The Radiant Hijab

Last Friday, I was honoured to be invited to take part in a small tree planting ceremony. The hazy sunshine added an atmosphere of calmness as a motley group of enthusiasts got together at The British Muslim Heritage Centre. Local residents and politicians were joined by the centre staff and volunteers. Saplings of cherry blossom were carefully placed in the earth, to commemorate residents who have died over the last year. It was a short, cheerful event, albeit tinged with sadness. Hopefully these trees will grow and bloom, inspiring visitors with hope and beauty throughout the years to come.

Ongoing Charity

The Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said:

‘When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), or knowledge from which benefit is gained, or a righteous child who prays for him’.

(Muslim)

Each time you plant a tree, dig a well or donate towards a school or masjid, you are gaining rewards. These projects will insha’Allah reap benefits for others, for many years to come. At the same time, yourself, or the person whose memory you wish to cherish, will gain countless rewards because of this good deed.

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him.” 

Imam Bukhari.

All around us we see many beautiful and amazing signs in Nature which demonstrate the majesty of Allah’s Creation. Likewise, we have a responsibility towards all living things in our environments. Allah will reward us for a caring attitude to animals and plants. Conversely, He will hold us to account for any mis-treatment.

A tree in Jannah

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates the time he was planting a tree. The Noble Prophet, passing by, said:

“Say: Subhan-Allah, Wal-hamdu-lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Alllahu Akbar (Glory is to Allah, praise is to Allah, non has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest) for each one a tree will be planted for you in Paradise.”

Ibn Majah

This hadith shows the importance of dhikr, the remembrance of Allah, which, if said with meaning, has a lofty status in terms of good deeds.

Finally, we should never belittle any good deed, as the Prophet said:

“If the Hour (the day of Resurrection) is about to be established and one of you was holding a palm shoot, let him take advantage of even one second before the Hour is established to plant it.” 

Al-Albani

May Allah help us to fulfil our responsibilities to all of creation. I pray that Allah accepts our good deeds and charity and that we are rewarded with Jannah. Ameen.

The ultimate supplication, encapsulated in Surah Al-Fatiha, is asking Allah for guidance.

The opening chapter of The Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha, is known as the ‘essence’ of the Quran. It contains a powerful dua – imploring Allah for guidance to follow the straight path, the Siraat-ul-Mustaqeem. In a mere seven verses, we understand the gist of the Qur’aan: the Nature of Allah as being the epitome of mercy and compassion; His absolute sovereignty over the whole of creation, for all time; and that He is the powerful but just Master of the day of reckoning.

We are introduced to the correct methodology of humbly supplicating to the Almighty by praising Him, glorifying Him and acknowledging our utter dependence on Him. We are taught how to address Allah and how to appeal to Him with humility and reverence. We state our needs succinctly with the certainty that our prayer will be answered. We speak to Allah directly without any intermediaries.

A translation of the meaning of Surah Al-Fatiha is as follows:

In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds,

the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Master of the Day of Judgment.

You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help.

Guide us along the Straight Path,

the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran

A number of questions arise from this surah:

• Why do we need to ask for guidance – what are the consequences of making the wrong choices?
• What is Siraat-ul-Mustaqeem?
• What are the characteristics of the people Allah is pleased with?
• What are the characteristics of the people Allah is displeased with (who incur His wrath)
• How can we prevent ourselves from being misguided?

The rest of the Quran deals with the answers to these questions, elaborating on the criteria to distinguish right from wrong conduct, accountability for our actions, factual accounts and parables to illustrate how we can raise and refine our characters in line with those whom Allah is pleased with. We learn about the rules and regulations on how to live a wholesome, moral life. We learn the etiquettes to be followed in our inter-personal relationships. Allah comforts us with the true promise of a rich reward for the righteous and conversely warns us against following the deceit of Shaytan and falling astray – those people will be miserable in this life and will face ultimate humiliation and punishment in the next life (unless we turn back to Allah and repent in earnest).

The Quran teaches us about the fundamentals of our creed; we learn of Allah through His magnificent Names and Attributes. We also learn our obligation to follow the example of our dear and noble Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him.

I ask Allah to accept our prayers on this day and everyday. May He help us to get closer to Him by following His guidance and may He make the Quran the ‘spring of our hearts’. Ameen

We will continue to look at this Surah next week, insha’Allah.

Chances are, if I name a well-known building, you would know where it is in the world – the country and maybe the city too. For instance; The Empire State Building in New York, Big Ben in London, Sydney Opera House in Australia and The Taj Mahal in India. Throughout the world, these famous landmarks are iconic, provocative symbols of the cultural heritage of the cities they adorn. Unspoken backdrops, they speak volumes about the prestige, power and magnificence of their construction – as pen is to ink, so too is brick to mortar. What is the history, what are the stories behind the building of such monuments? With their architectural designs, they are steeped in history and have become immortalised in fiction and poetry.

Have you ever wondered about those people who actually worked on these projects, meticulous to every detail – cement, concrete, glass and bricks – assembled from raw materials to become a piece of art? I’m sure each would have a story to tell you – sweat, tears, muscle fatigue… The Great Pyramids – tombs of powerful Pharaohs in ancient times – only came into existence through the back-breaking toil of slaves. Are these modern feats of wonder any different?

I was spending a few days in UAE with my family and like all tourists we made our way to Downtown Dubai – the heart and cultural hub of Dubai city. There were hotels, luxury apartment towers, a massive mall, restaurants and the like. The skyscrapers cramming for space in the lucrative capital seemed to converge as we looked up to their dizzying heights. At a crossroad between East and West, Dubai is a cosmopolitan city like no other – the native Emiratis are a mere minority where a large percentage of the residents are expats and would-be fortune seekers from around the globe. As we walked down the sidewalk, trying to take in the ultra-modern surroundings, I noticed a group of workers – having finished their shift, they were headed for the metro to take them home. It occurred to me that labourers like these were responsible for constructing these high rise hotels with their studio flats but they would probably never be given the opportunity to live in them, themselves. A light -bulb moment – just like all the great cities in the world from the time of antiquity, there is a stark contrast between those that have and those who don’t – between rich and poor. All great cities have areas of affluence and splendour and areas of slums or cheap housing. Within these great cities, microcosms of the world, there is inequality, despite all their advances in technology and infrastructure.

The only true system of equality for all is Islam; where the rich and the poor bow in prayer together, where the annual payment of zakat ensures that wealth circulates in society and is not monopolised by the few, and where the great pilgrimage to Makkah necessitates that all dress the same – again symbolising equality and harmony.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O mankind, verily We have created you from a single (Pair) of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Almighty Allah is the most righteous” ( 49:13)

Throughout his life, the Prophet (peace be upon him) exemplified the teachings of the Qur’an and he re-iterated the concept of the equality of man in his final message:

‘All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action.’ (Tirmidhi).

May Allah help us to be humble and increase in piety. May Allah help us to be just and fair to all, seeking His pleasure. Ameen.

Two weeks into the new year, the world is still reeling with the uncertainty and turmoil of the global pandemic. The unprecedented events of 2020 left many unsettled and confused about the future. Almost overnight it seemed if we had awoken in a new world – a brave new world – where we have been told to social distance ourselves from others not from our ‘support bubbles’. Where anyone not wearing a face covering out of doors is viewed with suspicion. Everything seems to have been turned topsy-turvy: visiting extended family is outlawed, catching up with a friend over coffee is impossible as cafes are closed and holding a large family gathering risks a hefty fine. With all this doom and gloom, it has been surprising and uplifting to hear stories of generosity and compassion – proof that in times of turbulence, the spirit of humanity soars. There is hope that this year will bring at least a partial return to normality.

As December gives way to January, many people around the world set New Year Resolutions, goals they hope to achieve in the coming year. In the current climate, where policies and legislations change by the day and restrictions are lifted and imposed almost spontaneously, a wise person would begin with shorter term goals. One such person is my daughter, masha’Allah, who suggested having monthly goals and then we can build on them or amend them regularly. So, armed with a new diary to list the possibilities, I came up with a personal checklist, trying to forge new habits as a means to become more productive.

A good starting point, is to think about which areas of your life could be improved, and how. Maintaining health in mind and body is essential to fulfil roles and responsibilities. So regular walks, mindful eating and learning a new skill would not only be fun but would also be sustainable. Spiritual health is just as important and nourishment for your soul should be addressed by establishing good habits to enable better connection with Allah, like increase in remembrance of The Almighty, keeping a gratitude journal or inspiring others with stories and anecdotes.

Looking through the list now, I definitely will need to update this checklist: It would make more sense to read a minimum amount of pages from the Quran rather than specifying time. Also, a weekly reminder is more realistic than a daily one. Overall, however, it has helped me to remain on track and has also helped me develop a morning routine. I would encourage everyone to have such a checklist with tasks personalised to your own goals. I have started writing in my diary too, but need to try to make daily entries about things that matter to me most, rather than trivia.

Apart from aspiring to great expectations for the coming 12 months, the new year is a timely opportunity to reflect on your experiences during the last year. It is important to note that there are things beyond our control which cannot change no matter how hard we try to think them away. Focus instead on your actions and deeds; what were your achievements, what could you have done better? It is beneficial to hold yourself to account, acknowledge your highs and lows and deduce life lessons that can help you better understand yourself and your actions. Past events are helpful in informing our future plans, as a guide for self improvement and as a drive to help us achieve our goals.

The great Muslim scholar, Hasan al Basri said:

“The world is of 3 days:

as for yesterday, it has vanished along with all that was in it.

As for tomorrow, you may never see it.

As for today, it is yours,

so work on it.”

A new year is a chance to start anew, look forward to the next 12 months with vigour and excitement. Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring but we have to be hopeful and positive. Humans have a face which looks forward and eyes that look up to the heavens. Our goal is to attain Paradise, to reach the place where there is no feeling of remorse or loss. Our time on this Earth is limited and will be over in the blink of an eye. Use your time wisely, aspire to excellence and live your life to its full, potential, insha’Allah.

Just two weeks into the new year and all the exhilaration and excitement that comes with the challenge of a new start seemed to be getting washed away in the rain. And how it rained! It rained the whole week, not just rain but hailstones and snow added to the bleak, wintry conditions. It’s not surprising that some people find the grey outdoors seem to be reflected in their hearts and, while some may just experience momentary sadness or lack motivation, other sink deep into lethargy and depression. They may find themselves suffering from SAD – Seasonal Affected Disorder. A number of studies have found that this condition is primarily as a result of lack of sunshine. Sufferers may feel weighted down with anxiety and hopelessness: as if they have a personal black cloud constantly hovering above their heads. Motivation and productivity is low and worries seem to become magnified and there is a general sense of melancholy and despondency. Other common symptoms include low self-esteem, irritability, wanting to be alone and finding life monotonous and mundane. 

At least some people can blame the weather but what if you can’t find the reasons for your depression or maybe it’s as a result of a sudden sad change in your life that is beyond your control. As I write this, two weeks later, the rainclouds have mostly diffused and the rays of the sun are breaking through the restless grey of the skies to uplift the spirits, even though it is still quite cold. Likewise, better days will come although when you are in the abyss of depression it is near impossible to imagine how the light of hope can penetrate the darkness. Some people cope better than others when faced with difficulties and stress. One main factor is the hope that the pain and sadness you are feeling will not last but there will come a time when you can smile again. 

God Almighty has promised in the Quran that with every hardship there will be ease (relief). One way in which you can ease your situation is by looking to those who are less fortunate or more needy. Just by giving 10 minutes of your time to listen and comfort can be therapeutic for both. However, it may be easier said than done and you may need support to overcome your negative feelings before you feel you have the confidence to help another. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle even on the most gloomy of days helps to see the bright side of life. Meditation and prayer do wonders to help to alleviate stress. Other treatments for SAD include sitting by the window when indoors, going outside whenever possible, catching up with friends and family and taking vitamin supplements.

Finally, you can judge for yourself when you need to see a GP or other medical professional to get you back on your feet. Look around you and see – even when you lose a loved one, the sorrow will not remain forever and in it’s place you will cherish memories and hopes of a reunion in a beautiful place.

Look after yourself, stay healthy and never lose hope!

Dear sisters, this week the pupils in my class have been looking after a pair of Indian stick insects. Although not as attractive as butterflies, these insects are fascinating. They walk around daintily on fragile legs, their antennae ever receptive to the slightest change in their environment and when they are still, they are indistinguishable from twigs! The most interesting fact I discovered about them was when they were carefully placed outside their enclosure for cleaning: the larger of the two has red colouration at the top of its front legs which seemed to get brighter, just a we were looking on. This, I found out, is an inbuilt defence mechanism to ward off any potential predators when the creature feels under threat.

Subḥān Allāh, not only has Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) equipped these insects with a means of protection but He has also given them the ability to use it and sensitivity to triggers to know when to use it! If Allah has given this lowly creature such an advanced defence mechanism then what is the case with Man? Knowledge, experience and reason demonstrate that, without doubt, Allah has not only given Man the necessary skills and tools to defend himself but has endowed him with multiple levels of protection from all kinds of harm. Aside from physical attributes, coordination and manipulative skills, and biochemical responses involving adrenaline – the ‘fight or flight’ hormone – Allah has, in His infinite Mercy and Wisdom provided us with spiritual, emotional and cognitive tools:

• Dua (supplication) – often called the ‘weapon’ of the believer is greatly underestimated or neglected altogether. Allah says:

‘And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.’  (Quran 2:186)

Rather than reading off a list of demands like a shopping list, a believer must be passionate about his needs and have complete trust and certainty that his dua will be heard and answered in the best way.

• Dhikr (remembrance) – We have been provided with many short supplications, exemplified by the noble Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) with which to fill our lives continually with the remembrance of God. Allah says:                              ‘So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.’  (Quran 2:152)
• Quran – Certain chapters and verses from the Quran have been singled out by the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) as specific means of protection:

• Ayat-ul-Kursi– recommended to be read after every obligatory prayer, before sleeping and on leaving home
• Surah Al-Kahf – recommended to be read every Friday as protection from Dajjal
• Surah Falaq and Surah Nass – together these two chapters are known as the verses of refuge. They are recited in particular against evil eyes of the jinn and Mankind.

• Dua of Protection – From an authentic hadith, recitation of this dua, three times every morning and every night, will insh’Allah keep you safe from harm. 

May Allah always bless you and keep you safe from all harm. Ameen