Ramadhan mubarak and its deeper meanings

"You who believe? Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, so perchance you may attain God-consciousness." (Q 2:183)

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)." (Q2:185).

Ramadan has many dimensions, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. Ramadan teaches the believer to balance between all these dimensions of his/her existence. It helps physical attunement of the body through cleansing and relaxing, and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.

Psychological dimension of fasting is related to patience, forbearance and perseverance. Through observing fasting, the believer enriches his/her patience, forbearance, self-worth, self-strength, self-control, self-reflexivity, self-training and discipline. Through fasting Muslims strive for controlling their urges and resist temptation. And through meditative practices of praying, reading the Quran and remembering God, they are reminded of the bigger picture, and develop an understanding about purpose of creation. Thus, fasting helps dealing with stress, trauma, attain inner peace. Ramadan helps healing psychological problems.

In terms of social dimension, fasting calls for remembering those who are poor, who do not have food or shelter. Fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and of learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. It calls for purifying ones actions towards others. It reminds believers of their social responsibility, it calls for generosity, sharing and forgiving. It calls for compassion towards those who are in need and are suffering. During this month Muslims are especially called for resolving their conflicts, forgiving each other and asking for forgiveness.

Ramadan is also the month of mercy. Muslims are called to show mercy, compassion, generosity, and care for all Gods creatures, including themselves, other human beings, animals and the environment as the vicegerents of God on earth. By partaking in Ramadan, and experiencing it together creates a social space that is shared by many Muslims across the globe. This creates a unique sense of solidarity among Muslims around the world.

"Allah (SWT) (the name for The Almighty God, used by Muslims) said that: All services of the son of Adam are for him except fasting. It is for Me, and I will reward him for it. Fasting is a shield. On the day you fast, do not use obscenity, nor yell at others, nor act ignorantly towards them. However, if anyone abuses you verbally or attempts to draw you to fight with him, say 'I am fasting' two times. The Prophet (pbuh) then states: I swore by the One (Allah) in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, the breath of the faster is sweeter to Allah on the Day of Judgment than the scent of musk. The faster experiences enjoyment twice: he is pleased when he breaks his fast, and he is pleased when he meets his Maker" (Muslim).

In conclusion, this month is a blessing from Allah, and Alhamdulillah for its existence. One thing I've realised is that compelling the children to fast may blind them from its purposes and beauty. I was made to fast alot throughout my childhood, my mum had good intentions but fasting is prescribed for adults NOT for children. There is a Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he said, "Tell your children to pray when they are seven years old and discipline them if they don't when they are ten years old." If it had been expected for chidren to fast, it would be explicitly included in that hadith. Their bodies are not as capable of it and they may not understand the concept and as mischevious as children are, it may only teach them how to steal and lie because of hunger. As an adult now its clear of why this important pillar of our Deen is beneficial to us from the Most Merciful.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam, I've not been blogging much, I apologise. I have recently after a long search found a job I enjoy, however it has extremely long hours and I honestly have not had time to squeeze posts in. Inshallah I will be blogging weekly. Much love to you all and hope your Ramadhans are spent to the fullest with Jannahtul firdaus in mind.

Barakallahu feek!

waswas part 2

One thing that gets me is this doubt. Doubting myself, its out of striving for perfection in the Deen. But no one's perfect, we do what we can. But with Islam as a guide,it has countless guidelines and many times this overwhelms muslims who are trying to follow every single part, including me. So this goes out to us all.

the balancing act: FEAR and HOPE

HOPING TOO MUCH:

Allah says: "None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers.'' (7:99)

FEARING TOO MUCH:

He also says: "Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.'' (12:87)

This means there's no black and white, only Allah knows each and every person, their trials and what they have to overcome them. He knows when we are deliberately heedless and when the fear is low.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If a believer had full knowledge of the chastisement of Allah, none would covet His Jannah; and were an infidel to know the Mercy Allah has, none would despair of His Jannah".[Muslim].

"Verily, your Rabb is Quick in Retribution (for the disobedient, wicked) and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (for the obedient and those who beg Allah's forgiveness).'' (7:167)

There is a battle within me

to retain some sanity

to stay composed

to stay human

The ideal feels too constrained

the present feels too long

the sun shines down

the wind, still whispering

I have walked so far

hoping for purity of heart

Yet it took one prick to stain the ocean red,

What poison dyes so strong?

Pleasure, Restraint

Fun, Piety

one or the other

this world or the next

Is there an in between?

SUBHANALLAH

Am I burning myself with this

digging the well too deep

drowning as the water

gushes forward

I am a confused girl

but my soul has already made up her mind

there's got to be a balance

the straight lane is too hard

I am but flesh

the bent lane is too easy

too heedless would that path be

I do have a questioning conscience

so the way is that is stubby green

rocky upward trek never taken

It's a brand new day

a learning experience

learning myself

learning a new kind of restraint

an easing, accepting, true to myself

restraint

I saw through materialism

but found the value of beauty

I saw the fradulent foundations of our civilisation

but came back to loving the mankind struggling each day

I saw a glimpse of the darkest future

but reassure myself with Dhikr and prayer

that has to bring me some light

I recognised white and black

but saw grey in the mirror

I found two extremes but came to myself

the middle ground

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Jannah is nearer to you than your shoelace, and so is the (Hell) Fire".[Al-Bukhari].

Entering the Gates of Jannah

The angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) (AS) told the Messenger of Allah (SAW) the following incident about a man in the past who has worshiped Allah (SWT) continuously for 500 years. He was granted a shelter on top of a mountain that was surrounded by salty water. However, Allah (SWT) caused a stream of sweet water to flow through the mountain for that individual. The man would drink from this water and use it to make ablution. Allah (SWT) also raised a pomegranate tree from which the man would eat one fruit every day.One day, this person supplicated to Allah (SWT) that,

“Oh Allah, bring my death while I am in the state of prostration.”

Allah (SWT) accepted this du’a of his. Whenever Jibra’il (AS) came down to the Earth, he found this man prostrating to Allah (SWT). Jibrail (AS) said that on the Day of Judgment, Allah (SWT) will tell the angels to take this individual to Paradise through His Mercy. However, this man will insist that he should enter paradise through the good deeds that he had performed.Then, Allah (SWT) will tell the angels to compare his good deeds with the blessings that were given to him in the world. It will be seen that 500 years of his worship does not even equal to the gift of eye sight that was given to him (and all of humanity, for that sake) by Allah.

The angels will be asked to take him towards the hell-fire. Then the man will plead, “Oh Allah! Enter me into Paradise only through Your Mercy.”

At that point, the following discussion will take place between Allah (SWT) and that man.

Allah: Oh my servant, who created you?

The worshipper: Oh Allah, You have created me.

Allah: Were you created because of the good deeds you have done or because of My mercy?

The worshiper: Because of Your mercy.

Allah: Who granted you the ability to worship for 500 years?

The worshiper: Oh the Almighty! You have granted me that ability.

Allah: Who placed you on the mountain surrounded by the ocean? Who caused a stream of sweet water to flow in between the salty water? Who caused a pomegranate tree to grow for you? Who granted you death while in the state of prostration?

The worshiper: Oh the Sustainer of the Worlds! You have done all of these.

Then Allah (SWT) will say, “All these have happened due to My Mercy and you too will enter Paradise only through My Mercy.”

Inshallah, we must strive for this Mercy in the month coming up, Ramadhan.

Hope to have lots more posts during Ramadhan inshallah.

I just had to re-post this...SWINE FLU.

A MUSLIM RESPONSE TO SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC

Okay so we're faced with a pandemic, most places its still summer. The worst fears are to be realised in the following months as winter approaches. Its now on the news almost everyday with more people being infected. Alhamdulillah they say its usually mild, but only Allah can protect us either-way. Again the fact of its origin is quickly forgotten. Where did it come from? Because it is pretty unusual...and suspicious that the media does not point the finger at anyone as if this is a minute detail. More suspicious is Obama buying stock of Tamilflu and other avian flu drugs in 2007.

And how this affects us Muslims is that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam had warned of Gog and Magog and linked them to the abandonment of Hajj. And because of this epidemic, there are fears of exactly that.

I had to re-post this essay by Imran Hosein, may Allah reward him for his efforts. Inshallah.

Signs of Last Day

Written by Imran Nazar Hosein

In a Caribbean island of Trinidad that is blessed with a plural society, and which celebrates that plurality with the democratic proclamation “here every creed and race finds an equal place”, we Muslims are grateful that we still have at least that much freedom that we can buy newspaper space to publish a Muslim viewpoint on an issue as critically important as ‘Swine-Flu epidemic’. That appears to be the only way now left for publication of an authentic Muslim viewpoint in the so-called ‘free world’s’ print media.

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the influenza virus popularly known as ‘Swine Flu’. A Phase 6 designation indicates, according to WHO, that a global pandemic is underway. A pandemic occurs when a contagious viral disease infects people (and this may include animals) throughout an entire country or region, or even world-wide.
Prophet Muhammad Epidemics and the Anti-Christ

Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) gave precise instructions how to respond to epidemics and pandemics, and this essay reminds readers of those instructions. The Arabic word (al-Tā’ūn) which he used is more properly translated as epidemic/pestilence, and this would include plague.

The essay also directs attention to his prophecy linking epidemics/pandemics with Dajjāl the false Messiah or Anti-Christ. Readers should know that Islam recognizes Dajjāl the False Messiah to be a supremely evil being with a PhD in deception who seeks to impersonate the true Messiah (the son of Mary). As a consequence he is now establishing his evil rule over all of mankind with a universal political, economic and monetary dictatorship. He is also now quite close to achieving his final goal of ruling the world from Holy Jerusalem. It is only at that time when he publicly proclaims himself from Jerusalem to be the Messiah - and not a day before - that Jesus the true Messiah would return to dispatch him, as well as those who support his evil dictatorship, to the garbage bin of history.

The world witnessed an ominous example of the link between Dajjāl and epidemics during the anthrax attack that occurred one month after the 9/11 attack on America. It created conditions bordering on panic, and in the process advanced the strategic goals sought by those who planned and executed that 9/11 act of terrorism.
The ultimate goal of their biological and other forms of warfare is to realize a diabolically evil Pax Judaica in which the world would be ruled from Jerusalem. That Pax Judaica would represent the culmination of a three-stage messianic process that commenced with an evil Pax Britanica and was eventually replaced with the present evil Pax Americana.

Something went very wrong when embarrassing anthrax footprints were discovered. Those footprints were an embarrassment since they could not be presented to the world as Arab/Muslim. The discovery of those footprints led, seven years later, to the prime suspect, Dr. Bruce Ivins, a microbiologist/vaccinologist and senior biodefence researcher at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Fort Detrick, Maryland, allegedly committing suicide (perhaps the same kind of convenient suicide that British weapons inspector, Dr David Kelly is alleged to have committed). Those who recognize lies and deception would not be surprised on the day when the earth speaks (Qur’ān, al-Zilzāl, 99:4) to learn that they were assassinated in order to conceal further footprints. Dr Ivin’s so-called suicide occurred just when the FBI was about to file formal charges against him for alleged criminal connection to the 2001 anthrax attacks. As a consequence of the convenient so-called suicide the supporters of Dajjāl were spared a potentially very dangerous public trial.
Death from Epidemics and Martyrdom

The Prophet declared, as only a true Prophet could declare, that “death from epidemic is martyrdom for every Muslim” (Sahīh Bukhāri). A Muslim is here defined as anyone who has declared belief in the One God, i.e., the God of our father Abraham (‘alaihi al-Salām). That One God created both the male and the female, but is neither male nor female. Anyone who worships a man (or woman) or a God who appeared as a man (or woman), would be guilty of blasphemy and, unless he or she now repents, would pay a terrible price on Judgment Day for such blasphemy.

It was in consequence of that assurance of martyrdom for those who have faith in Allah Most High, that the Prophet could give an order that would today evoke the envy of governments: "If you hear of an epidemic outbreak in a land, do not enter it; but if it breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place" (Sahīh Bukhāri). It should be clear that obedience of the Prophet’s command would effectively quarantine the epidemic and eventually contain it and prevent its spread to other places.

If in the coming months the Swine Flu epidemic were to strike Laventille or Westmoorings in Trinidad for example, and residents were to die in significant numbers, no secular government could possibly prevent an exodus from the stricken area by those fleeing in panic to Cedros/Icacos and other such remote locations.

Muslims on the other hand, who obey the blessed Prophet, would be expected to set the example for others by remaining in the stricken area. They would also be expected to care for those affected by the epidemic (rather than scorn and ostracize them) knowing that by taking care of the stricken they may have the good fortune to die as martyrs. It is in this context that we can understand the Prophet’s declaration that epidemics were “punishment sent by Allah on whom He wished, and Allah made it a source of mercy for the believers, for if one in the time of an epidemic stays in his place patiently hoping for Allah's Reward and believing that nothing will befall him except what Allah has written for him, (and he dies) he will get the reward of a martyr" (Sahīh Bukhāri).
Readers may wish to reflect over the fact that the Aids epidemic appears to be precisely such Divine punishment inflicted on those deserving of punishment. Those on the other hand who die of Aids while holding fast to faith in their hearts and who are innocent of transgressions of the flesh, would receive the reward reserved for martyrs.

Epidemics as a Sign of the Last Day

The Prophet also prophesied the occurrence of epidemics as a Sign of the Last Day:
"Count six signs that indicate the approach of the Hour: my death, the conquest of Jerusalem, an epidemic that will afflict you (and cause you to die in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep, the increase of wealth to such an extent that even if one is given one hundred Dinārs, he will not be satisfied; then an affliction which no Arab house will escape . . .” (Sahīh Bukhāri).

This prophecy, when combined with others, clearly indicates that Dajjāl will wage biological warfare in the form of epidemics that would substantially reduce the Arab population in and around Israel. That, in turn, would facilitate his quest to rule the world from Jerusalem.

Finally the Prophet prophesied that “neither Dajjāl (i.e., the false Messiah or Anti-Christ) nor epidemic would enter (the city of) Madina” (Sahīh Bukhāri). It would be a matter of more than passing interest to witness the fulfillment of this prophecy if and when the city of Makkah is stricken by an epidemic. The millions who travel annually to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Temple built by Abraham (‘alaihi al-Salām) will most certainly take an epidemic to Makkah. But most pilgrims also visit Madina. How then can Madina escape epidemics?

Protection from Dajjāl’s Epidemics

Readers would surely consider it important to find out what steps they can resort to for protection from Dajjāl’s biological warfare in the form of epidemics.
The Qur’ān has declared of itself that it possesses the capacity to heal (Qur’ān, al-Isra, 17:82). This writer assumes that ‘capacity to heal’ includes ‘protection from illness’. The Prophet advised Muslims to recite the first ten verses of the Chapter of the Cave (Sūrah al-Kahf) of the blessed Qur’ān for protection from Dajjāl. In order for such recitation to have the desired effect, however, a believer must first establish such credentials with the Qur’ān as would elicit a positive response. The Qur’ān itself has warned (Qur’ān, al-Furqān, 25:30) of a time when it would be forsaken and neglected. The very first evidence of such neglect would be abandonment of the practice of reciting the Qur’ān (in Arabic) cover-to-cover at least one a month. Even if they were to recite the Qur’ān regularly it would hardly yield the desired result unless believers were to emotionally bond with the blessed Book. It is for this reason that the Book commands that it be recited calmly and with melody and rhythm (Qur’ān, Muzammil, 73:4) (and not at 95 miles an hour during the night-time prayers of Ramadān by professionals who cannot recite other than at that utterly sinful speed).

This essay concludes with the reminder to those who recite the Qur’ān regularly that the recitation of the first ten verses of Sūrah al-Kahf can offer them protection from Swine Flu epidemic and other such epidemics. This information may become crucially important in the months that lie ahead.

Just to add on this: this does not mean we just sit and hope. Allah helps those who help themselves, so inshallah we should make sure we try keep ourselves warm when it gets cold and avoid those areas where we would be at risk. Allah knew why we had to do wudhu, in times like these it may be a saving virtue.

Inshallah we will be protected by the Grace of the Lord of the Worlds from any harm, AMIN.

tagged :)

Assalamu alaykum

I have been tagged by Sister Fahiima (beautiful name by the way)…to write 10 honest things about me that my blogger readers may not know…so here goes...

1. I was born a Muslim, but really, I am a revert.
I was a wild child, up until I understood the whys and why nots of Islam. Why hijab, why is this the truth, didn’t practice much until I understood.
I knew so much yet so little. I was so far from Islam so I sort of took my shahada again.

2. I carry a pen and notebook everywhere so that when things get muddled up in my head, I can clear it out. Usually when angry almost tearing the paper with the pen...ahh the stress release.

3. My dad doesn’t know I’m married. Better marriage than living in haraam I say. But the situation is complicated and will fill him in slowly…yeah, sorry for dropping that bomb on everyone…

4. I cannot speak Somali, my native tongue, very embarrassed about it, and get roaring laughter everytime I try because of how broken it is apparently. Well I laugh at Somali’s broken English everytime so I guess I deserve it. Still, it’s the funniest thing. Kostometic – cosmetic, barafum – perfume…

5. My dream is living as a Bedouin somewhere in the outskirts of Medina…Life would be so much easier.

6. I can tell I will be a control-freak mother… no TV, no Music, no nothing. Tough!

7. My husband makes me fat. With his big appetite, I’m struggling to secure some food before it disappears. Lol. Just kidding, but he does eat a lot.

8. I want a baby…SO MUCH. But I guess I have to break the news to my dad first…oh the hurdles!

9. I was born in the wrong era. Seriously, even 100 years back won’t be too bad. I feel like an old woman watching this world change before my eyes into something sick and disfigured.

10. I had cramps that felt like childbirth. I couldn’t get out of bed. I was screaming, sweating, shivering, and once passed out in pain. Any sisters having similar pains, I found the answer…its called Solpadeim. :)

So for this Honest Scrap tag, I would like to tag these sisters and brothers to know them a little better Inshallah:

1. Sacrifice4Allah

2. Lazeena from Is it Halal

3. Jamaican Muslimah

4.Iman at Women in Islam

5. Sister Cecilia

6. Ayan at Beyoutiful Hijabi

7. Sister NiDa

8. Sir Adib

9. Sister Meemy

10. Brother Hamid

And I pass the Awesome Award to 2 bloggers. Sorry, its a tie, I just couldn't decide. Ayan at Beyoutiful Hijabi and Jamaican Muslimah because I learn so much from the posts from both of these talented Muslimahs. Inshallah may Allah reward you for sharing them. Amin

Marwa Sheribini, The Hijabi Martyr

Marwa al-Sherbini, a 32-year-old Egyptian who was about four months pregnant and wore the hijab, had pressed charges against her neighbour, Alex W, an immigrant from Russia of German heritage. He had harassed her, calling her a terrorist and was set to testify against him when he stabbed her 18 times inside a courtroom in front of her 3-year-old son on July 1 in Dresden. Al-Sherbini’s husband came to her aid and was also stabbed by the assailant and shot in the leg by a security guard who mistook him for the attacker, German prosecutors said. He is now in critical condition in a German hospital, according to al-Sherbini's brother.

She was stabbed 18 times, not in some dark alley. Not in some dangerous neighbourhood. In the bright lights of a courtroom, where we would assume there were armed police. Yes, this happened. But who reported it? What did he use to stab? Shouldn't he been checked under police custody? 18 times? Isn't once quick enough to stop him? 18 times??

The murderer had previously been fined for calling her a "terrorist" for wearing the Islamic hijab or headscarf, and was in court to appeal against his conviction.

Marwa Sherbini is a martyr.

This is the Europe we live in. This is an extreme example of European Islamophobia, especially because of the initially muted reaction to the crime in Germany and the rest of the world.
On Tuesday, German government spokesman Thomas Steg defended the reaction, saying Germany had "not been silent", and that early details about the case had not been sufficiently clear for a "spontaneous reaction".

Right. Can you imagine if it was in Egypt that a German woman was stabbed for not wearing hijab. Just imagine for a second the kind of reporting that would ensue. This again reminds us that what we consider news is incidents that follow one agenda and one conclusion. Anything that happens that doesn’t follow this agenda is simply ignored.

"We are thinking of naming one of the city's streets after her," said Dresden’s immigration officer Marita Schieferdecker-Adolph. I would be laughing if the situation wasn’t so sad. Naming a street doesn’t change prejudice, and the whole underlying problems that brought the lady to court in the first place.

Mashallah, she is not dead. She is a Martyr, she is in Jannah INSHALLAH.

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “He who is wounded in the Cause of Allah will come on the Day of Judgment with his wound bleeding. The color (of its discharge) will be the color of blood, (but) its smell will be the smell of musk. ‏” (Agreed upon hadith )

Jihad includes standing up for Islam. She opposed the sick stereotype imposed on Muslims today. “Terrorist”. She wore hijab with dignity and pride in following what Allah prescribed for us. Surely, she is a Mujaheed.

The Noble Qur'an 2:216 Jihâd (fighting/struggling in Allâh's Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allâh knows but you do not know.
3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast?

Do not think that those who are killed in the cause of GOD are dead; they are alive at their Lord, enjoying His provisions.
They are rejoicing in GOD's grace, and they have good news for their comrades who did not die with them, that they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
They have good news of GOD's blessings and grace, and that GOD never fails to reward the believers.
For those who respond to GOD and the messenger, despite the persecution they suffer, and maintain their good works, and lead a righteous life, a great reward.
When the people say to them, "People have mobilized against you; you should fear them," this only strengthens their faith, and they say, "GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector."

[3:169-173]

INALILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAJI'UN.

Waswas and split personalties part1

I cannot write to advise and remind others and myself of sticking to aspects of the Deen without addressing the fact that we have shaytans within us.
The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasalam said: “There is none among you with whom is not an attache from amongst the Jinn.” They, the Companions said: “Allah’s Apostle, with you too?” Thereupon he said: “Yes, but Allah helps me against him and he does not command me but for his own good. (Sahih Muslim 6757)

At the same time,
For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him.[] They guard him by the Command of Allâh. Verily! Allâh will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allâh). But when Allâh wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector. Quran(13:11)
So even as we feel the battle within ourselves, we should know that it is not a force of shaytan present, but also a force of good.

Iman is a fluctuating thing. It could be filling to the brim but, not always. And may Allah Ta’alah ease the hardships and temptations for us. Amin. It is difficult, but the path to Jannah has to be.

Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere
Quran (2:155)

So there are 2 types of people in the world…no inbetweens, no grey areas. Those that will lead you to Jannah and those that will lead you to Hell. So this pushing away the bad influences may be one way to survive this dunya as a perservering muslimah. Inshallah! I’ve noticed with myself that once you divide the people around you into these two, and avoid the latter, things get abit easier. It is tough saying so and so will lead me to hell, but it will be for the greater good, Inshallah.

Ok, so no one is perfect, Allah made us weak…only angels will ever perfectly, tirelessly devote every minute without one sin.

The Prophet said, "When Allah ordains something on the Heaven the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His Statement which sounds like that of a chain dragged over a rock. His Statement: 'Until when the fear is banished from their hearts, the Angels say, 'What was it that your Lord said?' They reply, 'He has said the Truth. And He is the Most High, The Great.' " (34.23)
Sahih Bukhari 3:573, Narrated Abu Huraira

WASWAS
This simply means the whispering of Shaytan. I had to write on this because its something I battle with a lot. I try to be a perfectionist but when it comes to wudhu for example, I wonder have I washed this thrice or, did I miss that rakkat, is this halaal, is that permissible. I guess it is another extreme.
A psychologist would say this is OCD, Obsessive Complusive Disorder. However it does not explain why it occurs when I’m doing something connected to Islam. If it was OCD, it would plague me throughout my daily activities. Clearly, Shaytan does not bother me with the doubt-filled whisperings when I’m doing anything else.

Ya Allah,

I am weak, for You made me weak,
Out of mud, I am moulded easily
I can be red-hot, burnt in the kiln
I can be ice-cold, frozen and numb
I can be spineless, squelching under trodding shoes
I can be hard, yet easily broken

So with this weakness,
I beg for strength

Strength to cool the heat and heat the cool
Strength to harden before trodden on and soften with humility.

Amin