Day 21: The Night Above All Night

“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the night of Power:

And what will explain to thee what the Night of Power is?

The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months.

The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees.

(That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.” Qur'an 97:1-5

An effort as little as performing ablution could be continually rewarded for the next 83 years, how’s that? That is the result of performing an act of worship during the night of Laylat-ul-Qadr. How much more the opportunity of making tilawah (recitation of the Qur'an), nawafil (non-obligatory salaah), dhikr (Glorification of Allah) and du’aa (requesting our needs from Allah) during that night. Then our sins are forgiven as if we are born anew. And if we are able to witness this Night of Power every year for 13 years we will be in the rank of those who have spent a thousand years in pure worship of Allah.

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you…. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]." (Ahmad & Nasa'i) Indeed, the Night of Qadr (Power) is the most virtuous night of the year. It is the night of Allah extended benevolence, "What will tell you what the night of power is? It is better than a thousand months." (Qur'an 97 verses 2-3)

This is the night the Qur'an was revealed; it is indeed that night (once every year) when important issues are decreed. Allah says: “We sent it down during a blessed night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, by command from Our presence. For We (ever) send (revelations) as a Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things).” (Qur'an 44 verses 3-6) That night sins of previous years, big or small, known or hidden, will be forgiven. The Prophet (peace be upon him) promised, "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr out of Iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)

When is this glorious night? The early Muslims asked the same question. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged them to do I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque away from all worldly thoughts, deeds and concerns) in the last ten days. 'Aisha (the Prophet’s wife, may Allah be pleased with her) said: “Allah's Messenger used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, ‘Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan’.” (Bukhari)

How do you know you have witnessed that wonderful night? The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave us a few signs. He (peace be upon him) said: "On the morning following Laylatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim) He also said, "Laylatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." (Ibn Khuzaimah & al-Bazzar)

And what do you pray for if you are able to witness this superior night? Aishah asked the Prophet the same question, what to say if she knew which night it was, and he told her to say, “O Allah, You are the One Who Pardons greatly, and You love to Pardon, so Pardon me." [Allahumma innaka affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’ af anna] (Ahmad)

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.

Day 20: God's Gift to Mankind

“And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature. And made for you out of them sons and daughters and grandchildren and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?” (Qur'an 16 verse 72)

Consider the general gift God gave humanity. He blessed us with spouses like us. “...mates (and companions) of your own nature...” He has not designed that man would find conjugal pleasures in beasts or jinns. He has made women from men for mutual love, pleasure and tranquillity. The spouses are like us in nature, they are not inhuman, not wicked evil incarnates, not strange aliens, but one with whom we can consult and cohabit. This foundations were laid when God created Adam and then Hawwa (Eve) from Adam's side. Then "...out of them sons and daughters and grandchildren...”. He has further blessed our unions with children who gives us such an indescribable pleasure. Then also the honour of experiencing the joy in grandchildren whose mere presence provides some unique satisfaction for the grandparents; a completely different experience and feeling (that is, between having children and grandchildren).

That is not all. Allah “...provided for you sustenance of the best...” in terms of the power to build on knowledge and experience which is not given to other creatures. Allah blessed human with quality food, the ability to transform raw food to delicious ones. To make palatable drinks from fruits. To transform grains to meals. Allah has blessed mankind with the ability to sow and grow; to cook and concoct, to distil and innovate, to mix and match, to mend and blend, to study and experiment, to write and communicate, to aspire, and inspire. Compared to other creations who perhaps are bigger and stronger, Man has been blessed with ability to transform and evolve our food, our habitat, our means of mobility, our treatment and medication; our adornments and out leisure. This is not human power or plan, but Allah's blessing, which we take for granted.

In fact, the power of dominion over other creatures is a special favour of God. “And He has subjected to you as from Him all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.” (Qur'an 45 verse 13) Gradually and when the time is ripe, Allah permits Man to advance and dominate His creations. “O you assembly of Jinns and Men! If it be you can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth pass you! But not without authority shall you be able to pass!” (Qur'an 55 verse 33)

But instead of praising and acknowledging Allah, we worship other beings in lieu of or along with Allah. We create false gods be it scientologists, idols, ideas or Satanism (in the form of Athiesm). “...Will they then believe in vain things and be ungrateful for Allah's favours?” Failure to ascribe the source of our progress is ingratitude to the One is responsible for it. Even the so-called Monothiestic faiths are not absolved. They create false gods. They worship as they desire or as it appeals to the people (follow the vain vogue), not as Allah loved to be worshipped. They define Allah as it will appeal to everybody, not as Allah defined Himself. “And the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah. That is their saying with their mouths. They imitate the saying of those who disbelieved of old. Allah (himself) fighs against them. How perverse are they! They have taken as lords beside Allah their rabbis and their monks and the Messiah son of Mary, when they were bidden to worship only One God. There is no god save Him. Be He glorified from all that they ascribe as partner (unto Him)!” (Qur'an 9 verses 30-31)

The Muslims must learn from the misfortune of their predecessors who used to be favoured by Allah, but that changed when they seek to change Allah’s message, when they became ungrateful to their Lord. “We did aforetime grant to the Children of Israel the Book the Power of Command and Prophethood; We gave them for Sustenance things good and pure; and We favoured them above the nations.” (Qur'an 45 verse 16)

Take account of Allah’s sustenance and support and give dues to whom it is properly due, not those who neither created us nor provided sustenance for us; who cannot help us nor themselves. “For you do worship idols besides Allah and you invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye sustenance from Allah serve Him and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return.” (Qur'an 29 verse 17)

To Allah will we all return to review and give account of our life. This is the reality. Life on earth must end, life in the Hereafter is only natural for justice, fairness and recompense to be established. That is the plan of Allah, which no one can avert. “Not on earth nor in heaven will you be able (fleeing) to frustrate (His plan) nor have you besides Allah any protector or helper.” (Qur'an 29 verse 22)

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.

Day 19: God's Gift To You

"Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others;

those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess so as to be equal in that respect.

Will they then deny the favors of Allah?" (Qur’an 16 verse 71)

Allah alone provides sustenance for all His creations and distributes them as He wills in different shapes and forms. Some people are blessed from birth with wealth, and they might not be blessed with education. Whereas some are blessed with the highest of education, yet could still be poor. Some are blessed with health but not with wealth; whereas a person born with silver-spoon in his mouth, may not be blessed with good health. Indeed, “Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others…”

God created everyone and has not given everything to any particular person; nor has He denied anyone everything. But, He chooses to distribute and re-distributes as He wills. He sprinkle a bit of everything on some people and He may give someone abundance of something. His sustenance is not limited to health, wealth, or knowledge. He bestows good behaviour, stable health, sound knowledge, deep wisdom, peace of mind (tranquil heart), long life-span, power (leadership), intellect, beauty, oratory, physical strength, unique super-human attributes (like photo-memory, extra-ordinary immunity, insights), varieties of skills and competences, etc.

Even those whom Allah has given in abundance some sustenance, they are unable to transform other people’s life by equally sharing their sustenance, or even give more of theirs to others. “...those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess so as to be equal in that respect...” Man is competitive. He cannot and will not split his sustenance with someone less endowed. This is not in Human’s nature, only Allah has the Power to transform lives and that is why He alone deserves to be worshipped. None can be worshipped but He who gives as He wills. Why then do people worship, hold in obeisance or even venerate worldly kings and leaders who do not share their wealth or honour with the lowly and are not inclined to transform lives?

All the blessings and sustenance of Allah left in the hand of men would be denied to majority of us. Allah has favoured us for His blessings. Take a good look at yourself, at the things you have which others don’t have, at the skills and competences you possess without any design or desire of yours or your parents and acknowledge Allah, thank Allah and worship Allah for He did for you as He wills. “...Will they then deny the favors of Allah?”

Take account of the blessings of sight, speech, hearing, body organs, some are well endowed with these blessings, others are not at all. Some are blessed from childhood and taken away later, others have never been blessed with these facilities. Indeed, even in our own selves are the signs of Allah’s greatness and enough reasons to worship Him because of what He has blessed us with and which of His favours would we deny (Qur'an 55 verse 13).

“And (also) in yourselves (are the remarkable signs of Allah). Can you then not see? And in the heaven is your providence and that which you are promised.” (Qur'an 51 verses 21-22)

Day 18: Limits of Mingling & Tingling

The human nature is such that it cannot really exist in isolation. It must mingle and tingle to evolve, to innovate, to be sane and to be nurtured. Whereas mingling would result in influencing (either you influence or you are influenced), tingling would result in ethics (defining acceptable and unacceptable mores). Both will inadvertently promote creativity, civility and progress. Little wonder then that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "He who mixes with people and endures the harm they do is better than he who does not mix with them or endure the harm they do." (Tirmidhi)

Society is composed of several kinds of personalities with various kinds of agenda and directions in life. They could even have different dispositions. While some will always see things half-empty (pessimism), others would have the attitude of half-full (optimism). While some would work for good and progress of community, others would seek to plunder, destroy, and spread hatred and evil. Society is composed of those who are nurtured towards the good and those who are nurtured towards the evil.

Allah has defined the group we should belong to when He says, “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity.” (Qur'an 3 verse 104). Also, “You are the best of peoples evolved for mankind enjoining what is right forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah....” (Qur'an 3 verse 110)

We must therefore choose carefully when we mingle in society. Surround yourself with people who are truthful and forthright; who are progressive and compassionate; people with whom you share good and complementary influence. According to the Prophet (peace be upon him), "The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith). As for the seller of musk, he will either give you some of the musk, or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell.” (Bukhari)

The question arises then if a Muslim can have a non-Muslim as a close friend. Yes! Islam has not taught us to segregate ourselves or alienate one another. It does not teach us to segregate community. How would non-Muslims learn from us if they are not close to us? However, we must be clear about which non-Muslim to have as friends and what level of friendship because as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A person is influenced by the religion of his close friend, so beware whom you befriend.” (Tirmidhi) Therefore, we must beware of friends whose secret objective is to draw us into their religion. Those who would desire to convert you cannot be your true friends. Allah warns, “O you who believe! Take not into your intimacy those outside your ranks; they will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths; what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the Signs if you have wisdom.” (Qur'an 3 verse 118) You cannot have a non-Muslim as a friend from whom you take religious or spiritual advice. They will sincerely and innocently give you what they would give themselves, but which is not okay for a Muslim.

There are no easy criteria for choosing a friend. Even a Muslim does not automatically qualify to be your friend. You may have a completely opposite world-view. He might be a terribly-weak Muslim. He might be ignorant or even mischievous. The characteristics of the sincere Muslim friends are set out in the Qur'an thus: “And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (Qur'an 9 verse 71)

Our friendships do have limits so that you do not encroach on the rights of others. You need the following characteristics to guide your friendship and also enable you to be a true friend. The Rasul (peace be upon him) said: "There are three characteristics; whoever has them will taste the sweetness of faith: first, that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anyone else; second, that he befriends and stop befriending a person except for the sake of Allah, and that he would hate to revert to unbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire.” (Bukhari)

Day 17: Reflecting on the Qur'an

“And this is a blessed Message which We have sent down: will ye then reject it?” Qur'an 21 verse 50

The Qur'an is the most precious gift from Allah to Mankind. Through it, Allah has revealed His mercy to us in a language we can reflect upon and understand. Best and most efficient way to feel the power and uniqueness of the Qur'an is to always relate it to yourself, family and your environment. Allah says, “We sent aforetime our messengers with Clear Signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance (of Right and Wrong) that men may stand forth in justice.” Qur'an 57 verse 25

Qur'an is that light desperately needed in total darkness and without it, we're doom to fail. “God is near unto those who have faith, taking them out of deep darkness into the light - whereas near unto those who are bent on denying the truth are the powers of evil that take them out of the light into darkness deep: it is they who are destined for the fire, therein to abide.” Qur'an 2 verse 257 Life can be complicated and complex. Sometimes the demarcation between right and wrong is blurred by the relativity of issues and circumstances. Allah has provided us with the tool and torch, which serve as “…the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Behold, as for those who are bent on denying God's messages - grievous suffering awaits them: for God is almighty, an avenger of evil.” Qur'an 3 verse 4

If you buy a hot drink at a cafe, most likely it will be written on the coffee cup, “Warning the content is hot and can burn you.” Do you really need to be told? But the written warning serve a purpose. From the moment you're aware of this warning you begin to sip (not gulp) the drink. Even when the drink is cool, you're still sipping rather than guzzling, you're afraid because now and again, you still see the written warning. Hence, subconsciously you still think its going to burn you. You obeyed the warning till the last drop. A warning from a human being telling you what you know and you were so careful and made sure you adhered strictly to this warning may Allah have mercy on us.

Now let us reflect, Allah warns us of burning fire, nothing like we have experienced in this world and went further to give guidance to avoid entering it. But man does not believe! He thinks this world is all that matter. How can you avoid this blazing fire? Read the Qur'an. It emphasises again and again the caution you need to take. Do you think you do not need that light that can guide you out of the total darkness you're in?

In this days of growing secularism and materialism, some people feel ashamed to be connected to an ‘ancient’ book or to a ‘religious’ book. They wish such books are hidden or even discarded. Allah says of such people, “Those who conceal Allah's revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit,- they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: Grievous will be their penalty. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! what boldness (They show) for the Fire! (Their doom is) because Allah sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism Far (from the purpose).” Qur'an 2 verses 174-6

People are far disconnected from the Qur'an. They claim they do not see the effect or importance of the Qur'an. You can only realise the effect of the Qur'an by reading and understanding it. Then it forms part of you if you put into practice what you learn from it. Then it becomes obvious to you that this is the assured way back to the Creator. This is why in Ramadan, the recitation and studying of the Qur'an is constantly emphasised. You cannot have too much of it during this season. It helps your reconnection with your Creator and that is what gives you internal satisfaction. Such feelings affect your physical outlook, your physiological well-being and your mental stability.

The Qur'an has changed my perception of this world, if it is going to take the rest of my life to do, I want to understand every verse as revealed and live my life accordingly. I want to be in a position whereby all my activities are pleasing to Allah Insha'Allah. I have truly experienced the Rahmah (Mercy) of Allah. I have seen the result of the little effort I'm putting to please Allah, if these are the result of such little efforts, then I would continue to strive to please Him.

“And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed.

So follow it and ward off (evil), that ye may find mercy.” Qur'an 6 verse 155

- Contributed by Jubril Salami, UK.

Day 16: Between Ramadan & Your Spouse

Ramadan is for a month during which our spirituality is expected to sky-rocket, the tendency therefore would be to relegate our marital affairs to the background. Quality time together is replaced by Qur'an time for recitation and memorisation. Standing together at night hand in hand and in loving admiration is substituted with standing long in the nightly prayers. Loving plays, games and joke would be tantamount to time wasting and deflective distractions and talking about intimacy is “Audhubillah (I seek refuge in Allah) from you.” These can lead to marital discord. Ramadan is problem-solving, not problem-causing, hence the need to address this issue.

Indeed, your marriage is (as described by Prophet Muhammad –peace be upon him) “...is half of your faith.” Whether or not you are in Ramadan, you must still work hard to perfect and make a success of this aspect of your faith. In fact, Ramadan started off with the general understanding of early Muslims as a spiritual month where complete abstinence from spouses was strictly observed during the days as well as during the nights of Ramadan. But being weak human, sometimes they let the guard down and secretly test those limits. Allah therefore revealed: “Lawful for you is intimacy with your spouses on the night of the fast. They are your adorning garment and you are adorning garment for them too. Allah is aware that you were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He has turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So have intimacy with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until ...the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not... These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His revelations to mankind that they may ward off evil.” (Qur'an 3 verse 187)

Marriage is an institution and a great trial. Marriage needs to be constantly worked upon to be successful. You do not delay, postpone or ignore issues in marriage. It must be promptly and properly addressed. You cannot run away from it, you live in it, you live with it and carry your marriage with you wherever you go. Therefore, to think that marital issues will be postponed till the end of Ramadan before properly addressed is to be courting disaster. Therefore, a successful spiritual Ramadan must be the one in which the entire family participated holistically, collectively, lovingly, wholeheartedly and conscientiously. No aspect of our life is discarded and no issues are left to burn unattended. As we guard our fast, so we must guard our marriage and relationships.

Ramadan is a month to renew and affirm our absolute commitment to our relationship be it with Allah, Our Guide the Rasul (peace be upon him), our spouse, our friends, our neighbours and our fellow-worshippers. We need to convince them that we are not just in these relationships to take the benefits and leave the hard-work. Ramadan is the month of action and not mere lip-service.

Taqwah is to be groomed in Ramadan, so must the couple relate with each other with taqwah. You should use the opportunity of Ramadan to grow your taqwah together as much as you can. Yes, you may deeply love your spouse, but say it, act it and re-affirm it even during the days of Ramadan. You are permitted to express loving exchanges. You may even kiss your spouse while fasting if you able to control yourself (newly married cannot be very sure of that, so they are not permitted). Also, you cannot have a happy married life if there is no trust in the relationship. Do not blame the party who has lost trust, do something to regain it. Make vows and pledges to yourselves this Ramadan to be trustworthy and work on it. Get the lesson of discipline and diligence from Ramadan. And the partly who is no longer trusting should learn the lesson of forgiveness and new-beginning from Ramadan.

Our love is not limited to our spouse only, Ramadan teaches love for relatives and family; same with respect. There must be mutual love, understanding and respect between spouses. This respect would further be extended to the in-laws. Respect comes with having good understanding of the other parties. Know them and understand them, and relate with them at their level (the level of their understanding). Understanding is aided by experiences of devotion, commitment and co-operation. Respect their chosen “destiny” or “path”. Disrespect is the tipping point in the disintegration of many marriages.

Communication is the key to all successful marriage. Spend quality time both for iba’dah (worship) to Allah and for the success of your marriage. Use all available communication opportunities and instruments including email and texting. Finally, learn that to succeed in Ramadan, Shaytan has to be kept in chains, for your marriage to work, you must learn to keep Shaytan in check. The prevent Shaytan from causing disunion or discord, conscious and concerted efforts have to be made by both parties in the relationship.

“O ye who believe! ...help one another unto righteousness and pious duty.

Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but have taqwah (keep your duty to Allah).

Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.” Qur'an 5 verse 2

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.

Day 15: The Amazing Qur’an: Why You Should Be Close To It

The Qur’an starts some chapters with some letters like: Alif, Lam, Mim like at the beginning of Chapter 2. Generally, most scholars would say: only Allah knows what He meant by these letters. Some others scholars attempt to give meanings to these letters, but they are generally regarded as wrong because the Prophet never gave any explanation though he explained subsequent verses.

Allah has warned about the existence of some verses that could be the cause of distraction to some “He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical seeking discord and searching for its hidden meanings but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord"; and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.” Qur’an 3 verse 7

The existence of these letters are regarded as part fo the miracle of the Qur’an. Some scholars explained that their existence indicate the superiority of Allah over the entirety of His creations in terms of knowledge. Qur'an says “we have given mankind only limited knowledge”.

Another explanation given for this letters is that it is a way of Allah making an oath about the things which come thereafter. Others opined that it is a way of calling attention to something important coming thereafter. Some further held that it is a literal style to challenge Arab poets and establish His superiority over them.

It is wrong to imply that there is no meaning for these letters, rather, Allah alone knows the meaning. Nothing in the Qur’an is vain or superficial; every letter therein is revealed for a purpose. Allah says: “Alif. Lam. Ra. (This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are perfected and then expounded. (It cometh ) from One Wise, Informed.” Qur’an 11 verse 1 When we are at a loss about the clearity of issues in the Qur’an, we should seek the understanding from other parts of the Qur’an as it explains itself: “Allah has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful message in the form of a Book consistent with itself (Yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): the skins of those who fear their Lord tremble thereat; then their skins and their hearts do soften to the celebration of Allah's praises. Such is the guidance of Allah: He guides therewith whom He pleases but such as Allah leaves to stray can have none to guide.” Qur’an 39 verse 23

The non-explanation of these letters should not be an opportunity for agents of Ilm-al-Batin (those who claim to have hidden knowledge) to thrive and mislead. There is nothing like hidden knowledge.

These letters do have meaning, but it is only known to Allah; delving into research to understand it should not be our concern, we must concern ourselves with Allah's message which follows from the next verse (Qur’an 2 verse2) till Surah Nas (Qur’an 114) and Surah Al-Fatiha.

What we should concern ourselves with is the guidance contained in the Qur’an, wherein there is no doubt and it is guidance that leads to the straight path for those who follows that path and these are the believers, not the hypocrites or those whose heart are diseased. This is why you should be close to the Qur’an, to purify yourselves, your hearts, your doubts and to be guided and be firm on the Straight Path.

Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)….” Qur'an 2 verse 185. Allah’s Words (Al-Qur'an) can take us closer and nearer to Him. Therefore, completing the Qur'an recitation in Ramadan is highly recommended; listening to its beautiful rendition elevates the soul; and exploring its meanings and explanations (tafsir) is a commendable venture. All these form part of Ramadan.

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Fasting and the Qur'an intercede for a man. Fasting says, 'O my Lord, I have kept him away from his food and his passions by day, so accept my intercession for him.' The Qur'an says, 'I have kept him away from sleep by night, so accept my intercession for him.' Then their intercession is accepted.” (Tirmidhi)

Indeed the Qur’an is Amazing only to those who drink from its juice of tranquility (Sakina) and guidance (hidaya). May Allah count us all amongst those who will be truly success. Amin.

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.