your iman

[Sitaara]

There are times when we are so strong in our iman, we try to follow islam as best as we can then there comes down when we feel so empty, we dont do anything wrong but don't have the feeling that you can really feel in your heart.

so when your iman gets weak, how do you get back on the track?

Right now i'm trying to read more about islam online and this way i can learn more about islam and apply it to myself.

[*Mahzala*]

I say this with a lot of hesitation, but, you're a woman, and it is bound to happen. Imaan, like other things, is affected by our surroundings, our company and our environment. Asking Allah for that closeness is the only thing that comes to mind, for I am one, who is up and down quite often. Despite the fact that we keep our Ibadah constant, sometimes we lack satisfaction and peace. For some, that is low imaan, for others, it is the inability to engage in more Ibadah because of our ill desires. I'll share a few short clips which are very worth listening to. They help, in low and high times.

I share this too: Na Qarara Zrhe: The Tree of Imaan

May your current state of imaan be the weakest state you experience, InshaAllah.

[Ashiq]

One thing to note: our iman is something that we have to build from within; exterior influences should not lead but help.

Let me explain.

We as human beings are not born perfect, some are born with certain good qualities and others are born with other good qualities. The task is to acquire all the good qualities within you. That is why the Prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is known as the complete man (al insaan al kaamil). He worked his whole life to become someone who was favoured by Allah. It was not a simply gift, not at all. As such, he became the example for mankind. As per the Quran, our task is to become like him. That is what I mean that we should not always depend on exterior forces, but rather build our dependence from within. Make it such that you become the example for people. Let people say: If you want to see the perfect follower of the Prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) follow that person.

So, just because you are naturally giving does not mean that you are a good person. It is a quality that you did not work for but was a gift from Allah. Therefore, one should not rely on this quality in order to get favours from Allah. That is not to say that one should give up being giving, not at all. What one should do is to know when to be giving and when not to be giving. For example, our Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said that one should love for the sake of Allah and one should hate for the sake of Allah. What this means is that one should not spoil one's child, using the upbringing of children as an example. One should know how to draw the line. This is not easy for someone who is naturally kind and giving. On the flip side, one who is born stingy should train himself or herself when to be giving, and understand that it is perfectly fine to treat one's child once in a while to something they want. Islam is all about creating a balance within oneself.

Now, how do we acquire such balanced habits? The key is in your prayers.

I will list some points and we can discuss them if you wish:

1. Waking up for tahajjud
2. completing the five daily prayers in congregation
3. performing as many nawafil as possible during the course of the day
4. praying with one's eyes open (something extremely important that most people who say that they enjoy their prayers with their eyes closed don't understand)
5. following all the movements properly
6. praying slowly
7. performing one's ablution properly and slowly
8. always being in the state of taharat (cleanliness, i.e. ablution and state of mind)
9. always being in the state of remembrance of Allah
10. and many more

[Ashiq]

I sometimes feel the same way and trust me when I say it has a lot to do with your surroundings.

I forgot to mention this in my above post.

You are right, that is why subhat-e saliheen (keeping company with the righteous) is so important.

[IamDZJ]

You cant hold a grudge against God. Trust me, I have tried.
I crave for that emptiness from time to time. You get to see yourself through such honest eyes, so clearly in those moments.

[*Mahzala*]

Coming back to this thread and reading some of the replies, I thought I should mention that to everyone, a low state of imaan means something else. No two person's low state is the same. As I said in my earlier post, for some, it is the lack of voluntary actions (nawaafil), for others, it is the lack of obligatory actions (fardh), for others, it may be avoiding the recommended actions (sunnah) and for others, it may mean a lack of satisfaction or contentment despite engaging in all of the latter. Ashiq, I agree with the actions you have suggested, however, I highly doubt, without underestimating anyone, people engage in those actions when their imaan is low. Those are hard acts of worship that require a constant spiritual high to be running within you, that require dedication and sincere devotion and commitment. And so, Sitaara, answering your question comes down to the current level of one's imaan, which well and truly differens for each individual.

[Ashiq]

When one reaches the state of al nafs al mutmainah, then the above mentioned points become second nature. In the mean while, most human beings are in the state of either al nafs al ammaarah or al nafs al lawwaamah. Hence, it is the above strict regime that will get one to be content. It is not easy to reach, and the example of the Prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon) is perfect. He was not given prophethood from day one, it was acquired, despite being bestowed as a gift (there is no paradox or contradiction here).

Yes, I do agree with you that no two people go through the same ups and downs, however, the path for all is the same in order to reach the state of eternal bliss, which is al nafs al mutmainah.

I will give you one example of what is the state of al nafs al mutmainah:

Al nafs al mutaminah is that state when you love your only son so much that he means the world to you, however, upon witnessing your son murdering someone, or even less, stealing something, or even less, hurting someone's feelings, for the sake of Allah you turn him in, the case of the first two, and disassociate yourself from him, in case of the last one.

Al nafs al mutmainah is that state when Allah becomes your purpose.

[*Mahzala*]

When one reaches the state of al nafs al mutmainah, then the above mentioned points become second nature. In the mean while, most human beings are in the state of either al nafs al ammaarah or al nafs al lawwaamah. Hence, it is the above strict regime that will get one to be content. It is not easy to reach, and the example of the Prophet of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon) is perfect. He was not given prophethood from day one, it was acquired, despite being bestowed as a gift (there is no paradox or contradiction here).

Yes, I do agree with you that no two people go through the same ups and downs, however, the path for all is the same in order to reach the state of eternal bliss, which is al nafs al mutmainah.

I will give you one example of what is the state of al nafs al mutmainah:

Al nafs al mutaminah is that state when you love your only son so much that he means the world to you, however, upon witnessing your son murdering someone, or even less, stealing something, or even less, hurting someone's feelings, for the sake of Allah you turn him in, the case of the first two, and disassociate yourself from him, in case of the last one.

Al nafs al mutmainah is that state when Allah becomes your purpose.

I agree, they become second nature, and one considers them almost obligatory upon himself to fulfill them in his day, and if he doesn't, his day is void of the same happiness and contentment he has on days he performs them to his best.

Yes, Nafsul Mutmainnah (mentioned in Surah Fajr), or the peaceful soul, is the rank we should work towards and desire, for a mu'min, that is the true path, where doing good and avoiding evil become spontaneous decisions he does not need to think twice about. And a few of those things you mention, one cannot do on his own. For instance, I know many people who boast praying Tahajjud, but Tahajjud is a gift from Allah to His servants and those who pray it, will say this with confidence, that when you ask to be in His company in the midst of the night and not be deprived of the sweetness of sujood in the dark of the night, then nothing stands in one's way, not the three knots, not a faulty alarm, no snoozing, nothing. Your sleep is interrupted, divinely. So, coming back to my point, it takes a relatively higher imaan to engage in the acts you have listed.

[Catya Sher]

Ashiq, could you try to translate those two terms as well as could be conveyed into English?

Regarding the father and son, I had read this story the other day and was impressed with the father. They are not Muslims, but apparently straight and narrow type of people, as are found more often, Thank Allah, in my part of the U.S.

This article also gives information about the frightening drug problem here in America today, especially about this little-known type of drug and its affects.

"Meth spares no family — not even that of Elmore County Sheriff Rick Layher"
‘I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,’ Layher says of his son’s addiction.

BY KATY MOELLER
Copyright: © 2010 Idaho Statesman
Published: 12/18/10

205 Comments

Rick Layher has been working drug cases for decades and knows well how methamphetamine can tear a family apart.

“The parents that I’ve talked to, they’re just pulling their hair out about it and asking ‘What do we do?’ No other drug has affected families like this,” said Layher, who was confronted with the problem in his own home this year.

Layher’s son, John R. Layher, 27, was arrested Nov. 17 for felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

The sheriff turned his son in to Idaho State Police after he found a couple of meth pipes in the basement of his house, where John had been living. Investigators searched the house and seized the evidence.

“I truly feel that turning him in, I did the right thing for him,” Layher said. “One way or another, he’s going to get some help ... To me, this was his last chance.”
His son spent almost five days in jail.

“I was happy the longer my son sat in jail. His brain was starting to get clear,” Layher said.

Sheriff Layher... said his family has been through a lot in the past month, but he’s feeling optimistic about his son’s future.

“I see light now ... I’ve seen a big difference in his attitude,” said Layher, who wants to see his son get treatment for drug addiction.

He believes his son began using drugs in his early 20s, but had been clean until about a year ago.

“You see them going good for a couple months, six months, even eight months, then all of the sudden, it’s like the rug’s taken out from under you,” Layher said. “He had gotten a pretty good job and had been clean for a long time, then he started using again.”
Layher said meth addicts become completely absorbed in themselves, withdrawing from family and staying out all night.

“You can’t really get into a rational conversation with them. No matter what it is, they’re right,” Layher said. “When they’re on that stuff, they don’t care about their kids, their parents, their grandparents. They don’t care about them things until their brain starts clearing up.”

Layher said meth is no bigger problem in Mountain Home than it is anywhere else in the state, but it is a major problem.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” said Layher, thankful for the support he’s received from the community “A lot of people have sent cards and said they’re praying for us. That does help. I’m thankful to God for that.”

[Ashiq]

I agree, they become second nature, and one considers them almost obligatory upon himself to fulfill them in his day, and if he doesn't, his day is void of the same happiness and contentment he has on days he performs them to his best.

Yes, Nafsul Mutmainnah (mentioned in Surah Fajr), or the peaceful soul, is the rank we should work towards and desire, for a mu'min, that is the true path, where doing good and avoiding evil become spontaneous decisions he does not need to think twice about. And a few of those things you mention, one cannot do on his own. For instance, I know many people who boast praying Tahajjud, but Tahajjud is a gift from Allah to His servants and those who pray it, will say this with confidence, that when you ask to be in His company in the midst of the night and not be deprived of the sweetness of sujood in the dark of the night, then nothing stands in one's way, not the three knots, not a faulty alarm, no snoozing, nothing. Your sleep is interrupted, divinely. So, coming back to my point, it takes a relatively higher imaan to engage in the acts you have listed.

Agreed.

The point about tahajjud is that if one has the desire then one will force oneself, and I do agree with you that it is an invitation from Allah. I could not have put it better myself. May I have your permission to use this coinage you created: it is an invitation/gift from Allah?

[*Mahzala*]

Agreed.

The point about tahajjud is that if one has the desire then one will force oneself, and I do agree with you that it is an invitation from Allah. I could not have put it better myself. May I have your permission to use this coinage you created: it is an invitation/gift from Allah?

His desire is enough for the Almighty. He, then, doesn't need to force himself. You wake up to turn off the alarm that is yet to ring. Allah says, if you take a step towards Him, He runs towards us. He is the all knower of what is in our hearts, and that sort of intention is enough to be bestowed with this gift.

Permission granted. =)

[Ashiq]

Ashiq, could you try to translate those two terms as well as could be conveyed into English?

Regarding the father and son, I had read this story the other day and was impressed with the father. They are not Muslims, but apparently straight and narrow type of people, as are found more often, Thank Allah, in my part of the U.S.

This article also gives information about the frightening drug problem here in America today, especially about this little-known type of drug and its affects.

"Meth spares no family — not even that of Elmore County Sheriff Rick Layher"
‘I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,’ Layher says of his son’s addiction.

BY KATY MOELLER
Copyright: © 2010 Idaho Statesman
Published: 12/18/10

205 Comments

Rick Layher has been working drug cases for decades and knows well how methamphetamine can tear a family apart.

“The parents that I’ve talked to, they’re just pulling their hair out about it and asking ‘What do we do?’ No other drug has affected families like this,” said Layher, who was confronted with the problem in his own home this year.

Layher’s son, John R. Layher, 27, was arrested Nov. 17 for felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia.

The sheriff turned his son in to Idaho State Police after he found a couple of meth pipes in the basement of his house, where John had been living. Investigators searched the house and seized the evidence.

“I truly feel that turning him in, I did the right thing for him,” Layher said. “One way or another, he’s going to get some help ... To me, this was his last chance.”
His son spent almost five days in jail.

“I was happy the longer my son sat in jail. His brain was starting to get clear,” Layher said.

Sheriff Layher... said his family has been through a lot in the past month, but he’s feeling optimistic about his son’s future.

“I see light now ... I’ve seen a big difference in his attitude,” said Layher, who wants to see his son get treatment for drug addiction.

He believes his son began using drugs in his early 20s, but had been clean until about a year ago.

“You see them going good for a couple months, six months, even eight months, then all of the sudden, it’s like the rug’s taken out from under you,” Layher said. “He had gotten a pretty good job and had been clean for a long time, then he started using again.”
Layher said meth addicts become completely absorbed in themselves, withdrawing from family and staying out all night.

“You can’t really get into a rational conversation with them. No matter what it is, they’re right,” Layher said. “When they’re on that stuff, they don’t care about their kids, their parents, their grandparents. They don’t care about them things until their brain starts clearing up.”

Layher said meth is no bigger problem in Mountain Home than it is anywhere else in the state, but it is a major problem.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” said Layher, thankful for the support he’s received from the community “A lot of people have sent cards and said they’re praying for us. That does help. I’m thankful to God for that.”

Thank you so much for this story. It really brought the message home.

That is why I always say that a human being naturally has the ability to understand right and wrong, it is only because of people who know how to manipulate people that crime and abuse starts. Thereafter, human beings lose touch with the natural understanding of right and wrong, and in turn, Allah, out of His infinite mercy send messengers to revive the natural spirit.

Al nafs al ammaarah=is the soul which inclines man to evil. It forces man to obey the animal in him.
Al nafs al lawwaamah=is the soul which accuses man when does evil. It forces man to reflect and come out of his animal instincts and become civilized
Al naf al mutmainnah=is the soul which is at peace. This is the highest state of the civilized man.

Most men are always in-between the first two. The second state is a sort of civility, but one is not in full control and that is why one falls and can be viewed as uncivilized sometimes. The last one is when man is so much in control that he does not lose his cool, unless it is for the sake of Allah.

[Ashiq]

His desire is enough for the Almighty. He, then, doesn't need to force himself. You wake up to turn off the alarm that is yet to ring. Allah says, if you take a step towards Him, He runs towards us. He is the all knower of what is in our hearts, and that sort of intention is enough to be bestowed with this gift.

Permission granted. =)

Jazakallah Khairan!

That is why I am so much against alarm clocks. It creates a dependence that becomes hard to overcome, unless, of course, you are really enjoying the sweet of tahajjud that you wake up before the alarm sounds, as you mentioned.

[*Mahzala*]

Jazakallah Khairan!

That is why I am so much against alarm clocks. It creates a dependence that becomes hard to overcome, unless, of course, you are really enjoying the sweet of tahajjud that you wake up before the alarm sounds, as you mentioned.

Wa iyyakum.

When I was in my final year of school, I would wake up nearly every single night to complete my studies. Not to say it was for the purpose of Tahajjud, far from it then, and now, but I never once set an alarm. And yet, I found myself awake at the time I desired. Point is: there is a lot of power in dua and asking Him.

[Ashiq]

Wa iyyakum.

When I was in my final year of school, I would wake up nearly every single night to complete my studies. Not to say it was for the purpose of Tahajjud, far from it then, and now, but I never once set an alarm. And yet, I found myself awake at the time I desired. Point is: there is a lot of power in dua and asking Him.

I will tell you something funny, whenever I used to wake up early for studies or something other than tahajjud, I used feel so much shame that I used to not pray tahajjud. Then I thought to myself, why not pray it may bring tawfiq from Allah.

Another funny story, when I was in Islamic Jamia, I used to wake up early just so that I could grab the shower (because there would be a line up and not enough time if I had not woken up early) and study a bit, and at the same time I used to pray tahajjud. When I left Jamia, I did not continue with tahajjud, I used to question myself why (because I used to do it in Jamia). After some self-reflection, I realized my intention for waking early.

Every action will be rewarded by its intention.

May Allah grant everyone, who is sincerely seeking to wake up for Allah's sake, the ability to do it with ease, and until their last breath.