Salaam Minara Family,
A happy, joyous ‘Eid to you all!
may Allah accept from us all
How quickly the second ‘Eid has graced us - before we know it, we’ll be prepping for Ramadan again insha’ Allah. May we live to honour the next Ramadan and ‘Eid.
Also, can we talk about the ‘Eid nap y’all? Hands up if you’ll be catching some zzzz’s really soon [or already have]! We may not all share the same language but in the words of Jane Austen… the following ⬇️ is a truth culturally acknowledged!
[Disclaimer: unable to source original creator.]
ALTHOUGH, we do have qailulah in the Islamic culture so ‘Eid nap - don’t sleep on it just yet! 😉
For those that don’t know, qailulah is the Islamic practice of taking a mid-day nap [usually after the Dhuhr payer].
There are so many scientific benefits of taking an afternoon snooze that that many workplaces particularly in the Eastern region of China have made napping pods available for their employees - FYI a half-hour nap in China is called a 午觉 wu jiao
Subhan Allah, sleep and its architecture - subject to much research and discussion amongst neuro-scientists- is just another wonder of Allah’s creation. It’s such an important topic in Islamic literature that commentary on sleep hygiene and sleep manners has also been detailed for us.
beauty in sleep
Sleep is not just a biological need. It is also very much a profound sign of Allah’s mercy and wisdom. We often take it for granted, but it reflects how deeply our Creator knows and cares for us. After periods of exertion, we’re overcome by sleep not through choice, but through a powerful, inbuilt urge that ensures we rest, recover, and resume. Even when we resist, sleep takes over - reminding us that Allah is more concerned for our wellbeing than we are for ourselves. Though science still cannot fully explain its nature, the function and timing of sleep are perfectly tailored to human needs. This alone points to a purposeful and compassionate design.
In sleep, we see not just rest, but a daily mercy from the One who created us with care.
So go - go take that nap!
But only 30 minutes folks - anything more and you’ll end up entering the deeper stages of sleep [also called the slow-wave sleep]. Then unfortunately, you’re a goner!
🤷🏾♀️Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
🧳 Dhul Hijjah to Muharram
We bid farewell to Ramadan a few months ago and now we’re saying goodbye to the blessed ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
We can say goodbye to the season but that doesn’t mean we can’t carry with us its seeds right?
Here are five lessons from the season of Hajj we’re taking with us as a new Islamic year dawns on us [Muharram soon!].
From Hajr to Us: The Legacy of a Woman
Women are not just participants in Islam’s rituals; they are foundational to them. Hajar's unwavering trust and struggle gave rise to Sa’i and the well of Zamzam. Now millions of Muslims re-enact her movements between Safa and Marwa. Hajar’s faith is embedded in the ritual of Hajj and this is a honour like no other.
Worship That Costs: Carrying the Spirit of Sacrifice
We all know the story: Prophet Ibrahim being asked to give up what was dearest to him. It’s huge. But let’s zoom in for a second, beyond the ritual. What do you see?
A moment of sacrifice. Not always a ram - sometimes it's our screen time, our pride, our “I’ll do it later” attitude. 😅 Big or small, letting go for the sake of Allah is where the heart of worship lives. As we leave Dhul Hijjah, it’s worth asking: what’s one thing I can place on the altar of sincerity this year?
Stoning the Inner Shaytan: Daily Battle of Integrity
Throwing pebbles at Shaytan during Hajj? Not just a ritual with good arm work. 💪🏽 It’s a whole metaphor for life. Resisting temptation is a long-life battle - Taqwa doesn’t just show up overnight. Lesson for us? Embrace the struggle because it’s laying the groundwork for our growth.
4. One Qibla, One Ummah: Qibla as a Force for Unity
Millions stand shoulder to shoulder in Hajj, erasing status, race, and borders. Worship has a unifying power when hearts turn toward the same Qibla. In a time of global disconnection and division, let’s carry that spirit of collective humility and harmony beyond the season of Hajj: think - sharing food, serving the community, showing empathy…
Walk in their Footsteps: Legacies that Last
The echoes of Dhul Hijjah - from Hajar’s footsteps to Ibrahim’s submission - continue to ripple across centuries. Their sincerity outlived their lifetimes. Dhul-Hijjah reminds us that our legacy is not in our wealth or words, but in the sincerity of our deeds and the good we bring into the world.
Tell us - what’s one seed you’re taking with you from the season of Dhul Hijjah?
May Allah accept 🤲🏽
🗓️Reminders
Before we log off [and take that nap], remember to keep reading Takbir Tashriq [once after the fardh of every salah] until the ‘Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
FYI: the 13th of Dhul Hijjah falls on Monday the 9th of June.
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Once again, team Minara wishes you a wonderful ‘Eid.
And a gentle reminder to keep the Muslim Ummah in our du’as. May Allah deal swiftly with the oppressors of our people.
Love and du’as,
The Minara Team
