The Burning Coal

The Hidden Struggles That Define Us

Reading time: 2 minutes

There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.

Society often applauds us for our visible achievements.

However, on the Day of Judgment, many will be honored not for what they did, but for what they refrained from doing.

Only Allah knows the struggles we endure in abstaining from forbidden actions.

These silent victories are significant in His eyes because they reflect deep devotion and self-discipline.

Quality Over Quantity

Allah doesn't look at the number of our deeds or the accolades we've amassed.

Instead, He assesses the sincerity and quality of our sacrifices.

What are we willing to give up for His sake?

What desires do we suppress out of love and reverence for Him?

Engaging in acts of worship, like praying during the last ten nights of Ramadan or reciting the Qur'an, undoubtedly requires discipline and commitment.

Yet, they also come with their own rewards—they uplift our spirits, strengthen our connection to Allah, and provide a sense of contentment.

But what about the internal struggles that no one sees?

Walking away from a haram relationship that your heart yearns for or resisting a temptation just a click away are the sacrifices that truly test our faith.

Not only do they lack immediate gratification or public recognition, but they often result in immediate pain and discomfort.

Modern Temptations and Eternal Rewards

We live in unprecedented times when haram is more accessible than ever.

One can engage in actions that corrupt the soul with just a few taps.

In the past, committing sins was hindered by barriers like social stigma, the risk of being seen, or the physical effort required.

Ironically, today, there's almost a stigma attached to being righteous or religious, and the sinful path is often celebrated.

The "burning coal" that the Prophet ﷺ referred to is quite literally in our hands.

The patience and restraint required to avoid sin in this digital age are immense.

Yet, this also means that the rewards for resisting are greater.

The Prophet ﷺ mentioned that those who hold firmly to their faith during such trying times would receive the reward of fifty companions.

Consider that. The companions faced persecution, torture, and immense hardships for their faith.

While we may not endure the same physical trials, our spiritual challenges are profound.

Our perseverance in the face of constant temptation can elevate us to ranks we might not have imagined attainable.

Turning Privacy into Worship

The actual test of our faith is in private moments.

When we choose to fear Allah in solitude, we transform ordinary moments into significant acts of worship.

This level of consciousness and self-restraint is a hallmark of those close to Allah.

Let's make a conscious decision to assess our actions not just by what we do, but by what we choose not to do for the sake of Allah.

Ramadan is just a few months away—let’s start making an impact now!

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Let’s keep going to ensure no one is left behind this Ramadan.

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Help Us Feed 1,000 Families This Ramadan

Goal: $10,000 | Currently Raised: $4,983

Countless orphans, widows, and families are confronting the harsh reality of food insecurity.

Ramadan should be a time of fasting, reflection, and community—but for too many, it's overshadowed by hunger and hardship.

We've partnered with Islamic Ummah Relief (IUR) to assist this upcoming Ramadan by delivering nutritious food supplies to those who need it most during this sacred time.

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Reflection:

What sacrifices have you made for Allah’s sake that may not have been recognized by others but felt significant to you?

How did it strengthen your faith?

What did you think of today's reflection?

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🤲 Make Du’a for Ahmed 🤲 

 

Ya Allah, Most Merciful, we ask You to guide Ahmed back to the straight path and open his heart to the beauty and truth of Islam.

Fill his soul with Your light, soften his heart with faith, and surround him with influences that draw him closer to You.

Ya Rabb, help him find his way quickly, grant him clarity, and strengthen his connection to his deen.

Ameen.🤲🏽

🍉 WatermelonWatch 🍉 

Day 405

🇺🇳 UN special committee report finds Israeli conduct “consistent with genocide,” encouraging states to divest & arms embargo

🇱🇧 16 people killed in Lebanon yesterday

🇵🇸 24 people killed in 24 hrs in Gaza

🇸🇾 Israel strikes Damascus, killing 15 people & injuring 16 others, incl. kids

🇱🇧 IOF attacked civil defense center in Baalbek, killing 12+ people, incl. rescuers + many under rubble. Other attack on 2-story building killed 9+ people

⛔️ Israeli parliament to discuss bill banning Palestinian flag in “state-funded or supported institutions”

🇵🇸 Israel attacked school for the 4th time in Gaza City, housing displaced from Jabalia, Beit Lahia & Beit Hanoun, causing fire & casualties. Other attacks in Sheikh Radwan killed 4 people, wounded 10, incl. kids

🇵🇸 Ongoing 40-day north Gaza siege: IOF airstrike on a house Beit Lahia killed 2 people, wounded many. Ongoing heavy artillery and quadcopters fire on Jabalia residents

🇵🇸 IOF bombed a tent housing displaced people in Bureij camp, killing 5+ people, incl. kids. Other strikes killed 4 people in Rafah

🚜 ‘48 Heartland: IOF demolishes Bedouin village Umm al-Hiran & its last mosque in Naqab, abducting 3 people amid raid

🇱🇧 IOF attacks killed 1+ people in Bekaa valley, 3 Syrians in Bayadah

West Bank:

🏠 50 Palestinians, incl. 23 kids, were forcibly displaced as Israel demolished 9 residential structures in east Jerusalem

🇵🇸 IOF gunfire injures two 15 y/o children during Nablus raid

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