The Greatest of Sins
Seventy Sins that Allah likes that we forsake
Four of the greatest of sins are perpetrated in the HEART:
1- The First Great Sin: Associating Deities with Allah: (whether explicit polytheism or hypocrisy or even implicit practices such as insincerity)
This includes the belief that creatures, humans or jinn, government or other worldly reasons and powers are capable of sustenance, benefit or harm. Allah says: ﴾When Allah alone is named, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereaft er shrink with
aversion, but when others are named instead of Him, they are filled with joy﴿. (1)
Hypocrisy also includes conditional and edgy worshipping of Allah , meaning to happily worship Him in prosperous times and to turn to anger and grudge in hardships and stop worshipping Him when tested.
Hypocrisy also includes revealing an attitude of religiousness in public and secretly feeling and believing otherwise. While insincerity is an attitude where a man shows off his good deeds and charity, and would not have offered any of it without social recognition. Those good deeds may include prayer, donations, pilgrimage or building mosques; that are intended for social recognition and not for divine reward which indicates weakness in one’s faith.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet said: “The first person to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who died as a martyr. He will be brought forward, and after Allah
reminds him of His favors, the man acknowledges, and Allah asks: ‘How did you show gratitude for it?’ The man replies: ‘I fought for Thy cause till I was martyred.’ Allah answers, ‘You are lying. You fought so that people might call you courageous, and they have done so.’ Allah issues His Command about him, and he is dragged on his face and thrown into hell. Next is a man who has acquired and taught knowledge and read the Quran, he is brought forward, and after Allah reminds him of His favors, the man acknowledges, and Allah asks: ‘How did you show gratitude for it?’ The man replies: ‘I acquired and taught knowledge and read the Quran for Thy sake.’ Allah answers: 'You are lying. You acquired knowledge so that people might call you knowledgeable, and you read the Quran so they might call you a reader, and they have done so.’ Allah issues His Command about him, and he is dragged on his face and thrown into hell. Next is a man whom Allah has made affluent and whom He has given all kinds of property. Th e man is brought forward, and after Allah has reminded him of His favors, the man acknowledges, and Allah asks, ‘How did you show gratitude for it?’ The man replies: ‘I have not neglected to give liberally for Thy sake to all the causes approved by Thee for this purpose.’ Allah answers, ‘You are lying. You did it so that people might call you generous, and they have done so.’ Allah issues His Command about him, and he is dragged on his face and thrown into hell.”(2)
2- The Second Great Sin: Insisting on a Sin and Justifying it: Iblis was not expelled from the Gardens of Heaven for not prostrating before Adam peace be upon him. He was expelled
for justifying his deed. Allah said, “Satan, what prevented you from prostrating yourself to what I created with My Own Hands? Were you overcome by arrogance, or are you of those who think [only] of themselves as exalted?’ - Satan replied, ‘I am better than
him. You created me from fire, but You created him from clay.’ - ﴾Begone! You are accursed - My curse will remain upon you till the Day of Judgement!﴿. (3)
Scholars have said: it is no small sin when you insist, and it is not great one when you ask for forgiveness. Which means if one commits a small sin and does not ask for forgiveness and insisted on it but also justified it, it becomes a great sin. Whereas, a great sin followed by repentance is forgiven and pardoned.
3- The Third Great Sin: Despairing from Allah’s Mercy: This is one of the strongest tools of Satan against humans, where humans are lured into believing that they have committed so many of the greatest of sins that they are not entitled for the Forgiveness of Allah even after repenting, which of course prevents repentance and causes severe depression.
Related to this particular sin is the stage of hopelessness, when a person feels cursed with bad omen and bad luck in worldly matters and in matters of faith and that Allah will never be pleased with him. Allah said: ﴾Say, O My servants, who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for Allah surely forgives all sins. He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful﴿. (4)
Abi Said Al Khudry related that the Prophet said: “There was a man from among a nation before you who killed ninety-nine people and then made an inquiry about the most learned person on earth. He was directed to a monk. He came to him and told him that he had killed ninety-nine people and asked him if there was any chance for his repentance to be accepted. He replied in the negative, so the man killed him completing one hundred. He then asked about the most learned man on earth, and he was directed to a scholar. He told him that he had killed one hundred people and asked him if there was any chance for his repentance to be accepted. He replied in the affi rmative and asked, 'Who stands between you and repentance? Go to such and such land; there you will find people devoted to prayer and worship of Allah, join them in worship, and do not come back to your land because it is an evil place.' So he went away and hardly had he covered half the distance when death overtook him; and there was a dispute between the angels of mercy and the angels of torment. The angels of mercy pleaded, 'This man has come with a repenting heart to Allah,' and the angels of punishment argued, 'He never did a virtuous deed in his life.' Th en there appeared another angel in the form of a human being and the contending angels agreed to make him arbiter between them. He said, 'Measure the distance between the two lands. He will be considered belonging to the land to which he is nearer.' They measured and found him closer to the land of piety where he intended to go, and so the angels of mercy collected his soul".(5)
4- The Fourth Great Sin: Underestimating the Schemes of Allah, and Feeling Wrongly Reassured: This sin is widely spread in our daily lives, and it includes believing that one is the better Muslim, deserving to enter the Gardens of Heaven with one’s own deeds, and that all the blessings received from Allah are well earned and deserved. Such personalities tell you that religion is all about treating others right, and they pretend that they have mastered this skill and are close to perfection. They might also be confident that they are from the People of Heaven and that Allah loves them and has extended His bounties and blessings of this life on them. It is this category that is indicated by Allah : ﴾And so he had fruit in abundance. While conversing with his companion, he said, ‘I am wealthier than you are, and have a bigger following!’ Having thus harmed his own soul, he entered his garden saying, ‘I do not think this will ever perish, and I do not believe that the Hour will ever come. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I shall surely find a better place than this﴿. (1) Allah says: ﴾And those who do what
they do with their hearts trembling at the thought that they must
return to their Lord﴿. (6)
Aisha may Allah be pleased with her relays that she has asked the Prophet about this verse: ‘And those who do what they do with their hearts trembling”, are these the people who steal
and commit fornication and drinks while fearing Allah? And the Prophet responded: “No O daughter of Abu Bakr, daughter of Al Siddiq they are the ones who pray and fast and give charity while fearing Allah ”.(7)
This means that the person should ask for forgiveness after every act of worship and ask Allah for acceptance. It is dangerous to think that one’s act of worship is fit for acceptance, we should know that our acts of worship are full of fl aws and mistakes that make them unacceptable, had Allah not repaired them. Allah Said: ﴾Say, ‘Shall I tell you of those who will lose the most through their actions? They are those whose eff orts have been
wasted in this world while they thought they were doing good﴿ (8)
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(1) Al Zumar: 45
(2) Transmitted by Muslim in his Sahih from Abu Huraira, Hadith 1905, Chapter on Leadership-
Fighting for Reputation and Show Off Deserves Hell.
(3) Sad: 75-77.
(4) Al Zumar: 53.
(5) Transmitted by Muslim in his Sahih from Abi Said al Khudry, Hadith 2766, Chapter of
Repentance- Acceptance of the Killer Repentance, even when sin had been repeated
extensively.
(6) Al Kahf: 34-36 .
(7) Al Mu’minun:60.
(8) Transmitted by Ahmad in his Musnad, Hadith 25302, Chapter of Musnad Al Ansar, the speech of Aisha may Allah be pleased
Nutritious Recipe
from my kitchen with love
✨ Rice with Peas & Minced Meat Topped with Nuts – Served with Yogurt Mint Cucumber Sauce ✨
A comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for family meals! 🍛🥒🥄
Ingredients:
For the Rice:
2 cups basmati rice 🍚
1 ½ cups green peas 🌿
3 cups beef, chicken, or veggie broth (use the one you prefer for added flavor) 🍖🍗🌱
2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) 🧈
1 tsp salt 🧂
For the Minced Meat Topping:
1 lb ground beef 🥩
2 tbsp ghee 🧈
½ tsp black pepper ⚫
1 tsp allspice
¼ cup pine nuts & slivered almonds, toasted 🌰✨
For the Yogurt Sauce:
2 cups plain yogurt 🥛
1 small cucumber, finely chopped 🥒
1 tbsp dried mint powder 🌿
2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
2-3 tbsp water or a couple of ice cubes (to dilute and make it creamy) 🧊
½ tsp salt 🧂
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Rice with Peas:
Wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
In a pot, heat 2 tbsp of ghee, and sauté the peas for 2 minutes.
Add the rice, salt, and broth (beef, chicken, or veggie) to the pot and bring to a boil.
Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
2️⃣ Prepare the Minced Meat Topping:
Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the pan, season with salt, allspice, and black pepper, and cook until browned.
Once cooked, remove from the heat.
Toast the pine nuts and almonds in a separate pan until golden and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Yogurt Mint Cucumber Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the yogurt, chopped cucumber, dried mint powder, minced garlic, and salt.
Add 2-3 tbsp of water or ice cubes to dilute and create a smoother, creamy consistency.
Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
🍽️ To Serve:
Fluff the rice and peas, then spread it on a serving platter.
Top with the seasoned minced meat.
Garnish with the toasted pine nuts and almonds.
Serve with the chilled yogurt-mint-cucumber sauce on the side.
Sahtain! 🥰🍽️
From One Seed to Seven Hundred: The Power of Giving
The financial policies of the caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (Umar II) were groundbreaking in economic justice and social welfare, setting a model that can still be applied today. His approach was rooted in reviving the true principles of Islamic economics, ensuring that wealth circulated fairly, eradicating poverty, and securing financial stability for all members of society. Below is an expanded analysis of his strategy in providing salaries for the poor and reviving Islamic welfare, along with ways we can implement his principles in modern times.
1. Salaries for the Poor: A State Responsibility, Not Charity
One of Umar II's most revolutionary financial policies was treating poverty eradication as a government responsibility rather than leaving it solely to personal charity. His system aimed at ensuring that no one in his caliphate was left without financial security.
Strategy Applied by Saydna Umar II:
Accurate Needs Assessment:
Umar II ordered governors across the Islamic lands to conduct a census and assess the needs of every poor family and individual.
The names and financial conditions of the needy were officially recorded, ensuring a structured approach rather than random handouts.
Monthly Stipends for the Poor:
Instead of temporary relief, Umar II allocated salaries for the poor from the public treasury (Bayt al-Mal). This was a systematic approach to eradicating poverty rather than treating it as a recurring emergency.
These stipends covered basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
Integration of the Elderly and Disabled into the Financial System:
Unlike previous rulers, Umar II ensured that widows, orphans, the elderly, and disabled individuals received regular financial aid without having to beg or depend on family.
He stated:“Give them from the treasury until they feel independent and do not need to ask others.”
Direct Funding for Debtors:
He cleared the debts of those unable to repay loans. This prevented financial collapse, stopping people from falling into lifelong hardship.
How Can We Apply This Today?
✔ Create structured financial aid programs rather than sporadic charity.
✔ Develop government or community-backed income programs to support widows, orphans, and those in need.
✔ Use technology to maintain a transparent database for those requiring assistance, ensuring fair and accountable distribution.
✔ Encourage financial independence by giving aid that helps people regain stability, not just survive temporarily.
Mozaic creates a structured financial aid program by first assessing the needs of individuals. We then develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both their social and financial needs, all while being supported by the community. By collecting and maintaining a database, we ensure an accountable distribution of resources. Following that, we initiate professional development courses and workshops as essential steps toward financial independence. Your support for Mozaic is crucial, as we help one individual at a time to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Donate https://mozaicdmv.org/donate/
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This topic will be continued on a daily basis over the next few days. Stay tuned to read the complete policy of Caliph Omar II.
Du’a of the Day
اللهم لك الحمد، أنت نور السماوات والأرض ومن فيهن، ولك الحمد، أنت قيوم السماوات والأرض ومن فيهن، ولك الحمد، أنت الحق، ووعدك الحق، ولقاؤك حق، والجنة حق، والنار حق، والنبيون حق، والساعة حق، ومحمد حق. اللهم لك أسلمت، وبك آمنت، وعليك توكلت، وإليك أنبت، وبك خاصمت، وإليك حاكمت، فاغفر لي ما قدمت وما أخرت، وما أسررت وما أعلنت، أنت إلهي لا إله إلا أنت.
اللهم صل على محمد وعلى آل محمد، كما صليت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم، إنك حميد مجيد، وبارك على محمد وعلى آل محمد، كما باركت على إبراهيم وعلى آل إبراهيم، في العالمين إنك حميد مجيد.
اللهم أحيني على سنة نبيك وتوفني على ملته، وأعذني من مضلات الفتن.
أستغفر الله العظيم الذي لا إله إلا هو، الحي القيوم، وأتوب إليه.
رب اغفر لي خطيئتي يوم الدين.
اللهم اهدني فيمن هديت، وعافني فيمن عافيت، وتولني فيمن توليت، وبارك لي فيما أعطيت، وقني شر ما قضيت، إنه لا يذل من واليت، تباركت ربنا وتعاليت.
اللهم اغفر لي، اللهم اجعلني يوم القيامة فوق كثير من خلقك من الناس، اللهم اغفر لي ذنبي، وأدخلني يوم القيامة مدخلا كريما.
اللهم إني أسألك شهادة في سبيلك.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب النار، وأعوذ بك من عذاب القبر، وأعوذ بك من الفتن ما ظهر منها وما بطن، وأعوذ بك من فتنة الدجال.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الهم والحزن، والعجز والكسل، والبخل والجبن، وضلع الدين، وغلبة الرجال.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من علم لا ينفع، وعمل لا يرفع، وقلب لا يخشع، وقول لا يسمع.
اللهم إني أسألك المعافاة في الدنيا والآخرة.
اللهم لا تخزني يوم القيامة.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من جار السوء، ومن زوج تشيبني قبل المشيب، ومن ولد يكون علي ربا، ومن مال يكون علي عذابا، ومن خليل ماكر عينه تراني، وقلبه يرعاني؛ إن رأى حسنة دفنها، وإذا رأى سيئة أذاعها.
اللهم إني أعوذ بك من صلاة لا تنفع.
اللهم جدد الإيمان في قلبي.
اللهم إني أسألك الفردوس أعلى الجنة.
اللهم إني أسألك الثبات في الأمر، والعزيمة على الرشد، وأسألك موجبات رحمتك، وعزائم مغفرتك، وأسألك شكر نعمتك، وحسن عبادتك، وأسألك قلبا سليما، ولسانا صادقا، وأسألك من خير ما تعلم، وأعوذ بك من شر ما تعلم، وأستغفرك لما تعلم، إنك أنت علام الغيوب.
اللهم ثبتني واجعلني هاديا مهديا.
اللهم أحسنت خلقي فأحسن خلقي.
اللهم زدنا ولا تنقصنا، وأكرمنا ولا تهنا، وأعطنا ولا تحرمنا، وآثرنا ولا تؤثر علينا، وأرضنا وارض عنا.
اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وعافني، وارزقني.
O Allah, to You belongs all praise. You are the Light of the heavens and the earth and everything within them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and everything within them. To You belongs all praise. You are the Truth, and Your promise is true, and meeting You is true, and Paradise is true, and Hell is true, and the Prophets are true, and the Hour is true, and Muhammad is true. O Allah, I have submitted to You, I have believed in You, I have trusted in You, to You I turn in repentance, with You I argue, and to You I seek judgment. Forgive me for what I have done and what I will do, for what I have concealed and for what I have disclosed. You are my God, there is no God but You.
O Allah, send Your blessings upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious. And bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, in the worlds. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.
O Allah, let me live according to the Sunnah of Your Prophet, and cause me to die upon his faith, and protect me from the trials of temptation.
I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Mighty, the Living, the Sustainer, and I turn to Him in repentance.
My Lord, forgive me my sins on the Day of Judgment.
O Allah, guide me among those whom You have guided, grant me health among those whom You have granted health, protect me among those whom You have protected, and bless me in what You have given me, and protect me from the evil of what You have decreed. Indeed, those whom You support will never be humiliated. Blessed are You, our Lord, and exalted.
O Allah, forgive me, and make me superior to many of Your creatures on the Day of Judgment. O Allah, forgive my sins, and grant me an honorable entrance on the Day of Judgment.
O Allah, I ask You for martyrdom in Your path.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the Fire, and from the punishment of the grave, and from the trials, both apparent and hidden, and from the trial of the Dajjal.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and sadness, from incapacity and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from the weight of debt and the overpowering of men.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from deeds that are not raised, from a heart that does not humble itself, and from speech that is not heard.
O Allah, I ask You for well-being in this world and the Hereafter.
O Allah, do not disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a wicked neighbor, from a wife who makes me old before my time, from a child who becomes my master, from wealth that becomes my torment, and from a deceitful friend whose eyes observe me, but whose heart is treacherous. If he sees good, he hides it; if he sees evil, he spreads it.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You from a prayer that does not benefit.
O Allah, renew faith in my heart.
O Allah, I ask You for the highest place in Paradise.
O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in my affairs, determination to follow the right path, and I ask You for the causes of Your mercy, the means of Your forgiveness, and for a grateful heart, good worship, a sound heart, and a truthful tongue. I ask You for the best of what You know, and I seek refuge in You from the worst of what You know. I ask for Your forgiveness for what You know. You are the All-Knowing.
O Allah, keep me firm, and make me a guide and one who is guided.
O Allah, You have made my creation good, so make my character good.
O Allah, increase us and do not decrease us, honor us and do not humiliate us, give us and do not deprive us, prefer us and do not prefer others over us, and make us content and pleased with us.
O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me health, and provide for me.
Ameen
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