Islam is a comprehensive way of life covering every aspect of life from birth to death. It is a complete practical system in all its aspects, reflecting everyday affairs of human life. It is a religion of nature. It does not require anything from man, which is against his natural instincts. The fact that Islam is the religion of nature is stated in the words of Allah: ‘So set you (O Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)) your face towards the religion of Hanifan (worship none but Allah) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e., True man nature: Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq-illah (i.e., the Religion of Allah), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. (Surah Ar-Rum: .30)
TAG: Believer
A Muslim Believer’s Attitude During Times Of Difficulties And Calamities
“… So, one may wonder how to distinguish whether a person is being simply tested by Allah Ta’ala or being punished for one’s sins…”
As part of our Islamic faith, we believe that all matters are in the hands of Allah Ta’ala. However, for some of us our faith can get shaken during times of trials and hardships. It is during those times, though, that we should remind ourselves that a believer’s position and rank is raised in front of Allah Ta’ala and that such a hardship may very well be a sign of Allah’s love for the believer. This can help us maintain and even strengthen our faith.
Great Rewards Associated with Great Calamities
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Great reward comes with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it attains His pleasure, whereas whoever shows discontent with it incurs His wrath.” Narrated and classed as hasan by at-Tirmidhi (2396)
In this hadith, we find that the Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has provided a message of relief for those who endure difficulties with patience. He also associated the greatness of difficulties and calamities with higher rewards. So, enduring through lighter problems and challenges has a smaller reward than enduring greater difficulties and challenges. Given that this life has its share of challenges and difficulties for all, Allah Ta’ala has provided an opportunity for high rewards for those who endure these challenges with patience rather than with complaints and ingratitude. And for those who show displeasure and discontent with Allah’s decree end up in a lose-lose situation because not only do they have to live through their current suffering, but also incur Allah’s wrath for their displeasure and discontent with His decree.
We should also realize that our patience when facing difficulties raises our status in front of Allah and may lead to the forgiveness of our sins. He says in the Quran:
“… Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning” Quran (Surah Az-Zumar:10)”
The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Nothing befalls a believer, a (prick of a) thorn or more than that, but Allah will raise him one degree in status thereby, or erase a bad deed.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5641) and Muslim (2573).
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said in a well-known hadith the following: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it, and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2999).
We should also realize that when Allah puts His steadfast believers through trials and tribulations, that is a sign of His love for them. It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “If Allah wills good for His slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and if He wills bad for His slave, He withholds from him (the punishment for) his sin, until He requites him for it on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated and classed as hasan by at-Tirmidhi (2396)
Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Do not resent the calamities that come and the disasters that occur, for perhaps in something that you dislike will be your salvation, and perhaps in something that you prefer will be your doom.”
Al-Fadl ibn Sahl said: “There is a blessing in calamity that the wise man should not ignore, for it erases sins, gives one the opportunity to attain the reward for patience, dispels negligence, reminds one of blessings at the time of health, calls one to repent and encourages one to give charity.”
Calamities and Problems – Trials or Punishment?
We also know that some who face difficulties are punished for their sins. So, one may wonder how to distinguish whether a person is being simply tested by Allah Ta’ala or being punished for one’s sins. In this context, scholars have said that “(as Allah knows a person beforehand), the sign of calamity by way of punishment shows as signs of impatience and ingratitude in a person when a calamity befalls, and the sign of calamity by way of expiation and erasing of sins shows as contentment, acceptance, and patience in accepting the will of Allah Ta’ala until relief comes.”
Furthermore, if the one who is affected shows displeasure and panic, then it cannot be thought that his calamity is an honor from Allah Ta’ala to raise him in status, because Allah Ta’ala, may He be glorified, knew that he would not be patient and accept it with contentment. So in this case, it is most likely that it is a requital and punishment.
Also, if the Muslim is a devoted worshiper, obedient and righteous, and there is nothing between him and Allah but true ‘uboodiyyah (servitude), gratitude, praise, repentance and submission to Him, may He be glorified, then it is most likely that this calamity is a kind of honor and raising in status, and people are the witnesses of Allah Ta’ala on earth. If they know him to be righteous, then they may give him the glad tidings of raised status before Allah Ta’ala if he is patient in bearing the calamity. (source: islamqa.info)
Regarding difficulties, in the following verse, Allah compares the situation of the one who is steadfast in his faith and facing difficulties with those who are evildoers and are in a similar situation:
“… if you are suffering (hardships) then surely, they (too) are suffering (hardships) as you are suffering, but you have a hope from Allah (for the reward) that for which they hope not; and Allah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise” Quran (Surah An-Nisa:104).
So, a true believer can face his difficulties with a positive state of mind, hoping for rewards from Allah Ta’ala and such an attitude can provide true relief and happiness. Besides, if Allah lifts this calamity from the believer and saves him from the torment, then that can double the reward and happiness. Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran: “… and give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient).”
Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah, we belong and, truly, to Him, we shall return.”
They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. Quran (Surah Al-Baqara:155-157)
Contentment: Sign Of A True Believer
Belief is the driving power that makes you feel content with things that have been destined for you.
- “How much money do you have?’’
- “I have millions.”
- “Do you want more?”
- “Yes, I do.”
- “How many children have you got?”
- “I have three..”
- “Do you want more?”
- “Yes, I do.”
Think of the “how many” and “how much” questions you can ask someone and his expected answers. The answers are very normal. Do you know why?
Because, naturally, people want to be richer, healthier, and more famous than others. If one has a Land Cruiser car, he aims for a Jaguar. If he has one house, he wants a second and a third. It is very rare to find someone who would answer: “No. I do not want … I am happy with what I have.”
But such an answer is expected from someone who has a degree of faith in his heart.
Belief is the driving power that makes you feel content with things destined for you. Through belief, one can enjoy the blessings of this life and earn Allah’s pleasure in the world to come.
Contentment is a sign of a true believer. When one is afflicted with catastrophes and shows patience and contentment and does not complain about his sufferings; be sure he is indeed a true believer. By this, we are not saying that those who want to be richer, healthier, more famous, etc. are not believers. But they lack a complete understanding of belief. Contentment does not mean you do not feel the pains and trials of this life. You feel them, but you do not complain about them.
The virtue of contentment is closely connected with the virtue of putting trust in Allah. When one shows contentment with what he has got and does not foster envy or hatred towards others, he is certain that Allah will not let him down and that a great reward awaits him.
Allah’s Contentment with His Servants:
Muslims are required to accept Islam and follow its teachings as their way of life. Allah also commands them to enjoin what is good and forbid what is bad. In addition, Muslims are to denounce associating others with Allah. Once Muslims fulfill Allah’s commands and obligations, Allah will be satisfied with them and He will bestow His mercy and pleasure upon them.
Allah’s Pleasure as a Reward:
We read in the Quran what gives the following meaning: {God will say, ‘This is a Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness. They will have Gardens graced with flowing streams, there to remain forever. God is pleased with them and they with Him: that is the supreme triumph.’} (Al-Ma’idah 5:119)
In another verse, we read what means: {Their reward with their Lord is everlasting Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will stay forever. God is well pleased with them and they with Him.} (Al-Bayyinah 98:8)
It is reported that Allah will call the people of Paradise in the Hereafter saying: (Enter Paradise; whatever you see in it is yours.” They would say: “O Lord, You have bestowed upon us (favors) which You did not bestow upon anyone else in the world.” He would say: “There is with Me (a favor) for you better than this.” They would say: “O our Lord! What is better than this?” He would say: “It is My pleasure. I will never be angry with you after this.) (Sahih Muslim)
The Quranic verses and the Prophetic Hadith speak for themselves. Allah’s pleasure is the highest reward for Muslims in Paradise.
An obvious evidence for this is the verse which reads: {God has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens graced with flowing streams where they will remain; good, peaceful homes in Gardens of lasting bliss; and–greatest of all–God’s good pleasure. That is the supreme triumph.} (At-Tawbah 9:72)
Benefits of Contentment:
With contentment one feels inner peace and spirituality increases. When one fosters contentment, he loves others and would be loved by others. He does not compare himself with those who are in better conditions, but rather he remembers those who are in worse conditions. For example, if someone is one-handed, he should be content and remember those who do not have hands at all.
If the spirit of contentment prevails in a society, there would be no place for greedy people who foster discontent. Contentment and patience earn one Paradise in the Hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Allah will not accept other than Paradise for a believing person who is afflicted with the death of his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world and shows patience.” (Al-Nasa’i)
Contentment will get you closer to Allah in this world and the world to come. If one is content, he will not suffer psychological problems such as depression, worries, anxiety, etc. When you feel discontent, Satan will find his way to your heart. But with contentment, Satan’s way will be blocked and you will be busy with the things that please Allah.
Examples of Contentment:
Prophet Zakariah (peace be upon him) used to pray to Allah to grant him a child who would be well pleasing to Allah. We read in the Quran what means: {… to be my heir and the heir of the family of Jacob. Lord, make him well-pleasing [to You].}(Maryam 19:6) Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray to Allah saying: (I ask you to grant me contentment after You decree my destiny.) (Al-Tabarani)
The story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) is an example of contentment. Prophet Yusuf was put to many trials; his brothers threw him into the hidden depths of a well. He was put into prison because of a false allegation. He never complained to Allah, but he showed patience. Allah rewarded him for his contentment by giving him standing as he became the second man in Egypt.
At the end of the story when his dream came true, what did he say? A man in his position would have mentioned the trials he went through. On the contrary, he looked at the good side of the trials and said: {Father, this is the fulfillment of that dream I had long ago. My Lord has made it come true and has been gracious to me – He released me from prison and He brought you here from the desert – after Satan sowed discord between me and my brothers.} (Yusuf 12:100)
When Abdullah ibn Mutraf, one of the Companions, died, his father came out of the house in his best clothes. When he was asked why he wore such clothes, he answered: “Why should I be sad? Allah has promised me three things, each of them is better than this life and what it contains..”
Allah says: { … Those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ These will be given (1) blessings and (2) mercy from their Lord, and (3) it is they who are rightly guided.} (Al-Baqarah 2:156-7)
A friend of mine has been married for almost 8 years now but has not yet had any children. Whenever I ask him about it, his answer is always: “Alhamdullilah” (Thanks and Praise be to Allah). They are leading a very happy and peaceful life because they are content with what Allah has destined for them.
How to be Content:
Here are some tips on how to obtain contentment:
– Do not cry over spilled milk. Whenever you miss a job, for example, do not feel embarrassed. Be sure that the money that you were supposed to earn from that job is not yours; it is somebody else’s. Your provision (rizq) will come to you through another channel.
– Refine your heart. Think always of the things that will draw you nearer to Allah. Leave out the trivialities. You have a purpose in life.
– Think of the rewards awaiting you in the Hereafter. Allah says: {Whatever things you have been given for the life of this world are merely [temporary] gratification and vanity: that which is with Allah is better and more lasting– will you not use your reason?} (Al-Qasas 28:60)
– Think always of the present day. Do not worry about the future. Be content with what you have today.
– Look at the positive aspects of each calamity. For example, if someone is involved in a car accident that he survived and you ask him about it, he will tell you that the car has been damaged and it needs a lot of money to fix. So, he will think first of the damaged car and forget that he survived the accident and he is still alive.
– Finally, the key to happiness is this sentence: “Allah willed what will happen, and whatever He wants will come to pass.” By this, you are acknowledging the authority and power of Allah, and you are declaring your acceptance of His Divine Decree.
Mohsen Haredy is a contributing writer and counselor of Reading Islam. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and earned his MA in Hadith literature from Leiden University, in the Netherlands. Currently, he is an overseas PhD student at Leiden University.
By Mohsen Haredy
Freelance Writer- Egypt
The Prayer Of A Believer
[Allah’s Quran 46:15] “O my Lord! Please Inspire me to be Grateful forever for thy Favours to me and to my Parents and Please Guide me so that I may do Righteous Deeds, well Pleasing To thee; Please Grant me Righteous Descendents; truly I have turned To thee repentant and Truly do I Submit To thee as a Believer”
[Comment – Ibn Kathir] “My Lord! Grant me the power and ability) meaning, ‘inspire me.’ (that I may be grateful for Your favors which You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You,) meaning, in the future. (and make my offspring good.) meaning, my offspring and descendants. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims.) This contains an instruction for anyone who reaches forty years of age to renew his repentance and turn to Allah with strong resolution.”
Servants Of Allah: Spend Moderately
‘And those who when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). (25:67)
Allah’s chosen servants are those who neither spend excessively nor become misers but spend moderately.
“Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (your wealth) in wantonness. Lo! the squanderers were ever brothers of the devils, and the devil was ever an ingrate to his Lord” (Quran 17:26-27).
Amr ibn Shuaib, on his father’s authority, said that his grandfather related, that the Prophet (PBUH) said: When you eat, drink, give charity, and wear clothes, let no extravagance or pride be mixed up with what you do. (Ibn Maja, Nasai)
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, ‘O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,’ and the other (angel) says, ‘O Allah! Destroy every miser’. (Bukhari)
Abu Said Khudri (RA) related that the Prophet (PBUH) said: There are two habits which are never present together in a believer: miserliness and bad manners. (Tirmidhi)
Jabir reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Avoid doing injustice to others, for on the Day of Judgment, it will turn into manifold darkness, and safeguard yourself against miserliness, for it ruined those who were before you. It incited them to murder and treat the unlawful as lawful. (Muslim)
Rasulullah (PBUH) is quoted to have said ‘It is the sagacity of man to adopt in the middle path in spending.’
Ways and means of income, earning one’s livelihood, and spending such income should confirm with the Shari’ah. Hadhrat Ibn Mas’ood (RA) narrates that Rasulullah (PBUH) said: “On the Day of Judgement, no one will be able to move Reckoning until a reckoning of five things has not been taken. (Tirmidhi)
Servants Of Allah: Reply Peacefully To Ignorant
‘And when the ignorant address them (with bad words) they reply back peacefully.’ (25:63)
Here by a foolish person, it is meant a person who comes across as foolish even though he may be knowledgeable. The special characteristic of this servant of the All Merciful is that when he comes across an ignorant person he remains composed and answers with calmness so that he doesn’t commit a sin by offending anyone.
This special servant of Allah remains tolerant when dealing with insolent people and overlooks them, he deals with them with patience and overlooks any hostility. Rasulullah (PBUH) himself practically displayed the best character in every aspect of life. Likewise, he exhorted the Ummah to also adopt good character. Hence he would repeatedly say: “The best amongst you is the one who has the best character.” (Sahih Bukhari)
In another Hadith, Rasulullah (PBUH) is reported to have said: “There will be nothing weightier in the scales of a Believer on the day of Judgement than good character, and verily Allah detests a vulgar and foul-mouthed person.” (Tirmizi)
From the above Hadeeth, it is understood that good character has a very strong bond with Iman. It was the “sword” of good character. Rasulullah was blessed with the most excellent character. This powerful magnet drew the people to him and even his enemies fell meekly at his feet.
Good character is a comprehensive code of conduct encompassing all aspects of life for example, how should one conduct the matters that pertain to him and Allah, how should he behave with his family, how should he conduct himself in business or in social life. A good character has to be adopted in all these spheres of life. However, the bottom line of good character is that no person must be unjustly inconvenienced in any way. Rather, as far as possible suppress one’s own rights, overlook the faults of others, and be kind and good to them. Luqmaan gave the following advice to his son: “Never remember two things – Firstly, the favors that you have done for others. Secondly, the harm that others have done to you.”
One of the great predecessors has stated: “Nobody will enter Jannah on the basis of his worship since we cannot perform any action perfectly enough to be regarded as worthy of presenting in the court of Allah Ta’ala. Despite this, the Ibaadat must never be neglected since Allah, of His grace will absolve us of the obligation if we try to perform it as best we can. However, overlooking some person’s fault, and forgiving somebody, are actions upon which we can hope for the mercy of Allah .”
A simple prescription for rectifying one’s character is to adopt the advice of Hakimul Ummah. He states: “Before doing or saying anything … THINK: Will this word or action cause any inconvenience to anybody?” For instance, a perfect thing to ponder about daily in our case would be: “How have I parked my car in the Masjid parking?” Likewise think: “Am I disturbing anybody by talking aloud at this late hour of the night? Am I hurting somebody’s feelings in any way?” By making a habit of thinking first in this manner, we would become conscious of refraining from any such action and deed that may inconvenience others. May Allah adorn us with the character of Rasulullah and make us true ambassadors of Deen. Aameen.
Allah’s Response To The Believer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. [Quran 1:1]
When Allah’s sincere servant says: All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the universe! [Quran 1:2]
Allah the Highest says: My servant has Praised Me.
When Allah’s sincere servant says: The most Merciful, the Most Beneficent! [Quran 1:3]
He (Allah the Most High) says: My servant has lauded Me.
When Allah’s sincere servant says: Master of the Day of Judgment! [Quran 1:4]
He (Allah the highest) says: My servant has glorified Me. [My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me.]
When Allah’s sincere servant says:
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help! [Quran 1:5]
He (Allah the highest) says: This is Between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.
When Allah’s sincere servant says:
Guide us to the Straight Path! The path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your blessings! Not the path of those who earned Your wrath, or erred and went astray. [Quran 1:6-7]
He (Allah the highest) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
[Muslim, Book #004, Hadith #0775] “Abu Huraira reported: The Apostle of Allah (may peace Be upon him) said: If anyone observes prayer in which he does not recite Umm al-Qur’an, It is deficient [he said this three times] and not complete. It was said to Abu Huraira: At times we are behind the Imam. He said: Recite it inwardly, for he had heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace Be upon him) declare that Allah the Exalted had said: I have divided the prayer into two halves Between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks. When the servant says: Praise Be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Highest says: My servant has Praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Highest says: My servant has lauded Me. And when he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me. and sometimes He would say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. And when he (the worshiper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is Between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshiper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast Been Gracious not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Sufyan said: ‘Ala b. ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Ya’qub narrated it to me when I went to him and he was confined to his home on account of illness, and I asked him about it.”
[Malik’s Muwatta, Book #3, Hadith #3.10.41] “Yahya related to me from Malik from al-Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn Ya’qub that he heard Abu’s-Sa’ib, the mawla of Hisham ibn Zuhra, says he had heard Abu Hurayra say, “I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘Whoever prays a prayer without reciting the umm al-Qur’an in it, his prayer is aborted, it is aborted, it is aborted, incomplete.’ So I said, ‘Abu Hurayra, sometimes I am behind the imam. ‘He pulled my forearm and said, ‘Recite it to yourself, O Persian, for I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say that Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, said, “I have divided the prayer into two halves Between me and my slave. One half of it is for Me and one half of it is for My slave, and My slave has what he asks.” ‘The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Recite.” The slave says, ‘Praise Be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.’ Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, says, ‘My slave has Praised Me.’ The slave says, ‘The Merciful, the Compassionate.’ Allah says, ‘My slave has spoken well of Me.’ The slave says, ‘Master of the Day of the Deen.’ Allah says, ‘My slave has glorified Me.’ The slave says, ‘You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help. ‘Allah says, ‘This ayat is Between Me and My slave, and for My slave is what he asks. ‘The slave says, ‘Guide us in the straight Path, the Path of those whom You have blessed, not of those with whom You are angry, nor those who are in error. ‘ Allah says, ‘These are for My slaves, and for my slave is what he asks .’ ”
Surah Fatihah – Theme (Maududi)
This Sura is in fact a prayer that Allah has taught to all those who want to make study his book. It has been placed at the very beginning of the book to teach this lesson to the reader: if you sincerely want to benefit from the Quran you should offer this prayer to the Lord of the Universe. This preface is meant to create a strong desire in the heart of the reader to seek guidance from the Lord of the Universe who alone can grant it. Thus Al- Fatihah indirectly teaches that the best thing for a man is to pray for guidance to the straight path to study the Quran with the mental attitude of a seeker- after-truth and to recognize the fact that the Lord of the Universe is the source of all knowledge. He should therefore begin the study of the Quran with a prayer to him for guidance. From this theme, it becomes clear that the real relation between Al-Fatihah and the Quran is not that of an introduction to a book but that of a prayer and its answer. Al-Fatihah is the prayer from the servant and the Quran is the answer from the Master to his prayer. The servant prays to Allah to show him guidance and the Master places the whole of the Quran before him in answer to his prayer as if to say This is the Guidance you begged from Me.
Difference Between Believer And Non-Believer
[6. Surah Al-An’am: Ayah 120] And abandon open and secret sin; surely they who earn sin shall be recompensed with what they earned.
[Sahih Muslim: Book 1 Kitab Al-Iman, Number 144] It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira (Radi Allah Anhu) that when the son of Adam recites the Ayat of Sajdah (prostration) and then falls down in prostration, the Satan goes into seclusion and weeps and says: Alas, and in the narration of Abu Kuraib the words are: Woe unto me, the son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated and Paradise was entitled to him and I was commanded to prostrate, but I refused and am doomed to Hell.
[Sahih Muslim: Book 1 Kitab Al-Iman, Number 146] It is narrated on the authority of Jabir (Radi Allah Anhu) that he heard the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) saying. “Verily between man and between polytheism and unbelief is the negligence of prayer.”
[Sahih Muslim : Book 1 Kitab Al-Iman, Number 147]
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Zubair (Radi Allah Anhu) that he heard Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Radi Allah Anhu) saying. I heard the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) observing this: “Between man and polytheism and unbelief is the abandonment of salat.”
[Sahih Muslim: Book 1 Kitab Al-Iman, Number 151] It is narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud (Radi Allah Anhu) that he observed. I asked the Messenger of Allah (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) which deed was the best. He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Prayer at its appointed hour. I (again) said: Then what? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Kindness to the parents. I (again) said: Then what? He replied: Earnest endeavor (Jihad) in the cause of Allah. And I would have not ceased asking more questions but out of regard (for his feelings).
[Sahih Muslim: Book 1 Kitab Al-Iman, Number 155] It is reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah (Radi Allah Anhu) that the Apostle of Allah (sal-allahu-alleihi-wasallam) observed: The best of’ the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.
My Lord! grant me that I should be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents and that I should do good such as Thou art pleased with, and make me enter, by Thy mercy, into Thy servants, the good ones.
Satan Tempts Believer With False Desires
[ALLAH’S Quran – 4:118-119] “whom Allah has cursed. He (the Satan) said; Surely I will take an appointed share from Your slaves, and I will lead them astray, and I will tempt them with false hopes, and I will command them, whereby they shall slit the ears of cattle, and I will command them, whereby they shall alter the creation of Allah. Whoever takes Satan for friend, instead of Allah, incurs an obvious loss.”
The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:
[Bukhari, Book #72, Hadith #815] “ Narrated ‘Abdullah: ALLAH has cursed those women who practice tattooing and those who get themselves tattooed, and those who remove their face hairs, and those who create a space between their teeth artificially to look beautiful, and such women as changing the features created by ALLAH. Why then should I not curse those whom the Prophet has cursed? And that is in ALLAH’s Book. i.e. His Saying: ‘And what the Apostle gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain (from it).’ (59.7)
[Bukhari, Book #34, Hadith#299] “Narrated ‘Aun bin Abu Juhaifa: My father bought a slave who practiced the profession of cupping. (My father broke the slave’s instruments of cupping). I asked my father why he had done so. He replied, “The Prophet forbade the acceptance of the price of a dog or blood, and also forbade the profession of tattooing, getting tattooed and receiving or giving Riba, (usury), and cursed the picture-makers.”
Zikr (Remembrance of Allah) And Glorification Of Allah
“…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)
Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. (29:46).
O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43)
Remembrance of Allah is the foundation of all good deeds. Whoever succeeds in it is blessed with the close friendship of Allah. That is why the Prophet, peace be upon him, used to make remembrance of Allah at all times. When a man complained, “The laws of Islam are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow,” the Prophet told him, “Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of Allah.” [Ahmad].
Remembrance of Allah the best of deeds
The Prophet, peace be upon him, would often tell his Companions, “Shall I tell you about the best of deeds, the purest in the sight of your Lord, about the one that is of the highest order and is far better for you than spending gold and silver, even better for you than meeting your enemies in the battlefield where you strike at their necks and they at yours?” The Companions replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi,Ahmad)
Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Zikr can be done anywhere and anytime
A person may ask, ‘How can we do Zikr all the time whilst we have so many things to do in life such as we go to work, feed the family, pay bills, etc.? Well, the answer to this is that, firstly, it is the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger to work and feed the family which is rewarded by Allah and, secondly, that when a person is working or at school or wherever a person maybe this does not mean that he should stop remembering Allah while he is working, while he is serving his customers or while he is programming his computer.
In fact, the heart of the believer should be attached to Allah’s remembrance throughout his day to day activities such that he protects himself from falling in love with the materials and temptations of this world and that his love for Allah and His Messenger becomes stronger and stronger as time goes by. When a person begins to remember Allah all the time it is then that he becomes conscious of his actions.
Remember: in a place where people are oblivious to dhikr, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani)
“… And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah).” (33:35)