7 Daily Spiritual Productive Habits to Develop

the article was published in ProductiveMuslim website, written by Abu Productive 

You should aim to develop the following 7 Spiritually Productive activities into habits so that you can hopefully continue benefitting from them throughout your life. I consider these activities as the spiritual ‘bread and butter’ of any ProductiveMuslim. To develop them as habits is the essence of embarking on your journey towards the love of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) and constantly increasing in your eman, inshaAllah: 

1) Pray the Sunnah Prayers before and/or after Prayer:

I know it’s easier to just pray the obligatory prayers and rush out of the mosque! However, when we realise the rewards we’re missing from not praying these Sunnah prayers we won’t leave them. Over the years I have learnt there’s only ONE way of getting yourself to pray these Sunnah prayers constantly: Get into the habit of praying them! They’ll soon become part and parcel of your Salah and your Salah will feel incomplete without performing these acts. 

Double Up on Good Deeds Before Ramadan

the following write up is collected from Tayyibaat blog

Bismillah

We now have the chance to take advantage of two sunnahs of the Prophet (alayhi salaatu wa salaam):

1- Fasting in Sha'ban

It was narrated from Abu Salamah that A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not fast in any month more than Sha'ban, and he used to fast all of Sha'ban and he used to say: "Do as much of good deeds as you can, for Allah does not get tired (of giving reward) until you get tired." And the most beloved of prayers to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was that in which one persists even if it is little. When he offered a prayer he would persist in doing so. [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) also said about Sha'ban: "It is a month that
people neglect, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which actions are raised to the Lord of the Worlds and I love for my actions to be raised while I am fasting." [Tirmidhi and Al-Nasa'i]

2- Fasting in the Summer

al-Qasim bin Muhammad said that A'ishah (radi Allahu anha) would fast in the intense heat, and he was asked: "What drove her to do this?" He replied: "She would take advantage of the days before death." And some of the righteous women would choose the hottest days and fast them, saying: "If the price is low, everyone will buy," meaning that she wanted to do those actions that only a few were capable of due to how hard it was to do them, and this is indicative of the high aspirations these women had. [ibn Rajab hafidhahullah]

Abu ad-Darda' (radi Allahu anhu) would say: "Fast the very hot days in anticipation of the Day of Resurrection, and pray two rak'at in the darkness of night in anticipation of the darkness of the grave." And it's reported in the two ' Sahih's that he said: "You have seen us with the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) on some of his journeys on very hot days, and a man would hold his hand against his head due to the intensity of the heat, and none of them would be fasting except the Messenger of Allah and 'Abdullah bin Rawahah." [Bukhari]

Nicely explained! "Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)" by Umm Yusuf

I used to think that tawakkul was just making dua for good to happen in your life and expecting good to happen with certainty (no matter how uncertain the situation may be).  I realize now that tawakkul is also a belief in the Grand Plan of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) and that, in the worst times of your life when you think you have been abandoned, when you are tested, tawakkul is to also believe there is good in the test that you are going through…and even that test is a mercy of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). Remember Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) loves you more than your mother does and, although you cannot imagine doing this, one day you will thank Him for giving you that test because through it you gained so many blessings.

"And Allah is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know." Qur'an(12:20)

Tawbah: treading the path of paradise -- by Yasmin Mogahed

The writing is taken from the website of sister Yasmin Mogahed

The man knew he was nearing his death. Because he had committed innumerable sins, he was terrified to meet his Lord. Upon his death, the man said to his children: "If my Lord takes possession of me, He will punish me in a manner in which He has punished no one else." In his fear, the man asked his children to burn his body after his death and scatter his remains.

And so after his death, the man was cremated. But then God said to the earth: "Produce what you have taken." When the man came before God, God said to him: "What induced you to do what you did?" The man replied, "It was out of fear of you, oh my Lord." And because of that, he was forgiven [from Hadith Qudsi 32, Bukhari & Muslim].

Shaitan's Speech in the Day of Judgement

And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, 

"Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. 

But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. 

So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. 

Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allah] before.

Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment."

[Al Quran, Surah Al Ibrahim, 14:22]

Why do people have to leave each other by Yasmin Mogahed

I have collected the following post from Suhaibwebb.com which is written by sister Yasmin Mogahed. One of the wonderful post I have ever read.

When I was 17 years old, I had a dream. I dreamt that I was sitting inside a masjid and a little girl walked up to ask me a question. She asked me: “Why do people have to leave each other?” The question was a personal one, but it seemed clear to me why the question was chosen for me. I was one to get attached.

Ever since I was a child, this temperament was clear. While other children in preschool could easily recover once their parents left, I could not. My tears, once set in motion, did not stop easily. As I grew up, I learned to become attached to everything around me. From the time I was in first grade, I needed a best friend. As I got older, any fall-out with a friend shattered me. I couldn’t let go of anything. People, places, events, photographs, moments—even outcomes became objects of strong attachment. If things didn’t work out the way I wanted or imagined they should, I was devastated. And disappointment for me wasn’t an ordinary emotion. It was catastrophic. Once let down, I never fully recovered. I could never forget, and the break never mended. Like a glass vase that you place on the edge of a table, once broken, the pieces never quite fit again.

Modesty : The Missing Element

An important lecture by brother Nouman Ali Khan. The wonderful and very important human behavior is Modesty. And it is a major characteristics for the Muslims.

The Youth Dilemma

A wonderful speech by Omar Suleiman on Youth dilemma.

Hardship in the path of Allah

I have watched a lecture by sister Yasmin Mogahed in a conference by MSA west. It was wondeful and described some amazing point of view to understand the hardships of life. here is the link from Suhaibwebb



The Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) said: "If Allah wills good for someone, He subjects them to hardship." How could that be? How can hardship ever be good for us? What is the purpose of trials and why does Allah promise that we will face trials and tribulation? In what way does hardship purify and develop us? When is tribulation a punishment? When is it a blessing?

Yasmin Mogahed discusses these issues in a speech titled "Hardships and the Path to God" at the 2011 MSA West Conference.

An Inspiring Writer : Yasmin Mogahed

I came to know her by a piece named The Dream of Life which was really a wonderful one. Then I found another write-ups titled Emptying The Vessel which I liked a lot. After that, I watched her to deliver a speech on Manhood and Womanhood in Islam which was educative, thought-provoking and enchanting. After all these, I found many more thoughtful, amazing writings and still counting. The most interesting part of her writings to me is the philosophical essence of our beliefs which adds a new dimension in the heart of readers. Like other Dayees (preachers) of Islaam, who presents the message of 'Deen' to people, she is a devoted intellect who writes and speaks for ummah. She writes in Suhaibwebb.com, which is a wonderful website. She has a website where all her activities are found altogether. Her contribution for Deen is inspiring the Muslim ummah, especially for our Muslimah sisters. 

Biography of Sister Yasmin Mogahed

Yasmin Mogahed, who holds a B.S. in Psychology and a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communications, is an internationally published journalist. 

She is also a writing instructor at Cardinal Stritch University, a staff columnist for the Islam section of InFocus News, and an independent media consultant based in North Carolina. 


She has lectured extensively around the country on Muslim affairs, and her written works, including a book chapter on the portrayal of Islam post-9/11, have appeared in print and online publications worldwide.

Related Links:

• Yasmin Mogahed Website: Website which is taglined: 'A life of Submission, A piece of Serenity'!
• Suhaibwebb: Sister Yasmin is a regular contributor in Suhaibwebb. All her beautiful writings are available in this website. 
• One Legacy Radio: Yasmin Mogahed hosts a program named "Serenity" which is broadcasted live on Wednesday at 3:30 PM (PST). It is repeated on Wednesday 7:00 PM (PST) and Thursday 3:00 AM (PST)
• Personal Blog -- A Soul's Journey: Collection of poetries by Yasmin Mogahed.
• Huffington Post: Yasmin Mogahed writes in the popular Magazine Huffington Post.
• Facebook Page: She updates her views and new writings for the readers 
• Twitter: Yasmin Mogahed on twitter.

Biography of Sheikh Yassir Fazaga

 "Yassir Fazaga is an inspiring, multi-lingual speaker sought-after from USA through Canada to the Middle and Far East. He was born in Eritrea and moved to the United States at the age of 15; has a Bachelors in Islamic Studies from the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in Virginia; has completed all coursework for his Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counselling from the California State University of Long Beach; is currently undertaking his Masters in Theology at Loyola Marymount University.

Emptying the Vessel by Yasmin Mogahed

Note: This article is taken from Suhaibwebb and it is written by sister Yasmin Mogahed.

Before you can fill any vessel, you must first empty it. The heart is a vessel. And like any vessel, the heart too must be emptied—before it can be filled. One can never hope to fill the heart with God, so long as that vessel is full of other than Him subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He).

To empty the heart does not mean to not love. On the contrary, true love, as God intended it, is purest when it is not based on a false attachment. The process of first emptying the heart can be found in the beginning half of the shahada (declaration of faith). Notice that the declaration of faith begins with a critical negation, a crucial emptying. Before we hope to reach true tawheed (true monotheism), before we can assert our belief in the one Lord, we first assert: "la illaha" (there is no illah). An illah is an object of worship. But it is imperative to understand that an illah is not just something we pray to. An illah is what we revolve our life around, what we obey and what is of utmost importance to us—above all else.

It is something that we live for—and cannot live without.

5 Short & Sweet Ways to Make Dua

the writing was originally posted in Productive Ramadan website

.....

As we all know, Ramadan is a great time to spiritually recharge! It's also a great time to make Dua.

Every year for the past 3 years I've made a Dua list. At the start of Ramadan I write down a list of 7 to 8 things that I want the most and I memorize them. I make dua for each item on the list every day of Ramadan at the times that dua are more likely to be accepted. I can personally tell you all that it does wonders. Honestly, things I've asked for persistently and I did not think would, have come true.

It's incredible. I look back and can't believe I've gotten so many of things I asked so desperately for, Allah truly does not leave the hands of a believer empty when raised to Him. I get excited every year around this time because I get to make that wish list again.

I would highly recommend making a personal dua list of your own! As an incentive, our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything" (Tirmidhi). Why incur His wrath?

Some things to consider when writing your dua list:

1. Write it all down

Put down what you want to ask for on paper or on your phone so for the first few weeks you don't miss a single item. It can be as long as you want! It can be private and you don't need to share it with others so feel free to only make a list of keywords to remind you of each item.

2. Ask anything & everything that is good

When choosing your items, imagine that Allah is asking you to ask Him for anything and everything you've ever wanted! Imagine the possibilities. Write down everything you want to ask Allah with no limitations (but keep it halal!). Remember folks, you're asking Al Mujeeb – the One Who Responds and is the Supreme Answerer.

3. Organize

Try separating your duas into categories so you know that you've properly hit each one. I would recommend: dunya, akhirah, ibadah, the ummah, and
relationships. For each category, think about what you would like the most and start listing them.

4. Make the dua when duas are most likely answered

These times include right before breaking the fast, during your salah in sujood and after the obligatory prayers, Qiyam ul layl, the last 10 nights etc. I personally make mine right before breaking my fast during iftaar.

5. Remember the etiquettes of dua

There is a right and proper way to make dua. Remember that we must praise Allah first, ask for peace and blessings upon our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and then make our dua.

I pray you all have a meaningful and successful Ramadan full of barakah. May Allah preserve you all to reap the benefits of such a Holy month and bring you closer to Him. May He give you all strength, knowledge, patience and humility. Ameen!

Note from the Author:
Most of this article was inspired by: My-Ramadan-Preparation

The Dream Of Life by Yasmin Mogahed

 the post was published in Suhaibwebb. I liked this one!

It was only a dream.  For a moment, it overtakes me. Yet the suffering I feel in my nightmare is only an illusion. Temporary. Like the blink of an eye. Why do I dream? Why do I have to feel that loss, fear, and sadness in my sleep?

On a greater scale, it's a question that has been asked throughout time. And for many people, the answer to that question has determined their path to—or away from—faith.  Faith in God, faith in life's purpose, faith in a higher order or a final destination has often all rested upon how this singular question has been answered. And so, to ask this question is to ask about life, in the most ultimate  way.

Why do we suffer? Why do 'bad' things happen to 'good' people? How could there be a God if innocent children starve and criminals run free? How can there be an all-loving, all-powerful deity who would allow such misfortunes to happen?

And if God is indeed Just and Good, shouldn't only good things happen to good people and only bad things happen to bad people?

How to Taste the Sweetness of Prayer (Salah)

The post is taken from Suhaibwebb.com, written by brother Jinan Bastaki.

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
All praise and thanks be to God, and may peace and blessings be upon the most noble of Prophets and Messengers.

A while ago, a show aired in Arabic called "كيف تتلذذ بالصلاة؟" which means "How can you taste the sweetness of prayer?" by a young Kuwaiti da'iya named Mishary Al-Kharaz. For many of us, our khushoo' in our prayer fluctuates. What is khushoo'? It is a state of mind that contains serenity, tranquility, dignity and humility during prayer, which springs from one's heart standing in front of Allah in humility and submission. Sometimes in prayer we have so much devotion and can feel every word; yet at other times it's all about the ritual movements and nothing more. Insha'Allah (God willing), I will try to summarize the main points of this show every week.

How can we prepare for Ramadaan? What are the best deeds in this blessed month?.

This writing is taken from the website ISLAM-QA.
Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

You have done well to ask this question, because you have asked how to prepare for the month of Ramadaan. Many people misunderstand the true nature of fasting, and they make it an occasion for eating and drinking, making special sweets and staying up late at night and watching shows on satellite TV. They make preparations for that long before Ramadaan, lest they miss out on some food or prices go up. They prepare by buying food, preparing drinks and looking at the satellite TV guide so they can choose which shows to follow and which to ignore. They are truly unaware of the real nature of fasting in Ramadaan; they take worship and piety out of the month and make it just for their bellies and their eyes.

Secondly: 

Others are aware of the real nature of fasting in the month of Ramadaan, so they start to prepare from Sha'baan, and some of them even start before that. Among the best ways of preparing for the month of Ramadaan are:

1 –Sincere repentance

This is obligatory at all times, but because of the approach of a great and blessed month, it is even more important to hasten to repent from sins between you and your Lord, and between you and other people by giving them their rights, so that when the blessed month begins you may busy yourself with acts of worship with a clean heart and peace of mind. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful"

[al-Noor 24:31] 

Learning About Namaz (The Prayer)

Here goes few youtube videos about Salah, and all these are by Brother Nouman Ali Khan. MashaAllah nicely said. As a Muslim, this is really important to learn how to be concentrated to Salah which keeps us to be in connection to our Lord, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.. At the same time, it is very important to know the meaning of what we recite, why should we keep concentration in Namaz, what are the benefits of it...
May Allah forgive us and bless us.

• The Salah

• What is Khushoo in the Salah?

• When Will We Submit?

Manhood and Womanhood In Islam

This is an amazing video. I loved it and really fascinated mashaAllah. Sister Yasmin Mogahed and Brother Yassir Fazaga spoke in here. The topic is-- Manhood and Womanhood In Islam. This is really nice! :-)

Muslim brothers and sisters should watch it and  think about these matters in life... :-)

Youtube Video

'Exposing Pornography' -- Speech by Sheikh Yassir Fazaga

The video I  shared is of a Khutbah. Sheikh Yassir Fazaga spoke on an important issue for the Muslim Ummah -- Exposing Pornography. He is an inspiring speaker MashaAllah... and covered this issue really nice. I loved the way he analyzed and stated the problem and how greatly it is affecting our eeman, our ibadah and many spheres of our Muslim Community.

Who likes to acquire knowledge for duniyah and akhirah, should go through this video. Here is the biography of Sheikh Yassir Fazaga.

Re-charging your battery: How to deal with imaan dips

by Asma Malek, taken from muslimmatters.org

 

"Takbeer" – your voice with those of the brothers and sisters around you come together in a resounding "Allahu Akbar!"; there is a surge of energy and you feel so uplifted, your heart is full of love for Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, and His Messenger (sal Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Your pride in Islam is renewed and you just love all your brothers and sisters, you're filled with humility and zeal, you want to take action, pray with the utmost sincerity, and attain Jannah. With a bursting smile and glowing face, you say your salaams and head home. Before getting to sleep you say your adhkar and you're still smiling, thinking of the lugh gardens in Paradise, and the delicious food that will be served to you on silver platt…