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.

Trust Allāh in everything.

We find it difficult at hard times during our life to fully trust in Allāh ﷻ decree. However, no matter which way you put it, Allāh ﷻ is always and will always be the only reason anything happens to you. Allāh ﷻ has knowledge of the unseen! That alone should motivate us to only put our trust that Allāh ﷻ knows what is best for us.

To attain the highest level of Imān, one must fully dissociate his ability to make anything happens and just fully submit to Allāh will and might. Once you do this, you will find the contentment in this life because deep down you know Allāh ﷻ is there a throughout every step.

Du'ā' in Arabic:

‏اللهم إني اتبرع من حولي وقوة والتجأ إلى حولك وقوتك، اللهم أعني ولا تعني علي، انصرني ولا تنصر علي، وأهدني ويسر الهدى لي

Social media often paints a picture-perfect world that can lead to jealousy and envy. It's easy to forget that these curated glimpses are just illusions, not the full reality. People might find themselves longing for relationships, lifestyles, or possessions that aren't even real, leading to unnecessary feelings of inadequacy and envy.⁠
⁠
These illusions can distort perceptions of reality, making it difficult to appreciate one's own life. The constant comparison to an idealized version of others can overshadow genuine achievements and happiness. It's important to remember that everyone has their struggles and challenges, no matter how perfect their life may appear online.⁠
⁠
Taking a step back from the digital facade and focusing on real-life connections and personal growth can help combat these negative feelings. Embrace authenticity and find joy in your unique journey, free from the pressures of social media illusions.

The verse of joy and hope for the righteous and the sinners alike.

Oh Allāh, envelope us in your Mercy. آمين يا رب العالمين

Shaykh Saʿīd Kamalī]

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