Ultimate Day of Mercy is Here! 🤲🏼

As-Salamu Alaikum, Beloved Minara Community,

As we navigate through the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of this time and how we can extend the virtues of these days throughout the year.

This week’s newsletter brings you thoughtful reflections, preparations for the Day of Arafah, and an enlightening Ayah to ponder.

Reflection on the Days of Dhul Hijjah 🌿

Carrying Forward the Spirit of Sacrifice and Devotion

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar, filled with opportunities for increased worship, good deeds, and reflection.

As we approach the end of these blessed days, let’s reflect on how we can carry the lessons learned into the rest of the year:

- Continued Good Deeds: Just as we strive to maximise our worship during these days, let us aim to maintain a high level of devotion throughout the year. Every act of kindness, every prayer, and every moment spent in remembrance of Allah brings us closer to Him.

- Sustained Sacrifice: The level of sacrifice exemplified by the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), should permeate our lives. Let this willingness to give up for the sake of Allah inspire our daily decisions and interactions.

Preparing for the Day of Arafah ❤️

Maximizing the Blessings of A Pivotal Day

The Day of Arafah, falling tomorrow, is a day of immense mercy and forgiveness. It represents a prime opportunity to seek closeness to Allah and His forgiveness:

✨ Fasting: Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended and brings profound rewards, expiating the sins of the past and coming year.

✨ Dua and Repentance: It is a day when the supplications of the faithful are answered. Spend the day in dua, asking for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself and the Ummah.

✨ Reflect and Plan: Use this day to reflect on your spiritual goals and plan how to maintain your momentum in worship and good deeds.

Ayah Reflection of the Week

Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 268:

الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

"Shaytaan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing."

This verse reminds us of the ongoing battle between the whispers of Shaytaan and the promises of Allah. Shaytaan seeks to instill fear and lead us astray, while Allah offers forgiveness and immense grace.

Let this verse motivate us to resist fear and temptation, trusting in Allah’s boundless mercy and provisions.

Prayer Tip of the Week: Schedule Punctuality ⏰

Integrating Salah into Your Daily Routine

To enhance your consistency and punctuality in prayer:

• Prioritise Prayer: Treat prayer times as non-negotiable appointments on your daily schedule.

• Visible Reminders: Use digital calendars and alarms to remind you of prayer times. This helps integrate Salah seamlessly into your daily activities.

• Plan Around Prayer: When scheduling your day, start with Salah times and build other activities around them. This ensures that your prayers are the cornerstone of your day, not an afterthought.

As we reflect, prepare, and plan, let’s strive to embody the teachings of our faith every day. May this Dhul Hijjah bring you closer to Allah, and may your prayers and efforts be accepted.

With prayers for peace and spiritual growth,

The Minara Team 🌙