#revethelp

[basicsofislam]

BASICS OF ISLAM :

Ulfa (Familiarity) .Part1

Q: What is Ulfa (Familiarity)? And What Are its Negative Effects? The word ulfa means familiar intercourse, familiarity, friendship. But what is meant in the question has a far broader and more comprehensive meaning than the bare translation of the word conveys.

Humanity's relationship to things and events, the meanings and conclusions drawn by them from such relationship, the actions and reactions that are aroused by these conclusions within their conscience, and the changes in their actions and attitudes as a result of all these, are a chain of matters that keep their souls alert, active, sensitive and vigorous.

The admiration humanity feel for the splendor and attraction of the creation, the curiosity and wonder they feel about the precise operation and order of the universe, the gains they make from the things they discover, the urge to acquire more and more, and the intellectual capacity and the organized way of their thinking, lead them to be mentally and spiritually sensitive, alert, active for and preoccupied with all events.

By contrast, if they do not perceive the exciting beauties and varieties of things and events around them, but go on living unaware of the harmonious combinations working in the universe, inattentive and indifferent to everything around them; if they do not seek for the cause and effect and wisdom behind all things and events; and also, if they do not discover their inner world and soul—this shows insensitivity, negligence and ignorance, and spiritual enervation.

Neither the mysterious book of the universe nor the opening out before their gaze of its signs, leaf by leaf, teaches him anything. And how many signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn (their faces) away from them! (Yusuf 12:105).

In spite of exposure to falls and rises, to such convincing illustrations in nature and history, how few people really benefit from them!

For those who are aware of what is going on around them, their curiosity and wonder at the creation are like setting forth on an endless sea, in each stage of which they acquire the golden keys to the mysterious palaces of the universe. As they advance with pure heart, elevated feelings, composed mind and soul ready to receive inspirations, and as they feed their soul with what they gather from the whole creation, their intellectual world turns to a garden of Paradise and yields its fruits.

Those who do not acquire such an understanding cannot take themselves out of the circle of familiarity and keep complaining about the monotony of things and events. According to such people, everything is chaos, dark and meaningless. . . .

Even if they see all the signs, they will not believe in them. . . (A'raf 7:146).

Their minds are chained, their souls yoked, and their hearts are sealed, so they understand not (there are many verses in the Qur'an ending this way). Such people cannot be expected to do any good or produce anything useful. It is impossible to hope for something from them in this mood.

There is another sort of familiarity which happens after one has fully known and realized something or supposed that one has, though, in reality, one has not. This is what the question was getting at. After having known, believed, acquired or experienced a little, the changing conditions and the renewed beauties should result in new dimensions and greater profundity. To lose one's interest, alertness and sensitivity and to no longer draw lessons or conclusions, is a kind of fall or deviation, of decay and death, in one's feelings.

If those who have fallen into such a situation do not waken immediately and run (or are not led to run) to appreciate again the delicacy, subtlety of thought and wisdom in things; if they do not open their ears, listen to, and understand, the Divine Messages, they are destined to become barren and perish. Therefore, the Creator of the universe has sent many and various people and given lessons and warnings by them. By these sincere, reliable, eloquent, and infallible guides, the Almighty reiterates His Eternal Messages and thus brings clarity to the minds, strength to the hearts, and peace to the souls. Moreover, He always awakens consciences against that to which they may get habituated, and urges people to review all the tableaux He presents to their understanding.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Ghaffaar— The All-and-Oft-Forgiving— on five occasions in the Quran. He is the One who forgives and covers us time and time again. Al-Ghaffaar is the One Who forgives our sins, veils our shortcomings, and protects us from the effects of our mistakes in this life and the next so we can go on without shame or guilt!

The Oft-Forgiving, The One who veils and protects

Ghaffaar comes from the root ghayn-faa-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first meaning is to cover, veil, conceal, and hide. The second meaning is to pardon, to forgive, and to set aright. And the third meaning is to cover a thing to protect it (from dirt).

This root appears 234 times in the Quran in nine derived forms. Examples of these forms are yaghfiru (He forgives, will forgive), wa-is’taghfir (and ask forgiveness), and maghfiratun (forgiveness).

Linguistically, ghaffaar is a hyperbolized noun, which implies quantity and continuity. Al-Ghaffaar is the One who forgives all kinds of sins over and over again. He sets us free from the guilt and shame of our own faults so we can feel inner peace, and He can transform wrong deeds and change them into what become good deeds.

Al-Ghaffaar Himself says: Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver… [Quran, 38:66] And … Unquestionably, He is the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver. [Quran, 39:5]

A beautiful invocation

The Arabic word astaghfirullah – I seek forgiveness of Allah— is from this same ghaa-faa-raa root and is a beautiful, comprehensive request to Allah ‘azza wa jall to forgive us, hide away our faults, watch over us, and protect us from faults. Maghfirah is the word for this profound concept of forgiveness, covering, and protection.

Examples of magfirah

Allah Al-Ghaffaar covers and protects in the most beautiful ways, both spiritually and physically. An example is that He keeps your thoughts and intentions hidden from other people; your innermost feelings are well-protected and covered by Al-Ghaffaar. Another example is that Al-Ghaffaar physically covers us; He clothes our inner body nicely with skin. Imagine muscles being on the surface. Without this skin man would look appalling. Another example of Allah’s maghfirah is that He veils a believer’s private sins and misdeeds and doesn’t publicize them to others.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Forgive to be forgiven.
Be honest with yourself— have you always forgiven others or did you just say “I forgive you,” while ill feelings lingered in your heart? … and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. [Quran, 24:22] Each night before you go to sleep try to cleanse your heart from grudges and ill-feelings and when you find it hard to forgive, remind yourself of the greatest motivation: Allah’s forgiveness. There’s no space for a big ego if you want to be forgiven by Allah ‘azza wa jall.

2. Seek forgiveness to increase your blessings.
He says: And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.’ [Quran, 71:10] What will happen if you ask for forgiveness? Al-Ghaffaar will increase your blessings. He continues: He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. [Quran, 71:11-12] So next time you want something, increase in seeking forgiveness (or istighfaar).

3. Don’t hunt for other people’s mistakes.
Al-Ghazali said about the attribute of maghfirah: Every creature is bound to have perfection and imperfection, or ugliness and beauty, so whoever overlooks the ugly and mentions only the beautiful is one who shares in this attribute. As a true believer, always highlight the good of others and cover their faults. Never hunt for others’ mistakes.

4. Follow up a bad deed with a good one.
Al-Ghaffaar tells you: But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance. [Quran, 20:82] and Except for those who repent, believe, and work righteous deeds. For those, Allah will change their evil deeds into good deeds, and Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Quran, 25 : 70] What often happens is that we sin and feel bad but remain passive.
Al-Ghaffaar tells you exactly what to do to get perpetual forgiveness: turn to Him sincerely in repentance no matter how often you’ve sinned, follow up your bad deed with a good one, and be determined to stay on the right path. Then Al-Ghaffaar will transform your evil deeds into good deeds— a great blessing. So next time you sin, open the Quran and read or give some sadaqah. You have much opportunity to do good, but don’t delay!

5. Give thanks.
Reflect on the fact that Al-Ghaffaar veils your sins and bad deeds for others again and again, and thank Him for this blessing.

6. Follow the examples in the Quran and Sunnah.
Look for the Quranic supplications for forgiveness Al-Ghaffaar blessed you with and use them when you ask for His maghfirah, for example: Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful. [Quran, 23:109] Study the ways the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to seek forgiveness by using the morning and evening adhkaar (remembrance) to be found in the book of supplications Hisnul Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim). Examples are daily invocations like: ghufraanaka when you exit the toilet, saying astaghfirullah wa atoobu ilayk more than 70 times a day.

O Allah, Al-Ghaffaar, we know that You forgive, cover, and protect us continuously. Forgive our sins, the first one, the last one, the hidde,n and apparent, and enable us to keep turning to You seeking forgiveness. Conceal our shortcomings in this life and on the Day of Judgement, protect us from the effects of our sins, and aid us to be forgiving to others, ameen!

[sahihmuslim]

Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship, Book 45, Hadith 206

Anas b. Malik reported that a desert Arab said to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ):

When would be the Last Hour? Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: What preparation have you made for that? Thereupon he said: The love of Allah and of His Messenger (that is my preparation for the Last Hour) (for the Day of Resurrection). Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: You would be along with one whom you love.

Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship, Book 45, Hadith 206

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh): The Battle of Tabuk and Afterwards

(10th Year of the Migration, the month of Rabiul-Awwal /AD 631)

The Messenger of God sent Khalid b. Walid to Sons of Harith b. Ka’b living around Najran in Yemen with four hundred mujahids.

The order of the Messenger of God to Khalid b. Walid was as follows:

“Invite them to Islam for three days. If they agree, do whatever is necessary; if they avoid agreeing, fight them.”

Khalid arrived somewhere near Najran with the mujahids under his command. He sent cavalrymen from different directions as envoys and invited Sons of Harith b. Ka’b to Islam three days on end. Finally, the people of Najran accepted the invitation and became Muslims.

Thereupon, Khalid stayed with them for a while to teach them about the decrees of Islam. Then, he informed the Messenger of God about the situation by writing a letter. He asked the Prophet what he should do.

The Reply of the Prophet to Khalid

The Messenger of God wrote the following reply to Khalid’s letter and sent it to him.

“Bismillahirrahmanirrahim!

From the Messenger of God Muhammad to Khalid b. Walid…

Peace be upon you!

I praise God, except whom there is no God, for what you did.

I received the letter brought by the envoy. You wrote in your letter that Sons of Harith b. Ka’b became Muslims without resisting, believed in God, who has no partners, witnessed that Muhammad is God’s slave and Messenger and that God guided them to the true path.

Give them the good news that they will receive the bounties of the hereafter if they act in accordance with the orders of God and His Messenger; frighten them with torture in the hereafter if they act contrarily to the orders of God and His Messenger.

Now, you can come back. Bring their envoys with you.

May God’s peace, mercy and blessing be upon you.”

Khalid b. Walid Comes to Madinah with the Delegation of Sons of Harith

Upon the order of the Messenger of God, Khalid came toMadinah with a delegation of Sons of Harith. The envoys went to the presence of the Messenger of God and informed him that they had become Muslims.

The Prophet appointed Qays b. Husayn, who was among the envoys, as the governor and commander of Sons of Harith b. Ka’b.  

After staying in Madinah for a while, the envoys returned to their land with the gifts given by the Messenger of God.

[everyday-quote]

Allah has regarded benevolence and kindness to parents as a shield against His resentment.

Fatima (Radiallahu Anha)

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Al-Musawwir- The Fashioner, The Bestower of Forms- on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who forms and shapes all that exists. Al-Musawwir gave everything its own distinct shape and inclination or desire despite the great variety of the creation - every single creature is unique!

The Shaper, The Fashioner, The Bestower of Forms

Musawwir comes from the root saad-waw-raa, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to make something incline, lean, or bend, and the second is to form, fashion, sculpt, imagine, or picture something. The third main meaning is to have an inclination or desire towards something.

This root appears 19 times in the Quran in five derived forms. Examples of these forms are wasawwarakum ("and He formed you"), as-soori ("the trumpet"), and sooratin ("form").

Linguistically, khaaliq, baari', and musawwir are interrelated in meaning and deal with the aspects of Allah 'azza wa jall as Creator; all the rest is creation. Al-Musawwir bestows forms and not by way of copying- He is far above that. Al- Musawwir says Be! and it is, with the attributes and the form that He has chosen for it. He does what He wills and creates what He wills in the form that He wills.

Al-Musawwir Himself says: He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. [Quran, 59:24]

The Relationship of Al-Khaaliq, Al-Baari' and Al-Musawwir

In Surah al-Hashr, Al-Musawwir' is mentioned after al- Khaaliq (The Creator, The Maker) and al-Baari' (The Originator). Some scholars have said that in this ayah the attribute of creation refers specifically to Allah's determination of what He creates, so it comes first.

The name Al-Baarī refers to the creative act of bringing about what Allah wills to create. Finally, the name Al- Musawwir (the Fashioner) refers to giving each created thing its particular form. So Allah decrees what He creates, brings it into existence, and specifies its particular, unique form.

Scholars also have differentiated between these three names as follows: Al-Khaaliq is the One Who created from nothing all creatures that exist, according to their decreed qualities. Al-Baari' is the One Who made man from al-baraa, i.e., clay. Al-Musawwir is the One Who creates various forms and shapes. So al-Khaaliq is a general word, al-Baari' is more specific and al-Musawwir is even more specific [Kitaab Sharh Asmaa' Allaah ta'aala al-Husnaa, Dr. Hissah al- Sagheer].

How Can You Live by This Name?

1. Be happy with how al-Musawwir shaped you.

We live in a time of cosmetic surgery; if you don't like how you look, you can change yourself with a medical procedure. Allah 'azza wa jall says: He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise. [Quran, 3:6] Be content with how Al-Musawwir shaped you by His ultimate wisdom. For example, if we were as beautiful as the Prophet Yuusuf 'alayhi salam, would we be able to withstand the temptations he faced? When you look at yourself in the mirror, say Alhamdulillah. If Shaytan tempts you to complain about any of your facial or body features, remember those who are blind, sick, or disabled.

2. Reflect on beautiful shapes.

Allah 'azza wajal says: Then We made the seed a clot, then We made the clot a lump of flesh, then We made (in) the lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We caused it to grow into another creation, so blessed be Allah, the best of the creators. [Quran, 23:14] Everything you see around us is proof of Allah's existence. To please your senses, He designed flowers, trees, fruits, and even cows and sheep, etc. to have very appealing shapes.

Amazingly, when it comes to outside your range of normal vision, the mosquitoes, bees, and other insects are very terrifying to look at. He ensured that you live a pleasant life, so thank Al-Musawwir for the blessings of beautiful shapes to look at.

3. Live up to your potential!

Know your position. Indeed, We have created the human being upon the best of forms. [Quran, 95: 4] Al-Musawwir created and formed you with a particular brain, heart, face, and limbs, which differentiate us from the animals. How do you use them? You will be questioned on the Day of Judgment as to how you use your hearing, your sight, and your hearts. So use these faculties to do as many good deeds as you can and don't use them to harm yourself or others by sinning, nor by going to forbidden places.

4. Worship Al-Musawwir alone.

Allah 'azza wa jall alone deserves your worship. This is the Creation of Allah. Now show me that which those (you worship) beside Him have created. Nay, but the wrong-doers are in manifest error! [Quran, 31:11] Remember this ayah when you feel tempted to turn to others for your desires instead of to Al-Musawwir.

5. Ask Al-Musawwir.

Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of them? Yes Indeed! and He is the Superb Creator (of all), the Ever-Knowing. Surely His Command, when He wills a thing, is only to say to it: 'Be!' and it is! Therefore glory be to Him in Whose hand is the Kingdom of all things, and to Him you shall be brought back. [Quran,36:82-83].

Al-Musawwir perfected everything you see around you; don't you think He can solve all your problems? So remember when you supplicate: nothing is impossible for al- Musawwir.

O Allah, Al-Musawwir, we know that You are the One who forms the whole creation. Make us of the shaakireen (the grateful ones) for our own forms and the shapes around us, help us ponder Your creations and ask You at all times. Make us of those who use the blessings you gave us for good, and make us witness the beautiful shapes of Paradise, ameen!

And Allah knows best.

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam—The Possessor of Glory and Honour, The Lord of Majesty and Generosity — on two occasions in the Quran. He is the one who owns each attribute and manner of glory, majesty, superiority, generosity, and honour. Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is the source of great splendour and abundance!

The Owner of Loftiness and Majesty, The Lord of Generosity and Nobility

Jalaal comes from the root jeem-laam-laam, which points out to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be glorious, majestic and sublime. The second main meaning is to be high, lofty and independant and the third to be supremely great.
This root appears twice in the Quran in one form; as the noun jalaal. An example is al-jalaali (of Majesty).

Ikraam, kareem and akram come from the root kaaf-raa-meem, which points out to four main meanings. The first meaning is to be generous, giving, and beneficent. The second main meaning of this root is to be highly esteemed, honoured and valued. The third main meaning is to be precious, valuable and rare and the fourth to be bountiful and productive. This root appears 47 times in the Quran in eight derived forms. Examples of these forms are al-akram (“the Most Generous”), kareemun (“noble”), kiraaman (“dignified ones”) and al-ikraam (“and Honor ”).

Linguistically, dhu or thoo is a demonstrative pronoun and literally means with, in, on, or of in the Arabic language. In Dhul-Jalaal dhu refers to Allah ‘azza wa jall being complete Possessor, Owner and Lord of al-Jalaal, Majesty and Glory. Wal-Ikraam means wa (and) al-Ikraam, the Generosity and Bounty. Kareem is an adjective while ikraam is a verbal noun.

Allah is the Lord of these two beautiful Attributes. Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam is the One who is most precious and honoured, He is the Majestic and Glorious Lord, Owner and Source of all generosity, blessings and bounties!

Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam Himself says: Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor [Quran, 55:78]

The Honourable Face of Allah

In Surah Ar-Rahmaan Allah ‘azza wa jall tells us about the moment everything and everyone on earth will perish and only His honourable Face will remain, because He is the Ever-Living and will never die. Allah ‘azza wajall describes His Face here as being Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam. Ash-Sha`bi said, “When you have recited, Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.) do not stop, continue reading,And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”[Quran, 57:24-25] Ibn `Abbas commented on the meaning of Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam, by saying, “Owner of greatness and pride.” Both of these statements can be found in tafseer Ibn Katheer.

How Can You Live by This Name?

1.      Seek the Face of Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.

Allah ‘azza wa jall describes His Noble Face as being Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam; only He is worthy of being revered and obeyed. Make it a mission to seek His Face in everything you do. And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His Face [Quran, 18:28] That means for example that if you do something for someone else or give someone something, you don’t do it for their praise or recognition, but only to please Allah. As He said about those giving charity: We feed you seeking Allah’s Face only [Quran, 76:9] You can test yourself by seeing how you feel when someone doesn’t show gratefulness or doesn’t recognize what you did for them: do you feel angry and upset? Then you might have to remind yourself to do it for His Face only  He records each deed, no matter if people thank you or not.

2. Remember Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam after each prayer.
Follow a sunnah and get rewarded immensely by using below dhikr after salah. A’ishah radiyallahu ‘anhaa said, “When the Messenger of Allah would (say the) Salam (completing prayer), he would only sit as long as it takes him to say,

‎اللْهُمَّأَنْتَالسَّلَامُوَمِنْكَالسَّلَامُ،تَبَارَكْتَيَاذَاالْجَلَالِوَالْإِكْرَام

Allahumma antas-salaam wa minkas-salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam (O Allah! You are As-Salam, and peace comes from You. Blessed be You Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam) [Muslim]

3. Be generous.
Let Allah ‘azza wa jall being  the Lord of generosity be an inspiration for you to be kareem (generous) to others as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The generous one is close to Allah, close to people, far from the fire… [At-Tirmidhee]

4. Recognize the Source.
When you receive gifts from people or someone benefits you by giving support or help, know that the Source of these bounties is Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam. So when a gift or benefit arrives to you, make sure the first thing you do is saying ‘alhamdulillah’ and honour the true Giver from whom all blessings come. Then, thank the person for example by supplicating for them by saying  jazaakAllahu khayr (may Allah reward you with good) or baraakAllahu feek (may Allah bless you).

5. Ask Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam encouraged you to call upon Allah ‘azza wa jall in an effective manner by using His most Beautiful Names. When you start your dua’ with this Name, mind that Dhu changes into Dha, for example Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam.  The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Persist (in invoking Allah) with, “Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam [Ahmad, An-Nasaa’i] So when you make a dua’, you can say: Yaa Dhal-Jalaali wal-Ikraam… [ your request]..

O Allah, Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikram, we know that You are the Lord of all majesty and bounty. Aid us to seek Your Honourable Face only in our intentions, words and deeds. Help us to put obedience to You above everything else in our daily life and make us generous to others. Bless us with being able to see Your Countenance in the Hereafter,  ameen!

[asma-al-husna]

Allah calls Himself As-Salaam— The Giver and Source of Peace, The Perfection — on one occasion in the Quran. He is the One who is the source of all peace and safety. As-Salaam is perfect and whole and He is the only one who can bestow safety and security as well as inner peace!

The Bestower of Peace, the Perfection

Salaam comes from the root seen-laam-meem, which points to three main meanings. The first main meaning is to be peaceful, content, and tranquil. The second is to be free from imperfections, and the third main meaning is to be safe, secure, and well.

This root appears 140 times in the Quran in 16 derived forms. Examples of these forms are aslama (“submits”) , salaamun (“peace”), saleemin (“sound”), al-islaami (“Islam”) and al-muslimeen (“the Muslims”).

Linguistically, salaam and salaamah mean immunity or to be free of something; another opinion is it means wellbeing and to be safe. Allah As-Salaam is the One who is free from all imperfections. He is perfect in essence and in all His attributes and actions. He is the Perfection. As-Salaam is safe from all deficiencies and His creation is safe from any injustice on His Part.

As-Salaam Himself says: He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, The Perfection. [Quran, 59:23].

Examples of salaam

The root salama makes Islam, to enter into salam. Islam means to enter into peace and to be at peace with or reconciled with the decrees and commands of Allah; the Muslim surrenders or submits to Allah ‘azza wajal.

Paradise is called Daar us Salaam: And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path [Quran, 10:25] because it is free from all pain, death, worries, and ill-speech, and it is a place of safety.
The greeting of Islam assalaamu alaykum really means: you are safe from me; you will not receive any evil from me. And for example, qalbun saleem, means a sound heart which is unblemished.

How can you live by this name?

1. Submit.
Surrender to As-Salaam so you can be secure. If you submit– Islam— you will get Allah’s salaam. Believing is to follow the guidance and do the actions (deeds). For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish] [And] “Peace,” a word from a Merciful Lord. [Quran, 36:57-58] Continually remind yourself of Daar us Salaam so you will strive to do as many good deeds as possible in order to receive the salaam of Allah and be safe and secure in Paradise.

2. Strive for a clean heart.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Verily, Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your hearts and to your deeds. [Muslim] Just like you are alert for physical diseases, constantly assess your heart for diseases like lying, backbiting, swearing, hypocrisy, jealousy, showing off, etcetera, and seek cure for them in the Quran and Sunnah as all that matters is that you arrive to al-Quddus with ‘qalbun saleem’— a sound heart.

3. Be patient in trials.
No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah- He will guide his heart.[Quran, 64:11] Show patience and perseverance in hard times and As-Salaam will give you peace inside: your heart will have salaam, a feeling of well being, serenity, and peace.

4. Spread the salaam.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: O People! Spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you shall enter paradise peacefully. [At-Tirmidhee] And he salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about the best actions: Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don’t know. [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim] And he said: When two Muslims meet (give salaam) and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part [Abu Dawood]: the salaam is a pure blessing to us from Allah As-Salaam.

5. Don’t say salaam upon Allah.
Say salaam upon the Prophet Muhammad – for example by saying salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam- and upon the Prophets and the righteous – by saying ‘alayhi, ‘alayha or ‘alayhim sallam – as Allah ‘azza wa jall does in the Quran, but never say salaam upon Allah, because He is As-Salaam! He does not need security and safety, because He is the source of peace and perfection.

6. Ask As-Salaam.
When you are very worried, supplicate to Allah ‘azza wajal by this name. You can say, Allahumma antas Salaam (O Allah, You are As-Salaam), save me from this or ask for the safety of others. Ask As-Salaam to make Islam your safe harbour and to bring peace to your heart.

7. Don’t wrong yourself.
If you want the salaam, the security, and the protection of As-Salaam don’t wrong yourself, don’t wrong others, and don’t do wrong in your relationship with Allah ‘azza wajal. Allah is As-Salaam, which means He cannot be unjust. You wrong yourself by sinning and not fulfilling the rights of others, such as obedience to parents, protecting someone else’s honour, and helping the needy.

8. Supplicate after prayer.
When you finish your salah, supplicate as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did with:
Astaghfirullah (3 times). Allahumma antas salaam wa minkas salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal Jalaali wal Ikraam. I seek Allah’s Forgiveness. O Allah, You are As-Salaam and from You is all peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honour [Muslim]. Straight after your prayer you amazingly ask protection and safety from the mistakes committed during the salah.

O Allah, As-Salaam, we know that all peace and safety comes from You alone. Keep us safe in this world and the next, guide us to patience and inner peace, and make us of those from whom others are safe and make us safe from the injustice of others. Adorn us with sound hearts and make us of those who receive Your salaam in Paradise, ameen!