Nafsiya Reflections: A Time of Reflection

During these past few months especially, we have all been doing some reevaluating; re-evaluating how we observe our days, our blessings, our loved ones... re-evaluating what really matters by setting all material aside. The steadfastness of our brothers and sisters has been the pinnacle example of what rida and patience (sabr) look like in Islam. It has even encouraged non-Muslims to do the same, leading them to the path of Islam.

We have entered into the glorious month of Rajab. A time for true reflection to search within ourselves at what would bring us closer to Allah (swt). We should assess our shortcomings, and what is dragging us behind from becoming who we know we should be. Asking ourselves what could elevate our status now if we knew we were a few steps away from Firdaws al Aa’la? Do we backbite by talking about our coworkers, our relatives or just random strangers. Do we only do the basic obligations (fards) without paying much attention to Sunnah or Nawafil. Are we serving our ummah in working to restore the crown of all Fards, the Khilafah, Caliphate.

The month of Rajab also marks the Isra’ and Miraj, (the Night Journey & Ascension) of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). A beautiful gift after facing intense hardship and pain, being ridiculed and oppressed by Quraysh. After facing the Year of Sorrow (’Aam al-Huzn), during which he (saw) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (ra), and his uncle Abu Talib, who was his protector and ally. In addition to all of that, he (saw) was rejected by the people of Taif, as they sent their children to stone him, pushing him out of the city. He (saw) was later then given the most comforting gift. The gift of Isra and Miraj. He (saw) was taken not only through the skies or leading the prayer of the prophets and angels in Masjid al Aqsa and meeting them as the shared discussions, but ultimately into the Divine Presence, the source of all comfort and hope, the presence of Allah (swt).

The month of Rajab marks the 103 Hijri year of the abolition of the Khilafah. As Muslims the people of Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Kashmir, and elsewhere are still suffering from the effects of the Caliph’s loss, the shield behind whom Muslims’ fight, and are protected by. It is a time of reflection to reflect on the state of the ummah and what our role is? We watch the people of Palestine being killed morning and evening in front of screens, intimidated by the settlers in the neighborhoods and towns, who desecrate Masjid Al-Aqsa to perform their rituals there. While the people of Gaza are still suffering under the harsh unjust siege, all of this is under the eyes and ears of the Palestinian Authority that recognises the Jewish entity, and with the complicity of the disappointing Muslim rulers, who are racing towards coordination, normalization and betrayal in a flagrant manner, after it was in secret, without fearing Allah (swt) or being ashamed.

[إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموات والأرض منها أربعة حرم]

Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. [At-Tawba: 36]

This blessed month is one of the blessed months of Hurum. It is the beginning of the spiritual season easing into Ramadan al Mubarak. We can take this month to begin to make small changes in our lives and attitudes, shifting our mindset to swallow our anger and pride, to not engage in arguing with others, rather strive for peaceful solutions to even the smallest of problems. It is a time to establish habits that we will take through the next month of Shaaban and through the holy month of Ramadan. To recite the Quran every day, to fast, to give Sadaqah, to work for the sake of Allah (swt) a little harder. It is a time to lift our spirits, to know that after all the dark we see today, the light is yet to come.

It is a time of reflection.

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