Reading the story of the Youth of the Cave, one can’t help but be moved by the immense tragedy they endured. Persecuted for their faith, threatened with torture and death, abandoned by their family, and eventually forced to flee their home and city.…
“If you want to rectify your heart, or want to see betterment in your child or companion—or whoever it is for that matter, then direct them to places where the Qurʾān is recited and direct them to be in the company of the Qurʾān. Allāh will then cause them to become better, whether they are willing to it or not.” Imām ash-Shāfiʿī, in: ḥilyat al-awliyāʾ 9/123.…
(My Lord, expand for me my chest; and ease for me my matter.﴿ Ṭāhā:25-26 The first part helps you overcome inner hurdles (worries, fears, anxieties, qualms…), the second part removes your outer hurdles (difficulties, road blocks, rejections,…) and thus bringing about your matter in a graceful manner. Increase in this duʿāʾ.…
One of the most difficult forms of patience is being patient with the unknown and the uncertain; when you don’t know what’s going to come, when you don’t know the ‘whys’ for whatever that’s happening, when you need definite answers but you’re left with questions and doubts… And this is why al-Khiḍr said to Prophet Mūsā, before accepting his request to impart sacred knowledge, ﴾And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?﴿ al-Kahf:68 Bright side:…