When He Asks About Your Salah 💭

As-Salamu Alaikum, Beloved Minara Community,

The Salah is our first line of defence in the grave — but what does this really mean?

In this week’s newsletter, we delve into the profound significance of Salah as the very first thing we will be questioned about in the Hereafter.

We also bring you a new segment where we share our ayah reflection of the week! Plus, of course, our prayer tips to inspire your Jum’uah. 🌿

Understanding Salah: The First Account in the Hereafter

Salah is the first thing that will rise to protect us in our graves and the first aspect of our lives that will stand on our behalf on the Day of Judgment.

When we ponder on this profound truth, wouldn’t we want our Salah to be in its best state when we meet Allah?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Verily, the one in prayer is in an intimate conversation with his Lord Almighty, so let one look at how he converses with Him. Do not raise your voices above each other with the Quran.”

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 19022 - Grade: Sahih (authentic)

How do we improve this daily conversation with Allah?

Praying on time consistently is one of the most beloved deeds to Allah. This discipline shapes not only our daily lives but also our eternal standing.

Before each prayer, think of the blessings Allah has granted you, and use these reflections to fuel a prayer filled with gratitude and humility.

Where our obligatory prayers may have fallen short, our voluntary prayers (Sunnah, Nawafil) come to our aid, patching up the deficiencies in our obligatory prayers.

What lessons can we take from this? 🌿

Salah as Protection: Just as Salah shields us from sin in this life, it will be our first line of defense in the grave and on the Day of Judgment.

Accountability for Salah: Our entire judgment begins with how we performed our prayers. If our Salah is sound, it sets a positive tone for the rest of our deeds to be judged.

Intimacy with Allah: Each prayer is an intimate conversation with Allah, where we acknowledge His mercy and sovereignty, especially significant as we recite Surat Al-Fatiha.

Ayah Reflection of the Week

Surah Al-Hashr, Verse 18:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌۭ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍۢ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

"O believers! Be mindful of Allah, and let every soul look to what deeds it has sent forth for tomorrow. And fear Allah, for certainly, Allah is All-Aware of what you do."

Lessons from this ayah:

This verse draws an important comparison between our temporary existence in this world and the eternity of the Hereafter.

The use of the word ghad (tomorrow) to describe the Hereafter emphasizes its immediacy and certainty, akin to the certainty with which we expect the coming of tomorrow after today.

This ayah serves to remind us that:

1. Briefness of Worldly Life: Just as today swiftly transitions into tomorrow, our current lives are but a brief prelude to the eternity of the Hereafter. This perspective is meant to turn our focus to prioritizing long-term spiritual gains over short-lived worldly pleasures.

2. Inevitability of the Hereafter: The certainty of tomorrow’s arrival is undisputed; similarly, the existence and arrival of the Day of Resurrection should be beyond doubt in the believer’s heart, influencing our actions and decisions every day.

3. Personal Accountability: Every individual’s life, comprising the days and years of their age, is highlighted as their personal timeline to prepare for the eternal life to come. This is a call for personal reflection on how we utilize our time, our footprint in this world, and the deeds we accumulate for our ultimate standing before Allah.

Prayer Tip of the Week: Social Media Usage — How Can It Be Beneficial?

It's no secret that we spend considerable time scrolling through feeds—often more than we might admit! 👀 This week, we focus on transforming this habit into a source of spiritual growth.

How to Elevate Your Feed for Better Spiritual Health 🚀

1. Choose Wisely: Actively seek out and follow social media accounts that offer Islamic teachings, inspirational quotes, daily reminders about Islam, and insights into the Quran and Hadith. These can serve as timely prompts to reflect and engage with your faith on a deeper level.

2. Diverse Learning: Include a variety of perspectives to broaden your understanding. This might include scholars, educational institutions, and thought leaders discussing various Islam aspects.

Our phones and social media can serve as such a huge distraction if used in an excessive or negative way. We’d always advise taking time away from socials where you can… especially before sleeping! 💤

The Urgency of the Situation in Rafah

As tensions continue and the people of Palestine suffer, our dua and advocacy become even more critical.

Allah reminds us in the Qur'an, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves" (Quran 13:11). It’s a powerful call for personal and collective action.

As we engage in our Salah, let’s carry the weight of their significance with the dedication they deserve, striving always to stand with those in need, near and far.

With blessings and gratitude,

The Minara Team 🌙