The Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings be upon him) said, “Do you know who is bankrupt?” They replied, “Bankrupt among us is he who has no dirham or property.” He said, “Verily, the one who is bankrupt from my Ummah is he who will come on the Day of Resurrection with prayer, fasting and Zakat that he performed. However, he had cursed this person, falsely accused that person, ate up the property of another person, shed the blood of another person and beaten another person. So, this person will be given from his righteous deeds, and that person will be given from his righteous deeds. If his righteous deeds finish before his account is paid in full, sins from their records will be transferred from them to him, and he will then be thrown in the Fire.” Hadith Muslim

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Excuse # 1: I am too busy with Work

Some people delay Hajj because they say they can’t find time to take off from work. But don’t they see the very fact that they didn’t take time out for Hajj is the reason why Allaah kept them so busy with work?

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Allaah says: ‘Son of Adam: Fill your time with My worship and I will fill your heart with richness, and end off your poverty. But if you don’t, I would make your hands fully busy (i.e. in worldly affairs) and I would not end off your poverty.'” (At-Tirmidhi- hasan)

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Verily Allaah tests His servant with what He has given him. So whoever is content with whatever he has been assigned, then Allaah will bless him in it, and give him more! But whoever is not content (with what he has been given), then he will not be blessed in it.” (Ahmad-saheeh).

If you make your intention sincerely for the sake of Allaah and do your best to take time from work, Allah will provide it for you.

وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا

“And whoever fears Allaah, He will make for him an easy way out and provide for him sustenance from sources he could never imagine. Whoever places his reliance upon Allaah, Allaah will suffice Him. Indeed Allaah is one who can achieve His purpose and He has appointed a measure for everything.” (Talaq:2-3)

Excuse # 2: I am not spiritually ready

Some people say I am not spiritually strong, I am not much of a believer and thus not ready to go or they say I think I should only do Hajj when I have figured out Salah and Zakah and I am practicing Islaam fully…
Don’t you see? That is the whispering of the Shaytaan in your heart. He does not want you to go and earn all the reward and Jannah.

All you have to do is to make the intention, try hard to improve yourself, put your trust in Him and surely He will guide you.

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good.” [Ankabut:69]

We all know people who weren’t fully practicing Muslims prior to making the Hajj, yet once they came back from Hajj they went under this amazing transformation and Alhamdulillah they are now practicing fully.

So don’t think like that, just go.

Excuse # 3: Yeah, insha Allah next year…..next year…..then next year

Subhaan Allah, some people have no excuse not to go for Hajj. Yet when you ask them when they are going, they say “Insha Allah next year”. But somehow that ‘next year’ never comes.

Don’t be like those people. Make your intention to go for Hajj NOW. Don’t even wait till tomorrow. Do it now and prepare for this journey, while you have the ability. For you never know when death will overtake you or some other trial may befall you that will unable you to go.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Take advantage of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become occupied, and your life before your death.” (Bukhaari)

Ali, radhiAllaahu ‘anhu, once stood at the head of a grave and said to his companion, “If he had a chance to return to this life, what do you think he would do?” His companion replied, “He would do nothing but good deeds.” Ali (RA) then said, “If it is not going to be him, then let it be you.”

Excuse # 4: When Allah wants me to come, He will call me

Sure, guidance is in Allah’s Hands. That is true. Yet you have to work hard to qualify for that guidance. Remember that Allah will not throw the guidance in your lap from up above. It is YOU who has to make the effort. Just like if you are hungry… Allah will not throw the food down from the sky. You have to get up and cook that food.

Allah orders us to make that effort. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَابْتَغُواْ إِلَيهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

“O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful.” [Surah Maidah:35]

Excuse # 5: It’s too much hard work

Do you realize how much hard work we do for the dunya?

Most of our lives we spend working hard for our studies, our livelihood, our families, our businesses, and we can’t bear to work hard for the Aakhirah? Sure, Hajj is hard work but then, isn’t Jannah worth it?

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“The reward of Hajj Mabrur is nothing but Jannah.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الآخِرَةَ وَسَعَى لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُم مَّشْكُورًا

“And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted.” [al-Israa‘:19]

‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab is quoted as saying, “I seek Allaah’s protection from the time when the ‘fasiq’ or disobedient will have much energy and enthusiasm and the righteous will be lazy.”

Excuse # 6: It takes too long

Some people use the length of time they have to take off for Hajj as an excuse each year for delaying or not going.

But think about it. How long does it take?! Just 2-3 weeks at max! Or even less than that. Come on… haven’t we taken that much time off for vacations?!

Remember, planning is everything. If you plan ahead of time for Hajj, you can save up your vacation time and use it for the most important journey of your life. Or you cam just choose an express Hajj package (about 10 days).

And also keep in mind that the stay in Madinah is not a part of Hajj.

Excuse # 7: It’s too hot

Heat and cold are all relative. Remember the battle of Tabuk. That’s when the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) rallied his troops for a long and exhaustive trip that, back then, would have taken them months. All that heat and all that hard work didn’t stop the Sahaabah from fighting in the path of Allaah. But the hypocrites…they were another story. They backed out of the fight and turned away from the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) at the last minute because they said: “It’s too hot”.

You know what Allah said to tell them? He said:

قُلْ نَارُ جَهَنَّمَ أَشَدُّ حَرًّا لَّوْ كَانُوا يَفْقَهُونَ

“The FIRE of HELL is even HOTTER; if they only understood!” (Tauba:81)

Excuse # 8: I’ll wait until my kids are older/get married

Some Muslims might delay Hajj and give themselves time by saying, “Let me wait till my kids are older, or till my daughter gets married, and their daughter may only be 5 years old!

Let me wait till I do this , let me wait till I do that.”

This is also just a way of procrastination and nothing else. Remember that hajj is an obligation in Islaam. It is fardh upon you. If you have the means and the ability, and you have not yet done your obligatory hajj, the ulama say that it is better for you to do Hajj first, rather than delaying it, if your kids are young.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) said, “Race to good deeds before a time and a fitnah comes, (a test) that will sweep over you like the darkest of the darkest nights.”

Obviously, for the one whose kids are of marriageable age and he has just enough money for either Hajj or marriage, the Ulama say:

“If there is a conflict between the father’s Hajj and the son’s (or daughter) getting married, because the father only has enough money for one of them, then he should see whether his son’s marriage is essential right now, or can it be delayed? If the son needs to get married and fears that he may do something haraam, then getting him married takes precedence over the father’s doing Hajj.” (http://www.islamqa.com/)

So beware of lame excuses and get rid of them. If you haven’t performed your hajj yet, it’s not too late…even now. There are still openings in the various Hajj groups and it’s not too late. Go ahead and make your niyyah for Hajj and insha Allah, He will take care of the rest of your affairs.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) advised a man:

“Pray your prayer as if it is your last, as if you are seeing Him (Allah), for even if you do not see Him then He sees you. And give up hope (of obtaining) what other’s possess, then you will live a rich life. And beware of anything that you might (later) have to make an excuse for.” (Bukhari in his al-Tarikh, and al-Tabarani-saheeh)

The Prophet (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called “Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun” from the trace of ablution (wudhu) and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing ablution regularly).’ ”

[Bukhari 0138]

Hadith from At-Tirmidhi:

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, “The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salah. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. If any shortcoming is found in the obligatory Salah, the Glorious and Exalted Allah will command to see whether His slave has offered any voluntary Salah so that the obligatory Salah may be made up by it. Then the rest of his actions will be treated in the same manner.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Abu Huraira (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state)”
[Sahih al-Bukhari: Book #004, Hadith #0979]

This story about “Istighfar” is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the “Sheikh ul-Islam” or the “Imam of A
hl al-Sunnah.”

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn’t been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker’s) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19,

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let’s remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day. Tafseer Al-Qurtubi states:

A man complained to Al-Hasan about a drought, and he said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another man complained to him of poverty and he said to him: “Pray to Allah to forgive you.”

Another man said to him: “Pray to Allah to bless me with a child.” He said: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

Another complained to him that his garden was dry. He said to him: “Pray to Allah for forgiveness.”

He was asked about it and he said: “This is not my personal opinion, for Allah says in Surah Nooh (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” Tafseer Al-Qurtubi (18/301-302)

One of the narrators of a Hadith was asked about the manner in which forgiveness is to be sought, to which he answered: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say: ‘Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.” [Sahih Muslim].

When we think we dress better than some peoples. Thats arrogance.
When we think we cook better than some peoples. Thats arrogance
When we think our house is better than some peoples. Thats arrogance.
When we think we’re more pious than some people. Thats arrogance.

Be careful of arrogance as Hell has been favored by the Arrogant

The Prophet SAW said,
“Paradise and Hell (Fire) quarrelled in the presence of their Lord. Paradise said, ‘O Lord! What is wrong with me that only the poor and humble people enter me?’

Hell (Fire) said, ‘I have been favored with the arrogant people.’

So Allah said to Paradise, ‘You are My Mercy,’ and said to Hell, ‘You are My Punishment which I inflict upon whom I wish, and I shall fill both of you.

(The Prophet added, “As for Paradise, (it will be filled with good people) because Allah does not wrong any of His created things, and He creates for Hell (Fire) whomever He will, and they will be thrown into it, and it will say thrice, ‘Is there any more,’ till Allah (will put) His Foot over it and it will become full and its sides will come close to each other and it will say, ‘Qat! Qat! Qat! (Enough! Enough! Enough!).”

Hadith – al-Bukhari 9.541, Narrated Abu Huraira, r.a.

Salah is the practice of formal worship in Islam. Its importance for Muslims is indicated by its status as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Salah is a ritual worship, having prescribed conditions, a prescribed procedure, and prescribed times. To perform valid Salah, Muslims must be in a state of ritual purity, which is mainly achieved by ritual ablution, (wuḍūʾ), according to prescribed procedure
s.

Salah is prescribed at five periods of the day. These are measured according to the movement of the sun. These are: near dawn (fajr – 2 rakats), after midday has passed and the sun starts to tilt downwards / Noon (dhuhr or ẓuhr – 4 rakats), in the afternoon (asr – 4 rakats), just after sunset (maghrib – 3 rakats) and around nightfall (‘isha – 4 rakats), hence 2-4-4-3-4.

Abu Huraira radiyallahu ʿanhu narrates that I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “If there was a river at the door of anyone of you and he took a bath in it five times a day would you notice any dirt on him?” They said, “Not a trace of dirt would be left.” The Prophet added, “That is the example of the five prayers with which Allah blots out (annuls) evil deeds.” —Sahih al-Bukhari.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him”[Muslim]

We all have different levels of faith. Some people have very strong faith and some people have very weak faith.

Test your faith against the words of the Messenger of Allah Salalahualaiwaslam who said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it by his hand (by action), and if he cannot, then by his tongue (by speaking out), and if he cannot, then by his heart (by feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.”

[Al-Bukhaari, Fath, 1/51]

Sadly with alot of us we can see evil all day yet our hearts do not even condemn it- and that is the lowest level of faith.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) saying, “There is a Surah in the Qur’an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is `Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’ (Surat Al-Mulk 67).”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

What has become of the Ummah?!

Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “Allah said, ‘Spend (O man), and I shall spend on you.”
He also said, “Allah’s Hand is full, and (its fullness) is not affected by the continuous spending night and day.
Do you see what He has spent since He created the Heavens and the Earth?
Nevertheless, what is in His Hand is not decreased, and His Throne was over the water; and in His Hand there is the balance (of justice) whereby He raises and lowers (people).”

[Bukhari Book:60 No:206]

Messenger of Allah (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) said, “When the people of the Garden enter the Garden, a herald will call out, ‘You will live and never die. You will be healthy and never ill. You will be young and never grow old. You will have blessing and never experience hardship.” [Muslim]

The Prophet (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) said, “(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread him with their feet; and similarly, sheep will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had in the world, and if he had not paid their Zakat, then they would tread him with their hooves and would butt him with their horns.”

The Prophet (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) added, “One of their rights is that they should be milked while water is kept in front of them.”

The Prophet (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) added, “I do not want anyone of you to come to me on the Day of Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating. Such a person will (then) say, ‘O Muhammad! (please intercede for me,) I will say to him. ‘I can’t help you, for I conveyed Allah’s Message to you.’ Similarly, I do not want anyone of you to come to me carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a person (then) will say “O Muhammad! (please intercede for me).” I will say to him, “I can’t help you for I conveyed Allah’s message to you.”

[Bukhari Book:24 No:485]

Allah’s Apostle (Sallallähu alaihi wa sallam) said, “There is no prayer after the morning prayer till the sun rises, and there is no prayer after the Asr prayer till the sun sets.”

[Bukhari 0560]

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah has inspired to me that you are all to be humble towards each other such that no one transgresses against or exalts himself above another.” [Sahih Muslim]

Unfortunately, the tides have so turned, that we now consider it a mark of confidence to boast about ourselves. Whatever you have, is because Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) gave it to you or allowed you to have it; whether it is intelligence, looks, wealth, lineage, faith, character or anything else.

If someone thinks that they worked hard and achieved by their own merit alone what they got, they should look at all those who also work hard but do not reach their goals. If you studied hard and excelled, who made it possible for you to have the time to study? You could have been born into a family where children have to go to work to make ends meet.

If you excel in your business, who allowed you to accumulate the capital to begin it, or gave you the ideas for it, or prevented accidents from befalling it? Who gave you the health to work for your business and kept debilitating illness away from you?

If you pride yourself on your Islam, who put your ruh into a child being born to a Muslim couple? Had you been raised on some other religion would you have come to Islam on your own? Who has surrounded you with angels and allowed you to resist Shaitaan and not turn to Kufr?

Lineage or looks are even more obviously Allah given. Therefore, there is nothing at all for you to boast about.

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says, “Do not praise yourselves: He knows best who is godfearing.” [Al-Quran 53:32] The only thing worthy to boast about is taqwa. And Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) forbids boasting about that too. There are two reasons for this. One is that only Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) knows how good a person really is. And only His knowing matters. He (subhana wa ta’ala) is the one who will reward us for it.

The other reason we are not to boast is that it is contrary to taqwa. A person who has true awareness of Allah (taqwa) is painfully aware of their own shortcomings, their dependence on Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and the many sins they commit knowingly and unknowingly. Therefore, a pious person is necessarily humble and modest and can never be a braggart.

1. JESUS IS THE CHRIST. [Qur’an 3:45]
2. JESUS IS THE MESSIAH. [Qur’an 3:42:45]
3. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD. [Qur’an 4:171-172, 3:45]
4. JESUS WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN. [Qur’an 3:47]
5. JESUS PERFORMED MIRACLES. [Qur’an 2:87, 3:39, 3:49, 5:110, and Surah 5:112-114]
6. JESUS WAS A PROPHET AND A MESSENGER. [Qur’an 4:171, 19:30-33, 5:75]
7. JESUS WAS NEVER TOUCHED BY SATAN. [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 6, Book 60, Number 71 & Volume 4, Book 54, Number 506]
8. JESUS WAS TAKEN UP ALIVE BY GOD. [Qur’an 3:55, 4:158], [Sahih Ibn Kathir 2.449]
9. JESUS WILL RETURN AND DESCEND FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH. [Qur’an 43:61], [Hadith from Abu Huraira, Tafsir Qurtabi].
10. JEUSUS WAS GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. [Qur’an 2:87, 5:110, 2:253]
11. JESUS IS ALIVE IN HEAVEN. [Qur’an 4:157-158]
12. JESUS IS SINLESS AND WILL ALWAYS BE. [Qur’an 3:46; 6:86; 19:19]
13. JESUS WAS SENT ONLY FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. [Qur’an 3:49, 43:59]
14. JESUS SPOKE IN THE CRADLE AS AN INFANT. [Qur’an 3:46, and Surah 5:110]
15. JESUS IS A SIGN FOR THE DAY OF RESURRECTION. [Qur’an 43:61]

Doing a lot of Righteous Deeds and Filling one’s time with them

This is one of the best ways of dealing with weak faith, and is clearly very effective in strengthening faith and make us getting closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’alaa.

Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allah be pleased with him) set the best example of this, when the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked his Sahaabah: “Who among you got up fasting this morning?” Abu Bakr said, “I did.” He asked, “Who among you has attended a funeral today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” He asked, “Who among you has fed a needy person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” He asked, “Who among you has visited a sick person today?” Abu Bakr said, “I have.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “No man does all of that but he will enter Paradise.” (Reported by Muslim, Kitaab Fadaa’il al-Sahaabah, Baab 1, Hadeeth 12).

This story demonstrates that Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him) was keen to make the most of every opportunity and to do a variety of acts of worship. Because this was an unexpected question on the part of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), this indicates that Abu Bakr’s days were filled with acts of obedience and worship. The salaf (may Allah have mercy on them) reached the highest levels in their efforts to do righteous deeds and fill their time in this manner. An example of this is what was said about a group of the salaf among whom was Hammaad ibn Salamah. Imaam ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Mahdi said: “If it were said to Hammaad ibn Salamah, ‘You will die tomorrow,’ he would not be able to do more good deeds (than he was already doing).” (Siyar A’laam al-Nubala’, 7/447).

The Muslim should pay attention to the following when doing good deeds:

1 – Hasten to do good deeds

Allah says (interpretation of the meanings): “And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth…” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:133] and “Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allaah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth…” [al-Hadeed 57:21].

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Deliberation in all things,” but according to another report, he added, “except in deeds that pertain to the Hereafter [i.e., good deeds].” (Reported by Abu Dawood in his Sunan, 5/175; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3009).

2 – Continuing to do good deeds

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, transmitting the words of his Lord in a hadeeth qudsi: “… ‘My slave keeps drawing nearer to me with naafil (supererogatory) deeds until I love him.’” (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 6137).

The phrase maa yazaalu (“keeps [drawing near]”) gives the impression of continuity. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Continue doing Hajj and ‘Umrah.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 810; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1200).

This is an important principle when it comes to strengthening one’s eemaan and not neglecting oneself to the point of stagnation. A small deed that is continuous is better than a big deed that is not done regularly.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked: “Which deed is most beloved to Allah?” He said, “The one that is continuous, even if it is little.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Fath, 11/194).

“When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did something, he kept it up.” (Reported by Muslim, Kitaab Salaat al-Musaafir, Baab 18, Hadeeth 141).