Helpers On The Journey Of Life

Special announcement at the end! Really good news!🎉🎉🎉

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlah wa barakaatuh.

Trust that you're good, striving and thriving.

What comes to mind when you think of a helper in life? Let me guess, a great boss, a supportive partner, an investor, a parent who can take of your kids, a reliable vendor or maybe even the internet! Probably what would have come to mind as well if I had not experienced the blessing of a helper in an unexpected place.

Every weekend, I get a special dose of gratitude that reminds me of the things I forget to be grateful for and I will share a few:

I was on my way, when I saw this man who asked me food. I had what could be my last lunch in my bag which I was really looking forward to but that man looked hungry! I could not deal, I had to give him the food. Ah aunty! That meal was even in my favorite bowl but I had to give it up for someone who needed it more. I thought to myself, I may be struggling but this man is struggling more ,I'm grateful to God that I'm still in a position to help'

Ah Alhaja, I have explained to this man that he does not need to get upset when doing things for God. I have told Him to not expect praise from humans! I have told Him that we only expect things from God and that God will reward us.

Ah Alhaja! The price of tomatoes have increased but God is always taking care of us, we found a way! We switched to tomatoe puree only and can now whip up a decent meal that can feed the whole family.. We thank God!

Ah Alhaja, don’t complain o! After all, God has promised to take care of the believers and He always provides for us, It is well!

Alhaja! One rich man stopped me on the road today and asked if the family needs assistance, I said yes and he has now funded my husband’s business, is God not great?

This is from someone that has been hit with so many trials, you will expect her to move around with a dark cloud. It is beyond me how she picks herself up all the time and goes through life with a healthy dose of optimism. I look forward to her weekly visits because her energy is so positive! Through my worries, she's there to remind me that there's so much to be grateful for. Always cheery.. Always trusting in God.

She is not Muslim but never fails to remind me of a Hadith or Quran verse through her stories. When I reflect on my blessings ,I cannot help but see how Allah strategically placed her in my life and how He has used her to keep me happy, steady and firm. Doesn't He work in the best way?

Please make Dua that Allah blesses her with this beautiful faith and gives her a chance to start over. It'll be really beautiful if we can bring her over to our side yeah and I WANT to meet her again in Al Jannah Firdaus where she will know no sadness!

P.S: I'm still brainstorming on how to effectively do Dawah to her, if you have ideas, please leave a comment, I beg you! All my current efforts have resulted in her using the lessons to preach in church. It is really funny, she listens so attentively to me and then comes back with feedback on how she used ‘the teachings’ to deliver a sermon in church… I am like Ahhhhh! Alakoba! That was not the purpose of our discussion.

Mini- Activity: Do a quick scan of the people who are currently in your life. Really reflect on all of them and think of how Allah has used them to make your life easier. I want you to now reflect and ask yourself, ‘how can I be a helper to others?’

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REFLECTION OF THE WEEK

Be strong & spread strength. Consume what helps you to keep moving forward with good actions, beneficial knowledge, and accepted deeds.

Be strong during times of widespread grief; this is where one's beliefs play a crucial role.

"Do not be weak of heart & do not be sad" (3:139).

This is a time to channel sadness into action, prayer, advocacy, and education; a time to increase one's connection to their Lord, the purpose of life, and the afterlife. Be strong, focus on beneficial actions, and be a source of strength for others.- Suleiman Hani

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WE CAN DONATE TO GAZA IN NAIRA

It brings me TRUE JOY to announce that you can now make donations to support our family in Gaza in Naira through Da’awah 4 Jannah initiative! Alhamdullilahi robbil Alaameen! It is a credible organization who does amazing work in Northern Nigeria and has teamed up with a local partner who does work directly for children in Gaza. No amount is too small and every Naira makes difference.

As you donate , please do not forget to use the times when Duas are accepted to pray for our brothers and sister. There are many of them but I want to focus on Tahajjud today, I personally have a clearer head at this time of the day and can get my words out. There is a lot of calm and I just feel centered , we also know that

"The dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow which does not miss its target."-Imam Ash-Shafi'i (rahimahullah)

Make the sacrifice of waking up way before Fajr and pour your heart out to your Lord to save our family in Gaza. Take the pain you feel to Him. Surrender to Him and remember that the only thing He needs to say is ‘Be’.

Remember, You are not helpless, you can help.

Till Next Week, Insha Allah

We leave you in Allah’s care,

One of us at Ibadahplug