Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLlah wa barakatuh.
Trust you are good, striving and thriving.
What is LOVE?
What really is it? This question came up recently in class and made me really interested in digging deeper into what I thought love was and what it really is.
I am not here for definitions though, I am on a journey with this term and still putting the pieces together, but I have a few reflections to share.
Is love just memories, fancy dinners, gifts, smile, hugs and feelings, or is love made up of peace, compassion, sacrifices, tolerance, and prayers?
Or is it a mix of both?
Or can it even be defined at all?
Should I love because it makes me look good or brings me worldly gain?
Or should I love only for Allah’s sake?
This weekend, during class with Ustadha Jinan Yousef, I learnt a completely different perspective on love.
This led to further reflections on its different expressions as well, expressions that were beyond the surface.
I reflected on love being wanting Jannah for my loved ones, like I want it for myself.
I reflected on it requiring even more, by this a step further by striving with them to get to the desired destination.
I reflected on true love meaning , striving to keep the legacy of our loved ones who have passed away. It made me think of holding on to memories of their deeds and keeping them going, so it will benefit them in the grave.
A lot went through my mind, and then some expressions of love came up that far surpassed any human expression.
Love from the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
When he stood all night in prayer for us even when he was already forgiven, if that is not true love, what possibly could be?
It reminds me of how he did not stop there, but how he saved his special Dua for for the day of judgment when we will need it most.
It reminds me of how he kept going back to reduce the prayers on the night of Al-Isra wal Miraj till it got to a number that was bearable for us.
How can someone who has not even met us love us so much?
As you go about this week, I want you to think about what love truly means. I want you to make a deliberate effort to reflect beyond what Hollywood, rom-coms, Social media, music and novels have taught you and dig deep into what the Seerah of our Beloved (SAW) has shown us that love is.
Then, I want you to ask yourself ‘How can I love like the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did’?
AlhamduliLlahir rabbil ‘aalameen On Saturday, we hosted the virtual edition of the post-Ramadan workshop and it was just as beautifully intimate as we hoped that it would be. There were so many gems that came out from the two-hour session and it was really beautiful to learn from my sisters ,how to keep the Ramadan spirit going!
We also used the Ramadan workbook as our guide to review , reflect and plan for the journey ahead. If you have not purchased a copy yet, now is the time. It costs just N1,500/$4/€4 only. You don’t need to have attended the session to use it. It is self-explanatory and really gives you a clear path to maintain your Ibadah. Click the link below to get a copy or two!
One thing that came up during the workshop was the challenge of worshipping at work. SubhanaLlah! It is such a pain point that it showed up in both sessions. Imagine my excitement when I found that Anse Tamara Grey has launched a course called : to address this same concern. Does Allah not just know our many needs? AlhamduliLlahi Rabbil ‘aalameen! All the details are below.
Reflection Of The Week
That is all till next week People!
We leave you in Allah's care,
One Of Us at Ibadahplug.