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It is generally found that people celebrate on the birth of a
boy and show dissatisfaction when a girl is born. Islam disapproves of this kind
of behavior. Children are great gift from Almighty Allah and we should be
thankful and rejoice irrespective of the gender of the new-born child. The birth
of a daughter is a blessing and the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) said that they would be a shield for the parents from Hell.
It is stated in the Quran Shareef, Surah an-Nahl, Verse 58:
"… when news is brought to one of them of the birth of a female child his
face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief". This was the belief of
the Kufaar prior to Islam.
The woman that gives birth to a girl as her first child is
indeed fortunate as the first born of the Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) was a girl.
On the birth of a child, gifts or alms should be distributed
among the poor. Nafils should be read instead of having parties, playing music
and distributing sweetmeats, which is totally unnecessary.
When a child is born, he or she should be given Ghusal as
soon as possible and the Azaan must be read in the right ear and the Takbeer
recited in the left ear. The after-birth (placenta, etc.) of the child should be
buried.
It is also Sunnat that some pious person chews something
sweet like dates (Khajoor) and place in the baby’s palate (Thaneek). It is
established from the Ahadith that the Sahabas took new-borns to the Prophet
Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) for Thaneek .
It is preferable to have a Meelad Shareef or Fateha on the
birth of a baby. All other unnecessary customs, which has no basis in Islam,
should be completely stopped.
It is Sunnat to make Aqeeqa on the 7th day after
the birth of a child, but if this is not possible, it should be done on the 15th
or 21st day.
It is required to make Aqeeqa of two sheep for a boy and one
sheep for a girl. The Aqeeqa meat should be divided into three parts: one part
is to be given to the poor, one to friends and family and one part to be used in
the house.
It is preferable that the bones should not be broken but be
separated by the joints and buried after eating.
It is also better that the child be named by the 7th day from
the time of birth. A good name, preferably one of the names of the Ambiya or of
a Sahabi would be of Barakat. "Mohammed" is the best name and names such as this
should never be mispronounced.
During Aqeeqa (7th day) the child’s hair can also
be removed and the equivalent weight in Silver should be given in Sadaqah.
Soaked Saffron can be rubbed on the child’s head after the hair is removed.
It is also permissible to make Aqeeqa of one cow for a few
children, meaning 2/7 part of a cow for a boy and one part for a girl.
One should not borrow money to make Aqeeqa as it is not
compulsory on a person that cannot afford it. Aqeeqa is not Fardh or Waajib but
it is a Sunnat.
Circumcision is Sunnat for males between the ages of 7 to12
years. To circumcise after the age of 12 is prohibited. It is best to circumcise
at an early age, even during Aqeeqa (7th day) as the child heals very
quickly and does not suffer much. There is no need to have functions to
celebrate the process of circumcision.
A child should be weaned off breast milk at the age of two.
When the child is learning to speak, first teach him or her
to say the name of Allah and teach the child Kalima Tayyibah at a later stage.
When making a child sleep, mothers should read Naaths or
Qasida instead of singing songs or playing the radio.
Try to set a good example and practice what you preach as
children have a habit of imitating what they see.
Read your Namaaz in their presence, recite Quran Shareef and
take them to the Masjid with you.
Read stories of good pious people as children love listening
to stories and can learn valuable lessons and form good habits from Hadith and
such stories.
When children reach the age of 7 years, they should be
ordered to perform Namaaz, learn the five Kalimas, Imaan-e-Mujmal and
Imaan-e-Mufassil.
Send children to Madressa to learn Dua’s, to read the Quran
Shareef and other Islamic Books and magazines.
Children should be taught to keep their body, clothes and
surroundings pure and clean.
They should be given responsibilities as well as certain
duties or tasks to perform in the house.
They must be taught to do their own work and should also be
taught to make Salaams when entering the house or when meeting people. They
should be taught the importance of respecting their elders.
Encourage a life of simplicity including simple dressing and
eating habits.
It is advisable that at least one of the children should
become Hafiz or an Aalim as it has been stated in a Hadith that three
generations of one Hafiz and seven generations of one Aalim will be pardoned.
Instill good constructive hobbies in them, those that can be
means for them to earn a Halaal Rozi (sustenance) at a later stage in their
lives.
According to Islam, children must be educated in religious
and worldly affairs. In this connection, there is also a famous Hadith of the
Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) which says: "The
acquisition of knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim man and woman." But
the education of the females should be in accordance with her temperament and
the immediate needs of society. She should be educated in such a manner as could
make her a good Muslim, wife, mother, educator and an ideal citizen. Girls
should be taught handicrafts, cooking, sewing, etc. It is very important that
with any career one should gain Islamic knowledge and practice good Islamic way
of life and values.
If a child is not given proper Islamic training and as a
result adopts evil habits and commits sins, the sins thereof will be upon the
parents.
The qualities that one should look for in a marriage partner
are piety and God-fearing.
Neither the boy nor the girl should be forced into a
marriage.
The bride’s mother’s consent is just as important.
According to the Shari’ah it is necessary that when
permission is being sought from the bride for marriage that the name of the
bridegroom, his father’s name and the amount of Maher (dowry) be mentioned.
Nikah only takes place when the bride accepts this.
Some excuse should be made for the boy to see the girl
without the girl’s knowledge.
The Quran Shareef states: "The affairs according to the
consultation amongst them." The elders of both parties should have a
discussion concerning the forthcoming union so that in the event of a
misunderstanding between the couple after marriage, their elders can help in
resolving the matter.
An engagement is not necessary. The purpose of an engagement
is to confirm or promise a Nikah, so if in some cases it has to take place, it
should be done without extravagance.
When setting the date for a wedding it is better that it is
set on a Monday or Friday since these days are of Barakat.
The tradition of Haldi (putting Tumeric powder) and of
Mehendi (putting Henna powder) is also unnecessary and should be stopped, as
this has no basis in our religion. Everything besides the performing of the
Nikah itself has no validity in Islam.
The wedding of Bibi Fathima Zahra (radi Allahu anha)
should be used as a guideline. The Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) could have had an elaborate wedding for his dearest daughter but
he made it a simple affair. He knew that the Ummah would use this wedding as an
example. Therefore, the custom of songs, dancing, mixing of sexes and many other
western practices should be stopped as these are all against the teachings of
Islam.
Unnecessary financial expenses should be avoided so that the
rich and the poor may have similar weddings.
It is not necessary to provide a meal during the wedding as
this was not done during the wedding of Bibi Fathima Zahra (radi Allahu anha).
Yes, it is Sunnat to distribute dates.
It is preferable to have the Nikah at the Masjid as this is
Mustahab. The bride’s residence as a venue for the Nikah is also acceptable.
A man once came to Hadrat Imaam Mohammed (radi Allahu
anhu) and related that he had promised to give his daughter everything in
this world as dowry and now he finds this task impossible, as even a king cannot
accomplish this. Hadrat Imaam Mohammed (radi Allahu anhu) advised him to
give the Quran Shareef in dowry as everything is contained in the Holy Quran.
It is Sunnat for the bridegroom to have a Walima the day
after the wedding. This should be done in accordance with his means. A loan
should not be taken to have a Walima. The poor and the needy should be invited
to the Walima. It is stated in a Hadith that the most blessed Nikah is the one
in which the least expenses are involved and is simple.
After the marriage has taken place, the couple should give
time to adjust and be polite, kind and understanding to each other. A husband
should provide as best maintenance as he can and also show love, affection,
protection, comfort and happiness. He should encourage his wife to follow the
Islamic way of life. He should not speak ill of her parents or relatives and
should allow her to visit families occasionally.
In the same token a wife should also be kind to his relatives
especially his parents and treat them with respect. A wife should manage the
household affairs wisely.
The wife is given the right of Maher, which can be claimed
from her husband at the time of marriage. The Maher should be set with the
consideration of the husband’s financial status and the wife’s living standards,
her qualities and her family background. The Maher is a personal property of the
wife and nobody can claim a share in it without her consent. Greed for excessive
dowry should be avoided.
In case of any disagreements, a husband should not be hasty
in giving Talaaq as in most cases the act is immensely regretted bringing about
a lot of pain and misery. In most cases of differences or problems, it is the
man that walks out, gets married again and lives a happy life and it is the wife
who is left helpless, as the man refuses to give Talaaq.
Therefore, during Nikah an affidavit should be drawn up by
the bridegroom saying that if he goes missing or remarries while still married
to his wife, or is cruel, or unfair towards her, or even does not perform his
rightful duties towards his wife, etc. then the wife has the right to take
Talaaq. This should be done after making necessary affirmation of Nikah. The
Qazi (Muslim Judge) should make negotiations from the man’s side and the women
must accept by laying her conditions, that in case of so and so, etc. she should
have the right to take Talaaq and be free of her husband. Insha-Allah, the
husband will not ill-treat his wife and he will be just and fair to her
safeguarding her from misery. According to Shari’ah there is no objection to
this kind of solution.
A wife should not be forced to live or to perform any
services for her in-laws as Islam offers her the right to choose. If she chooses
to do so as a favour to her husband, she will be rewarded.
It has been stated by the Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) that if it was allowed to make Sajdah (prostration) to
anyone after Almighty Allah, he would order the women to make Sajdah to their
husbands, and on the husbands, remember that you have four fathers in this
world: one is your biological father, second is your father-in-law, third is
your Ustaad (teacher) and fourth is your Peer (spiritual guide). If you speak
ill of your father-in- law, know that you have spoken against your father as
well.
A successful man is one whose wife and children are happy and
content with him. The Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has
declared: "Fear Allah regarding women. Verily, you have married them with the
trust of Allah, they have rights over you in respect of their food, clothing and
lodging." (Bukhari)
The Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
has also said: "The most perfect of the believers is he who is the best of
them in conduct, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives."
(Tirmidhi)
Women enjoy a very high status of respect and honour in an
Islamic Society. As a wife she is the queen and mistress of the house. She
manages the house and brings up and trains the children. She enjoys full and
complete social, religious, cultural, legal and economic rights. She has the
rights in her father’s and husband’s properties.
In many professions, it is required that a person dresses in
a certain manner or has to wear a uniform to identify his profession. If these
rules are not followed, then one is dismissed. Similarly, in Islam, different
codes of dressing have been set aside for Muslims so that they can be recognized
among the Kufaars. If this dress code is not followed, then we deserve to be
punished as well.
As Muslims everything about us from our character to the
dressing should serve as an example to people. We should be proud of showing
that we are Muslims by adhering to the Islamic way of dressing and not following
the west blindly and trying to look like them.
It is Fardh on a male to keep the area between his navel and
knees covered at all times. It is Sunnat for a male to wear a full-sleeved
Kurta. A Muslim male is recognized by a Topi (hat).
If one is wearing a Turban, a Topi should be worn under it as
well.
The keeping of a beard is Waajib. The moustache should no be
completely shaved off but kept well trimmed so that it does not come on the
upper lip.
It is also Sunnat to shave underarms and the area below the
navel.
The nails should be neatly trimmed as well. This should be
done at least once a week but never left for longer then 40 days.
Men have been commanded to restrain their gaze and avoid
looking at women intentionally.
Women should wear clothing that provide comfort and not
restrict movements, such as tight- fitting clothes, see through clothes and
clothing that attract attention should be avoided completely. Women should also
not reveal their adornment in public or in front of any Non-Mahram (one whom
Shari’ah allows them to marry).
A women’s clothing must be such that it covers her from head
to toes (with exception of her face and palms in Namaaz).
Shari’ah also commands that women should not leave their
homes without necessity. When traveling, it is very important that a woman be
accompanied by a Mahram (one whom Shari’ah does not allow them to marry.
To preserve her modesty and honour it is necessary that she
adopt the Islamic way of dressing.
For a Muslim it is Haraam to wear anything that represents
the Kufaars.
Females should not cut the hair to resemble males.
Death can come to anyone at anytime and at any place.
Therefore, it is very important for every Muslim to know the rules and
procedures regarding Ghusal, Kaffan and the burial.
To talk of worldly matters in the funeral house is wrong and
people should rather engage themselves in Tilaawat (recitation) of the Holy
Quran, Zikr and the recitation of Yaseen Shareef.
Loud crying, beating of the chest or pulling of hair, etc. is
prohibited in Islam. Mourning in silence and crying softly is acceptable.
Unnecessary delaying of the Mayyit to its final destination
by waiting for people to arrive from afar is not permissible. The dead should be
buried as soon as possible.
When the funeral procession is on it’s way to the Masjid,
Durood and Kalima Tayyibah should be recited instead of indulging in worldly
talks.
After the Janaza Namaaz it is Sunnat to read Fateha and send
the Sawaab (reward) to the Marhoom (deceased) and make Du’a in abundance for the
Marhoom.
After the burial, it is also good to give Azaan at the
head-side as this lessens the Azaab (punishment) of the Qabar (grave) and makes
it easy to answer the questions asked by Munkar and Nakeer.
It is also Sunnat to cook food and take the food to the
bereaved family and feed them, instead of expecting them to feed everybody. This
food should only be used to feed the bereaved family members and their relatives
who have come from afar and not feed everybody present at the funeral house. If
the family does wish to cook food, it should be for the poor and needy.
The month of Muharram is a very auspicious month especially
the Day of Ashura, which is on the 10th of Muharram (on a Friday). On
this day:
Hadrat Nooh (alaihis salaam) alighted from his Ark.
Hadrat Moosa (alaihis salaam) was victorious over
Firaun
The Martyrdom of Imaam Husain (radi Allahu anhu)
occurred on this day in Karbala, and
Qiyaamat will also occur on this day.
Just as the reward for good deeds are awarded abundantly on
this day, the Azaab (punishment) for your sins committed on this day will be
greater.
The practices of the procession of Tazia, Matam, following of
Jaloos, fire tramping, etc. are not allowed as these are the acts of the
followers of Yazid. These acts were not done by the Ahle Bait and are against
the teachings of Islam. However, it is acceptable if one makes a real copy of
the dome of Karbala as remembrance of Hadrat Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu),
to make Ziarat, to pay their respects and show love and devotion. It is also of
great Sawaab to have Majlis, Quran Khwaani and Fateha in remembrance of the Ahle
Bait.
It is very rewarding to fast on the 9th and 10th
of Muharram. It is of Barakat to spend on your family and cook nice food on the
10th. The Barakat remains for the whole year on the crops that have
been cooked on this day, therefore it is good to cook Kichra or Haleem as it
contains many ingredients, grains and crops. Fateha should be made on these and
the Sawaab sent to Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) and the rest of the
Shuhada-e-Karbala.
This month is most joyous and contains lots of Barakat. It is
a month of celebration as our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)
was born on the 12th of this month. It is of great Sawaab to fast and
to celebrate the birth-day of our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). The hosting of Meelad or Moulood functions or partaking in it
brings about peace and lots of Barakat in the house for the whole year. It is
recommended to have Ghusal, wear new clothes, apply attar and celebrate this
night by staying up and reciting Naaths and reading Duroods in abundance.
The Fateha of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir, Hadrat Ghaus Paak Sarkaare
Baghdad (radi Allahu anhu) is made on the 11th of this month.
It is very rewarding to have Majlis, gives talks on Ghaus Paak, make Fateha and
feed everybody including the poor and needy as the Barakat of this stays for the
whole year.
On the 22nd of this month, Fateha should be made
for Hadrat Imaam Jafar (radi Allahu anhu). To have this Fateha is very
good as it brings about lots of Barakat and many problems are solved with the
Barakat of this Fateha. Generally sweet Puris are cooked to make Fateha on this
day and like any other Fateha these can be distributed out of the house as well.
To fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th
of this month is very rewarding as the Sawaab of these Rozas are equivalent to
the Sawaab of one thousand Rozas.
The 27th of Rajab is the celebration of
Me’raj-un-Nabi or the Ascension of our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). On this night, the Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) was called by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to journey to the Heavens.
On this night, one should celebrate by having Jalsa, reciting Naaths in the
praise of our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and reading Nafils.
The 15th night of Shabaan is known as Shabbe
Baraat. This night, the night of forgiveness and blessings is the most
auspicious night. On this night the Amaal Nama (Book of Deeds) of a person
containing all his deeds of the past year are closed and new ones are started.
The doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened, and those who sincerely grieve
and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah, they
are pardoned and many needs are granted as well.
One who fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th
of this month, then one’s all past sins are forgiven. One should also pay off
loans on this night, visit the cemetery and read Fateha. It is also Sunnat to
make Fateha on something sweet and distribute it to the poor. One should engage
themselves in Zikr, Istighfaar, Tilaawat, Wazaa’if and Nafils till the next
morning.
Every moment of this auspicious month is full of Barakat. In
this month, Ibaadat is made excessively at all times. To keep Fasts, make
Tilaawat of the Holy Quran, perform Taraweeh, and partake in Sehri are the daily
practices of this month. The last Friday (Juma-tul-Wida) is also a very
auspicious day. The giving of Sadaqah and Fitra is also very important. The
needs of the poor should be considered and taken care of.
The 27th of Ramadaan is the night of Shabbe Qadr
(Night of Power). One should stay up the whole night reciting Quran Shareef and
completing it, offering special prayers and reading Nafils. One is rewarded
seventy times more for Ibaadat made on this night. The reading of Salaatul
Tasbih on this night is also very rewarding. One should take advantage of this
night and make lots of Du’as.
On the day of Eid it is Sunnat to make Ghusal, wear new
clothes and use fragrance. To wish each other on this day is also very good. One
should eat dates before going to Eid Gaah and read Takbeer softly on the way. It
is better to use different ways for going to and returning from Eid-Gah.
The only reason that we are saved from the Azaab (punishment)
of Almighty Allah and are still alive today is because we are from the Ummat of
Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam).
We are committing more sins than the previously dead tribes.
The tribe of Nabi Shuaib (alaihis salaam) was guilty of cheating by
weighing less during business. The tribe of Loot (alaihis salaam) was
guilty of forbidden acts, particularly adultery and fornication. But we are the
worst tribe of all as we left our ancestors far behind and crossed all the
limits in bad behavior and living a life of deceit. It is about time that we as
Muslims consider this matter seriously and think of the consequences.
Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has
stated that the best food is that which comes from one’s hard earned money. It
is stated in Bukhari that Nabi Dawood (alaihis salaam) also ate from his
hard earned money.
Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has
stated that the most scented thing comes from your earnings and your children
are your earnings, therefore parents can live on their children’s earning.
Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) said that there will
come a time when nothing else besides your money will be of help.
Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has
said that Halaal earning is Fardh after Fardh, meaning after Namaaz and Roza a
Halaal profession is Fardh.
Just as Almighty Allah commanded His Messengers, he has
ordered the same for the Muslims. He had ordered the Messengers: "O
Paigambars, eat from your Halaal earnings and perform good, pious deeds."
And he ordered the Muslims: "O Muslims, eat Halaal things
that is given by us."
Many people make Du’as and ask Almighty Allah to grant their
wishes. But, how can their Du’as be fulfilled if the clothes that they wear and
the food that they eat comes from Haraam earnings.
It is stated by Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi
wasallam) that besides three people, it is not Ja’iz for anyone to ask for
anything – Firstly, one who has to pay his debts, second are those whose goods
are destroyed by natural causes, and thirdly, those that have been starving.
It is Sunnat-e-Paigambar (Sunnat of the Prophets) to earn a
Halaal living.
By you earning a living, there is an increase in wealth,
which can be used for Sadaqah, Khairat, Haj, Zakaat, and the building of mosques
and Islamic Institutes. Hadrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) bought Jannat
with the aid of his wealth. When one is occupied with work, he is saved from
many disasters and sins such as stealing, gossiping, getting into fights and
unnecessary arguments and other mischief which happens when one is idle.
When working, one gets accustomed to hard work and does not
have pride.
When earning, one lives a life of peace unlike in poverty
which brings about lots of pain and misery.
Whosoever leaves home in order to earn money, the Angels that
write his deeds make Du’a, asking Almighty Allah to make Barakat in his
earnings, and all the Angels say Aameen to this Du’a.
All the Prophets that came, engaged themselves in some kind
of work. Hadrat Adam (alaihis salaam) weaved clothes and later started
farming, Hadrat Nooh (alahis salaam) occupied himself with carpentry,
Hadrat Idrees (alaihis salaam) did tailoring, Hadrat Hud (alaihis
salaam) and Hadrat Saleh (alaihis salaam) were traders, Hadrat
Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) did farming as a hobby, Hadrat Shuaib
(alaihis salaam) ran a dairy farm, Hadrat Loot (alaihis salaam)
was also a farmer, Hadrat Moosa (alaihis salaam) took goats for grazing
for years. Although Hadrat Sulaiman (alaihis salaam) was a king he made
made fans out of leaves with his hands. As a little boy Prophet Prophet Muhammad
(sallal laahu laihi wasallam) was a shepherd (took the goats for grazing)
and later was a trader for Hadrat Khatija (radi Allahu anha). Therefore,
any form of Halaal earning is Sunnat-e-Ambiya and to degrade it is foolish.
The best occupation is Jihad, then trading and then farming.
Any occupation that is beneficial for this world and the Hereafter is
recommended. Weaving of clothes and tailoring is good as it is used to cover
one’s body. Making things that gives light is also good as it’s a necessity. An
occupation of building and construction is just as important as it gives people
a roof over their head. Making of things that are not necessary in life has not
much value in Islam. Almighty Allah has provided us with hands and feet for a
purpose and we should be thankful and use it for constructive work. To sit idle
is a crime and do to sinful work or Haraam occupation is even worst. In any
occupation one should not go against the principles or teachings of Islam.
The occupations of singing, dancing, music, photography,
selling of liquor, gambling, taking of interest and being a false witness are
all Haraam. Previously, it was even Makrooh to accept salary for Imaamat or for
any work done for the Mosque , but when the Ulema of the earlier times realised
that the Mosques will then be deserted if it was allowed. Another reason for it
not being allowed was to attract Muslims to the Mosque and increase the spread
of knowledge of our Deen.
Any occupation that requires a person to have no conscience,
be insensitive and ruthless, a person that washes dead bodies before burial (as
this requires a totally honest person, one who does not disclose or mocks and
secrets or defects found during the Ghusal of the dead body because it is
completely private matter which he or she should keep to themselves), being an
attorney or a broker is Makrooh, but in time of need the latter two is
acceptable on the condition that he is honest and truthful at all times.
Trading is the occupation of our Ambiya and has many
advantages. It is mentioned in a Hadith Shareef that a trader is Marzooq (one
who has been given sustenance by Almighty Allah) and one who stores goods and
does not sell it in time of need but waits for the prices to rise and then sells
it is Mal’oon (cursed). It is also mentioned that on the Day of Qiyamat a
truthful and honest trader will be among the Martyrs.
The world depends on commerce and trading. The towns,
markets, etc. are livened because of trading. The materials required for
construction of a Mosque, Musallas, Kaffan, papers needed for publishing of
Islamic books, etc. are all bought from a trader. Thus, trading is a very
important aspect of our lives.
When one is in the business of trading, one should be
friendly, honest and truthful at all times.
Customers should be able to trust him. He should know ways of
attracting customers. Nothing in this world is achieved easily. One has to make
every effort and work hard. Trading requires one to be very hardworking,
efficient consistent and clever. One cannot achieve success through laziness or
from being idle. To mislead or cause confusion in order to attract customers is
not the Islamic way of trading.
Muslims should keep studying the Islamic History, Seerat and
Biography of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam),
his Sahaba, the Awliya and the pious servants of Almighty Allah. By doing so one
will be granted with the spiritual link with all the pious successors.
Muslims should also keep away from bad company and try to
keep others away from bad company and from an environment that will deter them
from progress. A daily time schedule should be established in such a manner that
fulfils your own rights, the rights of your family, your neighbours and your
friends rights, and not forgetting the rights of Almighty Allah as well.
If one earns wealth to such an extent that it becomes
unnecessary and that which makes you busy all the time in business will deprive
you from the real test of family life and will make you selfish. To adopt
simplicity, prudence and honesty in all your dealings will grant you Barakat,
peace and satisfaction. There should be a balance between the love for material
possessions and for the Hereafter.
Maulana Jalaaluddeen Rumi (radi Allahu anhu) has
furnished a beautiful example in his famous "Masnavi". He says: "Human life
is similar to a boat which needs sufficient water to keep afloat and water is
similar to human necessities. This water should always be under the boat in a
limited quantity to help keep it afloat. If the water increases, floods and
enters inside the boat, then the boat and all the passengers will be in risk."
The tragedy of this modern age is that this Dunya and all its materials
trappings have become the main object of our lives. It has blindfolded the
hearts of the people and made them oblivious to death and of the Hereafter. For
a Muslim, to believe in the Hereafter and to think about death is part of our
fundamental beliefs.
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