Build meaningful connections by presenting your true self to others. Be genuine with everyone, even if some of them may not be. A real smile, a real conversation, real warmth ~ always.

The right people will stay and take shade in your love. Some people are not meant to be part of your journey for ever, and that is ok. And some others will always be there, and perhaps in jannah they'll be there too. Forever by your side, in every life, in every chapter, in any case. Those are honestly your people.

It is human nature to cling to things - even those that we know aren't good for us. Letting go takes time and practice to get good at.

Here are a few suggestions to help you to make peace with what is, and move on with life in ways that make you happier.

10 ways to assist the Palestinians 🇵🇸 By Mawlānā Yūsuf Shabbīr:

1) Du'ā' including Qunūt
2) Tawba & Istigfār
3) Charity & good deeds
4) Avoid sins & extravagance
5) Educate yourself
6) Share their stories
7) Attend protests & events
8) Pressure politicians
9) Show solidarity
10) Visit Palestine

We are neither meant to be in the past nor the future.

Life is only available to us in the here and now, and by being intentional about being more mindful during everyday life, we can live with greater purpose and more happiness.

One of al-ḥukamāʾ (ie: wise people) said:

The intellect is a neglected friend,
while desires are a cherished enemy.

[al-Māwardī, Adab al-Dunyā wa ʾl-Dīn 1/29]

Every one of us, no matter who you are, should develop a secret deed of goodness between you and Allāh ﷻ.

Think of this very carefully; your secret deed between you and Allāh, no one knows it. Maybe every day you give a small charity to someone, maybe you say a good word, you might have read some Qur'ān on a daily basis… Some secret private deed between you and Allāh that you are so happy about, and that you continue doing against all odds and you say: “Allāh this is only for your sake.”

Try and develop it. It’s something that will really help you spiritually and it will benefit you immensely and intensely.

Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله on giving ṣadaqah:

Indeed ṣadaqah has a great effect in repelling different types of trials and tribulations,

Even if the charity was given by a fājir (ie: an evil) or dhalim (ie: an oppressive person), rather even (if it was given) by a kāfir (ie: non-Muslim)!

Indeed Allāh, repels different types of trials and tribulations due to giving ṣadaqah.

This is a matter which is well-known to the scholars and the general folk,

And the people on the earth can relate to it as they have experienced it.

[ابن القيم، الوابل الصيب من الكلم الطيب ١/٣١]

Serotonin is the natural mood booster, and also plays a key role in various other body functions.

Low levels of this chemical is linked to anxiety, depression and other mood problems, digestive issues, feeling impulsive, irritable or aggressive, and sleep issues.

Here are a few ways how you can increase serotonin and boost overall well-being.

Yaḥyá b. Muʿāḏ said: “The body becomes sick due to ailments,

and al-qulūb (ie: the hearts) become sick due to al-ḏunūb (ie: sins).

So just as the body does not find pleasure in eating while it is sick,

likewise al-qalb (ie: the heart) does not experience the sweetness of worship alongside al-ḏunūb (sins).”

[ابن الجوزي، ذم الهوى ١/٦٨]

🗣 Sh. Haitham ad-Dakhin [1]

🎙 Hafs an' Asim

📖 az-Zumar [39:1-75]

‎Life in this dunya is filled with tests and we will all be subjected to these at one point or the other. As Allāh ﷻ says,

‎"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones."

‎[Al Qur'ān 2:155]

‎May we all succeed in our trials through tawakkul and ṣabr - Āmīn

Maymūn b. Mihrān said: “The servant (of Allāh) will not become pious until he is more severe in taking account of himself than the person is of his business partner.“

Based upon this it was said: ”al-nafs (ie: the soul) is like a treacherous business partner.

If you do not take account of him, he will run away with all your wealth.”

[ابن القيم، إغاثة اللهفان في مصايد الشيطان ط عالم الفوائد ١/١٣٣]

Do not burden your heart with grief; for it does not return a lost one, nor does it preserve what’s already existing. Fill your heart with what strengthens it of trust in Allāh, delegating the matter to Him, and turning away from turning to others, having good thoughts of Him, and having the certainty that what is best is in what He has chosen (for you), for that is the solace for those who are stricken by sadness, and a tranquility for the hearts of the believers.

Seek knowledge even if it is a little

[Shaykh Abdus Salam al-Shuway'ir]

Being expected to be happy all the time can make us feel like we’re failing when we’re feeling unhappy. Adjusting our expectations to be more realistic is one of the best things many of us can do for our mental health and happiness!

Remember: It's okay to feel your feelings.

Never doubt Allāh’s love for you, no matter how much you have sinned - just go back with repentance.

لا تحمل هم الدنيا فإنها لله
Don’t carry the worry of this world for it belongs to Allāh

ولا تحمل هم الرزق فإنه من الله
Don’t carry the worry of provision for it is from Allāh

ولا تحمل هم المستقبل فإنه بيد الله
Don’t carry the worry of the future for it is in the hands of Allāh

فقط احمل همًا واحدًا
Only carry one concern

كيف تُرضي الله؟
How can you please Allāh?

لأنك لو أرضيت الله
Because if you please Allāh

رضي عنك
He will be pleased with you

وأرضاك
Please you

وأغناك
Enrich you

وكفاك
And suffice you

[ابن القيِّم رحمه الله]

[@ huraayrah]

The Ahkirah (Everlasting Life)

Allāh (ʿazza wa jall) says:

وَلَلۡاٰخِرَۃُ خَیۡرٌ لَّکَ مِنَ الۡاُوۡلٰی ؕ

And the ākhirah (hereafter) is certainly far better for you than this one.

We should always view life and everything that happens around us from an ākhirah-centric lens. The ākhirah (hereafter) is eternal and infinite. This life is nothing in comparison to the hereafter. So when it feels like the world is collapsing on your shoulders and you can’t bear it anymore, think of the greater picture: this world is nothing. The ākhirah is everything.