The forms of worship in which people engage in their journey to Allaah are of two kinds: one form is approved by Allaah and His Messenger and the other form is not.
Those that Allaah and His Messenger approve of are things such as salah, fasting, reading the Qur'an, praying in the night, giving charity, etc.
Let's return to our spiritual practices and leave off what is not from the deen.
As salaamu alaikum (may peace be upon you)! It has been a long ten months since I uploaded an episode. Find out what's been going on and what's happening, insha Allaah, from here!
Recently, while reading and reflecting over Surah Al-'Imran, Allaah allowed me to connect with those ayat detailing the Battle of ‘Uhud and the actions of the Muslims. While our battles may look differently than theirs, we should be able to see the similarities and learn the lessons.
Update 06/24/2023: Subhan Allaah! I realized that I mislabeled this episode originally. It was labeled referencing The Battle of Badr instead of The Battle of Uhud! My apologies! I have made the change in the title! Truly Allaah alone is Perfect and without mistakes!
We’re discussing what is meant by the term “boundaries,” where boundaries come from, and as Muslims, how we can benefit from boundaries in our own lives as well as in our dawah to others.
Let's check-in with ourselves and make sure that we're working towards our goals for this month. If not, there's still plenty of time!
And...we're back! After a much-needed period of rest, Wellness in Islam is back with a fresh outlook and approach right in time for Ramadan! May Allaah allow each of us to witness the month of Ramadan, to worship Him seeking His pleasure, and to exit it better than when we entered it! Ameen!
Mindsets play a huge part in our lives and our well-being! As Muslims, our faith and religion shapes and molds our thoughts, opinions, and views - creating what could be referred to as the Muslim Mindset. How does it compare to some of the more popular mindsets of today? Let's discuss!
All intoxicants have been made impermissible for the Muslim. While there may be some "benefit" to consuming wine, its harm outweighs any benefit. There is never a need for it or a good time to drink it! Allaah knows best!
"Healing" in some form or another is very much a part of our lives. All praise is due to Allaah who has not left us to ourselves in any aspect of our lives!
Allaah says in the Qur'an (what means): "O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a warning from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers." (Surah Yunus, ayah 57)
As Muslims, we must never forget that the cure is with Allaah. If true healing is what we seek, then our approach must be in alignment with Allaah's guidance and the sunnah (way) of our Prophet Muhammad (may Allaah's peace and blessings be upon him)!
Float therapy is a type of therapy that is done in a sensory deprivation tank or "pod." The pod or suite is usually dark, soundproof, and filled with saltwater. The warm saltwater offers relaxation and relief to tired, aching joints and muscles while the quiet environment offers a perfect opportunity to hear your own thoughts or remember (dhikr) Allaah without any interruption!!!
In this episode, we'll discuss Float Therapy in a little more detail as well as chat about the importance of attaching ourselves to the Qur'an and Sunnah.
"Simple living," "Slow Living," and "Soft Living" are new and trendy names for a lifestyle that our Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged us to live over 1400 years ago. In order to achieve this type of lifestyle in today's society, it will require a sincere intention and deliberate action.
Abu Hurairah reported: Messenger of Allaah said, “Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for this will keep you from belittling Allaah’s Favour to you.” (Muslim)
And in Sahih Al-Bukhari, it is said that “The Messenger of Allaah said when one of you looks at someone who is superior to him in property and appearance, he should look at some who is inferior to him.”
These narrations offer guidance on how we can achieve an attitude of contentment and gratitude which will ultimately lead to a life of simplicity.
How can we apply this to our lives today?
In today's time, it can often feel and sound as if everyone is speaking at the exact same time. With so many people vying for our attention at one time, even in the arena of seeking Islamic knowledge, it's very easy to feel overwhelmed; and, have our needs, goals, and dreams overshadowed. We have to learn how to take a moment for ourselves and silence the noise.
Ikrima reported Ibn ‘Abbas as saying, “Talk to the people once every Friday, but if you object, then twice, and if you want more, then three times, but do not weary the people with this Qur’an. And do not let me find you coming to the people when they are talking about their concerns, interrupting them in their talk by addressing them, and so wearying them. Keep silent, and when they request you, talk to them at a time when they want it. Look out for rhymed prose in supplications and avoid it, for I know that God’s messenger and his companions did not use it.” Bukhari transmitted it.
Reference : Mishkat al-Masabih 252
In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 49
Travel definitely has a place in Islaam. The reward for travel, as with all things in Islaam, will be based on the intention or goal of the traveler. While there are definitely acts of worship that may involve travel, we shouldn't miss out on opportunities to benefit spiritually from those trips or vacations that aren't directly related to our religion or worship of Allaah. Here are a few ways that we can get closer to Allaah while distancing ourselves from work, home, or school!
Yoga is an ancient practice that involves physical poses, concentration, and deep breathing. It can be traced back to northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to yoke,” or “to unite”. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness.
As Muslims, our goal is never "union" but rather the worship of Allaah. And, Allaah has directed us to acts of worship that He loves and is pleased with. We have an act of worship that involves physical poses, khushoo, and remembrance of Allaah. Which is better - salaah or yoga?
For additional reading:
What Is the Ruling on Yoga? - Islam Question & Answer (islamqa.info)
Wellness, self-care, and self-development experts all stress the importance of routines. Routines help us increase our productivity - whether that be worldly or religious/spiritual. As Muslims, we have so many opportunities - already laid out before us - to create routines that with Allaah's help, will set us up for an increase in righteous deeds and obedience to Allaah. By creating routines around acts of worship that we're already doing every day, every week, or monthly, we can find a way to consistently do those things that are pleasing to Allaah, The One Worthy of all praise!
Frequently Used Non-English Phrases:
As salaamu alaikum (Peace be upon you) to all of the Muslims! And, "Peace & Greetings" to any non-Muslim listeners!
Welcome to the first episode of Wellness in Islam! A new podcast highlighting the "wellness" practices inherent within the religion of Islaam. If you are interested in wellness but have steered away from some of its practices and concepts, out of fear that it may jeopardize your religion, this is the podcast for you! In this introductory episode, we'll discuss why it's important for Muslims to have our own space and conversations surrounding these topics!
For any non-Muslim listeners who may be interested in wellness or Islam, there's something for you, too! To better help you understand some of the phrases frequently used in this episode and future episodes, insha Allaah (Lord Willing), please reference the translations below.
Frequently Used Non-English Phrases: