DO NOT GRIEVE —- THIS WORLD IS NOT WORTH YOUR
The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:
“If this world were worth the wing of a mosquito to Allah, He would not have given the disbeliever (even) a drink of water.”
This world is not even worth the wing of a mosquito! If this is the worth of this world, why do we grieve over it?
DON’T BE SAD: REMEMBER THAT YOU BELIEVE IN ALLAH
(Nay, but Allah has conferred a favor upon you, that He has guided you to the Faith…) (Qur’an 49: 17)
One particular blessing overlooked by most people is the vantage point afforded to the believer when he is observing the disbeliever. The believer remembers Allah’s favor of guiding him to lslam. He is thankful that Allah has not decreed for him to be like the disbeliever, who rebels, denies His signs, disbelieves in His perfect attributes, in His messengers, and in the Hereafter.
Furthermore, the believer performs all obligatory acts of worship. Perhaps his execution of those acts is not perfect, yet simply performing them is in itself a great blessing. lt is a blessing for which few are grateful.
(ls then he who is a believer like him who is Faasiq [disbeliever and disobedient to Allah] ? Not equal are they.) (Quran 32: 18)
Some commentators of the Qur’an have said that among the pleasures of Paradise for the believers is to be able to look upon the people of the Fire and then thank their Lord for what He has given them.
PAUSE TO REFLECT
There is none worthy of worship except Allah. This means that none truly deserves, or has the right to be worshipped, except Allah, the Almighty, All-High, since He alone possesses those perfect qualities that are associated with omnipotence, divinity, and godhood.
The spirit and secret of this monotheistic phrase is to single out Allah for love, fear, hope, veneration, and glorification. lt also includes our depending upon Allah and our repenting to Him. So our love is pure for none except Him, and everyone other than Him is only loved as a by-product of our love for Him, or as a means of increasing our love for Him.
Therefore we must fear Allah Alone, and we must depend upon Him Alone; in Him Alone do we place our hopes; and of Him Alone are we in awe. We take an oath by His name only; we repent to Him Alone; and all obedience is for Him. ln times of hardship, we may invoke none but Him and we may seek refuge in none save in Him.
Also, we prostrate to Him only, and when we slaughter an animal, we do it, mentioning His name only.
All of the above can be summarized in one phrase: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah. This phrase is comprehensive of all forms of worship.
DESPAIR NOT — HANDICAPS DO NOT PREVENT SUCCESS
An interview was published in the Arabic daily ‘Ukkaaz, with a blind man named Mahmood ibn Muhammad al-Madani. He studied books of Arabic literature through the eyes of others. He would listen as others read to him books of history and commentaries on the classics. He used to have one of his friends read to him until 3 o’clock in the morning. Today, he is considered to be a reference book in literature and history.
Mustafa Ameen, a columnist for Ash-sharq al-awsat, wrote:
“Be patient with oppressors and wrongdoers for only five minutes. After a short time, the whip will fall, the shackles will break, the prisoner will be released, and the clouds will dissipate; upon you, then, is only to be patient and to wait.”
An Arab poet wrote:
“How many calamities cause one to lose patience?
But from them, the exit is with Allah.”
l once met with the Mufti of Albania in Riyadh. He told me of how the ruling communists imprisoned him with hard labor for twenty years. While serving his sentence in prison, he was constantly subjected to torture, darkness, and hunger. He would secretly perform the five daily prayers in a corner of the washroom, for fear of being caught. Through all of this he was patient and anticipated his reward with Allah, until finally relief came.
(So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah) (Quran 3: I74)
Consider Nelson Mandela, the one-time President of South Africa, who for twenty-seven years endured imprisonment. He sought freedom for his people and he struggled to break off the shackles of tyranny and oppression. He was steadfast and firm, and he almost appeared to be seeking out death. As a result, he reached his goal and achieved his worldly glory. Allah, the Exalted, said:
(To them we shall pay in full [the wages of] their deeds therein)
(Qur’an 11: 15)
lf you are suffering [hardships] then sure@ they [too] are suffering [hardships] as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah [for the reward, i.e. Paradise] that for which they hope not… ) (Quran 4: 104)
(If a wound [and killing] has touched you, be sure a similar wound [and killing] has touched the others) (Quran 3: 140)
IF YOU EMBRACE ISLAM, THERE IS NO REASON FOR YOU TO BE SAD
Miserable are those souls that are ignorant of Islam or that know Islam but have not been guided to it. Today, Muslims need a slogan or advertisement to be broadcast worldwide, for Islam is a great message that must be conveyed to the masses. The words of this slogan need to be clear, concise, and inviting because the happiness of humanity as a whole lies in this true Religion.
(And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him…) (Quran 3: 85)
A famous caller to Islam settled in Munich, Germany some years ago. Upon reaching the entrance of this city, he noticed a large placard. Upon it was written, “You don’t know Yokohama Tires.” He later put up a sign beside it and it was just as large. He wrote on it,
“You don’t know Islam. If you wish to know about it, call us at this number.” There was an inundation of calls from native Germans. In one year alone, thousands of people accepted Islam at this man’s hands. He also established a mosque, an Islamic center, and a school.
Most human beings are confused and are in dire need of this great religion. They need Islam so that a peaceful and serene life can take the place of the chaotic one that they are presently leading.
(Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way [Islamic Monotheism].)
(Qur’an 5: 16)
A worshipper who was found living in a remote area, and who never had prior contact with other men, said:
“l never thought that anyone in the world worshipped other than Allah.”
(But few of my slaves are grateful. ) (Qur’an 34: 13)
(And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you jar away from Allah’s path.) (Qur’an 6:116)
(And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly.) (Qur’an 12: 103)
One scholar informed me that during the time when Sudan was a colony under the British Empire, a desert nomad came to the capital city, Khartoum. When he saw a British policeman walking in the center of the city, he asked a passerby, “Who is that?” He was told that the man was a foreign policeman and that he was a disbeliever.
The nomad asked, “A disbeliever in what?” “A disbeliever in Allah,” was the reply. Living in the desert for so long, this man’s inborn nature — unspoiled by evil ideas —- had remained intact, and so, when he heard something so absurd, it made him astonished and sick. He said, “And does anyone disbelieve in Allah!” He then grabbed hold of his stomach and vomited from sheer disgust at what he heard.
(What is the matter with them, that they believe not?) (Quran 84: 20)
(T hen, by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is the truth [i.e. what has been promised to you], just as it is the truth that you can speak.)
(Quran 51: 23)
One should think well of his Lord and should seek His favor and mercy. ln an authentic hadith, the Prophet (bpuh) said that our Lord laughs. After hearing this, a desert Bedouin said, “We are not bereft of a Lord who laughs well.”
(And He it is who sends down the rain after they have despaired…)
(Quran 42: 28)
(Surely, Allah’s Mercy is [ever] near unto the good-doers.) (Quran 7: 56)
(Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near) (Quran 2: 2l4)
By reading the biographies of successful people, one finds that they have certain things in common, whether it is in their background, their qualities, or the circumstances that surrounded their success. Here are some of the conclusions I arrived at after having read some of their biographies.
A person’s value is based on the good he does. This is a saying of ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), and it means that a person’s knowledge, character, worship, and generosity are the yardsticks by which we measure his worth.
(And verily a believing slave is better than a [free] Mushrik [idolater: etc.], even though he pleases you.) (Quran 2: 221)
One’s status for this life and for the Hereafter depends on his determination, striving, and sacrifice.
(And if they had intended to march out, certainly; they would have made some preparation for it…)
(Quran 9: 46)
(And strive hard in Allah’s Cause as you ought to strive [with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior].) (Qur’an 22: 78)
Every person — by the will of Allah — is the maker of his own history. He writes his life’s story with his good and bad deeds.
(We record that which they send before [them], and their traces [their footsteps and walking on the earth with their legs to the mosques for the five compulsory congregational prayers, Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) and all other good and evil they did, and that which they leave behind]…)
(Qur’an 36: 12)
Life is short and passes quickly. Do not make it shorter by sinning, by worrying, or by quarrelling.
(The Day they see it, [it will be] as if they had not tarried [in this world] except an afternoon or a morning. it (Qur’an 79: 46)
THINGS THAT BRING ABOUT HAPPINESS
Good deeds:
(Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he [or she] is a true believer [of Islamic Monotheism] verily to him we will give a good life [in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision]…)
(Qur’an 16: 97)
A pious wife:
(‘Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our of spring who will be the comfort of our eyes…) (Qur’an 25: 74)
A spacious house: The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:
“O’ Allah, make my house spacious for me.”
Sustenance that is derived and earned through honest means: The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) said:
“Verily, Allah is Tayyib (good and pure), and He does not accept other than what is good and pure.”
Good manners and a spirit of fellowship with people:
(‘And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be…)
(Qur’an 19: 31)
Being debt-free and not being a profligate spender:
(And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly….). (Qur’an 25: 67)
(And let not your hand be tied [like a miser] to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach [like a spendthrift) (Qur’an 17: 29)
THE INGREDIENTS OF HAPPINESS
A thankful heart and a tongue that is moist with the remembrance of Allah.
An Arab poet said:
“Thankhilness. remembrance, and patience,
ln them are blessings and rewards.”
Another ingredient of happiness is the keeping of secrets, especially one’s own secrets. Among the Arabs there is a famous story of a Bedouin who was entrusted with a secret for a fee of twenty dinars. At first he remained time to the deal and then suddenly, in a fit of impatience, he went and returned the money — he wanted to unburden himself from the load of the secret. This is basically because secrecy requires steadfastness, patience, and willpower.
(‘O’ my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers.)
(Qur’an 12: 5)
A weakness of man — which is just one of his many weak traits A is that he constantly feels the urge to reveal the details of his personal affairs to others. This sickness is an old one in the annals of history. The soul loves to spread secrets and disseminate stories. The connection between this topic and that of this book is that whoever spreads his secrets will inevitably feel regret, sadness, and misery.
(And let him be careful and let no man know of you) (Qur’an 18: 1 9)
YOU WILL NOT DIE BEFORE YOUR APPOINTED TIME
(When their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour [or a moment].)
( Qur’an 7: 34)
This verse contains within it a consolation for cowards, those that die many deaths before their actual death. This verse tells us that for every person there is an appointed time to die: it cannot be brought forward, nor can it be held back, even if all of the creation were to join together in the attempt.
(And the stupor of death will come in truth…) (Qur’an 50: 19)
And know that hoping in other than Allah is misery:
(T hen he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.) (Qur’an 28: 81)
Adh-Dhahabi’s Siyer A’laam an-Nubalaa is a 20-volume work. It contains the biographies of scholars, kings, ministers, rulers, and poets. As I was reading some of their biographies, two points came to mind:
Whoever places his hopes or trust in something or someone other than Allah, then Allah will abandon him and make that thing or person the cause of his min.
(And verily they [Satans/Devils] hinder them from the Path [of Allah], but they think that they are guided aright!) (Qur’an 43: 3 7)
For Fir’aun (Pharoah) it was status; for Qaaroon (Korah) it was wealth; for
Umayyah it was business; for Waleed it was his child:
(Leave Me Alone [to deal] with whom I created Alone [without any means, i.e. Al-waleed ibn al-Mughirah al-Makhzumi].) (Quran 74: 11)
For Abu Jahl it was status; for Abu Lahab it was lineage; for Abu Muslim it was the throne; for Al-Mutanabbi it was fame; and for Al- Hajjaj it was power and authority.
Whoever seeks honor with Allah and does righteous deeds, Allah will honor him and bestow upon him ranking even if he has no wealth, status, or noble lineage.
For Bilal it was the call to prayer; for Sulmaan it was the Hereafter; for Suhaib it was his sacrifice; and for ‘Ataa it was knowledge (may Allah be pleased with them all):
(And made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is All- Mighty, All-wise.)
(Qur’an 9: 40)
‘O’ ALLAH, WHO IS FULL OF MAJESTY AND HONOR….’
In an authentic hadith, the Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) advised us to repeat this phrase often:
“O’ (Allah) Who is full of Majesty and Honor.”
He (bpuh) also advised us to say:
“O’ Ever Living, O’ One Who sustains and protects all that exists.”
Therefore, for one’s own well being, one should invoke Allah and seek His help with these phrases, and the answer will surely then follow.
([Remember] when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you) (Qur’an 8: 9)
ln the life of a Muslim, there are three truly joyful days:
The day that he abjures sinning and performs his obligatory prayers in congregation.
(Answer Allah [by obeying Him] and [His] Messenger when he calls you…) (Qur’an 8: 24)
The day that he repents from a sin, forsakes it, and returns to his Lord.
(Then, He accepted their repentance, that they might repent [unto Him].)
(Quran 9: 118)
The day that he dies to meet his Lord, having performed a final deed that is both good and pure.
“Whosoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him.”
After having studied the life of the Prophet’s Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), l found in them five characteristics that distinguish them from others:
They led simple lives that were free from ostentation and extravagance.
(And We .shall make easy for you [O’Muhamn1ad] the easy way [i.e. the doing of righteous deeds].) (Quran 87: 8)
Their knowledge of religious matters was as blessed as it was profound. And more importantly, they accompanied that knowledge with practical application.
(lt is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.) (Quran 35: 28)
They gave precedence to deeds of the heart over deeds that others could see. Thus, they had sincerity; they depended upon Allah; they loved Him; they hoped from Him only; and they feared none save Him. Furthermore, they assiduously performed voluntary acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting.
(He knew what was in their hearts…) (Quran 48: 18)
They did not seek the world and its pleasures. They turned their backs in disdain on material possessions, and they reaped the fruits of this noble stance: happiness, peace of mind, and sincerity.
(And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it [i.e. do righteous deeds of Allah Is Obedience] while he is a believer…) (Qur’an 17: 19)
Jihad was a priority for them over other good deeds until it became a banner by which they were recognized. And through Jihad, they annihilated their worries and troubles, because all of the following are a part of Jihad: remembrance, striving, effort, and activity.
(As for those who strive hard in Us [Our Cause], We will surely guide them to Our Paths [i.e. Allah Is Religion—- Islamic Monotheism]. And verily; Allah is with the good doers.) (Qur’an 29: 69)
ln the Qur’an, truths and realities that are constant and do not change are mentioned concerning this life. Here are the ones that are related to the subject matter of this book.
Whoever works for Allah, He will help him:
(If you help [in the cause of] Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm.) (Qur’an 47: 7)
Whoever asks of Allah, He will answer him;
(And your Lord said: invoke Me, I will respond to your [invocation].) (Qur’an 40: 60)
When one asks Allah for forgiveness, He will forgive him:
(He said: ‘My Lord! verily [ have wronged myself so forgive me’. Then He forgave him. (Qur’an 28: 16)
(And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves…) (Qur’an 42: 25)
Whoever places his trust in Allah, He will be sufficient for him:
(And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.)
(Qur’an 65: 3)
There are three kinds of people whose punishment is certain:
Those who are rebellious against Allah, those who break their pledges, and those who plot evil deeds:
(Your rebellion [disobedience to Allah] is only against your ownselves) (Qur’an 10: 23)
(Then whosoever breaks his pledge, breaks only to his own harm)
(Qur’an 48: 10)
(But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it.) (Qur’an 35: 43)
Oppressors will not escape from Allah’s punishment:
(These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong.) (Qur’an 27: 52)
The fruits of righteousness are harvested both in the short and long term:
(So Allah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter) (Qur’an 3: 148)
Whoever obeys Allah, He will love him and provide sustenance for him:
(Verily Allah is the All-Provider…) (Quran 51: 58)
Allah will punish the enemies of his obedient slaves:
(Verily we will exact retribution.) (Qur’an 44: 16)
Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rehmaan ibn Sa’di wrote a valuable book called Practical Means to a Happy Life. In it he said,
“By enumerating Allah’s blessings, one will realize that he is better off than a great number of people and that he should truly be thankful for Allah’s favors upon him.”
Even in matters of religion, one finds that in spite of the negligence we are all guilty of; some of us are better than others in performing the obligatory congregational prayers regularly, in reading the Qur’an, in remembering Allah, and so on. These are all favors for which we should be thankful. Allah, the Exalted, said:
(Allah has perfected His Graces upon you, [both] apparent [i.e. Islamic Monotheism, and the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.] and hidden [i.e. Ones Faith in Allah (of Islamic Monotheism) knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.] ?) (Qur’an 3 I : 20)
Adh-Dhahabi mentioned that the great scholar of hadith, Ibn ‘Abdul Ba’qi, observed the people as they were leaving the central Mosque of Baghdad. He was looking for someone who in all respects he wished to change places with in life, yet he reported that he found no one:
(And we have preferred them above many of those whom we have created with a marked preference.) (Qur’an 17: 70)
PAUSE TO REFLECT
Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays related that the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said to her:
“Shall I not teach you words that you should say when in distress: “Allah, Allah, My Lord; I do not associate any partners with Him.”
In another hadith, the Prophet (bpuh) informed us that when one is afflicted with sickness or hardship, he will find relief if he says:
“Allah, My Lord; He has no partner.”
At times, one becomes afflicted with a severe trial. If he turns to his Lord and surrenders his will to Him without associating any partners with Him, his hardship will go away.
Source: Islam Basics By Aaidh ibn Abdullah Al-Qarnee
Comments
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
23/3/2019Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.