Nurul-Islam Jama'ah Strand

12/06/2026

Thul-Hijjah Nasihah Series

Day 25 - The Disease of Pride

The Sin That Expelled Iblis and Destroys the Heart
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Among all the diseases of the heart, there is one disease that is particularly dangerous.
It was the first sin committed in the heavens.
It caused the downfall of Iblis.
It destroys worship.
It blinds a person from seeing his faults.
It prevents sincere repentance.

That disease is Kibr (Pride).
Pride is not merely thinking highly of oneself.
It is forgetting one's true place before Allah Jalla wa Ula.
The more a person becomes impressed with himself, the further he drifts from his Lord.

The First Sin

Allah Azza wa Jalla says regarding Iblis:
أَبَىٰ وَاسْتَكْبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ الْكَافِرِينَ
“He refused, acted arrogantly, and became among the disbelievers.” Suratul-Baqarah 2:34
Iblis did not reject the existence of Allah Azza wa Jalla.
He did not deny Allah's command.
Rather, he believed himself to be superior.
His arrogance prevented submission.
He said:
أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِنْهُ
“I am better than him.” Suratul-Aʿraf 7:12
Every form of arrogance contains a trace of this attitude:
- "I am better."
- Better than another person.
- Better than another family.
- Better than another community.
- Better than another believer.
And this is precisely what destroys humility.

The Definition of Pride

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
الْكِبْرُ بَطَرُ الْحَقِّ وَغَمْطُ النَّاسِ
“Pride is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people.” Sahih Muslim
This Hadith beautifully defines pride.
Pride appears when:
- we reject advice,
- refuse correction,
- dislike being reminded,
- belittle others,
- or consider ourselves superior.
The proud person often sees the faults of everyone except himself.

Why Pride Is So Dangerous
Every other sin may lead a person to humility.
A sinner may cry.
A sinner may repent.
A sinner may feel regret.
But pride often prevents repentance.
Why?
Because the proud person struggles to admit:
"I was wrong."
This is why the righteous feared pride more than many other sins.
Pride can quietly enter:
- knowledge,
- worship,
- charity,
- leadership,
- family life,
- and even religious service.
The Nafs loves praise and if it is not disciplined, it begins to worship itself.

Qur’anic Reflection
Allah Jalla wa Ula says:
وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ
“Do not turn your face away from people in arrogance, nor walk upon the earth boastfully. Indeed, Allah Jalla wa Ula does not love every arrogant and boastful person.” Surah Luqman 31:18
Notice that Allah Jalla wa Ula does not merely discourage arrogance, He explicitly states that He does not love it.
What greater loss could there be than losing the love of Allah Jalla wa Ula?

Contemporary Reflection
Today pride often appears in subtle forms:
- pride in wealth,
- pride in education,
- pride in lineage,
- pride in appearance,
- pride in knowledge,
- pride in social status,
- even pride in religious practice.
Sometimes a person does not say:
"I am better."
But his behaviour says it.
His attitude says it.
His treatment of others says it.
The believer constantly asks:
"Am I becoming impressed with myself?"

Reflections from the Righteous
Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak said:
“Perhaps a sinner enters Paradise because of a sin that humbled him, and perhaps a worshipper enters Hell because of a deed that filled him with pride.”
And al-Fudayl ibn Iyad said:
“Humility is accepting the truth from whoever brings it.”
The righteous measured themselves by humility, not by status.

Practical Actions for the 25th Day

1. Accept Advice Gracefully
Today, if someone corrects you, resist the urge to become defensive.
Welcome the truth.

2. Make Dua' for Humility
Ask Allah Azza wa Jalla to protect your heart from arrogance.

3. Serve Others Quietly
Perform an act of service that nobody notices.
Humility grows through service.

4. Reflect on Your Origins
Remember:
You were created from dust.
You will return to dust.
Between those two realities, what is there to be arrogant about?

Spiritual Exercises
كسر النفس
(Breaking the Ego)
Tonight reflect upon:
moments when you felt superior to others,
moments when you resisted advice,
moments when praise affected your heart.
Then sincerely seek forgiveness.
The goal is not self-hatred.
The goal is self-awareness.
A servant who knows his weaknesses remains humble before Allah Jalla wa Ula.

A Deep Reality
The closer a person comes to Allah Azza wa Jalla, the smaller he sees himself.
The farther a person drifts from Allah Azza wa Jalla, the greater he imagines himself to be.
The mountains do not boast of their height.
The oceans do not boast of their depth.
The righteous do not boast of their worship.
Humility is a sign of nearness to Allah Azza wa Jalla.

Dua'
اللَّهُمَّ طَهِّرْ قُلُوبَنَا مِنَ الْكِبْرِ وَالْعُجْبِ وَالرِّيَاءِ، وَاجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمُتَوَاضِعِينَ لَكَ وَلِعِبَادِكَ. اللَّهُمَّ أَرِنَا الْحَقَّ حَقًّا وَارْزُقْنَا اتِّبَاعَهُ، وَأَرِنَا الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا وَارْزُقْنَا اجْتِنَابَهُ.
O Allah Jalla wa Ula, purify our hearts from pride, self-admiration, and showing off.
Make us among those who are humble before Thee and before Thy servants.
Show us truth as truth and grant us the ability to follow it, and show us falsehood as falsehood and grant us the ability to avoid it.

Closing Reflection
Pride was the sin that expelled Iblis.
Humility is the quality that elevates the believer.
The road to Allah Azza wa Jalla is not walked with arrogance, but with humility, repentance, and gratitude.
May Allah Azza wa Jalla grant us hearts free from pride and filled with sincerity, humility, and love for Him.
آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِين

12/06/2026

11/06/2026

Thul-Hijjah Nasihah Series

Day 24 - The Heart Between Hope and Fear

The Believer’s Journey Between Mercy and Accountability
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
One of the greatest qualities of a believer is balance.
Islam does not teach us to live consumed by fear.
Nor does it teach us to live intoxicated by false hope.
Rather, the believer travels to Allah Jalla wa Ula with two wings:
Hope (Rajaʾ) in the Mercy of Allah Jalla wa Ula.
Fear (Khawf) of displeasing Allah Jalla wa Ula.
Just as a bird cannot fly with one wing, the believer cannot journey to Allah Jalla wa Ula properly with only hope or only fear.
Hope without fear may lead to complacency.
Fear without hope may lead to despair.
The path of the Qur’an and Sunnah is the path of balance.

The Way of the Prophets

Allah Jalla wa Ula describes His righteous servants:
إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًا وَرَهَبًا
“Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and call upon Us with hope and fear.” Suratul - Ambiya 21:90
Notice that Allah Azza wa Jalla praises them for combining both qualities.
They hoped in Allah's mercy.
But they also feared falling short before Him.
This balance protected them from both arrogance and despair.
Hope in Allah's Mercy

Allah Jalla wa Ula says in the Holy Qur'an:
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ
“Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.” Suratuz-Zumar 39:53
No matter how many sins a person has committed:
- Allah's mercy is greater.
- Allah's forgiveness is greater.
- Allah's generosity is greater.
- A believer never loses hope.
- As long as life remains, the door of Tawbah remains open.

Fear of Allah's Accountability
At the same time, Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ ۝ فَإِنَّ الْجَنَّةَ هِيَ الْمَأْوَىٰ
“As for the one who feared standing before his Lord and restrained the soul from its desires, then Paradise shall be his abode.” Suratun-Naziʿat 79:40–41
Fear in Islam is not terror.
It is awareness.
It is remembering that:
- Allah Azza wa Jalla sees us.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla hears us.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla knows us.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla will question us.
This awareness protects the believer from sin.

The Danger of Imbalance
Some people become overwhelmed by fear.
Every mistake convinces them they are doomed.
Every weakness fills them with despair.
This is not the way of Islam.
Others become consumed by false hope.
They continue sinning while saying:
- "Allah Jalla wa Ula is Forgiving."
Without repentance.
Without effort.
Without change.
This is also not the way of Islam.
The believer says:
- "My sins are great, but Allah's mercy is greater."
And simultaneously:
- "Allah Azza wa Jalla is Merciful, so I must not abuse His mercy."

Contemporary Reflection
Many people today struggle with one of two extremes.
Some live with anxiety and spiritual despair.
Others live with complete carelessness.
The Qur’an calls us to the middle path.
A believer:
- hopes when he falls,
- fears when he succeeds,
- repents after sin,
- and remains humble after obedience.
The closer a servant comes to Allah Azza wa Jalla, the more balanced he becomes.

Reflections from the Righteous
Ali ibn Abi Talib said:
“The scholar is the one who does not make people despair of Allah's mercy, nor make them feel secure from Allah's plan.”
And al-Hasan al-Basri said:
“The believer combines excellence in deeds with fear, while the hypocrite combines evil deeds with false security.”
The righteous lived between hope and fear throughout their lives.

Hope and Fear Near the End of Thul-Hijjah
As this blessed month draws closer to its conclusion, we should ask ourselves:
- Do I hope that Allah Jalla wa Ula accepted my worship?
- Do I fear that I have fallen short?
- Have these days brought me closer to Allah?
This is the condition of sincere believers.
- They strive.
- They hope.
- They fear.
And they continue returning to Allah Jalla wa Ula.

Practical Actions for the 24thDay

1. Renew Your Tawbah
Hope in Allah's forgiveness and repent sincerely for your shortcomings.

2. Increase Dua'
Ask Allah Azza wa Jalla for:
- forgiveness,
- steadfastness,
- sincerity,
- and a good ending.

3. Avoid Despair
Never allow Shaytan to convince you that your sins are too great for Allah's mercy.

,4. Avoid Complacency
Never allow success in worship to make you feel secure from accountability.

Spiritual Exercises
الموازنة بين الرجاء والخوف
(Balancing Hope and Fear)
Tonight reflect upon:
- blessings that give you hope,
- shortcomings that inspire repentance,
- acts of worship that encourage gratitude,
- sins that require forgiveness.
Then spend time making Dua' with both emotions present:
Hope in Allah Jalla wa Ula.
Fear of falling short before Him.
This balance nurtures sincerity.

A Deep Reality
A believer is like a traveller crossing a vast desert.
Hope keeps him moving.
Fear keeps him alert.
If hope disappears, he stops.
If fear disappears, he becomes careless.
Together they carry him safely to his destination.
And the destination is Allah Azza wa Jalla.

Dua'
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا نَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ رَجَاءً صَادِقًا، وَنَخَافُ عَذَابَكَ خَوْفًا يُقَرِّبُنَا مِنْكَ. اللَّهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْقَانِطِينَ وَلَا مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ، وَارْزُقْنَا قُلُوبًا تَعْبُدُكَ بِالْحُبِّ وَالرَّجَاءِ وَالْخَوْفِ.
O Allah, grant us sincere hope in Thy mercy and a fear that draws us closer to Thee. Do not make us among those who despair nor among those who are heedless. Grant us hearts that worship Thee through love, hope, and fear.

Closing Reflection
The believer's heart is not driven by fear alone.
Nor by hope alone.
It journeys to Allah Azza wa Jalla through both.
When you sin, remember Allah's mercy.
When you obey, remember Allah's majesty.
When you fall, return.
When you succeed, remain humble.
For the safest path to Allah Azza wa Jalla is the path walked between hope and fear.
May Allah Azza wa Jalla fill our hearts with hope in His mercy, fear of displeasing Him, and love for drawing near to Him.
آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِين.

10/06/2026

Thul-Hijjah Nasihah Series

Day 23 - Hidden Sins and Hidden Wounds

Healing the Heart Through Sincerity and Self-Reckoning
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
As we move deeper into the final days of Thul-Hijjah, our attention turns inward.
Many people are concerned about the sins that others can see.
But the righteous were often more concerned about the sins that nobody could see.
The sins hidden from people are not hidden from Allah Jalla wa Ula.
And often the greatest obstacles between a servant and his Lord are not public acts of disobedience, but the hidden diseases of the heart.
There are hidden sins.
And there are hidden wounds.
Both require healing.

The Secret Life of the Heart

Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
يَعْلَمُ خَائِنَةَ الْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِي الصُّدُورُ
“He knows the stealthy glance of the eyes and what the hearts conceal.” Surah Ghafir 40:19
Nothing escapes the knowledge of Allah Azza wa Jalla.
Not:
- the hidden glance,
- the concealed jealousy,
- the silent arrogance,
- the secret resentment,
- nor the private sin.
The believer understands that true purification begins where people cannot see.
Hidden Sins Are Dangerous
Public sins are dangerous.
But hidden sins often carry a unique danger because they can be nurtured in secrecy.
A person may appear:
- righteous,
- respected,
- knowledgeable,
- and devoted.
Yet privately struggle with:
- pride,
- envy,
- dishonesty,
- addiction,
- lust,
- grudges,
- or hypocrisy.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned about people who will come on the Day of Judgment with deeds like mountains, yet their private disobedience consumed their reward.
This should cause every believer to pause and reflect.

The Hidden Wounds of the Heart
Not every hidden struggle is a sin.
Some are wounds.
Many people silently carry:
- grief,
- disappointment,
- betrayal,
- loneliness,
- guilt,
- regret,
- or emotional pain.
These wounds affect the heart's relationship with Allah Jalla wa Ula.
Sometimes people become distant from worship not because they hate Allah Jalla wa Ula, but because they are carrying burdens they have never properly addressed.
The believer must learn to bring both sins and wounds before Allah Jalla wa Ula.
For He is:
الشَّافِي
The Healer.
And:
التَّوَّاب
The Accepter of Repentance.

Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا ۝ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ دَسَّاهَا
“Successful indeed is the one who purifies it, and failed indeed is the one who corrupts it.” Suratush-Shams 91:9–10
The greatest project of a believer's life is not merely building wealth or status.
It is purifying the soul.
Because the soul accompanies us into the grave.

The Disease of Living for Appearances
One of the greatest challenges of our age is image management.
People work hard to appear:
- successful,
- happy,
- pious,
- and accomplished.
Yet many hearts remain wounded.
Islam teaches authenticity before Allah Jalla wa Ula.
You do not need to pretend before your Creator.
Allah Jalla wa Ula already knows:
- your fears,
- your weaknesses,
- your struggles,
- and your sins.
The path to healing begins with honesty.

Reflections from the Righteous

al-Fudayl ibn Iyad said:
“Leaving a deed because of people is showing off, and doing a deed for people is shirk. Sincerity is that Allah Azza wa Jalla saves you from both.”
And Muhammad ibn Wasiʿ would say:
“How many people laugh while their hearts are wounded and only Allah Azza wa Jalla knows their condition.”
The righteous focused on repairing what was hidden.
Because Allah Azza wa Jalla looks first at the heart.

Contemporary Reflection
Many people today suffer silently.
Some hide their sins.
Others hide their pain.
Some carry both.
The solution is not despair.
Nor is it pretending.
The solution is returning to Allah Jalla wa Ula with sincerity.
A sincere tear shed in private.
A quiet Dua'
A moment of honest repentance.
A conversation with Allah Jalla wa Ula in the depths of the night.
These moments often become turning points in a person's life.

Practical Actions for the 23rd Day

1. Conduct a Private Self-Audit
Ask yourself:
“What hidden issue is affecting my relationship with Allah Azza wa Jalla?”
Be honest.
No one else needs to hear the answer.

2. Make a Private Dua' Session
Speak to Allah Azza wa Jalla about:
- your sins,
- your fears,
- your regrets,
- and your hopes.
He already knows.
But He loves to hear His servant turn to Him.

3. Increase Istighfar
Seek forgiveness not only for visible sins, but also for hidden shortcomings.

4. Forgive and Release
Some wounds heal when we let go of resentment and place matters in Allah's hands.

Spiritual Exercise
تطهير الباطن
(Purifying the Inner Self)
Tonight, spend time alone with Allah Jalla wa Ula.
Reflect upon:
- one hidden sin you wish to leave,
- one hidden wound you wish Allah Jalla wa Ula to heal,
- one spiritual quality you wish to cultivate.
Then recite:
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي
“My Lord, expand my chest for me.”
Ask Allah Jalla wa Ula to cleanse both the darkness of sin and the heaviness of pain.

A Deep Reality
- People judge appearances.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla judges hearts.
- People see actions.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla sees intentions.
- People know your public life.
- Allah Azza wa Jalla knows your secret life.
The believer therefore focuses on the purification of what is hidden before the purification of what is visible.
Because a purified heart naturally produces righteous actions.

Dua'
اللَّهُمَّ طَهِّرْ قُلُوبَنَا مِنَ الرِّيَاءِ وَالْحَسَدِ وَالْكِبْرِ، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا السِّرَّ وَالْعَلَانِيَةَ. اللَّهُمَّ اشْفِ جُرُوحَ قُلُوبِنَا، وَأَبْدِلْ هُمُومَنَا سَكِينَةً، وَاجْعَلْنَا مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الْمُخْلِصِينَ.
O Allah, purify our hearts from showing off, envy, and pride. Forgive our hidden and public sins. Heal the wounds of our hearts, replace our worries with tranquillity, and make us among Thy sincere servants.

Closing Reflection
The journey to Allah Jalla wa Ula is not only about correcting what people can see.
It is about healing what only Allah Jalla wa Ula can see.
A hidden sin can darken the heart.
A hidden wound can burden the soul.
But sincere return to Allah Jalla wa Ula can heal both.
May Allah Jalla wa Ula purify our inner selves, forgive our hidden sins, heal our hidden wounds, and allow us to meet Him with hearts that are sound and sincere.
آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِين.

09/06/2026

Thul-Hijjah Nasihah Series

Day 22 - The Illusion of Endless Time

Every Passing Day Is a Step Towards Allah Jalla wa Ula
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
One of the greatest illusions that deceives mankind is the illusion of time.
Many people live as though they have:
- endless tomorrows,
- countless opportunities,
- and unlimited chances to repent.
They say:
- "I will change later."
- "I will become more serious when I am older."
- "I will repent when life settles down."
- "There is still plenty of time."
But time is one of the greatest creations of Allah Azza wa Jalla and one of the greatest tests He has given us.
Every day that passes is not merely another day lived.
It is one day less remaining.

The Oath of Time
Allah Azza wa Jalla repeatedly swears by time in the Holy Qur’an.
Among the most profound examples is:
وَالْعَصْرِ ۝ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
“By Time. Indeed, mankind is surely in loss.” Suratul-Asr 103:1–2
Why does Allah Jalla wa Ula swear by time?
- Because most people fail to appreciate its value.
- Money lost can sometimes be recovered.
- Health lost may sometimes return.
- But time lost never returns.
- Each day leaves forever.
Life Is Measured in Days
al-Hasan al-Basri said:
"O son of Adam, you are nothing but a collection of days. Whenever a day passes, a part of you has gone."
Subehanallah.
- Our lives are not measured merely in years.
- They are measured in moments.
Every sunrise announces:
- "You have one less day remaining."
- Every sunset silently closes a chapter that can never be reopened.
The wise believer therefore treats time as a trust from Allah Jalla wa Ula.

Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ رَبِّ ارْجِعُونِ ۝ لَعَلِّي أَعْمَلُ صَالِحًا فِيمَا تَرَكْتُ
“Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: ‘My Lord, send me back so that I may do righteous deeds in what I neglected.’” Suratul - Muʾminun 23:99–100
Notice what people request when death arrives.
Not:
- more wealth,
- more status,
- more possessions.
- They ask for more time.
- Because only then do they fully realize its value.
But by then, the opportunity has passed.

The Greatest Theft
One of Shaytan's most effective weapons is procrastination.
Not necessarily open disbelief.
Not necessarily major sins.
- But delay.
- Tomorrow.
- Next week.
- Next year.
- Later.
Yet many people who planned for tomorrow never reached it.
The believer understands:
- The best time to repent is now.
- The best time to obey Allah is now.
- The best time to change is now.

Contemporary Reflection
We live in a culture obsessed with productivity yet often careless with purpose.
People carefully manage:
- schedules,
- finances,
- appointments,
- and careers.
Yet many fail to manage their relationship with Allah Azza wa Jalla.
Hours disappear:
- scrolling,
- watching,
- arguing,
- consuming,
- and chasing worldly concerns.
Then suddenly years have passed.
One of the greatest tragedies is reaching old age with a heart that never truly returned to Allah Azza wa Jalla.

Reflections from the Righteous
Abdullah ibn Masud said:
"I have never regretted anything more than a day whose sun set while my lifespan decreased and my deeds did not increase."
And ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab said:
"Take yourselves to account before you are taken to account."
The righteous viewed each day as an opportunity that might never return.

Preparing for the Meeting with Allah Jalla wa Ula
Every passing day brings us closer to:
- our grave,
- our accountability,
- our meeting with Allah Jalla wa Ula.
This reality is not meant to create fear alone.
It is meant to create purpose.
The believer does not fear death because life is meaningless.
The believer prepares for death because life is meaningful.
Every prayer matters.
Every act of kindness matters.
Every sincere tear matters.
Every moment with Allah Jalla wa Ula matters.

Practical Actions for the 22nd Day

1. Evaluate Your Time
Ask yourself:
"Where did most of my time go this week?"
Was it spent on what truly benefits you?

2. Stop Delaying One Good Deed
If there is:
- a repentance,
- a prayer,
- a reconciliation,
- a charity,
- or a beneficial project,
begin it today.

3. Create a Daily Moment of Reflection
Spend a few minutes each evening reviewing:
- your actions,
- your intentions,
- and your relationship with Allah Azza wa Jalla.

4. Increase Istighfar
Seek forgiveness frequently.
No one knows how much time remains.

Spiritual Exercises
محاسبة الوقت
(Accounting for Time)
Tonight, sit quietly and reflect upon the past year.
Ask yourself:
- What brought me closer to Allah Azza wa Jalla?
- What wasted my time?
- What habits must I leave behind?
- What would I regret if my life ended soon?
Then make one sincere commitment to use your remaining time more wisely.

A Deep Reality
Every day is a page being written.
Every action is being recorded.
Every moment is carrying us closer to Allah Jalla wa Ula.
One day, the final page will be turned.
The question is not:
- "How long will I live?"
The question is:
- "What will I do with the time I have been given?"

Dua'
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي أَوْقَاتِنَا، وَأَعِنَّا عَلَى طَاعَتِكَ، وَلَا تَجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ. اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ خَيْرَ أَعْمَارِنَا آخِرَهَا، وَخَيْرَ أَعْمَالِنَا خَوَاتِيمَهَا، وَخَيْرَ أَيَّامِنَا يَوْمَ نَلْقَاكَ.
O Allah Azza wa Jalla, bless our time and assist us in obeying Thee. Do not make us amongst the heedless. Make the best part of our lives the end of them, the best of our deeds their concluding deeds, and the best of our days the day we meet Thee.

Closing Reflection
The illusion of endless time deceives many.
But the believer remembers:
- Every day is a gift.
- Every day is an opportunity.
- Every day is a step towards Allah Azza wa Jalla.
- Use your time before it is used up.
- For one day we will wish for a single extra moment to do good.
May Allah Azza wa Jalla bless our time, forgive our shortcomings, and allow us to meet Him with hearts full of faith and deeds full of sincerity.
آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِين.

08/06/2026

Thul-Hijjah Nasihah Series

Day 21 - What Will Remain After This Month?

Measuring Spiritual Growth and Preserving the Light
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Three weeks ago, we welcomed the blessed month of Thul-Hijjah.
We spoke about:
- sacred days,
- repentance,
- Dhikr,
- sacrifice,
- ʿArafah,
- Eid,
- and the lessons of Hajj.
Now, as the month begins moving toward its final days, an important question confronts each of us:
- What has changed?
Not:
- What did I feel?
- What did I hear?
- What did I learn?
But:
- What has changed in my relationship with Allah?
- The true success of a sacred season is not the emotions it creates.
- It is the transformation it leaves behind.

The Sign of Accepted Worship
The scholars often mention that one of the signs of an accepted deed is that it leads to another good deed.
When worship is accepted:
- the heart softens,
- obedience becomes easier,
- sins become less attractive,
- and the servant desires to remain close to Allah Jalla wa Ula.

Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
وَالَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا زَادَهُمْ هُدًى وَآتَاهُمْ تَقْوَاهُمْ
“As for those who are guided, He increases them in guidance and grants them their Taqwa.” Surah Muhammad 47:17
Guidance should lead to more guidance.
Worship should lead to more worship.
The believer grows gradually, one step at a time.

The Danger of Returning to Old Ways
One of Shaytan's greatest victories is convincing a person that sacred seasons are temporary experiences rather than opportunities for lasting change.
Many people:
- repent temporarily,
- increase Dhikr temporarily,
- improve their prayers temporarily,
- then slowly return to previous habits.
The righteous feared this greatly.
Not because they doubted Allah's mercy.
But because they understood the value of consistency.
The goal of Thul-Hijjah was never simply to experience ten blessed days.
The goal was to become a better servant afterwards.

Allah Azza wa Jalla says in the Holy Qur'an:
وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ
“Worship your Lord until certainty (death) comes to you.” Suratul-Hijr 15:99
Notice that Allah Jalla wa Ula does not say:
worship during certain seasons only.
The believer's commitment continues until the final breath.
Ramadan ends.
Thul-Hijjah ends.
But servitude to Allah Jalla wa Ula never ends.

Lessons from Hajj
Throughout this month we reflected upon:
- the obedience of Nabi Ibrahim Alayhis Salam,
- the trust of Hajar Alayhas Salam,
- the submission of Nabi Ismaʿil Alayhis Salam
- the humility of Ihram,
- the struggle of Safa and Marwah,
- and the battle against the inner Shaytan.
These were never merely historical stories.
They are mirrors for our own lives.
The question is:
Which lesson will you carry forward?

Contemporary Reflection
Many people live from event to event.
From one spiritual season to another.
But genuine spiritual growth happens in ordinary days.
It happens:
- after the excitement fades,
- after the crowds disperse,
- after the celebrations end.
The true servant of Allah Jalla wa Ula remains steadfast when no one is watching.
Because sincerity is tested not during special occasions alone, but during everyday life.

Reflections from the Righteous
Ali ibn Abi Talib said:
“Be more concerned about the acceptance of your deeds than the deeds themselves.”
And al-Hasan al-Basri said:
“The believer combines good deeds with fear, while the hypocrite combines sins with false security.”
The righteous never assumed acceptance.
They continued striving.

A Personal Spiritual Audit
Today, ask yourself honestly:
Compared to the beginning of Thul-Hijjah:
- Has my prayer improved?
- Is my Dhikr more consistent?
- Is my heart softer?
- Have I left any sins?
- Have I strengthened any good habits?
- Have I become more conscious of Allah?
- Even small progress is valuable.
- The goal is not perfection.
- The goal is movement toward Allah Azza wa Jalla.

Practical Actions for 21st Day

1. Review Your Month
Spend time reflecting upon:
- spiritual successes,
- weaknesses,
- lessons learned,
- and areas requiring improvement.

2. Preserve One Good Habit
Choose one habit from this month and commit to maintaining it.
Examples:
- daily Qur’an,
- morning Adhkar,
- Istighfar,
- charity,
- or Tahajjud once a week.

3. Renew Your Intention
Do not let your worship depend upon seasons alone.
Renew your commitment to Allah Jalla wa Ula today.

4. Make Dua' for Acceptance
Ask Allah Jalla wa Ula sincerely to accept every act of worship performed during these blessed days.

Spiritual Exercises
محاسبة الثمار
(Evaluating the Fruits)
Tonight, sit quietly and ask:
“If this were my last Thul-Hijjah, what would I hope remains from it?”
Write down:
- three lessons you learned,
- three habits you wish to continue,
- three spiritual goals for the coming months.
Growth becomes lasting when it is intentional.

A Deep Reality
When a farmer plants seeds, he does not judge success on the day of planting.
He judges success by the fruit that appears later.
Likewise, the true measure of this month is not what happened during it.
The true measure is what remains after it.
Will the Dhikr remain?
Will the Tawbah remain?
Will the sincerity remain?
Will the connection to Allah Azza wa Jalla remain?
That is the real question.

Dua'
اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا مَا مَضَى مِنْ طَاعَاتِنَا، وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِي مَا بَقِيَ مِنْ أَعْمَارِنَا. اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ مَا تَعَلَّمْنَاهُ فِي هٰذَا الشَّهْرِ نُورًا فِي قُلُوبِنَا، وَثَبِّتْنَا عَلَى طَاعَتِكَ حَتَّى نَلْقَاكَ.
O Allah, accept from us the acts of worship we have performed and bless what remains of our lives. Make the lessons of this month a light within our hearts and keep us steadfast upon Thy obedience until we meet Thee.

Closing Reflection
Thul-Hijjah is teaching us one final lesson:
- The purpose of sacred seasons is not temporary inspiration.
- It is lasting transformation.
As the month continues toward its conclusion, carry its lessons forward.
For the greatest success is not reaching Thul-Hijjah.
The greatest success is leaving it closer to Allah Jalla wa Ula than when you entered it.
May Allah Jalla wa Ula accept from us, forgive us, and allow the light of these blessed days to remain in our hearts long after they have passed.
تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِين.