Kill them with love.

Brother Boonaa doin' his thang.

The Virtues of Winter By Imam Zaid Shakir

Taken from: http://www.newislamicdirections.com/nid/notes/the_virtues_of_winter/
I just came across this beautiful reminder of the opportunities we have in the winter, alhamdulilah!


The Virtues of Winter

By Imam Zaid on 18 December 2009

This is our final translation from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s, Lata’if al-Ma’arif, this year. It deals with some of the virtues and duties associated with the winter seas, which is rapidly descending upon us. This excerpt is taken from pages 557-560

Imam Ahmad relates from the narrations of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah upon him, that he said, “Winter is the springtime of the believer.” [1] This Hadith is recorded by Imam al-Bayhaqi and others. Imam Bayhaqi has another version that states, “Its nights are long so he spends them in worship, and its days are short so he fasts them.”

Rather, winter is the springtime of the believer because it is a time he grazes in the orchards of obedience, frolics in the fields of worship and frees his heart in the gardens of righteous deeds that are made easy at that time. Just as cattle graze in the lush springtime pastures. They fatten up during that time and their bodies recover [from the hardships of winter]. Similarly, the religion of the believer is reformed during the winter owing to the acts of obedience Allah has made easy for him. During the winter the believers is able to fast its days without any difficulty or any great burden –hunger, or thirst. This is because its days are short and cold. Therefore, he does not notice the difficulty of fasting. Imam Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet, blessings and peace upon him, said, “Fasting in the winter is the cold spoils.”

Abu Hurayra used to say, “Shall I not direct you to the cold spoils?” They said, “Certainly.” He said, “Fasting during the winter months.” The meaning of it being the “cold spoils” is that it is like the spoils of battle taken without conflict, fatigue, or difficulty. Hence, one who takes these spoils does so casually with no exertion whatsoever.

As for standing in prayer during its nights, their length allows for the soul to take a healthy portion of sleep and then arise and pray. The praying person can recite his entire regular portion of the Qur’an and still get a healthy dose of sleep. He is thus able to complete his religious duty and to give rest to his body.

Among the saying of Yahya bin Mu’adh is the following: “The night is long; do not make it short by sleeping through it. Islam is pure; do not defile it with your sins.” This [the length of the winter nights] is the opposite of the case of the summer. Owing to the shortness of its nights and its heat, sleep is required during it and it is difficult for the soul to get the sleep it needs without sleeping its entirety. Therefore, praying during it requires exertion. For this reason, one may not complete his customary portion of the Qur’an.

Ibn Mas’ud used to say, “Welcome to winter, blessings descend during it; its nights are long and therefore conducive to praying and its days are short conducive to fasting.” It is also related that he attributed this saying to the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him. However, this attribution is not accurate. It is related from hasan [al-Basri], “What an excellent time the winter is for the believer! Its nights are long so he stands in prayer during them, and its days are short so he fasts them.” It is related that ‘Ubayd bin ‘Umair used to say when winter came, “O people of the Qur’an! The nights are long for you to recite so recite! The days are short for your fast so fast!”

Staying for prayer during the nights of winter is equivalent to fasting the days of summer. For this reason, Mu’adh wept as his death approached and he said, “Rather I am crying because I will miss the thirst of fasting during the midday summer sun, and the standing in prayer during the winter nights and crowding around the scholars at the gathering of knowledge.” Ma’dad mentioned, “Were it not for three things I would not mind if I were an insect: The thirst while fasting in the midday summer sun; standing for prayer during the winter nights; and the sweetness of reciting the Book of Allah during night vigils.”

The night prayer during the winter does involve difficulty from two perspectives:

The first is from the perspective of the pain the soul experiences in getting out of the [warm] bed during times of intense cold. Dawud bin Rushayd mentioned, “One of my brothers got up for his portion of worship during an bitterly cold night. He was wearing ragged clothes which the cold penetrated causing him to cry. He heard a voice cry out: ‘We have roused you from sleep, while we have left others slumbering. Are you crying for what we have done?’ ” This is related by Abu Nu’aym [2]

The second is from the perspective of the pain that results from performing ablutions during the bitter cold. Performing ablutions under such conditions is one of the most virtuous acts of worship. It is related in Sahih Muslim, among the narrations of Abu Hurayra, may Allah be pleased with him, on the authority of the Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, that he said: “Shall I not direct you to something with which Allah will efface your sins and raise your ranks? They responded, “Certainly O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Performing an expansive ablution during difficult times; taking many steps to reach the mosque; and remaining in the mosque for the next prayer –doing so a form of guard duty.” [3]

In a similar Hadith, Mu’adh ibn al-Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, mentioned:

The Prophet, peace upon him, saw his Lord in his dream. He said to him: “O Muhammad! What are the members of the highest hosts discussing?” He answered: “The ranks and the expiations.” He said: “The expiations are extending ablution during difficult times; walking to the Friday [or congregational] prayers; and waiting for the next prayer. Whoever does that will live and die in a good state and will be free of sin like the day his mother gave birth to him. The ranks are providing food [to the hungry]; greeting people; and praying at night while people are asleep.” [4] 

Imams Ahmad and Tirmidhi related this Hadith. In one version of the Hadith [we read]’ “Extending ablutions during Sabarat.” Sabra means bitter cold. Extending ablutions during bitter cold is one of the highest characteristics of faith. Ibn Sa’d relates via his own chain of transmission that ‘Umar advised his son ‘Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them both, as he lay on his death bed, “O My son! It is incumbent upon you that you adhere to the characteristics of faith.” He asked, “What are they?” ‘Umar relied, “Fasting during the intense heat of the summer months; fighting the transgressing enemies of the faith; being patient in the face of calamities; extending your ablution during the cold winter days; hastening to prayer during inclement weather; and never drinking alcohol.”

Keep you heart pure.

The heart becomes corrupt in 6 ways:

1. Committing sins in the hope of repenting.

2. Seeking knowledge and not applying it.

3. Practicing without iklhas (sincerity)

4. Eating the sustenance of Allah SWT without appreciating Him.

5. Not being pleased with Allah SWT's decree.

6. Burying the dead without learning from them.

[Hasan Al-Basri]

Starve the ego. Feed the soul.

The ego is a very powerful thing, and it's very difficult to get rid of. Although this has always been going on, as of late I think the lines have been excessively blurred between ego and confidence. Taking Beyonce's song 'Ego', the whole song is dedicated to justifying a big ego. She makes it seem like a 'good thing'. I know this is just one song but I think it reflects a larger trend going on in today's society. 

Anyways...I've been taking note of my own ego because I know how detrimental it can be. I wouldn't consider myself as having a big ego (far from it) but to a certain extent I think we all struggle with it. So I've been constantly reminding myself is to thank Allah SWT for everything that I have, or am good at, however small that thing may be. I know this sounds pretty obvious, but sometimes the small things are harder to be thankful for because they happen almost subconsciously. So I've been trying to pay much closer attention to those little things. Subhanallah, whenever I say alhamdulilah, not only does it remind me of my blessings, but they seem so much more powerful. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but say I help a friend land a job. I feel happy that they got hired, and accomplished (to an extent) because I'm the one that helped them get there. But as soon as I remember to say alhamdulilah, I am automatically humbled and feel an even greater sense of happiness and accomplishment because I was privileged enough (through Him) to help someone out. 


Just the word alhamdulilah reminds me of my reliance on a greater power. And every time I say that word, I feel my ego getting smaller, and what a great feeling that is. La 7owla wala kuwatta ila billah. 


Starve your ego, feed your soul, and see just how far you go. Let your actions speak, and the more humble you are, the more powerful those actions become.


Sincerely,


A Muslimah

It's Crunch Time

I can't believe I haven't written a post in so long! School is getting really hectic and I have my last midterm tomorrow inshallah, and then I gotta start studying for finals :( Inshallah I will update my blog soon but until then, here is a beautiful quote I just came across:
Having imaan is like riding a plane. The higher you go, the smaller the things on Earth appear.
It gives me some comfort in the midst of this hectic world. No matter how bad it gets here, the way we handle is crucial so it reminds me to prioritize, and gives me hope for better days (for all of us) inshallah!


Sincerely,
A Muslimah

Astaghfurullah.

I seek forgiveness from Allah SWT for the lack of my sincerity when I say I seek the forgiveness of Allah SWT.

Just read this on twitter and I had to re-post it here, because sometimes I do lack sincerity when I seek His forgiveness. Astaghfurullah. At least I am aware of it?

Def Poetry Jam: Gemineye - "Penny for Your Thoughts"

Al-Hayat Al-Dunya (The Life of This World)

Quotations

Just added a new page: Quotations. Here are a few of them, to see the rest, click on the tab.

Learn from the mistakes of others, because you can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

Judge me all you want, but keep the verdict to yourself.

No Matter what you do there will be critics

To talk without thinking is to shoot without aiming.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

Hope for miracles, but don’t rely on one.

It is never too late to give up your prejudices. 

Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you but trusting them not to.

"You call it freedom, I call it anarchy"

They say, "Oh, poor girl, you're so beautiful you know" It's a shame that you cover up your beauty so." She just smiles and graciously responds reassuringly, "This beauty that I have is just one simple part of me. This body that I have, no stranger has the right to see. These long clothes, this shawl I wear, ensure my modesty. Faith is more essential than fashion, wouldn't you agree?" This hijab, This mark of piety, Is an act of faith, a symbol, For all the world to see. A simple cloth, to protect her dignity. So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity. They tell her, "Girl, don't you know this is the West and you are free? You don't need to be oppressed, ashamed of your femininity." She just shakes her head and she speaks so assuredly, "See the bill-boards and the magazines that line the check-out isles,with their phony painted faces and their air-brushed smiles? Well their sheer clothes and low cut gowns they are really not for me. You call it freedom, I call it anarchy." This hijab, This mark of piety, Is an act of faith, a symbol, For all the world to see. A simple cloth, to protect her dignity. So lift the veil from your heart to see the heart of purity. Lift the veil from your heart and seek the heart of purity. -Dawud Wharnsby Ali-

I just re-watched the Pink Hijab day video and payed attention to the song in the background. Intrigued, I googled a few of the words and the full lyrics came up (shown above). It's so short yet sooooo on point subhanallah. I absolutely loved it so I decided to post it.

Tanzil : Quran Navigator

This is my absolute favourite website for listening/understanding Qur'an. Check it out if you get a chance. It's very useful alhamdulilah =)

Tanzil : Quran Navigator

Are you lonesome tonight?

A beautiful poem I just read on Seekersguidance:

Are you lonesome tonight?
by Novid Shaid, 2003

Are you lonesome tonight?
Are you friendless tonight?
Is your world fractured apart?
Has your love turned and fled?
Has your loyal heart bled?
It’s not worth living, apart.

Shall I show you a friend?
Recommend you a friend?
Your woes, His love will consume
And His veil He will rend,
And His charms have no end,
His warmth will comfort your gloom.

Are you troubled tonight?
Agitated tonight?
Have dreams been shattered and strewn?
Has your health turned to dread?
Is your wealth torn into shreds?
And you sense your impending doom.

Will you welcome a friend?
Acquiesce to a friend?
Who’ll mend and replace your dreams,
And He’ll freshen your health,
And enliven your wealth,
His aid will thrill your esteem.

Are you shaking tonight?
Are you aching tonight?
Without a morsel or bed?
And the cold grips your skin,
And the hunger within,
No luck or hope lies ahead.

Can you search for a friend?
Can you feel for a friend?
Who dwells in no time or place,
And His nearness will sate,
And His grace compensate,
Your fare, beholding His face.

Well then, long with your heart,
And kindle in your heart,
The wish to witness His face,
And pledge to Him your love,
Then purge for Him your love,
Your cravings don’t leave a trace.

And convey peace tonight,
And then blessings tonight
Upon His dearest comrade,
And upon his close friends,
Family, companions,
Until there’s no night or day.

www.novid.co.uk

What Does the Hijab Mean to YOU?

Why the hijab? Why now?

Bismillah.


Everyone always asks me "Why the hijab? Why now?" and it's always the most difficult question for me to answer. It's difficult because I feel like they're all expecting some pivotal moment that changed my life...but I had a few of those...in my heart. And it's hard to put these 'events' into words because they are so significant (and obviously life-altering) from my point of view, but when I try to explain them they make no sense. A few seemingly small events changed me in a big way. 

Still, people are often skeptical about my 'transformation'. And I get that, because outwardly it may seem like these transformations happened overnight, when in reality I feel like it was much more gradual. It's hard for people to understand this because from the outside looking in I went from tube tops and shorts to being covered from head to toe (literally) in a matter of weeks. But what fails to be obvious are the little changes that I've been making. And I don't feel the need nor the desire to justify my actions, nor convince people of them. 

As for why I actually decided to put on the hijab....

First of all, I've always believed in Islam, but I never took it upon myself to discover much more than what I already learned from my parents. Looking back, I can honestly say that I didn't pursue more knowledge because I wanted to stay 'blissfully ignorant'. Any time my parents would try 'advise' or 'guide' me, I would tune it out. I didn't want to know the consequences of my actions because

1. I didn't want to feel bad

2. If I felt bad I might change

3. I didn't want to change

4. I wanted to 'enjoy' my life now and worry about 'changing' later

......and then one day I read a quote

"I was thinking about how people seem to read the [Qur'an/Bible/Torah/etc.] a whole lot more as they get older. Then it dawned on me... they were cramming for their finals."

.....and then it "dawned on me" I was feeding that statement. This was exactly what I was doing! I was procrastinating in LIFE. But who's to say I'm even going to live another day. There's no guarantee that I'm even going to live long enough to "worry about changing later". So I realized I needed to make some sort of change NOW. I was sick being ignorant, and I wanted to ACTUALLY enjoy my life.


For the first time I feel like I have a purpose, and I have a real plan to follow. My heart actually feels full. It's hard to explain...but I guess it's just one of those things you have to go through yourself to really understand it. 


Subhanallah, looking back at the way I used to live (just a few months ago), I actually pity myself. If I try to compare my level of happiness before versus today, it's hard to understand how I thought I was happy. People are often hurt when I say that. I'm not saying I regret the people I have met, just some of the things that I did. If anything, ALL of my friends helped shape the person I am today, alhamdulilah (all praise is to God). 
I just really want to make something clear: I don't miss ANY of the things I used to do--only some of the people I did them with.


I'm pretty sure I still haven't answered the question "Why the hijab, why now?" but I think that's because it was 21 years in the making.


Sincerely,


A Muslimah 

30 Days through Muslim America

This is so beautiful Masha'Allah!!!!


30 Days through Muslim America, a photo essay: http://www.boingboing.net/2010/09/24/30days.html

Young, Muslim, Female...and Not a Stereotype

My friend Atifa just shared this article with me :
Young, Muslim, Female...and Not a Stereotype

This young lady stood up for her deen. Truly inspiring. We could all learn a thing or two from her.

SeekersGuidance - Is Wearing a Jilbab Obligatory? - Answers

SeekersGuidance - Is Wearing a Jilbab Obligatory? - Answers

Short and Simple. Alhamdulilah this shed some light on my own questions about wearing a abaya versus other garments.

Boonaa Mohammed - Signs

"What can my enemies do to me? My Paradise is in my heart; it goes with me wherever I am. If they kill me, it is my martyrdom. If they exile me from my land, it is a vacation in the path of Allah. If they imprison me, it is to allow me a private devotion with Allah"

- Ibn Taymiyyah

Thanks for sharing Asma <3 

And when it hurts, well, it hurts.

I'm sitting here in bed, upset that I'm not asleep because I have to wake up at 7 tomorrow....fantastic. But that's not the only thing I'm upset about, hurt would be more appropriate.


Subhanallah. Sometimes you can [try to] prepare yourself for a bad situation. For instance, you know that after Sunday comes Monday inshallah. I've had 21 years worth of Mondays--but for some reason I still hate those mornings. I never sleep enough on Sunday night, I am cranky, and I always wish we could rewind the last 48 hours. But logically speaking, shouldn't I be used to that by now?


Now I'm in a similar situation. The day my friend leaves for Saudi Arabia is here. I've had a few weeks to 'prepare' myself. I thought I was doing great...until right now. I'm a total wreck. I have a heavy feeling in my chest. It won't go away. My sighs are frequent. Praying helps, alhamdulilah. And I know that everything happens for a reason--I don't know all of His reasons but I know they're there. La hawla wala quwwata ila bi Allah [there is no power or strength except through Allâh SWT].


Unfortunately right now this situation still sucks. And inshallah this will all get easier, and with His help I will get through this (probably even quicker than I thought). A few weeks/months from now this situation may even seem silly. But right now, at this very moment, it still hurts.


And when it hurts, it will be okay IA.


Sincerely,


A Muslimah

Only God Can Judge Me.

I've been meaning to write an update for a few days now...but I wasn't really sure how to put my thoughts on paper. I still don't, but here's my attempt.

The beautiful and blessed month of Ramadan is sadly over. Eid has passed. And school is finally sinking in (and so are people's comments). Lately, I have been overhearing a lot of chatter. Some people think putting on a hijab was too big of a jump, some think I have gone a little extreme, some think I'm not doing a good enough job. Subhanallah. I honestly thought I was taking a step towards Allah SWT to get closer to Him, to please Him insha'Allah, nobody else. 

Of course this 'chatter' has opened my eyes to my own actions. Sometimes I find myself judging others silently in my heart. Astaghfurullah. Sometimes I make these silent claims to make myself feel better about myself. "At least I'm not that bad..." Astaghfurullah. I try not to let myself slip into these thoughts, but it happens. I am so ashamed. Why do I feel the need to compare myself to others anyways? The simple answer is I don't. None of us do.


My friend Mafaz once told me that a truly good Muslim sincerely believes in their heart that everyone else is a better Muslim than they are. Masha'Allah. One day I want to be THAT kind of Muslim insha'Allah. Another friend of mine, Shoaib, told me about a halaqa a Shaykh gave during the end of Ramadan on prayers. The Shaykh was talking about how people are often very quick to correct others' prayers. But in the time of the Rasoul SAW, people were too worried about their own prayers to have any time to look and observe someone else's. Masha'Allah.


I wish we could all be too worried about bettering ourselves than have any time to judge someone else.




Sincerely,


A Muslimah

Listen to the clues

Subhanallah. 


I was listening to Ustadh Yahya Rhodus: Disciplining the Soul, Session 2 and his words really hit home with me. He said that if Allah SWT loves someone, anytime that person relies on something other than God, He will break that for them. This reliance could be on wealth, people, etc. and Allah SWT takes that away from them because He wants us to rely only on Him. And by   taking that 'thing' away He is 
              1. protecting us from relying on anything wordly
              2. giving us the opportunity to increase our reward
Subhanallah. After my last post, this lecture on Imam Gazali's work could not have come at a better time. It all makes sense now. Astaghfurullah. I was relying too much on this one person and by extension not relying enough on Him. 


Alhamdulilah. Thank You for this clue [the lecture].


Sincerely,
A Muslimah 

Change is good...right?

I've officially been wearing the hijab for a week now and it feels great alhamdulilah :) I've just moved back into residence for my fourth and final year inshallah. We are getting ready for all first-year students to move in (tomorrow) and it's going to be a hectic but fun-filled week inshallah! There have been a few moments where people didn't recognize me but for the most part it doesn't feel like much has changed (since before I started wearing the hijab). The 'newness' is starting to wear off a little and I am okay with that. Aside from all the excitement of orientation week, it has been a rough few days for me.


I've just received news that a very close friend of mine wants to spend a year overseas for work. It may not seem like such a big thing but this friend has been my support system for a while and I've almost grown dependent on them. I keep convincing myself that change (although hard) is good. We should be in constant pursuit of improvement which often requires change. But this is different, or at least it feels that way. I guess I've always been up for change because alhamdulilah I have a good support system around me (including my family and friends) but when someone is taken out of that system...it goes out of balance.  I no longer feel like I am strong enough to do all the things I aspire to because something is missing.


It's funny because everyone always comments on how 'confident' I am. I think I only have that confidence in myself thanks to those who have confidence in me. What I really need to work on is rebuilding my own strength, and being more self-sufficient inshallah.


Sincerely,


A Muslimah

Day 3: Keep your hopes high, your expectations low, and your minds open.

Never take someone for granted because they may surprise you.

It's funny how you go on life expecting things from certain people. For instance, no matter what, I expect my parents to love me. And if someone consistently lets me down, I assume they will continue to do so. And I assume that my friends will always be there. But it doesn't always work out that way now does it?
So instead of being hurt, let down, or judgemental, I am going to start making a conscious effort to remind myself that everything happens for a reason. It could be a test, or maybe it's an opportunity to turn to Allah for guidance or help, but there is a reason and we should try to take comfort in that. Have some faith.

Allah SWT has willed for those things to happen, and He has a reason.

So keep your hopes high,  your expectations low, and your minds open.

Sincerely,

A Muslimah

Please allow me to re-introduce myself...

Today I started wearing the hijab.


Today was also the most emotional day of my life. I woke up this morning knowing that today was the day my life was going to change alhamdulilah. Subhan Allah I there was no doubt when I woke up, I knew exactly what I was going to wear: dark jeans, white lace top, long navy linen blazer,.....and my new edition: an off white hijab. Everything was going so smoothly. I got dressed, and headed for the door. Still feeling good. And then it hit me, my heart felt like it fell into the pit of my stomach, i got a quick shiver down my back, and I realized this was all going to happen, it was really going to happen. I was going to walk out into the big world with a hijab and I was terrified....for about 30 seconds until I remembered that I wasn't doing this alone. Allah was protecting me, just like he protects the millions of other women just like me. Subhan Allah.


Later on in the day I took another huge step: I updated my profile picture on facebook. This seemingly small act was probably even more liberating than walking out of my house with a hijab on--because I was really revealing myself to most of the people I know. It was a lot easier to walk out knowing that I probably won't see anyone I know, but it wasn't as easy to reveal the improved me to EVERYONE I know. Never would I have ever imagined that I would have this much support from people. Jazakullah khair to everyone who is helping me in my journey. A special thanks goes out to Fazza, Ruqruq, Zainab, Maryam, Globo, Atif (who actually gave me the idea of doing this in the first place), Asma, Hossam, ALL of Qurba, and most importantly my parents. I could not have done any of this without you and Allah SWT. 


Allah SWT has given me so many chances in my life and alhamdulilah I am finally taking this one and running with it. I could not have done anything without HIM and HIS support. 


May Allah protect us all all and lead us down the right path insha'Allah. 




To all girls/guys/men/women who are too afraid to take that next step please remember:

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. [with Allah's support and protection anything is possible insha'Allah]

Sincerely,

A Muslimah

Step by Step

It's Ramadan, such a blessed and inspiring month alhamdulilah. So many great resources out there this month mashallah. I feel like I am learning a little more each day. Attached is a beautiful video a friend of mine sent me: Taraweeh Truffles: PRAY On.

It is such a touching video since I myself am battling the hijab issue. Alhamdulilah I am completely convinced of course, I just don't know if I am ready yet. I know some people think that I should just do it and inshallah the rest will come from Allah SWT, but in all honesty I don't want to make such a big and beautiful commitment without being 100% certain of it. I feel like my knowledge of Islam is still very basic (the only knowledge I have is that which I have been brought up with from my parents but I never went in depth out of my own negligence, may Allah forgive me inshallah).

Anyways so I feel like I haven't put on the hijab yet for 2 reasons:

1. I want to be a good representation of a Muslim, and without a good understanding of our fundamentals I don't think I would be.

2. I'm just not ready yet. But I know in my gut that I will be ready soon inshallah (I just don't know how soon that is)

May Allah give us all an extra push in the right direction insha'Allah.

Sincerely,

a Muslimah

And it begins.

Asalaam Walaikum Rahmatullah Wa Barakatu,

I am a proud Muslim who has just recently rediscovered her faith alhamdulilah. This is my journey.

I was at Jummah (Friday) Prayer today, and the khotbah was not surprisingly on Ramadan. The sheikh spoke about something I am not used to hearing during this blessed month. Everyone knows about how special and sacred this month is to all of us, and all of the rewards we will get inshallah if we fast and practice proper restraint throughout this month. And we also know that this is the one month that Allah (swt) protects us from Shaytan. But what the sheikh touched upon was the fact that this month is an opportunity for change, for gradual transformation.

All of our bad habits and attributes that are prevalent during Ramadan are from ourselves. We should use this month to break our bad habits, and aspire to leave them for good. This month is an opportunity for us to transform our lives (one step at a time inshallah). We should not rush into anything, we should take steps and aim for a gradual, consistent, and lasting change.

The sheikh said it beautifully "We are not expected to transform overnight, that would be unnatural. Gradualness is key. After all, the Qur'an was revealed to us over decades, not days." 

May Allah bless us all and help lead us on the right path Insha'Allah.

-A Muslimah