Deen Quest

Intentions...

2008-05-14T03:36:00.002-04:00

Bismillaah. Peace be upon Prophet Muhammad.
This is amazing...So I'm sitting there reading or something, and I'm reminded of the importance of starting every act with Bismillaah. And then that everything we do or don't do should be for Allaah alone. Next, I'm thinking...Hey, I really want some more of that fruit punch!! But, what's my intention going to be? Otherwise, I just want to satisfy my nafs, I want it cause it tastes good...What if I intended to drink it for Allaah's sake to eleviate thirst or to drink something halal? Somehow, I'm having trouble thinking that this is a good enough intention. It appears to be lacking in sincerity....
Then I'm searching a friend's blog and find the following post.

http://alilmunnafi.blogspot.com/2007/06/hadeeth-1-intentions.html

Mashaa'Allaah, this was very helpful and a great reminder. When I read this post, Allaah reminded me about the whole "fruit punch" fiasco! May Allaah guide us to be sincere and act purely for his sake alone!

Nafs Challenge

2008-05-14T01:38:00.006-04:00

Here's a list of Sunnahs and recommended acts that I'd like to incorporate as a regular practice. Please feel free to suggest any other actions that I should be keen on taking up. Many of these actions involve breaking the nafs, so I guess that's my first challenge in being consistent with the Sunnahs.

1. Pray all daily sunnah prayers
2. Use less water to make wudu and ghusl
3. Sleep less and eat less
4. Pray tahajjud
5. Say dhikrs before sunrise and sunset, after prayers, etc
6. Learn qunut for Fajr salah
7. Memorize Suratul-Kahf, last ten ayat of Surah Ali Imran, Suratul Mulk
8. Read Suratul Kahf every Friday, if possible
9. Read Suratul Mulk every night, if possible
10. Read from the Shama'il or other book on Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) every day
11. Listen to Islamic lectures everyday
12. Read Qur'an everyday if possible
13. Read from hadith everyday
14. Make istighfar at least 70 times per day
15. Recite blessings and prayers upon Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) throughout everyday
16. Be kind and attentive and respectful to my parents, spouse, child, in-laws, relatives,
friends acquaintances
17. Be more silent everyday
18. Do lots of dhikr everyday
19. Have khushoo and peace and happiness in salah
20. To yearn for salah
21. To fear Allaah alone, not to fear created beings
22. To love Allaah in the best manner
23. To put my complete trust in Allaah under all circumstances
24. To be pleased with Allaah's decree
25. To praise Allaah publically without shyness
...so much more, I gotta take a break. I look forward to your comments!

Getting Up for Fajr Prayer

2008-05-14T01:25:00.007-04:00

The first prayer of the day...What do you do to get up early and on time for prayer?
Personally, I try the multiple alarm thing...You know, one in the room one in the living room, etc.
Just recently, I started using my cell phone regularly. It's nice 'cause it's really loud, but what can a Muslim do even more practically, according to Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) Sunnah to get up for Fajr salah on time?! How do you prepare for it the night before and what do you avoid what may hinder you accomplishing this important task? Inshaa'Allaah, please share your views and let's help each other obey Allaah in the best manner!