Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Diverse Lands
Al-Rad (The Thunder) - Chapter 13: Verse 4 (partial)

"And on the earth there are many tracts of land neighbouring each other."

God has caused the various regions of the world to differ from one another despite their closeness. These regions differ in many respects - in their configuration, in their colour, in their component elements, in their characteristics, properties and potentialities, in the produce which they yield and in the chemical and mineral deposits which are hidden under their surface. The variation and diversity thus found abounds in wisdom and leads to countless benefits. Let us disregard for a moment the benefits inherent in this diversity in respect of other species of creation and simply consider the benefits which accrue to human beings. In this regard it will be noted that there is a very close correspondence between the diverse interests and purposes of man and the diversity which characterizes the different regions of the world. The result of all this is manifest in the growth and flourishing of human culture and civilization.

It would be bold and rash for anyone to brand all this as the outcome of mere coincidence. On the contrary, common sense suggests that all this undoubtedly represents the careful and benevolent planning of the All-Wise Creator.

Compiled From:
"Towards Understanding the Quran" - Syed Abul Ala Maududi, Vol. 4, pp. 223, 224

From Issue: 622 [Read original issue]

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Excellent Practice

The most excellent of those who perform any practice are people who do it with the greatest remembrance of God. The most excellent of those who make the pilgrimage are people who remember God most [in their pilgrimage]. And the same holds true for all other practices.

Ibn Abil-Dunya mentioned in a hadith reliably transmitted from the first generation that when the Prophet, peace be upon him, was asked which of the people who frequented the mosque were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which of the people who attended a funeral were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which warriors were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' When asked which pilgrims were best, he answered, 'Those who remember God most.' And when asked which of those who visited the sick were best, he said, 'Those who remember God most.' At which Abu Bakr said, 'Those who remember have taken all the good!'

Compiled From:
"The Invocation of God" - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, p. 97

From Issue: 708 [Read original issue]

Cool Tips!

Seven Ways to Peace and Happiness

Rule 1: Let's fill our minds with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope, for "our life is what our thoughts make it."

Rule 2: Let's never try to get even with our enemies, because if we do we will hurt ourselves far more than we hurt them. Let's never waste a minute thinking about people we don't like.

Rule 3:
A. Instead of worrying about ingratitude, let's expect it.
B. Let's remember that the only way to find happiness is not to expect gratitude - but to give for the joy of giving.
C. Let's remember that gratitude is a "cultivated" trait; so if we want our children to be grateful, we must train them to be grateful.

Rule 4: Count your blessings - not your troubles!

Rule 5: Let's not imitate others. Let's find ourselves and be ourselves, for "envy is ignorance" and "imitation is suicide."

Rule 6: When fate hands us a lemon, let's try to make a lemonade.

Rule 7: Let's forget our own unhappiness - by trying to create a little happiness for others. "When you are good to others, you are best to yourself."

Compiled From:
"How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" - Dale Carnegie, p. 186.

From Issue: 578 [Read original issue]