Bismillah
I’m always so nervous whenever I find myself in a sacred month. The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth specifically selected four months in the year and called them sacred. This is no light matter!
The month we are in currently is the first of three consecutive sacred months (Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijah and Muharram).
Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein, …..
Surah at-tawbah, 36
This is a command from my Rabb, asking His creation not to wrong themselves especially during the sacred months. Disobedience is a more serious offence during these four sacred months. This command and warning from our Lord remind us to watch out and be careful. Thus, we really have to pray for protection.
Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi wa Salaam, in a beautiful hadith on strength, teaches us to seek the help of Allah Azza Wajal.
The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, though both are good. Hasten to what benefits you, seeking Allah’s help, and do not feel defeated. If some misfortune befalls you, do not say: “If only I had done such-and-such…” (Muslim)
The name of Allah Azza Wajal Al Qawiyyu, the Most Strong is a name we can use to call on Allah for strength, whether it is spiritual and/or physical strength.
What we should understand however, is that true strength has nothing to do with numbers, size or weight.
It is an illusion to think that we are strong or that so and so is strong. No one is strong, no one is a source of strength, no one has power to do anything except with the aid and permission of Allah Azza Wajal. An ant can carry at least 15 times her weight not because she is big, but because Allah Azza Wajal gives her the strength to carry such heavy loads. Similarly, the Muslims at the time of Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi wa salaam, never won a battle because of their strength or number. It is their reliance on Al Qawiyyu that gave them strength and victory. When they lost sight of that fact at the battle of Hunain, they almost lost the battle.
Truly Allah has given you victory on many battle fields, and on the Day of Hunain (battle) when you rejoiced at your great number but it availed you naught and the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for you, then you turned back in flight.
Surah at-tawbah, 25
All strength comes from Al Qawiyyu. The sooner we realize how weak we are and that our skills, size and numbers mean nothing without the aid of Al Qawiyyu, the sooner we will turn to Al Qawiyyu to face this Dunya. Reliance on Allah is where we find true strength.
This realization is a treasure! SubhannAllah!
Rasulullah Salallahu Alayhi wa Salaam is reported to have said (interpretation): Should I not direct you to a treasure from amongst the treasures of Paradise? I (‘Abdu-Allah b. Qais) said: Allah’s Messenger, do it, of course. Thereupon he (the Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Then recite: “La haul a wala quwwata illa bil-lah” (i.e. There is no might and no power but that of Allah) (Muslim) ”
Saying Laa howla wala quwwata illa billah is a treasure from the treasures of paradise. The thikr “La howla wala quwwata illa billah” also called “Howqala” is a statement which means that there is no power nor might except with Allah Azza Wajal. It means that no one has the ability to make a move or do good or avoid evil except with the help and permission of Allah. This is not a thikr to be said mindlessly. We should connect with its meaning and internalize it. Saying this thikr should lead us to run to Allah Azza Wajal for everything.
We have no ability, no power to do a good deed or stay away from a bad deed.
In this sacred month, let’s remember that fact, as we are striving to avoid sins. Let’s humble ourselves and realize our true status by fully relying on Al Qawiyyu for all strength and safety.
I am weak Ya Qawiyyu, help me to engage in what will benefit me. Strengthen me so I stay away from what will harm me. Preserve me and all my fellow believers from wronging ourselves.
Allahumma Aameen.
PS: Here is an action item for you, reflect on the times you feel you are at your weakest and make du’a and think of ways to avoid these situations to the best of your ability. For some, their weak spot is wrong company. A sister recently started wearing hijab and all her friends are mocking her for it. They are even telling her that they know she will take it off soon. She feels her resolve weakening when she is around them. I told her to call on Al Qawiyyu and to also avoid spending time with people who are not helping her get closer to Allah Azza Wajal. What is it for you? What are your weak spots?
Until the next post in shaa Allah.
And Allah knows best.
Time To Do Good Now 