is:إذا وجدت نفسك ترتاب في الشيء فاتركه‘If you find yourself doubting something, leave it.’
فإن نفس المؤمن جبلت على أنها تطمئن إلى الصدق وتنفر من الكذب‘For the soul of a believer is naturally inclined to find peace in truth and disdain from falsehood.’
A slightly different narration is found in Sahih Ibn Hibban is as follows:
فإن الخير طمأنينة وإن الشر ريبة“Surely, goodness brings tranquility and evil brings doubt”.
It is reported with a weak Isnad (chain), the Prophet said to a man:دع ما يريبك إلى ما لا يريبك، فقال وكيف لي بالعلم بذلك؟ قال: إذا أردت أمرًا فضع يدك على صدرك، فإن القلب يضطرب للحرام ويسكن للحلال، وإن المسلم الورع يدع الصغيرة مخافة الكبيرة.“Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt.”He asked, “And how can I know that?”If you desire something, place your hand on your chest, for the heart finds discomfort at what is forbidden and finds peace in what is lawful. And indeed, a pious Muslim avoids the minor sins out of fear of falling into major ones.
Imam Tabrani (d. 360 AH) has the addition:
قيل له فمن الورع؟ قال: الذي يقف عند الشبهة“It was said to him ﷺ, ‘Who is the pious (wara‘) person?’He replied ﷺ, ‘The one who stops at doubts (shubuhāt).’’’ |
* An essential principle we can apply to daily life—especially when choosing what to eat—is to avoid places that cause doubt. Doing so brings peace and tranquility.
References
Hadith Reference
[Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Kitāb al-Qiyamah wa r-Raqā’iq wa l-Warāʿ (كتاب القيامة والرقائق والورع) – The Book on the Description of the Day of Judgment, Softening of Hearts, and Piety, Bāb Mā Jā’a Fīl-Ṣidq wa Tark al-Shakk (باب ما جاء في الصدق وترك الشك) – “Chapter on What Has Been Related About Truthfulness and Avoiding Doubt, Hadith Number: 2518]
Scholarly references
- رياض الصالحين, النَّوَوِي (ت ٦٧٦
- دليل الفالحين لطرق رياض الصالحين, ابن علان الصديقى (ت ١٠٥٧
