Istighfar - Tumblr Posts

There are many beautiful lessons from this story.

First, is the power of dhikr and istighfar – it opens doors to blessings and is a means for your du’as to be answered.

Second, there is a connection between the baker’s remembrance of Allah and his service to others – his dhikr didn’t prevent him from fulfilling his (halal) job; and crucially, that dhikr softened his heart so that he was not only mindful of Allah but also mindful of the needs of others.

Third, a general lesson is the profound importance of hospitality, even to strangers – those guests bring with them great blessings, and we should never turn them away.

Fourth, Allah is Al-Lateef! The One who is Subtle in His plans, and Sensitive to people’s unspoken hopes and dreams. Something that at first seemed negative (being refused by the mosque) ended up being the means by which something positive could happen for both the Imam and the baker.

And finally, we learn about the humility of Imam Ahmed – he could easily have utilised his fame to his advantage! He only needed to tell the mosque caretaker, or anyone for that matter, who he was and he would have received the best hospitality imaginable. But instead, he refused to turn his knowledge into a privilege. He refused to have an advantage above other people simply due to his fame, and was willing to be treated the same as everyone else. A further testament to his lack of ego was the way he observed the baker while he worked through the night – the great Imam Ahmed was open to learning from others who were not as learned as him, and realised that truth and wisdom is often preserved and passed down by those who have no name. He constantly sought to learn, even from a humble baker.

We can always learn from others, no matter who they are.

Never go back to what Allah has taken you out from.

~ mashriqiyyah

Think of it this way, each time you sin, you push away your rizq.

~ mashriqiyyah