Never Wait for a Good Deed in Return

Abu Hurairah (ra) realates that bour Holy Prophet (saws) said that "He who believes in Allah and in the Day of Judgement , should treat his relations well ".
[Bukhari]

Explanation : Good treatement of relatives is very pleasing to Allah and earns much merit. It has also been enjoined by the Holy Qur'an in several places and its merits described, for instance (Surah Nisa :36) "Show kindeness unto parents and unto near kindred".

Good treatment means courteous behaviour, sharing in happiness and grief and helping them in a lawful manner whenever required. Good treatment of relatives does not encompass committing sins for them. Hence, when a relative seeks help or support for any unlawful end, a polite excuse is called for.

Since good treatment of kinsmen should be for the sake of Divine Pleasure, one must never expect or wait for a good deed in return. Even when the return is not good, one should not abandon good treatment of his/her relations. Actually this is the acid test that shows whetrher the good treatment is for Allah or merely for show.

Accept Other's Viewpoint if it is Acceptable

Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) our Prophet (saw) says that, “Tenderness adorns everything and if removed would make it ugly."

[Sahih Muslim]

Explanation: Tenderness towards others is very pleasing to Allah and is very meritorious. Ayesha (ra) relates that our holy Prophet (saw) has said, 'Allah is kind and likes kindness and gives that reward for tenderness which is nor granted for harshness nor for anything else.” (Sahih Muslim)

Tenderness means that one must avoid using harsh words or harsh attitude in anger, and behave and speak with tenderness. If someone has to be checked or if a difference in opinion is to expressed, one should not be rough or harsh, but speak softly and kindly. If a younger person has to be trained and strictness cannot be avoided, it too should be adopted in moderation or to the extent needed.

Kind behaviour also implies that one must not argue or quarrel with others on every issue and think well of them as far as possible. Even haggling over price should not be harsh or acrimonious. One should be ready to accept an other's viewpoint if it is acceptable. and when if it is not so one should withdraw from argument. It is not good to compel others to agree with one's own viewpoint and to force them into submission.

Another hadith of the Prophet (saw) gives the same message of tenderness in this way . Jabir (ra) has related that our blessed Prophet (saw) said that, “Allah is kind to him who is tender and forgiving in selling as well as buying and even when asking others for his due". (Sahih Bukhari).

Thus, tenderness towards others is very pleasing to Allah and is highly meritorious.

Make Use of Your Health

On the authority of 'Abdullaah bin 'Umar Radiyallaahu `anhu, who said : The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) took me by the shoulder and said :
"Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a wayfarer."
And Ibn 'Umar (Radiyallaahu `anhu) used to say :
"In the evening do not expect [to live until] the morning, and in the morning do not expect [to live until] the evening. Take [advantage of] your health before times of sickness, and [take advantage of] your life before your death".

[Bukhari].

Explanation : The stranger [in a town] does not socialise much or behave cheerfully with its people, but rather remains aloof and lonely, as he does not hope to pass by someone who knows him, with whom he may socialise and be friendly. Thus he remains lowly, submissive and in a state of fear. And similar to this is the traveller, who is unable to complete his arduous journey except with great strength and determination, and by keeping light of all burdens, and by avoiding being tenacious in retaining those things which may prevent him from completing his journey.

And he only takes with him minimum provision for his journey which are enough to help him attain his destination. And this is an indication of his preference for abstention from the dunyaa, and for taking only that which is sufficient for him. And so, just as the traveller does not require more than that which will help him to reach his destination, so similarly the Believer does not require more of the dunyaa than that which will help him attain his goal [i.e. Paradise].

This hadeeth is evidence that the Messenger of Allah (saw) encouraged emulation of the strangers, since when a stranger enters a foreign land he does not compete with its people to attend their gatherings, nor does he worry about being seen in a state and condition opposite to that which is his normal habit in terms of his dress, nor does he try to behave contrary to the customs of the local people.

And similarly is the condition of the traveller who does not take a permanent abode of residence, nor does he enter into arguments with the local people which might cause hatred between them, knowing that he will only be amongst them for a few days. So all the conditions of the stranger and the traveller are beloved for the Believer in this dunyaa, as the dunyaa is not his true abode of residence. Rather, the dunyaa is merely an obstruction that prevents him from reaching his true abode and dwelling place in the Hereafter.

And as for the statement : "In the evening do not expect [to live until] the morning, and in the morning do not expect [to live until] the evening", then this is an encouragement from him for the Believers to always be prepared for the eventuality of death. And death is prepared for with Good Deeds. It is also an encouragement upon not having many hopes and desires, stretching far into the future. Hence, one should not postpone till the morning actions that can be performed at night, but rather, one should hasten towards the performance of good actions. And similarly, when one wakes in the morning he should not rely upon the evening and postpone his good actions till then.

And his statement "Take from your health before times of sickness" is an encouragement upon making use of ones health, and striving ones utmost during times of good health, fearing the onset of sickness which may prevent one from good actions. And similarly, his statement "From your life before your death" is an admonition to make use of the days of ones life, since the one who dies has his actions cut off and his hopes lost.

The Prestige Of Makkah

Abdullah bin Addi (ra) relates that while migrating from Makkah to Madinah, Prophet (saw) addressed the city thus: “By Allah thou is the best and most beloved (city) in the sight of Allah; I would not have left, had I not been forced to leave thee.”

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation: Makkah is itself a respected city, and it became more so because of its association with Prophet (saw). It is obvious that the respect and value of a house is enhanced by the status of its occupant. The prestige of Makkah doubled for being the birth place of Allah’s last and final Messenger. The Holy Qur’an in Aayah 3 of Surah Teen , Allah (Swt) swears in these words: “By this safe town…”

According to the Holy Qur’an, the entire Harum, that is the earth spreading beyond for miles in all directions from the center of Makkah has been defined as a “sanctuary” as per Aayah 125 of Surah Al-Baqarah in these words: “We made the House a resort and a sanctuary for people, saying, ‘Take the spot where Ibrahim (AS) stood as your place of worship.’ We commanded Ibrahim and Isma’il: ‘Purify My House for those who walk round it, those who stay there, and those who bow and prostrate themselves in worship."

The multitude of humanity which visits this blessed city for the performance of Umrah the year round, and for the performance of Hajj each year is not drawn from the Arabian Peninsula alone, but from every nook and corner of the world. It should be noted that this caravan of lovers, devotees and worshippers is not a story of the last few years, but its flow continues since the time of Sayyidina Ibrahim (as).

The Harum, the Kabatullah and its sanctified area has been a place of peace and safety even before the recorded history. It is a sanctuary of safety and peace, where not to speak of hurting a man, even hunting an animal is prohibited. Though it has been decreed in the Islamic Jurisprudence, yet its sanctity was observed even in the pre-Islamic times known as the days of ignorance. Criminals even in the days of polytheists used to take refuge in Kabatullah and no one could take them to accounts.

The Virtues Of Madinah

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said about the holy city of Madinah , "Its paths are guarded by angels.It is beyond Dajjal and afflictions like plague ".

[Bukhari & Muslim]

Explanation : The city for which every lover craves to visit time and again is Madinah. Buried in its dust are pearls of tear and blood of the Companions of Prophet (saw). It is the fountainhead of spirituality, the reservoir of light , knowledge and wisdom , and the resting place of that unique, last and final Prophet (saw), whom Allah (Swt) calls as the "Mercy to the Worlds" .

The reward of congregational prayers in Masjid-e- Nabavi is 1000 times more than other places except Masjid-e-Haram , where one prayer is rewarded 100,000 times or more.

Anas (ra) relates that That the Prophet (saw) said who performed 40 prayers in his Masjid, and didn't miss even one, he will be saved from hell fire , and free from punishment and hypocrisy. (At-Targheeb).

Prophet (saw) made this supplication for Madinah:

“My Allah bless our dates, our measures of “Sa’a and Mudd”, and this city. Ya Allah verily Ibrahim is your Prophet and friend, and verily I am your bondsman and Prophet. He submitted his supplication for Makkah, and I submit a supplication for Madinah for two fold blessings.” [Muslim]

“Ya Allah endear this city to us as You have endeared Makkah to us, and even more; make its climate favorable for us, and cleanse it from diseases.”

This supplication was made when Prophet (saw) had migrated to this city which then was called Yathrib, meaning the city of unfavorable climate. Due to its association with Prophet (saw), it became to be called Madina-tun-Nabi.

One who proceeds towards these two blessed cities (Makkah and Madinah), he in fact proceeds towards the very purpose of life, toward the most respected and blessed places on earth. Every particle of dust of these twin cities has a gravitational pull for a Momin.

May Allah (Swt) protect these cities and may He enable every one of us to visit these centers of eternal guidance. Aameen !

The People Of Wisdom

Ibn Umar (ra) narrated : " Do not talk excessively without remembering Allah , because such excessive talk without the mention of Allah causes the heart to harden , and the person furthest from Allah is the person with a hard heart"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Unnecessary talking not only poisons the heart but it is also one of the major reasons why people are sent to the Hellfire. As narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet said, "What mostly cause people to be sent to the Fire are the two openings: the mouth and the private parts."

The slave is not afflicted with a punishment greater than the hardening of the heart and being distant from Allah for the fire was created to melt the hardened heart. The most distant heart from Allah is the heart which is hardened. If the heart becomes hardened , the eye becomes dry

Whoever desires to purify his heart, then let him prefer Allah to his desires. If the heart is nourished with remembrance, its thirst quenched with contemplation and cleansed with corruption , it shall witness remarkable and wondrous matters , inspiring wisdom.

The People of Knowledge and Wisdom are those who infused life into their hearts by slaying their desires . As for the one who slew his heart and vitalized his desires , then knowledge and wisdom are naked upon his tongue.

Yearning for Allah and His meeting is like the gentle breeze blowing upon the heart, extinguishing the blaze of the Dunya. Whosoever caused his heart to settle with his Lord shall be in a state, calm and tranquil, and whosoever sent it amongst the people shall be disturbed and excessively perturbed.

Hence, the most beloved servant before Allah is the one whom He places in His servitude, whom He selects for His love, whom He causes to purify his worship for Him, dedicates his objectives for Him, his tongue for His remembrance, and his limbs for His service.

The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah[Repentance] and protection [from transgression].

It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance.

It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa [Piety].

It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry, and its food and drink is knowledge, love, dependence, repentance and servitude.

Code Of Good Conduct

Prophet (saws) said : "If any one of you wants to praise and attest to the morals or character of your brother, you then should say : 'I think so and so about the person , Allah (Swt) knows the truth'."

[Bukhari]

Explanation : Islam teaches us to be extra careful about attesting to some one's character . It should be done in a way as to not give an impression of a slightest iota of suspicion . Islam's emphasis on nobility, ethics and morality can impress any open-minded person who has an objective and unbiased approach . That is why in a few years time Islam revolutionized the corrupt society.

Teaching of morals in Islam has a dual purpose. On one hand it exhorts to practice virtues, on the other it commands to give up the vices. There is a long list of vices, and one of them is to lie and utter falsehood.

Adherence to ethics, code of morality and good conduct constitutes to be an important, integral and major part of Islamic teachings therefore it is forcefully said that think before you say anything about others. Be very cautious and extremely careful while making comments about a person in his absence. Avoid suspicion and mistrust and think good of people.

May Allah clean our hearts , and enable us to watch our tongue and our acts, Aameen !

Reconciliation & Peaceful Conduct Of Affairs

Prophet (saws) said : " I guarantee a house in the middle of Paradise for him , who quits a quarrel, in spite of being on the Haq " i.e being right and justified on his stand and yet giving up the argument to prove himself right.

[Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : Islam has clear instructions to resolve problems arising out of disputes and and differences among individuals and groups. These instructions can protect us from many evils. Reconciliation and peaceful conduct of our affairs is very essential for the good of our society

It is a great sin to further the breach and widen the gap of differences between two brothers or two groups. Such a sin generates more sins causing the sinner to sink deeper and deeper into sins. Our faith dictates us to act as a bridge between two estranged brothers , work to ease the tension between them and help resolve their dispute, bring them closer to each other in peace and harmony , and strengthening our bonds of love.

We should clean our hearts of anger, envy ,jealousy,rancour, pride , prejudice, self importance, selfishness and showmanship. We should evaluate our words. examine our actions and interactions, pay attention to our verbal and non-verbal communication i.e. body language and continue to be our own unbiased judge.

We should build our character on healthy lines , be vigilant to guard our own conduct and continue to purify the heart.We should learn to be polite and humble. We better correct ourselves before jumping to correct others.

If we are sure that our brother needs to be corrected, we should then learn the tact and wisdom ; choose the right time , the right method and the right words , otherwise our act is bound to be counter productive.

Forgiving and forgetting are virtues and we can find these attributes only in a Momin, who is considerate, generous, gracious , large-hearted , noble and forgiving.

The Strong & Firm Pillar of A Muslim's Character is Straight Dealing

The Messenger of Allah (Saws) said "Leave alone doubtful things , follow those matters in which there are no doubts for truth is a means of satisfaction and falsehood is the cause of doubts and misgivings "

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Allah has created this whole universe on the basis of love, and has demanded of the people that they should build up their life on the foundation of truth, to make truth and straight dealing a practice of their life, and should give place to truth only in their talks and dealings.

When this clear sense is lost sight of by people, and false stories, superstitions and absurd beliefs rule their self, ideas and thoughts, then hardness and harshness are generated in them they move away from the right path, and they totally give up those realities the adoption of which was necessary.

For this reason the strong and firm pillar of a Muslim's character is straight dealing. It is his duty to be attached to truth in every matter and to see every problem and affair through the glasses of truth, To keep it before him in every decision is the clearest manifestation of his dealing and treatment,

Similarly the construction of the society in Islam is made on this foundation that mere conjectures and superstitions should be opposed baseless things and imaginary stories should be thrown outs doubts and misgivings should not be encouraged, because strong and firm realities only deserve to be manifested; they should have their imprint on the society s and their help should be taken in strengthening various relations.

The Best Way Of Life For All

Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (ra) narrated that Allah's Messenger (saws) said , "Goodness is a (natural) habit while the evil is stubbornness. To whomsoever Allah wills to show goodness, He favours him with the understanding in the Religion (Islam)"

[Ibn Majah]

Explanation: When we study Islam or at least read the Qur'an and the authentic Ahâdith we learn that Islam is easy, complete and the perfect religion as well as way of life for the whole mankind.

It is a great blessing of Allah (swt) that we have been born in the Ummah of Prophet (saw).He has left for us complete and total guidance about every single issue or problem we come or may come across in life. His (saws)'s life and Shariah encompasses all that happens or may happen in life from the time Allah (Swt) completed His deen on him to the Last Day

Islam is the name of earnestly and sincerely following what has been commanded by Allah (Swt) and which is reflected in the day to day life of our Beloved Prophet (saws).

Islam is the perfect religion and hence the best way of life for all . Islam as a universal religion is Allah's blessing and Mercy for all of us. It is for us to enjoy it and be successful in the eternal world to come.

The best way to attain success through Islam is to learn it according to its authentic sources. That is, to acquire knowledge of Islam through the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Since Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the One Who gives guidance, earnestly ask Him for authentic Islamic knowledge. We must seek His help and guidance to be able to apply such knowledge and share it with others – all for His Pleasure.

May our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) increase our knowledge of Islam and enjoy the best life of being true Muslims forever. Ameen.

A Muslim is a Source of Benefit to Others & is an Agent of Peace & Brotherhood

Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas (ra) relates that Prophet (saws) said , "I swear by Him, Who possesses my soul, a Momin resembles that goldbrick which if thrown in the furnace , neither changes its colour, nor loses its weight. I swear by Him, Who owns my soul that a Momon is like a honey bee , which sucks nectar from flowers , turned it into the beneficial honey, and neither misuses or damages the flower petal by its weight"


[Tirmidhi]

Explanation: Prophet (SAW) has likened the character of a Momin to the sterling quality of pure gold and the beneficence of the honey bee. Impure gold if thrown in the furnace looses its weight after its impurities are burned and it also changes its color.

A Momin is like the honey bee who feeds on the pure and fairly earned livelihood; he is a source of benefit to others and is an agent of peace and brotherhood. He does not harm others or cause any damage to the environment.

By extension, this example teaches us patriotism; love for the community, respect for neighbors, and makes us aware for the better maintenance of our social, natural and physical environment. Let us listen to two other traditions

Be Aware of Your Rights and Duties

Once a companion (ra) asked , "O Messenger of Allah , who is the best among the people?" Prophet (saws) replied "Truthful by tongue, pure and kind at heart, and without any burden of sins , the one who does not have envy or grudge towards others (is the best) "

[Ibn Majah]

Explantion: One thing should be remembered that the more we adhere to our faith & are firm in Tawheed i.e. the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Swt) , the more united will be the Muslim Ummah.

We are distancing ourselves from the qualities of the early Muslims. They were pure from jealousies, mutual rivalries & envy. They never looked down upon their brother and never lashed their tongue with taunts or derogatory comments , but unfortunately, we are afflicted with these vices.

It is time to wake up to the realities of our faith and be aware of our rights and duties as Muslims.

May Allah Reward You With Good !

The Prophet(saw) said: " Exchange gifts, as this will lead to increasing your love to one another."

[Bukhari]

Explanation: Gifts are a universal means to strengthen relationship bonds. In Islam, gift giving is even more encouraged as it is evident bu analyzing the life of Prophet Muhammad(saw). Islamic teachings recommend giving of gifts to honor the recipient that, in turn helps in nurturing mutual love respect for each other.

Al-Bukhari narrated in his Hadith collection that 'Aa'isha (ra) said " The Messenger of Allah used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them ". Rewarding people means that the Prophet used to repay in kind as well.

Islam also teaches us the manners to respond to the people who give. One of the dua'as one can say is "Jazakallahu Khayrun" (May Allah reward you with good).

It is always good to surprise your family members, friends & even peers at work with gifts that can in turn help in establishing mutual respect & stronger bonds. We should all remember that gifts are a great way to even break the ice in relationships where people are experiencing challenges with one another.

Rewards Of Hajj

Messenger Of Allah(saw) said ,"Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise."
[Bukhari & Muslim]

Explanation: If a person has wealth which is over & above his basic necessities and which will be sufficient for him to make the onward & return journey for Hajj, then Hajj becomes fardh upon him.

There are great virtues in performing Hajj as Prophet(saw) said "There is nothing in return for a hajj that is free of sins and evils except Paradise."

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is made obligatory on rich Muslims.In the tenth year of the Islamic calendar the Prophet(saw) announced that he intended to perform Hajj ; this was the only time that he performed Hajj after the Hijrah to Madinah.

The Muslims came from all over the Arabian Peninsula to perform Hajj with him(saw). The Muslims learnt the rituals of Hajj from the Prophet(saw) and general advice and laws.

The Ten Days Of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."

(Bukhaari).


Explanation;
The month of Hajj, Dhul-hijjah, is the last month of the Islamic calendar. The first ten days of Dhul-hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.

The virtue of these ten days is based on many things, including:

1. Allah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Many commentators of the Holy Qur’an have said that this verse of the Holy Qu’ran refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
2. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) testified that these are the best days of this world, as has been noted above.
3. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to devote time to recite Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during these ten days. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad).
4. These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day on which the pilgrims stand in the plain of ‘Arafaah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. According to a hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) “Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years”.
5. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar(Day Of Sacrifice)

Love Of the Prophet is love of all the beauty and nobility of character

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said " None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind "

[Bukhari]

Explanation : One of the two affirmations of Islamic faith by which a person enters the fold of Islam is recognizing that "Muhammad (saws) is the Messenger of Allah ". Believing intellectually is not difficult , particularly for those born in Muslim families . However, this hadith clearly defines the scope of relationship between the believers in islam and the Prophet (saws).

The relationship is not based merely on an intellectual recognition of the fact that he is the Messenger of Allah . Rather, following the Prophet (saws) means :

1. To dedicate oneself to following his Sunnah
2.To nurture a bond between oneself and The prophet (saws) that transcends all other human relationship in terms of love and affection.

Love of the Prophet (saws) is love of all the beauty and nobility of character, truthfulness, justness, humility & inner strength of which man is capable & which the Prophet (saws) as al-insan al-kamil possesses in the utmost degree.

Love for the Prophet (saws) means to acknowledge , cherish & glorify all the potential of goodness & greatness that Allah has created within man.

The Sins Of the Creation Are Wiped Away by Allah

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said :

Allah the Almighty has said " O Son of Adam , as long as you invoke Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you of what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam , were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the Earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it (too)"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : For the acceptance of Repentance, there are three conditions :

1. Cessation from the sin
2. Remorse for what has proceeded
3. And firm resolve not to return to performing the sin.

If the sin involved taking the right of another person , then he must hasten to return his right and absolve himself from this transgression. And if this sin was between him and Allah (Swt) and a kaffarah (expiation) is required for this sin , then it is also essential that he fulfills the kaffarah, and thus, this becomes the fourth condition (for the acceptance of repentance)

And so, even if a person were to commit a sin many times in a single day, and then repent each time with its conditions , Allah will still forgive him . His (Swt) statement . " For what you have done" implies that Allah will forgive despite the repetition of the sin.

And His (Swt) statement " O son of Adam , were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you" means that if these sins had a physical form they would fill the space between the sky and the Earth - and this is the limit of multitude. However , even then His Generosity. Clemency, Mercy, Forgiveness are still more and greater than that , and there can not even be the thought of comparison between them . So. the sins of Creation are wiped away by His Clemency and Forgiveness.

Ans His (Swt) statement : "and were you then to face Me " means that if the slave were to die upon Imaan (Faith) , without associating any partners with Allah. And there can be no solace or contentment for the Believer until he has faced his Lord.

High Hopes from Allah

Abu Hurairah (ra) has quotes a Prophetic saying " Hoping for good is also an act of worship of Allah "

[Tirmidhi and Hakim]

Explanation : Besides fear of Allah, expecting good from Him is an act of sublime merit. In a hadith-e-Qudsi our beloved Prophet (saw) has quoted the divine words , "I am what my bondsman thinks of Me , and when he remembers Me, I am there with him" (Bukhari and Muslim)

Many merits have been given in the Qur'an and Hadith for having high hopes from Allah. This implies that one must try to live according to His Divine commands and when he commits errors, he should expect Divine Mercy for it.

But if one is entirely unmindful of Divine commands, does not care to reform himself and is driven by worldly and carnal desires and yet expects Divine Pardon and Mercy, he has been castigated in Hadith.

The right way is to try to reform oneself and to balance Allah's fear and good hopes from Him. As it is related in another Hadith by Anas (ra) that , "Once our Prophet (saw) went to a young man who was on his death-bed and asked him , 'How do you feel? ' . The young man said ' I have much hope from Allah (Swt) but I also fear for my sins.' . The Holy Prophet (saw) said , ' The believer who has these two ideas simultaneously at such time, Allah fulfills his hopes and grants him security from fear'"

[Tirmidhi]

The Problem is Not with The Qur'an , the Problem is With its Followers

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said " Study Qur'an (regularly) for it will act as an intercessor and entreat for its readers on the Day of Judgement "

[Muslim]

Explanation : The Qur'an embodies the final divine revelation from Allah(Swt). A book of divine guidance that is capable of positively revolutionising human personality deserves to be read.

How unfortunate is that a great majority of Muslims have made this ultimate source of guidance into an object of recitation only. They rarely understand the obligation to understand the message of this book, rather they use it to pile up rewards from Allah through recitation alone.

For those who read and understand but do not commit themselves to accept it as the source of guidance to mould their lives faithfully and capably , the Qur'an cannot transform their lives with its golden touch.

Then there are many who think that they already know and understand this ultimate source of guidance . It is deplorable that even with the Qur'an as their guide, Muslims have had such miserable rides on the roller coaster of history. The problem is not with the Qur'an , the problem is with its followers . The Qur'an will take sides for or against us on the Day of Judgement.

Try To Seek Contentment

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said "Richness does not mean having a great amount of property, but richness is self-contentment "

[Bukhari]

Explanation : We instinctively measure richness in terms of "possessions". We envy the rich and wealthy based on their possessions. However, richness or poverty is actually a state of mind, an attitude. A very rich person , in the ordinary sense could feel himself very poor because he does not have enough . In contrast, a "not so well-to-do " person may feel rich because of self-contentment.

However this narration makes neither richness nor poverty a worldly pursuit. If we live in poverty, we ought to strive toward rectifying the conditions in light of Allah's practical divine guidance . If we are wealthy, we should be careful about what we have acquired and how, and furthermore, whether those possessions are helping us to seek pleasure or displeasure of Allah.

If Allah has blessed us with resources, we do not have to be ashamed , but we should be conscious of our responsibilities and try to seek contentment. We should also not despise ourselves if we are poor . Instead , we should make honest effort in His path to improve our situation.

Hospitality is From Islam

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said , "Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good , or keep silent, and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbour, and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest "

[ Bukhari]

Explanation : "Let him speak good or remain silent" , this indicates that good speech is better than keeping silent , and that silence is better than evil speech , and this is because the Prophet (saw)'s statement contains a command.

And from the Good Speech is conveying knowledge from Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw) and teaching the Muslims, and commanding the good & forbidding evil and reconciling the differences between people , and speaking well to the people , and also from amongst the best of speech is the statement of truth, for the one who truly fears and hopes for the recompense.

"Let him be generous to his neighbour" and "Let him be generous to his guest" contains instructions on the rights of the neighbours and guests, and doing good to them and encouragement upon protecting the limbs upon doing harm to them , and also Allah has advised us in His Noble Book with Ihsan (good behaviour , kindness, good treatment) towards the neighbours.

And in another hadith,Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said " Jibraeel (as) did not cease to remind me regarding the rights of the neighbour, until I began to think that they would also receive a part of inheritance "

Hospitality is from Islam, and from the character of the Prophets and the Pious . Some of the scholars have made it obligatory , though the majority consider it to be from the noble, recommended traits of character.

Humanity is just One and One Family

Abu Hurairah (ra) reported that the Prophet (saws) said :

"Verily, Allah the Exalted and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection ' O son of Adam , I was indisposed but you did not visit Me.' He would say , 'O My Lord, how could I visit you as you were the Lord of the World '. Thereupon Allah will say 'Did you not know that such and such slave of mine was ill but you did not visit him ?' Did you not realise that if you had visited him , you would have found (its reward) with Me ?'' O son of Adam , I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.; He would submit , 'My Lord how could I feed you as You are the Lord of the Worlds ?' Allah will say ' Did you not know that such and such slave of mine asked you for food but you did not feed him ? Did you not realise that if you had fed him, you would have found (its reward) with Me ?' Then Allah will say 'O son of Adam , I asked water from you but you did not give it to Me' . He would say ' My Lord , how could I give you (water) as You are the Lord of the Worlds '? Allah will say ' Did you not know that such and such slave of mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him ? Did you not realise that if you would have given him the drink , you would have found(its reward) with Me '? "

[Muslim]

Explanation : Islam teaches us to open our hearts and minds to help the needy and the destitute without any distinction of color, creed, race or religion. One has to rise above these biases and prejudices.Humanity is just one and one family.

We are from one father and one mother. Serving and helping others is serving Allah in the sight of Islam. If someone stretches his hand out to you to seek help, and if it returns empty, you then have refused to help Allah.

To please Allah is through pleasing His bondsmen. The One in heaven becomes kind to you if you are kind to those who inhabit the Earth. As it is mentioned in the above narrated hadith.

Victory Comes with Patience and Relief with Affliction

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said "Be Mindful of Allah (Swt) & you will find Him in front of you, Recognize and acknowledge Allah (swt) in times of ease and prosperity , and he will remember you in times of adversity. And know what has passed you by (what you have not attained ) was not going to befall you , and what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience , relief with affliction , and hardship with ease."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Prophet 's (saw) statement ; "Be Mindful of Allah (Swt) & you will find Him in front of you" means "Perform your actions for His sake out of His obedience , and let yourself not seen to oppose Him or disobey Him , then you will find Allah with you in times of difficulty ", as happened with three men who fled to a cave to seek shelter from torrential rain, whereupon a large rock descended upon the entrance to the cave and sealed it.

So they said to one another " Look to the pious actions that you have performed in the past and ask Allah (Swt) by them, for verily He is the only one who can save us from this ".

So each one of them mentioned a good action that they had performed previously, purely for the sake of their Lord, so Allah removed the rock that was blocking the entrance to the cave , and they were free from their imprisonment , and their story is well known from the Sahih of Muslim .

This story shows that one of the permissible and indeed recommended form of Tawassul, or seeking Waseelah to Allah, is through the good actions one has performed .

And his (saw) statement ; If you ask, then ask Allah (alone) , and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah (alone) guides us to having trust and reliance upon our Protector , and that we should not take any Ilaah (object of worship) except Him , and that we should not depend on anyone other than Him in all our affairs, no matter how small they may be.

And Allah (Swt) has said ; " And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him "
[ Qur'an , Surah at-talaq ]

O Mankind ! It is you who stand in need of Allah !

Allah says : " Son of Adam ! Fill your time with My worship and I will fill your heart with richness , and end off your poverty. But if you do not, I will make your hands fully busy (i.e in worldly affairs) and I will not end off your poverty"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Our purpose of existence on this Earth is more meaningful than being slaves to worldly gains. There can be no meaningful life better than the one prescribed by our Creator Allah. Every act done according to Allah's way is an act of worship. Man is the beneficiary and Allah is in no need.

" O Mankind It is you who stand in need of Allah , but Allah is Rich (free of all wants & needs), Worthy of All praise "

[Qur'an 35 :15]

The above text necessitates that man must depend upon Allah (swt) asking Him Alone for assistance. It also requires that man must love Allah and worship Him alone to gain His pleasure and His help.

Islam, therefore, leads man to a true liberation from any false attachment. It brings peace & contentment to the heart . It helps the believer against hypocrisy and all forms of dishonesty.

Islamic Tawakkal

Umar bin Khattab (rd) heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) saying , " if you trust Allah with the right kind of Tawakkal, He will provide you sustenance as He provides for the birds - they go out in the morning with empty stomachs and come back in the evening with full stomachs "
[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : The life of the Prophet (saws) was a superb example of Islamic Tawakkal. In every move and at every stage of his mission , he used the best tactics and the best strategies at human disposal, and then fully relied on Allah without having even a bit of worry at the consequences.

For example, while migrating from Makkah to Madinah, he took all the precautions that were humanly possible for his safe departure from Makkah and safe arrival in Madinah.

Planning the migration secretly, leaving when least expected, asking Ali (rd) to sleep in his bed so that his departure is not noticed, selecting a hiding place on an opposite direction to Madinah, arranging of survival provisions for three days of hiding and a week of travelling, arranging of a faithful guide, arranging for the camels to be brought only when leaving the hiding place, selection of route least traveled, etc. But once he had done whatever was humanly possible, he had such trust in Allah that he was never worried about the consequences even when everything seemed to fall apart.

It was the remarkable demonstration of his Tawakkal, when enemies reached at the mount of the Thowr cave and Abu Bakr (rd) became worried, he calmly assured him, "Do not worry, Allah is with us."

Even in basic matters of the world, one has to do his best then leave the results to Allah(Swt). With the degeneration of the Ummah , Tawakkal has also been taken on wrong connotations.

Some people think that Tawakkal entails only siting like monks and thinking Allah will do something. That meaning is from Shaitan to make Muslims inactive and indolent.

The real Tawakkal is such a strong conviction of Allah's approval and mercy being with you in your Islamic struggle that no problem in the world is able to dampen your spirit or make you feel defeated or helpless.