117 / Among the Morning Remembrances

One of the magnificent remembrances that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would recite every morning is the report narrated by Imam Ahmad from Abd al-Rahmān ibn Abzā (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “When morning came, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say: ‘We have entered the morning upon the natural disposition of Islam, the declaration of pure monotheism, the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and the creed of our father Abraham, who was upright and submitted to Allah, and was not one of those who associate partners with Him.’”1.

How beautiful it is for a Muslim to begin his day with these magnificent words, which renew faith, proclaim monotheism, reaffirm commitment to the religion of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), affirm adherence to the creed of Abraham, Allah’s intimate friend (peace be upon him)—the gracious, upright way—and renounce every form of associating partners with Allah, minor and major.

These are words of faith and monotheism, truthfulness and sincerity, humility and submission, faithful adherence and obedience. Anyone who observes this remembrance should reflect upon its profound implications and sublime meanings.

His words, “We have entered the morning upon the natural disposition of Islam,” mean that Allah has blessed us with the arrival of morning while we remain upon the natural disposition of Islam, holding firmly to it and preserving it without changing or altering it.

His words, “the natural disposition of Islam,” mean the religion of Islam upon which Allah created mankind. This requires a person to set his face toward Allah’s religion in pure devotion, directing his heart, intention, and body toward adherence to all the outward and inward ordinances of the religion. Allah Most High says: “So set your face toward the religion in pure devotion—the natural disposition Allah has instilled in mankind. There is no altering Allah’s creation