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Don’t be Depressed? Allah is with You

by Dina Mohamed Basiony

Before  we start discussing anything, let us just say that if you’re someone who is going through some sort of depression and you still decided to read this article, then you must know how strong you are! It is not a small deal that you still have the power to look for answers, it is not a small deal that you still have the power to look for help, meaning, healing, light and peace. It is not a small deal, and it will not go unnoticed by Allah. Not a single minute you spend in difficulty will go unnoticed or unrewarded. That’s His promise to us all.

“Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

There will be relief for you here before the hereafter, and you will see that if you remain steadfast on your faith and trust Allah (subhanahu wa ta’la).
Allah says:
“…and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” (Qur’an 12: 87)

You know this verse is mentioned in the Chapter that narrates one of the best human stories; the story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him).

Yasmin Mogahed | Don’t Be Sad, Allah is With Us | 15th MAS ICNA Convention

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made his famous statement, “don’t be sad, Allah is with us” to Abu Bakr to calm him. A similar statement was made by Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) when he reassured his people of Allah’s support, even when all hope seems lost. It’s a statement that gets to the core belief that no one can save you from harm. Only Allah can protect you.

Online Friday Prayer During Pandemic

 BY: ASLAM ABDULLAH   SOURCE: ISLAMICITY

Ahmed, 57 and his son, 10, perform Friday prayers in their home as mosques are closed due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus in Casablanca, Morocco (Photo: Al Jazeera; Reuters/Youssef Boudlal).

The majority of Muslim scholars have wisely ruled to suspend all congregational events to protect all communities.

But holding Friday sermons and prayers online has become a debatable issue among Muslims in the Western countries where Muslim minority communities may feel more isolated due to the extended lockdowns that have restricted public assemblies.

Muslim scholars in America and Europe have relied primarily on the opinions of earlier scholars on this sensitive issue. Quoting several of them, these scholars say that an unreasonable gap in between the lines breaks congregational prayers (Jamaa) and concluding that there is no Jumah with many households praying miles apart. In their opinion, people watching and listening to the sermon cannot offer two units of Friday prayers, instead, they should observe noon Zuhr prayers.