Among the lessons from Prophet Ibrahim is that of conviction at a young age, guidance and steadfastness in belief. Ustadh Michael Wolfender references two passages in the Qur’an of Allah telling Ibrahim’s story, beginning with Surah Al-Anbya (21 The Prophets) from ayah 57 - 65. Ibrahim advised those in his community that when they would be gone, he would take action against their devotion to idolatry. And when the community was away, he broke their idols, except for the biggest one where he left his tool used to break them hanging. Upon discovery of this act, questions arose as to its perpetrator. Youthful in age, Ibrahim spoke against the idols and their worship as the community questioned him in public. His response: the big idols committed the act and why not ask the idols around him? Allah recounts how this consideration prompted awareness of the errors in not worshipping The One Creator: “So they came back to their senses, saying ˹to one another,˺ “You yourselves are truly the wrongdoers!” (21:64)
But as humans do, they changed their minds again, failing to accept the truth that idol worship is wrong. Blinded by their own desires, they literally threw Prophet Ibrahim into a bonfire they built. Ibrahim is known as the Friend of Allah, and friends protect each other. Ibrahim attested the greatest ease in his life was the coolness Allah provided him as he endured the flames of this bonfire, saying for him Allah is enough.
Ustadh Michael recites the dua Ibrahim made asking of Allah from Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26 The Poets): ˹He is˺ the One Who created me, and He ˹alone˺ guides me.˹He is˺ the One Who provides me with food and drink. And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick. And He ˹is the One Who˺ will cause me to die, and then bring me back to life. And He is ˹the One˺ Who, I hope, will forgive my flaws1 on Judgment Day.” “My Lord! Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous. Bless me with honourable mention among later generations. Make me one of those awarded the Garden of Bliss. Forgive my father, for he is certainly one of the misguided. And do not disgrace me on the Day all will be resurrected - the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any benefit. Only those who come before Allah with a pure heart ˹will be saved˺.” ˹On that Day˺ Paradise will be brought near to the God-fearing (26: 78 - 87)
From this, Ustadh Michael reminds it is the successful who will earn paradise by coming before Allah with a pure heart, no jealousy, no slander and no anger. Life’s hardships is Allah purifying our hearts. Prayer helps provide a pure heart, proper behavior and to feel better. Prayer is connecting with Allah. Humans are imperfect, committing sins and often even unknowingly. This begets the power of seeking forgiveness. Be cautious of making excuses, using the cover of doing as the majority may and thus fooling yourself into errant ways without seeking forgiveness.
Ustadh Michael speaks about how Allah tests us with the Quran. We should give it priority over other activities, especially in the month of Ramadan. Please support our Tuition Assistance Program at goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan.
Support the showGuest Khateeb Sheikh Arsalan Haque gave Good Tree students an important message about watching what you say and that Ramadan is the best time to practice.
Support the showUstadh Michael tells us a very interesting story of how the first Quran was written down and how Allah's promise was kept to preserve it.
Support the showUstadh Michael speaks about how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known to be the most honest and trustworthy individual in his community even before he became the Messenger of Allah.
Support the showOur guest khatib Sheikh Ikrimah speaks to the students about the importance of not wasting the precious time Allah SWA has given us with the coming of every new day.
Support the showSome try to prove God does not exist through science but the Quran makes it clear that the Designer behind all science is Allah (SWA).
Support the showUstadh Michael speaks about how the Muslims historically brought people together of different religions to build secure, thriving communities.
Support the showGood Tree Academy Senior and this year's valedictorian Faizan delivers Jummah Khutba about following the example of Prophet Muhammad (SWS).
Support the showWhatever is best doesn’t come easy. It takes work.
For those who love, study and learn the Qur’an, upon entering paradise, angels will don these believers with garments and crowns, including their parents who fostered the best learning.
Allah has given us some illustrations of the rewards He has prepared in paradise, and they are like nothing we’ve seen. Paradise will have mansions which will look like stars they are so high.
And who will these mansions be for? Principal Wadud Hassan explains it is for those who will be told to recite Qur’an. The more you recite, the higher and higher levels the reciter will rise. When the reciter stops determines the level of his or her home in paradise.
Heaven will contain tents like hollowed pearls 60 miles from each side.
These rewards are especially for the believers who apply the perfume of Qur’an to your soul. It’s a smell palpable to angels.
Earning paradise means hard work, worship and deeds like fasting, reading Qur’an and exhibiting good character. The next time you face a challenge, like waking up on time for Fajr prayer, think of the treasure Allah has waiting for you and work hard in this short life for that eternal happiness.
In Surah At Tariq, Allah prompts us to consider our origin: “Let people then consider what they were created from!” (At-Tariq 86:5 The Nightcomer)
Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses this ayat along with examples like IKEA furniture, cow stomachs, birds’ eyes and stomachs to consider advanced design and our purpose.
Our purpose is to learn about and worship Allah, as we will return to Him. This life is a test of patience and gratitude for the bounties Allah provides and withholds.
In the second half of Surah At-Tariq, Allah advises of the guidance He has sent in His Book: “Surely this ˹Quran˺ is a decisive word and is not to be taken lightly.” (86:13 - 14) The Qur’an advises us of our purpose, in our faith and path in this life with guidance for earning eternal happiness.
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