Dreams & Wishes

Dua: If you don't ask, then how will He answer?
{photo credit: heartofdua site}

I’m not one who dreams every night in my sleep.  The few that I do dream, from the moment I realize I’m waking up, I try to grasp the quickly fading message – words, feel, & vision – chasing after it reluctantly, knowing I have little time while being  pulled forward by the strong hands of  consciousness into the new day.  And after opening my eyes, I usually try to blow off the cobwebs that come along with it, so that I can clearly understand the significance of that rare dream I had managed to hold onto.  

“Me-meow… Meooow” came the repeated attempts of Zumar (Masha’Allah our beloved 5 month old kitten) yesterday, trying to wake me up at exactly the same time that he always does.  Within seconds, his meows grew louder, while the images and the voice started to fade into dark silence.  I opened my eyes to find the little sweetheart inches away from my face watching me with his big hazel eyes. 

“Assalamu-alaikum আমার যান (read as: amar jaan)! ‘Peace be upon you my love!' Assalamu-alaikum Zumar!”

As always Zumar did his happy prance and a tiny “meorrp”, before putting his wet, pink nose on my nose as his reply, and then rubbed his face affectionately on my face - that being his hug.  

I tried to recall the already blurry image that I was still holding onto that I could now feel slipping away from my grasp.  While standing by the window, I slowly pulled the blinds open to let in the sunlight, and started to wipe away the haze in my mind in order to remember the dream.  It was something important, I know. Bits and pieces still floated around in my mind, and didn't quite fall into its proper place yet.  

"Hmm, maybe I need my coffee first", I thought groggily.  

But I continued to jog my memory without the jolt of the much needed caffeine. The room had now filled up with the rays of the morning sun, consuming it with its golden warmth.  But, a part of the ray must've touched the dusty jewel I was grasping onto - at the right angle to give it that sparkle it needed to be recognized.  Because I suddenly and fully remembered I had dreamt of a voice telling me to “Remember to send peace and blessings upon Muhammad (s.a.w)”. 

The significance of that message, and the virtues of invoking salutation and peace upon Muhammad (s.a.w) is that the last Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (s.a.w) is the greatest benefactor of humanity and a source of guidance for all Muslims. Thus, loving him is an essential part of faith, and it is part of his right to receive peace and blessings from his ummah. 

Al-Q'uran: 
"Surely Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who believe! call for (Divine) blessings on him and salute him with a (becoming) salutation." {Surah Al-Ahzab 'The Coalition' 33:56}

Hadith: 
Towards the end of time, hardly any dreams will be untrue. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allahbe upon him) said: “That will be because the Prophethood and its effects will be so far away in time, so the believers will be given some compensation in the form of dreams which will bring them some good news or will help them to be patient and steadfast in their faith.” {al-Bukhaari, 6499; Muslim, 4200}

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Dreams are of three types: a dream from Allah, a dream which causes distress and which comes from the Shaytaan, and a dream which comes from what a person thinks about when he is awake, and he sees it when he is asleep.” {al-Bukhaari, 6499; Muslim, 4200}

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has angels who travel about the earth, conveying to me the salaams of my ummah.” {Saheeh Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1215; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 2853}

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no one who sends salaams upon me, but Allaah will restore to me my soul so that I may return his salaams." {Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood, 1795}

Occassions to Invoke Salutations & Blessings:  There are no restrictions of time, place, or any special requirements for sending peace and blessings on the Prophet (s.a.w)
“•No matter when or where a believer supplicates for blessings and peace on the Prophet [saw], it is delivered to him {Musnad Ahmed}
• The Prophet [saw] has taught us to send peace and blessings upon him in the last part (tashahhud) of the salaah {Jami’ Tirmidhi}
• It is prescribed (masnoon) to send peace and blessings upon the Messenger of Allah [saw] after the second takbeer of the funeral prayers {Musnad Shaf’i} 
• Sending peace and blessings upon the Prophet [saw] after hearing the call to prayer (Azaan) and before making supplications is a means of receiving ten blessings from Allah {Sahih Muslim}
• Supplications for the Prophet [saw] made on Fridays are presented to him. {Sahih al-Jami’ as-Sagheer}
• The etiquette of making supplications, which have a greater likelihood of acceptance, is to first praise Allah , then send peace and blessings upon the Prophet [saw] and then supplicate {Jami’ Tirmidhi} 
• It is recommended (masnoon) to send blessings upon the Prophet of Allah [saw] in every gathering because gatherings where this is not done may become a means of chastisement from Allah {Jami’ Tirmidhi}
• Sending blessings on the Prophet [saw] ten times in the morning and ten times in the evening will be a source of intercession on the Day of Judgment {Sahih al-Jami’ as-Sagheer}
 
• It is recommended to send blessings on the Prophet [saw] at the beginning of sermons and preaching, at gathering of learning (especially when ahadith of the Prophet [saw] are being taught), at the time of engagement or marriage, when writing and at the beginning of every righteous deed.”  All this will be a cause for attaining Allah’s pleasure and mercy and facilitate the task at hand."

Benefits of Invoking Salutation & Blessings upon Muhammad (s.a.w):

“Elevation of Status
: Anas bin Malik ؓ relates that the Prophet [saw] said, “He who sends blessings on me once Allah sends blessings on him ten times and removes from him ten sins and raises him by ten degrees.” {Sunan Nasai}

Worthy of Intercession: 
Abu al-Darda’ ؓ relates that the Messenger of Allah [saw] said, “Whoever sends blessings on me ten times in the morning and ten times in the evening will have my intercession on the Day of Judgment.”
 {Sahih al-Jami’ as-Sagheer}

Relief from Misery and Sorrow: 
Ubayy bin Ka`b ؓ relates: I said, “O Messenger of Allah [saw], I send much blessings on you. What proportion of my prayer should I devote to (sending blessings on) you?” He said, “As much as you like.”
I said, “A quarter?” He said, “As much as you like, and if you increased it would only be better for you.”
I said, “Then a half?” He said, “As much as you like and if you increased then it would only be better for you.”
I said, “Then two thirds?” He said, “As much as you like and if you increased it would only be better for you.”
I said, “I’ll devote all of my prayers to sending blessings on you.” The Prophet [saw] said, “In that case it will suffice you from your worries and your sins will be forgiven.”
 {Jami’ Tirmidhi}

Source of Blessings
: ‘Abdurrahman bin ‘Auf ؓ relates that the Messenger of Allah [saw] went out once and he followed him until he entered a grove of palm trees and prostrated. His prostration was so long that ‘Abdurrahman feared that Allah had taken his soul. ‘Abdurrahman came to look at him and he raised his head and said: “What is wrong, Abdurrahman?” Abdurrahman mentioned what had happened, and the Prophet [saw] said: “Gabriel ؑ came to me and said: ‘Shall I not give you glad tidings? Allah says to you, “Whoever sends blessings upon you, I confer blessings upon him. Whoever sends salutations to you, I send peace on him.”’ Therefore, I prostrated to Allah in thanks”.
 {Musnad Ahmed and Al-Hakim}

Acceptance of Supplications:
 Abdullah bin Mas’ud ؓ narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet [saw], Abu Bakrؓ and Umar ؓ (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salaams on the Prophet [saw], then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet [saw] said:
‘Ask (in this manner) and you shall be given! Ask, and you shall be given it!’
 {Jami’ Tirmidhi}

Increase in Reward
: Abu Huraira ؓ relates that the Prophet [saw] said, “Whoever sends blessings on me once, Allah writes ten good deeds in his book of deeds.” {Fadal as-Salaah ala an-Nabi}”


Dua:
Sending salaams upon the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) may be done by saying “Al-salaamu ‘alayka ayyuha’l-Nabiyyu wa rahmat Allaahi wa barakaatuhu" ("Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings)". 

It may aslo take the form of a dua, by praying that Allaah may keep him safe and sound, by saying "Sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam" ("May Allah Send blessings and peace upon him [i.e., the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him))".  {Dabaa’i’ al-Fawaa’id, 2/143} 

Alhamdulillah... I'm sitting on a smile!

This isn't the moon, but its just as great!
{Photo courtesy: m.flikie.com}

Yes, today’s one of those days. You know which one… The one where you’re feeling dragged down by the weight of all that needs to be done in life.  Where you, the superhero/heroine sees your powers and accomplishments as just plain ordinary or to best, just lacking.  Where that special cape – the face that you put on – just seems like a worn out piece of cloth.  Where your must-do list in life is dragging your fuel gauge to a notch below zero.  Ah, that must-do list…  The list that includes that career you’re aiming for but its still a long steep way to the moon, that baby you’re ready for but each month the test turns out “negative” in delivering the anticipated news, that dream house you’ve been searching for that you know is out there – but your realtor just can't see it, that much needed vacation - the thought of which at times gets you through the long working hours of the day and that you can almost feel under your feet – planted ankle-deep into the warm sand as the waves playfully lap against you at the beach - but as soon as you open your eyes, you’re back looking down to see your hands holding the dish that you’re washing – realizing that this year too, that vacation won’t be possible because you promised your kid the summer camp last year.  And the list can go on... as same disappointments in different forms.  But let’s stop to regroup and refocus our energy into the great things that are going on instead.  Let’s stop to smile at all things there are to smile about.

In order to look forward, we at times need to turn around and look at the long beaten path behind us.   Just how much have you accomplished already in this short life - no matter your age - in order to stand here? So what that you’re not exactly at that spot in your career by now as you planned?  Atleast you made it through grad school, or highschool, or even that crazy subject that you “just knew” that you won’t pass cause you were so sure that “Mr. T hates me and caught me snoozing in class once”.  But you did! So what, that your pregnancy test is taking its time to give the “positive” news?  Atleast you’re blessed with so much love for your spouse whom you can’t wait to have a child with.  So what, that your dream house doesn’t seem to exist exactly like you envisioned it, out there? Atleast, you’re in the financial position to have the option to choose where you live whereas many people in the world don’t even own the sidewalks that they sleep on.  And so what that this year too you’re not seeing a time-slot open to be able to take that dream vacation you’ve been planning for years? Take a weekend to yourself or share it with your loved one, while having your child(ren) spend the weekend at a friend’s or a caring relative’s!  And make the most – as you would on your vacation, out of those two days.  Atleast your hands are full (with love) instead of being empty with needs, loneliness, and regrets. 

Every single day when we wake up, we choose whether it’ll be a good one or not. Yes, that obnoxious passenger on the public transport screaming all the words of the profanity dictionary on his phone, your boss’s “I’m feeling under the weather and now must make you pay” attitude, or that angry venting customer that came to complain about the world and today you just don’t have the upbeat energy for it… might be factors too.  But realize that they’re just having a bad day, and you won’t let that define your day as bad too.  Learn to not sweat the small stuff.  So, as I was saying… the only way we choose a good day is by being grateful for all the good that we have, and believing the stuff that we don’t… will eventually come if Allah Wills.  For He Alone Knows what is best for you.  So tomorrow, as you wake up and feel the blues hanging heavy onto your legs and preventing that skip to your step… When Shaytan tries to ruin your day with showing you all the stuff to feel sad and stressed about, punch him! That’s right… I said it!  Hit him where it hurts, by simply… remembering Allah.  Be grateful!  Remember Allah – whether by talking to him, taking His Name, a recited surah, or through formal dua in namaz.  And Allah will calm the troubled waves that started to churn in your soul, and will Remind you of all the blessings that He has Provided you with all around you… Till you start to lose count.  And that’s when you’ll feel the clouds part to make room for His light in you again. 

So put on that “cape” of gratitude and continue to fly through your amazing life, and be that hero/ine that you are – to atleast that one person (that has popped up in your head right now) – that you are to!  Enjoy all the little stops along your journey to your “moon”… your goals.  Yes, today was a day when a “super-hero/ine” as you needed some refueling.  So what?  Your blessings are countless - and more follows with each time you give gratitude.  So, grab a handful on your way out and fuel your soul with Allah’s light! 

Al Qur'an:
“Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth; a likeness of His light is as a niche in which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, (and) the glass is as it were a brightly shining start, lit from a blessed olive-tree, neither eastern nor western, the oil whereof almost gives light though fire touch it not – light upon light – Allah guides to His light whom He pleases, and Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah is Cognizant of all things.” {Surah An-Noor 24:35}

“And if you would count Allah’s favors, you will not be able to number them; most surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” {Surah An-Nahl 16:18}

“Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life, and We will most certainly give them their reward for the best of what they did.
So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Shaitan,
Surely he has no authority over those who believe and rely on their Lord.” {Surah An-Nahl 16:97-99}

“Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” {Surah Ar-Rad 13:28}

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…” {Surah Ibrahim 14:7}

 The time when prayers were answered for Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) no matter his age…

“And inform them of the guest of Ibrahim: When they entered upon him, they said, Peace. He said: Surely we are afraid of you. They said: Be not afraid, surely we give you the good news of a boy, possessing knowledge.  He said: Do you give me good news (of a son) when old age has come upon me? Of what then do you give me good news!  They said: We give you good news with truth, therefore be not of the despairing.” {Surah Al-Hijr 15:51-55}

Hadith:
Abu Huraira (r) reported: The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم (pbuh) said, “Look to those with a lesser status than you and do not look to those with a higher status, lest the favors of Allah seem insignificant to you.” {Sahih Muslim, Book 42, number 7070}

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم  (pbuh) said: “Do not talk too much without remembering and mentioning Allah, for too much talk without mentioning Allah hardens the heart, and the person farthest from Allah is the one with a hard heart.” {Tirmidhi}

“Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of difficulty” {Tirmidhi}

Dua:
Ibn ‘Abbas (r) reported, “The Prophet, peace be upon him, at times of sorrow and grief used to supplicate, La ilaha illa Allah Al-’Azim, Al-’Alim, la ilaha illa Allah, Rabbul ‘arshil ‘Azim, la ilaha illa Allahu, Rabbus-Samawati wa rabbul ardi wa rabbul ‘arshi karim (There is no god but Allah, the Mighty, the Forbearing, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the mighty throne, there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and the Lord of the throne of honor)’.” {Bukhari and Muslim}


Anas (r) said that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would always supplicate, “Ya Hayyu, ya Qayyumu, bi-rahmatika astaghithu (O the Living, O the Eternal, I seek help in Your grace). 
{Tirmidhi}

Abu Hurairah (r) reported that whenever the Prophet, peace be upon him, was faced with a serious difficulty, he would raise his head to the sky and supplicate, “Subhan-Allah al-’Azim (glory be to Allah, the Mighty).” And when he implored seriously and strongly, he would say “Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum (O the Living, the Eternal One).”
 {Tirmidhi}

Abu Bakr (r) reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “The supplications of distress are, ‘Allahumma rahmataka arju, fala takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ain, wa aslih li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaha illa anta (O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, so give me not over to my self even for as little as wink of an eye, and set right all my affairs, there is no god but You).”
 {Abu Daw’ud}


Words of Wisdom:
"Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” {Anonymous}

"There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy." {Ralph H. Blum}

Spring Cleaning

Making Space For Something Better
{Picture courtesy: http://files.myopera.com/hazanmakami/blog}

Our 4 month old kitten, Zumar, is terrified of the vacuum cleaner.  Whenever he sees the blue machine coming out of the closet, I don’t have enough time to uncoil the wire and plug it in, before turning to watch Zumar run off every single time to our bedroom.  And that’s where he’ll stay until its all done with and till I announce in a sing-song tone “Zumi, shesh!!!”. Translation of the Bangla… “Zumi, its done!!!”.  Only then, he’ll come out of his hiding from behind our bed.

While vacuuming last Saturday evening (yes, I know…  Its just that we were home, and while my darling husband was busy with some official work on the computer, I thought that I might as well get it over with then), as I entered our bedroom – I caught Zumar peering out from behind our bed to confirm his worst fear, as he watched me rolling in the vacuum cleaner. So I said,
“Zumi, this is for your own good… You just don’t know it now. Don’t be scared, it’ll all be over soon baby.  I promise.”

Right after I finished assuring him, it came to me…

Sometimes, some things get taken away from us that holds great value at that point in our lives. We get into the habit of the comfort of having it around, and just as soon as we settle into it like a warm, worn-out blanket, we’re thrown into having to adapt to an unfamiliar environment with its absence.  At that very moment – we have the choice of being terrified and worry about everything that's going on, or feel the fear but be brave enough to be patient and calm while surrendering to the reality that there are things beyond our comprehension and control.  Those are the things that we trust and allow Allah (or your choice of “Higher Being”) to “clean up” for us.  That thing, that we thought best for us but instead there's something, as they say "bigger and better" for us still.  So, in order to make room for that better something, this has to be taken away.  

As I told Zumar... You just don't know it now, but it'll all be over soon. Don't be scared. Maybe Zumar didn't understand all the words spoken, but he surely understood the tone...which sounded the same as when I tell him "Zumi, I love you". If you can silence your fear just enough to listen to the tone...you'll hear it.  Whoever it is - that is the Guardian of your well-being... loves you enough to give you only what is the best for you.

Al Qur'an: 
“And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.” {Surah Al-Nahl 13:65 ~ Qur’an}

Hadith:

"When Allah tests you, it is never intended to destroy you. When He removes something in your possession, it is only in order to empty your hands for an even greater gift." {Ibn al-Qayyim}

Dua:
Whatever happens, when someone is patient and says the dua that the Prophet - sal Allâhu alayhi wa sallam - taught us, that person will be blessed with something better.  The Dua is as follows:  “Inna lillâhi wa inna Ilayhi râji’ûn. Allâhumma ‘jurnî fî musîbatî, wakhluf lî khayrun minh.” {Umm Salamah (radi Allâhu ‘anha} 


Words of Wisdom:

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.” {Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom}