Reading the Quran every day is a beautiful practice that brings peace, guidance, and blessings into your life. In Islam, consistency in worship, even if small, is highly valued. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few." (Sahih Bukhari)
Start with a manageable amount, such as a few verses, and gradually increase as you feel comfortable. May Allah grant you ease and barakah in your efforts!
Being around people who remember Allah is highly encouraged in Islam. Such company often inspires goodness, strengthens faith (iman), and encourages one to remain on the straight path. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the one who blows the bellows (blacksmith). The musk seller either gives you some perfume, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell. But the one who blows the bellows either burns your clothes or you smell a bad odor."
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
In Roman transliteration:
"Mathalu al-jaleesi as-saalihi wa al-jaleesi as-soo’i ka-hamil al-miski wa naafikh al-kir."
Choose companions who uplift you spiritually and remind you of Allah in both word and action.
Understanding what you recite in Salah (prayer) enhances its meaning, sincerity, and connection with Allah. Below is a breakdown of the key phrases and their meanings:
1. Takbir (Opening the prayer)
"Allahu Akbar"
Translation: Allah is the Greatest.
2. Opening Supplication (Dua al-Istiftah)
Example:
"Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghayruk."
Translation: Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. Blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your majesty. There is no deity besides You.
3. Surah Al-Fatihah
"Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alamin"
Translation: All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
"Ar-Rahmanir Raheem"
Translation: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
"Maliki Yawmid-Deen"
Translation: Master of the Day of Judgment.
"Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een"
Translation: You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
"Ihdinas-siratal-mustaqeem"
Translation: Guide us to the straight path.
"Siratal-ladheena an’amta ‘alayhim ghayril-maghdubi ‘alayhim wa la-dhallin"
Translation: The path of those who have earned Your favor, not of those who have earned Your anger, nor of those who go astray.
4. Surah or verses recited after Al-Fatihah
The meaning varies based on the chosen surah/verses.
5. Ruku (Bowing)
"Subana Rabbiyal Adheem"
Translation: Glory is to my Lord, the Most Great.
6. Standing after Ruku
"Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah"
Translation: Allah hears those who praise Him.
"Rabbana lakal-hamd"
Translation: Our Lord, to You belongs all praise.
7. Sujood (Prostration)
"Subhana Rabbiyal A’la"
Translation: Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.
8. Sitting between Sujood
"Rabbighfir li, warhamni, wajburni, warfa'ni, warzuqni, wahdini, wa'afini, wa'fu anni."
Translation: My Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, strengthen me, raise me in rank, provide for me, guide me, grant me health, and pardon me.
9. Tashahhud
"At-tahiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibat."
Translation: All greetings, prayers, and good deeds are for Allah.
"As-salamu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh."
Translation: Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.
"As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis-saliheen."
Translation: Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah.
"Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh."
Translation: I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.
10. Salawat (Sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ)
"Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama sallayta ‘ala Ibraheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka hameedum majeed."
Translation: O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
"Allahumma barik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad, kama barakta ‘ala Ibraheem wa ‘ala aali Ibraheem, innaka hameedum majeed."
Translation: O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Verily, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
11. Closing (Salam)
"As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah"
Translation: Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.
Understanding these meanings allows you to focus on the spiritual connection with Allah in your Salah.
Learning Allah's 99 Names and Attributes (Asmaul Husna) is a noble act in Islam. It deepens one's understanding of Allah's essence and helps strengthen faith. Here's a structured way to learn them:
1. Learn the Names Gradually
Start by learning a few names daily with their meanings and attributes.
2. Understand Their Meanings
Each name has a deep meaning. Reflect on the attributes of Allah associated with each name.
3. Use Roman Transliteration
For easier memorization, you can use Roman transliterations, especially if Arabic script is challenging.
4. Recite Regularly
Recite them in your prayers, supplications, and daily life to internalize them.
5. Practical Application
Reflect on how the names apply in your life. For instance, if Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), strive to show mercy to others.
List of Allah's 99 Names
Here's a few with their meanings in Roman transliteration:
1. Ar-Rahman - The Most Merciful
2. Ar-Rahim - The Most Compassionate
3. Al-Malik - The King and Owner of Dominion
4. Al-Quddus - The Absolutely Pure
5. As-Salam - The Source of Peace and Safety
6. Al-Mu'min - The Giver of Faith and Security
7. Al-Muhaymin - The Guardian, The Witness, The Overseer
8. Al-Aziz - The All-Mighty
9. Al-Jabbar - The Compeller, The Restorer
10. Al-Mutakabbir - The Supreme, The Majestic
11. Al-Khaliq - The Creator, the Maker
12. Al-Bari - The Evolver
13. Al-Musawwir - The Fashioner
14. Al-Ghaffar - The Constant Forgiver
15. Al-Qahhar - The All-Subduer
16. Al-Wahhab - The Supreme Bestower
17. Ar-Razzaq - The Provider
18. Al-Fattah - The Supreme Solver
19. Al-Alim - The All-Knowing
20. Al-Qabid - The Withholder
21. Al-Basit - The Extender
22. Al-Khafid - The Reducer
23. Ar-Rafi’ - The Exalter, the Elevator
24. Al-Mu’izz - The Honourer, the Bestower
25. Al-Mudhill - The Dishonourer
26. As-Sami’ - The All-Hearing
27. Al-Basir - The All-Seeing
28. Al-Hakam - The Impartial Judge
29. Al-Adl - The Utterly Just
30. Al-Latif - The Subtle One, the Most Gentle
31. Al-Khabir - The All-Aware
32. Al-Halim - The Most Forbearing
33. Al-Azim - The Magnificent, the Infinite
34. Al-Ghaffur - The Great Forgiver
35. Ash-Shakur - The Most Appreciative
36. Al-Aliyy - The Most High, the Exalted
37. Al-Kabir - The Most Great
38. Al-Hafiz - The Preserver
39. Al-Muqit - The Sustainer
40. Al-Hasib - The Reckoner
41. Al-Jalil - The Majestic
42. Al-Karim - The Most Generous, the Most Esteemed
43. Ar-Raqib - The Watchful
44. Al-Mujib - The Responsive One
45. Al-Wasi’ - The All-Encompassing, the Boundless
46. Al-Hakim - The All-Wise
47. Al-Wadud - The Most Loving
48. Al-Majid - The Glorious, the Most Honorable
49. Al-Ba’ith - The Infuser of New Life
50. Ash-Shahid - The All-and-Ever Witnessing
51. Al-Haqq - The Absolute Truth
52. Al-Wakil - The Trustee, the Disposer of Affairs
53. Al-Qawiyy - The All-Strong
54. Al-Matin - The Firm One
55. Al-Waliyy - The Sole-Authority
56. Al-Hamid - The Praiseworthy
57. Al-Muhsi - The All-Enumerating, the Counter
58. Al-Mubdi’ - The Originator, the Initiator
59. Al-Mu’id - The Restorer, the Reinstater
60. Al-Muhyi - The Giver of Life
61. Al-Mumit - The Creator of Death
62. Al-Hayy - The Ever-Living
63. Al-Qayyum - The Sustainer, the Self-Subsisting
64. Al-Wajid - The Perceiver
65. Al-Majid - The Glorious, the Most Honorable
66. Al-Wahid - The Only One
67. Al-Ahad - The Sole One
68. As-Samad - The Self-Sufficient, the Impregnable
69. Al-Qadir - The Omnipotent
70. Al-Muqtadir - The Creator of All Power
71. Al-Muqaddim - The Expediter, the Promoter
72. Al-Mu’akhkhir - The Delayer
73. Al-Awwal - The First
74. Al-Akhir - The Last
75. Az-Zahir - The Manifest
76. Al-Batin - The Hidden One, Knower of the Hidden
77. Al-Wali - The Sole Governor
78. Al-Muta’ali - The Self Exalted
79. Al-Barr - The Source of All Goodness
80. At-Tawwab - The Ever-Accepter of Repentance
81. Al-Muntaqim - The Avenger
82. Al-Afuww - The Pardoner
83. Ar-Ra’uf - The Most Kind
84. Malik-ul-Mulk - Master of the Kingdom, Owner of the Dominion
85. Dhul-Jalali Wal-Ikram - Possessor of Glory and Honour, Lord of Glory and Generosity
86. Al-Muqsit - The Just One
87. Al-Jami’ - The Gatherer, the Uniter
88. Al-Ghaniyy - The Self-Sufficient, the Wealth
89. Al-Mughni - The Enricher
90. Al-Mani’ - The Withholder
91. Ad-Darr - The Distresser
92. An-Nafi’ - The Propitious, the Benefactor
93. An-Nur - The Light
94. Al-Hadi - The Guide
95. Al-Badi - The Incomparable Originator
96. Al-Baqi - The Ever-Surviving
97. Al-Warith - The Inheritor, the Heir
98. Ar-Rashid - The Guide, Infallible Teacher, and Knower
99. As-Sabur - The Forbearing, the Patient
Having secret good deeds between you and Allah is a powerful way to nurture sincerity (ikhlas) in your worship. These deeds are done solely for Allah's pleasure, away from the eyes of others, ensuring that your intentions remain pure and free from seeking recognition or praise.
Some examples of secret good deeds include:
Praying Tahajjud (night prayer) when no one is watching.
Giving charity anonymously.
Making du'a (supplication) for others without their knowledge.
Helping someone discreetly.
Reciting Quran or doing dhikr (remembrance of Allah) quietly.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever performs deeds for people to see, Allah will expose him, and whoever does deeds in secret, Allah will cover him." (Sahih Muslim)
May Allah grant us the ability to perform sincere and hidden acts of worship.
Make Lots of Dua – Especially in Sujood
Salah is not just a physical act of worship; it is a direct conversation between a servant and Allah. Among all the beautiful moments in prayer, Sujood (prostration) is the most powerful and closest position to Allah. When our forehead touches the ground, our heart rises towards the heavens.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your dua in it.” This shows how special and accepted this moment is.
In Sujood, we put aside our pride, ego, and worldly status. Whether rich or poor, educated or simple, everyone bows the same way before Allah. This humility is what makes dua more sincere and powerful. When you lower yourself physically, Allah raises you spiritually.
Many people rush through Salah, treating it like a task to finish quickly. But Sujood is not meant to be rushed. It is the time to slow down, breathe, and speak to Allah from your heart. You don’t need fancy Arabic words. Talk to Allah like you talk to someone who loves you the most. Because He loves you more than anyone else ever can.
You can ask for anything during Sujood:
• Forgiveness for your sins
• Peace in your heart
• Health for your family
• Success in life
• Protection from difficulties
• Jannah in the Hereafter
Nothing is too small or too big for Allah.
Sujood is also a place to cry, to release your pain, and to share your worries. When no one understands you, Allah does. When you feel alone, Allah is near. When doors seem closed, Allah can open new ones instantly. Your dua in Sujood can change your destiny.
Especially in blessed times like Ramadan, Tahajjud, or after obligatory prayers, your duas carry even more reward. If you make it a habit to lengthen your Sujood and make sincere duas daily, you will notice a calmness entering your life. Your heart becomes lighter, and your connection with Allah becomes stronger.
Remember, dua is not only about asking. It is also about thanking Allah. In Sujood, thank Him for your blessings — your health, your home, your family, your faith. Gratitude increases blessings.
So next time you pray, don’t rush your Sujood. Stay a little longer. Whisper your duas. Cry if you feel like it. Pour your heart out. Because that moment might be the one when Allah accepts everything you ask for.
Make lots of dua — especially in Sujood. That’s where miracles begin.
“Remember death and prepare for it” is a powerful reminder that touches the heart and awakens the soul. In Islam, remembering death is not meant to make us fearful or depressed. Instead, it is meant to guide us, purify us, and help us live a better and more meaningful life.
Death is the only certainty in this world. Every person, no matter how rich, strong, young, or successful, will eventually return to Allah. We often live as if we have endless time. We make plans for years ahead, chase worldly goals, and delay our repentance and good deeds. But the truth is that life is temporary, and death can come at any moment.
When we remember death regularly, our perspective changes. Suddenly, small problems don’t seem so big. Arguments, jealousy, and worldly competition start to feel pointless. We begin to focus on what truly matters — our relationship with Allah and our preparation for the Hereafter.
Islam teaches that this world is a test and the Hereafter is eternal. Our actions today decide our condition tomorrow. That is why remembering death softens the heart. It reminds us to leave sins, seek forgiveness, and increase good deeds. A person who remembers death is less likely to cheat, lie, hurt others, or waste time. Instead, they try to live with honesty, kindness, and sincerity.
Preparing for death does not mean giving up on life or isolating ourselves. It means living responsibly and consciously. It means praying Salah regularly, reading the Quran, giving charity, helping others, and making sincere dua. It means repairing broken relationships, forgiving people, and asking forgiveness from those we have hurt.
Preparation is like packing for a journey. If we know we are traveling somewhere important, we carefully prepare our bags. Similarly, death is a journey to Allah. The only things we can take with us are our deeds. Our wealth, beauty, and status will stay behind. Only our faith and actions will accompany us to the grave.
Remembering death also brings peace. It teaches us that this world is not permanent, so we should not become too attached to it. Losses, failures, and hardships feel lighter because we know this life is temporary. At the same time, blessings make us more grateful because we understand they are gifts from Allah.
For a believer, death is not the end. It is the beginning of meeting Allah. If we prepare well, death becomes a doorway to mercy, not fear. It becomes a transition from struggle to eternal peace.
So every day, we should ask ourselves: “If today were my last day, am I ready to meet Allah?” If the answer is no, then today is the best time to change.
Remember death — not to lose hope, but to live better, worship sincerely, and return to Allah with a clean heart.
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