The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) established a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu Darda’ (may Allah be pleased with them both).
Salman paid a visit to Abu ad-Darda’ and found Um Ad-Darda’ dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, “Your brother, Abu Ad-Darda’ is not interested in the luxuries of this world.”
In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda’ came and prepared a meal for him (Salman), and said to him, “(Please) eat for I am fasting.” Salman said, “I am not going to eat unless you eat.”So Abu Ad-Darda’ ate.
When it was night, Abu Ad-Darda’ got up for the night prayer. Salman said to him, “Sleep,” and he slept. Again Abu- Ad-Darda’ got up for the prayer, and Salman said to him, “Sleep.” When it was the last part of the night, Salman said to him, “Get up now (for the prayer).”
So both of them offered their prayers and Salman said to Abu Ad-Darda’,”Your Lord has a right on you; and your soul has a right on you; and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who have a right on you).
Later on Abu Ad-Darda’ visited the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and mentioned that to him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), said, “Salman has spoken the truth.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Reflect on your priorities in life and make a detailed list. Take care not to confuse priorities with things that are merely claiming your attention with urgency because someone else imposes those things on you. Once you have identified your priorities in life–those things that you cannot neglect in either the short-term or the long-term–think about how you can best balance them.
Balance does not necessarily mean giving each priority equal time. Rather, it means that we give each priority what is due to it, and that we do so in the best manner possible. As such, each priority may require different amounts of time at different periods of your life in order to ensure that the balance in maintained.
If one falls ill, for instance, balance would mean spending more time on regaining health and less time on activities that may affect recovery–even if those other things are also within your priorities–such as earning an honest living. Paying less attention to recovery on the justification that work is also a priority could possibly lead to both work as well as health suffering in the long term.
As Muslims, our main priority is to prepare for our inevitable death and meeting with Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). This priority is addressed in multiple ways.
Islam does not endorse cutting one’s self off from society or the demands of modern living and simply performing ritual worship in seclusion. Rather, worship is anything that is undertaken for the pleasure of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), including the specific rituals that He has prescribed for us.
However, Islam does warn us about not getting too engrossed in one thing at the expense of another.
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ (٩)
“O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” [Qur’an; 63:9]
The rights of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) over us cannot be negotiated. We must be diligent and conscious of at least the obligatory deeds. With regard to obeying Allah, not even one’s parents have the authority to prevent such obedience. This is despite the high regard that Islam carries towards parents.
Being obedient to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) entails maintaining a balance because He expects us to take care of our bodies and relationships along with earning an honest living and being engaged in ritual worship.
Narrated Anas bin Malik: A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asking how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, “Where are we from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as his past and future sins have been forgiven.”
Then one of them said, “I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever.” The other said, “I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast.” The third said, “I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever.”
Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to them and said, “Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers). [Bukhari]
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, “I stand up to lead salah (prayer) with the intention of prolonging it. Then I hear the crying of an infant and I shorten the salah lest I should make it burdensome for his mother”. [Bukhari]
Narrated Abdullah bin Amr: The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). So he sent for me and I met him, and he said, “I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you.” I replied, “I have more power than that (fasting).” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) David”. I said, “How?” He replied, “He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee on meeting the enemy.” I said, “From where can I get that chance?” (`Ata’ said, “I do not know how the expression of fasting daily throughout the life occurred.”) So, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) aid, twice, “Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does not fast at all.” [Bukhari]
In another narration “Then observe the fast of David (peace be upon him). Observe fast one day and break it (on the other) day. And he (‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr) used to say: Would that I had availed myself of this concession.” [Muslim]
Umar b Abu Salama reported that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Should one observing fast kiss (his wife)? The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him: Ask her (Umm Salama). She informed him that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did that, where upon he said: Messenger of Allah, Allah pardoned thee all thy sins, the previous and the later ones. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: By Allah I am the most God conscious among you and I fear Him most among you. [Muslim]
With regard to interacting with people, we are required to treat everyone well in general. However, there may be situations where one is unable to help two parties at the same time. In such situations, the following order of importance and obligation may be useful to know.
Four Degrees of Relationships
Families are the building blocks of society. When families function well, society functions well. Likewise, the breakdown of families reverberates through society too. Every person in the family has mutual rights as well as obligations. Familial bonds are given high priority in Islam, and this is irrespective of individual religious beliefs. We see in the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that they would treat their kith and kin well and fulfill obligations even towards non-believing family members.
The basis for all family relationships in Islam is compassion and mercy. Maintaining balance within family life includes the financial and spiritual aspects.
“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir (ruler) who is over the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock; a man is a shepherd in charge of the inhabitants of his household and he is responsible for his flock; a woman is a shepherdess in charge of her husband’s house and children and she is responsible for them; and a man’s slave is a shepherd in charge of his master’s property and he is responsible for it. So each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” [Abu Dawud]
“The hand which gives is the upper hand. Start with those for whom you are responsible; your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, then the next closest, and the next closest.” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq who used to provide for Mistah some financial aid because of his relation to him, said, “By Allah, I will never give anything (in charity) to Mistah after what he has said about Aisha.” Then Allah revealed, “And let not those among you who are good and are wealthy swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kins men….” [Quran; 24:22] On that, Abu Bakr said, “Yes, by Allah, I like that Allah should forgive me,” and then resumed giving Mistah the aid he used to give him and said, “By Allah! I will never withhold it from him.” [Bukhari]
“A man’s spending on his family is a deed of charity.” [Bukhari]
The financial aspect of family life is not only limited to financial obligations but also voluntary acts of kindness such as giving gifts.
On the spiritual side, it is part of good disposition towards others to have sincere concern for their life in the present world as well as in the Hereafter.
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ قُوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَأَهۡلِيكُمۡ نَارً۬ا … (٦)
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…” [Qur’an; 66:6]
We cannot take direct responsibility for another’s safety and salvation, but we can encourage one another (with wisdom and compassion) to be educated and aware of beneficial knowledge with regard to this life as well as the hereafter and know the rights towards Allah, ourselves, and each other, and thereafter to encourage one another to act upon that knowledge through gentle reminders at appropriate times.
Further Resources
Parent-Child Relations: A Guide to Raising Children
The Sila Initiative
The Top Five Regrets of the Dying
The Qur’an informs us repeatedly that everything in the heavens and the earth extol the perfection of Allah. A believer submits himself to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) by choice, but even the non-believer who is defiant cannot prevent the atoms of his body from being subjugated to the command of Allah.
سَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ ٱلسَّبۡعُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيہِنَّۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىۡءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفۡقَهُونَ تَسۡبِيحَهُمۡۗ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورً۬ا (٤٤)
“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.” [Qur’an; 17:44]
Everything that is created is in a state of submission and worship to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) in a manner that is in line with its situation.
أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسۡجُدُ لَهُ ۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلشَّمۡسُ وَٱلۡقَمَرُ وَٱلنُّجُومُ وَٱلۡجِبَالُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ وَٱلدَّوَآبُّ وَڪَثِيرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِۖ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡعَذَابُۗ وَمَن يُہِنِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ ۥ مِن مُّكۡرِمٍۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفۡعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ ۩ (١٨)
“Do you not see that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth and the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the moving creatures and many of the people? But upon many the punishment has been justified. And he whom Allah humiliates – for him there is no bestower of honor. Indeed, Allah does what He wills.” [Qur’an; 22:18]
The above ayah of the Qur’an is a point at which it is recommended for us to prostrate upon reading (Sajdah at-Tilawah; prostration of reading).
أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬ يَتَفَيَّؤُاْ ظِلَـٰلُهُ ۥ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَٱلشَّمَآٮِٕلِ سُجَّدً۬ا لِّلَّهِ وَهُمۡ دَٲخِرُونَ (٤٨) وَلِلَّهِ يَسۡجُدُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِن دَآبَّةٍ۬ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ (٤٩)
“Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah, while they are humble. And to Allah prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.” [Qur’an; 16:48-49]
ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَهِىَ دُخَانٌ۬ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلۡأَرۡضِ ٱئۡتِيَا طَوۡعًا أَوۡ كَرۡهً۬ا قَالَتَآ أَتَيۡنَا طَآٮِٕعِينَ (١١)
“Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly.”” [Qur’an; 41:11]
Narrated Abu Dhar: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked me at sunset, “Do you know where the sun goes (at the time of sunset)?” I replied, “Allah and His Apostle know better.” He said, “It goes (i.e. travels) till it prostrates itself underneath the Throne and takes the permission to rise again, and it is permitted and then (a time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted, and it will ask permission to go on its course but it will not be permitted, but it will be ordered to return whence it has come and so it will rise in the West. And that is the interpretation of the Statement of Allah: “And the sun runs its fixed course for a term (decreed). That is The Decree of (Allah) The Exalted in Might, The All- Knowing.” [Quran; 36:38] [Bukhari]
Prostration is a form of humility and devotion. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has confirmed that all beings prostrate to Him, and He has explained how some of them prostrate by the inclining of their shadow towards the right and the left. It does not mean that everything prostrates on seven parts of the body as we do, but in accordance with their nature. Allah knows best about the nature of their prostration.
أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلطَّيۡرُ صَـٰٓفَّـٰتٍ۬ۖ كُلٌّ۬ قَدۡ عَلِمَ صَلَاتَهُ ۥ وَتَسۡبِيحَهُ ۥۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمُۢ بِمَا يَفۡعَلُونَ (٤١)
“Do you not see that Allah is exalted by whomever is within the heavens and the earth and [by] the birds with wings spread [in flight]? Each [of them] has known his [means of] prayer and exalting [Him], and Allah is Knowing of what they do.” [Qur’an; 24:41]
A Muslim is one who submits himself to the will of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). By this definition, even trees, planets, animals, etc. are submitting themselves to the will of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and fulfilling the purpose for which they were created, although perhaps science may not be able to explain how this submission happens. What science defines as properties of elements and materials–such as the properties of water, oil, or landforms are also a form of submission to the command of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).
Before a person embraces Islam, he may have a number of questions to explore regarding this way of life and the primary beliefs associated with it. Yet once he tastes faith, the obedience comes without question, for he is firmly convinced about his Lord and accepts His commands. There is complete submission even if one hasn’t reached the ability to comprehend the laws fully, for the person’s faith is rooted in firm conviction in the Lord of all the worlds. Likewise, his praise of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also occurs through choice and conviction. Worship through rituals and praise are forms of honoring the Creator and showing gratitude.
“The truest poetic verse ever said by a poet, is: Indeed! Everything except Allah, is perishable.” [Sahih Bukhari]
A believer accepts that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is the Creator and He is fully aware of everything concerning everything at every time. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) is not limited by time or space. He knows what we express openly as well as what we bury within the depths of our hearts.
قُلۡ إِن تُخۡفُواْ مَا فِى صُدُورِڪُمۡ أَوۡ تُبۡدُوهُ يَعۡلَمۡهُ ٱللَّهُۗ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ (٢٩) يَوۡمَ تَجِدُ ڪُلُّ نَفۡسٍ۬ مَّا عَمِلَتۡ مِنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ مُّحۡضَرً۬ا وَمَا عَمِلَتۡ مِن سُوٓءٍ۬ تَوَدُّ لَوۡ أَنَّ بَيۡنَهَا وَبَيۡنَهُ ۥۤ أَمَدَۢا بَعِيدً۬اۗ وَيُحَذِّرُڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ نَفۡسَهُ ۥۗ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ (٣٠)
Say, “Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And Allah is over all things competent. The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is Kind to [His] servants.” [Qur’an; 3:29-30]
سَبَّحَ لِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ (١) لَهُ ۥ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ يُحۡىِۦ وَيُمِيتُۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ (٢) هُوَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُ وَٱلۡأَخِرُ وَٱلظَّـٰهِرُ وَٱلۡبَاطِنُۖ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ (٣)
“Whatever is in the heavens and earth exalts Allah, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. His is the dominion of the heavens and earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent. He is the First and the Last, the Ascendant and the Intimate, and He is, of all things, Knowing.” [Qur’an; 57:1-3]
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَسَوَّٮٰهُنَّ سَبۡعَ سَمَـٰوَٲتٍ۬ۚ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ۬ (٢٩)
“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth. Then He directed Himself to the heaven, [His being above all creation], and made them seven heavens, and He is Knowing of all things.” [Quran; 2:29]
Every person has angels appointed to record everything that the person engages in, whether good or bad. These are the noble recording angels (Kiraman Katibeen).
وَإِنَّ عَلَيۡكُمۡ لَحَـٰفِظِينَ (١٠) كِرَامً۬ا كَـٰتِبِينَ (١١) يَعۡلَمُونَ مَا تَفۡعَلُونَ (١٢)
“And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, Noble and recording; They know whatever you do.” [Qur’an; 82:10-12]
Satan’s agenda involves influencing mankind away from being a grateful slave.
ثُمَّ لَأَتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيۡنِ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَمِنۡ خَلۡفِهِمۡ وَعَنۡ أَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ وَعَن شَمَآٮِٕلِهِمۡۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكۡثَرَهُمۡ شَـٰكِرِينَ (١٧)
“Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].” [Qur’an; 7:17]
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَتَّبِعُواْ خُطُوَٲتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِۚ وَمَن يَتَّبِعۡ خُطُوَٲتِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِۚ وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ ۥ مَا زَكَىٰ مِنكُم مِّنۡ أَحَدٍ أَبَدً۬ا وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُزَكِّى مَن يَشَآءُۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ (٢١)
“O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan – indeed, he enjoins immorality and wrongdoing. And if not for the favor of Allah upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have been pure, ever, but Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” [Qur’an; 24:21]
It is clear that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is aware of everything, everywhere, all the time while His creation is constantly in submission and glorification of Him, and Satan is on a mission to divert mankind from this remembrance. Therefore it is essential to make an active effort to reflect and remember, in order to be successful in this life and in the life of the Hereafter.
Further Reading
The Inanimate Animate
Animals Glorifying the Creator
Why Did God Create Mankind? (Series)
The Great Chain of Consciousness – Do All Things Possess Awareness? – Dr. Mohammed Rustom
Islam vs Atheism – Lawrence Krauss vs Hamza Tzortzis
Book Darwin’s Doubt – [Video] Stephen Meyer: Darwin’s Doubt
Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)said, “I was sent to perfect good character.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّواْ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَۖ
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you…” [Qur’an; 3:159]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is our role model for good manners. Despite his noble position and rank, and despite receiving revelation from Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), what is emphasized is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) conducts himself well.
There are multiple narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advising his companions to maintain good character even in trying circumstances. When asked for advice, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would sometimes advice them on character rather than on matters of belief or ritual worship.
Muadh ibn Jabal is reported to have said, “The last advice the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, gave me when I put my foot in the stirrup was that he said, ‘Make your character good for the people, Muadh ibn Jabal!'” [Muwatta Malik]
This indicates the gravity of good character and its precedence in any situation. Being given good character is an immense blessing as a person is thus loved by people and Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).
Maintaining good character is a means to attaining high ranks in the sight of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He)
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “By his good character a believer will attain the degree of one who prays during the night and fasts during the day.” [Abu Dawud]
In addition, having a good character is a sign of faith, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said:
“The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character among them.” [Tirmidhi]
It also paves the way to being among those Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) loves.
“Nothing is heavier on the believer’s Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” [Tirmidhi]
From the following hadith, we receive indication that our character will even influence our interaction with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the Hereafter.
“Indeed the most beloved among you to me, and the nearest to sit with me on the Day of Judgment is the best of you in character. And indeed, the most disliked among you to me, and the one sitting furthest from me on the Day of Judgement are the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun and the Muthafaihiqun.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah! We know about the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun, but what about the Muthafaihiqun?”‘ He said, “The arrogant.” [Tirmidhi]
Source
Video: Seven Blessings of Good Character
Muadh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for advice to enter Paradise and to stay away from Hell. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) outlined some advice for him.
Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked, “Shall I tell you of that which holds all these things?” Muadh said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.”
So he took hold of his tongue and said, “Keep this in control.” Muadh asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Shall we really be accounted for what we talk about?”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “May your mother lose you! People will be thrown on their faces into the Hell on account of their tongues.” [Riyadh As-Salihin]
This hadith alone makes a believer wary of the way he uses his tongue, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) regarded it as the means to holding together all other means of entering Paradise and avoiding Hell fire.
The great scholar Imam Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “If he wants to speak, then if what he wants to say is good and he is confident that he will be rewarded for it, whether it is obligatory or praiseworthy, then let him speak, but if it does not seem to him that it is good and he will be rewarded for it, then let him refrain from speaking, whether he thinks it is haram (impermissible) or makrooh (disliked) or permissible. Based on this, it is recommended to refrain from saying permissible words and we are enjoined to avoid this, lest it lead us into something that is haram or makrooh, which is what happens in many cases or in most cases.” [Source]
There is an ancient story attributed to various speakers, but the gist of it is as follows:
In ancient Greece, Socrates (the famous philosopher) was visited by an acquaintance of his. Eager to share some juicy gossip, the man asked if Socrates would like to know the story he’d just heard about a friend of theirs.
Socrates replied that before the man spoke, he needed to pass the “Triple-Filter” test.
The first filter, he explained, is Truth.
“Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to say is true?”
The man shook his head.“No, I actually just heard about it, and…”
Socrates cut him off.
“You don’t know for certain that it is true, then. Is what you want to say something good or kind?”
Again, the man shook his head.“No! Actually, just the opposite. You see …”
Socrates lifted his hand to stop the man speaking.
“So you are not certain that what you want to say is true, and it isn’t good or kind. One filter still remains, though, so you may yet still tell me. That is Usefulness or Necessity. Is this information useful or necessary to me?”
A little defeated, the man replied,“No, not really.”
“Well, then,”Socrates said, turning on his heel.“If what you want to say is neither true, nor good or kind, nor useful or necessary, please don’t say anything at all.”
It was narrated from Hasan Al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) that a man said to him, “Indeed, someone has backbitten you.” So Hasan Al-Basri sent a dish of sweet dates to the back biter and he said: “I heard that you have given me your good deeds as a gift, so I would like to repay you for it; but please excuse me for I am unable to completely repay.” Source: Bariqah Mahmudiyyah
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Musa Ash’ari: I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which (attribute) of Islam is more excellent. Upon this he remarked: One in which the Muslims are safe, protected from the tongue and hand of (other Muslims). [Sahih Muslim]
Narrated Sahl bin Sa’d: Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Conversation is an important and perhaps unavoidable part of daily life. It involves verbal as well as written communication. It has become extremely easy to share our thoughts with others either directly in conversation or indirectly through online platforms that give every person a podium to be heard. It has become reflex action to broadcast our thoughts without reflecting on them.
Drawing wisdom from Divine revelation and the wise elders of the past, a mindful Muslim can catch himself before he falls and implement the value of speaking good or remaining silent by keeping in mind the following test.
Before one speaks, one must assess if what he is about to use his TONGUE for is actually T.U.N.G.:
- True
- Useful
- Necessary
- Good
Further Reading
Dangers of the Tongue; Ethical Discourses Volume 1; Ayatullah Naser Makarem Shirazi
The Bad Consequences of the Tongue
Avoiding Sins of the Tongue
Backbiting In Islam And Its Punishment
والبركة: هي ثبوت الخير الإلهي في الشيء؛ فإنها إذا حلت في قليل كثرته، وإذا حلت في كثير نفع، ومن أعظم ثمار البركة في الأمور كلها إستعمالها في طاعة الله عز وجل.
“Barakah is the attachment of Divine goodness to a thing, so if it occurs in something little, it increases it. And if it occurs in something much it benefits. And the greatest fruits of barakah in all things is to use that barakah in the obedience of Allah.” [Source]
The word barakah (بركة) means blessing, increase, and remaining for a long time. Seeking barakah and avoiding matters that deplete barakah in one’s life, work, and resources is a success secret professed by many people who accomplish a lot within a limited lifespan.
Barakah is sought in time, wealth, efforts, belongings, relationships, and whatever resources one has in one’s life. We understand that there are blessed times, places, and people–where the source of all blessings is Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).
The night in which the Qur’an was revealed is called “Laylatun Mubarakah” or a blessed night. The Qur’an is called “Kitabun Mubarak” or a blessed book; the Ka`bah and the land of Jerusalem and its surroundings are called “Mubarak” or “barakna hawlaha”.
We learn from the last verse Surah Ar-Rahman that even the Name of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) is full of blessing:
تَبَـٰرَكَ ٱسۡمُ رَبِّكَ ذِى ٱلۡجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلۡإِكۡرَامِ
“Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”
[Qur’an; 55:78]
When speaking of the great scholars of the past, such as Imam An-Nawawi (who passed away in his forties), we see that their life had barakah because they were able to accomplish a great deal within a short lifespan and their work continues to benefit even centuries later.
Abundance in the Early Hours
Recent studies indicate that most people who are classified as successful (in worldly terms, at least) are early risers. When asked about the secret of their productivity, they emphasize the importance of waking up early and getting a head start to the day.
Muslims have known this secret all along, because our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed specifically for blessing in the early part of the day.
It was narrated from Ibn Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” [Ibn Majah]
It is also reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent out an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, “Sakhr was a man engaged in trade, and he used to send his goods out at the beginning of the day, and his wealth grew and increased.” [Ibn Majah]
Therefore in order to attain increased blessings in our days, we need to cultivate the habit of waking up early and engaging in meaningful work in the early part of the day. A key to this is sleeping early.
وَجَعَلۡنَا نَوۡمَكُمۡ سُبَاتً۬ا
“And We made your sleep a means for rest.” [Qur’an; 78:9]
It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would dislike sleeping before the Isha (late evening) prayer and engaging in much conversation after it. [Abu Dawud]
Thus going to bed as soon as possible after the Isha prayer would enable us to steer clear of this disliked matter and also equip us to wake up early for the night prayer (Tahajjud), as well as reap the blessing and productivity of the early hours. As the well-known saying goes, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِدُلُوكِ ٱلشَّمۡسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَقُرۡءَانَ ٱلۡفَجۡرِۖ إِنَّ قُرۡءَانَ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ كَانَ مَشۡہُودً۬ا (٧٨) وَمِنَ ٱلَّيۡلِ فَتَهَجَّدۡ بِهِۦ نَافِلَةً۬ لَّكَ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَبۡعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامً۬ا مَّحۡمُودً۬ا (٧٩)
“Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed. And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” [Qur’an; 17:78-79]
Other Hadith
Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to me, “Dear son, when you enter your house, say As-Salamu ‘Alaikum to your family, for it will be a blessing both to you and to your family.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Anas bin Malik (Allah he pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “O Allah, increase in Medina twice the blessings (Thou showered) on Mecca.” [Sahih Muslim]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Blessing descends upon food in its middle, so eat from the sides of the vessel and do not eat from its middle.” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]
“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Take Sahur, for in Sahur there is blessing.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was given the first fruit and he said, “O Allah, shower blessings upon us in our city, and in our fruits, in our mudd and in our sa’s, blessings upon blessings, and he would then give that to the youngest of the children present there.” [Sahih Muslim]
“The two rak’ahs at dawn are better than this world and what it contains.” [Sahih Muslim]
Further Information
Is There Blessing (Barakah) in Time?
18 Sources of Barakah
Bringing Barakah into Your Wealth and Life
[Video] What is Barakah?
[Video] How to Bring Barakah in the House
Productive Mornings
What Is The Difference Between “Barakah”, “Hasanah”, and “Ni’mah”?
The terms Muslim and Mu’min or Iman and Islam are sometimes used interchangeably or one is used with the intention that the other is included in the meaning. However, technically we make a distinction between them based on Qur’an and hadith.
قَالَتِ ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ ءَامَنَّاۖ قُل لَّمۡ تُؤۡمِنُواْ وَلَـٰكِن قُولُوٓاْ أَسۡلَمۡنَا وَلَمَّا يَدۡخُلِ ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ فِى قُلُوبِكُمۡۖ
“The bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, ‘You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts…'” [Qur’an; 49:14]
Simply put, a Muslim is someone who has accepted the message of Islam, while a Mu’min is one who has faith in his heart. It is possible that a person may accept Islam and be a Muslim, but perhaps faith has not settled in his heart yet. On the contrary, when faith is present, it would most likely manifest in outward actions as well.
إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتۡ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ ءَايَـٰتُهُ ۥ زَادَتۡہُمۡ إِيمَـٰنً۬ا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ / ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ يُنفِقُونَ / أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ حَقًّ۬اۚ لَّهُمۡ دَرَجَـٰتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ۬ وَرِزۡقٌ۬ ڪَرِيمٌ۬
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely – The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.” [Qur’an; 8:2-4]
The famous hadith Jibreel elucidates these terms further:
On the authority of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, “While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him.
He sat down close by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), rested his knees against the knees of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and placed his palms over his thighs, and said, “O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka`bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it).”
He said, “You have spoken the truth.” We were astonished at his thus questioning him (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and then telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, “Inform me about Iman (faith).”
He (the Prophet) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.”
He said, “You have spoken the truth.” Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Prophet) answered, “It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.”
He said, “Inform me about the Hour.” He (the Prophet) said, “About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner.” So he said, “Well, inform me about its signs.” He said, “They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings.”
Thereupon the man went off. I waited a while, and then he (the Prophet) said, “O Umar, do you know who that questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.” [Muslim]
The Qur’an says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ
“O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].” [Qur’an; 3:102]
The Quran
“But only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High.” [Qur’an; 92:20]
“…and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allaah…” [Qur’an; 2:272]
Hadith
Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah and His Apostle, then his emigration was for Allah and His Apostle. And whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” [Sahih Bukhari]
It was narrated from Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “People will be gathered (on the Day of Resurrection) according to their intentions.” [Ibn Majah]
The Quran
“Obey Allah and associate no partner with Him. Treat kindly your parents, relatives, The orphans, And those who have been left alone in the society. Take care of the needy, The disabled, Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs, And those whose businesses have stalled, And those who have lost their jobs. You shall treat kindly your related neighbors, And unrelated neighbors, Companions by your side in public gatherings, Or public transportation. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition. Be nice to people who work under your care. Allah does not love the proud and boastful.” [Quran; 4:36]
“…And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” [Qur’an; 2: 272]
Hadith
Prophet said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah is reported to have said: “Protect yourself from the Hell-fire even by giving a piece of a date as charity.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
“None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Tirmidhi]
Islam teaches us not only to be interested in our own success but to also be concerned about the success and well-being of those around us. This is in contrast to the modern day attitude of approaching endeavors with the what’s-in-it-for-me (WIIFM) attitude–only being concerned about the benefit to one’s own self.
Further Reading
The Generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
Story about ‘The Companions of the Garden’ revealed in the Qur’an Surah Al-Qalam
[Video] The first story revealed in the Qur’an – Surah Al-Qalam by Dr. Yasir Qadhi
10 Qualities of an Emotionally Intelligent Person
The Quran
“And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it].” [Qur’an; 2:42]
“Woe unto those who give short measure, those who, when they are to receive their due from people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due. Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead (and called to account) on an awesome Day, the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds?” [Qur’an; 83:1-6]
Hadith
Narrated `Abdullah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Narrated Hudhaifa: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt it from the Sunna.” Both Qur’an and Sunna strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty. [Sahih Bukhari]
“Verily Allah does not look to your bodies nor to your faces but He looks to your hearts.” [Muslim]
“He is not one of us who cheats.” [Ibn Majah]
Wabisah bin Ma’bad (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went to Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and he asked me, “Have you come to inquire about piety?” I replied in the affirmative. Then he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Ask your heart regarding it. Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart, and sin is that which causes doubts and perturbs the heart, even if people pronounce it lawful and give you verdicts on such matters again and again.” [Ahmad and Ad- Darmi]
Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“When falsehood proceeds from the heart to the tongue, it spoils it, and then it goes to the body, and spoils the good deeds, just like it spoiled the words of the tongue. Then falsehood prevails in his words, deeds, and state. Therefore corruption would become firmly embedded in him and its disease would extend to a state of destruction if Allah the Almighty does not cure him with the remedy of truthfulness which cuts off evil at its source.”
Further Information
[Video] Honesty
He Looks at Your Hearts