#alimaashfaq

I prayed for her, and I hoped she would be happy in her new home inshaAllah.

I turned around to my husband, and we discussed when I left my parents, and how some men and families don't fully appreciate *everything*women are leave behind. The security, the love, and ability to make mistakes, without feeling judged, or someone looking over their shoulder, especially if they live with their in-laws. For many, the only time they will experience empathy is when their own daughter leaves them, to begin her new life. He will miss the times she would make tea for him countless times in a day, or how she would lovingly cook for him. He will miss the laughter, and reminisce the memories they shared together, as father and daughter.

A woman leaves so much behind, and this is one of the reasons the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of fulfilling the rights of your wife. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Treat people the way you would love to be treated, and do not treat them the way you would hate to be treated.” Al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr, 15833 (Sahih). When you bring someone in your home, she has to be given the utmost respect, as we would want our own daughters to be treated.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) further emphasised how interference can cause harm, and this applies when other individuals interfere in marriages, whether they are family or friends, he said: "“From the perfection of a person’s Islam is his leaving alone what does not concern him.” Sunan al-Tirmidhî and Sunan Ibn Mâjah.

I wish I could share my frustration with you. I wish I could tell you to never give up, to keep trying, to keep going, because there will be regrets. But, will you listen? Will you listen to my pleas, or do you insist on learning the hard way? Life will kick you to the ground, and let you suffer, until you force yourself to rise again. I understand that we all have our learning curves, but I hate to see you suffer. When life is pushing you, forcing you to fall, and making you believe that you’re not good enough, you need to push harder. You need to fight your laziness, your pain, and show life itself that you ARE good enough. Worthy enough. Strong enough to be stronger than the tide.

I believe in you.

It is easy to sweep away the pain, but the pain will always come back, even when you desperately want it to disappear. You can never run away from your responsibility, because it will chase you, and stab you when you’re feeling low. You need to face your fears, and fight them. Give it your all, because God will always hand you everything to help you overcome your struggles.

Always.

If you refuse to give up on yourself, then the world will be yours. Have faith. God is always by your side. He sends you opportunities, signs and warnings to guide you, help you, and restore you.

She knocked on the majestic door, and waited. Farah couldn't believe she had been invited to His house. He was the Kindest, the Most Wealthiest and the Most Powerful. She was grateful, and wanted to show her appreciation. She needed His help and He was her only chance of surviving the test.

As she waited, she remembered the secret knock. Closing her eyes, she uttered; "Allahu Akbar (God is Great) and knocked once. Gracefully the door swung open. Peeking inside, she took several steps forward.

"Ouch!" Farah lay on the floor, flustered as she was thrown backwards. She couldn't get into the house!

There was a force barring her. Saddened, she focused again, and uttered: "Subhana Kal-lah hum-ma wabi hamdika wata-bara kasmuka wata'ala jad-duka wala ilaha ghayruka (Glory be to you, O Allah, and all praises are due unto you, and blessed is Your name and high is Your majesty and none is worthy of worship but you)."

Instantly, she fell forward and landed on a comfy red velvet cushion.

Then she noticed something. She screamed, the room was overcome with a dark, black smoke. As she struggled to breathe against the brutal attack, her eyes began to sting and then she remembered, and gasped: " A'udhu billahi minash Shayta-nir-rajeem (I seek Allah's protection from Satan who is accursed!)"

The darkness had disappeared, and a relief and serenity overtook her. She breathed, gratefully, as she was able to appreciate the grandeur of His house.

In order to rebuild our connection with Allah (swt) and attain khushu' in our prayer we need to change our perception on the concept of khushu. Salah has many floors. We are entering into a house, with many rooms to explore.

Don't ever give up on people you love in your life. They may say horrible things, hurt you and there is no excuse for this behaviour, but always pray for them, love them, and Allah (swt) will keep the strings of eman intact, even if you don't see them.

We can't see their broken souls, their shattered expectations, and their hearts that are hurting. Sometimes we are hurting so much, that we are unable to feel the pain of others, but Allah (swt) feels and knows it all. He will compensate these hardships with ease, He will return to you the ones you love. Great things take time.

Saving my *precious* moments.

Here are ten reasons why you should appreciate your mum. One or all may apply to you :) 1) Your mum was praying for you even before you were born - you are precious to her.

2) She went through nine months of pain, sickness, nausea just for you, and she doesn't regret a moment of it, because you were worth everything.

3) She spent nights awake, worrying, and praying for a healthy baby, and it broke her heart, if the Doctor diagnosed you with an illness, even if it was just a prediction. Her pain was real, and it can never be replaced or repaid.