Day 3 – Ramadan and the blessing of Mercy

Rasul SAW gave good tidings about Ramadan. The first third of Ramadan are the days of mercy, the second ten days are the days of forgiveness of Allah swt, and the last ten days are freedom from Hell for believers, Allah swt freeing them from Hell. 

We really have no idea as to the extent of Allah swt’s Mercy, a few examples however should suffice to impress on us the importance of never losing faith in the mercy and Rahmat of Allah swt. Allah swt says in the Holy Quran, “Tell them (O Muhammad ): ‘O My slaves who have wronged their souls, do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for Allah will forgive all the sins. He is indeed very Forgiving, very Compassionate, Turn to Him then, and obey Him (in all your affairs).'” (Al-Zumar:53,54)” and He also says, “My mercy has encompassed everything.” (Al-A’raf:56)  

As Muslims, we have so much at hand by way of Quran and Sunnah to acquaint us with the Mercy of Allah swt and yet there are times in all our lives when we despair. We lose hope, we lose faith and we cry and worry. And even this Allah swt knows. Times like these I read my favourite poem over and over… helps me every time so I’m sharing it with you… 

ALLAH KNOWS BEST

ALLAH knows what is best for us
So why should we complain
We always want the sunshine
But He knows there must be rain.

We always want laughter
and the merriment of cheer
but our heart will lose
their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.

ALLAH tests us often
with suffering and sorrow
He tests us not to punish us
but to help us meet tomorrow.

For growing trees are strenghtened
if they can withstand the storm
and the sharpness of the chisel
gave the marble its grace and form.

ALLAH tests us often
and for every pain
He gives us
provided we are patient
Is followed by rich gain
So whenever we feel that
everything is going wrong
It is just ALLAH’S way to make our spirit strong.

I think that pretty much sums up what I am trying to say about the endless mercy of Allah swt and how he nurtures us. There are also two ahadith which really bring home the point. Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said, “When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His book which is with Him on His throne, “My mercy has overcome My anger.” I have been asked numerous times if Islam is based on a fear of going to hell and making Allah swt angry. That is the perfect ahadith to counter any allegation that Islam is a tyrannical religion in which we are intimidated into submission (astagfirullah). Allah swt is our creator. If we cannot yet conceive the extent of a mother’s love for her child, how can we possible understand the love Allah swt has for his creations?

Imam Bukhari and Muslim also reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts, and He kept ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down one part on the earth, and because of that, one single part. His creatures are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoof away from its baby animal, so that she would not trample on it.” There is boundless Mercy and love to be attained and this month is for that purpose and that purpose only. So that we purify our bodies and souls and connect to the mery of Allah swt. This post is dedicated to Zee. Never fear.. Allah swt is Near! 😀

Ramadan Dua: DAY 3 – ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness. Keep me away from foolishness and pretension. Grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by Your generosity, O the most Generous.