Ayahs of the Day:
"As for My devotees, you have no authority over them." And your Lord is an adequate guardian. Your Lord is the One who propels the ships for you on the sea, that you may seek some of the divine bounty; for God is Most Merciful to you. [17: 65,66]
Hadith of the Day:
Avoid cupidity (avarice), for it is instant poverty. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Prayer and fasting are among the greatest things a person can do, yet to remove pride and arrogance from one's heart rank even higher. [Shaykh Kharkhani]
Guidance of the Day:
New Energy Coming: There is a new energy, a new feeling coming into our life. We cannot base our expectations about how we will feel tomorrow, or even a few hours from now, on how we feel at this moment. There are no two moments in time alike. We are changing. Our life is changing. At times things hadn't worked out the way we wanted. We had lessons to learn. The future shall not be like the past. The truly difficult times are over. The confusion, the most challenging learning experiences, the difficult feelings are about to pass. Do not limit the future by the past! Haven't there been many changes that have brought you to where you are now? Reflect on one year ago. Haven't you and your circumstances changed since then.
Sometimes, problems and feelings linger for a while. These times are temporary. Times of confusion, uncertainty, times of living with a particular unsolved problem do not last for ever. We make these doubly hard by comparing them to our past. Each situation and circumstance has had its particular influence in shaping who we are. We do not have to scare ourselves by comparing our present and future to a painful past, especially our past before we learned through a certain experience. Know that the discomfort will not be permanent. Do not try to figure out how you shall feel or when you shall feel differently. Instead, trust. Accept today, but do not be limited by it.
A new energy is coming. A new feeling is on the way. We cannot predict how it will be by looking at how it was or how it is, because it shall be entirely different. We have not worked and struggled in vain. It has been for and toward something. Continue on the path of trust and obedience. Be open to the new. [The Language of Letting go]
Food for Thought:
One of the greatest gifts we can give is an open, loving heart. And holding on to negative feelings from past relationships is our greatest barrier to that gift.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 568
Ayahs of the Day:
(God) said, "Go: and if any of them follow you, hell is your reward, an ample reward. And inflame any of them you can with your voice, and attack them with your cavalry and your infantry; and share with them in properties and children and make promises to them."--But Satan promises them nothing but deception. [!7: 63,64]
Hadith of the Day:
Beware of suspicion, for it is the most deceitful of thoughts. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Islam expects of its followers that they will be masters of live hearts and wakeful conscience, which would ensure the protection of the rights of God and humanity and which would also protect their actions from the commitment of excesses. [Muhammad al Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Appreciating Our Past: It is easy to be negative about past mistakes and unhappiness. But it is more healing to look at ourselves and our past in the light of experience, acceptance, and growth. Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to higher levels of living and loving. The relationships we entered, stayed in, or ended taught us necessary lessons. Some of us have emerged from the most painful circumstances with strong insights about who we are and what we want.
Our mistakes? Necessary. Our frustrations, failures, and sometimes stumbling attempts at growth and progress? Necessary too. Each step of the way, we learned. We went through exactly the experiences we needed to, to become who we are today. Each step of the way, we progressed. Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for truth. [The Language of Letting Go]
Food for Thought:
One is judged by one's dominant characteristics. From the lack of fairness is to expect refinement in the world, while you yourself are unrefined.
(God) said, "Go: and if any of them follow you, hell is your reward, an ample reward. And inflame any of them you can with your voice, and attack them with your cavalry and your infantry; and share with them in properties and children and make promises to them."--But Satan promises them nothing but deception. [!7: 63,64]
Hadith of the Day:
Beware of suspicion, for it is the most deceitful of thoughts. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Islam expects of its followers that they will be masters of live hearts and wakeful conscience, which would ensure the protection of the rights of God and humanity and which would also protect their actions from the commitment of excesses. [Muhammad al Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Appreciating Our Past: It is easy to be negative about past mistakes and unhappiness. But it is more healing to look at ourselves and our past in the light of experience, acceptance, and growth. Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to higher levels of living and loving. The relationships we entered, stayed in, or ended taught us necessary lessons. Some of us have emerged from the most painful circumstances with strong insights about who we are and what we want.
Our mistakes? Necessary. Our frustrations, failures, and sometimes stumbling attempts at growth and progress? Necessary too. Each step of the way, we learned. We went through exactly the experiences we needed to, to become who we are today. Each step of the way, we progressed. Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for truth. [The Language of Letting Go]
Food for Thought:
One is judged by one's dominant characteristics. From the lack of fairness is to expect refinement in the world, while you yourself are unrefined.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 567
Ayahs of the Day:
When We said to the angels; "Bow to Adam," they bowed, except Iblis the desperate one, who said, "What? Shall I bow to one you've made from clay?" He said, "Do you see this one whom You have honored over me? If You let me stay until the Day of Resurrection, I will bring his descendants into subjection, except for a few." [17: 61,62]
Hadith of the Day:
The servants God loves most are those most sincere with God's servants. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Self satisfaction is a sure sign of lacking intellect. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
New Beginnings: Resentments are the blocks that hold us back from loving ourselves and others. Resentments do not punish the other person; they punish us. They become barriers to feeling good and enjoying life. They prevent us from being in harmony with the world. Resentments are hardened chunks of anger. They loosen up and dissolve with forgiveness and letting go.
Letting go of resentments does not mean we allow the other person to do anything to us that he or she wants. It means we accept what happened in the past, and we set boundaries for the future. We can let go of resentments and still have boundaries!
We try to see the good in the person, or the good that ultimately evolved from whatever incident we feel resentful about. We try to see our part. Then we put the incident to rest. Praying for those we resent helps. Asking God to take our resentments from us helps too. What better way to begin a day than by clearing the slate of the past, and entering this one free of resentments. [The Language of Letting go]
Food for Thought:
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of a hole is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
When We said to the angels; "Bow to Adam," they bowed, except Iblis the desperate one, who said, "What? Shall I bow to one you've made from clay?" He said, "Do you see this one whom You have honored over me? If You let me stay until the Day of Resurrection, I will bring his descendants into subjection, except for a few." [17: 61,62]
Hadith of the Day:
The servants God loves most are those most sincere with God's servants. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Self satisfaction is a sure sign of lacking intellect. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
New Beginnings: Resentments are the blocks that hold us back from loving ourselves and others. Resentments do not punish the other person; they punish us. They become barriers to feeling good and enjoying life. They prevent us from being in harmony with the world. Resentments are hardened chunks of anger. They loosen up and dissolve with forgiveness and letting go.
Letting go of resentments does not mean we allow the other person to do anything to us that he or she wants. It means we accept what happened in the past, and we set boundaries for the future. We can let go of resentments and still have boundaries!
We try to see the good in the person, or the good that ultimately evolved from whatever incident we feel resentful about. We try to see our part. Then we put the incident to rest. Praying for those we resent helps. Asking God to take our resentments from us helps too. What better way to begin a day than by clearing the slate of the past, and entering this one free of resentments. [The Language of Letting go]
Food for Thought:
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of a hole is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
Monday, June 05, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 566
Ayah of the Day:
And there is no community but We will annihilate it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book. [17: 58]
Hadith of the Day:
Honor scholars, as they are the inheritors of the prophets. Anyone who honors them has honored God and His Messenger. [Al Khatib]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign of love for Allah Most High is that one follows the character, acts, laws, and ways of the beloved messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). [Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: Sometimes in life, things happen too fast. We barely solve one problem when two new problems surface. We are feeling great in the morning, but we are submerged in misery by nightfall. Every day we face interruptions, delays, changes, and challenges. We face personality conflicts and disappointments. Often when we are feeling overwhelmed, we can't see the lessons in these experiences.
One simple concept can get us through the most stressful of times. It's called gratitude. We learn to say, thank you, for these problems and feelings. Thank you for the way things are. I don't like this experience, but thank you anyway. Force gratitude until it becomes habitual. Gratitude helps us stop trying to control outcomes. It is the key that unlocks positive energy in our life. It is the alchemy that turns problems into blessings, and the unexpected into gifts. [The Language of Letting Go]
Food for Thought:
There are times in life when we can walk a gentle, loving path. There are times, however, when we need to stand up for ourselves--when walking the gentle, loving path puts us deeper into the hands of those who could mistreat us.
And there is no community but We will annihilate it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book. [17: 58]
Hadith of the Day:
Honor scholars, as they are the inheritors of the prophets. Anyone who honors them has honored God and His Messenger. [Al Khatib]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The sign of love for Allah Most High is that one follows the character, acts, laws, and ways of the beloved messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). [Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: Sometimes in life, things happen too fast. We barely solve one problem when two new problems surface. We are feeling great in the morning, but we are submerged in misery by nightfall. Every day we face interruptions, delays, changes, and challenges. We face personality conflicts and disappointments. Often when we are feeling overwhelmed, we can't see the lessons in these experiences.
One simple concept can get us through the most stressful of times. It's called gratitude. We learn to say, thank you, for these problems and feelings. Thank you for the way things are. I don't like this experience, but thank you anyway. Force gratitude until it becomes habitual. Gratitude helps us stop trying to control outcomes. It is the key that unlocks positive energy in our life. It is the alchemy that turns problems into blessings, and the unexpected into gifts. [The Language of Letting Go]
Food for Thought:
There are times in life when we can walk a gentle, loving path. There are times, however, when we need to stand up for ourselves--when walking the gentle, loving path puts us deeper into the hands of those who could mistreat us.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 565
Ayah of the Day:
Those to whom they pray seek closeness to their Lord, even the nearest; and they hope for Divine Mercy and fear Divine Punishment: for the punishment of your Lord is something to beware of. [17: 57]
Hadith of the Day:
The majority of man's sins emanate from his tongue. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A grateful heart is a fount from which flows one of this worlds greatest pleasures--happiness. When the heart is grateful it is also happy. [Imam Magid bin Muhammad]
Guidance of the Day:
Acting as if: The behavior we call "acting as if" is a powerful tool to practice the positive. It's a positive form of pretending. It's a tool we use to get ourselves unstuck. It's a tool we make a conscious decision to use. Acting as if can be helpful when a feeling begins to control us. We make a conscious decision to act as if we feel fine and are going to be fine. When a problem plagues us, acting as if can help us get unstuck. We act as if the problem will be or already solved, so we can go on with our life. Often, acting as if we are detached will set the stage for detachment to come in and take over.
There are many areas where acting as if--will set the stage for the reality we desire. We can act as if we love everyone, until we actually do begin to care for everyone. Acting as if is a positive way to overcome fears, doubts, and low self esteem.. We do not have to lie; we do not have to be dishonest with ourselves. We open up to the positive possibilities of the future, instead of limiting the future by today's feelings and circumstances. Acting as if helps us get past shaky ground and into solid territory. [The Language of Letting go]
Food for Thought:
Being grateful, being positive, being healthy, does not mean we never feel angry. Being grateful, positive, and healthy means we feel angry when we need to.
Those to whom they pray seek closeness to their Lord, even the nearest; and they hope for Divine Mercy and fear Divine Punishment: for the punishment of your Lord is something to beware of. [17: 57]
Hadith of the Day:
The majority of man's sins emanate from his tongue. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A grateful heart is a fount from which flows one of this worlds greatest pleasures--happiness. When the heart is grateful it is also happy. [Imam Magid bin Muhammad]
Guidance of the Day:
Acting as if: The behavior we call "acting as if" is a powerful tool to practice the positive. It's a positive form of pretending. It's a tool we use to get ourselves unstuck. It's a tool we make a conscious decision to use. Acting as if can be helpful when a feeling begins to control us. We make a conscious decision to act as if we feel fine and are going to be fine. When a problem plagues us, acting as if can help us get unstuck. We act as if the problem will be or already solved, so we can go on with our life. Often, acting as if we are detached will set the stage for detachment to come in and take over.
There are many areas where acting as if--will set the stage for the reality we desire. We can act as if we love everyone, until we actually do begin to care for everyone. Acting as if is a positive way to overcome fears, doubts, and low self esteem.. We do not have to lie; we do not have to be dishonest with ourselves. We open up to the positive possibilities of the future, instead of limiting the future by today's feelings and circumstances. Acting as if helps us get past shaky ground and into solid territory. [The Language of Letting go]
Food for Thought:
Being grateful, being positive, being healthy, does not mean we never feel angry. Being grateful, positive, and healthy means we feel angry when we need to.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 564
Ayah of the Day:
Tell My servants to say what is best, for Satan sows dissension among them; indeed Satan is an open enemy to man. [17: 53]
Hadith of the Day:
The worst of heinous sins are idolatry, murder, abuse of one's parents, and false testimony. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The essence of knowledge is to know what obedience and worship are. Know that obedience and worship are conformity to the Lawgiver as regards commands and prohibitions, in both word and deed. [Imam Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Prayer: As a matter of fact, prayer is the only real action in the full sense of the word, because prayer is the only thing that changes one's character. A change in character, or a change in soul, is a real change. We are spiritual beings who are human. Praying and meditating are ways we take to take care of our spirit. Prayer and meditation are ways to improve our personal relationship with a God to benefit ourselves, our life, and our growth.
Praying is how we connect with God. We don't pray because we have to; we pray because we want to. It is how we link our soul to our Source. We learn to take care of our emotions, our mind, and our physical needs. We learn to change our behaviors. But we also learn to take care of our spirit, our soul, because that is where all true change begins. Each time we talk to God, we are transformed. Each time we connect with our Higher Power, we are heard, touched, and changed for the best. [The language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie]
Food for Thought:
All adversity is really an opportunity for our souls to grow, all adversity is really a form of growing pain.
Tell My servants to say what is best, for Satan sows dissension among them; indeed Satan is an open enemy to man. [17: 53]
Hadith of the Day:
The worst of heinous sins are idolatry, murder, abuse of one's parents, and false testimony. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The essence of knowledge is to know what obedience and worship are. Know that obedience and worship are conformity to the Lawgiver as regards commands and prohibitions, in both word and deed. [Imam Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
Prayer: As a matter of fact, prayer is the only real action in the full sense of the word, because prayer is the only thing that changes one's character. A change in character, or a change in soul, is a real change. We are spiritual beings who are human. Praying and meditating are ways we take to take care of our spirit. Prayer and meditation are ways to improve our personal relationship with a God to benefit ourselves, our life, and our growth.
Praying is how we connect with God. We don't pray because we have to; we pray because we want to. It is how we link our soul to our Source. We learn to take care of our emotions, our mind, and our physical needs. We learn to change our behaviors. But we also learn to take care of our spirit, our soul, because that is where all true change begins. Each time we talk to God, we are transformed. Each time we connect with our Higher Power, we are heard, touched, and changed for the best. [The language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie]
Food for Thought:
All adversity is really an opportunity for our souls to grow, all adversity is really a form of growing pain.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 563
Ayah of the Day:
One day God will call you, and you will answer with praise of God; and you will think you stayed (in the world) only a little while. [17: 52]
Hadith of the Day:
What enables people to enter Paradise more than anything is piety and good character. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The one who solely depends upon Allah is more at rest with His promise than with the promises of men. [ Shaqeeq al Balki]
Guidance of the Day:
Further Advice: These ten attitudes will prove greatly beneficial in this world and the Hereafter: truth with sincerity, justice with creation, wrath with the lower self, service to the saints, love and mercy upon little ones, generosity with the dervishes, advice and admonition to friends, patience with enemies, silence with ignoramuses, and humility with the scholars. Stay among people, but remain aloof. Your body should be among creation, but your heart with the Creator. This will ensure that negligence does not overtake you. Beware of such negligence lest you conform with people in a way that entails opposition to Allah and His displeasure.
There are two kinds of repentance: The first is to repent of sins because of fear of Allah's punishment. The second is to resort to repentance because of shame for Allah Most High. One's worship is absolutely insignificant in the presence of His Majesty and Splendor.
Every part of the body has its repentance. The repentance of the heart is its intention to abstain from the unlawful. The repentance of the eye is not to glance at things forbidden. The repentance of the ear is not to listen to evil and nonsensical talk. The repentance of the hands is not to raise them toward what has been forbidden. The repentance of the stomach is to refrain from consuming the unlawful. The repentance of one's modesty is to abstain from acts of immorality and from fornication. [The Path to Perfection by Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi]
Food for Thought:
A truly wise person will have the wisdom to know what he can do, accept what he can't do, and have the generosity of spirit to extend himself in ways that can make a difference.
One day God will call you, and you will answer with praise of God; and you will think you stayed (in the world) only a little while. [17: 52]
Hadith of the Day:
What enables people to enter Paradise more than anything is piety and good character. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The one who solely depends upon Allah is more at rest with His promise than with the promises of men. [ Shaqeeq al Balki]
Guidance of the Day:
Further Advice: These ten attitudes will prove greatly beneficial in this world and the Hereafter: truth with sincerity, justice with creation, wrath with the lower self, service to the saints, love and mercy upon little ones, generosity with the dervishes, advice and admonition to friends, patience with enemies, silence with ignoramuses, and humility with the scholars. Stay among people, but remain aloof. Your body should be among creation, but your heart with the Creator. This will ensure that negligence does not overtake you. Beware of such negligence lest you conform with people in a way that entails opposition to Allah and His displeasure.
There are two kinds of repentance: The first is to repent of sins because of fear of Allah's punishment. The second is to resort to repentance because of shame for Allah Most High. One's worship is absolutely insignificant in the presence of His Majesty and Splendor.
Every part of the body has its repentance. The repentance of the heart is its intention to abstain from the unlawful. The repentance of the eye is not to glance at things forbidden. The repentance of the ear is not to listen to evil and nonsensical talk. The repentance of the hands is not to raise them toward what has been forbidden. The repentance of the stomach is to refrain from consuming the unlawful. The repentance of one's modesty is to abstain from acts of immorality and from fornication. [The Path to Perfection by Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanwi]
Food for Thought:
A truly wise person will have the wisdom to know what he can do, accept what he can't do, and have the generosity of spirit to extend himself in ways that can make a difference.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 562
Ayah of the Day:
The seven heavens and the earth and all beings therein praise God. There is not a single thing that does not extol the praise of God, but you do not understand their praise. God is truly gracious, most forgiving. [17: 44]
Hadith of the Day:
True spiritual excellence is devotion to God as if you see Him; and though you do not see Him, you at least know that He sees you. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Do not ask one who flees from your requests, but instead, ask Allah Most High, the One Who has ordered you to ask of Him. [Ibn al Samak]
Guidance of the Day:
Further advice: Shaykh Muhammad Wasi (may Allah have mercy on him) was among the greatest of the friends of Allah. A man requested advice of him. The Shaykh said, "I will give you such advice by means of which you may become the king of the world and obtain peace in the Hereafter. Adopt zuhd (abstention) in this world. Never have any greed or hope with regard to any man. See all creation to be dependent on Allah. It is then evident that you will become independent of all creation. This is the meaning of becoming a king."
Ruin comes to a person from six avenues: weakness of intention regarding the acts of the Hereafter; obedience to the commands of the devil and striving in that direction; in spite of nearness of death, to entertain distant hopes and plans; to adopt the pleasure of people in preference to the pleasure of Allah; to abstain from the Sunna of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) because of obedience to the desires of the lower self; to cite the errors of previous Friends of Allah as proofs for one's acts and to bury their excellence. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
A good deed provides greater benefits to the benefactor--in terms of blessings and recompense and peace--than it does to the receiver. Doing good to others brings happiness to both the heart and the soul.
The seven heavens and the earth and all beings therein praise God. There is not a single thing that does not extol the praise of God, but you do not understand their praise. God is truly gracious, most forgiving. [17: 44]
Hadith of the Day:
True spiritual excellence is devotion to God as if you see Him; and though you do not see Him, you at least know that He sees you. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Do not ask one who flees from your requests, but instead, ask Allah Most High, the One Who has ordered you to ask of Him. [Ibn al Samak]
Guidance of the Day:
Further advice: Shaykh Muhammad Wasi (may Allah have mercy on him) was among the greatest of the friends of Allah. A man requested advice of him. The Shaykh said, "I will give you such advice by means of which you may become the king of the world and obtain peace in the Hereafter. Adopt zuhd (abstention) in this world. Never have any greed or hope with regard to any man. See all creation to be dependent on Allah. It is then evident that you will become independent of all creation. This is the meaning of becoming a king."
Ruin comes to a person from six avenues: weakness of intention regarding the acts of the Hereafter; obedience to the commands of the devil and striving in that direction; in spite of nearness of death, to entertain distant hopes and plans; to adopt the pleasure of people in preference to the pleasure of Allah; to abstain from the Sunna of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) because of obedience to the desires of the lower self; to cite the errors of previous Friends of Allah as proofs for one's acts and to bury their excellence. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
A good deed provides greater benefits to the benefactor--in terms of blessings and recompense and peace--than it does to the receiver. Doing good to others brings happiness to both the heart and the soul.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 561
Ayahs of the Day:
We have varied presentations in this Recital, that they may bear in mind, but it only increases their aversion. Say: "Were there deities beside God as they say, then they would have sought a way to the Lord of the Throne." Glory be to God, exalted beyond whatever they say in loftiness and greatness. [17: 41,42,43]
Hadith of the Day:
The best charity a Muslim practices is acquiring some knowledge and teaching it to his brother. [Ibn Majah]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Knowledge is a pre-requisite of action, and unless our activism in the West is based on sound religious knowledge, it will be devoid of Divine acceptance and help. It is only by holding fast to the inheritors of our tradition that Islam will succeed in the West. [Hamza Karam Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
Allah Most High says in the Torah:
7. Mankind! I have created all things for you and I have created you for My worship. But you have become trapped in what has been created for your service, and you have drifted away from Me for the sake of others.
8. Mankind! All creation desires something for themselves, while I desire you for your own sake, but you run from Me.
9. Mankind! You are displeased with Me because of the desires of the lower self, but never did you become displeased with your lower self for My sake.
10. Mankind! Worshipping Me is obligatory on you, and providing you sustenance is obligatory upon Me. But in most cases you are negligent in your duty, while I'm never negligent in feeding you.
11. Mankind! You seek future sustenance even today, but I do not desire from you the worship of the future.
12. Mankind! You will forever remain in peace and comfort if you are content with what I have given you. If you are not content with it, I will assert the greed of the world over you. It will then cause you to run from pillar to post, and from door to door, like a dog, in utter humiliation, and then too you will obtain only what has been predestined for you. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Be a student. Stay open and willing to learn from everyone and anyone. Being a student means you have room for new input.
We have varied presentations in this Recital, that they may bear in mind, but it only increases their aversion. Say: "Were there deities beside God as they say, then they would have sought a way to the Lord of the Throne." Glory be to God, exalted beyond whatever they say in loftiness and greatness. [17: 41,42,43]
Hadith of the Day:
The best charity a Muslim practices is acquiring some knowledge and teaching it to his brother. [Ibn Majah]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Knowledge is a pre-requisite of action, and unless our activism in the West is based on sound religious knowledge, it will be devoid of Divine acceptance and help. It is only by holding fast to the inheritors of our tradition that Islam will succeed in the West. [Hamza Karam Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
Allah Most High says in the Torah:
7. Mankind! I have created all things for you and I have created you for My worship. But you have become trapped in what has been created for your service, and you have drifted away from Me for the sake of others.
8. Mankind! All creation desires something for themselves, while I desire you for your own sake, but you run from Me.
9. Mankind! You are displeased with Me because of the desires of the lower self, but never did you become displeased with your lower self for My sake.
10. Mankind! Worshipping Me is obligatory on you, and providing you sustenance is obligatory upon Me. But in most cases you are negligent in your duty, while I'm never negligent in feeding you.
11. Mankind! You seek future sustenance even today, but I do not desire from you the worship of the future.
12. Mankind! You will forever remain in peace and comfort if you are content with what I have given you. If you are not content with it, I will assert the greed of the world over you. It will then cause you to run from pillar to post, and from door to door, like a dog, in utter humiliation, and then too you will obtain only what has been predestined for you. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Be a student. Stay open and willing to learn from everyone and anyone. Being a student means you have room for new input.
Friday, May 26, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 560
Ayahs of the Day:
Of all of that, it is the evil of it that is repugnant to your Lord. That is some of the wisdom your Lord revealed to you by inspiration. Do not invent another deity beside God, or you will be thrown into Hell, condemned and banished. [17: 38,39]
Hadith of the Day:
The most virtuous behavior is to engage those who sever relations, to give to those who withhold from you, and to forgive those who wrong you. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The word trust contains an ocean of meaning, but underneath it all is the sense of responsibility, the sense of having to appear before Allah and to account for one's actions. [Muhammad al Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
The Commander of the believers, our master Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah ennoble his countenance) said, "I have selected from the noble Torah twelve statements, and I reflect on these statements daily; Allah Most High says:
1. Mankind! Never fear any devil or king as long as My reigns endure.
2. Mankind! Never be worried about our food as long as you find My treasuries full. My treasuries never decrease, nor will they be depleted.
3. Mankind! When you become helpless in any affair, call upon Me, and most certainly, you will find Me. I am Bestower of all things and all goodness.
4. Mankind! Be assured that I regard you as My friend. You, therefore, befriend me.
5. Mankind! Do not cease to fear Me until you have crossed the bridge (on the day of judgment).
6. Mankind! I have created you out of dust, blood clot, and sperm. I was not without perfect power when creating you, so how then should I be without perfect power to feed you? Why, then, do you seek from others? [The Path of Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Instead of saying, "Why is this happening to me? Isn't this awful. Poor me," begin to say, "What do I have to learn from this?"
Of all of that, it is the evil of it that is repugnant to your Lord. That is some of the wisdom your Lord revealed to you by inspiration. Do not invent another deity beside God, or you will be thrown into Hell, condemned and banished. [17: 38,39]
Hadith of the Day:
The most virtuous behavior is to engage those who sever relations, to give to those who withhold from you, and to forgive those who wrong you. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The word trust contains an ocean of meaning, but underneath it all is the sense of responsibility, the sense of having to appear before Allah and to account for one's actions. [Muhammad al Ghazali]
Guidance of the Day:
The Commander of the believers, our master Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah ennoble his countenance) said, "I have selected from the noble Torah twelve statements, and I reflect on these statements daily; Allah Most High says:
1. Mankind! Never fear any devil or king as long as My reigns endure.
2. Mankind! Never be worried about our food as long as you find My treasuries full. My treasuries never decrease, nor will they be depleted.
3. Mankind! When you become helpless in any affair, call upon Me, and most certainly, you will find Me. I am Bestower of all things and all goodness.
4. Mankind! Be assured that I regard you as My friend. You, therefore, befriend me.
5. Mankind! Do not cease to fear Me until you have crossed the bridge (on the day of judgment).
6. Mankind! I have created you out of dust, blood clot, and sperm. I was not without perfect power when creating you, so how then should I be without perfect power to feed you? Why, then, do you seek from others? [The Path of Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Instead of saying, "Why is this happening to me? Isn't this awful. Poor me," begin to say, "What do I have to learn from this?"
Thursday, May 25, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 559
Ayah of the Day:
And do not walk on earth insolently, for you cannot circle the earth and you cannot reach the mountains in height. [17: 37]
Hadith of the Day:
A mother is one of 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:
Sincerity means that one does not seek recompense to what one has done. [Abu Bakr radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Contentment: He who firmly believes that Allah Most High will grant a reward for every difficulty and sorrow experienced here will most certainly be filled with pleasure and happiness.. The reward for contentment is of such a nature that all difficulty fades into nothingness. It is improper to desire anything contrary to what Allah Most High has willed and decreed for the servant. When Allah Most High considers adversity and difficulty appropriate and advantageous to us, then we as His servants have no valid reason for the displeasure and grief.Whatever state Allah Most High chooses for a servant, that is best for him. Seeing another in a more prosperous condition than himself, man yearns for such prosperity and is not contented with his own lot. But reflection will prove to one that the condition chosen for one by Allah Most High is best.
It should be observed that supplication is not contrary to contentment. The people of Allah resort to supplication because of the Divine Command. In this way they profess their state of total submission and surrender to Allah. They therefore do not insist on the attainment of what is being supplicated for. In all states and circumstances, they are fully pleased with the choice of Allah Most High, whether their supplication is accepted or not. Non-acceptance never causes dissatisfaction in them. This is the sign of true contentment.
Acquiring Contentment: Contentment is the effect of the love of Allah. Consequently there is no other means of acquiring this quality (except by means of love), as contentment is a necessary corollary of love. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
When you meet a wasteful immoderate person, you hear complaints, no matter how rich he is, he still complains. But when you meet even the poorest, but contented person, you hear only thanks.
And do not walk on earth insolently, for you cannot circle the earth and you cannot reach the mountains in height. [17: 37]
Hadith of the Day:
A mother is one of 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:
Sincerity means that one does not seek recompense to what one has done. [Abu Bakr radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Contentment: He who firmly believes that Allah Most High will grant a reward for every difficulty and sorrow experienced here will most certainly be filled with pleasure and happiness.. The reward for contentment is of such a nature that all difficulty fades into nothingness. It is improper to desire anything contrary to what Allah Most High has willed and decreed for the servant. When Allah Most High considers adversity and difficulty appropriate and advantageous to us, then we as His servants have no valid reason for the displeasure and grief.Whatever state Allah Most High chooses for a servant, that is best for him. Seeing another in a more prosperous condition than himself, man yearns for such prosperity and is not contented with his own lot. But reflection will prove to one that the condition chosen for one by Allah Most High is best.
It should be observed that supplication is not contrary to contentment. The people of Allah resort to supplication because of the Divine Command. In this way they profess their state of total submission and surrender to Allah. They therefore do not insist on the attainment of what is being supplicated for. In all states and circumstances, they are fully pleased with the choice of Allah Most High, whether their supplication is accepted or not. Non-acceptance never causes dissatisfaction in them. This is the sign of true contentment.
Acquiring Contentment: Contentment is the effect of the love of Allah. Consequently there is no other means of acquiring this quality (except by means of love), as contentment is a necessary corollary of love. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
When you meet a wasteful immoderate person, you hear complaints, no matter how rich he is, he still complains. But when you meet even the poorest, but contented person, you hear only thanks.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 558
Ayah of the Day:
And do not occupy yourself with what you have no knowledge of; for listening, looking, and the impulse of the heart will all be questioned. [17: 36]
Hadith of the Day:
Of the good fortune of man is his contentment with what Allah has decreed for him. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Other than good there is no other result which comes from tawakkul (reliance upon Allah), and it is granted to those who busy themselves in worship and good pleasure of their Lord. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Contentment: This consists of total submission and contentment with the Decree. One should neither by word or deed object to fate. Contentment (rida) develops to such a lofty degree that its domination permeates one's being. In this high state of contentment, hardship recedes and is not considered as such. The state of contentment in which even pain is not felt is called "natural contentment." The state in which contentment prevails along with the sensation of pain is called "intellectual contentment." The fist state is a physical condition whose acquisition is not obligatory.The second state is an intellectual condition whose acquisition is obligatory.
Contentment with fate is commanded and exhorted so as to inculcate in one the qualities of perseverance and satisfaction when afflicted by adversity and hardship. When contentment has been inculcated, adversity is taken in stride and pleasure and without feeling any undue hardship. This is so because the intelligence alerts one to the superior results of such contentment in the face of adversity. The result of such contentment is future reward.
This will be better understood by means of an illustration. A physician prescribes a bitter remedy to a patient or may even insist on an operation. The patient, bearing in mind his future recovery and health, willingly submits to the treatment. He is not only pleased with the physician but feels indebted to him. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.
And do not occupy yourself with what you have no knowledge of; for listening, looking, and the impulse of the heart will all be questioned. [17: 36]
Hadith of the Day:
Of the good fortune of man is his contentment with what Allah has decreed for him. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Other than good there is no other result which comes from tawakkul (reliance upon Allah), and it is granted to those who busy themselves in worship and good pleasure of their Lord. [Sahl bin Abdullah]
Guidance of the Day:
Contentment: This consists of total submission and contentment with the Decree. One should neither by word or deed object to fate. Contentment (rida) develops to such a lofty degree that its domination permeates one's being. In this high state of contentment, hardship recedes and is not considered as such. The state of contentment in which even pain is not felt is called "natural contentment." The state in which contentment prevails along with the sensation of pain is called "intellectual contentment." The fist state is a physical condition whose acquisition is not obligatory.The second state is an intellectual condition whose acquisition is obligatory.
Contentment with fate is commanded and exhorted so as to inculcate in one the qualities of perseverance and satisfaction when afflicted by adversity and hardship. When contentment has been inculcated, adversity is taken in stride and pleasure and without feeling any undue hardship. This is so because the intelligence alerts one to the superior results of such contentment in the face of adversity. The result of such contentment is future reward.
This will be better understood by means of an illustration. A physician prescribes a bitter remedy to a patient or may even insist on an operation. The patient, bearing in mind his future recovery and health, willingly submits to the treatment. He is not only pleased with the physician but feels indebted to him. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 557
Ayah of the Day:
And give full measure when you measure out, and weigh with an accurate balance. That is fair, and the best determination. [17: 35]
Hadith of the Day:
When you rise in the morning do not fret about the evening, and when it is evening do not fret about the morning. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Wanting more when sufficient sustenance and well-being has been given, is also a form of complain. [Osman radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Consigning one's affairs: Tawhid is to assign one's affairs to Allah Most High. He may do with one as He desires. One's gaze and hope should be on none besides Allah. While employing the means and the agencies, the result of all things should be left to Allah Most High. To consign one's affairs does not mean shunning the means and the agencies that Allah Most High has created for the acquisition and handling of affairs. It merely means that one's confidence and hope should be on none besides Allah Most High. The result of the employment of the means and agencies should be left to Allah Most High. In affairs not related to means and agencies, consignment should be adopted from the very beginning. In such matters, one should not adopt planning and scheming.
To plan and scheme is to the cause of all worry, because of it being expected a project should proceed according to the set plan and program arranged for it. If the result is contrary to expectation, worry and frustration are the consequence. The schemes initiated by man mostly consists of matters beyond the control of his will. It is therefore childish to scheme about things not within one's will. It is for this reason that the Friends of Allah shun scheming. They resign themselves entirely and submit to the pleasure of Allah Most High. It is necessary to abandon one's own scheme of operation and resign oneself to Allah. One should adopt total and perfect submission and surrender--becoming a perfect slave of Allah Most High.
Acquiring consignment of one's affairs: When confronted with an event that is not to one's liking, immediately think that it is an act of Allah and most certainly there is wisdom and good in it. In the beginning it will be difficult to acquire this attitude. However, constant reflection produces the eradication of effort, and this approach then becomes a natural condition in the Friends of Allah. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Surrender, trust, and turn away from outer accumulation and achievement and allow yourself to be purposeful and guided.
And give full measure when you measure out, and weigh with an accurate balance. That is fair, and the best determination. [17: 35]
Hadith of the Day:
When you rise in the morning do not fret about the evening, and when it is evening do not fret about the morning. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Wanting more when sufficient sustenance and well-being has been given, is also a form of complain. [Osman radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Consigning one's affairs: Tawhid is to assign one's affairs to Allah Most High. He may do with one as He desires. One's gaze and hope should be on none besides Allah. While employing the means and the agencies, the result of all things should be left to Allah Most High. To consign one's affairs does not mean shunning the means and the agencies that Allah Most High has created for the acquisition and handling of affairs. It merely means that one's confidence and hope should be on none besides Allah Most High. The result of the employment of the means and agencies should be left to Allah Most High. In affairs not related to means and agencies, consignment should be adopted from the very beginning. In such matters, one should not adopt planning and scheming.
To plan and scheme is to the cause of all worry, because of it being expected a project should proceed according to the set plan and program arranged for it. If the result is contrary to expectation, worry and frustration are the consequence. The schemes initiated by man mostly consists of matters beyond the control of his will. It is therefore childish to scheme about things not within one's will. It is for this reason that the Friends of Allah shun scheming. They resign themselves entirely and submit to the pleasure of Allah Most High. It is necessary to abandon one's own scheme of operation and resign oneself to Allah. One should adopt total and perfect submission and surrender--becoming a perfect slave of Allah Most High.
Acquiring consignment of one's affairs: When confronted with an event that is not to one's liking, immediately think that it is an act of Allah and most certainly there is wisdom and good in it. In the beginning it will be difficult to acquire this attitude. However, constant reflection produces the eradication of effort, and this approach then becomes a natural condition in the Friends of Allah. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Surrender, trust, and turn away from outer accumulation and achievement and allow yourself to be purposeful and guided.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 556
Ayah of the Day:
And do not approach the property of the orphan, except with what is better, until he reaches maturity; and fulfill promises, for the promise will be questioned. [17: 34]
Hadith of the Day:
If you are kind to your neighbors and like others to have what you want for yourself, you will be a believer. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
He who tells a lie loses the freshness of his face, he who cultivates bad habits will ever remain sad; it is far easier to move a huge mountain from one place to another than to reform the ignorant, stupid. [Luqman the wise]
Guidance of the Day:
Truthfulness: The nature of truthfulness (sidq) consists of developing an acquired rank until it is perfected. The meaning of truthfulness is steadfastness. In all states, acts, and speech the truthful one is well grounded. He has realized the state of perfection. In the Shari'a, the conception of truthfulness includes actions, speech, states, and conditions. Truthfulness in regard to speech is that talk should be firm and true according to reality. One imbued with this quality is called "truthful in speech." Truthfulness in regard to actions is that every act be in conformity with the command of the Shari'a and not in conflict with it. One whose acts are at all times in conformity with the Shari'a is termed "truthful in acts." Truthfulness in regard to one's state or condition is that all conditions should be in accordance with the sunna. Conditions that are in conflict with the Sunna are false. One whose states are in accordance with the Sunna is called "truthful in states."
The states of truthfulness is such that their effect is enduring. the influence of the states of truthfulness is lasting and dominant. They are not of a temporary nature. They should not exist in a person one day and be absent another. Nor does this mean that such states should overwhelm one perpetually. Rather, the effect or influence of these states of truthfulness should abide, become a station, and not fade. One should develop the art of worship or obedience to the stage of perfection. For example, perform prayer in such a way that it could be described in the Shri'a as a perfect prayer--a prayer performed in observance of all the external and internal rules and etiquette. The same should apply to all other acts of obedience and worship. The implementation of this way is truthfulness.
Truthfulness is dependent upon knowledge of the factors that produce perfection. Therefore, one has to be alert at all times and compensate for one's shortcomings. An effort is to be made to rectify poorly performed obligations. Constancy in improving and perfecting one's acts will ensure within a short while the perfect state of truthfulness. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
The foolish and the dead never change their opinion. Invite change into your life, wonderful surprises await you.
And do not approach the property of the orphan, except with what is better, until he reaches maturity; and fulfill promises, for the promise will be questioned. [17: 34]
Hadith of the Day:
If you are kind to your neighbors and like others to have what you want for yourself, you will be a believer. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
He who tells a lie loses the freshness of his face, he who cultivates bad habits will ever remain sad; it is far easier to move a huge mountain from one place to another than to reform the ignorant, stupid. [Luqman the wise]
Guidance of the Day:
Truthfulness: The nature of truthfulness (sidq) consists of developing an acquired rank until it is perfected. The meaning of truthfulness is steadfastness. In all states, acts, and speech the truthful one is well grounded. He has realized the state of perfection. In the Shari'a, the conception of truthfulness includes actions, speech, states, and conditions. Truthfulness in regard to speech is that talk should be firm and true according to reality. One imbued with this quality is called "truthful in speech." Truthfulness in regard to actions is that every act be in conformity with the command of the Shari'a and not in conflict with it. One whose acts are at all times in conformity with the Shari'a is termed "truthful in acts." Truthfulness in regard to one's state or condition is that all conditions should be in accordance with the sunna. Conditions that are in conflict with the Sunna are false. One whose states are in accordance with the Sunna is called "truthful in states."
The states of truthfulness is such that their effect is enduring. the influence of the states of truthfulness is lasting and dominant. They are not of a temporary nature. They should not exist in a person one day and be absent another. Nor does this mean that such states should overwhelm one perpetually. Rather, the effect or influence of these states of truthfulness should abide, become a station, and not fade. One should develop the art of worship or obedience to the stage of perfection. For example, perform prayer in such a way that it could be described in the Shri'a as a perfect prayer--a prayer performed in observance of all the external and internal rules and etiquette. The same should apply to all other acts of obedience and worship. The implementation of this way is truthfulness.
Truthfulness is dependent upon knowledge of the factors that produce perfection. Therefore, one has to be alert at all times and compensate for one's shortcomings. An effort is to be made to rectify poorly performed obligations. Constancy in improving and perfecting one's acts will ensure within a short while the perfect state of truthfulness. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
The foolish and the dead never change their opinion. Invite change into your life, wonderful surprises await you.
Friday, May 19, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 555
Ayah of the Day:
And do not take a life that God has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is killed unjustly, We have given his next of kin a certain authority; but he should not be excessive in killing, for he is supported. [17: 33]
Hadith of the Day:
If you are pleased with what God has given you you will be the richest of men. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Seek Allah's refuge from the heedlessness which comes from prosperity; so deep is it, that it will take one very long to climb out of it. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: The tongue is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it in remembrance, in expressing glorification, praise, and thanks to Allah, and to restrain it from complaining in adversity and from all evil in general. It is highly inappropriate and sinful for such a worthless slave as man to complain about any condition that Allah Most High, the True King, has imposed on him. A word of gratitude emanating from the tongue is recorded as an act of obedience. Mere expression of gratitude with the tongue unaccompanied by the true state of gratitude of the heart is only lip service. It is essential that along with verbal expression of gratitude, the heart should value and honor the blessing of the Benefactor. Mere verbal gratitude will be as the outer casting, as the outer skin that is its external form.
The essence of gratitude is that the honor and appreciation of the Benefactor and the blessing are ingrained in the heart. The initial stage of gratitude is at the intellectual level. In other words, it is the correct understanding of the true meaning of gratitude and the realization of the honor of the Benefactor. The final stage of gratitude is the manifestation of its effect on one's body, movements, and all states. In short, the belief, acts of worship, mundane acts, and moral and social life of the one who is truly grateful to Allah will be in conformity with the Shari'a.
Gratitude is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Most High. Every blessing is to be related to Him. By degrees such meditation will inspire love of Allah in the heart, the result of which will be the attainment of the perfect stage of gratitude. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It is not so much your profession or social status in life that counts, but what you do to make this world a better place.
And do not take a life that God has made sacred, except for just cause. And if anyone is killed unjustly, We have given his next of kin a certain authority; but he should not be excessive in killing, for he is supported. [17: 33]
Hadith of the Day:
If you are pleased with what God has given you you will be the richest of men. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Seek Allah's refuge from the heedlessness which comes from prosperity; so deep is it, that it will take one very long to climb out of it. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: The tongue is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it in remembrance, in expressing glorification, praise, and thanks to Allah, and to restrain it from complaining in adversity and from all evil in general. It is highly inappropriate and sinful for such a worthless slave as man to complain about any condition that Allah Most High, the True King, has imposed on him. A word of gratitude emanating from the tongue is recorded as an act of obedience. Mere expression of gratitude with the tongue unaccompanied by the true state of gratitude of the heart is only lip service. It is essential that along with verbal expression of gratitude, the heart should value and honor the blessing of the Benefactor. Mere verbal gratitude will be as the outer casting, as the outer skin that is its external form.
The essence of gratitude is that the honor and appreciation of the Benefactor and the blessing are ingrained in the heart. The initial stage of gratitude is at the intellectual level. In other words, it is the correct understanding of the true meaning of gratitude and the realization of the honor of the Benefactor. The final stage of gratitude is the manifestation of its effect on one's body, movements, and all states. In short, the belief, acts of worship, mundane acts, and moral and social life of the one who is truly grateful to Allah will be in conformity with the Shari'a.
Gratitude is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Most High. Every blessing is to be related to Him. By degrees such meditation will inspire love of Allah in the heart, the result of which will be the attainment of the perfect stage of gratitude. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It is not so much your profession or social status in life that counts, but what you do to make this world a better place.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 554
Ayahs of the Day:
Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; We will provide for them, and for you. Indeed, killing them is a great sin. And do not approach adultery, for it is an obscenity and an evil way. [17: 31,32]
Hadith of the Day:
Let your tongue never cease to be moist with the remembrance of God. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Only through detachment from Dunya does the slave reach his Lord. [Shaqeeq Balkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: Accepting that all benefit is from the True Benefactor, the effect of which is to be happy with the Benefactor and be ever ready to render obedience to Him, is the meaning of gratitude (shukr). This entails acceptance of the fact that all benefit is from Allah, the True Benefactor. This acceptance induces happiness with the Benefactor, and eagerness to carry out the commands of the Benefactor and to abstain from His prohibitions. One should consider all benefits, goodness, and pleasant conditions as the bounties of Allah and regard these to be in greater measure than what one really deserves. Praise is to be offered to Allah and His bounties should not be employed in evil and sin. His favors should be used in obtaining His good pleasure. This is the true meaning of gratitude.
This conception of gratitude will be understood only when one has realized the purpose underlying creation and the functions of the various aspects of creation. For instance, the eye is a blessing of Allah Most High. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it correctly--to employ it only in lawful ways, such as reading the Glorious Quran, acquiring knowledge, studying the wonderful creation of Allah so as to learn and realize the greatness and splendor of Allah Most High, and so forth. The gratitude of the eye further demands that it be restrained from glancing at and viewing objects that Allah Most High has prohibited.
Likewise, the ear is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it correctly, such as in listening to the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah, to such talks that remind one of the Hereafter, and to prevent it from listening to evil, nonsensical, and useless talk. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Wisdom is:
To do what you should do when you should.
To refuse to do what you should not do;
And, when you are not clear, wait until you are sure.
Do not kill your children out of fear of poverty; We will provide for them, and for you. Indeed, killing them is a great sin. And do not approach adultery, for it is an obscenity and an evil way. [17: 31,32]
Hadith of the Day:
Let your tongue never cease to be moist with the remembrance of God. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Only through detachment from Dunya does the slave reach his Lord. [Shaqeeq Balkhi]
Guidance of the Day:
Gratitude: Accepting that all benefit is from the True Benefactor, the effect of which is to be happy with the Benefactor and be ever ready to render obedience to Him, is the meaning of gratitude (shukr). This entails acceptance of the fact that all benefit is from Allah, the True Benefactor. This acceptance induces happiness with the Benefactor, and eagerness to carry out the commands of the Benefactor and to abstain from His prohibitions. One should consider all benefits, goodness, and pleasant conditions as the bounties of Allah and regard these to be in greater measure than what one really deserves. Praise is to be offered to Allah and His bounties should not be employed in evil and sin. His favors should be used in obtaining His good pleasure. This is the true meaning of gratitude.
This conception of gratitude will be understood only when one has realized the purpose underlying creation and the functions of the various aspects of creation. For instance, the eye is a blessing of Allah Most High. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it correctly--to employ it only in lawful ways, such as reading the Glorious Quran, acquiring knowledge, studying the wonderful creation of Allah so as to learn and realize the greatness and splendor of Allah Most High, and so forth. The gratitude of the eye further demands that it be restrained from glancing at and viewing objects that Allah Most High has prohibited.
Likewise, the ear is a blessing. Gratitude in relation to it is to employ it correctly, such as in listening to the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah, to such talks that remind one of the Hereafter, and to prevent it from listening to evil, nonsensical, and useless talk. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Wisdom is:
To do what you should do when you should.
To refuse to do what you should not do;
And, when you are not clear, wait until you are sure.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 553
Ayahs of the Day:
And don't keep your hand bound to your neck, nor yet stretch it as far it extends, lest you become reprehensible and destitute. For your Lord expands the provision of anyone at will, and measures proportionately; for God knows and sees all creatures. [17: 29,30]
Hadith of the Day:
People are tested according to their faith. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
To panic during a calamity is itself a greater calamity. [ Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Patience: Difficulties are a means for the expiation of many sins. At times Allah Most High wishes to bestow a special rank of elevation to a servant, but the servant lacks the ability to attain that lofty rank solely by virtue of his righteous deeds. Allah Most High then afflicts him with some hardship by virtue of which he attains the desired lofty rank. When a hardship afflicts them, they say: Inna li 'Llahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Verily, we are for Allah and unto Him will we return). The purport of this verse is that one should engage in the dhikr of this verse at the time of difficulty and hardship. One should meditate upon the meaning of this statement--that we are the exclusive property of Allah, we belong to Him, and He has the full right to utilize and dispose of His property as He sees fit. We are, therefore, content with the decree of Allah.
When hardship afflicts one, he should first remember his sins. Such remembrance of shortcomings and faults will fortify one against depression during the hardship. One will then realize the correctness of the affliction and accept it without complaint. One will regret and not protest. Secondly, meditate upon the reward that Allah has promised for hardship. Remembering this reward will lessen the grief and keep one resolute in the state of hardship. Never complain or entertain the impression that Allah Most High has become displeased with you. This impression is dangerous because it weakens the bond with Allah Most High, and by degrees one's relationship with Allah Most High becomes obliterated.
Consider hardship as either a punishment or a trial and contemplate its reward. At the time of hardship, the Shari'a calls to patience and steadfastness. For every hardship, the compensation will be good. There is, most certainly, benefit in hardship, in this world as well as in the Hereafter, although one may not be able to understand the worldly benefit therein. Patience is inculcated by weakening the desires of lust and emotion. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
To attain happiness and peace you must be from those who hasten to do virtuous and beautiful deeds.
And don't keep your hand bound to your neck, nor yet stretch it as far it extends, lest you become reprehensible and destitute. For your Lord expands the provision of anyone at will, and measures proportionately; for God knows and sees all creatures. [17: 29,30]
Hadith of the Day:
People are tested according to their faith. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
To panic during a calamity is itself a greater calamity. [ Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
Patience: Difficulties are a means for the expiation of many sins. At times Allah Most High wishes to bestow a special rank of elevation to a servant, but the servant lacks the ability to attain that lofty rank solely by virtue of his righteous deeds. Allah Most High then afflicts him with some hardship by virtue of which he attains the desired lofty rank. When a hardship afflicts them, they say: Inna li 'Llahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Verily, we are for Allah and unto Him will we return). The purport of this verse is that one should engage in the dhikr of this verse at the time of difficulty and hardship. One should meditate upon the meaning of this statement--that we are the exclusive property of Allah, we belong to Him, and He has the full right to utilize and dispose of His property as He sees fit. We are, therefore, content with the decree of Allah.
When hardship afflicts one, he should first remember his sins. Such remembrance of shortcomings and faults will fortify one against depression during the hardship. One will then realize the correctness of the affliction and accept it without complaint. One will regret and not protest. Secondly, meditate upon the reward that Allah has promised for hardship. Remembering this reward will lessen the grief and keep one resolute in the state of hardship. Never complain or entertain the impression that Allah Most High has become displeased with you. This impression is dangerous because it weakens the bond with Allah Most High, and by degrees one's relationship with Allah Most High becomes obliterated.
Consider hardship as either a punishment or a trial and contemplate its reward. At the time of hardship, the Shari'a calls to patience and steadfastness. For every hardship, the compensation will be good. There is, most certainly, benefit in hardship, in this world as well as in the Hereafter, although one may not be able to understand the worldly benefit therein. Patience is inculcated by weakening the desires of lust and emotion. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
To attain happiness and peace you must be from those who hasten to do virtuous and beautiful deeds.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 552
Ayahs of the Day:
And give relatives their due, and the poor and the wayfarer, but do not squander wastefully. For squanderers are brothers of the devils. [17: 26,27]
Hadith of the Day:
A believer is to be marveled at because every condition of his is good. This is exclusive to the believer. If he attains happiness, he is thankful, and that is good for him, and if calamity overtakes him, he is paient, and that is good for him. [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Human suffering is real. However, human perseverance and human dignity are just as real. They allow us to nobly endure the trials of this world. [Imam Zaid Shakir]
Guidance of the Day:
Patience: In man are two conflicting forces. The one force impels him toward religion and righteousness, while the other drives him toward base desires. Asserting the religious force and subduing the force of base desires is called patience (sabr). In the state of patience, the religious force in man asserts its dominance over the force of base desires. Its definition is as follows: maintaining control over the lower self in the face of such things that the lower self abhors. There are three kinds of patience: patience in the practice of righteous deeds, patience while engaging in righteous deeds, and patience in refraining in the unlawful.
The first type entails being firm and constant in practicing righteous deeds. The second type entails having patience while engaging in a righteous deed: the lower self is held in check and prevented from distraction while engaged in an act of virtue. Acts of worship have to be discharged adequately by the observance of the principles and rules pertaining to them. Full attention has to be directed toward the act. The third type entails having patience in the non-commission of any unlawful act or to restrain the lower self from indulging in the prohibitions of Allah Most High.
Blessings produce delight and happiness, which in turn result in love of Allah, the Benefactor. On the other hand, hardships produce frustration and grief. Thus the occasion of patience is in the face of hardship. Hardship is a condition detested by the lower self. This condition is of two kinds: the form of hardship and true hardship. Grief and frustration follow in the wake of true hardship, which is the consequence of sin. Hardship that brings about the strengthening of one's bond with Allah and elevates one's spiritual condition is not true hardship. It increases one's submission to Allah Most High. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
If we could see that everything, even a tragedy, is a gift in disguise, we would then find the best way to nourish our soul. Often it is our lowest points in life that we learn the most. Those low moments are the magical moments.
And give relatives their due, and the poor and the wayfarer, but do not squander wastefully. For squanderers are brothers of the devils. [17: 26,27]
Hadith of the Day:
A believer is to be marveled at because every condition of his is good. This is exclusive to the believer. If he attains happiness, he is thankful, and that is good for him, and if calamity overtakes him, he is paient, and that is good for him. [Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Human suffering is real. However, human perseverance and human dignity are just as real. They allow us to nobly endure the trials of this world. [Imam Zaid Shakir]
Guidance of the Day:
Patience: In man are two conflicting forces. The one force impels him toward religion and righteousness, while the other drives him toward base desires. Asserting the religious force and subduing the force of base desires is called patience (sabr). In the state of patience, the religious force in man asserts its dominance over the force of base desires. Its definition is as follows: maintaining control over the lower self in the face of such things that the lower self abhors. There are three kinds of patience: patience in the practice of righteous deeds, patience while engaging in righteous deeds, and patience in refraining in the unlawful.
The first type entails being firm and constant in practicing righteous deeds. The second type entails having patience while engaging in a righteous deed: the lower self is held in check and prevented from distraction while engaged in an act of virtue. Acts of worship have to be discharged adequately by the observance of the principles and rules pertaining to them. Full attention has to be directed toward the act. The third type entails having patience in the non-commission of any unlawful act or to restrain the lower self from indulging in the prohibitions of Allah Most High.
Blessings produce delight and happiness, which in turn result in love of Allah, the Benefactor. On the other hand, hardships produce frustration and grief. Thus the occasion of patience is in the face of hardship. Hardship is a condition detested by the lower self. This condition is of two kinds: the form of hardship and true hardship. Grief and frustration follow in the wake of true hardship, which is the consequence of sin. Hardship that brings about the strengthening of one's bond with Allah and elevates one's spiritual condition is not true hardship. It increases one's submission to Allah Most High. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
If we could see that everything, even a tragedy, is a gift in disguise, we would then find the best way to nourish our soul. Often it is our lowest points in life that we learn the most. Those low moments are the magical moments.
Monday, May 15, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 551
Ayah of the Day:
Your Lord knows best what is in your souls: if you act with integrity, God is most forgiving to those who keep returning. [17: 25]
Hadith of the Day:
When you ask, ask of Allah. And when you seek help, seek help from Allah. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We must realize that we will never achieve any meaningful change in our situation relying on our meager resources. We need to turn wholeheartedly to our Lord (in obedience and for help). [imam Zaid Shakir]
Guidance of the Day:
Trust in Allah: The heart's inherent trust in the Creator alone is called tawakkul. Trust is then to act in accordance with Allah's plan: to adopt the principles and commands of the Shari'a, and to resign oneself to Him. In every act or task, the means required for the task must be employed within the confines of the Sharia, and one's trust must be placed in Allah Most High. Sincere and honest belief in the Oneness of Allah establishes true faith in the heart. The effect of faith establishing in the heart is trust (tawakkul). The condition essential for achieving this trust is sincere acknowledgment of oneness. The meaning of sincere acknowledgment is that this oneness permeates the heart to such a degree that there remains no room in one's heart to entertain any other concept.
Assign all affairs to Allah Most High and maintain the heart in the state of peace and tranquility. It entails turning away from all and everything other than Allah. Upon Allah Most High being made the trustee, one resigns in full confidence. Allah Most High, the Trustee, is full of wisdom and is the Benefactor and Protector of the one who has placed trust in Him. There is therefore no need for the heart to toss about in doubt and uncertainty. He will not allow your enemy to vanquish you. In this way when one fully realizes that sustenance, death, life and all affairs of creation are within the direct power and control of Allah Most High, there is absolutely no cause for the heart to labor in uncertainty and suffer any lack of confidence.
The ignorant toil under the misconception that trust entails abstinence from effort, the means, and material agencies. This idea of trust is highly erroneous. Trust does not advocate shunning or abstaining from the material agencies that Allah Most High has created and made subservient to man. Shunning the legitimate use of the material means and agencies for legitimate purposes and needs is not lawful according to shari'a. Trust is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Most High, His Promises, and past occasions in which allah granted one success. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It's so easy to look around and notice what's wrong. It takes practice to see what's right.
Your Lord knows best what is in your souls: if you act with integrity, God is most forgiving to those who keep returning. [17: 25]
Hadith of the Day:
When you ask, ask of Allah. And when you seek help, seek help from Allah. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
We must realize that we will never achieve any meaningful change in our situation relying on our meager resources. We need to turn wholeheartedly to our Lord (in obedience and for help). [imam Zaid Shakir]
Guidance of the Day:
Trust in Allah: The heart's inherent trust in the Creator alone is called tawakkul. Trust is then to act in accordance with Allah's plan: to adopt the principles and commands of the Shari'a, and to resign oneself to Him. In every act or task, the means required for the task must be employed within the confines of the Sharia, and one's trust must be placed in Allah Most High. Sincere and honest belief in the Oneness of Allah establishes true faith in the heart. The effect of faith establishing in the heart is trust (tawakkul). The condition essential for achieving this trust is sincere acknowledgment of oneness. The meaning of sincere acknowledgment is that this oneness permeates the heart to such a degree that there remains no room in one's heart to entertain any other concept.
Assign all affairs to Allah Most High and maintain the heart in the state of peace and tranquility. It entails turning away from all and everything other than Allah. Upon Allah Most High being made the trustee, one resigns in full confidence. Allah Most High, the Trustee, is full of wisdom and is the Benefactor and Protector of the one who has placed trust in Him. There is therefore no need for the heart to toss about in doubt and uncertainty. He will not allow your enemy to vanquish you. In this way when one fully realizes that sustenance, death, life and all affairs of creation are within the direct power and control of Allah Most High, there is absolutely no cause for the heart to labor in uncertainty and suffer any lack of confidence.
The ignorant toil under the misconception that trust entails abstinence from effort, the means, and material agencies. This idea of trust is highly erroneous. Trust does not advocate shunning or abstaining from the material agencies that Allah Most High has created and made subservient to man. Shunning the legitimate use of the material means and agencies for legitimate purposes and needs is not lawful according to shari'a. Trust is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Most High, His Promises, and past occasions in which allah granted one success. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
It's so easy to look around and notice what's wrong. It takes practice to see what's right.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
LESSON OF THE DAY 550
Ayah of the Day:
And lower the wing of humility to them (parents) out of compassion, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them as they nurtured me when I was small." [17: 24]
Hadith of the Day:
The first virtue of this nation (ummah) is firm faith (yaqin) and abstinence (zuhd), and the first corruption of this nation is miserliness (bukhl) and vain hopes. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Love of this world and having long hpes is the evil to all evils. Having limited hopes is the key to the Hereafter. [Ibn al Qayyim]
Guidance of the Day:
Abstinence: Abstinence (zuhd) is to refrain from an object of desire in the pursuit of a nobler objective--refraining from the desire of the world and pursuing the desire of the Hereafter. The basis of abstinence is the light and knowledge that Allah Most High inspires in the heart of man. As a result, his breast expands and he realizes with clarity that the world with all that is in it is more contemptible than the wing of a fly and that only the Hereafter is noble and everlasting. When this light is acquired, the worthlessness of the world fully dawns upon man. The effect of abstinence is the attainment of contentment upon the acquisition of the bare necessities of life. Thus the abstinent (zahid) is satisfied with the bare necessities in the same way as the traveler is satisfied with the necessities that he takes along on his journey.
Abstinence is not abstention from pleasures. Reduction of pleasures is a sufficient condition of abstinence. In other words, one should not be engrossed in pleasures. Constantly hankering after luxuries is contrary to abstinence. On the other hand, acquisition of luxuries, without undue effort and arrangement, is of the bounties of Allah Most High, for which thanksgiving must be offered. Along with granting comfort to the self, effort too should be imposed on it. In truth, gold and silver and the world with all its possessions, in the sight of one whose gaze is focused on Allah, are of no value. It is essential to sever one's hope from all things. He who is successful in this objective will attain tranquility because both heart and body find rest and peace in abstinence.
The manner in which to acquire abstinence is to meditate on the defects, harms, and ephemeral nature of the world, as well as to reflect on the benefits and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Fear less, hope more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Hate less, love more;
And all good things are yours.
And lower the wing of humility to them (parents) out of compassion, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them as they nurtured me when I was small." [17: 24]
Hadith of the Day:
The first virtue of this nation (ummah) is firm faith (yaqin) and abstinence (zuhd), and the first corruption of this nation is miserliness (bukhl) and vain hopes. [Bayhaqi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Love of this world and having long hpes is the evil to all evils. Having limited hopes is the key to the Hereafter. [Ibn al Qayyim]
Guidance of the Day:
Abstinence: Abstinence (zuhd) is to refrain from an object of desire in the pursuit of a nobler objective--refraining from the desire of the world and pursuing the desire of the Hereafter. The basis of abstinence is the light and knowledge that Allah Most High inspires in the heart of man. As a result, his breast expands and he realizes with clarity that the world with all that is in it is more contemptible than the wing of a fly and that only the Hereafter is noble and everlasting. When this light is acquired, the worthlessness of the world fully dawns upon man. The effect of abstinence is the attainment of contentment upon the acquisition of the bare necessities of life. Thus the abstinent (zahid) is satisfied with the bare necessities in the same way as the traveler is satisfied with the necessities that he takes along on his journey.
Abstinence is not abstention from pleasures. Reduction of pleasures is a sufficient condition of abstinence. In other words, one should not be engrossed in pleasures. Constantly hankering after luxuries is contrary to abstinence. On the other hand, acquisition of luxuries, without undue effort and arrangement, is of the bounties of Allah Most High, for which thanksgiving must be offered. Along with granting comfort to the self, effort too should be imposed on it. In truth, gold and silver and the world with all its possessions, in the sight of one whose gaze is focused on Allah, are of no value. It is essential to sever one's hope from all things. He who is successful in this objective will attain tranquility because both heart and body find rest and peace in abstinence.
The manner in which to acquire abstinence is to meditate on the defects, harms, and ephemeral nature of the world, as well as to reflect on the benefits and the everlasting nature of the Hereafter. [The Path to Perfection]
Food for Thought:
Fear less, hope more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Hate less, love more;
And all good things are yours.
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