Verses Explained

 

Alhamdulillah, it has been three weeks now since we first started on the story of the Al-Ifk incident whereby Sayidatina Aisyah RA had been slandered as having an affair with a companion called Safwan RA.

 

Last week, we began looking into verses 11 to 14 of Surah An-Nur. Today, we will resume with the proceeding verses. We left off at verse 14 where Allah SWT tells us:

 

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَمَسَّكُمْ فِى مَآ أَفَضْتُمْ فِيهِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

Had it not been for the grace of Allah upon you, and His mercy in this world and in the Hereafter, a severe punishment would have reached you for what you indulged in [24:14]

 

Allah SWT could have easily sent down His punishment unto the people of Madinah. However, out of His Mercy and Compassion, Allah SWT spared the people from His Wrath.

 

 

Listening with the Tongue and Relaying with the Mouth

إِذْ تَلَقَّوْنَهُۥ بِأَلْسِنَتِكُمْ وَتَقُولُونَ بِأَفْوَاهِكُم مَّا لَيْسَ لَكُم بِهِۦ عِلْمٌۭ وَتَحْسَبُونَهُۥ هَيِّنًۭا وَهُوَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ عَظِيمٌۭ

(Remember) when you received the news with your tongues, and spoke with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, taking it lightly while it is (extremely) serious in the sight of Allah. [24:15]

 

In this verse Allah SWT rebukes the people who were involved in this incident. He SWT says that these people “received the news with their tongues”. There is an interesting phrase used. People usually receive news with their ears; the ears are meant for listening and the tongues for speaking.

 

Could it be true that there had been a mistake in relaying this verse? Could there have been companions who misheard and incorrectly relayed the verse? Why was this word used?

 

My brothers and sisters, have a look. There are certain people who, when they hear a piece of news, they listen and accept it with their ears and the story ends there. There are also a group of people who, upon hearing a piece of news, cannot wait to share the news with others. This is especially so for presumably “hot” news.

 

Now, the best thing to do whenever you receive news, is to pause and reflect. Think first before you go around spreading the news. Ask yourself if it is true, whether the source is credible etc.

 

This faculty of hearing, the ability to listen was given to us for this very reason. We are asked to listen. Especially when it comes to the verses of revelation, Allah SWT tells us in Surah Al-A’raf:

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ فَٱسْتَمِعُوا۟ لَهُۥ وَأَنصِتُوا۟ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

When the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and be silent,

so you may be shown mercy. [7:204]

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

Allah SWT tells us to listen so that we may pay attention. So that we may think and ponder. So that we may reflect on what has been said.

 

There are certain groups of people who do not do this. Instead, they treat news like playing baseball. I know that in Singapore we are not remarkably familiar with this sport. But you know that there will be a pitcher who throws the ball, a catcher with a glove that catches the ball, and the batter who stands between them.

 

Now the batter, he does not catch the ball when it reaches him. Instead, he immediately hits it so that the ball may go as far away as possible, to prevent his opponents from catching it. The catcher, squatting behind him, does the opposite. If the ball gets within his reach, he holds tightly onto it and will not let it go.

 

When receiving news, we should accept it with our ears. Hold onto it, process it, and evaluate whether the news is credible or true. If the authenticity is uncertain, then hold onto it instead of letting it go to others. Do not be like the batter, who immediately hits the ball to other people.

 

Every time a piece of news reaches him, he hits it away. Just like a tennis or badminton player, always ready to bounce off any news that comes. These are impatient people. They are always eager and ready to share what has been heard. If the news of a secret comes to them, it does not take long before the whole village knows about it.

 

In a Hadith, Rasulullah SAW tells us:

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

كَفَى بِالْمَرْءِ كَذِبًا أَنْ يُحَدِّثَ بِكُلِّ مَا سَمِعَ

“It is enough of a lie for a man that he narrates everything

he hears” [Muslim]

___________________________________________________________________

 

Someone who has Iman will not do such a thing. Regardless of who we are or which generation of Muslims we belong to, our principle as believers remains the same. In receiving a piece of news, hold onto it, take heed from it, reflect upon it, and leave it at that.

 

Perhaps the piece of news has reached you as a reflection of yourself; perhaps it is a reminder from Allah SWT that we too may have a similar weakness. This could be meant for us to improve upon ourselves, not to spread the word to others.

 

As I have mentioned before, if the piece of news happens to be true, and it is something that, if made known to others will make the person being spoken of feel uneasy, then it is considered gossiping. And if that piece of news happens to be false, then it is an even bigger sin, it is called slander – this is a deed that is despised by Allah SWT.

 

 

Taking

Taking Something Grave Lightly

Why was it said that they did not have knowledge of it? Because in the incident of the Ifk, there had been neither witnesses, nor confessions. There was nobody with any clear knowledge of what had happened. How could they then dare to spread the word of it if they had no evidence to show that it had happened?

 

The people who spread the rumours took the act lightly. They did not think it was a big deal seeing that other people were also saying the same things. In contrast, Allah SWT says that what they had done was extremely grave in the sight of Allah and evoked His Wrath.

 

وَلَوْلَآ إِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوهُ قُلْتُم مَّا يَكُونُ لَنَآ أَن نَّتَكَلَّمَ بِهَـٰذَا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ هَـٰذَا بُهْتَـٰنٌ عَظِيمٌۭ

And why did you not, when you heard it, say: "It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allah)! This is a great lie." [24:16]

 

The news that came to you was about something distasteful – something that tarnishes the reputation and dignity of someone else. The news was not validated with any evidence, came from an unknown source and does not bring any benefit to you whether you spread it or not.

 

We want to concern ourselves with the flaws of others, when we ourselves are not free from flaws. We speak poorly of others, and yet we are oblivious to our own faults. Every human being has their own faults.

 

I am an Ustaz, I am praised by people all the time. It scares me. I am praised not because I am a good person, but because my mistakes, flaws, and shortcomings have been hidden by Allah SWT. If Allah SWT were to expose all our faults, nobody would be protected from the stink of our own inner beings. The only One who is Pure and Free from flaw is Allah SWT.

 

This is why the word ‘Subhanak’ was mentioned in this verse. When someone tells you a piece of juicy news, respond with, “This is not for us to know. Subhanak; the only One who is Pure and Free from Faults is Allah SWT. Why would we then busy ourselves with the faults of others?”

 

Do Not Do Something Like This Again

يَعِظُكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَن تَعُودُوا۟ لِمِثْلِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

Allah forbids you from ever doing something like this again, if you are (true) believers. [24:17]

 

Now that we have heard such verses, then it becomes our responsibility to take heed. Instead, we repeat the same issue in our own lives. We repeat an act that is rebuked by Allah SWT. This puts our Iman into question. Allah SWT makes it clear to us that if we are true believers, such things would no longer bother us at all.

 

You know, after this incident of Al-Ifk, amongst the companions, there was never again any similar incident. There were no more rumours spreading like wildfire about so-and-so having an affair or such-and-such being done by someone. The companions RA knew of the graveness of the deed and how despised it is to Allah SWT.

 

Imagine how beautiful and peaceful the community could be if everyone chose to investigate first before sharing any news that they came across. Imagine how amazing that would be if every member of the community, whenever they would hear about a mistake or flaw of another individual, would look into themselves and reflect, rather than to join in and speak bad about that person.

 

“Someone said that so-and-so did such-and-such. Look at me, I too have committed many sins… Only Allah Knows the true state of my being. Subhanak! How Perfect is Allah, He is free from imperfections.”

 

If we want to consider ourselves as true believers, we need to make sure that we practice this. We want to be protected from being amongst the people whom Allah SWT refuses to look upon, out of contempt towards their deeds. We want Allah to gaze upon us as true faithful servants of Him SWT.

 

 

Allah’s Ayaat Are Clear

 

وَيُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيم

And Allah makes the Ayaat (verses of reminder, of censure, of guidance and leadership, of His Greatness) plain to you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. [24:18]

 

Allah makes His revelation clear to us. He does not leave them as mysteries. Allah distinguishes very evidently truth from falsehood. What is Al-Haqq (the truth) is meant to be held onto and used as your principle and basis for your deeds.

 

What is Al-Batil (falsehood) is made known, so you are aware, and you avoid falling into it. Allah clearly distinguishes the right path from that which leads astray.

 

The language of the Qur’an is easy to understand. At times, Allah SWT uses some literary structures – for example in saying “you receive the truth with your tongues” in the previous verse – this might become a bit challenging to interpret. But for as long as you look at the context and learn about the verses, the truth will become clear to you.

 

 

Those Who Love That Slander is Spread

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحِبُّونَ أَن تَشِيعَ ٱلْفَـٰحِشَةُ فِى ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Lo! those who love that slander should be spread concerning those who believe, for them will be a painful punishment in the world and the Hereafter. Allah knows and you do not know. [24:19]

 

So, we previously mentioned about those who spread the slander. These people are clearly doing wrong; they know there is no evidence to justify their actions and yet they do so. For them is the Qazaf penalty – a strict punishment for a clear wrong being committed. But Allah SWT talks about a different group of people here in this verse.

 

These are the people who love to let rumours about the misdeeds of people get spread around. If these people exist within the believing community, Allah SWT promises that they will be punished in this world and the next.

 

We need to be aware, my brothers and sisters. It is not just about not spreading the untruths. More than that, it is about ensuring that you yourself do not feel pleasure knowing that slander is being spread.

 

We cannot say, “Oh Ustaz, I’m not like them… I don’t say anything. I just read the comments and what is being said. I read the posts on Twitter and Facebook! Of course, I don’t forward these messages. But it is quite entertaining to read the things being said about these people.”

 

My brothers and sisters, Allah SWT says that even if you only like it, it is a sin upon you. Even if you only like it, you will receive a painful punishment. Even if you only like it, the punishment will be received in this world and the next. Na’uzhubillah.

 

You may say, “Oh but Ustaz, I only follow these people on Social Media and read them in silence. I have never gotten any punishment so far! I think it is not such a big deal!”. Be aware, the punishment of this world may not appear in a form of a physical visible calamity of sorts.

 

No, in fact, sometimes the punishment comes in ways that we do not notice, but it brings along with it pain and difficulty. Sometimes, because of this punishment, we lose any happiness that we have.

 

Any peace and tranquillity just disappear, we live in constant worry and fear. Perhaps our Rizq may be constrained such that we feel like we never have enough. This could be how Allah SWT repays you for your sin in this world. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rojiun.

 

Allah Knows What is in Others’ Hearts, Look into Your Own

So, take heed and take care. Our scholars and teachers always tell us that it is not only the visible sins that we need to avoid. We need to also be weary of the sins of the heart. We need to make sure that our hearts are not tainted with the pleasures of that which is not good for us.

 

Gossiping and spreading slander are clear visible sins. But even if you do not commit these, if you heart finds pleasure in watching people do this, then it is still a sin for you in the sight of Allah SWT.

 

Cleanse and purify your hearts. When we return to Allah SWT, He will not want to see how good-looking our faces may be. Those who are handsome, may get praised in the world by people. But what Allah looks at is what is in our hearts. Whether our hearts are looking good or if the hearts are hardened, blackened and in a disgusting state.

 

Would you want to present your tainted heart to Allah SWT? Imagine holding that putrid heart and looking around you to see others with their glistening, polished and untainted hearts standing before Allah SWT.

 

Imagine holding that blackened mess of putrid pus, swarming with maggots. At that point of time, who would be able to repair your heart for you? Which doctor would be able to treat you?

 

Allah SWT reminds us here to take heed. We do not want our hearts to be filled with animosity and hatred. We want our hearts to be filled with beauty and love. The reality is that Allah SWT knows and we do not know.

 

Allah knows us inside and out. We like to blind our hearts and ourselves. Sometimes, we look in the mirror and all that we see is our physical faces. We do not look pass that to see what is within our hearts.

 

We busy ourselves with speaking about other people’s faults, mistakes and histories… but Allah SWT knows them better than us. We may speak about how so-and-so was once imprisoned due to a crime he committed. But Allah SWT knows the reasons that led him to actually commit such a crime.

 

We do not know what goes on in the prison. We are so busy talking about someone’s past as an ex-prisoner. What we may be blind to is them crying in prison seeking sincere repentance in Allah SWT. We do not know!

 

We do not hear their whispers and their pleas to Allah SWT. We do not know if, due to their earnestness in repenting to Allah SWT, Allah SWT has forgiven them. We know that we ourselves have never once went to Allah SWT crying in shame of our sins.

 

Allah SWT reminds us that He knows what we do not. We may think we know the reality of that person, that he is a bad person, that he is someone who comes from a family of sinners, so we speak freely about them. The truth is that we do not know our future reality. We speak about their siblings, or their children.

 

We are not aware of what trials may come our way in the future that may befall our own siblings and children. So, whenever a piece of news comes to you, surrender it to Allah SWT. We do not know the reality of the situation, the cause of it, the motives behind it, the excuses and stories that justify it. Say, “O Allah, You know and I do not. So, I will not relay this about them.”

 

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you… And that Allah is Most Gentle, Most Merciful. [24:20]

 

Now, on the surface, it may look like this verse is hanging. It seems like the first part is incomplete and interrupted by the second part. Let us have a closer look. What this verse is saying is that “had it not been for Allah’s Grace and Mercy upon you, you would surely have been destroyed by His Wrath.” But that did not occur, because Allah SWT is Most Gentle and Most Merciful. He is Kind to us. This is a reminder for us to be alert and aware.

 

Such an incident already happened in the time of Rasulullah SAW. It happened to Aisyah RA, the beloved wife of Rasulullah SAW. The companions and people involved could have been punished but they were not. Allah gave them a second chance because Allah SWT Loves us.

 

Do not then make it such that we do not love our own selves. Do not let yourself ripen with sin, because that is something that someone who oppresses himself will do. Do not become the reason for yourself receiving the punishment of Allah SWT.

 

Do Not Follow Shaitan’s Footsteps

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ

O believers! Do not follow the footsteps of Satan… [20:21]

 

Allah SWT tells us that whatever evil that had happened was out of something that Shaitan did in order to provoke the people to follow him. He whispered nasty things to them, causing them to fall into his trap. They started believing his insinuations that Aisyah RA truly did act unfaithfully.

 

Did Shaitan not look down upon Adam AS? Did he not whisper ideas into Adam AS’ head so that he got influenced to fall into sin? That is what Shaitan does. When you start to think of yourself as superior to others, when you start to spread news that taints someone’s reputation and ruins his dignity, when you do this, you are following in Shaitan’s footsteps. Allah SWT tells us do not do that.

 

 

وَمَن يَتَّبِعْ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ فَإِنَّهُۥ يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ ۚ

… Whoever follows Satan’s footsteps, then he surely bids to immorality and wickedness… [20:21]

 

Shaitan does nothing other than inviting and encouraging us towards ‘Fahsyaa’’ and ‘Munkar’. Fahsyaa’ can be translated to mean something that is dirty, gross, immoral, and disdainful. If Shaitan invites to things that are dirty and disgusting, why would we as human beings follow him?

 

We are given the gift of intellect by Allah SWT so that we may think. If we want to follow someone, we want to ensure that we follow that which is right and good, things that bring beauty and peace. Munkar refers to that which is rejected and refused by Allah. Why would you follow something that is rejected by Allah?

 

Nowadays, it is common for people to look at their financial literacy and start exploring sources of income. When looking into what they should invest in, people consult financial experts who can tell them which are the best options to choose from. You would not just happily go to the market and pick up the first investment company you hear of and just choose them.

 

Those who do not do their due diligence end up falling into quick money-making schemes and end up losing their money to scams. When you want to invest your wealth into something, you take the time to really investigate the different options, looking at the cost-benefit analysis, seeing your rates of success, the recommendations and testimonials from fellow investors, looking at the past data and records.

 

When it comes to matters of our wealth and spending, we know to prioritise and be choosy. But when it comes to matters of the heart, in matters concerning our Hereafter and our religion we take the decision lightly. We follow Shaitan’s recommendations so easily.

 

Is this not ironic? We are investing our financial wealth in the temporary world. On the other hand, what we invest with our hearts is for the everlasting Hereafter. Why do we not think that the latter is way more important than the former? May Allah SWT protect us from doing that which displeases Him.

 

Had It Not Been for Allah, You Would Not Be Purified

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُۥ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ أَبَدًۭا

Had it not been for Allah’s Grace and Mercy upon you, none of you would have ever been purified. [20:21]

 

Allah uses the word ‘Zakaa’ here which we translated to ‘to be purified’.  What does it mean to be purified? We spoke about this previously. When we hear of some ill news about someone, the first thing we say is “Subhanak – You alone are Pure and Free from flaws.”

 

We are aware of our own inherent weaknesses and our own mistakes as human beings. So, we do not want to busy ourselves with the flaws of other people.

Allah reemphasises this point because Allah loves us. He wants us to gain a special status with Him. Allah wants to protect us. Allah wants us to live as a human being with his dignity preserved. Because of this, Allah SWT covers our flaws. He makes our sins and mistakes unknown to others.

 

Allah hides all these away. Otherwise, none of us would ever be treated as pure and clean. Look in the mirror, my brothers and sisters. Only those who are arrogant and prideful will look in the mirror and not see their own faults. This is why Rasulullah SAW says that any person who has even the size of a Zarrah of pride in their hearts will not enter Paradise.

 

Keep Your Hidden Sins Hidden

If not for Allah SWT’s Mercy, not a single human being would be purified. There is a hadith of Rasulullah SAW which states that every single person will eventually enter Paradise except the Mujahirun.

 

What does ‘Mujahirun’ mean? These are the people who expose their own secrets. This word comes from the root word ‘Jahr’ which means ‘exposing, bringing light to, or revealing’. Only the Mujahirun will not enter Paradise. Rasulullah SAW explains that these are the people who commit sin in the night, and when they rise, their sins are covered by Allah SWT and unknown to others.

 

However, these people themselves proudly share with others the sin that they have done in the night. For these people, they will not be forgiven by Allah SWT. These are people who are arrogant. Allah will not forgive their sin. Na’uzhubillah.

 

Allah SWT has hidden our sins and protected them from bring known to others. If you look at the conditions for repentance, nowhere in it can you find “confessing your sin to the world”. For whatever the sin that has been committed, repentance is a private affair meant to remain between you and Allah SWT.

 

The Trend of Exposing Domestic Issues to the Public

I want to share something with you, something that has been trending recently. People are sharing their past experiences, or sins that are unknown to anyone else but themselves, onto Facebook.

 

There are certain groups that have emerged with the aim of sharing personal life stories – stories of divorce, household disputes, wrongs that a husband has committed upon the author, wrongs that the author has committed upon her husband…

 

Have a look at the incident of Al-Ifk. Look at the lessons to be learnt. We are not even talking about other people exposing your flaws. It is about exposing your own flaws. Exposing widely the wrongs that other people have committed against you. And the stories you share are being read by the many followers in Singapore, in Malaysia, and around the world

 

There is even a huge audience of people who are interested in following this content. I apologise if my censure has offended anyone. Do not involve yourselves in things like these. Allah SWT loves us so so so much. If not for this opportunity, if Allah SWT had not granted to us His Love, then none of us would be purified.

 

If Allah had wanted to destroy us, He would already have done that. Allah SWT wants us to change. Whatever had been done wrong, we can fix. Make amends. Repent. Why would you want to showcase your faults to the world?

 

If in your heart, there is a desire to release any pent up feelings… if you feel there is a need for you to share it with someone, then look for one person you can trust, who can be your listening ear. You can complain to Allah SWT. You can seek a trained professional counsellor. You could go to your parents.

 

Look for someone you can trust to listen and to give you good advice. You can share it with one person and that would suffice you – you would get their advice and opinion. There is no need to expose your sins to the world!

 

And then the audience adds on to the problem. They start to comment and give their unsolicited opinion and advice. Some even fan the flame and aggravate the situation further.

 

These are the people mentioned in verse 19 above. These are people who enjoy seeing bad rumours spread within the community. They enjoy watching the reactions of others to pieces of “juicy” news. Allah SWT has prepared for these people a painful punishment. Why would you want to get involved with these people?

 

Reminder for Us All: Have Shame in Front of Allah

I plead to you my brothers and sisters… We live in a time where we are most in need of help. We live in a generation where Allah SWT places unto us immense trials with the hope of returning our hearts to Him.

 

This is the time where we need to be extra careful. Do not be careless and slack, following the trends that the masses follow. We remind ourselves of Allah SWT’s verses, “If not for Allah SWT’s Grace and Mercy, there would be none amongst us who would be purified.” Allahuakhbar.

May Allah SWT hide our flaws. May whatever sins we have co

mmitted in the past, whatever the mistakes we have made… May these remain veiled. I do not know if there are any amongst us who do not feel embarrassed by their sins. Rasulullah SAW said:

 

___________________________________________________________________

 

 إِذَا لَمْ تَسْتَحِي فَاصْنَعْ مَا شِئْتَ

“If you don't feel ashamed do whatever you like.” [Bukhari]

___________________________________________________________________

 

 

I refuse to believe that my community, my own brothers and sisters, my own friends and family, do not have any shame in front of Allah SWT. People who do not feel ashamed are those who do not have Iman.

 

I love you all, my dearest brothers and sisters. I love you so much. I want all of us to return safely to Allah SWT. Enough is enough. Please, I plead you. Do not add on to such trends. Let us change for the better. Leave such acts behind.

 

Whatever your mistakes may have been, keep them. Whatever your shortcomings may be, let them remain between you and Allah. Whatever your transgressions might have been, seek forgiveness for them. Whatever stories you hear about other people that have nothing to do with you, leave them! Do not involve yourselves in these stories.

 

Remember Allah. Remember Allah. Remember Allah. Remember yourselves. How will you return to Allah SWT later? How will you stand in front of Allah? How will you face Him in His Court? Will you proudly announce to Him SWT that, “Oh Allah, look at me! I used to help to spread rumours about so-and-so in this world! I even created a platform – a Facebook group – for people to come together and share bad things about their own families! It was me. I was the creator of this page!”

 

How then can we ask Allah to help us? How then can we ask Allah to save our community?

 

وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزَكِّى مَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

But Allah purifies whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. [20:21]

 

May we be counted amongst those whom Allah wants to purify. Only Allah SWT can cleanse and purify us. Have shame in front of Allah. Be embarrassed knowing He is watching.

 

When we share about the faults of others, Allah SWT Knows. Even more than that, the moment we keep a feeling of ill-will towards someone else, the moment we hold bad assumptions towards a fellow brother, the moment we try to investigate or dig further to collect more information about a person’s flaws, just because we feel a thrill from doing such things – Allah Knows. Allah Hears. His Hearing is not limited to that which is said on the tongue. He Hears the whispers of the heart. Reflect and ponder on this.

 

Closing Du’a

May Allah SWT protect us all. Be embarrassed in front of Allah. Take heed from stories such as these. Make these your principles in life. May Allah SWT protect us.

 

Oh Allah, in Your Name we ask. You are the Most Compassionate, the Most Loving, the Most Generous, and the Most Forgiving Ya Allah. We raise our praises only to You. The Purest is You. We, Your servants, are the ones who have many weaknesses and faults. The only Perfect One is You.

 

We, Your servants, are the ones who carry the burden of sins and faults. Oh Allah, make fertile in our hearts a sense of shame and embarrassment in front of You. Make fertile in our hearts a sense of shame and embarrassment in front of You. Make fertile in our hearts a sense of shame and embarrassment in front of You, Oh Allah.

 

Preserve our tongues from being tongues that cannot distinguish between the Truth and Falsehood. Distance our tongues from becoming tongues that enjoy the thrill of narrating the faults of others. Oh Allah, only to You do we seek help. Only to You do we complain.

 

There is no one with the Power to protect us, there is no one with the Power to guide us except You, Ya Ar-Hamar-Rahimiin. Gaze upon us with the gaze of Redha (acceptance) and Rahmah (mercy). Gaze upon us with the gaze of Love and Compassion. Gaze upon us with the gaze of Maghfirah and Forgiveness, Oh Allah.

 

Oh Allah, do not let these hearts tray after you have granted them Your Guidance. Ya Allah, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamiin, make firm the Iman in our hearts, make our love for Your Rasul the most potent love in our lives.

 

Ya Allah, oh our Lord, we have often oppressed ourselves. If You do not forgive us, if You do not have Mercy on us, if You do not Pity and Love us, then we will be counted amongst Your servants who are at loss.

 

Forgive our sins, the big ones and the small ones, those that are visible to others and those that remain secret between You and I. Forgive our sins, the ones that we committed against you and the ones that we have committed against our own brothers. Oh Allah, replace for us the love for Maksiah with the fear of committing Munkar in our lives. Forgive our sins. Forgive our brothers and sisters.

 

Forgive our parents, Oh Allah. Just as they have struggled to raise us since young. Do not let our sins in this world be a blockade for the forgiveness of our parents, Oh Allah.

 

Do not let our continuous sins throughout our lives in this world be a reason for you not to expand the graves of our parents. Do not let the sins that we have committed be the cause of you not protecting our parents from the punishment in the grave.

 

Ya Allah, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamiin, Protect us. Protect our parents. Protect the life partner that you have gifted to us. Protect the children that you have presented to us. Protect us all from being touched by the punishment of the Hellfire. Protect us all from being touched by the punishment of the Hellfire. Protect us all from being touched by the punishment of the Hellfire, Ya Hannan, Ya Mannan, Ya Badii’us-Samaawaati wal-Ardh, Ya Zhal-Jalaali wal-Ikram, Ya Arhamar-Rahimin.

 

Wassallalahu ‘alaa Sayyidina Muhammad wa ala alihi wa sahbihi wasallim. Ameen Ya Rabbal-‘Alamiin. May Allah SWT accept and answer our prayers.

May Allah SWT protect us all, my dear brothers and sisters. Allah SWT bears witness that for Allah, because of Allah, I love all of you. All of you.

 

Anyone who says the words of ‘Laa ilaaha illAllah’, I believe, have been chosen by Allah SWT to become my brothers. And as such, it is compulsory for me to love them. Let us meet again next week InshaaAllah. Assalamu’alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.