Maqsud

As I watch this video, I'm reminded of the words of the wise, "whomsoever loves RasululLah SAW, loves his language", subhaana-Allah! This video reminds of the mysteries (beauty) of the Qur'anic Arabic. Indeed the letters have meaning (maqsud) for those who contemplate and recently Ustaz Zhulkeflee mentioned the different degree between tadabbur and zikr, subhaana-Allah! My love for the language continues, insya-Allah! :)

Qolbun Salim

Last night, I was reminded of gram's constant advice - "Illahi Anta Maqsudi wa ridhoka mathlubi, 'Athi'ni muhabbatika wa ma'rifatika" (O My God! You are my aim, seeking to please You is my purpose. Grant me the love and inner knowledge of You) - a timely reminder to complete reading the book "Purification of the Heart"... soldier (strive) on, insya-Allah!

Virtue of Love

Al-Hassan ibn Ali RA

AlhamdulilLah bini'matilLah! I just learnt that the descendants from Al-Hassan have the title Shariff (Noble) while the descendants from Al-Hussein have the title Syed (Lord/Sir). This is a lecture by Dr Muhammad Musa Al-Shareef in the life of Al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib Radhi-Allahu Anhu.

Yaa Hanaanaa

Today, I'm reminded of the concept of kufur ni'mah. The nature of mankind, which has the tendency to forget, overlooking the countless bounties bestowed by Allah SWT especially the bestowal of Ad-Deenul Haq as the prescribed way of life as well as the best exemplar to teach it to mankind, RasululLah SAW. O Allah! Assist us in remembering You, in thanking You, and in worshipping You in the best of manners, aamiin Allahumma aamiin!

Qad Kafani 'Ilmu Rabbi

AlhamdulilLah bini'matilLah! Ustaz Zhulkeflee's last tadzkirah was a timely reminder to make regular supplications (ibadah) for the act of doing so strengthens one's relationship with Allah SWT, in that He wants us to keep Him close. The lesson reminded me of Imam al-Haddad's poem Qad Kafani 'Ilmu Rabbi (My Lord's Knowledge has sufficed me):

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
For my prayer and agonising supplication is a witness to my poverty.
For this secret I make supplication in times of ease and times of difficulty
I am a slave whose pride is in his poverty and obligation
O my Lord and my King, You know my state
And what has settled in my heart, of agonies and preoccupations
Save me with a gentleness from You, O Lord of Lords
Oh save me, Most Generous before I run out of patience

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
O One who is swift in sending aid, I ask for aid that will arrive to me swiftly
It will defeat all difficulty and it will bring all that I hope for
O Near One Who answers and All-Knowing and All-Hearing
I have attained realisation through my incapacity, my submission and my brokenness

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
I am still standing by the door, so please my Lord have mercy on my standing
And in the valley of generosity, I am in itikaf (solitary retreat)
So, Allah, make my retreat here permanent
And I'm abiding by good opinion (of You), for it is my friend and ally
And it is the one that sits by me and keeps me company all day and night

My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing
There is a need in my soul, O Allah so please fulfill it, O Best of Fulfillers
And comfort my secret and my heart from its burning and its shrapnel
In pleasure and in happiness and as long as You are pleased with me
For joy and expansion is my state and my motto and my cover
My Lords knowledge has sufficed me from asking or choosing