while i was reading this, the first ten days of Ramadhan came to mind... the days of Mercy... we recognize the mercy Allah swt has bestowed on us.. and we try to show as much as possible to others.. we try to give as much as we can back... for the sake of Allah swt.. and while thinking that.. i remembered one of the stories of the Sahabah (radhiallaho anhum)

the Prophet (saaws) was asking for contributions in the path of Allah swt.. and at this time Umar (raa) was in possession of some wealth.. and so Umar (raa) thought.. everytime a situation like this arises Abu Bakr (raa) surpasses me in the spending for the sake of Allah.  And so he thought this time i will surpass him in the amount that i give.. and he went home overjoyed with his idea and divided his property in half (one for his family and the other he took to the Prophet (saaws)).. and so the Prophet (saaws) asks him.. 'Did you leave anything for your family?' and Umar (raa) replies.. 'yes, i left one half'... at this time Abu Bakr (raa) comes... and the Prophet (saaws) puts forth the same question to him... and Abu Bakr's response was..

'i have left Allah and his Prophet for them'

(this is from memory (which is not so great).. so if i made a mistake please correct me)

Subhan'Allah.. can you imagine being that generous.. look at the difference between us and the Sahabah (raa)

next up: the days of magfirah...

May Allah forgive..

the Mercy of Allah swt...

everytime i think about it.. i can't quite grasp it..

Imam Muslim reported that the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "When Allah created the heavens and the earth, he created one hundred mercies, each one can cover what is between the earth and the heaven. He allocated to the earth only one, with which the mother is compassionate with her child; the beast and the bird are compassionate with their babies. When the Day of Judgment comes, Allah will complete His mercy."

do you know how much our mom's love us?! Subhan'Allah.. my brother is going away for a camping trip next week and you should see the way my mom is right now.. and when my sister came home this weekend from  her conference the joy on mama's face was amazing...  and this is only ONE part of Allah swt's mercy and its divided amongst the inhabitants of the earth..

The prophet (S.A.W.) said: "None of you will enter Paradise with his deeds", They said: "Not even you, oh messenger of Allah?!", He said: "Not even me unless Allah bestows His mercy upon me."

now look at all the things around you, all the comforts you have, all the sins you have been saved from, the guidance you've been given... now ask yourself if you deserve it

be thankful.. for everything you have... and for the things you dont have... Allah swt knows best what is good for you..