Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining

Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining

 

 

Hamza married Ruwayda. After the nikaah(wedding), Ruwayda's mother gave her a newly opened bank savings book with a R2000 deposit amount at the local Islamic Bank.

 

Ruwayda's mother said: "Take this savings book. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line...
The more memorable the event is, the more money you can put in. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with your husband. When you look back after years, you will know how much of happiness you've had.'

 

Ruwayda shared this with Hamza when she arrived  home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit could be made.

 

This was what they did after a certain time:

- 2 Jan:R200 Hamza became Hafizul Qur'aan.
- 7 Feb: R300, Ruwayda's Dad took us with for HAJ.
- 1 Dec: R300, Hamza graduated
- 20 Mar: R200, Hamza got an excellent job
- 15 Apr: R2000, Ruwayda got pregnant and later gave birth to a baby
- 1 Jun: R1000, Hamza got promoted

 ... and so on...

 

However, after years, they started fighting and arguing over trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nastiest people in the world... no more love... Kind of typical nowadays, huh?

 

One day Ruwayda spoke to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We have agreed to divorce. I can't imagine how I have decided to marry this guy!!!'

Mother: 'Sure, Ruwayda, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really cannot stand it. But before that, do one thing first... Remember the savings book I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'

Ruwayda thought it was true. So she went to the Islamic Bank, waiting at the queue and planning withdraw the amounts and to cancel the account. She intended to give Hamza his due share.

 

While she was waiting, she took a look at the book record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home. When she was home, she handed the book to her husband, and asked him to spend the money before getting divorced.

 

The next day, Hamza gave the book back to Ruwayda. She found a new deposit of R5000...and a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you through out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.' They hugged and cried, putting the savings book back to the safe.

 

Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone through all the good years in their life.

 

"When you fall, in any way, Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you slipped. Life is about correcting mistakes."

 

In every moment of our lives, we are given a choice.  How shall we regard this world in which we live? Is it good, or not?  Is there hope for the future, or not?  Is this world full of beauty, life, blessing and love; or is it cold, heartless and ruthless?  In every moment, it is one or the other…and how we regard and react to it is up to us. 

 

"If you are grateful, I will surely give increase My favours unto you" (Quran-Surah Ibrahim 14: 7).

 

"Behind every Dark Cloud there is a Silver Lining"

Anytime Resolutions...

Anytime Resolutions...

Let's Make Our Lives Spiritually Enriching!

By E ISLAM (www.eislam.co.za)

 

 

The Islamic New of 1434 has recently ushered in, people, generally, begin to think about their life and some even make resolutions about how they will approach this New Islamic Year and their work, health and relationships. As humans and believers we also have ambitions. Instead of making resolutions only about material progression, the resolutions of a believer would and should be about one's progression on the path of enlightenment and nearness to the Creator Allah Ta'ala. In reality we don't need a New Year or special occasion to make a resolution for doing or achieving good. It can be done instantaneously!

Generally people intend doing things to become better off than the year before. Common resolutions include cutting down on chocolate, quit smoking, getting in shape, etc. A lot involves benefits to the health and/or improving their lifestyle. Others include giving more to charity, being closer to family which boosts a personal level of satisfaction, but those are what we as Muslims should be doing regardless.

What about us? Have we set a goal or targets for ourselves? If so, was it because it was a New Year? Did you have to wait for the New Year to set it? Is there something about you that you wish to improve? No human is perfect. But Allah Ta'ala gave us human's intelligence to learn and the means for people to better themselves. And we should aim for perfection. The whole essence of Tarbiya is based on improving ourselves, i.e. self development.

While people set goals or targets for the benefit of this world, we as Muslims should ideally be setting goals for not only our material well-being but more importantly for the akhira (Life in Hereafter), to maximise reward so we attain Jannah(Paradise) and to avoid the punishment of the Jahannam (hellfire). That is not to say that we should not set goals for this life either, by all means go ahead. But if you intend to do a good deed for the dunya(worldly life), your reward will be in the dunya. When you intend to do a good deed for the akhira, your rewards will be in both the dunya and the akhira. For example, when you intend to eat so you can have the energy to work so you can maintain your family for Allah Ta'ala sake, you will be rewarded for both on this world and the next. But if you just eat so satisfy your hunger then your reward is just the benefits of eating.

Allah Ta'ala mentions in the Holy Quran; "…And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me.." (Quran 51:56) Therefore, our intentions and targets should ultimately be aimed at pleasing Allah Ta'ala. We set ourselves certain targets that will help us maximise reward, or to even minimise sinning. For many of us we can start with some simple yet effective, ways which we can improve our character such as to stop backbiting, be more trusting, watching our tongue, not lazing about, etc.

Let us look at it another way. Do we ever stop at the end of the day to look back thinking, What have I actually achieved today? It may be a good idea, before the start of each day, to ask yourself, What can I do tomorrow to improve myself? It can even be something small such as learning an ayah of the Quran or giving a loaf of bread in Sadaqah (Charity).

Whatever you wish to improve on, no matter how ambitious or small it is, whether it is for the dunya or the akhira, one can apply the SMART method. What they stand for is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely. The crucial element here is time, which means you need to set yourself deadlines. Instead of saying, I'm going to memorise the Quran insha Allah, rather say by the end of this month, Insha Allah I hope to have memorised  juz(chapter) Amma. Its more direct and you will have set yourself up with expectations. Another way to help is to let others know what you intended to do. This way you will have someone else to give you that extra push. If you and a friend decide to work towards the same target then it makes it much easier, you both can push each other. The Noble Messenger of Allah is reported to have said; "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Hadith:Bukhari and Muslim).

There is also the topic of setting yourself a long term goal, but that in itself is another topic, though the principles are similar.

Often the lack of motivation is what causes people to stop pursuing their targets. However, if you set your targets with the intention of pleasing Allah and make effort, He will make things easier for you. In Hadith Qudsi Allah  says, "if he comes to Me walking, I go running unto him" (Bukhari, Muslim).

Allah Ta'ala also mentions that; "…those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them in Our paths. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." (Quran, 29:69).

Knowing that Allah will reward you both in this world and the hereafter should re-stimulate that motivation that you need to accomplish things. Sometimes it is that extra motivation that you need. So if ever, when working towards something you feel a bit bothered about  then just ask yourself again why you are doing this. For if it is for Allah Ta'alas cause then He shall make things easier for you. But you need that bit of effort. Have a bit of patience for you will be rewarded for that too.

There is indeed no limit to the good a person can intend and indeed according to ones niyyah (intention) one will be rewarded . According to Hadith if a person intends to do a good deed but cannot do it, Allah writes for him a reward of one good deed. If he both intends to do and performs that good deed, Allah writes for him a reward of ten good deeds and increases it up to seven hundred and more. (Hadith Bukhari). Also if a person intends to do a good deed, but is then unable to complete it due to an obstacle in his way, there will still be a reward just for his good intention.

Intention is such a magical cure that it turns habits, activities, deeds to worship. And also it is a soul which turns dead circumstances and moods to live worships.

Setting goals or targets is an excellent practise There are good resolutions a person can make and does not need to wait for a New Year. Here are a few tips to get started…

Tips…

·         Reach for the Stars!: The most important is to note that all resolutions, hopes, ambitions and dreams etc are entirely dependent on Allah, The Most Wise, for their fulfilment. So making Dua (asking Allah Ta'ala) is the most essential ingredient for achievement. When making dua "reach for the stars" i.e. ask Allah Ta'ala for the most in fact ask for everything good. Don't leave out anything. Allah, The Most Wise, says:  "Invoke Me, (and ask Allah for anything) I will respond to your (invocation/dua)………….." (Quran: 40: 60) 

·         Eliminate Sins: Just like a Shop keeper refuses to grant more credit to a bad debtor or nonpayer, likewise how can we expect Allah Ta'ala to grant us good if we continuously sin and transgress. To get the Help of Allah Ta'ala we need to remove sin from our lives. We are not perfect and as humans we often err. But the least we can do to show our sincerity to Allah Ta'ala is to intend to abandon ALL forms of sins from our lives.  Allah is ar-Rahman, the Most Compassionate, and ar-Raheem, the Most Merciful. Allah tells man of the greatness of His forgiveness and mercy so that no one would despair due to the amount of sins he may have committed. This is supported by the following verse of the Holy Quran: Say: O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, despair not of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an:Surah az-Zumar 39:53) 

·         Make Islam the Bigger Circle: Until now we may have made our material (worldly) desires the Bigger Circle and Deen(Islam) the inner Smaller Circle that occupies a very small insignificant place in the Bigger Circle. Now resolve to make Deen(Islam) the Bigger Circle and make everything else fit into the Bigger Circle. If it does not conform to Deen, no matter what it may be, leave it out of the Bigger Circle! The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him is reported to have said: "None of you can be a true Muslim, unless his desires are subject to the religion that I have brought." (Hadith)

·         Aim High: Yes set high goals both for our Spiritual and Material progress. The Holy Qur'an says: "Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (Quran:Al-Baqarah:201). So indeed there is no harm in achieving good in both materially and spiritually.

·         Set Specific Goals: It would be good if specific intentions are made. Also categorise goals.  For example ; lets take salaah (prayer): Resolve that henceforth all five prayers will be read punctually and better still for men(if possible) that prayers would be in the Musjid. Qur'an: Aim to memorize more verses of the Book of Allah; Make our children Hafiz of the Quran; Dhikr: Increase the amount of Dhikr done daily and aim to improve concentration. Sadaqah (Charity): Spend more on the poor and for all other noble causes whether it be victims or natural disasters or contributing to the local Musjid etc. Increase the amount of time one spends volunteering, Spending Time in the Path of Allah, memorize duas for different occasions or Prophetic traditions(Hadith), making quality time to spend with family, making wise career choices for yourself/children, assisting one's mother and/or father, speaking well with one's siblings, furthering Islamic knowledge, serving those less fortunate and thanking Allah Ta'ala in whatever way for the all blessing and bounties for which He has bestowed upon us.etc etc 

·         Be Extensive and Systematic: Yes let the list be extensive, realistic and systematic. Dedicate time with family to make these resolutions. Make your family part of it and set goals together. In addition, it helps to write down intentions and to regularly review those intentions in order to fulfil those commitments. 

Finally the most important resolution is that My Creator Allah Ta'ala must be pleased with me. So whatever I desire, do, say, want, etc must be only to please my Lord!

May Allah make this Islamic Year 1434 Hijrah the most spiritually rewarding year for the Ummah …Ameen 

Importance of Salaah

IMPORTANCE OF SALAAH

"From the Qur'aan"

 

 

1. Establishing Salah Develops Taqwa (Fear and Awareness of Allah)
"This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have taqwa; who believe in the unseen, and who establish Salah, and spend out of what we have provided for them" (2: 2-3)

2. Salah Is the Sign of a Believer
"The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin good and forbid evil, and they establish Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them, and surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise." (9: 71)

3. Establishing Salah Leads to Allah's Eternal Blessings
"So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them." (42:36-38)

4. Those Who Pray Shall Have Nothing to Fear on the Day of Judgment
"Truly, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (2:277)

5. Remain in Allah's remembrance after prayer
"When have finished performing the Salah, remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, but when you are free from danger, perform the Salah. Surely, Salah is enjoined on the believers at
fixed times." (4:103)

6. Command to Pray with Congregation
"And establish Salah and give Zakah, and bow down (in worship) along with those who bow down (in worship)" (2:43)

7. Special Command Regarding Punctuality of Prayer
"Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience." (2:238)

8. Allah's Help Comes Through Salah
"Seek help through patience and Salah; truly it is extremely difficult except for the humble true believers." (2:45)

"Oh you who believe! Seek help through patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient." (2:153)

9. Special Emphasis on Friday Prayer
"Oh you who believe! When the call is made for the Salah on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you, if you only knew! And when the Salah has ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful." (62:09-10)

10. Shaytaan Tries His Best in Finding Ways to Take You Away from Salah
"Shaytaan desires only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Salah. So will you then not abstain
(from these evils)?" (5:91)

11. Prayer Protects Against Evils
"Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform Salah. Verily, Salah prevents from lewdness and evils. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah (by you) is greatest. And
Allah knows what you do." (29:45)

12. Friendship Should Be with Those Who Pray
"Indeed, your protecting friend (Wali) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers who establish Salah, and give Zakat, and bow down (in prayer). (5: 55)

13. Allah's Special Order to Women
"And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove uncleanness from you, Oh people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification." (33:33)

14. Hypocrites Are Lazy in Salah
"Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little." (4:142)

15. Laziness in Prayers Leads to Rejection of Sadaqa
"And nothing prevents their Sadaqa from being accepted from them, except that they disbelieve in Allah and in His Messenger, and that they do not come to Salah except in a lazy manner, and that they do not give Sadaqa except unwillingly." (9:54)

16. Leaving Salah Leads to Shirk
"(And remain always) turning to Him (only), and be fearful and dutiful towards Him, and perform Salah and be not of those who commit Shirk." (30: 31)

17. Previous Nations Were Corrupted when Salah Was Left
"Then, there came after them a generation who gave up Salah and followed lusts; so they will be thrown in Hell." (19: 59)

"The Festive Season"- CAUTION!

"The Festive Season" : As Muslims How Should We Approach It?
By Sister S Bemath

As the "festive season" (Christmas/New Year) approaches many people are preparing to celebrate. This preparation often includes many practices that are unacceptable such as alcohol, illicit drugs, music, dancing, partying till midnight,fireworks,free intermingling of sexes, adultery and other acts of disobedience. We as Muslims need to ask ourselves a very fundamental question, should we be involved in this celebration at all? The answer to the question is a very definite NO.

Temptations will always be there. If there was no temptation, then there would have been no such thing as Taqwah. The demand is to resist, to stay away, to abstain. Not to commit sins is so much easier than 'committing' sins and besides engaging in evil causes harm to our Deen and Aahkirah. As Muslims we have an in-built moral compass. The Messenger of Allah(pbuh) alluding to this states, "Sin is that which troubles your conscience and that which you dislike coming to public notice." (Hadith-Sahih Muslim)

A pious scholar as aptly said: "...For temptation will lead you into trouble and make you cry."

Indeed, this is exactly what happens when one gives into the temptation to engage in any Haraam (act of disobedience) and you will feel there is a distance between yourself and the Almighty ALLAH, know that HE hasn't moved an inch, you have! Many Muslims have been led astray by the dazzling attractions, never to return there from…Many loose their identity during this "festive period" and sometimes  even their Imaan and suffer the loss of their Aakhirah(Hereafter). Therefore, don't let the chains of desire bind you to Dunya, whilst restraining your soul from pursuing Jannah.

Distance oneself from the dens of sins and endeavour to participate in good, Deeni programmes and associating with the pious. Deen and Shari'ah do not stifle us, do not deprive us of pleasure and enjoyment, do not deny us happiness and celebration. Our beautiful Deen and Shari'ah accommodate leisure and pleasure. Islam is indeed Most Beautiful. Islam is not 'dry' and "kill joy". It is "cool" and enjoyable. Our beloved ALLAH TA'ALA has only placed certain boundaries through HIS Divine prohibitions for our own benefit, safety and well-being.

"Beware of every hour and how it passes, and only spend it in the best possible way, do not neglect yourself, but render it accustomed to the noblest and best of actions, and send to your grave that which will please you when you arrive to it." (Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi)

This holiday period is a time of great test and trial. Don't let Salaah become a forgotten duty and discard Islamic dress and identity so that there is freedom to engage in these haraam celebrations. Those who celebrate this day will surely endure ALLAH'S anger. What would be the condition of that person whose soul is extracted engaged in evil and who comes face to face with the Angel of Death whilst engaged in drink, dance, raves adultery or fornication?

Evil and shamelessness is a sin and a characteristic of evil people. The Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) tells us that "modesty comes from Eeman (faith)." (Hadith-Sahih Bukhari) Therefore, a dearth of modesty is a reflection of a scarcity of Eeman.

Which Muslim wants to return to ALLAH TA'ALA in a state of sin? Such matters should not be taken lightly. Pray to ALLAH to adorn our soul with the veil of Hayaa as a protection from lures of fitnah(evil), and ask HIM to make what time we all have left profitable for the life after death and let's us live as good Muslims gaining success in this life and the next. Let's live our life according to the Sunnah (practices) of our beloved Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) so that ALLAH TA'ALA will look on us favourably. Most importantly…

►Let us not forget that we are Muslims.

►Let us not forget our relationship with ALLAH TA'ALA.

►Let us not forget that death can visit very unexpectedly.

►Let us not forget that there is accountability.

►let us not forget Jannah(Paradise).

►Let us not forget Jahannum(Hell)

The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, "The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever."(Hadith-Sahih Muslim). What will be 'good' for the disbelievers will not always be good for the Believers. If they find enjoyment in Haraam(evil), the Muslim will find HARM in that same Haraam. We must seek refuge in ALLAH from the Evils of this festive season. Death seeks us all. Prioritize your Deen. If we adopt Taqwah, we restrain and abstain from disobedience to ALLAH TA'ALA, then when we leave this world, we leave behind a prison, we leave free. When the disbeliever leaves this world, he leaves behind his paradise. When he leaves this world, he enters a prison; wherein there is no escape.

The SIGNS OF THE LAST DAYS ARE APPARENT and we are closer to them than we think! We do not know what the next day will bring, will the next day be our last or will it bring happiness, only ALLAH knows best. With no guarantee we should realize that our lives are in the hands of ALLAH TA'ALA and we should do only what HE has prescribed for us, and that is to WORSHIP HIM.

Imam Sha'afi (Rahmatullahi Alaih) summed up this life very simply and aptly:
"This worldly life is a just a moment; let it be a moment of obedience."

May ALLAH TA'ALA guide us and grant us the ability to celebrate our happiness in the light of Sunnah and make us amongst the obedient ones, Aameen Ya Rabb! 

Another year gone...

Another year gone....

Staring at the calendar it's impossible not to notice that there are just two pages left on the calendar and November is almost over. Where did the time go? Where did the year go? What did we do with the time? Questions without answers, but there are answers. The answers are in how we spend our time. Every one of us is given the same 24hours in a day, the same 86'400 minutes for the year. What we choose to do with it is entirely up to us. As the adage goes:

Bad News is that time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.

More than the time lost are the lost moments. Opportunities to share precious moments lost when we focussed on 'more important' things. Events and objects that we have attached importance to and given them a valuable space in a major part of our lives – our jobs, careers, enjoyment are all important but not as important as the people around us. To date no one has been recorded as saying while on his deathbed "I should have spent more time at the office." This touching story brings the point home with stark reality:

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a lady on a bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide.

"He's a fine looking boy" the lady said. "That's my daughter on the bike in the white dress." Then, looking at her watch, she called to her daughter. "What do you say we go, Melissa?"

Melissa pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Mum Please? Just five more minutes."

The lady nodded and Melissa continued to ride her bike to her heart's content. Minutes passed and the mother stood and called again to her daughter. "Time to go now?"

Again Melissa pleaded, "Five more minutes, Mum. Just five more minutes."

The lady smiled and said, "OK."

"My, you certainly are a patient mother," the woman responded.

The lady smiled and then said, "Her older brother Tommy was killed by a drunk driver last year while he was riding his bike near here. I never spent much time with Tommy and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Melissa. She thinks she has five more minutes to ride her bike. The truth is, I get five more minutes to watch her play."

Life is all about making priorities, what are your priorities?
Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today. So drop the pens, pots, money and just make the time to give someone you love a call or a hug just for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala That opportunity may not arise again so grab it and make it a moment to remember. . And give thanks to Allah that He granted us such special people in our lives – people without whom life would be constrained and devoid of pleasure.

Time is not about counting the moments but about making the moments count.

Duas during Journeys

Duas during Journeys     When biding farewell to someone going off on a journey, recite: أَسْتَوْدِعُ اللَّهَ دِينَكَ وَأَمَانَتَكَ وَخَوَاتِيمَ عَمَلِكَ "(I make) Allah responsible for your deen, your trustworthiness and for the results of your actions". (Tirmidhi) Dua for another person undertaken a journey When some other person undertakes a journey, recite the following dua: زَوَّدَكَ اللَّهُ التَّقْوَى وَغَفَرَ لَكَ ذَنْبَكَ وَيَسَّرَ لَكَ الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كُنْتَ "May Allah make piety part of your journey, forgive your sins and fulfil the purpose of the journey". (Tirmidhi) Dua at the time of his departure: اللَّهُمَّ إِطْوِ لَهُ الْبُعْدَ وَهَوِّنْ عَلَيْهِ السَّفَرَ "O Allah, let his journey be covered quickly and most easily". (Tirmidhi) Dua by the traveller for the person wishing him farewell أَسْتَوْدِعِكُمُ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَا تَضِيعُ وَدَائِعُهُ "I leave your responsibility to Allah (leave you in his hands) in whose protection nothing can be lost (destroyed, damaged) when He protects". (Hisnul Hasin) Dua at the intention to undertake a journey اللَّهُمَّ بَكَ أَصُولُ وَبِكَ أَجُولُ وَبِكَ أَسِيرُ "O Allah, it is with Your help that I attack (the enemy) and with Your help I defend and with Your help I depart". (Hisnul Hasin) Dua when mounting or placing a foot on a stripe When mounting on or placing the foot on the stripe, recite: "Bismillah" and when sitting on the back of the animal or a seat recite Alhamdulillah and then the following Ayah: سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ "Allah is pure, He has given control and without His power we would not have any control Without doubt we are to return to him: (Surah Zakhruf) Thereafter Alhamdulillah - three times الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ Allahu-Akbar- three times اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ Thereafter the following dua: سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنوُبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ "O Allah, You are pure, surely I have oppressed myself so forgive me for You are the only One Who forgives sins". After reciting this it is Mustahab to smile. (Mishkat) When beginning the journey recite اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَمِنَ الْعَمَلِ مَا تَرْضَى اللَّهُمَّ هَوِّنْ عَلَيْنَا سَفَرَنَا هَذَا وَاطْوِ لَنَا بُعْدَهُ اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ الصَّاحِبُ فِي السَّفَرِ وَالْخَلِيفَةُ فِي الْأَهْلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ وَعْثَاءِ السَّفَرِ وَكَآبَةِ الْمَنْظَرِ وَسُوءِ الْمُنْقَلَبِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالْأَهْلِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْحُورِ بَعْدَ الْكُورِ وَدَعْوَةِ الْمَظْلُومِ "O Allah, we seek goodness from You and piety from this journey and (the ability to do) good actions by which You are pleased. O Allah, ease this journey for us and make us transverse the road quickly. O Allah, You are our companion in this journey and deputy (guardian) over our household whom we left behind. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the difficulties of the journey and from seeing bad things and from a bad return at home and household and from the dua of the oppressed". Note: It is Mustahab to perform two rakaats Nafl Salaat before commencing a journey. (Kitabul Askar-Li-Nawawi) When climbing recite: سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ When alighting اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ and when passing an area where there is water recite بِسْمِ اللَّهِ and in the event of an accident or the animals feet slipping recite لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Hisnul Hasin) Dua when travelling in a ship When travelling in a ship recite: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ مَجْرَاهَا وَمُرْسَاهَا إِنَّ رَبِّي لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ . وَمَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ وَالْأَرْضُ جَمِيعاً قَبْضَتُهُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ وَالسَّمَاوَاتُ مَطْوِيَّاتٌ بِيَمِينِهِ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ . "In the name of Allah, it moves and stops. Definitely my Lord is forgiving and merciful and the Kuffar have not recognised Him as they should, whereas on the Day of Qiyamah the whole earth will be in His fist and the skies folded in His right hand. He is Pure and Superior (lofty) from the belief which the Mushrikeen hold (have)". (Hisnul Hasin) Dua when alighting off a vehicle When alighting off a vehicle recite: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ "I seek refuge in Allah by His complete words from the evils of the creation". By reciting this dua, no harm will befall on the person. (Muslim) When seeing the village/town of the destination recite اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَظْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الَأَرَضِينَ السَّبْعِ وَمَا أَقْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الشَّيَاطِينَ وَمَا أَضْلَلْنَ وَرَبَّ الرِّيَاحِ وَمَا ذَرَيْنَ فَإِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ وَخَيْرَ أَهْلَهَا وَنَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا وَشَرِّ أَهْلِهَا وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا "O Allah, You are the Lord of the seven skies and all the things that are under these skies and the seven planets and whatever is over these and of Satan who misled and all those misled by him and for the wind and all that it blows. Thus we seek the good of this town and the good of its members (people) and seek refuge from its evil and the evil of its members and from the evils of whatever is in it". (Hisnul Hasin from Ibn Habban) When entering any city or a populated area recite the following dua three times: اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهَا "O Allah, You grant us good in it (the city/populated area)". (Hisnul Hasin from Tabarani) then recite: اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا جِنَاهَا وَحَبِّبْنَا إِلَى أَهْلِهَا وَحَبِّبْ صَالِحِي أَهْلِهَا إِلَيْنَا "O Allah, grant us the fruit of this place and create love in the people for us and create love in our hearts for the righteous people (of this area)". (Hisnul Hasin from Tabarani) When night while on a journey recite يَا أَرْضُ رَبِّي وَرَبُّكِ اللَّهُ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّكِ وَشَرِّ مَا خُلِقَ فِيكِ وَشَرِّ مَا يَدُبُّ عَلَيْكِ وَأَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ أَسَدٍ وَأُسُودٍ وَمِنَ الْحَيَّةِ وَالْعَقْرَبِ وَمِنْ شَرِّ سَاكِنِي الْبَلَدِ وَمِنْ وَالِدٍ وَمَا وَلَدَ "Oh Earth, your Lord, and my Lord is Allah. I seek refuge in Allah from the evil (of your nights) and those evils created in you and that which moves in you and seek refuge in Allah from the lions, snakes, scorpions and from the evils of the dwellers of the city and from the father and children". (Hisnul Hasin from Abu Dawood) At the time of Sehri while on a journey recite سَمْعُ سَامِعٍ بِحَمْدِ اللَّهِ وَنِعْمَتِهِ وَحُسْنِ بَلَائِهِ عَلَيْنَا رَبَّنَا صَاحِبْنَا وَأَفْضِلْ عَلَيْنَا عَائِذَاً بِاللَّهِ مِنَ النَّارِ "The heaven has heared our praise of Allah and also heard our testification that He favours us and keeps us in good condition. Our Lord stay with us and grant us your favours and I make dua to seek refuge from Allah from Jahannam (hell fire)". (Hisnul Hasin from Muslim etc) It is also narrated that this dua be recited three times in a raised voice. (Hisnul Hasin from Mustahab) Note: Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) stated that if a person on journey refrains from worldly affairs in his heart and focuses his attention to Allah and remembers Him, the angels stay with him throughout the journey and if he recites imaginary poetry or does any futile thing then Satan stays with him during his journey. (Hisnul Hasin) Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) told Jabir bin Mutim (R.A.) to recite the following five Suras when on journey: 1- Surah Kaafiroon 2- Surah Nasr 3- Surah Ikhlaas 4- Surah Falaq 5- Surah Naas Every Surah should commence with "Bismillah" and Surah Naas should end with "Bismillah" as well, thus reciting "Bismillah" six times. Jabir (R.A.) states: "When I went out on journey (and although I was wealthy and had more merchandise than my companions), my conditions were worse than them, but from the time I began reciting these surahs, on return my condition was better than all of them, and I had most provisions of the journey". (Hisnul Hasin) Etiquettes on returning from a journey When returning from a journey one should sit on the mode of conveyance and recite: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ فِي سَفَرِنَا هَذَا الْبِرَّ وَالتَّقْوَى On departing, recite all journey duas and be concerned about the etiquettes of a journey and on every ascend recite "Allahu-Akbar" thrice and recite: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ سَاجِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ صَدقَ اللَّهُ وَعْدَهُ وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ "There is none worthy of worship besides Allah who has no partner, His is the Kingdom and to him is all praise, for He has created everything. We are those returning, repenting and obedient to Allah, performing Sajda, praising Allah, Allah has made truth (fullfilled) His promise and aided His servant and defeated the enemy armies Alone." (Mishkat) On the return journey when entering one's own city recite آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ "We are returning, repenting and obedient to Allah, praising Him". (Hisnul Hisn) Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.)'s blessed habit was to return from a journey during chast time within the city. He would first go to the Masjid, perform two rakaats Salaats. Thereafter he would stay in the Masjid for a little while and then go home. (Bukhari, Muslim) Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) loved to journey on Thursdays. (Bukhari) On the return from a journey recite أَوْبَاً أَوْبَاً لِرَبِّنَا تَوْبَاً لَا يُغَادِرُ عَلَيْنَا حَوْبَاً "I have come back, I have come back, I seek forgiveness from Allah with such a repentance that leaves me with no sin". (Hisnul Hasin from Abi Yala)