LESSON OF THE DAY 264

Ayahs of the Day:
Let those who scoff not figure they are ahead, for they will not cause frustration. And prepare what power you can against them, including cavalry to terrify God's enemies and yours, and others beside them whom you do not know, but whom God knows, and whatever you spend on the cause of God will be repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. [8: 59, 60]

Hadith of the Day:
Do not gloat over your brother's misfortune, lest Allah give him well-being and afflict you. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Be steadfast in reading books of knowledge and in teaching them to people. For the best of people are those who learn and teach. [Shaykh Bayanuni]

Guidanc of the Day:
Start by asking questions. Don't ask the kind that can be answered with simple one-word responses. Instead, ask questions that allow people to explain their points of view and elaborate. Questions that begin with the words "Why do you suppose..." and "How do you think.." are good for this. Avoid questions that are too open ended---questions like "What's new?" or "How's it going?" Too often people get pat responses to such queries, perhaps because they are not sure you really want to know.

But if you ask the same type of question in a more tailored way, you are sure to get meatier answers. Examples: "So what's your latest project (at school, in your department, around the house, etc.)?" "How's your summer going? Got any vacation plans?"

It's good to ask specific questions, but it's not good for a relationship to pry, or to manipulate people into telling more about themselves than they're comfortable revealing. To find the right balance of disclosure, let the other person take the lead as you ask open-minded questions related to information that person has already revealed. [The Relationship Cure]

Du'a of the Week:
Allaahumma innaa na'oozubika min qaswatil quloob. (O Allah! we seek refuge from the hardness of the heart).

Food for Thought:
A loving marriage is the foundation of a happy family, and a happy family the foundation of a stable society. Most of the problems in this world stem from troubled homes. If we are to have peace in the world, we must begin at home.