Learn Quran and Arabic Centre, Melbourne

We should regularly and frequently recite this beautiful dua, as it can bring immense happiness and blessings to our families, in sha Allah.
"O Allah, grant us righteous spouses and offspring, and make us leaders and examples for the righteous."
This is a profound supplication taken from Surah Al-Furqan (25:74), asking Allah for a pious family and the honour of being role models for those who seek righteousness.

Alhamdulillah.
Our kids' activities at weekly Madrasah. Clyde North, Melbourne.

The lack of maturity among us Muslims is very evident. Many of us do not know when, where, and how much to speak, nor do we try to learn. We have a terrible habit of showing off our good deeds. When we meet briefly or form friendships, we start talking about the good deeds we perform. Here, we discuss why revealing our good deeds can ruin them.

Hadith Reasons to Keep Good Deeds Private:

1.Sincerity (Ikhlas):

Hadith: According to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), "Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended." (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Explanation: This Hadith emphasises the necessity of having pure intentions for all actions. Keeping good deeds private helps guarantee that they are done truly for the purpose of Allah, rather than to obtain favour or acclaim from others.

2. Avoid Riya (Show-off):

In a Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised against Riya (showing off), stating, "Shall I not inform you of what I fear for you more than the false Messiah? It is the covert polytheism: a person rises to pray and embellishes his prayer when he notices people gazing at him." Sunan Ibn Majah.

Riya, or showing off, is regarded a kind of small shirk (associating partners with Allah) as it entails doing acts of worship for the sake of others rather than Allah. Keeping good deeds hidden helps to avoid this hazard.

The emphasis on keeping good deeds private in Islam stems from the ideals of sincerity, humility, and avoidance of boasting. By concealing good activities, Muslims ensure that their actions are truly for Allah's sake, resulting in more rewards and spiritual integrity.

# # # A Small Practice for Times of Great Danger or Challenges

When we face great dangers or difficult challenges in our lives, we can perform a small practice that the Prophet (PBUH) did on the day of the Battle of Badr. Knowing the context can increase our interest in performing this practice, InshaAllah.

Among the most critical and dreadful days in the life of Rasulullah (PBUH) was the day of the Battle of Badr. It is mentioned in the hadith that on that day, he called upon Allah with utmost humility and in a pleading tone, making du’a:

-- "O Allah! If this small group is destroyed today, then after this day, there will never be anyone on earth to worship You."

He was making du’a so earnestly that his shawl fell off his shoulders. Seeing this, Abu Bakr (RA) rushed to him, picked up the shawl, and wrapped it around him, saying, "That’s enough, O Messenger of Allah! You have earnestly appealed to your Lord." [Sahih Bukhari: 4875]

# # # # What Was the Prophet Doing During That Difficult Moment?

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), the Prophet's son-in-law, said, "On the day of the Battle of Badr, I fought for a while and then returned to see the Prophet in prostration, continuously saying:

-- (Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum) — يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ
-- [Meaning: O Ever-Living, O Sustainer]

He was not saying anything else." Then Ali (RA) went back to fight. After a while, he returned to find the Prophet still in the same position, saying the same words. This happened several times until Allah granted victory to the Prophet (PBUH). [Mustadrak Hakim: 1/344, Bazzar: 2/254, Majma'uz Zawa'id: 10/147; Imam Haythami (RA) said the hadith’s chain is Hasan]

# # # # What to Do During Times of Crisis

When the world feels narrow and darkness surrounds us, we should recite "Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum" frequently. The Prophet (PBUH) recited it during one of his most critical moments, and Allah granted him success.

Additionally, we should incorporate these two phrases into our du’as, repeating them from time to time. This is because they are part of Ism-e-Azam (the Greatest Name).

"May Allah grant all of us the ability to practice this du’a, Ameen!"

A person's sustenance (rizq) is predetermined. As believers, we trust that what is not meant for you by Allah will never be yours, even if the entire world desires it for you. Conversely, what is meant for you will inevitably be yours, even if the whole world tries to prevent it. This is the essence of Taqdeer. For better sustenance, we will strive, seek help from Allah, and be patient. However, we will never become restless or overly anxious.

Many people oppress (oppression by tongue and actions) others to unjustly acquire what they desire, unaware that they will have to account for this oppression immediately upon death. The punishment begins in the grave. Allah will compensate the oppressed starting from the grave, returning to them what was unjustly taken. The prayer of an oppressed person has no barrier between them and Allah; He accepts their supplications.
If you find yourself oppressed, do not worry, as Allah loves you. If you realize that you have wronged someone, knowingly or unknowingly, rectify your actions promptly. Allah strongly dislikes the oppressor, humiliates them in this world, and they become deeply detested by people.
Always remember that a believer's greatest assets are honor and faith. Our life truly begins from the grave, and the real, eternal life is in the Hereafter. In this world, we are all temporary guests. We must ensure that our actions here do not destroy our eternal life.

The greatest virtue of a person is learning to control their tongue, which is a very difficult task. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that whoever controls their tongue will be granted Paradise.
Many people among us enjoy belittling others with their words. Whenever you feel such an inclination, remember the hadith mentioned above. Try to control your tongue little by little every day.

Keep your tongue occupied with good and kind words, and train it adequately. Insha'Allah, you will one day find the peace of Paradise within your heart.

Do not foolishly destroy all your good deeds by speaking harshly and causing pain to others.

Alhamdulillah. Eid Mubarak to you and your family from us. May Allay Ta'la accept our fasting and forgive all of us.