I once thought that if I could ask God one question, I would ask how the universe began, because once I knew that, all the rest is simply equations. But as I got older I became less concerned with how the universe began. Rather, I would want to know why he started the universe. For once I knew that answer, then I would know the purpose of my own life.

Albert Einstein

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Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason.

˹They are˺ those who remember Allah (God) while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You!

Qur’an 3:190-191

Once a man was asked, “What did you gain by regularly praying to God?” The man replied, “Nothing, but let me tell you what I lost: anger, ego, greed, depression, insecurity, and fear of death.”

Sometimes the answer to our prayers is not gaining but losing, which ultimately is the gain.”

Unknown author

Knowing Allah (معرفة الله) is an eternal journey where we build a relationship with that Absolute Perfect Being.

We are never done getting to know Him because a finite creature can never encompass the infinite. ‎

The manifestations of Allah’s power, wisdom & mercy are never ending.

Shaykh Azhar Nasser (via Twitter)

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another but that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status.

Hadith Sahih Muslim 2588

The concept of a spiritual retreat (i’tikaf) is like a pressure cooker. We have so many stresses and difficulties every single day in our lives and if we don’t have the safety valve that allows the steam to escape, that pressure cooker will explode. And so, the spiritual retreat becomes a necessity in our lives.

Dr. Rania Awaad

Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

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There’s a reason Paradise (jannah) is not in her hands, but under her feet. For if it was in her palms, her selfless love would have handed it to you despite your deserving.

Alas, it is the ground that bears her entire weight. That is where heaven lies, and if you wish to achieve it – carry her weight.

Unknown author

God (Allah) knows what your silent heart wants. Even if you don’t include it in your prayers. He hears what your heart whispers. He might not give it to you now but someday, when you least expect it, things will happen in the best possible way.

Izyah Velasquez (via Pinterest)

Learn to be quiet just as you learn to talk, because if talking guides you, being quiet protects you. By being quiet, you attain two characteristics: you are able to take knowledge from those more knowledgeable than you and you are able to repel ignorance of those more ignorant than you.

Imam Ali (AS)

Five things serve as a cure for the heart:

1. reflective reading of the Quran

2. an empty stomach

3. night prayer

4. supplications in the early morning

5. keeping the company of the righteous.

Ibrahim Khawas

As for the destructive qualities of the heart, they are:

1. pride (kibr)

2. conceit (‘ujub)

3. envy (hasad)

4. hatred (hiqd)

5. stinginess (bukhul)

6. showing-off (riyaa)

7. love for rank and love for wealth (hubb l-jaah wa hubb lmaal)

8. boasting (iftikhaar)

9. false hope (amal)

10. and having an evil opinion of the Muslims.

These ten qualities are the destructive traits of the heart that are the foundation of blameworthy character. It is obligatory for every Muslim to remove these from his heart.

Shaikh Usman Ibn Fodio