“How many of you have read Surah Rehman along with its translation?” This question took me out of my envisagement and I saw some people raising their hands. Unfortunately, I was among the majority of the people who have never been honored to understand one of the beautiful Surah of the Quran. Since it was the month of Ramadan, a seminar on the teachings of the Quran was organized by our university and I was among the hundreds of attendants.

“Surah Rehman is among the last chapters of Quran.” I heard the speaker continuing with the topic.

“But when it comes to the nature of guidance, no Surah in the Quran can match it. The way Surah Rehman made us realize the hidden favors of Allah (S.W.T) is remarkable. By favor, I don’t mean health, wealth, house, children or luxuries of life.”

He was continuing with the topic as I notice hints of excitement and interest in the audience. I could feel people listening to the speaker with pin drop silence in the hall.

“Sometimes we tend to overlook some of the greatest favors of Allah (S.W.T). Surah Rehman helps us rather make us ponder on such favors of our Creator.

Allah (S.W.T) says in Surah Rehman verse no. 27

And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

This verse seems to be simple but it’s really deep in its meaning. In this verse, Allah (S.W.T) is making us realize that He is only one who is Immortal and hence He is the only Lord. No Mortal beings can be raised to the status of Lord. This proof of Oneness of Allah (S.W.T) is indeed his favor which saves us from the fire of Hell.

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?”

Similarly, Allah (S.W.T) says in verse no. 31

“We will attend to you, O prominent beings.”

Just see how Allah (S.W.T) is dragging our attention to the Day of Judgement. He says that soon he will turn to us (man and jinn). Accountability of deeds is indeed a favor of Allah (S.W.T) which behold cruel from his cruelty. The realization that we will be questioned someday on our deeds saves us from many sins.

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?””

Why did I never thought of understanding and pondering over the Quran this way? Am I missing something really important in my life? Where we all are heading to? I was busy evaluating myself when I again heard the voice of the speaker. He continued with the session.

“Further in verse no. 41 Allah (S.W.T) says

“The criminals will be known by, their marks, and they will be seized by the forelocks and the feet.”

By giving an indication towards hell, Allah (S.W.T) is inviting us to his Oneness so that we may refrain from any sort of Shirk and enter the heavens of the sky.

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?”

And then he gives the glad tidings of Heavens in verse no. 46. He says,

“But for he who has feared the position of his Lord are two gardens.”

Promising the righteous people the highest reward in akhira motivates them to be a better Muslim. This glad tiding is indeed a favor of Allah (S.W.T).

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?””

He finished his lecture with this final verse. I cannot express the amount of pleasure I experienced at that moment. I felt if I was being directly guided by Allah (S.W.T). I took this opportunity as I favor from Him that changed my life’s perspective forever.

Surah Rehman — A Surah to ponder upon was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I am a workaholic. At the end of each day of successfully managing a household and work, I pat myself on the back. Let me go through the major, necessary everyday tasks I perform religiously:

Cooking & cleaning: check

Working under deadlines: check

Exercising: check

Praying 5 times: check

Reciting Qur’an: err….

Ah, I admit, this is where I have been struggling. Looking around, I see so many people close to me who work more than me but still manage to recite Qur’an every day. I was intrigued. So, I asked them for some tips. And, here I am, sharing my findings with you.

After Prayers:

Aysha is a recent graduate. She told me that taking out time for Qur’an had been quite a struggle for her. She found her way around it by fixing specific timings for it.

She recommended, “Since obligatory prayers cannot be missed or delayed, you may set a time for Qur’an recitation after them. Choose any two prayers, say Fajr and Maghrib, and recite a page from Qur’an after them. It will not take more than five minutes, and the rewards are huge. Try never to skip it. You will gradually develop the habit.”

This makes perfect sense. We will be in wudu and will just have to add 5 minutes to our prayer routine. Sounds easy, no?

Night-Time Rituals:

My friend, Zahra, is a working lady who manages two shifts of work each day. I enquired about how she manages it and this is what she shared: “I take out a few minutes before sleeping and read the Qur’anic Surahs I know by heart. It takes only a couple of minutes but gives my heart great peace.”

This impressed me. It is indeed a great way to remember Allah after the long day. We never know if we will wake up the next day, so let us have the Qur’anic verses be our last words.

Commuting:

Samia is my friend’s little sister who is a 10th grade student. Among her school, homework, and social activities, Qur’an recitation was taking a backseat. She found the solution. Since she takes a bus to school, she has downloaded a Qur’an application to her phone, and avails the time by reciting Qur’an from it on the way! That’s how you make the best use of technology, isn’t it?

Haroon is a medical doctor who drives to work. He said the he listens to audios of Qur’an recitation while driving. According to him, “these audios help you develop an affinity towards the Holy Words and also improve your Tajweed.”

Go digital:

With technology taking over every aspect of our lives, why should we not take full advantage of it for religion as well?

A software engineer, Salman, reminded me that there are a number of applications on smartphones to help us connect with the Holy Book. Many of these applications have complete Qur’an in Arabic, with such features as translations in almost every language, detailed Tafseer lessons to help us have a deeper understanding, audio recitations, and a lot more. He said that he cannot make it to a physical Qur’an class, so, he has found a way to connect with it through his phone.

Turn to a support group:

Amna, a housewife, believes that motivation is essential. She said, “It is natural that, now and again, we all need motivation. For Qur’an, we have a group of friends on WhatsApp where we share our daily routines and achievements to motivate each other.” She further suggested, “If you cannot find anyone in your circle, there are many support groups online where Muslims help each other connect with the Holy Book.”

The experiences of these individuals are great which I will definitely try to incorporate in my life. Do you have any tips which might help me on my journey?

5 ways to incorporate Quran reading in everyday life was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

As I sat on the couch in my room, looking at my trophies with my names and position engraved on them that I won during my academic life. A thought suddenly struck my mind. Will we have the same kind of positions and rewards in Jannah or will everybody be rewarded equally no matter the number of good deeds one has performed. Will a 50 percent marks holder be equal to say 80 or 90 percent marks holder. This intrigued me to learn more about Jannah and its level of rewards based on the merit of an individual. This pursuit led me to a very beautiful Surah of Qur’an, Surah Waqiah.

Surah Waqiah is a Makki Surah and it has 96 verses. This surah ideally focuses on the depiction of Jannah. As I learned more about this Surah. I was astonished to witness the amount of rewards for the righteous people in the form of Jannah. But will all be treated equally? Is there only one Jannah with the same blessings for everyone? No, rather the righteous people based on their deeds will be divided into 2 categories and 1 category for the hell dwellers. Allah says,

“And you (all) will be in three kinds (i.e. separate groups).” (Verse 7)

“So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands), Who will be those on the Right Hand? (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise).” (Verse 8)

“And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell).” (Verse 9)

“And those foremost [(in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam,] will be foremost (in Paradise).” (Verse 10)

These verses give a clear indication that everybody will be treated according to their level of righteous deeds. The more righteous the deeds of a person, the higher the level of reward. In the subsequent verses, Allah highlights the qualities and the attributes of the Jannah for those who are “Foremost”. Allah says,

“These will be those nearest to Allah.” (Verse 11)

“In the Gardens of delight (Paradise).” (Verse 12)

“A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islam).” (Verse 13)

“And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later time (generations).” (Verse 14)

“(They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones,” (Verse 15)

“Reclining thereon, face to face.” (Verse 16)

“They will be served by immortal boys,” (Verse 17)

“With cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine,” (Verse 18)

“Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head nor any intoxication.” (Verse 19)

“And fruit; that they may choose.” (Verse 20)

“And the flesh of fowls that they desire.” (Verse 21)

“And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), (Verse 22)

Like unto preserved pearls.” (Verse 23)

“A reward for what they used to do.” (Verse 24)

“No Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk) will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.).” (Verse 25)

“But only the saying of Salam! Salam! (Greetings with peace)!” (Verse 26)

It then pens down the attributes of Jannah for the “Right Hand” people, Allah says,

“And those on the Right Hand, — Who will be those on the Right Hand?” (Verse 27)

“(They will be) among thornless lote trees,” (Verse 28)

“Among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another,” (Verse 29)

“In shade long-extended,” (Verse 30)

“By water flowing constantly,” (Verse 31)

“And fruit in plenty,” (Verse 32)

“Whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off,” (Verse 33)

“And on couches or thrones, raised high.” (Verse 34)

“Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation.” (Verse 35)

“And made them virgins.” (Verse 36)

“Loving (their husbands only), equal in age.” (Verse 37)

“For those on the Right Hand.” (Verse 38)

“A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam).” (Verse 39)

“And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later times (generations).” (Verse 40)

This revelation urged me to be become more righteous, more kind and humble human being who not only fulfill the commands of Allah (S.W.T) and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) but also fulfills the rights of humans of Allah (S.W.T). It also made me realize the importance of reading and understanding Qur’an. Qur’an has a lot to offer in terms of guidance, life lessons and these glad tidings that compel you to be a better Muslim and human being.

Surah Waqiah– A depiction of Jannah was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Another week later, I was so anxious to get to class on time. In the previous one, the scholar had mentioned that the next class would be the conclusion and he has one final element he wants to discuss to help us with our Quran reading habit.

He entered and greeted everyone with “As salamu alaykum”

Everyone responded to his Salam. He began “Does anyone remember what we’re discussing today?”

A fellow student responded “Sir, you were going to conclude the BJ Fogg Model series”

Another peer began to express how much the other two classes and elements helped with their exercise to recite the Quran daily.

The scholar delightfully said, “So great to hear how you all have incorporated and figured out ways to make Quran recitation a habit.”

“So, shall we embark on our journey to reach the finish line?” he uttered as he wrote on the board “TRIGGER”.

“Trigger is best known as call-to-action. Let’s break it down. It’s the element without which the target behavior will not succeed to happen. It nudges us to take action and perform the respective behavior. Ahead of it, trigger is divided into 3 categories, SPARK, SIGNAL and FACILITATOR. “

“Let’s being with Spark.” He proceeded.

“Allah Almighty said about Quran: “This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious]” (Quran, 2:2)

These kind of verses from the Quran can be set up as reminders in your phone, laptop or workspace to ignite the SPARK that will act as a trigger to recite Quran.

“Next up, signal”.

“Verily the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).

Whenever feeling low on ability and motivation, reading such verses with such fervid meanings, act as a SIGNAL to remind you of what needs to be done and how. A SIGNAL brings reason to why the act needs to be done and this acts as a trigger.

“Lastly, FACILITATOR”

He continued with an example to Athan (call to prayer) and mentioned “In the morning prayer, after “Hayya ala’l-falah” the muezzin recites “as-Salatu khayrum mina’n nawm” (prayer is more blessed than sleep) twice, and this is known as the taswib.

As the translation states that the call to prayer should be given more importance to than sleep. The Athan acts as a FACILITATOR that triggers you to rise when you hear it. When you focus on this specific verse, you realize your Lord is calling upon you to come offer Salah and let go of the deep sleep you may be in.”

That following morning, I woke up by the Athan and as soon as I heard “as-Salatu khayrum mina’n nawm”, I paid close attention to it and amazingly it was so much easier to wake myself up and get out of bed. I offered my prayers and as I had woken up anyway, I decided to recite the Quran to start the day with Allah’s blessings. The feeling was surreal. I continued the same routine the next day and the day after that. As Ramadan approached, this habit and routine was already established, and it became so easy to recite the Quran. But in Ramadan, I would recite a bit after every Salah, and my goal was to finish one Juz per day. This way it was much more convenient, and my goal was easily achievable as I wanted to complete the entire Holy Quran in Ramadan. Eventually and automatically, Athan became a trigger for my Quran recitation every day. Even after Ramadan had ended.

Part 1: The Bj Fogg Model. PART-1-MOTIVATION

Part 2: The BJ Fogg. Model, PART 2- ABILITY

BJ Fogg Model Part 3 — Trigger. was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On the prayer mat, with a face wet with tears, I kept begging, “Ya Allah! Please speak to me. This silence is deafening.” I was almost wishing for a hallucination, the kind we read in stories where you hear God’s voice. My logic was intact and I knew it was not how Allah worked but I was desperate to hear some words of solace.

The happenings of the past few months had shattered me to tiny pieces and the isolation I felt was, and still is, inexplicable. And here I was, on a prayer mat, trying to get Him to talk to me. I believe, He, somehow, did by putting it in my heart to open Qur’an. Out of sheer desperation, I grabbed a copy of the Holy Book, which had translations alongside Arabic, and opened it randomly. He said:

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer.” [2:153]

“But, I am doing it already, my Lord,” I found myself saying. In the very instant, He reminded,

“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [2:153]

I sighed, and turned the pages to another section. Patience is not easy when you cannot see any hope.

“Whoever puts his trust in Allah; he will be enough for him.” (65:3)

In times when my faith was being tested, this was exactly what I needed. To stay firm. I was sure He was there but, somehow, when the King of the worlds said it Himself, the words ultimately gained more weight. I was trying my best to keep my faith strong and make sense of the situation.

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).

Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’” [2:155–156]

I repeated the last verse and dried my tears. He and His words should have mattered to me, not the doings of the people of this world. After all, aren’t we supposed to lean on to the one who is the Wisest? The verse immediately next to it gave immense peace:

“They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” [2:157]

But, it all was so unbearable. I asked Him, “what if I cannot bear it all?”

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (2:286)

I felt His mercy and smiled with relief. I trusted the words of my Confidante. What am I supposed to do now?

“If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [8:70]

Oh yes, I had to stick to the right path. My life was shaken but it was to test if my faith will shake just as easily. I had to keep doing good deeds no matter what obstacles may surface. Allah has promised rewards for those who stay true to Him and His path.

“O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [39:10]

I was washed over by relief. Allah’s promise was all that I needed. I became sure that He is there and I didn’t need anyone in my life. I closed the book reverently, went to bed, and slept like a child.

فَبِأَيِّ آلاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

Fabi-ayyi ala-i rabbikuma tukaththiban [chapter 55]

Qur’anic verses that soothe a sad heart was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I entered the hall after one entire week, with an entirely different approach and outlook towards not just my religious practices, but life itself.

As the scholar walked in and passed his Salam to the students, and right after, he said “Today, let’s talk about ABILITY”.

A sudden pause in the hall. After which the scholar continued to explain how this is a continuation of the BJ Fogg Model, following the first element, now onto the second.

A student quickly raised their hand and when asked, he said, “Sir, I researched a lot on the BJ Fogg Model, I was compelled to know more. But it was all too complex.”

The scholar responded, “yes of course, knowledge is but a light which Allah places in the heart”. With that delightful smile, he expressed how happy he was to see his students taking interest.

He began, “Allah never changes the condition of a person unless they strive to change themselves”. Quran 13.11

As soon as he mentioned this beautiful verse from the Quran, it had already started making so much sense.

He commenced with an example, “You’re reciting the Quran, you stop at a Rukuh, and close the holy book and place it back to where it was kept. Next time, you pick it up, open it, you have no idea where you left off previously, which Juz it was, which Surah or even which Rukuh.

So now what do you do? Start over? But you wanted to finish this Juz today. It was your goal. It has now become challenging and more so, discouraging. Here your ABILITY is dropping low. You might just close the Quran and may not read at all, or you might possess a slight ability remembering your goal, so you start over. But this time round, you place a bookmark and a small point at the Ayat you stopped your recitation.

Next time when you open the Quran for recitation, you follow the bookmark, trace the point and you know exactly where you stopped and where you need to start again. You made it SIMPLE for yourself which directly leads to increase in ability. Therefore, the ABILITY spectrum is directly linked with SIMPLICITY.”

It was so refreshing to hear such examples that make comprehension so unequivocal…

He proceeded towards another example, “Or let’s take another example. It’s Ramadan. You’re out somewhere but there’s a little bit of waiting involved. So, you’re just sitting there, idle. You’ve got some time on your hands, you think to yourself, I really wish I could recite Quran at this time and complete my goal for today. But you don’t have the Quran over there in a book format. You realize, you’ve got an application in your phone, and you could recite on it.

So, what just happened? SIMPLICITY gave rise to your ability. The technology world is hitting the sky now, but if made use of in the correct manner, then only it is beneficial for us.”

Therefore, if a person really wills to recite Quran daily, it’s vital to make other things simpler to maintain consistency and reach the desired targets and goals. One of the purposes should be to not let ability slide towards the lower end, it needs to be kept high and before you know it, Quran recitation will become a regular habit and a part of the everyday routine.

Part 1: The Bj Fogg Model. PART-1-MOTIVATION

Part 3: BJ Fogg Model Part 3 — Trigger.

The BJ Fogg. Model, PART 2- ABILITY was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“Bismillah….”

‘Bismillah illadhi la yadurru ma’a ismihi shay’un fi’l-ard wa la fi’l-sama’ wa huwa al-samee’ ul-‘aleem’

I looked around.

“What kind of Bismillah is that?” I asked.

“It’s a super Bismillah which grants you one of the strongest shields protecting you against all sudden afflictions,” came the reply.

Super Bismillah? What is a Super Bismillah? I wondered.

Bismillah used to be just Bismillah and now we have a Super Bismillah. I went away, shaking my head.

These guys come with something new every day…

That was my first encounter with the Morning and Evening supplications. I had never heard about them before and just like everyone, I thought it was something new in the market. I was wrong. I was ignorant and I got educated. Here is how it all happened.

I distinctly remember how strange it sounded to me. The super bismillah. I searched for it online and got no results. Jogging my memory, I tried searching for some of the words that I could remember and it turned out to be a prayer from a Sahih Hadith (authentic narration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH).

I was amazed!

It meant: Using the name of Allah, by Whose name nothing on the Earth or in the Heavens can cause harm and He is the All Knowing and the All Hearing.

Wow! That really was something. But what was more interesting was the narration that followed the translation. It went like this:

Narrated Uthman ibn Affan: Aban ibn Uthman said: I heard Uthman ibn Affan (his father) say: I heard the Messenger of Allah صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم say: If anyone says three times: “Using the name of Allah, by Whose name nothing on the Earth or in the Heavens can cause harm and He is the All Knowing and the All Hearing” he will not suffer sudden affliction till the morning, and if anyone says this in the morning, he will not suffer sudden affliction till the evening. Aban was afflicted by some paralysis and when a man who heard the tradition began to look at him, he said to him: Why are you looking at me? I swear by Allah, I did not tell a lie about Uthman, nor did Uthman tell a lie about the Prophet صلی ‌اللہ ‌علیہ ‌وسلم, but that day when I was afflicted by it, I became angry and forgot to say them.

These days we just start mentioning hadith like: “The Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH said….” But in the books, the precise names of people are mentioned in the order they heard from the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

SubhanAllah. I never knew that.

What was more interesting for me, was the account of the entire event. How the person narrating the hadith was inflicted by paralysis and the one hearing the hadith looked at him skeptically as though saying, “Man, if these words are so protective, how come you are in this condition?” Interestingly, the narrator noticed this and explained that he was angry on the day he was inflicted by paralysis and forgot to say those words.

SubhanAllah. Look how anger affects you. Who could have thought?

I learned that this was one of the prayers from the Morning and Evening Supplications that our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH prescribed his companions at different events.

There is a very interesting app that lists down all these prayers and provides translation of the Arabic text and the subsequent Hadith from where it was derived from. If you are not good with Arabic recitation you can also hear the prayers in audio from the app. It’s called Wa Iyyaka Nastaeen and is available for both iOS and Android platforms.

Sometimes I wonder that if saying a few words from Hadith can help us so much, what effect will saying the words of Allah from Quran will have on us? This is why I believe that we should read Quran daily to remain under the protection of Allah at all times. If you agree with me, let me introduce you to IQRA. She is very efficient in helping you develop a habit of reading Quran every day. You can chat with her on QforQuran Facebook page and if you like her you can also help her developers make her even better by contributing on their Launch Good campaign.

Importance of Morning and Evening Supplications: Why you need them? was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Fatima: “Hey Amna (Fatima’s roommate), if you don’t mind can I switch on the light of our room for a while at Fajar. Actually, I don’t have a table lamp as I haven’t unpacked my luggage yet. Will do it by tomorrow Insha’Allah.”

Amna: “Yes, you can. But what do you want to do at Fajar.”

Fatima: “I recite Qur’an after Fajar prayers.”

Amna: “Why at Fajar? Don’t you feel sleepy and lazy at Fajar? I go back to sleep as I soon as I finish my Prayers.”

Fatima: “Because Fajar is the best time to recite Qur’an.”

Amna: “How? I never heard of this, can you explain it to me a little more.”

Fatima: “Why not. Let me share with you a beautiful verse from Surah Al-Isar. Allah (S.W.T) says,

“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an of dawn.”

It means the time when the sun starts to set and rise, i.e. the time of Fajar and Maghrib. Allah commands us to make sure that we offer the Maghrib Salah at its time. He also asked us to offer prayers after the sun completely sets, when the darkness covers everything i.e. the Salah of Isha. But he didn’t say Salah of Fajar, like he said establish the Salah of Maghrib and Isha. Why didn’t he use the word Salah for Fajar? Rather He called it Qur’an of Fajar (Dawn). Because Allah (S.W.T) want us to recite some extra Qur’an at Fajar. If after the Fajar Salah, you will make some time to recite Qur’an then you will see spiritual benefits and the worldly benefit of reciting it instantly in your life.”

Amna: “But why reciting the Qur’an at Fajar is more beloved to Allah (S.W.T) than any other time?”

Fatima: “In the same verse, Allah (S.W.T) says,

“Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.”

Now you must be thinking who witness us at the time of Fajar as majority of people are sleeping at that time. And as far as Allah (S.W.T) is concerned, he can witness us at any time of the day. Then who is being referred to by Allah (S.W.T) in this verse?

Amna: “You are absolutely right Fatima, I was exactly thinking the same.”

Fatima: “The answer to this lies in this hadith of our beloved Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). He said,

“The angels of the night and the angles of the day come amongst you in successive groups (in shifts). They meet at the morning prayer (Fajar) and at the mid-afternoon prayers (‘Asr). Those who stayed among you at ascend and their Lord asks them, although He knows best about you, “How did you leave my servants” They say, “We come to them and they were praying and we left them when they were praying.”

Amna just imagine yourself being witnessed by angels while reciting Qur’an at Fajar. And the angels tell Allah (S.W.T) that when we left Amna or when we go to her, she was reciting your book, Qur’an. Allah (S.W.T) would feel immense pleasure and proud of you.

Amna: “Thank you so much Fatima, May Allah (S.W.T) rewards you for this. Ameen.”

Next day when Fatima woke up for Fajar, she witnessed Amna reciting Qur’an. A tear of joy rolled from her eyes and all she could utter was, Masha ‘Allah.

Best Time to Recite Qur’an was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

My frustration peaked as I saw one more rejection letter. I had lost count of them by then. After studying like a maniac for 4 years (or 16, if you count them all), yours truly was rejected for not having great communication skills. Why did Allah Ta’ala not bless me with the ability to knock people off their chairs with words?!

Mum noticed, guessed the reason, and brought me a cup of hot tea. “Well, she is probably the only one I am thankful for,” I thought, “And tea, of course”. I started complaining as soon as mum sat down with me. She listened patiently and soothed me with kind words. My distress was real and deserved attention, no?

Once I was over with my rant and had relaxed a bit, she handed me a copy of Qur’an and asked me to read Surah Rahman. No lecture; nothing about how others suffer way more than I do; she simply let Allah help me see the things.

With Ta’wwuz and Tasmiyah, I opened to chapter 55.

Beginning with the name of our merciful Lord, الرحمن, the Surah instantly had a soothing effect on my anxious mind. I had always had an affinity toward this particular name of Allah.

I read on about how Allah (S.W.T) created humans, guided them with the Holy Qur’an and taught them eloquence. The thought crossed my mind that although I might not have been accepted at the company I wanted, I had been blessed with a number of capabilities, and various opportunities to develop them. That made me a little embarrassed at my unthankfulness.

The Surah further led me to see the aspects of the universe such as sun, moon, stars, plants, seas, and their balance. I realized how insignificant I am in the bigger scheme of things, and yet, they all are there to benefit me! Suddenly, my rejection letter sounded trivial.

Our Creator has carefully created humans with clay, and djinns with fire. He knows the purposes behind His creations; He guided them according to their natures. He is the Lord of every creature and entity.

The beautiful chapter then took me to visualize higher ambitions: Heaven and Hell. The descriptions of Hell for criminals and those of Heaven for the righteous are beautifully mentioned, which, as a writer, left me in an awe. The entire chapter is embellished with the beautiful soothing verse:

فَبِأَيِّ آلاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?”

The verse was, is, and will always be a source of solace for me. It sounds enchanting. I can’t say I was not upset with the rejections after reading it, but I felt honored that the Highest Being, Lord of the worlds cares for me. Who else do I need?

All the worries had vanished by the time I completed Surah Rahman. And, till date, even after landing a much better job, I turn to this chapter for optimism and the beautiful words.

Which is your favorite Surah or verse from Qur’an?

Why Should I Be Thankful? was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Sitting in between about fifty to sixty people, a renowned scholar was delivering a lecture on how Ramadan is approaching and the preparations that should be taking place in a practicing Muslim’s routine,

He asked in a soft voice, “so how many of you have started mending your routines? I want to know the truth”

All the young students in the hall looked left and right and only a few were able to raise their hands and express what changes they’ve brought about.

His next question was, “how many of you plan to recite Qur’an on a daily basis in the month of Ramadan?”

It was amazing to see how almost everyone there raised their hands except a couple of peers, who he addressed right after.

Just a moment later, a peer questioned the scholar, “During Ramadan, with our jobs and hectic routine, how to find the motivation to recite Quran on a daily basis?”

The scholar was very pleased to see someone coming forward in search of guidance and soon after he started delivering his speech in which he explained, “I want to make this easy for you to understand and comprehend”, and he wrote on the board, BJ Fogg Model — MOTIVATION.

That very moment, everyone including myself, felt how the silence in the hall was because of the curiosity and interest that had been built up.

“Sensation, anticipation, belonging” — the three core motivators to stimulate any other form of motivation.

He further carried on his explanation breaking down each point one by one, with the help of Quranic verses.

First off, Sensation — Pleasure and pain… And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path. Quran 3:101.

The feeling of falling back to Allah and maintaining absolute faith, that He is the one who guides and directs the right path of a true believer. He is the one to bestow pleasure and relieve pain. That belief gives you peace and MOTIVATES to reach out closer to Allah.

Secondly, Anticipation — Hope and fear… And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits but give good tidings to the patient. Quran 2:155

Along the lines of difficulties, some come in the form of a test by Allah. A good Muslim, during these tests, does not turn away, but turns towards Allah for help, and Allah Almighty offers immense rewards for the humans who remain patient in the time of hardship.

Lastly, Belonging — Rejection and acceptance… “and He it Is who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do” Quran 42:25

The all-powerful Allah accepts every form of repentance always. Never does he ever reject a believer begging for forgiveness. He is the all forgiving and most merciful.

After explaining these three points on motivation from Fogg’s model with references from Quranic verses, this all became even more engaging. The scholar took a deep breath and proceeded on to voice his explanation.

Quran is the word of the most benevolent, Allah. We spend time with our loved ones, we want to sit and listen to them, we take advice from them and even proceed to act on them. Would we not want to read and act upon Allah’s word? We need to make time for Him and for His word. Nothing in this world can reciprocate those moments. When you possess these intentions and hold these thoughts, automatically you will make a special effort to recite Quran daily.

He then answered a few questions and continued to explain further how being goal-oriented is so essential. Recitation of Quran should be a goal each day. So, an individual is aware that this goal needs to be reached somehow and anyhow and will ultimately be motivated to recite at any chance they get.

Lastly, he explained how a person can only achieve what they want if they work hard and strive to achieve their desired result.

“God helps those, who help themselves”. A very commonly known quote that pretty much sums it up that motivation needs to come from within and the willingness to do so.

Part 2: The BJ Fogg. Model, PART 2- ABILITY

Part 3: BJ Fogg Model Part 3 — Trigger.

The BJ Fogg. Model. PART 1- MOTIVATION. was originally published in qforquran on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.