Ramadan originates from the verb رَمِضَ, signifying intense heat. Metaphorically, it symbolizes the purification of unhelpful habits and the breaking of old patterns, paving the way for renewal and growth. During Ramadan, we dedicate ourselves to heightened spiritual practices, embodying sacrifice and grace, with the aim of rejuvenating our souls.
The culmination of Ramadan is Eidul-Fitr, a celebration marking our return to fitrah, our innate nature. As we embrace this return to normalcy, we also aspire for our souls to be realigned with our true purpose and nature.
Join us on this Ramadan journey as we reconnect with our Fitrah (innate character), drawing upon insights from Islamic Psychology (Ilmun-Nafs - Science of the Self) to guide us along the way.
1) Reclaim Your Purpose. (Saturday, 9th March 2024)
Who Should Attend?
If you've been feeling purpose-less,
If you cannot make sense of where you are in life right now,
If you want to stand strong again, resolute in your conviction...
Dear Believers, be patient (and tolerant of your duties) and patient (of the harm and affliction that comes your way) and be steadfast (and defend yourself against antagonism and machiavellianism) and be cognizant (aware and conscious) of Allah in all circumstances, so that you will be successful (in this world and the hereafter).
(Surah Ali Imran 3:200)~ Adapted from Tafsir Muyassar.
Sabar linguistically translated means to restrain, or to bind. Islamically, it is understood as endurance or perseverance. Allah ﷻ mentions the virtue Sabar 102 times in the Quran, the same amount of times He mentions Ash-Shiddah (pressure). Sabbar is also Arabic name given to Prickly Pear, which is highly nutritious and medicinal. However, the skin of this sweet refreshing fruit has fine prickly thorns, that can easily lodge itself into the skin, and cause irritation.
What we mean to say here is, patience is a process. It is sitting through difficulties. In the verse above, Allah ﷻ enjoins us to courage and sturdiness, in the face of challenges and offensive onslaught.
Definitely not to be defeatist, but to accept our states, sit with it, move through it, and make the best of our circumstances, in the most honourable & noble manner possible. This trait of persevering in honour and nobility is ingrained in human beings.
How do we do this?
Breathe. Nafasa is related to the word Nafs (Soul). It signifies how Allah ﷻ breathed the Ruh (spirit) into our father Nabi Adam عليه السلام, activating the temperaments of the Soul (a.k.a ego). Breathing has been proven to regulate dysregulated Nafs.
Notice your state. Notice attachments to dunya. Are you grasping at something fleeting? Are you craving for something you don’t have? Are you clinging on to a loss? Are you rejecting reality?
Check for Idealistic Perfectionism. Only Allah ﷻ is perfect. And He DOES NOT expect the creation to be perfect. In fact, Allah expects us to make honest mistakes, to test boundaries and return to him remorseful and mournful. Rasulullah ﷺ said “By the One in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin, and they would seek forgiveness from Allah and He would forgive them.” Reference: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2749.
Acknowledge The Pain/Harm/Suffering. Recognise how our thoughts and ideals have an effect on our behaviour and state. Prepare for change.
Personify Rahmah. Our job is to be a servant of the Most Compassionate (‘ibadur-Rahman). This means we are to becompassionate, beginning with ourselves. Compassion also means not causing harm to our soul or to others. To not put on ourselves a burden that contributes to harm.
Accept Reality As It Is. Redha. To accept that there is pain; and that some things are not meant to be. So, Let Go & Let God take care of you. Know that life is worth living and striving for, even if there is pain.
Hope. Trust that Allah knows best, exactly what you need. Open your heart to be pleasantly surprised.
Hmmm… yes, we hear you… that’s quite a bit of work. Which is why Rasulullah ﷺ considered Sabar amongst the highest and most meritorious of virtues.
And don’t worry too much… Allah ﷻ who created us in the best of forms, equipped us with special features (the ‘aql /intellect) allowing us to create solutions, wield resources and make choices, while we face life’s challenges (whether we are aware of it or not… did you realise that you’ve been taking spiritual exams twice a year?).
Do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice but then they do not repent nor do they remember? Surah At-Tawbah 9:126
So, rest assured, Allah is Well-Aware of what we are going through, how we got into our messes, our thought processes, and the feelings it conjure. Allah knows our strengths and limitations too. And Allah is Most Compassionate, Graciously Merciful, who will recompense us for all the difficulties we, stout-heartedly, endure.
Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him. Sahih Muslim 2999*
We can do this. We can weather the storms and make it through. Coz even Bob Dylan said, “I will not carry myself down to die. When I go to my grave my head will be high.”
Surely, Allah does not change what is in a people until they change what is in themselves. (Surah Ar-Ra’d:11)
Awareness, insight and introspection is an important part of human development and growth. For without it, we’d function on an autopilot subconscious, oblivious to how we present ourselves and how we affect others and our environment.
A big part of our actions and behaviours are reflective of our core beliefs, automatic thoughts, feelings and intentions.
Rasulullah (ﷺ) said:
إنما الأعمال بالنيات وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى
“Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended.
Fret not, though… the Seekers will be guided to what they seek. Allah promises that:
Have you ever felt a lack of motivation to carry out our deen even after acquiring knowledge on fardhu ain and fiqh? Did it ever cross our minds that it could be because we have yet to know Allah enough to love Him with all our hearts and carry out all that He commanded?
Join us as we develop our love for Allah through learning the Asmaul Husna!
Program : Hope Workshops
Asmaul Husna (99 Names of Allah)
During this 9 - week module, you will: 🌱Learn more about Allah through his 99 Names 🌱Increase your love for Allah by knowing Him 🌱Love yourself more by developing love for Allah 🌱Be more God-conscious 🌱Connect your heart with Allah
$120 / 3 classes
Part 1: 14, 21, 28 April 2019
Part 2: 12, 19, 26 May 2019
Part 3: 16, 23, 30 June 2019
~~
Facilitated by Ustazah Noraini Abdul Wahab ARS certified
Candidate Phd Psychology – University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia Master of Counselling – Monash University Ma’had Fatayaat Al Bu’uth Al Azhariyyah bil Qaherah
~~
Register now at https://hijrah_asmaulhusna.eventbrite.sg/
We are working women and we feel unhappy. Why is that?
There
are many factors that influence the level happiness of an individual. These
factors include security, sense of purpose, accomplishments, financial
stability, freedom, interpersonal relationships, outlook on life and this
differs from person to person. In addition, for muslims, our happiness depends
on how we look after our faith in everything that we do.
Here, Hijrah’s
Founder and Professional Islamic and Psychiatric Counsellor, Ustazah Noraini
Abdul Wahab shares 3 simple steps to having a happy working life as a muslim
woman.
Step 1: Know that working is a form of ibadah.
Many women feel guilty about
leaving their homes for work. This guilt affects their self esteem and they
constantly struggle with their inner conflicts. If we feel this way, we might
fall into the danger of burning out and feeling exhausted after a few months or
years of working.
For both men and women, working
is a form of ibadah.
Allah s.w.t mentioned in
the Quran:
How is work worshipping
Allah you wonder?
Ustazah Noraini reminds us, “The main reason we are on this earth is to serve and participate in the harmony that is encompassing life in the universe.”
We have to know that when we go to work, we are playing a part in contributing to the world’s harmony – every drop has a ripple effect that affects the universe, way more than we can comprehend.
Let’s not forget that the female companions of Rasulullah ﷺ (sahabiyaat) used to work and played a part in contributing to their community’s harmony.
Take Al-Shifa bint Abdullah r.a. as an example. Sayyidina Umar r.a. appointed her as a policewoman of the entire marketplace in Madinah because of her knowledge in the syariah laws. Her job asked that she keeps the peace in the market and reprimands those who were violating the business transaction laws of the syariah.
Or Zainab bint Abu Muawiyah r.a., wife of Abdullah ibn Masud r.a. who was the main breadwinner of her family. She made handicrafts and sold them at the marketplace. She even gave sadaqah to her husband who was classified as poor after seeking advice from the Prophet ﷺ about it.
Thus knowing, understanding
and accepting that working is a form of servitude to Allah s.w.t. is the first
step to have a happy work life.
Step 2: Knowing our limitations and boundaries
Limitations and boundaries
are set by the syariah to protect one’s self, mind and soul.
Its rules and regulations
are not made to trouble an individual but to benefit and protect all members of
the society, preserving basic human rights regardless of race and religion in
order to maintain harmony in society. These rights, known as Daruriyaat al-Khomsah,
are classified as the protection of faith, life, dignity, property and
intellect.
If an individual crosses
the limits and does not abide by these boundaries, it will cost them their
physical and spiritual health leaving them feeling uneasy and unhappy.
An example of crossing over
the limits would be slandering and backbiting a colleague.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The believer does not defame, abuse, disparage, nor vilify.” (al – Tirmidhi)
Slandering
and backbiting is not permissible in Islam. It is toxic; you either get
intoxicated or you become the toxic. This will create enmity amongst colleagues
resulting in a bad working environment.
Muslims
need to learn more about these boundaries and abide by them in order for us to
have a happy work life.
Step 3: Safeguarding our work and ourselves
Ustazah Noraini also shared, “A positive occupation is one that we protect and one that protects us.”
Safeguarding our work means contributing to the company with our skill sets, maintaining a good performance record and developing a professional attitude.
Our work safeguards us when it:
provides opportunities for us to learn and develop new skills
instills good values & habits
provides us with a harmonious culture or environment,
strengthens our faith, belief and sense of purpose.
Having good relationship with colleagues, receiving positive
reinforcement and feeling a sense of accomplishment are also a few factors that
makes one happy at work.
Choosing a job which is aligned with our personality and skills, will
add to our sense of purpose and increase work satisfaction.
Actions to take:
Take a moment to evaluate ourselves.
Make changes if our situation calls for it.
Embrace change, for we may never know the goodness that is in store for
us.
May Allah bless our journeys, grant us leniency & happiness in this
life and the next. May He make us servants who continuously strive to be
advocates of peace & harmony.
It is mentioned that whoever reads this dua 3 times (on the last day of the year i.e. this year before Salat-ul-Maghrib), then the Shaytan says concerning him/her “We have tired ourselves with him/her the entire year, and he/she has ruined our efforts, in one moment” and he throws dust upon his face!
Bismillaahir-rahmaanir-rahiim, Wa shallallaahu ‘ala sayyidinaa Muhammadin wa ‘alaa aalihi wa shahbihii wa sallam.
Allaahumma maa ‘amiltu fi haadzihis-sanati mimmaa nahaitani ‘anhu falam atub minhu wa lam tardhahu wa lam tansahu wa halamta ‘alayya ba’da qudratika ‘alaa uquubati wa da’autani ilattaubati minhu ba’da jur’ati alaa ma’siyatika fa inni astaghfiruka fagfirlii wa maa ‘amiltu fiihaa mimma tardhaahu wa wa’adtani ‘alaihits-tsawaaba fas’alukallahumma yaa kariimu yaa dzal-jalaali wal ikram an tataqabbalahuu minni wa laa taqtha’ rajaai minka yaa karim, wa sallallaahu ‘alaa sayyidinaa Muhammadin Nabiyyil ummiyyi wa ‘alaa ‘aalihii wa sahbihii wa sallam
Translation of the Du’aa
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful,
And May the peace and blessing of Allah, be upon Our Master Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his family and companions.
O Allah, whatever actions I have committed this past year which You have forbidden me from, which I have not repented from, and You have not been pleased with nor do You forget, while You are forbearing with me , though You are fully capable of punishing me, while You called me to repentance after my foolishness before You in committing sins – O Allah, I surely seek Your forgiveness for that, so forgive me ! O Allah, as for my actions that have pleased You in this year and for which reward has been promised, then I ask You O Allah! O Most Generous, O Owner of Majesty and Reverance, that You accept them from me. And do not dash my hopes in You. O Most Generous! And Allah, the Most Exalted, bless our Master Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his family and companions and grant them peace.
[Kanzun-Najah was-Surur by Al-Shaykh Abdul Hameed Muhammad Ali al Quds]
New Year Supplication
It is said whosoever supplicated with this supplication on the 1st Day of Muharram-ul-Haraam, then the Shaytaan will say “He/she has protected his/her soul for the remainder of his/her life because Allah orders to Angels to protect him/her from shaytaan”
Here is the doa to be recited 3x after Maghrib today:
Bismillaahir-rahmaanir-rahiim. Wa shallallaahu ‘alaa sayyidinaa Muhammadin wa ‘alaa ‘aalihi wa shahbihii wa sallam.
Allaahumma antal-abadiyyul-qadiimul-awwalu, wa ‘alaa fadhlikal-’azhimi wujuudikal-mu’awwali, wa haadza ‘aamun jadidun qad aqbala ilaina nas’alukal ‘ishmata fiihi minasy-syaithaani wa auliyaa’ihi wa junuudihi wal’auna ‘alaa haadzihin-nafsil-ammaarati bis-suu’i wal-isytighaala bimaa yuqarribuni ilaika zulfa yaa dzal-jalaali wal-ikram yaa arhamar-raahimin, wa sallallaahu ‘alaa sayyidina Muhammadin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa ‘alaa aalihi wa shahbihii wa sallam
Translation of the Du’aa
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
And May the peace and blessing of Allah, be upon Our Master Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his family and companions.
O Allah You are the everlasting, the eternal, the first! And our reliance is upon Your Great Grace and Generosity! And this new year has arrived, we ask Your protection in it from the shaytan and his allies and his armies! And we ask You for Your support against this soul which incites to evil and Your support in pre-occupying ourselves with that which draws us close to You! O Owner of Majesty and Reverance! And Allah, the Most Exalted, bless our Master Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his family and companions and grant them peace.
[Al-Shaykh Abdul Hameed Muhammad Ali al Quds. Kinz al-Najah wa al-Surur fi al-Ad’iyah al-lati
Tashrah al-Sudur. Egypt: Matba’t al-Hussayniyyah, 1383 A.H.]
Find Solace Within The Art of Self-Acceptance within Spirituality
From the perspective of Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali and Abu Zayd Al-Balkhi
Learn to: ? Find Your Self ? Understand your Core Beliefs ? Accept your Strengths as well as Limitations ? Restore your Self-Esteem ? Find Your Light Within ? Reconnect with Your Spirit Within ? Keep your Light Shining for Yourself & Others
Fee: $125 / 3 weeks
Day / Time: Sundays, 14 April, 21 April , 28 April 2019 @ 2pm to 5pm
Venue: Blk 236, Yishun St 22, #01-1010, Singapore 760236.
Facilitated by Ustazah Noraini Abdul Wahab, Candidate Phd Psychology – University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia | Master of Counselling – Monash | Ma’had Fatayaat Al Bu’uth Al Azhariyyah bil Qaherah
Or WhatsApp to 9755 8876 and state ~Title: Self Acceptance ~Name: ~DOB: ~Address: ~Postal Code: ~Email: ~Contact number: ~Payment to 019 905645 1: Completed / Pending ~Send photo/screenshot of receipt
Did you know that Hijrah.co has 2 After School Centres called, “Little Sahaabah After School Adventure Club?” that assists children with their school subjects & most importantly inculcating prophetic character and values in children through storytelling, guided reflection, hands on and outdoor activities while also working on their fine motor skills, teaching our very own Little Sahaabahs how to preserve the pure hearts they are born with, In Syaa Allah. • On 16 December 2017– Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Dept of Psychological Medicine, has offered to hold a talk for Hijrah.co, parents of Little Sahaabah After School Adventure Club. • Title: How To Help Your Children Using Basic Counselling Techniques • A talk we can all benefit together as we educate and discipline our children. Learn effective parenting skills that addresses social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. • We are delighted to invite you to this talk. Limited seats only! Priority will be given to Parents of Little Sahaabah • To register, whatsapp your full name and number of pax to 9755 8876 by 13 November 2017
🎗List down the people you love
- How long did you take to name yourself?
You will learn why it is your right to prioritise self-love & care.
•• 🎗List down your fears
- Let us be the first to tell you that you're more courageous than you think.
It takes courage to look within and admit that you're not okay.
You are courageous to embark on a journey to overcome your deepest fears.
•• 🎗Meet & speak
- It may seem impossible to explain to others the helpless feelings you have inside, but know that you are not the only one distressed by these feelings.
Our counsellors are professionals, emphatic and dedicated, trained to listen and to reconcile you with your inner self, to honour your strengths and limitations.
••
🎗Thought about anyone who needs this?
- Spread this poster and be the first to reach out to them.
••
You can register for counselling at this link Register here