Monday, December 27, 2004

LESSON OF THE DAY 71

Ayahs of the Day:
These are the limits set by Allah; those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (forever) and that will be the supreme achievement. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits, will be admitted to a fire, to abide therein; and they shall have a humiliating punishment. [4: 13, 14]

Hadith of the Day:
A father is the strongest doors of Paradise. If you wish you may pull it down, or if you wish you may protect it. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The primary meaning of the word Jihad is struggle or effort. This is a very important religious principle. It reminds us that religion is never something achieved or finished. The revelation is given, but those who follow it have to make it a constant effort, day by day, year by year, to put it into practice in a flawed and tragic world. [Karen Armstrong]

Guidance of the Day:
Next in the overall treatment for the heart is the importance of keeping the company of good people, which is God's command: O You who believe, fear God and be among the truthful ones(Quran, 9:119). It is astonishing how people can influence others simply by being in each other's company. The company one keeps has major effects. It may lead to either benefit and improvement or harm and corruption, depending on whether the company is that of pure and eminent people or those who are immoral and evil. This effect does not appear suddenly, but is a gradual process that unfolds with time.

Good company includes those who are in the state of gratitude; they are thankful for what they have and do not waste time complaining. One takes on their excellent qualities. One should befriend people who elevate one's station. Anyone who tells you to indulge in the world is defrauding you. When it comes to worldly possessions; it is good to associate with people who have lesser means. The company of wealthy people opens a person to coveting what they have. When it comes to Hereafter; it is better to associate with people who are superior to you in their desire for the understanding for it. [Purification of the Heart]

Food for Thought:
Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

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