Dunya Boutiques v Akhira Boutiques

Every woman knows about shopping. It doesn’t matter which country you are from, the words “shopping” or “sale” sends a shiver down the spine and a peek in to the purses. 

So let’s take this concept of shopping a little further. It is wonderful to be able to fill our time walking through malls and trying on pretty dresses, then filling our cupboards and basking in the feeling of accomplishment. So long as we remember, to live in this Dunya and not for this Dunya.

We would be foolish to live any other way, as Allah says, “O My People! The life of this world is only temporary enjoyment, while the abode of hereafter is everlasting”  (Surah Al Mu’min : 39) 

We are here as traveler’s, this temporary abode is a place wherein we are given the opportunity to prepare for our final destination. By virtue of being the reciters of La Illaha Ililallah, we already have the passport to paradise, however, we do require some Visa. This Visa is obtainable through doing righteous deeds, for Allah says,  “And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers or paradise,they will dwell therein forever” (surah Al Baqarah : 82). 

And we know that in preparation for any journey, the best provision is Taqwa, (surah Al Baqarah : 197) So in preparing, take as much as you can from this place for the next. 

So, how often do we go “Akhira Shopping”? The answer should be – it is my sole purpose. YES, life is about shopping. Shopping for the Akhira, stocking up on Akhira reserves, filling the bags, tipping the scales and rushing to the sales. 

I think as a start, we should add a few things to our Akhira shopping lists. The best currency to carry on these shopping expeditions, is glorifying the Almighty, lots of SubhanAllah will be beneficial.

Stocking up on Akhira reserves is simple, we need to engage in Tawbah,because Allah says, ” Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur’an 2:222).  

Thankfulness to Allah for the favours he has bestowed on us, everything we have, everything we do is only by His will, and Allah says,””Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, And be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me.” [Qur’an 2:152] 

Our actions, must be pure and good, and for the pleasure of Allah. Good actions, character and manners are all part of Imaan and we are told this by our beloved Nabi Muhammad S.A.W, when he said, “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character” (Hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).

Actually, its simple, shop for the Akhira, in the constant remembrance of Allah. In doing for Him, you increase your love for Him, and in loving Him. And while you loving Him and The most Loving is Loving you, your Akhira reserves increase with every good action done for Him.

There is no need for a budget in this realm and Akhira boutiques are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Do all you need to for Allah, and He will do for you.

Do it with Grace xx

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REFRESH!

My Prophet, OUR Prophet, My Muhammad, May Peace and blessings be upon him once said ” The Greatest Jihad, is to battle your own soul, to fight the evil within yourself. ”  

We can conquer the battle, as we all have the natural disposition, to DO good, BE good, WANT to be good, it’s just that there is always that whisper telling us, “we already good enough” or “tomorrow is a better day to start” – to recognize THAT voice, is half the battle won. 

Our Imaan, my Imaan, is weak, we have lots to do in this world to gain the best of Akhira, but how do we go about attaining the best results as weak creation? and Especially because we have this constant battle that occupies our hearts and minds?

Hit REFRESH!!

What I mean by this is, lets clean out our hearts so that when you invite Allah and Islam in to the beautiful walls of your heart, there is no reason to leave, Would you like to spend even one night in a crappy broken down hotel room? Didn’t think so ya’ll! So how can we invite this Islam in to our hearts when it may be cluttered with the filth and dust of the world which we carry with us? Ofcourse – we need to secure dunya, but our primary objective is securing the best of akhira, Inshallah. 

So when i say ” Hit Refresh” what I am saying, is turn to Allah, for Allah loves those who turn to Him. What I am saying, is that we should affirm our faith at every given opportunity, so that we become strong enough to battle the nafs and desires that distract us. 

Just as we find so much satisfaction in downing a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day, let’s find that same satisfaction in this kalima, لآ اِلَهَ اِلّا اللّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُوُل اللّهِ.  La ilaha illa-llah, Muhammadu-rasulu-llah… There is no Allah but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Let’s make the intention, each and every day, that Ya Rab, we want to renew our faith today. Ameen! 

By removing all that is negative – La Ilaha, illa-allah and affirming that there is ONLY Allah, we can remove this love for dunya, and invite this love for Allah in to our hearts. And yes, we are weak, but if we keep refreshing and we keep turning back to Allah, we will be successful ameen, ya rab. This is love. Allah’s love. 

So arm yourself with intention to refresh, persevere with your nafs, use this kalima and keep turning to your Allah. And, Inshallah this battle will subside and we will be the victors of our nafs. 

Remember, the more we affirm our faith, and the closer we get to our Allah, the closer we are to our natural disposition and the easier it will be to fulfill our highest good, ameen ya Rabilaalimeen ❤

What’s your excuse?

So this morning I, like many others, considered “calling in sick” for work. For no real reason at all, except that I was a tad bit lazy to leave the comfort of my warm bed. And just then, the thought of my boss, looking at me with judging eyes and asking for that doctor’s note, was enough to get me out of bed and in to my car and – at my desk just before 8am. My point? #dunyaproblems

But it got me thinking, how many times are we going to be able to pull the “doctor’s note” out for missing our salaah and neglecting our obligations as muslims? I mean we will do anything in our power not to miss that boardroom meeting,but wheres our conviction in pleasing our Almighty Allah who loves us? (it’s the coffee – i know)

How can we even think of disappointing the one who loves us? #akhiraplanning

Just a thought…use it, don’t use it… use it though ❤

xxxx