RAMADAN REMINDER - DAY ONE
How did you find the first night of the blessed month of Ramadan?
Standing in the direction of the Qibla hearing the words of Allah through our ears and felt in the depth of the walls of our hearts and minds?
Think about your short-term and long-term goals this month?
Standing in the direction of the Qibla hearing the words of Allah through our ears and felt in the depth of the walls of our hearts and minds?
Think about your short-term and long-term goals this month?
Please define them and make the intention.
Many were eager to see this Ramadan but couldn't because they have returned to Allah.
No one knows whether we will see next year Subhanallah.
So please see this as a chance for you and me to nourish ourselves with piety and improve ourselves for Allah through remembrance (dhikr), dua, salah, simple acts of kindness and fasting.
Fasting is an act of worship and gratitude to Almighty for the bounties He blessed us with.
Description of Islamic Art
A range of islamic calligraphy styles using markers and felt tips.
The Quranic verse written in Thuluth and Naskh is from Surah Baqarah 2:185
"During the month of Ramadan the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong)."
Prayer and Dua is presented as Ramadan Mubarak in the form of a woman praying.
Dhikr is presented through the Tasbeeh.
Jamaat and unity is presented in the mosque where the flower blossoms.
May Allah grant us guidance through the Quran.
Many were eager to see this Ramadan but couldn't because they have returned to Allah.
No one knows whether we will see next year Subhanallah.
So please see this as a chance for you and me to nourish ourselves with piety and improve ourselves for Allah through remembrance (dhikr), dua, salah, simple acts of kindness and fasting.
Fasting is an act of worship and gratitude to Almighty for the bounties He blessed us with.
Description of Islamic Art
A range of islamic calligraphy styles using markers and felt tips.
The Quranic verse written in Thuluth and Naskh is from Surah Baqarah 2:185
"During the month of Ramadan the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong)."
Prayer and Dua is presented as Ramadan Mubarak in the form of a woman praying.
Dhikr is presented through the Tasbeeh.
Jamaat and unity is presented in the mosque where the flower blossoms.
May Allah grant us guidance through the Quran.
RAMADAN REMINDER - DAY TWO
We are in the first Ashra - the first ten days of Mercy.
This is the moment where we need Allah's mercy just like how we need oxygen.
We all have areas of improvement which we need to self-reflect and take action.
Push yourself FORWARD because the past you cannot change it but you can learn from it. You don't need to be reminded about it unless its something you can turn into something positive TODAY.
NOW is yours to develop and HOPE is what we should intend to think of for the FUTURE iA.
Its all in His hands - The Most Merciful.
Here, I utilized a combination of Muhaqaq to write Bismillah Al Rahman Al Raheem 'In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful'
Naskh to write the follow dua from Surah Al Mumimoon: 118:
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
This is the moment where we need Allah's mercy just like how we need oxygen.
We all have areas of improvement which we need to self-reflect and take action.
Push yourself FORWARD because the past you cannot change it but you can learn from it. You don't need to be reminded about it unless its something you can turn into something positive TODAY.
NOW is yours to develop and HOPE is what we should intend to think of for the FUTURE iA.
Its all in His hands - The Most Merciful.
Here, I utilized a combination of Muhaqaq to write Bismillah Al Rahman Al Raheem 'In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful'
Naskh to write the follow dua from Surah Al Mumimoon: 118:
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
RAMADAN REMINDER - DAY THREE
We are in the third day of the first ten days of Mercy.
Here, with His Grace, a peacock is drawn stating Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) in Arabic calligraphy.
The bird is reciting the follow dua from Surah Al Mumimoon: 118:
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
We all need Allah's Mercy - He is the one who created the heavens and earth and all the living species within it.
During this time, we need to continue to utter the words of Allah. The phrases in His remembrance and keep away from anything that can trigger friction.
A geometric border has also been designed using coloured pencils and represents the beautiful bonding between the Creator with His creation where red is connotating love, green is for sustenance and growth and blue for calm and understanding. Pink is reference to rejoice.
Here, with His Grace, a peacock is drawn stating Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) in Arabic calligraphy.
The bird is reciting the follow dua from Surah Al Mumimoon: 118:
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
We all need Allah's Mercy - He is the one who created the heavens and earth and all the living species within it.
During this time, we need to continue to utter the words of Allah. The phrases in His remembrance and keep away from anything that can trigger friction.
A geometric border has also been designed using coloured pencils and represents the beautiful bonding between the Creator with His creation where red is connotating love, green is for sustenance and growth and blue for calm and understanding. Pink is reference to rejoice.
RAMADAN REMINDER - DAY FOUR
We have reached the first Jummah in the blessed month of Ramadan.
Al-Raheem.
Allah (The Most High) is the Most Merciful who gives His Mercy and Grace to whom He wills. It is written in Thuluth script using pink and purple felt tips.
He gives His bounties to especially people who compassionately perform positive actions.
The root word rahm has several meanings:
- The womb of the mother
- To present goodness
- Protection
- Beneficence
- Kindness
The most amazing reward that is recognised and everlasting is from Allah (The Most High).
Before you do a good act, make the intention it is for Allah and to Allah and whatever you do is for His Sake.
This will prevent any forms of expectations or disappointments from mankind and will allow you to feel contentment because you are relying on Allah.
However, you would need to make the necessary effort besides dua and actions to show Allah you are trying to do good acts for His sake and out of piety (taqwa) so He can bless it further.
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
"And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful"
[Surah Al Shuraah (The Poets): 26:9]
Al-Raheem.
Allah (The Most High) is the Most Merciful who gives His Mercy and Grace to whom He wills. It is written in Thuluth script using pink and purple felt tips.
He gives His bounties to especially people who compassionately perform positive actions.
The root word rahm has several meanings:
- The womb of the mother
- To present goodness
- Protection
- Beneficence
- Kindness
The most amazing reward that is recognised and everlasting is from Allah (The Most High).
Before you do a good act, make the intention it is for Allah and to Allah and whatever you do is for His Sake.
This will prevent any forms of expectations or disappointments from mankind and will allow you to feel contentment because you are relying on Allah.
However, you would need to make the necessary effort besides dua and actions to show Allah you are trying to do good acts for His sake and out of piety (taqwa) so He can bless it further.
وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
"And your Lord is certainly the Almighty, Most Merciful"
[Surah Al Shuraah (The Poets): 26:9]
RAMADAN REMINDER - DAY FIVE
We are half way through the first Ashrah - the ten days of Mercy.
"I am the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful." [Surah Al Baqarah, 2:160]
It is written in sky-blue felt-tip in Thuluth script.
Please reflect on this ayah.
Every second of every minute of every hour of each day - Allah (The Most High) watches us, sees us, hears us, knows what we have in our hearts and everything single thing. Every sin. Intentionally. Unintentionally. Every good deed. Every act we do. Good or Bad.
Now please re-read my previous sentences and just contemplate.
The one who provides us with Mercy each day.
The one who gives us blessings to those who are thankful and those who are not.
He is waiting for us to sincerely repent to Him alone because He does not want us to go Hell-fire.
He is giving us a CHANCE to wake up spritually without the nescafe.
He wants us to recognise our sins, know why they are wrong, turn to Him to repent and to conceal our sins.
No matter how many times you fall down and do the same sin, pick yourself up
and repent.
Don't wait till your minutes from death to repent.
Remember the Pharoah.
Allah sent messengers to him. Warnings. Signs but he ignored them and listened to the shaytan. He had so much bounties and status but was arrogant.
The doors of repentance where open for him just like the sea.
Allah says:
"And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, “I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims.”
Now? And you had disobeyed [Him] before and were of the corrupters?”
[10: 90-91]
So, please don't delay and seek Allah's mercy!
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
"I am the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful." [Surah Al Baqarah, 2:160]
It is written in sky-blue felt-tip in Thuluth script.
Please reflect on this ayah.
Every second of every minute of every hour of each day - Allah (The Most High) watches us, sees us, hears us, knows what we have in our hearts and everything single thing. Every sin. Intentionally. Unintentionally. Every good deed. Every act we do. Good or Bad.
Now please re-read my previous sentences and just contemplate.
The one who provides us with Mercy each day.
The one who gives us blessings to those who are thankful and those who are not.
He is waiting for us to sincerely repent to Him alone because He does not want us to go Hell-fire.
He is giving us a CHANCE to wake up spritually without the nescafe.
He wants us to recognise our sins, know why they are wrong, turn to Him to repent and to conceal our sins.
No matter how many times you fall down and do the same sin, pick yourself up
and repent.
Don't wait till your minutes from death to repent.
Remember the Pharoah.
Allah sent messengers to him. Warnings. Signs but he ignored them and listened to the shaytan. He had so much bounties and status but was arrogant.
The doors of repentance where open for him just like the sea.
Allah says:
"And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, “I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims.”
Now? And you had disobeyed [Him] before and were of the corrupters?”
[10: 90-91]
So, please don't delay and seek Allah's mercy!
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
Ramadan reminder day 6
Al Rahman Al Raheem (The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful) in Naskh script and border style in markers.
A butterfly cannot fly without Allah's Mercy.
A flower cannot blossom without The Most Gracious.
Amongst the Quranic verses where both names of Allah have been mentioned together is Surah Al-Fatihah (1:2).
Al Rahman and Al Raheem are derived from the word Rahmah meaning mercy.
Al-Rahman has more meanings and consensus than Al-Raheem where the Most Gracious gives mercy to His Creation in both worlds: This life and Hereafter.
A hadith narrated by Abdulrahman ibn Awf (May Allah have mercy upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah said I am Al-Rahman. I created the raham (wombl and derived a name for it from My Name. Hence whoever keeps it, i will keep ties to him, whoever severes it, i will severe ties with him."
[Al Tirmidhi, Tuhfat Al Ahwadhi 6:33]
So, please seek Allah's mercy!
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
In other verses, Al Raheem has been presented where Allah gives a warning and encouragement.
This can be found in the following Quranic verse (6.165)
"Surely, your Lord is swift in retribution and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."
In a hadith related to this, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"If the believer knew what punishment Allah has, none would hope in acquiring His paradise and if the disbeliever knew what mercy Allah hs, none will lose hope of earning His earning."
[Muslim 4:2109]
May Allah give us Mercy and Forgive us Ameen!
A butterfly cannot fly without Allah's Mercy.
A flower cannot blossom without The Most Gracious.
Amongst the Quranic verses where both names of Allah have been mentioned together is Surah Al-Fatihah (1:2).
Al Rahman and Al Raheem are derived from the word Rahmah meaning mercy.
Al-Rahman has more meanings and consensus than Al-Raheem where the Most Gracious gives mercy to His Creation in both worlds: This life and Hereafter.
A hadith narrated by Abdulrahman ibn Awf (May Allah have mercy upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah said I am Al-Rahman. I created the raham (wombl and derived a name for it from My Name. Hence whoever keeps it, i will keep ties to him, whoever severes it, i will severe ties with him."
[Al Tirmidhi, Tuhfat Al Ahwadhi 6:33]
So, please seek Allah's mercy!
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
In other verses, Al Raheem has been presented where Allah gives a warning and encouragement.
This can be found in the following Quranic verse (6.165)
"Surely, your Lord is swift in retribution and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful."
In a hadith related to this, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"If the believer knew what punishment Allah has, none would hope in acquiring His paradise and if the disbeliever knew what mercy Allah hs, none will lose hope of earning His earning."
[Muslim 4:2109]
May Allah give us Mercy and Forgive us Ameen!
Ramadan reminder day 7
“O Allah open to me the doors of your mercy"
Dua for Mercy in Naskh script with basic Arabic patterns around.
Do not underestimate the power of dua to the Almighty Allah.
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
[Surah Baqarah, 186]
He is always there, it is us who drive away from him.
One of the ways of how to maintain relationship/love with Allah is to ask Him for His Mercy and communicate with Him.
Strive hard to make most of the blessed month.
Dua for Mercy in Naskh script with basic Arabic patterns around.
Do not underestimate the power of dua to the Almighty Allah.
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.”
[Surah Baqarah, 186]
He is always there, it is us who drive away from him.
One of the ways of how to maintain relationship/love with Allah is to ask Him for His Mercy and communicate with Him.
Strive hard to make most of the blessed month.
Ramadan reminder day 8
"Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us"
[Quran, Surah Al Imran, 3:8]
This is written in Towqi script using markers and highlighters to put an emphasis of Thabbat or Istiqamah (steadfastness).
Ramadan is where majority of the devils are locked up. We are left to dealing with our own actions and striving our best seeking His mercy, forgiveness and protection from Hell-fire.
In a hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy upon him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.”
[Muslim 2564]
This is not to say we do not care about our appearance for cleanliness is half of our faith according to another hadith.
Now, its important we ask for continuous guidance to maintain our relationship with Allah (The Most High) for when the devils come out again after Ramadan and beyond, we are not influenced.
We as humanity face many distractions and tribulations and when Allah guides us to what is right we ask for steadfastness on the straight path. This requires determination and commitment to reach eternal Paradise when our time is up.
Some Quranic verses are Muhkamat whereas other verses are Mutashabihat. Muhkamat is in reference to clear rules and obligations for everyone. Mutashabihat are verses that are not clear because it has several meanings and need to refer to Muhkamat to understand them.
In this case, it is clear that steadfastness is a requirement and in Surah Baqarah. Allah (The Most High) says:
"O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast."
[Surah Baqarah 2:153]
Conjugating both of these verses reveals the importance of prayer and dua to seek help to maintain our steadfastness.
[Quran, Surah Al Imran, 3:8]
This is written in Towqi script using markers and highlighters to put an emphasis of Thabbat or Istiqamah (steadfastness).
Ramadan is where majority of the devils are locked up. We are left to dealing with our own actions and striving our best seeking His mercy, forgiveness and protection from Hell-fire.
In a hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy upon him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather He looks at your hearts and actions.”
[Muslim 2564]
This is not to say we do not care about our appearance for cleanliness is half of our faith according to another hadith.
Now, its important we ask for continuous guidance to maintain our relationship with Allah (The Most High) for when the devils come out again after Ramadan and beyond, we are not influenced.
We as humanity face many distractions and tribulations and when Allah guides us to what is right we ask for steadfastness on the straight path. This requires determination and commitment to reach eternal Paradise when our time is up.
Some Quranic verses are Muhkamat whereas other verses are Mutashabihat. Muhkamat is in reference to clear rules and obligations for everyone. Mutashabihat are verses that are not clear because it has several meanings and need to refer to Muhkamat to understand them.
In this case, it is clear that steadfastness is a requirement and in Surah Baqarah. Allah (The Most High) says:
"O ye who believe! Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast."
[Surah Baqarah 2:153]
Conjugating both of these verses reveals the importance of prayer and dua to seek help to maintain our steadfastness.
Ramadan day 9
"My success comes only through Allah"
[Quran, Surah Hud, Verse 88]
This is written in Towqi script in multi colours.
Each and every one of us are working inwardly or outwardly or a combination of both towards SUCCESS.
Success are various types, it could be a completing task or it can be related to career, education, relationship or finding what your purpose is.
Some roads are smooth whereas other roads are rocky or it can be slippery where you fall back to pick yourself up and start again
Some have slow pace, others are moderate whereas some are fast.
Some do it alone with Allah whereas some had help from others.
But you just need to take the first step, just like a baby before they can walk, they crawl.
Allah (The Most High) says in Surah Baqarah, verse 2-3, that the Muflihoon are those who have:
Taqwa (piety) in their approach to every act.
So, what is your intention?
What is your aim?
How are you going to achieve it (Objectives)?
Without Allah, you cannot achieve anything.
Without effort, there is no movement.
So we need to pray and believe in ourselves.
Doors of opportunities to succeed in both in this life and Hereafter are readily available.
Contemplating on the Quran will alter your outlook in life.
Ponder whether Allah is happy with you before every act you do inshaAllah because our faith defines our true success.
[Quran, Surah Hud, Verse 88]
This is written in Towqi script in multi colours.
Each and every one of us are working inwardly or outwardly or a combination of both towards SUCCESS.
Success are various types, it could be a completing task or it can be related to career, education, relationship or finding what your purpose is.
Some roads are smooth whereas other roads are rocky or it can be slippery where you fall back to pick yourself up and start again
Some have slow pace, others are moderate whereas some are fast.
Some do it alone with Allah whereas some had help from others.
But you just need to take the first step, just like a baby before they can walk, they crawl.
Allah (The Most High) says in Surah Baqarah, verse 2-3, that the Muflihoon are those who have:
Taqwa (piety) in their approach to every act.
So, what is your intention?
What is your aim?
How are you going to achieve it (Objectives)?
Without Allah, you cannot achieve anything.
Without effort, there is no movement.
So we need to pray and believe in ourselves.
Doors of opportunities to succeed in both in this life and Hereafter are readily available.
Contemplating on the Quran will alter your outlook in life.
Ponder whether Allah is happy with you before every act you do inshaAllah because our faith defines our true success.
RAMADAN DAY 10
We have reached the last day of the last ten days of Mercy.
To represent this, a bird says bismillah surrounded by a combination of various flowers.
Fly to seek Allah's Mercy to grow like a flower with strong stems, leaves and roots that anchor the ground.
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
To represent this, a bird says bismillah surrounded by a combination of various flowers.
Fly to seek Allah's Mercy to grow like a flower with strong stems, leaves and roots that anchor the ground.
Rabi ighfir wa arham wa anta khayr Al Rahimeen
'My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'
Ramadan day 11
We have reached the first day of the second ashra.
The second ashra is the ten days of forgiveness
The second ashra is written in Diwani script.Forgiveness is written in Baskh script. Felt tips were used to create this piece.
What is forgiveness?
When we seek Allah's forgiveness it is asking Allah to forgive the sins we have committed and promising yourself and Allah that you will not commit it again.
What is a promise?
A promise is an agreement that is kept between one another and no third party is away of it. It is something you either stop doing based on agreement or continue to do based on agreement.
Now this is a weakness of every individual depending on what has been done.
However, you need to keep reminding yourself that if you want Allah to forgive, you need to forgive others for you and your well-being.
It doesn't mean that you can start fresh like nothing happened but to deal with hikma (wisdom) and reasoning where your mind and heart has nothing against anyone but still maintain a good consciousness and initiative. Speak and treat them with goodness without bringing up the past. 'Remember you did this or remember you did that' should be avoidable. Just learn from it. Its a learning curve.
Forgiveness is a virtue and is encouraged, however, it is not a rule or obligation but is a way of cleansing the heart.
What is the dua to recite?
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
The second ashra is the ten days of forgiveness
The second ashra is written in Diwani script.Forgiveness is written in Baskh script. Felt tips were used to create this piece.
What is forgiveness?
When we seek Allah's forgiveness it is asking Allah to forgive the sins we have committed and promising yourself and Allah that you will not commit it again.
What is a promise?
A promise is an agreement that is kept between one another and no third party is away of it. It is something you either stop doing based on agreement or continue to do based on agreement.
Now this is a weakness of every individual depending on what has been done.
However, you need to keep reminding yourself that if you want Allah to forgive, you need to forgive others for you and your well-being.
It doesn't mean that you can start fresh like nothing happened but to deal with hikma (wisdom) and reasoning where your mind and heart has nothing against anyone but still maintain a good consciousness and initiative. Speak and treat them with goodness without bringing up the past. 'Remember you did this or remember you did that' should be avoidable. Just learn from it. Its a learning curve.
Forgiveness is a virtue and is encouraged, however, it is not a rule or obligation but is a way of cleansing the heart.
What is the dua to recite?
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
RAMADAN DAY 12
A gentle reminder of the dua (supplication) for the second ashra
It is written in Naskh script.
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
It is written in Naskh script.
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
Ramadan day 13
As muslims and as part of humanity, we need to strive to earn the pleasure of Allah (The Most High).
One of the ways is to do Istighfar for our known and unknown sins that stop us from earning the pleasure of Allah (The Most High).
A weakness in the ummah today, is we are too focused on other people's sins and not of our own.
We all need Istighfar no matter who you are even the Prophets (peace be upon them) and Sahaba (may Allah have mercy upon them) seeked istighfaar.
We are all the servants of Allah. What unites us is the Quran and Sunnah.
Dua for Istighfaar:
It is written in Naskh script where coloured pencils and feltips were utilized. Basic borders of swirls are present.
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
Ramadan reminders Available from: http://www.hafsaabbas.com/season-8.html
One of the ways is to do Istighfar for our known and unknown sins that stop us from earning the pleasure of Allah (The Most High).
A weakness in the ummah today, is we are too focused on other people's sins and not of our own.
We all need Istighfar no matter who you are even the Prophets (peace be upon them) and Sahaba (may Allah have mercy upon them) seeked istighfaar.
We are all the servants of Allah. What unites us is the Quran and Sunnah.
Dua for Istighfaar:
It is written in Naskh script where coloured pencils and feltips were utilized. Basic borders of swirls are present.
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
Ramadan reminders Available from: http://www.hafsaabbas.com/season-8.html
Ramadan day 14
Al Tawwab is written in Thuluth using coloured pencils and markers besides a large pink flower.
Al Tawwab is one of the 99 names of Allah (The Most High).
It means the One who accepts repentence for those who return to Him.
In the Quran, Allah (The Most High) states:
“And it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.” [Qur’an, 42:25]
“Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and receives charities and that it is Allah who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful?”
[Qur’an, 9:104]
No matter how many sins we do intentionally and unintentionally.
No matter what level of our faith is at.
Seek Tawbah and Istighfar. It is for everyone
Turn to Allah. We all need Allah.
Take the first step.
Al Tawwab is one of the 99 names of Allah (The Most High).
It means the One who accepts repentence for those who return to Him.
In the Quran, Allah (The Most High) states:
“And it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.” [Qur’an, 42:25]
“Do they not know that it is Allah who accepts repentance from His servants and receives charities and that it is Allah who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful?”
[Qur’an, 9:104]
No matter how many sins we do intentionally and unintentionally.
No matter what level of our faith is at.
Seek Tawbah and Istighfar. It is for everyone
Turn to Allah. We all need Allah.
Take the first step.
RAMADAN DAY 15
Al Tawwab is written in Kuffi using a black marker.
We are half way through Ramadan.
Reflect how the past 15 days were like?
What have you done to help make the most of Ramadan?
How did you help you?
How did you help others?
What could you do to improve further?
Be like a horse that moves along the tracks.
Repent.
In order to achieve repentance from Allah (The Most High).
1) We need to feel regretful for our wrongdoing. The feelings inside our hearts and minds.
2) Repent, seek repentance through dua:
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
3) Replace it by performing good deeds or maintain the good deeds.
Allah (The Most High) says in the Quran.
"And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to God with an acceptable conversion.” (Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 71).
We are half way through Ramadan.
Reflect how the past 15 days were like?
What have you done to help make the most of Ramadan?
How did you help you?
How did you help others?
What could you do to improve further?
Be like a horse that moves along the tracks.
Repent.
In order to achieve repentance from Allah (The Most High).
1) We need to feel regretful for our wrongdoing. The feelings inside our hearts and minds.
2) Repent, seek repentance through dua:
استغفر الله رَبِّي مِنْ کُلِّ ذنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْه
Astaghfirullaha Rabbi min kulli zambin wa atoobo ilayh.
“I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.”
3) Replace it by performing good deeds or maintain the good deeds.
Allah (The Most High) says in the Quran.
"And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to God with an acceptable conversion.” (Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 71).
Ramadan day 16
Al Ghaffar 'The Oft Forgiving' is one of the 99 names of Allah (The Most High).
Here it is written in Muhaqqaq script using coloured pencils and markers.
It is derived from the foot ghfr alongside Ghafoor and Ghafir.
However, the 99 names have present Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafoor by Al-Tirmidhi. There is a Surah called Al-Ghafir.
During the ten days of Forgiveness, we need to contemplate on what forgiveness means and how Allah (The Most High) is Oft-Forgiving and veils the sins we do and yet continues to bless us.
It is present in Quran, such as the following:
"And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)."
[Surah Taha, 20:82]
In another verse, Allah (The Most High) says:
"He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving."
[Surah Az-Zumar, 39:5]
We need to understand that no matter how much we continuously fall into the traps of the Shaytan or of our Nafs, Allah readily forgives us again and again.
Seeking Istighfar gives us inner peace and sets us free from guilt.
Allah (The Most High) also protects us from the effects and impacts of our sins.
Moreover, there are many forms of forgiveness present in the Quran besides Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghaffoor:
Yaghfiroo (He will forgive)
Maghfiratoon (forgiveness)
Wa-Istaghfir (ask forgiveness).
The dua of by Prophet Adam (as).
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
[Surah Al-A’raf 7:23]
So let us seek forgiveness before its late.
Here it is written in Muhaqqaq script using coloured pencils and markers.
It is derived from the foot ghfr alongside Ghafoor and Ghafir.
However, the 99 names have present Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghafoor by Al-Tirmidhi. There is a Surah called Al-Ghafir.
During the ten days of Forgiveness, we need to contemplate on what forgiveness means and how Allah (The Most High) is Oft-Forgiving and veils the sins we do and yet continues to bless us.
It is present in Quran, such as the following:
"And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)."
[Surah Taha, 20:82]
In another verse, Allah (The Most High) says:
"He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving."
[Surah Az-Zumar, 39:5]
We need to understand that no matter how much we continuously fall into the traps of the Shaytan or of our Nafs, Allah readily forgives us again and again.
Seeking Istighfar gives us inner peace and sets us free from guilt.
Allah (The Most High) also protects us from the effects and impacts of our sins.
Moreover, there are many forms of forgiveness present in the Quran besides Al-Ghaffar and Al-Ghaffoor:
Yaghfiroo (He will forgive)
Maghfiratoon (forgiveness)
Wa-Istaghfir (ask forgiveness).
The dua of by Prophet Adam (as).
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”
[Surah Al-A’raf 7:23]
So let us seek forgiveness before its late.
RAMADAN DAY 17
Alhamdulilah is written in Diwani script alongside the following dua:
Praise be to Allah for perfection, and we ask our Lord for acceptance and satisfaction in the first, middle and last.
There is also a crescent moon and lantern.
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say in his prostration:
“O Allah, forgive all of my sins, the small and large, the first and last, the public and private.”
[Sahiḥ Muslim 483]
Do not underestimate the impact of your sin.
For Muhammad ibn Abi al-Qasim reported: Fudyal ibn ‘Iyad, (may Allah gave mercy on him) said,
“By the measure of how small a sin seems to you, such is it enormous to Allah. By the measure of how enormous it seems to you, such is it small to Allah.”
[al-Tawbah li-Ibn Abī al-DunyaA 64]
Praise be to Allah for perfection, and we ask our Lord for acceptance and satisfaction in the first, middle and last.
There is also a crescent moon and lantern.
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah have mercy upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say in his prostration:
“O Allah, forgive all of my sins, the small and large, the first and last, the public and private.”
[Sahiḥ Muslim 483]
Do not underestimate the impact of your sin.
For Muhammad ibn Abi al-Qasim reported: Fudyal ibn ‘Iyad, (may Allah gave mercy on him) said,
“By the measure of how small a sin seems to you, such is it enormous to Allah. By the measure of how enormous it seems to you, such is it small to Allah.”
[al-Tawbah li-Ibn Abī al-DunyaA 64]
ramadan day eighteen
We are in the third jummah during the blessed month.
Here is a simple sketch and shading using coloured pencils where I drew mountains alongside a nearby sea and a tree.
The verse here is from Surah Al Nisa, Verse 110:
"Whoever commits evil or wrongs themselves then seeks Allah’s forgiveness will certainly find Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
The concept of this natural scenery is to not lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, the mountains may be filled with sins with surrounding negative trees with tasteless fruits or it may be mountains filled with good deeds with surrounding positive trees with righteous fruits.
We need to anchor the roots to germinate stronger trunks and branches of positive trees and to do so we need to increase Istighfar.
We have TWO DAYS remaining of the ten days of forgiveness.
The sea is in reference to the following hadith.
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (peace be upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said
whoever says:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
`Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi
(Glorified is Allah and praised is He),
one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
However it was mentioned in Riyad ul Saliheen that the sins here are in reference to minor sins and does not relate to people's rights.
To push us forward and work hard in asking Allah's forgiveness is to understand what are the major and minor sins are and the consequences of these actions.
Our Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Avoid the seven sins that doom a person to Hell.” It was said: What are they, O Messenger of Allah? He said: “Associating others with Allah (shirk); witchcraft (sihr); killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden us to kill, except in cases dictated by Islamic law; consuming riba; consuming orphans’ wealth; fleeing from the battlefield; and slandering chaste, innocent women.”
[Al-Bukhari (2767) and Muslim (89)]
However, there are more than seven major sins:
Al-Tabari narrated from Ibn Abbas that
It was said to him:
"The major sins are seven. He said: They are more than seven plus seven. According to another report from him: They are closer to seventy. According to another report: They are closer to seven hundred. His words may be interpreted as emphasising that the hadith is not to be understood literally as meaning that there are only seven."
[Al-Hafiz, Al-Fath]
What are WORST of the major sins?
Narrated by Abu Bakrah, Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Shall I not tell you about the worst of major sins?” They said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said, “They are to associate partners with Allah and to be disrespectful to parents.” The Prophet was reclining and he sat up, saying, “And surely to speak falsely.” The Prophet continued to repeat it until we wished he stopped
[Al-Bukhari 2511, Muslim 87]
What are the MINOR sins?
Al-Awza’i reported: Bilal ibn Sa’d, (may Allah have mercy on him) said,
“Do not look at the smallness of the sin, but rather look at the One you have disobeyed.”
[Ḥilyat al-Awliyā’ 5/223]
Disobey Allah?
Yes by performing minor or major sins is disobeying Allah who blessed us inwardly within our human body and how it work and outwardly with the blessings He provides yet He Repeatedly forgives us.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported that Prophet (pbuh) said,
“Beware of minor sins. Verily, they pile upon a man until he is ruined.”
[Aḥmad 3808]
This suggests that minor sins have the ability to become major sins but we need to be positive and have yaqeen in Allah (The Most High).
How can we positive?
Ibn Qayyim (May Allah have mercy upon him) said:
"The twelve months of the year are like the twelve sons of Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon him). And just as Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was the most beloved to Ya'qub (peace be upon him), the month of Ramadan is the most beloved to #Allah. And just as Allah forgave the 11 brothers by the du'a of one, Yusuf, He can forgive your 11 months of sins by your du'a in Ramadan."
So reflect, what tree are you planting?
Here is a simple sketch and shading using coloured pencils where I drew mountains alongside a nearby sea and a tree.
The verse here is from Surah Al Nisa, Verse 110:
"Whoever commits evil or wrongs themselves then seeks Allah’s forgiveness will certainly find Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
The concept of this natural scenery is to not lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah, the mountains may be filled with sins with surrounding negative trees with tasteless fruits or it may be mountains filled with good deeds with surrounding positive trees with righteous fruits.
We need to anchor the roots to germinate stronger trunks and branches of positive trees and to do so we need to increase Istighfar.
We have TWO DAYS remaining of the ten days of forgiveness.
The sea is in reference to the following hadith.
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (peace be upon him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said
whoever says:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ
`Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi
(Glorified is Allah and praised is He),
one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
However it was mentioned in Riyad ul Saliheen that the sins here are in reference to minor sins and does not relate to people's rights.
To push us forward and work hard in asking Allah's forgiveness is to understand what are the major and minor sins are and the consequences of these actions.
Our Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Avoid the seven sins that doom a person to Hell.” It was said: What are they, O Messenger of Allah? He said: “Associating others with Allah (shirk); witchcraft (sihr); killing a soul whom Allah has forbidden us to kill, except in cases dictated by Islamic law; consuming riba; consuming orphans’ wealth; fleeing from the battlefield; and slandering chaste, innocent women.”
[Al-Bukhari (2767) and Muslim (89)]
However, there are more than seven major sins:
Al-Tabari narrated from Ibn Abbas that
It was said to him:
"The major sins are seven. He said: They are more than seven plus seven. According to another report from him: They are closer to seventy. According to another report: They are closer to seven hundred. His words may be interpreted as emphasising that the hadith is not to be understood literally as meaning that there are only seven."
[Al-Hafiz, Al-Fath]
What are WORST of the major sins?
Narrated by Abu Bakrah, Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Shall I not tell you about the worst of major sins?” They said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said, “They are to associate partners with Allah and to be disrespectful to parents.” The Prophet was reclining and he sat up, saying, “And surely to speak falsely.” The Prophet continued to repeat it until we wished he stopped
[Al-Bukhari 2511, Muslim 87]
What are the MINOR sins?
Al-Awza’i reported: Bilal ibn Sa’d, (may Allah have mercy on him) said,
“Do not look at the smallness of the sin, but rather look at the One you have disobeyed.”
[Ḥilyat al-Awliyā’ 5/223]
Disobey Allah?
Yes by performing minor or major sins is disobeying Allah who blessed us inwardly within our human body and how it work and outwardly with the blessings He provides yet He Repeatedly forgives us.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported that Prophet (pbuh) said,
“Beware of minor sins. Verily, they pile upon a man until he is ruined.”
[Aḥmad 3808]
This suggests that minor sins have the ability to become major sins but we need to be positive and have yaqeen in Allah (The Most High).
How can we positive?
Ibn Qayyim (May Allah have mercy upon him) said:
"The twelve months of the year are like the twelve sons of Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon him). And just as Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) was the most beloved to Ya'qub (peace be upon him), the month of Ramadan is the most beloved to #Allah. And just as Allah forgave the 11 brothers by the du'a of one, Yusuf, He can forgive your 11 months of sins by your du'a in Ramadan."
So reflect, what tree are you planting?
Ramadan day 19
A dua for istighar surrounded with a simple geometric border made of felt tips and markers
اللهم إني أسألك باسمك الأعظم، الذي إذا دعيت به أجبت،
وإذا سئلت به أعطيت، أسألك بأني أشهد أنك أنت الله لا إله إلا أنت، الأحد الصمد، الذي لم يلد ولم يولد، ولم يكن له كفوا أحد: أن تغفر لي ذنوبي، إنك أنت الغفور الرحيم
"O Allah, I ask you by your greatest name, that when I supplicate to you, you I will answer, and if asked about it you will give. I ask you that I bear witness that you are God, there is no God but you, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need, Who begets not, nor was He begotten, And there is none coequal or comparable to Him to forgive me my sins, you are you Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."
اللهم إني أسألك باسمك الأعظم، الذي إذا دعيت به أجبت،
وإذا سئلت به أعطيت، أسألك بأني أشهد أنك أنت الله لا إله إلا أنت، الأحد الصمد، الذي لم يلد ولم يولد، ولم يكن له كفوا أحد: أن تغفر لي ذنوبي، إنك أنت الغفور الرحيم
"O Allah, I ask you by your greatest name, that when I supplicate to you, you I will answer, and if asked about it you will give. I ask you that I bear witness that you are God, there is no God but you, the One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need, Who begets not, nor was He begotten, And there is none coequal or comparable to Him to forgive me my sins, you are you Most Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Ramadan day 20
We enter the last ten days of Ramadan. The last ashra.
This may be our last ashra.
Who promises us that we will meet another Ramadan?
Strive hard. For the last ten days are more blessed than the other two Ashra.
Aisha (may Allah have mercy upon her) narrated that Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time”.
[Muslim 6:2644]
Here is a dua in Naskh script to recite and is from verse 110 in Surah Baqarah
“Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”
Increase in dua. Increase in prayer. Increase in Istighfar. Increase in performing good deeds.
How many of us say ouch when accidentally go near a cooker?
Now imagine a massive location containing a blazing fire that is ETERNAL.
In the Quran, Allah has describes the Hell-fire in many verses. For example,
"And whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger, then surely, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever."
[Quran 72:23]
"O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones over which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from God, but do (precisely what) they are commanded."
[Quran 66:6]
May Allah protect us ameen.
Is this the only reason why the last ashra is special?
No.
It contains the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) where the Quran was sent than and is better than a thousand month.
“We sent it (Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning. Therein ( in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord.”
[Quran 44: 3-6]
This may be our last ashra.
Who promises us that we will meet another Ramadan?
Strive hard. For the last ten days are more blessed than the other two Ashra.
Aisha (may Allah have mercy upon her) narrated that Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time”.
[Muslim 6:2644]
Here is a dua in Naskh script to recite and is from verse 110 in Surah Baqarah
“Our Lord! Grant us the good of this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”
Increase in dua. Increase in prayer. Increase in Istighfar. Increase in performing good deeds.
How many of us say ouch when accidentally go near a cooker?
Now imagine a massive location containing a blazing fire that is ETERNAL.
In the Quran, Allah has describes the Hell-fire in many verses. For example,
"And whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger, then surely, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever."
[Quran 72:23]
"O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones over which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from God, but do (precisely what) they are commanded."
[Quran 66:6]
May Allah protect us ameen.
Is this the only reason why the last ashra is special?
No.
It contains the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) where the Quran was sent than and is better than a thousand month.
“We sent it (Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning. Therein ( in that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger) (As) a Mercy from your Lord.”
[Quran 44: 3-6]
Ramadan day 21
The last ten days is where our Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) would work hard in worship as narrated by Aisha (may Allah have mercy upon her)
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tighten his waist belt and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers."
[ Sahih al-Bukhari 2024]
In another hadith, Aisha (may Allah mercy upon her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?'
He replied:
'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
This dua is written in Thuluth using light and dark pink pencil colours.
"The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to tighten his waist belt and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers."
[ Sahih al-Bukhari 2024]
In another hadith, Aisha (may Allah mercy upon her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him):
'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?'
He replied:
'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
This dua is written in Thuluth using light and dark pink pencil colours.
Ramadan day 22
Allahumma ajirni min al-nar
"O Allah, protect me from the Fire"
The dua is surrounded with flowers both are done by markers.
It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times, Paradise will say, ‘O Allah, admit him to Paradise.’ Whoever seeks protection from the Fire three times, Hell will say, ‘O Allah, protect him from the Fire.’”
[al-Tirmidhi, 2572; Ibn Majah, 4340.]
"O Allah, protect me from the Fire"
The dua is surrounded with flowers both are done by markers.
It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times, Paradise will say, ‘O Allah, admit him to Paradise.’ Whoever seeks protection from the Fire three times, Hell will say, ‘O Allah, protect him from the Fire.’”
[al-Tirmidhi, 2572; Ibn Majah, 4340.]
Ramaday day 23
A gentle reminder written in Thuluth script using markers:
Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Ramadan day 24
Surah Al-Qadr is written in Reqaa script.
Qadr is in reference to fate or power.
The Meccan Surah (610 - 615 AD) consists of 5 verses (ayat) and amongst the reasons why the last ten days are important:
١) The Quran was revealed in which it was the first five verses of Surah Al Alaq was sent down.
2) The importance and value of the Glorious Quran - a book filled with blessings.
3) The Night of Power is better than a thousand months where it defines our destiny and is a form of glory where every act we do is multiplied.
Remain steadfast, we are all still climbing the mountain.
Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Qadr is in reference to fate or power.
The Meccan Surah (610 - 615 AD) consists of 5 verses (ayat) and amongst the reasons why the last ten days are important:
١) The Quran was revealed in which it was the first five verses of Surah Al Alaq was sent down.
2) The importance and value of the Glorious Quran - a book filled with blessings.
3) The Night of Power is better than a thousand months where it defines our destiny and is a form of glory where every act we do is multiplied.
Remain steadfast, we are all still climbing the mountain.
Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
RAMADAN DAY 25
Here is Surah Al Qadr written in Kuffi script in black and white on A4 card.
On the left side, Ramadan is written using same form of script in a letter by letter format. This was done with coloured pencils and felt tips.
On the right side, is a complex Geometric pattern that mirrors the kuffi script. This was done using highlighters and coloured pencils.
Please find below a translation of the Surah:
1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr
2. And What will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is?
3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter.
5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.
[Quran 97 Al-Qadr]
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
On the left side, Ramadan is written using same form of script in a letter by letter format. This was done with coloured pencils and felt tips.
On the right side, is a complex Geometric pattern that mirrors the kuffi script. This was done using highlighters and coloured pencils.
Please find below a translation of the Surah:
1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr
2. And What will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is?
3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter.
5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.
[Quran 97 Al-Qadr]
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Ramadan day 26
This artpiece consisted of a combination of pencil artwork, acrylic paint, coloured pencils and markers.
Here is a dua to recite during last ten days written using markers in a Sans format:
اللهمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
"O Allah I seek refuge with You from severe calamity, and from misery to fall upon me, and from a bad fate and from the gloating of [my] enemies"
"Allaahumma inni a‛oodhu bika min jah-dil-balaa’, wa darak-ish-shaqaa’, wa soo’il-qaḍaa’, wa shamaata-til a‘daa’
[Bukhari 6616; Muslim 2707; An-Nasa’i 5491]
Above the dua is a complex geometric art in coloured pencils.
Al Raheem (The Most Merciful) - One of Allah's 99 names is written in Towqi bottom left corner in black metallic acrylic paint.
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is written as a dove in calligraphy script on top right in metallic paint.
The concept of this is that to never lose hope in Allah (The Most High) just like how a dove is connatated for peace.
A combination of hard and light pressure on pencil work for the background.
Before every move, remember Him. In every moment, remember Him.
Sufyan ibn Abdullah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a word in Islam I will not need to ask of anyone after you.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Say, ‘I have faith in Allah,’ and then remain steadfast.”
[Muslim, 38]
The Glorious Quran is our guidance besides the Sunnah for every matter, for clarity and understanding.
"And (think of) the day We shall send to every people a witness from among them (to testify) against them, and We shall bring you (O prophet) as witness against these. And We have revealed to you the Book, an exposition of everything, and guidance, and mercy, and glad tidings for the Muslims."
[Quran, Surah Nahl, 16:89]
Here is a dua to recite during last ten days written using markers in a Sans format:
اللهمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَهْدِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَدَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ الْقَضَاءِ، وَشَمَاتَةِ الْأَعْدَاءِ
"O Allah I seek refuge with You from severe calamity, and from misery to fall upon me, and from a bad fate and from the gloating of [my] enemies"
"Allaahumma inni a‛oodhu bika min jah-dil-balaa’, wa darak-ish-shaqaa’, wa soo’il-qaḍaa’, wa shamaata-til a‘daa’
[Bukhari 6616; Muslim 2707; An-Nasa’i 5491]
Above the dua is a complex geometric art in coloured pencils.
Al Raheem (The Most Merciful) - One of Allah's 99 names is written in Towqi bottom left corner in black metallic acrylic paint.
Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is written as a dove in calligraphy script on top right in metallic paint.
The concept of this is that to never lose hope in Allah (The Most High) just like how a dove is connatated for peace.
A combination of hard and light pressure on pencil work for the background.
Before every move, remember Him. In every moment, remember Him.
Sufyan ibn Abdullah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a word in Islam I will not need to ask of anyone after you.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Say, ‘I have faith in Allah,’ and then remain steadfast.”
[Muslim, 38]
The Glorious Quran is our guidance besides the Sunnah for every matter, for clarity and understanding.
"And (think of) the day We shall send to every people a witness from among them (to testify) against them, and We shall bring you (O prophet) as witness against these. And We have revealed to you the Book, an exposition of everything, and guidance, and mercy, and glad tidings for the Muslims."
[Quran, Surah Nahl, 16:89]
RAMADAN DAY 27
A gentle reminder of the dua to recite during the last ten days of Ramadan written in Thuluth using felt tips. There is also basic arabic geometric patterns too.
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Laylatul Qadr is written in Towqii script
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Laylatul Qadr is written in Towqii script
RAMADAN DAY 28
Throughout the last ashra, we have been mentioning one the 99 names of Allah (The Most High) in our duas.
Al-Afuw is defined as The Pardoner. Here on this artpiece, it is in Thuluth script surrounded by mandala and Arabian geometric patterns. Coloured pencils where used for the artpiece.
The difference between pardoning and forgiving is that forgiving refers to concealing our sins in our Book of deeds to avoid punishment on the Day of Judgement.
Pardoning is linked to forgiving and also removing any traces of the sin.
In the Quran, pardoning appears in four different forms 35 times:
'Afaa' forgave
'Al Afwa' to forgive.
'Afayna' those who pardon.
However Al Afaw has been mentioned 5 times.
(4:43, 4:99, 4:149, 22:20, 58:2).
May Allah pardon and forgive us Ameen.
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Al-Afuw is defined as The Pardoner. Here on this artpiece, it is in Thuluth script surrounded by mandala and Arabian geometric patterns. Coloured pencils where used for the artpiece.
The difference between pardoning and forgiving is that forgiving refers to concealing our sins in our Book of deeds to avoid punishment on the Day of Judgement.
Pardoning is linked to forgiving and also removing any traces of the sin.
In the Quran, pardoning appears in four different forms 35 times:
'Afaa' forgave
'Al Afwa' to forgive.
'Afayna' those who pardon.
However Al Afaw has been mentioned 5 times.
(4:43, 4:99, 4:149, 22:20, 58:2).
May Allah pardon and forgive us Ameen.
A gentle reminder of the dua:
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Ramadan day 29
A gentle reminder of the dua in Thuluth and Naskh script using highlighters and acrylic paint:
Make the most of the remaining days of Ramadan.
PUSH YOURSELF!
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Make the most of the remaining days of Ramadan.
PUSH YOURSELF!
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُعَنِّي
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]
Ramadan day 30
Eid ul Fitr is the first day of Shawwal where the new moon is seen. This is normally on the 29th of Ramadan or after 30 days.
As we depart Ramadan, we need to reflect how the month has passed and what impact it had on you as an individual: spiritually inwardly and your development in implementing outwardly.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rh) said:
‘How can a believer not shed tears at the departure of Ramadan, when he doesn’t even know whether he’ll be alive for its return or not?
’ [Lataif al-Ma’arif]
A gentle reminder of Zakatul Fitr:
Ibn Abbas (may Allah have mercy upon hi)) reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, obligated Zakat al-Fitr as purification of the fasting person from vain talk and misbehavior, as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat. Whoever pays it after the Eid prayer, it is part of voluntary charity.
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1609]
How can we prepare for Eid ul Fitr in the eve?
To make ghusl, dua/supplication of Istihlal, read Quran and make prayer.
'so that you may complete the number, and magnify Allah for guiding you,'
(Quran, 2:185)
Increase in Takbir throughout the day, before and after Eid saying:
'Allah akbar, Allah akbar, La ilah illa Allah wa Allah akbar, wa lillah al-hamd 'ala ma hadana, wa lah al-shukr 'ala ma awlana."
اللهُ اکبر، اللهُ اکبر، لا إله إلا اللهُ و اللهُ اکبر، و لله الحمد علی ما هدانا، و له الشکر علی ما اولانا
Ibn Abbas (may Allah have mercy upon him) narrated:
’When the day of Eid al-Fitr [begins], the angels descend on earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by the whole creation of Allah, except men and Jin, “O Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him)! Come out to your most Noble and Gracious Lord, who grants much, and pardons the major sins”.
When they (the Ummah) proceed to their places of prayer, Allah, Exalted is He, says to His angels, “O My angels! What is the reward of a worker when he has done his work?”
So they (the angels) say, “Our Lord and Our Master! To receive his reward [for the work, in full]“.
So He [The Most High] says, “I call you to witness that, for their fasts [during Ramadan], and for their standing in prayer at night, I have made their reward My Pleasure, and my Forgiveness. Depart [from here], you are forgiven”’.
[Lataif al-Ma’arif]
As we depart Ramadan, we need to reflect how the month has passed and what impact it had on you as an individual: spiritually inwardly and your development in implementing outwardly.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rh) said:
‘How can a believer not shed tears at the departure of Ramadan, when he doesn’t even know whether he’ll be alive for its return or not?
’ [Lataif al-Ma’arif]
A gentle reminder of Zakatul Fitr:
Ibn Abbas (may Allah have mercy upon hi)) reported:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, obligated Zakat al-Fitr as purification of the fasting person from vain talk and misbehavior, as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer, it is accepted as Zakat. Whoever pays it after the Eid prayer, it is part of voluntary charity.
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1609]
How can we prepare for Eid ul Fitr in the eve?
To make ghusl, dua/supplication of Istihlal, read Quran and make prayer.
'so that you may complete the number, and magnify Allah for guiding you,'
(Quran, 2:185)
Increase in Takbir throughout the day, before and after Eid saying:
'Allah akbar, Allah akbar, La ilah illa Allah wa Allah akbar, wa lillah al-hamd 'ala ma hadana, wa lah al-shukr 'ala ma awlana."
اللهُ اکبر، اللهُ اکبر، لا إله إلا اللهُ و اللهُ اکبر، و لله الحمد علی ما هدانا، و له الشکر علی ما اولانا
Ibn Abbas (may Allah have mercy upon him) narrated:
’When the day of Eid al-Fitr [begins], the angels descend on earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by the whole creation of Allah, except men and Jin, “O Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him)! Come out to your most Noble and Gracious Lord, who grants much, and pardons the major sins”.
When they (the Ummah) proceed to their places of prayer, Allah, Exalted is He, says to His angels, “O My angels! What is the reward of a worker when he has done his work?”
So they (the angels) say, “Our Lord and Our Master! To receive his reward [for the work, in full]“.
So He [The Most High] says, “I call you to witness that, for their fasts [during Ramadan], and for their standing in prayer at night, I have made their reward My Pleasure, and my Forgiveness. Depart [from here], you are forgiven”’.
[Lataif al-Ma’arif]