The Excellence of Reciting the Quran

Abu Umamah Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: “ Read the Qur’an (regularly) for it will act as an intercessor for its readers on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by Muslim.

Uthman Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “ The best among you (muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it (to others).” Narrated by Al-Bukhari.

Recite the Following After Completing Ablution (Wudhu)

The Prophet Muhammad (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: Anyone of you who recites the following verse after completing his Ablution (wudhu), For him, all the Eight doors of Jannah are opened, and he can enter through whichever Gate he wishes:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأ...َشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

"Ash-hadu 'an la 'ilaha 'illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluhu."

▶Translation: I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.

[Muslim: Book 2 Hadith 451]

Quote

“When my heart became constricted and my paths became narrow, I took my hope in Your pardon and forgiveness, as an opening and an escape. My sins seemed very great to me, but when I compared them to Your forgiveness My Lord, I found Your forgiveness to be greater.”

[Imam ashShafi’ee, rahimahuAllah]

General Advice

Never look at others & think that they will never attain the Mercy of the Almighty.

None of us are perfect. The struggle is to improve our link with our Maker daily. This should continue until we meet our Maker in the best condition we had ever been upon.

Those who move slowly up the ladder but determined, may be better than those higher up who dwindle by taking a few steps down.

The end result of the overall picture is what really matters, so be focused & make sure you improve as time passes rather than go back on your spiritual achievements.

(Source: Mufti Ismail Menk)

Spending in the Way of Allah

What is the best investment? Spending in the Way of Allah!

Allah says: 
"The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allâh, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allâh gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower " (Al-Baqara:261)

"Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds, that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope."
(Surah Al Kahf: 46)

Hadith Qudsi

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Allah says: ' When a slave of Mine draws near to Me a span, I draw near to him a cubit; and if he draws near to Me a cubit, I draw near to him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'''. [Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Hadith mentions infinite benevolence, generosity, kindness and regard of Allah for His slaves, which is evident from the reward that He gives to His slaves even on their minor good deeds.

Important Reminder

(Source: Productive Muslim)

In Need of Allah

No matter what noble status a believer reaches, he will always be in need of Allah and in need of worshipping Him. He will still have to ask of Allah and he will still need to seek refuge in Allah. This was the way of the Prophets and Messengers. They always had hope in Allah. Yet, they also had a fear of Allah, even though they were from Allah's most exclusive awliya (friend). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself said:

"By Allah, although I am the Messenger of Allah, I do not know what He will do with me." [Bukhari]

If anyone believes that he has reached a level wherein he is no longer in need of Allah, beseeching Him and worshipping Him, he has become deluded. He will then be one of the enemies of Allah instead of one of His awliya. Indeed, as a person comes closer and closer to Allah, his reliance upon Allah, his understanding of his need for Allah and his worship of Him becomes even greater. Those are some of the signs that he is getting closer to Allah and is truly one of His awliya.

"Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi" - Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo, p. 1440