In the Name of Allaah, Most Gracious Most Merciful

This document was written using extracts from the book “Al-Khushoo’ Humility and Devotion in Prayer”, by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

INTRODUCTION

Salaah is the greatest of the practical pillars of Islam, and khushoo’ in prayer is required by sharee’ah. When Iblees, the enemy of Allaah, vowed to mislead and tempt the sons of Adam and said “Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left” (Surah A’raaf 7:17). One of his most significant plots became to divert people from Salaah by all possible means and to whisper to them during their prayer, to deprive them of the joy of this worship and cause them to lose the reward for it. Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo’, and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is Salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo.” (Al-Madaarij, 1/521).

Khushoo’ means calmness, serenity, tranquillity, dignity and humility. What makes a person have this khushoo’ is fear of Allaah and the sense that He is always watching. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Daar Al-Sha’b edn., 6/414).

The site of khushoo’ is the heart, and its effects are manifested in the physical body. The various faculties follow the heart: if the heart is corrupted by negligence or insinuating whispers from Shaytaan, the worship of the body’s faculties will also be corrupt. The heart is like a king and the faculties are like his troops who follow his orders and go where they are commanded.

CONCEALMENT OF KHUSHOO’

Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to say “Beware of the khushoo’ of hypocrisy, where the body shows khushoo’ but there is no khushoo’ in the heart.” One of them saw a man showing khushoo’ in his shoulders and body, and said, “O So and so, khushoo’ is here” – and he pointed to his chest, “not here” and he pointed to his shoulders. (Al-Madaarij, 1/521)

Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, explaining the difference between the khushoo’ of true faith and the khushoo’ of hypocrisy: “The khushoo’ of true faith is when the heart feels aware and humble before the greatness and glory of Allaah, and is filled with awe, fear and shyness. As for the khushoo’ of hypocrisy, it is something that is put on with a great show, but there is no khushoo’ in the heart. A person prostrates to his Lord out of respect and humility, and never raises his head until he meets Him. The arrogant heart, on the other hand, is one that is content with its arrogance and raises itself up like an elevated portion of land in which water never settles”.

Allaah has mentioned Al-khaashi’eena wa’l-khaashi’aat “men and women who are humble (before their Lord)”, and described this quality as one of the qualities of those who are chosen. He has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e.Paradise). (Al-Ahzaab 33:35).

RULINGS ON KHUSHOO’

According to the most correct view, khushoo’ is obligatory. Shaykh Al-Islam (Ibn Taymiyah), may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Allaah, may He be exalted, says ‘And seek help in patience and Al-Salaah (the prayer), and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-khaashi’oon. ’ (Al-Baqarah 2:45).

The fact that khushoo’ is obligatory is also indicated by the aayaat ‘Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their Salaah (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.

These are indeed the inheritors, who shall inherit the Firdaws (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.’ (Al-Mu’minoon 23:1-2, 10-11)

______________________________________________________________________________________________Khushoo in Salaah Page 16

It was reported that Mujaahid said: “’…and stand before Allaah with obedience” (Al-Baqarah 2:238)’ – part of obedience is to bow, to be solemn and submissive, to lower one’s gaze and to humble oneself out of fear of Allaah, may He be glorified.” (Ta’zeem Qadr Al-Salaah, 1/188).

Khushoo’ is obligatory in prayer, and this includes calmness. Whoever does not raise his head fully from rukoo’ (bowing) and pause for a while before going down into sujood is not calm, because calmness implies doing things at a measured pace, so the person who does not do things at a measured pace is not calm. Whoever is not calm does not have khushoo’ in his rukoo’ or sujood, and whoever does not have khushoo’ is a sinner.

Concerning the virtues of khushoo’ and as a warning to the one who neglects it, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Five prayers which Allaah has made obligatory. Whoever does wudoo’ properly for them, prays them on time, does rukoo’ properly and has perfect khushoo’, it is a promise from Allaah that he will be forgiven, but whoever does not do this, has no such promise – if Allaah wishes, He will forgive him, and if He wishes, He will punish him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 425; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, 3242).

Concerning the virtues of khushoo’, the Prophet (pbuh) also said: “Whoever does wudoo’ and does it well, then prays two rak’ahs focusing on them completely (according to another report: and does not think of anything else), will be forgiven all his previous sins (according to another report: will be guaranteed Paradise).” (Al-Bukhaari, Al-Bagha edn., no. 158; Al-Nisaa'i, 1/95; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, 6166).

MEANS OF DEVELOPING KHUSHOO':

1. PREPARING ONESELF FOR PRAYER PROPERLY

a) By repeating the words of the adhaan after the muezzin;

b) By pronouncing the du’aa’ to be recited after the adhaan: “Allaahummah Rabba haadhihi’l-da’wati’l-taammah wa’-salaati’l-qaa’imah, aati Muhammadan il-waseelata wa’l-fadeelah, wab’ath-hu’l-maqaam Al-mahmood alladhi wa’adtah” (O Allaah, Lord of this perfect call and the prayer to be offered, grant Muhammad the privilege (of interceding) and also the eminence, and resurrect him to the praised position that You have promised).

c) Doing wudoo’ properly, saying Bismillaah before it and making dhikr and saying the du’aa’ after it, “Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu” (I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger)” and “Allaahummaj’alni min Al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min Al-mutatahhireen” (O Allaah, make me of those who repent and make me of those who purify themselves)

d) Using siwaak to cleanse and perfume the mouth. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Purify your mouths for the Qur’aan.” (Reported by Al-Bazzaar, who said: we do not have it with any better isnaad than this. Kashf Al-Astaar, 1/242. Al-Haythami said: its men are thiqaat. 2/99. Al-Albaani said: its isnaad is jayyid. Al-Saheehah, 1213)

e) Wearing one’s best and cleanest clothes, because Allaah says “O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes) while praying” (Al-A’raaf 7:31). Allaah is most deserving of seeing us “take our adornment” for Him. Clean, pleasant smelling clothes are also more comfortable and relaxing, unlike clothes for sleeping or working in.

f) We should also prepare ourselves by covering our ‘awrah’ properly, purifying the spot where we are going to pray, getting ready early and waiting for the prayer, and making the rows straight and solid, without any gaps, because the shayaateen come in through the gaps in the rows.

2. MOVING AT A MEASURED PACE DURING PRAYER

The Prophet (pbuh) used to move at a measured pace during Salaah, allowing every bone to return to its place. (Its isnaad is classed as saheeh in Sifat Al-Salaat, p. 134, 11^th edn. Ibn ______________________________________________________________________________________________Khushoo in Salaah Page 17

Khuzaymah also classed it as saheeh as mentioned by Al-Haafiz in Al-Fath, 2/308). He commanded those who were not doing their prayer properly to do this too. He said, “None of you has prayed properly until he does this.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 1/536, no. 858).

Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer.’ He said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, how can a person steal from his prayer?’ He said, ‘By not doing rukoo’ and sujood properly.’” (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Haakim, 1/229; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, 997).

3. REMEMBERING DEATH WHILST PRAYING

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Remember death in your prayer, for the man who remembers death during his prayer is bound to pray properly, and pray the prayer of a man who does not think that he will pray any other prayer.” (Al-Silsilat Al-Saheehah by Al-Albaani, 1421. It was reported from Al-Suyooti that Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar classed this hadeeth as hasan).

The Prophet (pbuh) also advised Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him): “When you stand up to pray, pray a farewell prayer.” (Reported by Ahmad, 5/412; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, no. 742) meaning the prayer of one who thinks he will not pray another prayer. The person who is praying will no doubt die, and there is some prayer that will be his last prayer, so let him have khushoo’ in the prayer that he is doing, for he does not know whether this will be his last prayer.

4. THINKING ABOUT THE AAYAAT AND ADHKAAR BEING RECITED DURING THE PRAYER AND INTERACTING WITH THEM

The Qur’aan was revealed to be pondered over. Allaah says “(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” (Saad 38:29). No one can ponder over its verses unless he has some knowledge of the meaning of what he is reciting, so that he can think about it and be moved to tears by it. Allaah says “And those who, when they are reminded of the aayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.” (Al-Furqaan 25:73). Thus the importance of studying Tafseer (Qur’aanic commentary) is quite clear. Ibn Jareer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “I am astonished at people who read the Qur’aan and do not know what it means. How can they enjoy reading it?” (Muqaddimat Tafseer Al-Tabari by Mahmood Shaakir, 1/10).

Another way of helping oneself to ponder over the meanings is to repeat aayaat, because this will help one to think deeply and look again at the meanings. The Prophet (pbuh) used to do this. It was reported that he spent a night repeating one aayah until morning came. The aayah was “If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Al-Maa’idah 5:118). (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1/271 and Ahmad, 5/149; Sifat Al-Salaah, p. 102).

Another way of helping oneself to ponder over the meanings is to memorize Qur’aan and various adhkaar to be recited during different parts of the prayer, so that one may recite them and think about their meanings. There is no doubt that these actions – thinking about the meanings, repeating and interacting with the words – are among the greatest means of increasing khushoo’, as Allaah says “And they fall down on their faces weeping and it adds to their humility (khushoo” (Al-Isra’ 17:109).

The following is a moving story that illustrates how the Prophet (pbuh) had khushoo’, as well as explaining how it is obligatory to think of the meaning of the aayat. ‘Ataa’ said: “‘Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr and I entered upon ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and Ibn ‘Umayr said to her, ‘Tell us of the most amazing thing you saw on the part of the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh).’ She wept and said, ‘He got up one night and said, “O ‘Aa’ishah, leave me to worship my Lord.” I said, “By Allaah, I love to be close to you, and I love what makes you happy.” So he got up and purified himself, then he stood and prayed. He kept weeping until his lap got wet, then he wept and kept weeping until the floor got wet. Bilaal came to tell him that it was time to pray, and when he saw him weeping, he said, “O Messenger of Allaah, you are weeping when Allaah has forgiven your past and future sins?” He said, “Should I not be a grateful slave? Tonight some aayaat have been revealed to me; woe to the one who recites them and does not think about what is in them ‘Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth’” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:190 or Al-Baqarah 2:164).’” (Ibn Hibaan said in Al-Silsilat Al-Saheehah, no. 68: this is a jayyid isnaad). ______________________________________________________________________________________________Khushoo in Salaah Page 18

One example of interacting with the aayaat is to say “Aameen” after Al-Faatihah, which brings a great reward. The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said: “If the imaam says ‘Aameen,’ then say ‘Aameen’ too, for whoever says ‘Aameen’ and it coincides with the ‘Aameen’ of the angels, will have all his previous sins forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhaari, no. 747). Another example is responding to the imaam when he says “Sami’ Allaahu liman hamidah (Allaah hears the one who praises Him)”; the members of the congregation should say, “Rabbanaa wa laka’l-hamd (O our Lord, to You be praise).” This also brings a great reward. Rifaa’ah ibn Raafi’ Al-Zirqi said: “One day we were praying behind the Prophet (pbuh). When he raised his head, he said, ‘Sami’ Allaahu liman hamidah,’ and a man behind him said, ‘Rabbanaa wa laka’l-hamdu hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan fih (Our Lord to You be much good and blessed praise).’ When he finished, he said, ‘Who is the one who spoke?’ The man said, ‘Me.’ He said, ‘I saw thirty-odd angels rushing to see who would write it down first.’” (Al-Bukhaari, Al-Fath, 2/284).

5. PAUSING AT THE END OF EACH AAYAH

This is more helpful in understanding and thinking about the meaning, and it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), as Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) described how the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) would recite, “Bismillah il-Rahmaan il-Raheem”, and according to one report, he would pause, then say, “Al-hamdu Lillaahi Rabbi’l-‘Aalameen, Al-Rahmaan, Al-Raheem.” Then according to one report, he would pause, then say, “Maaliki yawm il-deen,” and he would break up his recitation aayah by aayah. (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 4001; classed as saheeh by Al-Albaani in Al-Irwaa’, where its isnaads are described. 2/60). Pausing at the end of each aayah is Sunnah even if the meaning continues into the next aayah.

6. RECITING IN SLOW, RHYTHMIC TONES (TARTEEL) AND MAKING ONE’S VOICE BEAUTIFUL WHEN RECITING

As Allaah says “and recite the Qur’aan (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.” (Al-Muzzammil 73:4). The recitation of the Prophet (pbuh) was clear, with each letter pronounced distinctly.” (Musnad Ahmad, 6/294, with a saheeh isnaad. Sifat Al-Salaah, p. 105). The Prophet (pbuh) “would recite a soorah in such slow rhythmic tones that it would be longer than would seem possible.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 733). This slow, measured pace of recitation is more conducive to reflection and khushoo’ than a hurried, hasty reading.

Another way of helping oneself to have khushoo’ is by making one’s voice beautiful when reciting. This is something that was advised by the Prophet (pbuh), as when he said, “Beautify the Qur’aan with your voices, for a fine voice increases the Qur’aan in beauty.” (Reported by Al-Haakim, 1/575; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, no. 3581).

Beautifying it with one’s voice does not mean elongating the vowels and giving it a tune in the manner of corrupt people; it means beautifying one’s voice with the fear of Allaah, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Truly, the one who has one of the finest voices among the people for reciting the Qur’aan is the one whom you think fears Allaah when you hear him recite.” (Reported by Ibn Maajah, 1/1339; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, no. 2202).

7. KNOWING THAT ALLAAH RESPONDS TO PRAYERS

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allaah, the Blessed and Exalted has said with regards to Surah Al-Fatihah: ‘I have divided the prayer between Myself and My slave, into two halves, and My slave shall have what he has asked for.” (Saheeh Muslim). This “conversation” with Allaah must be respected and accorded its proper value. The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said: “When any one of you stands to pray, he is conversing with his Lord, so let him pay attention to how he speaks to Him.” (Al-Haakim, Al-Mustadrak, 1/236; Saheeh Al-Jaami’, 1538).

B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m

In his excellent book, Zaad al-Ma'aad, in the section which includes the book, At-Tibb an-Nabawee, Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have Mercy on him) stated in his alphabetized discussion of medicines and nutrition:

Allaah the Exalted has said:

And He has said:

And He, the Exalted One, has said:

And in the Books of Sunnah it is reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) used to hasten to prayer whenever an affair disturbed him. And previously discussed was the concept of healing most ailments through prayer before seeking out other ways of dealing with them.

- 1 - Prayer is something that causes one to receive sustenance.

- 2 - It is something that safeguards one's physical health.

- 3 - It keeps away harmful things.

- 4 - It casts away illnesses.

- 5 - It strengthens the heart.

- 6 - It brightens one's countenance.

- 7 - It delights the soul.

- 8 - It gets rid of laziness.

- 9 - It makes the limbs active.

- 10 - It increases one's physical strength.

- 11 - It expands the chest (making one at ease and giving him insight).

- 12 - It is nourishment for the soul.

- 13 - It illuminates the heart.

- 14 - It safeguards one's blessings.

- 15 - It repels catastrophes.

- 16 - It brings on blessings.

- 17 - It keeps away the Shaytaan (the Devil).

- 18 - It draws one close to Ar-Rahmaan (Allaah, the Most Merciful).

And overall it has an amazing effect on the health of the body and heart, and in strengthening them and expelling harmful pollutants from them. No two people have been afflicted with any disability, disease, or other calamity, except that the portion of the one who prays is less and his outcome is cleaner.

Also, prayer has an amazing effect on the evils of the dunyaa (the worldly life) and how it repels them, especially when the prayer is performed properly and completely, inwardly and outwardly. Nothing keeps the evils of the dunyaa at bay and brings on the benefits of it like prayer.

The reason behind this is that prayer is one's connection to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. So based on the strength of a person's relationship with his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, the doors of goodness will accordingly be opened up for him, bad things and the reasons for them befalling him will be cut off, and the elements of success granted by His Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, will begin pouring in, along with safety and good health, wealth and worldly riches, relaxation, bliss, enjoyment, and all types of joyful affairs will be brought to him, and in an expedient manner, too. [5]

FOOTNOTES

[1] The title and the numbering of the 18 benefits are both additions from the translator: Moosaa Richardson.

[2] A translation of the meaning of Soorah al-Baqarah (2):45

[3] A translation of the meaning of Soorah al-Baqarah (2):153

[4] A translation of the meaning of Soorah Taa-Haa (20):132

[5] Zaad al-Ma'aad (4/304-305) of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Mu'assasatur-Risaalah, 4th ed., 1424.

Source: Zaad al-Ma'aad (4/304-305)
translated for www.bakkah.net [1]

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Why do you think Ibn al-Qayyim listed prayer amongst health and nutrition-related affairs?

How is it that prayer can repel the evils of the dunyaa?

How To Become Muslim

All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Mohammad, His last messenger.

"Some people have a wrong notion that entering into the Islamic fold requires an announcement from the concerned person in the presence of high ranking scholars or shaikhs or reporting this act to courts of justice or other authorities. It is also thought that the act of accepting Islam, should, as a condition, have a certificate issued by the authorities, as evidence to that effect.

We wish to clarify that the whole matter is very easy and that none of these conditions or obligations are required. For Allah, Almighty, is above all comprehension and knows well the secrets of all hearts. Nevertheless, those who are going to adopt Islam as their religion are advised to register themselves as Muslims with the concerned governmental agency, as this procedure may facilitate for them many matters including the possibility of performing Hadj (Pilgrimage) and Umrah." [1]

To become Muslim, you have to pronounce the Testimony of Faith 'Shahada', with sincere faith.

The implication of the Shahada is that you believe that there is only one God, Allah, Who alone deserves to be worshipped. It also implies that you believe in Muhammad, peace be upon him, as the Messenger of God, and you believe in his message. It also means that you believe in all of God's Prophets, including Jesus, peace be upon him, who is a Messenger of God and NOT divine or son of God.

If you accept this, the only thing that remains for you to become Muslim, is to say the Shahada, while believing in it with your heart word for word as follows:

"I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah"

then repeat this same testimony in Arabic as follows:

"Ash hadu anlla ilaha ilallah, wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan rasul ullah"
(you may listen to the pronunciation by clicking here … anyways don't worry about perfect pronunciation)

Of course faith is not only words but is complemented with action, so upon reciting the Shahada one should begin to learn and uphold his/her duties as a Muslim. The main pillars of Islam as you know are:

• The Five Daily Prayers

• Annual charity to the poor and needy

• Fasting the month of Ramadan

• Pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a life time for those who are able)

[1] Extract from "HOW TO BECOME A MUSLIM" originally prepared & published by Cooperative Office for Call and Guidance - Riyadh.

http://discover.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=newmuslim

READ ALSO:

How to Become a Muslim http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=22

"The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam"

(Qur'an 3:19)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Islaam.com Iman

Creation is in Need of Allah

"Man always looks for what benefits him and what protects him from harm. However, to accomplish this, man must be able to realize what is harmful. He must then know whom he should need, trust, and love so that he can attain what is beneficial as well as to feel good about his choice. He also must know the proper and good approach that would make him achieve this goal. This latter condition requires that man:

a) Know about harm

b) What ways can be used to drive harm away

Certainly, man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who Has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no One better than the One Who Has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man's soul. Man is so poor to Him. He is Allah, the True and only God. Man can bring harm to himself if he seeks other than Allah for help. Allah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power.

Allah (SW) sent down His Books and chose His Messengers to guide man to:

a) Know His Lord as He (SW) had explained about Himself, and

b) Seek Him Alone while living in accordance with His plan

Knowing Allah's Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation because creation is weak and is in need of The Creator, Allah. The knowledge about Allah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allah's way as revealed to the last Messenger Muhammad (sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam). This Revelation contains a complete code of life. Everything that is beneficial or harmful is established so that man can center his life around this Revelation. If man commits wrong and knows that Allah is Oft-Forgiving he would turn to Him and to Him alone seeking His forgiveness: "Know, therefore, that there is no God Who deserves to be worshiped except Allah; and ask forgiveness for your sins." (Qur'an, 47:19)

It is wrong to think or believe that Allah created other 'gods' besides Him so that man turns to them for help; loves them or fear them, etc. He is the same God of all nations. He does not order that people should make of stars, sun, fire, Jesus, Moses, etc. gods besides Him. He (Most Exalted) cannot be 'contradictory'. He has one way (religion) that calls man to surrender his will only to Him. He (SW) warned that if man (even Muhammad sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) would take partners with Him, then his work will fail and will be among losers:

"And verily, it had been revealed to you (O Muhammad) as has been revealed to those before you. If you join others in worship with Allah (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain and you will certainly be among the losers. Nay! But worship Allah and be among grateful." (Qur'an, 39:65-66)

Let us know what Muhammad (sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), the man-Prophet, who knew Allah best, used to say:

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You for Your Pleasure and against Your Wrath,and in Your Forgiveness and against Your Punishment and in You from You, I cannot Praise You as You can Praise Yourself." (Muslim, Abu Dawoud, at-Tirmidhi, ibn Majah)

"I have surrendered myself to You, I have directed my face to You, I have entrusted my affairs to You, I have compelled my back to refuge in You, in want and in fright of You, there is no resort nor survival from You except (in turning) to You. I have faith in Your book (i.e. the Qur'an) which You brought down and in the Prophet (Muhammad) you have sent." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

When we read in the Qur'an that:

"Whatever of Mercy (i.e. of good), Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (Qur'an, 35:2)

And when we read that:

"If Allah touches you with hurt, there is none can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His favor which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will, and He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an, 10:117)

We should be motivated to return to Him Alone at times of ease and at times of hardship.

And when we read that:

"If Allah helps you none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there, after Him, that can help you. And in Allah (alone) let believers put their trust." (Qur'an, 3:160)

The Qur'an, therefore, leads man to a true liberation from any false attachment. It brings peace to the heart. It helps the believer against hypocrisy and all forms of dishonesty. Imagine, for example, a believer facing a problem