Islaahi Query

I’ve recently returned from Umrah Alhamdulillah, but it feels like it’s been years ago because that spiritual boost is dying off so soon. Please guide me regarding my weaknesses in the following:

Q1) I find myself sleeping so much and so deep that I don’t hear alarms and I struggle to wake up for Fajr. I can sleep for 12 hours at a time and still take a nap 3 hours later. This is not healthy and I’d like to fix it.

A1) May Allah Ta’ala accept your Umrah, preserve the Noor of it in your heart, and make the journey not merely a beautiful memory but the beginning of a lasting change. The fact that after returning, you are noticing your own weaknesses and genuinely wanting to reform is, in itself, something to be grateful for.

Regarding Fajr, there is certainly a spiritual dimension to waking for Fajr. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam taught us that when a person sleeps Shaytaan ties knots. Remembering Allah Ta’ala, making Wudhu and performing Salaah causes those knots to be undone, leaving the person energetic rather than sluggish. 

To fix this practically, inculcate the following:

• Sleep at a fixed, reasonable time rather than whenever you happen to become tired.
• Put the phone/alarm away from your bed.
• Ask someone in the house to wake you.
• Make sincere intention before sleeping: “Ya Allah, wake me for Your Fajr.”
• When the alarm goes off, do not negotiate with yourself. Sit up immediately, say Alhamdulillah, and get out of bed.
• Avoid unnecessarily staying awake late at night.
• Build your day around Fajr rather than trying to fit Fajr into your sleeping schedule.

Q2) I have a reputation for being particular or even fussy, but on introspection, I find that this stems from pride. This quality triggers many arguments between me and my family.

A2) Allah Ta’ala describes the believers as those who restrain anger and pardon people, and Allah Ta’ala loves those who do good. Your battle here is not merely with other people’s behaviour. It is with your Nafs. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam gave us a remarkable definition of strength, “The strong person is the one who controls himself when he is angry.”

Also, remember that Islam does not condemn having standards, preferences or being organized. The problem is when a person’s preference becomes more important than another person’s feelings.

One of the best Duas for this is:

اللهم طهّر قلبي من الكبر والعجب، وارزقني التواضع وحسن الخلق

“O Allah, purify my heart from pride and self-admiration, and grant me humility and excellent character.”

Q3) I have bad eating habits. At times, I overeat and I cannot exercise control when it comes to treats. 

A3) This is an excellent place to practice Mujaahadah. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam described fasting as a shield. Fasting is not only about hunger-it teaches control the Nafs.

Q4) My relationship with my parents is very unstable. We argue and fight a lot. Despite knowing this is wrong and that they deserve all my respect, I still struggle.

A4) Allah Ta’ala placed kindness to parents immediately after the command to worship Him:

وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

Allah Ta’ala prohibits us from saying “uff” to them, commanding us instead to speak to them honourably. 

Then Allah Ta’ala teaches us the Dua:

رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.”

Q5) I am currently teaching in a Madrassah. I often feel like an imposter. The students are better than me in many aspects of A’maal, Akhlaaq, Mu’aamalaat, and I feel embarrassed that they look up to me and hold me in such high esteem.

A5) A person who does not practice can still call others to good. They must have the true intent to practice it themselves. Teaching good and doing good are two separate acts. A person gets rewarded for teaching good, even if they fall short in their own actions.

Q6) I would like to get married. Please advise how I can remain firm and trust in Allah Ta’ala’s timing?

A6) Ask Allah Ta’ala sincerely and specifically. Allah Ta’ala Himself encourages us to ask Him:

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”
— Qur’an 40:60

And one of the beautiful Qur’anic Duas is:

“Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.”
— Qur’an 25:74

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Ahmed Saeed

Date: 10 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1448 / 24 August 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb