Monday, November 22, 2010

Very Important Lessons- Part 1- Repentance

I’m part of a community Muslim women’s group. I think I mentioned this before in a previous post. We conduct various workshops with ladies, hoping to somehow assist them to live more positive lives and to have more positive relationships (Insha’Allah Allah will accept our efforts). For our own self growth we decided to meet on a regular basis with one of the Moulana’s (spiritual teachers) at the Masjid where we run our workshops. The aim is to gain whatever wisdom and guidance we can to improve our own lives, because if we are not concerned about improving ourselves, then how can we assist others to improve themselves.

For me these meetings are always profound, even though the messages are so simple. Perhaps it’s because of our intention for going there, or maybe the way in which the Moulana gives us the time to think and reflect, I’m not sure. In any case, what I’ve learnt from our last meeting left such an impact on me that I thought I’d share it with you all.

The first thing I learnt was that the answer to any difficulty is to make taubah (repent for one’s sins). Although we always hear this, there was just something in the way the Moulana spoke that really made the point. He explained to us how one day the doors of repentance will be closed and then the entire mankind will be deprived of Allah’s mercy. He reminded us that this day may be soon. He urged us to make taubah because this is the key to help with any difficulty. This made me reflect and think. How often do I truly make taubah? You know really beg for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart, sit on my prayer mat and cry because of guilt for my sins, that type of taubah. Okay so maybe I recite istighfaar on my tasbeeh (prayer beads), but is this really taubah? I felt guilty, I still feel guilty while I’m typing this. My self-reflection made me aware that I definitely don’t make taubah often enough. This is something that I have to remedy.

Another thing the Moulana brought to our attention is that when we commit sins, our Imaan drops to a lower level. He recited a verse from the Holy Quraan and explained it to us. He told us that Allah (SWT) tells us that in order to bring our Imaan back to its former level, we need to make taubah. He also emphasised that the best time to make taubah is Tahajjud time, because this is when Allah (SWT) sends His mercy down to us.

Since that day I’ve been trying to make taubah more often, sometimes it’s difficult and I feel rushed for time, but I know that this is something that I have to commit myself to, because I most definitely do not want to be deprived of Allah’s mercy and start repenting when it’s far too late.

The strange thing is that the more I make taubah, the more I’m reminded of Allah Almighty’s Mercy. I remember hearing in another lecture that Allah (SWT) loves it when we repent and if we did not commit sin then Allah would have created another nation who would be able to repent for their sins, because Allah Almighty, The Most Merciful wants to shower His Mercy and Blessings on us. SubhanAllah, Allah truly is Amazing!

May Allah (SWT) accept all of our repentance and help us to receive His mercy and forgiveness, Insha’Allah Ameen!


There are other important lessons that I learnt from our meeting, but I will put that in my next posts Insha’Allah.

Image from: http://webspace.webring.com/people/vm/mutmainaa/tafakkur/reflect.html

8 comments:

  1. Masha'Allah sister, this post was absolutely wonderful and so inspiring! Jazakallah khair! It is indeed important to repent and really doing it from the bottom of your heart. Insha'Allah.

    Take care dear Zarina! <3

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  2. rose water:) Alhamdullillah, I'm glad you liked the post, there's just so much that we need to be reminded abou because we take things so for granted. Insha'Allah this is something that we will all begin to practice more often and more easily.

    You stay well and take care:)

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  3. Yes I also wrote about this in a post not long ago: that we human beings over and over again have to be reminded about what is really important in this life! Whew ;) Then it's good we have Blogger! - and not FaceBoook :P

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  4. Salaams, sis Zarina and rose water...

    In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful...

    By (the promise of) time (infinite).
    Surely, man is in loss,
    Except such as (those who) have Faith and do righteous deeds,
    and (join together) in the mutual teaching of truth,
    and of patience and persevereance. (
    Surah Al-'Asr, 1-3)

    Your posts are a good dakwah for all. Thank you for reminding me on my duty as a muslim (moslem). May Allah shower both of you with lots and lots of hidayah, dear sisters.

    Insya-Allah.

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  5. Was-salaam sister Ati

    How are you doing, I hope that you are feeling well, it's good to hear from you again, I missed you:)

    Thank you for the prayer and the words of encouragement. Alhamdullillah, I was just thinking that I'm so grateful to be able to connect with fellow sisters and share and learn. This is a mercy from Allah (SWT).

    I pray that Allah showers you and all the other lovely sisters with His mercy and blessings, and of course lots of hidayah too. Insha'Allah!

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  6. sis Zarina, I missed you too!

    To be honest, I am not really in good condition. I have my head on the chopping board right now, for not being able to meet the deadline of my thesis submission. But alhamdulilah, having nice friends like you and other sister bloggers around me reduced the miserable feelings a lot.

    Thank you so much for being too kind to me. I highly value this long distance friendship of ours. Ameen to your duas, sis. Wassalam.

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  7. Sister Ati I know all about the pressures of having to hand a thesis in, it's quite crazy, but Insha'Allah you will soon be able to submit with the help of Allah (SWT).

    Alhamdullillah, I also value our friendship and it reminds of the beauty of Islamic Sisterhood.

    All the best!

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