Rebecca Pena Hikal - Amirazz

Loneliness During Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Asalaam alaikum wa Ramatullahi wa Barakatuh. The holy month of Ramadan is a beautiful month filled with blessings. A month that Muslims all over the world anxiously await. It is a time for us to strengthen our connection to Allah. A time for reflection and self improvement and to kick bad habits and develop good ones. It is a time for us to be more grateful and more appreciative of all that we have. All that Allah has blessed us with. It is a time of humility. In a nutshell, it is one of the most joyous experiences for Muslims. Along with building our connection to Allah, we also build and strengthen our relationships with friends and family. It’s a time of togetherness and fellowship. For most Muslims that is.

Imagine not having that togetherness, that fellowship, that joyful feeling that we should have no matter what. This is what many reverts experience. Being a Muslim revert can be very lonely at times. Our families follow their own faith and many times don’t accept ours. We are often rejected. Shunned if you will. During the month of Ramadan, these feelings tend to intensify. How on earth can one enjoy this beautiful month? When the feelings of loneliness and isolation take over it can seem unbearable. It’s as if we are sitting on the sidelines, spectators in our own game of life.

However, Islam is a religion of action. Allah swt says in the Quran:

“Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.”

( Quran 13:11)

In other words, be the change that you wish to see in the world and in your life. Make dua to Allah swt. Change your sideline situation.

Internal changes

When seeking change we must start with what’s going on on the inside. Heal ourselves internally. Instead of focusing our energy on what we don’t have, let’s focus on all that we do have. Even though we are without family and friends, we are never alone. Allah swt is with us always. He is closer to you than you think. And as you come closer to Allah swt during the month of Ramadan, Allah too is coming closer to you.

Narrated in a Hadith Qudsi Allah says:

My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and my servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks.

( Al- Bukhari)

Think positive. You are after all in the best of company.

Virtual changes

What many may not realize, is that there is tons of support online. Whether it is people who’ve already walked in your shoes, or people who simply just want to help you with your transition. Between the many revert/ support groups on all social media platforms, it is possible to not feel so lonely. We may not have to if we follow these steps:

Stay positive- focus on the good.
Make dua to Allah- this will help to strengthen your relationship with Him.
Reach out- whether it’s your local community or online. There IS support out there. Don’t be afraid to reach out.

My personal story:

In 2015 I took my shahada Alhamdullilah . Although I have a very supportive husband Alhamdulillah, I had lost almost all of my friends and my family was not okay with it at all. I was shunned, rejected by them. It wasn’t until I found some support groups through Facebook that I would start to build a support system. This was the heart of Amirazz. The many Facebook groups that provided a tremendous amount of support for women all over the world including myself. Through these groups, I have formed some of the most beautiful friendships.

About the Author: Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family

The Importance of Avoiding Sinful Acts during the month of Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Day 2 What is our intention?

“Everyone acts according to his intentions, and your Lord is best aware of him whose path is right.”

The Quran 17:84

As Muslims, we strive to do as many good deeds as possible. We understand that good deeds are a way to not only seek the mercy of Allah’s swt , but also attain al-Jannah. However, good deeds are not enough. In order for our deeds to be accepted, it must have a good intention behind it. In order for our deeds to be accepted the primary intention in doing good deeds, should be to do them for the sake of Allah SWT and Him only. Not for the social media likes, not for all of the MashaAllahs, or so that one can be viewed as a hero.

What is the first thing that we do when we wake up? Most of us say Alhamdulillah, thanking Allah SWT for the opportunity to see another beautiful day. The blessing in being able to open our eyes and thank Him. Something we all take for granted from time to time. However, what is our intention when saying Alhamdulillah? Yes we in fact do need to have an intention behind simply saying Alhamdulillah. Think about it this way, if we wake up and say Alhamdulillah and then spend our morning complaining, bickering with our spouse, reprimanding our children in a harsh manner, have we really started our day with the best intentions? Probably not. It is so important to make sure that in everything that we say and do, our intentions are good.

‘Abdullah bin’ Abbas ( radhiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah ( sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam) said that Allah, the Glorious said: “Verily, Allah has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then He explained it clearly how ( to write): He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the Exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven folds, and even more. But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with Him as a full good deed, but if he intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed.” [ Al- Bukhari and Muslim]

Imagine that! We are able to receive the benefit of a good deed by simply having the intention and without acting on it.

So how is it that a good deed is recorded when the act is not even fulfilled?

Because the favor and grace of Allah swt is broad, the person with the good intention receives the reward of one good deed because although the deed was not fulfilled, the heart was pure and yearned to do good. If he fulfills the intention, then it is written down as ten good deeds.

All good deeds must start with an intention. The acceptance of said deed will depend on the intention that goes with it. Good deeds in Islam must have the utmost level of sincerity. At times our sincerity and pure intention can be swayed by our own weakness or Shaytaan. When this happens, we find ourselves doing good for another reason other than to please Allah, or by doing something wrong and ruining it.

Wasting our good deeds

There are many things that we can, knowingly or unknowingly, do that waste our good deeds.

Showing off

There are those who do good deeds for the intention of being praised by others. Showing off is one of the things that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) feared for us.

Backbiting

What many consider harmless chatter, can actually waste our good deed. Many times when someone is being talked about their name is being slandered or they are seen in a negative light. When this happens, we are actually giving our good deeds to the person that is being slandered. Imagine on Day of Judgment we find out that all of the good deeds we worked so hard for on Earth, were given to someone else as compensation for all of the times that we spoke poorly about them.

Commiting Sins

There is no doubt that committing sins affects the acceptance of our good deeds, when we engage in committing sins we waste any good deeds that we have done.

How can we guard and protect our good deeds?

So how can we protect our good deeds?For starters we need to make a conscious effort to protect them by acknowledging the intention and avoiding certain things.

Purify our intentions

For starters we must purify our intentions so that our hearts are in the right place. This helps us to acknowledge and remember why we are doing what we are doing and the rewards that we would like to receive. We can do this also by asking ourselves why we are doing it and for whom.

Why do we post Islamic reminders on social media?

Is it to genuinely remind our brothers and sisters of the importance of our faith? Or so that everyone on our social media sees how religious we are?

Keep your good deeds private

All of the good that we do should be kept between us and Allah swt. This helps to keep the intention pure and keeps us from being weak and or inspired by shaytan to show off.

The Prophet (SAW) said, “He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention ( on the day of resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention ( and humiliate him).” ( Bukhari)

Make Istighfar ( the act of seeking forgiveness)

Even though we strive to not sin, at the end of the day we are all sinners. The best thing that we can do for ourselves is engage in as much istighfar as possible. This way if Allah swt wills our sins will be forgiven without them affecting our good deeds. InshaAllah

In the end, each and every single one of us will have to stand before God on the day of judgement to answer for all that we have done. If our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds, InshaAllah, we will be granted forgiveness and enter paradise. On the other hand if our bad deeds outweigh our good deeds, we will be condemned to Hellfire. May our hearts remain pure and our good deeds be accepted by Allah swt. Ameen.

The Importance of Avoiding Sinful Acts during the month of Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Over the next few days I will be talking about sinful acts that we should avoid during the month of Ramadan. Although as Muslims we should avoid sin at all costs all of the time, we should make an extra effort during this month in order for our fasts and duas to be accepted. May Allah keep us strong during this holy month. Ameen

Day 1: Backbiting

Abu Hurayrah ( radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that allah’s Messenger ( sallallahu’ alaihi wasallam) said: Whoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and acting on it, and behaving with ignorance, then Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink”

It has been mentioned before that moral violations harm the fast. If a person behaves sinfully, his fast may be valid, but his reward is lessened, or he loses his reward for fasting.

What constitutes sin or moral violations? Sinful acts, sinful speech, sinfully looking at anything that Allah swt ( the most high) had prohibited. So what exactly happens when we sin? Is our fast no longer valid or accepted? The fast is not invalidated, however, the reward is lost. There is no making up for that fast. Instead, he must repent for his immoral behavior.

None of us are strangers to backbiting. In fact at times we may think that it’s no big deal. Whether at work talking about that one coworker. Or at a family gathering talking about that one cousin, aunt, uncle, sibling who stays in some sort of trouble.Or amongst friends when you’re talking about that one friend in the group who seems to love drama. Regardless of the circumstances involved, backbiting is a sin. One that brings severe punishment, whether what’s being said is true or not, Allah swt forbids backbiting.

Backbiting

Backbiting is one of the major sins in Islam and Allah has strictly prohibited to backbite against any person, Muslim or Non- Muslim. Abu Huraira narrated that Allah’s messenger Prophet Muhhamed ( PBUH) said that:

Backbiting is when you talk about a person behind his back ( and not in front of him) in a manner in which he would not like. Then the companions asked, “What if we mention the things in which are actually found in that person?’ Prophet Muhhamed (PBUH) replied that if those things are actually found in that person even then in fact you have backbitten him, and if those things are not present then you have slandered him. (Muslim)

The above Hadith is stating that in both situations, whether the things are true or not, we as Muslims are not allowed to talk about a person behind his back. Allah has mentioned a severe punishment in the Quran for those who backbite.

Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12:

“ O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is accepting of repentance and Merciful” [49:12]

Through this verse, we are able to have a better understanding of the severity of backbiting. It can have horrible effects on individuals, families, and even societies. It is even punishable by crime in some places. So how can we avoid this?

Fear Allah

When you are speaking to anyone, remember that Allah is watching and listening. Remind yourself what he says about backbiting in the Quran. Any involvement in any form of backbiting will not only pull you away from the mercy of Allah swt, but will get you closer to the trap of Shaytan.

Fear Death

What were to happen if death were to fall upon us while we were in the middle of backbiting? Would anyone want to meet such an end? Hopefully this will help us to refrain from backbiting InshaAllah

Put yourself in the shoes of the one being talked about

How would we feel if someone were backbiting us in the same way? Reminding ourselves of this will not only help us to avoid backbiting but it will also humble us and hopefully make us more compassionate and sympathetic towards others.

Avoid bad company and situations where there is backbiting

There are times when we ourselves are in situations whether it is with family or friends or even co- workers. Places and situations that we may not be able to avoid. The best thing to do is to try to avoid them by staying away from people who enjoy talking about others. If needed remove yourself from such situations by walking away when you can.

Stay silent

The best thing that we can do when we are in situations that we may not necessarily be able to get ourselves out of is to stay silent. Remember your fast and the rewards that come with it, as well as the punishment that may come and the reward lost.

If we are in constant remembrance of Allah swt and of the rewards this blessed month will bring, we should be able to avoid getting tangled up in any sort of backbiting. I pray that Allah swt make things easy for us all . Ameen

What do we do when we can not fast? – Rebecca Pena

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam . We fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to Allah SWT, and it is a way for us to become more compassionate to those in need. However, what happens when we are unable to fast? How can we find our connection to Allah SWT when we are unable to fast? Ramadan is the month where many of us will strive to put in our best efforts to be close to Allah SWT mainly by fasting.

Any form of worship which is valued in the sight of our Creator will come with challenges.

For women, this fasting month will bring its own set of challenges. One of our greatest challenges is not only the inability to fast and recite the Quran due to menstruation. Many will feel sad and disappointed not wanting to waste these special opportunities during Ramadan.

What about those who are unable to fast due to health reasons, such as pregnancy, diabetes, or any other health condition that requires the assistance of medication? Although these are all valid reasons to not fast, it can bring feelings of isolation and shame.

My first year of being Muslim, Alhamdulilah, I was newly diagnosed as being a Type II diabetic. However, I was determined to fast no matter what. A dear friend of mine whose husband is a physician, was on the phone with me one morning telling me that it was okay that I break my fast. Her husband, Dr. Ahmed was in the background telling her to tell me that I needed to break my fast and to not risk my health. My blood sugar had dropped to the 50’s She was telling me that if it harms me, then I am actually not allowed to fast. The fast was broken. Here come the feelings of disappointment. I had failed. The next year would bring the same disappointment and the next and the next. It wasn’t until 2020 that I was then able to successfully fast during the month of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah. Some may fast every other day and make up those days later, and as always please consult with your physician before making any decisions. Whatever the reason is please remember that if it is detrimental to your health, you are not required to fast period.

However, there is more to Ramadan than just fasting. For those us who find fasting a challenge due to health reasons, what are some things that we can do to make up for our inability to fast? There are community initiatives , charity, spending time with family, and increasing our worship. If you are unable to fast, focusing on those other aspects of Ramadan will make you feel like you’re still part of this amazing experience. Here are some ways that we can make up for not being able to fast.

Preparing food for those who fast

“ Whoever provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast with, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”

( Sunan At- Tirmizi)

We can simply prepare or buy food for those who are fasting and we will receive the same reward! Amazing. Indeed, Allah is Al – Karim ( The Most Generous)

Remembrance of Allah

“Indeed, by remembering Allah swt, the hearts will find tranquility.”

( Surah Ar- Ra’d 13: 28)

There are so many ways to remember Allah SWT such as reciting His majestic name repeatedly.

Recite duas and Quranic verses that you know by heart or listening to Recitations from the Quran

The big question for many has been can a woman recite Quran while on her menses? The simple answer is yes, as there are no Hadith that clearly state no. Although we can not touch the Quran, we can recite those verses in our heart and mind or listen to the beautiful recitations which are so pleasing to the ears and soothing for the hearts. Remembering Allah with sincerity will invoke His mercy for us.

Allah’s messenger (SAW) made us recite the Quran in every condition provided one was not sexually defiled.

Sadaqah

This is the month of Sadaqah ( charity). Many of us tend to be more generous during this month due to the rewards that come from Allah swt. Some examples would be:

Donating to support a local mosque
Preparing food for people who are breaking fast
Feeding someone who is less fortunate
Donating to to a local charity

Sharing our knowledge on social media

Although some will refrain entirely from social media during Ramadan, with good intentions and discipline, we can still use social media for good. For example sharing useful knowledge of our religion and other beneficial news and information.

Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.

( Sahih Muslim)

Refraining from sins

As the true meaning of fasting is more than just fasting, it is more pertinent for us to control our sinful thoughts during this blessed month. For example, holding our tongues from sins such as backbiting, lying, or cursing. We need to make plans to busy ourselves by doing lots of good deeds that we become too occupied to commit any sins. At times we mail fail. What do we do then? Quickly seek forgiveness from Allah swt and say Astaghfirullah Aziim sincerely from the heart. Indeed Allah swt loves those who repent.

In conclusion, although the inability to fast may bring feelings of isolation, loneliness and feelings of disappointment, it is important to remember that there are so many things that we can do that will bring great rewards and are pleasing to Allah swt. May Allah strengthen our faith and keep us focused and disciplined during this holy month of Ramadan and accept all of our fasts and duas. Ameen. InshaAllah.

Forgiveness and Ramadan – Rebecca Pena

Asking for forgiveness in Ramadan to Allah Almighty is the first priority one should make before and during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh said: Musa the son of Imran once asked, “ Oh my Lord! Who is the most honorable of Your servants? And He replied, the person who forgives even when he is in a position of power.” ( Baihaqi).

Makes sense doesn’t it? Think about the times we’ve have had altercations with a coworker, friend, family member, or whoever. When they’ve wronged us by slandering our name, insulting us, or hurting us in any way we feel is unforgivable.

The result? A grudge. After all we have a right to be angry. No one should be treated or hurt this way. We didn’t cause this. They did. We have facts. Therefore our position is justified, as are our feelings of anger, resentment, bitterness, and sometimes even hate.

Although this may be true, and we may be in that position of power mentioned in the Hadith above, is it really what Allah swt would want from us? Forgiving others, aside from having a positive effect on our health ( less stress) and our minds ( less negativity = more room for positivity) is a necessary step to become closer to Allah swt.

So how do we get there? While we may rightfully be angry, hurt, resentful, is it worth harboring all of those negative feelings and emotions? Should we not put our energy towards growth rather than holding that grudge?

Is it even right that we ask Allah swt for forgiveness of our sins while we ourselves refuse to forgive others when they’ve hurt us? Almost feels strange.

One of the distinguishing features of Ramadan is forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad pbuh explained in one Hadith, that Ramadan is a month whose beginning is mercy, Middle forgiveness, end is freedom from the hellfire. This is the time to ask Allah swt for forgiveness. It is also a great time to open our hearts and cleanse them of any grudges brought on by feelings of anger and bitterness by forgiving others.

The path to gaining a strong connection to Allah swt is paved with tests and difficulties. This means at times we will face hardships, including injustice and betrayal at the hands of others.

If we truly want Allah’s love, mercy, and forgiveness, we must remember that the hardships are temporary and that we are working towards what’s permanent. Is it worth holding a grudge, being bitter? How will it benefit us? Will it change the person who has wronged us?

Let the next few days before we enter the blessed month of Ramadan be used to open our hearts to those who have wronged us and forgive them as we beg Allah swt to forgive us.

May we all strengthen our faith and grow closer to Allah swt during this holy month of Ramadan InshaAllah.

The Benefits of Fajr – Rebecca Pena

Asalaam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

The Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh) said: “ the two rak’ahs ( before) Fajr, are better than this world and everything in it.”

Prayer as a whole is one of the five pillars of Islam ☪️ holding a place of such importance and benefit, the the Holy Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh) stated that the observance of daily prayers that separates belief from disbelief. It is an essential part of our faith. The word Fajr means dawn in Arabic. In the same way that the sun ☀️ sustains all life on earth and causes all things to grow, it is in that same way that Fajr provides light and guidance, strength, and support to our hearts ♥️. Fajr ensures that we begin the day with light and life. Starting your day, connecting with Allah and being in the presence of his angels, sets the tone for the entire day, blessing your day with barakah ( blessings) and noor ( light). The importance of prayer is conveyed constantly throughout the Quran and was also stressed by our Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh)

Before Fajr At Masjid Al Haram. The Minaret And The Moon Shown. » Salah . » Salamyou Muslim Social Network — Pre-Fajr at Al-Haram

“ know that among your duties prayer is foremost “ Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh)

However, waking up for Fajr can pose as a difficult task for many of us. Getting out of our warm, comfortable bed when we feel our bodily needs for sleep outweigh our spiritual needs. Especially at the time of Fajr. We are human after all. Allah wants us to work on maintaining a connection with Him. A connection that needs to be nurtured and cared for. Here are a few things that help me.

Reminding myself that I am doing this for Allah ( swt) Before I sleep, I remind myself that waking up for prayer not only benefits me, but please Him. If I can’t even sacrifice a few minutes of sleep, to stand in front of Him, how can I expect Him to grant me sabr ( patience) and strength throughout my day?
I remind myself of the rewards of prayer every night. An account of the previous day and off of the blessings received attached to my prayer, motivates serves as a good reminder.
Every night I make a sincere dua before bed. I ask that Allah ( swt) help in waking me up on time for Fajr. If you call on Him sincerely, He will not let you down. After all dua is far more effective than any alarm clock.
Speaking of alarm clocks. Mine sits about 5 feet away from my bed. I use my phone but still not having it close to the bed, forces me to get up and begin my day. And forget that the snooze button even exists.

Prayer increases our awareness of Allah. It gives us an opportunity to seek and ask Him for forgiveness therefore, making us more aware of our wrongdoings and sins. Prayer makes our day more fruitful and blessed and serves as a shield against evil deeds and bad habits. When we pray, we connect with Allah. It satisfies our spiritual needs and helps us to become humble. It helps us to stay on a righteous path. There are so many benefits to Salah. Every morning we are given a new opportunity to repent and return to Allah. At times it may seem difficult, however, when peace descends upon us, it is the greatest feeling. May Allah make it easy for us all.