Often, we feel like our Imaan has taken a dip. Despite all our efforts to stay connected with the Almighty, it seems like we are stuck in darkness. These days, it is natural for Muslims to feel nervous. They start thinking that Allah (SWT) is displeased with them and punishing them. Meanwhile, few stop trying to reconnect with Allah (SWT) altogether.

Feelings like these are proof that your Imaan has touched rock-bottom. It is an emergency, and a faithful servant of Allah (SWT) would instantly start his/her endeavor to amplify divinity. As the adage goes, “life is full of ups and downs.” The downs are, sometimes powerful enough, to detract us from the path and lower our enthusiasm.

If you come across these rough patches now and then, you should learn the ways deployed to escalate Imaan. Our religion clearly tells that Imaan keeps fluctuating. Yet, at the same time, it provides us some handy tools to keep it at the top-most levels.

Here are three you can deploy:

Regular Recitation of the Quran

The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:

“These hearts rust just as iron rusts, and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”
(Irshad-ul-Quloob)

Reading the Quran ensures that you are connected with Allah (SWT). It projects your eagerness to attain His pleasure. During these phases of regular recitation and understanding when Allah (SWT) answers to all the queries that keep you fuzzed-up during nights.

A strange sense of serenity engulfs your heart, and you feel as though your Creator will solve all your troubles. Thankfully, with online Quran classes and digital Islamic portals, we can now access deep pools of Quranic knowledge while being at the comfort of our home.

The question is, are you ready to sacrifice your time and energies for this cause?

Perform an Act of Kindness

Any act of kindness that you do to serve the creation of Allah (SWT) draws you closer to Him. It could be pouring water for a thirsty person or donating hundreds of dollars to a charity.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“Every act of kindness is a Sadaqa (charity)”
(Bukhari, Muslim)

Today, we live in our vast social circles, and it has become relatively easy for us to find out those who need our help. Reach out to those who need it and make sure you do not hurt them by publicizing the charity.

Note that kindness begins at home. Start your work from your family members, be kind and helpful to them. Then, expand your kindness network to other members of the community.

Offer Tahajjud Prayers

Tahajjud is the time when Allah (SWT) lands down to the first heaven, asking people to come and supplicate Him, for He is there to provide them. Anyone who feels their Imaan has taken a downturn should try to wake up in the third part of the night.

The last third of the night is the time right before Fajr. So, it might be tough getting up from bed, but once you are brave enough to get up and make wudhu, you will feel satisfaction in your heart. It can be 15 to 20 minutes before Fajr. Just pray two Raka’ah and ask Allah (SWT) what you’ve been trying to achieve for so long.

Nonetheless, if you want to follow the Sunnah way of praying Tahajjud, here is a narration in this regard:

According to Hazrat Aisha (RA)

“Allah’s Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) used to offer eleven rak`at, and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.”
(Bukhari)

Work on this habit, and there won’t be any need to take pills for reducing your stress, inshaAllah!

Final Thoughts

Working to retain the level of your Imaan is a work that you must carry on for a lifetime. Make sure you steer clear of people and circumstances that distract you from the path of Allah (SWT). All the while, keep praying to Allah (SWT) that He calls us in His Court while we are in our best state of Imaan.

Aameen!

Pakistan – a country that came into being after loads of sacrifices and struggles. The nation takes pride in its remarkable history. It was due to unparalleled effort and grit of their forefathers that the nation overcame all roadblocks.

Today, on completing 74 years of existence, Pakistanis feel overjoyed. And rightfully so. However, there are some ethics to adhere by even during celebrations. Instead of playing loud music on the streets and doing fireworks, let’s figure out how we can play a productive role to revamp our state of affairs.

It is okay to celebrate. But let’s celebrate while staying within our religious and cultural limits. Here is what you can do:

• Offer two rakahs voluntary prayer to express gratitude to Allah (SWT)
• Make supplication and plead Allah (SWT) to improve our conditions
• Plan with your friends/family to plant some trees
• Visit an NGO or Social Welfare Home and contribute your time/money
• Analyze your talents and think how you can utilize them for the nation

The point being that at this hour, we need a different approach. We must control the deteriorating condition of our country. Our elders and martyrs shed their blood for this land. It is our responsibility to become active and save it from shredding into pieces.

Let’s show all enemies out there that Pakistan is a determined nation. We won’t allow any external forces to rip us apart. We are the country that always bounces back up when pushed down.

And while we are planning, seek assistance from Allah (SWT) to sort our problems. If He only says BE, no one can stop us from being the next global force!

Insha’Allah.

Shaytan, upon its exit from the heavens, pledged to Allah (SWT). He said he would try at his optimal capacity to distract humankind from Straight Path. But Allah (SWT) expressed confidence in His beloved servants.

All the temptations and sins of this Dunya are roadblocks created by Devil. He aims to widen the distance between the slave and his Master. But as believers, it is our goal to fight these obstacles and draw closer to Allah (SWT). When this bond strengthens, you will discover all your worries vanish away automatically.

For starters, we must understand that sins appear attractive for a reason. Man is weak and prone to slip now and then.

The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.” (Sahih Muslim: 2956)

A believer should stay mindful of Allah 24/7. If he does so, the protection of Allah will stop him/her in his/her tracks when he/she is about to err. On the other hand, a person who is not mindful of Allah believes he/she can get away with anything. They are likely to adhere by the YOLO (You Only Live Once) notion. It motivates them to maximize their enjoyment in this world, no matter how short-lived it is.

Instead of speculating over the ignorance of masses, an individual should start working on his/her self. What is it that causes them to slip from Straight Path? Why do they feel a void in their hearts despite having everything? How can they battle the sins head-on?

Below, we have rounded up four tips that will allow you to put a brave face and sway away from devilish pursuits. Let’s take a look:

1. Check Your Heart

Sins do not materialize until the heart is vulnerable. No wonder that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with Surah An-Naas to seek refuge against Satanic whispers. The Surah tells us loud and clear how Devil encourages people to sin by attacking their hearts.

Who whispereth in the hearts of mankind – (Surah An-Naas: 05)

So, when you are treading towards Straight Path, cleanse your heart regularly.

2. Strengthen Your Commitment

If your conviction of transition is not solid, you are likely to give up midway. It is vital to take some time to increase your sincerity. Jumping right into a massive change can result in the opposite effect. Work on your intentions and make sure you are doing it only for the sake of Allah (SWT).

And every time you feel tired during the journey, recall your commitment. You desired to change for Allah (SWT), so don’t shy away from seeking His assistance when things are tough.

3. Boost Your Iman Dose

Today, we are living a fast-paced life. In our struggle to stay atop our games, we are unable to determine the real reason we came on this Earth. It was to preserve the religion of Allah (SWT), serve Him (SWT), and His Creation.

Sadly, competitions of this Dunya have enveloped us from all sides. We are more concerned about winning in our academic and financial grounds. However, when someone realizes that they are striding away from their original purpose, they must make up for it. One way to do that is to spike their Imaan.

Actions like doing Tasbeeh, having the righteous company, and understanding the Quran are preferable means to boost your Imaan.

• The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) told us to ‘Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah (SWT).’(Arba’in al Nawawi)
• The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, ‘Verily, the parable of a good friend and a bad friend is that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith. The seller of musk will give you some perfume, you will buy some, or you will notice a good smell. As for the blacksmith, he will burn your clothes, or you will notice a bad smell.’ (Sahih al Bukhari)
• Understanding the Quran will allow you to analyze your devotion to Allah (SWT). Hazrat Umar (RA) said, ‘Take yourselves into account before you are taken to account. Weight yourselves before you are weighed.’ [Ahmad]

Your skill lies in knowing how to make the most out of every second you are alive. For instance, Tasbeeh is easy to do. Just make a habit of uttering praises to Allah (SWT) in your heart. Similarly, delving into the teachings of Quran has also become easy. With Online Quran Learning projects and Digital Islamic Institutes, there is no need to travel long distances.

Apart from these, make sure your circle is equally committed to Allah (SWT) as they fuel your Imaan.

Final Words

All the while, when you are trying to fix your soul, keep performing your obligatory duties. Thinking that you will start praying tomorrow and you will only focus on Tasbeeh today is a wrong approach. Rather, keep doing good deeds, seek Allah’s help, and thank Him for all blessings.

We hope you will sort out your priorities and strive to be the slave Allah (SWT) takes pride in.

Allah

Education, at its core, is a beautiful gateway to intellectual development. The characteristic of an educated person portrays a stark difference with the one who is not literate. The way he/she talks, walks, and conducts himself through affairs of the day is proof of his lack of education. Meanwhile, when we speak of secular culture, it is vital to point over the fact that religious education also plays an equally essential role in human conduct.

Sadly, the focus of a massive segment of the Muslim population has shifted to worldly academics. While there is no harm in gaining that, our community needs to strike a balance between Islamic and worldly education. “Iqra,” the first revelation of the Quran, emphasizes the importance of knowledge in Muslim belief.

“Read. Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from a blood clot. Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know.” (96: 1-5).

Today, a common misconception that engulfs half of the Western World is that Islam is an oppressive religion. They think it is a framework meant to degrade women, reject scientific ideologies, and coerce minorities into believing Islam. It is only when you open the Word of Allah and expose yourself to the religion when you understand how the underlying concept of Islam is to peace, bliss, and humbleness.

Given the misinformation and propaganda against Islam spread by the Wester Media, it is the ultimate need of the hour to raise our next generation according to Islam. Let them know the basics of the religion and how they shall spend their lives. Only then can we expect our faith to survive the sands of time.

In case you are still unsure of why make your child study Islam, we have listed a few reasons to convince you:

Islamic Education Ensures A Child Stays in the Faith Loop

Gone are the days when parents got upset if the child wasn’t praying by the age of seven or he/she stuttered during recitation.

The priorities of parents have shifted dramatically. They are now more concerned if the child lacks his/her accent. Does he/she fit well in the social structure? How many clubs has he/she joined at school? What are his/her professional goals?

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of God.” (At-Tirmidhi, 108)

The knowledge our children strive for today is not beneficial. It is what they take in their Deed Book that matters. Islamic Education makes sure that the Imaan of our kids doesn’t falter. They keep their actions in check at all times!

Islamic Environment Brings Good Companions in their Lives

Finding like-minded people in your community is not always easy. In case you live as a minority in a non-Muslim state, the faith of your kids is always at stake. When you opt for an Islamic Institute for your child, it is an affirmation of the fact that you care for their Imaan. This mere intention is so valued by The Almighty that He ensures your kid stays safe during the journey, and you attain maximum rewards.

Throughout their secular education, children hardly find someone who shares the same mental wavelength. It is in these Islamic Institutions where they eventually come across people who follow the same lifestyle.

Muslim peers in the same age group and learning the same concepts make them develop a special bond. By the Grace of Allah, this is the place where strong friendships are born. These are the travelers to Jannah, and Allah places love and mercy in their hearts for each another.

Islamic Education Rectifies the False Assumptions

As mentioned above, Western Media is the main reason beyond corrupt ideologies against Islam. While we cannot point fingers at any central force, we can work to strengthen our offspring.

By directing your children towards Islam, you enable them to view it from a closer lens. It helps them grow affinity with their Lord, His Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) and amplifies their eagerness to reflect on the Quran. They uncover the truth distorted by Media Mafia and ensure that they tread onto the Right Path.

Summing Up

“The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74)

Make sure your child acknowledges the importance of learning at an early stage. Thanks to the massive expansion of the digital landscape, we have hundreds of tools to facilitate the process for our munchkins. Deploy the most effective and affordable methods of education, ensuring that their learning follows the pattern provided by the Divine Lord.

Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) – an Infinite Source of Light!

He was a man who would never curse even his deadly enemies. He has set an example of a character you can never find in the entire history of humanity.

And when it comes to his treatment towards children, one only expects kindness, gentleness, and unconditional love. Indeed, Muhammad (PBUH) was ultimately loving towards kids. Be it, children, from his family or friends, it made no difference to him.

For example:

• Whenever children came towards him, he used to pick them up in his arms and caress them with love
• At times, he used to put his tongue out playfully, and the kid near him would become excited
• He used to stroke their heads and made loving prayers for them
• When he used to lie down, he made the child sit on his chest or his feet

Apart from this general behavior, we find numerous examples in his life when he had been exceptionally kind towards children. Some of these incidents are listed below:

Interaction with the Bedouins

In many of his teachings, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) emphasized the importance of teaching children with kindness and compassion.

Hazrat Aisha (RA) reports that “Some Bedouin people came to the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) and said: ‘Do you kiss your children?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ [The Bedouin] said: ‘But we, by Allah, never kiss (our children).’ The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said: ‘What can I do if Allah has taken away mercy from you?’”

• Sunan ibn Majah

Treatment to the Slave Kid – Anas bin Malik (RA)

Slavery, at that time, was quite common in the Arabian society. Our beloved Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) has Anas bin Malik (RA) as his servant for ten years. He was the personal servant of Muhammad (PBUH) and served him till his death.

The devoted companion later stated that “I served the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) at Medina for ten years. I was a boy. Every work that I did was not according to the desire of my master, but he never said to me: Uff, nor did he say to me: Why did you do this? or Why did you not do this?”

• Sunan Abi Dawud

Reflection:  How do we treat our house help or those inferior to us? How do we react when they make a mistake?

Praised the Kids

Kids, like adults, also have sensitive self-esteem. They do not like it when someone insults or ridicules them in front of everyone. On the contrary, they love it when adults praise them and talk good of them.

A companion among the believing women called Umm Khaled narrates an incident happened to her during her childhood she still remembers. She says: “I came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) with my father, and I had a yellow dress on me.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “Sanah, Sanah” (Sanah means nice in Ethiopian language), she said “then I went to play with the ring of the Prophet whereupon my father stopped me” then the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “leave her” then he said to me “Wear out and consume, wear out and consume, wear out and consume (he was supplicating for her to wear more clothes and consume).”

• Bukhari

Reflection: How often do we praise our kids or children around us? We think there is no point in praising them, so we never do it!

Allowed the Kids to Behave Childishly

There is one other famous incident. The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) was leading the prayer. He had made the prostration extra long, and only after the prayer was completed did the congregants realize why. His grandson had actually climbed on his back while he was in the prostration and order not to disturb him, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) waited until he was done to rise from the prostration.

• Sunan an-Nasa’i

Reflection: What do we do if kids climb on our backs or do not let us pray? We push them away, harshly!

This is an excellent lesson for us. Children may sometimes behave irrationally. They talk about things that do not make any sense. They may make it difficult for you to carry out your routine tasks. However, this certainly doesn’t allow you to be rude towards them or scold them.

Final Thoughts

Those tiny souls will not stay little for long. You must incorporate teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) in your tarbiyah. And when you begin following the best example, there is very little chance for your children to turn out bad people. Right?

In the end, it is not only your kids or children in your family that should be treated the Muhammad way. It is for every child you interact with! Show them mercy, love, respect, and trust. Insha’Allah, the Almighty will reward you for it. After all, you are following the Sunnah of His Beloved.

Do you ever feel like you are losing out? Despite all the struggles, you cannot succeed. And sometimes, when you have everything, there is a void that hampers you to feel good about your life. This, my friend, is the moment when you have to reflect on your spiritual status. How strong is your connection with your Rabb?

One way of boosting this connection is to devote yourself to the Word of Allah. See how your Rabb speaks to you and what he wants from you. And the best time to refresh your Divine connectivity is in the month of Ramadan. In these blessed days, there is so much you can do to gain proximity with your Lord.

However, you cannot kickstart your journey towards Allah in Ramadan and end it as the month closes. Rather, you have to prepare in advance. The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) used to get ready for Ramadan six months in advance. If you are willing to tread on the same track, here are some measures you can take:

• Make your Mind

Don’t wait until Ramadan to say goodbye to those bad habits. Instead, work on shedding them off right now. Spot your negative habits and weed them out gradually. Elevate your patience, be extra careful while conversing with people, and make sure you are not talking bad about people on their back. Apart from these, you know well which bad habit you have. Try to fix it as soon as possible.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “All the children of Adam constantly err, but the best of those who constantly err are those who constantly repent.” (Tirmidhi)

• Fast Voluntarily

Shabaan is the prime time when you can begin fasting voluntarily or make up for the missed fasts.
Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said, ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Shabaan.’

He said, ‘That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.’” (Narrated by al-Nasaai)

Hence, it is a preparatory time given to believers. You will understand the challenges that await you in the next month. When you stop eating and drinking, you get to realize how there are more meaningful things in a Muslim’s life than mere satisfaction of their cravings. Besides, the reward you get for it will keep you highly motivated.

The Prophet said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)

• Read and Reflect on the Quran

“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and to tell apart between right and wrong.” (Surah 2, Ayah 185)

Ramadan is the month of the Quran. There is no way you can achieve a spiritual uplift if you have zero bonding with this Book. Since you feel distanced from Allah and are looking for a faith boost, begin your reflection on the Quran in the month of Shabaan. Spot the areas you have to work on. If your tajweed is weak, find a teacher for it. If you feel you want to know what your Allah wants from you, begin the translation.

The point is, make an aim even if you read a single verse, and it’s worth the effort. Aishah (RA) related that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Muslim)

Therefore, you will get ample rewards at every level of your Quran learning. You can also opt for online Quran reading classes in the month of Shabaan.

• Make Dua’a

As you are setting goals for Ramadan, keep making Dua to Allah. He is the One in Power. Ask Him to help you meet the month with great vigor and high levels of spirit. Also, plead Him to make you among the chosen people in the Hereafter. A solid connection with the Creator at prior is the biggest blessing you can achieve. Pray that you meet and greet the upcoming Ramadan in the best shape and health.

Conclusion

In the end, it is apt to state that Ramadan is the month we should not take lightly. It can change your life if you know how to make the most out of every moment. When your ambitions are good, Allah will eventually help you out, insha’Allah!

Have a Blessed Holy Month, and remember us in your prayers!

Are you looking for an online website where you can easily take lessons on the teachings of the Quran? Look up to the top websites, offering their best Quran courses online.

In the Islamic tradition, learning, reciting, and memorizing the words of the Quran is mandatory. The holy book of the Quran contains the teaching of the Almighty Allah, the creator of all the creations. It is said, that Allah has revealed his ultimate source of guidance for all humankind, in the form of the Quran almost 1400 years ago. Since then, it has been guiding humanity towards the path of righteousness. When you understand the deep meaning of the Quran, as a human being you will learn your rightful place in the universe, and rise to the place where the Almighty Allah destines you. To gain knowledge about the truth, there are several top websites, which offer online Quran courses with major courses and disciplines.

Why Learn Quran Through an Online Instructor?

To learn the teachings of Allah, you need to show your commitment, dedication, attention, eagerness, and willingness. When you wish to take up the Quran lessons, having a good teacher will help you understand and gain knowledge about the Holy Book more quickly. The teachers, who will be your guide, know the truth about the tone of recitation, the sound knowledge, and the ability to understand how to read the Quran.

The teachers know the meaning of the verses they will recite, and it will touch your heart when you hear the ups and downs of the recitation. When someone recites, the meaning of the Quran gets stored in his or her minds. This is important to read the Quran with understanding and to affect the heart. To learn quran online, having the trained and expert instructors besides, will help you gain knowledge about the teachings of Allah much faster.

Courses of Quran – Read the Quran

They teach the courses of the Quran in both contemporary and dynamic style. The methods, procedures, and processes will help you learn, understand, and be self-sufficient when reading the Quran in the coming future. To learn quran online, you need to learn Tajweed and Tarteel courses, BEST ONLINE QURAN TEACHING as these courses will open the doors for you, to recite, understand, and memorize every word of truth that is spoken by the Almighty Allah. Some outline courses are Quran foundation, learning Noorani Qaida, online quran memorization and many more.

Benefits of Learning Arabic

The benefits of learning the Arabic language will act as the basic tool, to give you a proper understanding of the Quran and Hadith. It will also be a source of good and proper communication if you are looking forward to learning the Arab language.

The teachers are experts and will provide you proper lessons, to make you fluent in the language. It will help you perform reading, recitation, and memorization of the words from the Quran in no time. They will teach you Arabic number, conjugate verbs, and grammar as well. With the best guidance and ways of learning the Quran, you gain knowledge of the teachings of the Quran and receive the blessing from Allah along the way.

There was a time when people who wanted to learn the Quran had to take lessons from a Maulvi or a scholar. Today, you can get lessons, explanations, and interpretations online. Technology has made everything accessible, and time-efficient. People from any corner of the planet can now study and learn about the teachings of the Quran. Let’s see how virtual Quran lessons are beneficial for adults;

No Pressure

Are you looking for online Quran classes for adults? Well, Best Quran Teaching is a great platform for kids and adults who want to learn about the fundamental principles of the Quran along with the intricate aspects like proper enunciation, interpretations, etc. The websites online don’t have specific timing or setting. You can pick your classes at whatever time that is convenient for you.

Quick and Convenient

There is no pressure on the student to appear for classes or to memorize certain sections in a particular time frame. You can learn at your own pace. The best way to learn Quran online for beginners is when you start with the right teacher. There are several portals head by native scholars and register Quran teachers. Who will explain each and every verse and word of the text in detail. Websites even have the option of tests and modules where people can revise and check their performance on their knowledge of the Quran.

Is Accessible to All

Quran classes can be accessed by everyone across the world, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity or nationality. You can be a Muslim who wants to get back their roots or a European who is simply interested in the Quran and wants to understand it. These websites cater to a wide range of people and don’t discriminate between its students.

Quran teaching websites are a great option for non-native speakers who want to learn Arabic and understand their culture and heritage. Adults and children and enrol themselves in various teaching programs and lessons based on their requirements. There are video tutorials, blogs and even live-streaming classes that you can access.

Availability of Reference Material

Other than the classes and the lectures, online Quran teaching websites also offer a host of other reference texts and material that might be of interest to you. The Quran has several interpretations that you can now read up here. Additional material like hadiths and surahs give you an idea about how to implement the teachings of the Quran in your day to day life.

Affordable Pricing Options

Most Quran websites have different packages and pricing options that you can choose from. You can either take up a crash course of the major teachings of the Quran. Or can go in for an in-depth, detailed course if you have the time. Students can take up multiple learning programs and lessons at once as well to save on time and money. Learning Quran online is quite affordable, practical and easy. So what are you waiting for? Pick your classes and start learning- it’s never too late to learn!