Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Gifted
Al-Anam (The Cattle) - Chapter 6: Verse 165

"And it is He who has made you vicegerents on Earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in punishment; but indeed, He is forgiving and merciful."

A gift is a test and a responsibility. This verse tells us three things:

1. Each of us is a vicegerent on Earth, so we are all gifted in one way or another
2. We differ in the degrees of our abilities
3. We are all being tested in what we are given and are held responsible for it

Gifts are like treasures in many ways. They are rare. In truth, all people are gifted in one way or another, but this is only realised if their gifts are discovered and encouraged, and they are in an environment that is conducive to their developing those gifts. Teachers can play a vital role in encouraging these gifts, and it is important that schools and families work together to help children realise their maximum potentials. 

Gifts are also hidden. They are abilities, physical or mental, that lie latent in an individual. It takes expertise to identify those abilities and effort to draw them forth. Older cognitive theories discuss mental gifts in general. More recent theories refer to a wide range of abilities and aptitudes, like creativity, leadership skills, proficiencies, and initiative. 

How does being gifted relate to creativity? Gifts are specific abilities, like drawing or memorisation. Creativity is coming up with something new. It is the result of the active use of one’s gifts. Psychologists look to the future of a gifted person and look to the past of those who have shown themselves to be creative. Being gifted is a promise while creativity is its fulfilment. 

Fear is the enemy of gifts. Many gifted people, fearing failure and non-acceptance, withdraw into themselves. It takes courage for people to turn their gifts into creative success. Inner strength is the ground from where the trees of success grow tall.

Compiled From:
"Gifts & Talents Are Treasures" - Salman al-Oadah

From Issue: 846 [Read original issue]

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Consequences

Sulaym ibn Jabir al-Hujaymi said: 'I visited the Prophet and he was wrapped in a cloak with its edges over his feet. I said: "Messenger of God, advise me". He said: "Make sure to be God-fearing. Do not scorn any small kindness, not even pouring water out of your bucket into that of someone who needs it, or talking to your brother with a cheerful face. Beware of dragging your lower garment, because it is an act of arrogance which God dislikes. If a man tries to shame you for something he knows about you, do not try to shame him for something you know of him. Let him face the consequences of what he does while you have the reward for it. Do not abuse anything". After this, I never abused anything, neither an animal nor a human being'.

In this hadith, the Prophet refers to dragging one's robe or garment. In fact, this is mentioned in other hadiths and they are authentic, but every time the Prophet mentions this, he points out that it is an aspect of arrogance. Thus, he does not censure it for its own sake, but for the fact that it was in his time and place a mark of arrogance, done by the rich to stress that they were privileged. Some people nowadays make an important issue about the length of one's garment, without referring to any point of arrogance. The fact is that Islam does not disapprove of a particular type of dress, but it lays down principles. Whatever can be associated with arrogance is condemned. When a type of clothing is not so associated, it is acceptable, even if it covers the ankles, as trousers do.

The Prophet also makes it clear that one should not retaliate to an evil action with a similar one. The Prophet tells his interlocutor that he should not shame a person in retaliation for being shamed. Let the other person bear the consequences, and receive God's punishment, while the one accepting the situation with forbearance receives the reward. We also note how the man accepted all the Prophet's advice. He says that he never abused an animal or a human being after this occasion. The Prophet simply told him not to abuse anything and he applied this to animals in addition to humans.

Compiled From:
"Al-Adab al-Mufrad with Full Commentary: A Perfect Code of Manners and Morality" - Adil Salahi

From Issue: 1043 [Read original issue]

Cool Tips!

Understanding the Quran

Your understanding of the Qur'an may have various levels and take different forms.

Firstly, that you comprehend its simple, literal meaning, as when you read a book in a language you know, or as an Arabic-knowing person would understand the Qur'an.

Such comprehension must be the bare minimum requirement, the key to all other stages, but it is not enough.

Secondly, that you find out how the learned have understood it, either by hearing their expositions or reading their exegeses and other sources.

Thirdly, that you study and ponder, on your own, to discover and absorb its meaning.

Fourthly, that you discover its meaning by obeying its messages and by fulfilling the duties and mission that it entrusts to you.

Compiled From:
"Way To the Quran" - Khurram Murad

From Issue: 643 [Read original issue]