As-Salamu Alaykum Minara friends,

As we sit down to pen this week's newsletter, our hearts are heavy and our minds filled with the imagery and stories coming out of Palestine.

The cries for help, the resilience of the Palestinian people - all of it has touched us deeply. This isn't just a political conflict; it's a humanitarian crisis. It's a test of our empathy, our humanity, and our commitment to justice.

There’s so many words that feelings that come to mind when pondering on the current situation:

• Sadness

• Denial

• Helplessness

• Anger

• Blame

We remind ourselves of our Prophet ﷺ said:

“The example of the Believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion shown to each other is that of a body. When one limb aches the entire body [responds] by sleeplessness and fever.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6011)

While we all share these emotions as one ummah, let’s come together to pray for our beloved brothers and sisters in Palestine and remind ourselves of the true unity of the Muslims.

🌟 Sweetness of Salah Series: Tip of the Week

Each week, we dive deep into one practical tip which will help you taste the sweetness of your prayer. Now more than ever, these tips can aid us in making sincere dua to Allah during such testing times!

The Power of Sujood: Deepening Your Connection in Prostration

The humble act of prostration brings us closer to our Creator, grounding our spirit even as we touch the earth.

🕌 What is Sujood? — Sujood is the act of prostration, where the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touch the ground. It is considered the pinnacle of humility and submission in our prayer.

🛐 Deepening the Connection in Sujood:

1. Lengthen Your Prostration: When you're down in sujood, hold the position for a little longer. Cherish the closeness to Allah in this moment.

2. Supplicate in Sujood: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The servant is closest to his Lord during prostration, so make plenty of supplication." (Muslim) Pour your heart out, ask, and converse with your Lord.

3. Visualize Your Humility: As you lower yourself to the ground, imagine shedding your ego, worries, and material desires, laying them bare before Allah.

Dua for Palestine: اللهم احفظ إخواننا في فلسطين من كل سوء وادفع عنهم البلاء والوباء

(Translation: "O Allah, protect our brothers and sisters in Palestine from all harm and shield them from afflictions and disease.")

“Winter is the Spring of the Believers…”🌿

As the chill of winter sets in and the days grow shorter, it reminds us of a profound truth: winter, in its serene beauty and quiet nights, is often termed the 'spring' of the believers.

Why, you ask? 

This season is a golden opportunity, offering longer nights for deeper worship and shortened days for easier fasts.

But like any opportunity, it's up to us to seize it and make the most of these blessed months.

📖 Dive Deeper with Our Guide: If you're keen to explore the many spiritual blessings of winter and practical steps to deepen your connection with Allah during this season, we've got just the resource for you…

Stay tuned for our concise yet insightful guide on "Making the Most of Winter Months." It's filled with tips, reflections, and actionable steps to help you bloom in this spiritual 'spring'.

What’s Coming Up…

30-Day Fajr Challenge! 💌

We’re so excited to bring you the 30-day Fajr Challenge in the coming weeks where you can join the community of Muslims looking to achieve consistency in their Fajr Salah!

We've crafted this guide with utmost love and care to elevate your spiritual journey and help you achieve your goals.

📲 Stay Updated!
For firsthand news on our upcoming releases, make sure to connect with us on all our social media platforms. We've got some surprises up our sleeves, and trust us, you won't want to miss out!

Until Next Time,

May your days and nights be filled with blessing and gratitude.

The Minara Team ❤️