Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Wishful Thinking
Al-Nisa (The Women) - Chapter 4: Verse 123 (partial)

"Not your desires, nor of the People of the Book can prevail. Whoever works evil will be punished accordingly."

Allah decides the fate of communities with an eye to their conduct, not with reference to their whims. One may intensely want to have something which may be legitimate in its own right in terms of Shariah, reason and morality. However, divine judgement is not dictated by such desire.

The Quran accordingly rules out any partisanship. A pointed reference is made to false, whimsical notions entertained by the People of the Book. This address is also directed at the Prophet's Companions, including those who had participated in the Battle of Badr and the Hudaybiyyah Treaty. Among them were such noble who had been promised entry into Paradise in their own lifetime. They are told curtly that their wishes will not tilt the balance in their favour.

Divine law is absolutely clear: one will be adjudged solely on the basis of one's deeds. Whoever does evil will suffer punishment. This applies not only to the Hereafter, for in this world too the same holds true. Divine law is such that one will face the consequences of one's deeds.

Compiled From:
"Guidance from the Holy Quran" - Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, pp. 225, 226

From Issue: 902 [Read original issue]

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Cleansing the Hearts of Tarnish

Bayhaqi cited a hadith on the authority of Abd Allah ibn Umar, quoted directly from the Prophet, peace be upon him, where he says, 'Everything has its polish, and the polish of hearts is the remembrance of Almighty God. And there's nothing that better delivers from God's punishment than His remembrance.' And when they asked, 'Not even combat [jihad] for his sake?' he answered, 'Not even if someone smites with his sword until it breaks in two.'

Doubtless, a heart grows tarnished like brass or silver, and its polish is by remembrance, which may make it shine like a crystal mirror. So when one neglects the remembrance it tarnishes, and when he returns it shines. Since the heart is tarnished by two things - heedlessness and sin - it is polished by two things: remembrance and asking forgiveness.

Compiled From:
"The Invocation of God" - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, pp. 46, 47

From Issue: 547 [Read original issue]

Cool Tips!

The Most Important Words

When it comes to getting along with your parents, the single most important word is please. The two most important words are thank you. The three most important words are I love you. The four most important words are How can I help? There is power and magic in each.

Saying please is polite and shows respect. The same goes for thank you. Nothing perturbs parents more than ingratitude. So look for ways to say thank you, whenever you can.

"Thanks Mom. Dinner was yummy."
"Dad thanks a lot for letting me use the car last night. I had a great time."

I love you is the next most important phrase. In some homes, hugs and sure love yas are passed around freely. In others, it's not so warm and fuzzy. If that's your lot, try being a cycle breaker and starting a new trend in your home, where you express love and affection in one way or another. It only takes one person to get started.

How can I help? is the next most important phrase. Caution: Make sure your parents are sitting down when you try this out on them because it might give 'em a stroke.

"Mom, I know you're totally stressed right now. How can I help?"
"Oh, no! Look at the garage. It looks like a tornado hit it," says your dad.
"How can I help, Dad?" you say back.

Compiled From:
"The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make" - Sean Covey, pp. 135, 136

From Issue: 575 [Read original issue]