Today’s reminder was about a powerful principle: actions are judged by their endings.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that what truly matters is how a person ends their life.

A person may live doing good deeds but if they end upon something bad, it is a bad ending.

And a person may have shortcomings but if they end upon good, it is a good ending.

The focus is on the final state.

We were reminded to make duʿā’:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ خَيْرَ أَعْمَالِنَا خَوَاتِيمَهَا

(O Allah, make the best of our deeds the last of them.)

An example was mentioned of a person who may have spent much of their life in wrongdoing, but shortly before their death turned to good and that became their ending.

We are also now reaching the end of Ramadan.

Often people become lax and negligent towards the end, but this is the time we should be even more careful and consistent.

Do not let it be that you spent the whole month doing good, only to slow down or slip at the end.

Carry on until the very end.

Remember, Eid only begins after Maghrib until then, Ramadan is still ongoing. Make full use of the remaining time.

Do not lose hope. There is still time left to increase in good deeds, make duʿā, and seek forgiveness.

And beyond Ramadan, we should strive to continue these good actions.

What matters is how we finish.

May Allah grant us a good ending, allow us to complete Ramadan in the best way, and make our final deeds our best deeds.

Today’s reminder was about the end of Ramadan, a month full of blessings and barakah and what we should do next.

As this blessed month comes to an end, the question is: how do we continue?

Islam does not end with Ramadan. Rather, Ramadan is a training ground to carry forward good deeds throughout the year.

We were reminded to continue fasting beyond Ramadan:

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwāl, it is as if he has fasted the entire year.”
• Fasting in Muharram, especially the day of ʿĀshūrā.
• Fasting in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
• The Ayyām al-Bīḍ (13th, 14th, 15th of each month).

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.

These are great opportunities that many people overlook.

Just as we have:

• Fardh and Sunnah prayers
• Zakāh and optional ṣadaqah
• Obligatory Hajj and optional Hajj

Similarly, we have obligatory fasting in Ramadan and optional fasting throughout the year.

We should make note of these fasting opportunities and try to build a routine around them.

It was also encouraged to create an environment at home and in the Masjid that promotes these good deeds encouraging family members, children, and others to take part.

Do not let your good deeds stop after Ramadan.

Be motivated by the rewards that Allah has promised.

Another important reminder was about acting upon good thoughts immediately.

When you feel inspired to do something good, do not delay or procrastinate.

Acting quickly helps build consistency.

It was also mentioned that it is often easier to fast the six days of Shawwāl immediately after Ramadan, rather than taking a long break and struggling to restart.

Ramadan may end but our connection with Allah should continue.

May Allah allow us to remain consistent in good deeds, accept our Ramadan, and grant us the ability to continue throughout the year.

Today’s reminder was about the importance of consistency in our actions rather than performing a one-off act and then stopping.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.

Consistency in worship is a sign of sincerity. It shows that a person is doing an action purely for Allah and not for show.

Our intentions should be sincere and we should not associate others in them.

Good deeds should not be done to gain praise or recognition from people whether it is giving charity publicly in the Masjid or during appeals.

The goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah alone.

Consistent actions also have a strong spiritual effect on the heart.

Small deeds done regularly strengthen the heart and build a lasting connection with Allah, whereas one-off actions often fade quickly.

The Prophet ﷺ himself was known for his consistency in good deeds.

Even though he was the best of creation, he maintained regular acts of worship and devotion.

He is our best role model, and we should strive to follow his example.

As Ramadan comes to an end, we should try to continue the good habits we developed during this month whether it is reciting Qur’an, performing extra prayers, making duʿā, or increasing in dhikr.

No action is too small.

Start with something simple but make it consistent.

May Allah grant us sincerity and allow us to remain steadfast in good deeds even after Ramadan.

Today’s reminder was about turning to Allah for all our needs and understanding the importance of making duʿā and who’s duʿā is readily accepted.

A believer should ask Allah for everything, big or small and place their trust in Him.

However, it was also mentioned that when a person’s food, clothing, or wealth comes from ḥarām sources, it can affect the acceptance of their duʿā. Likewise, persisting in sins can also become a barrier to the acceptance of duʿā.

We should therefore strive to keep our earnings, food, and lifestyle ḥalāl, and regularly seek forgiveness from Allah.

The reminder also mentioned three people whose duʿā is readily accepted:

1️⃣ The duʿā of a just ruler or anyone entrusted with responsibility who acts with justice.

This includes anyone who holds a position of responsibility and strives to deal fairly and justly with others.

2️⃣ The duʿā of a fasting person until they break their fast.

This applies not only in Ramadan, but whenever a person is fasting. Fasting is an act done purely for Allah with sincerity, and the duʿā made during fasting is especially powerful.

One of the best times to make duʿā while fasting is just before Maghrib, when the fast is about to be broken.

3️⃣ The duʿā of the oppressed person.

Oppression can take many forms – it may be physical, emotional, verbal, or through injustice and unfair treatment. The meaning of oppression is broad, and anyone who has been wronged may call upon Allah.

Because of this, we must be careful not to oppress others in any way.

These three people’s duʿās are accepted because they are beloved to Allah – they either show sincerity, justice, or they are in a state of hardship where they turn to Allah with complete dependence.

May Allah allow us to turn to Him in all our needs, accept our duʿās, and protect us from injustice and sin.

Today’s reminder was about duʿā and the importance of not being hasty when asking from Allah.

Sometimes people feel that they make duʿā but it is not accepted. However, the acceptance of duʿā does not always happen immediately.

A duʿā may be accepted:

• Immediately
• After some time – weeks, months, or even years
• Or it may be stored as reward in the Hereafter

The acceptance of duʿā is not always according to how we plan or expect it to be.

When a person declares that their duʿā is not accepted, they are almost closing the door themselves through negativity and lack of hope. Some people even lose hope altogether.

Instead, we should have hope and conviction that Allah hears and responds to our duʿā whether now or later.

How can a person expect their duʿā to be accepted if they have no hope in Allah’s mercy?

We should take lessons from the life of Ayyūb (عليه السلام), who showed immense patience through hardship and continued turning to Allah.

Allah mentions his duʿā in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”
(Surah Al-Anbiyā 21:83)

He remained patient and continued to call upon Allah.

So we should continue asking from Allah, without expecting immediate results, and keep turning to Him with hope.

Sometimes one of three things may happen when we make duʿā:

• Allah grants exactly what we asked for.
• Allah protects us from a similar harm or difficulty.
• Allah saves the reward of that duʿā for us in the Hereafter.

Finally, it was mentioned that the completion of the Qur’an will take place this evening at Masjid Umar, in shā’ Allah.

When the imām makes duʿā, we should listen attentively, reflect on what is being said, and make duʿā with concentration, rather than simply repeating “Āmīn” without understanding.

May Allah accept our duʿās, grant us patience, and fill our hearts with hope in His mercy.

Today’s reminder was about the command of enjoining good and forbidding evil, and staying away from disobedience to Allah.

An incident was mentioned from the life of the Prophet ﷺ regarding his grandson.

When the young child took a date from the dates of charity, the Prophet ﷺ immediately told him to spit it out, explaining that the family of Banū Hāshim were not permitted to consume ṣadaqah.

This shows how the Prophet ﷺ instilled what is right and wrong from an early age, even in small matters.

Children should be taught the difference between right and wrong early in life so that they do not develop habitual patterns of wrongdoing later on.

In the Qur’an, Allah frequently commands believers to enjoin good and forbid evil. Both are important. It is not enough to simply encourage good deeds without also warning against what is wrong.

An example mentioned was that it is like switching on a heater while the windows are wide open.

Encouraging good while ignoring wrongdoing reduces the benefit.

At the same time, when advising others we must do so with wisdom (ḥikmah) and good character. The goal is to guide, not to insult or humiliate people.

We should not avoid advising simply out of fear of upsetting someone. If something displeases Allah, it should be addressed with wisdom and sincerity, regardless of whether it pleases people or not.

Likewise, when someone advises us, we should not become angry. If we feel upset when corrected, it is something we should reflect upon within ourselves.

Children especially observe and absorb behaviour quickly. Often they learn more from what they see than what they are told.

Parents and elders should therefore demonstrate good qualities and behaviour, as children will naturally imitate what they observe.

At the same time, when teaching children we should keep things simple and clear, as they may not always understand detailed explanations.

May Allah allow us to encourage good, stay away from wrongdoing, and raise our children with strong values and good character.

Today’s reminder was about the well-known incident when the Prophet ﷺ was ascending the pulpit and said “Āmīn” three times.

The companions later asked him about this, and he explained that Jibrīl (عليه السلام) had made three supplications, and the Prophet ﷺ said Āmīn to each of them.

1️⃣ The first supplication was regarding a person who witnesses the month of Ramadan, yet it passes and they are not forgiven.

Ramadan brings countless opportunities for forgiveness. The doors of Jannah are opened, the doors of Jahannam are closed, and the opportunities for mercy are abundant. If someone still fails to seek forgiveness and take advantage of this blessed month, then what hope remains for such a person?

2️⃣ The second supplication was about the person who finds their parents in old age but does not serve them in a way that becomes a means for them entering Jannah.

When parents reach weakness, they deserve even more care and service. In reality, this applies not only in old age but whenever parents are in need. Our parents sacrificed greatly for us, and serving them is one of the greatest paths to Paradise.

3️⃣ The third supplication was about the person who hears the name of the Prophet ﷺ mentioned but does not send salutations upon him.

Whenever the name of the Prophet ﷺ is mentioned, we should immediately send ṣalawāt (durūd). The reward is immense – sins are forgiven, ranks are raised, and Allah’s mercy descends upon the person.

It takes only a moment to say, yet the reward is immense.

Sending abundant salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ also increases our love for him, strengthens our connection to him, and brings great blessings into our lives.

May Allah allow us to benefit from Ramadan, honour and serve our parents, and frequently send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Today’s reminder was about the condition of the heart.

Over time, hearts can become rusty and polluted with spiritual filth due to sins, negligence, and being overly attached to the world.

So what is the solution?

Two powerful remedies are mentioned extracted from the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ:

1. Remembrance Of Death
2. Recitation Of The Qur’an

These acts help cleanse and strengthen the heart spiritually.

We should increase in dhikr, recitation of Qur’an, and remembrance of Allah.

When the heart becomes spiritually strong, it becomes much harder for Shayṭān to influence a person.

One of the most powerful reminders is remembering death.

Many people do not like to speak about death, but in Islam we are encouraged to remember it often and practice murāqabah (deep reflection about our state before Allah).

When visiting the graveyard, we should understand where we are and take lessons from it. Visiting should not be limited only to funerals.

Frequent visits to the graveyard remind us of our reality and our final destination.

Unfortunately, sometimes people visit the graveyard but spend their time talking to friends or engaging in other distractions instead of reflecting and making duʿā.

The graveyard should be a place of contemplation and reminder.

Another important remedy is abundant recitation of the Qur’an.

The Qur’an cleanses the heart. Along with this, there are many adhkār that strengthen the believer like spiritual multivitamins for the heart.

Even if a person finds it difficult to read Qur’an, they should start small. Begin with one āyah, then gradually increase.

Over time it may grow to a page, then more, until one can aim to recite at least one juz daily.

Consistency will slowly bring life back to the heart.

May Allah cleanse our hearts, fill them with the light of the Qur’an, and allow us to remember death in a way that prepares us for the Hereafter.

Today’s reminder was about the virtue of building a Masjid and contributing towards it.

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned in a Hadith that

“Whoever builds a Masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for them a house in Jannah.”

The scholars explain that this does not mean a person must build the entire Masjid themselves to be included within that virtue and reward.

Rather, anyone who contributes towards its construction can share in this reward whether it is 1p, £1, £100, or £1,000. What matters most is sincerity.

The intention should be to seek the pleasure of Allah, not to show off. If it is done to gain recognition or praise from people, then it falls under riyā (showing off) and the reward may be lost.

So contribute whatever you are able to, and never look down upon a small donation. In the sight of Allah, a small amount given sincerely can carry great reward.

Another point mentioned was that it is generally better to give a general donation towards the masjid construction, rather than donating only towards a specific item such as a musallā, minbar, or another particular part of the building.

While there is nothing wrong with specifying a donation, a general contribution allows a person to share in the reward of the entire Masjid and its use, in shā’ Allah.

Finally, the reminder emphasised that our responsibility does not end once the Masjid is built.

The Masjid still requires ongoing support to run water, electricity, gas, maintenance, and other costs which are not free.

Those who live nearby should try to perform wudū and use facilities at home before coming to the Masjid, as the facilities are especially there for those who may be coming from work, travelling, or in emergency situations.

We should also avoid wasting water. Some people use excessive amounts of water for wudū, almost as if they are bathing.

Wasting water is something we will be accountable for and wasting it in the house of Allah is even more serious.

Therefore, we should also contribute regularly towards the running and maintenance of the Masjid.

May Allah allow us to sincerely support the Masjids, accept our contributions, and grant us homes in Jannah.

——-

As we near the end of Ramadan, with only a few blessed days remaining, we are also reminded of the opportunity to support the Masjid Umar renovation project, where the aim is to raise £250,000 for essential works.

The goal is for 500 families to donate £500, though any amount a person is able to give will be greatly appreciated.

A small contribution given sincerely can carry immense reward.

Today’s reminder was about the honour and respect of the Masjid.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that the most beloved places to Allah are the Masjids.

They are the houses of Allah, places dedicated for worship, remembrance, and drawing closer to Him.

The Masjid is an environment where a believer strengthens their connection with Allah and earns His love.

Therefore, we must uphold the etiquettes (adab) of the Masjid.

Just as we dress appropriately when visiting someone’s home, we should also come to the Masjid dressed with respect and dignity.

In the past, people would not enter the Masjid without proper clothing or head covering.

Today, unfortunately, it has become normalised for people to enter wearing clothing with inappropriate images or casual attire that does not reflect the honour of the place.

We should also observe the Sunnah etiquettes when entering the Masjid:

• Recite the duʿā for entering the Masjid and send durūd upon the Prophet ﷺ.
• Make the intention of nafl iʿtikāf whenever we enter the Masjid.
• Lower our voices and avoid unnecessary talking.
• Sit and behave in a respectful and dignified manner.

Our focus in the Masjid should be Allah.

We should avoid misbehaviour, raising our voices, or sitting in ways that are inappropriate for such a sacred place.

It was also mentioned that we should not be hypocritical, behaving respectfully in our local Masjid but acting differently in the Haramain or other Masjids by speaking loudly, taking calls, or being distracted with phones and photography.

The etiquettes of the Masjid apply everywhere.

We should remember that Allah has chosen us to enter His house. Not everyone is given this opportunity and it can be taken away from us at anytime.

Do not take this blessing for granted.

May Allah grant us the ability to honour His houses, observe the etiquettes of the Masjid, and make our hearts attached to the Masjids.

Today’s reminder was about the virtue and importance of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

In the final ten nights, the Prophet ﷺ would increase greatly in his worship. He would exert himself more than at any other time during the month. The companions also followed this example and increased their devotion during these blessed nights.

We too should prepare ourselves spiritually for these final nights and increase in acts of worship.

Among the important actions to focus on:

• Tahajjud – giving extra attention to the night prayer in addition to Tarāwīḥ.
• Dhikr – keeping the tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah.
• Recitation of the Qur’an.
• Duʿā’ – especially during sujūd and the last portion of the night.
• Seeking Laylatul Qadr, particularly in the odd nights.

It was also encouraged to create a spiritual environment in the home, where the family focuses on worship and remembrance of Allah.

The reminder also spoke about iʿtikāf dedicating oneself to worship in the masjid during the last ten nights. The purpose of iʿtikāf is to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus entirely on Allah.

These nights are a special season of mercy, so we should take full advantage of them.

Increase in the well-known duʿās of Ramadan, asking Allah for:

• Forgiveness
• Freedom from the fire of Jahannam
• Entry into Jannah

A story was also mentioned about Bishr al-Ḥāfī, whose life changed when he saw a piece of paper with the name of Allah written on it lying on the ground. Out of respect, he lifted it and honoured it, and through that sincere act Allah guided him and transformed his life.

This reminds us that Allah’s mercy is immense, and even a small sincere action can become a means of great change.

We were also reminded to increase in charity during these blessed nights.

May Allah allow us to benefit from the last ten nights, grant us Laylatul Qadr, forgive our sins, and free us from the fire of Jahannam.

 سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْلَى

 

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي كُلَّهُ،

دِقَّهُ وَجِلَّهُ،

وَأَوَّلَهُ وَآخِرَهُ،

وَعَلَانِيَتَهُ وَسِرَّهُ

 

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَاجْبُرْنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي، وَارْفَعْنِي

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

 

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً

وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً

وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ

وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ رِضَاكَ وَالْجَنَّةَ

وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَالنَّارِ

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَعْتِقْ رِقَابَنَا مِنَ النَّارِ

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ وَعَمَلٍ،

وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ النَّارِ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ وَعَمَلٍ

Today’s reminder was about the importance of adab, respect, manners, and proper conduct.

Adab applies to many areas of our lives:

• Respect for Teachers
• Respect for Books And Knowledge
• Respect for People
• Respect for the Masjid
• Respect for the Adhān
• Respect in our daily interactions

Adab means to behave with the highest level of respect and dignity in all situations. These teachings are deeply rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

We were encouraged to read the lives of the pious predecessors and the companions, as their lives were full of examples of adab.

A few examples mentioned were from the life of ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنه).

As a young companion, he once stayed the night with the Prophet ﷺ so that he could observe his worship and actions during the night.

On another occasion, he went ahead of the Prophet ﷺ to prepare water and utensils so that the Prophet could relieve himself with ease. This reflected his deep respect and eagerness to serve.

Through adab, people naturally make duʿā’ for you. You do not always need to ask people to make duʿā’. When someone sees good manners and respect in you, they will sincerely pray for you from their hearts.

Examples were also mentioned about respecting books, listening attentively when the adhān is called, seeking permission properly when visiting others, and even turning the pages of a book with care – all signs of valuing knowledge and respecting what is sacred.

A well-known saying in Urdu was mentioned:

“Bā adab, bā nasīb. Be adab, be nasīb.”

“With respect comes fortune; without respect comes deprivation.”

True beauty is not found in clothing or outward appearance. A person may have many luxuries, yet not know how to speak or behave respectfully.

It was also mentioned that the true orphan is not simply the one whose parents have passed away, but the one who grows up without learning respect for knowledge, elders, and good manners.

At home, children should also be taught the importance of respecting guests. They should know who is coming into the house and learn how to welcome and honour visitors. Parents should set the example by hosting guests and demonstrating good conduct.

Finally, we were encouraged to study Surah Al-Ḥujurāt, which contains many teachings about respect, manners, and proper conduct with others.

May Allah grant us beautiful adab, respect for knowledge, and allow us to live with the manners taught by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Today’s reminder was about humility and the meaning of being an ‘abd – a servant of Allah.

In the Qur’an, Allah mentions the word ‘abd (servant) in many places, describing the honour of those who submit themselves to Him.

‘Abd means servant, and in reality every one of us is a servant of Allah.

In worldly terms, being called a servant may be seen as something low or insignificant. But when a person becomes a servant of Allah, it becomes the greatest honour.

The Prophet ﷺ himself is described in the Qur’an as ‘abdullāh (the servant of Allah). His honour and status came through his complete submission and obedience to Allah.

The companions (ṣaḥābah) also lived with great humility. They did not seek status or pride, but rather lived as servants of Allah with sincerity and modesty.

A believer should aim to be:

• Content with what Allah has given
• Humble in character
• Grateful for every blessing

Everything we have is from Allah.

Our wealth, abilities, health, and opportunities are all gifts from Him.

We should live our lives by the kalimah, recognising that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, and submitting ourselves fully to Him.

We were also encouraged to frequently make this duʿā’ for humility:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي فِي عَيْنِي صَغِيرًا وَفِي أَعْيُنِ النَّاسِ كَبِيرًا

O Allah, make me small in my own eyes and great in the eyes of people.

True honour lies in servitude to Allah.

May Allah grant us humility, contentment, and allow us to live as sincere servants of Him.

Today’s reminder was about following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and developing a genuine love for his way of life.

Allah tells us that if we truly love Him, then we must follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

True īmān is not complete through words alone.

Lip service is not sufficient.

Our actions must reflect that love. Actions speak louder than words.

Following the Sunnah is not limited to a few visible practices such as using the miswāk, the manner of eating, or sleeping according to the Sunnah. While these are important, the Sunnah is much broader – it is about following the entire lifestyle, character, conduct, and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.

We should strive to bring the Sunnah into every aspect of our lives.

The companions (ṣaḥābah) loved the Prophet ﷺ so deeply that they tried to make themselves mirror images of him following his guidance in every possible way.

As an Ummah, our true success lies in collectively reviving and living by the Sunnah.

We were also reminded to keep our tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah and with sending salutations (ṣalawāt) upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Whenever his name is mentioned in a gathering, we should immediately send blessings upon him.

Make a conscious effort to increase in durūd (ṣalawāt) today. It was encouraged to aim for 1,000 salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ.

Sending abundant blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ brings immense reward, blessings, and relief from difficulties.

May Allah fill our hearts with love for the Prophet ﷺ, allow us to follow his Sunnah in all aspects of life, and make us among those who frequently send salutations upon him.

Today’s reminder covered the final part of the hadith.

The focus today was on having good character when dealing with people.

Our dealings and social conduct are a major part of our dīn.

It is often said that a large portion of our religion relates to how we interact with others.

Islam is not only about acts of worship such as prayer and fasting. It also includes our behaviour, manners, and conduct in everyday life, in buying and selling, borrowing and lending, speaking to others, and fulfilling people’s rights.

An example mentioned was the etiquette of visiting someone’s home.

The Sunnah teaches us to knock or seek permission up to three times. If there is no response, or if the person chooses not to open the door, we should leave. It is their right. We should not insist or try to look inside, as the Prophet ﷺ taught us these etiquettes to protect people’s privacy.

Living in a country like ours, it becomes even more important that we display the best conduct.

For many people, their understanding of Islam will come from the way Muslims behave. Our character can either reinforce misconceptions or remove them.

Through good manners, honesty, patience, and respect, we present the true beauty of Islam.

We were also encouraged to study the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ, as his life is the greatest example of character and conduct.

May Allah grant us beautiful character and allow us to represent Islam in the best way.

Today’s reminder continued from the hadith mentioned yesterday.

The focus today was on the second part: “following a bad deed with a good deed.”

The Prophet ﷺ taught us that when a person commits a bad deed, they should follow it with a good deed so the good deed will erase it.

The bad deed is wiped away.

Many hadith mention the forgiveness of sins through good actions, but these generally refer to minor sins.

Major sins require sincere repentance, turning back to Allah with regret, stopping the sin, and resolving not to return to it.

A good deed removes the negative effect of the sin and replaces it with something positive.

One practical way is to do the opposite of the sin.

For example:

– If a person listens to something forbidden, they should use their ears to listen to Qur’an or beneficial lectures.

– If the tongue was used wrongly, it should be used for dhikr, du‘ā, or speaking good.

Replace the bad with good.

Good deeds cleanses the heart and redirect a person back to Allah.

May Allah allow us to replace our mistakes with good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

Today’s reminder was based on the Hadith of our beloved Prophet of Allah ﷺ:

“Fear Allah wherever you are, follow a bad deed with a good deed and it will wipe it out, and treat people with the best character.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

The focus today was on the first part: Fearing Allah.

To fear Allah means to adopt taqwā and to be conscious of Him at all times and to fear His displeasure.

We fear displeasing Allah in a similar way as we do not fear our parents in a negative sense, but we fear disappointing or upsetting them.

Taqwā means:

– Staying away from what displeases Allah.

– Placing a shield between ourselves and His disobedience.

– Guarding our actions, speech, and private matters.

It is not about living a double life.

Taqwā is not behaving righteously in your hometown but acting differently when you are away from your community.

Adopt taqwā wherever you are.

Whether people see you or not, Allah sees you.

Allah is not limited to a place. He is fully aware of us at all times.

True taqwā is consistency in private and in public.

May Allah grant us genuine taqwā, protect us from hypocrisy, and keep us firm upon obedience wherever we are.

Today’s reminder continued on the topic of the nafs.

When a person struggles with addiction, it is often the nafs that requires discipline and “counselling.”

The nafs becomes accustomed to certain behaviours and desires, and without effort, it keeps pulling a person back.

Even when we try to be humble or seek sincerity, the nafs interferes.

• The nafs does not like to be unnoticed.
• It does not like to be lowered.
• It wants recognition, praise, and validation.

Controlling the nafs is not easy.

That is why we must adopt muhāsabah (constant self-accountability). We must regularly ask ourselves:

• Why am I doing this?
• Who am I doing this for?
• Has my intention changed?

Stories were mentioned of the pious predecessors who avoided fame and ran from praise. Some would even help others discipline their nafs when those individuals thought they were already sincere. The pious understood how subtle and deceptive the nafs can be.

The nafs craves constant praise.

If left uncontrolled, a person may perform many outward actions yet they may carry little value in the Hereafter because they were driven by ego.

We must constantly refresh our intentions and purify our motives.

Finally, the āyāt at the end of Surah Al-Fajr were mentioned reminding us of the goal:

يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ

ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً

فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي

وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي

[To the righteous it will be said], ‘O reassured soul,

Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him],

And enter among My [righteous] servants

And enter My Paradise.’

This is what we aim for, to become a tranquil, reassured soul that is accepted by Allah.

It requires lifelong effort.

It requires struggle.

It requires sincerity.

May Allah purify our nafs, protect us from ego and pride, and make us among the reassured souls.

Today’s reminder was about controlling our desires.

Every single one of us has a nafs (inner self). It is part of our human nature.

A common question was raised:

“If Shayṭān is locked away in Ramadan, why do I still feel the urge to sin?”

The answer is because there are two influences – Shayṭān and the nafs.

Even if Shayṭān is restrained, the nafs still exists within us.

Allah mentions the nafs many times in the Qur’an.

The nafs, by its nature, inclines towards comfort, ease, and desire. It seeks what feels good – eating excessively, oversleeping, scrolling endlessly, staying in the wrong company, avoiding effort, and following impulses.

The nafs loves comfort.

It dislikes discipline.

It avoids struggle.

We are required to fight it to go against its lower desires.

There are different stages of the nafs:

Nafs al-Ammārah (The Commanding Soul)

This is the soul that commands towards disobedience. It pushes a person towards sin without hesitation.

Nafs al-Lawwāmah (The Self-Reproaching Soul)

This is when a person feels regret and remorse after sinning. They blame themselves, repent, and turn back to Allah. This is a sign of life in the heart.

Nafs al-Muṭma’innah (The Content Soul)

This is the tranquil soul that finds peace in obedience. It does not incline towards evil and finds contentment in remembering Allah.

Reaching this level is not easy. It is a lifelong effort.

Struggling against the nafs is part of our journey to Allah. Every time you resist a temptation, you are strengthening your soul.

It is a daily battle.

A continuous discipline.

A lifelong striving.

May Allah purify our nafs, grant us control over our desires, and raise us to the level of the tranquil soul.

Yesterday we spoke about the wretched, hardened heart. Today’s reminder was about its cure.

No matter how dark the heart becomes, the mercy of Allah is always ready to envelop His servants. Allah created Jannah for His servants. Some people perform a single sincere good deed and it becomes the means of their entry into Paradise.

Even in the darkness of disbelief, there is always a way out.

Just as a critically ill patient is admitted into ICU for intensive treatment, the heart too requires urgent spiritual care when it becomes hardened.

So how do we cure the wretched heart?

Recitation Of The Qur’an With Reflection

Recite with focus and contemplation. Understand what the verses are saying.

The Qur’an was not revealed to sit on a shelf for eleven months of the year. It was not given to us along with its translation to be placed aside.

Make an effort to obtain a reliable translation and understand it.

Many people do not understand the meaning of Surah Al-Fātiḥah, or even the last few surahs that they recite daily in ṣalāh. Make the effort to learn what you are reading.

Keep The Stomach Light – Fast Regularly

Fasting weakens desires. Carnal urges reduce. The soul strengthens while the ego weakens.

Perform Tahajjud

Outside of Ramadan, we abandon what we easily commit to in Ramadan.

In Ramadan, we wake up for suḥūr, pray Tahajjud, and strive in worship. Why should that stop? Even two rakʿahs consistently can soften the heart.

Cry To Allah In Duʿā’

When you wake for Tahajjud, take time to make duʿā’.

Ask Allah for your needs. Persist. Ask like a beggar with humility and desperation. A broken heart in the depths of the night is powerful.

When the imam finishes his duʿā’, it does not mean you must stop. You have your own needs, keep your hands raised and continue asking.

Keep The Company Of The Pious

Every great personality in Islamic history kept the company of righteous people.

We all know the effect of company. Good company softens the heart; bad company hardens it.

Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

“O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the truthful.”

Finally, we were reminded to recite:

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّاب

Rabbanā lā tuzigh qulūbanā ba‘da idh hadaytanā wa hab lanā min ladunka raḥmah, innaka antal-Wahhāb

(Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Yourself. Indeed, You are the Bestower.)

The heart can be cured.

The door of mercy is open.

May Allah grant us soft hearts, sincere tears, and steadfastness upon guidance.

Today’s reminder was about the state of the heart particularly the wretched or hardened heart.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

خَتَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمْ

(Allah has sealed their hearts.)

Other āyāt were also mentioned about the condition of the heart, reminding us that the spiritual state of a person is rooted in the heart.

The most distant thing from Allah is a wretched heart.

The opposite of this is a sound heart (qalbun salīm) – a heart that is soft, receptive, and alive.

So What Is A Wretched Heart?

• The heart becomes hard – advice does not penetrate. The Qur’an does not move it. Life events do not humble it.
• The eyes become dry – no tears for Jannah, no tears for Jahannam, no reflection even in the graveyard.
• The person rarely thinks about death – life becomes centred only around ambitions and worldly goals.
• Constant attachment to worldly glamour – status, luxury, cars, image.
• A loss of modesty (ḥayā’) – shame and spiritual sensitivity begin to fade.

Such a person is at a critical stage of īmān.

What Leads To This Condition?

• Sins.
• Repeated sins.
• Unrepented sins.

It begins like a small snowball at the top of a hill – but as it rolls, it grows larger and harder to stop.

Sins invite more sins.
They darken the heart gradually.

We were reminded to make duʿā’:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ
Allāhumma innā na‘ūdhu bika min ‘ilmin lā yanfa‘, wa min qalbin lā yakhsha‘

(O Allah, we seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit and from a heart that does not humble itself.)

Never underestimate the power of sins.

Protect your heart.
Soften it with Qur’an.
Cleanse it with repentance.

May Allah grant us sound hearts and protect us from hardness and heedlessness.

Today’s reminder continued on the signs of hypocrisy.

We previously mentioned:

1. When they speak, they lie.
2. When they promise, they break their promise.
3. Today’s sign: When they are entrusted, they betray that trust.

Deceitfulness when entrusted is a clear characteristic of hypocrisy.

We reflected on the title of the Prophet ﷺ – Al-Amīn (The Trustworthy). Even before revelation, people trusted him because he fulfilled trusts and responsibilities.

When he migrated to Madinah, one of his concerns was ensuring that the belongings entrusted to him were returned to their owners in the same condition. This shows the weight of amānah (trust) in Islam.

Today, betrayal of trust can be very subtle.

For example:

• When entrusted with money and amounts go missing, excuses are made. Deep down, the person knows what they did but they attempt to cover it up.
• In family life, responsibilities are trusts.
• In employment, your contract is a trust. If you are hired 9-5, you are entrusted to fulfil your duties. Deliberately neglecting work obligations while being paid can fall under deceit because you agreed to fulfil those responsibilities.
• Even in school, if a child is meant to be working in an English class but does homework for another subject instead, this too is a form of betraying trust. The time and task were entrusted.

Another example mentioned:

If someone comes to you for sincere advice. For example about purchasing a house but deep down you are also interested in that property, and you deliberately mislead them by exaggerating faults or inventing issues so they abandon it, this is deception.

They trusted you for honest advice. You knowingly misguiding them for personal gain is betrayal.

A believer protects trusts whether financial, professional, personal, or advisory.

Amānah is heavy. Trust is sacred.

May Allah make us from the truthful, the trustworthy, and protect us from the characteristics of hypocrisy.

Today’s reminder continued on the topic of hypocrisy and focused on making false promises which falls under the category of lying.

From the signs of a munāfiq (hypocrite) is that when they make a promise, they break it.

A believer is careful before speaking. A hypocrite promises what they know they cannot fulfil.

Many people in senior positions make promises they know cannot be kept due to certain barriers.

Sometimes promises are made simply to please people, gain support, or win votes knowing full well they will not be fulfilled.

Later it is said, “I tried, but my hands were tied,” when in reality they knew from the beginning it would not happen.

We must never make a promise we cannot fulfil.

Once you promise, it becomes your duty to fulfil it.

This applies even to small and trivial matters.

Many parents say to their children:  “If you clean your room, I’ll give you this.” “If you learn your sabaq, I’ll buy you that.”

Yet they have no real intention of giving anything it is just to get compliance in that moment.

Over time, children and those around us lose trust. People begin to realise that your word carries no weight. Trust is broken.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us to be trustworthy and to honour our promises. A believer’s word should be reliable.

Breaking promises falls under the characteristics of a liar.

Guard your speech.
Do not promise lightly.
And if you promise, fulfil it.

May Allah make us from the truthful and protect us from hypocrisy.

Today’s reminder was about hypocrisy and lying – a sin that is deeply despised by Allah.

Allah mentions that the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of Jahannam. Yet we aspire to be in the highest levels of Jannah. These two paths are completely opposite.

Among the signs of a hypocrite is lying.

A person who rarely lies may feel remorse and guilt after doing so. But a habitual liar loses that feeling. Truth and falsehood become the same to them. They lie without thinking twice, without hesitation, and without regret.

There are many forms of lying.

Spreading False Information

Forwarding messages whether religious or non-religious without verifying them is a form of lying.

Whether in person or on WhatsApp, we must verify 100% before sharing something. The Qur’an and Hadith warn us against spreading news without confirmation.

By forwarding something inaccurate, you may:

• Spread falsehood.
• Mislead others.
• Even give incorrect Islamic advice.

This is a serious matter.

Fraud And Scams

There are many “get rich quick” schemes online. Most, if not nearly all are too good to be true. Many are built on deception and lies.

Providing false information to gain benefits such as claiming something untrue for financial assistance or pretending disability for gain is also deception and a sign of hypocrisy.

We must protect our tongues, our statements, and even our forwarded messages.

We will continue with the second and third types of hypocrisy over the next two days, insha’Allah.

May Allah protect us from hypocrisy, purify our hearts, and make us from the truthful.

Today’s reminder was about Taqwā and Barakah.

Allah requires from us in this blessed month that we develop taqwā.

It is not just about fasting from food and drink – it is about guarding ourselves from displeasing Allah.

Taqwā means to be conscious of Allah at all times.

It is to safeguard the mind, the tongue, and the heart, and to refrain from sin publicly and privately.

Many āyāt of the Qur’an were mentioned in which Allah speaks about taqwā and its virtues.

Among its great blessings is that Allah grants a person Furqān which the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong.

The fadīlah (virtue) of taqwā is immense:

• It brings guidance.
• It brings ease in affairs.
• It brings solutions to difficulties.
• It brings barakah.

We were reminded to ask Allah for taqwā in our duʿās:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى

(O Allah, I ask You for guidance, taqwā, chastity, and contentment.)

اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نُفُوسَنَا تَقْوَاهَا وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا

(O Allah, grant our souls their taqwā and purify them – You are the best to purify them.)

We were reminded that taqwā also requires environment and effort:

• Be in the company of the pious.
• Surround yourself with righteous influences.
• And have some willpower to resist sin.

Taqwā is nurtured through good company and strengthened through discipline.

We also reflected on the meaning of Barakah.

Barakah is not always about increase in numbers.

Barakah can be:

• In time – achieving more in less.
• In wealth – little but sufficient.
• In health.
• In family.
• Even in possessions.

Sometimes wealth increases but there is no barakah.

Sometimes wealth is small, yet there is peace and sufficiency.

Someone may have little but it carries barakah.

Even an appliance lasting many years without problems is a form of barakah.

Today, we often discard things quickly. Sometimes we replace something that works, and the new one brings difficulty. We overlook the meaning of barakah.

Barakah is stability, benefit, and goodness that Allah places in something.

May Allah grant us true taqwā, surround us with righteous company, and place barakah in our time, wealth, homes, and lives.

Today’s reminder was about ruqyah and protecting ourselves from black magic.

The cure is the Qur’an.

Allah tells us in the Qur’an that it is a shifā’ (cure and healing) for the believers.

We were reminded of:

• Surah Al-Fātiḥah as a powerful ruqyah.
• The companions once recited Surah Al-Fātiḥah over a tribal leader who had been stung, and he was cured. They were given a flock of sheep in return. When they later mentioned this to the Prophet ﷺ, he approved of what they had done – showing that Al-Fātiḥah is a cure by Allah’s permission.
• Reciting the last three Quls every night (Al-Ikhlāṣ, Al-Falaq, An-Nās), blowing into the hands and wiping over the body before sleeping.
• The sihr done upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ wherein knots had been tied and subsequently untied as Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nās were revealed and recited – showing the power of these surahs against sihr.
• Reciting the Muʿawwadhāt regularly and also reading Manzil for protection.

1. Manzil:
https://jamiat.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Manzil-1-3.pdf

2. Al- Mu’awwadhāt
https://www.at-tazkiyah.com/publications/booklet_eng/muawwadhat_210524.pdf

• Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah aloud in the home, as it is a protection and shayṭān flees from a house in which it is recited.

We were also reminded to recite the duʿā’s that begin with seeking refuge, one comprehensive dua is:

نَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا اسْتَعَاذَ مِنْهُ نَبِيُّكَ مُحَمَّدٌ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

(We seek refuge in you from all the evils that your messenger, Muhammad ﷺ sought refuge from.)

Any duʿā’ that begins with “Aʿūdhu…” is seeking refuge – and these should be recited regularly for protection.

Recite these supplications regularly. Remember that prevention is better than cure.

Practical reminders were also mentioned:

• Do not let children roam outside around Maghrib time.
• Close windows whilst saying Bismillah.
• Cover or turn utensils over at night.
• Stay in the state of wudhu as much as possible. Do not stay in the state of major impurity. Sleep in the state of wudhu.
• Avoid keeping animated images in the home.

Most importantly, when reciting ruqyah:

1. Do it with a clean and sincere intention.
2. Recite (aloud)with yaqeen (certainty) that only Allah cures.
3. Be consistent and persistent.

Protection is from Allah alone.

May Allah protect us, our families, and our homes from all harm, seen and unseen.

Today’s reminder was about the evil eye and its real and harmful effects both on the one who casts it and the one it is cast upon.

The evil eye is real.

The one who casts it harms others, but also harms their own heart through envy, jealousy, and dissatisfaction. The one afflicted can experience real harm through the evil eye.

We were reminded not to go out of our way to boast about our blessings whether it’s our spouse, children, wealth, stable life, or career. Not everyone needs to hear everything.

People go through private struggles. When we constantly display our blessings, some may struggle to process it and this can lead to envy.

Protect your blessings with humility and gratitude.

If you see someone blessed, pray for them. Accept that whatever someone has been given is from the decree of Allah. Being unhappy with someone else’s blessing is, in reality, a form of dissatisfaction with what Allah has written.

We were also reminded of ways to protect ourselves:

Say often:

لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh
(There is no power and no might except with Allah.)

أُعِيذُكَ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْطَانٍ وَهَامَّةٍ وَمِنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ لَامَّةٍ
Uʿīdhuka bi kalimātillāhi t-tāmmat, min kulli shayṭānin wa hāmmat, wa min kulli ʿaynin lāmmah
(I seek protection for you in the perfect words of Allah from every devil, harmful creature, and every envious eye.)

مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Mā shā’ Allāh
(What Allah has willed.)

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ
Allāhumma bārik
(O Allah, place blessing in it.)

Recite the three Quls regularly: Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nās.

When you see something good in someone, say:

اللَّهُ يُبَارِكُ فِيكَ
Allāhu yubārik fīk
(May Allah bless you.)

When we say Allāhumma bārik, we are asking Allah to place barakah in what we see – removing harm, envy, and ill feeling from our hearts.

Guard your tongue.
Guard your heart.
Guard your blessings.

May Allah protect us from envy, purify our hearts, and place barakah in what He has given us.

Today’s reminder was about the reward of giving food which could even be a single date to a fasting person.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us that whoever feeds a fasting person will receive a reward like theirs, without the fasting person’s reward being reduced in the slightest.

Of course, the fasting person will receive greater reward as they have endured the entire day without food or water. But this teaching of the Prophet ﷺ shows us the immense mercy and generosity of Allah, far beyond what we imagine.

The scholars, in explaining this narration, mention that it is connected to the first thing a fasting person has at ifṭār even if it is just a date or something else. It is about sharing in that moment of relief and obedience at the time of breaking the fast.

They also clarify that when an action carries “the same reward” as something else, it does not necessarily mean it replaces it.

For example:

Serving or smiling at your parents may carry the reward of Hajj but it does not remove the obligation of Hajj.

Rather, this highlights the vastness of Allah’s generosity in multiplying rewards.

It was also encouraged that even in the masjid where dates may already be provided or at home where the food belongs to the household, you can still give a date to the person next to you and share in the reward of providing something to a fasting person.

Never underestimate a small act.

A single date.
A sincere intention.
A multiplied reward.

May Allah allow us to benefit from His mercy and accept from us all.

Today’s reminder was about consistency especially in Ramadan, but also throughout the year.

Islam is not about setting unrealistic targets that we cannot sustain.

When we start too high, we often burn out and fall midway.

Increase gradually:

• Like a marathon runner who builds up pace over time.
• Like a weightlifter who slowly increases the weights.

Small, consistent deeds are better than big bursts that don’t last.

Islam teaches moderation while ensuring our responsibilities to family, work, and daily obligations are fulfilled properly.

Build steadily. Stay balanced. Be consistent.

May Allah grant us istiqāmah (steadfastness) and accept from us.

This morning we were reminded about Husn an-Niyyah – purifying our intentions.

Every action should be done sincerely for the sake of Allah alone, not for the praise, recognition, or approval of people.

Be careful not to spoil your reward by:

• Doing good deeds to be seen.
• Mentioning what you’ve done to others.
• Bringing up past good actions later on to gain admiration.

Protect your intentions. Protect your reward.

Do it quietly. Do it sincerely.
Do it for the pleasure of Allah alone.

May Allah purify our hearts and accept from us.