Assalamualaikum world!

Ok so I’m back, after far too long

Thought I’d muse on something close to everyone’s heart. At some stage in anyone’s life, we’re faced with challenges.

We will surely test you in your wealth and in yourselves and you will hear many hurtful things from those who were given the book before you and from those who associate others with Allah. If you are steadfast and beware of Allah, that is the strongest position.
Aal ‘Imraan: 186

Amongst the hardest tests, I’ve found, involve giving up something you love for the sake of Allah. Something which you know, deep down, isn’t good for you in this life and the next.

Our vices may be different, but they all have the same effect – they harden our hearts, and bring us further away from Allah, our Merciful Creator.

As hard as it is to make that sacrifice, make dua and ask Allah to give you that courage to step up, and make that clean break. It’ll hurt at first, but after hardship, there is relief. And even if you fall again, get up and ask Allah for strength, guidance and forgiveness. His Mercy is greater than our mistakes.

Sacred Law was taught to us to increase good, and to decrease harm. Allah knows how fallible we are, so in His Mercy, He has sent down Prophets and Revelation, to help us reach Him. Think of our end goal – Jannah – where we can find lasting peace and His eternal pleasure. Make every day a concerted effort to get on step closer to Him.

Look at the small blessings we have everyday, to spur you into higher levels of worship. A roof over your head. Family and friends. The freedom to go to work and school. A wide selection of food to choose from. The luxury of holidays. SubhanAllah, so many of us are blessed, and all of this originate from Allah, Most Generous.

May Allah make it easy for you when you give something up for His sake. Know that He will reward you with something far, far greater.