Prepare for Bad Times by Being Thankful When All Is Well. Supplicate often in times of comfort, peace, and well-being. Among the characteristics of the believer is that he is thankful and resolute:he sharpens the arrow before releasing it from the bow, and he turns to Allah before he is afflicted. The opposites of the […]
Being
Avoid being Artificial.
I once read a poem of Abu Reeshah and was instantly captivated by his words. I memorized the poem and studied Abu Reeshah’sstyle. Soon afterwards, I had to present a poem at a school recital, so I tried to copy Abu Reesha’s style – the only problem being that I am not Abu Reesha. Hence […]
Grieve Not Over Being Poor.
The more the body enjoys, the more the soul become sullied, and there is safety in having little. Taking only that which you need from this world is an early comfort that Allah bestows upon those whom He pleases among His slaves. Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. (Quran 19:40) One […]
Being Sad Is Not Encouraged in Our Religion.
“So do not become weak [against your enemy], nor be sad…” (Quran 3:139) “And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.” (Quran 16:127) “‘Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.’” (Quran 9:40) Referring to true believers, Allah informs us that: “…upon such shall come no fear, nor shall […]
Being Remembered After Death Is a Second Life.
Being given a second life is a great blessing. Many are those who have purchased this life not with wealth or position, but with deeds. Ibraheem (Abraham) supplicated to His Lord to be remembered well by others and to be prayed for. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the children of Harim ibn […]
The Noblest Human Being.
Some salient features of Allah’s Messenger’s character were contentment, optimism, and a generous heart. He was a bearer of glad tidings. He forbade people from extremes of austerity and asceticism, because these lead to repelling people from the truth. Hopelessness and failure were not in his dictionary. A smile was always on his face, and […]
Contentment Even after Being Ruined.
A man from the tribe of Bani ‘Abs left his town in search for a number of camels that had gone astray. He was away from his home for three days. He was a rich man whom Allah had blessed with great wealth (camels, goats and cows) and a large family. His wealth and children […]
Being Blessed With Honor Is Also a Test.
If one is endowed with power, honor, status, rank, or wealth, he must realize that he is being tested. When Prophet Sulaymaan (Solomon) saw the throne of Bilqees (Queen of Sheba) brought before him, he said: “‘This is by the Grace of my Lord- to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!’” (Qur’an 27:40) […]
Being Pleased With Allah.
We should know that if we are pleased with Allah, He is pleased with us. Therefore if you are pleased with a small amount of sustenance, He will be pleased with you for your small deeds. And if you are pleased no matter what the situation, then you will find that you have earned your […]
From Being a Governor to Becoming a Carpenter.
‘Ali ibn al-Maymoon al-‘Abbassi was a governor and son of the Caliph. He lived a life of opulence in a large castle. Anything he wanted in this world was easy for him. One day, looking down from a balcony in the castle, he saw a man toiling in the fields. On succeeding days, ‘Ali paid […]
