Sheltering In, Strengthening Connections

In lieu of Friday jummuah khutba, Good Tree Academy convenes online to share weekly reminders. Among the ayah Ustadh Michael Wolfender refers to include: 

Surah 27 An-Naml part of the last ayah (with adjustment of pronouns)

Surah 25 Al-Furqaan ayah 1 – 2

End of the last ayah of Surah 17 Al-Israa

Ustadh Michael advises on how everyone impacted by the COVID-19 affects can use this time to become a better person with an attitude of gratitude, to become more righteous, improve character and use good speech. It is a time beckoning humans to turn to Allah, the Qur’an, honor His Prophet peace be upon him and do your best to become better despite pressure and difficulties. Do not give in to stress and worries. Allah is near. He is our Guardian and Caretaker. 

Rely on Allah. He is Our Provider. Appreciate His Favors and know that Allah is in charge.

Brother Michael recites from the sixth surah Al-An’am, translated: “All praise is for Allah Who created the heavens and the earth and made darkness and light.” And from Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:185-186): “Every soul will taste death. And you will only receive your full reward on the Day of Judgment. Whoever is spared from the Fire and is admitted into Paradise will ˹indeed˺ triumph, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment. You ˹believers˺ will surely be tested in your wealth and yourselves, and you will certainly hear many hurtful words from those who were given the Scripture before you and ˹from˺ the polytheists. But if you are patient and mindful ˹of Allah˺—surely this is a resolve to aspire to.”

The reminder is that this life is a test and truce success is in the hereafter. What are the tests in this life? Of wealth and self. Be patient and be mindful of Allah by perservering in doing good, restraining yourself and being patient in the face of sorrow, defeat and hardship; bear hardship gracefully and be kind to others. 

Brother Michael concludes with a story of companion of our Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him who was disobedient and his punishment was isolation. In that quarantine, the companion turned to Allah to become more righteous. We too should use this time to improve relationships, connect to the Qur’an and honor the sunnah of our prophet peace be upon him.  

Ustadh Ilir Aliji assists in answering questions including: is this virus a blessing or curse? Brother Ilir advises Allah sends punishment to those deserving and the virus is a mercy for those who believe; for instance, believers earn the reward of a martyr. In answering another question, Brother Ilir replies Allah guarantees paradise for all believers

Other questions to watch and learn from include: 

What age does one need to be to lead prayer?

How many people are needed to offer Taraweeh prayer?

How many people are needed to offer jummuah prayer?

Will we get the same reward for offering Taraweeh at home as if they were offered at the masjid?