Moment with Allah...

وَلَقَدْ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّكَ يَضِيقُ صَدْرُكَ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ

[ سورة الحجر: 97]

“We certainly know that your heart feels heavy because of what they say.”

(Surah Al-Hijr, 15:97)

Undoubtedly, with everything happening in Palestine, our hearts feel hurt and pain, and some have expressed feeling broken and let down. In this beautiful verse we have a plethora of lessons:

1. Firstly, Allah Almighty references how the enemies of Islam mocked, denied, and belittled the Messenger ﷺ and how it hurt him.
2. Secondly, Allah Almighty acknowledges this hurt and pain.
3. Thirdly, Allah Almighty reminds His Messenger ﷺ (and by extension, all of us) that He is fully capable of destroying the oppressors and punishing them instantly for their arrogance and cruelty.
4. Fourthly, Allah, in His perfect wisdom, contextually teaches us that He Almighty chooses patience over haste, and that He delays, not because He is unaware, but because He is just. accordingly, He gives the oppressors time, but He never neglects.

So when you witness oppression, or when you’re wronged or belittled — remember: Allah knows. And Allah never forgets.

This verse is a powerful reminder of how deeply Allah understands us. When people speak or act hurtfully, and it weighs on your heart, know that your Creator is not distant; He is fully aware of the pain you carry.

In another verse, Allah says:

“And We certainly know that your chest feels tight because of what they say.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:97)

You’re not alone in your hurt. Allah sees it, He knows it, and His mercy encompasses it. This ayah speaks directly to the one quietly struggling; not needing to explain, because Allah already knows what’s in your heart.

Moment with the Messenger (ﷺ)

Abu Musa al'Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with Him reports that the Messenger (ﷺ) said:

"Indeed, Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He seizes him, He does not let him escape."

Then he recited:

"Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe." (Surah Hud, verse 102)

(alBukhaari: 4686)

Commentary:

If we pause and reflect, over this narration, we see that it is not merely a statement of Divine action, but also a profound warning and a deep insight into the balance between Allah’s Mercy and His Justice.

As explained by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari; this narration highlights a crucial principle in our understanding of Allah ﷻ: He is Al-Halim, the Most Forbearing. He does not rush to punish. He gives time. He allows the oppressor a chance to return, to fix matters, to seek forgiveness. But that window, while open, is not eternal. Eventually, when the time for reckoning arrives, and it will arrive, Allah will seize, and once He does, there is no escape. No system can save. No privilege will protect. No deception will avail.

Ibn Hajar points out that this divine way of dealing, known in Arabic as 'istidraj', is when Allah allows a person to carry on with their wrong, even as things seem to go well for them. Wealth increases, status rises, comfort grows, but it’s not a sign of success. It’s a test! Sometimes, it’s even a trap.

The verse from Surah Hud is a striking reinforcement: when Allah takes hold of a people who persist in wrongdoing, His punishment is not only certain; it's painful and severe. It’s not disproportionate, it’s not unjust, but rather the perfect response from the Most Just to continued and arrogant disobedience.

So what’s the takeaway?

This hadith should ignite within us a sense of urgency and a sense of responsibility. If we’re wronging others, we must stop. If we’re silent about oppression, we must speak/act. And if we’re being tested with ease despite wrongdoing, we must not be deceived.

It’s a call towards remaining FIRM despite the indescribable events taking place in Palestine, a guidance towards repentance, a siren to accountability, and a reminder that Allah’s mercy is vast, but His justice is absolute.

'Soul Bites'

Mustafa Sadiq Al-Rafi'i, a famous Arab writer and poet said, in reference to true hope vs false hope:

"The thinnest thread of our hopes may be thicker than the thickest rope of our illusions...!"

This quote reflects on the power of true hope versus the illusions we create for ourselves. It suggests that even the most delicate and fragile thread of genuine hope can be stronger and more reliable than the thickest and most secure-looking rope of our illusions or false expectations.

In other words, real hope, no matter how small, has more strength and endurance than the grandest illusions, which may seem solid but ultimately lack substance. It’s a reminder to place our trust in sincere aspirations rather than getting caught up in self-deception!

Also, This had very receptive reviews this past Ramadan (Click the word: Ramadan). I hope you benefit from it!

'The Treasury'

Can I fast the Six Fasts of Shawwaal before making up my missed Ramadan fasts?

Starting to fast the six days of Shawwal before making up missed fasts from Ramadan is valid, according to the majority of scholars, although the Maliki and Shafi'i schools of jurisprudence (Fiqh) thought allowed it, but considered it disliked (makruh).

So if a person has the strength and timetable to manage making up their first Ramadan fasts, and then complete fasting the six fasts of Shawaal; this would be preferred, and if they lack the energy, or have a difficult time managing their timetable to fast all the fasts in Shawwaal; they can make up the missed Ramadan fasts any time before the next Ramadan, and pursue completing their Six Shawaal fasts only in Shawaal, due to these fasts and their rewards being limited to the month of Shawwaal according to some scholars.

And Allah knows best.

Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar

'Soul Model'

Be focussed and measured; NOT random...

Find something that lights you up and brings benefit, and go for it. Don’t stress about having everything in life figured out, because that’s not the goal. Even the Prophet ﷺ said, 'Leave that which does not concern you' ! Not everything needs an answer, but everything can and should have a purpose. Explore, learn, experience. You’ll find that Allah’s creation is full of wonders, and when you engage with it sincerely, there’s always something to gain.

Put your energy into the things you enjoy that align with your values; things that bring you closer to Allah and help others. Don’t just think, ‘What do I want to become?’ Think, ‘What do I want to contribute?’ That shift in mindset can change everything. And of course, keep up your responsibilities; your prayers, your family, your studies, because those are the foundations that give you the freedom to do more, not less. Remember, Ihsan (excellence) is part of our deen, and that means doing your best even in the little things.

I look forward to sharing more in my upcoming book: The Journey to Success, the roadmap of Ikhlas, Ihsan and Istiqamah...

The End...For now🙂

May Allah reward you for reading and may you succeed in what Allah created you to achieve before you return to him! Ameen.

Your brother,

Sajid Umar,

Author of A Journey to Success and The Story of Yusuf (as)

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