Abdul Muhsin Shaikh

How to develop inner peace?

Abdul Muhsin Shaikh — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:39:05 +0000

In today’s world, amidst the chaos and rush that we find ourselves in, it’s easy for one to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected. Even with all the material possessions we could wish for, many of us find ourselves searching for a deeper sense of fulfilment and peace. Allah’s last and final testament for mankind, the Glorious Qur’an, offers profound wisdom and guidance on how to navigate the complexities of existence and find true tranquility and Rahat-lil-Qalb, ie contentment within our hearts.

The Remembrance of Allah:

Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, reminds us in the Quran that true peace and contentment can be found in His remembrance.

Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala says

اَلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَطْمَىِٕنُّ قُلُوْبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ ۭ اَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ تَـطْمَىِٕنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ

“Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah: verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”.

(Surah Ar Ra’d, Ayah 28)

This ayah emphasises the importance of engaging in various forms of remembrance, such as offering Salaah (prayer), reciting the Qur’an, making supplications (Du’a), and glorifying Allah’s praises. It is important to note here that apart from Salaah and recitation of Qur’an, for the other forms of Dhikr, performing Wudu is not a requirement but one must make sure that the Dhikr is done with attentive heart and being conscious of what one is saying. Only when a person does this will he find true peace and contentment.

The Healing Power of the Quran:

The Glorious Quran holds within its verses not only words of instruction but also profound healing for the ailments that afflict the hearts and souls of believers.

Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala describes the Glorious Qur’an as

وَشِفَاۗءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُوْرِ

and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences) which is in your breasts

وَهُدًى وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ

a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things) for the believers.

(Surah Yunus, Ayah 57)

When we immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Glorious Qur’an, it provides us with solace, guidance, and comfort, soothing our anxieties and sorrows.

Additionally, Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala states in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 82,

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْاٰنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاۗءٌ وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ

“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe”

This ayah reaffirms the Quran’s transformative power, offering relief to those who believe and act upon its teachings.

Finding Comfort in Prayer:

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serves as a model for finding solace in prayer. In a narration recorded in Sunan an-Nasa’i, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized the significance of prayer, stating,

“In this world, women and perfume have been made dear to me, and my comfort has been provided in prayer.”
[Sunan an Nasa’i, Hadith 3940]

This Hadith underscores the profound connection between prayer and inner peace. By turning to Allah in prayer, we can find refuge from life’s worries and stresses, experiencing a sense of tranquility and connection with the Divine.

Taking Responsibility and Letting Go:

Islam teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and to focus on what we can control. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ emphasized this in a Hadith found in Saheeh Muslim, where he reminded us that everyone is a guardian and will be held accountable for their trust.

He ﷺ said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” [Saheeh Muslim, Hadith 1829]

This means that whether we are fulfilling our duties towards our families, managing our personal responsibilities, or protecting what has been entrusted to us, we are responsible for our actions and will be asked about them.

Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ highlighted the importance of focusing on what truly matters. In a Hadith recorded in Tirmidhi, he ﷺ said,

“Indeed, among the excellence of a person’s Islam is that he leaves what does not concern him.” [Jami’ at Tirmidhi, Hadith 2317]

This teaching encourages us to direct our energy and attention to things that are crucial for our well-being and spiritual growth, and to let go of unnecessary distractions and worries.

By doing so, we can lead more fulfilling lives, centered on what genuinely matters and bringing us closer to inner peace and contentment.

Conclusion:

In today’s world, full of distractions and uncertainties, finding inner peace often feels like an impossible dream. Yet, the teachings of the Qur’an and the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides a clear and practical path to achieving tranquility and contentment. By remembering Allah, seeking solace in the Qur’an, finding comfort in prayer, taking responsibility for our actions, and letting go of unnecessary worries, we can develop a sense of inner peace that helps us navigate life’s challenges.

True peace comes from surrendering to the will of Allah and trusting in His divine wisdom and guidance. As we strive to live according to the teachings of Islam in our everyday lives, we can find the serenity and contentment our hearts long for. By focusing on the remembrance of Allah and following a righteous path, we can discover the true source of inner peace.

The post How to develop inner peace? appeared first on Rahat-lil-Qalb.

Will Allah forgive me despite of my great sins?

Abdul Muhsin Shaikh — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:58:15 +0000

In matters of faith and spirituality, many believers often wonder, ‘Can Allaah forgive me even if I’ve done really bad things? This question reflects the profound longing for divine mercy and forgiveness that resides in the hearts of many. In Islam, the concept of Allaah’s forgiveness is central, and it offers solace and hope to those who may have strayed from the path of righteousness

The Mercy of Allaah:

Allaah, the Most Merciful, is described in the Glorious Qur’an as the ‘Gafoorur Raheem’, ”Oft-Forgiving” and the “Most Compassionate.” His mercy is boundless, and it encompasses all His creations, Allaah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an the meaning of which is

وَرَحْمَتِيْ وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ

“… and My Mercy embraces all things.”

(Surah Al-A’araf, Ayah 156)

So no matter how sinful one may be. Allaah’s forgiveness is not limited to any particular sin or degree of wrongdoing; rather, it is extended to anyone who turns to Him in sincere repentance.

To Err is human:

Islam acknowledges the fact that human beings are prone to making mistakes and committing sins due to their inherent imperfection.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“All of the children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitaab al Zuhd, Hadith, 4251]

A Muslim’s belief can sometimes falter, and their desires can be overpowering.
Shaytan may entice them with the appeal of sin, leading them to wrongdoing and causing them to transgress the boundaries set by Allaah.

No Sin Is Too Great:

It is crucial to understand that in Islam, no sin is considered too great to be forgiven by Allaah if one genuinely seeks His forgiveness.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said:
“Allaah, the Exalted and Glorious, Stretches out His Hand during the night so that the people may repent for the fault committed from dawn till dusk and He stretches out His Hand during the day so that the people may repent for the fault committed from dusk to dawn. (He would accept repentance) before the sun rises in the west (before the Day of Resurrection). ”
[Saheeh al Muslim, Kitaab at Tawbah, Hadith 2759]

This Hadith informs us that the Doors of Repentance are always open.

Allaah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an the meaning of which is

قُلْ يٰعِبَادِيَ الَّذِيْنَ اَسْرَفُوْا عَلٰٓي اَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوْا مِنْ رَّحْـمَةِ اللّٰهِ ۭ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوْبَ جَـمِيْعًا ۭ اِنَّهٗ هُوَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

“Say: O ‘Ibaadi (My servants) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

(Surah Az Zumar, Ayah 53)

In this Ayah we find that Allaah (swt) is addressing His servants who have made mistakes and committed sins. Allaah is encouraging them not to lose hope in His mercy. He reassures them that He is capable of forgiving all sins, no matter how big or small they may be. Allaah is described as “Oft-Forgiving” and “Most Merciful,” which means He is very forgiving and full of mercy towards those who sincerely seek His forgiveness. So, this ayah is a reminder that no matter what wrongs we’ve done, we should turn to Allaah with repentance and trust in His forgiveness and mercy.

Tawbah: The Key to Forgiveness:

In Islam, the path to Allaah’s forgiveness begins with Tawbah, ie sincere repentance. This process involves recognising one’s sins, feeling remorse for them, and making a firm commitment to change and seek Allaah’s guidance. An additional condition applies if the person’s sin has to do with wrongdoing towards others. In such case one needs to restores people’s rights or property if the sin involved in wrongdoing towards others. A repentant heart is a heart that is ready to receive Allaah’s forgiveness.

The Glorious Qur’an assures us that Allaah loves those who turn to Him in repentance:

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُـحِبُّ التَّـوَّابِيْنَ وَيُـحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِيْنَ

“Truly, Allaah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves”

(Surah Al Baqarah, Ayah 222)

فَـمَنْ تَابَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ ظُلْمِهٖ وَاَصْلَحَ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَتُوْبُ عَلَيْهِ ۭ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِيْمٌ

“But whosoever repents after his crime and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allaah), then verily, Allaah will pardon him (accept his repentance). Verily, Allaah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(Surah al-Maidah, Ayah 39)

Both these Ayaat underscores the significance of repentance in seeking Allaah’s forgiveness.

The Role of Faith and Sincerity:

While Allaah’s mercy is boundless, it is essential to approach Him with unwavering faith and sincerity. Belief in His mercy and the sincerity of one’s repentance are key factors in obtaining His forgiveness. A genuine desire to mend one’s ways and return to a life of righteousness is a testament to the sincerity of repentance.

Allaah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an the meaning of which is

اِنَّـمَا التَّوْبَةُ عَلَي اللّٰهِ لِلَّذِيْنَ يَعْمَلُوْنَ السُّوْۗءَ بِـجَهَالَةٍ ثُـمَّ يَتُوْبُوْنَ مِنْ قَرِيْبٍ فَاُولٰۗىِٕكَ يَتُوْبُ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْھِمْ ۭ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ عَلِــيْـمًا حَكِـيْـمًا
وَلَيْسَتِ التَّوْبَةُ لِلَّذِيْنَ يَعْمَلُوْنَ السَّـيِّاٰتِ ۚ ﱑ اِذَا حَضَرَ اَحَدَھُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ اِنِّىْ تُبْتُ الْــٰٔنَ وَلَا الَّذِيْنَ يَـمُوْتُوْنَ وَھُمْ كُفَّارٌ ۭ اُولٰۗىِٕكَ اَعْتَدْنَا لَھُمْ عَذَابًا اَلِـــيْـمًا

“Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they whom Allah will forgive and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise.

And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’ nor of those who die while they are disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful torment”

(Surah al-Nisa, Ayah 17-18)

Another place Allaah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an the meaning of which is

يٰٓاَيُّـهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا تُوْبُوْٓا اِلَى اللّٰهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوْحًا ۭ عَسٰى رَبُّكُمْ اَنْ يُّكَفِّرَ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّاٰتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَـجْرِيْ مِنْ تَـحْتِـهَا الْاَنْـهٰرُ

“O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)”

(Surah at Tahreem, Ayah 8)

Here Allaah (swt) commands the believers to not just repent, but to repent sincerely if they want to gain the mercy of Allaah. And when one does that not only he gains the Allaah’s mercy but Allaah admits him to Jannah.

Good News for those who embrace Islam:

Allaah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an the meaning of which is

قُلْ لِّلَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْٓا اِنْ يَّنْتَهُوْا يُغْفَرْ لَهُمْ

“Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven”

(Surah al-Anfal, Ayah 38)

When a person embraces Islam as a blessing and mercy from Allaah, all of his past sins are forgiven and all the wrong deeds that were done before embracing Islam they are converted into good deeds.

Conclusion:

The question, “Can Allah forgive me despite my great sins?” reflects the yearning for divine forgiveness and redemption that is inherent in the human spirit. In Islam, the answer is unequivocal: yes, Allaah’s forgiveness is available to all who sincerely seek it. No sin is beyond His mercy, and His love for those who repent is boundless.

As believers, we are encouraged to turn to Allaah with heartfelt repentance, knowing that His forgiveness is not just a possibility but a divine promise.

Allaah is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful, and His forgiveness knows no bounds. May we all seek His forgiveness, strive for righteousness, and draw closer to Him through our sincere repentance. Aameen.

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