Noble Words

This text is composed of 100 short chapters based on the ethical verses of the Holy Qur’an to make the readers reflect, motivate and inspire them to improve their lives by taking control of their thoughts, thinking positively, and setting new goals.

Get PDF [2] Get EPUB [3] Get MOBI [4]

Dedication

This book is dedicated to
the one who inspired me and motivated me,
to publish these articles as a book,
and to all people who motivate others
with their kind words,
and to all my students whom I always
tried to motivate them
to think positively.

About The Author

A Brief Biography of Sheikh Abolfazl Sabouri (Born in 1980 in Iran):

• Graduate of Elmiyeh seminary in Qom with more than 15 years of study and research. (He actively participated in courses offered by Grand Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli, Grand Ayatollah Sobhani, Grand Ayatollah Zanjani, Grand Ayatollah Bahjat, and Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Kamal Haydari).

• Professor of Tafsir, Theology, and Jurisprudence in Elmiyeh Seminary of Qom and in Payame Noor and Kurdestan Universities

• There are hundreds of students who participated in courses offered by him in different universities

• M.A in Jurisprudence and Islamic Studies

• Propagating Experiences:

• Participation and giving lectures in number of religious meetings in different masjids and universities in Iran, religious meetings in Poland (Warsaw) and in New Zealand (Auckland)

• Administer of Research Group in Al-Murtaza Institute Researcher in Religious Issues and in Commentary of Quran

• Author of Some Published and Non-Published Books and Articles (in Persian and in English)

Introduction

The way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determines everything that happens to you. When you change the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life, sometimes instantly.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe - your thinking! You can decide what you are going to think in any given situation. Your thoughts and feelings determine your actions and determine the results you get. It all starts with your thoughts – and I have found that inspirational words are a quick way to retune your thinking. Inspirational words have an amazing ability to motivate you and change the way you feel about yourself.

In the present book, there are 100 motivational and inspiring short articles for a better life. When life has got you in a slump, turn to these inspirational short articles. Read on and get ready to smile. By reading these motivational words, you can start your day taking control of your thoughts, thinking positively, and setting new goals.

These articles are based on the ethical verses of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Archangel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of God be upon him and his progeny). The Messenger dictated it to his companions, and the scribes, who crosschecked it during the Prophet’s lifetime, wrote it down and his followers memorized it. Not one word of its 114 chapters has been changed over the centuries. The Qur’an is in every detail the same unique and miraculous text that was revealed to the Prophet over fourteen centuries ago.

The Qur’an is the principal source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all subjects that concern us as human beings, including wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law; but its basic theme is the relation between God and His creatures. At the same time, the Qur’an provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct, and equitable economic principles.
God Almighty says,

“He [God] has sent down to you the Book [the Qur’an] with truth, confirming what was revealed before; And He sent down the Torah [of Moses] and the Gospel [of Jesus] before this as a guide in humankind; and He sent down the Criterion [the Qur’an]”. (Qur’an; 3:3-4)

1. A Seed Of Hope

A seed of hope is the beginning of every good thing in our lives. Hope gives birth to the overcoming life. It always believes for the best, even in the face of the worst circumstances. For believers in God, hope is much more than a wish, yearning or a positive outlook; it is based on the promises of God found in His Word. They are promises to move on your behalf.

We can have hope in life no matter what surrounds us, because we serve a mighty God who cares, knows us by name, and understands the desires of our heart.
“He knows whatever there is in the heavens and the earth, and He knows whatever you hide and whatever you disclose, and God knows best what is in the hearts”. (Qur’an; 64:4)1

Who knew us before we were even formed in our mother’s womb.

“Indeed the knowledge of the Hour is with God. He sends down the rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land it will die. Indeed God is all-knowing, all-aware”. (Qur’an; 31:34)2

Perhaps you are facing setbacks with your job or relationships. Maybe you are struggling financially or the pressures of life are just overwhelming you. If that is you, there is still hope! God is for you, not against you. His resources are endless. He says,

“There is not a thing but that its sources are with Us, and We do not send it down except in a known measure”. (Qur’an; 15:21)3

His power and love know no boundaries. God is on your side. Do not let the enemy, Satan, your own thoughts, or anyone else tell you anything different. Keep hope alive and never ever give up!

“Satan frightens you of poverty and prompts you to [commit] indecent acts. But God promises you His forgiveness and grace, and God is all-bounteous, all-knowing”. (Qur’an; 2:268)4

God is a God of more than enough. He does not have any lack. He always has a solution. God is ready to speak to you, to encourage you and for some, rescue you. Let me ask you where your hope is today. Is it in people; in your own abilities; in your job? Be encouraged and build your hope on nothing less than God himself. And put your trust in God; God suffices as trustee

“and He is an excellent trustee”. (Qur’an; 3:173)5

He is your solid rock in which all other ground is sinking sand. Hope today, hope now! Whoever hopes in God and trusts in Him, will never be disappointed.

“Say, nothing will befall us except what God has ordained for us. He is our master, and in God let all the faithful put their trust”. (Qur’an; 9:51)6

1. .
يَعْلَمُ مَا فىِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَ مَا تُعْلِنُونَ وَ اللَّهُ عَلِيمُ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُور.

2. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عِنْدَهُ عِلْمُ السَّاعَةِ وَ يُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَ يَعْلَمُ ما فِي الْأَرْحامِ وَ ما تَدْري نَفْسٌ ما ذا تَكْسِبُ غَداً وَ ما تَدْري نَفْسٌ بِأَيِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَليمٌ خَبير.

3. .
وَ إِن مِّن شىَ‏ْءٍ إِلَّا عِندَنَا خَزَائنُهُ وَ مَا نُنزَِّلُهُ إِلَّا بِقَدَرٍ مَّعْلُوم‏.

4. .
الشَّيْطانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشاءِ وَ اللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَ فَضْلاً وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم.

5. .
وَ نِعْمَ الْوَكيل.

6. .
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَئنَا وَ عَلىَ اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُون‏ .

2. A Shift into Greater Blessing

The Qur’an tells us about the story of Joseph. Joseph and his father -Jacob- were very close. In fact, Joseph was Jacob's favorite child. Brothers of Joseph decided to kill him. They took him away and cast him into a well. At that point, Jacob thought Joseph was dead and lived very sadly until he found out that Joseph was indeed alive and living in Egypt. After a while Joseph whom they want to kill, became a king. God Almighty says about this:

“That is how We established Joseph in the land that he may settle in it wherever he wished. We confer Our mercy on whomever We wish, and We do not waste the reward of the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 12:56)1

Friend! That is the way our God is. He has shifts in your future that will put you in a position that you did not earn. Just as with Joseph, God is going to say, “I am going to move them from the back to the front; from being unqualified to being suddenly qualified; from being looked down on or disrespected to being esteemed and respected”.

God is saying to you, “I am going to bless you on purpose. I am going to move you up. I am going to accelerate your dreams. I am going to give you what you did not deserve. I am going to shift you into a position that you could have never gotten to on your own.” Now, get ready for it. Stay in faith, stay in the Word, obey His commands, stay faithful and be pious and patient, as God Almighty said,

“For anyone who reveres God and is patient, then God will not waste the reward of the good doers”. (Qur’an; 12:90)2

Be sure that God is going to shift you into a place of greater blessing. Remember that Almighty God said,

“We confer Our mercy on whomever We wish, and We do not waste the reward of the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 12:56)

1. .
وَ كَذلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْها حَيْثُ يَشاءُ نُصيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنا مَنْ نَشاءُ وَ لا نُضيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنين.

2. .
إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَ يَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُضيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنين.

3. A Supernatural God

We serve a supernatural God! He can do what medicine cannot do. He is not limited by your education, your background, the family you came from. Yes,

“God has full command of His affairs, but most people do not know”. (Qur’an; 12:21)1

The things people have spoken over you do not move him. He is not up in heaven all frantic, trying to figure out how to get you to your destiny. He knows the end from the beginning.

“God Almighty knows that which is before people and that which is behind them, and they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He wishes. His seat embraces the heavens and the earth, and He is not wearied by their preservation, and He is the All-exalted, the All-supreme”. (Qur’an; 2:255)2

He already has solutions to problems you have not even had. He is all powerful and all knowing. People may have tried to push you down, but if you will just remove those labels and get into agreement with God, He will push you up. He will take you where you could not go on your own. You do not have to figure it all out. The Qur’an says,

“With Him are the treasures of the Unseen; no one knows them except Him”. (Qur’an; 6:59)3

God asks you to believe. When you believe, all things are possible. When you believe, doors will open that should have never opened. When you believe, God will take you from the back to the front. He says,

“Believe in God and His messenger, and spend from what He has made you the successor to. Those among you who believe and spend have deserved a great recompense”. (Qur’an; 57:7)4

Do not let negative labels hold you down. Remember, we serve a God who knows no limits! Get in step with Him and live your life without limits!

1. .
وَ اللَّهُ غالِبٌ عَلى‏ أَمْرِهِ وَ لكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لا يَعْلَمُون .

2. .
يَعْلَمُ ما بَيْنَ أَيْديهِمْ وَ ما خَلْفَهُمْ وَ لا يُحيطُونَ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلاَّ بِما شاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّماواتِ وَ الْأَرْضَ وَ لا يَؤُدُهُ حِفْظُهُما وَ هُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظيم.

3. .
وَ عِنْدَهُ مَفاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لا يَعْلَمُها إِلاَّ هُوَ.

4. .
ءَامِنُواْ بِاللَّهِ وَ رَسُولِهِ وَ أَنفِقُواْ مِمَّا جَعَلَكمُ مُّسْتَخْلَفِينَ فِيهِ فَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكمُ‏ْ وَ أَنفَقُواْ لهَُمْ أَجْرٌ كَبِير.

4. According To Your Faith

Many times when people have a need, they think that if God wanted to, He would just automatically meet it. However, God Almighty did not say, according to your need be it unto you; He said, according to your faith. He says in the Qur’an,

“When My servants ask you about Me, tell them that I am indeed nearmost. I answer the supplicant's call when he calls Me. So let them respond to Me, and let them have faith in Me, so that they may fare rightly”. (Qur’an; 2:186)1

That is why it is so important to have an attitude of expectancy every single day. If we want God to move in our lives, we have to approach every day filled with faith and hope. Qur’an tells us that

“faith comes by hearing the Word of God, by humbling in prayers, by avoiding vain talks, by keeping the trusts and covenants ….” (Qur’an; 18: 1-9)

The more you meditate on the Word of God, the more your faith will grow and the more you will see Him working in your life.

Remember, God longs to bless you, and He has given you everything you need to be successful in life. He has disposed for you everything.

“He committed in your service all that is in the heavens and in the earth”. (Qur’an; 45:13)2

All things are possible to those who believe. Believe in His goodness, believe His Word, and according to your faith, let it be done for you. Just open your heart to God and trust that He has a good plan for you. Say every day:

“I entrust my affair to God. Indeed God sees best the servants”. (Qur’an; 40:44)3

1. .
وَ إِذا سَأَلَكَ عِبادي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَريبٌ أُجيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذا دَعانِ فَلْيَسْتَجيبُوا لي‏ وَ لْيُؤْمِنُوا بي‏ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُون .

2. .
وَ سَخَّرَ لَكمُ مَّا فىِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ مَا فىِ الْأَرْضِ.

3. .
أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِباد.

5. Ask Him

I wonder how many people have been disappointed simply because they did not pray and ask God for the big things in their hearts. You might say, “Well, God is God. If He wants to bless me, He will bless me.” No, He says in the Qur’an,

“Say: My Lord would not care about you except for your imploring”. (Qur’an; 25:77)1

If you are not asking big, you are shortchanging yourself. You have not because you ask not.

You will never reach the fullness of your potential if you only pray small prayers. I am not talking about just making a wish list and praying every whim. I am talking about asking God for what He has already promised you. God says in the Qur’an,

“When My servants ask you about Me, [tell them that] I am indeed rearmost. I answer the supplicant’s call when he calls Me. So let them respond to Me, and let them have faith in Me, so that they may fare rightly”. (Qur’an; 2:186)2

There are hundreds of promises that you have every right to pray and ask God to bring to pass; not only that, there are specific dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. They did not just randomly show up. The Creator of the universe put them in you. Dare to ask and ask big — and watch what God will do in your life. Believe that God Almighty is able, and He is working things together for your good as you put your hope and trust. Remember his saying:

“I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me …”. (Qur’an; 2:186)

1. .
قُلْ مَا يَعْبَؤُاْ بِكمُ‏ْ رَبىّ‏ِ لَوْ لَا دُعَاؤُكُم‏.

2. .
وَ إِذا سَأَلَكَ عِبادي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَريبٌ أُجيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذا دَعانِ فَلْيَسْتَجيبُوا لي‏ وَ لْيُؤْمِنُوا بي‏ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُون .

6. A Lifetime Of Favor

“Your god is the One God; there is no god except Him, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful” (Qur’an; 2:163)1.

The favor of this God is not for a season; it is for a lifetime. But how do we obtain God’s favor? The Qur’an tells us that when we obey His commands and make efforts in God’s way that is how we find favor in God’s sight. When we do our part, God will do His part. He says,

“O, you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and make your foothold firm”. (Qur’an, 47:7)2

If you believe God for something, maybe a turnaround in a relationship, career or your health, stand firm that God’s Word is true. When you put Him first place in your life (not like “those who serve God on edge, so when good comes to him, he is content with it; and if an ordeal comes to him, he then turns on his face” (Qur’an; 22:11)3), when you follow His commands, He promises to pour out His favor on you. He says, “Obey God and the Apostle so that you granted His mercy”. (Qur’an; 3:132)4

When those thoughts try to tell you, “It is not going to happen. It is too good to be true.” Turn it around and say, “My lord, I want to thank You for Your favor on my life, on my children, on my career, on my future. I am Your servant, and I know it is not temporary. It is not seasonal. It does not come and go. Thank you God for a lifetime of favor!” Yes, know that “all this is from God’s favor upon you and His mercy. And God is Compassionate, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 24:20)5

1. .
وَ إِلهُكُمْ إِلهٌ واحِدٌ لا إِلهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الرَّحْمنُ الرَّحيم.

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ إِن تَنصُرُواْ اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَ يُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكم‏.

3. .
فَإِنْ أَصَابَهُ خَيرٌْ اطْمَأَنَّ بِهِ وَ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ فِتْنَةٌ انقَلَبَ عَلىَ‏ وَجْهِه‏.

4. .
وَ أَطيعُوا اللَّهَ وَ الرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُون .

5. .
وَ لَوْ لَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَتُهُ وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيم. ‏

7. Be Humble

A critical spirit will follow you everywhere you go and you cannot get away from it. You can leave one job angry, upset and bitter and go around saying, “They did not treat me right.” “My boss does not know what he is doing.” “Nobody can do anything right.” However, if you do not deal with the root issue, you will have the same problem at the next job or in your next relationship. You will still think everybody is against you. It is because the problem is inward and not outward.

When I come to the end of my days and stand before God, and He says, “What did you do with the time that I entrusted you with? How did you use the gifts that I gave you?” I would hate to have to say, “God, I spent my life criticizing others, knocking people down and trying to make them look bad, placing the blame on others and stirring everything up.”

Today, you can make the switch. You can work on cleaning your own windows. You can wipe away the judgment, criticism, and fault finding, which may be the things that have held you back for years. So when there is blame or a fault to be found, instead of looking outward, first look inward. Change hatred into love as love believes the best in others and it always sees the good.

Be like joseph. He said,

“And I do not make myself free of blame, for the soul is inclined to sin, except what my Lord has mercy on. My Lord is Forgiving, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 12:53)1

Do not be afraid to look inward and humble yourself before God. After all, when we are humble, we give God the opportunity to promote and bless us. Imam Al-Sadiq2 (peace be upon him) said, “Humble yourselves before God therefore God will exalt you in due time above others”.3 Know that God’s strong hand is on you; and if you look inside and be humble, He will promote you at the right time.

1. .
وَ مَا أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسىِ إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةُ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبىّ‏ِ إِنَّ رَبىّ‏ِ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيم‏.

2. . The sixth Imam of Shia Muslims.

3. . Al-Kafi, V. 2, P. 122.

8. Be Transformed

The caterpillar starts out as possibly one of the most unattractive insects. It is very plain, nothing special about it. But God destined the caterpillar to go through a transformation. It goes from being one of the most ordinary creatures to one of the most beautiful. It no longer has to crawl on the ground — it is transformed into a beautiful butterfly.

We came to this world to transform, to make ourselves. In order to achieve this goal we must worship and serve God Almighty. He says,

“I did not create the Jinn and the humans except to serve Me. I need no provisions from them, nor do I need them to give food. God is the Provider, the Possessor of all power, the Supreme.” (Qur’an; 51: 56-58)1

The Lord wants to promote us. But if we clung to the earth and followed our base desires, then we would be

“like the cattle, or even more astray”. (Qur’an; 7:179)

God Almighty says,

“We could have elevated him with it, but he stuck to the earth and he followed his desire”. (Qur’an; 7:176)2

Know that as you meditate on the Word, as you pray, worship, and surrender every area of your life to God, He is doing a work in you. He is transforming you from the inside out. Trust Him and stay in the process knowing that He has great things in store for your future. So surrender every part of your being to God and keep your heart and mind stayed on Him.

1. .
وَ ما خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَ الْإِنْسَ إِلاَّ لِيَعْبُدُون. إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ. فَإِنَّ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ ذَنُوبًا مِّثْلَ ذَنُوبِ أَصحْابهِمْ فَلَا يَسْتَعْجِلُون‏ .

2. .
وَ لَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَاهُ بهِا وَ لَكِنَّهُ أَخْلَدَ إِلىَ الْأَرْضِ وَ اتَّبَعَ هَوَئه‏.

9. Be Virtuous And Beneficial

I wonder what our world would be like if each of us would find somebody to be good to every day. What would our city be like? What would our offices be like? What would our schools be like if we made it a priority to brighten somebody else’s day? Almighty God says,

“Be virtuous and do good to people. Indeed God loves the virtuous and good doers”. (Qur’an; 5:93)1

That means we need to be on the lookout. We need to be proactive. We need to have the mindset of, “Who can I bless today?” “For whom can I do a favor?” You cannot just sit back and wait for the need to come to you. You have to go after it. Imam Husain2 (peace be upon him) said, “If People wish you and need you it is the God's blessings, so do not get tired of it”. 3

Sometimes it is easy for us to get so caught up in our own little world that we are focused only on ourselves. “I have got my plans. Do not get me off my schedule.” “I would love to help you out with some work around your house, but I am sorry, this is football season. I just do not have the time.” No! we were not created to live selfishly. We were created to make a difference in the lives of others. An author said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that cannot pay you back.” The Qur’an tells us about Jesus that he said,

“God has made me blessed, wherever I may be”. (Qur’an; 19:31)4

Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said that it means He made me beneficial.5

Friends, all around us are hurting people who need our love and encouragement. Do not miss the miracle of the moment. Do not be too busy, or insensitive to the needs of those around you. Be willing to be inconvenienced. Be sensitive and pay attention to those around you, your friends, your coworkers and your relatives. Listen to what they are saying. We should not miss opportunities to do good whenever situations come across our paths to bless people.

1. .
وَ أَحْسِنُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنين.

2. . The third Imam of Shia Muslims.

3. . Kashf al-Qommah, V. 2, P. 29

4. .
وَ جَعَلَني‏ مُبارَكاً أَيْنَ ما كُنْتُ.

5. . Al-Kafi, V.2, P. 165.

10. Beautiful White Teeth

In life, no matter how much good there is, you can always find something bad if you look for it. You can find some fault, some weakness, something that you do not understand or like. You can either develop an eye for the good, or you can develop a critical eye and always see the bad.

Jesus and his disciples walked across a street. In the middle of the street was laying a dog. It was dead probably since several weeks. The disciples stopped Jesus and asked him: “Did you see that poor dead dog? Its body is in such an awful shape. The worms already have eaten the half of it”. Jesus answered: “No, I have not seen that. But have you seen these beautiful white teeth from that dog”.

If you choose for the positive, this does not mean that you are "blind for the so-called reality", it simply means, you have made a conscious decision. Some people have become so critically minded that no matter what the other one does, it is not going to be right. I know we all have faults and things that can get on each other’s nerves. However, the key is, what are you magnifying? Are you just magnifying that annoyance, letting a critical spirit rise up? Or are you choosing to see the good and only focusing on the good? So we should not criticize each other. We should avoid suspicion, avoid spying or backbiting one another. The Qur’an says,

“O you who have faith! Avoid much suspicion. Indeed some suspicions are sins. And do not spy on or backbite one another. Will any of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. And be wary of God; indeed God is all-clement, all-merciful” (Qur’an; 49:12)1.

Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “Jesus always said to his companions if you are my friends and my brothers, do not feud people nor hate them. If you do not, then you are not my brothers. Do not look into people's flaws. But think about your salvation because you are servants”.2

Know that people respond to praise more than they respond to criticism. So the next time you want your husband to mow the lawn, instead of nagging and saying, “You lazy thing. When are you ever going to mow our lawn? It looks so bad.” Just say, “Did I ever tell you that when you are out there mowing the lawn, you look really good?” You praise him like that, and he will mow the lawn every day!

1. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اجْتَنِبُواْ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنّ‏ِ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنّ‏ِ إِثْمٌ وَ لَا تجََسَّسُواْ وَ لَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا أَ يحُِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَ اتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيم.

2. . Al-Amali, Mofid, P. 209.

11. Being Buried And Being Planted

We all face situations that seem like they could bury us - the loss of a loved one, bad news concerning our health, a divorce - those negative thoughts bombard our minds telling us, “It is over, you have seen your best days”. It is easy to feel like we have been buried, but what is interesting is the only difference between being buried and being planted is the expectancy of what is going to happen next.

When you put a seed in the ground you do not say, “I am burying this seed,” you say, “I am planting this seed”, because you know it is coming back. We all face difficulties but you have the seed of Almighty God on the inside. He breathed His life into you. As He said,

“I breathed into him of My spirit”. (Qur’an; 15:29)1

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and is planted, it will not produce fruit. You can have a seed lying on the shelf for a lifetime; it will never become what it was created to be until you put it in the ground. As long as it is up on the shelf where it is comfortable, where it does not have to stretch, does not have to deal with any adversities... that potential will remain locked up dormant inside. Only after it is been planted, and it goes through the process of germination- the outer shield breaks off, the new growth springs forth- that is when it will blossom and produce more fruit.

When you go through disappointments, you are in tough times... you might feel like you had been buried, but the fact is, you have simply been planted. That means you are coming back, and you are not just going to come back; you are going to come back better, increased, and stronger. What was meant for your harm, God will use to your advantage. You go in as a seed, but because of the life of God, you come out blossoming, producing even more fruit. The Qur’an says,

“We will surely test you until We ascertain those who strive among you and those who are steadfast and We will bring out your qualities”. (Qur’an; 47:31)2

So put your trust in God and know that you are being planted not being buried and you are going to come back better.

1. .
وَنَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِنْ رُوحِي

2. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتىَ‏ نَعْلَمَ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ مِنكمُ‏ْ وَ الصَّابرِِينَ وَ نَبْلُوَاْ أَخْبَارَكم. ‏

12. Break Out Of Your Cocoon

On the inside of every one of us is a blessed, prosperous, victorious person. This person is free from addictions and bad habits, confident and secure in God. Almighty God tells us,

“Establish yourself to the system of monotheism. It is the inclination that God has nurtured the people on. There is no changing in God’s creation”. (Qur’an; 30:30)1

However, just because that is in you, does not mean it is going to come out automatically. God Almighty says,

“And a soul and what He made, and inspired it with [discernment between] its virtues and vices, one who purifies it is felicitous, and one who betrays it fails”. (Qur’an; 91: 7-10)2

As Qur’an says, we should purify and develop ourselves. Think about the little caterpillar. It is very plain, nothing special about it. At a certain point, it forms a cocoon. But Little by little it changes. One day, it begins to push out of the cocoon. Before long, it goes from being one of the plainest insects to being one of the most beautiful. Instead of having to crawl on the ground and squirm around, it can now fly wherever it wants to go.

Why do not you break out of your cocoon? Believe that God is at work in you. Believe that He has good plans for you. Believe that He will complete every good work that He has started in your life. Just trust in God and choose to follow His word which is life to your soul.

1. .
فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتىِ فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيهَْا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ .

2. .
وَ نَفْسٍ وَ ما سَوَّاها. فَأَلْهَمَها فُجُورَها وَ تَقْواها. قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكَّاها. وَ قَدْ خابَ مَنْ دَسَّاها.

13. Black Coal And Priceless Diamond

How you handle your adversities will make you or break you. If you get bitter and lose your enthusiasm, you will allow the difficulties of life bury you. They can keep you from your God-given destiny.

If you will choose to shake it off and step up, that means you keep pressing forward with a smile on your face. You know that God is in complete control, so you do the right thing even though the wrong things happen. God Almighty says,

“Did you expect that you would enter Paradise, before the example of those who were before you had reached you; they were stricken with adversity and hardship, and they were shaken until the messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is God’s victory? Yes indeed, God’s victory and help is near”. (Qur’an; 2:214)1

Stop complaining and know that you have got a report of victory. You should go around saying, “This problem did not come to defeat me. It did not come to stay. It comes to pass. I have strength for everything I need. I am equipped, empowered. I am more than a conqueror. I believe to this word of God:

“Indeed ease accompanies hardship”. (Qur’an; 94:6)2

You see what happen to Joseph. His brothers betrayed him. He went to prison for something that he did not do, but Joseph did not get upset. He stayed in peace. He stayed on the high road. The people that did joseph wrong indeed up working for him. His brothers the same one that betrayed him came and bend low before him. What happened? Instead of having a victim mentality, he had a victor mentality. God not only brought him out, but he saw his life blossom to the fullness of what God had in store. Yes,

“for anyone who reveres God and is patient, then God will not waste the reward of the good doers”. (Qur’an; 12:90)3

Know that the only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure it is endured.

1. .
أَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ أَنْ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ وَ لَمَّا يَأْتِكُمْ مَثَلُ الَّذينَ خَلَوْا مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ مَسَّتْهُمُ الْبَأْساءُ وَ الضَّرَّاءُ وَ زُلْزِلُوا حَتَّى يَقُولَ الرَّسُولُ وَ الَّذينَ آمَنُوا مَعَهُ مَتى‏ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ أَلا إِنَّ نَصْرَ اللَّهِ قَريب.

2. .
إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا.

3. .
إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَ يَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُضيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنين.

14. Be Confident

The Qur’an says about a group of believers who in every situation they are calm;

“Those, to whom the people said, “All the people have gathered against you; so fear them.” That only increased them in faith, and they said, “God is sufficient for us, and He is an excellent trustee”.” (Qur’an; 3:173)1

Therefore, in all circumstances, they say in this way, “I am not worried. I am not upset. I am confident that I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, they say, “This situation I am in may be rough, but that is not going to steal my vision. That is not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that this year, I will see God’s favor in a new way.”

That is what our attitude needs to be because what you focus on is what you will see. No matter what the medical report says, no matter what your finances look like, no matter how bad that relationship may seem, be confident that you will see His goodness! He is the all-powerful, omniscient, Creator of the universe, and He holds you in the palm of His hand. Nothing is too difficult for Him. Take hold of this truth by faith and focus on His goodness today. Allow His peace to settle in your heart and mind as you move forward in His blessing all the days of your life, no matter what your circumstances may look like. Try to be friends with God.

“The friends of God will indeed have neither fear nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 10:62)2

1. .
الَّذينَ قالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزادَهُمْ إيماناً وَ قالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَكيل.

2. .
أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون .

15. Be Like The Bee

It is interesting that our mind will naturally gravitate toward the negative. A study showed how positive and negative memories are handled by different parts of the brain. A negative memory takes up more space. There is more to process. Because of this, we will remember the negative more than the positive. For example, a person will remember losing $50 more than he will remember gaining $500.

Knowing this, we have to be proactive with our thoughts. When the negative memories come back to the movie screen of our mind, many people pull up a chair, get some popcorn and watch them all over again. No, the point is that is not the only channel. There is another movie playing on a channel that is filled with your accomplishments and victories. Therefore, the Qur’an always invites to think about positive things1,

“O Children of Israel, remember My blessing which I bestowed upon you”. (Qur’an; 2:40)2

or says,

“O you who have faith! Remember God’s blessing upon you when a people set out to extend their hands against you, but He withheld their hands from you”. (Qur’an; 5:11)3

Do not be like the fly that sits on the wound, but be like the bee that sits on the flower. He eats from every fruit, and then makes honey that in it is a healing for mankind. Instead of staying on that negative channel, you have to switch over to your victory channel. You are not going to move forward into the new things God has in store if you are always replaying the negative things that have happened to you. Instead, learn to change the channel. Meditate on victory and move forward in the victory and blessing God has in store for you!

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Choose to set your focus on what God has done in your life. Choose to change the channel in your mind from defeat to victory. Set your thoughts on His love and thank Him for His blessing in every area of your life.

1. . (Qur’an; 3:103 & 8:26 & 14:6)

2. .
يَابَنىِ إِسْرَءِيلَ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتىِ‏َ الَّتىِ أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكمُ. ‏

3. .
يَأَيهُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ هَمَّ قَوْمٌ أَن يَبْسُطُواْ إِلَيْكُمْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَكَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنكُم‏.

16. Chosen By God

Almighty God Himself has chosen you. People may leave you out. People may overlook you. But always remember, the One who matters most chooses you. That means you were not randomly chosen. God, on purpose, looked at you and said, “I choose him. I choose her. They are My servants. That is who I want on My team.” He has said,

“I am placing a successor on earth”. (Qur’an; 2:30)1

Therefore, we are the successor of our Lord. People may tell you, “You are just too small”, but God Almighty says, “You are just the right size for Me.” People may say, “You are not talented. We do not need you. You do not have anything to offer”, but God says, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are talented. You are creative. You are smart. You are intelligent. You are amazing.” After God created us He said,

“So blessed is God, the best of creators!” (Qur’an; 23:14)2

He said about himself,

“who perfected everything that He created” (Qur’an; 32:7)3

and said,

“We certainly created man in the best of forms”. (Qur’an; 95:4)4

Whenever we feel that sting of rejection, instead of getting down on ourselves and losing our sense of value, our attitude should be, “I may be disappointed. This may hurt. But I am not going to sink down into self-pity and start thinking that there is something wrong with me. I know the One who matters most, the One who controls the universe, handpicked me. I may not have been chosen by the coach, the boss, or a friend, but I was chosen by the Most High God; and He says that His plans for me are for good and not evil, to give me a future and a hope.”

1. .
وَ إِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَئكَةِ إِنىّ‏ِ جَاعِلٌ فىِ الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً.‏

2. .
فَتَبارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخالِقين.

3. .
الَّذي أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ شَيْ‏ءٍ خَلَقَهُ.

4. .
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسانَ في‏ أَحْسَنِ تَقْويم.

17. Clean Your Window

There was a couple that moved into a new neighborhood. Early one morning while they were eating, the lady looked out the window and saw the neighbor hanging her wash out on the line to dry. She noticed that the wash was so dirty and so dingy. She said to her husband, “That neighbor does not know how to wash. Her clothes are not clean. I wonder if she even uses detergent.” Day after day, she made these same comments. “I cannot believe she lets her family wear those dirty, dingy clothes.”

Several weeks later, she looked out that window, and the clothes were just as bright, clean, and beautiful as could be. She was so surprised. She called her husband and said, “Honey, look. The lady finally learned how to wash. I wonder what happened.” The husband smiled and said, “Honey, I got up early this morning and cleaned our window.” The problem was not that the neighbor had dirty laundry. The problem was the window she was looking through was not clean. She was seeing everything through a tainted filter.

If you only see the scratch in the floor and never the amazing house; if you never see what your spouse does right and only what they do wrong, then my encouragement to you is to clean your window. The problem is not with your spouse. It is an internal issue.

Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “Blessed is he who, according to his fault he keeps looking to his brothers faults”.1 Moreover, Imam Baqer2 (peace be upon him) said, “It is enough for the ignorance of a person to pay attention to the fault of people while he is unaware of the same fault on himself”. 3

You have to make a switch. Decide today to start appreciating people's strengths and learn to downplay their weaknesses. If you do, your life will be filled with more peace, unity and love, and you will see God bless your life in greater ways.

1. . Al-Kafi, V. 8, p. 170.

2. . He is the fifth Imam of Shia Muslims.

3. . Al-Kafi, V. 8, P. 169.

18. Closed Doors

God opens doors of opportunity before us that no one is able to shut. As He says,

“If God was to inflict you with harm, then none can remove it except Him; and if He were to bless you with good, then He is capable of all things”. (Qur’an; 6:17)1

But we have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store. We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it is the logical way, does not mean that it is God’s way. He says in the Qur’an:

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you, and God knows and you do not know”. (Qur’an; 2:216)2

Just because it happened that way before, does not mean it is going to happen that way next time. That is why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you are narrow-minded and only look at the door that is been closed, you may miss the door He has opened behind you. When you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He will make sure you see those open doors. Almighty God says that our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. I trust You to do it Your way.” Qur’an says,

“The one who surrenders himself to God, while doing good, he will have his reward with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve.” (Qur’an; 2:112)3

Then, step back and see the open door He has prepared for you. Know that

“anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him”. (Qur’an; 65:3)4

1. .
وَ إِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلا كاشِفَ لَهُ إِلاَّ هُوَ وَ إِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَهُوَ عَلى‏ كُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ قَدير.

2. .
عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَ عَسى‏ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَ أَنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُون .

3. .
بَلى‏ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَ هُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون .

4. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

18. Dare To Ask

When was the last time you asked God to do something impossible, something out of the ordinary? I believe that one reason we do not see God Almighty do great things, is because we only ask Him for small things. Most people pray over their food, pray for protection, or pray for wisdom. That is all good, but do not limit what God can do. There should be something you are praying about, something that you are asking for that is beyond you, something that you cannot accomplish in your own strength. Do you dare to ask?

God has taught us how to pray. All through the Qur’an, we see believers pray in this way:

“Our Lord! Grant us comfort in our spouses and descendants, and make us (role models and) imams of the God wary and the righteous”. (Qur’an; 25:74)1

“Our Lord, provide us with patience and let us die having surrendered”. (Qur’an; 7:126),2

“Our Lord, and let us surrender to You and from our progeny a nation surrendering to You, and show us our rites and forgive us; You are the most Forgiving, Most Merciful”. (Qur’an; 2:128)3

Follow their example and step out in faith. Dare to ask, dare to believe God, and see His mighty hand move on your behalf.

Your dreams may look impossible. You do not have the funding or the connections, but God is saying:

“Ask God from His favor, God is knowledgeable over all things”. (Qur’an; 4:32)4

He dares you to ask Him to bring your dreams to pass. He dares you to ask Him to show you a flood of His favor. So dare to ask for the impossible. Believe that God can accomplish infinitely more than you could ever ask or think. Ask Him as He said,

“I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me”. (Qur’an; 2:186)5

1. .
وَ الَّذينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنا هَبْ لَنا مِنْ أَزْواجِنا وَ ذُرِّيَّاتِنا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَ اجْعَلْنا لِلْمُتَّقينَ إِماما.

2. .
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبرًْا وَ تَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِين.

3. .
رَبَّنَا وَ اجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَينْ‏ِ لَكَ وَ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَ أَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَ تُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيم‏‏.

4. .
وَ سْئَلُوا اللَّهَ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ عَليما.

5. .
فَإِنِّي قَريبٌ أُجيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذا دَعانِ فَلْيَسْتَجيبُوا لي‏ .

20. Develop Your Talent

Too many people suffer from “destination disease.” In other words, they have reached a certain level or obtained a goal, now they are casting in life off what they have already learned. Studies tell us that fifty percent of people, after they graduate from high school, will never read an entire book the rest of their life. One reason is that people see learning as a period of life instead of a way of life. They think, “I am out of school. I am done with my training. I have got my job.” However, God never created us to reach one level and stop. Whether you are ninety years old or nine years old, you should be constantly learning, improving your skills, and getting better at what you do. The Prophet said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. 1

The key is that if you want to attain salvation, you should be humble in your prayers. And for being humble, you need knowledge. God says,

“Certainly, the faithful have attained salvation, those who are humble in their prayers”. (Qur’an; 23: 1-2)2

and says,

“Only the knowledgeable among God’s servants reverence Him”. (Qur’an; 35:28)3

You have to take responsibility for your growth. Growth is not automatic. What steps are you taking to get better? Are you reading books? Are you taking any courses on the internet? Going to any seminars? Do you have any mentors? Do not just coast through life relying on what you have already learned. You have treasure on the inside. Develop your talent and become all that God created you to be.

1. . Nahj al-Fasaha, P. 218.

2. .
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ . الَّذينَ هُمْ في‏ صَلاتِهِمْ خاشِعُونَ .

3. .
إِنَّمَا يخَْشىَ اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَؤُا.

21. Do Not Ask Him To Hasten

Sometimes when things do not turn out the way you thought; when they do not happen on your timetable, it is easy to get discouraged and feel like God has let you down. As Almighty God says,

“When God tries him by straitening His livelihood, he says complaining, “It is my Creator, and Nurturer Who humiliated me with poverty”. (Qur’an; 89:16)1

However, as the Qur’an says, that simply means that God has something better in store for you.

“Perhaps you may hate something while it is good for you, and perhaps you may love something while it is bad for you; God knows while you do not know”. (Qur’an; 2:216)2

If you have been praying, obeying His commands and standing in faith but you did not get the answer yet, now is not the time to back down. When one door closes, God always has another door. So be patient and know that as the Qur’an says,

“Man is a creature of haste. Soon I will show you My signs. So do not ask Me to hasten”. (Qur’an; 21:37)3

We have to remember that the enemy is the one who is trying to bring discouragement. He is trying to get you focused on the closed door instead of the open door just ahead. He

“promises you poverty and orders you to evil, while God promises forgiveness from Him and favor. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable”. (Qur’an; 2:268)4

Do not fall for the trap! Keep moving forward. Keep praising God in the hallway. Stay in faith knowing that God has something better in store for you. Trust God even when things do not turn out the way you had planned. Know that God is working behind the scenes and bringing something better into your life. Be confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.

1. .
وَ أَمَّا إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَئهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبىّ‏ِ أَهَانَنِ .

2. .
عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَ عَسى‏ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَ أَنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُون .

3. .
خُلِقَ الْانسَنُ مِنْ عَجَلٍ سَأُوْرِيكُمْ ءَايَتىِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُون ‏.

4. .
الشَّيْطانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشاءِ وَ اللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَ فَضْلاً وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم.

22. Do Not Be Among The Despondent

Are you ever going through a tough time? Are you sitting on the sidelines of life? God is saying, “Arise and get back in the game.” If a friend betrayed you, do not go through life lonely. Go out and find some new friends. The right people are in your future. If you lost your job, do not sit around complaining. Go out and find another job. When one door closes, God will always open another door. As God says to Abraham,

“Do not be among the despondent”. (Qur’an; 15:55)1

If you are facing a health issue, fighting that sickness, do not give up on life and start planning your funeral. Arise from that discouragement.

When God sees you do your part, He will do His part. He will give you a new life. Qur’an says,

“Anyone who reverences God, He will create an exit for him and He will provide for him whence he never expected”. (Qur’an; 65:2-3)2

That means He will restore your health, give you new opportunities, new relationships. He will give you a new perspective. You will see that even though it is painful, it is not the end. Even though it was unfair, it is not over. There is still life after the sickness, life after the divorce, life after the bad break. A full life is still in front of you. Now, arise and let God’s glory shine all over you and

“do not despair of the mercy of God”. (Qur’an; 39:53)3

So choose to rise and put your trust in God. Choose to get back in the game. Know that as Almighty God says,

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done”. (Qur’an; 65:3)4

1. .
فَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْقَانِطِين‏.

2. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجا. وَ يَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِب.

3. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ.

4. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

23. Do Not Miss Your Opportunities

According to the Scripture, there was a woman who had been sick with a bleeding disorder for twelve years. She went to the best doctors, received the finest treatment, but her health continued to decline. One day, she got word that Jesus was coming through her town. When she heard that, something came alive on the inside. She had so much coming against her, but she did not focus on that; she knew it was her time for healing. Instead of giving up, she fought her way through the crowds and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. When she did, immediately she was made whole. There were many other people like her in that same type of situation. They were sick. They were discouraged. They had trouble. But they just watched Prophet Jesus pass by. They let excuses keep them from their miracle. They lost their opportunity. The Holy prophet said, “God creates opportunities in your life for you, be careful and do not lose them”.1

So do not let your circumstances keep you from reaching out to God. It does not matter what has happened in your past, just keep moving forward. God has destiny moments in store for you. Keep pressing in, keep believing, keep praying and, like this woman, reach out to Him.

“And ask God from His favor, God is knowledgeable over all things”. (Qur’an; 4:32)2

Know that God is faithful, and He will meet your faith with His power. He the Almighty says,

“As for those who strive in Our cause, we will guide them in Our paths. For God is with the pious”. (Qur’an; 29:69)3

1. . Al-Wafi. V. 1, P. 551.

2. .
وَ سْئَلُوا اللَّهَ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ عَليما.

3. .
وَ الَّذينَ جاهَدُوا فينا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنين.

24. Darkness Will Perish

Anytime you are going through difficult, dark times, know that God already has a plan to bring you through to victory; when you call on His name, when you surrender your circumstances to Him; that is when His light will come forth through the darkness, as God says,

“The truth has come and falsehood has perished. Falsehood is always bound to perish”. (Qur’an; 17:81)1

Notice, it is not going to trickle in, it is not going to just barely get there. No, like a flood, like the breaking forth of waters, it is going to come bursting in. know that “the morning is near”. (Qur’an; 11:81)2 I believe, it means that suddenly, you are going to get well. Suddenly, you will meet the right person. Suddenly, you are able to pay your house off. Our attitude should be, “My child may be off course, making poor decisions, but I am expecting a flood of God’s mercy to bring him back.” Or, “My house has been on the market for a year and still has not sold, but I am expecting a flood of favor to cause it to stand out and sell.”

In the midst of that difficulty, do not get discouraged. Do not be like those who the Qur’an says about them,

“As for man, whenever his Lord tests him and grants him honor and blesses him, he says, “My Lord has honored me”. But when He tests him and tightens for him his provision, he says, “My Lord has humiliated me”.” (Qur’an; 89: 15-16)3

Be surrender to the Lord. Lift your heart to His trusting. You are in a prime position to see a flood of God’s goodness. Keep praising Him. Keep thanking Him and stay in faith because His light will break through the darkness.

1. .
جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَ زَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كاَنَ زَهُوقًا.

2. .
أَ لَيْسَ الصُّبْحُ بِقَرِيب.

3. .
فَأَمَّا الْانسَانُ إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَئهُ رَبُّهُ فَأَكْرَمَهُ وَ نَعَّمَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبىّ‏ِ أَكْرَمَنِ. وَ أَمَّا إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَئهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبىّ‏ِ أَهَانَن‏ ‏ .

25. Enjoy Your Life

We give up our peace too easily these days. Sometimes you have to let the other person be right just for the sake of peace. It is not more difficult than live in misery for the next twenty years. The enemy may have done his best but his best were never being enough. You have to let God make you. Know that God has full command over matters. Holy Qur’an says,

“If God helps you, no one can overcome you, but if He forsakes you, who will help you after Him? So in God let all the faithful put their trust”. (Qur’an; 3:160)1

We can grow up. God tries to teach us not rely on what everybody saying but instead just do our best on to him. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) has said, “If a believer were to live on a mountain, God, the Mighty, the Great, would surely send someone to him to annoy him, in order that He should give him [the believer] its reward”.2 Those are times of testing and God wants to see if you keep His command. Know that each day is a gift from Almighty God. Does not matter how many test you are faced, just make a decision to live this day happy and enjoy your life.

Know that God takes care of you and has a good plan for you. the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “Verily God takes care of a believer through trials as a man takes care of his family through gifts during (his) absence; and denies to him the world as a physician denies harmful food to a patient”.3

1. .
إِنْ يَنْصُرْكُمُ اللَّهُ فَلا غالِبَ لَكُمْ وَ إِنْ يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذي يَنْصُرُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُون .

2. . Al-Kafi, V. 2, P. 250.

3. . Nahj al-Fasaha, P. 302.

26. Encounter Him

“Where are you going?” (Qur’an; 81:26)1

Do you think about future? Do you think about hereafter? Know that you cannot escape from death.

“The death that you are trying to evade will eventually find you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of all secrets and declarations, and then He will inform you of everything you had done”. (Qur’an; 62:8)2

Are you ready for death?

“Have you sent ahead for your life?” (Qur’an; 89:24)3

Do you get in agreement with God?

Today choose to declare favor, blessing and increase over your life so that you can walk in the victory the Lord has in store for you and be felicitous.

When you put God first, when you obey His commands, you open the door for His favor — you have the advantage for success! Even if someone may have wronged you and it looks like they have the upper hand, even if it looks like things are never going to change, you need to keep reminding yourself, “I have an advantage. God is in control of my destiny. He is my vindicator. I am the winner”.

In the difficult times, you have to remind yourself that payday is on its way. God is a faithful God. If you will keep doing the right thing, honoring Him and expecting His favor, God has promised He will pay you back. He will restore everything in your life that the enemy has stolen so you can live the abundant life He has in store for you! “

Every soul will taste death, and you will be recompensed your wages on the day of resurrection. Whoever is swayed from the Fire and entered into Paradise, he has indeed won. This worldly life is nothing more than the enjoyment of vanity”. (Qur’an; 3:185)4

Today thanks Almighty God for His grace, mercy, and everlasting favor. Open your heart and mind to God and be ready to encounter Him and the Hereafter.

1. .
فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُون‏ .

2. .
قُلْ إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ الَّذي تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مُلاقيكُمْ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلى‏ عالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَ الشَّهادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِما كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُون

3. .
يَقُولُ يا لَيْتَني‏ قَدَّمْتُ لِحَياتي .

4. .
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَ إِنَّما تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيامَةِ فَمَنْ زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَ أُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فازَ وَ مَا الْحَياةُ الدُّنْيا إِلاَّ مَتاعُ الْغُرُور.

27. Fear Is A Lie

God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher and heights and go to new levels in Him. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He will bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You do not have what it takes. You cannot. It is impossible.” Satan will do his best to use fear, to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are. God Almighty says,

“It is only the devil trying to create fear for his allies, so do not fear them, but fear Me if you are believers”. (Qur’an; 3:175)1

Qur’an says that perfect love casts out all fear.

“Verily on The Devoted Friends of God there is no fear, nor shall they grieve”. (Qur’an; 10:62)2

When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. Understand that fear is a lie. Do not buy the lie. Instead, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the blessings He has prepared for you. You should just surrender yourself to God Almighty.

“Certainly whoever submits his will to God and is virtuous, he shall have his reward near his Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve”. (Qur’an; 2:112)3

1. .
إِنَّمَا ذَالِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يخَُوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءَهُ فَلَا تخََافُوهُمْ وَ خَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِين‏.

2. .
أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون .

3. .
بَلى‏ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَ هُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون .

28. Forgetting What Is Behind

We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things that we do not understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they did not get well. On the other hand, maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you did not get it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it did not work out. One of the best things you can do is release it. Let it go. Do not dwell on it anymore. If you go around wondering why things did not work out, all that will do is lead to bitterness, resentment and self-pity. Before long, you will be blaming others, blaming yourself, or even God. Qur’an says,

“Verily, human is a very greedy and impatient creature. When some harm touches him, he is Fretful and keeps complaining, and when wealth and bounty come to Him he is miser, [avoids spending on the needy]”. (Qur’an; 70: 19-21)1

You may not understand what happened. It may not have been fair, but when you release it, it is an act of your faith. You are saying, “God, I trust You. I know You are in control. Moreover, even though it did not work out my way, You said, ‘All things are going to work together for my good.’ So I believe You still have something good in my future.”

There is power in letting go of the past and the frustration of trying to figure everything out. When you release your questions, you are saying, “God, You are in control. I trust You.

I entrust my affair to God. Indeed God sees best the servants”. (Qur’an; 40:44)2

When you put your hope in God that is when He can heal your heart and lead you forward into victory.

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

1. .
إِنَّ الْانسَانَ خُلِقَ هَلُوعًا. إِذَا مَسَّهُ الشَّرُّ جَزُوعًا. وَ إِذَا مَسَّهُ الخَْيرُْ مَنُوعًا.

2. .
أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِباد.

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

29. Forgiveness

Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “God Almighty will be happy over one lost sinner who returns to Him as one who has lost something and became happy of its finding”.1 So I have good news for you today. No matter where you are in life, what problems you may struggle with, no matter what you have done in the past, or what someone else has done to you, God Almighty is able to wipe the slate clean.

You may be in a relationship that has been dead for years. You may be feeling the pain of negative words spoken over your life, or maybe you have spoken to someone else and you wish you could take back. Maybe there are things in your past that you think cannot be forgiven. On the other hand, maybe you feel guilt for some past failure or resentment and no forgiveness toward someone who has wronged you. Whatever your need may be let God meet it! Allow the power of His forgiveness to sweep across your heart and life and make everything new. God says,

“Say, O My servants who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God’s mercy. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)2

God loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. He wants you to experience hope, peace, joy and victory in every area of your life. Just turn to your Lord. Do not live under the condemnation and guilt of sin. We can live the abundant life that God talked about — a life full of hope, a life of purpose, a life of unlimited potential. Qur’an says,

“Seek forgiveness from your Lord, and then repent to Him; He will make you enjoy an enjoyment until a predetermined period. And He gives His grace to those who are of grace”. (Qur’an; 11:3)3

1. . Al-Kafi, V. 2, P. 437.

2. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

3. .
وَ أَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُمْ مَتاعاً حَسَناً إِلى‏ أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى وَ يُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ.

30. From God Not From People

In the Qur’an, when the angel visited Mary and told her that she would be giving birth to the prophet of God, Jesus (peace be upon Him), Mary had a pretty big question for the angel. She said,

“How shall I have a child seeing that no human being has ever touched me, nor have I been unchaste?” (Qur’an; 19:20)1

or in the scripture says, “How can this be seeing that I know not a man?” Mary was of course asking about the physical realm. She was not married and had never been with a man. But, I believe we can look at this in a spiritual sense, too. God is saying, “My promises are not dependent on man”. You do not have to know certain people in order to fulfill your destiny. You do not have to have certain connections in the natural because the spirit of God will overshadow you to bring forth His promises!

Sometimes we think, “If I could just get my boss to like me, then he would give me that promotion. If I could just get in to that certain school, then I would be qualified. If I just had some important, influential friends, maybe I could get a good break.” No, God's promises are not dependent on whom you know or whom you do not know. Promotion does not come from people. It comes from God. Holy Qur’an says,

“And in the sky is your provision and what you are promised”. (Qur’an; 51:22)2

It means, your material and spiritual provision is from God not from people.

1. .
قالَتْ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لي‏ غُلامٌ وَ لَمْ يَمْسَسْني‏ بَشَرٌ وَ لَمْ أَكُ بَغِيًّا.

2. .
وَ فىِ السَّمَاءِ رِزْقُكمُ‏ْ وَ مَا تُوعَدُون‏ .

31. God Is Enough

Sometimes in life, you have to play in pain. In other words, you have to keep going even when you do not feel like it. You have to keep pressing forward even when it is not easy. Every voice will tell you, “You are done. There is nothing good in your future.” No, do not believe those lies. God sees your effort. It is one thing to do the right thing and make good decisions when everything is going your way. That is great. God honors that. But when times are tough and nothing is going your way, when you are hurting, when you should be on the sidelines nursing your wound but instead you are still in the game; you are still getting to work on time; you are still being good to someone, you are still expecting God to turn it around, that gets God’s attention in a new way. God says about the believers,

“The people said to them, “The people have gathered against you, so be fearful of them”, but it only increased their faith and they said, “God is enough for us, and He is the best to put our trust in”. (Qur’an; 3:173)1

As the Qur’an says, God has a greater reward for people who are faithful in the tough times. If that is you today, know that God has His hand on you. He is walking with you through the valley. He is preparing streams in the dessert. He is leading and guiding you in paths of righteousness for His name sake. Keep praising. Keep believing. Keep moving forward knowing that God is with you, and

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him”. (Qur’an; 65:3)2

1. .
الَّذينَ قالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزادَهُمْ إيماناً وَ قالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَ نِعْمَ الْوَكيل.

2. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

32. God Is Fair

I know some of you have gone through more than your share of unfair situations. However, here is what I have learned: Even though life is not fair, Almighty God is fair. If you will not go around thinking there is something wrong with you, but instead start seeing yourself as handpicked by God — valuable, lovable, with something great to offer — then God said He will pay you back double for your former shame. That means He will make the rest of your life twice as good as it would have been if that had never even happened to you.

You have to dig your heels in. Do not allow what somebody did or did not do, steal your destiny and cause you to go through life feeling not good enough, not talented, and not attractive. No, realize that you are a child of the Most High God. Your value does not come from people or accomplishments; it comes from your Creator. Almighty God says in the Holy Qur’an,

“O mankind! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify yourselves with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of God is the most God wary among you. Indeed God is all-knowing, all-aware”. (Qur’an; 49:13)1

Put your shoulders back. Hold your head up high. Live with confidence. God said He will take what was meant for your harm and use it for your advantage. People may leave out and overlook you, but always remember the one who matters most chose you. If you will keep this attitude of faith, God will always give you the last laugh. He will get you where you are supposed to be.

Friends, people may reject you, but God accepts you. He has already chosen you, and He is the One that matters most. He has a way of working everything out for our good! It is always better than we could have ever imagined! So just,

“say, “God!” Then leave them to play around in their impious gossip” (Qur’an; 6:91)2 and

“put your trust in God; God suffices as trustee”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

1. .
يَأَيهَُّا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكمُ مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَ أُنثىَ‏ وَ جَعَلْنَاكمُ‏ْ شُعُوبًا وَ قَبَائلَ لِتَعَارَفُواْ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكمُ‏ْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَئكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِير.

2. .
قُلِ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ ذَرْهُمْ في‏ خَوْضِهِمْ يَلْعَبُون .

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

33. God Is Still With You

Everyone goes through seasons when feel like they are in a pit. That pit can be a frustration or disappointment or a feeling of discouragement, despair or hopelessness. And maybe you cannot see a way out, but you have got to know that God is still with you, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Qur’an says,

“And with Him are the keys to the unseen, none know them except Him. …, Say, “Who delivers you from the darkness of land and sea? … Say, “It is God who delivers you from them and from every agony and all distresses”. (Qur’an; 6: 59-64)1

Remember, God will never waste anything you go through in life. If you will keep the right attitude, He will turn that situation around for your good. Qur’an says,

“A person who regards piety in The Path of God, God will make Things easy for him”. (Qur’an; 65:4)2

It does not matter how you got there, whether it was by your own poor choices or maybe someone else treated you unfairly, God wants to use that situation to do a work in you. He will take that evil and turn it around for your good. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you have got to know that you are growing, and God is building your character.

Now, make the decision to shake off any negative, self-defeating mindsets. Choose to cooperate with God. Trust that He is preparing you for promotion. Know that

“to God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth” (Qur’an; 63:7)3 and as you keep an attitude of faith, expectancy and thanksgiving, He will lift you up and set you on the solid path of victory He has in store for you.

1. .
وَ عِنْدَهُ مَفاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لا يَعْلَمُها إِلاَّ هُوَ وَ يَعْلَمُ ما فِي الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ وَ ما تَسْقُطُ مِنْ وَرَقَةٍ إِلاَّ يَعْلَمُها وَ لا حَبَّةٍ في‏ ظُلُماتِ الْأَرْضِ وَ لا رَطْبٍ وَ لا يابِسٍ إِلاَّ في‏ كِتابٍ مُبين... قُلْ مَن يُنَجِّيكمُ مِّن ظُلُمَاتِ الْبرَِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ تَدْعُونَهُ تَضرَُّعًا وَ خُفْيَةً لَّئنِ‏ْ أَنجَئنَا مِنْ هَاذِهِ لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الشَّكِرِينَ . قُلِ اللَّهُ يُنَجِّيكُم مِّنهَْا وَ مِن كلُ‏ِّ كَرْبٍ .

2. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرا.

3. .
وَ لِلَّهِ خَزَائنُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الْأَرْض‏.

34. God Looks At The Heart

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. He sees things in you that other people cannot see. God looks beyond the surface, beyond your behavior, beyond what somebody said about you and sees your incredible value. He says in His holy book,

“Surely, the most honorable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Knowledgeable, Expert”. (Qur’an; 49:13)1

Sometimes people will try to push you down or make you feel insignificant. Sometimes our own thoughts will try to convince us that we do not measure up. You may think I have messed up. I have blown it. I have failed. I am all washed up.” No, God still sees more in you. He loves you and you have chances. God Almighty says,

“Did they not know that it is God who accepts repentance from His servants … and that God is the Pardoner, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 9:104)2

Almighty God does not just see what you are; He sees what you can become. You may have made some mistakes, but God still sees victory on the inside of you. People may have tried to push you down, but God sees you rising higher. Now, you have to do your part, and get rid of those condemning thoughts. Get rid of what somebody has spoken over you and start renewing your mind. Down deep, start believing that you are redeemed, restored, talented and valuable. Even if you have made mistakes, believe that there is more in store.

“Do not despair of God’s mercy. Indeed no one despairs of God’s mercy except the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 12:87)3

God has not finished with you. He looks beyond the surface and sees your potential. Stay in step with Him and watch His plan for your life unfold.

1. .
إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكمُ‏ْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَئكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِير.

2. .
أَ لَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبادِهِ وَ يَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقاتِ وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحيم.

3. .
وَ لا تَيْأَسُوا مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لا يَيْأَسُ مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ الْقَوْمُ الْكافِرُون .

35. God's Family

Learn to be good to people in your everyday life. When you stop to get a cup of coffee at work, bring your coworker back a cup, too. When traffic backs up on the freeway, let that car into the lane in front of you. At the grocery store, when you have a bunch of groceries and somebody behind you has just a few, let them go ahead of you. How about in the parking lot, when you pull up to that last front row parking space at the same time as another car. Why do not you back up and let them have that space?

God’s people believe in being good to people. We believe in showing God’s kindness wherever we go. The Holy prophet said, “People are God’s family and the most popular creatures in the sight of God are those who benefit the Family of God and make them happy”.1 When we make a person happy with our words and our money, we are going to sow a seed into that person’s life. Know that as Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “This world is the field for hereafter”.2

Learn to give your time, your money, or an encouraging word. When you show love, you are showing God to the world. Do not worry if you do not get any credit. When you let somebody in traffic in front of you, you may never see that person again. When you give somebody twenty dollars because you had compassion in your heart, you may never hear back from them, but let me assure you, God is keeping the records. He has seen every time you have been good to somebody. He has heard every encouraging word you have spoken. God has seen all the times you went out of your way to help somebody but they never even said thank you. The Qur’an says when you do things in secret, when you do things without getting any credit, when nobody thanks you, God sees it, and you will even receive a greater reward.

“Whatever charity you may give, God indeed knows it. If you disclose your charities, that is well, but if you hide them and give them to the poor, that is better for you, and it will atone for some of your misdeeds, and God is well aware of what you do”. (Qur’an; 2: 270-271)3

1. . Al-Kafi, V. 2, P. 164.

2. . Warram, V. 1, P. 183.

3. .
وَ ما أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ نَفَقَةٍ أَوْ نَذَرْتُمْ مِنْ نَذْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُهُ وَ ما لِلظَّالِمينَ مِنْ أَنْصارِ. إِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ وَ إِنْ تُخْفُوها وَ تُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَراءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَ يُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ سَيِّئاتِكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ بِما تَعْمَلُونَ خَبير.

36. God's Mercy

We should know that God is going to bring about His promises. It may happen this afternoon, it may happen tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, twenty years from now, but you know that your harvest is on its way. You have seen God do it in the past, and you know He is going to do it again in your future. He says in the Holy Qur’an,

“Do not despair of God’s mercy. Indeed no one despairs of God’s mercy except the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 12:87)1

‏ I know you may have some difficulties, but do not talk about your problems, talk about your God. Qur’an says,

“God indeed defends those who have faith”. (Qur’an; 22:38)2

Let God arise and His enemies will be scattered. When you let God arise in your life, and you go out with this unshakeable confidence, you are waiting for your harvest, knowing that it is going to be better than expected. You know down deep no difficulty can defeat you; no person can keep you from your destiny. You know that every setback is only temporary. Just put your trust in God. He tells us,

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done. God has decreed for everything its fate”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

Instead of complaining, let God arise, then your enemies will be scattered- Enemies of sickness, enemies of debt, enemies of depression, enemies of disappointment. Somebody may have walked out of a relationship, but say, “I know God is going to send me someone better; I may be hurting right now but I know God is the restorer of my soul; He is giving me beauty for my ashes. I may have lost money in the stock market, but I am not worried. God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. Somebody might have cheated me at a business deal. No big deal. God is my vindicator. He will make my wrongs right. He is fighting my battles. I am not buried; I am planted.”

1. .
وَ لا تَيْأَسُوا مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لا يَيْأَسُ مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ الْقَوْمُ الْكافِرُون .

2. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُدافِعُ عَنِ الَّذينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ خَوَّانٍ كَفُور.

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكلُ‏ِّ شىَ‏ْءٍ قَدْرًا.

37. Guard Your Tongue

We have all said things we wish we could take back. The Qur’an says that one day our tongue will bear witness against us,

“On the day when their tongues, and their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them for what they used to do”. (Qur’an; 24:24)1

We should know that when we guard our tongue, we keep our life. Our words determine the direction of our lives, and wrong words can get us off course very quickly. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. There is no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words.

Because of this, Qur’an warns us to guard our tongue:

“O you who have faith! Why do you say what you do not do? It is greatly outrageous to God that you should say what you do not do”. (Qur’an; 61: 2-3)2

In another verse says,

“Woe unto every backbiter, slanderer”. (Qur’an; 104:1)3

“Do not backbite one another. Will any of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. And be wary of God; indeed God is all-clement, all-merciful”. (Qur’an; 49:12)4

Today is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds. Sow seeds of life by speaking God’s Word over yourself and those around you. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to the Lord as you guard your tongue and keep your life! Give Almighty God your every thought, word, and action. Ask Him to help you to live a life pleasing to your lord in every way. Ask Him to help you to guard your tongue and keep your life moving forward in a godly direction.

Remember, your life will go in the direction of your thoughts and you have to choose right thoughts. The easiest way to change your thoughts is by speaking God’s Words. When you say “apple,” you probably would not start thinking about an “orange”. In the same way, when you confess the Words of God, it will drive those negative, defeated thoughts away! Today decide to

“recite as much of the Qur’an as is feasible”, (Qur’an; 73:20)5 and to

“recite the Qur’an in a measured tone”. (Qur’an; 73:4)6

Change your mind today by changing your words so you can move forward into the abundant life He has in store for you!

1. .
يَوْمَ تَشهَْدُ عَلَيهِْمْ أَلْسِنَتُهُمْ وَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَ أَرْجُلُهُم بِمَا كاَنُواْ يَعْمَلُون‏ .

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ. كَبرَُ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُون‏ .

3. .
وَيْلٌ لِّكُلّ‏ِ هُمَزَةٍ لُّمَزَة .

4. .
وَ لَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا أَ يحُِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَ اتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيم.

5. .
فَاقْرَءُواْ مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْءَان‏ .

6. .
وَ رَتِّلِ الْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلا.

38. God Of Abundance

Our God is a God of abundance! He wants to pour out His abundance on you until you are so full that you are running over! Qur’an says,

“Parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. God enhances several folds whomever He wishes, and God is all-bounteous, all-knowing”. (Qur’an; 2:261)1

That is because your giving sets the blessing of God into motion in your life. When you give, you plant a seed. If you were to plant an apple seed, you would not just grow one single fruit. No, that one seed grows into a tree that produces an abundance of apples! That is what happens when you obey God in your giving.

“Whoever brings virtue shall receive ten times its like; but whoever brings vice shall not be requited except with its like, and they will not be wronged”. (Qur’an; 6:160)2

You get an abundant harvest in return. You reap so much that you have to give it away, and the cycle just keeps repeating itself!

Is there something the Lord is telling you to give today? What do you have in your hand that you can bless someone else with? It can be financial or material, but take a step of faith today and open the door to His abundance in every area of your life! As Almighty God says,

“Spend from what We have provided you before death comes to any of you, whereat he will say, “My Lord, why did You not respite me for a short time so that I might have given charity and become one of the righteous!”. (Qur’an; 63:10)3

Today decide to obey the Lord, as He says,

“Spend of the good things you have earned, and of what We bring forth for you from the earth”. (Qur’an; 2:267)4

When you obey Almighty God and become a follower of His commands, your life becomes different. Everything about you becomes different. When we follow God’s commands, it means we do things differently from others. It means, instead of being offended, we choose love. Instead of insisting on our way, we serve others. It means, instead of trying to be right all the time, we build and lift others up.

1. .
مَثَلُ الَّذينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوالَهُمْ في‏ سَبيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنابِلَ في‏ كُلِّ سُنْبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَ اللَّهُ يُضاعِفُ لِمَنْ يَشاءُ وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم‏.

2. .
مَنْ جاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثالِها وَ مَنْ جاءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَلا يُجْزى‏ إِلاَّ مِثْلَها وَ هُمْ لا يُظْلَمُون .

3. .
وَ أَنفِقُواْ مِن مَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتىِ‏َ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبّ‏ِ لَوْ لَا أَخَّرْتَنىِ إِلىَ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَ أَكُن مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ.

4. .
أَنفِقُواْ مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَ مِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْض‏.

39. God’s Representative

When others look at our life, what do they see? Does our daily life win the respect of others? We should know that as believers, we are God’s representatives on the earth. He said,

“Indeed I am going to set a successor on the earth”. (Qur’an; 2:30)1

We are called to a higher standard. The way we live our lives should bring glory to Almighty God. We should take the high road and live a life of excellence. We should follow the messenger of Almighty God as He says,

“In the Apostle of God there is certainly for you a good exemplar, for those who look forward to God and the Last Day, and remember God greatly”. (Qur’an; 33:21)2

Being a good follower of the Prophet means doing the right thing even when no one is looking; it means finding common ground in order to be a peacemaker; it means going out with an attitude of faith and thanksgiving; it means living daily life as an example of God’s love and being compassionate and merciful to His creatures. The Qur’an says,

“There has certainly come to you an apostle from among yourselves. Grievous to him is your distress; he is full of concern for you, and most kind and merciful to the faithful”. (Qur’an; 9:128)3

Yes, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) was sent

“as a mercy to all the nations and all creatures”. (Qur’an; 21:107)4

Remember, you will become like whomever you follow. If you follow the Apostle of God you will develop His character. You will become like whomever you spend the most time with. If you are committed to spending time with God every day, you will win the respect of outsiders and bring glory to your Lord!

1. .
إِنىّ‏ِ جَاعِلٌ فىِ الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً.‏

2. .
لَّقَدْ كاَنَ لَكُمْ فىِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كاَنَ يَرْجُواْ اللَّهَ وَ الْيَوْمَ الاَْخِرَ وَ ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا.

3. .
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيم‏.

4. .
وَ مَا أَرْسَلْنَكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِين‏.

40. Hasten Towards Forgiveness

Almighty God says in the Qur’an,

“And let not those amongst you who have been blessed with abundance refuse to give to the relatives, and the needy, and those who have immigrated in the cause of God. Let them pardon and forgive. Would you not like God to forgive you? And God is Forgiving, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 24:22)1

Everyone has been hurt, offended, betrayed and mistreated at some point. Sometimes those wounds are small and easy to move past, but other times, they are deep and take time to heal. The important thing is that we choose to forgive so that we can open the door to God’s forgiveness and healing in our own lives. The Qur’an says,

“And hasten towards your Lord's forgiveness and a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God wary; the one who spend in ease and adversity, and suppress their anger, and excuse the faults of the people, and God loves the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 3: 133-134)2 ‏

Forgiveness is such a powerful tool. Forgiveness sets you free and draws you closer to your Lord.

“If you excuse, forbear and forgive, then God is indeed all-forgiving, all-merciful”. (Qur’an; 64:14)3

So whenever you pray, invite the Lord to search your heart. Choose to forgive anyone that has hurt you. God Almighty says,

“The recompense for evil is evil like it, but whoever forgives and makes right, then his reward is upon God. He does not like the wrongdoers”. (Qur’an; 42:40)4 As you walk in forgiveness, you will experience His hand of blessing in ways you never thought possible, and you will move forward in the abundant life He has in store for you.

1. .
وَ لَا يَأْتَلِ أُوْلُواْ الْفَضْلِ مِنكمُ‏ْ وَ السَّعَةِ أَن يُؤْتُواْ أُوْلىِ الْقُرْبىَ‏ وَ الْمَسَاكِينَ وَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ فىِ سَبِيلِ الله‏ وَ لْيَعْفُوا وَ لْيَصْفَحُوا أَ لا تُحِبُّونَ أَنْ يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحيم.

2. .
وَ سارِعُوا إِلى‏ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّماواتُ وَ الْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقين. الَّذينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَ الضَّرَّاءِ وَ الْكاظِمينَ الْغَيْظَ وَ الْعافينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَ اللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنين.

3. .
وَ إِن تَعْفُواْ وَ تَصْفَحُواْ وَ تَغْفِرُواْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيم. ‏

4. .
وَ جَزَ ؤُاْ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا فَمَنْ عَفَا وَ أَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُ عَلىَ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يحُِبُّ الظَّالِمِين‏.

41. He Does Not Break The Promise

Our God is so loving, so merciful, so faithful and so kind. He himself said,

“God is most kind to His servants”. (Qur’an; 2:207)1

Even when we become too discouraged to believe, God Almighty does not forget what He promised. Maybe you feel discouraged. Maybe your life has not turned out the way you had hoped. Maybe you prayed, believed, and worked hard, and it did not work out, but do not be disappointed,

“God is with you. And He will not waste your efforts”. (Qur’an; 47:35)2

Remember that not only does God remember you, He remembers the promise He placed within you. He knows what He has destined you to do. You may have already said, “Forget it; it is never going to happen.” The good news is that you do not have the final say. God has the final say,

“And to God is the sovereignty of heavens and earth, and God is capable of all things”. (Qur’an; 3:189)3

He promised,

“I do not waste the work of any worker from among you, be you male or female”. (Qur’an; 3:195)4

That dream you gave up on, God did not give up on. He remembers you, and He is with you, leading you and guiding you to the place of victory. Just be patient, trust in God, and as He says,

“ponder in the creation of the heavens and the earth” (Qur’an; 3:191)5

and invoke to your Creator with this words:

“Our Lord you did not create this without purpose, be You glorified, spare us the retribution of the Fire. Our Lord, forgive us, our evil deeds and remit our sins, and take us with the obedient ones. Our Lord, and grant us what You have promised through Your messengers, and do not embarrass us on the day of resurrection. You do not break the promise”. (Qur’an; 3: 191-194)6

1. .
وَ اللَّهُ رَءُوفُ بِالْعِبَاد.

2. .
وَ اللَّهُ مَعَكُمْ وَ لَن يَترَِكمُ‏ْ أَعْمَالَكُم‏.

3. .
وَ لِلَّهِ مُلْكُ السَّماواتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ اللَّهُ عَلى‏ كُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ قَدير.

4. .
أَنىّ‏ لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثى‏ .

5. .
وَ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ في‏ خَلْقِ السَّماواتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ.

6. .
رَبَّنا ما خَلَقْتَ هذا باطِلاً سُبْحانَكَ فَقِنا عَذابَ النَّار... رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَ كَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيَِّاتِنَا وَ تَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَار. رَبَّنَا وَ ءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلىَ‏ رُسُلِكَ وَ لَا تخُْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّكَ لَا تخُْلِفُ المِْيعَاد.

42. He Is The One Who Defines Your Life

Most people’s thoughts were programmed by the people who raised them or by what somebody spoke over them. Maybe they were good people, doing the best they can, but their words are limiting you. As long as you believe what they said about you, their words are defining you. The key to breaking those limitations is to start meditating on what God says about you. A transformation will take place when you renew your mind. Reprogram your thinking with what God says about you. God says,

“The confederates and party of God are indeed felicitous and the winners”. (Qur’an; 58:22)1

All through the day say, “I am rising higher. I have not seen my best days. Something good is going to happen to me.”

As you meditate on His Word day in and day out, you are breaking out past the limitations set by others. People may have spoken negative things over you, but the good news is that people do not determine your destiny. You are not who people say you are. You are who God says you are. Do not be defined by the limits of others. Believe God’s Word and see His victory all the days of your life. Choose to believe His Word over the words of others. Know that God is the one who defines your life.

“So be patient, for God’s promise is true, and do not be dissuaded and upset by those who do not have certainty and conviction”. (Qur’an; 30:60)2

1. .
أَلا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُون .

2. .
فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَ لا يَسْتَخِفَّنَّكَ الَّذينَ لا يُوقِنُون .

43. He Has A Plan

Almighty God says in the Qur’an,

“And He committed for you the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, and the stars are committed by His command; in that are signs for a people who comprehend”. (Qur’an; 16:12)1

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. God is working behind the scenes in your life. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. He gives good news to you:

“And give good news to the believers, that they have deserved from God a great blessing”. (Qur’an; 33:47)2

You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His great plan come to pass. You will experience His peace and joy and embrace the victory He has prepared for you.

1. .
وَ سَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الَّيْلَ وَ النَّهَارَ وَ الشَّمْسَ وَ الْقَمَرَ وَ النُّجُومُ مُسَخَّرَاتُ بِأَمْرِهِ إِنَّ فىِ ذَالِكَ لاََيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُون‏ .

2. .
وَ بَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِأَنَّ لهَُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ فَضْلًا كَبِيرًا.

44. He Guides Whom He Wills

Friends, you do not have to worry about your future. You do not have to try to make things happen in your own strength. You can go through the day in peace because God knows exactly what you need. In your future, He has already lined up the right people, the right breaks, the good words you are going to need down to the second, down to the exact moment. God will cause you to come in on cue. He said in His Holy book,

“God makes firm those who believe with firm sayings in the worldly life, and in the Hereafter. And He misguides the wicked, and God does what He wishes”. (Qur’an; 14:27)1

“O you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and make your foothold firm”. (Qur’an; 47:7)2

If for some reason it does not work out, do not get all discouraged. Do not get depressed. That just means that God has something better in store. It means He has a bigger opportunity in your future. Qur’an says,

“It is God who guides whom He wills; and He is fully aware of those who receive the guidance”. (Qur’an; 28:56)3

He orders your steps so keep your faith and trust in Him. As He Almighty says,

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done. God has decreed for everything its fate”. (Qur’an; 65:3)4

So only rest in God and praise God for His goodness.

1. .
يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فىِ الحَْيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَ فىِ الاَْخِرَةِ وَ يُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّلِمِينَ وَ يَفْعَلُ اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاء.

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ إِن تَنصُرُواْ اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَ يُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكم.

3. .
اللَّهَ يهَْدِى مَن يَشَاءُ وَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِين‏ .

4. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

45. He Is With You

When you encounter difficulty and tragedy, instead of complaining and getting frustrated you have to trust that God is right there offering His shelter of peace to your troubled hearts.

“He is with you wherever you may be. God is Seer of everything you do”. (Qur’an; 57:4)1

He has a plan to lift you up out of despair and set you in a place of stability. He has a plan to restore, renew and revive your soul. You have to remember, the enemy uses circumstances to get off your eyes of God Almighty.

“God wants to turn toward you clemently but those who follow their lusts want that you would be diverted into a great diversion and fall into gross waywardness”. (Qur’an; 4:27)2

The enemy tries to steal your peace and keep you focused on this earthly realm. However, when you lift up your eyes to God, when you hold fast to your profession of faith that is how you stay in victory.

Friends, when the day of trouble comes, know that God is with you and for you. He is not the one who is against you. Keep your eyes on Him. Trust that He has a plan. Trust that He will make your crooked places straight and your rough places smooth.

“Put your trust in God. Indeed God loves those who trust in Him”. (Qur’an; 3:159)3

Put your hope in God and receive His peace and strength. As He says,

“In God’s remembrance is the hearts relieved”. (Qur’an; 13:28)4

Therefore, implore your Lord, sincerely devoted to Him and turn to Him penitently.5

1. .
وَ هُوَ مَعَكمُ‏ْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ وَ اللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِير.

2. .
وَ اللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ يُرِيدُ الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الشهََّوَاتِ أَن تمَِيلُواْ مَيْلاً عَظِيمًا.

3. .
فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلىَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يحُِبُّ الْمُتَوَكلِِّين.

4. .
أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئنُ الْقُلُوب.

5. Refer to Qur’an; 39:8.

46. He Knows

Do you believe God for something that seems to be taking a long time? In the natural, you may have every reason to give up on what God has placed in your heart. At times, you may be tempted to get discouraged, but remember, God knows exactly where you are. He says,

“I indeed know the Unseen in the heavens and the earth, and that I know whatever you disclose and whatever you were concealing”. (Qur’an; 2:33)1

He knows the desires He has placed within you. He knows even the hidden dreams - what the Qur’an calls the secret petitions of your heart2.

You have not told anyone about those things. Maybe you thought they would never work out, or you have buried them because they did not happen on your timetable. But God still has a way to bring them to pass.

Be encouraged now, because God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Delight yourself in Him — find joy in serving Him and make your heart moldable in His hands. Do not settle for mediocrity because God knows what is in you, and His plan is to finish the work He began in you when you delight yourself in Him and

“submit and surrender to the Lord of all the worlds”. (Qur’an; 2:131)3

Come to God Almighty humbly, giving Him all that you are. Thank God for fulfilling every desire in your heart. Ask Him to mold you and shape you into His image. Remove anything from your life that is displeasing to Him.

“Put your trust in God. God is enough for your trust”. (Qur’an; 4:81)4

1. .
إِنىّ‏ِ أَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ أَعْلَمُ مَا تُبْدُونَ وَ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْتُمُون‏ .

2. Refer to Qur’an; 29:10.

3. .
إِذْ قالَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ أَسْلِمْ قالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعالَمين.

4. .
وَ تَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَ كَفى‏ بِاللَّهِ وَكيلا.

47. Help God

Oftentimes, people set their focus on what God has done in the past. He parted the Red Sea; He manifested the staff of Moses into a serpent; He sent down for the disciples of Jesus son of Mary a feast from heaven and fed thousands of people with it; He gave Zachariah, a son whose name was John when his wife was barren, and he was advanced in age.

Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it is important that we give Him praise and glory. But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God wants to do in our lives today. He Almighty says,

“O you who have faith! If you help God, He will help you and make your feet steady”. (Qur’an; 47:7)1

God wants to support us in our today life. So do not

“think evil thoughts about God”. (Qur’an; 48:6)2 “

Be patient! God’s promise is indeed true”. (Qur’an; 40:55)3

Remember, God is a God of increase.

“God has promised those of you who have faith and do righteous deeds that He will surely make them successors in the earth, just as He made those who were before them successors, and He will surely establish for them their religion which He has approved for them, and that He will surely change their state to security after their fear”. (Qur’an; 24:55)4

Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favor and blessing in store for you. Dare to dream big! Dare to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! Dare to take hold of every blessing the Lord has in store for you!

1. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ إِن تَنصُرُواْ اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَ يُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكم.

2. .
الظَّانِّينَ بِاللَّهِ ظَنَّ السَّوْء.

3. .
فَاصْبرِْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَق. ‏

4. .
وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكمُ‏ْ وَ عَمِلُواْ الصَّلِحَتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فىِ الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَ لَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لهَُمْ دِينهَُمُ الَّذِى ارْتَضىَ‏ لهَُمْ وَ لَيُبَدِّلَنهَُّم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا.

48. I Will Complete My Blessings!

Almighty God will always finish what He started. The moment God placed a dream in your heart, the moment that promise took root, God not only started something in your life but He also set a completion date. The Qur’an tells us,

“God does not want to make any hardship over you, but He wants to cleanse you and to complete His blessings upon you that you may be appreciative”. (Qur’an; 5:6)1

The promise would not have come alive if God did not already have a plan to bring it to pass. It does not matter how long it is been or how impossible it looks. Your mind may tell you that it is too late. You have missed too many opportunities. It is never going to happen. No, God is saying:

“You shall not fear them, but fear Me so that I may complete My blessings upon you and that you may be guided”. (Qur’an; 2:150)2

So choose to trust God Almighty. Choose to wait on God. Put your faith in God, knowing that through faith and patience every promise will come to pass. As He said,

“For anyone who reveres God and is patient, then God will not waste the reward of the good doers”. (Qur’an; 12:90)3

Know that if you will stay in faith and not talk yourself out of it, it will just be a matter of time before it happens. So put your trust in Almighty God; be patient and just care about your duty. Be sure that He will complete His blessings.

1. .
ما يُريدُ اللَّهُ لِيَجْعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ حَرَجٍ وَ لكِنْ يُريدُ لِيُطَهِّرَكُمْ وَ لِيُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُون .

2. .
فَلَا تخَْشَوْهُمْ وَ اخْشَوْنىِ وَ لِأُتِمَّ نِعْمَتىِ عَلَيْكمُ‏ْ وَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُون‏ .

3. .
إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَ يَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُضيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنين.

49. It Is Only The Beginning

Sometimes the things that we get discouraged about are the things God is going to use to promote us. As He said,

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you”. (Qur’an; 2:216)1

God does not send the storms, but He uses the storms. He will not allow a trial to come into your life unless He has a purpose for it.

When you are in difficult times, know that, that challenge was not sent to destroy you, it was sent to promote you, to increase you, to strengthen you. You might not see how right now, but God has a way. God uses adversity to bring potential out of us that we did not even know we had. He says,

“And We will test you until We know those who strive among you and those who are patient. And We will bring out your qualities”. (Qur’an; 47:31)2

When you are in those dark times and you feel like you are being buried, maybe you had been through some kind of loss, you do not see anything bright in the future, feels like people are walking on top of you, remember that there is a process-taking place. Like a little seed, new growth is springing forth, new talent, new determination, new opportunities, new friendships - God is birthing something in you greater than what you are right now. You have to keep reminding yourself “God is still on the throne, this is not the end, and it is only the beginning.”

Understand that the only difference between being buried and being planted is what you expect. So stay in faith, and know that your difficulties will lead you to a new fullness. You will see God blossom your life in ways you would never imagine.

1. .
عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ.

2. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّى نَعْلَمَ الْمُجاهِدينَ مِنْكُمْ وَ الصَّابِرينَ وَ نَبْلُوَا أَخْبارَكُم.

50. In Times Of Adversity

We all face challenges, difficulties and times when things do not go our way. God does not send these storms, but He will allow us to go through certain things in order to shape our character and prove our faith. Really, it is in our times of difficulty that we grow and develop. God Almighty says,

“We will surely test you with a measure of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; and give good news to the patient”. (Qur’an; 2:155)1

God wants to use the tough times in our lives to do a work in us. He wants to strengthen and develop us. He says,

“We will surely test you until We ascertain those of you who wage jihad and those who are steadfast”. (Qur’an; 47:31)2

Our attitude in times of adversity is the evidence of our maturity. Are we going to treat people right even when we are being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? Are we going to be faithful even in the dry seasons of our lives when we do not see anything good happening?

It may take more effort. You may have to work harder to keep a good attitude, but remember attitude and faith in God is the key to your promotion. As you keep that positive attitude of faith and expectancy, even in times of adversity, God will deliver you and move you forward into the destiny He has prepared for you. So be patient. Choose to trust God in times of adversity knowing that He is working things out for your good then He will renew a right attitude in you by His Spirit. God told us:

“O, you who believe seek help through patience and the assembly, God is with the patient ones”. (Qur’an; 2:153)3

1. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَ الْجُوعِ وَ نَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوالِ وَ الْأَنْفُسِ وَ الثَّمَراتِ وَ بَشِّرِ الصَّابِرين .

2. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّى نَعْلَمَ الْمُجاهِدينَ مِنْكُمْ وَ الصَّابِرينَ .

3. .
يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَ الصَّلاةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرين .

51. It Is Never Too Late

Have you ever thought, “It is too late for me?” That is what two sisters in the scripture thought, Mary and Martha. Their brother, Lazarus, was extremely sick. They sent word to their good friend, Jesus, to come to their city and pray for him. A day went by and Jesus did not show up. They asked the messengers, “Did you tell Jesus it was us?” “Yes, we told him.” “Did you explain how sick Lazarus was?” “We explained it to him.” They could not understand why Jesus would not come immediately. Lazarus ended up dying. Four days later, Jesus showed up. Mary said, “Jesus, if you had been here sooner, my brother would still be alive.”

Have you ever felt like Jesus showed up too late? “If he just got there a little sooner, maybe things would have worked out.” The sisters felt this way, but Jesus spoke to Lazarus, and he came back to life. The sisters wanted Jesus to come and heal their brother, but Jesus was not thinking about a healing, he was thinking about a resurrection. A healing would have been good, but Jesus had something better in mind. Always remember, God Almighty has another option. No matter how bad your circumstances look, it is never too late with Him!

God says in the Qur’an,

“Perhaps you may hate something while it is good for you, and perhaps you may love something while it is bad for you; God knows while you do not know”. (Qur’an; 2:216)1

So trust in God and be patient. Be full of hope. Do not despair of God’s mercy. Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Yes, Almighty God can do everything.

1. .
عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَ عَسى‏ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَ أَنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُون .

52. In The Book!

Almighty God is a strategic God. He has laid out an exact plan for our lives down to the smallest details. God knows the people you are going to need to fulfill your destiny. He knows who is going to need to give you a good break and who is going to need to put in a good word for you. He knows when someone is going to need to be there to help you out of a difficult time. God has it all figured out. He is not vague or approximate. God is orchestrating our lives down to the very second, causing us to be at the right place at the right time so we can meet the right people that He ordained before the foundation of the world. He tells us,

“No affliction visits the earth or yourselves but it is in the Book before We bring it about that is indeed easy for God. So that you may not grieve for what escapes you, nor exult for what comes your way”. (Qur’an; 57:22)1

I can look back over my life and see repeatedly where God directed my steps down to the exact moment. If I had been ten seconds earlier or ten seconds later, I would have missed an opportunity. So be encouraged because your times are in His hands. He orchestrates your life, so just try your best, keep your faith and hope and trust in Him. God Almighty says,

“Your works are various. As for he who gives and is righteous, and trusts in goodness We will make the easy path for him”. (Qur’an; 92: 4-7)2

1. .
ما أَصابَ مِنْ مُصيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَ لا في‏ أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلاَّ في‏ كِتابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَبْرَأَها إِنَّ ذلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسير.

2. .
إِنَّ سَعْيَكمُ‏ْ لَشَتىَ‏. فَأَمَّا مَنْ أَعْطَى‏ وَ اتَّقَى. وَ صَدَّقَ بِالحُْسْنىَ‏. فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْيُسْرَى‏ .

53. Just Trust

Can you remember the time when you first discovered a big dream in your heart? Maybe you were determined to excel in your career, excel as a parent, or even excel in your walk with the Lord. You probably started out strong, but maybe things got a little difficult and did not happen as quickly as you would have liked. At that point, many people decide, “Let us just settle here. It is not exactly what we wanted, but at least, it is good enough.”

Know that you were made for more than good enough! Maybe things have not worked out the way you planned, but now is not the time to stop and settle. Know that as Almighty God says,

“He committed in your service all that is in the heavens and in the earth; all from Him. In that are signs for a people who reflect”. (Qur’an; 45:13)1

Now is the time to dig your heals in and begin again. God has so much for you in your future. Just trust in your Lord and know that He loves you. He has told us,

“Once you are resolved, put your trust in God. Indeed God loves those who trust in Him”. (Qur’an; 3:159)2

If you have settled in any area of your life, take that first step by lifting your eyes to the Lord. Let Him renew your strength. Let Him make things new in your life. Trust that His Word is directing your steps. Thank Him and worship Him because He is making all things new in your life.

1. .
وَ سَخَّرَ لَكمُ مَّا فىِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ مَا فىِ الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِّنْه‏. إِنَّ فىِ ذَالِكَ لاََيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُون‏ .

2. .
فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلىَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يحُِبُّ الْمُتَوَكلِِّين.

54. Joseph

Think about the story of Joseph.

“In the story of Joseph and his brothers there are certainly signs for the seekers”. (Qur’an; 12:7)1

He was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his own brothers. But even as a slave, he developed his skills. He was so valuable that he was put in charge of his master’s whole household.

When he was falsely accused and put into prison, he was so valuable there that they put him in charge of the whole prison. When Pharaoh needed someone to run the country and administer the nationwide feeding program during the famine, he did not choose a cabinet member; he did not choose his department head. He chose Joseph, a prisoner, a slave. Why? Joseph developed his skills right where he was. He tried his best and was patient. He said to his brothers,

“I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God Has been gracious to us. For anyone who reveres God and is patient, then God will not waste the reward of the good doers”. (Qur’an; 12:90)2

Friend, there is never an excuse to not keep rising. It does not matter if you do not like your current job; it does not matter if other people do not treat you right. God says,

“As for those who strive in Our cause, We will guide them in Our paths. For God is with the pious”. (Qur’an; 29:69)3

Just take your eyes off, of your circumstances and lift your eyes to God Almighty, knowing that God is the one who lifts you up. Trust in God and

“seek help through patience and prayer”. (Qur’an; 2: 45-153)4

1. .
لَّقَدْ كاَنَ فىِ يُوسُفَ وَ إِخْوَتِهِ ءَايَاتٌ لِّلسَّائلِين. ‏

2. .
قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَ هَذَا أَخِى قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَ يَصْبرِْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِين‏.

3. .
وَ الَّذينَ جاهَدُوا فينا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنين.

4. .
اسْتَعينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَ الصَّلاة.

55. Kingship

Know that God Almighty wants to do exceedingly, abundantly above and beyond what you could even ask or think. He can take you further, faster than you could ever dream. God can speed things up on your behalf. Because you honor and trust Him, things that should have taken you a lifetime to accomplish will only take you a fraction of the time. This is the kind of God we serve. Yes, as He said in holy Qur’an,

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done”. (Qur’an; 65:3)1

We see this all through the Qur’an. In just one day, David went from a shepherd boy to the one who led the Israelite army to victory.

“David killed Goliath, and God gave him the kingship and the wisdom and taught him what He wished”. (Qur’an; 2:251)2

Saul was a poor man, but God chose him over the Israelite as a king. God took him further, faster.

“And their prophet said to them: God Has sent Saul to you as a king. They said, “How can he have the kingship when we are more deserving than him, and he has not been given an abundance of wealth?” He said, “God has chosen him over you and increased him in knowledge and stature. God gives His kingship to whom He chooses; and God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable”. (Qur’an; 2:247)3

Remember, the thoughts you think and the words you say are prophesying your future. If you want to see a shift occur in your life, you have to get in agreement with God and say, “Yes, God, this is for me. I thank You that I am coming into my destiny sooner than I imagined”.

1. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

2. .
وَ قَتَلَ داوُدُ جالُوتَ وَ آتاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَ الْحِكْمَةَ وَ عَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشاءُ.

3. .
وَ قالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طالُوتَ مَلِكاً قالُوا أَنَّى يَكُونُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنا وَ نَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِالْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَ لَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِنَ الْمالِ قالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ زادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَ الْجِسْمِ وَ اللَّهُ يُؤْتي‏ مُلْكَهُ مَنْ يَشاءُ وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم.

56. Lady Zeinab

It is easy to have a good attitude and pursue our dreams as long as everything is going our way. That does not take a lot of faith. But what about the difficult times — when a relationship does not work out, or you get a bad health report, or a friend does you wrong? It is easy to lose your passion when you are hurt. Too many people are sitting on the sidelines of life because they are injured. Now they are nursing their wounds, not moving forward because of what they have been through. The Qur’an says about them,

“As for man, whenever his Lord tests him and grants him honor and blesses him, he says, My Lord has honored me. But when He tests him and tightens for him his provision, he says, My Lord has humiliated me”. (Qur’an; 89: 15-16)1

You may have a reason to feel sorry for yourself, but you do not have a right. God promised He will give you beauty for those ashes. He said He would pay you back double for the wrongs, but you have to do your part. If you are going to see the beauty, you have to shake off the ashes of self-pity. You have got to shake off the discouragement and get back in the game. Every person has injuries. We all have wounds, but you cannot let a loss, a health issue, a divorce or a hurt be an excuse to sit on the sidelines. Be like Zeinab, daughter of Imam Ali2 (peace be upon him) who said after martyrdom of her brother Hussain (peace be upon him), “I saw nothing but beauty”.3 Yes, when you do your best for the sake of God, the result is nice.

Now, get back in the game. Know that your best days are ahead. Know that He is working things together for your good, and He has victory in store for your future.

1. .
فَأَمَّا الْانسَانُ إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَئهُ رَبُّهُ فَأَكْرَمَهُ وَ نَعَّمَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبىّ‏ِ أَكْرَمَنِ. وَ أَمَّا إِذَا مَا ابْتَلَئهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُ فَيَقُولُ رَبىّ‏ِ أَهَانَن‏ ‏.

2. . Imam Ali is the successor of Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam of Shia Muslims.

3. . Al-Lohouf, P. 160.

57. Lending To The Lord

Almighty God said, “When you help people, it is like you are doing it unto Me,” and said, “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and Lord will repay him for his good deed.” Or says,

“Who is it that will lend God a good loan, that He may multiply it for him and [that] there may be a noble reward for him”? (Qur’an; 57:11)1

When you give to those in need, you are lending to God. And God knows how to pay you back — with interest! You may not be able to give money, but you can baby sit that single mom’s children. Why do not you give her a break one night? Tell her, “You go do something special for yourself. Here’s a gift certificate. You go up to the mall. Our family is going to keep your children tonight.” If you see one of your friends wearing the same clothes all the time, why do not you step up to the plate and say “Let me buy you a new suit or two.” Or, “Take this gift certificate and go get yourself some new clothes.” Maybe you and your family go out to eat every weak. Why do not you take a single parent family along with you? Or better yet, be a mentor to one of those young children. That does not take a lot of money. It just takes time and love. That just takes somebody that cares, somebody that is willing to make a difference.

Friend, you are never more like God than when you give. You are never more like God than when you take time for people, than when you do something to bless someone else. So, try to be like Almighty God. Help others and care about them. As the Prophet said, “One who start his day and do not care about the others, he is not a real Muslim”.2

1. .
مَنْ ذَا الَّذي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً فَيُضاعِفَهُ لَهُ وَ لَهُ أَجْرٌ كَريم.

2. . Al-Kafi. V. 2, P. 163.

58. Look Inward

One day a man had an accident while driving to work. He got out of the car and yelled at the other driver, “Lady! You need to learn how to drive. You are the fourth person that is hit me today.”

In life, we can get to a point sometimes where, like this man, pointing fingers and placing the blame on others. However, there comes a time when we need to look inside and say, “Maybe I am the one that needs to change.” Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said, “The wise man is he who knows his defection, fault, weakness and does not see the fault of other people”.1

If you are finding fault all the time and developing a habit of seeing the bad rather than the good, if you are skeptical and have trained yourself to be cynical and sarcastic rather than believing the best, and if you are constantly blaming everyone for everything that is going wrong in your life, then maybe it is time to look inward instead of at others. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said to his son Imam Hasan2, “O, my son, the one who looks the faults of others while he has that faults and weaknesses, he is fool and stupid”.3

Just like the man who had the accident while driving to work; if he had been hit four times in one day, obviously, he is the one doing something wrong! Spend your time trying to improve your own life, and you will have a whole lot less time for being critical and judgmental. Imam Sjjad4 (peace be upon him) said, “For man it is enough that addressing his faults prevent him to be cynical and judgmental”.5

1. . Tohaf al-Oqoul, P. 282.

2. He is son of Imam Ali and the second Imam of Shia Muslims.

3. . Tohaf al-Oqoul, P. 89.

4. . He is the fourth Imam of Shia Muslims.

5. . Al-Ekhtesas, P. 228.

59. Love Drives Out Fear

The Qur’an tells us that faith is love.

“(O, prophet) Say, “If you love God then follow me so God will love you and forgive your sins. God is Forgiver, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 3:31)1

God Almighty is perfect, and His love is perfect. His love toward you is steadfast; it is unchanging. His arms are always stretched out toward you. Know that there is no fear in His love, but even His perfect love drives out fear. As He says,

“Know that, verily on the devoted friends of God there is no fear, nor shall they grieve”. (Qur’an; 10:62)2

Sometimes people are not sure how God feels about them. They think He might be mad at them, but the Qur’an tells us just the opposite. God has not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. It does not matter what you have done or where you have come from, God’s arms are open to you. He is longing to show you His goodness and grace. It is His kindness that leads you to repent and change your ways. He is always ready for you to come to Him. He says,

“Say, “O My servants, who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God’s mercy. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)3

Just open your heart to Him and receive His perfect love. Let it drive fear out of your life and make you new. Let His love wash over you and build confidence in you. Because of His great love, we can boldly come to Him and receive the mercy and blessings He has in store. Try to know Him more, and to know His love. Ask God to show you His ways and fill you with His peace.

1. .
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونىِ يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَ يَغْفِرْ لَكمُ‏ْ ذُنُوبَكمُ‏ْ وَ اللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيم.‏

2. .
أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون .

3. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

60. Like Saul

One thing we have to realize is that God is not going to deliver us from every difficulty. He is not going to keep us from every challenge. If He did, we would never grow. Almighty God says,

“We will surely test you until We ascertain those of you who strive and those who are steadfast and patient, and We shall appraise your record.” (Qur’an; 47:31)1

When you are in a tough time, it is an opportunity for your faith to shine. Anybody can get negative and bitter, blame God, or lose their passion. That is easy. But if you want to pass the test, if you want God to take you to a new level, you cannot be a weakling. You have to be a warrior. Dig your heels in and say like Saul,

“How many a small party has overcome a larger party by God’s will! And God is with the patient. Our Lord, pour patience upon us, make our feet steady, and assist us against the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 2: 249-250)2

Know that God is still on the throne. If you trust in Him, He will fight your battles, and on the other side of this difficulty is a new level of your destiny! Say: “I can handle it. I am ready for it. I am equal to it”.

“I entrust my affair to God. Indeed God sees best the servants”. (Qur’an; 40:44)3

Choose to stand strong in the midst of difficulty. Choose to bless Almighty God no matter what your circumstances are. Trust that God is leading and guiding you in paths of righteousness.

1. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّى نَعْلَمَ الْمُجاهِدينَ مِنْكُمْ وَ الصَّابِرينَ وَ نَبْلُوَا أَخْبارَكُم.

2. .
كَمْ مِنْ فِئَةٍ قَليلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَ اللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرينَ ... رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبرًْا وَ ثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَ انصُرْنَا عَلىَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَفِرِين‏ .

3. .
أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِباد.

61. Moses’ Mother

When Moses was born, the king ordered that all the male babies were to be killed. You can imagine how devastated this mother must have been. She could have easily given up, but instead, she chose to believe that God was still in control. She put Moses into a little basket and sent him down the Nile River. It just so happened that Pharaoh’s wife was out taking a bath — at the right place and the right time. She heard the cries coming from the basket. She opened it up and saw baby Moses and fell in love with the boy. She was so excited and said, “I am going to take him as my own.” She looked at her maids and said, “We need to find somebody that can nurse the baby.”

The Qur’an explains the story:

“And We forbade him from accepting all the nursing mothers. Then his sister said, “Shall I show you a family that can nurse him for you, and take good care of him”? Thus, We returned him to his mother, so that she may be pleased and not be saddened, and to let her know that God’s promise is the truth. However, most of them do not know”. (Qur’an; 28: 12-13)1

Therefore, Moses’ mother was not only able to raise her son, but she got paid for doing it on top of that. Only God could orchestrate all of that.

Remember that even in loss, heartache or disappointment, God will order your steps. He will line up the right people and the right opportunities and lead you into victory all the days of your life. Be sure that “

God’s promise is true” (Qur’an; 10:55)2 and

“He will reward the righteous with the best of rewards”. (Qur’an; 53:31)3

1. .
وَ حَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَرَاضِعَ مِن قَبْلُ فَقَالَتْ هَلْ أَدُلُّكمُ‏ْ عَلىَ أَهْلِ بَيْتٍ يَكْفُلُونَهُ لَكُمْ وَ هُمْ لَهُ نَاصِحُونَ. فَرَدَدْنَاهُ إِلىَ أُمِّهِ كىَ‏ْ تَقَرَّ عَيْنُهَا وَ لَا تَحْزَنَ وَ لِتَعْلَمَ أَنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَ لَاكِنَّ أَكْثرََهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُون‏ .

2. .
إنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ.

3. .
وَ يَجْزِيَ الَّذينَ أَحْسَنُوا بِالْحُسْنَى‏ .

62. Make The Decision

What could be worse than to come to the end of life filled with regrets? “If only I had pursued that dream, If only I had been more disciplined, If only I had taken that step of faith, If only I had forgiven,” Do not let that be you. You may have put things off a lot longer than you should have, but the good news is that it is not too late to get started. You can still become everything God has created you to be. God Almighty says,

“Say [that God declares,] “O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed God will forgive all sins. Indeed He is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)1

Today, make the decision to stop making excuses. If you always make excuses, you will always have one. Do not wait for a more convenient time. It says in the Qur’an,

“Hasten towards your Lord’s forgiveness and a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God wary”. (Qur’an; 3:133)2

Know that if you wait for all the conditions to be just right, you will never move. Make a decision to just do it! Be a now person. Your destiny is calling out, and it is never too late to be all that God has created you to be. Just ask God to show you His ways and give you the strength to embrace every opportunity that comes from Him.

1. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

2. .
وَ سارِعُوا إِلى‏ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّماواتُ وَ الْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقين.

63. Make Room For Something Greater

Before we are promoted in life, before we can be moved ahead, we have to be prepared. Sometimes it is a spiritual preparation and sometimes it is a physical preparation, but we all go through seasons of preparation. Too often, people miss their appointed time simply because they are not ready. They have not prepared. They look around at others and think, “Well, so-and-so is more qualified than I am.” No, if you will get ready, if you will outgrow where you are, then God will make room for something greater. He the Almighty tells us,

“As for those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways, and God is indeed with the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 29:69)1

Do not worry about who is in line in front of you. You just keep growing, learning and getting prepared, and the right doors will open. The fact is that God may not want you to have your supervisor’s position. That may be too low for you. God may be about to thrust you right past them into a whole new level. You just be faithful to develop what God has placed in you, and He will take you further than you can ever imagine. God Almighty says,

“Anyone who reverences God, He will create an exit for him. And He will provide for him whence he never expected. Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him”. (Qur’an; 65: 2-3)2

So, open your heart and mind to the great things God have in store for your future. Choose to be faithful. Choose to prepare. Do not look to the left or to the right, but keep your eyes on Him.

1. .
وَ الَّذينَ جاهَدُوا فينا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنين.

2. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجا. وَ يَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِبُ وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

64. Make Up The Difference

No matter what weakness you think you may have, no matter what inadequacies or setbacks you have encountered, God wants to give you His divine strength. He wants to make up the difference and put you further ahead than you ever thought possible.

The Qur’an tells us about the battle of Badr,

“God shows them to you as being few in your dream, and had He shown them to be many, then you would have failed and you would have disputed in the matter; it was God who saved you. He is the Knower of what is inside the chests. And God showed them to you when you met as being few in your eyes, and he made you appear as being fewer to their eyes. That was so God’s decree would come to be; and to God all matters are returned”. (Qur’an; 8: 43-44)1

What happened? God made up the difference.

Almighty God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, your strength, your talent and your income. You do not have to figure it all out; all you have to do is, putting your trust in Him. If you will trust Him and wake up every day expecting His far and beyond favor, then you are going to see Him make up the difference in every area of your life. So:

“remember God’s blessings upon you when a group desired to aggress against you, and God restrained their hands from you. And reverence God. And in God the believers should put their trust”. (Qur’an; 5:11)2

1. .
إِذْ يُرِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ فىِ مَنَامِكَ قَلِيلًا وَ لَوْ أَرَئكَهُمْ كَثِيرًا لَّفَشِلْتُمْ وَ لَتَنَزَعْتُمْ فىِ الْأَمْرِ وَ لَاكِنَّ اللَّهَ سَلَّمَ إِنَّهُ عَلِيمُ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ. وَ إِذْ يُرِيكُمُوهُمْ إِذِ الْتَقَيْتُمْ فىِ أَعْيُنِكُمْ قَلِيلًا وَ يُقَلِّلُكمُ‏ْ فىِ أَعْيُنِهِمْ لِيَقْضىِ‏َ اللَّهُ أَمْرًا كَانَ مَفْعُولًا وَ إِلىَ اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُور.

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ هَمَّ قَوْمٌ أَن يَبْسُطُواْ إِلَيْكُمْ أَيْدِيَهُمْ فَكَفَّ أَيْدِيَهُمْ عَنكُم. ‏وَ اتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ وَ عَلىَ اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكلَ‏ِ الْمُؤْمِنُون‏ .

65. Manna From Heaven

When the Israelites were in the desert, God fed them with manna from heaven. It was miraculous provision. He says,

“And We shaded you with clouds, and We sent down to you manna and quails: “Eat of the good things We have provided for you”. (Qur’an; 2:57)1;

yet, they got tired of eating the same thing every day. They

“said, “O Moses, We will not put up with one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us, that He may bring forth for us of that which the earth grows its greens and its cucumbers, its garlic, its lentils, and its onions”. (Qur’an; 2:61)2

Moses thought, “That is impossible here in the desert?” However, Almighty God had ways to feed them that they have never thought of. God said,

“Go down to any town, and you will indeed get what you ask for”. (Qur’an; 2:61)3

Yes, God knows how to get your provision to you.

What do you need today? What are the desires of your heart? God’s grace is sufficient. He is able to make all grace abound so that in all times, you have everything you need. Trust Him to bring increase in unexpected ways!

“And whoever puts his trust in God, He will suffice him. Indeed God carries through His command”. (Qur’an; 65:3)4

Do not put Almighty God in a box! Trust that even when you cannot see how things will work out, He will bring increase in unexpected ways. Trust in Him and be pleased with His plan for you. The Qur’an says,

“It would have been better if they had been pleased with what God and His Apostle gave them, and had said, “God is sufficient for us; God will give to us out of His grace, and His Apostle. Indeed to God do we eagerly turn”. (Qur’an; 9:59)5

1. .
وَ ظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْغَمَامَ وَ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَنَّ وَ السَّلْوَى‏ كلُُواْ مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُم‏.

2. .
وَ إِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَمُوسىَ‏ لَن نَّصْبرِ عَلىَ‏ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يخُرِجْ لَنَا ممِّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَ قِثَّائهَا وَ فُومِهَا وَ عَدَسِهَا وَ بَصَلِهَا.

3. .
اهْبِطُواْ مِصْرًا فَإِنَّ لَكُم مَّا سَأَلْتُمْ .

4. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

5. .
وَ لَوْ أَنَّهُمْ رَضُواْ مَا ءَاتَئهُمُ اللَّهُ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ قَالُواْ حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ سَيُؤْتِينَا اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ وَ رَسُولُهُ إِنَّا إِلىَ اللَّهِ رَاغِبُون‏ .

66. No Fear

Holy Qur’an talks about some people who they have no fear.

“It is the one who surrenders himself to God, while doing good, he will have his reward with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an, 2:112)1

In another verse says,

“Those who spend their money in the cause of God, then they do not follow what they have spent with insult or harm; they will have their reward with their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 2:262)2

“Indeed those who have faith, do righteous deeds, maintain the prayer and give the zakat, they shall have their reward near their Lord, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 2:277)3

The Qur’an talks about how when any two of us agree, it shall be done. That is a promise that when we stand in faith with another believer, God will do what He said. Well, I believe that principle is true even in the negative. When the enemy puts a thought in your mind, if you agree, then your agreement is what gives it the power to happen, but if you do not agree, you turn it around.

So, do not come into agreement with the fear. If you do not agree, the only way it can happen, is if God gives it permission. Moreover, if God does, you can rest assured it is not going to work against you. It is going to work for you. Trust in God and pay attention to what you are coming into agreement with and do not agree with fear. Agree with His Word and embrace the good things He has in store for you. Know that “

The friends of God will indeed have no fear nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 10:62)4

1. .
بَلى‏ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَ هُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون .

2. .
الَّذينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوالَهُمْ في‏ سَبيلِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ لا يُتْبِعُونَ ما أَنْفَقُوا مَنًّا وَ لا أَذىً لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون

3. .
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَ عَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ وَ أَقَامُواْ الصَّلَوةَ وَ ءَاتَوُاْ الزَّكَوةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون‏ .

4. .
أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون .

67. Negative Labels

Did you know that wrong labels could keep you from your destiny? You are not who people say you are. You are who God says you are. People will label you not good enough, too slow, too old, too many mistakes. God labels you strong, talented, valuable, more than a conqueror. You are from God. He tells us,

“I breathed from My spirit into you”. (Qur’an; 15:29)1

Moreover, after the creation of human, God Almighty said,

“So glory be to God, the best of creators”. (Qur’an; 23:14)2

You are the successor of God on the earth.3

Make sure that you are wearing the right labels. Do not go the next twenty years allowing one negative comment to hold you back. Many people do not know any better. They wear the negative labels like they are the truth. They become so engrained in their thinking that they end up becoming what people say they are instead of what God says they are.

This is the time to remove every negative label. People do not determine your destiny; God does.

“Indeed we belong to God, and to Him do we indeed return”. (Qur’an; 2:156)4

“And with Him are the keys to the unseen, none know them except He. And He knows what is in the land and in the sea; and not a leaf falls except with His knowledge; nor a seed in the darkness of the earth; nor anything moist or anything dry; all is in a clear record”. (Qur’an; 6:59)5

The only power that label has over you is the power that you give it. If you will remove it; if you will forgive that person and quit dwelling on it, then that label will have no effect on you. So, choose to let go of every negative word spoken over you and choose to forgive those who have hurt you.

1. .
وَ نَفَخْتُ فيهِ مِنْ رُوحي‏ .

2. .
فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الخَْالِقِين‏.

3. . Allusion to the Qur’an; 2:30.
إِنىّ‏ِ جَاعِلٌ فىِ الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً.‏

4. .
الَّذينَ إِذا أَصابَتْهُمْ مُصيبَةٌ قالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَ إِنَّا إِلَيْهِ راجِعُون .

5. .
وَ عِنْدَهُ مَفاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لا يَعْلَمُها إِلاَّ هُوَ وَ يَعْلَمُ ما فِي الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ وَ ما تَسْقُطُ مِنْ وَرَقَةٍ إِلاَّ يَعْلَمُها وَ لا حَبَّةٍ في‏ ظُلُماتِ الْأَرْضِ وَ لا رَطْبٍ وَ لا يابِسٍ إِلاَّ في‏ كِتابٍ مُبين.

68. Noble Words

God Almighty says in the Qur’an,

“Tell My servants to speak in a manner which is the best. Indeed Satan incites ill feeling between them, and Satan is indeed man’s manifest enemy”. (Qur’an; 17:53)1

Our words contain the power of life and death. You have the power to speak life into your home and the people around you, and you were given that power for a reason. The people around you need to hear your words of encouragement. Your encouraging words are more meaningful to them than anyone else's! They are like little gifts of life that the people closest to you need to hear.

Therefore, our words are so important. For example the Qur’an says about speaking with our parents,

“Do not say to them, “Fie!” and do not chide them, but speak to them noble words”. (Qur’an; 17:23)2

On the other hand, when Almighty God send Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh, He says,

“Speak to him in a soft manner; maybe he will take admonition or fear”. (Qur’an; 20:44)3

However, sometimes we compliment total strangers or people we barely know more than we complement our own family members. Many times, a person will tell a coworker what a great job they did, but when their own spouse excels, they do not say a word. We need to always make it a priority to compliment and encourage our own family members first.

It is easy to take the people closest to us for granted. You might think, “Oh, I do not need to say anything. They know how I feel”, or, “She knows I think she is beautiful...He knows I think he is great”. Maybe so, but a blessing is not a blessing until it is spoken. When you release those positive, faith-filled words of affirmation, they have a positive impact on the lives of the people you love. The prophet said, “If you love someone, tell him”.4 He also said, “If a man tells his wife ‘I love you’, she never forgot that”.5

Always remember, the people in your inner circle not only want your approval — they need it. Life and death are in the power of your tongue, and the seeds you sow will produce a harvest for your own future. Speak words of faith and victory and set yourself up for a harvest of victory in your own future. Give gifts of life to others and receive His life in abundance in return.

1. .
وَ قُلْ لِعِبادي يَقُولُوا الَّتي‏ هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ الشَّيْطانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّ الشَّيْطانَ كانَ لِلْإِنْسانِ عَدُوًّا مُبيناً.

2. .
وَ قَضى‏ رَبُّكَ أَلاَّ تَعْبُدُوا إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ وَ بِالْوالِدَيْنِ إِحْساناً إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُما أَوْ كِلاهُما فَلا تَقُلْ لَهُما أُفٍّ وَ لا تَنْهَرْهُما وَ قُلْ لَهُما قَوْلاً كَريما.

3. .
فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يخَْشى‏ .

4. . Wasael al-Shia, V. 12, P. 55.

5. . Al-Kafi, V. 5, P. 569.

69. On Your Side

With God on your side, there is nothing to be afraid of. Our attitude should always be, “The Lord protects me from danger. Why should I be afraid? Though an army surrounds me, though they attack me from every side, I may feel trapped. I do not see a way out. Medical report does not look good. My bank statement tells me I am not going to make it. But that is okay; God is still on the throne. Nothing I am facing is a surprise to Him.” He the Almighty says,

“If God grants you victory then none can defeat you … And towards God the believers should put their trust”. (Qur’an; 3:160)1

Moreover, He says,

“God Has full power over matters, but most of the mankind do not know”. (Qur’an; 12:21)2

Remember, the enemy does not have the final say; God has the final say. When you put your faith and trust in Him, He says, “I will always cause you to triumph.” Be strong and be of good courage. Keep God first place in your life and move forward in confidence knowing that He is working things out for your good. He Almighty says,

“Surely, those who said, “Our Lord is God,” then they lead a righteous life, there is no fear for them, nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 46:13)3

Just put your trust in God, and know that

“anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done. God has decreed for everything its fate”. (Qur’an; 65:3)4

1. .
إِنْ يَنْصُرْكُمُ اللَّهُ فَلا غالِبَ لَكُمْ وَ إِنْ يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذي يَنْصُرُكُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُون .

2. .
وَ اللَّهُ غالِبٌ عَلى‏ أَمْرِهِ وَ لكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لا يَعْلَمُون .

3. .
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُواْ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون‏ .

4. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكلُ‏ِّ شىَ‏ْءٍ قَدْرًا.

70. Our Heavenly Father

As a father, there is no one I would rather bless than my own children. There is no one I would rather see increase and rise higher in life. If my own children never acted like I wanted to bless them and were always afraid to ask me for something, or acted like they were bothering me or intimidated, it would break my heart. I want them to be bold and come to me. I want them to ask for the desires of their hearts. This is how we feel about our children.

We have a tradition that the Prophet said, “People are God’s family”.1 So, it is the same way with our heavenly Father. It gives Him pleasure to give His children His Kingdom. It brings a smile to His face.

Know that God Almighty loves you with an everlasting love. He longs to be good to you. He wants you to come boldly to Him. It gives Him pleasure to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to make your requests known. He said,

“I am near answering the calls of those who call to Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided”. (Qur’an; 2:186)2

Trust that when you call on Him, He will answer. He will show you His love and lead you in everlasting life. Just ask Him faithfully and be sure that He will forgive you and give you what is the best in the proper time. Therefore, be patient and hopeful.

1. . Al-Kafi, V. 3, P. 419.

2. .
فَإِنِّي قَريبٌ أُجيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذا دَعانِ فَلْيَسْتَجيبُوا لي‏ وَ لْيُؤْمِنُوا بي‏ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُون .

71. Obedience

God rewards the people who seek after Him. Every time you obey His Word, His blessing will follow. If you will learn to obey Him in the small things, if you learn to pass the small tests, there is no limit to how high God will take you. The Qur’an says,

“And the believing men and women, they order good and deter from evil, and they hold the assembly, and they contribute towards betterment, and they obey God and His messenger. God will have mercy on them; God is Noble, Wise.” (Qur’an; 9:71)1

Always remember, when you obey God in the small, He will release big blessings. He has big opportunities, new levels of favor, healing, restoration, vindication, promotion, planned in your future. As you stay faithful to Him, you are going to step into the fullness of your destiny and be all that God has created you to be. If you fully obey your Lord, Almighty God, and carefully follow all his commands, the Lord will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you.

“Obedience and upright speech is better.... So when the matter has been resolved upon, if they remain true to God that will surely be better for them”. (Qur’an; 47:21)2

So, bless and lift God up because He is worthy. Dedicate yourself to God afresh and anew, and obey His Word and honor Him in all that you do. Then you will see the rewards and His blessing will follow you.

1. .
وَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَ يَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَوةَ وَ يُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَوةَ وَ يُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَ رَسُولَهُ أُوْلَئكَ سَيرَْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيم. ‏

2. .
طَاعَةٌ وَ قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُواْ اللَّهَ لَكاَنَ خَيرًْا لَّهُم‏.

72. Observe Your Food

Be careful about people or activities in your life that you know you need to separate yourself from them. Holy Qur’an says that bad company will corrupt good morals and lead you astray. On the Day of Judgment you may say,

“I wish I had followed the Apostle’s way! Woe to me! I wish I had not taken so and so as a friend! Certainly he led me astray from the Reminder after it had come to me”. (Qur’an; 25: 27-29)1

God wants you to constantly be growing and rising higher in life. That is why the Qur’an encourages us to separate ourselves from corrupting influences and ask us to

“do not sit with the wrongdoing lot”. (Qur’an; 6:68)2

Bad influences are more than just the people in your life — it can be anything that wrongly influences your thinking.

Be careful about what you are allowing into your mind. Be careful about your spiritual food as the Qur’an says,

“So let man observe his food”. (Qur’an; 80:24)3

Be careful about what you read and what you watch on TV or the internet. Do not give your attention to things that are going to drag you down. Choose to separate yourself today. Remember, God wants you to live an abundant life. He wants you be separate so that He can work through you and fulfill His purposes in your life!

Therefore, today, ask Almighty God to give you strength to separate yourself from anything that does not honor Him.

1. .
يا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبيلا.يا وَيْلَتى‏ لَيْتَني‏ لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلاناً خَليلا. لَقَدْ أَضَلَّني‏ عَنِ الذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جاءَني‏ .

2. .
فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ الذِّكْرَى‏ مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِين. ‏

3. .
فَلْيَنظُرِ الْانسَانُ إِلىَ‏ طَعَامِه‏ .

73. Passing The Small Tests

We think, “I know I should go visit my parents. I know I should not eat so many sweets. I know I should stay home and do my schoolwork. I know I should pray now. I know I should try my best.” The “I knows” are God talking to you. Do not ignore it. Learn to be quick to obey.

Many times, we know what we should do, but we make excuses and reason it out: “I am busy now. I will do it later.” However, we have to understand God does not ask us to do it for His sake. He asks us to do it for our own sake. He says,

“And race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the width of the heavens and the earth, it has been prepared for the righteous”. (Qur’an; 3:133)1

I have learned that before God will release big blessings, He will give you small tests.

“He tests you with some fear and hunger, and a shortage in money and lives and fruits”. (Qur’an; 2:155)2

Too often, we dismiss it and think, “Oh, that is no big deal”. But if you do not pass these small tests, it will keep you from the big things God has in store.

So, do not put off the little things that you know you should be doing any longer. Take a step of faith and obey Him. As you are faithful in the little things and pass the small tests, He will lead you into the greater things He has in store for you.

1. .
وَ سارِعُوا إِلى‏ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّماواتُ وَ الْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقين.

2. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَ الْجُوعِ وَ نَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوالِ وَ الْأَنْفُسِ وَ الثَّمَراتِ.

74. Perfect Health

It is a truth from God’s Word that is so inspiring, but many times, it is something that gets clouded from our view. God desires and even promises that you can live in perfect health and be fully restored; Emotional health, Spiritual health, Relational health, financial health, and physical health. Complete and total health for every area of your life is available to you as a believer in God Almighty.

In the Qur’an, we see Ibrahim that introduce God in this way:

“The Lord of the worlds; the One who created me, He will guide me. And He is the One who feeds me and gives me to drink. And if I am sick, He is the One who cures me”. (Qur’an; 26: 78-80)1

Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, God wants to bring health to your life. He has promised that if you will stay in faith, He will restore everything that was stolen: your emotional health, relational health, financial health and physical health.

Let me encourage you. If you are going to see God restore, I invite you to get this restoration mentality in your spirit. Expect things to change in your favor. God is restoring your health to you. It is the time to believe in God:

“O you who believe; believe in God”. (Qur’an; 4:136)2

Believe in God and prove this belief with your behavior; show it in your life. In other words, a real believer is the one whose lifestyle is based on faith. As a believer,

“Put your trust in Him and be sure that anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

1. .
الَّذِى خَلَقَنىِ فَهُوَ يهَْدِينِ. وَ الَّذِى هُوَ يُطْعِمُنىِ وَ يَسْقِينِ. وَ إِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِين.

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ءَامِنُواْ بِالله‏.

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

75. Perfect Peace

Almighty God says in the Qur’an,

“We will test you with some fear and hunger, and a shortage in money and lives and fruits. And give good news to those who are patient. The ones who, when afflicted with adversity, they say, “We are to God, and to Him we will return”. To these will be assemblies from their Lord and a mercy. They are the guided ones”. (Qur’an; 2: 155-157)1 ‏

When trials and tribulations come, we can take courage; we can be confident, and we can have perfect peace. Why? Because perfect peace and courage do not come from the world and neither does confidence. These things come from a relationship with Almighty God. As He says,

“Indeed God leads astray whomever He wishes, and guides to Himself those who turn penitently to Him, those who have faith, and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of God. Look! The hearts find rest in God's remembrance! Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, happy are they and good is their ultimate destination”. (Qur’an; 13: 27-29)2

We can have hope in challenging times because God has promised us victory. As long as we stay in faith, as long as we put our trust and hope in God, we will stay in victory. No matter what you are facing, remember, faith pleases God and opens the door for His supernatural favor, strength and wisdom. Do not settle for defeat because you are preprogrammed for victory. Choose to thank Him for what He is doing in your life and for the victory that is on the way. Be strong, be bold and take courage, because God has overcome the world. Yes, as the Qur’an says,

“God has full power over matters, but most of mankind do not know”. (Qur’an; 12:21)3

1. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَ الْجُوعِ وَ نَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوالِ وَ الْأَنْفُسِ وَ الثَّمَراتِ وَ بَشِّرِ الصَّابِرين . الَّذينَ إِذا أَصابَتْهُمْ مُصيبَةٌ قالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَ إِنَّا إِلَيْهِ راجِعُون . أُولئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَواتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَ رَحْمَةٌ وَ أُولئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُون .

2. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَ يهَْدِى إِلَيْهِ مَنْ أَنَابَ. الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَ تَطْمَئنِ‏ُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئنِ‏ُّ الْقُلُوبُ. الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَ عَمِلُواْ الصَّالِحَاتِ طُوبىَ‏ لَهُمْ وَ حُسْنُ مََاب‏.

3. .
وَ اللَّهُ غالِبٌ عَلى‏ أَمْرِهِ وَ لكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لا يَعْلَمُون .

76. Quit Making Excuses

One of the best things in life, which leads to progress, is to obey God quickly. When God asks you to do it, do it right then. He says,

“And hasten towards your Lord’s forgiveness and a paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, it has been prepared for the righteous. The ones who spend in prosperity and adversity, and who repress anger, and who pardon the people; … And those who, if they commit any evil, or wrong themselves, they remember God and seek forgiveness for their sins”. (Qur’an; 3: 133-135)1

Be like the righteous who obey quickly.

When God asks you to do something, do not overanalyze it. Do not reason it out. If you think about it too long, you can miss your destiny. Do not think, “Why should I buy their dinner? They have got more than I do”. “Why should I apologize? I apologized first last time”. “Why should I be good to them? They are not being good to me.” No, quit making excuses. Quit reasoning it out. Quit thinking that you heard God wrong and just do it. Learn to be quick to obey and open the door for the blessing God has in store for you. God says,

“you shall race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the heaven and the earth. It awaits those who believed in God and His messengers. Such is God’s grace that He bestows upon whomever He wills. God is Possessor of Infinite Grace.” (Qur’an; 57:21)2

If you want to grab a win, so obey quickly. Trust that God is good and desires good things for you.

1. .
الَّذينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَ الضَّرَّاءِ وَ الْكاظِمينَ الْغَيْظَ وَ الْعافينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَ اللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنين. وَ الَّذينَ إِذا فَعَلُوا فاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُوا اللَّهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُوا لِذُنُوبِهِمْ .

2. .
سابِقُوا إِلى‏ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُها كَعَرْضِ السَّماءِ وَ الْأَرْضِ أُعِدَّتْ لِلَّذينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَ رُسُلِهِ ذلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتيهِ مَنْ يَشاءُ وَ اللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظيم.

77. Redeemer

God Almighty knows how to make up for years you have lost in your life. You cannot relive your childhood, but God can make the rest of your life so rewarding, so fulfilling that you do not even miss what did not happen in the past. You may feel like you wasted years in a relationship that did not work out. However, Almighty God can bring somebody into your life so great, so fun, so friendly, and so attractive that you do not even remember the years that you have lost. The Qur’an says about the magicians of Pharaoh who for years supported an oppressor and moved in a wrong path, but when they met Moses they changed the way of their life and they made up for their past mistakes. It says,

“So the magicians went down prostrating. They said, We believe in the lord of the worlds, The Lord of Moses and Aaron. … We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first to believe”. (Qur’an; 26: 46-51)1

You may not see how you could ever get to where you want to be, but do not believe those lies. God knows how to make up for lost time. God can accelerate things. God can bring opportunities back across your path that you missed, that will thrust you years ahead. It may not have happened the first time, but Almighty God will always give you another chance. He will make up for the lost time and bring you out better and stronger than ever before. He says in the Qur’an,

“If the wrongdoer repents and believes and amends himself and does Good deeds, God will replace his good deeds for the bad ones since God is The Merciful Forgiving”. (Qur’an; 25:70)2

Know that God is your Redeemer. He promised to restore to you the years that have been lost or wasted. So receive His promise by faith and put your trust and hope in Him and believe that your best days are out ahead of you.

1. .
فَأُلْقِىَ السَّحَرَةُ سَاجِدِينَ. قَالُواْ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبّ‏ِ الْعَالَمِينَ. رَبّ‏ِ مُوسىَ‏ وَ هَارُونَ. قَالَ ءَامَنتُمْ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمْ إِنَّهُ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ الَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَ فَلَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ لَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَ أَرْجُلَكمُ مِّنْ خِلَافٍ وَ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ. قَالُواْ لَا ضَيرَْ إِنَّا إِلىَ‏ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ. إِنَّا نَطْمَعُ أَن يَغْفِرَ لَنَا رَبُّنَا خَطَايَانَا أَن كُنَّا أَوَّلَ الْمُؤْمِنِين‏.

2. .
مَنْ تابَ وَ آمَنَ وَ عَمِلَ عَمَلاً صالِحاً فَأُوْلئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئاتِهِمْ حَسَناتٍ وَ كانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَحيماً.

78. Reflect Him

When you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness; you are displaying its characteristics, like a mirror. You should know that as the Qur’an says you are the caliphs and successors of God Almighty. So, you should reflect the character and likeness of God. You should have His same attitude. He says,

“And your Lord said to the Angels, “I am placing a successor on earth”. They said, “Would You place in it those who would corrupt in it, and spill blood, while we sing Your glory, and praise You”? He answered, I know what you do not know”. (Qur’an; 2:30)1

Remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we must obey and fallow Him. To do this, we should follow His messenger. The Qur’an says,

“O’ you who believe, obey God, and obey the messenger and those entrusted amongst you. But if you dispute in any matter, then you shall refer it to God and His messenger, if you believe in God and the last day. That is better and more suitable for knowing”. (Qur’an, 4:59)2

We have to invite God into our hearts. We must reflect Him in our attitude and actions. We should bring good to others, be as a mercy to them and reap an abundant harvest of blessing in every area of our life. We should try to be like the Holy Prophet as the Qur’an says about him,

“A messenger has come to you from yourselves, concerned over your suffering, anxious over you, and towards the believers he is compassionate, merciful”. (Qur’an; 9:128)3

In this case, we are good followers for the Prophet and we are the real caliphs of God.

1. .
وَ إِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَئكَةِ إِنىّ‏ِ جَاعِلٌ فىِ الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً. قَالُواْ أَ تجَْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَ يَسْفِكُ الدِّمَاءَ وَ نحَْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بحَِمْدِكَ وَ نُقَدِّسُ لَكَ قَالَ إِنىّ‏ِ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُون‏‏ .

2. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللَّهَ وَ أَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَ أُوْلىِ الْأَمْرِ مِنكمُ‏ْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فىِ شىَ‏ْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلىَ اللَّهِ وَ الرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَ الْيَوْمِ الاَْخِرِ ذَالِكَ خَيرٌْ وَ أَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلا.

3. .
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيم‏.

79. Repent To God

Maybe there is something that you feel guilty about it. Know that if you repent to God, He says He takes your sin and throws it as far as the east is from the west. He casts it into the sea of forgetfulness.

“So seek His forgiveness, and then repent to Him. My Lord is Near, Responsive”. (Qur’an; 11:61)1

He also says,

“O you who have faith! Repent to God with sincere repentance! Maybe your Lord will absolve you of your misdeeds”. (Qur’an; 66:8)2

That means God chooses to forget your sins! They are completely removed. Do not let the enemy make you feel guilty for something that happened your past.

The enemy works overtime to try to bring you down with false accusations.

“Satan frightens you of poverty and prompts you to commit indecent acts. But God promises you His forgiveness and grace, and God is all-bounteous, all-knowing”. (Qur’an; 2:268)3

Be confident that if you have given it to God, He does not remember it. The next time the enemy brings up your past, just declare, “I am free from condemnation” and remember these words of God,

“O My servants, who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God’s mercy. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)4

Today repent for anything in your life that is displeasing to Almighty God. Thanks Him for His forgiveness and for washing you clean and making you new. Ask Him to receive His grace and mercy so that you can be a vessel used by Him.

1. .
فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ إِنَّ رَبِّي قَريبٌ مُجيب.

2. .
يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَصُوحاً عَسى‏ رَبُّكُمْ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئاتِكُمْ .

3. .
الشَّيْطانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشاءِ وَ اللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَ فَضْلاً وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم.

4. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

80. Sharpen Your Skills

It is easy to fall into “destination disease.” That is when you are comfortable where you are. You are not stretching, not learning anything new. There is nothing wrong with being happy where you are, but you have to remember, you have so much more inside of you. You were created to increase, to grow, to stretch and sharpen your skills. You are the creature that angels prostrated before him. The Qur’an says,

“Certainly We created you, then We formed you, then We said to the angels, “Prostrate before Adam.” So they all prostrated, but not Iblis (Satan); he was not among those who prostrated”. (Qur’an; 7:11)1

Studies tell us that the average person only uses 11% of their brain. Think about how much more potential we all could be tapping into. Maybe you are an accountant, an electrician, a mechanic, a plumber. That is great, but what steps are you taking to improve? If you are at the same skill level today as you were five years ago, you are at a disadvantage. Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “Someone who his two days are equal, he is at a disadvantage”.2

So shake out of that “destination disease” and start sharpening your skills. Keep stretching, keep growing and keep moving forward into the life of blessing God has prepared for you. Know that as God Almighty says, everything is created for you.

“He is the One who created for you all that is on earth”. (Qur’an; 2:29)3

“And He committed in your service all that is in the heavens and in the earth; all from Him. In that are signs for a people who reflect”. (Qur’an; 45:13)4

1. .
وَ لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَئكَةِ اسْجُدُواْ لاَِدَمَ فَسَجَدُواْ إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ لَمْ يَكُن مِّنَ السَّاجِدِين‏ .

2. . Al-Amali, Sadouq, P. 668.

3. .
هُوَ الَّذِى خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فىِ الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا.

4. .
وَ سَخَّرَ لَكمُ مَّا فىِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَ مَا فىِ الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِّنْه‏. إِنَّ فىِ ذَالِكَ لاََيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُون‏ .

81. Surrender Your Plans To Him

We all have dreams that we believe God for and situations we want to see turn around. Too often, we put God in a box and tell Him how to do it, when to do it, and who to use to do it. We have got it all figured out: how God is going to bring us out of debt, how He is going to change our loved one, how we are going to meet the right person. We pray that things will unfold according to our plan.

However, we have to realize that God’s ways are not our ways. He is supernatural. His ways are higher than our ways. When God does something, it may not always make sense to our minds. He says,

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you, and God knows and you do not know”. (Qur’an; 2:216)1

If you have preconceived ideas of how you are going to be promoted and how you are going to get well, it can limit what God can do. You have to stay open. You may only see one way that it could happen, but God always has an option you cannot see.

Why do not you surrender your plans to Him? As He says,

“It is the one who surrenders himself to God, while doing good, he will have his reward with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 2:112)2

Put your trust in Him because He is faithful and as He says,

“whoever puts his trust in God, He will suffice him. Indeed God carries through His command”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

Let Him directs your steps because His ways are higher, and He knows how to lead you into the life of blessing He has for you. So say every day,

“I entrust my affair to God. Indeed God sees best the servants”. (Qur’an; 40:44)4

1. .
عَسى‏ أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَ عَسى‏ أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئاً وَ هُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ وَ اللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَ أَنْتُمْ لا تَعْلَمُون .

2. .
بَلى‏ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَ هُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون .

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ.

4. .
أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِباد.

82. Spiritual Battles

When you are facing a challenge, it is easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a neighbor. However, at some point, as our traditions say, you have to stop and say, “God, I rest in You. I know You have me in the palm of Your hand.” You should know that “He is with you wherever you may be. God is Seer of everything you do”. (Qur’an; 57:4)1

Remember, our battles are spiritual battles. The people in your life are not your enemy, the forces of darkness are. When you choose to be still and know that the Greater One lives on the inside of you, you are saying to the whole world, “I trust God. He is my Defender.” When you choose to believe in Him, you will enter into His rest.

“Certainly whoever submits his will to God, while doing good, he will have his reward with his Lord. There will be no fear over them, nor will they grieve”. (Qur’an; 2:112)2

As you are still before Him, as you tune out the distractions of the world and lean into Him, you will find rest and experience His victory and blessing in every area of your life. Go humbly to God Almighty, seeking rest for your heart and mind. Choose to be still before Him. Choose to cast your cares on Him. Put your trust in Him, and then He will fill you with His peace.

“Whoever puts his trust in God, He will suffice him”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

1. .
وَ هُوَ مَعَكمُ‏ْ أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُمْ وَ اللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِير.

2. .
بَلى‏ مَنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّهِ وَ هُوَ مُحْسِنٌ فَلَهُ أَجْرُهُ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِ وَ لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا هُمْ يَحْزَنُون .

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ.

83. Time For Your Comeback

Think about Moses. As a young man, he had a desire to deliver the people of Israel. But what happened? Unintentionally, he killed someone. So, he had to run for his life. He spent years on the backside of the desert. It looked like his dreams would never take place. But through all those years out there in the wilderness, he did not get bitter. He did not get discouraged. He still knew that God was in control. And one day, God came and said, “Moses, it is time for your comeback. I have got an assignment for you”.1

Know that the dreams that you once had, they did not die. They are still alive on the inside. You may have made poor choices but it did not bury you, it planted you. That means God has already arranged your comeback. Now you have to do your part and get your fire back. Quit living condemned; quit listening to the accuser, reminding you of everything you have done wrong. God knows every mistake that you have ever made. The moment you ask Him for forgiveness, He forgave you. He says,

“Say O My servants, who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed God will forgive all sins. Indeed He is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)2

The good news is - He did not cancel your destiny; He did not give away your assignment. You need to dig those heels in and say, “That is it. I am not living condemned anymore. If God gave Moses another chance, He can give me another chance too. This is a new day. I am putting on a new attitude. I know I have not been buried. I have been planted”.

1. Refer to Qur’an; 20: 9-36.

2. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

84. The Blessing

God Almighty says in the Qur’an,

“Remember My blessing which I bestowed upon you”. (Qur’an; 2:40)1

The moment God said you were blessed, you became blessed. Now, you may not pick up that blessing for a year, five years or a lifetime, but that does not change what God said. The blessing still belongs to you. You have to rise up and say, “You know what? I am going to go get it. I am not going to live another day defeated. I know God has a crown of favor with my name on it, and I am going to go pick it up today. I am going to start acting like I am blessed, like I am redeemed, like I am the head and not the tail, like I am more than a conqueror.”

Sisters and brothers, the Qur’an says,

“Ask God from His favor, God is knowledgeable over all things”. (Qur’an; 4:32)2

So, know that the blessing already has your name on it and there is no line to get it. There is no “Will Call”. There are no late charges and no shortage in heaven! It is all yours, totally paid for blessings, favor, confidence and forgiveness. Rise up in faith. It is your time. It is your season. Start acting on it and receive everything He has in store for you.

Therefore, do not be disappointed. God Almighty says,

“O My servants who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God’s mercy. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)3

Thank Him for His goodness and faithfulness to you. Be thankful to God for His hand of blessing upon your life. And choose to walk in His ways.

1. .
اذْكُرُواْ نِعْمَتىِ‏َ الَّتىِ أَنْعَمْتُ عَلَيْكمُ‏ْ.

2. .
وَ سْئَلُوا اللَّهَ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كانَ بِكُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ عَليما.

3. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

85. The Happiest People On Earth

We as God’s people should be the happiest people on earth. So happy, in fact, that other people notice, because we have a fabulous Lord. The Qur’an says,

“Look! The friends of God will indeed have no fear nor will they grieve; those who have faith, and are God wary. For them is good news in the life of this world and in the Hereafter”. (Qur’an; 10: 62-64)1

Living your best life now, means being excited about the life God has given you. It means believing for more good things in the days ahead, while living in the moment and enjoying it to the hilt.

Too often, we get comfortable with where we are in life and use that as an excuse to remain in mediocrity. “My parents were poor,” we say with a pout. “Before them, my grandparents were poor. Nobody in my family has ever amounted to much, so I guess I will not either.” Do not believe that lie. Certainly, the odds were against you. But God is not limited by our environment, family background or present circumstances. God is limited only by our lack of faith. God Almighty says, “I treat based on the opinion of my servant”.2

Let me challenge you to believe for more. Do not travel the road for the next fifty years and be at the same place you are at today. Maybe you came from a family, where they did not have much. Perhaps you hail from a long line of divorce, failure, depression or mediocrity. You need to say, “Enough is enough; I am going to start believing God for bigger and better things.” Get rid of all thoughts of defeat and failure and start expecting the supernatural favor of God. Do your part and God will do His part.

“Whoever brings virtue shall receive ten times its like”. (Qur’an; 6:160)3

1. .
أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لَا هُمْ يحَْزَنُون . الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَ كَانُواْ يَتَّقُون. لَهُمُ الْبُشْرَى‏ فىِ الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَ فىِ الاَْخِرَةِ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ ذَالِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيم‏.

2. . AL-Kafi, V. 3, P. 184.

3. .
مَنْ جاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثالِها.

86. The Great Deal

Too often, when something does not go the way we expect, we make the mistake of telling ourselves, “It is not fair. It is not right. When that changes, when it improves, then I will have a better attitude.” No, you should make the first move. You do your part and God will do His part. Almighty God says,

“For those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways, and God is indeed with the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 29:69)1

Quit worrying about God changing another person, and allow God to change you first.

Is there something you are letting overwhelm you? Maybe you think it is too much. Why do not you get up every morning and make this simple declaration, “God, I want to thank You that I can handle anything that comes my way today. I can handle difficult situations. I can handle getting stuck in a bad business. I can handle my plans not working out. Lord, thank You that I will have a good attitude wherever I am.”

Decide ahead of time that you are going to stay in an attitude of faith and expectancy. Choose to clothe yourself with mercy, kindness, humbleness, gentleness and patience. Choose God’s ways and let Him order your steps all the days of your life. Choose to strive in the way of God.

“O you who have faith! Shall I show you a deal that will deliver you from a painful punishment? Have faith in God and His Apostle, and strive in the way of God with your possessions and your persons. That is better for you, should you know. He shall forgive you your sins and admit you into gardens with streams running in them, and into good dwellings in the Gardens of Eden. That is the great success”. (Qur’an; 61: 10-12)2

1. .
وَ الَّذينَ جاهَدُوا فينا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنين.

2. .
يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلى‏ تِجارَةٍ تُنْجيكُمْ مِنْ عَذابٍ أَليم .تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَ رَسُولِهِ وَ تجَُاهِدُونَ فىِ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِكمُ‏ْ وَ أَنفُسِكُمْ ذَالِكمُ‏ْ خَيرٌْ لَّكمُ‏ْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ. يَغْفِرْ لَكمُ‏ْ ذُنُوبَكمُ‏ْ وَ يُدْخِلْكمُ‏ْ جَنَّاتٍ تجَْرِى مِن تحَْتهَِا الْأَنهَْارُ وَ مَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فىِ جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ذَالِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيم‏.

87. There Is Still A Full Life

Your life is not over because you had a setback. God has an “after this” in your future. He says,

“Do not despair of God’s mercy. Indeed no one despairs of God’s mercy except the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 12:87)1

He has another victory planned. He wants to take you further than you ever dreamed possible.

When you go through tough times, do not be surprised if the enemy whispers in your ear, “You will never be as happy as you used to be. You have seen your best days. This setback is the end of you.” No, let that go in one ear and out the other. The Qur’an says,

“Satan frightens you of poverty and prompts you to commit indecent acts. But God promises you His forgiveness and grace, and God is all-bounteous, all-knowing”. (Qur’an; 2:268)2

God is saying to you, “After the bad break, after the disappointment, after the pain, there is still a full life.”

Know that you have not laughed your best laugh. You have not dreamed your best dream. If you will stay in faith and not get bitter, God has an “after this” in your future. He told us,

“O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of God. Indeed God will forgive all sins. Indeed He is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)3

He is not only going to bring you out, He is going to bring you out better than you were before.

“Those who repent, attain faith, and act righteously. For such, God will replace their misdeeds with good deeds, and God is all-forgiving, all-merciful”. (Qur’an; 25:70)4

Just repent and trust Almighty God then be sure that you are rising higher. You are coming out stronger. You are more prepared for your future. You are better equipped and empowered to fulfill the destiny God have prepared for you.

1. .
وَ لا تَيْأَسُوا مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ لا يَيْأَسُ مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ الْقَوْمُ الْكافِرُون .

2. .
الشَّيْطانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشاءِ وَ اللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَ فَضْلاً وَ اللَّهُ واسِعٌ عَليم.

3. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

4. .
مَنْ تابَ وَ آمَنَ وَ عَمِلَ عَمَلاً صالِحاً فَأُوْلئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئاتِهِمْ حَسَناتٍ وَ كانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَحيماً.

88. Tests

We should know that we are not going to be promoted without first passing the test. Every test is an opportunity to come up higher. God says in the Qur’an,

“We will surely test you with a measure of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; and give good news to the patient”. (Qur’an; 2:155)1

We may have many problems in our life. We may face some disasters, some afflictions. But we know it is only a test of our faith, so we stay for the joy. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “Verily when God, the Mighty, the Great, loves a servant, He immerses him in tribulation thorough immersing”.2 He also said, “The world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the unbeliever”.3

Instead of trying to change the circumstances, why do not you change yourself? The question is not “do you have problem?”. The question is “does the problem have you? Are you worried? Are you upset?”.

Keep your peace and start passing this test. Say, “I know that God wants to refine and purify me. Therefore, I control myself”. Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “The believer is but like the scale of a balance; the more his faith increases, the more his trouble increases”.4 Even, there is in the Bible, “Blessed is the man that preserves under trial, because when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor’s crown of life”.5 So we have to pass the tests and know that God wants something better for us as He loves us.

1. .
وَ لَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَ الْجُوعِ وَ نَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوالِ وَ الْأَنْفُسِ وَ الثَّمَراتِ وَ بَشِّرِ الصَّابِرين .

2. . Al-Khisal, V. 1, P. 18.

3. . Nahj al-Fasaha, P. 488.

4. . Al-Kafi, V. 2, P. 254.

5. . James, 1:12.

89. Trust And Rest

Almighty God promises that there are set times in our future, but He does not tell us when they will be. Your set time may be tomorrow morning. You will get the phone call you have been waiting for. Your set time may be two years from now. You will get a good break that will thrust you to a new level. God Almighty says,

“Anyone who reverences God, He will create an exit for him, and He will provide for him whence he never expected. Anyone who puts his trust in God, He suffices him. God’s commands will be done. God has decreed for everything its fate”. (Qur’an; 65: 2-3)1

My question is, “Do you trust God enough to believe your set times are coming?” Are you willing to wait with a good attitude? Are you willing to get a new perspective?

Remember, that set time is already in your future. Do not let the negative thoughts talk you out of it. The way you know that you really believe is when you have rest on the inside; when you are at peace; when you know the answer is on the way; when you trust that God is working things out. So,

“put your trust in God. God is enough for your trust”. (Qur’an; 33:48)2

When you choose to trust God, you enter into rest. When you put your faith and hope in Him, you will know that your set time of favor is on the way. So pray to your Lord and say,

“I leave my affair to God; God is the Seer of the servants”. (Qur’an; 40:44)3

1. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مَخْرَجا. وَ يَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لا يَحْتَسِبُ وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكلُ‏ِّ شىَ‏ْءٍ قَدْرًا.

2. .
وَ تَوَكَّلْ عَلىَ اللَّهِ وَ كَفَى‏ بِاللَّهِ وَكِيلا.

3. .
أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِباد.

90. Upper Hand

When David faced Goliath, in the natural, all he had was a slingshot and five smooth stones. It looked insignificant and ordinary, nothing special. But God breathed on it, and he defeated Goliath and became the king of Israel. The Qur’an says,

“Those who were certain they will encounter God said, “How many a small party has overcome a larger party by God’s will! And God is with the patient. They routed them with God’s will, and David killed Goliath, and God gave him the kingdom and wisdom, and taught him whatever He liked”. (Qur’an; 2: 249-251)1

All Moses had was an ordinary stick, something he found on the ground. God asked him,

“Moses, what is that in your right hand”? (Qur’an; 20:17)2

He answered, “It is my staff. I lean upon it, and with it I beat down leaves for my sheep; and I have other uses for it”. God said,

“Moses, throw it down”. (Qur’an; 20:19)3

So, he threw it down, and behold, it was a snake moving swiftly. In another place, when he picked it up and held that rod in the air, the Red Sea supernaturally parted. All these happened with an ordinary stick.

I want to tell you, do not underestimate what you have. It may look small and insignificant. Compared to what you are facing, it seems impossible. But when God breathes on your life, the odds dramatically change. So you should stay open and close to Him; keep expecting and watch Him do something extraordinary in your life! “Do not weaken or grieve: you shall have the upper hand, should you be faithful”. (Qur’an; 3:139)4

1. .
قالَ الَّذينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُمْ مُلاقُوا اللَّهِ كَمْ مِنْ فِئَةٍ قَليلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَ اللَّهُ مَعَ الصَّابِرينَ . وَ لَمَّا بَرَزُواْ لِجَالُوتَ وَ جُنُودِهِ قَالُواْ رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبرًْا وَ ثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَ انصُرْنَا عَلىَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَفِرِينَ. فَهَزَمُوهُم بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ وَ قَتَلَ دَاوُدُ جَالُوتَ وَ ءَاتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ وَ الحِْكْمَةَ وَ عَلَّمَهُ مِمَّا يَشَاء.

2. .
وَ ما تِلْكَ بِيَمينِكَ يا مُوسى .

3. .
قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَمُوسى .

4. .
وَ لا تَهِنُوا وَ لا تَحْزَنُوا وَ أَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنين.

91. Victory

In the Qur’an, it says that God did not permit Muslims to fight against pagans because they were not prepared for war. God knew that if He would have allowed them to fight too quickly, they would have been easily defeated. Their enemies were much bigger and much more experienced. I am sure they prayed many times, “God, we are uncomfortable here in Mecca. We are hot. We are tired. When is God’s victory?” However, God did not answer that prayer, not because He was trying to make their lives miserable, but because He knew what was up in front of them. He had to prepare them to step into the fullness of their destiny. Then in a right time, He permitted them to fight, and said, “It is permitted for those who have been persecuted to fight. And God is able to give them victory”. (Qur’an; 22:39)1

In the same way, God has already laid out the plan for your life. He knows exactly what you need and when you need it as He said in the Qur’an, “My Lord knows every word spoken in the sky and the earth, and He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing”. (Qur’an; 21:4)2

If you are in a difficult situation that is taking longer than you had hoped, know that God is preparing you. He is strengthening you. Stay in faith and keep praising Him. Trust in God even in the difficult times knowing that He is preparing you for the promises in your future. Put your trust in God. He is the best Lord , the best supporter and the best friend. And He is enough for you.

1. .
أُذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقَتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُواْ وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلىَ‏ نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِير.

2. .
قَالَ رَبىّ‏ِ يَعْلَمُ الْقَوْلَ فىِ السَّمَاءِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيم‏.

92. Wrong Friends

Do you ever get around a certain person and feel uneasiness or unrest? Something inside says, “Stay away. That is trouble.” This is what the Holy Qur’an warning you,

“And that day the wrongdoer will bite on his hand and say, “I wish I did not take so and so as a friend! He has misguided me from the remembrance”. (Qur’an; 25: 27-29)1

It may be small, but it can keep you from a big heartache. You might say, “Well, if I do not hang out with them, I may not have any friends.” No, God will give you new friends. He will give you better friends. The key is, “if you do not let go of the wrong people, the right people will not show up.” This is not talking about a relationship already committed in marriage, but relationships outside of marriage. God does not force us to let go of wrong relationships. He has given us our own freewill. But when God asks you to give something up, He is never trying to take something away. He is trying to get something better to you. As we obey Him, we grow and mature which opens the door for more of His blessings and favor. He Almighty says,

“Anyone who reverences and obeys God (and is wary of Him), He makes everything easy for him”. (Qur’an; 65:4)2

Remember, bad company corrupts good character. Let go of friends or influences that you know are dragging you down. Trust God to bring the right people and connections across your path. Let go of wrong relationships and move forward in the blessing He has prepared for you. And remember:

“Anyone who puts his trust in God, then He suffices him. God’s commands will be done. God has decreed for everything its fate”. (Qur’an; 65:3)3

1. .
يَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلىَ‏ يَدَيْهِ يَقُول ... يا وَيْلَتى‏ لَيْتَني‏ لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلاناً خَليلا. لَقَدْ أَضَلَّني‏ عَنِ الذِّكْرِ.

2. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرا.

3. .
وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكلُ‏ِّ شىَ‏ْءٍ قَدْرًا.

93. When It Is Your Time

When it is your time to be promoted, healed, or restored, God does not go check with your friends, your neighbors, or your co-workers. He does not need anyone or anything to achieve His goals. Just like with Mary, He says, I can make it happen without a man. He the Almighty says,

“Say, “Nothing will befall us except what God has ordained for us. He is our master, and in God let all the faithful put their trust”. (Qur’an; 9:51)1

Instead of considering your circumstances today, why do not you consider your God? He is the all-powerful Creator of the universe. The dream He has placed in your heart may seem impossible, it may look too big, but do not overanalyze it and try to reason it all out. Follow Mary’s example. Dare to say, “God, I do not see a way, but I know You have a way. Let it happen to me according to Your Word”.

When thoughts come saying, “It is too late; it is impossible”, learn to ignore them. That may be one report, but remember, God has another report. He always has an option we cannot see. He is saying today, “Every promise I have spoken over you, every dream I have placed in your heart, I will bring it to pass”. Receive His Word by faith and trust that He is working behind the scenes. The Qur’an says,

“Say, God is sufficient for me. In Him let all the trusting put their trust”. (Qur’an; 39:38)2

Therefore, when you are a servant and a child of Almighty God, it does not matter who you know or where you have been. Know that He can make it happen without any help.

1. .
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَانَا وَ عَلىَ اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُون‏ .

2. .
قُلْ حَسْبىِ‏َ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ يَتَوَكَّلُ الْمُتَوَكلُِّون‏ .

94. Without Any Reckoning

The Qur’an says,

“God provides whomever He wishes without any reckoning.” (Qur’an; 3:37)1

But often, we look at our situations and think, “I will never get ahead. I am so far in debt, I will never get out.” No, His blessing is not according to what you have; it is according to what He has. God will supply our needs according to His riches. The good news is that

“God is all-sufficient, all-laudable.” (Qur’an; 2:267)2

He owns it all. One touch of God’s favor can blast you out of barely enough and put you into more than enough. God has ways to increase you beyond your normal income, beyond your salary and beyond what’s predictable.

Now quit telling yourself, “This is all I will ever have. I will never make it.” Let go of the past and choose to have an abundance mentality. Declare, “This is not where I am staying. I am blessed. I am prosperous. I am headed to overflow; I am headed to the land of more than enough according to His riches in glory!”

Almighty God can change the situation immediately as He did for Zachariah.

“Then the angels called out to him, as he stood praying in the sanctuary: “God gives you the good news of John, as a confirmer of a Word of God, eminent and chaste, a prophet, among the righteous.” He said, “My Lord, how shall I have a son while old age has overtaken me and my wife is barren?” He said, “So it is that God does whatever He wishes”. (Qur’an; 3: 39-40)3

Therefore, ask your Lord hopefully and be patient. Thank Him for His unconditional love and grace toward you. Thank Him for being faithful even when you fall short.

Today choose to rise up and believe that Almighty God is blessing you according to His riches in glory.

1. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَرْزُقُ مَنْ يَشاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِساب.

2. .
أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنىِ‏ٌّ حَمِيد.

3. .
فَنادَتْهُ الْمَلائِكَةُ وَ هُوَ قائِمٌ يُصَلِّي فِي الْمِحْرابِ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيى‏ مُصَدِّقاً بِكَلِمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَ سَيِّداً وَ حَصُوراً وَ نَبِيًّا مِنَ الصَّالِحين. قالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لي‏ غُلامٌ وَ قَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَ امْرَأَتي‏ عاقِرٌ قالَ كَذلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ ما يَشاء.

95. Walk In Love

God’s desire is to see you grow and increase in every area of your life — especially in your love for others. That is because love is the greatest thing, and it is all that matters in eternity. At the end of the day, at the end of our lives here on earth, love is what will last forever.

The sign of faith is the love of the servants of God. Believers love others.

“They love those who migrate toward them, and do not find in their breasts any need for that which is given to them, but prefer others to themselves, even when they themselves need what they give away. Indeed, those who overcome their desires and are protected form their selfishness are the successful ones.” (Qur’an; 59:9)1

Notice that this verse tells us that love is not just about our words or thoughts; it is about our actions. Love is about reaching out and meeting the needs of others. Love and faith are connected. Love is not about feelings and emotions; it is about the choice to treat people the way God tells us to in His Word. The more we know Him, the more we know His Word, the more we will walk in love. We should love those who Almighty God loves and we must try to be among them.

“God loves the virtuous”. (Qur’an; 2:195)2

“God loves the repenters and He loves the cleansed”. (Quran; 2:222)3

“God loves the righteous”. (Qur’an; 3:76)4

“God loves the patient ones”. (Qur’an; 3:146)5

“God loves those who trust in Him”. (Qur’an; 3:159)6

“God loves those who are just”. (Qur’an; 5:42)7

Today pray that your love continue to grow and build a solid foundation for your faith. However, be careful and think about these verses:

“O you who believe, do not take you fathers nor brothers as allies if they prefer rejection to belief. Whoever of you takes them as such, then these are the wicked. Say, “If your fathers, and your sons, and your brothers, and your wives, and your clan, and money which you have gathered, and a trade which you would fear if it declines, and homes which you find pleasing; if these are dearer to you than God and His messenger and striving in the cause of God, then wait until God brings His decision. God does not guide the wicked people”. (Qur’an; 9: 23-24) 8

1. .
وَ يُؤْثِرُونَ عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَ لَوْ كانَ بِهِمْ خَصاصَةٌ وَ مَنْ يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُون .

2. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنين.

3. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابينَ وَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرين .

4. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِين‏.

5. .
وَ اللَّهُ يحُِبُّ الصَّابرِِين‏ .

6. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يحُِبُّ الْمُتَوَكلِِّين.

7. .
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يحُِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِين. ‏

8. .
يَأَيهَُّا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّخِذُواْ ءَابَاءَكُمْ وَ إِخْوَانَكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ إِنِ اسْتَحَبُّواْ الْكُفْرَ عَلىَ الْايمَنِ وَ مَن يَتَوَلَّهُم مِّنكُمْ فَأُوْلَئكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ. قُلْ إِن كاَنَ ءَابَاؤُكُمْ وَ أَبْنَاؤُكُمْ وَ إِخْوَانُكُمْ وَ أَزْوَاجُكمُ‏ْ وَ عَشِيرَتُكمُ‏ْ وَ أَمْوَالٌ اقْترََفْتُمُوهَا وَ تجَِرَةٌ تخَْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَ مَسَاكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَا أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَ رَسُولِهِ وَ جِهَادٍ فىِ سَبِيلِهِ فَترََبَّصُواْ حَتىَ‏ يَأْتىِ‏َ اللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِ وَ اللَّهُ لَا يهَْدِى الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِين‏ .

96. You Are Not An Accident

When you make a mistake, unfortunately, the critics and naysayers come out of the woodwork. People will tell you, “You are all washed up. It is too late.” If you wear that label, it will keep you from the amazing future God has in store. However, God Almighty says,

“Inform my servants that I am indeed the All-forgiving, the All-merciful”. (Qur’an; 15:49)1

He says,

“For those who repent and amend and make clear; I will accept their repentance, for I am the One who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful”. (Qur’an; 2:160)2

“O My servants who transgressed against themselves, do not despair of God's mercy. For God forgives all sins. He is the Forgiver, the Merciful”. (Qur’an; 39:53)3

God Almighty can still get you to your destiny. You would not be alive unless God had another victory in your future. Why do not you take off the “washed up” label? Take off the “failure,” “guilty,” “condemned” labels and put on some new labels: redeemed, restored, forgiven, bright future, new beginning.

Always remember, you have been made in the image of Almighty God. God did not make any mistakes. He is the

“One who perfected everything”. (Qur’an; 32:7)4

You are the perfect size. You have the right personality, the right gifts, the right looks, and the right skin color. God created you and said,

“So glory be to God, the best of creators”. (Qur’an; 23:14)5

You are not an accident. You did not leave neglected.6 God designed you precisely for the race that is laid out for you. You are fully equipped for this life.

Know that His mercy is greater than any mistake you could make. Embrace the truth and the victory He has in store for your future! Just think about your duty and put your trust in God Almighty.

1. .
نَبئّ‏ِْ عِبَادِى أَنىّ‏ِ أَنَا الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيم‏.

2. .
إِلاَّ الَّذينَ تابُوا وَ أَصْلَحُوا وَ بَيَّنُوا فَأُولئِكَ أَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ أَنَا التَّوَّابُ الرَّحيم.

3. .
قُلْ يا عِبادِيَ الَّذينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلى‏ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَميعاً إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحيم.

4. .
الَّذي أَحْسَنَ كُلَّ شَيْ‏ءٍ خَلَقَهُ.

5. .
فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الخَْالِقِين.

6. . Allusion to the Qur’an; 75:36.
أَ يحَْسَبُ الْانسَانُ أَن يُترَْكَ سُدى‏ ‏ .

97. Your Day

Today is your day. This could be the day you get your miracle; the day you meet the person of your dreams. The day your child returns home. The day … . That is how you stay enthusiastic; even in tough time, you stay filled with hope.

No matter what you have been through, no matter whose fault it was, no matter how impossible your situation may look, the good news is that God wants to turn it around and restore what has been stolen from you. Most of all, He wants to restore your relationship with Him.

God does not want you simply to feel a little better for a few days. No, God is in the long-term restoration business. He does not want you simply to survive that marriage. He wants to turn it around and restore to you a strong, healthy relationship. God does not want your business, to merely make it through the murky economic waters. He wants your business to excel!

Start expecting things to change in your favor. It is your faith that activates the power of God. Remember, if you obey God and are willing to trust Him, you will have the best this life has to offer and more. You can start living your best life now. Almighty God says,

“Whoever acts righteously, whether male or female, should he be faithful, We shall revive him with a good life and pay them their reward by the best of what they used to do”. (Qur’an; 16:97)1

1. .
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثىَ‏ وَ هُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَوةً طَيِّبَةً وَ لَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُون‏ .

98. You Are On Assignment

God has an assignment for you that nobody else can fulfill. God wants you. He wants your gifts, your smile, your love, your passion. You are a part of His divine plan. He says,

“Your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed I am going to set a viceroy on the earth”. (Qur’an, 2:30)1

You have something to offer nobody else can offer. Nobody has your exact personality, your exact looks. There is something unique about you. Almighty God says in the Qur’an,

“We have offered the trust to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were fearful of it. But the human being accepted it”. (Qur’an; 33:72)2

Do not wear that “average” label. If you think you are average, then you will be average. If you think you are ordinary, then you will live an ordinary, “get by life” and never do anything great. The truth is “there is nothing ordinary about you. You have the fingerprints of God all over you. The Creator of the universe breathed from His spirit into you.”3

He crowned you with His favor. You have royal blood flowing through your veins. You have a destiny to fulfill, something greater than you have ever even imagined.

“He wants you to strive in the cause of God its truly deserved striving. He has chosen you and has not placed before you any obstacle in the religion”. (Qur’an; 22:78)4

So, embrace His truth; embrace His love and embrace the blessings He has in store for your future! Pray every day and say, “O my lord, thank You for equipping me and choosing me to be Your ambassador on earth. Help me to be Your light and use my gifts and talents to lead others to know You”.

1. .
وَ إِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَئكَةِ إِنىّ‏ِ جَاعِلٌ فىِ الْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً. ‏

2. .
إِنَّا عَرَضْنَا الْأَمانَةَ عَلَى السَّماواتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَ الْجِبالِ فَأَبَيْنَ أَنْ يَحْمِلْنَها وَ أَشْفَقْنَ مِنْها وَ حَمَلَهَا الْإِنْسانُ .

3. . Allusion to the Qur’an; 38:72.
وَ نَفَخْتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِى .

4. .
وَ جاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهادِهِ هُوَ اجْتَباكُمْ وَ ما جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَج ٍ.

99. Zachariah

In the Qur’an, God Almighty promised Zachariah (peace be upon him) that he was going to have a child. At first, he did not believe it. He thought he was too old. He thought his time had passed. But do you know what God said to him? He simply asked Zachariah, is there anything too hard for the Lord.

“O Zachariah, We give you glad tidings of a son whose name is John … He said, My Lord, how can I have a son when my wife is infertile, and I have reached a very old age? He said, It is such that your Lord Has said. It is an easy thing for Me”. (Qur’an; 19: 7-9)1

I believe God is saying the same thing to us every day. “Is there anything too hard for Me?”

Do you think your dreams are too big for God to bring to pass? Do you think that a relationship is too far gone for God to restore it? Do you think you have to just live with sickness the rest of your life? Get a new vision now because there is nothing too hard for God. God says fifty two times:

“God is capable of all things”. (Qur’an; 3:189)2

It does not matter what things look like in the natural; we serve a supernatural God.

“God Has full power over matters, but most of mankind do not know”. (Qur’an; 12:21)3

So choose to trust God with your whole heart. Know that there is nothing too hard for Him. Know that He has a good plan for you and ask Him to help you to stand strong in this belief.

1. .
يَازَكَرِيَّا إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَمٍ اسْمُهُ يحَْيىَ‏ لَمْ نجَْعَل لَّهُ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا. قالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لي‏ غُلامٌ وَ كانَتِ امْرَأَتي‏ عاقِراً وَ قَدْ بَلَغْتُ مِنَ الْكِبَرِ عِتِيًّا.قالَ كَذلِكَ قالَ رَبُّكَ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَ قَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَ لَمْ تَكُ شَيْئا.

2. .
وَ اللَّهُ عَلى‏ كُلِّ شَيْ‏ءٍ قَدير.

3. .
وَ اللَّهُ غالِبٌ عَلى‏ أَمْرِهِ وَ لكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لا يَعْلَمُون .

100. Our Lord!

“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the Fire”. (Qur’an; 2:201)1

“Our Lord! Pour patience upon us, make our feet steady, and assist us against the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 2:250)2

“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or make mistakes! Our Lord! Place not upon us a burden as You placed on those who were before us! Our Lord! Lay not upon us what we have no strength to bear! Excuse us and forgive us, and be merciful to us! You are our Master, so help us against the faithless lot”. (Qur’an; 2:286)3

“Our Lord! Do not make our hearts swerve after You have guided us, and bestow Your mercy on us. Indeed You are the All-munificent”. (Qur’an; 3:8)4

“Our Lord! We have indeed heard a summoner calling to faith, declaring, “Have faith in your Lord!” So we believed. Our Lord, forgive us our sins and absolve us of our misdeeds, and make us die with the pious. Our Lord, give us what You have promised us through Your apostles, and do not disgrace us on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed You do not break Your promise”. (Qur’an; 3: 193-194)5

“Our Lord! Accept my supplication. Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and all the faithful, on the day when the reckoning is held”. (Qur’an; 14:41)6

“Our Lord! Grant us comfort in our spouses and descendants, and make us imams of the righteous”. (Qur’an; 25:74)7

“Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us to the faith, and keep our hearts from having any hatred towards those who believed. Our Lord, You are indeed most compassionate, merciful”. (Qur’an; 59:10)8

And the end of our prayer is:

“Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds!”

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you

and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you His favor

and give you His peace.

1. .
رَبَّنَا ءَاتِنَا فىِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فىِ الاَْخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَ قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّار.

2. .
رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبرًْا وَ ثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَ انصُرْنَا عَلىَ الْقَوْمِ الْكَفِرِين‏ .

3. .
رَبَّنا لا تُؤاخِذْنا إِنْ نَسينا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنا رَبَّنا وَ لا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنا إِصْراً كَما حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنا رَبَّنا وَ لا تُحَمِّلْنا ما لا طاقَةَ لَنا بِهِ وَ اعْفُ عَنَّا وَ اغْفِرْ لَنا وَ ارْحَمْنا أَنْتَ مَوْلانا فَانْصُرْنا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكافِرين .

4. .
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَ هَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّاب‏.

5. .
رَّبَّنَا إِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِيًا يُنَادِى لِلْايمَنِ أَنْ ءَامِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمْ فََامَنَّا رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَ كَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيَِّاتِنَا وَ تَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الْأَبْرَارِ. رَبَّنَا وَ ءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلىَ‏ رُسُلِكَ وَ لَا تخُْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِنَّكَ لَا تخُْلِفُ المِْيعَاد.

6. .
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لىِ وَ لِوَالِدَىَّ وَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَاب‏.

7. .
رَبَّنا هَبْ لَنا مِنْ أَزْواجِنا وَ ذُرِّيَّاتِنا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَ اجْعَلْنا لِلْمُتَّقينَ إِماما.

8. .
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا وَ لِاخْوَانِنَا الَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِالْايمَانِ وَ لَا تجَْعَلْ فىِ قُلُوبِنَا غِلاًّ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيم‏.

Topic Tags:

Self Development [5]

Author(s):

Abolfazl Sabouri [1]

Source URL: https://www.al-islam.org/noble-words-abolfazl-sabouri

Links
[1] https://www.al-islam.org/person/abolfazl-sabouri
[2] https://www.al-islam.org/printpdf/book/export/html/104219
[3] https://www.al-islam.org/printepub/book/export/html/104219
[4] https://www.al-islam.org/printmobi/book/export/html/104219
[5] https://www.al-islam.org/tags/self-development