عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: سَمِعْت رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم يَقُولُ: ” بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ”. [رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ] ، [وَمُسْلِمٌ].

On the authority of Abdullah, the son of Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra), who said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakat (obligatory charity), making the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadhan.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Reference

: Hadith 3, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

Brief Explanation:

This hadith was chosen by Imam an-Nawawi to be placed right after hadith Jibril ( the second hadith) to stress the importance of the elements of al-Islam mentioned in the hadith Jibril. In this hadith, however, these five elements are presented in another light as they are called the Pillars on which the building of Islam is built upon by Prophet Muhammad (saw).

The five pillars mentioned in the hadith are : Shahādah, Iqamatus salah, Giving Zakah, Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House (Kabah), and Fasting in the month of Ramadan.

As a Muslim, these five are the foundations on which we start building our religion. The religion is not complete unless we perform these actions of submission to Allah swt and His(swt) religion Islam with sincerity. And then building on them to incorporate religion in all aspects of our life for becoming a better Muslim.

Shahadah :

The first action we must perform and hold on steadfastly to as Muslims is testifying that there is none worthy of worship except Allah swt and Muhammad (saw) is the messenger of Allah swt. The first part of the testimony requires utmost sincerity (ikhlas) towards Allah swt, and the second part of the testimony dictates following the Sunnah(ittibaa) of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) because once we accept that Muhammad(saw) is Allah’s chosen messenger for us then everything he(saw) gave and taught was from Allah swt. Once we realize this we will follow his(saw) sunnah reflecting our submission to Allah’s command to follow and obey the prophet in our worship, morals and manners, dealings and way of life.

Iqamatus Salah ( Establishing the prayer) :

Iqatamus Salah does not mean just performing the salah, rather establishing the salah which has a broader meaning. It eludes to performing salah and all its requirements starting from wudu with the utmost perfection and ability possible. Correct knowledge of all the arkan of the salah, and its performance with humility, presence of the heart with consciousness of Allah swt are required for establishing salah. Protecting the salah by not delaying it till last minute, not being neglectful during the salah and not abandoning it under any circumstance is also part of establishing the salah. Salah should not be something which we perform as an habitual act, or a duty to just get it out of the way, it should be an act of gratitude, sincere worship and our source of spiritual connection with Allah swt. All of us struggle for khushu during salah but trying to maintain as much as possible is required.

Giving Zakah:

Zakah is an yearly payment given on excess wealth and property when certain conditions highlighted in the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (saw) are met. Zakah has been mentioned along with salah in 26 verses in the Quran, highlighting the importance given to it by Allah swt. Any person who has extra wealth or property and is eligible for Zakah should know the details of its obligation and payment.

Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House (Kabah):

Hajj or pilgrimage to the house of Allah swt(Kabah) is obligatory once in a lifetime on those who have the financial and physical ability. Once the conditions for Hajj are met, hajj should be performed as soon as possible and not be delayed.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan:

Fasting in the month of Ramadan has been made obligatory on all Muslims of age who are able to fast. In some other hadiths mentioning the pillars of Islam, fasting in Ramadan is mentioned before Hajj. Fasting does not imply staying away from food and drinks only, but fasting from everything which is unpleasing to Allah swt. This month of fasting acts as a period of training for our souls to become submissive to Allah’s orders and commandments.

These five pillars of Islam are a test of the blessings and faculties given to us by Allah swt which are beloved to us in this world. A test of our faith, our heart, our sincerity and our outward submission and inner submission to Allah swt.

Allah swt in His(swt) mercy has given us lee way and exceptions in all of these mandatory rituals which are the foundation of Islam except Shahadah. Such as Salah can be performed sitting or lying down if you are sick, wudu can be replaced by tayammum, Fasts in Ramadan can be skipped and made up later in case of travelling or illness etc, Hajj only becomes obligatory if you have the monetary and physical resources available, same is the case with Zakah etc. But Shahadah is something which is an action of the tongue and acceptance of the heart and is obligatory for every Muslim rich or poor, strong or weak to become a Muslim and enter the folds of Islam.

Personal Note : The above is based on my understanding of the lectures on the same by Dr. Farhat Hashmi , and the commentary of Dr. Jamal Badi.

عَنْ عُمَرَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَيْضًا قَالَ: ” بَيْنَمَا نَحْنُ جُلُوسٌ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ، إذْ طَلَعَ عَلَيْنَا رَجُلٌ شَدِيدُ بَيَاضِ الثِّيَابِ، شَدِيدُ سَوَادِ الشَّعْرِ، لَا يُرَى عَلَيْهِ أَثَرُ السَّفَرِ، وَلَا يَعْرِفُهُ مِنَّا أَحَدٌ. حَتَّى جَلَسَ إلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه و سلم . فَأَسْنَدَ رُكْبَتَيْهِ إلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ، وَوَضَعَ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَى فَخِذَيْهِ، وَقَالَ: يَا مُحَمَّدُ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ الْإِسْلَامِ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم الْإِسْلَامُ أَنْ تَشْهَدَ أَنْ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَتُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةَ، وَتُؤْتِيَ الزَّكَاةَ، وَتَصُومَ رَمَضَانَ، وَتَحُجَّ الْبَيْتَ إنْ اسْتَطَعْت إلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا. قَالَ: صَدَقْت . فَعَجِبْنَا لَهُ يَسْأَلُهُ وَيُصَدِّقُهُ! قَالَ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ الْإِيمَانِ. قَالَ: أَنْ تُؤْمِنَ بِاَللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ، وَتُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ. قَالَ: صَدَقْت. قَالَ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ الْإِحْسَانِ. قَالَ: أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّك تَرَاهُ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاك. قَالَ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ السَّاعَةِ. قَالَ: مَا الْمَسْئُولُ عَنْهَا بِأَعْلَمَ مِنْ السَّائِلِ. قَالَ: فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ أَمَارَاتِهَا؟ قَالَ: أَنْ تَلِدَ الْأَمَةُ رَبَّتَهَا، وَأَنْ تَرَى الْحُفَاةَ الْعُرَاةَ الْعَالَةَ رِعَاءَ الشَّاءِ يَتَطَاوَلُونَ فِي الْبُنْيَانِ. ثُمَّ انْطَلَقَ، فَلَبِثْتُ مَلِيًّا، ثُمَّ قَالَ: يَا عُمَرُ أَتَدْرِي مَنْ السَّائِلُ؟. ‫‬قُلْتُ: اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ. قَالَ: فَإِنَّهُ جِبْرِيلُ أَتَاكُمْ يُعَلِّمُكُمْ دِينَكُمْ “. [رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ] .

Also on the authority of `Umar (ra) who said:

” While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close by the Prophet (ﷺ) rested his knees against the knees of the Prophet (ﷺ) and placed his palms over his thighs, and said: “O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: “Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger (ﷺ), that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka`bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it).” He said: “You have spoken the truth.” We were astonished at his thus questioning him (ﷺ) and then telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, “Inform me about Iman (faith).” He (the Prophet) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.” He said, “You have spoken the truth.” Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Prophet) answered, “It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” He said, “Inform me about the Hour.” He (the Prophet) said, “About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner.” So he said, “Well, inform me about its signs.” He said, “They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings.” Thereupon the man went off. I waited a while, and then he (the Prophet) said, “O `Umar, do you know who that questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.” [Muslim]

Reference

: Hadith 2, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

Brief Explanation:

According to Imam an-Nawawi this hadith is the foundational root of our religion Islam as it describes the three concepts which are basis of the religion, Islam, Iman and Ihsan. The hadith mentions all actions which are regarded as good deeds, both outward and inward, in our religion. The hadith is narrated in the form of questions asked by Angel Jibril, and answers given by Prophet Muhammad(saw) which are approved by Angel Jibril. Hence, Angel Jibril gathered the knowledge of the whole religion in this hadith by asking these crucial questions regarding our deen.

The terms Islam and Iman are usually used interchangeably but the hadith describes them as distinct concepts, the third concept and at the highest degree is Ihsan. Both Islam and Iman include actions but one comprises of the outward actions and other of the inward actions.

In the hadith, Prophet Muhammad(saw) define Islam as the five pillars or outward actions of the limbs which a Muslim needs to perform to submit themselves to Allah swt namely Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, Fasting and Hajj.

Iman on the other hand is defined as an action of the heart, something personal and related to firm and correct inner beliefs of a Muslim. The strength of the Iman affects the quality of all our actions and good deeds. Iman or faith is incomplete without belief in all of the following,

Belief in Allah , belief in Allah’s Angels, belief in Allah’s books, belief in Allah’s messengers/prophets, belief in the last day of Judgement, belief in Qadar which simply put means that everything good or bad happens with Allah’s will.

Ihsan is defined by the Prophet Muhammad(saw) as the highest state of excellence for any action included in Islam or Iman. It comes from the place of utmost sincerity, fear and consciousness of Allah swt. To be so mindful of Allah swt that it leads to the perfection of every action we aim to perform, and at the same time such fear and consciousness of Allah swt that leads to abandonment of sins.

The last description/details given in the hadith by Prophet Muhammad(saw) are about two signs of the day of judgement. Prophet Muhammad(saw), although being the last prophet of Allah swt, did not shy away from accepting openly and clearly that he does not know when it will happen, and Angel Jibril confirmed his unawareness, as well as his own in this matter. The two signs mentioned of the coming of the hour by Prophet Muhammad(saw) in the above hadith are,

*the slave-woman will give birth to her mistress

*the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings

These are among many of the minor signs of the Akhirah. Many major signs are also mentioned in ahadith . However, it is wise not to worry too much about these signs of the day of Judgement rather pay heed to preparing for that day.

Lastly, it is important to mention that Al-Imam Muslim says: Towards the end of his life, Abdullah bin ‘Umar (the son of ‘Umar bin alKhattab) was told by two people that a new Islamic sect had emerged from Iraq. They were called Al-Qadariah and they denied al-Qadar (fate). Thus Abdullah bin ‘Umar narrated this hadith which mentions Qadar as one of the pillars of Iman to refute the misconception of this sect.

We must know as Muslims we start with Islam and Iman, the belief and faith in our heart which reflects in the form of sincere acts of worship and good deeds done for the sake of Allah swt. As the condition of our heart and faith keeps changing so can be the status of our outward deeds. Aiming for excellence and sincerity in our inward and outward deeds helps us to achieve the level of Ihsan. And lastly, believing in Qadar is an important part of our Aqeedah, and faith is incomplete without the belief in Qadar.

Personal Note : The above is based on my understanding of the lectures on the same by Dr. Farhat Hashmi , and the commentary of Dr. Jamal Badi.

Irfana Hashmi

Introduction:

Even as an adult long after our school life is over, we remember our favorite teachers. Teachers who supported us, cared for us, gave us confidence in ourselves, and inspired us to be our best. Teachers are the most influential personalities in a person’s life after parents. A strong bond and positive relationship with a teacher affect students in tremendous ways. It not only boosts their academic performance but helps in their personality growth as well.

Teachers can use their connection and bond with students to help them succeed academically and socially. When students feel that they are valued and respected, they perform better, behave better and accomplish better. They do out of respect and appreciation what they would not have done otherwise. Good teachers strike a balance between dominance and cooperation, they are firm but flexible, assertive but empathetic.

Body:

How do we go about developing positive student-teacher relationships? It is a strategy which needs planning ahead. Action should start from the very first day of school. Following action steps are some of the ways to build and develop a strong relationship with students.  

Always Being Kind and Respectful

Everyone wants to be treated with respect and listened to with empathy. Students in a classroom expect and deserve the same. Being kind, responsive and respectful to the students individually and as a whole class goes a long way in developing a strong and lasting relationship with students. When teachers give respect, they get respect. “Children are more likely to be respectful when important adults in their lives respect them” (Kohn, 1996). Students are eager to learn from teachers who create a welcoming, safe, respectful and non-threatening environment in the classroom. It does not mean that teacher cannot be firm and assertive, as being kind does not mean allowing disrespect and disobedience. Part of being kind and respectful to students include not embarrassing students on their mistakes or difficulty in understanding concepts and respecting the cultural background and diversity of students.

Treating Students Equitably

All students deserve an equitable opportunity of a good relationship with their teacher. Teachers should be fair in their treatment of students irrespective of their differences and difficulties, and should not display favoritism through actions like, picking only few students to answer questions, or always praising few select students. Students notice this behavior, and as a result show disinterest in learning, and for the need to perform well. “Students notice differential treatment, and they know who the teacher likes and does not like” (Fisher et al., 2018). When students get equal opportunity to answer questions, and acknowledgment of their efforts, it builds in them self-confidence in their abilities.

Some practical tips include,

• Eye contact with each student
• Allowing and encouraging full class participation

Showing care

One of the most effective ways for teachers to build positive relationships with students is to show them that they care. When teachers demonstrate care about students’ academic achievement, and their overall welfare, students enjoy coming back to school every day and try their best to perform well. Students are forthcoming about their problems and issues when they feel teachers care about them sincerely. Some of the ways for teachers to exhibit care for their students include,

• Greeting students with their names and cheerfully every day.
• Displaying joy and pleasure in their company and teaching them.
• Showing interest and knowledge of their personal lives and backgrounds. An interest inventory or Getting to Know you survey can be helpful in this regard.
• Talking informally with students during, after or before class.
• Complementing students on important achievements in their life.

Trusting students’ abilities and celebrating their achievements

Students perform according to the teacher’s expectation of them, and thrive when they receive encouragement and appreciation for their work. When teachers show positive expectations and trust in the ability of students, students feel compelled to try their best. They develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Teachers should remind students often that they believe they can do well, and achieve their targets. Teachers should use scaffolding, provide helpful resources, and support as needed to motivate students. Encouragement and praise to boost student’s confidence can come in various forms including,

• Displaying students work on classroom walls
• Simple gestures like giving a thumbs up, an affirming nod, a star sticker
• Cheering up and rooting for students.

Teaching with sincerity, passion and enthusiasm

Teaching everyday with sincerity, passion and enthusiasm helps students to flourish academically and love learning. Students pick up on the teacher’s vibes and feel excited about learning when they realize the teacher is giving it her best. Good teachers have subject matter knowledge, they use their time wisely, and provide support even where books, resources and curriculum fall short. Some practical tips can be,

• Keeping students’ profile, readiness and interest in mind when making lesson plans and delivering instruction as part of a sincere effort to impart knowledge and not just getting done.
• Involving students in trivia games, fun activities, field trips and other outdoor activities to ensure interest, enthusiasm and avoid boredom.
• Giving students choices in project-based activities, assignments, homework and group work also keeps students happy and interested.

Responding appropriately to Student’s responses and giving students Constructive Criticism

When teachers respond in patient, helpful and guiding way to students’ incorrect responses instead of one of bitterness, frustration and disgust. It conveys to students that making mistakes is okay and an important part of learning.  Appropriate responses should be managed by,

• Increasing latency time for responses when asking questions
• Providing hints and cues to help students to get correct answers
• Emphasizing what was right
• Restating/Rephrasing the question etc.

Teachers always have to deal with inappropriate behavior and discipline issues in the classroom. Handling them in ways which save students from embarrassment is more likely to cause students to learn from their mistakes. Teachers should deal with these disciplinary and misbehavior issues calmly and privately, allowing students time to reflect on their actions. Again, if the teacher-student relationship is healthy and strong, students behave better to stay in good books of the teacher and to have a good rapport with the teacher.

Conclusion:

Teachers play a key role in shaping their student’s life inside and outside the classroom. Positive student-teacher relationships have lasting effects on a student’s academic achievement, social growth and success in life. These relationships create a collaboration which encourages students to good behavior, feeling motivated and becoming lifelong learners. Keeping a healthy relationship with students make the classroom more manageable and engaging for the teacher as well, so it’s a win-win situation for all.

References:

Thompson, C. S. (2018). The construct of ‘respect’ in teacher-student relationships: Exploring dimensions of ethics of care and sustainable. Journal of Leadership Education, 17(3), 42– 60. https://doi.org/10.12806/v17/i3/r3

Kohn, A. (2001). Beyond discipline: From compliance to community. Merrill/Prentice-Hall.

Boynton, M., & Boynton, C. (2005). The Educator’s Guide to preventing and solving discipline problems. ‎ ASCD.

Fisher, D., Frey, N., Quaglia, R. J., Smith, D., & Lande, L. L. (2018). Engagement by design: Creating Learning Environments where students thrive. Corwin Literacy.

Abdul-Hakeem, R. (2021, October). Classroom Management course. [PowerPoint slides]. IOU. https://campus.iou.edu.gm/campus/mod/page/view.php?id=28394

I feel like going home. Home, where there is a sense of belonging, where people and places are familiar. Home, where ammi would always greet me with her warm hugs and tell me how she missed me .Home, where the smell of ammi’s cooking and the sounds of her praying made every moment precious and sweet. Home was where ammi was, but ammi is no more (may Allah (swt) grant her the highest place in Jannah) and no place will feel like home ever again.

For most of us parents, our kids are the center of gravity of our small worlds. We would do anything to make them happy. We work hard day and night to provide for them and to raise  them right. The high cost of living, the hectic routine of school and homework and other small day to day chores become so cumbersome that you can easily forget that how fast the time is going by. And by drowning ourselves in this day to day routine of responsibilities, we often ignore the hidden blessings of parenthood.

So this is an aide memoire for all parents, that one of these so many blessings of parenthood, is that Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) in his infinite wisdom has provided us a second chance at righteousness and virtue by making us parents because as we are teaching these young minds right from wrong we are learning so many things in the process too. Our kids who are most of the times busy in playing, laughing and fighting can be subtle reminders for us to be good and keep striving to become a better person. Obviously, you are at the age where people take it for granted that you know everything and mostly no one reminds you to strive to improve yourself specially, spiritually. So when your young daughter reminds  you that you did not pray yet or your little son tells you that some hair is showing from your hijab you should be grateful to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) for not forgetting you like everyone else thinking that you are too old to change. I can tell from my own experience that never ever I have learned so much as I have, since I have become a mother, I try to do research for even the smallest things like making wudhu as I feel this huge burden of imparting erroneous knowledge to my kids who are my responsibility and never ever have I tried so desperately to become a better person than now. Children need role models, someone they look up to for guidance and to imitate and learn how to react to when they are in a dilemma. So every time you are gossiping about somebody behind their back, or greeting someone in the hallway, or lending a helping hand ,just know that you are being watched. It’s like taking part in a reality show, where you are under the spotlight all the time and you cannot lose control. I feel ashamed when I encourage my kids that we have to pray five times a day and then tell them it’s ok to miss Fajar(pre-dawn) prayer if you are sleepy.  I feel embarrassed and uncomfortable advising them to be honest always and then makeup stuff or excuses for all kinds of reasons later. All of us want our kids to become better persons than ourselves, to catch those stars we never could , plant that tree that we were too busy or self-absorbed to plant when we were their age or make that apology that we were too arrogant to make. If you are a shy person, you want them to be more confident and assertive than you. If you are too sensitive , you want them to be more care-free and strong. So ,almost all of us are naturally fighting against that dark and lazy side of our being which keeps telling us to procrastinate because we have so much time to amend our mistakes and faults and we become more active, more creative and more self-aware. After all, how can we teach them to fly when our own wings are broken. Hence, we reflect more on our personalities and behavior when we ask ourselves, do we ?want the kid sleeping next to us grow up and become the person we are today? And why, because as parents we realize time is running out and we would have lost the chance to impact their personalities by being good role models after they reach a certain age. All of us parents should be grateful and remember not to despair and lose hope ever, even if we are struggling to become good Muslims and good parents as Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala from his infinite love as He is al-Wadud, The Most Loving and  Al-Wahhab, The Constant Bestower of Gifts has not lost hope in us and has given us a beautiful gift in the form of a second chance…a second chance to amend our ways. What more can anyone ask for than a second chance ? And as long as we keep asking Him for guidance  for He is al-Haadi, The Guide we will never lose our way and ourselves Insha’Allah .

One of the many wonderful and heart-warming expereinces I had in the twin holy cities, was meeting so many of Allah’s (swt) servants. My heart was overwhelmed with happiness and peace, when I used to pray and sit among them.And SubhanAllah for the most  joyful moments of not having to think for once, about how to greet the next person you see, it was just the most blessed greeting of Salam for everyone and believe me there were some sisters who would reply with such warmth and love as if we have known each other for a long time.That surreal feeling of being a part of the Muslim sisterhood/brotherhood Allah (swt) and His blessed Prophet(pbuh) have mentioned, became more real, everyone of us was on the same mission. It was a humbling experience to look at yourself as a small drop of water in that ocean of believers, begging for forgiveness from, The Lord Almighty. I love all of my Muslim fellows for the sake of Allah(swt) and may Allah(swt) forgive and bless all of us inshaAllah on the Day of Judgement.

Alhamdulillah, I had the most auspicious and enlightening opportunity to visit the two most blessed cities on Earth, Medina Munawarra and Makkah al-Mukarram last week. I felt guilty and shameful to present my wretched heart in front of the Lord of all worlds but His mercy which has no bounds made me hopeful. Words cannot describe my feelings and emotions when I got the chance to touch Allah’s house with my hands, I forgot all the prayers and still knew that Allah subhanahu wa taala is listening to every single one of them. My heart wishes to sit in the courtyard of Masjid-e-nabvi one more time and find that peace and serenity which takes all the burdens and responsibilties of this worldly life from your shoulders and makes you forget everything except being just another ordinary servant of the Lord Almighty. It’s only been a week and I am already missing Kabah and the Prophet’s(pbuh) mosque. May Allah swt gives us and every muslim an opportunity to visit those blessed cities again soon inshaAllah.

Whenever you feel sad or are looking for some extra goodness points for a day,start smiling and spreading Salam. Trust me, you will start feeling recharged before you know it. That external smile for the sake of Allah(SWT) will make you feel light and happy again. When you will send those blessings on others, it will make you feel blessed too.

But sometimes even the simplest of acts like smiling at others and being the first in saying Salam can become cumbersome, specially for us, sisters. When your ego takes the best of you and you start thinking negatively like when I smiled at that sister or friend last time she did not even notice, I will not greet her again or like Why do I have to be the one to send the blessings first always. These are the thoughts that will never make you feel good. Just remember the greatness Islam has placed on smiling and being the first in greeting other fellow Muslims and tell yourself I am doing it for myself and Allah(SWT) only and my reward is with Allah(SWT) too and believe me it will make things easier for you.

So, the next time, your Iman battery is running a little low, charge it fast with the two easiest Ss of sadqa, Smile and Salam and you will start feeling Re-Iman-ed in no time 🙂