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Deen Diaries, Pt 3: The Legacy of a Muslim

Salam and welcome to SabrSprings' Deen Diaries series, where we explore and reflect on the most important parts of Islam ✨

This post will focus on the legacies we can leave behind as Muslims, as a special for the last 10 nights of Ramadan. May Allah accept our fasts and prayers!

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." [Sahih Muslim 1631]

Sadaqah Jariya - A Muslim’s Endless Charity

Sadaqah Jariyah means to partake in an act of continuous giving. There are various acts of Sadagah Jariah a Muslim can do:

• Sponsor a Child/Orphan

• Spread Dawah on Islam

• Partake in the construction of mosques or social infrastructures

• Donating religious material (Qurans, Prayer mats, etc)

Wisdom - A Muslim’s Endless Knowledge

Spreading knowledge is something that continues to shape minds, guide hearts and inspire generations long after we live.

"Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees." (58:11). Seeking and spreading knowledge earns both worldly honor and eternal reward.

Righteous Children - A Muslim’s Endless Rewards

Having righteous children ensures that our legacy continues after we pass away.

• A righteous child carries our faith and values by spreading kindness and knowledge.

• A child's sincere dua can bring us reward and mercy in the afterlife.

• Every good deed they commit extends our impact across generations.

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months, meaning that every good deed performed on this night is multiplied as if it were done for over 83 years, a lifetime of worship in just one night. The perfect time to build an everlasting legacy.

As we don't know the actual date for Laylatul Qadr, it's important to maximize these last ten nights to secure an endless amount of rewards that may benefit others beyond our own lifetime through our duas.

Dua for Laylatul Qadr

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka 'Afuwwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni.

"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me."

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Pioneers of the Past, Pt. 5: The Father of Optics, Hasan Ibn Al-Haytham

Salam and welcome back to SabrSprings' Pioneers of the Past series, where we talk about historical figures in Islam and how we can continue to learn from them! ✨

In this post we will be focusing on The Father of Optics, Hasan Ibn Al-Haytham.

(Special: this blog comes with a podcast! Link in bio!)

Region and Period

Hailing from Iraq, Hasan Ibn al-Haytham was a mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to optics and scientific experiments. He was born in 965 in Basra, Iraq, and died in 1040 in Cairo, Egypt.

Biography

Ibn al-Haytham is notable for his scheme to regulate the Nile. Invited by the caliph, he was given an administrative post and failed to fulfill his task. Out of fear, he feigned madness and isolated himself in his own home. During this period was when he wrote "The Book of Optics".

Works and Achievements

One of his most important works was Kitab al Manarir (The Book of Optics). He was the first to explain that vision occurs when light reflects on an object and passes onto one's eyes. He also argued that vision occurs in the brain, receiving great recognition.

He was also one of the earliest users of the scientific method, creating hypotheses and supporting them through mathematical reasoning and scientific procedures.

One of his most famous astronomical works, Hay’at al-alam, (On the Configuration of the World), Ibn al-Haytham presented a detailed description of Earth's physical structure and discussed planetary motion. Ibn al-Haytham also made significant advancements in physics and mathematics.

Legacy

His discoveries in the principles of optics were further advanced by Persian scientist Kamal al-Din al-Farisi and influenced Averroes' writings on optics.

Much of Ibn al-Haytham's significant contributions were translated into Latin and greatly influenced scholars in Europe such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Rene Descartes, Galileo Galilei, and Johannes Kepler.

Ibn al-Haytham’s work is still presented and recognized in the 21st century. In fact, an impact crater on the moon is named Alhazen in his honor!

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Global Glimpse, Pt 2: Lunar Eclipse (03/13/2025)

Salam and welcome to SabrSprings' Global Glimpse series, where we give insight into events that are happening globally and what we can do about them ✨

This post will focus on the Lunar Eclipse that took place on March 13.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse takes place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, allowing the Moon to enter Earth's shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon moves into the darkest section of Earth's shadow, known as the umbra. While within the umbra, the Moon takes on a striking red-orange hue.

Lunar Eclipse in Islam

During the death of the Prophet's d son Ibrahim, a full solar eclipse occurred.

Due to this event, many rumors spread among the people of Madinah if Allah was lamenting the death of the prophet's son.

The Prophet (PBUH) corrected them and ordered someone to announce "as-salatu jami'ah," (The prayer that is to be convened in public.)

The Prophet also said: "The solar or lunar eclipse is only a sign of Allah. They do not take place for the death or life of anybody. Whenever you see them, hasten to the Prayer." [Book 2, Hadith 430]

Islam encourages Muslims to partake in prayer and reflection during a solar eclipse. It is advised to preform a specific prayer known as Salat al-Kusuf (a congregational prayer offered during an eclipse).

This prayer serves as a means to seek forgiveness, show gratitude, and ask Allah for protection from any potential harm.

How to Pray Salat Al-Kusuf

Salat al-Kusuf consists of two raka’at:

- Long recitation, long rukuh #1, long recitation again (but shorter than the first one), long rukuh #2, stand long enough, long sujood #1, long sujood #2

Now repeat this process one more time to complete 2 raka’at.

Lunar Eclipse 2025

When is it?

On Thursday, March 13th, 2025 to Friday, March 14th 2025, the moon will enter the Earth's shadow and create a total lunar eclipse for the first time since November 2022.

What time?

The event is will be viewable in the United States overnight into Friday morning.

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Deen Diaries, Pt 2: The Meaning of Salah

Salam and welcome back to SabrSprings' Deen Diaries series, where we explore and reflect on the most important parts of Islam ✨

This post focuses on the meaning of Salah.

The Importance of Salah’s Meaning

Understanding salah is the key to praying with khushu, an essential quality in worshipping Allah. Khushu means to have one's heart present and in deep connection to Allah (SWT). To know the meaning of what you recite in salah allows you to be more sincere, bringing clarity to one's mind and soul.

Allah says in the Qur'an: "Successful indeed are the believers; those who humble themselves in prayer" (23:1-2)

Takbir - Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest)

Al Qayyam - Subhanaka Allahuma wa bihamdika wa tabarak asmuka wa ta ala jaduka wa la ilaha ghairuk (Glory be to You, O Allah, and all praises are due unto You, and blessed is Your name and high is Your majesty and none is worthy of worship but You.)

Ta’awwudh - Aodhobilah Audhu billahi minash shaitanir rajeem (I seek shelter in Allah, from Shaitan, the rejected one.)

Tasmiyah - Bismillahi rahmani rahim (In the name of Allah, the most Gracious the most Merciful)

Surah Fatiha - (2) All the praises are for Allah, the Sustainer of all the worlds (3) the Beneficent, the Merciful (4) Lord of the Day of Judgment (5) You alone do we worship and You alone do we ask for help (6) Lead us along the straight path (7) the path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your favours, not of those who incurred Your wrath, nor (of those who) went astray.

Rukuh - Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem (Glory to be my Lord, the Almighty)

Qayyam - Sami Allahu liman hamidah Rabbana wa lakal hamd (God hears those who praise him. Oh our Lord, praise is to You.)

Sujood - Subhana Rabbiyal ala (Glory to my Lord, the Most High)

Tashahud - At taheyatu lil-lahi was salawatu wa taiyibatu As salamu alaika ayuhan nabi Wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu As salamu alaina Wa ala ibadil lahis salihin Ash hadu an la ilaha ilallah Wa ash hadu anna muhamadan abduhu wa rasuluh (All compliments, prayers and beautiful expressions are for God. Peace be on you, O Messenger, and God's mercy and blessings. Peace be on us and on all righteous servants of God. I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except God. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Envoy.)

Durood Ibrahim - Allaahumma salle 'alaa Muhammadin wa'alaa' aale Muhammadin kama sallaiyta 'alaa Ibraheema wa aAlaa Aale Ibraheema. Innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allaahumma baarik 'alaa Muhammadin wa 'alaa aale Muhammadin kama barakta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'alaa Aale Ibraheema. Innaka Hameedum Majeed (My God, honor Muhammad and Muhammad's family as you honored Abraham and Abraham's family Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great My God, bless Muhammad and Muhammad's family as you blessed Abraham and Abraham's family Surely, you are praiseworthy, the Great.)

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Global Glimpse, Pt 1: Palestine's Ceasefire

Salam and welcome to SabrSprings' Global Glimpse series, where we give insight into events that are happening globally and what we can do about them ✨

This post will focus on Palestine's recent ceasefire.

Overview

This Ramadan, thousands of Palestinians gather for iftar with echoes of prayer instead of airstrikes and explosions under a fragile ceasefire. On January 19th, Israel reached a deal with Hamas, calling for a ceasefire, leaving a temporary halt to the genocide and violence. Yet shadows of death, destruction, and starvation continue to linger.

Ramadan amidst the ceasefire: Israel's temporary pause in violence has allowed some families in Gaza to return to a new normal. In 2024, Gaza experienced one of the worst humanitarian crises in history, with over 48,000 Palestinians killed, more than half of them being women and children. Thousands have spent Ramadan separated from their loved ones, enduring extreme starvation as humanitarian aid became increasingly scarce. Israel's ongoing occupation has left mosques and hospitals destroyed, leaving the region in catastrophic conditions.

However, compared to last Ramadan, many have found a slight sense of relief amid the ceasefire. Few shops and markets that haven't been destroyed reopened, with street

vendors filling the streets in efforts to return to their normal lives. Regardless of the destruction of mosques and homes, many continue to pray in congregation, upholding their resilience and worship. Amal Abu Sariyah from Gaza City says "Yes, the country is destroyed and the situation is very bad, but the feeling that the shelling and the killing have stopped, makes you (feel) that this year is better than the last one."

Israel’s Violation: Despite the ceasefire agreement's first phase allowing increased aid into Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a full blockade to pressure Hamas into extending the fragile truce on Sunday. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, along with UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, have condemned this action as a violation of humanitarian law and an act of using starvation as a weapon.

What Can We Do?

The ceasefire in Palestine marks a fragile beginning for families devastated by the war, yet many are left with uncertainty as to what the future holds for them. Palestine's ceasefire is a reminder to us that despite this victory, we must continue to be the voices for the people silenced by genocide.

• Continue boycotting brands supporting Israel (full list): https://boycott-israel.org/boycott.html

• Take part in protests and rallies

• Raise awareness on current events in Palestine

Dua for Palestine

ر��بَّنَآ أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْهِم صَبْراً وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَهُم وَٱنصُرْهُم عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

Rabbana afrigh 'alayhim sabran wa thabbit aqdaamahum wansurhum 'ala al-qawm al-kafireen

"Our Lord! Shower them with perseverance, make their steps firm, and give them victory over the disbelieving people."

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Pioneers of the Past, Pt 4: Dhul Qarnayn

Salam and welcome back to SabrSprings' Pioneers of the Past series, where we talk about historical figures in Islam and how we can continue to learn from them! ✨

This post will focus on Dhul Qarnayn, one of the four stories mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf.

A Test of Power

Dhul Qarnayn was a powerful but just ruler whom Allah granted dominance to benefit creation, not cause corruption. One of his most notable contributions was protecting an oppressed people from the corrupt Ya'juj and Ma'juj. He built a wall with iron to prevent them from causing mischief in the land. Unlike many rulers, he sought to please Allah rather than gain personal power or wealth. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) foretold that Ya'juj and Ma'juj will eventually break through the barrier as a sign of the end times.

What can we learn from this?

Power should be used to benefit others, not for selfish gain or corruption. Our skills and resources should help each other and bring us closer to Allah. True leadership and service come from selflessness and gratitude to Allah.

Stay tuned for the rest of our Pioneers of the Past series, InshaAllah!

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Pioneers of the Past, Pt 3: Musa (as) & Al-Khidr

Salam and welcome back to SabrSprings' Pioneers of the Past series, where we talk about historical figures in Islam and how we can continue to learn from them! ✨

This post will focus on Musa (AS) and Al-Khidr, one of the four stories mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf.

A Test of Knowledge

A man from the children of Israel asks who hold the most knowledge to which Musa (AS) claims he does. Allah (SWT) informs Musa that no man possess all knowledge and instructs him to seek out a wise man named Al-Khidr. Musa (AS) asks to accompany Al-Khidr, who warns Musa that he shouldn't lose his patience and question him. Al-Khidr, damages a poor man's boar, kills an innocent-looking boy, and repairs a collapsing wall after being treated unjustly by the people of the village. Musa (AS) loses his patience with each action.

What can we learn from this?

Al-Khidr damages a poor man's boat to protect it from a tyrant who seizes ships, he kills the boy who would've grown up to be evil to his righteous parents, and repairs the collapsing wall to protect an orphan's hidden treasure. What seems unjust may have greater wisdom behind it; hardships can protect us from greater harm. Knowledge is limitless and we must always be open to learning from others. Human logic also cannot comprehend everything; only Allah's wisdom encompasses all time and possibilities.

Stay tuned for the rest of the stories from Surah Al-Kahf, InshaAllah!

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Pioneers of the Past, Pt 2: The Owner of Two Gardens

Salam and welcome back to SabrSprings' Pioneers of the Past series, where we talk about historical figures in Islam and how we can continue to learn from them! ✨

This post will focus on the owner of two gardens, one of the four stories mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf.

A Test of Wealth

This story is about the owner of two gardens and his destitute companion. The owner's riches increased quickly since his gardens were flourishing and fertile. However, his prosperity led him astray and he began to question his faith. He became arrogant, believing that his hard work and knowledge earned him his success. His fruits began to deteriorate, but he learned too late that things are only temporary.

What can we learn from this?

From this story, having wealth is but a test from Allah. He reminds us that this world is temporary as well. Whenever you witness a blessing for yourself, you should say "مَا شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ ۚ" - What Allah willed [has occurred], there is no power except in Allah. [Surah Al-Kahf, 18:39]

Stay tuned for the rest of the stories from Surah Al-Kahf, InshaAllah!

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Pioneers of the Past, Pt 1: The People of the Cave

Salam and welcome to SabrSprings' Pioneers of the Past series, where we talk about historical figures in Islam and how we can continue to learn from them! ✨

This post will focus on the people of the cave, one of the four stories mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf.

A Test of Faith

This story is about a group of young believers who seek refuge in a cave after escaping persecution and the threats of their people of their religion. They prayed to Allah for assistance to save their religion from their oppressive society, and in turn Allah granted them a long-lasting sleep. They woke many years later to find that their entire city was converted to a Muslim city.

What can we learn from this?

From this story, we learn that Allah will test you through your devotion to your faith. Your life will come with trials, but Allah will assist those who put complete trust in Him and are resilient in their faith.

When a person believes in Allah, He will always come to their rescue and ease their difficulties.

Stay tuned for the rest of the stories from Surah Al-Kahf, InshaAllah!

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Deen Diaries, Pt 1: Sha'ban and its Virtues

Salam and welcome to SabrSprings' Deen Diaries series, where we explore and reflect on the most important parts of Islam ✨

What is Sha'ban?

Sha'ban is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar, and it falls between Rajab and Ramadan. As it falls before Ramadan, it is used for the preparation of the sacred month, filled with reflection and prayer.

Usama b. Zayd (RA) narrated “I asked the Prophet ﷺ, ‘Why is it that you fast more in Shaban than any other month?’ The Prophet ﷺ replied, ‘That is a month neglected by the people between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which one’s deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, so I love for my deeds to be raised while I am fasting.’”

Historical Significance

Sha'ban is the month during which the practice of fasting during Ramadan was established and it is also the month in which the qibla was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah.

What should you do during Sha'ban?

There are several things that are beneficial to do during Sha'ban.

Fasting: Increase your fasting during Sha'ban in order to prepare yourself for Ramadan.

Prayer/Dua: Use this month to pray more sunnah prayers, seek forgiveness, and purify your heart.

Quran: Sha'ban is time you should use to review the Quran, also in preparation for Ramadan. Salama b. Kuhayl Kufi narrates that when the month of Sha'ban approaches, his people freed their time to recite the Quran. He said, "The month of Sha'ban [is] the month of reciters.

Charity: This is the month when good deeds are raised to Allah, do utilize the month to make sadaqah and increase your good deeds.

May Allah allow us to reach the month of Ramadan safely!